A New Way to Fly

Posted on Sat Nov 23rd, 2019 @ 1:39pm by Az'Prel & Lieutenant Commander Mnhei'sahe Dox & Lieutenant Commander Sonak
Edited on on Sat Nov 30th, 2019 @ 2:42pm

Mission: Neutral Zone Neutrality
Location: U.S.S. Hera, Main Conference Room
Timeline: 2396

Walking through the corridors of the U.S.S. Hera, the ship’s Rihannsu Chief Flight Officer was having an extremely packed day. Since returning to active duty following a month of captivity aboard a Rihannsu Warbird followed by two weeks of debriefings and interrogations at Starfleet Intelligence, the young woman found that her life had all but completely changed.

Suddenly, her newly discovered status as the granddaughter of the elder Senator of the Star Empire, Verelan t’Rul, put her in a very unique position. She was still a Starfleet officer and a Federation Citizen. But the PaDD in her hand, which contained a very formal and official message from her Grandmother to Starfleet on behalf of the Imperium also codified even more information. She was now, legally, a citizen of ch’Rihan. Claimed on the senate floor as a member of the house Rul, with all the privileges and responsibilities that that entails. Legally, on the homeworld she had barely known, she was ‘Mnhei’sahe Dox t’Rul’. Her grandmother’s chosen heir. It was a less than subtle way of her grandmother letting Dox know that her offer to return to ch’Rihan remained open.

That claim is what was making what she was now tasked with doing possible. Detailed in the letter were the specifics of a vote held on ch’Rihan, known to the rest of the galaxy as Romulus, for the government to offer aid and protection to the formerly illegal colonies in the empire that embraced reunification with Vulcan. Worlds where Rihannsu people lived who wished to embrace their Vulcan roots and learn of those philosophies and ways of life. To make one what had become two thousands of years ago in the Sundering when S’task led 80,000 pilgrims into the stars.

Now, Mnhei’sahe found herself in the middle of centuries of animosity between the Rihannsu Star Empire and the Federation. A citizen of both, and approved by the senate of ch’Rihan and the Admiralty of Starfleet Command to open communications between the Federation and the reunification colonies on her grandmother's behalf. A first stepping stone to test the waters of diplomacy.

Of course, Mnhei’sahe was no diplomat. She was a pilot. And one that only a short time ago was only a Lieutenant. But now, as she made her way to the turbolift for a meeting in the Hera’s conference room, she was a Lieutenant Commander with new responsibilities, being trusted to do something that she was wildly unqualified for, all because of her blood.

The contents of the message had been forwarded to two of her fellow crewmembers she had called a meeting with: Az’Prel, the Vulcan warrior woman from a collapsed mirror reality that had come to serve on the Hera as an independent Intelligence asset alongside Mnhei’sahe’s mother. And Lieutenant Commander Sonak, the Hera’s brilliant science officer and Kolinahr master. The Vulcan who has also served as Mnhei’sahe’s teacher in regards to the disciplining of her nascent mental abilities over the last year. But he was also an expert in the reunification movement and was authorized to act on behalf of the Vulcan government on the Hera, his knowledge and credentials making him the Logical choice.

Mnhei’sahe knew she would need him. In a meeting with Captain Telvan, Commander Paris, and Admiral Meowlth, Mnhei’sahe learned of the Hera’s upcoming mission to a hidden reunification colony called Mol Krun'chi to open up talks between them, the Vulcans, the Federation, and the Imperium. And as she would be the unexpected linchpin in those talks, she needed help. As the doors to the lift opened to the bridge, the freshly minted Lieutenant Commander Dox walked quickly and with intention along the rear towards the conference room situated on Deck One, aft. Ensign Jessica MacNielle was sitting at the ship’s helm, piloting the Hera as it moved smoothly through space. It was a seat Dox sat in less and less these days, and she found that she missed just being a pilot. But fate kept calling on her to fill shoes that seemed to get bigger and bigger.

These newest shoes seemed to be fit for a giant, and Dox was feeling every bit the 5’3” woman that she was. As she entered the Hera’s conference room, she was right on time. Which, of course, meant that the Vulcan’s Sonak and Az’Prel were there as well.

