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trek:solstice:recap:37_act_2 [2020/04/09 18:27] – [Episode 37: Kordikar - Act 2] anagramofbrattrek:solstice:recap:37_act_2 [2021/01/07 13:21] (current) – verbena76
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 ===== Stardate 49373.71, Tuesday May 16th 2372, 1841 hours ===== ===== Stardate 49373.71, Tuesday May 16th 2372, 1841 hours =====
 ==== Cartoons and Pleasure Pits ==== ==== Cartoons and Pleasure Pits ====
-Jessa’s hallucinations morph into tiny cartoon versions of the others in the away team while the aphrodisiac hits Ssleestak and he starts bobbing his head and lifts his tail higher. As both officers try to keep things under control, K’tral notices the physiological changes in her friend and sidles over to him. She whispers, “Are you in distress?” He smiles widely and replies, “I’m cool! I feel great!” K’tral backs away to the furthest point from the Gorn, while Fal quietly scans everything he can with his tricorder. Phillip keeps his distance while Shan’taar and Threy’shaan hover protectively near the captain. Unfortunately for poor Zug, Thal’tirian pounces and starts asking rapid-fire questions about the Tizit and Kordikar. She gets mostly monosyllabic replies, but that doesn’t deter her. The only polysyllabic answer is to her question, “What do the Tizit wear at birthday parties?” Zug replies, “Nothing.” Armina lurks near the Andorian historian to glean what cultural information she can.+[[trek:solstice:pcs:jessa|Jessa]]’s hallucinations morph into tiny cartoon versions of the others in the away team while the aphrodisiac hits [[trek:solstice:pcs:ssleestak]] and he starts bobbing his head and lifts his tail higher. As both officers try to keep things under control, [[trek:solstice:pcs:ktral]] notices the physiological changes in her friend and sidles over to him. She whispers, “Are you in distress?” He smiles widely and replies, “I’m cool! I feel great!” K’tral backs away to the furthest point from the Gorn, while [[trek:solstice:pcs:fal|Fal]] quietly scans everything he can with his tricorder. [[trek:solstice:pcs:phillip|Phillip]] keeps his distance while [[trek:characters:shantaar|Shan’taar]] and [[trek:characters:threyshaan|Threy’shaan]] hover protectively near [[trek:solstice:pcs:mel|the captain]]. Unfortunately for poor [[trek:characters:zug|Zug]], [[trek:characters:thaltirian|Thal’tirian]] pounces and starts asking rapid-fire questions about the Tizit and Kordikar. She gets mostly monosyllabic replies, but that doesn’t deter her. The only polysyllabic answer is to her question, “What do the Tizit wear at birthday parties?” Zug replies, “Nothing.” [[trek:characters:armina|Armina]] lurks near the Andorian historian to glean what cultural information she can.
  
 The ride takes about twenty minutes and then the monorail glides to a stop at a station at the outskirts of the mansion. The Starfleet officers disembark and follow Zug, but they notice the station is entirely shades of blue. Assuming the Tizit evolved on a planet perpetually swathed in darkness and their tapered ears offer them a form of echolocation, they hypothesize that the Tizit favor bold, primary colors either in defiance of their lowlight homeworld, or they can only see bright shades. ((The latter, actually)). They follow Zug up the stairs to a manicured lawn with flowerbeds. Although at first glance this outdoor scene could be on Earth or Trill or Betazed, they quickly realize everything is a shade brighter than standard. The ride takes about twenty minutes and then the monorail glides to a stop at a station at the outskirts of the mansion. The Starfleet officers disembark and follow Zug, but they notice the station is entirely shades of blue. Assuming the Tizit evolved on a planet perpetually swathed in darkness and their tapered ears offer them a form of echolocation, they hypothesize that the Tizit favor bold, primary colors either in defiance of their lowlight homeworld, or they can only see bright shades. ((The latter, actually)). They follow Zug up the stairs to a manicured lawn with flowerbeds. Although at first glance this outdoor scene could be on Earth or Trill or Betazed, they quickly realize everything is a shade brighter than standard.
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 Since no one is interested in the pleasure pit, Zug leads them around it and to another set of double doors, also resembling red mahogany. He pushes them open to reveal another large, circular room, but this one contains a low table and cushions for seating, as well as more benches, chairs, divans, and even beanbags. Bookshelves line every available centimeter of wall space, and they are groaning under the weight of their contents. Books are stuffed into the shelves seeming haphazardly, and in places some books are compressed by the weight of other tomes. On every shelf there is at least one part where the books threaten to fall onto the floor, and Fal spots one bookshelf that if it topples, it could seriously injure people. All the books’ spines show the same unfamiliar script, which Fal assumes is Tizit. He scans a few of the shelves to record the language. Since no one is interested in the pleasure pit, Zug leads them around it and to another set of double doors, also resembling red mahogany. He pushes them open to reveal another large, circular room, but this one contains a low table and cushions for seating, as well as more benches, chairs, divans, and even beanbags. Bookshelves line every available centimeter of wall space, and they are groaning under the weight of their contents. Books are stuffed into the shelves seeming haphazardly, and in places some books are compressed by the weight of other tomes. On every shelf there is at least one part where the books threaten to fall onto the floor, and Fal spots one bookshelf that if it topples, it could seriously injure people. All the books’ spines show the same unfamiliar script, which Fal assumes is Tizit. He scans a few of the shelves to record the language.
  
