HCA To Ar'a'Dal - A Dam and a Glass of Water
D'Cyra Varati
((Community Centre, High Council, Uldera City, Zumaris))
Seleya: I am not hungry at the moment, but the offer is appreciated.
The First Secretary looked at Lt. Khanda and gave her a slight nod.
Aitas: I would be glad to try something; the duties of the others may preclude them from it at times.
Moore: Response
He listened to the visitors, even though, as a scientist, he was used to discussing things directly and without beating around the bush. But they were all different. And if you wanted to win your guests over, you had to be nice. At least for a while.
Ar’a’Dal: If you are ready, we can gladly begin the discussions. However, the High Council was unable to provide me with much information on the matter, which is why you have made the journey out to us. ::humming:: We will certainly understand.
Seleya: I am sure our diplomatic representative can elaborate, but we want to get your people’s perspective on all the events.
Aitas: Whatever information you have will be deeply appreciated. We have only been introduced to these matters quite recently. But we also wish to understand.
Moore: Response
Seleya: Mind if I ask a few questions? When did your people make initial contact with the UAW?
The UAW... so that's why they were here. Were they on their side, or were they on an independent mission? Past experiences with the UAW didn't bode well.
Ar’a’Dal: A lot of questions, esteemed guests. But alright, I will try to answer your questions so that you understand.
Moore: Response
Seleya: And when did the fighting start?
First Secretary Aitas held up a hand.
Aitas: I understand that such matters can be a most difficult subject, but whatever we might be able to offer is limited by our understanding of the situation.
Understand the situation? What was there not to understand? The Zumardi and their friends had lived together peacefully until then and wanted to continue doing so.
Ar’a’Dal: ::humming: We don’t understand. Well, in what capacity are you coming to us, esteemed First Secretary? Neither the UAW nor the UFOP have the right to make claims against us and our friends. Are you acting as prosecutor or mediator here?
Moore: Response
Seleya: I’ve also noticed a few other species that seem to be living, or at least visiting. I am sure the cultural shock with all these new species has been an adjustment.
Aitas: Are their visits all new? Such would indeed be a great challenge.
The guests seemed to understand little or have no idea how things were handled in that part of the Delta Quadrant. Nothing drew Zumardi and her friends “out” there.
Luckily, one of the employees came with a tray full of glasses and some carafes containing pure spring water and fruit syrups.
Ar’a Dal: Why not try some of our spring water first? We have several different springs, both still and mineralized. And in the small jugs, we have syrups made from various fruits, ranging from sweet to tart. ::humming:: If you want to try it?
To demonstrate the harmlessness of the drinks, he quickly mixed himself a glass with a few drops of an orange-coloured syrup and took a few sips before returning to the actual conversation without any emotion.
Ar’a’Dal: As you've surely noticed, our sector consists of three closely situated planets and their moons: our own planet, Zumaris; Arungk, home of the Hakuth; and Golva, home of the Golvans. For centuries, our peoples have enjoyed a lively and peaceful exchange. Everyone benefits from everyone else. ::humming:: Do you understand?
We also maintain good contacts with other peoples of the Delta Quadrant, as you have surely noticed. The main focus is trade in foodstuffs and, above all, metals and rare earth elements. ::humming:: Is that understandable?
To build their Astrofleet, the UAW was searching for suitable raw materials to construct their ships. That's how they appeared here several years ago and began peaceful trade…
Moore: Response
Aitas: Ah. That is informative, thank you.
The First Secretary slightly changed her position in her chair to create a certain neutral distance between herself and him. As the team leader, she was probably trying to analyse; one of her colleagues would likely try to provoke and the other to appease?
Ar’a’Dal: We all strive to return to peaceful conditions, law and order. Balance and peace are important to us and our community. ::humming:: I hope that’s understandable?
Seleya/Moore: Response
Aitas: You said it was a new dam that had broken? For what cause was it built?
The First Secretary moved her glass so that the water inside sloshed back and forth as she brought up the dam break again - a very subtle device, a diplomatic ploy.
Ar’a’Dal: The dam serves two purposes: firstly, to allow targeted irrigation of the lower-lying areas for agriculture, and secondly, to protect the mining areas from flooding. Unfortunately, this year the monsoon arrived earlier and stronger than predicted.
Seleya/Moore: Response
Aitas: If your government should not object, I would wish to see this place. Perhaps it can aid in understanding between us.
They wanted to see the dams, so here they were. Nature had simply demonstrated its power here. Something the UAW wasn't responsible for this time. But perhaps the team ultimately just wanted to take a look inside the mines and conduct some scans? To see if there were any worthwhile raw materials to be found? We'd see…
Ar’a’Dal: ::humming:: I understand. I think it shouldn't be a problem to take a look at the dam, provided the access points are reasonably safe again.
Seleya/Moore: Response
He studied the three-person team closely, three different species, each acting differently and in their own way... But something must have driven them all to leave their own planets and venture out into space. The Zumardi didn't understand that.
Ar’a’Dal: I'll return to the question from earlier, since we had changed the subject: What is your role here? The High Council also wishes to be informed about your objectives. ::humming:: so that we can understand.
Aitas/Moore/Seleya: Response
He had clearly touched a nerve. He was neither a politician nor a diplomat, but certain mechanisms of communication functioned everywhere. However, he had been tasked with acting openly and amicably and not creating more enemies for himself and his people.
Ar’a’Dal: Forgive me this blunt question, but the UAW also arrived here on a supposedly peaceful mission, and they say of themselves that the UFOP is their role model... Now you are here, the UFOP, and we need to understand what role you play in this conflict.
Aitas/Moore/Seleya: Response
Tag/TBC
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