Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84 
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 1, 2021 15:04:07 GMT
Approx 1 month after S2E1 and S2M1Captain’s Log
The Mac is currently en route to Caldonia, where we are to mediate talks between the Caldonians and Kurjarians. After the attack on our station last summer, awareness of the Kurjarians’ plight has risen in the Federation, and now public opinion is such that we can no longer be seen as complicit - even though we are complicit. We are to dangle some ludicrous rewards, like our quantum torpedoes and even the prospect of admission to the Federation, to the Caldonians, to urge them to treat the Kurjarians better, while we make sure that the Trillium continues its travels from the mines of Caldonia, to the shipyards of the Federation.
There’s an old saying on Earth, that bad things come in threes, and so it is with this venture.
First, the Caldonians hold all the cards. The summit is being held in one of their resorts, with their people managing the schedule. All attendees have been sent questionnaires to assign them to Caldonian castes, which I expect is a way to humiliate the Kurjarians. What’s more, because our absolute imperative is to keep the Trillium supply running, we can’t use any sticks to move them along.
Second, this mission is as politicized as can be. The Presidential election is right around the corner: if we fail to secure some humanitarian concessions for the Kurjarians, or if the supply of Trillium is interrupted, the political implications explain themselves. I am confident that my crew will carry out their duties without any political mishegoss, but I’ve always thought more highly of Crewmen than Admirals. I imagine our civilian associate, Ms. Fox, is all too aware of that political significance.
Third, while I am the lead negotiator, the Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Relations has seen fit to assign us a general counsel that feels more like a minder. The Honorable Judge Estelle Roth is the longest-serving human jurist in Federation history, a sharp legal mind, and my grandmother. She’s also far too outspoken for her own good, especially in her dotage. I’ve already made my peace with the fact that the crew will be seeing baby pictures of her Honor’s favorite granddaughter - me - as I hope she won’t insult the Caldonian delegates to their faces.
And what’s more, after the first night of negotiations, a small team will go down to the mountains to release the shrews we captured last month.
Good luck to us. We’re gonna need it.
This month's cast: Judith EastmanMatthew HarmonJoshua NilesOzu SayaKaya Som (Neme) Syl O'ConnellKova Sh'qaleqShavan Th'zhaar (T'Laara)
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 1, 2021 15:08:39 GMT
{ Click for the Hon. Judge Roth}  Ever since beaming down, into the Caldonians’ reserved hotel for foreign dignitaries, the delegation had been treated to nothing but the greatest splendor. The capital itself was a marvel of technology, a dome held to a temperate climate, isolated from the desert outside, and filled with skyscrapers that put even the Federation’s greatest cities to shame. The hotel skyscraper itself was comprised of extremely roomy suites, and every delegate - down to the lowliest crewman - got a space more expansive than even the Captain’s quarters on Front Ear. The elevated walkway that took the delegation to the summit was another sign of this extravagance, a transparent prism mounted on the top of the dome (for both buildings protruded beyond it). Even Judy, resentful as she was of the Caldonians’ record on humanitarian matters, couldn’t help but silently admire the engineering prowess. “Listen up!” Estelle demanded attention, rather vocally at that. “The first thing that you’re going to do going in is give the Caldonians your questionnaires that we had you fill, and they’ll assign you a caste. Your caste will affect your seating assignment for the whole 12 courses of this meal. Also remember that in Caldonian society, if it’s not smeared in sauce all over, it’s a finger food - they think utensils are for wimps. And remember that the Kurjarians are terribly, unconscionably oppressed, but the Caldonians have minerals we need so we can’t say that too loudly. We have to treat the Kurjarians with equal respect, and that’s all we can do to spite them.”“We’re all going to need thick skins tonight,” Judy added, though whether she was referring to her grandmother or the Caldonians was unclear. |
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 1, 2021 15:10:50 GMT
[Yatin - Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia]
Caldonian society placed the greatest significance on merit and knowledge, which is why their most opulent facility was the National Institute for Knowledge. It was here that Caldonia’s Academics (the members of the higher castes) went through their higher education, and some of them performed their valuable work. The Department of Foreign Affairs (for in Caldonia, the Venn diagram of civil servants and academics is more of a circle) occupied a large suite centered on the 200th floor Universe Ballroom. It was here that Yatin awaited Starfleet’s dignitaries.
