Ensign Natasha Cole - Breaking Bread
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Natasha Schell
May 30, 2025, 11:13:35 PM5/30/25
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((New Kehixa, Grunden Capital City - Kydon))
Natasha took up a position flanking Lieutenant Vailana’s left, putting herself towards the street as they approached the waiting General and his staff.
Kexxin: ::To Vailani:: Security clearance has been granted for your whole team.
Cole: You've built something fierce here, General. I mean that. There’s grit in the bones of this city. You can feel it in the way the walls lean forward, like they're not done fighting.
They were collectively ushered into Grand Kehixa Edifice, Natasha was impressed at how poignant her remark was. This building looked more like a testament to their desire to do what they have to too survive.
(( Inside the Grand Kehixa Edifice - New Kehixa, Galaris IV ))
Gnai: This is a… very old building. And in remarkable shape, for the war. Has it not reached the capital yet?
Kexxin: Many of our efforts are used here in the Capitol to keep our history safe. ::Lowering his voice:: Keeping our Gov. officials safe is also a top priority.
Tho’Bi: ::still kneeling:: The entire structure appears to be held in place ::looking up and around the hall:: by tree root and branch ::stands up and looks at Vailani:: readings indicate ::flips Tricorder for Vailani to see:: it’s one tree (beat) one living tree.
Natasha had caught a glimpse of Tho’Bi’s Tricorder when he turned it to show the Lieutenant. It looked like the planet itself was desperately trying to support the Grunden. Perhaps they weren’t playing games, just desperate.
Vailani: Yes, I am no stranger to a tree Ensign Tho’Bi :: to the General :: Is this commonplace in Grunden territories? To have nature immersed into your interior spaces?
Natasha turned to face the wall, pretending to give it a through look over as she stifled a laugh with a subtle cough. She was definitely getting a good idea of the crew dynamics worked.
Kexxin: Uh… Yep. Is that- not something you’ve seen before?
Sadar: That’s an impressive architectural accomplishment… ::looks to the General:: This building seems to be of particular symbolic importance to your people. And older than most of the other buildings outside.
Naru: ::Lightly clearing his throat:: Our ancestors found that the trees were resilient against not only the elements, but against generations of families. They began to use the trees without harming them, to build within them. Some of us think it is an outdated practice. But our heritage is important to us, so we continue with what we were taught by our ancestors.
Natasha made a mental note that Naru specified ‘Some of us’. Sounded like he wasn’t a fan of tradition, might be something to keep in mind for their investigation.
Vailani: It certainly looks impressive.
Cole: There is something to be said about traditional construction.
Tho’Bi: ::simply nods::
Sadar: You can certainly tell there is a… A ‘reverence’ of the past. It’s no wonder that you’re known as a society of storytellers.
Kexxin: If you want stories, get some of our old timers talking. They will give you stories for days on end.
(( Conference Room - Grand Kehixa Edifice, New Kehixa, Galaris IV ))
As the doors of the Conference room swung open, and the General gestured for them to enter and have a seat. As they all settled in the extravagant room, Kexxin and Naru took their spots.
Kexxin: I hope this is a better place for us to talk. I want to start off with a couple apologies. ::clasping his paws together:: I am sorry that our initial plans to meet here were unable to happen due to unforeseen circumstances.
Naru, cleared his throat loudly. Natasha glanced at him for less then a second before returning to the General. "Unforeseen circumstances”, was an interesting choice of words. It felt more like n act of desperation
Kexxin: And sorry about those sensors. I don’t know much about the technology and why it does what it does, but I hope it didn’t startle you too much.
Sadar: Th-Thank you, General. It’s truly an extraordinary building.
Cole: Thank you, General.
It was interesting that they would be issued technology without being shown how to utilize it, let alone what it does. That or the General genuinely didn’t understand the technology that was being provided. The holo-display in the center of the table lit up as Naru started to speak.
