A Reception Of Sorts, Part 2

Posted on Sat 26th Feb, 2022 @ 10:23pm by T'Vala & Tessanna (Tessa) Valeri & Commander Zed & Daeren Iril & Miadze Palel

2,301 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: A Good Day to Hunt
Location: The Great Hall, Helicon III
Timeline: MD 1, 2210
Tags: Gov. Marda or someone else?

Continued from mixing of diplomats in part 1.

T'Vala took a turn around the room, nodding to various people as she went. She had memorized the faces of the leaders of the three factions, but she was also curious to get a feel for the people in general. She frequently glanced toward Anthon to be sure she went back when the line was shorter.

One trip around the room proved sufficient and she went back to greet their host.

Tessa, on the other hand, had a different job to do. T'Vala, being the Vulcan Ambassador, would draw the most attention. She, as a lowly aide, got to listen and observe. It was a skill she was continually working on. Soften it was boring, with the idle gossip about who was stabbing whom in the back or who was currying favor with whom. It was like a political Tri-D chess game and she'd never been fond of chess. It generally wasn't important, either. But here, she wasn't so sure. It just felt...weird. She took a drink off a tray and looked around.

When it was T'Vala's turn, she bowed to Anthon. "Prime Minister Dajir, a pleasure to meet you again."

Anthon smiled and bowed, "The pleasure is mine. Did you get a chance to meet the factions?"

"Not officially," the Vulcan replied. "All things in their due order. As you were the one to greet us, I am returning the gesture." She was also curious to see how the other delegates would respond to this gesture.

"I have yet to see the leader of the Nassan. I know he likes to make an entrance. His right-hand man is just over there." Anthon pointed towards Velis Akhnir then said, "May I get you a drink?"

"That would be appreciated," she replied with a small bow.

"Any drink in particular that you would be interested in?" Anthon asked.

"Something with fruit. I am not particular," the Vulcan replied.

Anthon nodded, "Very well, we have a slightly alcoholic drink that has a mixture of 17 of our sweetest fruits. It really is a remarkable drink and is my favorite. It's called the Mi'tamari."

"Alcohol has little effect on most Vulcans. As long as there is no processed sugar, it should be fine, thank you." When T'Vala walked away, she looked for Governor Marda, who was talking with a woman at her side.

The Vulcan approached the woman and bowed. "Governor Marda, I am T'Vala, Ambassador from Vulcan."

The other woman frowned as she turned to face her. "Why is the Federation Ambassador not here? She was supposed to arrive weeks ago."

"That is, indeed, the question. We received word that she had not arrived and so came on her behalf," T'Vala replied. "I take it our help will be sufficient?"

Marda looked at the Vulcan. She had expected a different response. "I hope all is well, then."

"Indeed. As do we," T'Vala replied. "Tell me, do you have a history of your first colony?'

"Yes. The original logs are in the archives," the Governor replied, looking a little suspicious at the request.

"May I read them at your convenience?"

Marda looked at the other woman and nodded. "After the first session tomorrow. Doctor Linara will take you there."

"Very good. Thank you." T'Vala bowed and moved on.

Marda shook her head and turned to find another of the new arrivals. She spotted Daeren Iril and went over to him. "Hello. I am Governor Marda of Kelios."

"It is an honor to meet you, Governor," Daeren said and bowed to her. "I am Daeren Iril, the Trill Consul stationed at Starbase 109. May I introduce my aide, Ms. Miadze Palel."

"Governor," Miadze said, also with a slight bow and lively interest.

"A pleasure," Marda said, bowing to the two. "Have you had a chance to see our planet? We have some lovely scenery."

"We only just arrived earlier today, and we spent much of our time here reading old archives in Prime Minister Dajir's excellent library," Daeren said. "I would very much like to see more of your world and learn of its history."

