Negotiations
Posted on 22 Jan 2018 @ 2:48pm by Captain Akio Tachibana & Commander Juan Zamora (Dec [CDO]-Jan 2389 - TRSNFR to Gorn Dip.) & Lieutenant Ren Kannu (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR to Bre'el Dip. Msn.) & Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Elliott (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR, Bre'el Dip. Msn.) & Lieutenant Junior Grade Eira Cortez & Ensign Arthur Jones, Son of Ruk (Jan 2389 TRNSFR After Second Battle of XFY) & Lieutenant Junior Grade Jula Danz (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR, Bre'el Dip. Msn.)
Edited on on 22 Jan 2018 @ 3:30pm
Mission:
He ho'omaka hou 'ana - A New Beginning
Location: Bre'el IV Capitol
Timeline: 28 Dec 2388
ON:
Koper led the delegation along the walkway as two Bre'ella flanked the delegation in the rear, no doubt Koper's own security members. The architecture was immaculately clean for such a historic building. The old brick, at least that's what Akio thought it to be, was well preserved.
Akio noticed Danz kept close, the signs of a good bodyguard.
"This building is beautiful," Akio noted as one of Koper's assistants held a giant wooden door open.
"Thank you, Commander. It is an ancient place that has become a symbol of our government," Koper replied. "This way, Commander."
The group had strolled through the hall way to a meeting room with a giant table and chairs. Akio was unsure about protocol at this juncture and looked at Zamora, almost waiting for direction.
Jula knew she couldn't keep scanning every nook and cranny in front of their host's faces. It was rude, to begin with and it showed the Starfleet team as insanely paranoid. Neither was an option in this case, she knew it all too well.
So she discretely scanned every area they passed, with her eyes, noticing vantage points, weaknesses, areas most exposed. It was a very old-school way of doing things, but the only way she and young Elliott had to protect their Captain, their Diplomat and their Pilot. With the very concerning message they'd received, the security officers needed to be on guard, yet not show it.
"Wonderful." Jula thought to herself ironically as she followed Tachibana.
Jack had fallen into step beside Jula as habit forming a flank and opportunity to take cover quickly if needed. Training and experience kept his words silent as his eyes checked for movement and personal not yet encountered or hidden. From his peripheral vision, he could tell the other tactical officer was scanning their surroundings as well. Most likely she was thinking similar thoughts. Something felt a little uneasy in the air, as though they were being watched in a way the watcher could not be observed. Jack looked for cameras, though he doubted any would be obvious. What was it about security types that never trusted anyone?
At the captain's glance Juan spoke up. "We thank you for the warm reception earlier, and for your helpful cooperation in these trying times. However I am sure we would all like to get down to business sooner rather than later." He offered, even if protocol helped to organize interactions and keep discussions civil, most of the time, the other delegation was usually just as eager to be done with it. "Shall we begin?" He gestured expansively at the great table and looked to the Bre'ella delegation for confirmation.
"Absolutely," Koper seemed to smile and sat down at the head of the table.
Akio chose a seat next to Koper, on his right, as the rest of the Bre'ella moved to the chairs along the table on Koper's left.
As they were sitting down, another Bre'ella entered.
"I see our guests are here," the new arrival sounded before taking a seat on Koper's left.
"Sp'el, glad you could join us," Koper said before turning to Akio. "Commander, we appreciate you arriving. We wanted to discuss some matters about what Starfleet was doing about the Gorn. The Gorn invasion has severely disrupted our trade routes to Canterra and Gy'tog."
"Rest assured, Starfleet is taking action to push back the Gorn," Akio started before he could see Koper become visibly irritated.
"You are the first Starfleet vessel we've seen in six months," Koper shot back in reply.
Akio looked at Zamora. This wasn't going well.
Juan leaned back slightly in his seat and steepled his fingers, expression carefully neutral as he processed this new information. The Wyoming was supposed to be in the region already, and he found it a little bit strange that they had seemingly not even bothered to check in over subspace. Still, it probably wouldn't do to let on that Starfleet might not be in control of the situation. It was vital the he be able to strike the right tone here, too contrite and he could invite anger for his 'useless platitudes,' too confident and there would be outrage over 'empty promises.'
