Waiting for the sword to fall

Posted on Tue Jul 17th, 2018 @ 12:32pm by Lieutenant Talea Honn & Commander Rostra Tang & Major Hailey Weston & Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine & Gunnery Sergeant Ami Rori

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4
Location: Ren'har - Vizier's Hall

Shaille fidgeted uncomfortably in the hard chair, glancing around, trying to determine what on earth was actually going on. They had been hauled from the Hall of Sciences back to the Assembly of the Vizier, being told that they were to be executed, then before the final deathly blows could be dealt, suddenly they were hustled back to a small gathering of seating to the side of the chamber, no explanation, not even a single word spoken, just rough hands jostling them about. Glancing at Rostra, Shaille hesitated for a moment, silently hoping that her superior officer's hearing was as feline like as her appearance.

The Vizier, his advisors, even his military staff appeared to be largely ignoring them, aside from occasional glances their way and hushed whispers.

Deciding to take a chance, Shaille shifted slightly in her seat, speaking in the most hushed whisper she could manage. "Can you hear anything at all? Do you have any idea what is going on?"

One of Rostra's forms was intently concentrating on the most distant whispers she could pick up, while the other was less intense. At Shaille's question, the less intense one whispered back from the corner of her mouth. "Yes and no. I can hear a conversation, but they're not speaking anything I can understand.
The luxury of a common tongue seems to have been..."

"... revoked, but they're still whispering. Perhaps they feel we've cracked their lingual codex. I'll hopefully have a way out for us figured out before we meet the..."

"... executioner." Rostra mentioned, and tried to sound strong, but deep down the Dalacari was just as worried as anyone else under threat of death should be. A good fear of death really helped people bond. "Where are you from?"

She picked NOW for small talk.

Shaille hesitated, waiting for a moment when they had looked away again. "I grew up in Star Fleet, so I'm basically from all over." She stopped speaking abruptly and leaned back in her seat, folding her arms across her chest as she looked around the room, trying to gauge exactly who was where. ""They haven't removed my holster, I don't think they've realised... but there's' too many, it might buy enough time if needed to call for an emergency transport..." She stopped speaking again as one of the guards looked back at them. "Not sure if our comms will work in here though."

"Stick close to me." Rostra said softly when the moment afforded. "I insist that my comm badges put out a little more signal, so that none of me gets left behind." she admitted. Truth be told, Federation transporters needed a little help. All in due time, though.

"I'd like to avoid a fight, but it's good to know we at least have options. Third on the left, slightly more impressive uniform. Could be a captain." a pause. "No, other left. My..."

"... left. No my other, other left." Talking with a Dalacari got weird sometimes. The pair was quiet for a while as the guards kept their attention on the outsiders for a longer while, though their attention returned to the conversation after that while. Once clear, Rostra's whisper picked up again, "Worst to worst, stun the captain, then start a fire. At least here, there's no valuable knowledge to worry about losing."

"Just our heads." the pair said in unison, and offered a soft smirk.

Remaining silent, Shaille offered a slight nod as she glanced around the room again. They were relatively isolated in the chamber, there was no windows so clearly they were well within the centre of the building. Five doors leading away from the room, one directly behind the viziers chair, presumably leading to a private antechamber, then two doors on either side of the large room they were currently in. The door they had been brought in from was the one most directly behind the gathering of Ren'har who were still actively heatedly debating something. The fact that the only door they had any chance of getting out of was well out of their reach made any chance of running near impossible. "What ever we do, we've only got one chance, and I don't know about you but I like my head exactly where it is."

"I'm doing everything I can *not* to think about it." Rostra said softly, though there was a hiss of a breath in to it. She was trying not to show how worried she was. "If they start swinging, it'll be one at a time, and I..." this wasn't like the usual times when Rostra stopped talking only to shift the focus to the other twin. She just stopped talking. It wasn't cause a guard was looking, or because she spoke too loud and was hiding her conversation.

She just stopped, and quickly shook her heads. All that levity and mirth had just up and left. "We'll get out of this. Together. Intact."

The security officer nodded slightly. "I know." She narrowed her eyes slightly as she started focusing on smaller details of the group gathered across the room. "Can you see anything resembling a weapon?" Shaille asked, "I mean other than the swords?"

