Chapter Ten

Captain's Log
STARDATE 48128.14
Captain Marrissa Picard recording
I have decided to meet with each side informally.
Hopefully, I can get to what they really want this way.
I believe I may have found the lever that I need to move
this negotiation toward as solution. Nevolsia has decided not to
allow StarFleet to renew its lease on Nevolsia Base, ending a 30
year occupancy.

Marrissa walked into the crowded newly reopened Ten-Forward.
Ross Lockard was working at the bar. Jay Gordon was talking to
Clara Sutter over in one corner, but Marrissa's object was at the
bar, Sel Rahc Ekael. Marrissa went and sat down beside him.
"Strawberry Sundae, Ross," she ordered.
"Coming right up, Captain," Ross replied.
"Is Ross serving you all right, Sel Rahc Ekael," Marrissa
asked turning towards him.
"All right if you consider this synthale a drink," he
responded. "Do you really think you can solve this mess?"
"That depends," Marrissa said. "What are you willing to
give up for peace?"
"You really want do know don't you?" Sel Rahc Ekael said.
He leaned over toward Marrissa and whispered, "An asteroid belt
and Sobnia, but don't tell any one. Of coarse Troac will require
something in return."
"Would a Starfleet base in orbit be an expectable exchange?"
Marrissa asked.
"Yes," Ekeal said. "But how are you going to get Starfleet
to put a base there?"
"Lets say I have ways," Marrissa replied receiving her
sundae. "I'll see you at the table tomorrow."
Marrissa then got up and took her sundae over to the table
in the corner with Sel Rahc Selaw.
Before she could as him if she could join him Sel Rahc Selaw
spoke up, "What does it take to get drunk on this ship?"
"Generally a private stash of alcohol," Marrissa replied.
"Ten-Forward only serves synthahol. It reduces the time its
closed for repairs."
"Oh, well," Selaw replied. "What interesting things did
Ekael have to say?"
"Nothing much, just how you have a large fleet of warp
capable cargo ships he wishes he had or could hire," Marrissa
said.
"The minister of Trade thought that would be a good use for
our troop ships after the war," Sel Rahc Selaw said. "But we
need so raw goods to start with in order to be traders to be
reckoned with. If we had the raw materials we would be able to
reduce our armies quite substantially."
"Then if the treaty gave you these resources you would
support it?" Marrissa asked.
"Certainly."
"Thank you for explaining your governments position,"
Marrissa said, getting up. "You have cleared up a lot of
questions. See you at the table tomorrow."
Marrissa pushed in her chair and went to join Clara and Jay
at their table in the middle of Ten-Forward. "Are you two here
on a date?" Marrissa asked with a smile.
Clara blushed and said, "Yes and Vulcans lie habitually."
"Just joking Clara, Jay," Marrissa said. "I was trying to
get back at Jay for that Risa quip earlier."
"He still hasn't learnt not to call you that?" Clara said.
"I think he learnt too well that I HATE that nickname,"
Marrissa said. "How is Alexander enjoying his time in command,
Jay?"
"He says it is good practice for running the House of Mog,"
Jay replied.
"I take that means he loves it," Marrissa replied.
"Of coarse," Jay replied.
"How is the Mediation going?" Clara asked.
"If I can get a Starfleet base at Troac," Marrissa began, "I
believe I can solve the problem. However to do that I need the
support of four of the seven members of the Starfleet Base
location board."
"I think my grandma, Admiral Ocie Epperly, can help," Jay
replied.
"Jay you mean that your grandmother is the Chief of
Starfleet Engineering, not only a member of the board but the
chair?" Marrissa said.
"Yes," Jay replied innocently.
"Then you have an assignment Jay," Marrissa said. "Convince
her that a base at Troac would be a good idea. I want approval
of this base confirmed by tomorrow morning. I all ready know
that Admirals Okie, McGuire, and Necheyev will support it. Okie
because he will do almost anything to end this mess. McGuire and
Necheyev want a modern base in this sector and this would do
that."
"You know your admirals," Jay replied.
"Not as well as I'd like to," Marrissa said. "Before Clara
has to go to the bridge we have a little ships business to attend
to. Jay, your parents are transferring to the Independence.
Captain Morris has informed me that she wants you to form a Kid's
Crew on board as soon as you arrive."
"Are you sure someone doesn't have a better Kobayshi Maru
time?" Jay said nervously.
"Listen to him, Marrissa," Clara said. "A nineteen minute
forty-two second time the forth best time in the federation, and
he is worried that someone -- some kid -- beating it."
"Not likely at all," Marrissa said. "The only people with
better times are myself, Captain Morris, and Admiral Necheyev.
But back to business, Clara of coarse will be my new first
officer, but who will replace her as second officer and Chief
Engineer?"
"Alexander would make a fine number two until you can
arrange a test," Jay replied.
"I agree," Clara said.
"OK, Alexander for second officer," Marrissa said. "Clara,
who do suggest to fill the Chief Engineer's position?"
"Shayna Sachs, but she will need some training," Clara
replied. "I would like to continue to some of the Engineering
drills though."
"That's your privilege as first officer," Marrissa replied.
"How much training do you think she will need?"
"Give her six months and she will be ready," Clara said.
"If she tones down the practical jokes. It would have taken less
but I had no idea I'd be leaving the department."
"I'll agree with Clara's selection and the remark concerning
the practical jokes," Jay said.
"Then it's settled," Marrissa said. "Clara you better get
to the Bridge. As Lieutenant Commander LaForge says 'It doesn't
look good for the C.O. to be late.'"

