In reply to Your Loving GM (msg # 61):

Turning to the Andorian, "I understand your concern.  First of all, we never blurt out that someone is being dishonest, in fact that is for our information only.  If we feel that someone is being coerced in some manner, then we may have a duty to act upon that information.  Nor am I advocating that she tries a deep mental probe."  Looking up at the screen, "And it could be that they don't wish that a Betazoid be present. In which case, we've lost nothing."

Nynev thought of the races with various levels of psychic ability...Vulcans, Aenar, Betazoids, others...around three dozen known with several represented in their crew. The Federation would have given Tolen IV the standard 'Welcome Packet' which included the basics of the member systems and races, including those that had telepathic potential.

"I imagine the Separatists will already be leery of Federation presence, Commander. If we bring her, or any other crew member like her, we should be upfront about it. I could see them using that presence as fuel for their position on how the Federation could manipulate them," she offered.

Jess considered what was being said very carefully. At the moment, what Cmdr Geary was saying didn't seem to be crossing any lines. She also agreed with the lieutenant that being upfront was a good idea. However, she decided not to speak unless a decision was made that crossed her own opinion of right and wrong.

In reply to Jessica Laurent (msg # 64):

Addressing the Adnorian, "Lieutenant, you make a good point.  We will check Star Fleet's official stance and act accordingly."  Then to no one in particular, "Computer, what is The Federation's regulations on having telepaths in diplomatic meetings?  What obligations do we have to disclose such information?"  Then turning to the Betazoid, "Ens. Laurant, if you don't mind, what are the extent of your abilities?"

Thani itched to be working her brain on a project, but the discussion had devolved into some finer points of security, perceptions, and appropriateness. Though she found asking the crewman the extent of her abilities to be a bit forward. What she knew of the Betazoid race was they were all full telepaths, could read emotions easily, all common knowledge. Was Geary implying she was not full Betazoid, and if so wasn't that personal information not to be disclosed to the crew?

That thought made her slightly uncomfortable herself and for the ensign. Talk about being put in a difficult situation.

Alex was quiet, he didn't know much about security matters or how to manage diplomacy. He did find it odd that Kate wasn't taking lead on the proper protocols on diplomacy during this briefing.

He did look at Ensign Laurent when Geary asked her the extent of her capabilities. Her service record would have been accessible to him, so what was the point of this exercise? Gauge honestly, willingness to respond, or see how grilling her in a very precarious position would push her. A stress test response perhaps?

Unless the Ensign showed signs of distress, he'd merely sit and watch her response. This was being thrown into the deep end of the pool. The old Ensign would have shied away and been timid, but the Jessica he saw was more comfortable about herself.

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 62):

"Commander," H'Raal spoke up again.  "Do we know anything about the security arrangements at the conference itself?  Not the people, the location.  It occurs to me that a well-placed transporter could serve to abduct any of the representatives to be held hostage."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

The ensign in question took a moment to look at Dr. Dupont and Captain Greene, hoping they understood why she said what she was about to say. Then, looking at Cmdr Geary, Jess kept her tone even and said, "If you would like a full explanation, that is a conversation better had in a smaller company. Perhaps directly after the briefing."

Jess hadn't liked that question at all, but she was trying to walk a fine line.

In reply to Jessica Laurent (msg # 69):

Looking at Jessica, "Very well.  Since your arrival was kept from me, I shall look at your medical records once this meeting is finished, I shall thus withdraw my inquiry.  Please forgive my ignorance and I do apologize if I have offended you in any way."

Pushing a button and the screen brings up a building, "Per your observation, Commander, we will be setting up the security for the meeting.  For now it will be held at [location TBD].  Lt. zh'Idrani and her team will set up the security measures.  If needed we can transport all parties onboard the Mihoshi, if there are no objections from either party."

Kate observes the building with interest, "Do we know who will most likely be a threat to negotiations?  You mentioned a movement that opposed joining the federation, how likely are they to take violent action against anything we do?  That would really determine which is safer for all parties involved." Kate said as she glanced at Geary.

In reply to Katherine Seward (msg # 71):

"That is a good question." Deckar began, acknowledging Kate's question, "Halan Rizel has prevented violence from the Separatist.  With that said, there maybe some of those with more radical beliefs that may cause issues on their own."

"We might want to play it by ear then, start out on the surface and if any IEDs or dangerous weapons are detected on-premises move the meeting to the Mihoshi as a precaution?" she suggests.

"Perhaps we should consider a social function before the actual conference begins?" Maria suggested.  "It would give Kate, myself and others a chance to meet them and see what more we can learn."
This message was last updated by the player at 23:53, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 72):

"The oversight is mine, Mr. Geary, not Dr. Dupont's," Farah said, realizing what had slipped through the cracks.  She leaned over and whispered something to Teala before adding, "Speak with me afterward and we will discuss the matter within the limits of medical privacy."

