Envoy Keehani Ukinix - No Time Like The Present
Wil Ukinix
((Meeting room, Hovan People’s Assembly, Hova III))
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.
Apparently that wasn’t well received, according to Keehani’s empathic senses, and his non-response.
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.
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.
If that was the case, Keehani thought to give him more important points for his report.
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.
She wasn’t just referring to the Uwezo, but she kept that fact quiet for now.
Aitas: Your thoroughness is appreciated, Chancellor. And your patience. We know our ways are still strange to yours.
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.
She sat forward in her chair, as her black irises sparkled a little...
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 Hovans? 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: No, we would not seek to interfere, merely to assist and provide guidance. Know-how.
Aitas: Would you offer us your expertise in matters with the Uwezo, then? As you say, we are newcomers here.
Keehani nodded, as she sat back in her chair. Aitas was seemingly have much more luck than her.
Kizat: Response
Ril: If you truly desire to help, you will keep your hands out of affairs that do not directly impact you.
Keehani: ::palms up:: I assure you, that is not our remit.
She felt like she was going around in circles with the leader of the Hovans.
Kizat: Response
Ril: Do your people not have laws that prevent you from interfering in the natural development of a species?
Keehani: ::Nodding:: General Order 1. Our Prime Directive, yes.
Kizat: Response
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.
She tilted her head from side to side, understanding the point but signalling a clear “but”.
Keehani: Of course, Chancellor, but Uwe II’s day is a matter of “when” not “if”.
Kizat: Response
Aitas: As you say. But, you desired candor before, Chancellor. Might you indulge me in one more act of it? We could offer you a thousand reasons and all of them would be true, but only a portion of those would be mine.
Aitas leaned forward a little, ensuring her body language showed she was being open. It made Keehani smile a little.
Ril: Response
Kizat: Response
Aitas: The Federation is not outside the reach of the Borg. I know several El-Aurians who sought refuge in our borders, and the Federation itself has had to drive the Collective back again and again.
Keehani: Yes, our Frontier Day was a terrible tragedy for the Federation, but our scans and intel indicate they have been severely weakened.
Ril/Kizat: Response
Aitas: The shadow of the Collective was deepest in this quadrant. We can hold every hope that they have finally been defeated, but every connection here means more warning, more allies, should even some fraction of that shadow return.
Keehani: And our Starfleet continue to learn from the encounter with them in our Sol Sector, and beyond.
Ril/Kizat: Response
Keehani: It is unfortunate that our Ambassador Turnbull could not be here today with us - she is working with the Talaxians to finalise their membership with the Federation. But if I may be bold to make a suggestion?
Ril: Response
Keehani: We would be open to inviting a delegation from your assembly--
Ukinix: =/\= Ukinix to... well, Ukinix, I guess. =/\=
Keehani pushed her tongue into her cheek out of slight annoyance of Wil’s timing, then returned to a smile.
Keehani: If you’ll excuse me for one moment, Chancellor.
Ril: Response
She gave a polite nod of her head, then made her way just outside of the room.
((Outside Meeting Room))
She reached into her suit jacket and pressed the combadge inside.
Keehani: =/\= Impeccable timing, cousin. =/\=
Ukinix: =/\= ... Sorry, it’s kinda important. =/\=
Keehani: =/\= More important than just about inviting a delegation from the Hovan government to visit the Federation Council on Earth? =/\=
She placed a hand on her forehead and huffed.
Ukinix: =/\= Yeah, this one is. Two cloaked-- although not very well by our standards, we can detect them-- cloaked Hovan vessels are on their way towards Uwezo space. Apparently it was unauthorised, Commander Iko’s team is meeting with their Fleetmarshall and Chief Barberra reported it in. Starfleet can offer help to intercept - but that’s up to the Hovan government. =/\=
Keehani’s eyes opened a little wide.
Ukinix: =/\= Geez, we’ve had a run with cloaked vessels lately-- =/\=
Keehani: =/\= Standby. =/\=
She rushed back into the room.
((Meeting room, Hovan People’s Assembly, Hova III))
Sil/Aitas/Kizat: Response
Keehani: Apologies, Chancellor. Two of your vessels are on their way into Uwezo territory, I’m told unauthorised. Your Fleetmarshall Ser was unaware of their departure from the planet. Starfleet can offer assistance in apprehending them, if you like.
Sil: Response
Well there was no time like the present to tell the Chancellor that it wasn’t just the Shelby in orbit...
Keehani: One of our vessels is currently in the Uwe system.
Sil: Response
Aitas/Kizat: Response
Tags/TBC!
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Envoy Keehani Ukinix
Consul, Diplomatic Mission to the Delta Quadrant
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0