Tea and Politics

Posted on 29 Mar 2018 @ 8:38pm by Captain Akio Tachibana

Mission: Ne Me'e Laua Na Paio - Heroes & Villains
Location: Sec. Temple's Guest Quarters - Deck 12
Timeline: 1 Jan 2389

ON:

After the ceremony, Akio felt obligated to see the Secretary and thank him before he left.

He straightened his uniform before tapping the chime.

Magnus was stretched on his couch, shoes and jacket forgotten somewhere on the floor, shirt roughly untucked, and his head stuck firmly in a PADD. It was down-time, politician-style. It had all the looks of a relaxed afternoon, but included a myriad of reports, news stories, and diplomatic cables from across the Quadrants. Being away from the Palais meant Magnus was getting this information in bundles off the subspace network, and it took a large chunk of his recreation time to read them all.

Upon hearing the door chime, Magnus lifted himself off the couch without taking his eyes off the PADD. He stumbled over the shoes, almost tripped over the jacket, but nonetheless made it to the door. Pressing the 'open' button, he waited a moment before casting a curious eye up to his visitor.

"Ah Captain." Magnus smiled, "What an unexpected pleasure."

Akio saw the disheveled Secretary and messy room. Wasn't he supposed to be leaving soon? Akio wondered.

"I hope I am not intruding, sir. I just wanted to see you once again to thank you for your visit before we departed for the front," Akio said.

"It's okay," Magnus shrugged. "I'm glad we've got a chance to speak." He picked up his discarded clothing and popped them on an empty chair. "I'm starting to forget which ship I'm on."

"Considering your schedule, I do not find that surprising," Akio replied.

Magnus made his way to the replicator, "Would you like a drink?"

Akio was still standing in the doorway. For a senior Federation Cabinet member, Temple seemed quite down to earth.

"Sure, I will take an oolong tea, please," Akio answered.

Giving a nod, Magnus whizzed up the drink for the Captain and one for himself, and brought them over to the seating area. He nodded his head slightly for Akio to join him here, he couldn't stand being too formal in his quarters.

Akio entered the Secretary's den. He had seen the guest quarters before, yet they looked better with someone living in them. Less sterile.

"So, thank you for letting me be part of your celebrations." The Secretary began. "I hope I didn't overshadow your achievements too much, I really wanted to ensure that the credit went where it was due - to you, and your amazing team of hardworking officers and diplomats."

"I am not sure how much credit is due to me. I will say we are lucky to have such a crew. As for overshadowing, not at all, sir. I was somewhat worried about dinner, yet you expertly sidestepped any landmines. If I were an Admiral and you were not a cabinet member, I would recruit you for command," Akio smiled.

Magnus laughed, "I think your team is more than qualified without me. And to be honest, I don't envy you for where you're heading next. I've spent some time around military folks before, but going to the front lines of an active conflict was never in my blood. I say with all sincerity that I hope you will return to us safe and sound from your tour of duty."

"This war is not going to be pretty. Where diplomacy has failed, war is sure to follow, yet there is no such thing as a nice war," Akio responded solemnly.

"Unfortunately not." Magnus sighed. "Although I'd pay good money to see a Tribble versus Vulcan war. Furry tornado meets impenetrable stoicism? It has the makings of quite the battle."

"In my experience the Vulcans err on the side of peace. I cannot imagine them even hurting a tribble," Akio smirked.

The Secretary took a long drink from his tea, and sighed. "You know, when I was in the Mess Hall and was answering questions, I noticed the reservation from your crew when I said the Federation was not interested in revenge conflicts. Do you believe Starfleet should be preparing for all-out war against the Gorn?"

Akio paused and looked out the window before looking back at the Secretary.

"Yes. Are you familiar with Earth's history, Secretary Temple, specifically the 20th century?" Akio asked.

"I was raised in Denmark." Magnus remarked, "They only ever talk about 1864. But, go on."

"World War II was the first time a power used nuclear weapons against another. It is interesting how many parallels there are between that war and this one. A small island nation, yet rising on the global scale bombed one of the most important naval bases of America: Pearl Harbor. Afterwards, America joined the war and instead of fighting to the death on each island, made the tough decision to drop nuclear bombs on Japan."

Akio paused to sip his tea.

"I know this story very well because I am Japanese, you see. We all learn in school the role militaristic fascism played in our society's history and the aftermath of World War II. The most ironic part of this lesson, Mister Secretary? America rebuilt Japan and became Japan's closest ally," Akio explained.

Akio again took a sip from his tea and looked out the window.

"I know it was not your decision, nor mine, Mister Secretary; however, I think the Gorn are seeking vengeance for us nuking their homeworld after the cease-fire of the previous war. The Federation did not send any aid after such an outcome," Akio continued as he turned to look Magnus in the eyes, "How could we ever expect even an amicable relationship with a civilization we hurt so much?"

The Secretary took in the Captain's words and nodded along as he spoke. After a moment, Magnus replied, "From what I know of history, World War Two was not started by the bombing of Pearl Harbour, it was the amalgamation of prior hostilities and covert activities. In the same way, we cannot point at Gorn losses without also mentioning the Gorn's aggression. I cannot sympathise with the Gorn while they still hold Federation territory and attack innocent border planets."

Magnus shifted a little in his chair, "Someone has to be the adult and make a path forward that doesn't include back and forth attacks, taking and re-taking the same systems, or a continued stealth war. It has to come to an end at some point. How do we get there? Well, I'm still trying to find that out. But we can't keep losing officers and ships, in the name of the past."

"I think we share the same mindset, sir. I only hope my superiors do so as well, yet I am obligated to follow their orders," Akio finished his tea and placed it on the table.

OFF:

Hon. Magnus Temple
Secretary of the Exterior
United Federation of Planets

Akio Tachibana, CDR, SF
Commanding Officer
USS Hawaii