-A few moments after arriving, another set of doors opens and Zivan sweeps into the room. She brightens when she sees Mel and heads her way. Once she reaches Mel, she reaches out and grabs Mel’s upper arms and gushes, “Welcome to Kordikar, Captain Deline, where all gods, and goods, are welcome. I must insist, however, that at some point before your departure, you simply must enjoy the attentions of my son. He’s very skilled in the carnal arts.” Mel replies simply, “He has been very attentive, thank you.” She notes Zivan’s long hair that cascades down her back and almost to the floor and wonders why every other Tizit is bald.((The Tizit are naturally hairless. Wigs are a major status symbol for them.)) Zivan smiles widely and leads Mel to the low table. This table is essentially set up in a Japanese fashion, with cushions to kneel on. The table is a wide oval and can easily fit twenty beings; Zivan takes one of the heads of the table so Mel takes the other. The other Starfleet officers settle in, although there is noticeable ‘Gorn-spreading.’ Jessa settles into her cushion and announces, “These are comfy.”+A few moments after arriving, another set of doors opens and [[trek:characters:zivan|Zivan]] sweeps into the room. She brightens when she sees Mel and heads her way. Once she reaches Mel, she reaches out and grabs Mel’s upper arms and gushes, “Welcome to Kordikar, Captain Deline, where all gods, and goods, are welcome. I must insist, however, that at some point before your departure, you simply must enjoy the attentions of my son. He’s very skilled in the carnal arts.” Mel replies simply, “He has been very attentive, thank you.” She notes Zivan’s long hair that cascades down her back and almost to the floor and wonders why every other Tizit is bald.((The Tizit are naturally hairless. Wigs are a major status symbol for them.)) Zivan smiles widely and leads Mel to the low table. This table is essentially set up in a Japanese fashion, with cushions to kneel on. The table is a wide oval and can easily fit twenty beings; Zivan takes one of the heads of the table so Mel takes the other. The other Starfleet officers settle in, although there is noticeable ‘Gorn-spreading.’ Jessa settles into her cushion and announces, “These are comfy.”
  
 ==== The First Courses ==== ==== The First Courses ====
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 The servant brings out the second course, a bowl of Terran salad with small cups of various salad dressings along the rim. The Starfleet officers examine the salad, but other than the vibrant colors, the vegetables look Earth-accurate. Phillip once again abstains, and Ssleestak looks disappointed there’s no meat in the salad. The others try the salad, including K’tral. Surprisingly, the salad tastes perfectly normal. K’tral ignores the salad dressings, but Zivan gestures to Fal and says, “You seem to enjoy spicier fare. I’d recommend the purple sauce.” Curious, Fal complies, and nearly gags on the searing heat! This level of spiciness even exceeds Bajoran standard, and Mel mutters, “If a human tried that, they’d //die//.”  The servant brings out the second course, a bowl of Terran salad with small cups of various salad dressings along the rim. The Starfleet officers examine the salad, but other than the vibrant colors, the vegetables look Earth-accurate. Phillip once again abstains, and Ssleestak looks disappointed there’s no meat in the salad. The others try the salad, including K’tral. Surprisingly, the salad tastes perfectly normal. K’tral ignores the salad dressings, but Zivan gestures to Fal and says, “You seem to enjoy spicier fare. I’d recommend the purple sauce.” Curious, Fal complies, and nearly gags on the searing heat! This level of spiciness even exceeds Bajoran standard, and Mel mutters, “If a human tried that, they’d //die//.” 
  
