Lt JG Dazra Kol - For the People
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Ashley Aurrefor
Sep 19, 2025, 10:23:46 AM (3 days ago) Sep 19
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((Simulated Toronto [Earth], Holodeck 1, Deck 5, USS Thor))
Kol: Why are your people so wary of offworlders? As I understand it, the people of United New Earth collaborated for their defense approach, but what prompted you to be so defensive?
Thornman: Lieutenant, about one hundred years ago, an exploratory expedition of aliens - if you’ll forgive the term - showed up on our planet. They were not directly hostile, but they insinuated that both our worlds were rich with resources, and if they had a need, eventually more of them would come and visit our planets. They let it slip that they weren’t in the habit of trading. As I’m sure you can imagine, that concerned both of our planets. We felt a defense force was necessary. And being the first aliens to make contact with us … it made us concerned that if others came, they would be of a similar ilk. I cannot speak for New Gaia, but for Nova Terra, we simply want to keep our people safe.
Herrick: Well, as you can see ::waving his hand around the holodeck:: we’re pretty free with our exchange of information. I think it’s a fair question with everything that transpired.
Thornman glanced back at Herrick.
Thornman: I don’t deny the question is a fair one. ::To Kol she said evenly:: I hope you are satisfied with the answer.
The edge in the tone from the minister was enough to irritate Dazra, but as she reminded herself of the purpose for their presence aboard, she opted to mince her words, sighing as she did her best to ease the tension.
Kol: It has. Thank you for the insight into your people- I am sure it will prove productive in moving forward.
Thornman watched the Commander pull something out of his pocket and glance at it.
Promontory: =/\= (text) Finishing up here, heading over to the Green Room in about 5 minutes. =/\=
Herrick: It appears that we’re reaching the end of today’s tour. In Occam’s razor fashion, to call the exit, you simply say… exit.
Herrick led the way through the holodeck exit and down the corridor as the minister walked at his side, and Kol followed behind them.
(( Corridor, Deck 5, USS Thor ))
Herrick: So, tell me more about General Syms…
There wasn’t the slightest hesitation between Herrick’s request and the minister’s vitriolic response.
Thorman: General Syms is … persistent. Obstructive even. He thrives on being contrary. ::She takes a breath:: Forgive my forthrightness, Commander. He has the support of a vocal minority in the chambers, and because of that, I cannot easily remove him. He is supposed to answer to me, but often acts on his own ‘best judgment. Despite my heels, I walk a tightrope. We do have a democracy, but the rules seem to ebb and flow depending on which side of the chamber is in power. And if we abandon the rules for convenience, we hand our enemies a weapon sharper than any blade. Some days, I feel I’m less a leader and more a juggler with knives.
Kol: Such is the way of a politician. Is there any way-
Thornman: However, if I remove him simply on a whim or because he is an irritant, either I will likely be removed next, or if I’m not removed, we are no better than a dictatorship.
oO Well, that answers that question... Oo
Thornman first glanced over her shoulder at Dazra and then at Herrick, though the reason for the look was lost on her. She caught the expression, but without the familiarity required with the planet's government structure, all she could do was guess. And keep reminding herself that it wasn't about her, these were peace talks. Hopefully.
As Dazra had answered the question on holograms for the Minister, she shuffled awkwardly. Things had been a bit annoying to this point, but as she realized she didn't have the answers to everything, she mellowed considerably. Regardless, she steamed ahead with another question, intent to determine what was causing the xenophobia that drove these humans to such drastic defensive measures as subspace weapons.
Kol: Why are your people so wary of offworlders? As I understand it, the people of United New Earth collaborated for their defense approach, but what prompted you to be so defensive?
Thornman: Lieutenant, about one hundred years ago, an exploratory expedition of aliens - if you’ll forgive the term - showed up on our planet. They were not directly hostile, but they insinuated that both our worlds were rich with resources, and if they had a need, eventually more of them would come and visit our planets. They let it slip that they weren’t in the habit of trading. As I’m sure you can imagine, that concerned both of our planets. We felt a defense force was necessary. And being the first aliens to make contact with us … it made us concerned that if others came, they would be of a similar ilk. I cannot speak for New Gaia, but for Nova Terra, we simply want to keep our people safe.
