The Council Convenes

Posted on Sun Sep 8th, 2019 @ 9:30pm by President Gruzy of New Xindus & Daeren Iril & Councilor Jahra Naron of Bajor
Edited on on Thu Jan 2nd, 2020 @ 5:15pm

4,622 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Atlantis
Location: Federation Council Chamber
Timeline: 2429-12-03, 10:00

The chimes echoed throughout the Federation Council Chambers, signifying for all that the session was about to begin. It was the first Council meeting of the new year and President Gruzy was looking forward to it, but knew that it was going to be a fight. A fight that he knew he could win.

As the tones ended a voice could be heard in the distance. That was his cue, "Ladies, Gentlemen, Transgendered Species, join me in welcoming the President of the United Federation of Planets."

The Xindi Reptilian walked toward the entry dutifully, eagerly waiting to get the session in place. He walked with purpose, ready for the discussion and work ahead. He walked along the South Wall of the Chamber on the first floor of the Palais de la Concorde and stopped at his podium. Along the east and west walls, were rows of seats for the Federation Councillors. Opposite the President was the gallery filled with press.

"Welcome to the Federation Council Session. We have much to discuss to keep and maintain our Federation as a strong and healthy government, but through the steadfast dedication of the people in this room I know that we can withstand any challenge that we face."

Before he could say another word the signal light for Ambassador Caxl, the Benzite Representative, illuminated on his panel. Protocol dictated that he had to respond. Tapping the control it authorized the Councilor to speak.

"The Chair recognizes Ambassador Caxl of Benzar," the holographic AI of the Council - Gaia - reported.

For many that knew Gruzy and his policies they would know that this wasn't a good moment for him. Caxl was one of the most outspoken members of the Populist party. Members like Caxl believed that almost all individual member worlds should retain their own sovereignty and they strongly supported a limited Federation government, one with a focus on individual freedoms and an increased voice for the people. In theory it was sound, but it limited the Federation from their business. Caxl was one of their best known members.

Caxl moved to the center of the floor to where the council was generally addressed from and studied the crowd. Drone recorders flew around the room gathering holoimagery for the news networks. He took a breath from his rebreather then began.

"As the President says we have much to discuss," the Benzite announced, "but chief among them is the failure of his Administration to handle a sensitive issue that could irreparably damage our relationship with the Klingon Empire. A Starfleet Officer, a man he installed as Ambassador to the Klingon Empire, murdered their Chancellor in cold blood! The Klingons have excused his actions because it followed their honor code, but we cannot do the same. We must address this before it further damages our future."

***

On Starfleet One Daeren Iril entered the replica of the Federation Council Chamber and sat in the place reserved for the Federation Councillor representing Trill.

"Computer, activate live streaming broadcast of the current Federation Council session," Daeren said. Instantly, the large chamber filled with holographic projections of every politician currently attending the session. Gone were the days when being absent from the meeting was an excuse for missing it, Daeren thought with wry amusement. On Starfleet One, at least, there was no escaping the darned things.

At the moment, Ambassador Caxl was speaking, and Daeren listened to him, taking occasional notes as he listened. Caxl had a point, Daeren thought. It could well be argued that Teagarden had interfered unduly in the politics of another sovereign nation by dueling with Chancellor Brotak

It must be inconvenient for Caxl, Daeren mused, that the Klingons had accepted Teagarden's action. It was why Daeren liked Klingons. Yes, they were capable of deceit, but by and large, they were also refreshingly straightforward. In general, you knew where you stood with a Klingon. They didn't pretend that vengeance wasn't a motive; they accepted it and honored it and let it be out in the open.

Unfortunately for Teagarden, the Federation politicians were not nearly so ... understanding.

***

President Gruzy stood at the podium silently fuming over the comments made by the Benzite Representative. He hid it behind a politically versed poker face, but inside he was screaming at the top of his lungs. If this had been two centuries ago the Reptilian inside of him would've probably just ripped him to shreds. Fortunately, at least for Caxl, his people were far more civilized these days.

To an extent at least.

The President had expected response from either the Secretary of Defense or the Federation Security Advisor on this matter. There was still time. He listened as Caxl continued.

"This is just further evidence of the growing control and influence Starfleet has in this Chamber, in this galaxy! We have made them our peacekeepers, our defenders, but we're making them more and more into our decision makers. They operate without prejudice, with disregard from the political reality of their actions. They trample on our rights in the name of peace every day and we let them! This needs to stop before it gets any further out of hand!"