"Dalacari gave up violence generations ago, I wouldn't know what to..." and then she just stopped for the moment, focusing her entire attention on the guards she could see. "... The swords aren't ceremonial. No side holster sidearm. Maybe a smaller blade under the tunics for close combat?" she offered. Plenty unsure there.

"If we have to, I, well, I could raise my hackles and bear my teeth. Puff up my tail and look scary. That'd throw them for a moment, though. I mean, are these scary?" one asked, while the other just looked across to Shaille and just kinda opened her mouth. Rostra was always careful not to smile with teeth, since most of her friends evolved from prey species thousands of generations earlier, while the Dalacari came from predatory stock.

Those teeth hadn't really changed much in thirty thousand years.

Raisin one eyebrow slightly, Shaille gave a slight nod. "You look like you're about ready to tear flesh from bones," she replied quietly before turning her attention back to the Ren'nahr. "You know, we could always do this the old fashioned way, just stand up and walk right on out the front door. Maybe grab a hostage on the way for good measure?"

"Dalacari evolved from predators. Cute little buggers but, it's weird to be who we are and look at them. I'll tell you about it later." the one bearing fangs relaxed as the other commented. "I'd rather not actually start an incident..."

"... before we know if we've actually started an incident. Taking a hostage, there's no going down from that. Let's call that our last resort. Stun the captain, start..."

"... a fire, take a hostage." she said, with the finality of a plan. "But, once we start that path, we can pretty much rub Diplomacy off the list."

"I think Diplomacy was taken off the table when they went all Queen of Hearts," Shaille said with a smirk.

"Wait, I know that one. Crazy girl, meets whimsical friends, fights an evil tyrant.... Wizard of Oz, yes?"

Biting back a laugh, Shaille shook her head quickly. "Close, but not quite. Alice in Wonderland. Same premise, different crazy."

The mirth came back quickly to the Dalacari, "When we get back, send me a copy." Though whatever else the Dalacari had to say was cut short as the guard's attention was on them again.

Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Shaille leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, staring intently at the floor in front of her. "When we get back to the ship, all I want is a strong drink, a long soak in a very hot bath and then I think a week of sleep," she said quietly while still looking down so no one could see her speaking. Looking back up, she turned her attention back to the group at the other end of the chamber.

Finally seeing these... Federationites looking over as they should, the Vizier stood and his voice rang out over the hubbub of the crowd, "People of Reh'nar, shall we sit in judgement over the crimes of those who come from what they call the Federation?"

"Well, I guess this is it..." Shaille glanced at Rostra and offered a slight nod. "Got your teeth ready?"

"I hope I flossed." was Rostra's only comeback she could think of.

There was a loud and vigorous chorus of cheers and jeers at the rhetorical question of the high official and he gazed imperiously over to the two Federationites, "Come forth and answer for your crimes!" He pronounced.

"Pompous old jackass..." Shaille muttered under her breath as she stood slowly from the uncomfortable chair, casting a glance at Rostra before turning her attention back to the Vizier. "We have committed no crimes to answer for!" she shot back, the sharp tone of her voice echoing in the chamber around them.

Rostra could only nod in agreement with Shaille, "We've committed no crimes against your people. We came here in peace in the spirit of knowledge and discovery." one of the twins started, hoping to stall for as long as possible.

"Of what crimes are we being accused of?" her other form spoke up. She was certainly nervous, but tried to hide it in her voice. Though the signs were there... an ear twitch, a tail twitch, a fidget...

"You are accused of collusion with the Koldarens." The Vizier stated coldly, "To destroy our world for once and for all. Or is it mere coincidence that you show up in our orbit when a war fleet was bearing down on us? Even should we have been stuck in time for a period, you were 'conveniently' in our orbit when we emerged? Is that mere coincidence? Or were you just waiting." He stated the conclusion rather than ask it, "His Imperiousness has communed with the Deities and has asked for their wisdom as Their vessel to our world. Do you have anything to add before His decision on your fate is pronounced?"

