ST:TTV403 | "The Five Families Pt. I"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 96453.5
The Valley Forge makes a relatively routine first contact with a newly discovered species, but the situation may be far more complicated than it initially seemed.
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Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Valley Forge, over halfway through the new unexplored sector, has received a recon report from the IKS QanwI', the Klingon raptor doing scouting work ahead of the VF. Keliaya@anncarise | The report indicates an M-class planet near the VF's path with a small, warp-capable fleet in orbit. Keliaya@anncarise | Observation shows a stable and seemingly functional society, likely promising for first contact. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Just a few minutes out from the system, Captain." Keelah@crystyll nods her acknowledgement of the update, looking to TQ, "Any comms activity?" Keelah@crystyll Tee nods eagerly, focused heavily on her console, "Heavy traffic across multiple frequencies. UT is working to analyze the language now so you should be good by the time we get in there" Keelah@crystyll Tee adds: "There's a lot on encrypted channels too that I can't tap into. No real surprise though for a society like this" Sana@turtles#8407: "Looking at sensors I'd say there are currently 13 ships in orbit of the second planet, and i've got more ships on long range sensors approaching." Keelah@crystyll: "Any indications they have detected our approach yet?" she asks in response to Sana Keliaya@anncarise: "They're definitely warp capable. Looks to be on the level of mid-23rd century technology." Sana@turtles#8407: "I'm also seeing what look to be like some kind of orbital defense in orbit as well." Sana@turtles#8407 Quickly checks if they have been noticed Keliaya@anncarise: "Mid 23rd century Klingons at that...these ships have quite a number of disruptor banks on them." Keliaya@anncarise: "No sign of stealth tech, though." Keelah@crystyll: "Heavily armed for their build and development?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Compared to where the Federation was when we had comparable technology." Sana@turtles#8407: "Looking at the pattern ships are moving around at I'd say we have been noticed sir. Those don't look like regular patrols." Keelah@crystyll nods, looking back to TQ, "Have the QanwI' remain cloaked at the system's edge for now. I don't want to spook these people by decloaking a more powerful warship on their doorstep" Keelah@crystyll: "And - if the UT is set - try hailing them" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Entering the system in 1 minute." Keelah@crystyll: "Drop us out of warp at the system's edge and hold position" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain. Exiting warp now." Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "UT looks good, attempting to establish an open channel now..." she taps away Keliaya@anncarise FX | The channel is accepted by something on the M-class planet. Keelah@crystyll | TQ beams: "There it is! Putting it up now" and opens visual and/or audio as available Keliaya@anncarise FX | An alien with silver hair and eyes dressed in a fancy robe appears on screen. Keliaya@anncarise | https://i.imgur.com/02sgN00.jpg Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "Greetings, foreign visitors. Can you understand me?" Keelah@crystyll smiles politely, "Greetings, and yes our universal translator seems to be accommodating your language well. Can the same be said in reverse?" Keliaya@anncarise | The alien smiles back, "Excellent! I comprehend your speech perfectly." Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "I am Beno Drasca, Patriarch of the Drasca Family. Welcome to our colony." Keliaya@anncarise | He does a little bow. Keelah@crystyll 's smile broadens slightly and she dips her head cordially, "A pleasure, Patriarch. I am Captain T'Keel Se'Lai of the Federation starship: Valley Forge. On behalf of the United Federation of Planets+ Keelah@crystyll: + I bid you warm greetings" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno Drasca: "We are the first Decen Family you have encountered, yes?" Keelah@crystyll: "You are correct. We are new this region of space, on a mission of exploration" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno Drasca: "Good! Come visit then, and experience Drasca hospitality for yourselves!" Keelah@crystyll smiles again, "Your hospitality is most welcome. Please transmit any approach protocols and transport coordinates" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno Drasca: "Our operators are doing so as we speak. I look forward to seeing you on the surface, Captain T'Keel Se'Lai!" Keelah@crystyll: "As do I, we will see you shortly" Keliaya@anncarise | The Patriarch does a different bow before the channel cuts. Keelah@crystyll makes a mental note of the different bow for greeting & parting Keelah@crystyll: "Well now, that was all rather cordial. Mr. Fisher... as soon as you have the approach details, take us in" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Data packet received, forward to you now Malcolm" Keelah@crystyll | Vrolmacht: "A little too cordial if you ask me..." he grumbles Keliaya@anncarise: "Not every new species we encounter has to mean trouble..