Witty trade pun here

Posted on Sun Jun 5th, 2022 @ 8:42am by Staff Warrant Officer Reo'thanra Sandtail & High Priestess An'Dalus & Sovereign T'handu

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Sequus Diplomatic Envoy chambers
1700 words - 3.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Reo'thanra glanced down at his wrist mounted computer, his long tail swaying As he Glanced over the Orders that had just come through from the ACDF. Since his promotion he'd been having to act in a diplomatic role, a Role he'd never been properly prepared for. But orders were Orders. He gave a quiet sigh, one masked by A Soft hissing of his Uniforms Heating coils as he gave the Door controls a tap, His short stature once again making him have to stand as tall as he could on his paws to tap the console's control. "Staff Warrant Officer Reo'thanra Sandtail of the Arten confederacy Requesting a Hearing with the Diplomatic Envoy of Sequus." he said once the console beeped.

Silence was the response he got, leaving the Arten wondering if he had hit the controls at all until the door hissed open.

"Request granted," T'handu snorted, his naked body on full display as he stared down with curiosity at the vastly smaller Arten. "The high priestess will see you shortly." He added before turning and stepping over the frame that held back the mass of red Sequella sand, clicking softly towards another room that connected to the main lounge of the vast VIP quarters.

Reo gave a quick nod, his ears splaying out in an Arten Sign of respect as he padded after the Much taller, male, seemingly unphased by his Nudity. "Let the Priestess Know I'm Grateful for her time," He added as his Broad paws splayed out on the Sand beneath his toes, briefly allowing himself the indulgence before his focus flicked back to T'handu, his dark green eyes searching quizzically around the lounge

He watched T'handu stop outside the room before speaking in a hushed tone through a thin veil that acted as a door, nodding politely every so often as another voice replied.

Though despite the superior hearing granted to Reo by his large vulpine ears, he still didn't understand their native tongue.

Reo Waited patiently, his armor plate hissing lightly as it cycled Hot Brine through its Heating pumps, the warmth of the VIP quarters still below what he'd consider comfortable, but it was Much more acceptable then the average Federationer Quarters. He stiffened up to Attention as the Priestess entered into the lounge, the Noticeable size difference between them Bothering him for just a moment.

"So the Arten Confederacy wishes to have an accord... and they send the most inexperienced diplomat they have?" Anne huffed as she straightened her back and folded her arms across her chest, hiding her smaller secondary breasts as her eyes glared at the Arten representative.

"The Arten Confederacy Values expediency, and in person Negotiations, Honored Priestess," The Arten male said with a slow bow of his head in respect. "And one can hardly become..experienced without experiencing their new Trade first hand." he added as he lifted his head up to stare his emerald green eyes into hers.

"Well, your superiors are either very foolish or they have very high hopes in your abilities... either way I am not impressed." She snorted as she thumped her way through her quarters, the thick layer of crimson sand softening her varnished and well kept hooves as she did so.

"Please follow the Priestess and take a seat," T'handu said politely as he came up beside Reo, though his sudden towering proximity and deep voice did little to help to dissuade how imposing the request was.

The Small Arten male gave a quiet Huff, his long tail Twitching with irritation as he followed after her, his facial expression struggling to Remain Neutral. "Again...I thank you for seeing me on such short notice," he Muttered quietly as he Hopped onto the offered chair, his Small frame depressing the cushion a surprising amount, his body evidently heavier than It looked.

"I'll cut straight to the chase, The Confederacy needs Dilithium crystals, And we're willing to Trade in credits, services or strategic resources to get them," he said as he tapped his wrist computer, a Small holoprojector flickering to life as he Settled himself in. "We don't need Engine Grade Crystals either...we'd be content with scraps, or Imperfect specimens, as we won't be using them for engines or Antimatter Reactions," He said with nothing but fact dripping from his Soft voice. "We have Metals, Specifically Iridium and Titanium in large quantities we're willing to trade for, And have access to Other strategic resources, Or...strategic Services to offer as Trade."

"Sequella has no need for metals little one, our primary trades with the Federation are due to such abundance... it's why the sands are red." Anne remarked dismissively as she slowly sat down on the large curved sofa, taking the time to lay her long frame across the many cushions until she was staring at the Arten through his hologram, her head propped up by a single hand.

