Chapter III: Reunited

Mezron arrives back on the bridge after a short time. She gives Cass an unsure look and quickly after her, Captain Thompson arrives on the bridge as well. You notice he is much shorter than you had initially assumed from the video communication. Cass is a good bit taller than him. He walks up to her. "Cassano, eh? I know you're not a real captain but even you should know that that's no way to greet a fellow commanding officer, especially not if he's been sent to help dig you out of the trouble you got yourself into. Sending someone who's just barely not an Ensign anymore."
He throws a side glance at Mezron who has moved back to the helm and is now watching the conversation from there.
"Well, anyway, let's go to your ready room and have this talk. Don't see why it couldn't have been done on comm, that's how we captains usually do it."
Without waiting for anyone to respond he walks over to the door of the ready room.

Thompson sits down at the desk. He looks at Moira and says: "A black tea, milk and lots of sugar, please. Would you be so kind."
Then he turns back to Cass. "They've asked for this diplomat to join us, Adakys Kot, but he won't be able to be here for a few more days. We're supposed to hold the fort and get those captives back that you've been negotiating for. Hao wants us to find out as much information about these parasites' culture and goals as possible before Kot arrives. If possible, we're supposed to get a peek at their home base. However, we're not supposed to go in or talk to their queen, yet."
He puts on the same fake smile that he already gave you over comm earlier. "And of course, you'll stay in command of this operation, just as Hao wants. I'm just here as an adviser." The way he emphasizes the last word clearly indicates that that's not his true intentions. "Wouldn't want you to mess up something big because you're not ready."

He leans back in his chair. "As the first officer of the Moscow, I've been directly involved with first contact to three species when they had developed Warp capability. After I became captain, I have also been present during the negotiations with the Naplicans on Taurus-7 and my crew has played a central role in negotiating the peace between the Bohrans and the Sheraks." He builds and maintains eye contact, trying to get Cass to break it off first. "Now with that out of the way, what are your experiences regarding these matters, Junior?"

Cass, you notice a small alert on your datapad. You have received the information from Darcy

Thompson doesn't even look at you or say anything. He just accepts the tea and takes a sip, keeping his eyes focused on Cass.

"Yes, it sounds as if you've been performing well under pressure. But what I gather from this speech of yours is that you have no previous experience with this kind of work and have just been going by instinct. I'm sure you understand that that won't go well forever." He takes another sip of his tea, then says: "Oh, how rude of me. I know I'm your superior officer so you must have felt intimidated but please, feel free to have a drink as well. I don't mind."
His eyes shift to Alex for a moment and she can easily tell from this quick glance that he does not appreciate her presence. He does not say anything to her, however, instead turning back to Cass. "You want to do a prisoner exchange. I've already talked to my chief of security and we agree that it would be best to perform it in the Potential's hangar bay. My engineers are standing by and are ready to set up some security measures on my command."

He turns towards Alex. He's done his best to avoid acknowledging her but he can't ignore her anymore. "Ah yes, Lieutenant Lloyd. I've heard all about your diplomatic history. What are you offering our enemies this time? A star system? T'vok has been reassigned, unfortunately, but trust me, my current engineer is at least on the same level." He turns back to Cass. "My first advice for this situation: Get rid of Grey. She used to be a promising diplomat but now she's a liability more than anything else."
He finishes his tea and sets it down. "You have Darcy working for you? Helena Darcy? Used to be on my ship. Damn good engineer but a bit... difficult to work with, wouldn't you agree? Well, I'd be delighted to hear what your people have come up with."

Thompson stays quiet for a moment, then he says: "Well, send your exchange plan over to my ship. I'll have my people look it over. If this is so important to you, I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate you." He gives you another fake smile as he gets up from the chair. "Give my regards to Darcy. And my condolences for her father. I'm a friend of the family. And don't worry about having me escorted to the transporter room. I'll find the way myself."
He turns to leave unless any of you have anything else to say

Thompson leaves the ready room and looks around the bridge until locking eyes with Darcy for a moment and giving her his trademark fake smile. "Cass Darcy, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm sure we'll be working together well."
Darcy doesn't reply and Thompson turns to leave the bridge without acknowledging anyone else there. A few minutes later, you receive confirmation that he has beamed back to the Dove.