Posted by Civilian Molly Holloway (CEO - Holloway Heavy Industries) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Meeting Ambassador Kek

Posted by Civilian Erin Hazen-Cooper (Director of Terraforming) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Meeting Ambassador Kek

Posted by General Calvin Harris (Commandant, Colonial Customs and Defence Authority) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Meeting Ambassador Kek
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Change. It is something we here on Oed V have become used to. Sometimes begrudgingly, but always with an eye to what change would bring and how it would make Oed V a better place to call home.” He looked at Eela and then to the crowd again. “Chnage is in our DNA… the very fabric of our being. Because change breeds resilience; and there no society more resilient than ours.” There were some claps at the words, and Hyrushi paused while they played out. “We have suffered great loss. We have watched destruction on a global scale. We have lost family… friends… lovers… and more. But never once have we quit. Never once have we buckled under the pressure.” He paused for a moment… “Never once have we allowed ourselves to give up.” He stood a bit taller as he continued to speak, and a wave of pride washed over the crowd. “And we have also never allowed others to suffer if we could help. We have offered help to ships in distress. To refugees whose homes had been lost. To those who simply had lost their way in the vastness of the galaxy. We are a place of hope. Of sanctuary. We are a people who defy events that would topple other communities; and we share that defiance with those who need it. Now we are asked to embrace change once again… to look past the transgressions of history in order to prevent the utter annihilation of an entire species. Such change would be beyond belief to most. Other places would be shocked at the mere thought of such a request. Change of this scale and magnitude would be unfathomable to almost anyone. They would call it impossible. They would call it inconceivable…” He looked around the room for a long, silent moment; taking in each face as if they were the only ones in the room.

“Here on Oed V we call it Tuesday.” and the crowd immediately stood on their feet and applauded long and loud.

Sharah sat at their table, between Charles and Yavia and listened to the speeches. She smiled hugely and clapped. Kenzo really had a way with people, humor and seriousness that people were drawn too. He was a good leader for the colony. She was quite proud of her him and Eela, her friends, for handling this surprise with so much grace and poise. Though she couldn’t imagine anything ever ruffling Kenzo’s feathers.

Hyrushi waited for the applause to fade naturally before resuming his speech. “The Vren are here… and they need our help. I cannot begin to imagine the courage it took for Ambassador Kek and his government and people to ask for help from those they had seen as a threat not long ago. To turn to one’s enemy for aid is a remarkable act of strength. They did not let their history dictate the future of their people… and Oed V will not let that act go unanswered. Today, we the people of Oed V pledge our aid and our strength to the individuals of Tutiskara. Together we will forge a future of hope. Of friendship. And of mutual aid. Together we will see to it that their civilization is not lost to the galaxy. This we pledge.” and the crowd stood and applauded again as Hyrushi inclined his head and moved off the stage and back to his seat.

Hyrushi, Governor

Eela smiled deeply at her partner-in-governance. It was a very Kenzo speech and so far everything seemed to be touching on and balancing the different perspectives and issues. Contrary to the original plan, it was now Eela’s turn. She wasn’t giving a full speech but introducing the Vren ambassador. This was a last minute switch that might have flustered someone else, but all her experiences simply allowed her to adjust. Eela rose carefully, mindful to keep her posture as straight as she could so her brace didn’t need to compensate as much. Flanked by the two Vren support staff, they wouldn’t be able to help her and she really didn’t want it, not with everyone’s focus at the front as it was.

Moving with graceful strides to the podium, she swept the trailing skirt of her magenta gown around her legs so she wouldn’t inadvertently step on the small train. “To echo the words of the Governor, change is inevitable. As Lieutenant Governor, I’ve personally experienced a great deal of it in moving to Oed and accepting this job. When I first arrived I wasn’t fully sure what to expect. I think it’s fair to say that has Oed surprised me at every turn, and it still does on the daily. It’s one of its more endearing and important characteristics. There were many times when I expected to not find my place here, but one of the surprises was how much the people of this colony have come to welcome me home. But I believe they have done so because I sought to learn from them, to listen, and act for them. In each our own way, this is our constant task as we propel the colony forward.”

