What dreams in dust

Posted on Wed Mar 19th, 2025 @ 9:43am by Lieutenant Commander Rin & Staff Warrant Officer Reo'thanra Sandtail

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Rin's Office
Timeline: Before Circinus
777 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Reo'Thanra pressed her hands together as she nervously approached the Elysiums Intelligence office. There was no going back after this meeting. Her armor pulsed an alert to her, a soft ping to let her know her body temperature was spiking, an alert she dismissed as she pressed the door chime. "Staff Warrant officer Sandtail to See Lieutenant Commander Rin," She said with as much confidence as she could manage.

A crewman answered the door and led the officer to Rin's office, where he hit a door chime. The door slid open, and RIn looked up from where she was working at her desk. "Welcome," Rin said. "Have a seat. What can I do for you?"

"I have..." The small alien said as she slipped into the office. "Something for you," she added tapping her wrist comm nervously. "A report detailed by myself and Warrant officer Crystalcliff, Something.." she trailed off for a moment, pain and frustration wrapping in her face. "Something that I need you to not open, or transmit...not until I give you the Go-ahead for." She added nervously.

"Alright...." She gave a slow nod. "What *can* you tell me about this report?"

The Alien tensed up as she looked away her tail curling up between her legs. "Its a matter of sector wide peace...and should only be opened in the event of war with the Federation and the Arten Confederation," she said after a moment before adding. "I can also give you...a very brief summary of what the report is about, though not in great detail."

Clearly, this was not going to be a brief conversation. Rin walked over to the replicator and got herself a cup of coffee with a somewhat absurd amount of sugar. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, I'm fine thank you," Reo said softly her ears perking up as she took a soft breath.

"Alright, please tell me what this is about," Rhe prompted, retaking her seat.

"A coup attempt is happening in the Arten Confederacy, Insurgents tied to the Homeworld's intelligence gathering branch has stalled the vote to join the federation, and there is a serious risk they might seize full control of the military." The Diplomat sighed and rubbed her head. "Including something Known as the Stars Eye." she paused and gestured to a tiny data card she sat down. "The Report I'm giving you is in Relation to that station."

"And why should I not read this except in the case of war?" Rin asked.

"Because if war doesn't happen the report could irrevocably damage relations between the Federation and the Confederacy."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Then why hand this to me at all? Why not simply hand me the information in the event that war does happen?"

Reo'Thanra straightened up in her seat, a warm smile crossing her muzzle. "there's an old tradition Dating back to when my ancestors were first setting up colonies on our home," she said with gentle shrug. "Preempting conflict by Offering secrets to Only be opened in the Event of battle is one that dates back to the homeworld, and my Clan adopted the tradition as our own." She paused. "its my way of proving I'm not your enemy,"

"Interesting tradition," Rin mused as she picked up the chip. "I'll keep it private and secure as long as I can. But do understand I may not be able to wait for a 'go ahead'. You might simply be unavailable, for example. But I'll endeavor to keep to the intent of the arrangement."

Rea gave a Gentle nod, her large ears swaying slowly. "I...Understand that, I merely hope that the intent of this is taken as it is...A genuine desire to stay close to the federation,"

Rin nodded. She wondered if the chip actually contained any relevant data, or if this was merely a test of her honesty. "I appreciate the gesture. I'll be sure to keep this safe. Was there anything else I could do for you?"

The short alien paused for a moment before clearing her throat. "perhaps you could recommend me a Recreational activity on the ship, that isn't your holodeck?"

"What sort of things are you interested in?" Rin asked.

"Well, I'm a fan of tinkering and mechanical work..." Rea said with a smirk. "We had this thing called Byte fights back at the engineering academy where we'd build simple robots to fight, usually took on a gambling tone, but its hardly required,"

"So organize one," Rin suggested. "Limit what kind of parts are allowable. Establish a time limit for building. Throw in a few safety regulations-we don't want 30 ft flamethrowers."