Meeting the New Sentinel (monthly challenge jp)

Posted on Wed Jul 13th, 2022 @ 9:26am by Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Consul Andrinn Orin & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & 1st Lieutenant Joshua Young [Taylor] & Staff Warrant Officer Reo'thanra Sandtail & Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & High Priestess An'Dalus & Sovereign T'handu

Mission: Season 5: Episode 4: Reef
Location: USS Elysium, Diplomatic Meeting Room 1
Timeline: MD 1 / 1045 hours
3588 words - 7.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Mattias sent out the requests for each diplomat on the ship to cone to the main diplomatic briefing room, so he could both introduce himself and start to get to know his new charges. Ashe waited for them to arrive, he briefly reread to bios that Jacob, his predecessor, had given him, concerning the various diplomats currently calling the Elysium home.

Imik looked at the summons to report to the main briefing room, "Another Sinkahue? Just how many does this vessel have?" She spoke out loud as she got ready, "I wonder what this Sinkahue requires of me?" Arriving at the briefing room, Imik stopped and checked her uniform. Then she entered, "Good day Sinkahue."

Vanessa entered wearing one of her more stately pieces of fine clothing. "Good Morning, Legate S'Niohun." She stated as she typed on a PADD. The Legate examined Mattias. "Well now... what do we have here? Let's have a look at you. I'm willing to wager you are some kind of bodyguard... Correct?" She was being vague on purpose, but then again Kyle had told Vanessa to be civil with Mattias today.

"Good day Legate Vantar, you are well today I trust?" The fact that more people were arriving made Imik slightly more nervous, these sort of meetings never went well.

Reo'Thanra Sandtail adjusted his Uniform with a quiet grunt as he wandered into the meeting room, his long tail swaying lightly behind his Diminutive body, which barely brought him above waist height for most of the other diplomats. A shiver Ran Down the length of his body as his Armors Environmental system flickered its power setting. "Sorry I'm Late," he said as he quite literally hopped into a seat, his massive Ears turning lightly as he surveyed the room and its occupants.

Ambassador Jerry King was reading his PADD on his notes. “Not late yet.”


"Later Then I'd like to be...I was Unfortunately waylaid by some Ver'nahct from the Confederate council." Reo muttered as he adjusted his seat so he could see onto the Meeting rooms table, the Universal Translator sputtering around a Guttural, almost growled word.

Orin wasn't far off from the Diplomatic Meeting Room when one of his PADDs began buzzing. He looked at the PADD in question, realizing that he was being summoned back to the Meeting Room.

Turning back and heading down, he walked into the room that looked much like a ward room and asked with a chuckle, "Which one of you is Mattias?"

Josh leaned against the wall, waiting for the diplomats to arrive. He was glad to be working with Mattias as he respected and well as like the big captain. He was a bit surprised Malakai wasn't down here but then Malakai had other plans.
he turned his head as a man presumably a diplomat asked which one of them was Mattias. he jerked a thumb in Mattias direction.

Tag any

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"Are you sure this is wise, Mistress?" T'handu asked politely as he clicked alongside An'Dalus, their bare Sequus forms freshly marked with shaven symbols and painted inscriptions denoting rank and stature within Sequus society.

"Your concern is noted Sovereign... but if they wanted a Sequus envoy in clothes they can get one from Starfleet," Anne remarked, running her hands quickly through her braided mane as they approached the door. "I won't relegate our culture to the side, not for official meetings anyway." She huffed, wrinkling her nose in protest at the very notion before snapping a formal smile upon her face as the door hissed open to their approach.

Then she ducked low under the door frame before standing tall, her eyes flicking around in silence at those gathered, waiting for one of them to greet her first as T'handu took up position beside her, his phase staff held tightly like a parade soldier.

“Greetings,” Ambassador King said as he stood. Even though one was not smiling, he diplomatically gave one of his.

"And to you," Anne replied warmly, bowing her long neck low before clicking forward with T'han in tow.

The room was well furnished, though nowhere near the level of opulence that her quarters where... though it would suffice for the gathered dignitaries she mused.

Then her attention shifted back to observing everyone in quiet judgement, her ears pointed high as she took note of those she knew and those she did not. "I assume this is important." The high priestess rattled off lazily, her deep but feminine voice washing over the conference table like the soft tides of Ba'fan. "I did after all skip a sand bath to be here." She added as she sat down, flicking her tail to one side as she did while T'han took up vigil behind her.

