Julien nodded “Quite right, quite right Admiral. Well I congratulate you then, this is a major step in the evolution of a species. In fact we have a prime directive to never interfere with the evolution of a species before they have achieved interstellar flight, so we’re not messing with this evolution. If we are the first alien species who made contact with you, than this is quite an auspicious moment and I’m happy we are the ones who have the honour. I’m happy to tell you more of the Federation, what would you like to know?”

• Julien King, CO

Following Julien’s lead Riley took a seat as well. He sensed nothing threatening from their hosts yet and they seemed more than happy to answer David’s question. Their height made them imposing, but their body language was non-threatening. He knew he was well protected by more suspicious minds than his own, but for now he only felt curious. He wondered what their first question about the Federation would be. Cultural? Technological? Historical? Julien’s well posed question would allow some insight into what their new acquaintances valued.

Dekker, CNS

The Admiral actually frowned when the CO mentioned the prime directive. Dekker would have sensed some irritation or even annoyance. However, when the CO said he was willing to take questions, Clogtho looked pleased. Dekker would have sensed some relief from him.

“This Federation you speak of, is it ruled by a king or emperor?” Clogtho asked. Whilst Dekker did not sense duplicity, he did sense that the Admiral was warming up to the more important questions.

GM

Julien shook his head. “Neither. It is ruled by a council of representatives of each member species. They have been elected to represent their world on the council and they in turn elect the council’s President for a few years, until the next President is elected. This democratic system was designed to make sure that all have an equal chance and vote in the Federation.” he said.

• Julien King, CO
  OOC: I hope I said that correctly. It’s as much as I can remember from the series, but don’t press me on the specifics. I think they have the same voting system as Germany with percentage and seat distribution, so not simple majority vote as it is in the UK or the US

Marishka was pleased to have the questions directed towards Julien. It gave her more of a chance to observe their hosts and the room they were in. The warrior in her wondered at their physical strengths and weaknesses.

• Marishka, CIO

OOC: Thought it would be easier to describe rather than used a long speech … :)

IC:

Clogtho responded with a description of the system of government in Pallas. They were very similar to the system in Qo’nos, with aristocratic families and a council. The council was made up of members of the aristocracy and the council was led by a Governor (Chancellor in the Klingon’s case). The Governor was a life-long position and was chosen by a kind of election by the aristocratic families. Unlike the Klingons, there was a minimum of elaborate rites. Rather there were simple ceremonies to elevate one member of the council to the Governorship.

GM

David slowly made his way to stand over next to Riley. Leaning over he whispered in the Counselors ear.

“Are you sensing anything?” Naturally his lover would sense the concern in his voice even at a whisper. But the telepath senses would also detect anxiousness and worry.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley HAD sensed the the Admiral’s irritation over Julien’s description of the Prime Directive, but it hadn’t been enough to cause alarm. It was natural that a species whose technology was more rudimentary than their own would have hoped for some benefit from the encounter. Many species before this one had found disappointment on learning of the Federation’s first law.

He shook his head at David, indicating he wasn’t, as yet, worried. If it weren’t for the Science Chief’s own anxiety, Riley would feel perfectly at ease in the situation. Only David’s vague unease kept the Counselor on his guard.

Dekker, CNS

OOC: Sorry. Did not have time to post an emergency LOA.

IC:

As the Admiral was describing the Pallas system governance, the CNS could sense that Clogtho was trying to impress. There was no duplicity, only that he was somehow desperate.

GM

OOC: No worries, hope it was nothing bad.
IC:

Julien listened attentively and nodded. “Very interesting. We have a species in the Federation called Klingons who have a rather similar political system, though not exactly the same of course. Do you think your Governor would like to get to know us?” Julien asked. He couldn’t really invite himself and his team to the planet to see more of it, but he was really curious… what did they produce, how did their flora and fauna look, what were their technological and cultural achievements… the more they were able to find out, the easier it would be for a UFP diplomat to pick up diplomatic connections and maybe even initialize trade agreements.

• Julien King, CO