[Sol System, Bolarus Executive Runabout]
�You currently have the lead sir.� Veni Gostrom, an old Federation
political adviser, a veteran of dozens of campaigns across dozens of systems
slid his finger down the transparent holographic star chart. He pressed on
one of the holographic stars bringing up a diagram of the Andorian system
�you current have a sustainable lead in all the core worlds, however, your
lead in the Andorian and Vulcan systems have been steadily declining ever
since Morgana Kanryth announced her candidacy. Right now in the Andorian
system the margin between you and Kanryth is a mere six percent. Opinion
polls on Vulcan are harder to decipher- right now you have a nine point edge
but as the past has shown us that margin does not guarantee that you will
carry the Vulcan system.�
Barat frowned and set his glass of wine down hard. He reached up and
scratched the base of his bald skull before looking at his primary campaign
advisor �who would have thought she would have entered the race?� He sighed
�what does that upstart think she can accomplish? What the people need is a
president who will preserve the peace, not another war monger. The people
have openly rejected Bedford and Malone- we need to find a way to attach
them to Kanryth.�
Veni studied the display for a moment considering what Barat said, after a
minute of thought he shook his head slightly �no, it will be hard to do.
Kanryth has been openly critical of Bedford and Malone for quite some time.
I think it would be best to focus on the fact that you have no affiliation
to Starfleet. A strong leader who will focus more on keeping the peace
through diplomacy, this should be the message of our campaign. There is
another thing- Kaznali�s campaign is very weak. If we can convince him to
drop out and receive his support, we will solidify our campaign with a
margin that Kanryth will unlikely be able to counter.�
�Do you think that is possible?� Barat asked, a bit skeptical of the
suggestion �Kaznali has always been a prideful and stubborn man. Do you
think he can be convinced to drop out and lend us his support?�
�If we give him a position in a new administration it�s possible.� Veni sat
down across from Barat �actually, he has wanted chairmanship of the Security
Council for quite some time. You can always offer him the appointment to
that position in turn for his support.�
�It sounds like a good idea, but what if Aniri gets wind of that?� Barat
shifted uncomfortably at the thought of drawing Aniri�s ire. The current
Councilor of Andoria and head of the Security Council�s political clout in
the Andorian system and beyond was significant.
�She doesn�t need to know. I can go to Zakdorn and speak to Kaznali in
person and present the proposal to him.� Veni smiled �he is pragmatic man.
By now I�m sure he realizes he cannot win. Joining our team will ensure
that he saves face and receives a good position after the election is over.�
�Good, but keep it discreet. I don�t want to deal with Aniri if she learns
of this deal with Kaznali.� Barat picked up his glass of wine and sipped.
�There�s one last thing we need to discuss. Kanryth has heavy support from
Starfleet. If you hope to compete with her in terms of security you will
need some support of your own. I have a list of Starfleet Admiral�s who
have not supported any candidate as of yet. Admiral Jack Drayson of
Starfleet Command. Vice Admiral Talladega Ashton of Starfleet Command.
Rear Admiral CJ Talar of Starfleet Command. Admiral Cerywyn, Second Fleet
Commander and head of Beta Quadrant operations. Admiral Jolias Enor, First
Fleet Commander and head of Alpha Quadrant operations. There are several
others but these five are the most the important. We should start trying to
court their support.�
�Do you think any of them will support us? After all, Kanryth is
Starfleet.�
�Not according to my sources. Kanryth has had several disagreements with
the Admiralty over the years. There is no guarantee they will support her.
We should at least try. Any support from Starfleet will lessen her impact
there.� Veni said.
�Mmm, do what you feel is best Veni.� Barat smiled, his pudgy cheeks
puffing out �I�m going to catch a quick nap. This entire Kanryth issue is
driving me mad. If she had stayed out of the race we would be worrying
about too much support.� The Bolian president shook his head �oh well,
let�s just finish strong.�
[End]
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