A new frontier...

Organizing another formal meeting the Gorn crown prince strides into the chamber the doors hissing shut behind him. Sitting upon his own seat he looks around at the delegates.

I am intrigued by this wormhole residing within Bajoran space. After long debate within the Gorn council I propose that the Gorn Hegemony will explore this new frontier on behalf of the Alpha Quadrant, thus we look for political and finacial backing from the other powers of the Alpha Quadrant in exchange for this dangerous task.

He stares around the chamber seeming serious and sincere...

In exchange for this backing we will offer you shared knowledge of what we find and future help in passing through the wormhole to this new frontier with the knowledge we have gained from our own passage.

The Gorn nods to himself as a hiss of pride emanates from his chest.

With our aid as your designated explorers we will provide protection and guidance for your own future endevours.

He places his clawed hands on his chest with a thump as if saluting to the delegates and sits back.

*The Grand Nagus stands with a slight chuckle, leaning on his staff as he speak in his nasally whine*

"Prince Xrathis, your enthuiasm is admirable, but I am not sure your 'diplomatic style' is to everyones tastes. There could be other races living through the wormhole, with the potential for what the federation refer to as first contact, in my estimations as a diplomatic envoy..........I rank you just behind the Klingons"

Waving the ferengi words away with a hand.

Excellent... your not interested in exploration or the protection you would receive.

The Crown Prince looks around the room.

Anyone else interested in a... official joint expedition?

He peers eagerly around the room.

*The Nagus some of his mirth gone speaks in a more sober tone.....*

"On the contrary Prince Xrathis, the Ferengi are very interested in exploring through this wormhole, the Ferengi Alliance would not support your original suggestion to explore the wormhole on behalf of the other races of the Alpha quadrant, but exploring with is a different matter all together"

"If you are proposing a joint mission of exploration, especially with a few of the races of the Alpha Quadrant working together, then the Ferengi Alliance would like to part fo it"

*The nagus bows his head slightly to the prince before sitting*

A romulan aide shuffles into the hall looking weary...
The Admiral Argel Tal regrets he cannot present for himself at this time he is ... in-disposed , Yet i can speak with his authority on this matter , the romulan star empire is more than willing to join an exploration into a new quadrant.

A Cardassian proud and haughty enters the the meeting, sitting himself in his designated spot he sits upright his posture serious and upright. In a sly voice like that of snake speaking to its prey he introduces himself.

I am Gul Du'Mar and i speak for the Cardassian Union in all matters, the insidious actions of the Bajorans and the false prophets they worship have begun to incite rebellion within the Union.

His dark eyes glitter as he pauses and drinks from a flask, imbibing the unknown substance he sits back and seems to relish the drink smiling at those present all the while.

The Bajoran system is now under Cardassian control, the attempts of the Bajor theology to affect and undermine the Cardassian military have failed and we will bring these treasonous ringleaders to justice. As a consequence of such actions the wormhole will be off limits to all but the Cardassian Union and its affiliates.

Peering at the delegates present he replaces the flask within his garment and raises an imperious eyebrow in challenge to any who would speak out.

Turning his head to peer at the Cardassian the Gorns eyes narrow and a low hiss emanates from its chest.

If the Hegemony was not engaged in securing the Klingon civil war from spilling over into the rest of the Alpha Quadrant then you would have more than peaceful Bajorans to deal with. I am sure their are others who will oppose your claim over the Bajorans until the Hegemony have finished with the Klingons...

The Crown Prince of the Gorn eyes flick to the others present.

Oh please... spare me your veiled threats... Crown Prince of the Gorn.

Gul Du'Mar rolls his eyes at the Gorn in an exaggerated fashion at the royal title.

We both know 'you' are intent on conquest of the Klingon Empire and are using the civil war as an excuse to launch your own invasion. Your attempts to illicit a response in the other ambassadors to defend the Bajorans have failed, I hereby state again that the Union will occupy Bajor and bring the rebel theology's leadership affecting Cardassia Prime to trial, and we shall do this without resistance from the Alpha Quadrant...

The Cardassian commander leans back in his chair his dark eyes twinkling.

The Federation Representative Stands

We make it clear and unambiguous that we recognise the independence of Bajor and their sovereign territory. Whiles we understand the concerns of the Cardassians, we believe there are alternatives to the actions they intend with regard to Bajor. We have allowed the Bajorans to travel freely in the Federation and have encountered no such rebellions or any evidence to incite rebellion. In fact we have felt Bajoran philosophy has enriched and added to Federation culture.

