Chapter III: Reunited

Apr 21, 2019 6:30 am

Good, I apologize for the miscommunication", the captain's voice is immediately calm again when he speaks. "Are there any other issues we need to discuss at the moment?"

Apr 21, 2019 7:06 am

"Not at the moment. We'll be in touch later. Cassano out."

Cass severs the connection and looks at Alex. "Well, now that I've dug another hole and successfully climbed back out of it, I guess I'll check in with Thompson to see how he's planning to try and screw things up.

"Mezron, hail the Dove."

Apr 21, 2019 7:14 am

The view screen lights up with the image of Thompson sitting in the captain's chair on a bridge very similar to the Potential's. A blond man who appears to be his first officer is sitting next to him.
Thompson begins speaking the second the connection is established. "Commander Cassano, I have to say, these parasites are rather impolite. I've been trying to introduce myself since our arrival in this system but they keep rejecting my hails. And now we see that they do accept yours. I don't suppose you've told them not to talk to us, have you?"

Apr 21, 2019 7:24 am

"I had not even been aware that you were trying to contact the Four without telling me, Captain, until the captain of the Four told me about it. He said that he elected not to accept your communication without talking to me first, since we've already established some rapport. I have to say that I was a little surprised that you did such a thing, Captain Thompson. You're aware that our relationship with these people is fragile. The slightest wrong word could shatter all the progress we've made so far."

Apr 21, 2019 7:30 am

"You're underestimating my experience, Junior. I know how to deal with tense diplomatic situations. And besides, I was just going to introduce myself, nothing else. Since I am going to lead these negotiations from now on, with your help of course, I felt like it was necessary."

Apr 21, 2019 7:33 am

Cass takes a deep breath. "Captain, I'm going to continue to lead the negotiations, just as Spacefleet has stipulated. I thought I made that clear when we met earlier."

Apr 21, 2019 7:39 am

While she's talking to Captain Thompson, Cass looks at his first officer, trying to get a sense of how he is responding to the situation.

Apr 21, 2019 7:57 am

"Yes, yes, you know what I mean. Anyway, we looked over your plans for the exchange. They look acceptable so once the parasites are ready for the exchange, we can proceed as you proposed."

Apr 21, 2019 7:59 am