Posted by Major Tuvock (Diplomatic Attaché) in Bridge of The Manhatten

Posted by Commander Celador Theinna (Executive Officer) in Bridge of The Manhatten

Posted by Captain Daniel “DaVinci” Colter (Commanding Officer) in Bridge of The Manhatten
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Tuvock stepped onto the bridge of the USS Manhattan, his attention briefly passing over the command area before settling on the duty officer. The matter concerning the Klingon warbird Predator had progressed beyond what could reasonably be handled through another written assessment, and there were matters he wished to bring directly to the command staff.

He approached the nearest appropriate officer.

“Please inform Captain Colter that Major Tuvock requests a private consultation regarding the Predator. I would also request Commander Theinna’s presence.”

Tuvock waited patiently as the request was relayed.

When the opportunity to address the two command officers was provided, he offered each a slight nod.

“Captain. Commander.”

His expression remained characteristically neutral.

“I have completed my initial diplomatic assessment concerning the Predator, and Lieutenant Kane’s intelligence investigation has produced additional information.”

He paused briefly.

“I believe the matter warrants discussion between the three of us.”

Tuvock indicated the Captain’s Ready Room.

“I would prefer to discuss it there.”

With that, he waited for the command staff to proceed, keeping the remainder of his assessment to himself.

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

“Very well,” Colter replied as he proceeded into the Rerady Room.

He sat down behind his desk and gestured for Cel and Tuvock to sit as well. “What have you got?”

Capt. Daniel ‘DaVinci’ Colter
CO-USS Manhattan

Celador took his seat and turned his attention to Tubock and waited.

-Cel

Tuvock took the offered seat, folding his hands neatly in front of him. He looked first to Captain Colter, then to Commander Theinna, allowing a brief silence to settle before speaking.

“The situation surrounding the Predator warrants a degree of caution, Captain. Not because the vessel is Klingon, but because of its location and circumstances. A Klingon warbird operating this far into the Delta Quadrant is unusual enough that I believe we should assume there is a specific purpose behind its presence until we establish otherwise.”

He paused briefly.

“Without a doubt,” the captain replied.

“My primary concern is how we make first contact. Lieutenant Kreeger is correct that Security must be prepared for the possibility that something has gone seriously wrong aboard the Predator. At the same time, I would strongly advise against allowing our defensive preparations to become the first message we send to the Klingons.”

Tuvock turned slightly toward Theinna.

“The Predator’s commanding officer needs to understand immediately that the Manhattan has arrived to render assistance, not to interfere with Klingon affairs or challenge their authority. If they are in distress, they should be given the opportunity to explain their circumstances before we begin making decisions on their behalf.”

His attention returned to Colter.

“I have therefore prepared a preliminary contact protocol. We identify ourselves as a Federation starship, state our intention to provide assistance, and request communication with the Predator’s commanding officer. We make no assumptions regarding the cause of their difficulties, and we do not request permission to board unless there is a legitimate reason to do so.”

“That’s pretty much SOP, Major,” DaVinci added.

Tuvock’s expression remained composed.

“There is another consideration. We should be careful about assuming that the Predator necessarily represents the Klingon Empire as a whole. A warbird may be operating under Imperial authority, but until we establish the identity and authority of its commanding officer, we should not presume to know the political circumstances behind its mission.”

Colter nodded. “You know what they say about assuming. . . .”

He looked between the two officers.

“If Lieutenant Kane has uncovered information concerning the Predator’s command structure or mission, that information may alter the diplomatic approach considerably. I would like to review his findings before we make any assumptions about the Klingons’ intentions.”

Tuvock leaned back slightly.

“My recommendation is straightforward. When we establish contact, Captain, let the Klingon commander speak first. Give them the opportunity to explain why they are here and what has happened to their vessel. If they request assistance, we provide it within reasonable security parameters. If they refuse assistance, we respect that decision unless their actions create a direct threat to the Manhattan.”

A slight pause followed.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t play out like that.”

“And if they become hostile, we allow Security and Tactical to respond accordingly. Diplomacy does not require us to surrender our ability to defend ourselves.”

“Combat is always the last resort. The Manhattan has a lot of civilians on board, but that doesn’t mean we won’t defend ourselves.”

Tuvock folded his hands again.

“The important thing is that our first interaction with the Predator should give us information rather than create another problem.”

He finally looked directly at Captain Colter.

“That is the diplomatic assessment I wanted you and Commander Theinna to have before we reach them.”

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

“Maybe their presence here is simply exploratory. But let’s not forget also, that they may have been attacked and that attacker may still be in the vicinity.”

Capt. Daniel ‘DaVinci’ Colter
CO-USS Manhattan