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Still, they do seem rather nice for having such heavily armed ships, relative to their technology at least." Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe to ward off against some external threat?" Keelah@crystyll | Vrolmacht turns to Kelly, "That, or they are more domineering than they appear. Either way, such a friendly greeting does not stack up" Keliaya@anncarise: "They do seem suspiciously welcoming..." Keelah@crystyll looks between the pair, "Recommendations?" Keliaya@anncarise: "They might have an ulterior motive. If a ship almost two centuries ahead of our technology showed up on my doorstep, I would be a little careful around them...unless I want to gain their trust and - Keliaya@anncarise: - try and steal their tech or something." Keliaya@anncarise: "They know even their whole fleet in orbit of the planet probably can't destroy the Valley Forge, so they might be resorting to other ways to get what we have." Keelah@crystyll: "Or perhaps - even if their goals are less than honorable - their scans of us show they are at such a tactical advantage and they want to keep us on side" Keelah@crystyll | Vrolmacht glances to Keelah, "Ever the optimist..." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's possible. Fighting isn't an option for them anyways, so they might be forced to resort to playing nice." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, I'll take a standard away team down. Once we're on the ground, move the Valley forge to a safe distance and have the QanwI' come in under cloak to maintain comms and backup" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Will do, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "Kelly, you have the conn" she begins to move out, "Tee..." Keelah@crystyll: "Have Mr. Trenick report for the away team, along with a security escort. Then join us in the transporter room" Keelah@crystyll | Tee looks up with a surprised blink, "Captain?" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Just in case we need communications support" Keelah@crystyll | Tee turns to Keelah, "Captain I... well I mean, I'm happy too. But Lennie is probably better qualified for that..." Keelah@crystyll pauses for thought, "Then have her join us too" she nods, heading to the turbolift Trenick@annpc#5570 FX | The away team beams down into a large courtyard. Trenick@annpc#5570 | https://hometone.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/The-Theed-Royal-Palace.jpg Trenick@annpc#5570 | Throughout the courtyard, various aliens with different shades of silver hair and eyes go about their lives. Many of the ones in fancier clothing are accompanied by more ordinarily dressed - Trenick@annpc#5570 - aliens, and quite a few are about doing mundane tasks such as controlling drones that trim the trees and bushes. Keelah@crystyll looks around, admiring the setting, and looking to try and spot the approach of their gracious host Trenick@annpc#5570 glances around, "I can see signs of what may be a hierarchical structure...nothing that typically signifies a warrior race, however." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie & TQ both start looking around in awe Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno Drasca stands at the far side of the courtyard, flanked by two figures who seem to be bodyguards holding staves of some description. Trenick@annpc#5570 FX | Their armour looks something like this: https://78.media.tumblr.com/f9b936c783a7553fc2cc126c652defd2/tumblr_inline_owyvjxH9xj1si0zzf_540.jpg Keelah@crystyll: "Our host did strike me as one more than comfortable and familiar in dealing with new species. Perhaps the theory about a strong defensive fleet could be accurate" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Yeah, I read th'openin' reports. Could be a limitation o' natural resources means they got less ships, offsettin' wit' heavier weapons per unit maybe" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Or perhaps they've had a few run-ins with less than friendly civilizations, but understand not all outsiders are aggressive as well." Keelah@crystyll nods, smirking a little, "Have you met Vrolmacht properly yet, Commander? We should really get you two speaking more..." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie gives Keelah a funnly look behind her back, not getting the private joke there Keelah@crystyll | TQ - having been on the bridge before - giggles a little, nudging Lennie's shoulder Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno and his guards approach the away team. Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, time to make ourselves a new friend..." she notes of the approach, stepping forward to greet him Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno Drasca: "Welcome, welcome to Drasca Colony!" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno performs his welcome bow again. The guards stand straight, with staves held out to the side away from the Patriarch, who stands between them. There's clearly complex tradition at work here. Keelah@crystyll presents a courteous smile as she bows in the same fashion, "Thank you for welcoming us to you colony" Keelah@crystyll | TQ watches quietly, while Lennie - seeing the Captain's action - also mimicks the bow Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "I see you have taken the time to emulate our greeting as well! Excellent! Come with me and we shall receive you in our Family Home." Keelah@crystyll raises her hand before they begin to move, and presents a Vulcan salute, "And in the spirit of shared greetings; in the custom of my own people - peace, and long life to you" Keelah@crystyll: Live Long and Prosper. Keelah@crystyll displays a Vulcan Salute. Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno mimics the salute, "Peace and long life to you as well." Trenick@annpc#5570 | He begins leading the way across the courtyard towards the largest entrance into the complex. Keelah@crystyll smiles, following Trenick@annpc#5570 FX | As they enter, a massive fancy hall greets them. Trenick@annpc#5570 | https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfpJyKYUYAEVmet.jpg Trenick@annpc#5570 | More guards with staves stand in front of certain entryways. They are clearly more ceremonial than practical, given their armament. Keelah@crystyll looks around, admiringly, "I must say Patriarch; your people have quite the flair for the aesthetic" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "It is tradition for a Family to be displayed according to their status. There is much more of our accomplishments to show yet." Trenick@annpc#5570 | The group passes the large entrance hall into a long but slightly narrower hall with flickering holograms lining the side Keelah@crystyll | Lennie notes under her breath TQ, "With flair like tha', they'd almost stand up t'Orion standards!" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "This is the Memory Hall, with images of every past Patriarch and Matriarch of the Drasca Family." Keelah@crystyll | TQ grins a little in response Keelah@crystyll looks over the different holo's as they pass. Noting the number of them more than anything Trenick@annpc#5570 | By the number of holos, there is suggested to have been somewhere between 15-20 generations of Drasca leaders. Without knowing the lifespan of the species though, it's hard to tell exactly how - Trenick@annpc#5570 - long that is. They are almost certainly a very old and well established family though. Keelah@crystyll | Lennie pays closer attention to evolving aesthetic through the generational holo's, noting changes in fashion & style as indicative of cultural development Trenick@annpc#5570 | The style of dress has certainly evolved over the years, but one thing seems consistent- almost all the holos are donned in clothing with white and gold as primary colours. Trenick@annpc#5570 | The group turns and enters another hall, this one looking more like a museum. The significance of most of the artifacts are lost on the away team- sigils and items with more cultural value than - Trenick@annpc#5570 - practical. Some, however, are pieces of technology. TQ would recognize the similarity between many of these pieces and older communications technology. Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "The Hall of Achievement. I believe the name speaks for itself." Keelah@crystyll | TQ points this observation out to Lennie, and seems suitably content with the proud smile she gets rewarded with Keelah@crystyll: "Impressive" she nods, taking it all in, "Is this in context specific to your family too?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "It is. The smaller Families here have Achievement Halls of their own displaying their achievements and their contributions to our Family." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "None on Drasca are as large as ours, of course." Keelah@crystyll: "Fascinating" she notes, with a slightly perked brow Trenick@annpc#5570 | They move forward into a large chamber with a central dining table and several small alcoves with sofas and fancy chairs. Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "The Reception Hall. Here we present our guests with food, drink and entertainment, if the situation is suitable." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "We have food laid out at the central table, but we do not know what your people can or cannot eat. You-" Trenick@annpc#5570 | He is interrupted by another fancily dressed Decen walking up to him. Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "Guscei, we have guests." Keelah@crystyll offers the same greeting bow to Guscei Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei bows in return before looking to Beno, "Apologies for the interruption, Patriarch. But you must be informed-" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "What is so urgent as to interrupt a formal greeting of foreign visitors?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "The Valeni, Great Father. They have a fleet inbound." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "You said they were heading for Fredin. The Medans have a defence force ready to meet them there." Keelah@crystyll quirks a brow, trying to keep up with all the new names Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "It seems...they've changed their mind." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "And we've received no word of this?!" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "We...just did, Great Father. I suspect may be in reaction to the arrival of our visitors. You know how the Valeni react to a potential threat, Patriarch." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "I am well aware. Tell Hussi to form up the ships and ready our defences. We will not let our guests come to harm." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "Forgive me, Patriarch, but our ships will suffer heavy losses if we meet the Valeni head on. The visitors' ship..." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "They are visitors, Guscei! They have no part in our conflicts, and we will defend them if we can, no matter the cost!" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "Great Father?" Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps it would be easier all around if we simply departed. I can not abide anyone coming to harm because of our presence here" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno nods and looks to Guscei: "How close are the Valeni ships?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "Within a solar league of the system, Patriarch." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "Then they will be here soon. Our ships will attempt to cover you as you make your escape." Keelah@crystyll: "That will not be necessary. But tell me, if we leave; will this assault likely be called off?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "I fear not. The Valeni have the most ships of the Families, and that has made them very aggressive. We can hold out an assault from an attack force of this size, but..." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow as she listens, realizing that this is a rival family and not a neighboring species Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "The cost will be high. We will take years to recover from this." Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "If we do at all. The Medans do not support us publicly. They are unlikely to lend direct support." Keelah@crystyll: "There must be a way to reach an amicable turnout here, one without bloodshed. Perhaps if I speak to them - explain that our presence here has no affiliation to any family?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "The Valeni are not known for their penchant for negotiations. If it was the Lorena, perhaps...but not the Valeni." Keelah@crystyll: "There is no talking with them at all?" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "You may try, but I do not think they will listen." Keelah@crystyll: "We are neutral in this affair. If they will speak with anyone, it may most likely be us more than yourselves" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Guscei: "They believe us responsible for the Medans' increase in power. They will take any excuse to destroy us." Keelah@crystyll: "I can not - and will not - take sides in a civil conflict, but if we can find a way to help find a peaceful solution then I will do what I can" Trenick@annpc#5570 | Beno: "I suggest returning to your ship first. If the attack cannot be called off, then get yourselves out of here." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Our opening contact should not come from your colony anyway. Keep your people safe Patriarch, I will contact you when I have news" Keelah@crystyll turns to her away team with a nod and taps her combadge, "Se'Lai to Vix. Lexi, beam us out" Keliaya@anncarise looks to Keelah as she returns, "Captain, twenty five ships have warped in. They're similar design to the ones in orbit of Drasca Colony, but they don't seem to be friendly..." Keliaya@anncarise | On screen, the enemy force advances on the Drasca formation and launches an opening volley of disruptor shots... Keelah@crystyll nods, sitting noticably more tense than earlier, "Helm put us squarely in between their fleets. Red alert - auxiliary power to the shields. Charge weapons, but keep offline until I give the order" Keliaya@anncarise taps away on her console, "Routing power to shields." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye, maneuvering between the fleets." Keelah@crystyll: "Mr. Fisher, roll us 90 degrees to port as we take position. Make us the biggest and most inconvenient obstruction as possible" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Captain...the hostile ships are now targetting /us/." Keelah@crystyll: "Tee open a channel on all frequences" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A barrage of disruptor fire hits the VF. The bridge shakes a little bit. Keelah@crystyll: "Maintain position and keep on top of those shields" Keelah@crystyll | Tee taps away, trying to open a general hail Keliaya@anncarise: "Their weapons can't penetrate our shields. Holding at 95%." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The barrage continues, but a ship in the hostile fleet accepts the hail! Keelah@crystyll: "Valeni vessel, this is the Valley Forge. Cease hostilities immediately; we have no desire to escalate any conflict between the families" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The image of a female Decen appears on the viewscreen. Keliaya@anncarise | https://i.imgur.com/VqqoL8F.jpg Keliaya@anncarise | Female Decen: "Do you not? I assume you are unaware of what happened the last time an alien force sided with a Family." