Presidio [Part II]

Posted on Mon Jan 30th, 2023 @ 8:28am by Captain Robert Burke

1,151 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: 2295

::ON::

‘Not quite, Admiral,’ Burke observed before explaining his train of thought.

‘An observant one, aren’t you?’ the Andorian remarked with amusement.

Burke shrugged, ‘I’m sure you know most Commanding Officers spend their time immediately before assignment trying to work out their mission profile.’ He unashamedly waved his data slate in the air, ‘I assumed the Tholian border regions given my experience and mission profiles to date, coupled with the capabilities of the Templeton.’

‘A logical assumption given your history,’ the Vulcan observed with an arched eyebrow. They shifted their hands around their own data slate after their near-sarcastic comment. Perhaps they let out more emotion than intended, Burke thought. Not that he could tell what that emotion was, of course.

Uduike raised a hand as the Andorian admiral ventured an opinion. ‘Please, forgive my colleagues Robert.’ He flashed a smile of perfect white teeth, ‘they do love their little jokes, as I’m sure you understand.’ His expression became more serious, ‘unfortunately, time doesn’t allow for jollities at the moment.’

Burke was sure that Uduike’s eyes flicked in the direction of the Vulcan admiral for a second before focussing on Burke. ‘You are correct that your assignment will not take you near known Tholian space.’

Uduike nodded in the Andorian’s direction, ‘Admiral Sh'araahrehr, if you would?’

The Andorian looked to Uduike, then nodded before standing. ‘Commander Burke. A pleasure to meet you.’ Her antennae continued to undulate pleasantly as she talked. ‘Could you please explain your understanding of the Khitomer Accords?’

Puzzled, Burke allowed a look of confusion cross his face. ‘Well,’ he began haltingly, attempting to recall the diplomatic minutiae contained within the agreement. ‘Broadly, the agreement binds the United Federation of Planets and Klingon Empire into an alliance, of sorts.

‘Neither side will engage in acts of hostilities against one another. Full diplomatic relations were to be instigated, even if we’ve both been slow to action that clause. We’re to render aid to one another in the event of an aggressive action against either power. Humanitarian aid is to be rendered in need. Previous grievances, territorial or political are to be forgotten, and both parties are to commit to specific sections regarding conflict resolution and the like.’

Burke looked up from the indistinct area in the middle distance he had concentrated on. ‘At least, that’s what I think the main articles cover.’
Sh'araahrehr looked to Uduike and nodded. He gestured in her direction nonchalantly. Returning her piercing gaze to Burke she asked her second question. ‘How well have the Accords functioned so far?’

Irritation flared inside himself for a moment. ‘I think most of us know it’s been slow going,’ Burke replied after composing himself, though given the way the Vulcan looked at him he had probably picked up on his emotions. ‘The Accords were signed barely two years ago, we’re entering their third year of operation. Klingons, much like the Vulcans and Romulans, have a lifespan that can be measured in over a century of Earth years. Trust takes time to build, and we’re not there yet.

‘It’s true we’ve built a forward operating base on the surface of Qo’noS, and a small science station in orbit of Praxis to better assist the Klingons in preventing the moon from causing further damage, but it’s not like we’re bosom buddies.

‘The Klingons aren’t like the Vulcans,’ Burke flicked a glance in the direction of the silent Vulcan. ‘Their decision making is heavily coloured by emotion and their notions of honour. There’s currently too much blood shed between us since First Contact to truly overcome prejudices on both sides in such a short time.’

‘They sound almost like Andorians,’ the Vulcan remarked with a raised eyebrow. Sh'araahrehr glanced at him sharply before recognising the attempt at humour.

Clearly they work closely together, Burke thought.

‘Admiral Saavim, you have something to add?’ Uduike asked. Although they were of the same rank, it was clear that Uduike was the unofficial leader of this triumvirate.

Saavim shook his head, the aged Vulcan steepling his fingers in front of him as he considered the Commander. ‘No. Nothing to add. I’m sure you’ll agree that Commander Burke’s answers were satisfactory and show his understanding of the nuances of the situation we find ourselves in.
‘My question to the Commander would be whether it would be a tactically sound decision to deploy the Templeton to Klingon space?’
‘That would depend on the mission profile, Admiral,’ Burke replied smoothly and courteously. ‘If it was a short duration mission, accompanied by at least two other ships of the class as a minimum, it’s a potent unit. A-’

‘What if the mission was to travel to various systems within Klingon Space?’ Saavim interrupted. ‘Indulge me, Commander,’ he pressed as he saw a dubious look cross Burke’s face.

‘It’s not particularly recommended, Sir,’ Burke began carefully. ‘We’ve mentioned the uncertain nature of our current relations with the Imperial Klingon Government. That would necessitate a degree of caution. Chancellor Azetbur’s government, however, is struggling to impose its writ across Klingon space.

‘The Chancellor is not respected in some quarters. They see her strategically sensible move to normalise relations with the Federation as weak and lacking in honour – an understandable cultural reaction to their situation, if unfortunate.

‘In order to ensure the continuation of her government, Azetbur has had to grant a high degree of autonomy to Great and Minor Houses to police their own affairs, particularly in the border regions. Although they nominally swear fealty to the Chancellor, in practice they’ve been allowed to police their own territory. There’s a strong correlation between those demanding autonomy and those who dislike the Accords the most.
‘Sending the Templeton on her own in those circumstances would be folly. A flotilla would likely provoke a hostile reaction from various House fleets.’
‘What Starfleet vessel would we be able to send that would fit the precise requirements of such a mission?’ Saavim pressed, knowing full well this was not strictly within Burke’s purview.

Burke gave a short laugh. ‘Honestly, in an ideal world, the Enterprise. An Excelsior refit vessel has the firepower to hold her own, without seeming too threatening. The name is a respected one in the Empire as well, and that would carry quite the cache.’ Shrugging, Burke concluded, ‘given the Enterprise isn’t available, another Excelsior vessel could do the job. Or if one of those aren’t available, one of the newer Constellation-class vessels once they’ve been properly tested.’

His growing annoyance was palpable. It seemed he had been dragged across the system to wargame a mission for the Enterprise and her crew, rather than receive a new assignment.

[TO BE CONTINUED]

 

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