Meeting The Wizard

Posted on Wed May 9th, 2018 @ 9:26pm by Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine & Captain Michelle Bartlett & Commander Rostra Tang & Major Hailey Weston

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4

To say that the building before them was impressive was something of an understatement. There was no doubt that significant time, planning and expense had gone into the design and construction of the structure. With the thoughts of the random citizen echoing in her mind, Shaille found herself momentarily questioning at who's expense that had come. Dislike of one's political powers was not a new concept, but it was very rarely indeed that random citizens found it necessary to blatantly ask alien strangers to basically act as hitmen. How far did that level of dissent travel among the others? And if the man himself was aware of the feelings of the citizens, it could help explain part of why he allegedly considered them little more than a commodity.

Regardless, the entire situation didn't sit well with her, and Shaille had a niggling suspicion that their welcoming was not going to be such a warm one. Glancing across at the twin Rostra's, she gave a grin to hide her ill ease. "So how do you want to handle this?" she asked lightly. "Knock and invite ourselves in for tea and scones?"

Rostra had been a little concerned as well, and it wasn't hard to tell. Dalacari body language was rather expressive, what with it being in stereo and such. It bothered her that citizens would think so little of their leader, but also that their leader would think so little of their people. There was obvious dissent here, a schism on both sides, but that would take a back seat to finding out exactly what had happened here.

"You know, a lot of people doubt the direct approach, but being upfront tends to encourage people." one said with a smirk. "Besides, direct approach yields direct..."

"... results. Though, tea sounds delicious right about now. Ready?" she asked, and once she got the okay from everyone, she would actually knock on the front door.

Shaille nodded sagely, her hand returning to rest on her phaser. "As I'll ever be," she replied easily. "Let's get this over and done with."

A guard at the gate saw the two approaching. He looked, confused and maybe a little worried. He had never seen these.... beings... in his life. Especially the Dalacari. Neither looked menacing and yet for all he knew they were sent by the enemy to spy. He approached them. "Halt. Who are you?"

The pair stopped, and motioned for Shaille to do the same. "Oh, apologies." and she made herselves a little more presentable. "My name is Rostra Tang. I'm a Dalacari, an alien from another cluster. It's a pleasure to meet you." she stated, with a pair of smiles. No teeth Rostra. Be nice.

Her other form picked up the conversation after a pause, "I'm sorry if it seems a little confusing, but we're space explorers. We came across your planet, and wanted to stop by and learn about your people."

Releasing her phaser, Shaille followed the lead of her superior officer and smiled. “I am Lieutenant Levine, these are Commander’s Tang, we are Starfleet Officers from the USS Wellington. We are here on a mission of peace. We were told we could find the planetary leader here?”

The double talk of Rostra and the following response from Shaille didn't help the confusion of the guard, but he stumbled on, "His Imperiousness does reside here, but no one gets to see him without an appointment." The rehearsed statement was at least familiar to him, "Do you have an appointment?"

The pair of beings that composed Rostra Tang each shook their head, "Sorry, but we do not. How would we go about making an appointment? We'd very much like to meet his Imperiousness." His title got Rostra thinking. Imperiousness? Seemed to lead to an Imperial mindset, some form of Empire. Though an Empire would either crush any form of speech like the other citizen displayed, or it was more open and free thinking like the Ts'Usugi back home. Or, third option, it was a title that sounded nice and the guy with the biggest chair and the flashiest hat decided to call himself whatever. It was always so interesting to find out how these things came to be.

And now, Rostra got to LIVE in that moment! So exciting!

"The Vizier is in the Hall of Public Records." The 'helpful' guard pointed towards a building less opulent than the one he was in front of, but not by too much, "He will be able to schedule an appointment with His Imperiousness should he find you have a good reason to do so." He resumed the stance he had before the approach of the aliens, whatever they were, expecting them to obey and leave.

"Thank you very much." Rostra was just tickled pink. "We'll follow protocol, and we'll take up no more of your time." and with that, each form took two steps backward, before turning and heading to the indicated building, motioning for Shaille to follow. Once they were out of earshot, Rostra turned to Shaille while on the move.

"A Vizier may be able to tell us more that an Emperor, so this is actually a great turn of events. Political machinations, espionage, ambition, legitimacy, oh this could..."

"... turn out so much better in our favor. We can get a feel for the whole of the governing system based on this one being. If they expect a bribe, for instance, or if..."

"... they're open to outside concepts like alien life or religious freedoms. I'll just need to ask you a small favor." she paused, "Keep your eyes open. I'm going to be in full..."

"... on information absorb mode, so despite the fact that I have twice as many eyes as you do, I'll admit right now that I'll miss something. Possibly a threat. So..."

"... watch my backs, and I'll handle the Vizier."

Shaille nodded slightly. “Chances are by the time we get there they will already be expecting us, it might only take us a few minutes but for anyone worth their salt it’s more than enough time to mobilise a decent security detail.” She paused momentarily. “Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Let’s just hope the other away team, doesn’t get themselves into trouble out there. I have a feeling that the legal system here, if it even exists, is anything but just and fair. Not sure we want to be bargaining for leniency with ‘his imperiousness’.”

