To: Kermit | Subj: Security Concern

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Security Level 1 - Open


TO CMDR Kermit
CC AMB Perim
FROM AMB Aravia
SUBJ Security Concern

Commander Kermit,

A good day to you. I am Ambassador Aravia of the Dominion. I wish you a pleasant day and jubilant congratulations on your position as commander of Deep Space Thirteen. It has come to my attention that a rather specific malfunction in Romulan gear allows for the creation of a makeshift shiv that can be utilized as a weapon. I have attached the related security report to this message.

As the ambassador of the Dominion, this unfortunate oversight does raise concerns for me. You can imagine the political fallout that would occur should this situation be repeated. This is compounded with the unfortunate factoid that Wing Commander Miral seems less than keen to address my concerns on the matter. I trust the situation can be resolved amicably?

Simultaneously, the Dominion is more than understanding of security concerns. Though it pains me to restrict the Jem'Hadar in such a way, I have sent a communique to the Founders Wisdom barring the Jem'Hadar from shrouding while on the station. Alas, the matter is also a cultural concern, as shrouding is a tradition among the Jem'Hadar. If a room could be provided and properly designated for shrouding on the station, I suspect that would satiate the Jem'Hadar.

Thank you for your time. I eagerly await a response.

//Signed//
Aravia
Dominion Ambassador

//ATTACHMENT// SecurityReport.AAR
4 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO Ambassador Aravia
CC Ambassador Perim; CMDR Sakkhet;
FROM CMDR Kermit

SUBJ RE: Security Concern
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Ambassador, It's a pleasure to meet you.

Unfortunately, if I were to try to ban every item that can be turned into a weapon or used as a weapon, we would have no furniture or equipment remaining, including the PADD I am using to compose this reply. As I would very much like to continue composing this reply, I'm afraid I cannot resolve your concern with that course of action. Perhaps you could contact someone on New Romulus who handles the manufacture of their equipment to correct the flaw at the production level? By the by, I should warn you, our combadges are rather pointy as well. I don't recommend sitting on one, even by accident.

As for the Jem'Hadar, I agree that their shrouding on the station is a grave concern. I am not, however, insensitive to the cultural issue. To that end, I have developed a plan that I believe benefits everyone. My Operations crews will be instructed to divert all incoming Jem'Hadar visitors to the cargo transporters in Cargo Bay 16. This room has been designed a Safe Shrouding Space, in which the Jem'Hadar are free to shroud themselves to their hearts' content. They must deshroud before proceeding elsewhere in the station. If any are found shrouded or deshrouding in other parts of the station, they will be detained and escorted to Cargo Bay 16 to prevent future issues.

I, too, am glad we were able to resolve these issues so amicably.


//SIGNED//
Commander James Kermit
Acting Captain, DS13
8 Likes
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Security Level 3 - Restricted


TO <DS13/Operations>; <DS13/Security>;
CC CMDR Sakkhet
FROM CMDR Kermit

SUBJ FWD: Security Concern
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ALCON:

Effective immediately and until further notice, all points of entry are to divert Jem'Hadar visitors to Cargo Bay 16. Physical entry via other points should be refused. Transporter beams should be redirected.

Cargo Bay 16 is to be fully secured. Any sensitive cargo is to be relocated immediately. A full set of security screens is to be installed at the Cargo Bay 16 doorway, to include a Type-4 Anti-Changeling Phased Particle Sensor, a weapon detector, and a Level-6 life signs scanner. In short, I want to be absolutely certain that no one is getting through that door without us knowing about it.

Security should maintain a two-man team at the Cargo Bay 16 entrance at all times to ensure compliance and that there is no tampering that would allow circumventing these measures. Further, In the event that a Jem'Hadar or other Dominion agent is discovered shrouded or deshrouding anywhere else on the station, Security is authorized and required to immediately detain the person in question and escort them back to Cargo Bay 16 or off the station.


//SIGNED//
Commander James Kermit
Acting Captain, DS13
7 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO CMDR Kermit
CC N/A
FROM Consul Bozgid

SUBJ Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Commander Kermit,

I recently had an interesting conversation with our friend from the Dominion, Ambassador Aravia, in regards to a certain security incident with one of the Jem'hadar aboard DS13. I was shown a message from a certain Commander Kermit which made light of the situation and deftly sidestepped the actual issues at hand. Allow me first to praise you on your use of sarcasm; very Tellarite of you. Having said that, there's a time and a place, and I don't believe this was it. The real issue is not the abundance of potential improvised weapons aboard the station, but the lack of trust between frankly all of us, but especially between the Romulans and the Dominion. I'm doing what I can to facilitate dialogue to begin to mend that divide, but in the meantime I'd appreciate it if Starfleet could refrain from pouring fuel on the fire.