Jula's eyebrow raised imperceptibly as her attention momentarily diverted to the conversation. That sounds awfully sloppy of us. Doesn't sound right at all.
Jack stayed standing near his commanding officer and in the best location he could manage to see the scope of the room. Nothing necessarily suspicious. Except the tone Koper expressed. If what he said was true, which Jack doubted, it would be a natural reaction. Surely Starfleet had not left the matter completely unattended for six months? Having been on his fair share of diplomatic missions, he would probably hold his hands up and be honest that he was unaware of the situation and promise to make enquires to find out reasons. Most people just wanted to have their feelings acknowledged and to be heard. Diplomacy today was not his job. The tactical officer gave one quick sideways glance to his counterpart Jula, then turned his attention back to focusing on reading the read.
After a brief, tense, pause Juan began to speak. “Your indignation is certainly understandable, and allow me to apologize, if, through our actions, Starfleet has caused you any undue concern in this time.” He began deferentially before continuing. “But let me also assert that we have not forgotten our duty to the people, the security and prosperity of your world, and of this entire, region of space, is of great importance to us.” By now he sat bolt upright in his seat, gathering steam and proceeding ever more confidently.
“That is why nothing less than a Sovereign class vessel has been dispatched to address these issues, that is why we are forming a dedicated space action group to secure this region. When we say that we will soon have this incursion under control these are not empty words, we are staking our lives on it.” His words had taken on a commanding tone, driving his point home with a calm forcefulness as he fixed his eyes onto each member of the local delegation in turn. As he spoke he scanned them up and down for any tells, any subtle hint of expression or body language that would let him see into their minds. “So let me assert that we will do everything in our power to protect you.”
By now Juan was leaned slightly forward in his seat as he spoke, drawing the edge out of his tone. “Now, as you have so effectively described, the situation in this region is still, delicate, at the moment. There is still a hostile force at work around us, we stand only to harm each other by working at cross purposes at such a time as this. It seems clear to me that you stand to gain the most by working with us to end this conflict as quickly as possible, no?”
He let the question hang in the air as he sat perfectly still, waiting behind his best diplomatic mask, hopefully going for the hard sell wasn't about to blow up in his face.
It was hard to tell any expressions of the Bre'ella due to the lack of facial features. It wasn't until Akio met these people that he realized so much expression concerned the lips and, well, the Bre'ella just had holes in their faces where sound came out.
As much as Akio detested a Diplomatic Detachment joining--spying?--aboard the Hawaii, he was thankful for LT Zamora in that instant as Koper leaned back, almost as if he didn't expect a challenge to his statement or perhaps bluff even.
Akio looked at Zamora as he grabbed a PADD. He figured he would not let the Diplomatic Officer's opening go to waste and it would serve as a good segue.
"Koper, we have a question for you," Akio said as he handed the PADD to him. "I think this may be a reason why you have not seen any Starfleet ships and perhaps why your usual trade traffic has avoided your planet."
On the PADD was the warning that the Hawaii received.
Akio looked at Zamora to make sure he was not suddenly ruining some sort of Diplomatic strategy he had concocted. Heavens knew, Akio was definitely the junior diplomat compared to the Diplomatic specialist.
Juan leaned back in his seat once again and looked to the Captain giving a small, quick nod of assent.
Koper seemed to sigh. At least there was an auditory wind noise that sounded like a sigh, yet it was more like a blowing sound.
"We have heard of these messages before," Koper admitted. "There is an element on Bre'el IV, we don't know much about it, that seems to have started an independence movement. Some feel that joining the Federation was a mistake. Others believe war is an abhorrent activity. We are largely a pacifist civilization as you know. That was one of the reasons we joined the Federation. The Gorn incursion so close to the Federation border and our world along with the lack of immediate Starfleet response worries us all."
Akio perked up about the admission of the transmission. The rest sounded like a diplomatic mess brewing.
"What do you know about the people making these transmissions?" Akio inquired.