Naru: I will be sending information to the Display in front of you to take a look at as we talk. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Sadar: ::uncomfortable clearing of throat:: P-Perhaps before we get to that, w-we should hear why you believe the Kobyar are receiving off-world aid in the war?
Kexxin: It is my understanding that the Kobyar government has been accepting supplies from an unknown source. That is the only plausible explanation for their advancements that far exceed our own.
Vailani: Can we have access to this intel? It would also be useful if Ensign Tho’Bi and Ensign Cole could have access to your inventories, including serial numbers - I noted that your drones scanned for these markings back at base camp? They could cross reference with communications, intelligence reports and shipping schedules. Our priority is to rule out the Grunden from the equation so that we can focus on the real culprits.
Cole: ::nodded in agreement::
Natasha appreciated Lieutenant Vailani’s being tactful and quick to the point. With that information they should be able to make some good headway on their investigation.
Gnai: This would also be very interested to see more about your sensor network, and the readings that it might be producing.
Tho’Bi: With permission General Kexxin…
The Andorian Ensign bowed.
Tho’Bi: With your permission General Kexxin ::repeating himself:: I am bound by duty to understand the cause of the incident with the sensor drone (beat) . I would ask that I be allowed to honor my duty (beat) by inspecting one of those drones.
Sadar: Response
Kexxin: I said that was my understanding. That doesn’t mean I necessarily agree. My job is to provide you with what I know, not my own theories.
Natasha picked up that Naru wasn’t comfortable with this discussion. Where they concerned about their government spying on them?
Vailani: Please, General, we are here to help?
Gnai: Yes, there is no way that help can be provided if you are not willing to be completely transparent…
Tho’Bi: General Kexxin, my people say (beat) It is only when the ice is pure that everyone can see the truth.
Cole: ::being frank:: General, I didn’t join Starfleet to sit around waiting for permission to do the right thing—but we’d appreciate your go-ahead than break protocol. So here it is: allow us access. Let us work. If someone’s playing you—or playing us—we’re more useful out there than kept behind red tape.
Sadar: Response
Kexxin: If I can speak completely off the record here– I think our officials themselves are hiding something. I can’t be sure of it, but they seem to think their men on the front lines are all brawn and no brain. Some of their stories are just too convenient when it comes to how Kobyar technology has just fallen into their lap for us to study and use for our own benefit.
Naru: ::Turning to look in any direction but at Kexxin:: Our government officials speak to be people of peace. ::swallowing hard:: Never make the mistake of assuming the person of peace is unskilled at war.
Natasha could see an interesting kinship between Kexxin and Naru. She wasn’t sure if it was that of brothers in arms or something more intimate. Either way their support for one and other was admirable.
Vailani: Some cultures believe war is peace. I disagree with that notion. My people have a complicated relationship with peace themselves. They fought so long against oppressors they almost forgot what it was to be peaceful. It’s not as easy as you would think, when fighting is all you know.
Gnai: But it’s certainly a noble pursuit.
Cole: Peace takes guts. Anyone can pull a trigger—takes real discipline not to.
And if war’s all you know? Then peace is the bigger fight.
Sadar: Response
Tho’Bi: General Kexxin ::bows head:: on the world of my blood (beat) we called it The Time of Lament (beat) a hundred years of war so ::stutter:: so terrible (beat) my people resolved to destroy thousands of years of their own history (beat) because ::breaths:: because it was the only way (beat) the only way to ::stutter:: to end the endless blood for blood vengeance.
Lieutenant Vailana stepped off to the side as her combadge chirped. A call from the captain, might be cause for concern. Hopefully if it was a dire situation the Lieutennat would inform them
(( OOC: Leaving in for plot, Natasha would not have actively listened in, but would be aware a conversation with Captain MacKenzie happened. ))
MacKenzie: =/\= MacKenzie to Vailani. =/\=
Vailani: =/\= Vailani here, Captain =/\=
MacKenzie: =/\= Lieutenant, we have reason to believe that a Kobyar drone may have crashed near the Grunden capital. It’s imperative that you retrieve the drone before the Grunden locate it. =/\=
Zoyara couldn’t help but turn her back to the Grunden as they spoke with the other officers.
