Diplomacy 101

Posted on Thu Oct 28th, 2021 @ 9:21pm by Commander Kyle Reece

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Elysium Academy
Timeline: MD 3 / 1123 hours
1172 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Vanessa entered the classroom and smiled. The students had already gotten into the room, and had noticed the complimentary Orange Juice and Doughnuts she had provided in there. Also Captain Reece was going to be present. "Students. I hope the refreshments are in your tastes." She noted as she took the Podeum. "I am Legate Vanessa Alcean an Vantar." She said in her stately voice. "I am a academician kal lande of the Alindari Imperium's College of Philosophy. The School of Diplomacy. I have served five years as the ambassador from the Imperium to Earth. I have negotiated a great deal of agreements, mediated in disputes, and even protected children from ruthless people who would have tortured them into slavery." Vanessa mentioned.

"Now then, my dear apprentices and subordinates. If you are here believing you'll have an easy vocation as a diplomat. You'll find that the Starfleet Marine Corps has a more respectable survival rate. I will teach you to speak many of the Alpha and Beta Quadrant's trade languages." Vanessa began speaking in Klingon. 'You will learn the customs of a race of honorable warriors. So a warrior does not kill you like an animal.' She continued. "You'll learn a great deal of customs and traditions of the races we know of, and maybe some we haven't introduced ourselves yet. And I will make you able to win a hand of poker without your opponents even suspecting you are bluffing. And you will know how to cheat in Blackjack."

Vanessa spoke. "You will learn politics. You thing the people we elect to the Federation Council serves the people? Mostly they do... But they also make the decisions that decide the future of the United Federation of Planets. Some the people will not like."

"You will learn the history of many societies, you will learn art. To understand a people, you must understand their art. By the way..." Vanessa smiled. "Examine your mouths."

Kyle had entered a few moments earlier, staying to the rear of the classroom, to keep the disteaction to a minimum. Thus far, he was impressed by what he had heard. When Vanessa told her students to look at their mouths, he almost laughed aloud at the sight of them.

"Your mouths are purple because you partook of the Orange Juice and the Doughnuts." Vanessa mentioned. "This is to teach you a lesson you need to learn now. You will represent the Federation's best hopes for peace.. You will mediate between parties, some will want you removed from the equation. If you think that one day, you will simply drink a glass of juice and a doughnut without someone wanting to kill you, so that negotiations break down into war? You are a fool." Vanessa noted. "This is to remind you.. A diplomat does not drink juice and food that's just been left in the classroom without precaution." She chuckled. "And I'll dock points everytime I succeed in killing you cadets, but if you succeed in somehow, very doubtably, killing me. You'll gain points. Non-lethally of course. We are all civilized beings aren't we?" She smiled. "Now then. I'm sending quite a bit of material you will need to study. Histories of Earth, Qo'nos, Vulcan. Read them well, you will be tested."

"Ma'am, when are these tests."

Vanessa smiled. "Ah the tests, good question, Cadet. Life is a test. Constant unending testing. It will come at any time.. You will be woken up at 0200 and rushed into a holodeck with two parties you'll have to negotiate with. If you fail you will lose points, and millions will die in a war that will be on your conscious. You now all have one hundred points, so if I were to end the class now. You'd all pass. The next four years I expect you to lose or keep points. You have to keep all of them at above eighty if you want to become a member of the Diplomatic Corps. You'll have plenty of chances to regain both. But if you're just here for the diplomacy requirement.. I'll be most happy to accommodate you, and I will think no less of you than I already do if you decide Diplomacy is not for you." Vanessa smiled.

Kyle smiled proudly at her. Yet another part of Vanessa to be attracted to. He was certain that he had found the right woman for him. She was funny, whip-smart, drop-dead gorgeous, and as insatiable in bed as he was. Raising his hand, he asked the question that none of her students had yet. "And how do lost points get reinstated?"

When the students turned back to see who asked the question, they were suprised to see their Commendant himself! A few others, knowing his service history from their research, seemed doubly impressed. One or two of the female cadets seemed to swoon slightly, seeing him there, in the flesh.

"Oh that's a very good question." Vanessa grinned. "I will penalize you when you perform acts that are unbecoming of a Starfleet Officer. I will penalize you for poor academic performance. I will penalize you for misbehavior. Ms. Williams, Ms. Carter. It would be wise of you not to swoon in class. in fact, true diplomats practice in not showing any emotion. You've just let many people know you can be manipulated, and diplomats never let themselves get manipulated. A famous example of this is how Otto von Bismarck manipulated Napoleon the Third."

The Female cadets nodded. "Sorry, Legate."

"But you can restore your points through your initiative and dedication. Show me you are the cadet I would introduce to my many friends. You may meet some very important people my students. Federation Councilors, Ambassadors, Leaders. You will meet kings, presidents, counselors, chancellors, and you will have to mind your manners. I can be impressed, but only by remarkable acts of your dedication. Being what we see, at this academy, as a Starfleet Officers. Your redemption will be applied redemption." Vanessa explained. "As you can see. We're on a Federation Starship. And we do missions like any Federation Starshiip. If our ship is damaged, Pick up a repair kit and fix it. If engineering needs maintenance done. Get a repair kit. If we're boarded, unleash hell upon them all. Aid security and our marines in repelling our boarders. If you have medical training, assist, ask Dr. Sthilg if he needs assistance. Ask Commander Taylor if she needs additional security. I speak to all of the Senior staff. Your dedication, and vigilance, will be key to maintaing the standards I demand from you. Act like the Starfleet Officer you want to be, and a boon of points will be your reward."

Kyle smiled and nodded again. Then, looking at his chrono, he knew he had to head to the next class. As he stood quietly, and ensuring all eyes were on Vanessa, he blew her a silent kiss and winked at her. They had already decided to have lunch in his office later.

End