"Not much," Koper answered. "Only that they use transmission stations that are sympathetic to their cause. Again, we do not want to take any action that may destabilize our government. That's why we wanted to speak with you about helping our trade status and current situation so we could quell any concerns of our people about our governance."
Akio wanted to ask why Koper didn't bring up the transmissions before, yet felt that would be too accusatory. He looked at Zamora as if to say it was his turn to ask the next question as Akio didn't know what to say.
“Of course, this unrest is purely an internal matter, perhaps you thought it did not warrant mentioning.” Juan began. “However, we were quite surprised when we received that message.” He was leaned forward again, and spoke a little more sociably, as if he was asking for suggestions. “I must ask, has there been any pattern of increasing activity from these groups lately, or have you noticed any sudden changes in their rhetoric?”
"Well, this is the most active we've ever seen a dissident group. Following the saving of our world 22 years ago by your USS Enterprise, there has been no dissent thus far," Koper answered, still thinking.
"I think our records indicate the first dissent noted about 5 or so years ago," Sp'el contributed after looking at a PADD-like device.
"Koper, do you mind if I confer with my officers for a moment?" Akio asked.
"Not at all, do you want us to leave the room?" Koper inquired.
"If you don't mind?" Akio answered.
"Most certainly we do not. You are our guests," Koper replied as he signaled to the rest of the Bre'ella to exit.
After the last Bre'ella left, Akio turned to Jula, still keeping his voice low as he wasn't sure how close to the door the Bre'ella were. "I need you to call the other team and let them know what's going on with the transmission. It's not much information, yet it's the most we know now."
"I can make it discrete, sir. Don't worry." She whispered back, patting her tricorder.
Again, Akio was thankful for capable officers despite junior misconceptions their rank may have conveyed.
"Lieutenant Zamora, do you think we can get their support for utilizing their vessels?" Akio inquired.
“I think our prospects are good Captain,” Juan Replied. “In fact, I would very much recommend asking for their assistance. If the planet is restless, that is because they feel powerless in their situation, and I believe that making an active contribution to their own security would go a long way toward alleviating that.”
"Very well, once they are back, I am going to let you lead that effort," Akio empowered.
"Should we tell them our other team is investigating these mysterious transmissions?" Akio asked the diplomatic expert.
Juan raised an eyebrow at the Captain's admission, the walls might very well have ears, but there was no use crying over spilled milk. “The Bre'ella have extended an olive branch to us by showing their trust, we should offer a show of trust in return Captain. If the separatists really are as mysterious as they claim, they might even be pleased to hear such news.”
"Your insight is greatly appreciated," Akio commended Zamora. "Let us see how right you are."
Earlier that day, Capitol Starport
"Hey fleeter, isn't your ship the Hawaii? It's here," A Bre'ella shouted at LTJG Cortez who had entered the starport.
"Yes it is. Thank you for letting me know," Eira commented, not letting her facial expression show that he had startled her. She was fully aware that the Hawaii was around, and she had made it her mission to get aboard by any means necessary.
"Well, one of their shuttles landed earlier this afternoon. I am sure you could board for the ride up," the Bre'ella noted.
Eira walked across to the Bre'ella and looked at him, putting a sweet voice on, "Can you tell me where the Commander and his attache are? I actually found out some important information that they need and I've lost my communicator."
The Bre'ella looked at Eira a little funny at her voice's change. Maybe her lack of interaction among humans was affecting her or maybe she had been away from Starfleet too long.
"They went into the Capitol Building," answered the clerk.
Arthur happened to catch The first part of the conversation, and crossed over to where Cortez was. "I might be able to help you."
One look at him would make one think he was either crazy, or poorly disguised, his hair was worn in a typical Klingon braid, but his lack of ridges and his skin color gave away he wasn't a true Klingon.
Who was this guy that just slotted himself into the conversation? Eira definitely raised her eyebrow then furrowed them both and gave him a quizzical look, "Uh, who are you?" she didn't like the situation she was getting herself into.
Arthur was used to the look, since often times his appearance threw people off. He wasn't quite sure how to introduce himself, since Starfleet wanted him to keep using his surname, so he decided to err with both. "Arthur Jones, Son of Ruk. I overheard you're looking for the Hawaii crew, I am too."
