Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Meeting the Galactic Union face to face…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Meeting the Galactic Union face to face…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Meeting the Galactic Union face to face…when the past does not match the present or the future
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The ride over to the flagship of the Union felt more like arriving to a small moon than a ship. The round shape helped the imagination see it as thus instead of a ship; however the metallic exterior reminded anyone on the Atlantis crew it was an alien ship. The exterior was perfectly smooth much like the hull of the Beacon of light. The Marines had learned however that it was not the case. As the shuttle from the Atlantis neared the Union ship, a portion of the hull slid back seamlessly.

Instantly the shuttle was no longer in the dark void of space but a brightly lit hangar. The hangar was the size of multiple football fields with a variety of ships berthed it in. Most of them had the same bullet like shape however, there were some that were very different.

Exiting the shuttle, Kelly and her officers would see two men waiting for them. The men were polar opposites of each other.

“Captain Bordeaux,” one of the men spoke as he approached the group. He was tall, handsome, and had an easy charm to his posture and tone. If the crew had met this man in any other situation, the would be instantly at ease in his presence. He exuded the warm, causal like essence of a friend. He was also very easy on the eyes with a tall, athletic frame, and deep blue eyes. “I am Chancellor Pellan Vell of the Galactic Union. Welcome to our ship.” The other man followed up directly behind him. “This is our Supreme Commanding General Adar Vyce.”

The second man was the exact opposite of Pellan Vell. Adar Vyce in a word exuded intimidation. He was tall with pale skin and a long scar running across his face from one eye brow to the opposite side of his jaw. His gaze was as intense as his movements bringing him along side Pellan Vell. Adar Vyce was a humanoid but not from the same race as Pellan Vell as evidenced by the shock of white hair and intense yellow eyes. “Greetings,” Vyce replied in a firm, commanding one word reply.

“And the rest of you are? I hoped to meet you all in a far less formal setting before we leave this hangar. It can be overwhelming for those meeting the Galactic Union for the first time.” Pellan’s tone was friendly and comforting however it was very clear how he got the role of Chancellor. The man seemed to be a born diplomat.

Kelly made a gesture to her crew to introduce themselves.

Pellan Vell and Adar Vyce

Rinker might hold the title chief medical officer but he was also a trained counselor. Each of the two men from the Galactic Union were idealized versions of their chosen career. Pellan Vell was charming, charismatic, and highly intelligent. The man seemed to know instinctively what to say and do to foster an atmosphere of relaxed emotions. This did not mean Rinker felt relaxed but he was looking at the man with a critical eye. The other man was chiseled out of iron. Vyce’s face showed battle scars and his gait along with his demeanor gave little doubt that the man could probably kill anyone with minimal effort. What surprised him was the complete and utter disregard for Jessa in the greeting. For weeks, she had lamented and pined on about what she would do when the fleet arrived. Now both Jessa and Pellan were suspiciously quiet.

“I am Commander Heathcliff Rinker. Chief medical officer and chief of psychiatry.” He remembered how panicked Jessa was about the Union knowing he was what they called a mind seer. Now Rinker was interested to see the reaction.

Heathcliff Rinker CMO

“Svaagat Commander Heathcliff Rinker.” Pellan extended his hand.

Neither man impressed Cara overly much. Vyce was a bully, you could easily tell, and he liked the scaring that made him seem frightening to others. Given what they knew about Galatic nanites and medicine, he didn’t have to live with the scar. It was an easy bet that he chose to keep it. Or on the other side of that, whatever caused it was beyond their medicine. That mean that someone, somewhere was stronger than Vyce. She had a feeling that Vyce would be much more straight forward to deal with. Vell on the other hand was devious. He was obviously a skilled diplomat and manipulator. They were two sides of the same coin. She was also quite disappointed that they didn’t recognize Jessa at all. No attempt to give her value of any kind. That said a lot for their society. One that didn’t value children or those who worked for them. A poor beginning.

