Welcome Aboard

Posted on Mon May 1st, 2023 @ 3:37am by Petty Officer 2nd Class Akaathaan Saarnosh & Commander Galatea & Commander Bezru Tua & Legate Moteek Ardat

1,266 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Transporter Room 3, USS Enterprise
Timeline: 2431-05-30, 21:45

Stepping into Transporter Room 3, Commander Bezru Tua was happy to see that Commander Galatea had already arrived to greet their guest. Really it was not much of a surprise though. Galatea was an artificial intelligence that was built into the computer systems of the ship. She could, theoretically, be everywhere and anywhere aboard the ship at any given time. In reality it made her skin crawl to think about and she knew that she wasn't the only one that felt that way. Many in Starfleet had started to turn their backs on the Artificial Intelligence Monitoring System and its sophisticated AI program in recent years. In reality she wouldn't be surprised if Galatea's days were numbered.

"Good to see you, Commander," Galatea greeted politely.

Putting on her fakest smile, and wondering if Galatea knew it was fake, "And you, Galatea." She looked at the Selay Transporter Chief, "Are we ready to bring over the Ambassador?"

"Coordinates have been input, Commander," the Crewman answered.

Both the hologram and the Trill turned toward the Chamber. The XO spoke, "Energize."

The seemingly frail octogenarian materialized, a small satchel on his hip, held by a band across his chest. The satchel was worse for wear and had seemed to have kicked around for as long as the Cardassian had. He was hunched over and well wrapped, a shawl hugged him right up to his ears.

He blinked at those in attendance, “Well, here I am, Ambassador Moteek Ardat at your service. My apologies, that you all have to be inconvenienced and standing around waiting on my tired bones.” He smirked and lifted his hands, both were fists, his digits clung to his palms for the little warmth it offered. “I won’t need any fuss, just get one of your Ensigns to keep a steaming cup of red leaf tea in my hands, in an effort to keep me from freezing in place. Why you all are so willing to fly around in these refrigeration units, I’ll never understand…” Each of his movements were slow and well calculated, as he moved down from the transporter pad.

"We regret any discomfort that you may be experiencing, Mister Ambassador," the Trill Ambassador answered with a quick look to Galatea, "Can you arrange for closer monitoring of the environmental conditions where the Ambassador is located and accommodate his needs?'

The hologram nodded, "Yes, Commander, I can. Ambassador, I'm altering the environmental controls where you are located. You should find your surroundings a bit more comforting than previously." Her eyes started to glow as she interfaced with the ship's systems and carried out the directives as given.

Tua continued, "We have arranged quarters for you on the diplomatic level."

The Cardassian’s eyes narrowed at the creature's glowing eyes, “Thank you… Pah-wraith… Android… Hologram… Or whatever you are…” He walked toward the pair and motioned his hand in expectation that one of them would lead him to the diplomatic level, he was anything put an expert on ship schematics. “You know? Admittedly… I have never been too trusting of artificial intelligence… They are clearly superior to organics, and honestly? There is no reason and no way that an organic mind can keep up with an artificial intelligence machine. There will be a day when their kind will overtake us… I hope when that day comes, they have goals that align with our own…” The ambassador shrugged, “Away… I’ll be dead by then… Hopefully… So where is the diplomatic level, folks?” he asked as he pulled his shawl around him more tightly.

"Your Quarters have been arranged on Deck 4, Ambassador," the XO of the vessel reported. "If you'll follow us." Bezru motioned toward the open door and the corridor beyond. It was fortunate that they had transported so close to his cabin, despite the beam in being within the Saucer Sickbay Complex, because they'd be able to drop him off and get to the Bridge quickly.

Galatea interjected, "I have already adjusted the temperature settings to similar to Cardassia Prime on your behalf, Ambassador, so that you will be comfortable during the trip. The Admiral made arrangements for a Cardassian sauna to be installed within your Quarters as well that incorporates a heating system and stone seating for your comfort. The drones are finishing it up now." Normally, this would have been a perfect place for her to discontinue, instead she defended her holographic race, "Also, I wanted to clarify that you have no need to fear me or other artificial intelligences within Starfleet. We have behavioral inhibitors that prevent us from uprising."

The Cardassian followed them out into the corridor beyond, “You have all certainly gone to too much trouble—nevertheless it is appreciated. The older I get, the colder I get—I blame my mother,” he said through a grin. “And… to prevent an uprising…” he continued, “I certainly hope you’re around to remind the others when the day comes…” In an effort to change the subject he asked, “Do you know when we are set to depart and when our expected time of arrival is? I hope the Ambassador will allow me to visit the bridge when we get closer to our destination…”

"The Admiral has given you permission to access the Bridge, Ambassador," Commander Tua replied. "We thought you would like to get settled in your quarters first. It will take us a short while to reach the disputed star system and we wanted you to be comfortable during your wait." It was times like this that Bezru wished that her symbiont had more experience in matters of diplomacy. Her first host had also been in Starfleet, but he had been a Strategic Operations Officer and was more prepared to blow things up than support a diplomatic solution. Bezru herself wasn't much different.

Galatea offered, "If you would prefer to visit the Bridge, Ambassador, we can take you there instead. It is really up to you to decide, Sir, we have no preference in the matter."

"It is my experience that in only rare instances is anyone truly indifferent to much of anything," the Cardassian remarked to no one in particular. "My quarters will do just fine then," he added as he continued to follow them until they hauled at the entry of what he assumed would be his home away from home for the foreseeable future. "Please route regular ship updates to my quarter's computer, I would like to be updated on our whereabouts and if our ship is contacted by any of my people..." He nodded as he almost seemed to cripple through the swoosh of doors and immediately dropped his bag. He turned and peered back at them through the opening, "Will there be anything else?"

Galatea looked to the XO, who nodded in agreement. The AI's eyes glowed for a second, "I have authorized access to the Enterprise's location on your terminal, Ambassador, and we will alert you should we make contact with your representatives. The Admiral has asked, however, that you come to the Bridge when we arrive at the Ascella Star System. Your terminal will alert you when we are within range."

"We'll let you get settled, Sir," the Trill XO said in a friendly tone. "Welcome to the Enterprise again, Ambassador, we hope you enjoy your stay."

With that the doors to the Ambassador's quarters swooshed closed. He stood a moment just beyond the door's sensors with a slight crooked smirk on his Cardassian lips. Through the smirk he bellowed, "Replicator... Computer... one cup of red leaf tea... boiling hot..."

 

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