"Apparently they're in the Capitol Building, so if we head there we should be good?" Eira had a plan forming in her mind of where she wanted to go, and it did involve the Capitol building and Bre'ella, but not Jones.. "What do you think?"
"I think that sounds like a plan." Arthur purposely left out 'good' before plan, and reached down to his hip to ensure his knife was still concealed in a special holster behind his phaser.
"It's movements like that that show you're not comfortable or trusting of the company you're in, Mr Jones." Eira said in a matter-of-fact tone that had a hint of haughtiness to it. She didn't trust him in the slightest, but it could be that she didn't know him either. Out of the corner of her eye, Eira spotted the white dog she'd befriended lurking in just in the shadows and she smiled.
"Let's get going, shall we?" Arthur said, gesturing her to go ahead of him. "And please don't call me that. I haven't been a Jones for 16 years. I'm a Klingon warrior."
"Klingon?" Eira took a brief glance behind her to him then looked straight ahead again. How much could she taunt him? "All I'm seeing is a human with Klingon weaponry." The other part of the sentence didn't get to be formed..
Arthur grabbed her and turned her to face him, his knife easily coming out of it's hiding spot and ito his hand, and now it was at her neck. "I was adopted and raised as a Klingon from the age of five. I am as much a Klingon as anyone, and you're lucky I don't kill you here for that insult on my honor, Peta'Q!"
Eira laughed and smiled, her own blade in between his fourth and fifth major ribs and pressing in, she whispered "Go ahead and do it, but just remember that I'll have the last laugh. And don't ever call me a coward, it'll be the last thing you ever do." She leant forward and managed to headbutt him hard enough to make him stumble back and let her go. The knife had got her and a small trickle was running down her neck.
Arthur cursed himself for sending his Bat'leth with his other bags to the ship, he could use it now. He didn't even flinch at the sting from the other blade against him, instead he smirked. "That tickled, and don't you know Klingons are really hard to kill?"
"Klingons, yes. Humans? No." Eira tucked her hair back behind her ear and looked at him with contempt in her eyes. "At this rate, you're not making it to the Hawaii. Just let that be known here and now." The white dog was even closer than before and as much as she would love him to rip this Jones guy to pieces, Eira didn't want the dog getting hurt. The Bre'ella she had been talking to had also disappeared, presumably to get security or something.
The Starport was fairly empty. For whatever reason, not a lot of ships had been transiting to Bre'el since the Gorn War started. The clerk had witnessed the exchange but pretended he didn't and disappeared before there was blood everywhere.
"One doesn't have to be a Klingon by blood to be a warrior. And one also doesn't have to stand for this." Arthur said, reaching for his phaser.
Just as soon as he had reached for his phaser, Eira had gotten her own out. How she got it, no one would know, only she knew that it was her standard issue one and she kept it with her at all times, tucked away and out of sight. "Two can play at that game." She had now distanced herself from him by a few feet and they were mirrored with their phasers pointing at each other.
Arthur curled his lips back in a snarl, such a insult would not have stood on Qo'noS, but then again, this wasn't there. "What do you hope to gain from this?"
Eira kept her stance and phaser at eye level with a stern expression on her face not saying anything. This showdown really needed to be broken up, or someone was going to get hurt or worse.
Present Day, Capitol Building Conference Room
Akio looked at Elliott and asked him to grab the Bre'ella.
Elliott nodded to acknowledge he understood the order, walked briskly across the room and out the door. Just on the other side he quickly spotted the Bre'ella leader. "Excuse me gentlemen, the Captain would like a word if you please Mr. Koper."
The Bre'ella delegation came back in and sat. Again, it was hard to read their features. Despite the heat though, it didn't seem the Bre'ella sweated.
After the delegates entered the room and took their places once again, Jack assumed a parade rest stance close to his own commanding officers. The situation had become more tense and he suspected that would increase. Muscles in his arms tightened in response to his increased adrenaline flow, even of it was only slightly elevated.