Yatin was a tall Caldonian man, slightly older than middle-aged. He was a member of the High Academics class, one of the highest tiers in Caldonian society. He possessed a large estate, donned expensive clothes, and smoked expensive cigars - Terran cigars, from the small island of Cuba, as few humans still did.
Yatin had lived for a time as Caldonia’s Ambassador to the Federation, and fallen in love with Terran culture. Caldonia’s technocratic perfection was still #1 in his heart, but humanity was #2. As such, he relished this opportunity, and hoped to charm the Federation’s negotiators into submission.
Or at least, Yatin would try to ooze all the charm he could, in the face of the Kurjarians. Formally, the Federation were but mediators, and the talks were between himself and his Kurjarian opposite, and yet, all sides knew it was a theater for the Federation representatives. All sides except, perhaps, the Federation. They were the audience watching the performance.
And there they came, led by the positively ancient Estelle Roth, and their Captain, Judith Eastman.
“If you’ll just submit your questionnaires to one of these clerks over here, they’ll assign you to your castes,” Yatin told the delegation, not calling them by the formal caste designation.
Estelle handed hers to one Caldonian, who promptly gave her the answer.
“Slave.”
Estelle looked shocked.
“Excuse me?”
“You are a member of the slave caste.”
The supercentenarian backhand-slapped the Caldonian right across the face with startling force.
“That’s a horrible mistake, Your Honor. You’re a Superior Academic for sure,” Yatin intervened, patting her on the back. His slightly raspy, very commanding baritone voice, and flawless English, lent the words the ultimate authority. Estelle Roth was a Superior Academic - he had written that assignment himself when they pre-assigned castes to the visitors (the questionnaire, of course, was for show).
Satisfied, the diminutive jurist walked to the appropriate table, to eat.
“Welcome, one and all, to Caldonia. I am Yatin, your host.”
His attention next turned to Charlie Fox, the troublesome journalist. With a small smile, he seemed to say without words that she was extra welcome to Caldonia.
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Feb 1, 2021 17:39:18 GMT
[Charlie Fox - Walkway -> Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia]Charlie didn't often feel speechless, but Caldonia regularly took her breath away. Within the domes, everywhere she looked, her eyes were greeted with unexpected treats. Above her Olsen swiveled and glided around, under instruction to record as much as possible of Caldonian every day life, set within this idyllic oasis in the middle of an unforgiving desert. Naturally, Charlie's thoughts often strayed to what was beyond the safety and splendour of these bubbles, to the people who weren't allowed within to sample the fruits of their labours. The Kurjarians who weathered life outside. She dutifully followed the group as the progressed along the walkway, finding herself unable to ignore Judge Estelle Roth's advice, even if she'd wanted to. Charlie stood off-side in her charcoal black, tailored pantsuit, cutting a figure that to her mind, was the most unapproachable of all her formal looks thus far since arriving to the quadrant. Her auburn hair was piled on top of her head, and the only make up she wore was a generous application of black eye-liner. Around her neck and wrists thick gold bangles were fastened, and the look was completed by a pair of black ankle boots. Thought she'd brought some other options with her, Charlie just didn't feel like a cocktail dress would quite give her the cover she wanted. Not that the Caldonians had been anywhere near as unwelcoming to her as she'd expected, in fact, it was quite the opposite... Perhaps she should write more scathing op-eds about them. The procession finally entered the grand Universe Ballroom, and had she not become somewhat accustomed to feeling shock and awe every five minutes, she might have stumbled in those killer heels as her eyes flew upward. The detail was exquisite, and with a flick of her wrist, she directed Olsen to do a full reconnaissance of the ballroom. Once his circuit was complete, she'd have to activate his stand-by mode. She'd had the distinct impression that while the Caldonians were happy for her to gush over and record their beautiful cities, they probably wouldn't take as kindly to her documenting too much of their little "peace talks". Like all oppressors, they didn't like anyone to look too hard for too long. It was the sound of the slap that snapped her from her uncharitable musings. An uncontrolled guffaw sounded from her chest as she realised that the Hon. Judge, the one who'd just been schooling them on their behaviour, had clocked a Caldonian clerk with the back of her ancient pimp hand. Charlie quickly tried to get a hold of herself as she stepped forward and handed over her own questionnaire. She'd only answered two of the questions; the rest of it had been left blank save for a couple of crude drawings of genitals. "Regular Academic.""Huh?" She mouthed, sounding exactly like the academic she apparently was. "Regular Academic," the Caldonian drone repeated, expression suggesting the truth was quite the opposite. There were one or two furtive glances toward Yatin, and the swollen-faced colleague who had received righteous correction from Estelle Roth. Charlie arched a brow, having fully expected to be branded a slave and sent to the kids' table. "O...kay," she eventually eked out and began to step away from the line of helpful Caldonian administrators. She narrowed her eyes at Yatin, the tall male who smelled like an old-fashioned gentleman's club. His smile reminded her of a crocodile, waiting to begin a death roll.