-Although beads of sweat are pouring down Fal’s forehead, he immediately asks for a sample of this delicious sauce. The servant appears silently at his elbow and places a generous container by Fal’s elbow. Fal brightens and thanks him. The servant slips away and returns shortly with the next course: soup. The soup is a vibrant red and comes in a divided bowl. One half has chunks of meat bobbing in it, while the other is strictly vegetarian. Phillip abstains once again, while the others try the soup. It has a citrus spicy flavor, which is a bit much for some of them, but Fal enjoys it greatly. Ssleestak samples the meaty version and finds the meat to be more mill-worms, but without any aphrodisiacs, leading him to assume the sauce contained the drug. Ssleestak looks down at one point to find his sample of the appetizer has doubled in size, leading him to wonder if the worms are reproducing.(No, the servant slipped him a larger box when he wasn’t looking))+Although beads of sweat are pouring down Fal’s forehead, he immediately asks for a sample of this delicious sauce. The servant appears silently at his elbow and places a generous container by Fal’s elbow. Fal brightens and thanks him. The servant slips away and returns shortly with the next course: soup. The soup is a vibrant red and comes in a divided bowl. One half has chunks of meat bobbing in it, while the other is strictly vegetarian. Phillip abstains once again, while the others try the soup. It has a citrus spicy flavor, which is a bit much for some of them, but Fal enjoys it greatly. Ssleestak samples the meaty version and finds the meat to be more mill-worms, but without any aphrodisiacs, leading him to assume the sauce contained the drug. Ssleestak looks down at one point to find his sample of the appetizer has doubled in size, leading him to wonder if the worms are reproducing.((No, the servant slipped him a larger box when he wasn’t looking))
  
 ==== Business Lasagna ==== ==== Business Lasagna ====
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 Mel explains that the United Federation of Planets is primarily a peaceful alliance of worlds that simply wants to explore. Zivan asks, “And how do you profit from these journeys?” Mel considers the question and replies, “Social compensation.” Zivan stares at her as if she’s grown a second head, but Ssleestak rumbles, “It’s a weird kink of theirs, this passion for knowledge and exploration.” Mel explains the Federation is not motivated by monetary profit but does conduct extensive trade, and Armina interjects, “Just so we are clear, there are private companies within the Federation.”  Mel explains that the United Federation of Planets is primarily a peaceful alliance of worlds that simply wants to explore. Zivan asks, “And how do you profit from these journeys?” Mel considers the question and replies, “Social compensation.” Zivan stares at her as if she’s grown a second head, but Ssleestak rumbles, “It’s a weird kink of theirs, this passion for knowledge and exploration.” Mel explains the Federation is not motivated by monetary profit but does conduct extensive trade, and Armina interjects, “Just so we are clear, there are private companies within the Federation.” 
  
-Zivan leans back to try and make sense of these bizarre aliens at her table, but Fal asks, “May we ask you some questions?” Zivan nods, so Fal asks, “What is your relationship with the Dominion? Is this your planet of origin? How do you feel about Klingons, Cardassian, Vulcans?” He rattles the name of many other species off as well, before lapsing into silence. Zivan replies wryly, “In reverse order, I’ve never even heard of the last thirty-six species((Tizit are naturally good with numbers and data, so yes, she actually cataloged all the different species Fal referred to.)) you mentioned, so ‘no opinion.’” Fal nods and Zivan continues, “I’ve only ever heard the name Cardassian from the Klingons, but they did not have a high opinion of them.” Fal snorts in agreement.+Zivan leans back to try and make sense of these bizarre aliens at her table, but Fal asks, “May we ask you some questions?” Zivan nods, so Fal asks, “What is your relationship with the Dominion? Is this your planet of origin? How do you feel about Klingons, Cardassian, Vulcans?” He rattles the name of many other species off as well, before lapsing into silence. Zivan replies wryly, “In reverse order, I’ve never even heard of the last thirty-six species((Tizit are naturally good with numbers and data, so yes, she actually cataloged all the different species Fal referred to.)) you mentioned, so ‘no opinion.’” Fal nods and Zivan says, “I’ve only ever heard the name Cardassian from the Klingons, but they did not have a high opinion of them.” Fal snorts in agreement.
  