"I appreciate the private time you've given us, Koper," Akio started as Koper bowed in acknowledgment. "We are very curious about these mysterious transmissions as our crew was concerned for our safety when we received it about a day's travel time away from your planet. I would conjecture that these communications are helping to disrupt your trade, as you say. Our other team is actually investigating the source of these transmissions," Akio explained.
At that point, Sp'el made a weird noise. It was high pitched like an alarm tone and Akio leaned back, concerned the Bre'ella were angry.
"Curious. Most curious." Danz observed the huffed up Bre'ella. "Because we're investigating? Or because we're investigating?" Were the Bre'ella angry Starfleet had began investigating without telling them? Or were they angry because Starfleet was investigating at all? "They are hiding something."
Not flinching or making any movement, Jack did his best to keep his body language and facial expressions as neutral as they had been from the beginning. Not being familiar with this species habits and customs, he had no idea what the response from the female meant, but it did not sound like one of joy. Danz was probably thinking along the same lines as there was definitely something out of order with these people. Security personnel paranoia or not, they were keeping vital information too close to the vest. Mistrust at the least, ran deep on both sides.
Juan at least managed to appear unfazed, one thing experience had taught him was to be prepared for surprises. The galaxy produced no end of strange and alarming behaviors and the ability to keep a straight face when something unexpected happened was essential for a career in the Diplomatic Corps.
"Excuse me, Captain. It is most delightful that once again we will be saved by Starfleet," Sp'el explained, realizing she caused concern. "My parents continue to mention how the planet was doomed until Starfleet saved us 20 years ago. I even vaguely remember those celebrations."
"I agree with Sp'el," Koper approved. "You will share your findings with us, Captain?"
"Of course. I am not sure how much our investigation will solve, yet whatever we do find, we will most certainly share with you," Akio assured Koper. "We do have another question for you," Akio turned to Zamora.
"We played our hand too early." Jula concluded as she nodded to Elliot and pulled back a fraction to send the message to the other team. "Excuse me, Captain, I need to contact the ship," she said quietly to Akio's ear, patting the tricorder on her strap, to let him know what she was really doing and stepped a few feet away, opening her tricorder to tap out a quick message."
Jack returned Jula's nod. He was developing a quick like and appreciation for his new partner. She was efficient and observant. They had seemed to develop an unspoken communication and been in sync from the start. As she left the room, he doubled his efforts to keep a close watch and read on the room, straightening to a more ready stance with his hands to his sides.
Akio nodded once in the affirmative, curious what the Assistant Tactical & Security Chief was up to before he understood. Again, he trusted his people and was focused on the negotiations at hand.
Juan quickly cleared his throat and began. "Indeed, what are your thoughts on the possibility of lending some of the capacity of your civilian fleet to aid Starfleet's efforts to restore peace? There is much that will need to be done, now and later, supplies to move, personnel to transport, new construction, and rebuilding, but I am sure your fleet will be up to the task. In addition, if we can relay on your aid, that will greatly bolster our efforts, it is the fastest way to return to peace."
Koper considered what the diplomat said. "It is true that we are members of the Federation and are forever grateful for the Enterprise saving our moon. Yet, our Councillor, Nitram, repeatedly tried to obtain Federation funding for The Falric Institute. President Bacco's administration repeatedly refused to support such a grant."
Juan picked up the thread, unfazed. "I can appreciate that there are certain political difficulties between your world and the Federation at large, but, even if I want to help you, such matters are not under my purview. I will of course pass this matter along to my superiors, but, if I may be blunt for a moment, we are all here to deal with simple, cold practicalities. Right now we could be the dearest of friends, or the deadliest of enemies, and it would make no material difference to the options we have in front of us. The truth of the matter is that cooperation is the best path for both of us to get what we want. Work with us now, and you will have security, and political ammunition going into your next round of dealings with the council. No matter how you feel about us, it's a win-win for you."
Akio was actually impressed by Zamora and nodded to show his support.
"You speak very strategically and quite logically," Koper replied. "I like what you are saying and will take it to my government."
Outside the Conference Room in a Secluded Corner
Danz quickly typed up a message to Fallon.