Tag: Soft to Judith Eastman (Yaltin), soft to area.
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Joshua Niles
Security & Tactical
[TI22]
Posts: 649 Likes: 21
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Tactical Officer
Species: Human
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Post by Joshua Niles on Feb 1, 2021 20:37:36 GMT
[ Lt Joshua Niles Walkway -> Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia ]Why do I always land the diplomatic functions, a certain Lieutenant Joshua Niles thought as he shrugged into his dress jacket. At least, this was a plainclothes event and he didn't have to cram himself into that restrictive and uncomfortable set of dress whites he despised with a passion. Instead, he found himself putting on what was becoming a cutting-edge trend in formalwear back in his native Kingston, having selected a black pleated kilt and stockings, a pair of highly-polished oxfords, a grey shirt with a rising collar and no lapels, and a black vest and Argyle jacket, without a tie of any sort. However, his buttons and cufflinks were polished unto gleaming and the only indication he was with Starfleet was the commbadge pinned to his jacket. The Kurjarians might not hold uniformed service in high regard, but they had to know they had invited a Starfleet delegation into their midst in order to deal with such matters. And, by way of wearing a commbadge, Niles knew he would be identifying himself as such, and that he would have an out to deflect any policy questions that could come his way. As much as possible during the transit to Caldonia, Josh had made every attempt to stay out of Her Honour's way. He had, of course, heard that she was related to Captain Eastman. Last thing he would need would be to stick his foot in his mouth in the presence of their mission adviser, who also had a direct line to the (actual, this time) Old Lady. However, avoiding her had just become impossible as his orders had been to report to her on the walkway for a last-minute briefing ahead of joining the reception and dinner. And, to bring he completed questionnaire he was to have found in his (astonishingly palatial by the standards of a mere Lieutenant!) suite. Which he did, and when she led the way towards the clerks who would evaluate the inputs brought to them, he watched the older woman simply haul off on one of the clerks when he gave her an answer she hardly cared for, only to have the man he understood was their liaison to the Caldonians at all, correct the issue. And then, Charlie Fox herself went through, and then it was his own turn to face the examination of the Caldonian protocolists, and he offered the padd forward, feeling rather like a schoolboy turning in questionable homework.
tag Judith Eastman for protocol issues, softies to all others.
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Shavan Th'zhaar
Science
[TI35]
Posts: 800
Likes: 19
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Assistant Chief of Science
Species: Orion/Andorian
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Post by Shavan Th'zhaar on Feb 1, 2021 21:45:13 GMT
[ T’Laara & Lt Shavan Th’zhaar - Universe Ballroom, Caldonia] T’Laara didn’t quite know what to make of being invited to the diplomatic dinner. She was, after all, only on this mission to help with the release of the shrews. However, she had gone along and dutifully filled out the questionnaire. Standing in line next to Shavan, she looked around with equal parts fascination with their surroundings and reservation toward the Caldonians’ narrow-minded customs. Soon enough it was her turn to hand in her questionnaire to the Caldonian clerk who had just been slapped. “Regular Academic.” Well, she supposed that wasn’t too surprising. Unsure what to do next, she simply nodded to him and moved out of the way. Shavan handed his in next. “Inferior Academic.” Inferior? With a glare at the clerk (who was lucky it wasn’t another slap) he followed along after the Vulcan consultant. After all it could have been worse... and this was just the start. He tugged impatiently at the sleeves of his most dull and formal black suit, while in front of him T'Laara was wearing a Vulcan style dress. She had done her hair in a simple half up style, whereas Shavan had left his down and getting longer than ever. T’Laara was first to approach Charlie Fox, who she was also acquainted with and had been placed in the same caste moments earlier. She spared a glance around the ballroom that everyone seemed to be admiring. “It is beautiful, isn’t it? If not entirely to my taste.”