Wearing the standard grey intel uniform, the woman who had become a sister to Dox’s mother was standing near the large curved windows that faced the ships Intel Pod on the aft, waiting. Standing near her like a stoic statue that Dox had learned to lean on as needed in her journeys to discover her own heritage and her own mind, Sonak was the perfect image of a Vulcan in his crisp and pristine teal science uniform. The sight made her subconsciously adjust her own uniform.

Nodding, Mnhei’sahe addressed the pair professionally, though she was feeling considerable nerves, having requested the meeting herself. “Lieutenant Commander Sonak. Miss Az’Prel. Thank you very much for your time today.”

'We come to serve,'' Sonak simply said as a greeting and acknowledgment of her entrance. ''And congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Commander. It is well deserved. And it should prove valuable in no small part for our upcoming mission. Your people respect authority and individual accomplishments, especially in military service to the state. They will at least listen to you, if only on the basis of your merit.''

Smiling ever so slightly, if a bit nervously, Dox nodded. “Thank you. And I had thought about that. Merit may get me further with the reunificationists than any blood ties to the Senate. That said, the timing is fortuitous, if coincidental. If I can manage to say anything worth listening to, I hope that's something we can work on.”

"Indeed, there is much that may be said and from what the briefing indicates, we have a willing audience..." the displaced Vulcan woman began. "However, I surmise that we must use words of substance rather than platitudes or open promises for the future that may not be easily achievable. Yet some of what is said may have to be that simply on principle."

“I agree, Miss Az’Prel. And I think that’s a large part of why the three of us have been asked to undertake this mission. We each have a lot to bring to this that I hope will be substantive.” Dox added, getting just a little more confidence in her voice. “My family connection makes me well situated to speak both as a Rihannsu and a Starfleet officer. And my training with Commander Sonak shows reinforces the validity of the value of reunification, as does my past as a smuggler aiding in the movement as a child. Commander Sonak’s knowledge and position of respect with the Vulcan command is a strong leverage point. And your perspective is somewhat unique in this reality, and… if you will pardon the observation… you stand as additional proof that logic and passion can coexist.”

"We can't really make promises. At least not yet. But our very presence there should go a decent way towards moving things forward. Or, at least, represent that there's a willingness on the part of the Senate to accept the movement." Dox added, hoping she wasn't tripping over her own words and embarrassing herself.

“But here is where I need to express my own ignorance of the politics of the situation. I know of the Imperiums former hard-line stance of the movement. It was literally illegal and a punishable act up until last week before my grandmother got her movement passed. There’s still significant resistance, but I need to know more about this all if I’m going to be useful.” Dox paced slightly, preferring to stand as she thought more often than not.

“Commander, what’s the Vulcan’s government position here?” She asked.

Sonak took a moment before replying. Decades of experience among Humans and other emotional races had taught him that lengthy, detailed, thorough discussion was usually not conducive to proper attention and appreciation of a situation as it would be at the Vulcan Science Academy. He thus summarized and simplified his answer despite all the diverse intricacies it implied.

''Vulcan understands what brought about the birth and rise of the Rihansuu people. A desire for some to resume a relation with their ancestral roots and for others to continue moving away from them must therefore both be acknowledged. In this regard, Vulcan, as part of the Federation, must and will follow the Federation's Charter and the Starfleet doctrine of the Prime Directive.''

He went to the computer terminal and activated the holographic monitor to display the official documentation providing in more detail what he was summarizing. Of course, he could have simply asked for the display vocally, but he still kept his outdated 23rd-century habit of handling controls directly as a matter of methodical rigor. It also gave time for the others to reflect a bit upon his words before continuing.

''The proposal is this: there will be no interference in Imperial society, for example, with solicitation, directly or indirectly. Only Imperial citizens freely and voluntarily expressing on their own initiative the desire for relations with Vulcan will be welcomed to do so. No requirements to renounce Romulan heritage or citizenship will be made. Federation citizenship will not be offered. Annexation to the Federation by colonies or planetary systems will also not be part of this proposal. Communication, access, travel and stay limited to Vulcan will be allowed, within a specified corridor of travel, transmission, and contact under the guardianship of Starfleet. Under the same conditions, Vulcan citizens making a request to establish relations would only do so with those of the Empire allowed as defined. They would enjoy the same rights and same restrictions regarding Imperial Space, under the guardianship of the Imperial Navy. Those corridors of contact would be established jointly by The Federation Council and the Imperial Senate as were the terms of the Treaty of the Neutral Zone and along similar lines.''