She smirked at this attempt to make them bluster and bluff. People intimidated by their fleet? Well, she supposed some would be. This wasn’t the first fleet to attempt to invade the Federation, and they wouldn’t be the last. Only Gravel would know that look on her face meant she found his early game childish. Others would find it welcoming and relaxed. “I am Lt. Cara Mardusk, Chief Counselor.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Que Garwhil,” Jessa said taking a step forward after directing the comment to Cara. She hoped her pronunciation was enough for Cara to understand. Speaking languages was far easier than learning to read and write them. One of the students in her class continually called her Gharwi’ puq which Jessa found out meant diplomat kid. She hoped her terrible pronunciation of “no diplomat” in Klingon was at least close enough for Cara to understand. She had spent no time with Cara and the woman did not know that counselors and psychologists were forbidden in the Galactic Union.

Cara had a great poker face so her confusion at Jessa’s attempt to speak Klingon, and not quite getting it right, never appeared on her face. Cara was familiar with Klingon, and could conversate decently, but she was by no means an expert. Nor could she decipher words from Jessa’s accent. Cara was quick though, and realized Jessa was trying to convey something. But why?

“She is a counselor but in the sense of a diplomat, not a mind seer.” Jessa attempted to keep a steady tone but it was clear she was very nervous as she spoke to Vell and Adar. The mention of mind seer made Adar bristle slightly before he regained control. It was just a flash across his face before his countenance became rigid as before. Vell seemed less shocked by the revelation. His easy smile never faltered on his face.

How interesting. Cara didn’t miss the flash across Adar’s face. Mind seer. So counseling was some sort of magician then. Oh that was bad for them. Cara could totally play into the role. It would be so very easy. Gravel might lock her up for it though. Oh well, it would be fun. Cara nodded to Jessa and smiled at the two men.

“Guardian Novar. This is pahala namaskaar,” Vell said in a gentle tone addressing Jessa for the first time.

“That means First Greeting,” Jessa immediately translated. “It is what we say when we meet new people.” She was translating for the Altanteans behalf and trying to keep all the adults on their best behavior. From her experience, adults tended to act far more rash with strangers than kids did.

“Thank you Guardian Novar,” Pellan replied again but seemed to ignore her as he extended his hand to Cara. “Svaagat Lieutenant Cara Mardusk.” HIs manners were impeccable. He gripped her hand with a firm handshake. “I am pleased to meet you.”

Cara shook his hand and smiled up at him. “Bail ó Dhia ort,” Cara said in a language that Jessa had certainly never heard. Gravel certainly had, and most likely Peter had at some point in his life. Iceland was close to Ireland after all. She was pleasant, warm, eager to make a good impression. At least, that’s what everyone around her thought. “What Guardian Novar says is true, but in our language it is a position much more than for politics that my duties require of me. It is close enough. I look forward ta learnin’ about our similarities.”

“I thought we were using Galactic Basic,” Jessa snapped more out anxious that angry. It was so hard to control these adults. They had no idea how precarious the situation was and how the smallest thing could exacerbate it. The tension coming off her was palpable.

Cara nodded and gave Jessa a small reassuring smile. Poor kid was trying to stop the destruction of the universe, but she couldn’t. No one had a right to put that kind of responsibility on a child. It made her hate these people with a depth that most couldn’t fathom. Because of that, she refrained from reminding Jessa that although Galactic Basic was smiliar to Federation Standard, it wasn’t the same. Besides she’s testing the waters, even if they were exactly alike. Jessa didn’t need to worry about that. There would be no controlling the crew of the Atlantis because they would not pretend nor actually ever bow down to the Galactic Union.

Pellan softened far more looking at Jessa. “Jessa meeting people is about learning just as the Lieutenant mentioned.” He nodded to Cara. His tone was very paternal and the first time showing a hint at the relationship Jessa expounded on. “I am not sure I could repeat it,” he let out a chuckle but “Bail eo die ort”. His pronunciation was poor but passible enough for a native speaker to get the gist of his response.

Cara gave an approving nod, “Very close.”