"I suppose we'll find out when we get there, but yeah. There was an old Dalacari philosopher who cited that if you keep your expectations low you can never be..."

"... disappointed. I wonder if the fact that no one really appreciated him until he died would have bothered him?" she mused, "Or... if it would have proven him right?"

The group continued towards the Vizier's location, the Hall of Public Records, as indicated. Along the way, Rostra waved and smiled at anyone who looked their way. Which, essentially, was everyone. "Friendly populace, at least."

As they walked, Shaille found herself taking in the area around them, assessing it more carefully, not just from a security threat, but also from sheer curiosity. What happened to these people when the planet was out of phase? Did they still exist and live their lives, or were they paused, just as they were when the away team had landed on the planet, or did they become something else? Some other form of consciousness or non corporeal being? Were they even aware that they had been out of phase with the rest of the universe? The more questions she posed in her own mind, the more she came up with. "Curioser and curioser," she murmured quietly as they approached the guards.

"HALT!" The command rang the moment they stepped within ten feet of the guardpost. One of the three guards stepped forward to the strangers, looking over them, "Announce yourselves and the business you wish to bring to the Vizier!" It sounded like and was ceremony on the part of the guards, but still some of the populace near them cringed back from the guard.

Rostra halted as ordered, full compliance with local authority seemed wise. "My name is Rostra Tang, we're visitors to this world from the stars. We seek an audience with the Vizier in order to request a meeting with his Imperiousness." The pair really tried to look non-threatening, which actually wasn't too hard for the Dalacari to pull off. Don't show teeth, don't assume a threat posture, keep your tail low.

The guard looked over the group in minute detail, then gestured to one of the other guards, "Take them to the Audience Chamber. You will wait your turn, visitors, until the Vizier summons you to speak. If you speak out of turn, draw your weapons, or cause offense, you will face his chastisement. When called upon, you will present your request and accept his decision; it will be final."

Moving her hand from resting on her phaser holster to behind her back, Shaille remained silent, standing slightly behind the Rostra's, just observing as the other guard stepped forward and started to usher them through the doors. The level of austerity was incredible, though she imagined it was nothing compared to what would be seen inside the buildings of his imperiousness, should they make it that far. It was clear that in this society, those in power were considered the most important members of the civilization, at least as far as they themselves were concerned.

Upon entry into the hall, it was obvious that something was going on, a crowd watching a man on a throne-like seat, a supplicant on his knees in front, talking to the resplendently clothed person, who just seemed bored with the matter at hand. "Stay here." The guard commanded, pointing to the ground, then walking off. A minute later, he came from the side and whispered something into the man's ear and those eyes flicked over to Rostra and Shaille, then back to the person in front of him and said a single word. The kneeler looked up and the man, presumably the Vizier, spoke louder.

"Your request is denied." The kneeler opened his mouth again to protest, but a gesture of two fingers in a slashing motion caused the guard behind the kneeler to act, the supposedly ceremonial halberd he held sweeping down, intersecting with the kneeler's neck and separating his head from his body. A pair of guards dragged the body away as the Vizier stood, "Come, strangers to this world, come and tell me what brings you to our glorious world."

Oh it took everything in Rostra's power not to act out, though she did wince as the blade came down. What was going on? Was this a barbaric world where denial of a request meant death? Was this why the locals feared their ruling class? Rostra only saw half of the story here, and even that was being generous. For all she knew that man was a criminal, sentenced to death for horrific crimes and that this was his plea to have his sentence mitigated. When it came time for them to speak with the Vizier, Rostra kept these truths all in mind.

She also hoped that Shaille was a good shot with a stun. Though, she'd have to stun every guard here to clear an exit path.

"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, sir." Rostra started as the pair advanced. It never hurt to put your best foot forward. "My name is Rostra Tang, I'm a member of a league of space explorers." she continued, though it was her twin that continued the conversation, "I'm a Dalacari, an alien to these skies, and in our travels we came across your world and wanted to learn more about it."

"Your world came to our attention because of some odd readings our sensors came across, which warranted a first hand look. We come in peace in the name of knowledge."

Remaining behind the Rostra's, Shaille kept her hands firmly clasped behind her back, more so from genuine concern at this point that any movement may be perceived as her reaching for her weapon, and clearly the earlier warning from the guard was not in vain. Indeed, her mind was still reeling from the act of blatant barbarianism that they had just witnessed, an act which was brushed off as easily as it had occurred, almost as though it were common place.

Instead, while listening to the exchange between the Rostra's and the Vizier, Shaille found herself casting a discerning eye around the room, trying to make mental note of the position of each guard as well as the most direct exit route, should it be required. She had no doubt in her abilities at all, but this would come down to a numbers game and the numbers simply were not in their favour.