My second and more immediate concern is the situation in Cargo Bay 16. As I understand it you set it aside as a safe place for the Jem'hadar to go to shroud and generally exist without harassment. But the Ambassador has been receiving reports from the Jem'hadar stationed here that it's more like an animal pen than a hangout spot. Now, I like my claims like I like my meals: substantiated. So naturally I dropped by Cargo Bay 16 to see it for myself, and ultimately I'd have to agree with the Ambassador's assessment. Are you aware that Jem'hadar are being packed in there like sardines without sufficient facilities for all of them? And if so, what are you doing about it? If we need to provide them with more space, then please see to it that this happens.

Please get back to me as soon as you can with an action plan. I don't want our allies to believe we are treating them unfairly, and the best way to do that is to not treat them unfairly.


//SIGNED//
Lev bim Bozgid
Federation Consul
6 Likes
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Security Level 3 - Restricted


TO Consul Bozgid
CC CAPT Varley
FROM CMDR Kermit

SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Consul,

With all due respect, the Jem'Hadar already patently abused the trust they were showed when they were allowed on the station in the first place. There is no legitimate peaceful reason to render oneself invisible while taking shore leave on a friendly installation. Suddenly appearing from cloak beside socializing officers of supposedly allied factions cannot be interpreted in any way other than an intentional provocation. A startled officer acting in self defense under those circumstances is, in my opinion, totally justified in the use of a makeshift weapon. The Vorta's claim that shrouding is a cultural tradition that must be respected is an outrageously transparent attempt to use our ideals against us.

As to the conditions in Cargo Bay 16, I must note that DS13 is under no requirement to accept visitors, and certainly under no requirement to provide the Dominion with facilities or amenities of any kind. The extra security measures at the Cargo Bay 16 entryway are required for the safety and privacy of everyone aboard. The Jem'Hadar are not confined in any way and are free to return to their own vessel if they are unhappy with the wait time or conditions in the cargo bay. In fact, I would argue that their creation of the overcrowding situation and then continued flooding into it despite knowing perfectly well what conditions are present there, is likely an attempt to provoke exactly the sort of concern you're expressing to me.

We absolutely will not be allocating any more space or resources to the Jem'Hadar. If they are unhappy with the conditions during the wait to gain entry to DS13, I suggest they come up with a more reasonable schedule for shore leave. If they are unhappy with the extra security measures, I suggest they work on rebuilding the trust they've trampled on. In short, Mr. Bozgid, when they stop acting like children, we will stop treating them as such.


//SIGNED//
Commander James Kermit
Acting XO, Deep Space 13
11 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO AMB Aravia
CC N/A
FROM Consul Bozgid

SUBJ Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Ambassador Aravia,

I've been working towards addressing the concerns you recently expressed to me, but alas, I find myself at an impasse. I've heard the station XOs side of the story, and now I have some concerns of my own. I'll be the first to admit that despite my research efforts I am still largely ignorant of many Dominion customs, especially related to the Jem'hadar. Because of this, I took everything you told me at face value. At this point it is up to you whether that is my error.

My first question is whether shrouding is actually a Jem'hadar cultural custom. I am a diplomat, and as part of both my job and my personal mission I strive to recognize and respect traditions, even ones that I don't fully understand or agree with. And to be honest I agree with Starfleet's need to prevent shrouding unrestricted in the station. It is a security and privacy concern, and it is frightening. So if I am to help foster understanding between our people, I need to know if shrouding is a legitimate cultural practice or if you're seeking an excuse to allow behavior that, in our culture, is not appropriate.

My second question is to what actual extent the overcrowding in Cargo Bay 16 is due to Starfleet management and how much is due to Dominion management. From what I have been told the Jem'hadar are free to go about the station or return to their ships at their pleasure - or, if I am to understand the Jem'hadar correctly, at your orders. I find it difficult to believe that the Jem'hadar would voluntarily subject themselves to anything besides combat, really, but especially unpleasant overcrowding conditions.

I truly want to help you, as much as I want to help the Federation and the Romulans, and so far it seems that everyone has felt that their trust has been betrayed. So in the interest of fairness and understanding, I believe we need to start over with honesty from all sides.



