RP Log: Three Captains and a khre'Riov
| Roleplay Log | |
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| Participants: | |
Location(s):
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Stardate:
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| 2022-12-09 22:14 | |
- Flag Conference Room <USS Lexington NX-123020>
- Situated at the fore of deck 2, this conference room has a magnificant view down the top of the saucer section. The main focal point of the compartment is a large mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed leather chairs.
- There are smaller viewscreens to port and starboard, with a larger screen on the interior bulkhead.
- Out the viewport: The yellow hue of the nearby star can be seen.
Worthington is merely awaighting the arrival of the others as he situates himself, standing for the moment, near the door.
Jatei motions to everyone to have a seat. She nods to two stewards who go around getting drink orders.
The Romulan commodore enters the room flanked by her escort, a subcommander and a khre-arrain (lieutenant commander). She takes a position off to one side so that others can enter and take their seats without the Romulans being in the way. Notably, she and her escort are not carrying energy weapons.
Anewan makes his way into the room and finds a seat ordering a tea from one of the stewards.
Worthington takes a seat amidst the Phoenix delegation with a view of the Rihannsu delegation.
>Intercom< Captain Alox says, "Requesting permission to come aboard."
Captain Jatei taps something in on the computer interface panel.
>Intercom< Captain Jatei says, "Granted, Captain. An escort will show you to the conference room."
Shulon is tempted to sit on one of the sills, but decides better of it and takes a seat at the conference table. His antennae stand nearly straight up as the cups on the ends listen to everything.
A denobulan in a starfleet captain's uniform is escorted in. He smiles to all assembled, "My apologies for my tardiness, a couple of customers were having a disagreement in Quark's with the proprieter." He approaches Hwiamma, "Captain Alox, station commander, Deep Space 9. A pleasure." He does not hold out his hand, its not the Denobulan way. He does however bow.
Hwiamma nods in a formal polite way. "Khre'Riov Hwiamma," she says. "Jolan'tru, Captain."
Alox smiles, much broader than any human can. He nods and waves to the others, then takes a seat at the table.
Worthington smiles as well and gives a polite nod to everyone at the table, most of whom are people he knows. "Thank you for coming all this way to meet with us," he says to the Rihannsu delegation.
Anewan adjusts himself in his seat as the tea arrives. He looks around the room as if he is expecting someone else.
Hauser studies the Romulans with keen interest, leaning forward in her seat.
Sawyer smiles lazily and looks at his ease. "I see ya been promoted," he says to Hwiamma. "Good on ya."
Hwiamma nods to the Vulcan o-5. Then she looks around, not sure who is to call this meeting to order. She glances to Jatei.
Jatei settles in, "Captain Svetzvani has been unavoidably detained." She nods to Anewan, "Commander, would you care to step in, or shall I?"
Worthington listens as everyone gets settled in. He places a murmored food order and awaights, watching everyone keenly.
Anewan nods to Captain Jatei, "Please go ahead Captain. I will add in when necessary."
Jatei nods to Anewan, "khre'Riov, welcome. I believe it is you who requested this audience to impart some information regarding the current Cardassian situation. As you can see, we are all quite interested in what you have to impart."
The Romulan commander faces the assembled officers. "Jolan'tru," she says. She goes on in near flawless Standard, not using a translator, an accent betraying her origins. "I know many of you. We have risked life and blood together. But for those of you who do not know me, I am Khre'Riov Hwiamma. The equivalent in your service is the rank of commodore. The squadron sitting out there is also mine, lest some of my old comrades on this side wonder whether I was demoted from a warbird command to a bird-of-prey." She smiles slightly.
Worthington responds in nearly flawless rihannsu. "I indeed remember the sacrifices we made together on the last deep space mission of the now former USS Phoenix. You honor us with your presence, and it is good to see that you are doing well."
Sawyer blinks at Worthington. "I see ya found a hobby, Jim."
Shulon's antennae circle the room, but he does not interject. He prefers quiet observation.
Anewan nods to Jatei then a familiar nod to Hwiamma and says, "I do not think any of us were concerned. We are familiar with your competence."