He nodded again at Cara before turning his gaze to Jessa. “It’s going to be okay. We are all friends here.” This comment had the double meaning. For Jessa, Pellan knew she would relax some and take his comment at face value. For the adult, they would see it as more sarcastic. No one was friends here. The group of officers that were standing on his flight deck were on edge. He understood why. If there was essentially an invasion force off his port bow with one to one hundred odds, he would be a little tense too. His friends comment held also a hint or power. In this moment, the Union had all of it, and yet Pellan knew there was no point in stating the obvious.

Cara didn’t even look to see if Jessa bought it. How she could after what that woman had done to her? Cara knew, Jessa was brainwashed, in laymen’s terms. She wanted to point that out to Pellan. That the woman entrusted with Jessa, tried to sacrifice her in order to control the Atlantis crew, and started a fight that resulted in their people’s death. Cara was in sickbay when Kelly and Jessa had been brought in. She’d helped as she could. If that was their definition of ‘friendship’ then she’d rather be back with Donovan O’Hara.

After the exchange of pleasantries, he waited for the next officer to introduce themselves.

Pellan Vell and Jessa Novar

Peter put himself just to the side so he could have enough time to monitor whoever greeted them. He’d decided his approach almost immediately. He stood straight, relaxed every muscle, loosened his stance and smoothed his face. He adopted a friendly expression as he stepped forward and smiled widely and put his hand out first. He made sure to look directly down as he flashed his teeth. His smile seemed natural and genuine “Lieutenant Commander Peter Sigmundsson, feel free to call me Peter, sir” He pitched his voice a little higher, sounding almost enthusiastic “I’m the ship’s Intelligence officer; as such, I got the honour of spending some time with Guardian Novar to learn a little about your culture.” The show he was putting on was a favourite of his, his voice, demeanour, face, and attitude all marked him as an easy-going, excitable man. In stark contrast to his physical appearance as a muscle-bound giant with clear calluses on his hands and knuckles, his age, and position on the ship.

CIO

“Peter,” Pellan repeated his name before extending his hand. “Svaagat. I am Pellan.” The Chancellor followed the man’s lead and used his first name freely as if they were old friends. Shaking his hand, Pellan could not help but notice the size of their security officer. “We have a saying about people of your size back home. We call them corn cluster fed. It is not an insult I assure you but reference to someone that is healthy, large and well-fed.” Pellan let out a chuckle that had no malice or sarcasm to it. Peter was a huge man who probably was one of the largest men in the group aside from the Orion security officer. “So what did Guardian Novar share about us. Nothing bad I hope.” The last sentence was probing.

Peter smiled at the statement about corn cluster fed “Oh be not afeared, there are similar sayings on my homeworld” he’d heard similar sayings from the North Americans he’d known from the farmbelt. Before he could answer, Jessa interjected.

“There is nothing bad about us to share,” Jessa stated however the tone did not convey her glassy eyed optimism about the theological regime she used when talking about the Galactic Union. “We are a friendly race. The universe knows this and so do they.”

Pellan and Jessa

Peter chuckled at Jessa’s reaction “She told me about Pyathogor lights, a game she played as a child. She also likes to quote what I presume to be your scriptures, Without hope and heroes, life is spent in malaise. She also taught me a song” He cleared his throat and hummed the song she performed on the shuttle ride what seemed like so long ago, before everything went down the drain. After humming a few bars he quietly sang a small part “What and I? Who am I? Ask yourself what will I be?” He paused and smiled again “I come from a small Island in the norhtern hemisphere of my homeworld, we place great stock on the power of song, the tradition itself and the faith songs can inspire” Peter didn’t really have a plan beyond using their sense of superiority and absolute dogmatic faith in their religion underestimate him, perhaps even consider him a potential asset to be flipped.

CIO

Pellan was genuinely surprised at what Peter was recalling. How far did Jessa slip from the Union’s grasp in the short month she was away from them. If the Elders were present he would have some inclination as to Jessa’s loyalty but they were not. Pellan did not buy the blather that they were sharing the glory of the Union as Jessa stated. In fact if she had said nothing, Pellan would have some hope of not arriving at the conclusion he did. The Elders were gone or they would be standing here. Pulling himself from his inner thoughts, Pellan replied, “songs are a defining aspect of a culture. That literature and art can speak volumes about those that create them. While it is obvious my companion Adar and I are not from the same planet, I hail from a world entirely of islands and archipelagos. It will be interesting to talk about our homeworlds in the future.”