Vailani: =/\= That may be difficult, Captain. They haven’t left our side since we beamed down. They’re definitely hiding something. They made inferences to the Grunden Government receiving Kobyar technology :: sighs :: Saying that, we can probably get some time to ourselves =/\=
MacKenzie: =/\= Discretion is a priority, Lieutenant. We have reason to believe that the drone may be carrying advanced technology and hold key information about what is happening here. =/\=
Vailani: =/\= Yes, sir =/\=
Gnai: ::pointing to the stained glass depicting a tussle between a stylized Grunden and Kobyar:: This is curious about your artworks, what’s the story behind this one? You said before that the Grunden and Kobyar used to live in peace, was this artwork created after that peace ended?
Cole: It might be prudent to know a little more of your history, for context and some further insight.
Kexxin/Naru: Response
Sadar: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response
Natasha listed as the two Grunden explained the imagery of the stained glass, and Lt. Vailani returned to the group. A dig came from one of Gnai’s storage pouches on the side of its chassis. They retrieved a PADD and started examining it
Vailani: Just the Captain checking in. General, I think we have everything we need to begin our investigation now. I trust we can travel the city and the surrounding areas freely, as your guests?
Gnai: Sir, before this group departs to investigate further on these claims, there’s one more joining the team from the Artemis.
Vailani: Response
As the Lieutenant spoke, the grand doors opened once again, revealing a new face an Ensign dressed in Medical teal, having an additional medical officer was probably a good thing considering the excitement on the way to the capital.
Gnai: Ensign… ::checking its PADD again:: Roy Bancroft, correct?
Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response(?)
Tho’Bi: ::nodded:: Ensign Tho’Bi. En-Engineering.
Cole: Ensign Cole, Security.
Sadar/Vailani: Response
Gnai: It is good to have you on this team, ensign.
Bancroft: Response
Gnai: ::to Vailani, a bit quieter:: Sir, this is very interested in talking with the sensor analysts of the Grunden, as they might have more data on potential off-world materials detected.
Tho’Bi: ::to Vailani, also a bit quieter:: Lieutenant, in addition to Lieu-Lieutenant Gnai’s su-suggestions (beat) I think we should have Artemis scan the planet for Deuterium. I-I don’t think the Grunden ::swallows:: I don’t think they have the energy reserves of the Kobyar.
Vailani: Response?
Sadar/Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response(?)
Tho’Bi: ::bowing to Kexxin:: General Kexxin, as a to-token of our respect for the Grunden people (beat) ::swallows:: perhaps (beat) before allowing us to sa-sample your technology…
Natasha watched as Tho’Bi stretched his arm out and opened the front of his rucksack. What was he doing? She watched intently.
Tho’Bi: ::continuing:: perhaps (beat) General Kexxin y-you would like to sample some of our technology?
Cole: ::blinking somewhat in disbelief::
Tho’Bi: :continuing:: Our food rations (beat) a-allow me to demonstrate…
She watched as Tho’Bi ripped open one of the packs; and squeezes it, until started to ooze from the opening.
Tho’Bi: ::continuing:: ration pack nu-number five (beat) my favorite ::takes a bite, chews and swallows:: The Hu-Humans have a saying (beat) Full bellies make an army march well.
Was he … offering them food to cover up that he was hungy?! Thinking quickly she reached for one of the rations.
Cole: In some cultures, ::looking at the ration:: even the diverse one’s of Earth, sharing food is a sign of respect.
Looking at the ration she picked it was number seven, her favorite, it reminder of Cherry Coddler for some reason.
Vailani: Response?
