MSPNPC Da’al Ypartin – Papercuts
jkpbem
(( Prime ministerial offices, Vman – Da’al capital city ))
In an ordinary working day, Ypartin’s diary would be full of public appearances, meetings with various factions, and speaking before the Great Council. But today, he’d remained locked in his offices, refusing all requests for an audience and insisting on not being disturbed. With the situation both on the planet and in orbit rapidly turning chaotic, Ypartin struggled to stay quiet and out of sight. There would be little benefit in calming his people prematurely. No, they needed to experience a little volatility, indeed, a little chaos, before he could step back in. The people needed to appreciate what he represented. After today, things on Da’al would likely never be the same, but at least Ypartin would be there for them. A steady hand in unprecedentedly rough seas.
As he snacked on a plate of assorted fruits and nuts, he watched the situation unfold on his desktop monitor. Klingons had arrived on the planet in waves of dozens, near each region’s major city, while the Federation starship in orbit had been drawn into a brief firefight. Meanwhile, Zeneth had been dispatched to prepare for the Federation’s arrival tomorrow.
Zeneth.
In the five years since Ypartin had been elevated to the position of prime minister, there had been a lot of things he’d done for the sake of political expediency and survival. At first, each action elicited a feeling within him. Like a papercut; not terribly injurious, but painful nonetheless. As the years dragged on and he settled into his position, the papercuts stung less and less, becoming little more than inconveniences, like snagging one’s tunic on thorns. The only actions that still felt like anything were those he’d taken to deceive people like Zeneth. Those who trusted him, who’d come up through the ranks of government with him, and whom he considered his friends first, colleagues and advisers second.
Until now. Ypartin considered the errand he’d sent Zeneth off to run, knowing that there would be little chance of the supposed meeting actually happening. Da’al would be neutral no longer. Forcing the Klingons and the Federation into conflict would result in one of them or the other assuming a protectorship role over the planet. Whoever ended up being their new overlords, whether the Klingons or the Federation, Ypartin was positioning himself to remain.
Of course, this kind of self coup would require certain additional actions in its aftermath. Ypartin knew that the positions of many of his ministers and advisers would become untenable, and to prevent the formation of a government-in-exile to challenge, they would need to be dealt with. Another papercut.
Ypartin’s desktop monitor chimed. The secure communications channel that Zeneth had set up with the Federation ship was active again. Not unexpectedly, Resolution wanted to talk ahead of schedule. Ypartin tucked his tunic back in, swung his feet off the desk and adopted a premierial posture before joining the secure channel.
Nicholotti: =/\= Prime Minister. I apologize for reaching out sooner, but I suspect you are already aware of the Klingon force on your planet. =/\=
Ypartin: =/\= Yes, Fleet Captain. They have transported down to each of our major cities. We were not expecting guerrilla warfare. Our military forces are concentrated here, to protect the capital. By the time we mobilize our forces to the regions, the Klingons could have already overthrown them. =/\=
Nicholotti: =/\= I believe it is time to talk. I don’t think you’ll have any problem with a team of my beaming down? Or perhaps you would like a larger showing? =/\=
Ypartin kept his voice measured. The greater the risk, the greater the reward, and a Federation ship landing on Da’al soil could be exactly what Ypartin needed.
Ypartin: =/\= Considering our governments’ previous interactions, I am aware of the irony of what I am about to say. I thought you’d never ask. =/\=
Ypartin called up a packet of files on his monitor and transmitted it to the Federation ship.
Ypartin: =/\= I am sending you updated GIS data of our capital city, and the government complex in particular. Heroes Park can accommodate your ship if you wish to land it here. The government complex also has a landing bay for any of your smaller, auxiliary craft. Alternately, your team can transport directly to the reception site indicated on the maps. =/\=
Nicholotti: =/\= response =/\=
Ypartin: =/\= I understand that this must seem like an abrupt about-face, Fleet Captain. But my planet is on the verge of a war that we cannot possibly win. Without assistance from the Federation, Da’al will fall to the Klingons. =/\=
Nicholotti: =/\= response =/\=
Ypartin: =/\= I understand your position, and I am grateful that you are willing to help us. We will adjust our preparations and be ready for your arrival immediately. =/\=
Nicholotti: =/\= response =/\=
Tag/TBC
MSPNPC Ypartin
Da’al prime minister
simmed by
Ensign Yogan Yalu
Helm Officer
USS Resolution NCC-78145
Justin
D238804DS0
As you liberate yourself in metaphor, think of others, those who have lost the right to speak.