Pellan Vell

Cara nodded, “Aye, it is quite similar for me. I also come from a small island in the northern hemisphere of my planet. Music is sacred ta us, as well. A major component of our culture.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“I look forward to a cultural exchange of this. Maybe we could have a concert of sorts. Bring the world of Federation music to the galaxies of the Galactic Union,” Pellan stated.

Cara was about to the blow the whole thing, just because she wanted to see how Pellan and Adar reacted. It would get them in total trouble, and really she was better than that. But the urge to cause mischief was strongly building in her. Luckily the Captain spoke up before Cara gave in to that instinct. Curse her red hair. She suppressed a laugh. If only they knew the superstitions behind Irish Red Hair. She’d be burned at the stake.

Kelly felt a flash of anger at the Chancellor. He was extremely talented as a diplomat. He was poised, calm, charming, and very exacting with his words. He did not select a word without intention. Again he chose to point out the size of the fleet versus the size of the Atlantis but in a subtle enough way that they would be the aggressors to acknowledge it openly. “Maybe,” Kelly let her words hang in the space without anything following.

Kelly Bordeaux and Pellan Vell.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

OOC: I will keep this thread open for more discussions and for anyone else that wants to join but for now I will move into another one where you get to meet your Union counterpart. ~ Kate

IC: Almost as soon as the initial greetings ended, a large group of people entered the hangar. They ranged in aged from small children to old adults. None of them appeared to be upset or anxious. They stood quietly in rows. After a few minutes a group stepped forward matching the number of Atlantean officers who arrived on the Galactic Union ship. Neither Pellan or Adar had requested their arrival but the Union was a well run machine. In the month long journey everything had been planned for every occasion. This was not the first time the Union arrived in a new galaxy but each time was unique.

Whether or not the Federation officers were expecting it, the group that arrived and was standing behind Pellan and Vyce came in a myriad of forms. All were humanoid but the varied skin tones and hair colors indicated they were probably not from a single planet. If they were not standing on an alien craft, the people in the room would be reminiscent of those milling about Starfleet command from a numerous home worlds. The individuals clothing was also interesting. Several of them appeared to be wearing what could be construed as civvies while others wore what could be inferred as a uniform. The expression of the individuals were also specific to each person. Some wore easy smiles while others had more reserved expressions creating a spectrum between Pellan Vell’s easy smile and charm and Adar Vyce’s reserved, stern expression.

“Now that the pleasantries have commenced, it is time to get more official.” Pellan’s tone took on a more formal tone. “Typically when we arrive in a new sector of space we do not arrive en masse like this however the distance we traveled required it. I will forgo the version of what Jessa stated happened to the Elders for now. This is not the time or place however,” he held up a hand clearly to stop Jessa from protesting in the moment, “it should not stop us from First Greetings. Behind me I have assembled representatives from our culture that match your chosen professions. I am quite certain your Captian will be expecting you all to report back your opinions about my crew. I can assure you we come in peace although your first introduction to us was not peaceful.”

His statement gave insights without being obvious. Either Jessa had been in contact with Pellan for weeks or someone else had. “Behind the row of officers is a group of our citizens attached to these officers. Wives, children, spouses, parents,” he rattled off close relations, “are all willing to go to your ship to ensure the safety of your crew. The last time our crew met yours it resulted in an unfortunate turn of events. We are not all like the Elders you met. These officers are here to answer your questions about us. Just like you, we have traveled with our families which are on board the ship so the choice is yours if you chose to have our officers answer your question on your ship or ours.”

Kelly mulled over the proposal. Unfortunately there was only real answer to keep her crew safe. Hostage diplomacy was an ancient form of peace keeping for millennia on Earth. It was not something the Federation ever encouraged but right now her job was to keep her people safe. “We welcomed the Union aboard our ship once without violence and in friendship. We are not opposed to do this again.”

Kelly Bordeaux.