"It would be my pleasure to show you around, if there is time." Marda smiled. "I'm sure the others would, as well. Perhaps we could arrange a joint venture for after the negotiations?" She was polite and sincere in her wishes.

"If Captain Zed has no objections, then yes, I would like that," Daeren said. "I'd particularly like to tour this mountain where the spores grow--though, if that would cause a security concern, a tour wouldn't be necessary. I'm sure your people have images aplenty of it."

"We do." She hesitated. "A tour would need to wait until after the negotiations have concluded. Until then, it would be imprudent."

"It certainly would," Daeren agreed. "How was it discovered that the spores could be useful in medicine? That has got to be a fascinating story."

"With every new discovery we allow researchers time to find out what the properties of the planet or mineral are, and how it can be utilized," she said. "Our original colonies were based on science, and some of us continue to do so. It took nearly a year of study before scientists discovered the unique properties, and that was by accident." She smiled. "Or, a happy series of events."

>>tag

Hoton Grath walked in, looking extremely put out. He went over to Anthon. "Why did you not inform me of their arrival? I would have come sooner."

Anthon bowed with the palms of his hands faced upward, "Welcome Priminister. I sent you the invitation at the same time I did for the others. Your timing is perfect." Anthon smiled at the other man. "May I get you a drink?"

"I'll help myself, thank you," Hoton said, not at all pleased. He nodded to the Starfleet ambassadors. "They are the negotiators?"

"That they are, would you like for me to introduce you?" Anthon asked.

"By all means. Introduce me," Hoton replied. It would look better if Anthon made the introductions. "What is your impression of these people?" he asked.

Anthon gave a warm smile, "They are a curious people and want to help. The Ambassadors each come from a different background and I think that's a very good advantage to deal with the situation." He waved his hand indicating to follow, "Please, come with me and I will introduce you."

"I don't trust any of them," Hoton groused. "They have no business meddling in our affairs." He sighed, following Anthon. At least he could meet them and get their measure.

"At this point in the game you don't have to trust them, after all trust is earned. You just need to sit down with the others and find a way to resolve the situation...together. Keep an open mind and just listen." Anthon said as they approached the Federation Diplomats, "I'd like to introduce Prime Minister Hoton Grath of the Lunari." He bowed and stood back.

T'Vala bowed. "A pleasure," she said to Grath. "I am T'Vala, Ambassador from Vulcan."

Hoton returned the bow a little awkwardly. He carefully masked his emotions, choosing to look outwardly calm. "Welcome."

Daeren too bowed to the gentleman. "I am Consul Daeren Iril, of Trill. I'm glad to meet you, Prime Minister. I look forward to working with you."

Hoton gave him a half-bow. "Indeed. I look forward to our future negotiations."

"What interest do the Lunari have in the mountain, as you see it, Prime Minister?" Daeren asked.

Prime Minister Grath looked at him for a long moment. "The natural resources of the mountain are being underutilized. Preservation," he huffed. "That's their excuse. They don't know what they're doing."

"That sounds as if it ought to be a simple formula," Daeren said, "factoring in the time the spores need to regenerate, the time for the new generation to reach maturity, and the yield needed."

"It should be, but it is not," he said. "There are those who do not believe in maximum output."

"Because we wish to maintain the beauty of the area and the value of our goods," Marda said, coming up to them. "Preservation is important, as is thoughtful development."

Hoton's face grew red as he held back what he wanted to say to the woman. "You would keep the planet from progressing just to maintain its beauty."

"There are many who value beauty," T'Vala said, coming over to the group. "Considering the needs of the Federation and the needs of the local species, including the humanoids, is of value. Taking time to consider options is prudent."

"Only if you want someone else to steal our spores and develop their own process," he countered. "We can't wait for years just because we think a plant will die or a species will need to be relocated."

"Nor do we need to act immediately," Marda retorted.

"Is not this why we are here?" T'Vala said, her voice calm and neutral. "To help navigate around this particular conundrum?"