He paused before finishing.

''This proposal has been accepted by the Federation Council as a starting point for negotiations with the Empire. For all intent and purposes, the citizens involved in this interstellar relationship would be granted ambassadorial status and privileges but without the authority to speak on behalf of their respective communities. This will still be reserved to those with full ambassadorial status or with officially granted diplomatic powers; like us.''

Looking at the display, Dox picked up her PaDD and called the data up to read in detail later. But as she did, she nodded slightly and pursed her lips. She felt tremendously out of her depth here but was doing her level best to keep up. "When my mother and I were still just smugglers… this alone would have been seen as a miracle to those reunificationists we helped, I think."

Putting the PaDD back down, it was clear she was scanning the data on the screen for details while she spoke, taking in relevant details without derailing her train of thought. It was a necessary skill for a pilot and useful in the matters at hand as well. "But this movement has been growing for generations, being a crime this whole time on ch'Rihan. I imagine it will be far easier to convince these people that the Vulcan government will support them that it will be to convince them that the Rihannsu government isn't just trying to draw them all out."

Pacing again, Dox's tone it more somber. "It's a tactic the government's employed before, after all. Or, at least, the Tal'Shiar. Hnaev…"

Lowering her head slightly, Dox cursed under her breath, beginning to feel the real weight of what was being put before her. "There's a very real chance that this is some kind of trap. A way to make us lead Riov Rendal and the Tal'Shiar to be these hidden colonies to wipe them out, though Commander Paris is making plans to account for that. I believe my grandmother is sincere in all this, but the government as a whole, I'm not so sure. And it will be partly on me to try and convince thirty-nine hundred people to believe me. I… need help figuring out how to do that, Commander."

Sonak looked straight at her.

''There is Klingon saying: Blood Will Tell. You are Rihansuu of a noble lineage currently in a position of power in the Imperial government. That alone will command respect and consideration from the more traditionally-inclined among them. As for the others of a more progressive mindset, the fact that you are also a Starfleet officer and officially given a title of authority in these matters will convince them that their dream can be made a reality. Adding our voices to yours will underline it all.''

He then frowned.

''But your caution is warranted. Romulans are fine tacticians and shrewd planners... and they are also naturally averse to change and dissent. That this is all an elaborate trap to seek out and destroy discordant elements within the Empire is a distinct possibility. Hence why these efforts should be as discreet as possible, at least in the opening phase.''

As they had been conversing, Az'Prel had been looking over the records of the Intel officer that was to be transferred over to the Hera from the Persephone for the mission but now pulled up the Vulcanoid Rigellian's profile on one of the conference room's displays. "In that regard, I have concerns over this outside observer that Starfleet has chosen from the Persephone. This Ayamo Oulette seems to be a very strange woman if her records are any indication. Plus, her specializations lie in Klingon and Cardassian codebreaking and linguistics. She is not a logical choice from these records and my... Guts... Are telling me we will have to mind her observations closely."

Sonak nodded.

''It is a fact that within the Federation, even on Vulcan, Reunification is not universally viewed as a positive undertaking. The logical possibility that this is all an elaborate long term infiltration plan always remains. It is more than enough to fuel emotional reactions to the free coming and going of an old enemy right within the heart of our space. Some people have long histories of apprehension, resentment, fear and even hate of the conquering people who caused one of the earliest and most devastating interstellar wars. The simple fact that the actual people who did so are long dead is not always convincing enough to douse the fire in their heart.''

He looked at each of them in turn.

''It is logical to expect that, learning of our endeavor, the most vocal of these opposing voices would find a way to, if not forbid our mission, at the very least closely monitor it. Federation Security must deem this a prudent move; but it may pose a hindrance to our efforts. Seems our first diplomatic work will be among ourselves. On the positive side, it should prove adequate preparation before meeting Romulan opposition.''

"While my grandmother had enough pull to make me a part of this, I'm sure that 'Romulan opposition' will have a lot to say about my involvement," Dox replied with knitted eyebrows, looking concerned.

