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“Diplomacy is as much a sport as springball. Only the stakes are higher.”
Jas tapped the intercom unit on his desk. “Tomo, get in here. And bring some dekatea.”
Kubus sniffed. “I thought we could discuss this alone.”
“Lo
“As you wish.”
Jas wanted Lo
Lo
“I have to confess, I was a little surprised by your reaction at the reception, Holza.” Kubus helped himself to a generous cup of the tea. “Your response to the Cardassians was more conservative than I had expected. Gul Kell practically offered us a trade agreement, but you were less than enthusiastic.”
“I’m merely being cautious,” Jas replied, taking a cup for himself.
“Ah, caution, is that it? And yet you were not so unadventurous before, when you boldly offered to host the alien delegation here. I did enjoy that speech you gave at the Gratitude Festival.” Kubus smiled thinly. “Why the change of heart? Are you out of your depth, Holza? Have you decided to join Verin’s reactionaries?”
“‘The fool plants where he wishes,’” quoted Lo
Kubus snorted. “A country homily, how quaint. So Jas is the wise man, then? I’m pleased to hear it. I would hate to find myself in partnership with someone who lacked the wisdom to pursue opportunity.”
Jas raised an eyebrow. “We’re partners, Oak? When did that happen?”
“When the Cardassians came, my friend. You and I are in this together.” Kubus patted the chair. “Here, on this side of the river we sit with opportunity in our laps, and over there”—he gestured to the east, in the direction of the capital—“in Ashalla, there are old men of limited vision who will waste this chance if we let them. I want to make sure you know that, Holza.”
Lo
What made the matter worse was that Kubus was right: the Cardassians did represent a unique prospect for Bajor. But then again, so did the overtures from the representatives of the United Federation of Planets, and a dozen other smaller planetary governments. Just because the Cardassians had come to Bajor, right to their doorstep, was not a valid reason to welcome them with open arms. Perhaps it was xenophobic of her to think it, but there was something about the ma
“Let’s look at this from a pragmatic point of view,” Kubus was saying. “Suppose we open the gates to an alliance between Bajor and the Cardassian Union. The possibilities for trade alone are huge. Their technology could help our people advance in leaps and bounds.” He waggled his finger at Jas. “I saw the glint in your eyes when Kell spoke about faster warp drives and better starships. And think of what else they have that we don’t. Medicines, advanced energy sources, knowledge of the greater galaxy around us. Will Bajor thank us for turning down the chance to have those things?”
“And such trade, if it took place, would be facilitated through certain cha
The other man nodded. “In association with the Jas clan’s concerns, of course. After all, if we are the men who bring this bounty to Bajor, is it not right that we take some reward from it?”
“You mean beyond improving the quality of life for our people?” Lo
Kubus shot her a look. “I won’t deny that I see this as a way to better my own lot, and that of my clan. And you should do the same, Holza.” A note of reproach entered his voice. “After all, you have responsibilities to the district of Korto and your people. I think I would be correct in saying that your current circumstances could stand to be improved, yes?”
“What are you implying?” The mood in the room cooled rapidly.
“I’m not in the business of making implications, Minister,” continued Kubus. “I prefer to deal in facts.” He put down his cup and leaned forward intently. “Let us be honest, Holza. Your position in the Chamber of Ministers is not what it once was. Verin and his cronies have done what they can to take advantage of your recent misfortunes and diminish the stature of your office.”
Lo
Kubus continued. “I know you nurse the hope to one day stand for election to Verin’s post, but for now that goal moves further away from you with each passing moment.” He paused, taking a breath. “But if you were to take a leading place in assembling an agreement with the Cardassians, the political capital you would gain would strengthen your position. You could rise to the front rank again.”
“My only interest is to do what is right for Bajor,” Jas replied carefully. “My rank, and Verin’s view of it, are secondary to that.”
“And how will you do that if you are insolvent and powerless, Holza? Remember, I know about your meeting in Batal. I know about the problems that you face.”
For the briefest of instants, Lo
Kubus watched her and suppressed a smirk. “You haven’t even told your adjutant? Perhaps you were trying to protect her from any future consequences?”
“Sir,” Lo
“I’m talking about Golana,” said Kubus. “The bold colonial endeavor funded by your clan, far from home and far from stable.”
Jas met her gaze. “There have been some serious issues at the colony, Tomo,” he explained. “The situation there has…deteriorated.”