Eela turned her gaze back to the head table and to Kek. “Like our next speaker and honoured guest, I too have been a diplomat. It’s why I know intimately how important these forthcoming discussions are. As a former Starfleet captain, I’ve been fortunate to have had a few first contacts and they are always a unique and important experience. Today is no different. And now it’s my pleasure and honour to introduce to you all the Ambassador for the Vren, Braak Griget Kek.” Was her approximate pronunciation of the Vren word for ‘honoured one’ accurate? Not really. But she had tried, and it was pretty damned good for someone who didn’t speak the language at all. She stepped to the side and as Kek approached, she placed her hand on her chest and bowed her head in the manner greeting the Haliian child had demonstrated earlier.

Dasca slipped back to her seat, giving Kenzo and then Dash a smile in turn. Not bad, Dasca, not bad at all.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Sharah clapped quietly for Eela’s introduction. She seemed to live in the spotlight and enjoy it. Sharah never could. Not even after recent revelations. That was okay though, Sharah only had to be herself.

Kek stood and began walking to the podium. As he took the stage, all voices stopped. The only sound heard was the soft whir of holo-vid cameras hovering all over. Kek set his gloved hands on the side of the podium, and he took a breath.

“I am named Griget Kek. I am an Ambassador from the Vren to the Federation… but specific to Oed V. We, the Vren… and you, the peoples of Oed V… have long been at hostile to one another. For that history, on behalf of the Vren government and all Vren, we apologize. Our past actions to yous give you great cause to not help us. But you do. And that means much. It shows your hearts to be true. To be strong. And to be far more than we Vren thought.” He was silent a moment and then said “Governor Hyrushi was right when he said it takes strength to ask one’s enemy for help… but it takes much more for that enemy to agree. So today… no longer are Vren and Oed V in conflicts. And we look towards tomorrow to do everything we can to help Oed V. Perhaps by helping repair our twin pasts, we can build something bigger than the parts used to make it. Thank you.” And there was round of sincere applause.

Kek, Ambassador

Clapping as well, Director Bridges stepped back towards the podium, wearing a wide smile. “Thank you, Ambassador. I think all of here tonight can agree that there is much to look forward to in the coming days. Now, we have buffet tables set up with a wide assortment of foods, and our esteemed guests, yours are there as discussed.” He gestured to the head table. “If you all will lead us off, please, everyone grab something to eat and feel free to mingle and enjoy the various exhibits.”

Eela’s mind was focused and calm but at the same time she was honestly thrilled with the overall energy of the venue. As best she could tell, most people were excited to be here, and those that weren’t seemed to be at least keeping it to themselves. She understood that formal events like this weren’t everyone’s idea of fun, but these were historic events and it was quite amazing to be a part of them. She moved to stand up again and found that Dash was there subtly offering her his arm. She gave him a tiny smirk as she rested a hand on his arm.

As they waited for the others to stand and move to the food tables, Dash leaned in and whispered in her ear. “By the way, you are beyond stunning tonight. It’s rather quite unfair.”

Her eyes lit up. “Then I guess all is going according to plan,” she said before sweeping off to walk with Kek’s senior aide to get food. She knew how these events went and though she’d spend more time talking to people than eating, she was going try to get at least something into her stomach.

OOC: Okay, let’s all have fun now! There are a few Vren here tonight (I will post the list somewhere for reference) and James and I will split who is playing who. Mingle lots, and remember to intentionally split threads by amending the topic but shorten it where you can (we’ll thank each other later. Float between these splits and have conversations with those you might not normally get to but remember you can only be in one at a time. Main sim rules apply here.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Kek was so endearing but charismatic and demanded attention. She watched and listened carefully. She couldn’t feel or hear a thing from him. She got to study and make observations of the Vren just like everyone else. He had a gentle turn of phrase with the language. She didn’t know if perhaps it was because of the way their vocal chords were formed or perhaps just still learning the language. She’d be interested to know, she also hoped no one made the assumption that he was stupid because of it.

People stood and rushed the buffet. Sharah was not in a hurry. She watched and then suddenly sighed. People were watching the Vren get their food but no one was talking to them. That simply would not due. Poor things, here knowing that people were hostile and they were trying to make peace. It had to be incredibly daunting and scary for them. Sharah stood suddenly and made her way directly over. She stopped far enough away to hopefully not alarm his guards. She pressed her hands to her heart and then her forehead. “My heart and mind are open to you, Ambassador Kek. My name is Sharah Fayth, and I would very much like to meet you and your colleagues.”