Shaile bristled at the accusation, biting down on her bottom lip instead of replying immediately. Somehow she got the impression that sarcasm would be lost on him. "So our fate rests in the hands of a couple of pretentious twits and their imaginary friends..." she muttered darkly under her breath. Her nervousness at the situation was starting to be replaced with anger. "The evidence is there to support everything that we have said. If you sentence us to death without even looking at it, then you're little more than a narcissistic murderer!" This time Shaille's voice was clearly heard in the room.

"You wish to accuse me?" The Vizier roared, "Dispenser of Justice?" He made a gesture and guards from behind the visitors leveled their halberds to point the top of the spikes towards their backs, "You have given me 'proof' that I cannot recreate from our own records. You have fired upon our starships in OUR orbit. You bring aliens to our world, then seek to distract us openly while your other two do Deities know what while we are occupied with you!"

Talea and the Marines beamed down as out of sight as they could get, yet remained in the hall. Honn turned to the team leader. She could sense the fear and the seeming sense of urgency around the Great Hall. Something was going on, she just couldn't put her finger on what. She smirked a little, thinking they must almost look like gods to this society.

"We mean no disrespect, we just simply wish to be given a fair moment of law." Rostra began. "We came in peace, exploring a phenomenon that we had never encountered..."

"... before, and found your world and its people emerging like someone waking up from a long coma. We sought peaceful contact with you and your people, but..."

"... if you would rather us depart, having shown your Hall of Science the truth behind our curiosity, then at least allow us to leave in peace. The situation in orbit must..."

"... have dissolved quickly, if violence was the only option. I know for a fact that this Federation only resorts to violence as a final resort." Rostra made a final bid for walking out of here intact.

A few of the outer ring of guards had finally noticed the four white-and-green dress-uniformed Marines surrounding the purple-fringed uniform of Commander Honn and two of them turned to face them, one swallowing hard at what he recognized as weapons in their hands. He gave a two-toned whistle to signal others of his unit that there was something else.

On the dias, the Vizier didn't hear it, "No, you will not just leave this world, not after you have attacked it! His Imperiousness demands Justice be done!"

"Um...Commander Honn...I think it time to make our presence known. And the sooner the better. I don't like the way the tone of voices are or the corresponding words used", Christine said softly.

Honn nodded in agreement. When this was over she was going to have to get the Commander's cheesecake recipes... "Follow me, keep your eyes out and don't fire unless fired upon. Understood?"

It was a measure of her control that Nyx kept both hands on the rifle and not go to her swords, but Ami nodded very slightly, her eyes flitting around the room, surveying it with a very practiced eye, "Primary dangers are at Five and Seven relative." She said only loud enough to reach the marines and Honn.

Christine gave a quick glance to Five and Seven relative ans nodded at Ami in agreement.

"Good." Talea said as they approached the hall where the Vizier was speaking. He sure seemed like kind of a loudmouth. She got all sorts of terrible emotions from him... Mostly a bloodlust for power and an arrogance that was not uncommon among what seemed the like the inner circle. If this man was their leader, he was certainly setting the tone all right. She looked at him and called out.... "Halt! I come as a representative of the United Federation of Planets, seeking the return of our crew. We mean you no harm..." she added. "If you would grant me a chance to explain and defend their actions..."

Silence echoed throughout the building as the new party made their presence known, even the Vizier stopped and gawked, looking over the newcomer in the purple accented uniform and her four guards. Identical guards, it seemed, dressed in finery and looking intimidating with those rifles and that one fierce-looking one with the swords on her back. But his eyes narrowed at the newcomers, "You would defend the actions of your people? Tell me, oh grand representative of this United Federation of Planets, how would you justify your attack on Reh'nar?" Derision was in his voice.

Shaille glanced back at the team of Marines that had appeared behind them, the corner of her mouth quirking a little. "Looks like the cavalry has arrived," she murmured quietly.

"My lord." Talea said attempting some measure of formality. "There has been no attack. We were ordered to this sector to investigate strange readings from it. We initially thought your world was a black hole or some other kind of spatial anomaly. Now... I'm not a scientist, sir. I can't provide you with the information you need, but if you will simply allow us to share the information we have with you..." she paused a moment. "We attacked your vessels in self defence. My commanding officer gave the order to stand down when she realized this would not be a fair fight. With respect, sir... If we wanted your world, would we not have had it by now? I know you still have questions... And I know you are condemning these people to death out of fear." she added. "But if you would release our team and allow us to work together to try and explain all this or at least understand it, I can assure you that we will leave you alone to allow your people to develop at your own pace."