Daeren tapped the button at his seat to signal that he wished to speak.

"The Chair recognizes Ambassador Iril of Trillius Prime," Gaia said.

Daeren composed himself and then stood. "The honorable member from Benzar might have allowed the President to get a word in edgewise before commencing his outburst," he said in a wry tone.

"My colleague Ambassador Caxl has brought up two issues--those of addressing Admiral Teagarden's actions against Chancellor Brotak of the Klingon Empire and the more philosophical question of whether Starfleet is overstepping its reach.

"The Starfleet question, I think, is too complex to be effectively resolved without considerable discussion. Any argument we start now could last for days and create nothing but rancor among people who must work together for the betterment of all. I would put that question into committee and let them hash it out.

"As for Admiral Teagarden's actions while serving as a Federation ambassador--those deserve some examination. While Klingon culture values conflict and accepts duels to the death as a way of providing final resolution to a problem, Federation culture by and large disagrees with that practice.

"As a Federation ambassador, Admiral Teagarden represented us. As the commanding officer of a starship, he represents us as well and has ambassadorial authority--which he will be exercising in a couple of hours. To represent us is also to represent our standard of ethics. That said, I believe Adm. Teagarden arrived at the best possible ultimate solution, with regard to our relations with the Klingon Empire, though I am not happy at how he did it."

Ras th’Zaanaq sat in the chamber and listened. It wasn’t the first time he’d been in the Federation Council Chamber but it had been many years. He was content on watching and listening to the exchanges until he was called upon or had anything valuable to add to the discussion.

Naron checked his sigh as he hit the chime to indicate he wished to take the floor. He had hoped that the rumors of the Council activities would be less like squabbling vedeks but that hope seemed to have been false from the start.

"The Chair recognizes Ambassador Jahra Naron of Bajor."

After being duly recognized, Naron stood to address the assembly. "Mister President, honorable Federation representatives, it is unfortunate this is the way our first session is to begin. I'm afraid that I have not yet been able to meet many of you," he started, keeping his voice strong and projecting across the room. He was aware but made no outward notice of the drones and other recording devices turned toward him. "I am Jahra Naron, Bajoran representative. I'm sorry that I have not met the honorable representative from Benzar for more than a few moments during "freshman orientation" where we learned that topics such as this should be brought up in a proper manner."

Naron spread his hands wide, only the fingertips showing in his wide, long robes. "As for the issue regarding the Klingon matter, I ask that Caxl defer the motion he wishes to make until this Assemblage can be better informed. I, for one, would not wish to have the Federation Council..." here Naron paused deliberately, making sure he had as much of their attention as he'd get..."interfere with the right of a sovereign people to dispense justice in accordance with their law and customs. It would seem to be the ultimate arrogance of this body to force its own sense of justice and ethics onto every member world, and is in violation of the Federation Charter as well."

Naron turned toward Caxl, "Will you defer your motion until all members of this body may be fully informed on the situation, or shall we vote based solely on your desire to enforce Federation sensibilities onto a sovereign people?"

The Benzite considered the comment for a long moment before saying anything. It was a good argument and not one many would have thought of. He took a breath from the rebreather on his chest as he considered how to move forward with this.

"I merely want to point out that this is more evidence of the same. Starfleet, a group meant to be a humanitarian organization that works for us, is acting more and more like a secret government. A government that is enforcing its will upon all of us and slowly taking over this Council. Many of the people here are former Starfleet Officers," he looked both at Ambassador Iril and Ambassador th'Zasnaq as he said it, "and the sovereignty of our worlds is at risk!"

He paused, looking at his opposite number from Bajor, "I will defer, for now, but rest assured that this is not the last of this discussion as it is a matter of extreme importance. This body cannot lose sight of its purpose."

Ras found himself nodding in agreement. He had seen it first hand that sometimes Starfleet had gotten to big for its boots. However, he wasn’t ready to comment on this as he didn’t have all the facts he needed. Also being new to the Federation Council, he wasn’t there to make enemy’s of colleagues.

