Envoy Keehani Ukinix - One Step Closer
Wil Ukinix
(OOC: This is set weeks after Keehani’s counselling session with Carter and Bec)
((Keehani’s Pod, Level 14 Copernicus Center - Amity Outpost))
It was good to be back in the office. After he week off from work, and her short trip to Idrustix, she had felt she was almost back to normal. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks, the visit to the “parallax” universe was starting to become a distant memory. She still abhorred the version of herself that was a ruthless yet efficient dictator of an Empire.
The one that seemingly lived up to the name “Ukinix” that many nobles feared. The version she vowed never to become.
Keehani smiled as she made one last pass over her latest report, written for the Ambassador. It was a monthly report that had to be submitted to Paris, compiled from Rivi’s own observations but also using data compiled by Keehani on metrics such as the number of residents, number and make up of visitors from the Delta Quadrant, and the types goods and services traded both intra and inter Federation and their volumes.
The report was concise, accurate and professional.
Keehani: ::Quietly to self, proud tone, nod:: Hm!
Ukinix: =/\= Commander Ukinix to First Secretary Ukinix. Can you, um, come down to my office? Got something for you. =/\=
Keehani: ::Quietly to self:: Ooh!
It was a half surprised, half pleased tone that Keehani allowed herself to quietly emit. With a smile, she tapped on the “send” button on her console screen to submit the monthly report, before waving her hand through a nearby holographic display to activate comms.
Keehani: =/\= ::Cheerfully:: On my way, cousin, see you soon. =/\=
((A few minutes later – XO’s Office, Level 3, Amity Outpost))
When the door slid open, First Secretary Keehani Ukinix walked into the office, wearing one of her designer corporate outfits. She had purchased the replicator pattern for her outfit from the controversial Betazoid designer Nemivi Mex through Fednet, along with some funky, chunky looking bracelets.
Keehani: Hello, cousin. ::Turning to Nadeshiko:: Oh! Hello, Nadeshiko, are you well?
The First Secretary offered her hand to Nadeshiko.
Nadeshiko: I am well, thank you First Secretary. ::She takes the hands, and does a mini curtsy. By preference, Nadeshiko adopted Victorian etiquette on the job, until told otherwise, or onboard a Starfleet starship, where she complied with Starfleet protocol::
Keehani was very interested in Nadeshiko’s greeting ritual. It seemed old fashioned, polite and respectful. She was intrigued by the android choice of clothing.
Ukinix: Nadeshiko’s been putting a report together, requested by the Federation Council. Did you know about that?
Keehani: ::Looking back at Nadeshiko:: Of course.
Nadeshiko: It would be logical the orders crossed your desk
Keehani smiled and nodded.
Keehani: And what were your findings?
Ukinix: They wanna get rid of Federation credits.
Keehani: ::Slight eyeroll:: Oh Wil, It would be political suicide to even propose it. They don’t want to *really*.
Keehani turned back to look at Nadeshiko, and spoke with a slightly concerned, quizzical tone.
Keehani: ::Slightly concerned, quizzical tone:: Do they?
Nadeshiko: I would argue fragments of the Council and Assembly have always resented the imposition of currency into their society. This was a request they buried into a study into what would we need for trade agreements out here.
Keehani crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. Upon reflection, Nadeshiko was about the sentiment. But they were in the minority.
It made her even more interested in Nadeshiko’s findings.
Keehani: This recent exopolitics graduate would *love* to hear your presentation. ::slight smirk:: That way I can explain it to Amity’s XO in basic terms.
Ukinix: ::Covering mouth with finger, under breath:: Smart arse.
Keehani’s smile got a little wider, as the now proud of herself First Secretary excitedly looked on at Nadeshiko, hoping she was going to give the presentation.
Nadeshiko: The summary of the presentation is that the report is too overbroad and has individual insights into the xenopolitical situations out here, but needs to be broken down and given to agencies that can command polling and interviews with various member species of the Federation. ::deadpan.:: The summary goes into detail as to how even this presentation is a limited view and still biased.
Keehani: Interesting. I did find it intriguing that the request for this report came to Amity. I wonder who or what process in Paris came to that decision.
Keehani made her way over to the table that sat opposite Wil’s desk, pulled out a chair, then sat sideways on it, placing her hands between her knees and giving Nadeshiko her undivided attention.
Nadeshiko: Essentially, there's growing concerns and anti-currency movements in the Federation, as the amount of Federation citizens who are anti currency is now 19%.
