Diplomatic Chattering

Posted on Sun Dec 15th, 2019 @ 3:03am by Vice-Consul Radun Dran & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Corridor outside the Diplomatic Offices
Timeline: Sometime after the Promotions Party
1118 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Dran waked quickly down the corridor, an aloofness about him that was only gained from years of being an ambassador. He also wasn't looking where he was going, and ran right into Imik.

"Oh, sorry." He said, as he went down, and muttered a couple Bajoran curses under his breath as he stood up, "are you alright?"

As they collided, Imik swore in Ojnas. Her soldier like temperament coming to the fore, she glanced at the stranger. "I am uninjured, but I would suggest you take heed on your direction of travel". She checked out the mans attire and without thinking touched his mind, "Bajoran, diplomat. My name is Imik, Ojnas Consul and transfer Officer". She extended her hand, her six digits being slightly longer than a Humans.

In his time as an ambassador, Dran had learned to expect a lot, but not this. "Dran. Vice Consul and diplomatic attache." He said, shaking hands.

"I am not species 8472, even though Humans and other Federation allies tend to think we Ojnas are. We are quite separate, so please do not fear me". Imik had picked up doubt and apprehension from this Bajoran, he displayed confidence but within he was conflicted.

"You're good at this. Would make a good ambassador." Dran said, smiling. "I'm not familiar with the Ojnas." Dran said the species name slowly, trying to make sure he pronounced it correctly.

Imik shook her head, "I am a soldier, not a diplomat. The Ojnas are a non aligned species new to the Federation, they assisted us in our war with the Tholians". She now looked straight at Dran, "My species knew of your species thousands of years ago, before the Federation. We knew of your prophets, as we had to negotiate passage through the worm hole with them". Imik glanced at the floor, "They said we would regret gaining that passage, how true their words were. We lost our home and our place in the universe, now we are starting again to build anew".

Dran studied her for a few moments, before speaking. "Sometimes, when the Prophets speak, they know more that what they truly say, and they mean far more as well. While you lost your home, you may have gained a new one, within the Federation. Much more than my people can say, with the Cardassians and the Dominion having wanted to take us out several times."

Imik nodded her head in agreement, "We have regained six of the original seven systems, but the system the Tholians gave in replacement borders the Bajoran system. It assists both us and you, and if requested I am sure we Ojnas can aide Bajor. Our technology is on level par with the Federation in many ways, and advanced in others. That is why I am here, the Federation wish to learn our secrets. And we wish to learn theirs, perhaps Bajor could benefit from we Ojnas".

"It would benefit all of us for Bajor to have a powerful ally such as the Ojnas. I will do my best to persuade them to open up discussions about a possible alliance. Perhaps we could draft up a proposal together, sometime." Dran was eager to put his connections to good use, even all this time later, and an ally like the Ojnas could help Bajor become a potential candidate for Federation membership again--and help the Ojnas for that as well.

"Unlike earlier contacts, the Ojnas would not require the Bajorans to surrender their freedom or their system". Imik took a breath and then continued, "We may ask for trade benefits, and a consulate in the capital. But military expansion is not our agenda, we have learned from our history". She stopped and then decided to release one more piece of information, "The Ojnas are a psychic species, interlinked with each other. Can the Bajorans live with that knowledge?"

"If the Ojnas can live with our religious rituals, which some people say can get overboard, then I say so." Dran smiled again, "and trade and a consulate is a small thing to ask for, considering your history, that's something the Bajorans like, not being taken over every few years." He didn't know if Imik would get his joke

A large smile crossed Ikim's face, "To loose ones home is the hardest lesson this universe can teach, perhaps the Bajorans and Ojnas can teach each other not to loose their homes ever again". She once again extended her hand, "As a representative of the Ojnas Grand council, I offer the Bajoran people the friendship of the Ojnas". Then she said something strange, "When I came aboard the First Officer stated something about Vanilla Milkshakes, maybe we can cement our new friendship with having one each?"

Dran shook hands, and after thinking a moment, nodded, "I think I like that idea, I haven't had one of those in years." The last time he had any form of Milkshake had been shortly before his resignation, when he was attending a dinner with Admiral Shotton.

Imik now smiled again, "Then we will have to find the place called "Ten forward", I am led to believe that is where one can obtain the Milkshakes". She wanted to touch his mind further, but rules were rules and it was forbidden. "Why do you hide from your past?" Imik was curious, it was something that was uppermost in this mans mind. "I touched your mind briefly when we collided, it seemed important to you".

"I did things I'm not proud of. And I like to not be in jail." Dran replied, heading in the direction of the lift.

Imik followed behind and thought about what was said, "If I could ask, did you do these things during the occupation?"

"Not during the occupation. I fought with the resistance during that. No, it was afterwards." Dran replied, solemnly.

She now thought before she made her next statement, "Politics is a dirty business, which is why I remain a soldier. War is cruel, heartless and destructive. But if you fight with honour, your conscience remains clear". Imik then continued more quietly, "I apologise, that statement was uncalled for. I spoke without thinking, I shall pursue this subject no longer".

"No, no, it's completely alright, Consul." Dran replied, stepping into the lift.

Shaking her head, Imik stepped into the turbolift. "If our friendship becomes strong, I will not need to ask the question. You will tell me, freely". She placed her hand on her heart, "And I swear, it will travel no further".

"Thank you." Dran said, smiling, "as will anything you tell me in confidence."

Kie-Rathsue Imik S'Niohun, Consul of the Ojnas People
USS Elysium

Vice-Consul Radun Dran, Diplomatic Attache
USS Elysium