Brennan, upon having changed into a uniform that was clean enough to say that she respected the man they were going to meet but not clean enough to make it look as if they weren’t actively involved in the rescue efforts, waited up for Annan. She hadn’t met their diplomatic officer face to face as of yet, but was eager to do so before they faced the official who had thus far been more of a hindrance to their coordination efforts than anything else. 

“Apologies for the wait, Doctor.” said Annan. “Shall we beam down?”

“Yes.”, Brennan nodded. “Let’s get going.”

”Aye, Chief. Beam us down.” said Annan. 

Arriving at the city below them, Annan was greeted by the face of the minister of health and safety.

The Minister of Health and Safety, Minister Tarek Malouf, was a tall man with a lean build, perhaps in his mid-fifties. His graying hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes were framed by thin, wire-rimmed glasses. He wore a dark blue suit, impeccably tailored, with a crisp white shirt and a subtly patterned tie that hinted at a personality more dynamic than his formal attire might suggest. His face was lined with the stress of recent events, but there was a determined set to his jaw and a glint of resolve in his eyes.

“Greetings, Minister. I am Lieutenant Christopher Annan and with me is Doctor Alcyone Brennan,” Annan introduced.

Minister Malauf extended a hand in greeting, first to Annan and then to Brennan. His handshake was firm, his palm cool and dry.

“Lieutenant Annan, Doctor Brennan, welcome,” he said in a measured tone. “Thank you for coming. Please, follow me to my office.”

He turned and led the way through the bustling government building. The halls were filled with the sounds of more or less urgent conversations and the hurried footsteps of officials and staff, all engaged in the ongoing crisis management. As they walked, Malauf provided a brief update.

“I’m afraid our coordination efforts have been less than ideal,” he admitted, glancing back at them. “There’s been a lot of confusion and miscommunication. I’m hoping we can rectify that today.”

“Indeed, that is what we also hope for.” said Annan taking charge of the talking.

They reached a set of double doors guarded by two uniformed security officers. With a nod from the minister, the officers opened the doors to reveal a spacious, well-lit office. He gestured for Annan and Brennan to sit in the comfortable chairs positioned in front of the desk, and promptly took his seat behind it.

“Now,” he said, his tone serious, “let’s discuss how we can work together more effectively to handle this crisis. What can I do to facilitate better cooperation between our teams?”

”First of all, thank you for agreeing to meet us and for addressing the issue directly.“ said Annan. 

“Open and clear communication from this point will greatly help this cause concerning the health and safety of your people. I’ll leave it to Dr. Brennan to explain the details and situation, she is our Chief Medical Officer, and your point liaison on this case. Working with Dr. Brennan and I would be greatly appreciate.“ said Annan, then nodding to Brennan to continue on.

“The way I see it…”, Brennan started “…it seems that the injured aren’t being triaged in the best way possible. While there are different teams on the site of the accident, and these teams are coordinating, the patients recovered are sent to different treatment centres depending on what team tends to them, not the post possible option for them.”

”Would you have any idea, on why this is Minister? I am not accusing anyone of foul play, but the safety and heath of your people are also our concern. We have trained medical staff and a sickbay that can sufficiently handle the patients after all.“ said Annan.

It seemed a lot like the one thing the minster took out of Annan’s words of encouragement was “foul play”, and his mood began to visibly sour.

“As an example, the Valkyrie’s sickbay can certainly keep up with your university clinics. But from what the incoming data of my staff shows, those who would need this kind of medical care are sent to your available facilities, while we are given the ‘light’ injuries.”

She let that thought hang between them for a few moments as she waited for a response, and suddenly realised that this might not at all the fault of failed coordination efforts. Perhaps this wasn’t even coincidental… 

“Minister Malauf, we are more than happy to help you accommodate your patients and citizens and give them the best care possible. You have my word on that.” said Annan.

He hesitated for a moment, then he relented. Or rather, he decided it was strategically wise to divulge some additional information on the matter. 

“We are not used to relying on Starfleet.”, he stated coolly. “It might be more commonplace in your homeworlds, but here, we like to sort matters on our own.”

“That is understandable, Minister but we will provide support to your people as well.” said Annan.

He listened, and inclined his head. “Let me discuss it. I will get back to you.”

“We await your response.“ said Annan. While that was not the best outcome possible, he had to let it go.

Brennan glanced at Annan, and then looked back at the minister. She absolutely did not accept this to be the end of the discussion, but was happy to give it a small break. She’d appreciate speaking to Annan under four eyes anyway. “I understand. We will wait in your lobby.”

The minister raised a hand, trying a dismissive wave of the same, but was cut off before he can do so. 

“Since this is currently both our, and your, highest priority.”

Standing up, Annan shook the hands of the minister and left with Brennan to the lobby to discuss some things.