-Zivan continues, “As for the Klingons, they seem… bombastic. They go on excessively about their honor and how the Klingon Empire exiled them despite their birthright to lead the High Council as granted by the House of Duras, or something. To be honest, it all seemed like a crock of fecal matter.” Mel nods and briefly explains how the House of Duras tried to usurp the Klingon Empire, and how multiple generations of the House have betrayed the Empire. Zivan demands, “Then why are they still alive? You don’t keep poison, you remove it!” Mel agrees, but replies, “From a Klingon perspective, allowing them to live in shame is the greatest dishonor, the greatest punishment in their culture. Dead, they could be martyred.” Zivan closes her eyes and grumbles, “That makes no sense whatsoever.” Zug interjects, "One Klingon attempted a mating ritual with a female N'Dari. She ripped him in half."+Zivan continues, “As for the Klingons, they seem… bombastic. They go on excessively about their honor and how the Klingon Empire exiled them despite their birthright to lead the High Council as granted by the House of Duras, or something. To be honest, it all seemed like a crock of fecal matter.” Mel nods and briefly explains how the House of Duras tried to usurp the Klingon Empire, and how multiple generations of the House have betrayed the High Council. Zivan demands, “Then why are they still alive? You don’t keep poison, you remove it!” Mel agrees, but replies, “From a Klingon perspective, allowing them to live in shame is the greatest dishonor, the greatest punishment in their culture. Dead, they could be martyred.” Zivan closes her eyes and grumbles, “That makes no sense whatsoever.” Zug interjects, "One Klingon attempted a mating ritual with a female N'Dari. She ripped him in half."
  
 Zivan sighs and reopens her eyes. She states, “As for your second question, this is not our planet of origin. Do you have a calendar and timekeeping records I could peruse?” Mel nods and pulls up the requested information on a padd and hands it to Zivan; luckily the //Solstice’s// padds have Dai’Loq as one of the text choices. Zivan skims the information quickly and performs some impressive mental calculations in only a few seconds. She replies, “Our basic ‘minute’ is called a ‘//drach//’ and it’s roughly ninety seconds. A ‘//dro//’ is our hour marker, and since it’s forty //drachs// it actually lines up with your timekeeping. A '//dern//’ is twenty-five //dro//, so that’s a twenty-five-hour day by your reckoning.”  Zivan sighs and reopens her eyes. She states, “As for your second question, this is not our planet of origin. Do you have a calendar and timekeeping records I could peruse?” Mel nods and pulls up the requested information on a padd and hands it to Zivan; luckily the //Solstice’s// padds have Dai’Loq as one of the text choices. Zivan skims the information quickly and performs some impressive mental calculations in only a few seconds. She replies, “Our basic ‘minute’ is called a ‘//drach//’ and it’s roughly ninety seconds. A ‘//dro//’ is our hour marker, and since it’s forty //drachs// it actually lines up with your timekeeping. A '//dern//’ is twenty-five //dro//, so that’s a twenty-five-hour day by your reckoning.” 
  
 ==== A Tizit History Lesson. Completely Unbiased, Of Course ==== ==== A Tizit History Lesson. Completely Unbiased, Of Course ====
-The Starfleet officers nod, so Zivan continues, “The Tizit Consortium arrived here about 1910 by your calendar. Let me back up first, however. We achieved warp travel in 1770, and by 1820 had an economic alliance with twelve other species. My ancestors at that point in our history felt that military expenditures were a waste of resources. By 1865 it was sixty-five worlds. 1856-1937 was essentially our ‘Golden Age,’ captain. We reached Kordikar in 1910 and the native species was hostile if we tried to land, but didn’t seem to care if we stayed in the floating cities we constructed. Unfortunately, in 1937 we expanded into the territory of the greatest regional power, the Wabai Unity.+The Starfleet officers nod, so Zivan continues, “The Tizit Consortium arrived here about 1910 by your calendar. Let me back up first, however. We achieved warp travel in 1770, and by 1820 had an economic alliance with twelve other species. At that point in our history, we felt that military expenditures were a waste of resources. By 1865 it was sixty-five worlds. 1856-1937 was essentially our ‘Golden Age,’ captain. We reached Kordikar in 1910 and the native species was hostile if we tried to land, but didn’t seem to care if we stayed in the floating cities we constructed. Unfortunately, in 1937 we expanded into the territory of the greatest regional power, the Wabai Unity.
  
