[Act 2] Ensign Saavei - Can We Still Turn This Around?
Tara W
Somewhere along a very short flight, they had begun to 'lose' Ar'a'Dal (was that the expression?). The zumardi representative now seemed angry and Saavei was recollecting the last several statements in an attempt to ascertain why. No one had suggested his people not defend themselves and she could certainly understand his concerns. Whether she approved of the pathogen or not was irrelevant; it was done, the Zumardi appeared to have a legitimate claim for self-defense, and the situation would now benefit from calming down before it became worse. Again... she wondered how it was that Aitas managed to do this, or tasks like it, on a daily basis. Saavei was not cut out for the FDC.
She did think Ar'a'Dal was being remiss to not consider the idea of the UAW weaponizing the agent against them. To know it was a pathogen and weapon was enough to attempt to inflict it on others. The UAW Enterprise's torpedo launchers had been in a sorry state but it didn't hold all such ships in their Astrofleet were similarly limited. Nonetheless, she could not 'make' Ar'a'Dal take the suggestion seriously beyond making it. Maybe it was her humming. She was attempting to mimic his method of communication but perhaps it would be better to abstain.
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?
Saavei's eyebrow arched up in a gentle curve. Ar'a'Dal's words and phrasing had a certain edge of foreboding or even threat to them.
Saavei: The Federation has not labelled your people as immoral or ethically reprehensible rebels. We are attempting to work towards a common solution, one in which we are also able to assist our crew who have fallen ill. Surely that is understandable.
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.
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…
Saavei: I hope you are correct, Ar'a'Dal.
Of the material-consuming mold, should the UAW weaponize that, she was less sure. Such was her concern more than the pathogens in the bio-neural gel packs. The latter had been specifically tailored, yes. But the mold, whether related or a separate occurrence, was also an opportunity for a potential weapon. A weapon which the UAW, if they were so inclined, could easily distribute through a biosphere. Saavei would prefer to avoid such a disaster.
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?
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: I understand. However, given the lack of time some of our crew may have, in the interest of expediency, could you specify what kind of security you are implying?
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?
Vexa turned back to Ar’a’Dal, her features a mask of indiscernible 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 imperceptible way that we become enemies in your eyes? ::tilts her head further to one side:: Is that understandable?
Saavei heard the edge in Vexa's voice. She glanced to the Bolian Lieutenant, then back to Ar'a'Dal.
Saavei: Your caution is not difficult to understand. We have just met your people, as well as the UAW. We do not know each other. We have no history of action yet to show our trustworthiness beyond mere words. It is understandable if the Federation is not inspiring more trust due to the UAW basing their Astrofleet off an interpretation of Starfleet. ::She paused, hoping that laying it out in such terms would keep Ar'a'Dal talking as opposed to walking out of the meeting:: We have no desire to make enemies of your people or the UAW.
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?
A fire burned in Vexa’s eyes. Her gaze flickered to Commander Taelon, her superior officer.
Lor: Commander?
There was a question there, unspoken, but a question nonetheless.
Saavei continued to address Ar'a'Dal, hoping to give Taelon a moment to consider as well as to share some history with their guest.
Saavei: Sovereignty is a right the Federation respects. Your desire for the UAW attacks to cease and for them to withdraw from your space is understandable. Your requesting the Federation enforce such as a condition of providing medical assistance to our own people, who have not harmed you, is less understandable. ::A brief pause:: Forgiveness is a difficult process. Your anger is justified. Many of my own people have struggled with the concept of forgiveness in the past centuries, between Vulcans and those who chose a different path who became the Romulans. The Romulan Star Empire was a hostile entity to the Federation since before the Federation was founded. It was easy for prejudices to exist on both sides. Forgiveness is not a quick process, especially if one does not perceive the other side as regretting their actions.
Taelon: Response
Saavei made a small gesture with her hand.
Saavei: History is always ongoing and developing. Both your people and the UAW will have a number of difficult but important decisions to make shortly. Wars often begin and end with words. They also begin and end with one or both sides entirely destroyed. It would be a loss to the galaxy if the latter is what happened here. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations is a value many Vulcans embrace. The loss of part of that diversity removes something which cannot be regained.
Taelon/Lor/Ar'a'Dal: Response
Saavei: Ar'a'Da', as you stated you wish for the Federation to make sure the UAW withdraws, and that they cease their attacks and demands on your sector, are you formally requesting the Federation act as mediators between your people and the UAW?
Taelon/Lor/Ar'a'Dal: Response
Saavei was hoping to keep this in the realm of the diplomats. Ultimately the fate of their worlds was up to them. The Federation could offer assistance, and seek to reduce the loss of life, but they couldn't impose a peace on either side without becoming conquerors. And one Defiant-class Escort was not a conquering fleet, for deliberate reasons.
Saavei: Given that the UAW has taken inspiration from Starfleet, I find it logical they may be receptive to the Federation assisting in mediation themselves.
Saavei was going to need a long meditation session after all this.
Taelon/Lor/Ar'a'Dal: Response