That figure made Keehani raise an eyebrow.
Nadeshiko: Several corporations have lost property and have been banned from sectors, and it's likely that we'll see our first quadrillion-credit company by 2416. That's the high marks of it, I can give a separate summation, but essentially, that section of the report is more or less saying "this needs focused research and survey to reconcile the two different viewpoints in the Assembly and Council."
Keehani: Plus, I would suggest, less broad terms of reference. Or, a joint report from the wider Federation, not just our Outpost. They’ll not get any significant findings from our activity, and our neighbouring systems alone.
Nadeshiko: However, this does provide us with some insight into Kathesis Pact relations. They refuse currency transactions and only barter with external nations. They also prefer veto rights but rarely use them on operations near their space as a way to promote consensus building - and will offer the same to other nations if they feel they are amenable and fair to that. They do not view us as more than a nation grabbing territory, and with the rush of mining companies out here, likely will never alllow mining near their territory.
Keehani once again raised her eyebrows, and nodded. The report and the discussion was satisfying the political and diplomatic nerd part of her brain. Any findings on the Kathesis Pact would be invaluable for The Ambassador’s mission.
Nadeshiko: This is the source of recent claiming of a massive swath of territory that was within our colonization plans, but yet unclaimed, and closing it to colonization and mining, are making a point that isn't the Alpha Quadrant, and we need to play nice with local powers. Such points are visible in speeches and editorials in their media. It should be noted that we do not have claim to where our colonies are located with the exclusion of Idustrix, and there are preexisting claims to even this system from many powers. While the Pact is willing to concede them, they will ask for something in return.
Ukinix: Yeah, but there’s not even an agreed claims registration system out here. I know that not every system in this part of the delta quadrant necessarily hate each other, there’s never been an agreement or a treaty on anything like that.
Keehani: ::To Wil:: It underscores how destabilising civilisations like the Vidiians, the Hirogen, and while admittedly further out, the Kazon can have. It stifles relations, even in between nations that have no ill-will towards each other.
Ukinix: ::To Nadeshiko:: So are you saying the Kathesis Pact don’t trust us? They signed that agreement with us, and tried to pull some swifties which we picked them up on and wanted changed. They didn’t object, we came to terms.
Nadeshiko: Response
Ukinix: They’re going to set up that embassy soon. Do we need to be worried? White-anting us, espionage, that sort of thing.
Nadeshiko: Response
Just then, the door chime rang. Wil gave the command to the computer.
Ukinix: Come in!
When the door slid open, the trio in the office were greeted by the warm, beaming smile of Ambassador Vataix.
Keehani watched as her Starfleet cousin Wil immediately took to his feet, and stood at relaxed attention.
Ukinix: Ambassador, this is a pleasant surprise.
Vataix: There you are, Wil! What size helmet do you think Nathan wears?
Keehani: ::Furrowing brow:: Helmet, Ambassador?
Ukinix: ::Slight smirk:: Extra-large.
Wil, though, had ignored Keehani’s query and decided to answer anyway – and Keehani sensed that Wil actually had no clue what size helmet Nathan would have needed.
Nadeshiko: Response
Rivi glanced over at Keehani and explained helpfully.
Vataix: We're planning a party!
Keehani lifted her chin for a moment, then dropped it, pretending that the connection between “helmet” and “party” somehow made sense.
Keehani: Oh! Of course.
Internally, Keehani had *no clue* why the Ambassador was asking about helmets.
Ukinix: I like that organising parties is an official part of FDC duties. ::Jokingly:: Maybe I picked the wrong career after all.
Nadeshiko: Response
The Ambassador smiled once again as she looked at the XO.
Vataix: We have a few others to celebrate as well... Robin... Bec once I see her... oh! And Keehani!
Keehani’s instincts took over when she heard Rivi say the word “Keehani”. The Ambassadorial Aide stood, turned to face Rivi, and clasped her hands together in front of herself, waiting for an instruction or query.
Keehani: Yes, Madam Ambassador?
Nadeshiko: Response
To Keehani’s slight surprise, Rivi made her way over to where Keehani was standing and gently reached out to touch both of Keehani’s arms. She could sense warmth in the Ambassador.
Vataix: I was going to wait until I saw you later in my office, but since you're here! Ahem...
The Ambassador cleared her throat. Keehani turned her head to the side slightly, wondering what was coming.
