Ambassador T’Lorin sat in observers balcony as the Senior Ministers of the Chalingan Planetary Assembly, the Va’Reth Chala, met below in the main chamber. Outside the windows were lit by the occasional flashes of lightning, while the steady, heavy, patter of rain could be heard echoing through the chamber. The rainy season had started 2 months ago, but instead of transitioning into the normal spring temperatures, signaling the start of the planting season, the rains had not only continued, but intensified.

While rain was needed as part of the balance, and necessary for the growing agricultural trade, too much rain, well, was a problem. Rivers had already crested their banks, washing away any seed that had managed to get planted. Mud slides had already started in the hills, causing some villages to be completely cut off by land. And even the capital city of Varresh Taal was threatened as the growing storms were pushing waves to crest the seawall surrounding the port.

“Ambassador we have to do something,” Cmdr Hargreave said leaning in towards her, speaking in a low voice. “We could have ships here within days to help manage disaster relief.”

“Patience Commander. It is not the Federation’s way to force ourselves into places where we are not wanted. The balance here is delicate, as I’m sure you are aware. There is still opposition to the Chalinga joining the Federation. Without them reaching consensus, the treaty will not be ratified.

“When they are ready the Chalinga will ask for assistance. In the meantime, we have to be prepared for any emergency. Have you completed your assignment as I instructed?”

“Yes Ambassador. We have packed up most of the embassy, and all unnecessary personnel have already boarded transports off world. The runabout is sanding by to depart on your order.”

Ambassador T’Lorin nodded. “And the…” she pauses as the First Harmonizer raises her hand and silence falls over the chamber.

“Madam Ambassador,” her voice resonates through the chamber and up to where they sat on the balcony. “Is the Federation’s offer still valid?”

T’Lorin stands and walks to the edge of the balcony. “It is First Harominzer.”

“Then the planet of Wer Beta III formally requests assistance from the Federation in support of our current, ecological situation.”

T’Lorin bows her head towards the Ministers before turning to look at the Commander.

“Commander Hargreave. Contact Admiral Ramsay at Starbase 157. Inform him of our situation.”

“Yes Madam Ambassador,” the Commander says before he hurries out of the chambers.

As T’Lorin turns back towards the chambers the debate has already started up again between the Ministers. By waiting until the Council asked for support it was supposed to decrease the tensions between the different factions. Showing that the Federation would be a partner, and not just take over their planet. Hopefully, she had not just created a bigger divide, with the Federation flying in the save the day, only to be seen as an invader that they had invited into their house.

OOC: And so it begins!

• Big Gorilla