[Explanations]

As the ambassador finally started the briefing, the FCO leaned a little bit closer to make sure she was hearing everything correctly.

“The Soder System is a wonderful place. They have two primary factions in their culture. One is interested in farming, the other is interested in ranching. The Farmers are experts in botanical diversity and have developed amazing varieties of plants that contribute to roughly 70% of the industrial resources they require. They also have an ecosystem that uses fish as part of their farming, producing a large number of harvestable fish for food consumption as well.”

Sounds like my family back in Minot. Marie decided not to comment on that, but leave the talking to the Captain, that was her job after all.

“The Ranching community have discovered that one of the indigenous animal life forms are very easily domesticated and controlled for mass breeding to be slaughtered so that their flesh can be consumed as a food resource. Although a rather poor use of their land resources, they are a large enough percentage of the population that they contest with the farmers for land use. This has developed into a small level civil war and we, the Federation, have been asked to come in and assist with negotiations. It is our hope that some sort of agreement can be arranged and that will be acceptable to both sides.”

Hummm, more land disagreements. This is like watching an American History lesson unfold before our eyes.

“How long has this conflict been going on?”

“The populations only began growing to the point of conflict within the last ten years. They were two separate groups of colonists that agreed to settle at the same time. They were much more likely to turn away and expand further into their land mass until lately. Neither wishes to be the first to expand to one of the other continents and as they begin to crowd each other, tempers are more easily heated.”

Of coarse, the first one to leave is the coward. This is a history lesson of sure now.

“How hostile have things gotten?”

“Well, from what their governments have reported, we estimate that over the past 37 years, a total of 3724 lives have been lost either directly or indirectly in connection to this issue.”

J’het nodded and then asked, “So, what do you expect that you will need from me and my staff? Obviously, we are transporting you there and will provide any protection you require.”

She smiled and said, “Well, beyond that, we will just have to wait and see. It is possible that I may be able to find enough common ground for them to swiftly come to an understanding, but negotiations that have cost lives are rarely solved so easily. There is always something deeper to be dealt with. We will have to evaluate that once we arrive. I expect that my assistants will be able to handle most of what I require. Once we arrive, they may require limited access to your ship’s computer and communications, but beyond that, I don’t anticipate much involvement at all. I do expect that you and your officers will be able to enjoy at least one official function though, as they will likely wish to welcome us with a banquet.”

At the banquet announcement, both of Marie's eye brows rose in surprise, That's new. Her surprise only grew as the briefing continued.

“How many officers do you expect they will invite?”

She smiled wider and replied, “Well, I would expect no less than your entire Senior Staff. Each of them will be allowed a companion as well. If you feel there are any other officers you would like to have invited, I am certain it can be arranged.”

The FCO didn't comment right away, she wanted to here some of the thoughts of the other officers before she commented. It was simply the way she was.



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MO Ensign Jadinya Tan, MD, Valdivian Station DS-808/USS Trinity NCC-74809

Matthew McCauley
matthewmccauley2012@gmail.com