Vataix: Keehani Ukinix, when you came up to me at my swearing-in ceremony two years ago and told me you wanted to come with me to Amity Outpost... I must admit I was not sure what to expect once we'd be working together.
((Flashback - Vataix Estate, Betazed – After Rivi's ceremony where she is officially named an Ambassador – Stardate 239810.12))
Keehani: ~~I will come to the point, Ambassador. I have recently graduated Exopolitics at the University of Betazed, majoring in Diplomacy, with flying colors. Through family contacts I have learned of Amity Outpost, and ::handing over PADD with CV:: I would like to join the Federation Diplomatic Corps.~~
The new Ambassador took one look at the PADD while furrowing her brow. Keehani sensed disbelief in Rivi, which was to be expected – and in fact, Rivi seemed more focused on the food on offer.
Vataix: ~~You're joking. This is some sort of laugh for you, isn't it? It's not very funny, I have to say. ~~ ::to the attendant:: Oh, thank you! Yes, I'll have two please.
The young exo-politics graduate wasn’t about to give up that easily.
Keehani: ~~You need me. I am perfectly qualified for this position, my studies were focused on diplomatic relations with jurisdictions beyond the Federation, I’m a fellow Betazoid, and I’m a hard worker. ::Confident smile:: The Four have aligned the stars.~~
((End Flashback))
Keehani: I did promise hard work, Ambassador.
Ukinix: ::Smirking:: And Federation credits.
Keehani’s head snapped to the left so that she could shoot her cousin an unimpressed *look* with furrowed eyebrows, before blinking and turning her attention back to Rivi.
Nadeshiko: Response
Vataix: But I see now that the controversy that you'd found yourself in during your university days was merely a hint at the passion with which you take on any endeavor of yours, whether it be your studies, your political stances, your family, or now your job as a part of my ambassadorial staff.
A big smile broke across Keehani’s face. While Keehani *still* didn’t know how Rivi felt about Keehani’s successful legal action to reclaim her grandmother’s control of the Ninth House, it seemed it wasn’t near enough to affect their professional relationship.
Keehani: ::polite nod:: Thank you, Madam Ambassador.
Vataix: And in fact, I have come to rely upon you as not just a valued member of my staff but as perhaps my closest confidante and trusted advisor. That is why your post as ambassadorial aide will no longer due. Effective immediately, I am promoting you to the diplomatic rank of Envoy and furthermore naming you as my chief of staff. Thank you, Keehani.
Keehani gasped as her jaw dropped, before she put both of her hands over nose and mouth in shock.
Keehani: ::Muffled through hands:: By The Four… Ambassador, I – thank you. You’ve just put me one step closer to my childhood dream. I am lost for words.
She sensed that Wil had got up from his chair, and was feeling a combination of joy and pride. What she didn’t expect though was for her cousin to wrap his arms around her waist and momentarily lift her from the ground.
Keehani: ::Short, surprised, amused squeal:: Ah!
Ukinix: Congratulations, Envoy!
She sensed it wasn’t the first time he’d picked someone up like that, either a close friend of family. As odd and as possibly professionally inappropriate the gesture was, he was family, and she was flattered by the intent.
Nadeshiko: Response
As Wil stepped back, a now overwhelmed with delight Keehani accepted a hug from Ambassador Vataix.
Vataix: So... Envoy, ::looks to Wil and Nadeshiko:: Commander, Ms. Nadeshiko... what are you all discussing? I sensed some passionate thoughts from outside.
Keehani raised her eyebrows and nodded a little. She was passionate about her Federation Credits. She didn’t need them to live, but she did want them to by designer corporate outfits and feel stylish and confident everyday at work.
Especially now that she was an *Envoy*!
Ukinix: I think it’s best Nadeshiko sums it up for you, Ambassador. ::Gesturing to large box full of PADDs:: Look at all this work!
Nadeshiko: Response
Keehani: It’s curious to me that they would use the Delta Quadrant as a model or argument as to removing currency.
Vataix: Response
Ukinix: Yeah, and Nadeshiko was about to give her presentation to me. But with all of us here, we can kill three birds with one stone.
Keehani: Why are we killing birds?
Nadeshiko/Vataix: Response
Ukinix: It’s a figure of speech!
Keehani: Yes, but… ::looking at Rivi:: traditional Earth idioms can be so archaic at times. ::slight shake of head::
Vataix: Response
Nadeshiko: Response
Tags/TBC!
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Envoy Keehani Ukinix
Chief of Staff, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0