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Firing has ceased on both sides. For the moment." Keelah@crystyll dips her head to the visual comm, "Thank you for hearing me out. We know nothing of your history or current affairs. We have just arrived in this region of space on a journey of exploration" Keelah@crystyll speaks off-comms to Vrolmacht with a well rehearsed 'mute' nod to TQ, "Any ship from either side so much as creeps closer or charges weapons, put a tractor beam on them and lock phasers" Keliaya@anncarise | Female Decen: "You were on Drasca Colony, were you not? Did you not visit the Drascas' Home?" Keelah@crystyll resumes comms with another nod, "This colony was the first world we have encountered since entering this region of space. We approached out of curiosity after detecting a warp-capable civilization + Keelah@crystyll: + and were just in the process of a first contact meeting with the leaders there when you arrived. We have yet to get the opportunity to fully learn about your society and culture, let alone the + Keelah@crystyll: + political borders throughout this region of space" Keliaya@anncarise | Female Decen: "And I am not surprised the treacherous Drascas failed to inform you of anything. Deception, subterfuge and political intrigue is their way." Keliaya@anncarise | The female waves to someone on her bridge, and Tee receives a data package from the Valeni ship. Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps that is so, the timing of your arrival prevented our meeting from progressing to any such point where we could make that determination however" Keelah@crystyll looks to Tee after a timely muting Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "It is unfortunate their true nature was not revealed to you." Keelah@crystyll | Tee: "It's... surveillance footage, of our away team on the colony surface" Keliaya@anncarise | She continues after a moment: "In our culture, entering the Home of a Family is a declaration of friendship with them. As aliens, I cannot fault you for not knowing our customs." Keelah@crystyll nods and resumes comms, responding, "All this demonstrates is that you are at least on par with their espionage, if not in excel of it" Keelah@crystyll stands, tugging her tunic down as she chooses her response Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "You mistake me. This footage was not taken by the Valeni. It was taken by the Drascas. They have broadcast your arrival to all the Families." Keelah@crystyll performs the Picard Maneuver. Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "You are now a part of our conflicts, whether you desire it or not." Keelah@crystyll: "Then I suggest we move to resolve that standing in the best possible way to counter such propaganda-driven methods, and in keeping with your own culture..." Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "Side with the Valeni. We are the most powerful Family, and we are allied with the most resourcesful. Destroy the Drascas, and we can ensure you safe passage through our territories." Keelah@crystyll she smirks a little knowing smirk, "As this vessel is /my/ home, and it's crew /my/ family. I wish to invite a single chosen representative from each of your Families to enter /my/ home in the + Keelah@crystyll: + spirit of friendship. To show that we are friend no single Family, but to all. And maybe even along the way, we find more common ground for you to call each other friends as well" Keliaya@anncarise | The female Decen thinks for a moment before responding, "I am amenable to your offer. But the other Families will not be so easy to convince. Some may see you as enemies already from the Drasca - Keliaya@anncarise: - recording, and others yet will never share a Home with a Valeni." Keelah@crystyll gives a slow single nod, "That is all I can ask of you; the willingness to try. We will isolate the Drasca broadcast and present our own - of this very conversation - in response, and equally in + Keelah@crystyll: + invitation. For the moment, will you accept an armistice and cease hostilities in this system?" Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "The Valeni are proud fighters, but we are not the mindless brutes many other Families believe we are. I can see there is no point to throwing away my life and our ships in this battle." Keliaya@anncarise | Female: "I, Ilen Valeni, accept your truce." Keelah@crystyll dips her head respectfully, "Thank you. We will provide an update with coordinates for a rendezvous in neutral territory once we have word from the other Families" Keliaya@anncarise | Ilen: "We shall meet you there. Beware, for not all Families hold our sense of honour. Especially not the Drascas." Keelah@crystyll: "Duly noted. Valley Forge out" Keelah@crystyll | TQ cuts the channel, "Already have our broadcast set Captain. Just trying to isolate the frequency Drasca used to send to all Families at once" Keelah@crystyll nods, returning to her seat, "While you do, patch me through to him" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Channel open" Keelah@crystyll looks to Beno on screen, "Patriarch" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "I see you've managed to talk down the Valeni. Impressive. Most impressive." Keelah@crystyll: "A first small step. It seems they are rather more cordial than you believe, also more forthcoming in their willingness to share..." Keelah@crystyll: "Tee, show our friend the transmission our mutual friends shared with us" Keelah@crystyll | Tee smirks, nodding as she patches the surveillance recording through Keliaya@anncarise | Beno stays silent for a moment as he watches the transmission. A flash of concern crosses his face, but it quickly returns to its neutral expression. Keelah@crystyll: "It seems their rather untimely arrival