Captain/Crewman Gogigobo Fairhug - Is This the Real Life?
griz86
((Main Office, Ivory Tower, StarBase 118))
The main office of the Ivory Tower was somewhere that Gogi had begun frequenting more often when he had become FO of the base. Now that he was CO, his visits had become even more frequent.
It was a comforting space. Busy, but calm. The perfect place to bring the Ameoneians.
There were diplomats walking around, security officers dotted about the room, vidscreen calls ongoing with diplomats from various other factions and races. There were even science stations, with officers performing various tasks and/or experiments.
As they entered the room, Gogi smiled, a genuine, proud smile, as he turned again to address Chancellor Sael.
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: 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.
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.
He almost grimaced at that last sentence. Should he have said that? Would that make the Ameoneians feel insecure?
But they were not stupid people. Surely they understood that not *everyone* was a friend of the Federation.
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.
Strength. Something the Ameoneians had learned to value. It was hard to believe that just a little more than three centuries ago, these people had no use for weapons. Now, they were a warrior race and it suited them well. But their experiences had also made them incredibly defensive. It was understandable, but also could make for a difficult diplomatic exchange.
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.
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.
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.
The Chancellor was blunt, but he was living up to his own words - transparency and boundaries.
There was a slightly awkward silence. Gogi clapped his hands together softly and smiled.
Fairhug: I assure you, Chancellor, you are under no threat here. That is not the Federation’s style.
Thankfully, Evan decided to move things on, before the Chancellor could counter again.
Ross: Shall we take a look at the meeting rooms? The upper levels allow a fantastic view over the base.
They began to walk towards a small staircase that would take them to the upper level. Gogi took point, with Evan, Bryce, Chancellor Sael and the rest of the Ameoneian delegation trailing just behind him.
As the Bardeezan placed his left foot on the first step, something happened.
Suddenly, he felt dizzy. It was as if someone was stretching time and space, but specifically between *his* ears. A nauseating, unsettling experience.
He raised his right hand to his temple and blinked hard, attempting to steady himself by gripping the bannister as he swayed from the disorientating feeling.
When he opened his eyes, he stared blankly at the plain, white staircase in front of him.
A frown crossed his face, but before he could even attempt to figure out what was going on, a voice sounded from behind him.
Sael: Speak quickly, or I will decide you are enemies.
Gogi turned, placing both of his feet on the bottom step of the staircase as he did so, to get a better view of what was happening behind him.
Ross: Chancellor, are you alright?
There was a grey-haired Terran with his hands up talking to a mean-looking, purple-skinned alien of a race Gogi had never seen before. The unidentified alien was in full armour and was gripping the hilt of a sword-like weapon.
Surrounding the man were about half a dozen other warriors of the same unidentified race. Though they seemed to be confused about what exactly was going on and not as threatening as the one who had just spoken.
Standing slightly nearer to the man with his hand gripping his weapon was a Terran-looking woman. Much younger than the man. Good looking. And Gogi noticed now that both she and the grey-haired man were in Starfleet uniforms.
Where was he?
He looked around. Most people here were wearing Starfleet uniforms. Many of said uniforms had a purple colour to them. What division of Starfleet was that? He wasn’t very familiar with it.
Was he on a Federation base? How did he get here?
The last thing he remembered was being in a bar on a cold, grey planet called Coratua and getting into an alcohol fuelled altercation with another freighter crew.
By all rights, his ribs should still be sore from the confrontation, but they weren’t. Although, he did feel different. He couldn’t quite put his finger on exactly why, but his body felt more… lived in than he remembered.
The purple-skinned alien seemed upset about something. Had Gogi’s big mouth gotten him in trouble again?
Fairhug: Wh- what’s going on?
Bryce/Sael: ?
Ross: There is no need for violence.
Violence?
Gogi didn’t mind a bit of good-natured violence. But these guys looked like they meant serious business. A bit of fisticuffs in a bar was one thing, but swords and armour?
It was like one of the old Bardeezan sagas had come to life.
Was that it? Had he been taking part in a holoprogram?
But why didn’t he remember?
Fairhug: Um… pause program?
Nothing happened. Well, except for everyone looking at him like he was crazy.
oO I guess this isn’t a Bardeezan holosuite, then. I’m really… wherever I am. Oo
Bryce/Sael: ?
Ross: Captain? Conselor...? Are you okay?
The man seemed to be looking at him. Captain? Counselor? He was neither of those things.
Fairhug: Err… sorry, brother, I think you’ve got me confused with someone else.
Bryce/Sael: ?
He looked around. It definitely seemed like this was some kind of Federation base. Maybe even a ship?
Either way, something was wrong here. Apart from the purple guy, quite a few people seemed to be experiencing some confusion. At least that meant it wasn’t just him. But either way, he had to figure out how he had ended up here.
Where was the rest of his cousin’s freighter crew? Did they know he was missing? Had something happened to them?
Ross: Response
Gogi stepped down from the staircase and took a step towards the small crowd of people.
Fairhug: Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m pretty sure that I’m not supposed to be here. So… if someone could point me towards the exit?
Ross/Bryce/Sael: Responses
There was unrest among the small group. Gogi took a step back, raising his hands. He’d defend himself if necessary, but this was *not* necessary. He had been dragged into something that was nothing to do with him and he just wanted to get back to where he *should* be.
This grey-haired man seemed to think he knew him. At least he wasn’t being confrontational. Gogi decided to speak to him directly.
Fairhug: Brother, I don’t know how you know me, but I have never seen you before in my life. I don’t want any trouble. ::glancing at the purple guys:: I just want to get out of here and get back to my crew.
Ross/Bryce/Sael: Responses
(OOC: Here we go! Gogi’s memory has regressed to when he was working as a general dog’s body for his cousin’s freighter company. This is going to be fun! XD)
TAG/TBC
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Commanding Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
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