Skulduggery, Pizzas and Bare Midriffs - Part III

Posted on Thu Nov 28th, 2024 @ 9:47pm by Commander Irene Vincent "Rally" & Tekina & Lieutenant Freya Michaud

1,991 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Season 1, Episode 2: War, Peace, And All That Jazz
Location: Deep Space Station K-9- Deck 18
Timeline: Continuing After Part 2

Previously on Star Trek: Deep Space K-9:

"Well, seeing as we've got ambassadorial contingents from both the Republic and the Reich having already converged on the station... perhaps I could interest you in getting acquainted with the neighbors?" Rally offered.

'Of course,' Michaud replied quickly. She was eager to meet with the Eifie in particular. 'Is there something in particular you wish for me to learn? Or, are you simply asking me to get to know our new acquaintances?'

"Well, you could say it's a bit of both," Rally replied as she got up from her desk and began leading Freya back to the Turbolift. "Getting you acquainted is a start, but we're also looking to understand as much about these species as possible before we admit them into Starfleet; we've only got some very preliminary notes taken during the Excalibur expedition into Sector 813 over a decade ago, so it'll help us greatly in learning more about their respective biologies and customs..."

And now... the continuation!

[Deck 18]

The two of them disembarked from the Turbolift just outside of the Dental Unit; just off to their right was a set of windows looking out over the main Computer Core.

"Your office is just down the hall from here," Rally explained to Freya. "I apologize in advance if it's probably a bit less in the way of facilities than you're used to, but given you'll be sharing the space with both Medical and the Eifie delegates, some compromises had to be made."

'That's quite alright, Commander,' Michaud drawled as she looked about the corridor around them. The windows looking out on to the Core were spotless, nearly invisible, the corridor clean. Evidently proximity to the Eifie will be an advantage. 'I intend to spend as much time in the labs as is possible, naturally.'

The two of them rounded the corner to find themselves standing before a large, organic-looking facade that was no doubt intended to evoke the more traditionalist architecture back on Eif- a "piece of home, away from home," if you will. Standing outside were two short, slim females with aqua-blue hair, fox-like ears, and exposed midriffs. These, if Freya were to wager a guess, were Eifie- the Southern breed, to be more specific; the Northern Eifie had both biological and cultural quirks that helped to distinguish them from their Southern contemporaries.

"Greetings, Ladies," Rally began as she made her way over to the guards. "Our new Chief of Sciences had some questions regarding your culture, and we were hoping that the Ambassador might be able to answer some of them; is she available for an audience, by any chance?"

MIchaud looked the bare-midriffed females up and down and nodded a smile at the shorter guards. She wondered at the the ears, and how they functioned effectively. Their homeworld must also be resplendent with vividly-coloured foliage too if their hair was anything to go by. Evolutionarily it made no sense unless it were made to blend in with their surroundings.

The two Eifie guards nodded and simply stepped aside to let them enter the office. They however kept a close eye on both of the Starfleet officer's as they passed.

Michaud was itching to get her hands on a tricorder and study the Eifie. Though they were shorter than her and far more outrageously dressed than her, there was an air of confidence about them, and she dearly wanted to see what made their biology tick.

As the stood in the center of the Eifie-decorated room, Michaud leaned in to Rally and asked in a quiet voice, 'what actually happens next, Captain?'

Rally looked over her shoulder and shook her head. "Not sure, to be honest; I've cross-referenced everything on the Eifie that we currently have on file, but I couldn't seem to find anything regarding how we're supposed to behave when being hosted by an Eifie dignitary. Be prepared to take some notes, just in case."

'You got it, Captain,' Michaud flipped open the case holding her tricorder at her waist, and pulled out the PADD she carried alongside it. She left the tricorder in place, even though she was dying to use it.

The circular part of the room was decorated with various drapes and fabrics. Three cushioned seats lined the back wall and several other wooden ones were stacked neatly near the doors. The room had a 'meeting hall' feel to it. Off to the sides of the room were two more doors, one which swished open and Ambassador Tekina walked in. She was still rather pregnant with the 'gift' to the Federation.

"Greetings," she said with a smile. "Please, pull up a chair" she told them as she lowered herself into the middle cushioned chair. Two more Eifie emerged from the other door and took the other two cushioned chairs.

Michaud quirked an eyebrow as he slung her tricorder back on her shoulder, and picked up a chair for herself and the Commander, and placed them a comfortable distance from the Eifie ambassadorial team.

She glanced around the room, appreciating the wood-effect flooring, and the gentle fabric drapes that hung about the circular portion of the room, and framed the doors to either side. The neutral, pastel colours of the room had a calming effect. Michaud was glad of the distractions about the room as she was burning with questions for the obviously-pregnant ambassador.

Not being completely sure whether the Eifie set great store on protocol and rank, she waited for the Commander to speak first. But the way they had us drag the chairs over ourselves ... She wondered.

