PO2 Lohkina: Player Two

[Tony Colella]

(( Diplomatic Conference Room 1, Deep Space 14 ))

Lohkina: That is the question, is it not? Ultimately, are the Cheydalanga ready for their world to expand?

She directed this partially at Domeni'Dolce, but she made sure not to miss Nilsen. As the diplomatic officer of one of the key vessels in the region, it was exactly the sort of question he should be prepared for.

Dolce: This one hopes so, but it will be hard.

Nilsen: Ultimately, it was up to those ones to tell them, and perhaps show that they were ready for their world to expand. Like this one had said before, what has happened to those ones' people in the past forced those ones onto the galactic stage was not those ones' fault and was unfair to those ones.

Dolce: This one thanks that one for acknowledging that, though, these ones are now on the galactic stage. These ones must make changes that reflect the status of the galaxy at large.

That was true enough, if only because of the Dominion's fall from grace after its loss in the Alpha Quadrant. The Cheydalanga, and likely many others Starfleet still didn't know about yet, had been thrust into advanced tech and, as Domeni'Dolce said, the galactic stage before they were ready.

Nilsen: This one thinks that by coming here, and being willing to engage in dialogue, that one has already started showing readiness. This one sees much potential in building bridges between our peoples, perhaps specific areas where that one's people feel most ready to embrace change?

Dolce: Well, this one, and many others, including the current leader, believe that the caste system needs to be changed, but…there are still many others who want it back.

Nilsen: Yes, yes, this one realizes the most important point: it cannot be these ones dictating that direction. Those ones have to make that move by those ones' selves.

Lohkina sized up Nilsen again, this time to get a sense of how many steps ahead he might be playing. Domeni'Dolce, despite his clear familiarity with political machinations, seemed entirely earnest. Not that Nilsen didn't, far from it, and Lohkina had imagined that she would have to curtail some of his earnestness -- but she hadn't, and now she suspected some ulterior motives. Not against the Cheydalanga's interests, but -- maybe different from them, or at least parallel with a different endpoint. His earnest approach was the perfect cover, if he did have his own motives.

Lohkina: This approach is very much in line with Federation ideals. None of these ones will dictate what the Cheydalanga must do, and those ones' affairs will remain those ones' affairs.

Dolce: Thank you…this one is trying.

She didn't doubt it. Else, he wouldn't be there.

Nilsen: Well, there is one thing this one can guarantee: any Chey'd who comes to DS14, or any Chey'd who wants to have peaceful contact with us, will be welcome. After all, DS14, while a Federation starbase, is open to the entire quadrant to come here to do business or, in our case, diplomacy.

Dolce: This one appreciates that. It would possibly help with changing minds. If Chey’d come, possibly those ones can see what is possible.

Lohkina: (considering) Yes, that is a real possibility.

And perhaps what Nilsen had intended? Of course, she told herself, that's what he just said -- but to what end? For the good of the Cheydalanga, yes, she believed that -- and she believed he believed it -- but she was confronted for the first time by the disquieting thought that he might not even know what he intended. No insult meant to him, but -- that earnestness!

Dolce: This one knows it will not be perfect. However, this one hopes it can be useful.

Lohkina: Even so...

Nilsen: Response

Dolce: This one firmly believes that what that one has offered can be helpful. However, this one’s companions need a bit of work.

She exchanged a look with Nilsen, in the hope that he might be able to communicate why that was so. There was context in the brief, of course, but not enough to explain if the crew of the Butler had perhaps made the wrong choice in opening a dialogue with Domeni'Dolce a year before.

Lohkina: Why does that one say so?

Nilsen: Response

Dolce: Those ones think this one is not smart. This one knows where those ones' loyalties lie.

Lohkina: Well, perhaps more time on Deep Space 14 will convince them otherwise, particularly that this one made the right choice in opening more formal dialogue with Starfleet.

Nilsen/Dolce: Responses

A subtle vibration from her comm badge alerted her to a few messages on her PADD, all updates regarding the other team's progress. Likely Nilsen had seen the same, but in case not...

Lohkina: It appears the other team has concluded. Perhaps these ones would like to join them in browsing the station's businesses and cultural centers?

Nilsen/Dolce: Responses

Lohkina met Nilsen's gaze directly.

Lohkina: This one believes the captain will be satisfied, and that one should do as he sees fit.

Nilsen/Dolce: Responses

Of course, Lohkina would also need to fully explain the event, but she was equal to that. Besides, she had much more that she wanted to look into, particularly as it had to do with Nilsen and these proceedings.

OOC Figuring this is it for Lohkina in this scene, so...

END & Tags!

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Petty Officer Second Class Lohkina

Captain's Yeoman

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (this characters) & he/him/his (player)