First Secretary Keehani Ukinix - First Secretary not First Celebrity
Wil Ukinix
((Situation Room, Level 6, Copernicus Center))
Keehani had been studying and reading through as much of Starfleet’s Parallax Protocol as quickly as she could. There was a whole section in the appendices which blew her mind – specifically, the section on intelligence.
It was relatively well known by Starfleet cadets that James T Kirk, Starfleet’s acclaimed Starfleet Captain from the 2260s, crossed over to a particular parallel universe because of a transporter malfunction. In that alternate reality, Starfleet didn’t exist. The “Terran Empire” ruled, a fascist authoritarian and “nationalist” government that, from what had been hypothesised, was an extension of the Earth’s ancient Roman Empire that never fell (although that was ultimately theory amongst Starfleet and “read-in” scholars and never proven).
But there had been more than that. While there was not specific time frame, and no specific details, it seemed that somehow the Starfleet space station Deep Space Nine had been the epicentre of contact with this particular parallel universe in the mid to late 2300s. From those contacts, Starfleet had learned that the Terran Empire had collapsed at some point, and a Klingon-Cardassian alliance had ruled, enslaving Terrans for menial tasks. That had blown Keehani’s mind.
From her point of view, she was naturally very interested in Betazed’s fate in this alternate yet recurringly important reality. While the details were sketchy in the protocol document, it seemed that Betazed sometime around the 2250s had been conquered by a Terran Empire Captain and her faithful first officer. Which made her wonder and concerned… what had become of that version of her home planet after that? The Protocol Parallax documentation offered no details.
The woman that had tricked Keehani into thinking that she was “her” Ambassador Rivi Vataix, and (she assumed) the alternate Tri’lea Polgonz along with the woman named “Wil”, would know that detail. Keehani felt that if they could be apprehended, they’d be able to provide that intel. Keehani also felt that the fact that there was an alternate version of Rivi and Tri’lea meant that Betazed had to have survived in some way.
Left alone in the situation room after the Starfleet Officers along with Envoy Kizat had left, she’d stayed to read as much as she could. The details in the document were galaxy-shaking. After a while she threw the PADD onto the main status display, before leaning forward, placing her elbows on the table, and putting her head in her hands.
Keehani: ::Muffled tone, to herself:: This can’t be real.
But it was. She’d experienced of it firsthand. Rivi wasn’t Rivi.
When the situation room was suddenly bathed in read and sounded a few klaxon warnings, Keehani stood up and looked around before focusing on one of the many console screens in the room. Her jaw *dropped* when she saw one of the Talon class scouts causing a mini fireworks show as one of its wings scraped the roof of the Amity’s large circular shuttlebay, before a second later flying through the force field into the space outside.
Keehani put her hand on her chest, and audibly gasped. The view changed. She watched as her cousin Wil and Cassian Iovianus *sprinted* towards another of the Talon scouts, with Wong not far behind. In fact, there were swarms of crews readying other craft to chase parallel-universe trio in the stolen vessel. She closed her eyes and “connected” to The Four for a moment in shallow meditation, asking them to protect everyone that was about to chase the Miombo.
That’s just when her PADD flashed a new message – four new Starfleet ensigns had just arrived, and were on their way to check in with Ambassador Vataix as was the normal procedure. Except, that wouldn’t happen – “Rivi Vataix”, at least a version of her, had just forcefully stolen one of Amity’s scouts and was making a getaway. Nobody yet knew for sure where the real ambassador Vaitaix was, although it was likely she had swapped places with her parallel-universe counterpart somehow. Keehani pushed that though out of her mind…
It dawned on her that she should probably make her way to Level 15 and help Envoy Kizat greet the new Ensigns.
She turned to walk out of the room…
But there was so much to do. She picked up the PADD again, to keep studying the Protocol Parallax information. But the words weren’t sinking in.
But she needed to read the intel. However with Ambassador Vataix missing, she needed to support Envoy Kizat…
She turned towards the door again, before turning back and picking up the PADD, then turning around to walk out of the room once more. She stopped halfway, and looked at the console screens. Amongst all the telemetry, she saw a map of local space showing the location of the stolen Miombo and the Independence-B, along with most of Amity’s auxiliary craft, chasing after them.
After an annoyed sigh at herself, she made her way back to the table and picked up her PADD – right before threw her hands up in the air, throwing the PADD on the table, and chiding herself.
Keehani: Oh, for Four’s sake, Keehani.
The First Secretary crossed her arms, rolled her eyes at herself, sighed a scowl, and eventually turned on her high heels and walked herself out of the situation room towards the elevator.
She would support Envoy Kizat. The study of the intel could wait.
((Chief of Mission’s Office))
Keehani got off the elevator, and walked as fast as she could to the Ambassador’s office, nervously smoothing her the purple and white corporate style dress (designed by controversial Betazoid designer Nemivi Mex and fabricated in Amity Outpost replicator AO-CC14-013), then nervously and unnecessarily adjusted the stylish yet redundant white belt that sat around her waist. The sound of her high heels “clip-clopping” on the smooth, shiny floor echoed throughout the wide corridor. Finally, she arrived, and walked straight into the office to see the four new ensigns.
