The meeting

Posted on Thu Jan 6th, 2022 @ 5:34am by Commander Jennifer Baldric & Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Commander Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Bonnie "Bon-Bon" Durnell

Mission: Gamma Quadrant
Location: Weapons platform

The Grand Chancellor did his best to appear calm and in control, his aides and two best healers accompanying him in the shuttle. Their exosuits would prevent any infection and their protocols would remove any lingering germs before they returned to their planet. He would not have a repeat of one thousand orbits ago on his watch.

"Nearing the weapons platform Grand Chancellor" his aide announced a few minutes into the journey. His people had no beaming technology and the only shuttles they had were to go to and from the platforms for maintenance. Even the planets fighter fleet hadn't been used in centuries.

"Looks like we're about 8 minutes out. I'm not detecting the weapons platforms powered up, well armed, at the moment." Dean threw out there.

"Armed but not targeted, they must have effected some rapid repairs" Jennifer confirmed as the shuttle headed towards the platform.

"They really do not trust us, but then again we can obliterate them with out blinking after all," Dean mentioned.

"The bridge mentioned a plague from a long time ago, I don't blame them for not trusting us" Jennifer added, casting a look at Dean.

"I guess I missed that information. So I'd have to agree, both of those combined. I wouldn't trust me either."

"Then it appears we have good reason to be cautious, fear rarely ends well" Baldric recalled a quote she'd heard somewhere long ago.

Dean shook his head, "No it doesn't, nor does fear combined with suspicion and and unopen mind. Well see what we can accomplish though, Commander Baldric."

Having sat in silence as Dean and Commander Baldric chatted back and forth, she now had an idea to offer, and she couldn't contain it any longer. "Well, if they fear another plauge situation, then in good faith we should show our understanding in kind. We should wear EV suits when me meet. There are four on board." She never turned around and maintained eye contact with her console as she spoke.

"A most logical idea Lieutenant Durnell. However, there are five of us aboard. Someone will need to stay behind." Savar's even voice came from the other end of the cabin. "In addition, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." The last said with a look at Commander Baldric.

" The shuttle shouldn't be left unattended in this kind of situation. We need a volunteer to remain behind to ensure a transporter lock at all times and that the shuttle is ready for immediate departure if necessary" Jennifer looked at the small crew on board. Lt's Risa and Durnell, work it out amongst yourselves who stays put."

Bonnie, timid as ever, just looked at Risa. She wanted to go, to meet new civilizations and whatnot. But the Lt. Commander held rank so the choice was ultimately hers.

tags Risa for some flying stuff including arrival at the station.

Jennifer stood as the shuttle came to a standstill, the small craft bay was well illuminated and the sensors were reading a breathable atmosphere. Not that they would need it with the EV suits.

"Alright people, get dressed, let's go"

Savar was already at the EV locker and pulling a suit out to put on. He stood aside to allow the others to get a suit. He was already anticipating this meeting and the positive results that could come from it.

Within a short order, the 4 of them were waiting ready by the shuttle's hatch. On the other side a delegation wearing their own variation of an EV suit approached, their faces obscured by their helmets. It was time.

"It is time." Savar intoned as his hand toggled the the outer hatch and the door opened, revealing the delegation slowly approaching. He had no worries about how his team would act. Each was a professional and well versed in First Contact protocols.

The hatch opened and the Away Team stepped from the shuttle, Jennifer's mind was on the job even though a small part of her was squealing in excitement at actually meeting a new species for the first time.

"Good Health to you" The Grand Chancellor started, the universal translator interpreting the dialect without a trouble.

Savar held up his hand in the Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life to you." He returned, formally.

"Please follow us" the Chancellor let the way to what appeared to be an elaborate archway. ",The arch will ascertain if you are carrying any pathogens. It is harmless"

Jennifer scanned the archway with her tricorder before proceeding "it's a scanning device aimed at microbes and viral cells"she ascertained before stepping through herself. Beyond was a long table with a cluster of chairs at each end.

Dean reached up and scratched what would be the back of his neck if it weren't for the helmet. Giving a very careful look around them for any details he can pick out. Moving to follow them into the archway.

The Grand Chancellor sat with his assembled people at one of the table, a sizable object several metres long made of a metal none of them could easily recognise.

" We have allowed you to come here to talk - let us begin with the question as to why you are here in the first place?" The Chancellor started.