Juggling Cats, part 6

Posted on Tue Aug 31st, 2010 @ 9:32am by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Kaj Mikkola & Lieutenant Commander Delon Tovan & Lieutenant JG Erin Tal & Lieutenant JG Nava

925 words; about a 5 minute read

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

[New Paris, Turkana IV]

[OLD]

If you were to allow this to take place Grand Marshal Teenan it would go a long way in allowing the healing of the deep and jagged societal wounds that scar our world, and be one of the first paving stones in the road to peace and prosperity."

[NEW]

The Grand Marshal stayed quiet when he spoke out of respect, but he was only barely able to contain himself from striking back verbally. His jaw was clenched tightly closed and it took considerable effort to loosen it enough to speak.

"The insinuation that the Coalition is at fault for that factory is both outrageous and insulting. Your troops were taking clearly hostile liberties on our lands without permission or even warning. We had no choice but to assert ourselves and remind your troops where the boarder lie."

"What you propose next is nothing less than a slap to my face. I knew there had to be a reason for you to invite the Federation in." Teenan's voice started to raise and his fingers started drumming aggressively on the table. "You plan on using Starfleet as your own personal dogs of war. You preach peace and use them as a hammer to ensure it. How soon until I see Marines on my doorstep Xon?" He nearly spat the name.

Sam stood. "We are not here to be anyone's pet. We are here to help all sides. That includes you, Grand Marshal." She spoke clearly and firmly. "If you have any doubts about that, the head of my Marine detachment is here. You can speak directly to him if you wish. We will take no action unless all sides request it."

Nava stepped forward "Respects Grand Marshal, would it not benefit your sector to have this factory and its crime shut down as well. I'm sure that it is causing the people to live in fear of the mercenaries. What do you see would be the benefit of keeping this factory?" She asked quietly seeing the anger in his eyes.

Teenan's eyes finally seemed to regard the officers. He glared at them and for a moment seemed as if he might lose the remainder of his composure.

He took a in deep breath and carefully modulated his voice. "Of course I want that factory erradicated, but I have a responsibility to protect my people from a greater threat. Don't presume to know what my people live in fear of."

He looked back to Xon "You may assault the factory all you want, but know that if anyone sets foot on my lands they will be fired upon; mercenary or otherwise." His eyes flashed back to the Commander "That means you."

Sam ignored his comment. "What do your people live in fear of?" she asked quietly. "What is this greater threat?"

Teenan placed his gaze on both the Alliance and Union leaders but said nothing more.

Lumiya took a deep breath, she held it for a moment before exhaling. This is pointless. At the rate this is going we aren't going to get anywhere. There is just too much mistrust between all of the sides involved. Until every side decides to take a leap of faith and work with the other the conflict will never end. Lumiya thought to herself as she watched the exchange of words between the leaders of each party. She remained in the background for the moment being. It was the best thing for her to do.

Sam wasn't going to push the point. Although they were talking, there was still a lot of mistrust. She sensed a lot of anger and confusion from Teenan. Perhaps, as the talks progressed, she'd get some answers.

Just then, Sam's combadge chirped. She looked to the others at the table. "I left word to not be disturbed unless there was an emergency. If you will excuse me, I'll only be a moment."

She stepped out of the room and tapped her combadge. "York here."

"Commander," the comm officer said. "Commander Sinclair asked me to notify you that two mercenary ships are heading for the Calypso. Everything is fine for now, but shields are up and we will be unable to beam you aboard. We suggest you stay on the planet for now."

"Understood. Keep me informed. York out."

She walked back into the room and took her seat at the table. There would be time to notify the others when the conference ended for the day.

The talk continued for another hour, but it wasn't getting anywhere. FInally, Gloriana stood. "It is time to end talks for the evening." She looked at the Federation visitors. "You are welcome to stay as our guests this evening, if you wish."

Without giving anyone else a chance to respond, Sam replied. "Yes, we would appreciate that. I think it will give us a better understanding of your city and what's been happening over the last few months if we were to stay here."

Gloriana stood, "Excellent. Come with me, I will show you what we have available."

=====

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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