JDL|Cmdr. Dhej & First Mother Barula & Kintu|"Common Ground"

Posted on 241503.16 @ 2:21pm by

Mission: Holy Cow

=/\=Observation Lounge=/\=
Karim paced in front of the windows as he waited for First Mother Barula and the rebel leader, Kintu, to arrive. He'd decided after the immediate concerns following the battle had been addressed, that he would try to explain what caused the struggles on their planet. They had both agreed, Kintu, reluctantly, and Karim had suggested the Enterprise as a neutral meeting place. He was alone, though security officers would be escorting both guests to the room, and would be posted outside.

Kintu was the first to arrive. He offered no smile, nor warmth toward the captain, but bowed his head a little offering a greeting, "Captain."

Turning as he heard Kintu enter, he said "Leader Kintu. Thank you for coming. Please take a seat." Moments later the doors opened again, and First Mother Barula entered. Nodding to Karim and Kintu, she wordlessly took a seat beside the head of the table, and folded her hooves gently on the table.

Karim bit back a sigh at the coldness the two leaders were showing, but took his seat at the head of the table. Clearing his throat he said "Thank you both for coming. I know this meeting is a challenge for both of you, but I believe it is for the best. I have some information to share about the cause of the struggles on your planet."

"Proceed," the younger of the bovine said.

Barula nodded and said "Please share what information you've obtained Commander."

Nodding, Karim replied "Very recently we were attacked by an unknown alien vessel, and during the conflict they admitted to orchestrating the issues you are experiencing with your health, birth rates, and agricultural production." Turning to face Kintu, he said "They also admitted to providing weapons to your people to increase your offensive abilities."

Kintu just nodded and remained quiet.

Barula sighed and quietly said "That is highly disturbing news Commander. It does however explain how suddenly our trials occurred." Pausing for a moment, she unexpectedly turned her focus to Kintu. With a quiet determination in her voice she said "Kintu, my son, did you honestly believe the weapons that appeared at your camp were a blessing from the Creator? Or did you believe they were a justification for your decision to rebel against our peaceful ways?"

"Peace does not work, we were dying. These weapons were a sign that we needed to not only protect ourselves, but also to stand up and be counted, mother," he replied.

Shaken by his response, Barula replied "Protect yourselves from what? We were content to allow you to live your lives apart from our communities. How can you say that you were protecting yourselves when you attacked the meeting we were having with Commander Dhej and his crew?"

"You didn't know them," he defended, "They could have been worse than the men who came to us. We need to protect our kind as we get discovered more."

Sighing, she said "Your actions lead to the death of two of our protectors, a sin I will never be able to forgive you for."

Sensing the situation was becoming tense, Karim cleared his throat and said "Excuse me, I understand emotions are running high right now. If I may express my opinion, I honestly don't believe your two factions, for lack of a better word, want more bloodshed. Would you agree to a cessation of violence while the trials your world is facing are addressed?"

"I would like to suggest a resolution," Kintu said after a moment's pause.

Barula didn't respond, but looked to Karim for direction.

Karim nodded and replied "Go ahead Leader Kintu."

"We reacted, not only from manipulation but also paranoia. I propose that due to the universe getting smaller, so to speak, or faction becomes the protector of our people as a whole."

Karim smiled very slightly and looking to Barula said "Would you be agreeable to Leader Kintu's suggestion First Mother?"

Barula nodded and said "That is acceptable Commander." Pausing, she added "May I make a request, that I hope Leader Kintu is agreeable to?"

Karim simply nodded, waiting for her to proceed.

Clearing her throat, she said "I would like to formally request aid from the Federation to deal with our health and agricultural struggles. I would also like to request further mediation between our two factions to work towards peaceful coexistence."

"I am offering peaceful coexistence in the protection of you, mother!" the bovine raised his voice a little, "Why can you not see that?"

Sighing, she replied calmly "I accept that protection, but I do believe that it would be a benefit to have assistance if any other issues come up during the course of the Federation's involvement." Turning to face Karim she said "If the Federation does accept our request for aid that is."

Nodding, Karim said "I will contact my superiors regarding your request, and advocate for a specialized ship to coordinate the recovery efforts."

Kintu sighed and shook his head.

Karim stood and said "I will be in touch with both of you after I work out the details of our assistance. I hope the arrangement of the rebels serving as protectors does work out for your people. If I may be so bold, I am hopeful that this will be the first step towards a friendly relationship with the Federation."

Barula stood and replied "That is my hope as well Commander. Thank you for your help." Facing Kintu, she said "Kintu, my son, we have much to discuss about this new arrangement. Would you agree to sharing a meal to work out the details?"

"Yes, mother," he offered a subtle smile. This was going to be the start of a long road to the repair of a broken family and nation.

Smiling as the two leaders left the room, Karim began adding the recent developments to his status report.

=/\=End Log=/\=

Commander Karim Dhej
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F

Kintu (APB Scarlet)
Nirua Rebel Leader

First Mother Barula (APB Cliff)
Nirua Council Leader