9 to 5

Posted on Thu Jul 25th, 2019 @ 8:52pm by President Gruzy of New Xindus
Edited on on Thu Jan 2nd, 2020 @ 5:18pm

1,644 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Atlantis
Location: Sitting Room, Château Thelian
Timeline: 2429-12-02, 19:00

The official residence of the President of the United Federation of Planets, Château Thelian was named after former President Thelianaresth th'Vorothishria and was built in the early 24th Century by Thelian to serve as his residence. Located in the Loire Valley, the Château was recognized as the residence of every president since Thelian. One of the largest buildings on Earth, the Château was as large as the nearby Château de Saint Brisso and built to the specifications of many other famous châteaux, well except for the dedicated transporter room.

One of President Gruzy's favorite rooms was Château Thelian's sitting room. Rustic in design it featured wood-paneled walls and a large, decorative stone fireplace on the east wall. A holographic fire burned inside of it to meet Federation safety protocols, but it was still just as awe inspiring and relaxing as if it were real. The west wall displayed portraits of all the Presidents since Thelian. Gruzy had not yet sat for his portrait, but he would do his best to make sure that it wasn't as dry and formal as some.

He took a drink of his Aldebaran Whiskey as he heard the door open. He glanced up to see a newcomer, "Welcome to my home."

“Mr. President,” Ras said with a respectful bow of his head. He had been surprised to be summoned to the home of the newly re-elected President. Of course, it was always a pleasure to return to Earth after having been away for so long. “Ras th’Zaanaq, reporting as requested.” He found it strange to introduce himself without the ‘Captain’ in front of him. A title he hadn’t used since his retirement seven years earlier.

The Xindi Reptilian President remained seated. "Nice to see you again. I know that it has been a while since our last encounter. Can I have my aides get you anything?"

Ras was about to decline the offer when he realised it had been many years since he’d enjoyed a good cup of English tea. “Could I bother you for a pot of English tea? It’s been a few years since I’ve had a decent brew.”

Gruzy motioned and an Aide seemingly appeared out of no where. He looked up at the newcomer, "A pot of English Tea for my guest."

The Mizarian nodded as she scurried away to get the requested tea.

"They make an amazing tea," the President confirmed. "I think that you'll enjoy it. I am waiting for my Chief of Staff, but I wanted to meet with you first. How is life in the civilian sector?"

Ras smiled, “Retirement has its advantages, however, life is slow. I had hoped to continue in my role for a good few years but with the accident, I felt I should be at home.”

"So I take that as you are ready to get back to work then?" The President asked as he took a drink.

The Andorian gave a small shrug, “I’ve honestly not thought about it much, however, I won’t rule it out if the right position pops up.” Ras replied with a respectful tone.

"I've given it some thought and I am appointing you as my Federation Security Advisor. You'd work closely with the Secretary of the Exterior and Secretary of Defense, but it's a role that's very important and I don't need Council confirmation." He smiled as he said the last part. "This is a time sensitive offer, I need to know soon what you want to do."

Ras’ antenna bent backwards with the obvious shock of what the President had just said. To serve the Federation again would be an honour and to be able to use his previous experience would be beneficial to both Secretary’s. “It would be an honour to serve the Federation again in such a role, Mr. President.” He replied with a respectful bow of the head.

"Good. I will have the appropriate documentation drawn up. The first session of the Council is tomorrow morning. I want to get ahead of the headlines," he snickered as he said it. The game of political brinksmanship was a deadly one.

The Andorian nodded, “Is there anything I should know for tomorrow?” He asked, concerned he didn’t want to walk into a position but not know the full goings on within the Federation government.

"There are probably a million little things and a million big things," the Xindi Reptilian answered as he was brought another drink. "The last few months have not been good for my Administration and the wolves are at the door already. The Benzite Ambassador in particular has become a major concern and he's gaining support throughout the Council. Reunification between Romulus and Vulcan may not have happened on my watch, but the fallout of that is still fresh on people's minds, and that's not to mention what Teagarden did." He sighed at the last statement, the wound still fresh.

