Broken Plans

Posted on Tue Apr 23rd, 2019 @ 8:30am by Captain Taliserra Tigran & Lieutenant Commander Radak

1,176 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Negotiations and Apothecaries
Location: USS Wolff - Captain's quarters
Timeline: 28th feb 2395

ON:

"Computer begin log," Taliserra said, as she gingerly lowered herself into a chair at her desk.

"Our medical team have finally been able to find a cure for the virus infecting the crew and have distributed it, but it has taken its toll on us. twenty two crew died before then, including two senior officers, Lieutenants Sika and Polaris." She paused to sip at a cup of tea. "Their loss will be keenly felt across the ship, especially amongst the older crew as Galatea had been with the ship for quite a while."

"Dozens of crew are also dealing with the after effects of the virus and will not be able to return to duty for several days yet. I should include myself amongst them, but these negotiations cannot wait."

"Commander Radak tells me a Kurai ship is waiting opposite us with their ambassador onboard, waiting until we have dealt with this virus." Her train of thought was interrupted by the door's chime. "Computer pause recording."

Lieutenant Commander Radak tapped the buzzer to the door of the Captain's Ready Room and waited for permission to enter. Once he had stepped through the doors and they slid shut behind him he almost seemed to relax and take a deep breath. He was carrying a PADD, which he now held out to Taliserra. "I have the final results of the investigation, Captain. It is... interesting. What has transpired seems like it was a great waste of time, energy and lives."

"Define interesting, Commander," Taliserra said taking the PADD, she was glad that Radak had not shown signs of the virus and had been able to run the ship while she was ill.

"I cannot say that I completely understand the entire story, Captain, but all of this seems to have been an attempt to poison the Kurai people. This plan also seems to have backfired. Rather spectacularly."

"What?" Taliserra replied a little astounded as she read through the PADD. "Al'mek seemed really intent on getting this peace treaty signed, I can't believe he would have tried to poison the Kurai."

"Not Ambassador Al'mek, Captain. His aide, Ran'ai. Al'mek knew nothing of the plot. She tried briefly to say that he did, since the virus was hidden amongst his scent bottles, but her deceptions were quickly uncovered. Apparently, she is part of an opposing faction, as was her brother, whom she believed to have been killed by the Kurai."

"So she decided to try and infect the Kurai ambassador with this virus, hoping he would transmit it to the rest of the Kurai." Taliserra read some more as she spoke. "The scent bottles, it must had been released when some of them were broken during the Kurai attack."

"You are correct, Captain. It is rather ironic that Ran'ai is now among the sick," Radak pointed out.

"Has she been given the cure as well?" Taliserra asked, even though she was involved in the poisoning she didn't deserve to die from it.

"Of course, Captain," Radak replied. "I don't think Starfleet would like to hear that we didn't give the cure to someone. Even if she started the problem in the first place. I'm sure the Yatal will want to bring her to justice."

"And hopefully the people behind it." Taliserra added. "There must have been quite a few people involved in a plan like this."

Radak nodded. "Yes, it's rather elaborate for just one person. I would suspect a much larger power behind the scenes. Someone with money or influence or position, or all three. The way their people seem to be structured suggests that Ran'ai was simply the messenger, although her reasons for her participation seem to be personal..."

"People can be easily swayed to do what they usually wouldn't dream of when their family is involved." Taliserra stood up and had a little walk around, suddenly feeling a little stiff. "Now, you say a Kurai ship is nearby waiting for us, as soon as we have confirmation that there are no traces of this virus left you can bring their ambassador onboard."

Radak nodded. "Of course, Captain. They have been more than patient. I'm glad that the delays have not met with further conflict."

"These delays have put us several days past their ceasefire deadline. I guess you were able to persuade them to extend it for a while longer given the circumstances, good work," Taliserra said smiling.

Radak made a little noise that sounded like it might have been a stifled snort of humor. "Thank you, Captain. Fortunately, these people have been willing listen to logic. I believe that their meeting should go well, considering the behavior both sides have exhibited so far. I suspect that their troubles are caused very much by a lack of communication." He rubbed the end of his nose.

Taliserra nodded slightly. "Very likely, not everyone is lucky enough to have developed the technology to make a universal translator, the Yatal made some progress, enough to set these negotiations up."

"It does speak of their desire for peace. Their progress took work and dedication. It is one of the reasons that I believe that Ambassador Al'mek is telling the truth when he says he knew nothing of the virus. He sincerely is a proponent for peace between his people and the Kurai."

"I hope we can give them this peace." Taliserra stopped near the doorway of her quarters when she suddenly felt a little dizzy.

Radak frowned and went to her side. "Don't push yourself, Captain. You are still recovering."

"I'm okay." Taliserra shooed Radak away. "Just a little dizzy, I don't think Tigran is taking this too well either. Might need to give her a check up too."

Radak nodded. "I will send medical personnel to you. Please rest. I can handle the delegates. At least for now."

"You are right." Taliserra, slightly unsteadily, walked back to her chair and sat down. "I'll be here if you need me."

"Very good, Captain," Radak said with a curt nod. "I will keep you informed. I am going to go get the Kurai Ambassador and escort him and his aide to their rooms. I think it will be alright if you miss out. I am certain that he will wish to meet you soon, but wait please, until such time."

Taliserra nodded slightly. "I don't expect any trouble from them, but be on your guard, Commander. We still don't know if that attack was a rogue faction or intentional."

Radak stood. "Of course, Captain." He nodded. "I will take precautions. It is only logical. I should not keep them waiting any longer."

"And remember Radak, be cautious but diplomatic, this is first contact with a new species after all."

Radak nodded again, turning back to the captain before he reached the door. "Do not worry, Captain. Diplomacy is something I have a lot of experience with. I will not let you down." He turned and headed for the docking area.

OFF:

Captain Taliserra Tigran
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Radak
Executive Officer

 

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