By: Lisa AKA Fire Star
Disclaimers: Star Trek belongs to Gene Rodenberry and the corporations. I am just playing with his universe for a while with no intention of gaining profit other then my own amusement.
Telepathy and Thoughts are in Italics
Archive: Selek, Annie yes if you want to others just ask.
Snippet into IDIC
Part 36
"This situation must not be allowed to continue."Felix said "I want to believe that this is all simply a matter of cultural blindness. I have many human friends and allies who are honorable people. I have grown to respect Ambassador Sarek and his mate Amanda Grayson. They are good people. Spock is a fine young Vulcan. He is very important to my family. My children consider him to be our kindred."
The President of Earth flinched at this remark realizing how badly they had messed up. He looked over at Jackson Hess who was clearly ashamed that there had been an attack on one of his cadets.
Felix looked at the Commandant and said."I know that you have a fine educational institution. My daughters mate is most impressed with the education he is receiving there. He has said that your academy has helped him grow as an officer. For that reason I am willing to try to work this situation out. However I must warn you that my government is very unhappy with the situation and want no demand assurances that the cadets we send to Star Fleet will be protected and become officers who have a chance a viable career. It does our people no good to send our best and brightest to you with no hope of advancement. If all they ever will be is junior officer we will keep them at home. Tell us now if that is your intention. We might not like it but at least they would not be wasting their time."
Jackson Hess straightened up and said. "I treat every cadet as if they may one day be an admiral. I grew up with the members of Enterprise NX-01as a part of my family. I looked to officers like Admiral T'Pol, Archer and Tucker to show me how to lead. I see no reason why an Andorian or Vulcan could not one day be the head of Star Fleet Academy. I think I have failed to utilize the allies we have. I would like to see about having an officer exchange program. It is clear my cadets need to be exposed to senior officers of other races. An exchange program would allow that. It would also allow my instructors to learn more about how our counter parts run their school."
"That is a very good idea."T'Pol said. "It may also be wise to reintroduce the officer exchange program. Clearly we must have more interspecies exchanges to prevent miscommunications."
"Well why we don't just put all the cadets in question on Enterprise then." Cartwright quipped. He was clearly mocking the idea. This is insane. No alien should be in the fleet.
"Commander that is an excellent idea you have proposed."Christopher Pike said leaning forward. "I think we should do just that. It is clear we need to have our nonhuman allies more visible in Star Fleet. Having them be posted to Enterprise would allow the whole Federation to see we value our alliance. I also think it would be good when we have first contact missions. It would be wise to show those we meet that we are a diverse people. After all the Federation is strong because of IDIC and we should demonstrate that fact to those we meet. If we have a more diverse crew perhaps we will have a better chance to make friends out there."
T'Pol's brow rose and she looked over at Sarek who was clearly fighting to hide a smile at their kinsmen's clever manipulation of Cartwright's off hand remark. "That is a logical argument." Sarek said. "I also believe that we all know Captain Pikes record. He is a good man and there are few who would be more suited to train our cadets. His reputation is sterling and I do believe he could be trusted to treat our young with respect and honor."
"We can not post all the aliens to Enterprise."Cartwright replied. At the dark look e received from his own superiors he back peddled. "I mean there are not enough postings. We can not take people off the flagship just to fill spots. It would leave Captain Pike with a raw crew. That would not be safe for them."
Pike glared at him but he then said "Then we add exchange officers to the mix. While they may not be familiar with Human technology they will have the experience we need and they may even improve my ship. I seem to recall that Admiral T'Pol made several useful modifications to the original Enterprise."
All eyes shifted to T'Pol who seemed to squirm. "They were needed. However to answer Commander Cartwright's legitimate concerns I should point out that many of the current crew on Enterprise are due to have their enlistments expire. Still more are due to be promoted. We could easily integrate new cadets to the ship. By my count over 30 vacancies will be needed to be filled. If we add exchange officers and cadets that would make the Enterprise crew about13.33 percent nonhuman."
"I have no objections. The only real concern I would have is ensuring we have proper medical personnel on board and providing the proper living conditions."
T'Pol nodded at this recalling how cold she had been for a long time on Enterprise. She had been glad when Trip had realized it and upgraded her quarters.
"We should do this then. I hope Star Fleet allows this or Vulcan may remove her cadet from the academy." Sarek said.
"I agree with Sarek. We must have changes."Czarina said. "Spock and the other cadets deserve the same respect the human cadets receive. If they do not get it they have no need to be serving in a human fleet."
The human president of Earth sighed and said."We will do as you ask. This is all shocking to me. It was never our intention...Well we will fix this and if Chris is game he will get the new cadets. As you say he is a good man and will train them all to be fine officers. Who knows maybe in a few years one of the Cadets will be the Captain of Enterprise."
Cartwright cursed under his breath but out loud he said. "We should perhaps assign mentors to the cadets. Clearly we have failed them."
Sarek looked at the human and knew he was plotting something. Time would tell what. However the idea had merit and he nodded his acceptance.
"I would be honored to mentor Cadet Spock. Ambassador Sarek you have my word as an officer I will do all I can to ensure your son's safety."
Sarek looked at the Captain and said."The cadet is representing Vulcan. As such he is important to our people. T'Pau ordered me to ensure his safety. However you are mistaken. I have no son."
Chris looked at him harshly. "As you say." You are a damned fool Sarek. "In that case I will guard him like a brother."
Sarek nodded his head accepting the promise.
Felix grinned and said. "What about My son in law."
"I would be honored to mentor him." Kevin O'Malley said "I am told he is a fine engineer. I could use him."
"Acceptable commander, I am told you are very skilled." Felix said.
"Well I know my engine. Like Jackson here I learned from the best."
Dr. Bryce spoke up nest. Lady Czarina I would be honored to mentor your daughter. I am told she is excelling at her medical studies. I could use her skills as I am still learning other races medical needs."
Sarek spoke then."So it is settled. Our cadets will join Enterprise's crew and we will sent exchange officers to help. Perhaps we can salvage this Federation after all."
The Federation president paled suddenly realizing how close a call they had.
TBC....
A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. It means a lot as does the putting this story on your alert list. Positive feedback lets me know if I am hitting the right cord with a story. Thanks again.
Fire