"Yes," Marda said, not hiding the relief in her voice.

"Yes," Grath replied, his tone more petulant.

"To what degree would you like to see production increased?" Daeren asked Grath. "And why do you feel such an increase is necessary?"

"We cannot meet demand," Grath said. "Only a portiaon of the mountain's resources are being harvested. We could do so much more if we brought in more equipment. We could go from one section to antoher, which would give ample time for regrowth."

"The cost is too high," Marda argued. "And it is not your mountain. Demand will always outstrip supply, but we are not going to destroy our own natural resources in the name of money."

"We shall see who ends up with the mountain," he hissed. "I have as much claim to it as you do."

T'Vala raised a hand. "That is what os to be determined. You asked us here to help resolve your differences, and we shall. But it will not be done here and now."

Velis Akhnir stepped up beside T'Vala. He inclined his head to her. "Interesting discussion all of you are having. True, the resolution is unlikely to occur here or now, but I also feel that politeness ruins conversations. Don't you agree, Prime Minister Grath?"

Grath laughed. "Platitudes are nothing but empty promises."

Daeren studied the newcomer. "We've not been introduced," he said. "I am Daeren Iril, Trill Consul to Starbase 109."

The newcomer inclined his head. "An honor, sir. I am Velis Akhnir, Viceroy of Kaersheva in the Nassan Empire."

"Ah. And what interest has the Nassan Empire in this mountain?" Daeren asked.

"It was ceded to us in a land grant over a century ago. However, the head of state at that time was declared mentally incompetent and agreements that he made were voided by his successor. My government did not accept that, and we have been wrangling over it ever since."

"Indeed," T'Vala said. "Head of what state, and under what authority did this person cede the land to you?" She wondered why anyone grossly incompetent would be allowed to maintain enough authority to parcel out land -- especially as it had to be revoked afterward.

Akhnir gave Governor Marda an apologetic look. "Unfortunately, Kellios." OOC (Chantal): Again, if this does not work, we can rewrite. It probably would be best if I email you what I'm thinking. It's coming to me in bits and pieces, and I'm working out motivations, feeling my way.
(Charlie: Not a problem if we go with this. We ccan make it work.)

"It was not Kellios," Marda said firlmy, frowning at Akhnir. "He had neither the authority nor the right to speak for us. We could find no record of him belonging to Kellios, in spite of his claims at the time." In fact, they'd done an extensive search of their records at the time and he was definitely not Kelliosian. She personally thought he was from one of the other colonies and wanted to get control of the land.

"Do you have records of this?" T'Vala asked. If so, it could go a long way toward resolving this.

"Yes. I'll show you," Marda said. "If you'd like, I'll take you right now."

T'Vala inclined her head. "If there is no other reason to stay here, then yes."

"That's hardly fair!" Hoton Grath groused. "It gives them an unfair advantage."

T'Vala turned to him. "How would the truth give anyone an unfair advantage? If she has such records, they may or may not prove her claim. We are here to find the truth and will look at any records you have as well."

Grath cleared his throat. "I will have to see what we have."

T'Vala inclined her head. "If you do find something, please let me know. I am most interested in your planet's history."

Grath nodded and moved on. He did not like this Vulcan. He didn't like any Vulcans. He was sure he could find something to suit her. Hopefully by the meeting tomorrow.

T'Vala watched him go. She would have to learn more about the man and his colony. She would have to learn more about each of those claiming the mountain. Talking with them was enlightening, but now she needed more information before tomorrow's meeting. She signaled to Tessa.

"Yes, ma'am?" Tessanna said, coming over to the ambassador.

"I have now spoken with the leaders of the parties involved. I will retire to the library to see what else I may learn. Stay here for a while longer and report to me there."

Tessa grinned. She knew what the Vulcan wanted. She loved it when she could play spy. "Yes, ma'am." With a nod, she headed over to the refreshment table.

 

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