Keehani politely stood to the side as the door slid beside her, not wanting to interrupt their conversation until the right moment.
Moore: ::Giving a slight bow to Kizat:: Ensign Kaito Moore. Lorhoc çadav-ra edek ::This would roughly translate to "I honor you," but in Cardassian, it was a highly formal greeting for a superior officer.::
Keehani smiled a little. As a diplomat, any attempt to appreciate and show that they were trying to reach out and understand another person’s culture was a plus in her books. She did not
understand the Cardassian phrase, but she very much like the sentiment.
Kiani: ::he looked towards Ensign Moore inquisitively before continuing:: Ensign Kiani sir, I'm required to report to one Ikaia Wong? The current Chief Medical Officer at Amity Outpost?
Esma: Is Ambassador Vataix available?
Kizat: The Ambassador is unfortunately indisposed at the moment and I am currently in charge of Amity Outpost. However…
Keehani felt redeemed by her decision to make her way up to Level 15. She gave a warm, genuinely reassuring smiling as she spoke to finish off Envoy Kizat’s trailing statement, and spoke with a friendly and polite yet confident tone.
Keehani: ::confident tone, smiling:: …however, we have had a change of circumstances, which means it is up to Envoy Kizat and I to onboard you.
She stepped forward with a smile, and offered her hand to each of the new Ensigns.
Keehani: It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Amity Outpost. I’m First Secretary Keehani Ukinix, Ambassadorial Aide to Ambassador Vataix.
Fog: Response
Moore: Response
Kiani: ::whispering:: Well, at least she looks the part of a celebrity diplomat.
Fog: :: leaning in closer to Kiani, whispering :: And even more good looking than her pictures in your magazine.
Keehani smirked, and looked down for a moment, slightly embarrassed while slightly bemused. She only picked up a few words from their whispering, but she could sense the emotions in the new ensigns, understanding what it meant. She had experienced sense those emotions (although much stronger) from some Betazoids on Betazed when she had gone back there at the turn of the Terran new year. She was there to help with the transition of control of the Ninth House of Betazed (the “House of Wealth”) from an administrative board back to her grandmother. She had fought tooth and nail through the Reconciliation Forums of Betazed for approximately two years, and had only held the title of “Matriarch Ascendant” for seven months when they rules in her favour. Even then, her title of Matriarch Ascendant was “dormant” for the time being – her focus, as it had been before she’d found out the truth about her noble in absenitia Matriarch grandmother, was her diplomatic career. In the Delta Quadrant she didn’t have the profile she would have with some Betazoid citizens on Betazed.
Esma: Hello. We just arrived to the station. What is the situation and can we help?
Keehani looked up when alert tones started to sound, and the lighting of the office switched to red. Her eyes shifted to Vaje, knowing what that would mean – organising and reassuring Amity’s residents and visitors.
Keehani: The fact that we are bathed in red tells you everything you need to know about the situation. And your arrival, and offer of help, is timely.
Kizat: Right now, we are going to have to start your education in the field as something a little heavier than we usually like to deal in here on Amity. So understand that everything you are about to hear is classified and there are penalties within both Starfleet
and the Federation for revealing such information. Are we clear?
She had a feeling it would be as ground shattering for them as it was for her when she was first told. Keehani politely clasped her hands in front of herself, and listened intently as the cadets answered.
Fog: Yes, Sir
Kiani/Esma/Moore: Response
Kizat: The Ambassador is currently missing. We have an idea on the where, and a guess about the who. Which some of your compatriots are currently chasing off station, funnily enough including all of your immediate department heads.
Olidra Gasped. A slight flush entered her cheeks. She wasn’t that good at dealing with the unexpected.
There was an audible gasp from Ensign Fog. Keehani kept herself calm, so as not to be affected by the emotions she could sense in the Bolian.
Fog: So, you mean to say… The Ambassador is… So what happens next?
Kizat: So what we need immediately from you is some help with crowd control. Since the Red alert has been sounded, one of the first actions needed is to clear out the mezzanine at the base of the tower as a safety precaution.
The First Secretary could sense some doubt from one of the people in the room…
Kiani: I wonder If there aren't others more suited for the job sir?
Keehani turned to face Ensign Kiani, and nodded in some understanding, but moved to re-assure the Human/Al-Leyan.
Keehani: Ensign, the task that Envoy Kizat asks you to perform are far from ideal, but neither is the situation we find ourselves in. Trust me, once we have the time to tell you, you will understand. ::Sharing a glance with Vaje before continuing:: But for now, Ensigns, the Federation Diplomatic Corp needs Starfleet’s help. And right now, you are it.
Moore/Esma/Kizat: Response?
Kiani: We're new to the station and aren't privy to the basics; like how many entrances and exits there are to the Mezzanine. Or even an estimate of the number of people that might reside there. Heck, the only exposure to the layout of the outpost that we've had has been from the displays on our way here.
Keehani sucked in her bottom lip as she nodded, showing that she understood Ensign Kiani’s concern at the situation.