"Interesting..." The Vizier said quietly, leaning forward to get a better look at what he saw basically as twins, speaking with the same voice, "And should I come to believe that it is your starship in orbit around our planet? What happened to the Koldaren vessels that were in orbit? Should I presume that you destroyed them?"

Rostra gave a pair of quizzical looks towards the Vizier. "No, we took no hostile action. There were a pair of ships in orbit upon our arrival but we took no action against them, as none was taken against us." she paused, parsing her thoughts so that the involuntary focus shift of a Dalacari didn't take the Vizier too much by surprise.

It was her other form that spoke after a moment's pause, "We were seeking someone who could answer a few of our questions in regards to this world, but I can understand wanting to have your own questions answered."

The Vizier made a throwing-away gesture, "His Imperiousness is far too busy to deal with mundane questions, if you have questions, you may address them to me." He leaned back in the throne again.

Rostra gave a pair of nods. "I understand completely. My first question would be, then, if you could walk us through the last fifty or so years of your history? Only what we're..."

"... allowed to know, I understand that there will be secrets that you can't just up and share with the first strangers from the stars to grace your doorstep."

"Of course, of course, quite simply, dear visitors, it has been war. The Koldarens attacked one of our colony worlds a few decades ago and we defended ourselves." He said languidly, "We intercepted their warships, destroyed one of their shipyards, but then they came again and again, going after civilian targets. We kept our primary targets as military, but they were relentless. We received word a few days ago that a massive fleet was on its way to finish us off here at home on Ren'nahr, but instead you show up after their picket warships arrived."

At that point a guard approached the Vizier, interrupting the impromptu Starfleet "delegation", whispering in his ear that the fleet had completely vanished mid battle, and all that was left was the unknown starship. His gaze turned to the guard, evident shock on his face, then composed it again as he turned back to Rostra.

Shaille took a step forward, leaning in closer to the twin Rostra's, keeping her voice as hushed as possible. "I don't think he realises the planet was out of phase," she murmured softly. "I don't think anyone here knows what's really going on."

"Fascinating." the advantage to a Dalacari was that whispering in any of their ears got the attention of the whole. "It must have just been like a passing moment for them. Just a blink." she then realized how every Blink Pilot in the Ts'usugi Navy must feel. It actually amused her a bit to make this connection.

Something clicked, though. The twin not twitching an ear towards Shaille spoke to the Vizier again. "Apologies, Lord Vizier, but did you say Koldarens? Seems they're nothing but trouble wherever they are. Do you have any intel on how they intended to ..."

"... finish the conflict? I only ask because this planet was, up until about an hour ago, locked in some form of stasis field. As though the entire planet and..."

"... it's orbiting moons were paused in time. To you and the inhabitants here, it would seem like no time had passed. Truly, just a blink. But to the outside universe..."

"... it's been, well, potentially a substantial amount of time. Hence, trying to gather records and establish a basis." Rostra explained, as best she could.

The Vizier obviously had to refocus again rapidly, but glanced out past the three beings, "With their fleet on its way, we could only assume they intended to assault the planet itself, bombard it with nuclear weapons and destroy our civilization. We had prepared what we had left, armed our civilian ships best we could to resist to try to hold them off until our remaining fleets could return. The battle had been going on when you suddenly arrived. We had been dealing with... Subversive citizens here."

Shaille listened to the exchange curiously, taking in everything that was said. It just didn't add up to her. If they genuinely had no idea that the planet had been out of phase with the rest of reality then surely the Vizier would have had more of a reaction than the near nothingness he had shown. She stepped to the side of the Rostra's casting a discerning glance over the Vizier before she spoke. "Sir, respectfully, we have been in the area for some time. There has been no other vessels and no sign of skirmish or debris from a destroyed fleet. Until just recently this was a blank area of space until your planet appeared from no where. Perhaps, Sir if you would indulge us, there may be a way that we can verify how long it is that your planet has been out of phase with the rest of reality?"

Glancing at the Rostra's and not immediately receiving any indication that she should shut up and go away, Shaille took another step forward. "Mr Vizier, Sir," she spoke, not entirely sure how she should address him. "You have ships that have reached the stars, I assume your people have scientists who have studied the star charts. If we were to compare our most recent star charts, it may help to enforce our theories?" she queried, trying very hard to maintain a gentle voice, her concerns stemming from a very genuine fear of being beheaded

"Of course." The Vizier looked around and saw one particular guard, waving him over, "Take our... Guests directly to the Hall of Science and instruct them to cooperate with our visitor's requests. Make sure no harm comes to them." At those words, several other guards moved towards Rostra and Shaille, "We will meet again once you have done your comparisons. I will consult with His Imperiousness in the meantime."

Rostra was visibly pleased. Both at the level of cooperation, and the non-use of the executioner's axe. "Thank you very much. We'll let you know what we find."

Her silent twin form gave Shaille a nod. Well done indeed.

OFF:

Commander Rostra Tang
Executive Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Shaille Levine
Security Officer
USS Wellington

The Vizier
Orchestrator Of Evil? Or Just A Pain In The Ass?
Reh'nar