(Yes, this is so very real-life-writes-the-plot, but as with that age-old piece about transportation security, what can you do…)
From: Ektalis Munisinios (Second Undersecretary, Ministry of State and Outlands)
To: Cerea Oliviscios (Their Divine Majesties’ Ambassador to the Viridian States)
Security: DIPLOMATIC BLUE
Subject: Formal reprimand
We have this day received a missive from the State Department of your country of residence calling for your formal reprimand over certain impolitic remarks, to wit, “We are sure the people of the Viridian States must be inspired to great confidence by their governance’s ability to find people who will obey any order, especially in these troubled times.”
Herewith is that reprimand:
Next time, be sure the galactic press has been invited to the party, not just the locals. Makes it harder to cover up.
Drinks at the Mustelid are on me next time you make it back to the capital.
– Ektalis
I am guessing that “DIPLOMATIC BLUE” level security means “transmit in cleartext, just to make sure that actual intended receiver and also everyone else everywhere reads it, and knows that we know they read it”