From: Danz, Lieutenant JG Jula
To: Fallon, Lieutenant Tyler
Negotiations proceeding. Actual informed Bre'ella of received communique and second team's purpose. Bre'ella surprised (am uncertain as to the cause of surprise).
Re: communique - Bre'ella claim no dissent since USS Enterprise operation on Bre'el. First dissent seems recorded 5 or so years ago.
Will keep you updated.
Message ends
Just then, Danz noticed two Bre'ella who had not been seen before enter the Conference Room.
Conference Room
The two Bre'ella whispered to Koper, yet it almost sounded like gruff noises. All Akio could make out was starport a lot and he looked to Ren, wondering if their shuttle was alright.
"You speak of peace yet two of your officers are fighting in our starport," Koper accused.
Akio was livid. First, what was Marian's team doing still at the Starport, and next, how was it that so many senior officers couldn't maintain order. Especially with the Chief Tactical & Security Officer among them.
"That sounds very out of character of our officers and I apologize," Akio attempted to soothe Koper before looking at Elliott. "Lieutenant Elliott, take Danz and head to the Starport and figure out what is going on."
Elliott quickly left the room to grab Danz.
"Regrettable as this may be," Juan began, "I am sure there is a reasonable explanation. Our officers will get to the bottom of it, and if it will allay your concerns," he cast a sidelong look at the captain, "I am sure it would not be difficult to keep your security forces updated as we conduct an investigation."
Akio got a bit uneasy at what Zamora was promising. Starfleet had never ceded jurisdiction of its personnel to a non-Starfleet court and Akio was not about to see his crew get caught up in proceedings on Bre'el.
"We appreciate the updates and will leave you along to sort your house as we discuss your proposal despite this development," Koper conveyed as the Bre'ella departed.
"Of course, our interests remain aligned." Juan returned, "And, we thank your for your time."
Capitol Starport
Elliott and Danz swiftly walked inside the starport expecting to find the XO and the rest of his team, yet instead, found two civilians fighting they never met before.
"Identify yourselves!" Elliott commanded as he pointed his phaser at the pair while Danz backed him up.
Arthur lowered his phaser,returning it to his holster and turning to face Elliot and Danz. "Ensign Arthur Jones, son of Ruk. Security officer aboard the USS Hawaii."
Eira slowly put away her own weapons and put her hands up, more in a defensive fashion than anything, "Cortez, Starfleet Intelligence. Not from the USS Hawaii but headed there."
Elliott and Danz didn't holster their weapons due to the nature of the dispatch and the fact the two were in civilian clothes.
"Do you have orders?" Danz asked.
"They're on my PaDD which is with my stuff on the ship." Arthur said.
"Mine are here," Cortez pulled out a small padd from the inside of her jacket and holding it out for one of the other officers.
Danz put her phaser away and grabbed the PADD while Elliott covered her.
"It checks out. Looks like we're getting reinforced," Danz said.
"What were you to doing pointed weapons at each other?" Elliott continued the inquiry.
"She kept egging me on, never do that to a Klingon. It will only end badly."
"Jones here was the one who drew weapons first. I just have overstated something during our conversation, and it wasn't appropriate. I drew mine in defence." Eira stated.
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Arthur said, growling.
It seemed clear that the male was the aggressor, although Elliott could swear he sounded like a Klingon.
"Sir, you're going to have to come with us until we can verify your identity," Danz said as she nodded to Elliott.
Elliott put his phaser away and approached Arthur, "Place your hands behind your back, please."
"Lieutenant Cortez, most of the Hawaii senior staff is meeting at the capitol. If you follow us, we can take you to the CO. We will need an official statement from you concerning this incident.
"Thank you for that." Eira nodded her thanks and watched the interaction between Elliot and Arthur with slight amusement.
Arthur scowled at Elliot, shaking his head, "look me up. I'm a Starfleet officer. As well as a citizen of the Klingon Empire. I don't think Starfleet command would like you arresting me."