"Yes," Naron said with a sad smile, "that is certainly an important issue and one that must be addressed in it's proper time and place. Do not forget, Caxl, that Bajor knows all too well the imposition of Starfleet desires against a sovereign people for do we still not have them 'administrating' our Temple? Perhaps you and I could begin that conversation among ourselves and find a way to present our arguments so that even the most obstinate listener must hear us?" He folded his hands back into the sleeves of his robes. "After all, we must also consider the wishes of those same sovereign people to choose who represents them in the Council. If we override their rights in this area, where do we stop in deciding what groups are not allowed to serve? Perhaps Vedeks? Perhaps intelligent and insightful young men?"

The Xindi President stood silently at the podium watching the interplay before him. He knew that this wouldn't go well even yesterday, but he hadn't expected it to happen this quickly. The Starfleet question was always going to nag at them and it was one of the fastest growing parties within the Federation Government. It made sense that it would be a problem for many. The Reptilian tugged on his tunic as they continued to speak before him.

"Starfleet and its growing influence is one of many items that we have to discuss this day. I have not been blind to some of the changes that they have brought before us, forced upon us rather, but I also am not absent the fact that they have brought to us positive change."

"Like you?" Caxl interrupted. "You committed us to aid the Gorn in their fight against the Klingon Empire without bringing it before this Council first. Our relationship with the Klingons is balancing on a knife's blade already and you risk making things worse. The Gorn are a subject race of the Klingon Empire - that is fact - and you authorize us to support them in their bid for independence? Why! Why risk the wrath of the Klingons when they already are teetering in their support of us? The Klingons are strong, perhaps stronger than us at the moment, why are we antagonizing them?"

Ras cleared his throat. “Surely, involving us in the Gorn’s fight against the Empire breaks general order one. It’s an internal affair and should be treated as such.” The Andorian stated, his years as a Starfleet Officer evident.

"And the Federation is not Starfleet," Naron said, slightly raising his voice over the general din, "and as such are not bound by Starfleet's general orders. Starfleet serves the Federation, not the other way around and perhaps Caxl is right and this body takes measures to remind Starfleet of this undisputable fact."

He took a breath, "And in any case you are wrong. The subjugation of one species by another is not an internal matter it is, by very definition, external. It is a lesson that Starfleet and the Federation desperately needed to learn and it seems that our President has taken steps to rectify the blind ignorance of the Federation in that regard. I'm sure that the President, understanding the limitation of his powers to engage the Federation into hostilities has only made promises to bring this matter of Gorn aid to the Council. If we were not squabbling like children over ancillary issues, he would lay out his plan and persuasions as to why our involvement is necessary."

Daeren once again signaled that he wished to speak. "I never favor any people being regarded as a subject race of another. That said, we are not to pull a people to join our commonwealth; rather, we are to wait for that people to push themselves out of their boundaries. The Gorn did that. They pushed to the extent of deploying their own ships."

"The Bajorans pushed back against the Cardassians. They may not have had ships, but they certainly had a Resistance. The message was clear; their planet was being occupied by the Cardassian Union against their will. We helped the Bajorans, and even the Cardassians, after the Dominion War. Certainly, the Gorns deserve similar consideration. Yes, there are risks. Sometimes, they are the sort of risks we have to take."

"The Gorn Commander sacrificed his life to save New Vulcan," the President interrupted. "He did not have to do this, he did not have to help us, he chose to save them. He gave his life in hope that others would live. That is something that we cannot, that we will not forget. His wish was for us to identify, to recognize his people once more. We cannot forget his sacrifice."

The Reptilian shifted his weight from one leg to another, "The first role of this body is to protect the Federation, the second is to help those who help us. We cannot lose sight of that..."

“How can alienating our fragile peace with the Klingon Empire help us?” The Andorian asked. “Surely helping the Gorn will plunge us back into war with the Empire. How many countless millions will die for this? I’m all for helping the Gorn people but in a peaceful way.”

