Post by Nola on Feb 28, 2019 1:14:45 GMT
It was raining in San Francisco, both literally and metaphorically. When Shezor Ell had awoken that morning, his most pressing concerns had been preparing a policy speech more than a month away, and deciding where to go to dinner with Frei. By mid-afternoon, the sky was falling - Cardassia had allied with the Breen and Tholians, had apparently used the underspace tunnels created by the Vaadwaur, and Starfleet Command was all-but-convinced this was a prelude to war.
It was hard to disagree.
As for dinner, it looked like he and Frei would be eating in tonight.
"Martin and company are on the way, love," said Frei, as he slipped his arms around Ell. Ell sighed and closed his eyes, taking great effort to get in the right mindset.
He was still sure that his decision to finish his term was the right one, but it had been hell thus far. He was only beggining to scratch the surface of what his captivity had done to him. He had daily agonies in his shoulders and hips from their cruel tortures. His sleep was fitful at best, filled with flashes of scaled monstrosities.
Frei was his rock through all of it. He'd never given up hope that Ell was alive. He'd waited all that time, and was with Ell day and night, helping him with virtually everything. If it weren't for Frei, Shezor Ell wasn't sure he'd still be alive.
But Frei was not President, something he took care to remind Ell of when necessary. This meeting with Martin would be on Ell to conduct. It would be up to the broken man to stick to his principle in the face Martin Walker's withering stare.
"You'll be fine, love," hummed Frei, bringing a smile to Ell's lips despite his nerves. He turned and gave him a kiss before slowly hobbling to his desk. The moments ticked by until Ell's secretary buzzed in.
"Admirals Walker and V'nem, and General Andross here for a sheduled meeting, Mr. President."
"Send them in, Molly," he bade, doing his best impersonation of steeling himself.
The three gentlemen stepped through the door, all with stoic expressions and PADDs.
"Mr. President," greeted Martin, extending a hand. Ell hesitated only briefly before shaking it, a slight wince the only indication of the pain it caused him, a pain he'd never informed Martin of. Enough people thought Ell was weak - he couldn't afford to lose the C-in-C's support, as well.
"Good to see you, Martin," he replied.
"I wish it were under better circumstances," Martin noted, before taking a seat. V'nem and Andross remained standing.
"I understand you have some concerns about my upcoming statement regarding the Bok'Nor Pact," Ell prompted.
"We merely wish for you to have all the facts, Mr. President," said V'nem.
"We have strong evidence that the Cardassians used the Vaadwaur tunnels to reach Tzenkethi space," added Andross. "This is the first documented evidence that Cardassia has used them outside their own territory. This significantly increases the threat of use within Federation space."
"To be clear, Mr. President, it's not our desire for you to rattle any sabers," clarified Martin. "It's just that we feel the need for the Federation to be clear that these tunnels violate our sovereignty, and their use within Federation space won't be tolerated."
"Of course," he added, "you don't have to take my word for it."
Martin placed a PADD in frong of Ell, an SFI report on the extent of the underspace network.
"I trust your word, Martin," said Ell, pulling the PADD closer but not immediately reading it. "Implicitly. You're the truest defender the Federation has."
Martin seemed caught off-guard by the compliment, hesitating a moment before nodding.
"Do we have any conclusive evidence that the Vaadwaur have been working with the explicit knowledge of the Cardassian government?" Ell asked. Silence followed, Andross and V'nem exchanging glances.
"It seems fairly obvious, Mr. President," offered Martin.
"You're allowed to use my name, Martin," said Ell, smiling pleasantly. Martin took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders.
"We're convinced they were, Ell," he said. "Elements of the Cardassian Guard were clearly working with the Vaadwaur when they started sending our ships into the Delta Quadrant. So far, the Chiron's the only that returned, and that due to extraordinary circumstances, to say the least."
"The Cardassians have and will continue to claim they were rogue elements," Ell reminded Martin.
"You can't honestly believe that," Andross declared.
Ell turned his pleasant smile to the General.
"No, I can't," he replied. "But it's not a matter of what I can believe. It's a matter of what we can prove."
"Is it your intention to approve of this alliance, Mr. President?" asked V'nem.
This was it.
"It is my intention to say that we would welcome an end to the conflict between the Breen and Tzenkethi," explained Ell. "It is my intention to say that it is not for the Federation to dictate the internal affairs of external powers, that it is in fact our highest ideal to not unduly influence the self-determination of other civilizations, and it is my intention to agree with the Cardassian assessment that we will not simply take their word at face value, but that we must also allow them to prove their intent with their actions."
