Lost Appetite

Posted on Thu Mar 19th, 2020 @ 11:09pm by Captain Wilkan Targaryen & President Gruzy of New Xindus & Councilor Jahra Naron of Bajor & Captain Ryan Walsh & Colonel Mok'leth Kevan House of Kilrah

1,116 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Genesis
Location: Admiral's Dining Room, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2430-01-08, 09:00

Admiral William Teagarden sat opposite the President of the United Federation of Planets just observing the Xindi for a moment. You could tell a lot from a person just by their mannerisms and, from his study, William knew that the two men were incredibly alike almost to the point they were the same person. It was scary to think that way, but it was true. Both were driven, direct, and intense people who wanted nothing but what was best for the Federation. They knew that people were afraid of them, they knew that they pushed boundaries far too often for the preferences of most people, and most importantly though they knew that they each had each others backs.

Even though the President's choice of foods from the replicator was far from appealing to the Admiral. The President, being a Xindi Reptilian, had ordered an omelet with rodent meat from the replicator system. It had immediately killed William's appetite for anything and perhaps for the entire day if not week. While some may find it delicious, William was not. If anything he was happy to know that there was at least one way in which he and the President were truly different.

"I hope that we can find some common ground tomorrow for our meeting," the President said as he ate a portion of egg.

William cringed as he saw the President approach a piece of meat, "Indeed, Mister President, I share that hope. The prospects of peace with the Dominion are too vital to ignore. If only they are sincere."

"That is what we must prepare for." He watched as the doors opened, "Ah, good to see you."

“I apologize for being late,” Ryan said as he took a seat. He had received an important call just as he was leaving to come.

"Not at all, Captain," the Xindi excused. "Would you care for something to eat, Captain? The replicator has been programmed and Admiral Teagarden's chef is one of the best in the Federation. He's a wonder with omelets," he motioned toward his plate.

William wanted to turn a dozen shades of green at the suggestion. Instead he took a drink of his water to force the bile back down.

Ryan smiled. “I believe I will pass on the omelet but I will get myself something, thank you Sir.” He has seen some weird meals in the past but this took the cake.

"Good, I'm not the last to arrive," Naron said as he entered the room, his hands folded into the sleeves of his robes, his face drawn, haggard with dark circles around his eyes. "Have we begun the meeting yet or is this still the preamble?"

"Still the preamble," the Xindi answered as he took another bite of his food. "I like meetings with food though; nevertheless, I think I am making the Admiral a bit squeamish."

Teagarden lied, "Not at all."

"You know I figured out your tell a long time ago," the President replied as he took a drink. "I'll mention what it is to you later when no one's around. Best to keep up your mystique. I suppose we may as well begin. As others arrive they can just catch up. We're preparing for our meeting with the Dominion tomorrow. Down the hall the defensive strategies are being planned. In here we're preparing for what we want from the Dominion in an alliance. The Federation Security Council has made recommendations, as has the General Assembly, but I was more curious what we want specifically since we'll be the ones in the room with them."

"Galactic peace, of course," Naron said as he took a seat. "Since we are unable to answer the most important question of the proceedings, we might as well start where you suggest, Mr. President. What shall be our attainable goals out of these talks? And, more importantly, what are we willing to lose?"

The President paused as he looked to their Klingon colleague, "We potentially have a lot to lose. The Klingons have been barred from these proceedings according to Weyoun." He sighed, "We have only started to rebuild our relationship with the Klingons. I am not prepared to sacrifice it."

"While Weyoun may have tried to ban their presence, that doesn't mean he can ban their wishes," Naron said. "If we decide not to fight for Klingon presence at these meetings, then we can still fight for what they want, as well as what we want. The Klingons must realize our efforts even then."

William shifted in his seat and looked at the Klingon Ambassador, "Would your government support that?"

Gruzy lifted his hand, "It doesn't matter. As far as I am concerned the Klingons have just as much right to be there as we. Nonetheless, I feel confident in asking them for enhanced access to the Gamma Quadrant for the Federation. In exchange we will provide them with access to the Alpha Quadrant."

Mok'leth stopped eating for a moment, "No the chancellor has made it clear that we must be allowed to this meeting as we also have the right to physically say our wishes. To deny the Klingon Empire the right to sit in on these proceedings would not sit well at all. To discriminate against a people would be on poor taste", he said taking another bite of his food.

“I am concerned that allowing them to keep the Klingons out and our going will anger the Klingons.” Ryan spoke up. “They will only have our word on things and we all know how far they will trust us.”

The President sat a moment, thinking about the situation carefully. He was set in his belief that the Klingons needed to be present at the meeting, but he also knew the truth that the Federation needed the relationship with the Dominion. There was something else though, something that told him that there was more to all of this than they had known.

He pushed aside his food, "I am planning to ask that the Federation and its allies be once more allowed to travel to the Gamma Quadrant. In exchange we will allow limited access to the Alpha Quadrant to the Dominion. We would also be willing to share scientific developments and study, but nothing that would give them an edge against us. Thoughts, Representatives?"

They talked for a while, carefully discussing points of contention for the group. After time passed they had a solid plan, but something told him that it wasn't going to be that simple. Especially when they received a hail from the Federation Council for his eyes only.

"Duty calls," he apologized. "Thank you all for coming. We're adjourned."

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