"That said, I’m… inclined to listen to your gut, Az’Prel.” Dox leaned on the table slightly as she spoke, her mind drifting back momentarily to her captivity on the Rihannsu Warbird. To her time under the ‘tutelage’ of Riov Dalia Rendal where she was shown the recording of the Captain of the Persephone negotiating with the Senate for her release in place of Enalia, who was mounting a rescue. Thinking of it all, Dox noticeably tensed up as she made no effort to mask her emotions from the two Vulcans she trusted with her life.

“During my debriefings at Starfleet Intelligence, Admiral Forsyth assured me that Starfleet thoroughly investigated the crew of the Persephone and determined that Rendal had to have been trying to manipulate me when she told me that the Tal’Shiar had a spy on that ship. She assured me that they found nothing to indicate that. And I accept the possibility that my own judgment in this regard might be skewed in this instance as a result, but if you have suspicions as well independent of my own, then I would say that it’s prudent to remain… vigilant.” Dox stood back up straight and tugged on her tunic to straighten it back out.

Sonak again nodded.

''That is wise. Keep in mind that once, a Romulan infiltrator posed as a most notable Vulcan ambassador for decades before tricking even the elite crew of the flagship Enterprise of legendary Captain Picard to deliver her back to the Empire. They even had the sentient android Lieutenant Commander Data aboard, directly interacting with her, yet unable to recognize it in time. We should never ignore or underestimate the capabilities of the Star Empire.''

“Indeed. And considering that doing something similar seems to have been one of Rendal's plans for me, we can't afford to discount anything. As for discretion,'' Dox added, ''I was just in the POD before coming here, meeting with Yeoman Dedjoy and my Mother. They will be preparing a message to encrypt to sent to the Artan ship, the Golden Ghost. As it turns out, she’s been placed under my aegis and discretion in all such matters and I recommended to the Captain, Commander Paris, and Admiral Meowlth that we take advantage of her to get us from the Hera to Mol Krun’chi undetected. She has a legal cloak, not being under the jurisdiction of the Treaty of Algeron, and can ensure we don’t give away the location of the colony.” As she spoke, it was clear to unemotional Vulcans that Dox was feeling the immense pressure of the situation and that it was weighing heavily upon her.

“The Tal’Shiar wants to wipe out the reunification movement. They consider it a threat to the Imperium as a whole and I know for a fact that Riov Rendal considers those people beneath her contempt. They aren’t Rihannsu to her. They’re… a plague to be cut out to protect the Imperium to her. And she’s still out there. Commander Paris and the Captain have a plan to try and draw her out while we’re doing our jobs, but we need to mind all the angles.” Dox turned to Az’Prel, taking the moment to flex a bit of authority.

“Miss Az’Prel, whatever resources we have that can be brought to bear to learn what we can about Ayamo Oulette, I would appreciate you taking. You can confer with my Mother in the Intel Pod. The more information we have, the better, and we will need all the help we can get. Thank you.” Dox said flatly but with intention. Making orders wasn’t something that came comfortably to her, particularly regarding Az'Prel whom she knew she had no real authority over, but she was trying to be as prepared as possible and she trusted that the Vulcan refugee would take no issue with the request.

"Wise precautions on both angles." Az'Prel tapped at the console she was at for a few moments before nodding in satisfaction and closing it down. "I will investigate the woman thoroughly and if I suspect that she is not who she says she is... I will endeavor not to end her life myself for her betrayal but bring that knowledge to your attention immediately. For now, though, I will hold any further judgments of her character until I have met her."

Listening, Dox pondered how best to respond to the idea. And after a moment, she knitted her eyebrows and replied, "Ultimately, I think most sides here are expecting some measure of violence. Based on my own experiences with reunificationists, I am certain they will be expecting it as soon as we start talking. These are people that live with an ever-present threat over their heads. As such, we will need to bend over backward, proverbially speaking, to show them that we will do whatever is possible to avoid any kind of violence. You and I may have a propensity for violence, Az'Prel, but we're going to both have to work to be better, here."

"I think we need to set the standard right out of the gate. Open hands and peace are the only way this is going to have any chance of working in the long term for these people. For our mutual people." Dox's confidence was beginning to overwhelm her anxiety as she spoke with passion, looking at the two for their thoughts.

''In that case,'' Sonak then proposed, '' We should make visible efforts to show both strength and courage the Empire admires and respects most, but without showing aggression or intent of violence; the Strenght of Peace the Federation prides itself of. We should all wear a phaser 1 locked to work on stun only; and at least one traditional weapon capable of non-lethal application, like this.''

