Lt. Commander Ross - Regress

[Hannah S]

((Short Timeskip – Main Office, Ivory Tower, Starbase 118))

Corey's worrying message was still haunting Ross when he stepped into the quiet buzz of the Ivory Tower. He was the last of the group to leave the lift and so Fairhug had already started a little introductory talk - for a moment, Ross scanned the area as well as the upper levels. There was no sign of regress in the quiet and focused officers and officials hurrying by - it was a quiet but straight-forward atmosphere, but it instantly raised the tension within him. 

Gogi was better in hiding his worries, if there were any - he sounded as calm and positive as ever. That was probably what made him a good Captain. 

Fairhug: Welcome to the main office of the Ivory Tower, Chancellor. As
you can see, our diplomatic corps is afforded their own space to
conduct their business. It’s incredibly important to us that our
diplomatic relations are given the attention they deserve.

Sael’s gaze swept over the staff moving with purpose. Ross couldn't tell whether he was impressed or underwhelmed. It was hard to read his expressions - probably another psychological precaution trained over years.

Sael: A dedicated space for dialogue speaks of respect… and of
confidence. I approve of both. That is wise. Words meant well but
spoken poorly have undone stronger civilizations than mine.

Ross: This place was designed for conversation. 

He clasped his hands behind his back, trying to ease up his stance a little. Foster and Drex. Regressed. Surely it would be nothing, right? It would all be fine. 

Bryce: This is where we try to keep discussions structured, with quiet
spaces available, translators on call, and staff trained to slow down
rather than rush. If you’d like a private room at any point, we can
arrange one.

Fairhug: From here, our diplomats can engage with representatives from
any of our allies, other members of the Federation, or even those who
are… not as friendly, shall we say.

Sael: The ability to engage with all manner of representatives...
friendly or otherwise... is essential. But it is the control of that
engagement that reveals true strength.

Ross tilted his head slightly, not sure if he agreed with that statement. 

Ross: It is a place of listening as much as it is one of speaking. We appreciate different perspectives, as long as they allow for exchange. 

Bryce stepped forward gently, offering reassurance without smoothing edges.

Bryce: And when we do speak with those who aren’t friendly, we still
keep the process transparent and controlled, with clear agendas and
clear boundaries. You’ll see that today, at whatever pace you choose.

The way Sael regarded Bryce sent shivers down Ross' spine. 

Sael: Transparency and boundaries… those are the pillars of
negotiation. A diplomat without boundaries is merely an opening for
exploitation. I will remind you as needed if either is threatened.

He let that settle, not as accusation, but as an acknowledgment of how
seriously he viewed the space around him.

Fairhug: ?

Somehow, Ross was eager to get to a more confined, separated space. If there was something in the air they didn't want to lead their guests into it. He took a little step to the side, nodding towards the upper level.

Ross: Shall we take a look at the meeting rooms? The upper levels allow a fantastic view over the base. 

They started moving when suddenly, Sael stopped in his steps. Ross immediately noticed the abrupt movement, coming to a halt as well - the chancellor seemed to sway lightly, while his hand went to the hilt at his side. 

He looked around as if he had just awoken from a long dream. Ross threw a nervous side-glance at Gogi, not sure what to make of this - 

then a low growl emitted from Sael, carrying none of the cold restraint they had heard earlier. Ross instinctively took a step back, not testing his luck as the chancellor's head snapped up, eyes cutting through the space until they
fixed on the nearest unfamiliar figure: Ensign Bryce. 

There was a new expression on his features: No longer that of someone who came to talk, to explore, to process - but someone who was calculating threat. 

Sael's face was cold. Stoic. Violent.

Sael: Speak quickly, or I will decide you are enemies.

Ross raised both hands, throwing a short glance at the men in Sael's back. None of them showed the same behaviour - instead, they shifted from one foot to the other, some of them grabbing their belts hesitantly. 

Ross: Chancellor, are you alright?

Fairhug/Bryce/Sael: ?

Regress. Was this what it looked like? Sael had less resemblance with a toddler than with a warrior - suddenly, his posture seemed even more imposing and threatening. 

Ross: There is no need for violence.

There was no chance of violence - Ross never carried a phaser, especially not on diplomatic lunch-dates. He knew Gogi and Bryce weren't armed either. They were posing no threat. 

Fairhug/Bryce/Sael: ?

Something told him it was already too late - when his gaze snapped towards the upper levels again, he couldn't help but sense some unrest in the crowd. People stood motionless staring into into blank space - others swayed and sunk against the bleak walls. Something was happening - and it came closer. Suddenly he realised the same blank expressions in his colleagues.

Ross: Captain? Conselor...? Are you okay? 

...oh no. 

Fairhug/Bryce/Sael: ?

--

***

Lt. Commander Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2