Moore/Esma: Response
Fog: Common Ensign Kiani. We should help. They need all the help they can get. And right now, that means us. Right, Ensign Moore? Ensign Esma?
Kiani: ::sighing:: I'd feel a lot better about this if one of you, preferably the Ambassadorial Aide ::he looked towards Ukinix::, were to accompany us and whatever of the Starfleet officer corps you can muster. It'd be easier to get your orders done - if the folks down there saw a friendly face giving it. And as I understand it, the First Secretary is a rather well-known figure, even outside of the Outpost.
Keehani: You won’t be alone, ::gesturing between Vaje and herself:: we’ll be coming with you. This is a Federation Diplomatic Corp outpost after all. Our residents are relaxed and friendly, many will be panicked by this situation. For the time being – our official line, no matter what, is that this is a Starfleet drill.
Keehani tilted her head for a moment as she stepped forward.
Keehani: And I am not the celebrity you might think. I am known on this station, yes, but as a First Secretary who is one of many responsible for the welfare of the people in this station.
Kizat: Response
Fog/Moore/Esma: Response?
Keehani could sense the dichotomy of emotions Ensign Kiania was experiencing, and could understand why.
Kiani: Would you be able to guide us to the nearest location that'd let us all get equipped a bit better; we'll be needing tricorders & basic medkits to deal with any injuries and phasers ::a solemn look passed over him:: in case of violence resulting from all the confusion.
Before Keehani could answer, she smiled when she sensed Fog had something to say.
Fog: Kiani, Esma, you go and see to the equipment. Moore, you and I should evacuate the people down at the mezzanine
Keehani nodded in agreement, and once again moved to re-assure them all as best she could.
Keehani: I understand that is the standard Starfleet protocols you would follow. Tricorders and medkits we can provide. Phasers on the other hand, we’ll leave to security officers. As I said, our residents and visitors know who we are, and trust Starfleet. Non security officers only carry weapons when it is absolutely necessary.
Kiani/Moore/Esma: Response
Kizat: Response
Fog: I’d say we go. Now ::looking at Moore::
Keehani once again smile a little when Ensign Fog hesitated for a moment before continuing. There was no doubting the commitment or enthusiasm of the newest Starfleet officers, and was thankful that San Francisco had sent such fine additions to the Federation Diplomatic Corps’ mission tens of thousands of light years away to the Delta Quadrant.
Fog: That is to say, with your leave, sir, madam ::looking at Kizat and Keehani::
Keehani: Of course. For your information, this building is fifteen floors. The top half of the building, where we are now, is the dedicated to the Federation Diplomatic Corp, and the entrance is from the Grand Mezzanine. The bottom half is dedicated to Starfleet and is located in the center of the shuttlebay.
She turned to Vaje. As he was now the most senior diplomat on amity, she would now act as Aide to the Envoy as she would to Ambassador Vataix. That meant assisting him to ensure everything ran as smoothly as possible, ensuring his welfare, and of course, acting as a trusted advisor.
Keehani: Envoy Kizat, as you are at present the most senior diplomat currently, may I suggest we follow Ensign Fogs recommendation and take Ensigns Fog and Moore to the Mezzanine and guide people to evacuate to their residencies. I will take Ensigns Kiani and Esma to Level 8. They will be able to equip themselves there.
Level 9 was a multi-purpose Starfleet level, including the armoury, but it also contained a lot of regular Starfleet equipment. After that, we will make our way to Peace Park and assist with the evacuation there.
Kiani/Moore/Esma/Kizat/Fog: Response
Keehani: We will regroup later, and brief you all further on the details. I suspect Commander Ukinix, the Starfleet attaché and First Officer will have much to discuss. One final important instruction – our residents do not and must not know that Ambassador Vataix is missing. Our official line for the time being is that this is a Starfleet drill.
Kiani/Moore/Esma/Kizat/Fog: Response
((Cherry Blossoms Biome, Peace Park- 11 minutes later))
(OOC: I have put a time jump here. Assume that the trip to Level 9 is already done and happened “Off screen”).
Even though the transporters had been locked down, they were available for use when requested by authorised personnel. Keehani had requested Transporter Center 1 to beam herself and Ensigns Kiani and Esma from level 9 of Copernicus to the Cherry Blossoms biome.
They found themselves on the main path that led to the train station. The second that they materialised, many people had turned and then approached the trio to ask questions.
The first was a Talaxian woman…
Xawaza: First Secretary? What’s going on?
…followed by an Ocampan man.
Larsis: What should we do? I have heard this is a drill, but it all seems so sudden.
Keehani: ::Palms up:: Remain calm and return to your residency. Trains are still operational. There is no need to panic, Starfleet is indeed performing a drill.
Larsis: A drill? ::Scowl, looking to Starfleet officers:: Some level of reasonable notice would have been ideal.
Kiani/Esma: Responses
A human came running from the community centre, waving their hands and shouting.
Starc: Hey… Hey! Someone’s collapsed in the community center, during yoga class! They panicked and said they were dizzy, then they fell over!
Kiani/Esma: Response
Tags/TBC!
==========================================================
First Secretary Keehani Ukinix
Ambassadorial Aide, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0