First Secretary Keehani Ukinix - Confrontation
Wil Ukinix
((Outside Chief of Mission’s Office, Level 15, Copernicus Center))
Keehani: ::Sigh::…
There stood Keehani, PADD under her arm, smoothie in her free hand, standing rigid outside of the Chief of Mission’s office. Rivi’s return from Idrustix had been earlier than scheduled. It would be the first time Keehani had seen Ambassador Vataix face-to-face since sending *the* letter to Mother Perennial Naminae Vataix.
For part of Keehani, it felt like the time she needed to prepare herself for seeing Rivi had been cut short. But another part of Keehani knew that even if Rivi had returned as originally scheduled
a few days later, Keehani still wouldn’t have been truly ready.
((Flashback – Days Earlier, Keehani’s Apartment, Rixx District, Habitat Ring))
Ukinix: Hmm. As long as it doesn’t hurt our relationship with Rivi, they can ::slight groan while standing up:: fight amongst themselves as much as they like. Just keep me out of it.
((End Flashback))
She could hear Wil’s voice in her head, over and over and over again… “As long as it doesn’t hurt our relationship with Rivi” he had said of the new conflict between the houses.
Keehani was about to find out if it did in fact hurt their relationship…
She lifted her shoulders, before breathing out once more, and then clearing her mind, thinking of her warm, cordial and professional relationship with Rivi. Those positive warm thoughts, and the emotions associated with them, flowed through her as she smiled and entered the Chief of Mission’s Office.
((Inside Chief of Mission’s Office))
Keehani: Madam Ambassador, I hope you have recovered from your ordeal-
She stopped and looked around at the room in surprise at the subdued lighting that Rivi had assumedly selected.
Keehani: ::Looking around, slight smirk:: Mood lighting this afternoon, Ambassador?
When her head finally turned to look at Rivi, she saw that her eyes were wide open. The Ambassador was resting four of her fingers from her left hand on her forehead.
Keehani could sense some small level shock and surprise in Rivi. Keehani assumed that maybe the Ambassador was just as unprepared for their first post-letter face-to-face meeting – and, with her fingers on her forehead, still feeling slight after-effects of her concussion. Especially given the much lower level of light than usual in the room.
The First Secretary sucked air in into her chest, before sighing a little, slightly crestfallen.
Keehani: It’s the letter, isn’t it.
Rivi removed her hand from her forehead, then politely clasped her hands together.
Rivi: The letter. ::Smile returning:: Yes.
Keehani: Madam Ambassador, I hope you understand that Tri’lea was focal to the moves we have made. We saw no other choice for the sake of her marriage – noble or not. You and I have always pushed our noble interests to the side, I’m willing to continue to do that if you are. I am your committed Aide, ::smile:: for me that won’t change.
Rivi sat back in her chair, still smiling, sitting up straighter than before. She seemed to ponder for a moment, before finally answering.
Rivi: Well, now, that all depends on the letter, doesn’t it.
Keehani’s smile slowly faded.
Keehani: It does? ::Swallowing, looking down:: Very well. ::Looking up:: But we should then record ourselves as off duty, as this is non Federation Diplomatic Corp business.
There was another moment of pondering from Rivi. Keehani tilted her head to the side.
Keehani: If you agree Madam Ambassador? We should follow proper procedure.
Rivi: Yes, of course. ::Smiling:: You’ve always been diligent in following procedure, haven’t you? ::Smiling, leaning forward:: I admire that in you.
Keehani: ::Slight confused furrow of brow:: Thank you… ::looking slightly up:: Computer, record Ambassador Niarivi Vataix and First Secretary Keehani Ukinix as off duty.
Computer: ::Confirmation tone:: Official record of events for Ambassador Rivi Vataix and First Secretary Keehani Ukinix, Ambassadorial Aide to Ambassador Niarivi Vataix, have been updated.
Keehani: There… ::slight nervous exhale, taking seat opposite Rivi:: what would you like to discuss, Matriarch Ascendant?
Rivi: The letter.
Keehani furrowed her brow once more, before turning her head to the side, still eyeing the Ambassador.
Keehani: Matriarch Ascendant, Starfleet medical treated you for a concussion and then cleared you when they sent you back to your apartment to recover, are you feeling well enough for this meeting?
Rivi: ::Big smile:: Better than ever, Keehani. Come, First Secretary, let’s discuss the letter. I think it would be wise, ::sitting back slightly:: if you give me your summary of it.
Keehani: Really, Matriarch Ascendant?
Rivi: Keehani, please, you can call me Rivi. ::gesturing to ceiling, excited tone:: We’re off duty, officially, aren’t we!