"Any meeting which requires our attendance should always be treated as important Priestess, I to have other duties which need my undivided attention." Imik bowed her head as she spoke to the High Priestess, as a show of reverence.

Jerry gave each one a smile. “So who are we missing?”

Once everyone had arrived, Mattias cleared his throat politely. "Ladies, Gentlebeings, thank you for attending this meeting. I know each of you are very busy, so I will try to keep this short. My name is Captain Mattias Richardson. I am the new head of diplomatic security, here on the Elysium. I have taken over for Captain Haroldson, who has moved on to her next assignment. Another new face is my Assistant Chief, Lieutenant Joshua Young. If you are ever unable to reach me, you can bring any issues to him. If, at any time, he gives you an order, know that it comes from me."

As he spoke, Mattias made eye contact with each Ambassador. "While there may be times that our orders could be seen as an interference with your day-to-day activities, you should bear in mind that, at the end of the day, your safety, while assigned to this ship, is our upmost responsibility." He took a breath then continued.

"I understand, and respect, that some of you have your own personal security guards. While it is your right to have and execute that option, I must stress the fact that it is our duty to keep you safe. If, at any time, our actions of protecting you from danger are hindered, the individual or individuals responsible will be arrested and held accountable for any and all repercussions of their actions." He then paused a moment before continuing.

"If any of you have any questions for me or Lieutenant Young, please feel free to ask them."

Orin got to his feet and realized that he was new here too, but he wasn't accustomed to all the happenings of a modern Starship, especially one as new as the Elysium. But, he had several questions. "Hi, how are you. I know this might sound weird, but have you actually worked with a diplomatic attachment before? No offense, but I'm assuming by your rank billet, you're coming from a marine detachment, but that's nothing compared to diplomatic duty. I just want to make sure that we're all safe out here," Orin asked, looking around at the various diplomats that he knew he would be working with. Orin knew that he would have to answer their questions and help to keep them safe.

Mattias grinned slightly as he nodded and replied. "That doesn't sound weird at all. And to answer your question, yes, I do have experience with diplomatic protection details. As it happens, I was assigned to embassy duty to the Federation Embassy, located on Erisia, Captain Lalor's homeworld. And, through tradition, the SFMC has provided protective details to each UFP embassy, wherever one is standing. We are following the practices of our military ancestors, where the nation states of old Earth, each had handpicked individuals from their militaries to protect the various embassies that once dotted the planet."

Imik now stood up, "Sinkahue, sorry Captain. Is it wise to start a meeting with Diplomats issuing a threat to those very Diplomats? I have combat experience, and some diplomatic experience. And even I am aware that statements such as the one you have just made, could result in an incident of which Star Fleet would find embarrassing."

Mattias turned his attention to Imik and nodded respectfully. "With all due respect, Ma'am, I never levy threats. If I say that I am going to do something, you can rest assured that it will be done. As for what I have said, my concern is not whether something embarrasses Star Fleet. My sole concern, and that of my staff, is to ensure you and any other diplomat on this ship remain safe and unharmed, to the best of our abilities, even if that means our lives are given so that you may live another day."

"Mister Richardson, you must understand." Legate Vanessa noted. "I get my life threatened on a daily basis. Some from people I known well, others from people I have not had the privilege of meeting their acquaintance. You should hear how it is to negotiate with the Klingons. It is simply 'another Tuesday' to us to have various degrees of treachery and threats brought upon us. We don't need to be suddenly carried out by marines whenever a Klingon tests our strength. But we understand where you're coming from. You are head of our security detail. As my colleague said.. We've in the past had to undertake some... 'aggressive negotiations.' However in your defense. I have not been a Diplomat this long without certain parties attempting to implicate us in schemes. Two years ago the Alindari made first contact with the Katarians. During the first Embassy function, our intelligence intercepted an attempt by their intelligence service to replace one of our chefs with an agent, and use that cover to poison the Katarian Ambassador to the Federation. They wanted to sabotage our relations as a Federation Member world." Vanessa noted. "We need to work together, ladies and gentlebeings.. Mister Richardson is charged with a great number of very specific duties, some would be of great benefit to our efforts."

