Chancellor Sroan Ril: Enough
Lael Rosek-Skyfire
Ril: ::nods in acknowledgement:: I thank you for your candor. ::to Keehani:: I will be frank, Envoy Ukinix. Very little of what has been said aligns with the goals and vision of the Hovan people. We do not waste our time with frivolous interactions unless we have something to gain. Why should I continue this discussion and what do you have to offer that the Hovan cannot find elsewhere?
Sroan waited patiently for the answer. He wasn’t entirely convinced that there was anything of interest this Federation could offer. Their goals seemed so different. How could they possibly find common ground?
Aitas: Perhaps my information is incomplete, but I was also told your people often had an interest in artistry, particularly sculpture.
A hint of a frown turned down Sroan’s lips. He himself wasn’t much for sculptures, as was evidenced by his comments to the Second Secretary earlier. However, there were some among the People’s Assembly that had an eccentric obsession with it. Why, he’d never understand. It didn’t serve the interests of their people and was a frivolous waste of time (in his opinion).
Ril: ::pauses:: Some, yes. But not all. It’s certainly not the majority.
Kizat: Response
Aitas: The Federation has a…reputation, among those closer to our home. We’re viewed as a collection of stubborn, bizarre idealists who hope that all matters can be resolved with negotiation and good intentions. It has resulted in our possessing an abundance of artists.
His gaze narrowed and his lips parted in annoyance. Frivolous, all of it. He was quite tempted to dismiss them all. While in their area of space, their stubbornness might be welcomed, he found their persistence to be arrogant and tiring.
Keehani: Good ones, too.
Kizat: Response
Aitas: And while I will admit that trade is not my particular expertise, ::she motioned to Keehani and Kizat, who no doubt had more prepared on that account:: our artistic endeavors are shared far more easily than sensitive technology.
Keehani: In fact, we have a museum on Amity that we would love to share with your world’s artists.
He sighed, letting them talk. The sooner he could conclude these discussions, the better. Of course, his recommendation would be to not engage in further discussions. But he didn’t carry the lone decision or vote in these matters. That would be up to the People’s Assembly as a whole and the Federation’s proposal would no doubt appeal to those who idolized nonsensical things above the safety and security of their home.
Kizat: Response
Keehani: Chancellor, the Federation seeks expansion in the Delta Quadrant. Not in the form of colonialism or hegemony, but of relations. Relations can lead to treaties. And treaties can lead to benefits for both-- all parties involved.
Expansion.
The envoy could say all they liked about their intentions being to form relationships and negotiate treaties. The very word “expansion” was causing Sroan serious pause. It would have been better if the Federationers hadn’t used it at all.
It was going to take more than verbal assurances to persuade him that they were any different from the other species of the Delta Quadrant who sought conquest. It could be wrapped up in the neatest package, but it didn’t change what it was–a threat to the stability of their home.
He was no fool. As advanced as the Hovan were, these Federationers had vessels and weapons that he and his people had little understanding of and they couldn’t fight an enemy they didn’t understand.
Aitas/Kizat: Response
Keehani: In time, we would be willing to share technology, best practices, know-how, that can benefit your people. But that requires dialogue, and interest in us. Second Secretary Aitas was asking questions to find out more about you, because she is showing our genuine interest in you. It may be to your benefit to do the same to us, Chancellor Ril. ::smiles a little:: And Second Secretary Aitas is right. Sharing of our art is something that can start much sooner.
Ril: ::clears his throat slightly:: Ahem. Well, I will include all of this in my report to the Assembly. As I said, it’s they who make the decision.
Keehani: The Uwezo are on the eve of something wonderful, that hundreds upon hundreds of civilisations in our galaxy have achieved. And they will discover they are not alone, which can be startling. In their case, to discover they have neighbours *so close*, who have achieved what they are about achieve, will be just as startling-- it may even be frightening. And fear can be a motivator for aggression.
Sroan eyed the envoy, uncertain how to interpret that final statement. If he wasn’t attempting to be open to what they had to say, he would have thought the envoy was implying that the Hovan would bring harm to the Uwezo.
The Uwezo weren’t enough of a threat to be eliminated. In fact, he doubted they’d ever pose that much of a risk.
Aitas/Kizat: Response
Keehani: We have established a small but important footprint on the other side of the nebula, and our Outpost is home to a multitude of people of different species, different backgrounds. It is used as a place of trade and transit by many other species form this region of space. We have a treaty with many Hirogen tribes, cordial relations with the Kathesis Pact, and the Talaxians are on the verge of their own important step - membership of the United Federation of Planets.
He tensed, not feeling he could lean away from her, though he strongly desired to. He wouldn’t advocate the Federation’s position before the Assembly and if asked to speak frankly, he wouldn’t pause in sharing his concerns. He didn’t want to be a tyrant and make the decision without the others weighing in, but he would if necessary, his legacy be damned.
Keehani: We have much to offer. All we ask for is the opportunity to help other worlds, other communities, in and around the nebula maintain peace and stability in the region. With that in mind - what is it that the Hovans need most, how can we help, and do you need assistance in your eventual relations with the Uwezo? Because, Chancellor, relations with them, good or bad, are inevitable.
Ril: ::huffs a laugh:: Is this what you really seek? To be an intermediary between us and the Uwezo? What makes you think we can’t handle our own affairs?
Keehani: Response
Aitas/Kizat: Responses
Ril: If you truly desire to help, you will keep your hands out of affairs that do not directly impact you.
Keehani: Response
Aitas/Kizat: Responses
Ril: Do your people not have laws that prevent you from interfering in the natural development of a species?
Keehani: Response
Aitas/Kizat: Responses
Ril: If, Envoy, if. There is no guarantee their attempts at faster-than-light travel won’t fail. Perhaps it is best that we set aside this conversation to see if there is even anything to discuss.
Keehani: Response
Aitas/Kizat: Responses