Designated Survivor

Posted on Tue Apr 21st, 2020 @ 11:46pm by Councilor Caxl & Ambassador Ras th'Zaanaq
Edited on on Tue Apr 21st, 2020 @ 11:53pm

1,103 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Genesis
Location: Palais de la Concord, Earth
Timeline: 2430-01-09, 09:40

Ambassador Caxl of Benzar stood outside the entry to the Palais de la Concord on Earth looking carefully at the home of the Federation's Executive Branch. His arms were crossed as he watched the building, knowing full well that the President was far away from here on his own foolish mission. He sighed as he breathed into the rebreather on his chest, the healing vapors of his homeworld wisping through his lungs. It was comforting.

Because he was about to be a catalyst for the future.

Stepping into the building, he approached the Receptionist, "Ambassador Caxl of Benzar to meet with Secretary th'Zaanaq."

The receptionist looked up and smiled, “Of course, if you’d like to take a seat and I’ll let Security th’Zaanaq know your are here. He shouldn’t keep you waiting long, Ambassador.”

Caxl nodded, clutching a datapad in his hand like it was part of his body. He glanced at it briefly, carefully reminding himself of its contents as he waited. Fortunately he wasn't kept waiting long.

He took a breath from his rebreather and greeted as the gas fogged from his mouth, "Tha Secretary."

The receptionist pressed a button and informed the Secretary that the Ambassador was here. A few moments later she nodded and turned to the Ambassador. “Secretary th’Zaanaq is just finishing a call then he’ll be with you.”

The Benzite Ambassador crossed his arms indignantly. "Very well," he said in a condescending tone, "but I am very busy and this is an urgent matter. Keeping me waiting is not in the best interests of the Federation."

Another beep from the receptionist console informed her that the Secretary was now free. “The Secretary can see you now. My apologies for the slight delay, Ambassador.”

"It's fine," he snapped back as he walked toward the door and into the Secretary's Office.

It was somewhat smaller than the Benzite expected it to be, but was decorated in the traditions of Andorian culture. For the young Representative he wondered if he may find a ushaan in the room on display - despite the security guidelines - but now wasn't the time to challenge anyone about something so trivial. He was going to be doing far worse in a moment.

He approached the desk, nodding slightly and taking a breath of the refreshing air of his homeworld in the process. "Secretary, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. As the designated survivor on Earth I know that access to you is highly restrictive, but the purposes of this meeting are critical." He brought the crimson datapad up to view in his hand, clutching it carefully before handing it over.

“Not at all, Ambassador. I apologise for keeping you waiting but as you can expect I’m very busy with the President being off world.” Ras replied as he took the PADD from the Ambassador before gesturing for the Benzite to take a seat. The Andorian had quickly moved into the political arena, having been asked to assume the Security Advisor position not long ago before being brought in as Secretary of Security. “So, what am I looking at?” He asked as he began to thumb through the PADDs contents.

The Benzite Ambassador put on his game face, keeping as stern a face as he possibly could. He crossed his arms, "It's fairly evident. I represent a group of 20 Federation Councillors whom officially are protesting the efforts of the President to establish a diplomatic alliance with the Dominion. In the event that a formal relationship is established we will secede from the Federation."

The Andorians antenna went backward with surprise. the Secretary wasn’t stupid, he knew what was in front of him but he wanted clarification of what he read. “Why? Surely peace and diplomacy with everyone is the Federation’s goal. What makes the Dominion any different to Cardassians or Romulans? Hell, even the Klingons?”

"Simple: the Dominion invaded the Alpha Quadrant. They came like locusts, killing and maiming races of our galaxy. The Federation fought them, but many of us are still paying for it. If it weren't for the Romulans my people may've still been under Dominion rule today. We won't support this travesty," the alien answered in a huff.

“I understand what you’re saying, Ambassador, but the war was almost 60 years ago. The Federation isn’t known for holding grudges. Look how many times we’ve been at war with the Klingons, again we’re on the brink of it as they weren’t invited to the talks, but we’ve always talked with them and arranged a peace.” Ras replied with a sigh. “Of course, I’ll pass this to the President but consider what you could be doing by seceding from the Federation.”

He nodded, "I can assure you that we have, Secretary. We have also considered what will happen if we allow this travesty to continue..."

“Have you all considered what would happen to your respective worlds without the support of the Federation? Are you all strong enough to stand alone?” The Andorian asked, wondering if they had considered what a big step they were considering.

"Did I ever say we would stand alone, Mister Secretary? There are many governments in the galaxy, some who are just as embittered by these turn of events as we." He took a breath of his native atmosphere, "The Romulans, the Klingons, just to name a few aren't too pleased with how they've been treated. Same as we." The Benzite had a toothy grin as he said it, turning and walking toward the door.

“You really want to give up your civil rights and liberties by joining the Klingon’s or Romulans!” The Andorian’s antenna went back with shock. “You really haven’t thought this through have you.”

He paused before exitting, "You should really explore history, Secretary. You would know that it was not the Federation that saved my people from the Dominion; rather it was the Romulans who saved us."

“But it was the Federation which kept them from taking Benzar for themselves.” Ras replied coolly. “Of course, I shall pass on this information to the President. The only thing I ask is that you don’t jump to early. That road could be a dark and bumpy one.”

"Your concern is touching," he answered excusing himself.

As the door to his office closed, Ras let out a puff of air. He was starting to regret being talking into taking the job, let alone standing in for the President when he was off gallivanting around the galaxy.

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