came before you had the opportunity to educate us regarding your culture" Keelah@crystyll: "Particularly the part where entering a Families home is indicative of affiliation" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "Unfortunately not. You do not seek to revoke our friendship and attack us, do you?" Keelah@crystyll: "I have no desire for conflict with any Family, quite the contrary in fact. Since our first meeting went so amicably, I have decided to welcome /you/ into /my/ home in the spirit of friendship" Keelah@crystyll: "Alongside representatives from every other Family. Tee" she nods an affirmative to send their own full invitation broadcast Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "Excellent. Excellent. I accept, of course. I do not desire to make an enemy of you either." Keelah@crystyll gives him a moment to watch the full and undisclosed broadcast as it's sent out to all Families like his was before Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "There is more to our history you do not yet know, as an outsider. For the last three hundred years, we have survived bloodshed between the Families through tactics such as this." Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "I know a ship of your...caliber will not be harmed by the Valeni, and I certainly mean you no harm. But if I did not make a move to declare you as our friends...I risk you becoming allies- Keliaya@anncarise: - with another Family." Keelah@crystyll: "And I look forward to learning it all in much greater detail, and from more than one Family's perspective. Rest assured, I hold no ill will towards you or any other Family. Your culture is your own;+ Keelah@crystyll: + not mine to judge" Keelah@crystyll: "Now as you see at the end of our broadcast; Valeni stated acceptance of an armistice here. Do you also agree to this?" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno: "I do. War with the Valeni does not serve us any purpose." Keelah@crystyll dips her head once more, "Thank you. Sometimes all it takes is this first - and often hardest - step to back away from a conflict, to usher in more prosperous times for all. Expect to hear from us + Keelah@crystyll: + shortly with details of the conference. But for now... perhaps we should postpone that sampling of your local cuisine" she smiles a little Keliaya@anncarise | Beno smiles back, "That would be for the best, yes. Perhaps soon we will be able to get a sample of yours." Keelah@crystyll: "I look forward to welcoming you into my home, Patriarch. Valley Forge out" Keliaya@anncarise | Beno bows farewell as the channel cuts. Keelah@crystyll slumps, deflating a little as the comm cuts. She looks to Tee, "Any early responses from the other Families?" turning to Vrolmacht, "Status of the two fleets?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Valeni fleet is pulling away, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "And the Drascas?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Drasca ships are powering down shields and returning to regular patrol routines again." Keelah@crystyll: "Good, stand down red alert. Fisher, take us out of the system to RV with the QanwI'" Keelah@crystyll | Tee: "Only one response so far Captain, though it is an acceptance from the 'Lorenas' family" Keelah@crystyll: "Better than nothing..." she nods, "Once we're out of their sensor range, have Captain Vix beam over and report to my ready room. Time for a crash course in Klingon history, namely the unification of+ Keelah@crystyll: + multiple Houses into a single body!" Keelah@crystyll | Tee chuckles and nods, "Aye Captain!" Keelah@crystyll takes a deep breath, almost muttering, "Guess whose coming to dinner..." then stands, heading to her ready room looking about set to wearily peel off her snug collared tunic
View Log Entry
SUBMITTED: Stardate 96453.5 FILED BY: CAPT Keelah SECURITY: Level 1 - Open
LOCATION:Sector V-001 | Drasca System
MISSION:Establish contact with indigenous society (Decen)
OUTCOME:Local population found to be of a species inhabiting multiple systems in the region, and with varying levels of sub-division. Conference arranged to agree unified terms of passage with all parties.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Keelah LCDR Keliaya LCDR Lendaria LCDR Vrolmacht LT Fisher LTJG Minatozaki LTJG Trenick CPO T'Quila Beno Drasca Ilen Valeni
NARRATIVE:
Having first identified a viable star system on long range sensors, the IKS QanwI' was sent ahead to scout the region under cloak. Captain Vix' report indicated a warp capable society in place and signs of a stable society well suited as potential candidates for first contact. Making our own approach to the system - which was but a minor detour from our plotted route - we were able to interrogate local public broadcast communications and preemptively establish a translation matrix before opening dialogue. Initial scans of the small fleet in orbit of the planet suggested a level of development approximate to what we would consider mid-23C. Though the vessels we observed were relatively well armed for their development stage. With the UT updated, we attempted to establish contact after taking up a stationary position at the system's edge. This was picked up from the planet's surface where we received a welcome greeting from one Beno Drasca who cordially invited us to a formal new visitor welcoming on the surface.