"Did I condemn them to death?" The Vizier asked, looking mock-confused, "I did not. I commanded that they not leave, but I did not condemn them to death. If they believed that, it is of their own making." He gave a cruel grin, "I told them they would have to answer for their crimes, His Imperiousness has commanded that of me. If I desired them dead, they would already be so." He was becoming wary about the approaching soldiers.

Shaille glanced at Rostra, raising one eyebrow slightly. "Officers acting on your command told us we were to be executed, right before man handling us back here," she replied calmly.

"Do none of your underlings say things out of turn?" The Vizier, "Or posture to make them feel more important while intimidating others? If you say otherwise, I tell you that you lie." He waved expansively, "Tell me who it was that said this and I will show them the folly of their actions as ordained by His Imperiousness."

Christine was a little bit tight when the Vizier said this and she gave Ami a side glance and then looked at Nyx. Then she turned her attention to the Commander and then surveyed the room carefully taking note of where everything and everyone was. Her mind was formulating scenarios in case things went south. Now she waited for the Commander to make her move.

"No." Rostra spoke up, and was silent for a moment to let that sink in. "There is no reason to drag this further as, as you say, it is behavior that is expected of subordinates."

"Is it not expected of leaders and figures of authority to set an example, after all?" Rostra posed to the Vizier, "To set the standard? I believe this to be the case almost universally." she paused again, longer than a simple focus shift.

"Neither of us know the full situation above." the silent Rostra pointed up to the sky, while the speaker maintained eye contact with the Vizier. "We don't know who fired first. I'd prefer for us to part ways on peaceful..."

"... terms, and I will not order those under my command to attack first." the pair returned to a more relaxed posture. "But I implore you not to test their mettle. All I ask is you..."

"... let us leave in peace, and let us figure out what happened up in orbit."

"I and His Imperiousness would prefer for you to remain on this planet until we know what precisely happened up in orbit." The Vizier countered, "Which is why a starship has a Captain," He mirrored the pointing Rostra had made to they sky, "And a second in command." He pointed back to Rostra. Let them figure out what happened in orbit. In any case," His eyes went and made contact with Commander Honn, "I believe that you have another high ranking representative from your starship here to speak with me."

Christine was bristling with anger iif she thought that the captain would even come here to this kangeroo court, but thankfully it was not up to her and stayed silent and stayed observant.

"We were asked to review a spatial anomaly resembling a black hole that a civilian science vessel found. The readings were a bit odd but their equipment couldn't verify what it was... Or so they thought. When we began our scans, suddenly your world emerged in front of us along with ships using technology we haven't used in 600 years." Honn stated.

Murmurs began, silenced and began again from the left side of the room and the Vizier looked down imperiously, "That is what these others have told me." He waved that away, "But why attack our ships if they were so inferior?" He demanded.

The murmur-hush-murmur arrived at the edge of the crowd and it parted for the new group of armed Reh'nari, four heavily armed soldiers and a young man wearing what appeared to be ceremonial weaponry, including an ornate and bejeweled sword and a laser pistol of the era, bulky but impressive. "Perhaps there was a miscommunication." He stated, "Kehlar, these outsiders don't look like demons to Us." The gaze he swept over the eight Federationites was calculating and very, very iron-like. "You will come with Us." He gestured towards Rostra, Shaille, Honn and the Marines, then started to turn away and walk back the way he came, his guards parting slightly to let him back through.

The Vizier, apparently called Kehlar, shot to his feet, "Your Imperiousness! You cannot mean to allow these outsiders into your presence armed! The danger to your being!"

The Imperator half-turned back, again looking over the Federationites, "There will be a compromise." He inspected the Marines in the matter of perhaps half a second, then pointed towards Ami and Jessi, "You two shall stand guard outside Our Chamber with possession of all but token armaments from the remainder of your party. Certainly Our guards can protect Us from small arms." He directed that last comment towards the Vizier before turning again as soon as the reluctant half-bow-nod began, expecting the Wellington's officers and Marines to follow.