  tag Charlie Fox , open/soft tags everyone |
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Kova Sh'qaleq
Civilian
Posts: 516
Likes: 34
Position: Security Consultant
Species: Andorian
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Post by Kova Sh'qaleq on Feb 1, 2021 22:07:22 GMT
[ Kova Sh'qaleq - Walkway to Universe Ballroom, Caldonia] Up until this point, the stay on Caldonia had been rather pleasant and uneventful. Well, that wasn't entirely true. Kova had received a series of encrypted communiques from her mother stressing the importance of these negotiations. Her mother hadn't asked to do anything, other than to give her a quick heads up should the roozh darken the snow. Of course, once it was time for it all to begin, Starfleet in typical fashion felt the need to lay down the law for its members. As a member of the delegation, Kova was naturally expected to follow suit. She stood there, with her arms folded in front of her chest, clad in black body suit and a pair of boots that came up just below her knees. Kova had even pulled and tied her hair in the back, hoping to be anything other than a distraction. The one to address them before it all began hadn't been Captain Eastman, but the other human. One that was nearly twice as old and twice as annoying as well. She mentioned something about castes and food... things that Kova was pretty certain had been in the mission briefing. Still, she felt the need to address it once again. After she finished her little speech, Kova was pretty certain that she didn't care very much for the woman. That was, at least, until she back-handed one of the Caldonians for assigning her a caste she clearly didn't care for. And just like that, she was assigned the superior academic caste. A smile of approval came across Kova's face. Eastman could learn a lot from her elder-zhavey[fn]grandmother[/fn]. Once it was her turn to submit the questionnaire, Kova stepped forward and did so. She didn't have to stand there long before the clerk made his declaration. "Kurjarian."Kova's eyebrow arched. She wasn't entirely sure how he'd come to that conclusion. For once, she had actually been attentive to her responses and hadn't simply randomly answered the questions. It had to be a glitch. "Could you check it again," Kova said after taking a deep breath. "Kurjarian."Kova's eyes narrowed. He had responded almost as quickly as she had ended her sentence. "You didn't even look," Kova said. The clerk checked the screen once more as if to appease her request and add some validity to his declaration. "Kurjarian."Kova leaned forward, closing the distance between herself and the clerk. "I know what's going on here," Kova said. Her antennae curled tightly atop her head as her icy blue eyes bore into the Caldonians. There was likely someone sore about her interference in some Caldonian politician's plans a few months ago, that nearly led to having the Chalna wipe out the Kurjarians[fn] Kova Decrypted[/fn]. At least that was what Kova believed, but she couldn't bring that up without endangering these talks. And Kova really didn't want to hear either Eastman or Roth lecture her about diplomatic etiquette. Though, she still wasn't going to let this clerk off that easy. "It's because I'm blue, isn't it? Or maybe my antennae?" The appendages unfurled for effect as she glared back at him. "No, it's probably because of such... primitive reasoning as that."Kova took a deep breath, blinking once slowly. It was so that her corneal lens over her eye would take a photographic still of this clerk. When the opportunity presented itself, she'd hack into his credentials and lock him out of his office or spam his comm-messages with ads from Slilick's and Ferengi time-shares. The Andorian reached out and took hold of her credentials. "Fine. I'll probably be in better company anyway." she said as she proceeded forward.