Sadar/Gnai/Tho’Bi/Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru:
TAG/TBC
-----
Ens. Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4
Natasha took up a position flanking Lieutenant Vailana’s left, putting herself towards the street as they approached the waiting General and his staff.
Kexxin: ::To Vailani:: Security clearance has been granted for your whole team.
Cole: You've built something fierce here, General. I mean that. There’s grit in the bones of this city. You can feel it in the way the walls lean forward, like they're not done fighting.
They were collectively ushered into Grand Kehixa Edifice, Natasha was impressed at how poignant her remark was. This building looked more like a testament to their desire to do what they have to too survive.
(( Inside the Grand Kehixa Edifice - New Kehixa, Galaris IV ))
Gnai: This is a… very old building. And in remarkable shape, for the war. Has it not reached the capital yet?
Kexxin: Many of our efforts are used here in the Capitol to keep our history safe. ::Lowering his voice:: Keeping our Gov. officials safe is also a top priority.
Tho’Bi: ::still kneeling:: The entire structure appears to be held in place ::looking up and around the hall:: by tree root and branch ::stands up and looks at Vailani:: readings indicate ::flips Tricorder for Vailani to see:: it’s one tree (beat) one living tree.
Natasha had caught a glimpse of Tho’Bi’s Tricorder when he turned it to show the Lieutenant. It looked like the planet itself was desperately trying to support the Grunden. Perhaps they weren’t playing games, just desperate.
Vailani: Yes, I am no stranger to a tree Ensign Tho’Bi :: to the General :: Is this commonplace in Grunden territories? To have nature immersed into your interior spaces?
Natasha turned to face the wall, pretending to give it a through look over as she stifled a laugh with a subtle cough. She was definitely getting a good idea of the crew dynamics worked.
Kexxin: Uh… Yep. Is that- not something you’ve seen before?
Sadar: That’s an impressive architectural accomplishment… ::looks to the General:: This building seems to be of particular symbolic importance to your people. And older than most of the other buildings outside.
Naru: ::Lightly clearing his throat:: Our ancestors found that the trees were resilient against not only the elements, but against generations of families. They began to use the trees without harming them, to build within them. Some of us think it is an outdated practice. But our heritage is important to us, so we continue with what we were taught by our ancestors.
Natasha made a mental note that Naru specified ‘Some of us’. Sounded like he wasn’t a fan of tradition, might be something to keep in mind for their investigation.
Vailani: It certainly looks impressive.
Cole: There is something to be said about traditional construction.
Tho’Bi: ::simply nods::
Sadar: You can certainly tell there is a… A ‘reverence’ of the past. It’s no wonder that you’re known as a society of storytellers.
Kexxin: If you want stories, get some of our old timers talking. They will give you stories for days on end.
(( Conference Room - Grand Kehixa Edifice, New Kehixa, Galaris IV ))
As the doors of the Conference room swung open, and the General gestured for them to enter and have a seat. As they all settled in the extravagant room, Kexxin and Naru took their spots.
Kexxin: I hope this is a better place for us to talk. I want to start off with a couple apologies. ::clasping his paws together:: I am sorry that our initial plans to meet here were unable to happen due to unforeseen circumstances.
Naru, cleared his throat loudly. Natasha glanced at him for less then a second before returning to the General. "Unforeseen circumstances”, was an interesting choice of words. It felt more like n act of desperation
Kexxin: And sorry about those sensors. I don’t know much about the technology and why it does what it does, but I hope it didn’t startle you too much.
Sadar: Th-Thank you, General. It’s truly an extraordinary building.
Cole: Thank you, General.
It was interesting that they would be issued technology without being shown how to utilize it, let alone what it does. That or the General genuinely didn’t understand the technology that was being provided. The holo-display in the center of the table lit up as Naru started to speak.
Naru: I will be sending information to the Display in front of you to take a look at as we talk. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Sadar: ::uncomfortable clearing of throat:: P-Perhaps before we get to that, w-we should hear why you believe the Kobyar are receiving off-world aid in the war?
