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

Posted by Captain Calvin Marius (Captain) in Meeting the King

Posted by Gamemaster GM Kate (GMT) in Meeting the King
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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
Surra observed the scene unfolding before them, their senses attuned to the nuances of the atmosphere. The opulence of the palace contrasted sharply with the tension simmering beneath the surface. As the crew mingled with the Beltrans, Surra couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that seemed to permeate the air.

Vanessa’s abrupt departure with Lt. Dean caught Surra’s attention and she narrowed her eyes. Surra couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern for Vanessa, but she knew Vanessa was capable of handling herself and Dean would be a fool to do anything to her with so many around. Still, Surra made a mental note to check in with her later.

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.”

“Do you really believe that? On Beltran my people,” he waved a hand about all the festivity and joyous people, “know the cost of rewards. It is my power as King to use my power in all ways to my benefit. When I am benefited then so are my people.”

Calvin took a deep cleansing breath. This king was foul. He would have to recommend that the Federation reconsider the agreements in place, but until then, he had a duty to perform.

“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.

When the King turned his attention to Captain Marius, Surra observed the exchange with a mixture of apprehension and admiration. The captain’s response was measured and diplomatic, yet firm in its conviction. Surra couldn’t help but feel a surge of respect for their captain, who navigated the delicate dance of diplomacy with grace and composure.

Still concerned for Vanessa, she couldn’t see her as she was lost in the crowd, “Captain, I am going to go see where Dean took Vanessa. I will be right back.” She walked away quickly in the direction she saw them go.

Lieutenant Almikaz
(CSO)

Calvin scanned the crowd as if he had X-Ray vision and could locate her magically. He made eye contact and nodded in the affirmative. “Keep me informed.”

The King smiled contently hearing the lavish praised doted on him by the Captain. Reaching over he clapped Calvin on the shoulder with a hand just large enough to feel alien but in a gesture that appeared to be full of friendship. “You and I will talk politics but your people,” he paused finishing off his drink, “your people,” he glanced down at the watch on his wrist, “your people should have just enough time to take a tour of our science installations. Would you like them to also see our military base resources? I could arrange that or we could wait until next month. I have lodgings set up for you and your crew so it is up to you.”

King of Beltran

“That is generous.” Calvin did not like the idea of splitting his team up however he disliked the idea of this negotiation taking a month before it even started. “I am sure they would interested in getting to see your facilities. Maybe we could take the time while they are gone to get to know what is needed to ensure your great nation has what it needs to join the Federation.”

Calvin Marius CO

“Excellent. I will make the necessary preparations. By your leave,” he bowed with a flourish to Calvin as if he were the king.

GM Kate

Calvin pursed his lips in a thin lined smile. With a nod he responded. “Gracious your Grace, but we all know it is your word that is law.”

Marius

“At least you are the smartest officer Starfleet had sent.” King Casper Artemis of Beltran gave Calvin a condescending look but smiled as if they were best friends. Moving to the center of the room, Casper stepped up on a circular dias that slowly rose up several feet in the room. The platform turned transparent as it separated from the marble flooring. It was an ostentatious way to gain the attention of the room as the king seemed to float above them.

“My people,” the king’s voice bellowed through the room. It echoed as if the King was using a microphone so that no one was unable to hear his message no matter where they were in the room. “Our guests are enamored with our culture and people. The Captain,” he gestured to Calvin which caused the room to make a path as they say in the military, “has begged me for a chance to see more of our glorious world. I have decided to permit him this honor. General Trell will escort those that want to see our defenses and Della Dharma will escort those that want to see our science and technology. These two groups will go tonight to see our world and all the wonders it will bring to the Federation.” The room broke into murmurs as the partying Beltran’s whispered among themselves sending scurried looks to the Federation officers.

GM Kate

Pompus @sshat, Calvin thought to himself as he forced a thin lipped smile. I hope these guys aren’t telepathic, watching the King’s theatrics hiding any change for his lips to be read behind the glass he was nursing. This assignment was grating on Calvin’s nerves. The King was almost delusional in his self-worship. His verbiage was meant to spark a reaction which Calvin did not give him. Instead, he barely nodded a reply. While it did not seem pertinent before, Calvin now understood why he had been sent to close this deal. The first Captain attempting to finalize the treaty with the Beltrans had been the Captain of a science vessel. The second Captain had been a diplomat. The Federation had learned that this mission needed a Captain who could close a deal in the shortest amount of time. That is why they sent in a Captain that was a former Marine because Marines got the job done or so the saying went.

Calvin Marius CO