Posted by Civilian Vorraye Anders (Diplomatic Attache) in CO’s Office - Vorraye’s CO Check in

Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in CO’s Office - Vorraye’s CO Check in
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She nodded. “It’s all right, Sir… I promise I have recommended after this rotation that she be brought back to Earth and limited to Earth, Mars and local Sol system human assignments. And yes, I am being kept apprised of the station situation. She is only there to negotiate mineral rights. The Fleet maintains an orbital station for scientific purposes to study local flora for medicinal purposes. It’s been non invasive so the locals are willing to let it be as long as they don’t strip the ecology and unbalance the ecosystem. But mining, on a large scale, is something they are hesitant about.” She took another bite of her dinner and sip of her wine.

“The good news is, they discovered a small section of the continent on the northern tectonic plate that could be mined for several years without affecting the inhabited areas. It’s cold and remote and the plate is stable enough not to let mining affect it either.” She was a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, didn’t mean to ramble.”

Raye

“Intel is intel, Ms. Anders. I’m happy to know what’s happening. As one of only three ships in the quadrant, Inprefer to know too much than not enough.” and he took a bite of curry and said “This needs something…” and he snapped his fingers. Reaching back into the drawer he pulled the wine from, he produced a clear bottle with a bright orange liquid inside. “Irn Bru. Drink from Earth. Been made in Scotland for hundreds of years. The sweet goes amazingly well with the curry. Want one?”

Cochrane, CO

She laughed. “Do you have a secret bottomless drawer or does a transporter from a secret stash on the ship materialize it in your hand?” She smiled and shook her head. “It looks amazing.” She finished the last of her wine and slid the glass to him. “I’m always open to trying new things.” She took another bite of chicken to get the last of the other wine off her tongue.

Raye
Diplomat

Alex laughed and said “Nothing so dramatic. I just keep a few libations on hand for those ‘just in case’ moments. He then produced two larger drink glasses and went to the replicator and filled them with ice. Returning, he filled the glasses and said “This is non-alcoholic. More like… a funky orange and bubblegum soda. Its odd… but good.” and he took a drink.

Cochrane, CO

Raye laughed as she held the glass and watched him fill it. “All right then… sounds like something a Ferengi came up with to replace orange juice for morning drinkers.” She took a sip and tilted her head this way and that. “Not my favorite, but I see the appeal. It does go well with the meal, strangely enough. I wouldn’t have considered orange juice with chicken.”

She took another sip and shook her head. “I may have to just show up periodically for a ‘just in case’ moment and see what other surprises your drawer provides. Who knows, your assortment may be the difference between good and bad First Contact relations.” She laughed and had more of her chicken.

Raye

“If my secret stash of eccentric drinks is the tool for a peaceful meeting, it will be a worthy sacrifice.” and he smiled. “So other than a troublesome Ambassador, how was the rest of your time? Meet any if the locals you think may be of assistance in learning about this place?”

Cochrane, CO

Nodding, Raye grinned. “Actually, I did find a friend in the Chief of the Security Administration. He had chosen to take the body guard role with me while I was there. Charming man. If Lorna had been experienced enough, she would have been offended as the Main Representative to the planet to not get the Chief as her own escort. But it’s fine. He agreed to keep an eye on her and is teaching me about the planet and it’s delicate balance. I am hoping to give him help in guiding the negotiations on his end. While I know Lorna has to do this on her own, I can’t help wanting to follow it and help it along.” She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t help it. They were a good people and the Federation needed those minerals. She looked back at her drink and took a long draw that nearly drained it completely.

Raye

“Good for you, having the best wishes for all parties involved. If we are going to make ourselves a presence in this quadrant, then we have to make sure we keep in mind that we are guests here, and not succumb to thinking we are the biggest stick here.”

Cochrane, CO

Ray nodded. “I agree. But I don’t think it’s so much that she feels ‘stuck’ there. More along the lines of negotiations in the field being far from whatever we could train at the Embassies after Academic training. There are variables in every talk. And she just isn’t seasoned enough to read them yet. This seems to be a fairly easy posting for a first one off world.” She sighed and looked at him. “I have to just keep reminding myself I can’t hold down the posting of everyone I come across that doesn’t have my experience.” She laughed slightly and took another drink, her gaze wandering to the window.

Ray
Diplomat

Cochrane looked at her and said flatly “Why did the DC send an inexperienced Ambassador to a new quadrant of the galaxy? Do they want us to fail?”

Cochrane, CO