Office of Admiral M. Williams Later that afternoon
Commander Thanien strode into the room, and instantly became aware of the awkwardness. As he approached Admiral Marcus Williams rose, and came out from behind the desk. As the Andorian arrived he grasped the extended hand to participate in the 'handshake' he was now becoming familiar with. Thanien quickly studied the human's expression with slight amusement, as the Andorians had nicknamed the Humans 'pink skin' yet this one had an almost brown complexion.
Aware of the two Vulcans standing silently across the room the Admiral turned to introduce them out of formality, rather than necessity. The Andorian sensed the awkwardness came from them, not the Human.
"Commander, you remember Ambassador Kuvak, and Fleet Commander Sopek"
Kuvak dipped his head slightly in what passed as the Vulcan gesture of a greeting. While Kuvak who was facing the window turned his head just enough to make eye contact, before returning is gaze on the vista beyond. After an awkward silence Admiral Williams returned to his desk, but didn't sit.
"Right then, to business. Commander, I'll be blunt. The Thunderchief isn't ready. A discrepancy was discovered that requires some extensive time in our shipyard. I'm sorry"
"I understand Admiral. Would transferring my crew aboard assist your shipyard conduct the necessary repair work?"
"Is your staffing complete?"
"It can be if that is required. I just met my MACO detachment, and have asked them to adjust some personnel. Some of the other departments are close to final selections as well. Nothing that can not be completed while we assist your shipyard."
"If I may ask.. Why did you ask the MACO detachment to change personnel? Was there a conflict I should be aware of?
"No Admiral. I advised them they need to include some non-human species"
Admiral Williams chuckled slightly. "Non-humans?"
"Yes Admiral. This is an inter-species co-operative venture, and it seemed only natural to have the security detachment represent each of the involved species."
"That is... Logical" Fleet captain Sopek took a step forward. Then raised his head ever so slightly as he locked eyes with the Andorian. "You would require Vulcans to be included for the same reason?"
Thanien studied the Vulcan for a second. It was hard to put years of mistrust, and conflict behind the two species behind them so quickly. He had had a few interactions with Vulcans, and knew the tense atmosphere such meeting presented. He also felt the Vulcan was 'looking down on him' with how he held his head it was that Vulcan superior arrogance they would never admit they actually had. Thanien's eyes narrowed, and his antennae swiveled to add emphasis to his words.
"That would only be logical. wouldn't it?" He said flatly.
"I'm glad you feel that way Commander" Admiral Williams tried to break the growing tension. "Our Vulcan allies here have presented a Logical Solution.
Thanien turned his gaze back to the Admiral Williams who continued before the awkwardness returned.
"The Vulcans have offered many of their ships for training, or reverse engineering. We have decided to offer you the D'Kyr cruiser Najaden-ahn as a replacement"
"The Vulcan's have offered a ship?" Thanien's expression was utterly perplexed.
Sopek stepped forward, and the Andorian felt if Vulcan's could actually express the emotion of being smug this Vulcan definitely had it.
"Your complement for the Thunderchief was fifty two, correct? Though you yourself said not everyone was assigned"
"Fifty seven, and yes"
"A D'Kyr requires one hundred and forty seven to operate effectively. We have a crew currently aboard that would allow you un-dock with minimal delay"
"Let me guess. Your crew is all Vulcans" Thanien saw Sopek's eye twitch ever so subtlety. The idea that the Vulcan couldn't remain completely stoic reassured him there was an underlying reason the Vulcan's were offering him such a convenient solution. He turned to look at the Human.
"Admiral this is a training facility for Earth space humans is it not?"
"Yes it is. All of our species gain their instruction here, a few orbital facilities, and one off world settlement"
"Then let me propose this solution. In the interest on fully embracing this inter-species co-operation. My original crew for the Thunderchief transfer to the Najaden. Leaving about one hundred spots still needing to be filled. We split this between the existing Vulcan contingent, and any Humans that are open for assignment. If Tellarite, and Andorians are available we include them as we are able in addition to any other species that need an assignment. Acceptable?"
Thanien looked at the three trying to gauge their reactions. Admiral Williams seemed content, The Ambassadors back showed little reaction, but Sopek had a stare that Thanien could not quite place. He felt the Vulcan was trying to dispute the proposal, but could not say the solution was without an attempt at compromise. If the Vulcan's had a hidden agenda now is when it would have to come out even if only a small hint of what that agenda was regarding. Finally Sopek's weight shifted slightly, he had reached his internal decision.
"While you present a logical solution, I must point out it is not the most efficient. The overall performance of the Najaden-ahn will be diminished without a fully trained and competent crew. Using the currently available crew would be more effective."
"I agree with you Fleet Commander Sopek, but does that not counter this effort to integrate our three species? Using an existing crew does not move that effort forward."
"A valid point. You do not wish to delay, to increase the numbers of Androians?"
"Tellar, and Andoria can be contacted to fill vacancies as the Vulcan's train suitable replacements. Are there suitable Human trainees to fulfill these needs Admiral?"
Admiral Williams took a deep breath as he considered his response.
"Earth can supply enough personnel if you are comfortable not requiring the same amount of your own from the Imperial Guard"
"Thank you Admiral. Then the matter is settled?"
Fleet Commander Sopek turned to the Ambassador who still stood looking through the window, and after a small delay he nodded softly. Sopek stepped forward to hand over a PADD.
"Specifications, and technical schematics of the Najaden-ahn. I will inform the Captain to transmit personnel files to you shortly. How long do you require to familiarize yourself with the diagrams?"
"I will be familiar by the time the personnel are selected. Admiral, how much time does Earth need to assign personnel to a starship?"
"A couple days should be adequate, Commander"
"Then the Najaden can be ready for assignment in a couple days."
Thanien saw the Vulcan blanch at his assessment.
"It will take more than a couple days to familiarize the new crew assignments to the adequate, and proper function of a Vulcan starship! Vulcan's train for years to be ready-"
"Ah but Fleet Commander Sopek, the Najaden is no longer a Vulcan high command ship. It is assigned to the Earth Space fleet and, under the command of an Andorian. We do not need to meditate on the proper ways to push a button." Thanien could hardly contain his smirk, nor did he have the desire to.
_________________ == Ebil Piwat : KDF Fleet Captain, Allied Task Force == The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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