The Veneer of Peace
by Quinn Calhoun
Synopsis:
Various galactic events have increased the tensions between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Rumors abound about the recall of the Empire’s diplomatic envoys and there is even talk about secession from the Treaty of Alliance. While an ever-growing portion of the Empire’s populace supports this returning to the old ways, various members of government are opposed, fearing what would happen should the Empire lose.
A recently recalled diplomat supporting the peace has uncovered important information revealing there is more truth to the rumors then is publicly known. The Diplomat has been in contact with Starfleet Intelligence and is willing to pass along all the information he has compiled. Unfortunately, the Empire is monitoring the Diplomat’s activities and he cannot send the data via standard means.
Due to the vital nature of this information, Starfleet has approved a mission to retrieve the Diplomat and his information. A fifty-year-old Klingon freighter has been purchased from the Ferengi Alliance to enter Klingon space and head to the rendezvous point. While this is not classified as a covert mission, no Starfleet or Federation equipment of any kind should be brought onto the freighter. Alteration of the crew’s appearance is at the discretion and judgment of said crew’s Captain.
Diplomat:
Bo’tak – Served as third Lieutenant on a K’T’Inga class battle cruiser during the Dominion War. The fleet he was assigned to was an experiment in integrating Klingon and Starfleet ships and command structures. During his time there he learned an appreciation for Federation ideals and hoped to bring some of them to the Empire. In one of the finial engagements of the war Bo’tak was severely wounded and pulled from military service. However, due to his experience with other races Bo’tak was assigned to a diplomatic position where he has gained success and influence.
Freighter:
The freighter purchased from the Ferengi is more or less in tact but is certainly showing her age. A certain amount of repairs will need to be done to get the freighter operational.
Armament – Two ship-mounted disruptor cannons; one missile launcher.
Performance – Sublight 0.125c (Max); Warp 5.0 (Max).
Rendezvous Point:
Ra’Detra II, located on a major trade route, is a well-developed and wealthy Klingon colony world that has flourished as a trading spot. Ra’Detra II is located thirteen light years within Klingon space and is one of the finial major stops before entering Federation space. As such, border crossings in this region are easier due to the high number of ships traveling along the trade route and the corruption of the border patrol.
Starbase/Starship:
This mission can be conducted from either platform.
Starbase – Rendezvous point is located near starbase.
Starship – Remainder of the crew and ship are sent to repair an “errant” unmanned monitoring station near the rendezvous point. The ship has orders to remain in Federation space unless an extreme emergency arises.
Unknowns:
Klingon Intelligence – Has been monitoring Bo’tak’s movements and may intervene to prevent his extraction if they feel something suspicious is going down.