The Risian Councilwoman’s prompt lit up on the President’s podium and she stood when the floor was hers. As a Risian, she was not outwardly dissimilar from Terrans, though even among her people she was considered tall and strikingly slim. She was in a finely tailored suit, undeniably feminine, but her dark pupils and shoulder length black hair lended a professional presence among certain groups. She removed her spectacles and addressed the council with a rich, lyrical voice. “It is true our peace with the Klingons is fragile, but when has that not been the way of it? Who in the galaxy has ever been in a state of stable peace with the Klingons and felt an overwhelming comfort in the knowledge that both parties could express any sentiment without worry of physical reprisal or outright war? I argue that the Federation claims such a distinction. Let us show our confidence in the Klingon Empire; trust that they will remain true to their nature, that they will remain honorable to their commitments and steadfast in their pledge of peace with the Federation. Peace. Courageous deeds are committed in the name of peace. Dramatic compromises are pledged in the name of peace. But ghastly neglect of common decency, turning our backs on a people who need our help, a people who are susceptible from harm by the hands of our own allies - that is not how peace is made. That is not how a peaceful Federation behaves. I’d ask that any course of action debated or decided, be in keeping with the aim for peace among peaceful nations.”

"My fellow representatives," Naron said, amplifying his voice to be heard. "Then allow us to still our hands so that we might hear what the President has to say, what his plans are and then we shall consider his words with our wisdom. As now we are like palukoo chasing its own webs." He put his hands together as he spoke, letting the voluminous sleeves of his vedek robes cover them, as an example of paying attention.

The President looked at the crowd, amazed at the support that he'd received but also a little perturbed by the challenge. The threat that was before them was great, but it was also one that could be overcome with compassion and cooperation.

"An apt analogy, Representative Jahra," the Xindi spoke gathering the crowd. "Many of you have been surprised by my decision and announcement yesterday at the memorial for the Gorn Commander Karrak, but it is part of a well placed strategy to build bridges throughout the galaxy. The Gorn were a once proud race that have been subjugated by an enemy. They fell, they have no voice, and are powerless against their foe. We are ignored their plea before, yet despite this they proved themselves a far better friend than we.

He paused and carefully considered his next statement, "Their leader died saving one of our worlds from utter destruction. He fell protecting Federation citizens. He did not sacrifice himself for vanity, for his own self promotion. He did this through friendship and a strong belief in what this government stands for. We cannot forget that. He has been a better friend to us in death than the Klingons recently have in life."

"I have, however, requested the Diplomatic Corps send an emissary vessel to the Klingons in an effort to show our continued dedication to peace."

Things became a bit more subdued after the initial discussions were out of the way. The Council Session had a bit more flow to it as they discussed several additional matters and even voted on a few others. It became more and more routine, until another matter came to fruition.

"Our final matter of business for this morning is a new Trade Agreement with the Cardassian Union. With their growing losses in the face of the True Way movement, the democratic government of the Union has asked for material support to be provided to them in order to help supplement their civil infrastructure. I will open for comments or question."

Naron sat forward at this item but remained quiet. His first inclination was to jump up and immediately and flatly deny this request, arguing against any aid to Cardassia. But that was merely cultural resentment over an event nearly a hundred years past. Yet, Cardassia was not of the Federation and many of its problems were still caused by its leaders putting Cardassia into danger and then expecting others to bail them out.

Instead, he sat back in his chair and waited. Those who had so recently argued against the support of the Gorn due to it being an 'internal' problem would now need to make the same arguments regarding Cardassia or explain away their hypocrisy. Naron very much wanted to hear those arguments while he meditated on the issue. This was definitely one for which he strongly wanted the guidance of the Prophets.

Valriya stood again to speak her mind, as always advocating a negotiatory approach. "What elements of the Trade Agreement with the Cardassian Union have been presented as conciliatory? They request assistance in the form of materials, but have they indicated a desire to accept the political guidance of the Federation? Have we presented them with any requests or offers?"

“They’re probably angling for us to send Starfleet to help with the True Way,” Ras commented.

Gruzy spoke, "They have not requested the support of Starfleet to my knowledge. At the moment they have requested the transfer of eight industrial replicators to Cardassia Prime for their usage." He paused for a moment as he considered the implications of this action. "The Cardassians have offered, in exchange, to transfer an Orb to the Bajoran people that remained in their possession."

The corner of Briya’s mouth twitched and she lowered her head to let her hair cloak the sparkle in her eyes. The request of a known, brutal enemy pitted against a peaceful ally was a much better focus for the media than a violent ally in opposition to an affable species. A species who so recently demonstrated heroic deeds in defense of Federation lives. As much as she hated stirring up old feuds between Bajorans and Cardassians, this needed to be about the barbarism of the Cardassian people, not the unforgiving nature of the Klingon Empire. This was exactly where she needed them focused; on old enemies, on an old fight.