soft tags Judith Eastman (& Roth), Charlie Fox , Joshua Niles , Shavan Th'zhaar (& T'Laara), others nearby |
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Ozu Saya
Engineering/Ops
[TI19]
Posts: 878
Likes: 29
Rank: Master Chief Petty Officer
Position: CoB/Chief Engineer
Species: Vulcan-Bajoran
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Post by Ozu Saya on Feb 2, 2021 0:13:50 GMT
[ MCPO Ozu Saya - Walkway to Universe Ballroom - Caldonia]  Saya rubbed her bare arm and wished she'd brought a wrap. It might be a desert world, but the temperature inside the protective bubble certainly was cooler. She wasn't used to going bare-armed, but Kyo had helped her decide on this final option when she'd narrowed it down to three. They'd both liked the design on this one more than the others. Saya liked that it was simple and flowy. Her hair looked sleek from the front, but Saya had taken the time to put it up in an elaborate formal Bajoran style with many braids that twisted and curled around each other. Saya waited patiently in the line as each person handed over their questionnaire, keeping her thoughts to herself about this ridiculous part of the proceedings. Finally, it was her turn, and Saya stepped forward to had her PADD over to the clerk. ---------- Tag Judith Eastman, Matthew Harmon, Charlie Fox, soft tags to anyone else in line |
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 2, 2021 3:09:29 GMT
[ Lt Joshua Niles Walkway -> Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia ]Why do I always land the diplomatic functions, a certain Lieutenant Joshua Niles thought as he shrugged into his dress jacket. At least, this was a plainclothes event and he didn't have to cram himself into that restrictive and uncomfortable set of dress whites he despised with a passion. Instead, he found himself putting on what was becoming a cutting-edge trend in formalwear back in his native Kingston, having selected a black pleated kilt and stockings, a pair of highly-polished oxfords, a grey shirt with a rising collar and no lapels, and a black vest and Argyle jacket, without a tie of any sort. However, his buttons and cufflinks were polished unto gleaming and the only indication he was with Starfleet was the commbadge pinned to his jacket. The Kurjarians might not hold uniformed service in high regard, but they had to know they had invited a Starfleet delegation into their midst in order to deal with such matters. And, by way of wearing a commbadge, Niles knew he would be identifying himself as such, and that he would have an out to deflect any policy questions that could come his way. As much as possible during the transit to Caldonia, Josh had made every attempt to stay out of Her Honour's way. He had, of course, heard that she was related to Captain Eastman. Last thing he would need would be to stick his foot in his mouth in the presence of their mission adviser, who also had a direct line to the (actual, this time) Old Lady. However, avoiding her had just become impossible as his orders had been to report to her on the walkway for a last-minute briefing ahead of joining the reception and dinner. And, to bring he completed questionnaire he was to have found in his (astonishingly palatial by the standards of a mere Lieutenant!) suite. Which he did, and when she led the way towards the clerks who would evaluate the inputs brought to them, he watched the older woman simply haul off on one of the clerks when he gave her an answer she hardly cared for, only to have the man he understood was their liaison to the Caldonians at all, correct the issue. And then, Charlie Fox herself went through, and then it was his own turn to face the examination of the Caldonian protocolists, and he offered the padd forward, feeling rather like a schoolboy turning in questionable homework.
tag Judith Eastman for protocol issues, softies to all others. The answer was almost honest. Joshua Niles was a soldier, a contemptible but necessary breed.
[ MCPO Ozu Saya - Walkway to Universe Ballroom - Caldonia] Saya rubbed her bare arm and wished she'd brought a wrap. It might be a desert world, but the temperature inside the protective bubble certainly was cooler. She wasn't used to going bare-armed, but Kyo had helped her decide on this final option when she'd narrowed it down to three. They'd both liked the design on this one more than the others. Saya liked that it was simple and flowy. Her hair looked sleek from the front, but Saya had taken the time to put it up in an elaborate formal Bajoran style with many braids that twisted and curled around each other. Saya waited patiently in the line as each person handed over their questionnaire, keeping her thoughts to herself about this ridiculous part of the proceedings. Finally, it was her turn, and Saya stepped forward to had her PADD over to the clerk.\ The clerk looked at this one long and hard, thinking. The listing for her was clear, but her race made it complicated. Her ears, indicative of a Vulcan, spoke to a commitment to logic, which deserved a high caste, and yet her nose was evocative of the Bajorans, a Kurjarian-like group of religious primitives. He decided to split the difference. "Skilled worker."
{Click for Judy's outfit}  As the Federation reps were processed one by one, the Captain's turn came. "Ruling class.""Thank you. And that slap, don't take it personally."The Caldonian clerk nodded, not used to being treated as more than a drone, and Judy moved on. She knew her entire time here would be spent putting out fires, started by the Caldonians, the Kurjarians, Charlie Fox, and especially Estelle. Even her attire was targeted to this goal, a gold-colored ball gown that made her into a shiny object that might distract, as needed, from the Honorable Judge's antics. Max assured her she was gorgeous enough to work the look. For now, seeing as Estelle had met her quota of mischief for the next minute or two, Judy approached Lt. Niles, who she feared might take his lowly caste assignment a little personally. "Take the opportunity, young man, talk to people. The workers might be the only ones here that say what they mean," she advised. Ms. Sh'qaleq, in the background, had definitely taken her caste assignment personally, but some things could not be helped.
