Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in TMODJ- Diplomatic Complications

Posted by Civilian Griget Kek (Vren Ambassador) in TMODJ- Diplomatic Complications

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in TMODJ- Diplomatic Complications
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Kek thought for a moment and then said “Your need for time is understandable, Ambassador. But I would be remiss if I did not try to move things along somewhat. May we agree to the day after tomorrow? Simply pushing back the schedule in it’s entirety will be much more palatable to the Vren Assemby than postponing and then recreating the meetings. Will that give enough time to process?” In Kek’s mind, it would also give the investigation some time to exclude his people from involvement; although he kept that to himself.

Kek, Vren Ambassador

Mathis actually smiled. “We find ourselves thinking the same thing, Ambassador. The word ‘couple’ in our language means two, so I was thinking two days from now, just as you are. I too don’t want to lose momentum and that should give the investigation enough time to be well underway and for the initial shock on this planet over this news to have settled.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Kek nodded and said “Very well, then. Two days. If I can assist you or your family in any way, please let me know. And do send the information for the Ritual of Rememberance for Mr. Jones. I would ask that you allow my people a presence, as his loss is meaningful to these talks.”

Kek, Vren Ambassador

Mathis nodded. “I will be sure to pass along the info once I’ve spoken to his family. We’ll likely do some sort of memorial here fairly before…” It was a small pause, but she had to find words she could actually say. “Before his remains are sent to his family.” It all cut so deeply and yet Jeannette was still a consummate professional. This was a new situation for her though. Yes, she had dealt with death throughout her career, but not such a personal one tied to her work too. There was no guidebook on how to handle this.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Kek thought for a moment and then said “Does his clan have a specific ritual for the remains? If they do, we will honor Mr. Jones by duplicating it on Tutsikara. If they do not, please ask them if we may have a small part of him to conduct our own Ritual of Rememberance.” He paused and then said “When a Vren dies, we believe that to not retain some material part of them is to throw them away. We cremate our deceased, scattering their ashes into the holy river of H’k’leTr. But a small bit we keep.” He reached up and pulled out a necklace on which sat a silvery disk. Inlaid in the disk were three brilliant blue gemstones. “We make them into these, and we keep them with us until we too journey on. Then these are cast into the river with us. Some believe that when the last Vren is cast into the river and all of us are joined, a new Vren will emerge from the waters and carry on our legacies.” He sighed. “I would be honored to make such a stone for his family, if they so desire.”

Kek, Vren Ambassador

Her usually facade of implacability had already taken hits this morning and was less than optimal, but at this pronouncement, Jeannette became visibly emotional, her eyes glinting with tears. “Umm, well, there are different death rites amongst Humans, but I do know Dashiel wanted cremation himself. I will relay your lovely ritual to his family and see if they will give permission, but I suspect there would be an interest in having such a beautiful memento for themselves as well.” She herself was even interested in the idea and it had nothing to do with diplomatic outreach.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Kek inclined his head. “I will await your contact, Ambassador. Please let me know if the Vren can provide any assistance to you or Mr. Jones’ family.” He shifted slightly and the screen went dark.

On his side of the communications, Kek sighed heavily. He then tapped a figure on his desk and said “All Senior Staff will meet in the Command Room immediately.” His croaking and screeching was relayed through the ship, and Griget Kek stood up and walked out of the room.

Kek, Vren Ambassador