Christine looked at Commander Honn, still seething, and now that she had to leave her rifle made her even more angrier. What if something happened and all they had was small arms fire? Then it would only be her in with the commander if she understood correctly and that didn't sit well with her either. However, knowing that Commander Honn was empathic she would pick up on her emotions and would say something to her.

((tags here to follow? Sorry, I'm continuing on with the Imperator because I'm not 100% sure how responsive I'll be as we're going on and I have an idea on at least the next thing for once they get into the conference room/throne room/whatever!))

No other words had been said by the young man as he just walked past all of the intervening guards until they reached another room with another pair of heavily armed guards, "Your two soldiers will wait here." It was a command rather than a request, but he kept walking through the door, through which a table with chairs around it was visible.

Looking at both Ami and Nyx, she dropped off her rifle and kept her side arm ready, and her hand phaser holstered, and a small blade she had hidden in the top of her boot and followed the Commander.

Keeping her phaser safely holstered, Shaille slipped quietly through with the rest of the team. Nyx as well handed her rifle and all but her swords, hidden knives and the obvious sidearm, stifling a sigh and desirous thoughts of the rest of her weaponry.

Rostra allowed herself to be disarmed, handing over her phaser once she deactivated it. After all, she had no intention of shooting anyone, and she'd hate for someone to get hurt from technology they didn't understand.

The throne, that was all it could be described as, was raised several inches above the rest and was encrusted with green and red gemstones, "You will forgive Vizier Kehlar for his treatment of you. You are strangers here from beyond the stars and he has been under immense pressure preparing Reh'nar for invasion even as conspirators weaken us from within." His eyes swept across the others as he spoke, no, commanded as if he never was questioned and because he said it, that it was so. "We are Imperator Metor Charie Terrio Lental Kreor, son of Jatel Remorith Terrio Chomeir Kreor, recently deceased Imperator of Reh'nar. Superior Chegal has been to see Us with the information you've provided to him and We demand to know what has conspired beyond the reach of Our planet. What has happened to Our Empire?" The tone of his voice wasn't accusatory, but curious and worried, formed by a man who was used to giving commands and having them followed, not to niceties."

Christine was not taken into liking all the so called bling bling of the jewels of the room. She slowly rotated her head looking around the room for any signs of hidden weapons or threats. Making sure of her surroundings and the individuals in the room she watched and waited. Turning to the commander, "Sir I have taken notice of everything and it appears to be safe however I wouldn't count on it" , she said in a hushed tone so that only the commander would hear.

Rostra gave a single nod from one of her forms. She heard her, but didn't want to tip anyone off that there was anything to actually hear.

Shaille stood in the centre of the group as they were ushered into yet another room, keeping herself just to the side of Rostra. From the moment he had stepped into the Vizier's chamber, there had been something about the appearance of this man that had bothered her, but it was only as he spoke that she actually realized what it was that had twigged her senses. "He isn't officially the Imperator..." she whispered to herself.

Stepping forward, Shaille bowed her head as a sign of respect. "Your imperiousness, it is an honour to finally be in your presence, albeit under such difficult circumstances. On behalf of the Federation I offer you our condolences on the death of your father, may he rest in peace." Her words were carefully chosen and spoken softly before she returned to her former position next to Rostra and returned to silence.

Once Shaille returned to her posture, Rostra stepped forward, "Your Imperiousness, thank you for seeing us." she started. "What we are about to tell you may be odd to hear, but as far as any of us know, it is the truth."

"This I promise you." she paused, "As far as we are aware, your world was caught in a spacial rift of some degree. To an observer here on the planet, it would appear as..."

"... though no time at all would have passed, save for the difference in the night sky or the lack of a fleet around your world." she explained.

"As for who we are, we are simply explorers from the wide arms of the cosmos. To answer your question about your empire, we would need a little more information..."

"... about your people and your empire. If it would please you, would you enlighten us about your empire and its rich history?"