I took a small team down, bolstered by security, and found an amicable dialogue quickly forming with our hosts. In a short space of time we learned a great deal of their base culture including an artisan flair, and a hierarchical structure derived from power 'families' - a system comparable to pre-Empire Klingons. We learned that Beno was the head of his Family which controlled this star system, with other minor families possessing their own subordinate holdings on the planet. Before we were able to proceed to the formal reception that had promptly been arranged, proceedings were interrupted with news arriving of a rival Family's fleet diverting from a predicted assault elsewhere towards (what has been provisionally dubbed) the Drasca System.
Of understandable concern, I probed our host for further information and it was surmised that the rival fleet had made this move after becoming aware of our presence in the system and fearing that we posed a potential threat if allied with this one specific family. Though our host was insistent on evacuating us and sacrificing his own fleet to a (known) superior force, I could not in good conscious allow a misinterpretation of our own presence to be the cause of loss of life - direct or otherwise. To that end, I offered to contact the approaching fleet and explain the situation with hopes of establishing a dialogue on par with the one established with Beno by building on what he had already taught us of Decen culture. With the Valley Forge holding position already at a safe distance from the planet and the QanwI' monitoring our away team from a cloaked position in orbit; I had the Klingon vessel evacuate our away team and RV with the Valley Forge.
By the time we had returned to the bridge, the rival fleet had entered the system and moved to engage the Drasca fleet from orbit. Knowing the limitations of their weaponry, I determined that a swift and bold move was the only way to cease hostilities before they escalated to the point of fatalities. So I had the Valley Forge re-position in between the two fleets, rolling to present as broad an obstruction as possible. We took a few stray disruptor hits initially and some targeted fire from the rival fleet, though once their sensors confirmed that they could not sufficiently impact our shields the weapons fire ceased on both sides and I was able to open a line of communication with the lead rival vessel.
Greeted by one Iren Valeni - representative of what is reportedly the largest and most powerful of the Decen Families - I quickly found an amicable dialogue was indeed possible and set about explaining the circumstances of our presence. She appeared to accept this at my word, and went so far as to indicate a degree of misdirection on behalf of the Drascas insofar as a broadcast they had made to all Families demonstrating our arrival in their home; an act which in Decen culture is indicative of a socio-political bond. Iren was sympathetic to our lack of awareness to this cultural factor and expressed an eagerness for the Valley Forge to 'side' with the Valeni Family against their rival Drascas. An invitation that was naturally declined.
Having gained through all of the interaction to date; a more thorough understanding of the societal structure of the Decen, I countered Iren's offer with an supposition that in present circumstances the Valley Forge was our 'home' in the comparable sense, and that I would invite representatives from all leading Families to enter this home in an effort to establish an amenable relationship with all leading factions of the Decen race, not a single family. My belief in this that any expressed political tie to a single faction could have incalculable consequences on the lasting political structure of this society. Iren was willing to accept this offer, and agreed to an armistice - ceasing all hostilities until the conference - and as the recognized Family of power, my hope was that others was follow suit after witnessing her example. To this end, I had our entire conversation broadcast on the same subspace frequency used by Beno to illicitly publicize our meeting on the planet's surface, and went on to confront him about his actions. Though I do not condone the way he went about this, I understand that it is the way of his people, and specifically his family and so made a point of expressing no ill will. Beno also publicly agreed to the armistice and attendance of the conference.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Valley Forge will host the Family representatives at a formal conference in a weeks time. During the coming days, we will be making every effort to learn more about the culture and the different Families in attendance, as well as the local political borders to ensure that the ship is even located in neutral territory at the time. It is my goal in this to establish amenable terms with the race at large which will lead to - as a minimum - safe passage through their territory (given that one side is known to be flanked by Azedi territory while the other would see us taking a diversion of several months to bypass), and more optimistically; lay the foundation for a more unified relationship between the Decen factions and afford us the opportunity to learn more of the space that remains unexplored ahead of us.