"You're not under arrest at this time. You're being detained until we can verify your identity," Elliott explained. "Are you going to do this peacefully, or do I have to tack on an Article 92 - Disobeying a lawful order to your record, if you are indeed a Starfleet Officer?" Elliott threatened.
"Fine." Arthur said through his teeth, putting his hands behind his back. "I have been authorized to carry my Dk'tagh knife on me, I have a sheath for it behind my phaser."
"I appreciate you letting us know," Elliott said as he ziptied Arthur's wrists. Plastic zipties, an ancient tool were still more portable than giant metal cuffs and just as effective. Afterwards, Elliott removed Arthur's phaser and blade.
"Danz to Tachibana, sir, we have one in custody along with a new member of our crew," Danz reported to Akio.
Akio was perplexed. Who were these people? "Very well, bring them to the conference room," Akio replied.
Conference Room
Elliott and Danz escorted the odd pair to the conference room were all sorts of eyes, both Starfleet and Bre'ella, showed varied emotions, although curiosity was most common.
Curious indeed, Akio thought as he gestured to open seats.
"Welcome," Akio said as he grabbed the PADD from Danz that had Cortez's orders and nodded. "And him?" Akio asked referring to Arthur.
"No orders, sir. Says they were sent in advance among his belongings aboard his ship," Elliott responded.
"If you are a Starfleet officer, you'll learn to always carry a copy of orders for situations like this," Akio mused.
Akio typed a message to Thomas aboard the ship to verify Arthur's orders with the ship's computer. After a short while, a reply came back that they were authentic.
Yet the risk to the negotiations could not be ignored and while Akio's temper had subsided some since the crew was able to control the situation without further damage, he wasn't about to let these newcomers off scot free.
"I will leave it to our Security Chief to investigate what's happened and we'll have a discussion following that report," Akio told the new arrivals. "For now, we are awaiting the result of the negotiations from--"
Almost as if on cue, the door swung open again and Koper stepped through with his Bre'ella delegation.
"I hope I am not interrupting?" Koper asked.
"Not at all," Akio replied.
"Very well. Ah, I did hear you found the perpetrator of the disturbance at our starport," Koper said, referring to Arthur.
"We have. He is a member of Starfleet, so I will be dealing with the incident aboard the ship," Akio replied as diplomatically and nicely as possible. If this dingbat sunk their negotiations, Akio wasn't sure if Zamora would kill him first or if Akio would.
"Oh, yes, yes. I don't think we would want to cause a diplomatic incident by prosecuting him here. It wasn't as if he killed anyone," Koper said lightly. "I have spoke to my government and we appreciate your offer and the kind words of your Diplomat. After a debate, our government has voted to assist you in the war by supplying transport ships provided there is a discussion on funding for The Falric Institute."
Akio looked to Zamora and smirked. He was genuinely surprised after all the events and somewhat speechless.
"Excellent" Juan responded, he was pleased. He thought he had made a good case, but locals could always surprise you, and betting against small-mindedness was rarely good odds. "On behalf of Starfleet, we would like to thank you and your government for facilitating such a rapid resolution to these matters. And we salute the courage of your people in joining our cause, in return, we shall see to it that your conditions are met." He continued. "If there is nothing else, I am sure we both have much to do in the coming hours and days, and so we shall leave you to it, and wish you good fortune in your endeavors."
Arthur glanced at Elliot as though to ask him to remove the ziptie around his wrists. He had been testing it much of the time already, but found he'd be risking more injury to himself to break it than would be worth it.
That was one downside to his biologically being human--he lacked the natural strength of a Klingon.
The Bre'ella bowed before departing.
"Let's get back to the ship before they change their minds," Akio mused.
OFF:
Akio Tachibana, CDR, SF
Commanding Officer
Juan "JJ" Zamora, LT, SF
Chief Diplomatic Officer
Ren Kannu, LT, SF
Chief Flight Control Officer
Jula Danz, LTJG, SF
Asst. Chief Tactical & Security Officer
Eira Cortez, LTJG, SF
Asst. Chief Intelligence Officer
Jack Elliott, LTJG, SF
Tactical Actions Officer
Arthur Jones, Son of Ruk, ENS, SF
Security Officer
