Juggling Cats, part 3

Posted on Sat Aug 28th, 2010 @ 10:01am by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Commander Delon Tovan & Lieutenant JG Erin Tal & Lieutenant JG Nava & Lieutenant Kaj Mikkola

1,641 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Peace, or Something Like It
Location: New Paris, Turkana IV
Timeline: Current

[New Paris, Turkana IV]

[OLD]

Without any words he sat himself at the far end of the table, away from the Alliance and Union leaders. He was none too happy about being here, especially now that the Federation had been invited.

[NEW]

Nava joined Sam and watched as the people filed in. She watched any reactions that each of the factions might have to each other. Varik's positioning of himself told Nava many things at least in her experience. This was going to be a tough negotiation for all parties involved.

Xon was the last to arrive, as usual dressed in his simple long jacket and utilitarian tunic pants and boots. Unlike his first encounter with Starfleet personnel the hood was down this time, displaying his pointed ears and slightly weathered facial features.
He carefully took up a position that didn't put him between one of the other representatives of the other factions and the delegation from the Federation.
"Well it appears we have all arrived and without any attempted harm inflicted on each other."

"The thought had crossed my mind." Teenan joked, though it belied a hint of truth.

Xon was impassive as ever, he simply looked at Teenan blankly as he spoke.
"Certainly up until now that has been your perogative, Grand Marshal. I sincierely hope that after this conference such action will no longer be nesseccary, or at least a first line option when it comes to inter-entity interaction."

"That remains to be seen. I see little benefit to these proceedings. If it were not for my second in commands insistence on coming here, I imagine I would be engaged in a territory dispute right now." Teenan made his position very clear.

Lumiya remained silent. She observed the behavior of those in the room with her. She had received information that Federation would be attending the conference. She didn't care either way. The fact that Federation had managed to invite themselves to this conference wasn't going to change anything. She fully leaned back in the chair crossing her right leg over her left one. She rested her hands on the chair arms and waited.

Sam smiled at those who had just arrived. She noted each faction leader and his or her demeanor. "We are honored to be allowed to participate in these proceedings. We only wish to assist in these talks. From all we have seen, The Union seems to have things well in hand."

Xon looked at Sam than each of the leaders in turn as he spoke.
"In districts that we definitively hold influence over yes we have day to day affairs in hand, but this is not a lasting solution to the problem that plagues our world. I do not wish to instigate a takeover of any sort, I merely seek a lasting and peaceful balance of some sort, whether that means three separate territories or an integrated political system of some sort, something I hope that has been made clear since the Union began operating.

Before all of that however I propose we discuss and address some of the fundamental problems which become ignored when our three respective organizations struggle for control and power. The citizens of this planet become subject to the most lawless and brutal expressions of sentient barbarism when power struggles commence, things such as rape gangs drug production and distribution, slave trafficking and a host of other sundry activities which seem to be blamed on each other. I for one have made it a priority to rid any and all Union districts of these negative influences, rather than use them as a rallying cry and blaming them on other factions.

I propose that here and now we make a collective pact to cease this nonsense of cycling blame and commit to not only restoring law and order in our respective districts but also to throwing any off-worlders such as mercenaries or crime bosses off of Turkana."

Samantha nodded. "Have you each created a list of what you want and what you don't want with this accord?" she asked the three leaders.

Xon nodded and produced a small data rod.
"This will describe all of our terms in detail, but the most rudimentary outline of what we wish to accomplish with this summit is this: restoration of balance and peace on Turkana IV.

To accomplish this we desire the following actions and terms be put in place:
First, all current territorial holdings are finalized and sealed, meaning no more aggressive territorial possession maneuvers of any type whether they be militaristic or political in nature be undertaken.

Secondly, all citizens of Turkana IV in good standing with their local law enforcement organization must be free to emigrate to any sector or territory of any other governing body without fear of reprisal or penalty by any civilians or government agents, and return if they desire to.

Thirdly, we must shift our focus from fighting with each other to fighting the real enemy: the criminals lawbreakers and mercenaries that plague this planet. With their arrest and ousting the road to peace and prosperity will be much clearer and strewn with less obstacles.

This my colleagues, my equals, is the only chance this planets populace has of not only advancing beyond the chaos and despair that plagues this world, but of survival itself."

Teenan shook his head and looked down to the table. "That's a wonderful speech and all, but it is all rubbish unless we can trust the other parties involved. I for one don't ever see a day when I will trust the intentions of your Union or ANY Alliance member. Neither of you have given me any reason to, especially her." He waved his hand at Lumiya.

Lumiya shook her head gently. She had expected as much to come from the Grand Marshal. She had experience this mistrust from him in the past. She looked around the room prior to leaning forward and resting her hands on the table in front of her. "The Alliance is willing to take the first step towards building a peaceful relationship with the Coalition, not only for the sake of my people, or his people, but for the sake of the whole planet. There has been enough bloodshed on this world."

"Isn't it time we put aside our difference and work together towards a brighter future for the sake of our children and their children. The people of this world deserve a bright future not one that is filled with hatred and destruction. Alliance would like to help build this future with the help of Coalition. And maybe one day there won't be a need for us to have an Alliance banner or a Coalition banner but have one banner that represents all of the people of this world. "

Lumiya leaned back in the chair returning to her previous position. "It's a lot easier to destroy than it is to build something you are truly proud of. I am willing to on the challenge of rebuilding this world to its past glory, are you Grand Marshal?"

"You speak of war like you know what it really is." The Grand Marshal said after a moments consideration. "You sit in your tower and command your own to fight and kill like they are game pieces. I have been on the front lines every day, I have fought and killed and known what it is to really lose." His eyes seemed to have a fire burning inside of them. "I have to look into the eyes of my men and see their resignation, they know their lives will be cut short and yet they continue to fight for what is ours.

Teenan leaned back into his chair and tapped his outstretched hand on the table. "Do not get me wrong, the notion of living peacefully is attractive. I have long since forgotten what a full nights rest was like without the sounds of mortar and weapons fire waking me. But I will not betray what my soldiers have given up just because a few signed pieces of paper. We require far more than just your word."

"What do you require, then, Grand Marshal Teenan?" Samantha asked quietly. "It seems to me that Luminya wants what you do. A cessation of hostilities and a chance to work together to make Turkana a safe place to live."

"What I am suggesting," Teenan started, ignoring the commanders comments "is an act of good faith. I may even have something in mind. I agree with Xon that the mercenary forces on this planet have become an issue. Recently a rather large band has taken up residence in a town once under my influence. Ever since then they have been a thorn in my side; ambushing medical convoys amoungst other things. I would have dealt with them long ago if not for needing troops to defend the northern boarder of my territory. I have begun raising troops to take the town back, but their numbers are few and their skill is lacking. I require assistence with this task."

Sam gave him a direct look. "If what you say is true, we will help you drive out the mercenaries." It wasn't part of her orders, but if this was what it took to make him agree to peace, then so be it.

(To be continued...)


Commander Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lt Jg Nava
Chief Diplomatic Officer

Major Damon Raine
Marine CO

Lieutenant JG Erin Tal
Chief Counselor

Lieutenant Dalon Tovan
Chief Operations Officer

Xon (NPCd by Kaj)
Union Leader

Lumiya Onasi (NPCd by Alen)
Alliance Leader

Grand Marshal Teenan Varik (NPCd by Cole)
Coalition Leader

Gloriana Vak (NPCd by Sam)
Assistant to the Planetary Government

 

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