“Forgive me, Mr President, but aren’t the wolves always at the door of the president regardless of what’s happened.” Ras said with half a smile. “I can imagine losing a founder world of the Coalition and later the Federation to the Romulans is a massive blow for the Federation as a whole, however, they can not blame you for it. You must pick up the pieces and move forward as best as you can.”

"That's old news," he rotated his drink and watched as the liquid made waves. "It's strange that one man was directly involved not only in the Romulan debacle but also the Klingon one. He killed the Chancellor in a Klingon Rite of Vengeance ceremony for killing the person that almost killed his wife." He smiled, "Convoluted - most certainly. Legal - to the Klingons. Right - that remains to be seen. He was sent there to be Arbiter in one of their godforsaken rituals and he murdered their leader. Not exactly a great way to be. Then there was the whole thing with reunification," he said with a sigh.

“If I may be so bold, I’m surprised he still has he’s Admiral bars. I’m pretty sure killing a head of state is an offensive within the Federation. The Klingons may believe their laws we’re followed, however, our were not.” Ras said. “Of course, this is just the mere opinion of a simple Andorian civilian.”

The President considered how much to tell the newcomer to his Administration about Admiral Teagarden and how much access he truly had. But there was another answer, far more fitting, "He's only still here because he saved my life during the disaster at the Vulcanis Lunar Colony. Otherwise he wouldn't have his bars and, more importantly, he wouldn't have his ship. He cares more about it than anything aside from his family. I expect that the Council will have more than a few words about it in the morning."

"I would like for you to go meet with Admiral Lynz in the morning," he stated. "You will be working fairly closely with her and I'd like you two to become acquainted."

“My apologies, Mr President. It wasn’t my intention to tell you how to do your job. It was more of an observation from a retired Starfleet Officer.” The Andorian replied with a respectful bow of the head. “Admiral Lynz? The name rings a bell, yet I can’t picture the face.”

He smiled, "Never took it as a slight and Lynz is an old Starfleet Officer who is fairly well known, but not so well known that everyone can picture her. She used to command the Gettysburg then the Enterprise for a time. Now she's Commander Starfleet."

“Commander Starfleet? Then the Admiral has done well. I’m sure we’ve met before but it’s been awhile since I seen Starfleet hierarchy. I look forward to netting and working with the Admiral.” The Andorian replied.

"You could say that my friend," he paused, "then again she was the one that the Klingon nearly killed that led to this whole debacle." He finished his drink, wondering where Res was.

“Hence why Admiral Teagarden still has his bars?” Ras asked as the President’s aide finally arrived back with a pot of tea.

The President nodded, "Partially. Mainly his having saved my life at Vulcanis though."

“I can see why you’d want to keep him around.” Ras replied with a smile before taking a sip of his tea.

"I've had my own concerns about him recently, which is why I am carefully judging the situation." He paused, "Between him, continued fallout from reunification, the Klingon relationship, not to mention the Cardassians starting to rear their heads again your role certainly won't be boring."

Ras smiled, “And there I thought I was walking into an easy job.” He replied with a smile. “I like a challenge.”

"That's a good thing. Fortunately the Council doesn't have to confirm your appointment so the job's yours," Gruzy informed. He handed a purple PADD to the Andorian, "Congratulations... I think."

Ras set his tea cup down before accepting the PADD. “Thank you, Mr. President. I’ll do my best to serve you and the Federation as best as I can.”

"That much is certain," he checked the time, "I am afraid I have another appointment coming. Remember to meet with Admiral Lynz tomorrow. I'm interested in your impressions."

Ras quickly finished his cup of tea, he knew when he was being politely asked to leave without it being said. “I’ll catch up on what’s going on and I’ll see you tomorrow.” The Andorian then have a respectful nod. “Mr President.” He said waiting to be dismissed.

Gruzy nodded and returned the farewell to dismiss him, "Mister Secretary."

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