Unexpected Aid

Posted on Fri Feb 1st, 2019 @ 7:55am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Season 2: Episode 3: Determination is not always a good thing
Location: U.S.S. Humboldt
Timeline: current
1260 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Alexandra Bergfalk stood ready in her observation lounge to receive her guests. Hastily, she had put together some tea and biscuits to show her hospitality, and the observation lounge was decorated with a lot of South American plants and animals, and a large painting of the Chimborazo where other ships had often placed what previous vessels bore the same name. But the Humboldt was named after the famous explorer, and this was one of his most daring feats, climbing the snow-capped volcano.

The door opened and a tall man with light brown hair and green eyes entered, two steps ahead of Alexandre Lathe, Tazys of the Erisian Fleet. His almost golden colored hair was cropped short and his eyes, a silver grey, were watchful.

Alex moved past his executive officer, a smile gracing his features. "Commander Bergfalk. Thank you for allowing us to visit your vessel. My Executive Officer Tadal Jorth Morath. I believe the translation of his rank is Captain in name."

Tadal Morath inclinded his head. His black uniform was sleek and neat and showed no insignia, but then, Alexandre's was the same, except he wore a slim gold braid over his right shoulder. And Alex had a Long sword strapped to his hip, while Morath had his strapped across his back.

"Commander" Morath said calmly.

"Welcome to the Humboldt", she said. "I am Alexandra Bergfalk, commanding. We've already got that in common. Alexandre, Alexandra, and the ship's named after Alexander von Humboldt. Please, enlighten me, how does a man on a non-Federation world end up with Alexandre for a first name?"

Alexandre smiled faintly. "The same way Captain Lalor has Penelope for a first name though she does not use it."

Monath shifted slightly at the mention of the Captain Lalor.

Alex ignored this and continued. "Our people it is said, were brought to our world centuries ago, from the Cradle world. It is believed by some to be Earth. And our culture is much like that of an era of Earth's history. That said, we have had Warp capability for some time and our people, do trade with other worlds. My father said, he found my name in a literature book my grandfather brought from a trader centuries ago."

"The Three Musketeers?" Alexandra wondered. "There are worse people to be named for. Alexander was a great hero in my culture, a young king who attacked an empire and toppled it. But he was also a drunk, violent and brutal. So, I suppose it's not all good. But we do try to focus on the positive aspects these days." She pointed at the chairs. "Please, have a seat, enjoy some tea with me. Let me begin by saying I am most delighted that you've gone through the trouble of sending help."

Alexandre nodded and he and his XO took their seats. "It is politically motivated you understand." he said calmly. His XO knew this part so there was no hesitation in the Tazye's tone. "Our people have been trying for nearly 15 years to gain entrance into the Federation. Our High Lord deems this a needed thing. But I am fine with assisting, if it brings us positive attention."

"It will certainly affect public opinion in your favour", the Commander said as she filled three cups of tea. "There is an issue, though. You see, I've seen reports that the security forces down on the planet are overwhelmed with the amount of chaos this disaster has caused. If we send down your forces, some people might thing they're being invaded, and fights might break out. As such, I would like to send one of our security officers down with each of your dropships, to work as liaison, and to avoid unnecessary conflicts."

Alexandre nodded. "A reasonable request, one we can accommodate. It might be best if we send a token force to begin with, to augment the Federation's security forces."

Bergfalk took a sip of her tea before agreeing, "Yes, according to my data, local forces are led by a veteran commander, Colonel vel-Cro, an Andorian. Retired from the main line forces, but very experienced. I am sure you and the Colonel will see eye-to-eye on many things." She smiled at him. "Well, based on what little Captain Lalor told me, I think you might."

"Surprising to be sure. Captain Lalor is not very.. kind, in regards to others of her people." Alexandre said.

The man beside him snorted softly. "You are too polite about that Tazye. The ... Captain has been very vocal in her opinion over the years."

Alex gave a rueful smile at that. "She would say she has reason to be."

"Far be it for me to get involved in the internal affairs of another culture", Bergfalk said. "But I do feel the need to defend the honour of a fellow officer. I am sure that she states things the way she sees them." She avoided making any claims as to the veracity of those observations. "However, she has merely pointed out to me that you have a strong military tradition and appreciate like-minded people with a firm hand." Not entirely accurate, but rather Alexandra's interpretation of those parts she felt she could safely admit to.

"In that regard, the Captain is correct" Alex replied. "I find that most military officers can work together well when they need to due to the fact that the majority of us are in the same.. mold.. is the word I believe Humans use."

"Yes, a mould is a negative shape in which to cast objects, such as bronze swords, in the time before replicators", Alexandra explained before getting back to the important topic. "Is there anything you need from us to be the most effective you can be?"

Alexandre considered this for a moment and he was obviously really thinking about it. "Understanding. My people's ways are not the Federation's. Your people would call us backwards, and while I have brought with me, those I believe are more open minded than others, there will be confusion at times."

"I am happy to work with you to clear up any confusion that might occur", Bergfalk promised. "And backward or not, and forgive me for inviting myself, but personally, I would love a tour of your ship. I enjoy how different cultures tackle the same problems in unique ways."

Both men smiled genuinely at that. "Of course Commander, you are more than welcome." Alex said.

"Shall I inform Colonel vel-Cro that you would like to meet?" Alexandra asked.

"Indeed and I should meet with the Lead Federation officer on the ground." Alexandre replied.

"That is Colonel vel-Cro", Bergfalk said. "Unless you mean the lead Starfleet officer, who I believe is the Elysium's XO."

"Ah that would be Commander Taylor I believe. A competent officer we have been told."

"And a highly decorated officer as well", Bergfalk smiled. "To be first officer on a ship like the Elysium is worth more than being skipper of some smaller craft." Perhaps her own included, but she enjoyed being in command of a gracefully-ageing cruiser. She'd always loved the Ambassador class, and was definitely not complaining. "Shall I arrange a meeting between the three of us?"

"If the commander and you have time." Alexandre replied.

"I am sure he does, and so do I", Bergfalk smiled. "Good coordination will only save us time down the road... in the future." She figured she'd clarify, so that he wouldn't wonder what road she was talking about.

But Alexandre understood and he inclined his head in agreement.