//SIGNED//
Lev bim Bozgid
Federation Consul
4 Likes
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Stardate 96742.1
Security Level 2 - Confidential


TO Consul Bozgid; CMDR Kermit
CC -
FROM CAPT Varley, L.
SUBJ Re: Re: Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Consul Bozgid, I'm Captain Varley. Apparently no one told you that I'm commanding officer of Deep Space 13, and all queries of this nature should be directed to me. Ever since I assumed command I have been working on a peaceable and productive resolution to the Cargo Bay 16 situation, and I would be happy to update you on my progress in person at your earliest convenience. I imagine there's a lot we can do for eachother to mop up this mess. In the meanwhile, I urge you to stop acting on outdated information.

Commander Kermit, do not assume to speak on my behalf at this time. While you're at it, do not type another word. Come directly to my office. Do not pass Go, do not collect 200 dollars.


//SIGNED//
Captain Lauren Varley
Commanding Officer, Deep Space 13
38th Fleet 'Argo'
5 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO Consul Bozgid
CC --
FROM AMB Aravia
SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation

Lev,

I must admit, the change in tone is a concern. Throughout our meeting, you and I had been in total agreement and this sudden distrust is very worrying and unexpected.

Did you find something in my inspection request that I should know about? It is not uncommon for Jem'Hadar to frequent Event Horizon while on the station. Would you prefer I bar them from visiting because the Federation wants to segregate the population by government? Is this standard policy now?

I am committed to the cohesion of the alliance, just as was the case when we discussed. I've offered my aid to you in the past and will continue to do so again and again; however, this distrust troubles me especially when we discussed the distrust the Romulans have within the cohesiveness.

On the question of shrouding as a cultural aspect, I do not think that any answer I give would be sufficient or appropriate. After all, I do not ask you about human culture. However, I can see why this would be a matter for concern. To solve this, allow me to invite you to dinner at a restaurant of your choosing. I shall be bringing a guest that is more than capable of answering all of your questions for you. I would not want you leaving with a singular doubt in your mind about any of my requested policies on the Jem'Hadar.

I want to think that our previous conversation was quite pleasant, and I would be remiss as to not ensure that this cordiality continues. Shall I make arrangements?

//Signed//
Aravia
Dominion Ambassador
3 Likes
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Security Level 3 - Restricted


TO CMDR Kermit
CC N/A
FROM Consul Bozgid

SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Commander,

As I've been informed you are no longer the station commander, I understand further official discussion on this topic is moot. However, I'd be happy to forego professional pretenses and have a private debate with you on your attitude regarding our guests and allies.



//SIGNED//
Lev bim Bozgid
Federation Consul
2 Likes
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Security Level 2 - Confidential


TO CAPT Varley
CC N/A
FROM Consul Bozgid

SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Captain Varley,

No, apparently no one did. I am pleased to hear you have a plan for this mess, especially since the good Commander's plan was essentially to hand-wave the Dominion away and then treat them like children. Looking forward to figuring this out in person.



//SIGNED//
Lev bim Bozgid
Federation Consul
2 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO AMB Aravia
CC N/A
FROM Consul Bozgid

SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation
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Ambassador Aravia,

I try to inherently trust everyone I interact with. The Federation is built upon the principles of trust and honesty, and I would be remiss in my duties and my values if I approached any interaction with unfamiliar or even unfriendly people with the presupposition that they are acting in bad faith. As a mediator between two sides in this case, this is obviously made much easier when I'm provided with the same set of facts from both sides. It's when those facts conflict, as they do now, that I'm forced to reevaluate them, but it would be unfair of me to only question one side. So if it makes you feel any better, I have some choice words for the now ex-station commander, and I'll be subjecting the current one to much the same tone. I'm merely seeking correct information, but I am a Tellarite after all.

I would be happy to meet over a meal, both to learn more about your culture and that of the Jem'hadar, as well as to get to the bottom of this disagreement. The Event Horizon will be fine, as everyone should feel welcome there. And they replicate a good hot dog.



//SIGNED//
Lev bim Bozgid
Federation Consul
2 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open


TO Consul Bozgid
CC --
FROM AMB Aravia
SUBJ RE: Cargo Bay 16 Situation

Lev,

Event Horizon is a decent place, if a bit too crowded at times. That being said, if it is your preference, then Event Horizon it shall be. I shall make all haste to attend when I am able.

//Signed//
Aravia
Dominion Ambassador
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Security Level 3 - Restricted


TO FIRST Talak'Fives
CC --
FROM AMB Aravia
SUBJ An Emergent Matter

Fives,

My office - as soon as you're able.

//Signed//
Aravia
Dominion Ambassador
1 Like