Andross scoffed, and while that wasn't an unexpected response, it still cut deeply into Ell's confidence. Frei's hand gently finding his shoulder helped immeasurably.
"I am not sure that is a wise course of action, Mr. President," said V'nem. "It would not serve us to appear ignorant of Carassia's machinations."
"I can appreciate where you're coming from, Ell," Martin added, trying to keep things calm. "Our ideals are important, and I think you're right about our not dictating who Cardassia does or doesn't ally with. By your own admission, though, you recognize that this alliance is a threat to the Federation. Is that correct?"
"It is," Ell confirmed.
"Then surely we need to let Cardassia know that we understand what they're doing, that we're not fooled."
Ell closed his eyes and sighed heavily, Frei squeezing his shoulder in support. A big part of him wanted to relent, to admit that Martin was right, to just get this over with so he could stop worrying about it. It would be so much easier, would cause him so much less terror.
Then again, wasn't it the point to reject that terror? Wasn't it the point to ignore discomfort for the sake of doing the right thing? To shun convenience, and not responsibility?
"With respect, Admiral Walker," Ell began, forcing his eyes to open, "I'm not sure you do appreciate where I'm coming from."
"Ell..."
"I could give the speech you want me to give," Ell pressed. "I could tell Cardassia that we're not fooled, that we know they're up to no good, and that we won't tolerate their actions. This would accomplish two things. One, it would support the persecution narrative that Cardassia is sure to weave in response, that we're unable to let go of the past, and that we, in fact, are the ones standing in the way of progress. Two, it would immediately cost us the war with Section 31."
A huff from Andross. An eyebrow from V'nem. A look of fatigue from Martin, like a teacher dealing with an idiot child.
"I don't see how a strong response to Cardassia would affect our war against Section 31, Mr. President," said Martin.
"I know you don't, Martin," said Ell. "That's why I don't think you actually understand where I'm coming from on this."
"Perhaps if you explained further, Mr. President," prompted V'nem.
Ell shifted carefully in his chair - both sitting and standing were bothersome - as he measured his words, aiming them solely at Martin.
"I'm not a naive child, Martin," he explained. "Quite the opposite, in fact."
"No one's saying that, Ell," sighed Martin.
"But all three of you are thinking it," Ell observed. "I understand what the pragmatic choice is, here, and I know that it is necessary for the three of you to think in pragmatic terms. There is a reason I recused myself from making decisions regarding the conflict - I know that Starfleet Command is up to the task of defeating Section 31 militarily."
This seemed to calm Martin. Andross seemed as if he would speak, but Ell held up a hand to stop him. To his surprise, it worked.
"But the most important battle is the one fought in these conversations, in rooms such as this - the battle for our soul. In the end, all the Federation has are its ideals. It is the only thing that separates us from our enemies. How do you think Section 31 began? It was an unfounded acceptance that our ideals were only so important. It was the acceptance that, in the end, pragmatism must win out, that there must be some provision where our stated beliefs could be discarded in order to secure our ultimate defense.
"If we do not lead with our ideals, gentlemen, it is not a question of if Section 31 happens again, but when. Worse, if we espouse ideals only to knowingly subvert them in order to ensure our power, then we are Section 31. We are Cardassia. We are every power that has ever come to be by subjugation and deceit.
"So, when I say that all we have are our ideals, I mean they are the only things that make the United Federation of Planets worthwhile. Not our military, nor our economy or influence. Without our ideals we're just another empire quarreling needlessly for resources or territory that can just as easily be shared, driven only by our most basic of instincts with a false veneer of civilization. We would deserve to fall."
Martin didn't reply, staring comtemplatively at Ell. V'nem and Andross remained silent as well. Frei's gentle squeeze was the only immediate response.
"Now, if you can find me conclusive evidence that the Cardassian government coordinated with the Vaadwaur before my term is up, I will issue a new statement about the Bok'Nor Pact," Ell added. "Until then, I will make a statement in keeping with the Federation's ideal of peaceful cooperation."
Martin stared for a few moment's longer before giving a small nod.
"Understood, Mr. President. Ell."
"Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention," offered Ell. "I am, of course, always willing to hear what Starfleet Command has to say."
