Tactical fruit basket

An example of a tactical fruit basket

A diplomatic statement invented by Julius M Razak of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra, a tactical fruit basket consists of a commercially-produced wicker basket filled with an assortment of fruits and cheeses in response to a diplomatic overture from a nation generally considered not being worth listening to. It was first used against the Empire of the Eternal Dawn when that nation, after a long history of overtly insulting Scolopendran and Triumvirate interests, suddenly changed course and attempted to recover rapport between the two empires. The method used, however, appeared overly pompous to Triumvirate leaders and so the fruit basket was deployed.

The tactical fruit basket is the diplomatic equivalent of saying "that's nice, but we're very much not interested" in a snide and condenscending tone. It is generally considered (and intended) to be highly rude as it is no more than a clear statement of not wishing further contact beyond the transfer of a tastefully-done fruit basket.

PseudoEmperor Razak was unofficially reprimanded for this action, but the tactical fruit basket has been reused from time to time when diplomatic situations demanded it.