[V-VL] Captain Rahman: Invitation

[richyulin]

((VIP Lounge, USS Veritas))

::She sat across from the arrival from Antor at the table set against the window, offering a view of the planet below.::

Rahman: So what is it you'd like to discuss, Mr. Tutoatasi?

Tutoatasi: It's the origin of this attack, as far as I know it's from someone with quite a capacity to get unusual weapon.

::She wasn’t surprised of that characterization. After all, the local news media no doubt had their sources. But if he was trying to bait her to release more, she wasn’t taking it.::

Rahman: I see. May I ask what is your interest in all of this?

Tutoatasi: I'll be honest with you, I want to know what's the interest of the Federation about us, Antor in particular and the Shoals in general.

::She folded her hands together. His use of the word “us” distinct from the Federation concerned her.::

Rahman: Mr. Tutoatasi, you speak of the Federation as if being separate from you. Antor is a Federation colony. I understand the other worlds of the Federation may seem distant, but the commitment of the Federation Council to Antor and the other colonies in the Coalition is certainly not. My interest here is in maintaining stability in the region and providing assistance, as we are doing here now.

::But the man pressed on.::

Tutoatasi: Correct me if I'm wrong,... your ship is here, alone right?

Rahman: Yes, we are the only Starfleet ship presently assigned.

Tutoatasi: Can we expect any other ship to come and help with the after attack results?

Rahman: I’m certain the Colonial Marshals will remain and provide additional support to Antor—especially with the casualties sustained to your planet’s security and militia forces. After I make my report to Starfleet Command, additional support vessels may be arriving—perhaps Starfleet, perhaps civilian—but I can’t say at this time.

Tutoatasi: I'm sure you and your crew are very capable officers. Don't get me wrong, I've met Captain Carrero twice while she's assigned to your ship. Her loss was really felt on Antor.

::Her voice was softer at the mention of her predecessor. At times like these when she’d hear others speak of Carrero, she couldn’t help but feel she was still operating in the shadow of the late captain.::

Rahman: Yes, it was a definite loss…

Tutoatasi: Well, she'd spent quite some time around and she was aware of many of the Shoals ways and its people.  Now we have you... new in the zone but the Veritas is still ... quite much on its own.

Rahman: I assure you, Mr. Tutoatasi, while Veritas may be the only commissioned Starfleet vessel, we—and the region—are not without a support network of additional ships and stations.

Tutoatasi: Yes, I know there are other ships. Operation Safe Harbor that started about three years ago, but as we've seen, it's been having little effect. In fact, the operation is still running and we've seen the raise of that ... Jilor.

Rahman: From our intelligence reports, he has been operating for some time, consolidating power, and his capture and the dismantling of the Kos’karii pirate faction is a top priority for us and Starfleet.

Tutoatasi: Don't get me wrong captain, I don't question your professionalism or your capacity as captain, what I'm questioning here is the implication of Starfleet and Federation policy towards the Shoals.

::She furrowed her brow.::

Rahman: The implication?

Tutoatasi: RESPONSE

Rahman: As I said, the Federation Council takes its responsibilities to its colonies within the Shoals seriously, and that is why we’re here. Of course, like you no doubt are familiar with having lived here, this region is a challenging one to patrol. Even if there were an entire fleet of Starfleet ships at the ready, the travel limitations means that in many cases we simply cannot be right at a moment’s notice. That is why my own priority to you and Antor is ensuring you have the resources and capabilities to handle crises and threats on your own until additional help can arrive.

Tutoatasi: RESPONSE

::She offered an open hand towards him.::

Rahman: Perhaps I can invite you to stay aboard and observe our recovery and relief efforts. Even ask for your assistance with your local expertise. It would certainly help my officers. ::beat:: And I believe mutual collaboration will not only be beneficial but is at the heart of our greater mission in the Shoals and vital to its success.

Tutoatasi: RESPONSE

TAG! TBC…

Captain Roshanara Rahman

CO, USS Veritas

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