Keehani blinked her eyes a few times, still slightly concerned for Rivi’s welfare. Keehani had always considered that Rivi was consistently very good at masking her emotions from Keehani, and well-practiced at portraying a feeling of happiness when in the company of others in diplomatic situations.
Was this one of those occasions? Was Rivi being genuine? Or was Keehani about to be lulled into a false sense of security by another noble? The previous time it was Lohani Vananth-Polgonz. Was Rivi capable of the same kind of manipulative manoeuvring?
Keehani: Very well, Matriar- Rivi. With Wil now officially becoming a noble, we were able to give the title of Daughter Ascendant to Tri’lea. Grandmother – Matriarch Ral – can now ensure Tri’lea will get married, and that the agreement between Tri’lea’s late mother and Cygnet can be fulfilled. From my point of view, I just wanted what was best for my friend - and yours. I am not sure of your mother’s motivations, or that of the other Houses, and ::lifting hand:: that’s fine, you don’t have to tell me, but…
Keehani wasn’t sure how much more she could, or should say.
Keehani: Is there anything specifically you’d like to discuss?
After a long pause, Rivi looked up and smiled again.
Rivi: Oh Keehani, I know this whole must be difficult, and awkward between the Houses, but ::hand on chest, smiling:: it must be a thrill to have your cousin accepting their noble title. It’s so wonderful! How are you feeling about it?
The anxiety that Keehani had been feeling melted away momentarily. She couldn’t help but form a pleased smile on her face.
Keehani: ::Smiling:: I understand that much of nobility considers “Ukinix” a tainted name, but Ambassador, *I* know it as something very different. Grandmother and I aren’t alone anymore. I hope you can understand?
Rivi: ::Smiling, tilting her head:: Of course, Keehani! Family is important. ::Nodding:: Maybe you’re right, let’s not discuss this right now. Another time, perhaps?
Keehani: ::Surprised tone:: Oh! Of course, if you prefer, Ambass- ::slight blush, close of eyes, swallow:: Rivi.
Rivi nodded while smiling, before gesturing to the roof with her eyes several times. Keehani furrowed her eyes a little, before realising what Rivi was hinting at.
Keehani: ::Slight nervous chuckle:: Oh, yes! Apologies, Rivi. Computer, reinstate duty for Ambassador Rivi Vataix and First Secretary Keehani Ukinix.
Computer: ::Confirmation tone:: Official record of events for Ambassador Rivi Vataix and First Secretary Keehani Ukinix, Ambassadorial Aide to Ambassador Niarivi Vataix, have been updated.
Rivi: ::Nodding, smiling:: There. ::Gesturing to Keehani’s hand:: You have something there, I see! Thirsty?
Keehani looked down, before smiling and rolling her eyes at herself, then laughing.
Keehani: Ambassador, my apologies! As you probably could sense I was *very* nervous walking in here, I completely forgot about your smoothie. ::lifting container:: Here you go. Banana, uttaberry and caramel.
Rivi: Caramel? ::quick clap of hands:: Wonderful!
The First Secretary handed over the smoothie to Rivi, who immediately put the straw of the drink in her mouth, and began to sip on it.
Keehani: ::Smiling:: Yes, after your concussion, I thought a shot of caramel might help you feel better-
Rivi seemed intently focused on the smoothie, as she uncharacteristically kept drinking the smoothie.
And kept drinking it…
Until it was gone. Rivi deftly grabbed the straw with her free hand, then moved it around while it was still in her mouth, making sure to get the last remnants of the drink out of the container while making loud slurping sounds through the tube. With one final exaggerated whispered “ahh”, Rivi enthusiastically placed the empty drink container onto her desk with a “thud”, before smiling and looking up at Keehani again.
A frozen-in-place and staring Keehani, realising her jaw was dropped slightly in shock, eventually closed her mouth and regained her composure.
Keehani: Are you sure you are feeling recovered enough, Madam Ambassador?
Rivi: ::Smile, Hand wave:: Yes yes, First Secretary, just a small headache. But that ::slight pause, pointing at container:: smoothie was a gift from The Four, just what this Ambassador needed! ::Looking back at Keehani:: What’s on our meeting agenda, Keehani?
Keehani’s eyes tugged together ever so slightly for a moment. She was, once again, genuinely concerned for Rivi, given her recent concussion. It was expected that the Ambassador may be a little off colour, but Keehani was seeing a slightly different side to her. However, from what she could sense, Rivi still had her faculties. After a moment of pondering, she decided to continue the meeting.
Keehani: ::looking at PADD:: Well, Madam Ambassador, firstly, an update on the Trenvonn…
TBC…
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First Secretary Keehani Ukinix
Ambassadorial Aide, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0