“So the Cardassian government lied when they said they’d returned all the orbs in their possession? Makes me wonder what else they’ve lied about. I’m all for peace but this sudden offer makes me weary,” The Andorian representative stated.

On first hearing that the Cardassians were offering to return a Tear of the Prophet, Jahra Naron simply believed he had heard wrong. But, he hadn't and he then needed to contend with the sudden flaming hot anger that burst through the core of his being. It took several moments for him to get himself under control. Or that he believed he was under control. “OUTRAGEOUS!" he shouted as he stood from his seat, drowning out any other that might have attempted to speak. "We were told Cardassia had repatriated all people and items that belonged to Bajor at the end of hostilities. Then again during the official treaty between Cardassia and Bajor!" He believed he was calmer than he was. "I demand the Federation now retrieves this piece of Bajoran cultural heritage and formally denies Cardassia any succor or aid until they have made sure - this time - that all things Bajoran are returned to the Bajorra! Further the Federation will issue a formal censure to Cardassia for their repeated violations of the treaties!"

His aid attempted to draw him back, but Naron would have none of it. "The Federation will issue these conditions to the Cardassian government straight away or Bajor will leave the Federation and close our Temple to Federation access!" With that, Naron turned to the aisle and stalked out of the hearing chambers. Bajor would have no further contact with the Federation until this demand was meant.

Valriya was making notes on a PADD device and stopped to watch the Bajoran councilmember storm from the chambers. She made a quick scan of the room, searching the faces of key representatives. She drummed her fingers on her podium and sighed, signaling her intent to speak. “Naron is justified in his anger and his suspicion of the Cardassian Union, though it is unfair to direct mistrust upon the entire people of Cardasia. The Bajorans belong in the Federation; I recommend a formal investigation be opened, let us discover who within the Cardassian Union maintained possession of this latest Orb and why we are just now learning of it’s illegal residence. Perhaps the CU is rectifying an error they only became aware of themselves. The mistakes of their forefathers? However, we must offer aid to the Cardassians, conforming to the spirit in which the request was made. Industrial replicators, selectively programmed by Federation personnel and operated by Federation personnel.

The Benzite Representative spoke up after taking a long breath from the rebreather that he wore. "I agree with my colleague from the Risian System. We need to investigate this matter further, determine why the Cardassians withheld another Orb; though I disagree fully regarding the Industrial Replicators. To provide them with such aid now, when so many of our own worlds are still rebuilding after the Vaadwaur attacks of almost a decade ago, would be foolhardy. We need to make efforts to strengthen our own worlds!"

The President stood at the podium, carefully listening as the diatribes went back and forth. Notifications of private messages illuminated all over his board between the different members as they waited and looked to him for direction. He glanced at Res, his Chief of Staff, surprised by her silence on the matter. After all that they had been through so far this was exactly the type of adventure she relished.

"We are going to pursue more information," the Xindi answered in measured language. "I will have a formal investigation into the Orbs launched under the leadership of our Federation Security Advisor," he motioned toward the Andorian Representative as he said it. "With Secretaries Grayson and Iril off world assisting in first contact with a new race, I am looking for another to assist with the visit to the Cardassians..."

Briya was quick to her feet, flicking her communication panel as she rose. She was a graceful woman, lean with slender curves that her suits were meant to suggest. It was sometimes difficult maintaining a train of thought when she was required to wait for her turn to speak, but she was a patient woman and angled her frame against the podium until that time. “President Gruzy, I wish to volunteer my services and presence on this assignment. Councilor Naron is a man of faith and religious conviction, representing a people who have been wronged more times than we shall think to count. I represent a people dedicated to pleasing any people, so long as they be peaceful. I believe between us we will quickly determine the nature of the offense and unlock a course of peaceful resolution.”

The Reptilian Xindi nodded in agreement. He looked at the Andorian, "My Security Advisor will arrange transport with the Starfleet Commander to ensure the safety of the inspection team." He thought for a moment of the last diplomatic team he sent to a major power. Admiral Lynz almost didn't come back from that mission and it nearly sent the entire galaxy into a tailspin. He hoped this one went a bit better.

"If there is no further business I will call this meeting to adjournment?" It was a question on whether anyone had anything further to discuss. The President gave the various politicians a moment, carefully observing them waiting for one to wish to speak. When no one responded, the President tapped his control.

"This session is adjourned."

 

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