All Roads Lead to Rome

Posted on Mon Mar 6th, 2023 @ 5:35pm by Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed & Lieutenant Harren Kalur
Edited on on Mon Mar 6th, 2023 @ 5:47pm

1,338 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Prelude to Rebirth
Location: USS Firebird- Chief Diplomat's Office- Deck 2
Timeline: 14 February 2396

[ON]

Kalur looked down at his PADD and shook his head. He still could not believe the assignment that he'd been given. The Firebird? One of the worst possible postings he could be given. At least, that was what he'd thought at first. It was only after a visit from a senior diplomat that he'd understood what his true mission was and that if he was successful, he was almost guaranteed his own posting as a Chief Diplomat. If he was successful.

He gathered himself and walked up to the transporter pad. He'd been waiting to be beamed aboard his new home from the transport ship. He really hated waiting but it had to be borne.

He materialized and saw the transporter chief staring at him with a beady set of eyes. As he stepped off the pad, the chief nodded at him.

"Welcome aboard Lieutenant, "I'm..."

Kalur strode towards the exit, waving his hand. "Yes, yes. Tell me next time," he interrupted and breezed out of the room. He had already sent his baggage ahead and it was surely in his quarters, such as they were on this sad little tub of a ship.

And it was a little ship by any subjective measure. He knew from Kalur's memories that this was in fact the smallest ship they'd been on... ever. And that was four lifetimes worth of travels, three of them in uniform. He passed a number of crewmen and ignored them all. With the officers he managed a friendly smile until he stepped onto the turbolift.

"Deck two," he said and the lift moved.

[Chief Diplomat's Office]

Kalur pressed the door chime and waited to be called in to meet his new boss. He had low expectations.

Leed rose slowly from his desk. Everything in his office was exactly what and how he wanted it to look. A photo of with his family from a trip to the Kendra Province on Bajor stood near a caraph of Andorian wine. A painting of Vulcan orchids by a locally famous artist known simply as T'larru. A room both sparse yet lightly warm. "Come in," he said, glancing up from a PADD.

Kalur entered the room, wearing his professional smile and showing off his perfect teeth. He stopped a few paces inside, taking in the room, its contents, and the man waiting for him. He'd read up on the Commander's career and had decided he was at least proficient. There was a strange redacted portion in his recent assignments but that was common in the diplomatic corps.

"Sir, I'm Lieutenant Kalur, your new aide. It is a pleasure to meet you," He said and held out his hand.

"Welcome aboard the Firebird, Lieutenant," said Jörgen, shaking Kalur's hand and then gestured to a chair. "Please, sit down. I received information about your post only a few days ago and I was a little surprised. Pleasantly so. Your background is strong. I hope you do not feel your talents will be wasted on supply runs aboard a small vessel."

Kalur made a waving gesture with his hands. "Of course not, Commander. I am very happy to be assigned to this ship. And while the rest of the ship might be working on supply runs, we will have plenty of opportunities for diplomatic functions. If I am not mistaken, we will be stopping at DS9, Empok Nor, Bajor, Cardassia and countless other potential spots. As a joined Trill and a diplomat, they offer wonderful learning opportunities for me and the Kalur symbiote. I only hope that you will find my presence beneficial to you."

"Not everyone sees the same opportunities that you do. I am glad you are happy with your post here." Jörgen gestured down at the PADD. "After all, you have Advanced diplomatic training. Nine years in diplomatic service. Joined with a symbiont. It is enough for most in your same position to request a more prestigious post. At the least, one that appeared more prestigious."

Kalur nodded. It was a fair question. "My... joining was difficult, Commander. Truth be told, The Kalur symbiote almost rejected me and my recovery is still ongoing. I'm capable of anything you might require of me in this position but I asked for a lower key assignment so that I could continue to explore the new me and get used to being joined. Kalur has had other roles, including one in Starfleet in a security position but diplomacy is new to it. I hope my condition doesn't unnerve you," Kalur said. He knew that it would be hard for the Commander to find fault in his reasoning without coming across as unfeeling. It helped that it was actually, mostly, true as well. He had almost died.

"Thank you for telling me. You will have time to recover fully. I respect both the physical and mental struggles, but neither unnerves me. In fact, you may possess expertise that part of our mission will rely on. In other words, there will be plenty for you to do." The diplomat leaned forward. "I only add that you are still Harren, and that part of you is vital to how the Kalur symbiote learns, too."

"I... that is...of course. You have struck to the core of my ongoing challenges, sir. The symbiote possesses a very powerful personality. It is somewhat like my older brother, who throughout my life has attempted to run my life, except this time he is in my mind at all times," he said. "It is a great honor to be joined but I would be lying if I said it was exactly how I envisioned it. I'm sure I am not the first Trill to say such a thing either. At any rate, you can see why I don't feel I am ready to take on a more prominent post."

"It must be hard at times, perhaps wondering if a decision or action is your own, or the symbiote's. Maybe it is like a constant diplomatic tug of war. Maybe there is no distinction." Jörgen waved away the thoughts. "Please forgive my interest in personal matters on your first day, Lieutenant. Welcome aboard. You will find on your PADD some personal insights into our current situation based on my own experiences and observations. Please read them and prepare a response to the points that stand out to you. We will talk about them tomorrow. You may have questions, which I will answer as well as I can. Any questions for me now?"

Kalur blinked. "No, sir. I think I am fine for now. I would like to explore this new home and get my bearings. Perhaps we could meet for a meal and we can discuss the information on the PADD? I can give you my responses as well," Kalur said. "I believe there is a lot to learn about this ship."

"A wise course to set, Lieutenant. Few crew are on board but I recommend taking a moment to know them. You may find that, in addition to a career, there are future friends here who will help you through anything." Jörgen rose easily and extended his hand to Kalur.

As soon as he was alone again, Jörgen turned to the screen on his wall. "Computer, show me current Starfleet Admirals and their assignments." He scanned the list carefully making mental notes. He had requested an aide twice from a list of officers both competent and politically neutral. None of them were as well prepared as Lieutenant Harren Kalur. Perhaps this was their way of showing how important his role with Xavi was to the Federation. Perhaps it was another thing altogether.

[OFF]

Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Lieutenant Harren Kalur (NPC by Llwyedd)
Diplomatic Aide
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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