Josh listened to the diplomats as they voiced their concerns. Did they think that this was Mattias and his first rodeo? They knew how to protect and keep people safe. However, he kept silent, he was obviously invisible to the diplomats as they were focused on Mattias. which made sense since he was the close protection chief.

"While I appreciate the notion that you and your team are here to protect us, Captain," Anne said politely as she leaned back in her chair, showing off her tribalistic body art as though it held the same weight as any of the insignias and badges upon everyone else's uniforms. "I must stress a few things... first of all, I am my Sovereigns responsibility, not yours..." She snorted, crossing an arm over her body to gesture towards T'han standing off to her side, his expressionless face giving no indication of the pride he was feeling.

"You may protect him all you please, but if he needs you to protect me he has already failed his sacred oath..." She continued, a wrinkle in her nose as she stared down Mattias.

"And secondly, this is not up for debate, at least not for me anyway." She said with a deep exhale as she crossed her arms and returned her gaze towards the centre of the table.

Josh looked at Anne and then her Sovereign, his face a neutral mask and then a sideways glance to Mattias, knowing how much his boss liked (not) being challenged.

If Mattias was getting annoyed, it didn't show on his face or in his voice. In fact, he had a perfectly respectful smile on as he continued to speak. "Madam," he said, calmly. "You, of course, are entitled to have representatives from your own species on hand to act as your bodyguard or bodyguards. Many species of the Federation do the exact thing themselves. The difference here is, the Embassy complex that we have here is not on a planet, where you all could have your own full staffs on hand and full native security forces, as each of those embassies would be considered your world's native soil. Here, you have all agreed to represent your people on a starship that is run by Star Fleet, which is the military and scientific arm of the Federation. Here, your security details, are run through and by us. We will, of course, respect your privacy where it comes to your government's running and state secrets, as I said, we are only concerned with keeping you alive and breathing."

Legate Vanessa Placed her fingers on the bridge of her nose. 'Glorious Ascendants, when will this meeting end?' She thought to herself.

Andrinn surveyed the room as he watched the group of diplomats and their newly assigned protective detail talked. He couldn't imagine it being any different anywhere else, as he had seen several conferences between diplomats. But, this group seemed to thrive on a bit of ancharcy. Knowing that cowboy diplomacy would be the way to go with this group, Andrinn made a note of it on his PADD and made sure to talk about it at their next staff meeting.

Mattias was quiet for a few beats. "Does anyone have any other questions?"

Imik now rose again, "Then with great reluctance, I must refuse your offer. As I stated, I have combat experience. I also fly with this vessels fighters when the need arises, as my fighter is of Ojnas origin and a single pilot model. How is your protection going to work with within those confines?" She sat down to await the Captains reply, although not attempting to be difficult she was aware it might appear that she was.

Reo adjusted himself up in his seat, breaking his silence. "The Confederacy won't Be accepting this offer either," He said, his large ears twitching with frustration. "I may be here as a Diplomatic envoy, Myself and My counterpart Are, at the end of the day, Sworn officers of the Confederacies military. "Our team is here under the Understanding that not only would we be given Leeway for our Armor systems and Duty weapons, But to act as Diplomats for the Pending vote to Join the Federation, We both serve as security to the other, In addition to our other duties aboard this vessel." He cracked a wry smile. "And anyway, your officers would likely perish if they spent to long in my quarters, Its rather warm."

Andrinn stood up and stood next to Mattias and said to all in attendance that day, "Look, I know that you might be worried about the Federation and especially someone that looks like he could be some hotshot from the Starfleet Marines. But, at the end of the day, we're all here working with each other. No matter how much experience we may have with combat or ships, or anything, doesn't mean that it's not good to have each other's back....which includes sometimes needing these guys to watch your six." Andrinn looked back at the two men who were apart of the Diplomatic envoy to protect all the diplomats for the ship.

Looking back at the various Diplomatic Envoys, Andrinn took a sharp breath in and said, "I can understand not wanting to open up to outsiders. My heritage is actually mixed. My father was a Trill and my mother was an El-Aurian. My mother was called in by the Vulcans when they weren't doing well with first contact with the Trill back in the mid-21st century. Back then, there was a lot more xenophobia and bigotry towards outsiders and even more towards aliens. Just think about how bad it was for my parents when they got married and had kids. They fought tooth and nail to help make sure Trill society opened up. Lets not take that same fear and place it here. All they ask for is that you open up to the possibility that they help out with your security details while on the ship. You may never know when you might need them."

