Meeting

Posted on Wed Jan 27th, 2010 @ 4:58pm by Captain Vorn Krace & Commander Peter Brown & Commander Jordan Gunning & Lieutenant JG Winter Balmorra

Mission: Borderline Diplomacy
Location: Bevrud
Timeline: MD07 - 1607hrs

As Vorn stepped out down the boarding ramp of the Aeroshuttle, he knew his officers were following closely behind him, and he straightened his uniform ready to walk confidently over to their welcoming party without any perceived hesitation.

"Captain Vorn Krace," Atakimpa said offering another of his bows and stepping forward from the rest of the party, whom had all come to a stop. "It is pleasurable to see you in the flesh."

"Likewise," Vorn said, offering a welcoming smile. "These are my officers, Commander Brown, Lieutenant Gunning, and Doctor Balmorra."

"Greetings," Atakimpa said, offering them all another bow.

Jordan decided to opt for the strong, silent type as he greeted the bow with a courteous nod.

Winter nodded and gave a quick bow.

Peter nodded, showing his experience in first contact situations as he remembered the last mission the ship was on that involved diplomatic talks.

"Please, if you follow me, I shall take you to our government centre," Atakimpa said, turning and leading the away team through the Bevrud welcoming party and towards a large, hovering ground vehicle parked just past the beginning of the pier, that had been obscured from Vorn's view previously due to the people standing between him and it. The vehicle was easily large enough to fit Atakimpa and the away team inside comfortably, and as they approached it, a second vehicle arrived to transport the rest of the Bevrud, who had so far remained silent.

The vehicles were driver-less, Vorn learned as they climbed inside, and had a spacious, plush interior. About as wide as a 20th century bus on Earth, but about as long as a typical van of the same era, there was plenty of room to move inside.

Jordan looked across at the Captain with a quizzical look on his face. He assumed the Captain would have an idea of what he meant. Eventually he couldn't take it anymore. "Forgive my ignorance, Atakimpa but... who's driving this thing?"

"Our ground transport vehicles in the city are all connected to the central control grid. Official vehicles are usually operated by controllers within the secure complex. Civilian transports contain a selection of destinations constantly updated in their databanks, and are capable of transporting their passengers anywhere within the city. The automated transport system has decreased the percentage of transport accidents here by 90% since it was first introduced. The accidents we do have all involve vehicles which have come from outside of the city, and are not on the automated grid," Atakimpa explained.

"Impressive, and if I may say Atakimpa, your world looks a lot like Earth before world war three, high technology, it's quite impressive." Winter stated, looking around at the city.

"Thank you, doctor," Atakimpa said, nodding towards Winter. "Though I have read your world's history, and I sincerely hope that we are capable of avoiding such a war as you endured on your planet."

Peter looked at Atakimpa after looking over the city. "Atakimpa, I find it interesting that this is on a central grid. How much does this drain power to the other sections of the city, and what else is connected to the city? Also, I don't see a Police Force? How do you handle crimes?" Peter asked as he looked at the Captain, as in his mind Peter wanted to be sure that if something went wrong, he could do something to protect him, as the Captain was his first responsibility. As his former First Officer, he still had more of a thought towards the Captain than a normal officer; he knew how the Captain worked.

"The power drain on the rest of the city's resources are negligible," Atakimpa replied. "The transport system has a quota of daily energy consumption appropriated for it, which it draws on, leaving the rest of the power free for the other areas the city requires of it, such as the communications systems." He paused, so as to give a break between his answers to each of Peter's rapid-fire questions. "Our law enforcement is small, because our crime rates are so low. Our police force serves the primary purpose of curtailing what small, petty crimes may still occur, though they are rare, and for answering general queries and complaints from citizens. We have not become complacent, however; the planet's military barracks train their personnel in effective law enforcement techniques, should a situation ever arise where a larger force would be required."

As the vehicle came to a gentle stop, the door opened and Atakimpa climbed out, followed by the Starfleet officers, and led them up the steps to the impressive-looking central government building. As they entered the large reception - with what looked like a marble floor and a high vaulted ceiling, the group caught sight of a group of five at the far end of the room - two Bevrudl, and three Elyshans.

"Captain," Jordan spoke in a hushed tone but his exasperation began to seep through, "If I'm not very much mistaken we may be about to break bread with the enemy. Shouldn't they have mentioned this to us?"

Peter looked at the Captain before speaking "Captain, we must be careful as I said in the briefing we have no support if they attack we're on our own," mentioned Peter.

"Atakimpa," Vorn said, keeping his voice level. "Why are the Elyshans here?"

"Yes..." Atakimpa replied, clearly not happy with the situation, though he must have known. "They were invited here for diplomatic talks also. My colleague in the Elyshan embassy advised our First Minister that we should prevent a neutral front, until a final agreement is made."

"With all due respect, Mister Atakimpa." Jordan piped up, his tone more clipped than before. "Shouldn't we have been informed?"

Peter turned to the Lieutenant and spoke, paining and with wealth of experience. "I don't like this ether Lieutenant, but this is their planet. If they desire not to tell us who is here it is their choice, but remember we are representing the Federation. We must show our ideals at all times. I am sure that the reasons of this choice are for the best for your people, Atakimpa and you will choose the right path," replied Peter.

"Nice sentiment. I'll have it inscribed on my gravestone," Jordan muttered in reply.

"No," Vorn said tersely. "With all due respect to diplomatic protocol," he said, directing his attention back towards Atakimpa. "You invited us here to negotiate the possibility of joining the Federation as a protectorate. I expect you to keep me informed of things such as this which may be a threat to my ship or my crew, Atakimpa."

The alien nodded. "Of course, Captain."

As the three crossed into hearing range of the other group, the Elyshans and Bevrudl turned to face the approaching Federation party. "Welcome to Bevrud, Captain," said one of the Bevrudl. "I am First Minister Hitampki, and this is Sovereign Kutan, of the Elyshan Empire."

"Minister," Vorn said, bowing his head in greeting, though he gave barely a look to the Elyshan.

"As you have both now been made aware, each of you have been invited to Bevrud to negotiate a potential alliance between us and one of your peoples. We wish to remain completely neutral and unbiased until the end of this process considering the... disagreements between your two governments." As the First Minister finished talking, another Bevrud approached from behind him and whispered something in his ear.

Nodding, Hitampki spoke to his guests. "If you will excuse me, I have a few matters of state to attend to."

"Of course," Vorn and Kutan spoke at the same time, but each seemed to ignore the other.

"If you will follow me," Atakimpa said, turning back to the Federation party. "I will show you to your rooms."

-----------------------------------
Captain Vorn Krace
Commanding Officer

Commander Peter Brown
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Lieutenant Jordan Gunning
Chief Security & Tactical Officer

Lieutenant JG Winter Balmorra
Chief Medical Officer
USS Iapetus