Kexxin: It is my understanding that the Kobyar government has been accepting supplies from an unknown source. That is the only plausible explanation for their advancements that far exceed our own.
Vailani: Can we have access to this intel? It would also be useful if Ensign Tho’Bi and Ensign Cole could have access to your inventories, including serial numbers - I noted that your drones scanned for these markings back at base camp? They could cross reference with communications, intelligence reports and shipping schedules. Our priority is to rule out the Grunden from the equation so that we can focus on the real culprits.
Cole: ::nodded in agreement::
Natasha appreciated Lieutenant Vailani’s being tactful and quick to the point. With that information they should be able to make some good headway on their investigation.
Gnai: This would also be very interested to see more about your sensor network, and the readings that it might be producing.
Tho’Bi: With permission General Kexxin…
The Andorian Ensign bowed.
Tho’Bi: With your permission General Kexxin ::repeating himself:: I am bound by duty to understand the cause of the incident with the sensor drone (beat) . I would ask that I be allowed to honor my duty (beat) by inspecting one of those drones.
Sadar: Response
Kexxin: I said that was my understanding. That doesn’t mean I necessarily agree. My job is to provide you with what I know, not my own theories.
Natasha picked up that Naru wasn’t comfortable with this discussion. Where they concerned about their government spying on them?
Vailani: Please, General, we are here to help?
Gnai: Yes, there is no way that help can be provided if you are not willing to be completely transparent…
Tho’Bi: General Kexxin, my people say (beat) It is only when the ice is pure that everyone can see the truth.
Cole: ::being frank:: General, I didn’t join Starfleet to sit around waiting for permission to do the right thing—but we’d appreciate your go-ahead than break protocol. So here it is: allow us access. Let us work. If someone’s playing you—or playing us—we’re more useful out there than kept behind red tape.
Sadar: Response
Kexxin: If I can speak completely off the record here– I think our officials themselves are hiding something. I can’t be sure of it, but they seem to think their men on the front lines are all brawn and no brain. Some of their stories are just too convenient when it comes to how Kobyar technology has just fallen into their lap for us to study and use for our own benefit.
Naru: ::Turning to look in any direction but at Kexxin:: Our government officials speak to be people of peace. ::swallowing hard:: Never make the mistake of assuming the person of peace is unskilled at war.
Natasha could see an interesting kinship between Kexxin and Naru. She wasn’t sure if it was that of brothers in arms or something more intimate. Either way their support for one and other was admirable.
Vailani: Some cultures believe war is peace. I disagree with that notion. My people have a complicated relationship with peace themselves. They fought so long against oppressors they almost forgot what it was to be peaceful. It’s not as easy as you would think, when fighting is all you know.
Gnai: But it’s certainly a noble pursuit.
Cole: Peace takes guts. Anyone can pull a trigger—takes real discipline not to.
And if war’s all you know? Then peace is the bigger fight.
Sadar: Response
Tho’Bi: General Kexxin ::bows head:: on the world of my blood (beat) we called it The Time of Lament (beat) a hundred years of war so ::stutter:: so terrible (beat) my people resolved to destroy thousands of years of their own history (beat) because ::breaths:: because it was the only way (beat) the only way to ::stutter:: to end the endless blood for blood vengeance.
Lieutenant Vailana stepped off to the side as her combadge chirped. A call from the captain, might be cause for concern. Hopefully if it was a dire situation the Lieutennat would inform them
(( OOC: Leaving in for plot, Natasha would not have actively listened in, but would be aware a conversation with Captain MacKenzie happened. ))
MacKenzie: =/\= MacKenzie to Vailani. =/\=
Vailani: =/\= Vailani here, Captain =/\=
MacKenzie: =/\= Lieutenant, we have reason to believe that a Kobyar drone may have crashed near the Grunden capital. It’s imperative that you retrieve the drone before the Grunden locate it. =/\=
Zoyara couldn’t help but turn her back to the Grunden as they spoke with the other officers.