"But I am keen to learn why you desire Dilithium, especially if it's not for your ships..." She added as the soft thump of hooves grew louder, her eyes flicking over to T'handu carrying a tray of drinks and assorted fruit, watching as he placed it down between the two and then silently wandered back off.

"I'm sure you can understand my concern." Anne said as her attention returned to Reo through a long drawn out blink.

"Of course," he said, his large over sized ears pivoting slightly. "Its for our ships...and stations, but not For Engines" he said with some hesitation. "Its for our.." he trailed off, his eyes darting to his wrist mounted computer briefly before he let out a soft sigh. "I tell you this Out of the spirit of cooperation, Its for our Intelligence gathering systems...Listening posts, subspace Beacons and Antenna, Even Ships sensors...we use Dilithium within them to Enhance their subspace Capabilities." he tapped a few things into the computer, the Hologram shifting to show Various Alien devices, some having an almost Federation Design to them, all of them however showed Glittering surfaces Covered with Processed Dilithium crystals.

"I understand your concern High Priestess...but the Arten confederation has No desire to weaponize subspace." he added with a furrowed brow, his fur bunching up almost comically. "We currently trade with Ferengi...but their prices have been...growing Out of control..." he added with a sigh.

"We learned rather quickly that any trade with the Ferengi is to be conducted in the short term, gives them little in the way of legroom to fabricate excuses..." Anne smiled, almost amused at the idea of seeing Ferengi bickering with an annoyed Arten diplomat.

"But I digress, You desire dilithium... and Sequella does indeed possess a supply; though not on her surface." She smiled for a moment, reaching out lazily to the tray provided to pluck a large red grape from a small ornate dish. "Though this is not exactly confidential information," She continued, placing the fruit in her mouth. "it is after all rather difficult to hide an entire moon being pulled apart, even if it is small."

The Artens ears twitched slightly as he watched her closely. “As I mentioned,” he said as flatly and emotionlessly as he could manage. “We’re interested in what most alpha quadrant species would consider waste products,” he paused before smirking softly. “You don’t need metal, but what about void mining tech, drone harvesters, mass conveyors…” he paused briefly, his gaze flicking to his wrist computer for a moment. “Heavy mass transporters…” he said with a slight wince.

"That all sounds rather tantalizing, however none of that is what Sequella requires... but what we do require is food, more specifically grains and fruit; as well as fresh water." Anne remarks before waving her hand across the table at the hologram coming out from his wrist, as if suddenly annoyed by its presence. "If you can supply us with that, Arten. You will get your waste products."

The Artens eyes lit up excitedly. “Any particular grain variety?” He asked. “We have six orbital habitats devoted purely to agricultural works,” he paused before shutting the hologram off. “And fresh water is fairly easy for us to supply as well, though will warn you that you’ll need to filter out our native minerals if you’re not looking to get your daily recommended intake of titanium,” he added. “What would you consider a fair trade.”

The priestess nodded softly, her face giving off an expression that could only be described as -duly noted- "Oats, mostly... as well as much wild grass as your vessels can carry... Herbaceous flora and large quantities of fruit are really all we need for now, though back to your inquiry on a fair trade..." The priestess continued, idly going back for more fruit.

"Currently most of what you seek leaves the mining station to fall into the depths of T'hos, though arrangements could be made to have your people dock and take what they need once they have emptied their cargo at one of our starports in orbit of Sequella..."

The warrant Officer gave a soft nod, his large ears twitching with the movement. "I Can have a Convoy Dispatched and Enroute by the end of the Day full of Fresh food." he said as he gave one last tap to his wrist mounted computer, a Contract flashing into the air between them. "If you're willing to Make this Arrangement Legitimate." He paused then added. "If you do...just know the Convoy will be Escorted by the 4th Fleet of the ACDF," he added softly.

"I shall contact the capitol once we have concluded this delightful meeting," The priestess snored, taking his wrist and practically dragging the Arten off the sofa, making no effort to move forward herself.

"Arrangements will be made and your people will follow our in system protocols, especially the flight paths." She said with a stern tone as she lifted her snout and began to lazily tap and swipe her free hand across the contract.

The Diplomatic officer gave a derisive snort as he let her hold his wrist. "I assure you priestess...Our Officers and Crews will behave professionally." he Muttered calmly.

 

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