Prelate Rolo'illini - Dog whistle, take 2
Jania Nis
((Diplomatic Conference Room 2, Deep Space 14))
(OOC: Opinions toward other members of the group, political or religious ideas, and alien women do not reflect the opinions of the author)
Illini had been sent for a few reasons. The universe was new to his people, and he was old. He wanted to see it, to know as much of it as he could, to feast on its alien cuisine, to enjoy its alien pleasures, and to report back on all of it. This was a good enough reason in its own right, in his opinion. If it wasn’t a literal interpretation of the words of his prophets, it perhaps fit a metaphorical one. “Go forth and learn” ... about alien women. This goal could still be accomplished.
The second goal had been to have as many factions present at the negotiation as possible while still keeping it small. At this, it would appear that Illini had failed, since he’d allowed the parties to be split and Dolce could be talking about whatever he wanted.
But the third goal was one that had been whispered to him. Recruit. The Fraternal Order of Kings and Princes was no caste, but that didn’t mean its goals weren’t, in some sense, preservation of the old ways. And at this goal, Illini might very well succeed.
Loq: As you know, the Federation is eager to trade, and open to exchanging technology. But there will be time for that later. For now, these ones want those ones to feel like those ones have a partner in the Federation.
Halloway: Yes, These ones just want to make these talks easier for you.
As an old man, “easy” was something Illini relished.
Illini: A noble goal, for which this old one thanks you.
Loq: These meetings so often keep these ones stuck in small, windowless rooms ::he gestured to the beige walls::. Perhaps a tour of the station would be a more pleasant setting.
This was the best news Illini had ever heard. Not only did it mean he could enjoy the station as he’d hoped, but he could ask important questions about technology--questions they would answer, if they were truly friends. but the way his companion frowned suggested he disagreed.
Illini: This one would relish the chance.
Halloway: Of course, we are all friends here.
Loq: In that case, this one will lead the way. ::He made a sweeping gesture towards the door he hoped came across as polite::
Illini stood slowly, not because he was buying time but because his knees weren’t what they used to be. Achi stood but made no motion towards the door.
Trinot: No ::pausing, trying to remember:: Qurgh'Loq and Halloway… this one will not move until there is progress made in these discussions. ::turning to Illini:: Starfleet has already meddled in the affairs of the Chey’d and left them in a worse state. This one sees no upside.
Beady eyes stared across their beak, flicking between the room's occupants. Trinot’s rage almost made Illini smile. Played correctly, Trinot would slip right into his hands. Still, his anger was obvious, and Illini wanted calm.
Illini: Starfleet can offer these ones a greater understanding of the universe. All knowledge comes with a cost. These ones are here to minimize that cost for the planet, that is all.
Halloway/Loq: Response
Trinot: ::shaking his head:: You underestimated how much power this one can yield. Yes, the King’s Path, previously the second largest faction on Chey’d, has been cut down and absorbed, but do not mistake that for inertia or acceptance. Should the wind blow against these ones much further, the wrath will be felt for generations to come.
Illini: Threatening the Federation will not get us our way. Not anymore.
Halloway/Loq: Response
Trinot: You want progress? Figure out how the King’s Path gets restored, and these ones might be able to overlook their aversion to outsiders. If not… this one will leave that to your imaginations.
oO What do you think the Fraternal Order is trying to do, you young fool?! Oo
Halloway/Loq: Response
Illini: There are many who seek that restoration, but the past never comes back as it was. There are -other ways-. ::yawning as though bored :: This one can certainly sit in this ugly little room and ask about Starfleet technology from here.
Achi sat back down, tour averted, but the way his eyes stayed wide suggested he was still on an adrenaline high.
Illini: What kinds of things does Starfleet want? It doesn’t need precious metals. What can these ones give those ones that would even be interesting to those ones?
Trinot/Halloway/Loq: Response
Illini: Those are certainly things these ones can supply.
Trinot/Halloway/Loq: Response
Illini lightly clicked his tongue between his beak. Time for another dog whistle, perhaps?
Illini: What was it Consul Ber’laghier said when the Antari conquered the King’s Palace?
It should’ve been self-evident to Trinot what he said: “A blunted sword could be sharpened again, even if new stones did the sharpening.” It wasn’t quite as innocuous sounding than the Consul's quote about the weak, so he hoped he wouldn't have to say it out loud.
Trinot/Halloway/Loq: Response
Tags/TBC
Prelate Rolo'illini