The Imperator's eyes stayed on Rostra for a few moments, then traced across the faces of the rest, gauging each of them in turn over the course of fifteen seconds ending up on Shaille, "The death of Our father is not something to be mourned." He directed to her directly, "His time was past, steeped in the blood of Our people and that of the Koldaren. However, Our father was very good at war, which is why he is still called Imperator." He gave a sly smile at Shaille, turning his gaze towards Rostra, "Our Empire spans... Spanned over twenty star systems with twenty-three daughter colonies, stretching out sixty-four light years from Reh'nar. Our last information put six of those worlds as consumed by the fire of Our enemies, with another under assault and a large star fleet on the way to destroy Reh'nar itself."

He again looked over the assembled officers, "The vanguard of that fleet arrived two days ago in force, which Our own fleet fought off with heavy losses on both sides. It was then that your starship appeared as if by magic in orbit of Reh'nar." His eyes bored into Rostra's left-side being, "Are there any of Our worlds still alive? What of Tek'lan? Orn'ith? Those oldest of Our daughter worlds? Do any of my people yet live aside from those here on Reh'nar?"

Rostra cleared her throats, "For those answers, we'll need to contact our ship in orbit. We have many resources at our disposal to try to answer that question, your Imperiousness."

"Though, I can assure you that the Dalacari..." she motioned to herself. Herselves... Herself. "... and our neighbors are no allies of the Koldaren."

The Imperator nodded solemnly, shoulders slumping ever so slightly at the lack of immediate news, "Of course you can discuss these things with your ship. In fact, while We would desire at least some of you to remain here on Reh'nar as Our guests, you shall not be kept here against your will. However, We will request that the news of Our father's death be kept closely to yourselves. Until the war with Koldar is resolved in it's entirety, the continuity of the Reh'nari government is paramount to prevent unrest."

Christine relaxed just a but not completely. Still aware things could go up in smoke, she watched and waited quietly.

Rostra gave a pair of nods, "None of your people will hear of such from us." and the silent twin gave a glance to the others in the Away Team, more of a formality than anything like an order. It'd be rude to refuse the request of, essentially, the king of these people. Then, the twin that was facing the Away Team spoke next.

"First, we need to establish contact with the Wellington and appraise them of our situation. Then, I think it's time for a little study session to see what we can..."

"... find out about the Reh'nar expanse and their colonies." and at that, the speaking Rostra tapped her comm badge.

"Tang to Bartlett. Checking in. We're in no danger and are guests of Imperator Metor Charie Terrio Lental Kreor." Rostra had a talent for names, "He's requested any information regarding..."

"... any ships in orbit, as well as the status of a number of the colonies of the Reh'nar expanse. Details to follow. Suggest Miss Mordin prep the array to contact the Buoys."

The relieved voice of Michelle came over the comm. "Pleased to hear you're all right. We have the other two members of the away team safely aboard. It sounds like they may have scared a few of the locals accidentally."

Shaille was only vaguely aware of the words Rostra was speaking via the comm link with the ship, instead she was somewhat distracted. There was something about the way that the Imperator had enquired as to the well being of *his* people, the way he spoke in first person, acknowledging himself as Imperator in actuality rather than referring to to the role of the Imperator as being that of a third party. "Commander," she stepped forward and glanced at Rostra quickly before turning her gaze back to the Imperator again. "Perhaps it would be easier if the Imperator were to return to the ship with us, with a small security detail of course should he wish. I suspect it may be easier to show him in person what we can rather than trying to play chinese whispers with what ever information we have available to us."

"If His Imperiousness would agree, we would be pleased to have him aboard where we can discuss this on more neutral ground." Honn said. "I can assure you, we will not harm you."

Rostra gave a pair of nods before turning back towards the Imperator, "It is certainly your decision, sir, but as one of the most popular characters in Earth literature and lore once said, we would be honored if you would join us."

"We would be pleased to join you aboard your ship." The Imperator smiled slightly, "However, We can dispense with guards. Even should We have them, We would be outnumbered and unable to prevail. What Our advisers do not know now will not have any effect in the future."

"Well then... I think it's settled. Honn to Wellington... Lock onto our comm signals and transport one additional."

OFF:
Commander Rostra Tang
Executive Officer
USS Wellington

Imperator Metor Charie Terrio Lental Kreor
Ruler of Reh'nar and the Reh'nari Imperium
Reh'nar

Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commanding Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Commander Talea Honn
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Wellington

1LT Christine Zen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Shaille Levine
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Wellington