Posted by Gamemaster GM Kate (GMT) in Meeting the King

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Meeting the King

Posted by Gamemaster GM Kate (GMT) in Meeting the King
Once the crew had ascended the stairs, they were ushered into a large ballroom-like space. The magnificence and luxury of the palace could not be overstated. The large room had ample places to sit, stand, or relax with numerous nooks and balconies for those looking to seek some quiet conversations. Wait staff circulated the room with cultural dishes, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. Soft music filled the room along with the murmur of conversations that mingled into a static white noise filling the space containing over one hundred other Beltrans. The event had been labeled a formal dinner with the officials of Beltran. Instead, it reminded one more of a massive wedding reception. It was clear by the way the King immediately moved into the space, he expected the crew to socialize among his people at least in the short term. It could also been seen as a way to find out some of the information they sought by talking to the people of Beltran.

GM Kate

Vanessa stood beside Calvin in a small corner taking in the spectacle. “You know my mom used to read me bedtime stories about places like this,” she stated to Calvin sipping the drink in her hand.

“Yeah, and they always ended in a nightmare. Sir, I need to speak to your counselor for a moment,” Lt. Dean’s voice cut her off from any further conversation. His grip tightened on her arm noticeably so given it was his fingers on her bare skin. When Vanessa did not speak or move, Dean gave her an incentive to comply by squeezing her arm more. The added pressure made her squirm slightly. “Like now.” Pulling her arm, Vanessa stumbled off after him a few steps before getting lost in the crowd.

Vanessa Slade CNS

Calvin watched his counselor being pulled aside like she was fifteen and her father had just shown up to a secret party.

“Power is such a magnificent thing isn’t it,” the King spoke watching Vanessa and Dean disappear into the center of the party.   “You and I are so much alike.   Tell me… how much do you enjoy it.  Knowing at the snap of your fingers every order is to be obeyed.   It’s an intoxicating feeling isn’t it.  Holding someone’s life in your hand.”  Sipping his drink the King looked over at what the Federation was calling his equivalent.   The sneer adorning the King’s lips before the glass was pressed to them denoted how much the King respected Captain Calvin Marius. 

GM Kate

Calvin took a deep breath. His job was to appease this man and keep diplomacy flowing. But this king was encouraging him to say things that were not in his heart. “Holding a person’s life in an honor. It is not something to enjoy. I have seen combat and war. I have been sent on missions with little hope of survival and have ordered officers into the same situation. Nothing is more sobering than sending people off to die.” Calvin replied taking a sip of his drink. “I only hope the reward was worth the cost. A wise man knows he almost never will actually know.”

“I view power… real power… as a heavy chain. It is a burden to carry so others do not have to and if you forget how important that duty is, it will drag you down. History is littered by leaders who didn’t respect the awesome responsibility of power.” Calvin took another measured sip.

“I’m so glad, I can speak to you about this. I’m sure you understand my meaning better any anyone else.” another pause. “With your limitless power and matching wisdom.”

Captain Calvin Marius.