Achi'Trinot: A Potential Ally
Mark P
((Diplomatic Conference Room 2, Deep Space 14))
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.
Achi’s anger was dangerously close to the surface. Fraternizing with individuals unfamiliar with their ways and customs had put the man more on edge than usual. The whole ci’clo had been delay after delay: food, beverages, and tour offerings. It seemed Starfleet wanted something from these ones, and if that was the case, this one would turn that into an advantage.
Halloway: This one is afraid that is beyond our control, we have rules of non-interference in other race's cultures.
Of course, Starfleet whipped out their rulebook when it was convenient, but they applied these guidelines at will based on experience.
Loq: Your political factions are an internal matter. But I should not have to remind you that the King's Path kidnapped and enslaved several of our crew. If we were able to intervene, it would not be on their behalf.
A glare shot across the table from Achi to Loq, looking dead on before shifting the gaze to the other representative.
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 nodded. Those ones need not visit Chey’d. In fact, it wasn’t exactly clear why this conversation couldn’t have happened via video link. Then again, the Lower Tenente’s agenda also seemed unclear.
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?
Loq: Stability. Material resources are of no great import to us, we value trade for its own sake. It strengthens bonds and affinity between planets. After our experience with the Dominion, it is in our material interest to foster a stable, peaceful Gamma Quadrant. We are not trying to extract your resources, we are trying to offer you a place in a trade and informational network that spans half of the galaxy, in the hopes that Chey'dlanga sits within the broader galactic community and not in opposition to it.
There was a force in the ridged-headed man’s voice, something that Achi could respect. Finally, the air was getting clear of all the politicking, and this was starting to become a more candid conversation.
Trinot: Bond and affinity are not something these ones seek. Where you might find comfort in the ability to lean on each other, a strong Chey’d can stand independent despite the headwinds. Trade for trade's sake isn’t of interest — these ones would need to gain something of material value.
Halloway: That's okay, I’m sure you have other resources that you can trade with us as well as stuff we can offer you in exchange.
If the negotiation favoured the Cheydalanga more than Starfleet, this one wouldn’t make much of a fuss. There might also be an opportunity to divert a fraction of the goods received toward building a personal store for a future revolution. A pleased look crossed the former land defender’s face as a mental image formed of Achi’Trinot holding a rifle against Domeni’Dolce’s beak.
The Prelate seemed to take this as a positive sign, furthering the conversation.
Illini: Those are certainly things these ones can supply.
There was a slight lull in the conversation as everyone considered the sentiment; then, the conversation was thrust back in Achi’s direction.
Illini: What was it Consul Ber’laghier said when the Antari conquered the King’s Palace?
The first quote that came to mind was, ‘You serve under this one’s heel now.’ But it didn’t seem to fit the circumstances surrounding this conversation. Achi detested trying to read between the lines. Without a reply, the smooth-skinned one apparently caught on to what Rolo'illini was trying to convey.
Halloway: Prelate, this one understands that you may be tired after such long travel, but this one asks you to keep things civil.
Illini’s beak clicked, and a wave of embarrassment washed over the envoy for still not picking up on whatever verbal clue was offered.
Loq: And you would be wise to understand that, if you're going to live alongside an entire galaxy of cultures, you have to find a way to live alongside the other cultures on your own planet. The Antaris' great crime was not wanting to be enslaved. It is understandable, to say the least.
Trinot: These one’s history is written in the blood of fallen comrades protecting a way of life that seems to escape you.
Illini: And of course those ones went to war with these ones first, once upon a time, but our planet’s history is surely outside the scope of these meetings, and is a problem this one cannot imagine can be solved from this room, besides.
Achi nodded; there was yet another speed bump in this conversation. Trinot was starting to feel that Illini might offer a complimentary viewpoint, calm facts balancing a fiery rage.
Halloway: Thank you, Prelate.
A sigh escaped the young woman’s mouth, summing up the conversation nicely in Achi’s eyes.
Loq: We do not have to solve every problem on Cheyd'langa today. Nor do we have to solve every issue between our respective governments. We merely have to agree to try and move forward together. For the betterment of your planet, and its place in the wider galaxy.
Illini: This one will do this one’s best to find the right way forward for this one’s people.
Trinot: For all Cheydalanga.
Holloway’s statement was out of earshot, but it seemed they were ready to bring the conversation to a close. After issuing a nod to their companion, the Klingon spoke.
Loq: I believe we have made as much progress as we are going to today. Perhaps we should rejoin Lt. Nilsen's group and see what progress they have made.
Halloway: Response? (Optional)
As they stepped outside, there was a moment where the Starfleet officials ended up on one side of the door while the Chey’d were on the other. Illini took the opportunity immediately.
Illini: This one would appreciate if that one did stay in contact. It would be good for this one as well as that one.
Trinot: ::motioning to the room:: Those ones can wait; this one wants to ask something more discretely before there’s any more talk.
[End scene for Trinot]
OOC: Looking forward to the JP
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Achi'Trinot
Begrudged Diplomat and Unwilling Absorbed Member of the Mongar
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)