If there is evidence of any such treasonous activities stemming form Bajor, I am certain that the High Priest of Bajor will be receptive assist in any investigation with regard to bringing any criminals to justice. Perhaps the Cardassians might find a more lasting solution by simply speaking to the Bajorans once you establish the source of any rebellion?

Whatever the choice of the Carassians, our experience with the Bajorans we have found that although they are an enlightened and cultured people, they are also resourceful, determined and resilient. I believe if the Carassians believe any such conquest of Bajor will be without resistance, they should be prepared for disappointment.

The Federation support the Bajoran people in their independence and will assist in ensuring they remain free. It would be unwise to mistake the Federation efforts and preference for peace for an inability or reluctance to fight for what we believe and our friends.

The Federation Representative takes his seat

Staring at the Federation Diplomat with a wry smile the Cardassian commander Gul Du'Mar clears his throat and speaks.

So the mighty federation has decided to intervene. Impressive speech and one that would make a Cardassian politician green with envy. However...

Gul Du'Mar sits back on his chair in a relaxed manner and take a moment before continuing.

...the truth is your attempts will be wasted and Bajor will fall before the might of the Cardassian Union. You cannot think that siding with the Bajorans will tip the odds, it will merely delay it.

The Cardassian pulls out a ancient coin of unknown origin and looks upon it continuing.

This coin is like the plight you find yourself in by aiding Bajor, if i were to flip it we would be unsure which side it would fall, but i assure you that whichever face it fell upon the Union would be victorious and the fall of Bajor would be the death Knell of the federation..

The Guls' eyes are dark and unforgiving as the final words are spoken.

and what if that coin should land on neither but instead upon its edge Gul Du'Mar?

A Trill commander enters the room, his noble bearing and strength of personality belie his appearance of youth. Taking a seat by the side of the Federation Diplomat he gives him a nod and a winning smile and turns to face the Cardassian and he grows more somber.

I am Commander Hunt of the Trill Commonwealth Defense initiative. Gul Du'Mar the Trill Commonwealth have lived in fear of the Cardassian Unions expansionist ways for far to long and now you have gone to far. The Bajorans are a friendly and enlightened people as myself and the federation can attest, and we have learned through friendship they are not to be feared or demonized. It is only your lust for power and fear of losing total authority upon your own kind that you make these threats.

Commander Hunt of the Trill Defense Initiative leans forward slightly his voice more determined.

The Commonwealth will stand by the Federation and the Bajorans united against the shadow you cast across the quadrant for we fear you no longer. Now... Let us see how that coin of yours falls now.

The Trills eyes lock with the Cardassians...

The Federation Representative stands, smiling calmly at the Trill representative then turns to the Cardassian

We have made our position clear. I hope you will take the advice the Federation have given.

I like your analogy with the coin.

The Federation representative mutters: ...whichever face it fell upon the Union would be victorious and the fall of Bajor would be the death Knell of the Federation...

But consider this...we have no coins in the Federation? We abandoned the concept of individual wealth along time. Perhaps you failed to factor in the possibility there is in fact no coin to fall; its just a dellusion of you over-confidence? I hope we will not put that to the test, but we are prepared if needed.

The Federation Representative takes his seat

Pursing his lips and tapping the coin on the table Gul Du'Mar flips the coin high and watches as it falls... snatching it in mid air before it can land and looking upon the ambassadors arrayed against him a look of thunder flashes across his face then strangely he begins to laugh heartily and starts to applaud them.

Well played... Well played indeed! Its seems the Federation has some skill within the political arena, i am impressed.

Standing the Cardassian Commander looks upon those present a smile upon his lips.

Today has been a good day, days like this will become more fleeting i can assure you. The Cardassian Union will take your stance and words under advisement.

His words become darker and more menacing as they continue.

But be rest assured the shadow of the Union is spreading across the Alpha Quadrant and you can stand with or against us.

The Gul strides from the Meeting room leaving some of those present with a mixed sense of emotions. On the table by the Cardassian seat is the coin...

an air of grim satisfaction lingers around the diminutive , newly returned , presence of the Tal Diann Admiral
Seems i have missed much whilst dealing with internal infractions, My personal apologies again Constantine you may find no more of my kind causing or even trying to cause damage to you and yours
a flurishing bow and smile....
Seems we have have new players on the table...
looking to the rest of the hall
Can you not see Q's hand in this? an all too typical Gal? surely no cardassian would truly and so forthrighylty show his hand so early in the game, It is becoming clear to me now. I would ask those with clarity to join me and unite against this unseen but clear danger
shaking his head and chuckling
a wormhole....hahaha

*The Grand Nagus watches Argel Tal with fascination, and then speaks to the Romulan*

"I am not sure to which danger you refer, do you suggest something through the Wormhole?"