 “They watched us for a few months and then invaded on multiple fronts. We couldn’t stop them. They had superior weaponry and our alliance was economic, not military. Worlds were abandoned and fell, one by one. By 1939, the Wabai had reached our home system, and then detonated an isolytic subspace weapon to prove their power. The Tizit Consortium surrendered immediately, and our worlds were annexed by the Wabai. A little over forty years later, in 1980 by your calendar, the regional calculus shifted as the Dai’Loq suddenly returned.((The Tizit don’t know the Dai’Loq woke up in 1900, but the First Generation simply stuck to the ‘star-chamber’ – their Dyson sphere – until they died out in 1976. The Dai’Loq expansion that followed was initiated by the Second Generation.)) They didn’t have warp drive then and used sleeper ships in their expansion. Despite that limitation, when the Dai’Loq reached a Wabai world, they attacked, and this time it was the Wabai with inferior weaponry.  “They watched us for a few months and then invaded on multiple fronts. We couldn’t stop them. They had superior weaponry and our alliance was economic, not military. Worlds were abandoned and fell, one by one. By 1939, the Wabai had reached our home system, and then detonated an isolytic subspace weapon to prove their power. The Tizit Consortium surrendered immediately, and our worlds were annexed by the Wabai. A little over forty years later, in 1980 by your calendar, the regional calculus shifted as the Dai’Loq suddenly returned.((The Tizit don’t know the Dai’Loq woke up in 1900, but the First Generation simply stuck to the ‘star-chamber’ – their Dyson sphere – until they died out in 1976. The Dai’Loq expansion that followed was initiated by the Second Generation.)) They didn’t have warp drive then and used sleeper ships in their expansion. Despite that limitation, when the Dai’Loq reached a Wabai world, they attacked, and this time it was the Wabai with inferior weaponry. 
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 Fal asks about the Ra’vin’ka, and Zivan frowns and replies, “The Holy Ra’vin’ka Imperium? We know about them, but we’ve never done business with them. They seem like unstable zealots.” Mel shakes her head and clarifies, “No, the original Ra’vin’ka. The Imperium is a group of religious fanatics that broke off or were exiled.” Zivan looks confused, so Mel briefly runs down what Ra’vin’ka history she knows, culminating with the destruction of the planet – and the Wabai involvement. Zivan swears and grumbles about the Wabai Intelligence Bureau.  Fal asks about the Ra’vin’ka, and Zivan frowns and replies, “The Holy Ra’vin’ka Imperium? We know about them, but we’ve never done business with them. They seem like unstable zealots.” Mel shakes her head and clarifies, “No, the original Ra’vin’ka. The Imperium is a group of religious fanatics that broke off or were exiled.” Zivan looks confused, so Mel briefly runs down what Ra’vin’ka history she knows, culminating with the destruction of the planet – and the Wabai involvement. Zivan swears and grumbles about the Wabai Intelligence Bureau. 
  
-Fal then asks about the artificial fourth planet; Zivan replies, “We don’t control it. It was here when we arrived back in 1910. As far as we can tell, it’s ancient, on the order of hundreds of thousands of years. Some people, like my son, believe it is sentient and influences the gravimetric eddies at whim, but I believe it’s simply so old that parts of it have succumbed to entropy. Unfortunately, every attempt to send in a team to investigate ends in utter failure when the scientists never emerge.”+Fal then asks about the artificial fourth planet; Zivan replies, “We don’t control it. It was here when we arrived back in 1910. As far as we can tell, it’s ancient, on the order of hundreds of thousands of years. Some people, like my son, believe it is sentient and influences the gravimetric eddies at a whim, but I believe it’s simply so old that parts of it have succumbed to entropy. Unfortunately, every attempt to send in a team to investigate ends in utter failure when the scientists never emerge.”
  