Herrick: Well, as you can see ::waving his hand around the holodeck:: we’re pretty free with our exchange of information. I think it’s a fair question with everything that transpired.
Thornman glanced back at Herrick.
Thornman: I don’t deny the question is a fair one. ::To Kol she said evenly:: I hope you are satisfied with the answer.
The edge in the tone from the minister was enough to irritate Dazra, but as she reminded herself of the purpose for their presence aboard, she opted to mince her words, sighing as she did her best to ease the tension.
Kol: It has. Thank you for the insight into your people- I am sure it will prove productive in moving forward.
Thornman watched the Commander pull something out of his pocket and glance at it.
Promontory: =/\= (text) Finishing up here, heading over to the Green Room in about 5 minutes. =/\=
Herrick: It appears that we’re reaching the end of today’s tour. In Occam’s razor fashion, to call the exit, you simply say… exit.
Herrick led the way through the holodeck exit and down the corridor as the minister walked at his side, and Kol followed behind them.
(( Corridor, Deck 5, USS Thor ))
Herrick: So, tell me more about General Syms…
There wasn’t the slightest hesitation between Herrick’s request and the minister’s vitriolic response.
Thorman: General Syms is … persistent. Obstructive even. He thrives on being contrary. ::She takes a breath:: Forgive my forthrightness, Commander. He has the support of a vocal minority in the chambers, and because of that, I cannot easily remove him. He is supposed to answer to me, but often acts on his own ‘best judgment. Despite my heels, I walk a tightrope. We do have a democracy, but the rules seem to ebb and flow depending on which side of the chamber is in power. And if we abandon the rules for convenience, we hand our enemies a weapon sharper than any blade. Some days, I feel I’m less a leader and more a juggler with knives.
Kol: Such is the way of a politician. Is there any way-
Thornman: However, if I remove him simply on a whim or because he is an irritant, either I will likely be removed next, or if I’m not removed, we are no better than a dictatorship.
oO Well, that answers that question... Oo
Thornman first glanced over her shoulder at Dazra and then at Herrick, though the reason for the look was lost on her. She caught the expression, but without the familiarity required with the planet's government structure, all she could do was guess. And keep reminding herself that it wasn't about her, these were peace talks. Hopefully.
oO I don't think I much care for politicians... Oo
Herrick: Response
Kol: You could imprison him if his actions are directly putting the safety of your people at risk...
Thornman: Yes, you're right. There may come a time when he must be removed for the safety of the planet, but if it must be done, it will be done correctly.
Kol: As all things should be.
Herrick: Response
Kol: You could imprison him if his actions are directly putting the safety of your people at risk...
Thornman: Yes, you're right. There may come a time when he must be removed for the safety of the planet, but if it must be done, it will be done correctly.
Kol: As all things should be.
Herrick: Response
Thornman grimaced at the question.
Thornman: There are some things that, you’ll forgive me, if it is not prudent for me to disclose.
Dazra hummed doubtfully.
Thornman grimaced at the question.
Thornman: There are some things that, you’ll forgive me, if it is not prudent for me to disclose.
Dazra hummed doubtfully.
Kol: Just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean that it's not prudent or called for. You want peace between the people of Nova Terra and New Gaia, you may be forced to confront some uncomfortable truths, and be open to discussing a way through those discomforts.
Dazra was playing nice. She wanted to call her out on more, but for now, she pulled the punches.
Herrick/Thornman: Response
Dazra knew they were coming up on their destination soon, so she opted instead to offer some inspiration.
Kol: Who are you doing this for? Yourself? Or for the people?
Herrick/Thornman: Response
Kol: You have to choose to be the people you want to become. It's not gonna be easy, and it certainly won't always be fun. It's hard work. Have some faith in your people, and they should have some in you, too.
Herrick/Thornman: Response
[TAG/TBC]
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