"Thank you for your time, sir," replied Martin. He stood and nodded wordlessly to the others, and the three of them made their exit. Ell immediately took a deep, shuddering breath, anxiety coursing through him. Frei carefully wrapped his arms around Ell's shoulders and kissed his temple.
"I'm proud of you," whispered Frei.
It was hard to disagree.
As for dinner, it looked like he and Frei would be eating in tonight.
"Martin and company are on the way, love," said Frei, as he slipped his arms around Ell. Ell sighed and closed his eyes, taking great effort to get in the right mindset.
He was still sure that his decision to finish his term was the right one, but it had been hell thus far. He was only beggining to scratch the surface of what his captivity had done to him. He had daily agonies in his shoulders and hips from their cruel tortures. His sleep was fitful at best, filled with flashes of scaled monstrosities.
Frei was his rock through all of it. He'd never given up hope that Ell was alive. He'd waited all that time, and was with Ell day and night, helping him with virtually everything. If it weren't for Frei, Shezor Ell wasn't sure he'd still be alive.
But Frei was not President, something he took care to remind Ell of when necessary. This meeting with Martin would be on Ell to conduct. It would be up to the broken man to stick to his principle in the face Martin Walker's withering stare.
"You'll be fine, love," hummed Frei, bringing a smile to Ell's lips despite his nerves. He turned and gave him a kiss before slowly hobbling to his desk. The moments ticked by until Ell's secretary buzzed in.
"Admirals Walker and V'nem, and General Andross here for a sheduled meeting, Mr. President."
"Send them in, Molly," he bade, doing his best impersonation of steeling himself.
The three gentlemen stepped through the door, all with stoic expressions and PADDs.
"Mr. President," greeted Martin, extending a hand. Ell hesitated only briefly before shaking it, a slight wince the only indication of the pain it caused him, a pain he'd never informed Martin of. Enough people thought Ell was weak - he couldn't afford to lose the C-in-C's support, as well.
"Good to see you, Martin," he replied.
"I wish it were under better circumstances," Martin noted, before taking a seat. V'nem and Andross remained standing.
"I understand you have some concerns about my upcoming statement regarding the Bok'Nor Pact," Ell prompted.
"We merely wish for you to have all the facts, Mr. President," said V'nem.
"We have strong evidence that the Cardassians used the Vaadwaur tunnels to reach Tzenkethi space," added Andross. "This is the first documented evidence that Cardassia has used them outside their own territory. This significantly increases the threat of use within Federation space."
"To be clear, Mr. President, it's not our desire for you to rattle any sabers," clarified Martin. "It's just that we feel the need for the Federation to be clear that these tunnels violate our sovereignty, and their use within Federation space won't be tolerated."
"Of course," he added, "you don't have to take my word for it."
Martin placed a PADD in frong of Ell, an SFI report on the extent of the underspace network.
"I trust your word, Martin," said Ell, pulling the PADD closer but not immediately reading it. "Implicitly. You're the truest defender the Federation has."
Martin seemed caught off-guard by the compliment, hesitating a moment before nodding.
"Do we have any conclusive evidence that the Vaadwaur have been working with the explicit knowledge of the Cardassian government?" Ell asked. Silence followed, Andross and V'nem exchanging glances.
"It seems fairly obvious, Mr. President," offered Martin.
"You're allowed to use my name, Martin," said Ell, smiling pleasantly. Martin took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders.
"We're convinced they were, Ell," he said. "Elements of the Cardassian Guard were clearly working with the Vaadwaur when they started sending our ships into the Delta Quadrant. So far, the Chiron's the only that returned, and that due to extraordinary circumstances, to say the least."
"The Cardassians have and will continue to claim they were rogue elements," Ell reminded Martin.
"You can't honestly believe that," Andross declared.
Ell turned his pleasant smile to the General.
"No, I can't," he replied. "But it's not a matter of what I can believe. It's a matter of what we can prove."
"Is it your intention to approve of this alliance, Mr. President?" asked V'nem.
This was it.
"It is my intention to say that we would welcome an end to the conflict between the Breen and Tzenkethi," explained Ell. "It is my intention to say that it is not for the Federation to dictate the internal affairs of external powers, that it is in fact our highest ideal to not unduly influence the self-determination of other civilizations, and it is my intention to agree with the Cardassian assessment that we will not simply take their word at face value, but that we must also allow them to prove their intent with their actions."
