Diplomatic Resolutions

Posted on Fri Dec 10th, 2021 @ 4:55am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Darkness Rising - A Phoenix Lalor Sub Plot
Location: Khitomer
Timeline: February 2397
1316 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

It was another diplomatic reception. Designed by Starfleet to mediate tensions between the Alindari and the Erisians after the Defense College recieved intelligence that an Alindari had been sold into slavery by a man the Erisian King had offered sanctuary to. Alena sipped a glass of wine, diluted so that an Alindari could drink it. But these Diplomatic Customs were often talk that the Empress had to deal with. She kept four of the six handmaidens around her. Despite the hooded robes they wore, each Handmaiden was well trained. The Elite of the Elite of combat professionals.

Alena talked with several Federation Diplomats.

"What does Pallas intend to do now that he's pulled his kingdom out of being a Federation Protectorate. Is this some kind of intrigue or power play?" Alena asked.

"He's doing what he must so that his name outshines the name 'Phoenix Lalor.'" One diplomat noted. "Highness... Even in Palas' capital city.. Whenever someone speaks of Pallas Lalor.. there is a smirk and sometimes a chuckle. But people on his own world are hearing the name; Phoenix Lalor. A woman who commanded the USS Elysium.. A woman who freed slaves from the Orions.. in her career as a Starfleet Captain... A woman who endured six days of torture."

"A woman who is a traitor." Another Federation Diplomat noted.

Alena perked up. "About that, Ambassador Daniels. I've reviewed the charges.. Do you not think they are... Vague?"

"Not at all... How do you think a twenty-nine year old Erisian becomes the Captain of a Federation Starship." Daniels noted. "Clearly she seduced Sharr."

Alena chuckled. "The way I heard it, she did give Admiral Sharr a moment of clarity during his lollygagging." A few chuckles came from other dignitaries. "If you ask me, Ambassador. The Federation Starfleet could use more women like Phoenix Lalor. I heard she keeps a private armory in her former ready room. I dare say that's the Captain we need in Starfleet. Never forget the big stick when you have to speak both softly and loud."

Alena noticed Pallas make an entrance. "Well now. Speaking of speaking loud."

Pallas moved confidently through the crowd, greeting the male diplomats and ignoring the female ones, he acted like he owned the room. He spotted Ambassador Daniels and moved to speak with him.

He stopped beside Daniels. "Ambassador Daniels."

"Ah. Your Majesty... A pleasure to meet you." The Ambassador noted.

Pallas let his gaze fall on Alena and though his face was neutral, his eyes were not. "Excellency" he said boredly. "I had hoped to speak with your husband about trade with your people. Is he here?"

Alena faked a moment to look around Pallas. "Oh, Majesty. I didn't see you for a moment. You see I was looking for the King of the Erisians. It must have been the lighting that obscured you somewhat from me." Alena spent every day of her life proving she was an empress. This man was a little boy that kept on saying 'I am the king.' She wondered if Pallas was still obsessing over her. She was hoping he'd make the mistake of saying 'I am the king' in front of the gathered dignitaries, and even in front of his courtiers so thee could laugh about him even more in private. Alena never said 'I am the Empress' her life was proving herself that she was worthy to be a leader of her people, much like the senators did.

Whether it was mediating disputes as a third party, or leading the guard against a cartel of pirates. Being Empress was never easy.

Pallas merely smirked and strolled away.

*Conference*

Alena Althir walked before the conference of gathered dignitaries. "Delegates, Friends from far off lands." Alena noted. "We are here so that his highness, King Pallas, can answer a question; Does the Erisian Kingdom support and provide shelter for criminals and slavers. Ladies and Gentlemen. All of our combined governments, peoples, and the people here. Have all renounced slavery as an evil beyond all redemption. I urge you, your highness. Rule by example, not by will alone. My ancestor once said... 'if you bring treachery into your house... you will not wait long before your drink is poison.'"

Pallas stood up from where he had been lounging indolently. "My father, the High Lord, has ruled slavery illegal on Erisia. It was one of his edicts to assist with our pending application to the Federation. We had a task force assigned to hunt down those who enslave people on Erisia. If, " and here he sneered at Alena "Her excellency has proof of slavery on Erisia other than hearsay then please put it forth" he knew she had no physical proof only rumours.

Alena strolled up to him. "There are many slaves on Erisia.. I need not illustrate how many slaves there are. An entire gender of slaves. You cannot say you detest slaves, when your women live subserviant to their men, Pallas Lalor. In fact, I have data alone of how many Erisian women have smuggled themselves out of the kingdom, to be free of Erisian law. And more come each year. You may think yourself King, Pallas Lalor. But you are nothing." She smiled as she knew what was coming. The way Pallas looked at her at times, she knew he wanted to try and conquer her... Alena never sneered nor showed emotion openly.

"Our culture is different to yours. So you look down your pretty little nose because someone is different? Because we do not conform to your ways? Such," here he paused "Honour from you Empress. My people's culture is so ingrained it will take generations to change. Such things do not happen in a fingersnap. And those you speak of, the ladies of my world are not slaves. Slaves are collared and chained. No woman is chained or collared on Erisia. Or have you been hearing lies?"

"Slaves do not require chains to be slaves, Your highness. I can assure you this. Until the stance on your women changes. I and my allies will personally filibuster any vote for Erisia to join the Federation. That much I can guarantee you. And if our intelligence proves otherwise... and I guarantee you it will... That will be enough to nullify any possibility of Federation Membership. I can say this, Pallas. We will be watching you very closely."

"Well, I hope you like the view" He replied cockily, "My father is determined to join the federation before he dies." Pallas personally did not care. He was already building up his power base.

'Dies?!?! Fascinating.' Alena's ears perked up as she stared at her, wondering what other things she could learn from Pallas. He already damaged himself now that the whole room heard the word; 'dies'.

Another ambassador curiously asked "Your father, he is in good health I hope Your Excellency?"

"Yes, but he laments that this process drags on." Pallas said calmly. "Thus he is working hard to gain our admission."

"The Federation's Charter guarantees equality for all races, genders, ethnicities, orientations, and faiths, Your Excellency. I hope your world is prepared to uphold these virtues should you choose to join the Federation." Alena turned to leave Pallas' presence and gestured to the Federation Ambassador to join her.

She looked at Ambassador out of earshot of Pallas. "He has every intention of murdering his father for power. And I can tell this without using my people's telepathy. Which I never do with outsiders... If this society is admitted into the Federation, you will be letting a Varl Cat into your home. One that will pretend to be tame, then tear your throat out and happily consume you. Mark my words, and inform my position on this matter to the rest of your Federation's Diplomats; hold true to the ideals and principals we have embraced."