"I'd like to thank you again for offering us your time, Ambassador," Rally expressed as the two of them got situated. "As I'm no doubt sure you're wondering, this here is our newly-appointed Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Freya Michaud; she's looking to know a little bit more about the Eifie and their culture, seeing as the only thing she has to go off of at the moment are some reference notes courtesy of our previous two CSOs. Anything that you might be willing to provide her in regards to your people- both biologically and culturally- would be greatly appreciated, as it could help us in improving how we interact with your people in the future."

"What specifically would you like to know?" Tekina asked. As she sat back in her chair.

Michaud looked to her Commanding Officer for a beat, before taking charge of what she wanted to know. 'Firstly, I would like, with your permission, to start a study into Eifie fertility. A biological study to determine why there's such a difference in the number of biological males to females. Also, a cultural study to see how this has informed Eifie fertility rituals to maximise the chances of male progeny. That's the main priority.

'I made a few notes on the way over to the station,' Michaud continued, diving in to the tricorder's satchel, and retrieving a PADD. 'Here,' she said with a bright smile, proffering the device. 'I have a few more ideas for studies, but I believe the Eifie should consent to a few of the longer-term projects I want considered.'

'Most of them focus on sociological studies of the Eifie home and political systems, some are more ambitious, including increasing the amount of biological male progeny to improve the long-term viability of Eifie civilisation.'

"We will be happy to share our culture with you," Tekina said. "I will have to consult with the council regarding your request about biological studies however. We are rather protective of our males and breeding practises. As you know, males are rare in our species."

"As a gesture of good faith to Republic, Starfleet has chosen to honor the Council's request for the time being," Rally elaborated. "Starfleet Medical recommends that biological samples eventually be submitted so that the male population can be immunized against diseases and pathogens that might be introduced into their ecosystem via Federation-affiliated carriers, but it's not a point that we feel the need to stress unless the Eifie wish to pursue more extensive trade relations with us."

Nodding, Michaud commented, 'it's entirely voluntary. We understand the rarity of biological males of your species. The Federation, and Starfleet, hope to assist in increasing, and safeguarding, the male of your species.'

"So, with that in mind..." Rally began, shifting her attention back to Tekina. "What information are you at liberty to provide?"

"I have already stated that we are sharing cultural information with you." Tekina said. "You must understand that our alliance is still new. Trust needs to be earned Commander."

Rally's brow perked up. "But of course, Ambassador; I had thought that was already implied. I only meant to inquire as to the cultural information that both you and the Council have the fullest confidence in sharing."

'Cultural exchanges can help to build trust,' Michaud interjected with a smile. 'The more we get to know one another, and the more we share and interact, the more trust will be built.' Her smile brightened, 'we're not asking you to give up any deep, dark secrets, or anything that would disadvantage you. Just items that will allow us to appreciate your customs and beliefs better.'

"I will do what I can." Tekina replied. "Afterall, we want nothing but peaceful relationship," she smiled.

Michaud made a note on her PADD. 'Perhaps we can set up a few meetings with a scientist and a social scientists too - partnering up will allow these relationships to grow, and we can get to know one another better.'

"Of course," Tekina nodded. "After all, we still have so much to learn about this Federation, it would benefit us greatly to learn more about one another's cultures."

'It would indeed,' Michaud replied warmly, pleased they had seemed to break the ice somewhat. 'Between both governments, we can make great things happen for our peoples, I'm sure of it. I'd like to put on record my thanks to the Republic for looking at this.' She turned to Rally, 'Commander, I have what I need for now. Thank you for bringing me along today.'

"Right," Rally nodded, before shifting her attention back over to Tekina. "Thank you again for your time, Ambassador. We may be back with some more questions in the coming days, but you've provided us should suffice for now."

"The pleasure was all mine, Commander," Tekina smiled before standing up and leaving through the door from which she had first emerged.

"Well, then," Rally sighed before standing back up. "That's one of two Ambassadors out of the way; what's say we speak with Ambassador Barkh next?"

Saying nothing until they had departed the Eifie's Ambassadorial Section, Michaud finally shrugged, and addressed the question. 'I suppose we should,' she said resignedly, 'I'll be honest Commander, I'm not really sure the Rheuysians are people we want to get too close to from what I've read.'

"And you wouldn't be alone in that mindset," Rally sighed as the two of them began to make their way back towards the turbolift. "But at the same time, leaving them to the House Khartan would give the Klingon Empire a valuable foothold on our end of the Neutral Zone, so as much as I have my reservations about this whole arrangement, the alternative will likely have its consequences."

Nodding, Michaud mulled over the unsavoury options that lay ahead for Starfleet, and the Federation. 'It can't be helped, I suppose. Great power politics always takes precedence over idealism. Lead the way, then, Commander. Let's go meet our new friends.'

To be continued...

 

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