Andrinn looked back at the two men and went back to his own seat.

Imik listened and then stood up to respond, "My species is psychic, which for some reason allows the Humans to link my people to species 8472. The fact we are also tripods confirms this falsehood in some Human minds, we are not related to 8472 in any way. When we opened up to strangers it cost my people our homes for a considerable time, I have no wish to recreate the mistake of my ancestors." Sitting back down, Imik now awaited a response to her comment.

After everyone was finished speaking and dictating their terms of Independence at him, Mattias, his face still looking completely calm and unphased, spoke in an even tone. "You all certainly have valid point as to why you feel that you do not require the services of my department. Please know that I respect each of your positions." He paused briefly before continuing.

"However, please allowed to be perfectly clear on this point. "As Chief Diplomatic Security Officer on this ship, it is my sworn and honor-bound duty, to ensure each of you is as safe as possible. Should something happen to you, and it is later found that your injury or, heaven forbid, death comes from a fault or inaction on my or my staff's fault, you know a diplomatic incident will occur. So, in the hopes of ensuring that never comes to light, I say again, while you are on this ship, me and my staff will be working diligently to ensure your safety." He raised his hands to stop any rebuttals. "This is not open for negotiation. If you have an issue with the existence of my department, I respectfully suggest that you pass your grievances on to your lead ambassadors, back on Earth. Simply put, this is our job and we will carry out our duties."

He then looked at Imik. "As for your question of how we will protect you when you are in your starfighter, Ma'am. Once you leave this vessel, unless on diplomatic duties, you will be on your own. Of course, I could always put in a request for a combat-trained pilot to be your permanent wingman, if necessary, Ma'am."

Imik rose to answer, "A wingman is not required Captain, as for protection when on board. If your assigned guard is able to keep up with me, then I wish him well."

A slightly wicked grin threatened to cross Mattias's face as he replied. "Fair enough, Ma'am." He looked over his left shoulder. "Josh, meet your new assigned protectee." He gave the younger man a quick wink, then turned his attention back to the rest of the assembled ambassadors. "As for the rest of you, I will be looking through the files of the rest of my department this afternoon. Each of you will have an embassy guard assigned to each of you by the 1700 hours today."

He let that statement sit for a couple beats then, before any further objections could be raised, he nodded. "Thank you all for coming in for this meeting. Hopefully. We will have a pleasant working relationship. Good day." He then turned and stepped past Joshua, giving his right shoulder a friendly pat as he made his way to the exit, leaving his assistant and the ambassadors in the briefing room.

"Well, I think there is one thing we can all agree on..." Anne snorted as she stood up forcefully, frustration building as her tail lashed out at the seat behind her. "This was a monumental waste of our time." She added before briskly turning and marching for the door, her long Sequus legs pushing her abruptly ahead of Mattias before T'hans staff crossed in front of him, teeth bared as he too moved to exit after his Priestess.

"In future, don't invite me to something that could have been sent to my computer!" She hissed without so much as a glance, thumping away down the corridor with hooves echoing loudly.

"Lieutenant, I have a busy schedule. Do you wish me to send you a copy, for your duty of protection tomorrow?" Imik smiled as she spoke to Josh, somehow she thought this Human might not be to pleased being placed with her.

Vanessa shook her head and pulled up her large PADD, She sent a text message to Kyle. 'Kyle... Please com me.. I need you to create academy business to get me out of this meeting.' She concealed it by checking her appointments for the day.

Orin watched as the interactions were unfolding all around him and stood up to stand next to Imik. He said, "Yeah, if either one of you make a schedule, can I see it? I would like to see who is going where and being attached to which detail."

"Consul Orin, surely a person of your skill and knowledge. Can find such things out, simply and easily on your own?" Imik watched as the others left, "I fear some of the Diplomats were less than diplomatic, it shows them in such bad light."

Josh nodded his head, "I would appreciate it ma'am. That way I can co-ordinate our schedules so there are no conflicts." Josh replied with an answering smile.

~OFF~

 

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