The Romulan nods and goes on. "First, as I hope some of you have figured out, the Star Empire intends the Federation in general, and this sector in particular, no harm." She nods to Alox. "We are here to speak with you, not to harm you or yours." She surveys the faces of the assembled personnel as she says this.
Alox smiles, "Glad to hear it."
Worthington nods in acknowledgement across the table. "As are all of us," he adds.
Jatei waits patiently for Hwiamma to continue.
Hwiamma continues after a short pause. As she speaks, her gazes moves across the audience, leaving no portion of the crowded room out. "People, let me say this to you. What goes on in Cardassian space is generally of no concern. They are a weak-willed lot who bow the knee to any strongman with sufficient grasp to take the reins of power with or without the support of what they conceive of as law, and their attempts at civilian governance are laughably inept. Lest you think I'm wrong, remind me to review the last century and a quarter of their history starting with the Bajoran occupation and moving straight on to the present." She shrugs slightly. "They are a hundred lightyears from our borders, so we usually do not have to concern ourselves with them." A beat and her tone darkens. "Until now."
Chill's thoughts of "Except when you banded with them to take on the Dominion." are broadcast to those around you.
Anewan grabs his tea and stands responding, "We have been concerned with the events there as well," he takes a sip.
Jatei glances at Shulon. Is there a slight shake to her head, if so it is barely noticeable.
Hauser grins. She doesn't know if the Romulan is right in her assessment, but telepaths would sense that she admires a ranking officer who speaks their mind, and this one is pulling no punches.
Sawyer says, "Tell us how ya really feel, Commodore."
She continues in a sober tone. "The report you received from the Dominion is a true one. As I told your Captain Katrinka Svetzvani, we know. We know that a Cardassian cruiser entered the Gamma Quadrant and received Dominion justice for its pains. Still even that would not concern us very much, a single incident. I am sure that you can reason out just why we are here, then." She looks for T'Shaav and, spotting her, imitates the Vulcan mannerism of raising an eyebrow.
Worthington nods. "Recent events surrounding them do have us concerned, and the Tzenkethi incursion, well, this is also somewhat concerning, though not as concerning as whatever operation or plans Sorod may be conceiving. If there's one thing about the cardassians everyone in this room can agree on, hopefully one of many, it is that their military rarely sits idly by without some sort of plan for whatever their current objectives are. Their civilian leaders have unfortunately not been able to maintain power for long, and while their military has been driven back at many turns, this does not stop them from plotting schemes to increase their power." He nods thoughtfuly. "The last dominion war is one that should not be replicated. khre'Riov, are you aware if the cruiser in question was CMV Damar?" he asks.
T'Shaav returns the look and says blandly, "I deduced your reason for coming when you decloaked, Commodore."
Shulon's antennae curl towards Worth for a long moment, then back to the larger group.
"Enlighten us, khre'Riov." Jatei says. "There are many possible reasons for you to be here."
Anewan sips his tea expectantly after a glance towards Worthington.
Captain Alox continues to sit and smile.
"I expected you had," she says to T'Shaav. "I don't know the name of the particular scow they lost. Call it the CMV Non-existent," she tells Worthington. "The Romulan senate will not tolerate the notion of a Dominion invasion in this portion of the galaxy." A beat. "I was sent here because I am one of the foremost experts on the Federation and Starfleet in the Star Empire. I know your regs, the Starfleet mindset, and how you operate, or don't operate. So, I have been dispatched to first ask the Federation, to the point, just how do you plan to curb the Cardassians wrecklessness in antagonizing the Dominion? What are you going to do to prevent the Dominion from taking matters into their own hands?" The question, while posed, is not asked of any one person. She singles no one out.
Hauser stifles a snicker at the CMV Nonexistent bit.
Worthington gets the point, but does a little better at not showing a reaction. He listens to the more senior officers respond.
"The Federation makes a point not to interfer in the operation of other governments." Jatei says.
Hwiamma is amused and offers Jatei a smile. "Does it, now?" She inquires.
Chill's thoughts of "even though we should, from time to time, like this Cardassian mess." are broadcast to those around you.
Anewan eyeshifts to Jatei then back to the romulan. He begins to speak then pauses.
Captain Alox asks Hwiamma, "Are you suggesting we should go in and make it so the Cardassians are no longer a military threat?"
