Lieutenant Vexa Lor: The Enemy of My Enemy is My Enemy
Lael Rosek-Skyfire
Despite her growing frustration, she remained focused on the objective. If Ar’a’Dal would not provide a cure, perhaps he could at least provide enough information to build one. Working alongside Saavei and Taelon, she pressed for access to the original pathogen data, hoping that even limited information might allow them to trace the mutation's path and identify a weakness before time ran out. Beneath her professional composure, however, a deeper concern lingered.
If the Zumardi refused to help, how long could the Federation stand by and watch before inaction became its own form of complicity?
Lor: ::tilts her head to one side:: It is your government’s decision, of course. However, it would be unfortunate to see such an intelligent, evolved race such as the Zumardi fall prey to their own pathogen.
Ar’a’Dal: If you try to label us as immoral and ethically reprehensible rebels, we will have to withdraw and will not be available for any further talks. That would be extremely unpleasant for everyone involved. ::humming:: Is that understandable?
She had tried to play his game and was failing. Was the hate between the Zumardi and the UAW so great? She couldn’t imagine feeling such revulsion for another being. It was not the Bolian way. Her fathers had always spoken of reason prevailing. They didn’t bury their emotions, but weren’t completely ruled by them. At least not her line.
Saavei: Response
Taelon: The pathogen’s mutation certainly, um, complicates things. ::He brushed a hand over his head, messing with his hair.:: But it has done what it was intended for, and largely disabled the UAW Enterprise.
Her gaze dropped to the console in front of her, admiring Taelon’s attempt to get through to Ar’a’Dal. However, she was growing increasingly pessimistic about their powers of persuasion–something so unlike her.
Ar’a’Dal: Yes, that was and is the plan. The pathogen was modified specifically for this purpose. We ourselves do not use such gel packs, therefore infection of our systems via these devices is impossible. ::humming:: However, we understand that it could also pose a risk to you…
It took everything in her not to snap back. The Zumardi cared so little for their enemy. She had no doubt that if the Federation at any point became their enemy, they could expect the same treatment. This race couldn’t be trusted. There was no honor and indeed no morality in them. Only concern for themselves.
If ever they petitioned for Federation membership, she would do everything in her power to ensure the petition was denied.
Saavei: Response
Taelon: I’m, um, more trying to say that its purpose has largely been fulfilled. You said the mutation and spread to crewmembers was unexpected, after all…should countering its undesired behaviors be such an issue, then?
She shook her head minutely, doing her best to disguise the movement. Even she knew the answer to that. The Zumardi wanted only one thing.
Ar’a’Dal: ::to Taelon:: Certainly not. We could help you, but first we would need to understand exactly what happened. But we need some kind of security? ::humming: You understand?
Saavei/Taelon: Response
Ar’a’Dal: Let me elaborate: because who guarantees us that if we help you, you won't simply help the UAW and stab us in the back together? ::humming:: That is understandable?
Unable to contain herself, Vexa turned back to Ar’a’Dal, doing her utmost to school her features into a mask of indiscernable calm. She tilted her head to one side, her gaze focused intently on the Zumardi for a long moment before she spoke.
Lor: And what, Ar’a’Dal, guarantees us that you won’t one day turn on us as you have the UAW? What guarantees us that we won’t offend you in some inperceptible way that we become enemies in your eyes? ::tilts her head further to one side:: Is that understandable?
The last statement, though lacking the biting tone that usually accompanied sarcasm, dripped with it and she hoped her unspoken message came across clearly.
Saavei/Taelon: Response
Ar’a’Dal: It seems you also need to speak with your commanders... You must decide which side you want to be on. Make sure the UAW withdraws; that they guarantee you and us that they will not launch any further attacks or make any further demands on us or our sector.
Then, after consulting with the High Council, we can discuss providing you with assistance. But we cannot simply forgive those who wanted to forcibly deprive us of our homeland. They will likely have to learn to help themselves under painful circumstances. ::humming:: I hope that is understandable?
An uncharacteristic fire burned in Vexa’s eyes as she fought between her duty to Starfleet and her principles.
She hadn’t joined Starfleet to destroy lives. She’d joined Starfleet to save lives. If this was to be the choice, she knew which side she’d stand on. Her gaze flickered to Commander Taelon, her superior officer. She wouldn’t openly defy him in front of Ar’a’Dal unless he put the lives of other officers at risk unnecessarily.
But she also wouldn’t be part of a decision that resulted in mass genocide.
Lor: Commander?
There was a question there, unspoken, but a question nonetheless. Her eyes fixed on the leader upon the fate of UAW lives rested. An officer who had sworn an oath for such times as these.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard had said it well. “The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth! It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based.”
Her personal truth said that this was wrong. She hoped beyond hope that Taelon would recognize that. She was more than ready to fight the Zumardi for the UAW’s right to exist–even if it meant violating the Prime Directive and a court martial.
The truth was they’d interfered from the moment they answered the call.
Taelon: Response
Saavei: Response ----
Duty Officer
Amity Outpost
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