He lifted his shirt and deployed what looked like a long white two-thonged leather belt ending on both extremities with small flat metal weights.

''This is the Vulcan anh woon; it can be used to trip and entangle as much as for whipping or strangling. Humans for example also have a wide variety of similar types of weapons, like nets, bolas, kusaris and mancatchers, even seemingly inconspicuous ones like fans, scarves, and capes. Romulans still carry the old tradition of wearing blades, even at ceremonial events, as a show of their noble warrior spirit. Showing ourselves thus armed would demonstrate that we understand and honor their ways without betraying the non-belligerent values of the Federation we claim to represent. It might also intrigue them enough to help start conversations and build common grounds... while ensuring our security in case of trouble with less welcoming Imperials. Brushing up on your unarmed combat skills would also be advisable.''

"Hmmm. My Caitian blades are shielded with a customizable stunning field which renders them non-lethal, but still might appear too aggressive. However, of all of us going, I'm the only Rihannsu and am representing both Starfleet's interests AND the interests of the Imperium... no pressure... Dox muttered under her breath as she thought of her options out loud. "Perhaps I should present as such. And, as you said, the wearing of blades is culturally traditional. If not, I have my collapsible staff with stunning edges I can also carry easily enough."

For just an instant, Dox's mind went to the case in her closet that was given to her by the Rihannsu Starfleet Admiral, Charybdis MacGreggor. The case that contained the temporal copy of the sword of S'Task. The Honor Blade of the Rihannsu Empire, taken from the timeline in which Romulus was destroyed and gifted to her only days ago now. But that wasn't a road she was willing to walk down just quite yet.

"As for unarmed combat," Dox added, taking her mind off of the sword for the moment, "I have some time in the gym already scheduled for later today with V'Nus Wil'I'Ams for training. I Thank you for your input, expertise, and suggestions, Commander. There's still... far too much about my own culture I simply am ignorant of that I need to learn about if I'm going to be effective at all in this role."

Nodding, Dox's insecurities were showing a bit more on her face and posture. While she may have learned how to put on a very effective poker face during her captivity, she was consciously not employing it in the here and now, preferring total honesty and emotional transparency.

''This could, in fact, should prove to be an asset, '' Sonak stated after a moment of thought. '' You are a displaced Rihansuu living within the Federation, yet working to get closer to her people and help it build bridges with the past and the future. You are the living embodiment that Reunification is possible, if not even more; peaceful coexistence with the whole Federation, without renouncing to what makes you, or them Rihansuu. That makes you also the embodiment of what the Federation stands for; a brotherhood of the stars, where each world can join in common prosperity and peace while staying true to itself and master of its destiny. Truly there is no better person to lead this endeavor than you, Lieutenant Commander.''

"I also stand with you," Az'Prel replied, literally standing to punctuate her point. "My mentor before my old universe collapsed was half Vulcan and half Romulan. Thus he was an outcast on Vulcan and with his world destroyed by the Terran Empire his only home was the refugee and freedom fighter camps. Indeed, even with the followers of peace being those that left with S'task and settling on Romulus, there were those in my reality that dared hope for reunification. If I am able to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask."

Humbled by the statements of both Vulcan's, Dox shrunk slightly for only an instant before realizing that to succumb to her own insecurities in the moment dishonored the both of them. And while on the inside, she wished she was just a pilot again that nobody cared about, that life wasn't hers to live anymore. Straightening back up, she took a breath and a moment, nodding as she replied. "You already do, Az'Prel. The both of you offer more assistance then I can express properly."

"I was... expressing my concerns over my place in all of this to my wife the other day. That, in my heart, I'm still just a pilot. And that I'm feeling more than a little overwhelmed with all of these new paths being laid before me. I said that all I ever wanted to do was fly." Dox continued as she looked out the windows to the stars streaking behind the ship. "She said... You're still flying, but sometimes the universe sends us on a different path for us to prove how well we can fly."

Then, the embattled Rihannsu turned to look at them both. "Looking on the bright side of things isn't something that comes naturally to me... but I'm glad to know I'm not flying alone. I will be leaning on you all during all of this, and I thank you for that support."

"We are here to serve," the displaced Vulcan logician replied with a slight bow of her head.

''We come to serve,'' the Kolinarh master simply said.