 Zivan then changes the subject and asks shrewdly, “Overseer Zil reported his first contact with you, and your interest in the System of the Old Ones. We believe one of those planets is a replica of Dai’Loq Prime, their homeworld at the heart of their star-chamber. Do you know anything about the other two worlds?” Mel admits, “Yes. The bluer planet is a replica of my homeworld, Earth. The other is a replica of Vulcan, Lieutenant K’tral’s homeworld.” Zivan is stunned and tries to process this information, while the Starfleet officers are all taking notes on their padds.  Zivan then changes the subject and asks shrewdly, “Overseer Zil reported his first contact with you, and your interest in the System of the Old Ones. We believe one of those planets is a replica of Dai’Loq Prime, their homeworld at the heart of their star-chamber. Do you know anything about the other two worlds?” Mel admits, “Yes. The bluer planet is a replica of my homeworld, Earth. The other is a replica of Vulcan, Lieutenant K’tral’s homeworld.” Zivan is stunned and tries to process this information, while the Starfleet officers are all taking notes on their padds. 
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 The discussion shifts to the Federation and ship naming conventions. Mel reveals the //Enterprise// is the Federation flagship; Zivan brightens at the name, as to her it means business enterprises. Mel admits the Dai’Loq got functional warp engines from their predecessor ship, the NX-07 //Solstice//, back when it crashed in 2158. She also says that United Earth was at war with the Romulan Star Empire at the time, and no one knew if the NX-07 //Solstice// was lost to enemy action, or a random wormhole or other stellar phenomenon. Zivan commiserates, as the Tizit Consortium has also lost ships without explanation. She admits, “My grandsire served on a ship that vanished without a trace.” The discussion shifts to the Federation and ship naming conventions. Mel reveals the //Enterprise// is the Federation flagship; Zivan brightens at the name, as to her it means business enterprises. Mel admits the Dai’Loq got functional warp engines from their predecessor ship, the NX-07 //Solstice//, back when it crashed in 2158. She also says that United Earth was at war with the Romulan Star Empire at the time, and no one knew if the NX-07 //Solstice// was lost to enemy action, or a random wormhole or other stellar phenomenon. Zivan commiserates, as the Tizit Consortium has also lost ships without explanation. She admits, “My grandsire served on a ship that vanished without a trace.”
  
-Zivan is clearly unhappy that the Dai’Loq plundered Starfleet technology, but she doesn’t blame Mel. Conversation turns to Federation Secundus. Zivan reveals Federation Secundus was formed from the work of thirty males, likely survivors of the NX-07. Ten males were unaccounted for. Mel reveals they rescued one, Phillip Skemp, and he’s currently serving as a cultural liaison with Federation Secundus. Mel adds, “My mission to bring him there was when we ran into Marat’teer, actually. Zivan smiles coldly and asks, “Did Marat’teer suffer?” Mel grunts, “No, it was pretty instantaneous. He blew himself up. We just… helped.” Jessa adds, “For what it’s worth, I’m pretty sure his last thought was, ‘Oh, fuck.’+Zivan is clearly unhappy that the Dai’Loq plundered Starfleet technology, but she doesn’t blame Mel. Conversation turns to Federation Secundus. Zivan reveals Federation Secundus was formed from the work of thirty males, likely survivors of the NX-07. Ten males were unaccounted for. Mel reveals they rescued one, Phillip Skemp, and he’s currently serving as a cultural liaison with Federation Secundus. Mel adds, “My mission to bring him there was when we ran into Marat’teer, actually." Zivan smiles coldly and asks, “Did Marat’teer suffer?” Mel grunts, “No, it was pretty instantaneous. He blew himself up. We just… helped.” Jessa adds, “For what it’s worth, I’m pretty sure his last thought was, ‘Oh, fuck.’
  