Tag Joshua Niles, Ozu Saya |
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Feb 2, 2021 3:49:17 GMT
[NPC - Yatin - Universe Ballroom]Other than Captain Eastman, who seemed to be slumming it with the low castes, it seemed the worthy Federationers were coming to their designated place, which would soon be sullied with at least one Kurjarian dignitary - at the Federation's insistence. Yatin himself walked towards Fox and those who have joined her. "This building is the crown jewel of Caldonia. Everything that makes our people who we are happens here," he said to the Vulcan who was admiring it, though hoping Ms. Fox would pick up on this opportunity. "I'd be honored to answer any questions you may have."
Tag Shavan Th'zhaar and Charlie Fox
[NPC - The Hon. Judge Estelle G. Roth - Universe Ballroom]Estelle, at the table, plucked an interesting, blue breadstick thing from one of the bowls and took a bite, finding it to have an interesting, slightly fruity taste, with some popping in the mouth as she ate it (like pop rocks). There were also more boring, Terran bread sticks, but she could get those at home just as easily.
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Feb 2, 2021 3:56:59 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Caldonia - Walkway to Universe Ballroom] OutfitWell, this certainly wasn't what she had expected to be doing within days of arriving at her first post, but here she was. Everything about Caldonian architecture and interior decorating was extravagant, and as Syl followed the rest of the delegations down the walkway she felt sorely underdressed in her simple tailored black and white suit. As much as she loved wearing dresses, and would have felt much more comfortable standing in such a room wearing one, her mother would have never let her hear the end of it if she'd found out her daughter had attended a diplomatic function wearing such 'nonsense'. At least it seemed a few of the others in attendance hadn't been quite sure what to wear either, and their outfits ranged from simple like hers, to as extravagant as the Caldonians'. When she reached the clerk, she wordlessly handed them her questionnaire, with absolutely no idea what to expect from them. Everything had happened so quickly, the Ensign hadn't had time to do any research on the culture, but it was quite clear from the moment they began passing out assignments that their caste system functioned very differently from anything the Federation would consider valuable. Her fingers curled at her sides, nails scraping against each other soundlessly as she fought the urge to scratch the sudden itch beneath the pile of hair on the back on her head.
Tag Judith Eastman (clerk)
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Matthew Harmon
Intelligence
[TI42] Frontier's Most Malcontent Malcontent
Posts: 540
Likes: 18
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Position: Intelligence Officer
Species: Human
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Post by Matthew Harmon on Feb 2, 2021 11:23:08 GMT
[LCDR Matthew Harmon - Walkway -> Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia]Though he had been paying close attention to Caldonia since being reassigned to Front Ear, this was the first time Harmon had visited it, or even met a Caldonian. The impressive feat of engineering and architecture that was the domed city they were in was almost enough to take one's mind away from the criminal atrocities committed against the Kurjarians. The Federation may have been willing to look past it to secure its supply of trillium, but Harmon wasn't. He would not forget Jeren, or his plea for help. The Federation enjoyed moralising, yet it seemed in this case that was all for show. As surprised as he was that he was allowed at this function, he was even more surprised that Charlie was allowed to attend. He was surprised, but glad. He liked her, and he knew her feelings on the subject of the Kurjarians were in line with his. It made him feel a little less crazy and isolated having her there. He hadn't said a word to anyone since arriving on the planet. He was lost in his thoughts and disgust, only without the aid of booze. The Caldonians looked down on alcohol, of course. Sick bastards. What was even more sick was the barbaric caste system they had and the disgusting and backwards game they appeared to be intent on playing by forcing them to do a questionnaire and be assigned into one for the duration of the proceedings. Eventually he joined the end of the line to get his results, wearing a simple black suit and tie. The sort one might wear at a funeral. These 'negotiations' deserved nothing less. "Manager," the bored clerk said, the contempt apparent. Sure it wasn't as bad as 'slave', but he knew that the Managerial Caste was not at all respected. That were seen as little more than an important cog in the machine that kept society going. Not something to be respected or commended, just accepted. "Yeah, good okay," he said with disinterest as he immediately walked away. Behind him, he heard the new pilot Syl being given her cast. "Inferior Academic." As he entered the ostentatious ballroom he glanced around looking for Charlie, but came to find Kova standing there as well, seeming to be fuming even more than usual. "What did you get?" he asked with a disinterested tone."She is to join us, apparently," said a deep voice from behind them. He turned around and quickly recognised the man to be a Kurjarian. "One of the oppressed. My name is Baram, Chief of Clan Kavar. I'm not allowed to speak to the 'Academics' unless spoken to, so I suppose most of my company will be from you shoved into the underclasses of their vile and materialistic society," he said looking at Kova and paying little attention to Harmon.