Nynev took in the information with little expression. "We will have to plan for the worst and hope for the best, I think is the expression you humans like so much. I would fully expect more radical elements to make a move, but if they are savvy, they may understand that such an action may actually hurt their stance as those worried about such violence may realize the Federation can assist in keeping that to a minimum if allowed to," she offered.

"I would ask for regular scans from the ship and numerous scanning devices available to the ground team for known types of IED's. I would also like to offer EP teams available for both parties, if they desire such protection. And, of course, security for our own delegation. The people likely most at risk will be those Executive Protection teams and we need to be prepared for false flag attacks, should they happen. It will not change how they operate, but we need to look at all the evidence before we respond with undue haste."

"There shall never be Starfleet or Federation personnel in groups smaller than two throughout this event. I must insist on it, and at least one of those much be Security. I would prefer two Security personnel per group, but I understand that we may have personnel limitations thrust upon by the Tolens. That said, we cannot compromise our safety."

(IED = Improvised Explosive Device)
(EP = Executive Protection)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

In reply to Nynev zh'Idrani (msg # 76):

"Aye captain"

Watching each person as they spoke,"Ms. Seward, A Meet and Greet would be welcomed.  We can also offer guided tours of the ship to answer any questions each side might have."  He was about to address someone else but returned his look, "One other thing, since the Federation is interested in exploration, please se if the Tolen's would allow us to scan their planet for geological and scientific purposes.  We would be more than happy to share with them any information we obtain."

"Good suggestions Lt.  And perhaps set up some proximity detectors for weapons and explosives along with a portable forcefield to protect the meeting room if needed."

Kate smiled at Geary and wrote that down on the list of things that she and Maria had to do.

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 70):

"Understood.  Istala?  Vanna?  When we get underway, and you're settled in your quarters, report to the Engineering Fabrication lab.  I have a few ideas about how to secure the site for the conference."

There was one other matter that crossed his mind.  "Commander?  One other thing.  I know we said that the Romulans had made no overtures to the Tolen government, but I would not put it past the Tal Shiar to try something anyways.  They're fairly adept at surgically altering their own agents to look like those of other peoples.  I remember reading a report about...two years ago?  Out of Deep Space Nine.  There was a Cardassian plot to destroy the station that relied on an agent changed thusly to resemble a Bajoran.  And if the Cardassians can do it..."

Jessica's only response to the commander was a nod of thanks for his understanding.

Farah had largely sat back and let Geary conduct the briefing.  With him leading the mission, he needed to set the tone and direction for the rest and there hadn't been anything requiring her commentary.  She began to think to herself that this was a straightforward enough mission, then reminded herself so had the previous one.  "You'll have a few days to refine your plans while you're enroute to Tolen IV," she said.  "Unless you have any additional questions, see me in my office, Mr. Geary.  The rest of you, make whatever preparations you need before departing.  Good luck."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:38, Thu 08 Oct 2020.

In reply to Farah Greene (msg # 81):

"Aye Captain."  Addressing the rest of the meeting members, "Just to reitterate, We will be the mediators for the negotiations, of which we will be a neutral party.
We will set up the security.
We will have a social gathering and possible give guided tours of the ship.
We will request permission to study the planet.
Lastly, we will represent The Federation, to the best of our abilities."

Changing the screen to the Federation logo, "Unless there is any urgent business to discuss, the meeting is adjurned."

Motioning towards the catian, "H'Raal, one moment, please."

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 82):

H'Raal approached Geary.  The two men were of equal rank to each other, but as he was the first officer aboard, the Caitian would defer to him, especially since this was not an engineering or technical mission of any kind.

"What did you want to talk about?"

In reply to H'Raal (msg # 83):

"Your suggestion of possible surgical alteration is a good one, with precedence on Deep Space Station K7 and the Klingons, and of course Admiral James Kirk did the same as a Romulan."  Deckar said trying to recall the history lessons from the Academy.  "I would suggest that you get with Dr. Dupont and make sure the security scanners can detect any changes."  Sliding a bit closer to the catian, speaking a bit more softly, "And if we discover anyone following them may be the wiser course of action to discover who they report to."

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 84):

"We should have time in transit to collaborate, see if our scanners can be adapted for inconsistencies...or maybe, if we're lucky, scan like medical tricorders." He listened as Geary suggested not grabbing any possible Tal Shiar agents. "...I see your point.  Very well.  I'll speak with Dr. Dupont when we get underway."

There was one other thing that had occurred to him. "One last thing.  It occurs to me that with Captain Greene temporarily away for the mission, and you and I the next in line for command of the task force...one of us is going to need to be aboard the Mihoshi at all times, or at least have a capable subordinate running the ship if we're both on Tolen.  You know the crew.  Any suggestions?"

In reply to H'Raal (msg # 85):

He smiled at the catian, "First thing you have to remember is that Captain Greene handpicked the members of her crew.  Even though they may hold a junior rank, they are probably more capable than other Star Fleet officers of the same rank or higher, on other ships."  Even though he had only been with the crew a short time, he had learned to trust their capabilities. "With that in mind, my goto person to hand the conn over to is Lt. Res. "