Posted by Civilian Sinayda Nyx (Governor’s Aid) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes

Posted by Civilian Sinayda Nyx (Governor’s Aid) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The small home was set back and built under a natural overhang. No power sources were there to be scanned for from orbit, and the only heat came from the fireplace, well shielded from the windows. As the storm dumped rain and lighting and thunder broke the sky, the small group of people inside gathered around the single table in the single room. Four people looked down at the table from each side, and one stood alone at the head of the table.

“We can’t just walk in. They will never -” said one voice before being cut off.

“Yes we can! They are expecting a delegation and have agreed -” said a second before being interrupted.

“Oh, right. Because Cardassians are so good at following agreements. Did you not see what happened at Shal Lor?!”

“I’m from Shal Lor, you sod! Of course I saw! Why do you think I am here?”

The arguing and interrupting and talking over went on for some time before the lone figure at the head of the table simply said “Enough… enough… calm yourselves. Before any discussion can begin, we are still waiting on your associate, are we not?” the figure asked the one from Shal Lor.

“Yes… sir. She will be here soon, I’m sure. It is the weather that has delayed her, I’m certain.”

Hyrushi, Maquis Negotiator

The door opened a moment later, slamming the interior wall as the wind took it from the visitors hand. For a moment, she was outlined against the storm, lightening casting her silhouette in the entry. Nyx stepped into the room and forced the door closed behind her. Cognac colored eyes surveyed the inhabitants of the room, stopping on Zend.

“Hyrushi, this is Nyx, my associate.” Some of the former bravado in his voice was replaced with delight. He knew the effect his partner had on certain people, himself included.

The woman came into the room, closer to the fire and the table they’d gathered around. As she did, she withdrew a dark cloth from the pocket of her vest and dabbed at the rain on her face, making sure to never block her sightline. “I apologize for my lateness, there was an obstacle that needed to be dealt with before I approached the building.” Joining the figures at the table, she came fully into the firelight. “You are Hyrushi then?” Staring hard at the man at the head of the table, Nyx ran the dark cloth over her bald head before returning it to her pocket.

—Nyx

If there was a word to describe the black-eyed Asian man at that moment, it would have been… nonplussed. Even as the door slammed at the people around the table started, Kenzo B’tren Hyrushi didn’t flinch. He simply looked at the woman unblinking as she entered and, when she spoke, said “I am, Ms. Nyx. Welcome. Tea is on, if you care for some.” in a calm and professional manner and then gestured to the fireplace.

Hyrushi, Maquis Negotiator

The barest of smiles appeared at one corner of her mouth. “Tea? How…civilized.” She walked to the fireplace, grabbed a cup and helped herself to the brew. The storm had been cold and she was soaking wet. Looking back toward those gathered, she spoke. “Don’t let me interrupt. I’m sure someone was speaking their thoughts on the best way to gain access to the target.”

—Nyx

A small smile played across the negotiators face as he looked at her. “Indeed, everyone was speaking their thoughts… simultaneously, no less. It’s been very productive.” The man then turned to look at the rest of the group. “Now, then… as we are all here…” and he unrolled a large piece of paper.

On it was a crudely drawn but actually fairly detailed plan of the settlement of Lorataka, a place known by the locals for it’s hot springs and access to one of the largest aquifers on the planet. As such, it had a great deal of importance strategically… and the Cardassians held it in a tight grip. “Lorataka. The Cardassians have agreed to talks to allow the water treatment plant to send water to the local villages and towns. A need that is dire, as planting season will be here in a few weeks. A delegation will be going to speak with the local garrison Commander to negotiate the terms. Does anyone have any questions so far?” and he looked pointedly at Nyx.

Hyrushi, Negotiator

She refilled her cup and walked to the table where two men moved out of her way without being asked. Standing straight on the right side of the table around the corner from Hyrushi, Nyx took in the map. “Are they simply going through the motions or is there a single chance in Cketnai that they will consider allowing it to happen?” They all knew the chances were unlikely, but if it could happen, their best bet was to give it a chance before sabotaging the water treatment plant.

—Nyx

Hyrushi smiled a rueful smile as his eyes roamed the map. “Oh, I am sure they will allow it. I plan on offering their Commander the true identity of one of our own in exchange. The one the Cardassians call ‘Smoke’… the one that has caused them such grief. I am sure that once they have that information, the water will flow almost certainly.” he said flatly without taking his eyes off of the map.

The others stood dumbfounded for long moments, refusing to believe what their own ears had just told them their negotiator said: that he was going to sell out one of the Maquis leaders for water.

Hyrushi, Negotiator

Her movements were slight and didn’t call any attention, but the cup moved to her left hand as she put fingertips on a hidden blade in the high waistband of her trousers. She would slit Hyrushi’s throat if need be. “So…you say you are a negotiator, but those appear to be the words of a traitor. What say you?” The men around the table made guttural noises of agreement.

Sindaya stared into the eyes of the man only inches from her, awaiting an answer.

—Nyx

Kenzo looked directly at her, all-black eyes shining in the fire light… and smiled warmly. “I have been called worse… often by better people than you, Ms. Nyx. And the way I conduct these negotiations isn’t up for discussion. So take your blade and cut me down if you must, but that doesn’t get our people water or the crops that come from it.” and he looked at her a moment before continuing.

Looking back at the map he said “Now this is how we will ensure we get what we need. Before I reveal the information to the Commander, Ms. Nyx will have entered the water plant next to the garrison commander’s office.” He looked at Nyx and said “You will be with me as an advisor, and when I mention the typhoon season you will excuse yourself to use the restroom. You will exit the office here -” and he pointed at a side of the building, “- scale this fence between the two facilities and enter the plant here.” and he pointed to a door. “It has a six-digit scrolling number lock and biometric scanner. You can try to crack it if you like…” and he reached into a pocket of the dark green suit vest he wore, “… or you can just use the key.” and he handed her an archaic mechanical key for a lock. “From there -” and he slid the paper off and underneath it was a professional and accurate blueprint of the water treatment plant, “- you will go here.” and he pointed. “Set your charge there with enough time for you to extract and make your way back to the meeting, with an additional twenty minutes. Round trip should take you less than three minutes… two if you are faster than average. Once you are back and the negotiations have progressed, I will demand that the water flow before the information is given. Once we have confirmation, then I will tell the Cardassian Commander who Smoke is. At that time, the charge should go off, disabling the means to shut off the flow permanently. Questions?”

Hyrushi, Negotiator