Tag: Kova Sh'qaleq, Syl O'Connell
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Joshua Niles
Security & Tactical
[TI22]
Posts: 649 Likes: 21
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Tactical Officer
Species: Human
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Post by Joshua Niles on Feb 2, 2021 13:33:21 GMT
"Soldier."The answer was almost honest. Joshua Niles was a soldier, a contemptible but necessary breed.
...
{Spoiler}{Click for Judy's outfit} As the Federation reps were processed one by one, the Captain's turn came. "Ruling class.""Thank you. And that slap, don't take it personally."The Caldonian clerk nodded, not used to being treated as more than a drone, and Judy moved on. She knew her entire time here would be spent putting out fires, started by the Caldonians, the Kurjarians, Charlie Fox, and especially Estelle. Even her attire was targeted to this goal, a gold-colored ball gown that made her into a shiny object that might distract, as needed, from the Honorable Judge's antics. Max assured her she was gorgeous enough to work the look. For now, seeing as Estelle had met her quota of mischief for the next minute or two, Judy approached Lt. Niles, who she feared might take his lowly caste assignment a little personally. "Take the opportunity, young man, talk to people. The workers might be the only ones here that say what they mean," she advised. Ms. Sh'qaleq, in the background, had definitely taken her caste assignment personally, but some things could not be helped.
One thing Niles had done this time was engage in as much preparatory work as he could possibly do ahead of this mission. He'd been told early he would be expected to join the delegation, though the actual reasons why had not been entirely clear; perhaps the fact that weapons technology being dangled as a carrot in front of the Caldonians meant he was being brought in as a subject matter expert. And, having read up on their caste system, he found himself grateful that all Starfleet officers who hadn't been mustangs had a minimum of a single degree, especially given that Caldonians valued scholarship. However, when he was given his caste assignment, the Lieutenant's mouth tightened into a narrow lines, and he fought hard to repress the anger the implications of that determination meant. "Of course," he answered through gritted teeth and then walked off, only to be intercepted by the Captain and her advice. Which, truth be told, always had a great deal of value; however in this case, his assignment might actually preclude him from gaining any real lower-deck insight. "I'll try, Captain. Just that... I know there's plenty in the Federation who resent that Starfleet is armed at all, let alone that officers are allowed to specialize in starship combat. But they at least know, at least intellectually, that it's primarily a protective role. Here, their soldiers are a boot on the necks of a large portion of the population, and that the higher castes can use them to do whatever the hell they'd like to those beneath them."A deep breath came in through his nose, and slowly out his mouth. Of course, he was less than pleased about this kind of association. Yes, he had no particular moral qualms about doing what he did best; did not even get particularly broken up when doing it ended up killing those on the other side. But he also knew that when one had the power to sterilize planets at their fingertips, one needed to be incredibly deliberate in that use of force and that it needed only be employed for the greater good and as a last resort. And should he need to act in that capacity, he would do so with ruthless efficiency, and even enjoy a job well done... even if he wasn't proud of that particular streak to his character, or overly fond of it. "And it doesn't help that I actually shot Clan Chief Jeren; it was in self-defence and the protection of civilians, but do you expect that it's going to fly?"