Andross scoffed, and while that wasn't an unexpected response, it still cut deeply into Ell's confidence. Frei's hand gently finding his shoulder helped immeasurably.
"I am not sure that is a wise course of action, Mr. President," said V'nem. "It would not serve us to appear ignorant of Carassia's machinations."
"I can appreciate where you're coming from, Ell," Martin added, trying to keep things calm. "Our ideals are important, and I think you're right about our not dictating who Cardassia does or doesn't ally with. By your own admission, though, you recognize that this alliance is a threat to the Federation. Is that correct?"
"It is," Ell confirmed.
"Then surely we need to let Cardassia know that we understand what they're doing, that we're not fooled."
Ell closed his eyes and sighed heavily, Frei squeezing his shoulder in support. A big part of him wanted to relent, to admit that Martin was right, to just get this over with so he could stop worrying about it. It would be so much easier, would cause him so much less terror.
Then again, wasn't it the point to reject that terror? Wasn't it the point to ignore discomfort for the sake of doing the right thing? To shun convenience, and not responsibility?
"With respect, Admiral Walker," Ell began, forcing his eyes to open, "I'm not sure you do appreciate where I'm coming from."
"Ell..."
"I could give the speech you want me to give," Ell pressed. "I could tell Cardassia that we're not fooled, that we know they're up to no good, and that we won't tolerate their actions. This would accomplish two things. One, it would support the persecution narrative that Cardassia is sure to weave in response, that we're unable to let go of the past, and that we, in fact, are the ones standing in the way of progress. Two, it would immediately cost us the war with Section 31."
A huff from Andross. An eyebrow from V'nem. A look of fatigue from Martin, like a teacher dealing with an idiot child.
"I don't see how a strong response to Cardassia would affect our war against Section 31, Mr. President," said Martin.
"I know you don't, Martin," said Ell. "That's why I don't think you actually understand where I'm coming from on this."
"Perhaps if you explained further, Mr. President," prompted V'nem.
Ell shifted carefully in his chair - both sitting and standing were bothersome - as he measured his words, aiming them solely at Martin.
"I'm not a naive child, Martin," he explained. "Quite the opposite, in fact."
"No one's saying that, Ell," sighed Martin.
"But all three of you are thinking it," Ell observed. "I understand what the pragmatic choice is, here, and I know that it is necessary for the three of you to think in pragmatic terms. There is a reason I recused myself from making decisions regarding the conflict - I know that Starfleet Command is up to the task of defeating Section 31 militarily."
This seemed to calm Martin. Andross seemed as if he would speak, but Ell held up a hand to stop him. To his surprise, it worked.
"But the most important battle is the one fought in these conversations, in rooms such as this - the battle for our soul. In the end, all the Federation has are its ideals. It is the only thing that separates us from our enemies. How do you think Section 31 began? It was an unfounded acceptance that our ideals were only so important. It was the acceptance that, in the end, pragmatism must win out, that there must be some provision where our stated beliefs could be discarded in order to secure our ultimate defense.
"If we do not lead with our ideals, gentlemen, it is not a question of if Section 31 happens again, but when. Worse, if we espouse ideals only to knowingly subvert them in order to ensure our power, then we are Section 31. We are Cardassia. We are every power that has ever come to be by subjugation and deceit.
"So, when I say that all we have are our ideals, I mean they are the only things that make the United Federation of Planets worthwhile. Not our military, nor our economy or influence. Without our ideals we're just another empire quarreling needlessly for resources or territory that can just as easily be shared, driven only by our most basic of instincts with a false veneer of civilization. We would deserve to fall."
Martin didn't reply, staring comtemplatively at Ell. V'nem and Andross remained silent as well. Frei's gentle squeeze was the only immediate response.
"Now, if you can find me conclusive evidence that the Cardassian government coordinated with the Vaadwaur before my term is up, I will issue a new statement about the Bok'Nor Pact," Ell added. "Until then, I will make a statement in keeping with the Federation's ideal of peaceful cooperation."
Martin stared for a few moment's longer before giving a small nod.
"Understood, Mr. President. Ell."
"Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention," offered Ell. "I am, of course, always willing to hear what Starfleet Command has to say."
"Thank you for your time, sir," replied Martin. He stood and nodded wordlessly to the others, and the three of them made their exit. Ell immediately took a deep, shuddering breath, anxiety coursing through him. Frei carefully wrapped his arms around Ell's shoulders and kissed his temple.
"I'm proud of you," whispered Frei.