Location: Diplomatic Office
Participants: Major Tuvock
Subject: Klingon Warbird Predator
Classification: Diplomatic / Intelligence Coordination

The briefing room had emptied, but Major Tuvock’s thoughts had not.

The other department heads had focused on the immediate problem: the condition of the Klingon warbird, the possibility of boarding, medical emergencies, engineering assistance, and the potential security threat.

All of those concerns were legitimate.

But there was a question beneath all of them.

Why was a Klingon warbird in the Delta Quadrant?

Tuvock entered the Diplomatic Office and approached the terminal. Once seated, he activated the diplomatic database and began pulling historical records concerning Klingon activity beyond the Empire’s traditional sphere of influence.

“Computer, access Federation diplomatic records concerning Klingon expeditions into the Delta Quadrant.”

The terminal began processing the request.

Tuvock folded his hands behind his back as he waited.

“Include military expeditions, scientific missions, archaeological expeditions, religious pilgrimages, political delegations, and known independent Klingon operations.”

A moment later, information began appearing across the display.

Tuvock studied it carefully.

The Federation had encountered Klingons in the Delta Quadrant before. Voyager’s encounters had established that the region was not entirely unknown to the Empire, but isolated contact was one thing.

A Klingon warbird was something else entirely.

“Computer, expand all records involving Klingon vessels operating independently of established Imperial task forces.”

He began comparing dates, locations, ship classes, and known objectives.

Then he opened another file.

“Computer, search diplomatic records for the name Predator.”

The results were displayed.

Tuvock’s expression remained neutral.

That did not mean he was unimpressed.

There were questions here.

Perhaps more than answers.

He began constructing a diplomatic assessment.

PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT

One: The Predator’s presence in the Delta Quadrant should not automatically be interpreted as hostile activity.

Two: The absence of significant recent Klingon activity in the region makes the vessel’s mission strategically relevant.

Three: The Predator’s distress may be connected to the reason it entered the region.

Four: The Klingon commander’s political affiliation and authority should be established before assuming that the vessel speaks for the Klingon Empire as a whole.

Tuvock paused.

That final distinction was particularly important.

A Klingon warbird did not necessarily mean the High Council was involved.

The Klingon Empire was not always as unified as Starfleet diplomatic reports suggested.

Tuvock opened a secure channel to the Intelligence database.

“Computer, establish a shared diplomatic-intelligence research file with Lieutenant Kane. Grant him access to my assessment and request that any information he discovers concerning the Predator’s commanding officer, crew, mission profile, or Klingon political affiliations be cross-referenced with this file.”

He leaned back.

There was one more matter.

“Computer, retrieve current Federation diplomatic protocols for emergency contact with Klingon military vessels.”

The protocols appeared.

Tuvock reviewed them carefully.

The initial communication would need to be respectful without being submissive. Clear without being confrontational. And, most importantly, it would need to make Starfleet’s intentions unmistakable.

The Manhattan was approaching to render assistance.

Not to claim the warbird.

Not to interfere with Klingon affairs.

And certainly not to challenge its crew.

Tuvock began drafting a preliminary contact protocol for Captain Colter.

INITIAL CONTACT RECOMMENDATION

Starfleet identification should be transmitted immediately.

The Manhattan’s intentions should be stated clearly as humanitarian assistance.

The Klingon commanding officer should be addressed directly and afforded the appropriate military respect.

No boarding request should be made until the Klingons have confirmed that assistance is required.

Any request for personnel or technical assistance should be negotiated directly with the commanding officer.

And until the Predator’s status is understood, the Manhattan should avoid making assumptions concerning Klingon authority, political affiliation, or mission objectives.

Tuvock stopped typing.

There was an old Vulcan principle that applied particularly well to diplomacy.

Understanding the circumstances before acting was preferable to correcting the consequences afterward.

He saved the file.

“Computer, mark this assessment for Captain Colter.”

Then, after a moment’s consideration, he added one final notation.

Recommendation: Determine why the Klingons came here before determining why the Predator is in distress. The two questions may have the same answer.

Tuvock looked once more at the tactical representation of the Klingon warbird.

“Interesting.”

The single word was spoken quietly.

For the first time since the briefing began, Tuvock found himself wondering whether the Predator was actually the problem.

Or whether it was simply the first warning that something much larger was waiting for them in the Delta Quadrant.

Tuvock
Major, Vulcan High Command
Major (Equivalent), Diplomatic Attaché
USS Manhattan