Fayth, SFCMO

The Ambassador turned an their eyes moved and locked onto Fayth. “Hello.” was all the Ambassador said for a moment. “I am Griget Kek. These are my personal guards, and somewhere is the Captain of our ship; but he may be indulging his taste for military talk with the rather imposing Klingon over there.”

Kek, Vren Ambassador

Sharah repeated the gesture to his guards. “It is a delight to meet you all.” She didn’t need to look to know of whom he was speaking. She smiled with amusement, “Lord Duroc is very imposing, and one of the most honorable men I know.” Her expression changed to one of deep compassion. “We saw the feeds of your system. It is devastating. It is a tragedy that anyone should have to face such a thing. I truly hope we can find a way to help your home.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Ambassador Kek lowered his head slightly and said “I so do as well. It would magnify the tragedy if all of this -” and he looked up and spread his arms slightly, “- came to nothing. But regardless of the science… it will be something if we can make this new gesture of mutual aid a permanent situation.”

Kek, Vren Ambassador

“It will be a wonderful something.” Fayth worked on team that examined the Vren’s gift. Mutual aid indeed. “Well, pperhaps we can do something about encouraging the science. If you would permit me, I will introduce you to those I know.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“Of course, it would be my pleasure.” Kek said.

Kek, Vren Ambassador

Sharah was quite well aware that this was Oed’s shinning moment. Not the Federation and not Star Fleet. So although she knew people who would be of great help from those organizations, she looked first to Oed’s own. Her eyes landed on just the people and she began walking that way. “Have your people started suffering from the effects yet?” As the chief Medical Officer she could not offer supplies or aid without McBride approval. The same could be said as acting Chief of Staff without Hyrushi’s approval. Her gut reaction was to make the offer anyway. But negotiations were delicate things without interference. She could start prepping just in case.

She approached a table and smiled at the people there. “General, Molly, may I introduce Ambassador Griget Kek. Ambassador this is General Calvin Harris, Commandant of Oed V’s Colonial Customs and Defence Authority and Ms Molly Holloway, CEO of Holloway Heavy Industries. She has the best scientists and engineers working for her. And this is Dr Erin Hazen-Cooper, Director of Terraforming and her husband Cmdr Gavin Cooper, Chief Pilot of Holloway Starlines.”

Fayth, SFCMO

The boys stood almost perfectly in sync with the other, Gavin smiling politely as the man he still saw very much as his senior initiated the conversation for the group. The CCDA General bowed in greeting with a warm, genuine smile. “Mr. Ambassador, on behalf of the entire CCDA, it is an honor to meet you.” Calvin glanced at Gavin who bowed in the same manner as the General, smiling as well. “Mr. Ambassador, it is a pleasure to meet you.” After the briefest of pauses, both men then stood quietly in order to allow their partners to introduce themselves.

Calvin & Gavin

Startled by the newcomers, and incredibly nervous when she realized who they were, Erin was perhaps a little too lively when she stood up. Still, she was quick to regain her composure, and at least to the others present, it would have been barely noticeable. “Ku rok, Mr. Ambassador.” Erin said with a warm smile and a small bow of her head. She had picked up the greeting but her pronunciation of them still left a lot to be desired. She was trying though. “I can’t express how honored I am to meet you.”

Erin Hazen-Cooper, Director of Terraforming

Having raised to her feet almost at the same time as Calvin and Gavin, Molly waited her turn to greet the Vren Ambassador. A small proud smile played in her lips as she watched her Erin. After all, it was the first time she had the chance to see her really in action, and after all the years doubting herself whether she had made the right decisions regarding her sister, Molly couldn’t have been prouder. She sighed softly. She had grown up so fast…

With a warm smile very similar to Erin’s, Molly stepped forward and offered the Ambassador her own gracious bow of her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador Kek. I hope this is the beginning of a long lasting relationship between our people’s. And of course, if Holloway Heavy’s scientific and engineering expertise can be of assistance, we are at your disposal.”

Molly Holloway, Holloway Heavy Industries

BUMP