Jez smiled at Alex when he said, "I appreciate the offer, but we have a set plan in place for such moments. In this case, my plans include Thor escorting and piloting them, if needed, and linking up with the Valkyries. Once in their hands, the kids will be in the safest place they could possibly be. I hadn't figured Mike into the equation. Sorry about that. Mike seemed like a good guy. He cares a great deal about you."
Jez was relieved that Alex said that he thought that Mike seemed like a good guy; he didn’t say Mike was a lazy bum, or that he had reservations about Mike. Jez was convinced that if Mike and Alex spent some time together, they would become fast friends
“Oh, no, I wasn’t expecting you to include Mike. I’m pretty sure he is probably on the Star Base's Holodeck running the Battle of Brunanburh, or playing Blackjack in the Casino." Said Jez.
The Captain began giving orders to the Bridge Crew, and Alex said to Jez, "I need to go. Duty calls. Be careful Jez; this could get sticky."
Jez could hear something in the Captain’s voice. She couldn't place, it was just different somehow. "Mala, I want security teams ready to go if we need to send teams aboard these Cardassian ships."
“Aye, Captain, right away.” Replied Jez.
Jez was a bit surprised by the Captain's mood. No, that wasn’t it; it wasn’t his mood, it was his boat language. He seemed rigid, as opposed to his more casual presence, at least to Jez, but Jez knew that the Captain was the epitome of British stoicism. The British military officers were known for hiding strong emotions and staying calm during hard times. Keeping a stiff upper lip and all that. No, this was something else.
Maybe the Captain had a nasty run-in with the Cardassians at some point. Maybe he is facing demons from his past?
Jez grabbed Alex by the arm and said, “You be careful as well. I'll hold you to buying me a drink when this is all over.” Smiled Jez.
Jez knew how dangerous the Cardassians could be; anyone who had dealt with them knew they could be arrogant, Authoritarian, Manipulative, and controlling. Militaristic, Nationalistic, Xenophobic, Suspicious, Paranoid, Ruthless, vengeful, and the list was endless.
Jez quickly searched the computer and told it to create a Psychological profile of the Cardassians; within moments, the information flashed on her screen
[ Security Psychological Brief: Cardassian Behavioral Profile
Classification: Security Personnel Use
Species: Cardassian
Subject: General Psychological and Behavioral Assessment
Purpose: Threat Assessment and Security Planning
Executive Assessment
Cardassians should not be considered inherently hostile. However, personnel interacting with Cardassian individuals should be aware of cultural and psychological characteristics that may affect threat assessment, interrogation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Cardassian behavior is frequently influenced by pride, hierarchy, loyalty, control, suspicion, and sensitivity to perceived disrespect. These characteristics can make Cardassian subjects difficult to read and potentially dangerous when they believe their authority, reputation, family, or national interests are threatened.
Primary Security Concerns
Authoritarian Behavior:
Cardassians accustomed to hierarchical institutions may expect obedience and respond negatively when their authority is challenged. Attempts to establish control over a situation should be anticipated.
Suspicion and Paranoia:
Cardassians may assume that unfamiliar individuals have concealed motives. Security personnel should expect questioning, observation, and attempts to determine their intentions before cooperation is offered.
Manipulation:
Cardassians may use conversation, negotiation, favors, threats, or carefully controlled information to influence personnel. Officers should avoid providing unnecessary information during interviews or negotiations.
Pride and Sensitivity to Humiliation:
Public embarrassment can significantly escalate a Cardassian confrontation. Personnel should avoid unnecessary insults, ridicule, or challenges to personal competence.
Vindictiveness:
Some Cardassians may retain grievances for extended periods. A subject who appears to have accepted a resolution may nevertheless continue to regard the incident as unresolved.
Nationalism:
Cardassian subjects may place national or institutional interests above individual concerns. Appeals based solely on personal welfare may therefore have limited effectiveness.
Emotional Repression:
Visible emotional responses may not accurately indicate the subject's internal state. A calm Cardassian should not automatically be considered a cooperative or non-threatening Cardassian.
Resistance to Admitting Failure:
When questioned about misconduct or mistakes, some Cardassians may deny responsibility, redirect blame, or construct alternative explanations rather than acknowledge failure.
Control-Seeking:
Cardassians may attempt to control the physical environment, flow of information, conversation, or chain of command. Loss of control may increase hostility or defensive behavior.
Political Opportunism:
Cardassian subjects may rapidly reassess their position when circumstances change. Apparent loyalty should therefore be evaluated through demonstrated behavior rather than verbal assurances.
Security Indicators
Personnel should pay particular attention when a Cardassian:
Becomes unusually quiet following an insult or challenge.
