Ambassador Rivi Vataix: Unspoken Words

[Roshanara Rahman]

((Vataix Estate, Betazed – After Rivi's ceremony where she is officially named an ambassador))

Following her appointment as an ambassador and first speech, Rivi Vataix began making the rounds with her guests. The audible chatter was actually a bit unusual for a ceremony on Betazed, confined mostly to the non-Betazoids that were in attendance. Taking a break from the pleasantries, Rivi made her way towards one of the tables where refreshments had been prepared.

Keehani: ~~Ambassador Vataix.  ::Offering hand, warm smile:: Congratulations. ~~

Rivi looked over her shoulder to see a young woman approaching her. She recognized her as one of those former "Guardians of Betazed" at the university. Of course, the Guardians were no more after their links to the terrorist group Maquis Reborn were uncovered. Keehani Ukinix though eluded arrest, having been described as a hapless victim in the grander schemes of those who had wanted to do more harm towards the Betazoid Nobility.

Whether Keehani was truly as innocent though in all of it as she'd publicly made out from the fall out, well... Rivi had some lingering questions.

Vataix: ~~Thank you, Miss Ukinix. I hadn't realized you'd come.~~

Keehani: ~~ ::Looking around:: Oh, I have my ways. ~~

Rivi made her way down the line, nodding in appreciation as an attendant placed a bite-sized sapphire fish wrap on her plate while Keehani stepped along next to her.

Vataix: ~~I'm a bit surprised, given your previous views on Betazed's involvement with the Federation.~~

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 a PADD with CV:: I would like to join the Federation Diplomatic Corps.~~

Rivi took a glance at the PADD without accepting it, furrowed her brow in disbelief before she continued to the next platter, where an attendant was waiting.

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.

As the attendant gingerly placed the two cookies on Rivi's plate, Keehani shot back.

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.~~

Vataix: ~~You're also on a Federation watch list. You think because your cousin is the Starfleet attache, you're going to have some clout? Did he give you that impression?~~

Keehani looked back over at her cousin in the distance, chatting with his friend before she spoke--aloud and with a smug little smile.

Keehani: He doesn’t know.

Rivi looked over to see the two men in the distance. Still holding her plate, Rivi grabbed one of the cookies.

Vataix: I'm not giving you special treatment.

Keehani: Response

Placing the cookie in her mouth, Rivi took a few chews as she breathed in and out slowly. The truth was, this was going to be the biggest new challenge Rivi had ever taken in her life, and she'd be surrounded by hundreds--thousands--of people that would depend on her or try to give her advice and have their own opinions on things. Having someone she knew from Betazed with her among her staff did have its appeal.

Vataix: ~~I'll take a look at your CV tonight. Until then, consider it a "tentative" assignment.~~

Keehani: Response

The new Ambassador grabbed the PADD out of Keehani's hand and finished her bite.

Vataix: ~~And if you try to pull any of your "activist" nonsense from your university days while a part of my staff, I'll drop you off at the nearest Borg transwarp hub. Are we clear?~~

Keehani: Response

Rivi took another deep breath and then turned back to face Keehani, flashing her trademark smile.

Vataix: Welcome aboard, First Secretary Ukinix. Now if you'll excuse me, I promised Mr. Deha of the FNS an interview.

Keehani: Response

Vataix: Be sure to enjoy the rest of the House of Hearth's hospitality.

And with that, Rivi went off to meet with the eager reporter before her month long trip aboard the Thor to her new home in the Delta Quadrant.

TAG! END

Ambassador Rivi Vataix
Chief of Mission and Commanding Officer, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
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