Stirring Lions

Posted on Sat Dec 31st, 2011 @ 2:15pm by Lieutenant JG Christopher Morgan & Lieutenant Commander Daniël de Vos

Mission: No Room for Enemies
Location: Courtyard, Conference Center, Narie

ON

The small courtyard was filled with the quiet murmur of water cascading down the small fountain against one wall. The weather had a slight chill to it, but here, out of the wind and in the sun it was very agreeable.

Armiana'ra (NPC) had chosen this location for this meeting with care. There were at least three exits, not counting up and over the courtyards wall, as well as the fountain that would confound any eavesdropper. Her people had swept through here searching for listening devices and a light forcefield prevented any sound from escaping through the open roof.

The leader of the Thrai was a striking woman, tall & slender. In an unusual move for her people, her hear was long. When hanging free, it would reach down her shoulder blades, but it was short enough that she could easily put it up in a bun should the occasion reach for it. Here, in the privacy of their quarters, she was dressed simply and functionally, though in a way that flattered her form. Beauty, after all, is just one more asset to those who know how to use it.

"So, what is your opinion on these separate meetings they are proposing," she asked after pausing to think a little herself upon reading the announcement. All the delegations would meet individually with members of the USS Nimitz to determine everyone's position and agenda, and trying to find common ground before coming back to the central table.

"A Federation ploy to divert attention and hinder true diplomatic progress," Major Vodak replied curtly, subtly making mental notes of his surroundings, what may or may not be a weapon or some object that concealed an alternative purpose. "Although it will pleasantly distract usually observant individuals," he then added, something as possibly close to a smile the former Tal Shiar agent could muster, his prominent Romulan brow the most distinguished feature upon his gaunt and stern face. "Whilst groups such as the Neirr'h will relish in the democracy of it all," he continued, almost spitting the words out, "they will be unprepared for the true grim nature of political subterfuge to rear its head, away in the shadows."

"It's hard to imagine anything more 'hindering' than yesterday's general session," Armiana'ra chided slightly. She smiled. "Oh, the face of that Human admiral, Reardon, that was trying to act as a mediator. Or Captain Diaz, when that Andorian-Vulcan group stood up and made their speech. Ah, 'All Hail Discordia'."

She walked to a pedestal where a pitcher with clear water stood. She poured herself a glass, surreptitiously touching her bracelet to the glass. The disguised scanner stayed cool, confirming the lack of illicit substances in the liquid.

"Your paranoia towards the Federation, though, I think is misplaced," she continued the narrative, shaking her head. "No doubt there are factions that would like nothing more than disagreement between us, in general those soft-hearted fools are trying to get everybody to get along. But as you say, that just makes them weaker when the real 'political' fight takes place."

She slacked her thirst, tilting her head back, exposing her slender neck in a sensual manner. A single drop escaped and ran down that curve. Vodak couldn't figure out whether that was intentional or not.

Armiana'ra placed the glass back, before turning and facing Vodak again. "What can you tell me about this representative the Admiral has assigned us to hear our cause? I didn't take the time to read up on all the minor officers that might be here."

Vodak offered an amused expression to Armiana'ra at her delicate and attractive movements before using both of his hands to lift himself up from the chair he had been sat upon, a collection of a few that were in the courtyard, and with concise precision, fluidly moved to be beside the elegant woman. He made certain he kept his out-of-place expression of good humour and kind devotion as he spoke.

"A human officer, Junior-Grade Lieutenant Christopher Morgan, but not quite your usual Starfleet type," Vodak then added, a break from his previously disinterested tone. "His record denotes numerous reprimands, and even a demotion to the lowest of the officer ranks. Although more recent additions to his file suggest a shifting of personality, more fitting of his role of strategic operations officer, he is temperamental. I would imagine he will take a direct approach to the 'negotiations'. What is it some humans say? 'The best defence is a good offence'?"

Armiana'ra nodded thoughtfully. "Do we know anything more of a personal note? Hobbies, interests, family, girlfriends?"

"What do you expect from most Starfleet security officers?" Vodak replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Family history of former Starfleet officers, poor relationship with his mother, enjoys most games of chance. Seems to have an inability to form any long-term relationships with the other sex. He is, simply, nothing spectacular, and from what I can tell, he's not a particularly focused or concentrated individual." The Romulan nodded. "He may prove stubborn, but not overly effective."

"Good, that means that with the right amount of flattery and 'concern'," you could hear the sarcasm on that last word, "we can ply him and project an image of a 'humane' government. Just by us being here, we're already being recognized as a valid faction. But we want to keep that image up and deny the others as much external support as possible." Armiana'ra smiled. "In fact, that loose faction of ice-bloods and our cousins," she spat, "plays right into our hands. We might want to subtly help them."

Vodak couldn't help but return the look to Armiana'ra. As much as the woman sickened him, and was surely a being to be despised, he could not deny her ability and wily mind. "I doubt that will be a problem," he said, coolly. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

She tapped her chin in thought. "However much it pains me, we need to 'support' the Federation minority representatives. Nothing openly, but the right information in the right hands, casting aspersions on the right people... I guess I can leave that in your.. capable hands?" Armiana'ra glanced at Vodak through lidded eyes.

Vodak gifted Armiana'ra with a knowing glance before taking his own drink, and letting his eyes wander across the courtyard as his superior continued to speak. It was, for all intents and purposes, a beautiful planet, and would indeed make a wonderful capital, were it more centralised and developed. It was certainly a thought the major might entertain in the future. At the very least, it would make an excellent hold for an individual in a position of power.

"As for our own talk to the main Federation delegation, that's going to be an exercise in misdirection. I doubt that this Morgan has an accurate picture of the political situation in Romulan space right now. Hell, even we only have that because of our contacts, no way the Federation will have it. So we'll play the sympathy card, but also remind them that 'The People' are wary of outside influences, so things must be handled slowly and carefully. That a return to the old Empire, like the Kharah proclaims is nothing more than a claim at safeguarding their own cushy positions. The Neirr'h are just trying to make use of the chaos to propel themselves to power, providing false hope to the lower castes. Basically, we try to represent ourselves as the best option, but without truly committing ourselves."

"Then," her companion replied coolly, "it is perhaps time for you to display your most gracious ability of misdirection to our new Federation friends." Vodak offered a hand to Armiana'ra, and bowed slightly in one swift movement. "May I?"

She shot a brief, measuring glance his way, before accepting. "You may," she replied before placing her hand lightly in Vodak's. That same hand had killed many before, either directly or indirectly, and no doubt could, and would, do the same in the future. Even to someone as useful as Vodak. "Let's meet these Federation representatives and play this courtly game."

TBC