PLOT - JDL | Com Ivanova, Capt Dhej, Cmdr Rinehart, Cmdr Dahe'el, Empress Psy'Daio, Princess Xue'Daio - "Mind Games"

Posted on 241508.14 @ 2:09am by Commodore Rochelle Ivanova & Commander Tierney Rinehart & Civilian Xue'Daio Nox & Civilian Psy'Daio Nox

Mission: Agua Mala

“The Ascendancy hasn’t a secret to hide, Commodore, aside from what the sea herself may guard.” Psy’Daio’s smile was wry as she slowly stirred a lump of sugar into her fragile rose embossed tea cup. “I can’t very well tell the natural order of things to reveal themselves or ask the fish to air out their dirty laundry.” She added, the golden spoon in her hand becoming still even as the bright amber waters still swirled about it in a small vortex. The question had been about transparency and the disclosure of all things the Federation would find of interest, and the Empress’ answer, she thought, had been quite brilliant. Casting a glance towards the spirited Commodore, she could practically see the frustration oozing off the young woman, thick as caramel.

To assume the officers trusted them would have been a death sentence brought about by unrefined stupidity in its finest, or lowest, form. She wouldn’t be naïve enough to do any such thing – nor would her daughter, or so it would seem.

Xue sat silent as the grave close to her mother’s right. Instead of speaking, she merely watched with expressionless eyes as the Starfleet Officers engaged in a battle of wits with the mad woman to her left. Occasionally a brow would furrow or her eyes would narrow in thought, but for the most part the albino Princess could easily have been mistaken for a marble statue. Karim’s expressions seemed the most interesting to her. She knew him the best out of the four officers that sat around that table, perhaps even trusted him the most based on that so called ‘knowledge’ of him, but it would be fiery human female and the big Cardassian that seemed to have the largest flux of power behind them. They had the biggest ship, and she wore the highest rank – it was no big surprise that the one they called the ‘Phoenix’ had become her mother’s most favorite toy in the entirety of the game they played… And it was even easier to see that the human was growing more and more impatient and wary. She wasn’t stupid. None of them were, and for that Xue had found herself thankful when she should have been gravely concerned. Her mother, had she known of her daughter’s most intimate thoughts, likely would have had her executed right then and there.

“Fine.” Rochelle at long last responded, catching the attention of every Stenellis in the room with the way the word barked from her tongue, “Then you’ll welcome our people to explore the planet as a whole? Aleine is lovely and we’re appreciative of your hospitality, but we’re intrigued by what may lay outside of your city walls.” She added and could have sworn she saw the albino flinch and the Empress’ eye lid twitch at such a request. There was something there, something more than just the beautiful beach side resorts and grand dining and shopping locations… Something more than the deep, plush luxury of the royal city – and she knew it.

The tea cup sat on its saucer with a poor attempt at masking contempt laced behind and all around it. The sound of china meeting china, sharp and distinct, forced the Commodore’s eyebrow skyward and Psy’Daio to mutter something about the cup slipping from her fingers as she picked up a cloth napkin as if to dry her hand. “As you wish, Commodore Ivanova, your people are free to travel anywhere they please on the planet or through our space.” She replied, “Like all planets and cultures, there are undesirable locations that we’re looking to remedy. I ask that you send them out armed and working on the side of caution.” She smiled, setting the cloth back down beside the cup. “It’s very rare that we see human and Trill in these parts. Since our treaty with Cardassia, we’ve grown more accustom to finding the Cardassian people mingling. Be prepared for that.” The older royal added, casting a glance towards the Enterprise’s Captain.

Almar was not surprised by the last statement from the Empress, their alliances with the Cardassian Union were well known and even in their weakened state, Cardassia was still a militaristic power, it unsettled him slightly to know that he may come across other members of his race, a people who would generally view him in a distinctly negative light considering where his allegiances lay.

Karim was slightly annoyed at the dismissive tone the Empress used when talking about her people. He bit back a comment that he wanted to say and replied "Thank you for the advice Your Majesty, but it is standard procedure for all Starfleet Officers to prepare for any eventuality when encountering a new culture. I can assure you we will be unharmed." Pausing, he asked "Might we be able to meet with other leaders of your people? Are there elected officials of the areas outside your grounds?"

Blinking slowly, the Empress regarded the Trill with a more intense light. "Each caste has a delegated leader and within those castes there are houses in good standing that have an appointed head as well." She explained slowly, gathering up her tea cup once again as she spoke. "Kiv'Watt has been the head of the Makta caste for quite some time and was elevated to position of head guard until Pal'Maar lost his right and dishonored the house of Ilex. Now Kiv'Watt serves both positions. If you require a tour guide, I'm certain that he can arrange for your protection as you go about your business. I'd hate to have anything happen to you or any of your people, Captain."

Smiling slightly, Karim replied "Thank you for your concern Your Majesty, but we don't require a tour guide. I'm sure the Commodore and I will be able to find our way to speak with the other leaders. That being said, might I implore upon you that we take our leave to begin those meetings?"

"If you're so inclined." Psy'Daio nodded slowly and gestured towards the doors with her free hand. "Commodore? Commanders?"

"I believe it would be best and we can reconvene in a couple days to discuss our thoughts and findings." Rochelle replied, casting a knowing glance towards Karim and Almar.

A simple nod was the only reply from Almar as he caught the glance from Rochelle, he'd have a few things to bring up once they weren't in the presence of the Empress.

"I agree Commodore." Karim replied, then turned to the Empress and added "Thank you very much for your hospitality Your Majesty, these meetings have been very informative."

"Very well then," Psy'Daio replied with the softest of bored sighs, "I'll leave you to your thoughts, but ask that Commander Rinehart stay behind. I have some questions for her and her alone."

Having sat silently for the duration of the talk, Tierney was suddenly cast into a spotlight she didn't want. It was bright and unbearable, and she turned to look at the Empress with confusion and questioning written across her delicate face. A look to the albino Princess showed a near mirror image of such surprise. The beginning words of protest slowly began to curl the halfling's tongue when the subtle sight of the red Commodore's eyebrow arching derailed any hope of her escape. "You have my undivided attention, Empress." She managed.

This delighted the blue-maned Stenellis who's lips curled into a small smile and one of her hands rose to wave the other three Federation officers away. "Splendid. Come, child, let us talk in private."

Karim shot a quick glance of concern at Tierney, hoping she would be alright, but knowing she could handle herself. He quickly left the room, en route to the Aquarius to begin researching the other caste leaders.

---

Commodore Rochelle Ivanova
Exploration Squadron Commander
Cheydinhall Sector Quad
Commanding Officer
USS Vindicator, NCC 78213-E

Captain Karim Dhej
Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F

Commander Almar Dahe'el
Acting Executive Officer
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 1701-E

Commander Tierney Rinehart
Chief Intelligence // Second Officer
USS ENTERPRISE, NCC 1701-F

Psy'Daio Nox
Empress of the Stenellian Ascendancy
Queen Dowager of Aleine
Queen of Apsha

Xue'Daio Nox
Crowned Princess of the Stenellian Ascendancy
Lady of Aleine
Regent of Apsha
Stenellian Ambassador to the Federation