Worthington is unsure what the khre'Riov knows and what she doesn't, so doesn't bring up the scouting missions that have been done.
Jatei nods to Hwiamma, "It is part of our founding principals."
Hwiamma gazes at Alox, then Jatei, then Shulon. "Remember, I said I know how you operate. The Federation prides itself on its noninterference directive. Self-determination, hands off, all that. Publically, at least." Her gaze travels over the rest of you. "I also know that you, or at least one of your ships, has a history of covert operations where it is not welcome." Her gaze lands on Shulon and she smiles slightly. "No, good people, I am not here to tell you what to do. But I will tell you this." A beat. "My government is not so hamstrung. If you do not stop the Cardassians' foolishness, and that, quickly, I will stop it. Those are my senate's orders to me. The security of the Star Empire is judged at risk in this matter, and we will not tollerate Cardassian antagonism of the Dominion. That is all."
Jatei says, "The Dominion relayed a similar sentiment. Stop the Cardassians, or they will."
Worthington nods. "And noone here wants a Dominion incursion. Noone," he replies.
Shulon smiles in return at Hwiamma. One antennae giving a slight nod.
Anewan considers this then nods slightly, "I can tell this," he stops as Worth says it first.
"Then we understand one another," she says. "I have wide lattitude in how I carry out my orders. I am open to working with you--nothing in my orders forbids it. But my objective should be understood plainly. I will stop the Cardassians. No matter what it takes. I will not see millions more loyal Romulans killed in another Dominion war."
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Worthington@Remote Uplink Device (16491)@Worthington: In your opinion captain, do you believe that the Rihannsu are aware with the Tzenkethi sensor capability with regard to cloaking devices?]
Captain Alox sits up in his chair, "Thank you for relaying this information from your government, khre'Riov Hwiamma. We will of course report this to our chain of command. In the meantime, there is little hostile activity in Cardassian territory, outside of the incursions by the Tzenkethi marauders. The Cardassians do not seem to be in the mood to fight. All this may be for nothing."
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Shulon@Remote Uplink Device (5045)@Shulon: planning on giving her that information for free, James?]
"Doubtful, Captain Alox," T'Shaav says quietly. "I think it will prove to be more than for naught."
Worthington nods. "I agree. If we can rely upon Sorod to do just one thing and one thing only, it is to take whatever resources he has and plot, and that plotting would most certainly not be to our benefit, or that of his own people for that matter."
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Worthington@Remote Uplink Device (16491)@Worthington: Not necessarily, as I'm not aware of whether or not they are aware of our scouting ability. Ursa Major's cloak isn't exactly as well publicized as Hadfields, and definitely violates the treaty. Not giving that information away, but it could possibly be presented as relayed through a third party.]
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Shulon@Remote Uplink Device (5045)@Shulon: I wouldn't offer how we got the information, but if you want to give it to her, as a sign of goodwill.]
Jatei asks, "Was there anything else you wished to tell us, khre'Riov?"
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Worthington@Remote Uplink Device (16491)@Worthington: understood sir. If they plan to incur into Cardassian territory themselves, it would at least show some good will on our part.]
"No," the Romulan says. "Thank you for hosting us, Captain Jatei. I will remain nearby a short while if anyone wishes to ... talk."
Anewan nods along and says, "I would simply suggest not moving too soon."
Worthington considers. "What we all need is a better picture of what sorod is up to. Even if Starfleet Command were to approve some form of direct action, we'd need something more concrete than just capturing Sorod or taking Cardassia prime. Where are his fleets? What are they doing? What resources are they stockpiling? Things of that nature, so for now, that is a priority, to learn as much as possible about what the cardassians are doing."
[Remote Uplink Device (5045): Worthington@Remote Uplink Device (16491)@Worthington: Thinking of raising the matter of the tzenkethi and cloaks outside the meeting sir, where there are fewer people to discuss the matter with. Afterall, this is a formal diplomatic proceeding, not the forum for discussing more clandestine avenues.]
Sawyer says, "I get the feeling things aren't gonna be very dull around here for the next little while."
Anewan takes a deep breath and looks around the room with his eyes falling on Shulon then he looks away sipping his tea.