Vailani: =/\= That may be difficult, Captain. They haven’t left our side since we beamed down. They’re definitely hiding something. They made inferences to the Grunden Government receiving Kobyar technology :: sighs :: Saying that, we can probably get some time to ourselves =/\=
MacKenzie: =/\= Discretion is a priority, Lieutenant. We have reason to believe that the drone may be carrying advanced technology and hold key information about what is happening here. =/\=
Vailani: =/\= Yes, sir =/\=
Gnai: ::pointing to the stained glass depicting a tussle between a stylized Grunden and Kobyar:: This is curious about your artworks, what’s the story behind this one? You said before that the Grunden and Kobyar used to live in peace, was this artwork created after that peace ended?
Cole: It might be prudent to know a little more of your history, for context and some further insight.
Kexxin/Naru: Response
Sadar: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response
Natasha listed as the two Grunden explained the imagery of the stained glass, and Lt. Vailani returned to the group. A dig came from one of Gnai’s storage pouches on the side of its chassis. They retrieved a PADD and started examining it
Vailani: Just the Captain checking in. General, I think we have everything we need to begin our investigation now. I trust we can travel the city and the surrounding areas freely, as your guests?
Gnai: Sir, before this group departs to investigate further on these claims, there’s one more joining the team from the Artemis.
Vailani: Response
As the Lieutenant spoke, the grand doors opened once again, revealing a new face an Ensign dressed in Medical teal, having an additional medical officer was probably a good thing considering the excitement on the way to the capital.
Gnai: Ensign… ::checking its PADD again:: Roy Bancroft, correct?
Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response(?)
Tho’Bi: ::nodded:: Ensign Tho’Bi. En-Engineering.
Cole: Ensign Cole, Security.
Sadar/Vailani: Response
Gnai: It is good to have you on this team, ensign.
Bancroft: Response
Gnai: ::to Vailani, a bit quieter:: Sir, this is very interested in talking with the sensor analysts of the Grunden, as they might have more data on potential off-world materials detected.
Tho’Bi: ::to Vailani, also a bit quieter:: Lieutenant, in addition to Lieu-Lieutenant Gnai’s su-suggestions (beat) I think we should have Artemis scan the planet for Deuterium. I-I don’t think the Grunden ::swallows:: I don’t think they have the energy reserves of the Kobyar.
Vailani: Response?
Sadar/Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru: Response(?)
Tho’Bi: ::bowing to Kexxin:: General Kexxin, as a to-token of our respect for the Grunden people (beat) ::swallows:: perhaps (beat) before allowing us to sa-sample your technology…
Natasha watched as Tho’Bi stretched his arm out and opened the front of his rucksack. What was he doing? She watched intently.
Tho’Bi: ::continuing:: perhaps (beat) General Kexxin y-you would like to sample some of our technology?
Cole: ::blinking somewhat in disbelief::
Tho’Bi: :continuing:: Our food rations (beat) a-allow me to demonstrate…
She watched as Tho’Bi ripped open one of the packs; and squeezes it, until started to ooze from the opening.
Tho’Bi: ::continuing:: ration pack nu-number five (beat) my favorite ::takes a bite, chews and swallows:: The Hu-Humans have a saying (beat) Full bellies make an army march well.
Was he … offering them food to cover up that he was hungy?! Thinking quickly she reached for one of the rations.
Cole: In some cultures, ::looking at the ration:: even the diverse one’s of Earth, sharing food is a sign of respect.
Looking at the ration she picked it was number seven, her favorite, it reminder of Cherry Coddler for some reason.
Vailani: Response?
Sadar/Gnai/Tho’Bi/Bancroft: Response
Kexxin/Naru:
TAG/TBC
-----
Ens. Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4
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