Tag Judith Eastman softies to others. |
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Kova Sh'qaleq
Civilian
Posts: 516
Likes: 34
Position: Security Consultant
Species: Andorian
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Post by Kova Sh'qaleq on Feb 2, 2021 14:30:31 GMT
[LCDR Matthew Harmon - Walkway -> Universe Ballroom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia][...] As he entered the ostentatious ballroom he glanced around looking for Charlie, but came to find Kova standing there as well, seeming to be fuming even more than usual. "What did you get?" he asked with a disinterested tone."She is to join us, apparently," said a deep voice from behind them. He turned around and quickly recognised the man to be a Kurjarian. "One of the oppressed. My name is Baram, Chief of Clan Kavar. I'm not allowed to speak to the 'Academics' unless spoken to, so I suppose most of my company will be from you shoved into the underclasses of their vile and materialistic society," he said looking at Kova and paying little attention to Harmon. [ Kova Sh'qaleq - Universe BallRoom, Knowledge Building, Caldonia] Kova looked around, watching many of her contemporaries start to coalesce with their native counterparts. For a moment, Kova was expecting to be ushered elsewhere, likely unwanted at this gathering because of her assigned caste. Truth be told, it was nothing new for the Andorian. That was when Harmon's voice broke her inner musings as he asked what she'd gotten. He hardly seem interested. She was beginning to wonder if this was pity. Had he simply felt obligated to approach her as she stood alone? If so, his pity was something that he could keep. Still, before she could answer, another voice answered for her. Baram introduced himself. His words made it clear where they stood, but what Kova took from his description was something much more valuable. "It seems I have found my people," Kova answered, her eyes now on Baram. There was somewhat of a warmer feeling swelling in Kova. She was pleased to see Baram standing there. Not the man personally, but it somehow gave her a hint of pride. She had bled and been beaten on Chalna so that these people wouldn't be wiped out, and they were likely unaware of any of it. Recognition didn't matter. The fact that Baram was there was. "Like any of the oppressed, I may have been shoved here," Kova began, "but given the choice, I may have chosen it just the same. What's to be gained in any of the other castes? In some light, they may be more oppressed than us. They may have more privileges, but their identity is chosen for them. We, however, are free to be who we are and nothing more." The Andorian clasped her hands behind her back as she stood there, actually beginning to feel more comfortable by the moment.
Tag: Matthew Harmon (& Baram) |
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Feb 2, 2021 18:06:47 GMT
[ T’Laara & Lt Shavan Th’zhaar - Universe Ballroom, Caldonia] [...] T’Laara was first to approach Charlie Fox, who she was also acquainted with and had been placed in the same caste moments earlier. She spared a glance around the ballroom that everyone seemed to be admiring. “It is beautiful, isn’t it? If not entirely to my taste.”[NPC - Yatin - Universe Ballroom]Other than Captain Eastman, who seemed to be slumming it with the low castes, it seemed the worthy Federationers were coming to their designated place, which would soon be sullied with at least one Kurjarian dignitary - at the Federation's insistence. Yatin himself walked towards Fox and those who have joined her. "This building is the crown jewel of Caldonia. Everything that makes our people who we are happens here," he said to the Vulcan who was admiring it, though hoping Ms. Fox would pick up on this opportunity. "I'd be honored to answer any questions you may have." Charlie agreed with T'Laara as she approached, Shavan in tow. She was pleased to see the two of them; familiar faces were always something of a comfort in these kind of unknown, tricky circumstances. And she knew from experience that she could say what she felt in their company. "But as strange as it might sound, I can't help but feel a bit unsettled when I look at it..."Her musings were interrupted by the Crocodile who joined them, the waft of cigar smoke accompanying him. She turned her body toward him, and her head tilted to one side as she gave him her full attention. When the carrot was dangled before her, she fell upon it with great appetite. "Interesting choice of words," she said in agreement, appreciating the sentiment that everything in that room contributed to who they were. "And who built it?" Her lips curled in a crocodile smile of her own.
Tags: Shavan Th'zhaar , Judith Eastman (Yatin) [Hetav, Ex-Chief of Clan Relar - Universe Ballroom Entrance, Knowledge Building]Believing that there were many eyes on him, Hetav straightened his back and puffed out his chest. The effect was not quite what he thought in his mind; his paunch was stopping him from achieving the dashing, elegant poise that he was going for, but that didn't stop the Kurjarian from trying to emulate his Caldonian betters as much as he could. He plucked a rolled Cuban from his pocket, a gift from the every-generous Yatin, no less, and held it to his lips. He bit it, but didn't light it. They made him cough, which made the others laugh. At the words "skilled worker", he perked up. With a loping gait he made his way toward the mish-mash alien-looking woman. "A thousand million welcomes, fellow skilled worker!" He greeted, his yellow-toothed grin suggesting that he was pleased. He was neither skilled, nor a worker, in fact his caste was simply just 'Kurjarian', but he wanted to impress these newcomers and show them that even though he was Kurjarian, he could be just as well-to-do. "I am Hetav, former Chief of Clan Relar. I will be happy Kurjarian representative to you and your temporary caste."
Tag: Ozu Saya , softs to area. |
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