Jatei nods once, "Thank you then, khre'Riov, your candor is appreciated." She smiles, "You ande your ships are welcome to stay, but if you do decide, or are ordered to intervene, please let Starfleet know before taking action."
Hwiamma says, "Thank you, Captain. We will be going." She doesn't agree to that promise per se, but nods to the assembled. "Jolan'tru." Gathering her escort, the Romulan departs."
"Who knows, if the situation gets worse, maybe we can run a joint effort. Rihannsu and Federation ships, fighting side by side once again." Chill says with a grin.
Hwiamma pauses and gives the Andorian a speculative look. Then, she continues out.
Anewan moves to the door behind Hwiamma setting his cup down, "If they engage we will know well before they tell us AND things are not looking good in the sector. Chances are they -will- intervene," he says in rapid fashion.
Worthington nods. "The Rihannsu generally don't wait around for deliberations. They are a people that prefer to take action in whatever way they see as appropriate. Right now, we aren't even to cross the border to deliver food aid. I can only imagine the response from Starfleet Command to a request to engage in a military incursion across the border. We just don't have enough information right now to justify this," he concludes.
"Starfleet already got a request, or demand for that. From the Dominion." Jatei says.
Shulon shrugs, "If the Romulans take out the Cardassians, at least we won't have to worry about the Dominion. Our mandate to not interfere means we also won't stop the Romulans. We are not allied with the Cardassians."
Alox asks, "But will the Romulans simply destroy the Cardassian military and leave, or then take root in a newly conquered sector?"
Worthington nods as he mulls that over. "A Romulan incursion would be rather direct, but also runs the risk of being premature and leading to a drawn out conflict if they do not immediately achieve their objective. They will also not consider civilian lives to the level that we would. They might hit Cardassia prime, and if they take out the mercinary fleets and 2 cruisers there, well, the cardassians have lost 2 cruisers. The mercs aren't a real loss for them, and what of their actual fleets? This has a chance to get really bloody really fast, and such conflicts tend to not stay confined to borders. The truth is, we are still in the dark about too much right now, but we could change that. We'd need to find the Cardassian fleets, there is one issue though. There are a couple of places that would need scouting that we cannot scout without being detected. The amleth system in the emission nebula, and the tong beek nebula, if they've bothered to do anything with that shipyard there at all. We should also scout the torman system, as no intel has been gathered from there in quite some time. If the cardassians are building ships or amassing resources, they have to be doing it somewhere, and where the visible cardassian presence is and the tzenkethi presence is almost certainly not where they are focusing their resources."
Anewan nods pursing his lips. His eyes shift from left to right and he says, "The military being in charge of Cardassia isn't good for anyone."
Shulon asks, "Well Jiemba, what's it going to be? We sit by and watch hell breakout, or we interfer?"
Alox excuses himself, "Duty calls. Thank you all. Most enlightening. DS9 stands by to assist."
Worthington listens for the diplomat's reply.
Anewan considers for a moment then replies, "For now sir, we watch."
Shulon stands, "Pretty much all we do, officially." He nods to Jatei, "Captain, thank you for the hospitality. Impressive ship you have."
Worthington nods, salutes, and says likewise. "Lexington she is indeed impressive. The tactical officer in me would like to take a look around at some point, if you would allow it of course captain," he says.
Jatei nods to Shulon, "Thank you Captain. I agree, it is all we've been allowed to do." She shakes her head at Worthington, "Apologies Commander. Security is tight at the moment, while we are docked here, and with the nearby fleets, both Romulan and Mercenary. You understand." She too stands.
Anewan frowns at the response from the two officers, finishes his tea and taps his commbadge looking for Tink.
Shulon grins, "Same layout as the Phoenix, James. Just a few differences here and there. And that massive weapons pod of course." He nods, "Might have to devise a plan to interfer", Chill's thoughts trail off into silence. "I'll see you back aboard the ship."
Worthington nods. "I do captain," he replies. "I'll just have to take a rain check. It may be prudent to collaborate though if any scouting is in order. When thinking of the best assets to scout a nebula, my thoughts go to our valkyries, though short in range, and USS Scorpion, your auxiliary sir. If you require anything from us, please let us know. We're not going anywhere, yet," he says, salutes, and heads out.