*While waiting for the Romulan to respond the Grand Nagus speaks to the rest of those in the halls*

"This danger Argel Tal speaks of may be an unknown at the moment, but something that is known is the Cardassians intent to occupy Bajor and subjugate the Bajorans"

*The Nagus pauses a moment before continuuing*

"The Ferengi Alliance will not allow a peaceful race to be occupied due to the actions of a few extremists, and will defend Bajor should an occupation attempt be made"

*The Nagus bows to the hall before sitting*

Watching from the doorway Gul Du'mar enters the room again and he is clapping mockingly and smiling.

Well done Grand Nagus... He says in a sickly sweet tone.

Seating himself in a relaxed fashion he rests his feet on the table and stops clapping and his eyes twinkle darkly.

Taking the stand of the high and mighty aren't we?

He looks intently at the Grand Nagus.

You really want to cross blades with the Union over Bajor?

He raises a questioning eyebrow.

The Federation representative stands

The Grand Nagus has many blades with him to cross...and I promise, some you will regret seeing unsheathed.

The Federation reaffirm our commitment to the defence of Bajor. Let there be no room for misunderstanding. Any trespass or aggression by the Cardassians against Bajorians will result in war with the Federation.

Choose your actions wisely Gul Du'mar

*At the appearance of Gul Du'Mar a couple of the Ferengi aides start whispering frantically to the Grand Nagus. The Nagus tries to calm them down before almost brushing them off him and standing with a semblance of dignity. The Nagus waits for the Federation representative to finish before bowing to both him and the Gul, and speaks in an authorative tone*

"The Ferengi Alliance will not stand by while a peaceful race is to be subjugated due to the actions of a few. We have no wish to 'cross blades' with anyone but we are more than prepared if required. "

* A few of the Ferengi shy away from the Nagus and glance frantically in the direction of the Gul as the Nagus speaks*

*The Nagus tone softens as he turns to the Gul*

"Gul Du'Mar, is this vengence you seek really worth bringing war to half the quadrant?"

*The Nagus remains standing awaiting a reply, while his aides all seem to be trying to put the Nagus between them and the Gul*

the diminutive romulan Admiral stands, not making much difference to sitting really
Is this to be a re-occurung theme gentlemen? Fighting like like dogs over the scraps the galaxy throws away. What is so important about this wormhole that those interested cannot simply send research teams to gather the oh so important scientific information , leaving the bajorans and their prophets in peace. It seems there is a balance in that sector which the bajorans have maintained for some time, upsetting that equilibrium could be disastrous to the entire quadrant. That said I will happily lend what aid i can keep that balance.....balanced. By any means
Smirking slightly at the cardassian , he retakes his seat

Eyebrow still raised.

Very nice, the name United federation of Planets really does suit you all.

Looking at the Grand Nagus and lowering the eyebrow.

Its not me that is threatening to go to war, i am already at war with the Bajorans, its you that are threatening to throw you lot in with the Commonwealth and the Federation and bring us all to war... for something that is entirety a Cardassian affair. Nagus... what is this to you, why be concerned?

Seeming mystified by the last sentence to the Ferengi he looks to the Federation diplomat and smiles, he picks up the coin that has been sitting on the table and spins it...

I wouldn't dream of facing three empire combined in the defense of Bajor alone, would I?

Looking at the Romulan Commander the darkness of his eyes deepen and he clasps his hand over the spinning coin as it begins to fall, its result unseen.

Come now... we dont want to give away the ending before it begins do we Commander?

The arrogant smile now plastered across his face is a knowing one.

Commander Hunt of the Trill Defense Initiative smiles.

Gul Du'Mar, as we speak my forces will be forming a defensive perimeter within the Bajor system, you trespass on Bajoran space and you will face the might of the defense initiative. I give you this warning as a courtesy so their can be no misinterpretation if you enter Bajoran space.

The look on commander hunts face is a serious one.

*The Nagus stands and bows to the representatives, he looks to the Cardassian before beginning*

"I will try to address your confusion Gul. A potential war on the border of Ferengi space obviously raised concerns for the Alliance in the first place, making this not an entirely Cardassian affair"

"Your plan to occupy Bajor will result in an ongoing dispute on the Border of Ferengi space for I imagine, a significant length of time. There will be no rest while this continues and the only way I can see of a resolution would be for Bajor to retain its independence."

*The Nagus bows to the Cardassians and Federation before sitting*