 ==== Fal and Ssleestak Attempt Subtlety ==== ==== Fal and Ssleestak Attempt Subtlety ====
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 Zivan nods and says, “Excellent. We would like to pursue a military alliance, against the Dominion, the Dai’Loq, and the Wabai Unity.” Mel winces and repeats, “I’ll pass that up to my superiors as well.” Seeking to defuse the sudden tension, Jessa jokingly asks Zivan, “So tell us the truth, when you learned of Marat’teer’s untimely demise, how did you react? An interpretive dance?” Mel groans but Zivan snickers. Mel then realizes her junior counselor’s ploy and tells Zivan, “I will inform my superiors of your requests, but the primary aim of the Federation is to sow peace.” Zivan retorts, “But you’re heavily armed.” Mel shrugs and says, “Not everyone shares our beliefs.” Ssleestak adds, “And not all Federation ships are this heavily armed.” Zivan nods and says, “Excellent. We would like to pursue a military alliance, against the Dominion, the Dai’Loq, and the Wabai Unity.” Mel winces and repeats, “I’ll pass that up to my superiors as well.” Seeking to defuse the sudden tension, Jessa jokingly asks Zivan, “So tell us the truth, when you learned of Marat’teer’s untimely demise, how did you react? An interpretive dance?” Mel groans but Zivan snickers. Mel then realizes her junior counselor’s ploy and tells Zivan, “I will inform my superiors of your requests, but the primary aim of the Federation is to sow peace.” Zivan retorts, “But you’re heavily armed.” Mel shrugs and says, “Not everyone shares our beliefs.” Ssleestak adds, “And not all Federation ships are this heavily armed.”
  
-Zivan looks away for a minute, and then admits, “There’s something else. Another reason we seek an alliance. Something’s coming captain. Something bad. I’ve heard from good authority that the vanguard of a massive swarm of ships is bearing down on us, and these monsters will swoop into a system, take what they want, burn everything else, and rape, kill, and eat whoever they can find – and not necessarily in that order. The N’Dari were an advanced civilization on the other side of the Dai’Loq Sphere. Twelve years ago, these ravagers swarmed their space and destroyed everything. The lucky few who escaped fled into the Dai’Loq Sphere for protection, which was granted per their Rite of Compassion.” +Zivan looks away for a minute, and then admits, “There’s something else. Another reason we seek an alliance. Something’s coming, captain. Something bad. I’ve heard from good authority that the vanguard of a massive swarm of ships is bearing down on us, and these monsters will swoop into a system, take what they want, burn everything else, and rape, kill, and eat whoever they can find – and not necessarily in that order. The N’Dari were an advanced civilization on the other side of the Dai’Loq Sphere. Twelve years ago, these ravagers swarmed their space and destroyed everything. The lucky few who escaped fled into the Dai’Loq Sphere for protection, which was granted per their Rite of Compassion.” 
  
 Mel nods as she recalls the Mother-Confessor’s warning from two months ago. Zivan admits, “The Dai’Loq destroyed the vanguard, but it cost them dearly. The N’Dari have enclaves within the Dai’Loq Sphere, but several came here.” Ssleestak pulls up several primers the Federation prepared for first contact situations, he motions to Mel and rumbles, “Alright if I share these?” Mel nods and Ssleestak uploads them into a nearby computer. In return, Zivan offers the footage of the Dai’Loq Sphere’s victory over the Dominion and jokes, “Do you want it set to music or no?” Mel nods as she recalls the Mother-Confessor’s warning from two months ago. Zivan admits, “The Dai’Loq destroyed the vanguard, but it cost them dearly. The N’Dari have enclaves within the Dai’Loq Sphere, but several came here.” Ssleestak pulls up several primers the Federation prepared for first contact situations, he motions to Mel and rumbles, “Alright if I share these?” Mel nods and Ssleestak uploads them into a nearby computer. In return, Zivan offers the footage of the Dai’Loq Sphere’s victory over the Dominion and jokes, “Do you want it set to music or no?”
 +
 +<WRAP hide>
 +=====Summary=====
 +The monorail leads them to the mansion, and they are brought into a pleasure room first and then into the ‘champagne room,’ where they meet Zivan. They join her for lunch, and enjoy various Earth dishes, culminating in lasagna. Over the lasagna, Zivan has a frank conversation with Mel; the others chip in as needed. They cover Tizit history, Federation Secundus, the Dai’Loq, the NX-07 //Solstice//, the Dominion, and the nature of commerce within the Federation. Zivan formally requests diplomatic and military ties and wants Mel of an incoming swarm of ravaging aliens, inadvertently repeating the same warning the Mother-Confessor gave her back on March 11th.
 +===== =====
 +</WRAP>
  
 ---- ----
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
- +{{tag>star_trek solstice recap}}
  
  
  
trek/solstice/recap/37_act_2.1586474824.txt.gz · Last modified: by anagramofbrat

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