Begins asking detailed questions about security procedures.
Attempts to identify personnel with decision-making authority.
Requests information unrelated to the stated purpose of an encounter.
Repeatedly references personal, family, or national honor.
Attempts to establish a superior-subordinate relationship.
Becomes increasingly concerned with controlling the conversation.
Avoids directly answering questions while providing extensive explanations.
Displays excessive interest in security personnel, facilities, or procedures.
Suddenly changes from confrontational behavior to excessive politeness.
Attempts to exploit disagreements between members of a security team.
Demonstrates unusual interest in an officer's personal weaknesses or relationships.
Recommended Security Protocol
When dealing with a potentially hostile Cardassian, personnel should:
Remain professional and emotionally controlled.
Avoid unnecessary humiliation or personal insults.
Maintain clear authority and chain of command.
Provide only information necessary for the situation.
Verify claims independently whenever possible.
Avoid allowing the subject to isolate individual security personnel.
Monitor behavioral changes rather than relying solely on verbal statements.
Document threats, grievances, and stated motivations.
Do not assume apparent cooperation indicates genuine compliance.
Use de-escalation whenever possible, while maintaining appropriate security precautions.
Threat Assessment
Baseline Threat: Moderate
Potential Threat When Provoked: High
Primary Risk: Manipulation, political coercion, retaliation, intelligence gathering, and escalation following perceived humiliation or loss of authority.
Final Assessment
The principal security concern presented by Cardassian psychology is not uncontrolled aggression but calculated behavior combined with intense emotional investment in authority, reputation, and loyalty.
A Cardassian may remain outwardly calm while reassessing the situation, identifying vulnerabilities, and determining the most advantageous response.
Security personnel should therefore remember:
Do not confuse composure with cooperation, politeness with trust, or silence with acceptance.
Cardassian subjects should be treated with respect, monitored carefully, and assessed according to demonstrated behavior rather than cultural stereotypes alone.]
Jez forwarded the information to her Officers in the Security Complex, with orders that everyone review it immediately.
[ Sovak: The Captain wants security teams ready to go if we need to send teams aboard the Cardassian ships. I want Security to read the above Data immediately.] Jez hit Send.
Jez turned her attention to Commander Velaul. “Commander, might I suggest everyone review the information I have retrieved on the Cardassians? I have ordered my Officers to review the information I have prepared, as a just in case. I could broadcast it over the communications system while we are en route?” Suggest Jez.
== Tag Talion, Brooks and Velaul.==
Jez was relieved that Alex said that he thought that Mike seemed like a good guy; he didn’t say Mike was a lazy bum, or that he had reservations about Mike. Jez was convinced that if Mike and Alex spent some time together, they would become fast friends
“Oh, no, I wasn’t expecting you to include Mike. I’m pretty sure he is probably on the Star Base's Holodeck running the Battle of Brunanburh, or playing Blackjack in the Casino." Said Jez.
The Captain began giving orders to the Bridge Crew, and Alex said to Jez, "I need to go. Duty calls. Be careful Jez; this could get sticky."
Jez could hear something in the Captain’s voice. She couldn't place, it was just different somehow. "Mala, I want security teams ready to go if we need to send teams aboard these Cardassian ships."
“Aye, Captain, right away.” Replied Jez.
Jez was a bit surprised by the Captain's mood. No, that wasn’t it; it wasn’t his mood, it was his boat language. He seemed rigid, as opposed to his more casual presence, at least to Jez, but Jez knew that the Captain was the epitome of British stoicism. The British military officers were known for hiding strong emotions and staying calm during hard times. Keeping a stiff upper lip and all that. No, this was something else.
Maybe the Captain had a nasty run-in with the Cardassians at some point. Maybe he is facing demons from his past?
Jez grabbed Alex by the arm and said, “You be careful as well. I'll hold you to buying me a drink when this is all over.” Smiled Jez.
Jez knew how dangerous the Cardassians could be; anyone who had dealt with them knew they could be arrogant, Authoritarian, Manipulative, and controlling. Militaristic, Nationalistic, Xenophobic, Suspicious, Paranoid, Ruthless, vengeful, and the list was endless.
Jez quickly searched the computer and told it to create a Psychological profile of the Cardassians; within moments, the information flashed on her screen
[ Security Psychological Brief: Cardassian Behavioral Profile
Classification: Security Personnel Use
Species: Cardassian
Subject: General Psychological and Behavioral Assessment
Purpose: Threat Assessment and Security Planning
Executive Assessment
Cardassians should not be considered inherently hostile. However, personnel interacting with Cardassian individuals should be aware of cultural and psychological characteristics that may affect threat assessment, interrogation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Cardassian behavior is frequently influenced by pride, hierarchy, loyalty, control, suspicion, and sensitivity to perceived disrespect. These characteristics can make Cardassian subjects difficult to read and potentially dangerous when they believe their authority, reputation, family, or national interests are threatened.