Captain's Log
STARDATE 48131.27
Captain Marrissa Picard recording
Having received word from the Starfleet Base Location Board
of the approval of the new Deep Space Thirteen at Troac, I am
about to spring an agreement on the Sel Rahc that no side will be
able to object to ... I hope and pray.

"Good Morning everyone," Marrissa said entering the room in
dress uniform, which she had never done before. The Sel Rahcs
looked up expectantly.
"You seem cheerful this morning," Sel Rahc Akros observed.
"Yes," Marrissa replied. "I believe I have found a solution
to this problem that everyone can agree with."
"HUMPH, I'LL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT," Sel Rahc Ekael said,
in his usual loud voice.
"I'll outline the plan while you read it, no interruptions
please," Marrissa began her umpteenth proposal, some what
nervously. "Bresa and Troac what withdraw their troops within a
week from the signing of this document. Troac will receive the
Starfleet Base which Nevolsia no longer wants. Bresa will take
over proctectorateship of the Eceerg Asteroid Belt. A committee
consisting of two representatives from each planet plus one
elected from the non planetary bound inhabitants, will be set up
for the meditation of disputes and other insystem problems.
Objections, comments, proposed modifications? Troac?"
"MY PLANET CAN'T WITHDRAWAL WITHIN THAT TIME LIMIT," Sel
Rahc Ekael blustered. "BRESA HAS DESTROYED TOO MANY OF OUR
SHIPS."
"If you will direct you attention to article two section
two," Marrissa replied, "You will note that the withdrawal will
be over seen by various StarFleet Vessels, some of which can,
WILL transport a portion of each side. Any other objections?"
"No."
"Bresa?"
"No objections here as long as you transportation assistance
extends to the Bres," Sel Rack Selaw said in a monotone.
"It does," Marrissa replied.
"Then Bresa will be happy to put its signature on this
document," Selaw finished.
"Sobnia?"
"I'm speech less, I never thought I'd see the day," Sel Rahc
Akros said with tears in her eyes. "This is everything that I
had hoped for."
"Since all of you are eager to sign this treaty, we will set
up a signing before the press at 1600 hours in Ten Forward I will
see you there," Marrissa replied exiting the room. As she left
the room she thought in great relief, 'This mediation sure has
been trying. Trying but worth it, defiantly worth it. Perhaps a
bubble bath and a strawberry shake would refresh myself before
the signing -- but I'll probably be called to the bridge."