Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Government Tower- Messy First Drafts

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Government Tower- Messy First Drafts

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Government Tower- Messy First Drafts
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

He thought for a moment and said “Honestly? I am not certain either way. But… it would be a good litmus test of how much trust we have built. Granted, testing that in this particular arena is a risk. But either way some will not believe either a probe or a delegations word. Perhaps if we ask the Vren which would be more acceptable to them?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Tapping the side of her finger on her lower lip, Dasca blew out a breath. When there was no clear path she usually listened to her instincts. “We can’t make everyone happy and it would be pointless to try. Oed’s population on the whole trusts us, you and I, as much as they are able. The Vren are asking a lot, and we of course cannot go anywhere near their territory. We should speak with Ambassador Kek and explain the situation, but let’s keep it to the probe. It’s the best of both prudence and safety. But I recognize from the Vren perspective that firing anything into their territory might feel aggressive. But we cannot help that Kenzo. The Vren and the Federation put us in this awkward position and we’re just trying to make the best of what we were given. How the Vren react to the idea of us sending a probe into their territory will speak volumes about how much trust they have in us and whether this partnership is even possible. If they balk, we have our answer. If they agree, well, there is hope.”

“Agreed. If they decline the probe, then we shall decline their request. That seems fair… albeit tragic for them.” Kenzo said with genuine sadness for the possibility.

“What independent vessel did you have in mind?” she asked.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“The merchant vessel Vl’en’tral. It is a refurbished Vulcan science vessel. The owner has long been a friend of the colony, and she is active in local politics and charity work. She commands a great deal of respect and the people trust her. She and I have butted heads in the past on several occasions, a few quite publicly. But we have always maintained a level of mutual respect both publicly and privately. She represents the most ‘neutral’ and fair I think we can find on short notice.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The ship name rang a bell, and it was likely that the owner’s name had shown up in some of Eela’s reading at some point. She’d been working on getting a sense of the movers and shakers of the colony, but it was slow going given she was still trying to have personal meetings with the cabinet and dealing with the actual work of running Oed. “She sounds like an ideal person. And if you trust her with the information in advance, did you want to give her a call? If not, we’ll have to solidify that part of the plan after the press conference. I need to call McBride myself and give him the lowdown on this new plan. I doubt he’ll have any issues with our little joint expedition but he might have points I haven’t considered yet.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Hyrushi nodded and said “One moment.” and he pressed the comms. “Dorma, please contact Sindra Hal and ask her if I could have a word, please.” “Yes, sir.” came the reply and a few moments later a face appeared in hologram above the desk. It was a Hekaren woman, and she smiled. “Governor, how are you? It is a pleasure to hear form you. How may I be of help?” Hyrushi inclined his head and said “Madame Hal, I am here with the Lieutenant Governor, and we have need to ask for your assistance in a manner most important and exceedingly delicate. Discretion would be of paramount importance.”

Hal nodded in sincere understanding and said “I can be at your office in ten minutes, and we can discuss.” Hyrushi nodded and the comms went blank.

He looked at Eela and said “She has an almost innate understanding of political necessities. If she says in person, we do it in person.”

“Huh, well that does solve any security concerns,” Eela said, knowing they were still taking a risk revealing the situation ahead of time. But she trusted Kenzo to know who was safe to bring into the fold, as it were.

Less than ten minutes later, the chime rang and the door opened. Sindra Hal walked in, a flowing azure and yellow robe over a silvery bodice gracing her lithe and attractive figure. Hyrushi stood and greeted her, and she kissed his cheek. “Kenzo. Good to see you.” She then looked at Eela and said “And Lieutenant Governor Dasca. A true pleasure. I have heard such wonderful things about you. I hope you are settling into colonial life well.” She took a seat at Hyrushi’s gesture.

Hyrushi, Governor

Eela smiled, her hazel eyes tracking the Hekaran’s movements. “It’s been a true adventure so far,” she said sincerely. It was tempted to suss out the woman’s own sincerity but again, she trusted Kenzo.

“We have a situation that requires a third party to provide verification of information we have been told. Information we will be sharing with the colony in short order and that we know everyone will question. We’re hoping you might be that person to go and seek out that verification for the safety of Oed,” Eela said, turning her gaze on Kenzo to say the rest. The actual ask should come from him, and he also would know better than her how to broach the topic of the Vren with Hal.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

He looked at Sindra and said “The Vren, Sindra. They are in danger and asking for Federation help. And the Federation has tentively agreed. Federation Ambassador Mathis is here for the formal joining of diplomatic ties with the Vren.” and he held up a hand as Sindra’s mouth opened. “No, they are not asking for membership. Just formal diplomatic relations. I’m sure you of all people know the significance of this… and what it could mean for the colony if we manage to pull it off.”

Sindra was quiet for a long time. She looked back and forth between the two leaders; and the waves of concern, anxiety, fear… and oddly enough excitement… were palpable. Finally she spoke. In measured and deliberate tones she said “This is unprecedented in Oed history, I hope you both know this. The Fedration asking us for help is one thing. The Vren talking is another. But both at the same time?! That’s… well… that is certainly something.” She stood and began to pace back and forth. Kenzo set a hand on Eela’s under the desk and a sense of calm wafted over her. This is going well. it said to her.

“Alright. First, I want to thank you both for telling me this.” Sindra said.”Kenzo, darling, you are as shrewd as you are beautiful. You knew I couldn’t turn this down.” Kenzo gifted Sindra with rare and genuine smile and said “I merely thought that you would be the most acceptable neutral party to give the people peace of mind.” She stopped pacing for an moment and smiled at him. “You are full of shit, as the humans say. I’m surprised your eyes are not brown.” and she laughed. “Ok. I am in.” and she flopped down in the chair. “What do you need from me?” she asked directly. Kenzo smiled and looked at Eela. “Captain Dasca, would you care to tell Lady Hal our tboughts on how to move forward?”

Hyrushi, Gov.