Primary Security Concerns
Authoritarian Behavior:
Cardassians accustomed to hierarchical institutions may expect obedience and respond negatively when their authority is challenged. Attempts to establish control over a situation should be anticipated.
Suspicion and Paranoia:
Cardassians may assume that unfamiliar individuals have concealed motives. Security personnel should expect questioning, observation, and attempts to determine their intentions before cooperation is offered.
Manipulation:
Cardassians may use conversation, negotiation, favors, threats, or carefully controlled information to influence personnel. Officers should avoid providing unnecessary information during interviews or negotiations.
Pride and Sensitivity to Humiliation:
Public embarrassment can significantly escalate a Cardassian confrontation. Personnel should avoid unnecessary insults, ridicule, or challenges to personal competence.
Vindictiveness:
Some Cardassians may retain grievances for extended periods. A subject who appears to have accepted a resolution may nevertheless continue to regard the incident as unresolved.
Nationalism:
Cardassian subjects may place national or institutional interests above individual concerns. Appeals based solely on personal welfare may therefore have limited effectiveness.
Emotional Repression:
Visible emotional responses may not accurately indicate the subject's internal state. A calm Cardassian should not automatically be considered a cooperative or non-threatening Cardassian.
Resistance to Admitting Failure:
When questioned about misconduct or mistakes, some Cardassians may deny responsibility, redirect blame, or construct alternative explanations rather than acknowledge failure.
Control-Seeking:
Cardassians may attempt to control the physical environment, flow of information, conversation, or chain of command. Loss of control may increase hostility or defensive behavior.
Political Opportunism:
Cardassian subjects may rapidly reassess their position when circumstances change. Apparent loyalty should therefore be evaluated through demonstrated behavior rather than verbal assurances.
Security Indicators
Personnel should pay particular attention when a Cardassian:
Becomes unusually quiet following an insult or challenge.
Begins asking detailed questions about security procedures.
Attempts to identify personnel with decision-making authority.
Requests information unrelated to the stated purpose of an encounter.
Repeatedly references personal, family, or national honor.
Attempts to establish a superior-subordinate relationship.
Becomes increasingly concerned with controlling the conversation.
Avoids directly answering questions while providing extensive explanations.
Displays excessive interest in security personnel, facilities, or procedures.
Suddenly changes from confrontational behavior to excessive politeness.
Attempts to exploit disagreements between members of a security team.
Demonstrates unusual interest in an officer's personal weaknesses or relationships.
Recommended Security Protocol
When dealing with a potentially hostile Cardassian, personnel should:
Remain professional and emotionally controlled.
Avoid unnecessary humiliation or personal insults.
Maintain clear authority and chain of command.
Provide only information necessary for the situation.
Verify claims independently whenever possible.
Avoid allowing the subject to isolate individual security personnel.
Monitor behavioral changes rather than relying solely on verbal statements.
Document threats, grievances, and stated motivations.
Do not assume apparent cooperation indicates genuine compliance.
Use de-escalation whenever possible, while maintaining appropriate security precautions.
Threat Assessment
Baseline Threat: Moderate
Potential Threat When Provoked: High
Primary Risk: Manipulation, political coercion, retaliation, intelligence gathering, and escalation following perceived humiliation or loss of authority.
Final Assessment
The principal security concern presented by Cardassian psychology is not uncontrolled aggression but calculated behavior combined with intense emotional investment in authority, reputation, and loyalty.
A Cardassian may remain outwardly calm while reassessing the situation, identifying vulnerabilities, and determining the most advantageous response.
Security personnel should therefore remember:
Do not confuse composure with cooperation, politeness with trust, or silence with acceptance.
Cardassian subjects should be treated with respect, monitored carefully, and assessed according to demonstrated behavior rather than cultural stereotypes alone.]
Jez forwarded the information to her Officers in the Security Complex, with orders that everyone review it immediately.
[ Sovak: The Captain wants security teams ready to go if we need to send teams aboard the Cardassian ships. I want Security to read the above Data immediately.] Jez hit Send.
Jez turned her attention to Commander Velaul. “Commander, might I suggest everyone review the information I have retrieved on the Cardassians? I have ordered my Officers to review the information I have prepared, as a just in case. I could broadcast it over the communications system while we are en route?” Suggest Jez.
== Tag Talion, Brooks and Velaul.==