[Act 3] Lieutenant JG Niev Galanis - Jailhouse Root
Niev Galanis
((Dining Hall - Norsel Corp - Uwe II))
Somehow, this mission was turning out worse than Niev had ever imagined it would. They silently cursed their lack of foresight - how were they supposed to know that this potential first contact mission was going to involve so much deception and negotiation with shady characters? Was this even a negotiation? Despite the luxurious setting around them, the posting of the guards to keep them where they were suggested a very different scenario. Being taken prisoner had been exactly what Niev had been worried about most.
Now, all there was to do was… sit and wait. Perhaps stare at the tipping chair that Wong was sitting in, idly estimating just how far he’d be able to go before tumbling backwards.
It certainly beat imagining what Norsel might have planned for them next.
Wong: Well…. We did always say we wanted a word with Norsel. I just didn’t exactly picture it this way.
Saavei: Nor did I. We are fortunate for this opportunity, regardless of the circumstance.
Hopper: Response.
Wong: Hopefully, he’ll be interested in having a conversation with us. It feels like he’s already put in a bit of effort to bring us here. I’m hoping it will pay off.
Saavei: I believe you are correct ::she glanced to one of the guards then back to her team:: We shall know shortly.
Galanis: Whatever ‘conversation’ he wants to have, we can safely assume he’s hoping this will pay off as much as you are.
Biting their tongue lightly and literally, wanting to say more but the presence of the guards leaving the urge deterred, Niev lightly frowned and fell silent once again. They hoped they wouldn’t have to say out loud that just because they knew the term ‘Starfleet’ didn’t mean they needed to carelessly share more information. Pretending you knew more than you do was such an old trick even the relatively sheltered Centauran was familiar with it.
Hopper: Response.
Before any further conversation could happen, they were quite suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a new person. Raising an eyebrow, Niev sat up straighter in their seat.
Wong: Well, if it isn’t our man of the hour! I suppose we’ve been expecting each other.
The sudden, involuntary flinch that threatened to overcome Niev took all of their willpower to fight down. As though their cover story weren’t already in tatters, the half-Klingon doctor came right out of the gate so casually.
Saavei: Norsel, I presume?
Hopper/Norsel: Response.
Ikaia stole a quick glance at the guards.
Wong: I wasn’t aware that we would be needing an escort to meet you.
Galanis: …But it’s an understandable precaution to take. Unnecessary, but understandable.
Hopper/Norsel: Response.
Wong: I assume you didn’t just bring us here because you like us. You have something in mind, don’t you?
Saavei: I am curious if 'what you have in mind' is of your own volition or that of others.
Hopper/Norsel: Response.
Saavei: You are cunning, Norsel. Clearly you have anticipated a great many details. Yet the end goal of this remains unclear; where do you benefit?
Niev chose to remain silent this time, waiting out Norsel’s answer. They hoped it gave them a better grasp on just what kind of person they were dealing with.
Wong/Hopper/Norsel: Response?
Saavei: I see.
Galanis: There isn’t any need for this to get out of hand.
Wong/Hopper/Norsel: Response?
Galanis: Perhaps things would be more civil if we started over with introducing ourselves? This isn’t meant to come off as an interrogation. On either side. Nor are we here for any underhanded attempts to sabotage you.
The ghost of Elarrapal’s lost limb lingered, haunting Niev. The scientist was gripped by the long reach of the memory, helplessly walking them into another ham-fisted idiom despite their repeated attempts to wash their hands of the ordeal.
Hopper/Wong/Saavei/Norsel: Response.
Galanis: And I’m Na’ev, security analyst and here to assist Minister Rob’Ynne. Whatever you think you’ve learned about us or our identities, I encourage caution about assumptions. There are sayings about making assumptions with old, deep roots.
Hopper/Wong/Saavei/Norsel: Response.
Looking toward Robin for a moment, Niev lightly frowned. Their cover story about being from the Ministry seemed on the ropes, but Robin was still the superior officer of the team. The scientist knew it was going to come down to her call on how they were going to approach Norsel.
Galanis: This could be an exchange. We’re all ultimately working for the greater good of the planet, aren’t we?
Hopper/Wong/Saavei/Norsel: Response.
TAG!/TBC…
