Posted by Captain Calvin Marius (Captain) in Conference room (2021 Sim)

Posted by Gamemaster GM (Gamemaster) in Conference room (2021 Sim)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Conference room (2021 Sim)
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<snip>
“Give me a scan of the planet, start with Space Capable Weapons and star ships, ” They might be able to mess with their star-ships with inpunity that didn’t mean that they could mess with a whole planet.

“I want information on the Government or governments, societal rules… stuff like that.”

Marius

The planet had abundance in iron and nickel ores. There were two moons, both of which had significantly high amounts of uranium in their crusts. This explains why they have at least another 30 star ships orbiting the planet and the moons, and why they had nuclear missiles as their primary weapon system. There were at least two weapon plants on their moons. The planet had laser technology but was not advanced enough to develop proficient weapon systems based on the laser. They did, however, developed efficient electromagnetic pulse weapons. These were useless with the shield technology of Starfleet ships but with shields down, the electromagnetic pulse could cause ship wide systems failure to the Genesis.

GM

Magnus whistled as he read over the scanner report “Those EM pulse weapons are quite impressive” He said appreciatively “Nothing obvious that can work against shields but I recommend that shields be kept up at all times.” He told the captain.

Marius tilted his head. He wasn’t concerned about anything they could see. “It’s what we can’t see. Do we have any evidence of rail guns?” That would be a old school, heavy metal reliant weapon. Less practical on a ship, but from a planet or moon base… you could have a mile long magnet… that could make a ton of iron ore more dangerous that a dozen nukes.

Meanwhile, NE Visions began a scan of the surface, looking for information in local politics, government, and the like. Looking for satellite data transfers and such.

XO & NE Visions

It took a while for the computer to try to translate the special terms that the Lesscoo used for their political system. From all appearances, the government was similar to a feudal monarchy. Different families were in control over various parts of the system. There was a governing monarch from one of the most powerful families. Political strife was very evident although the people on the ground were not involved in the political wranglings. The common folk just needed to follow the law of the land and there was no problem. The Lesscoo had a code of honour that was not unlike the Klingons, except that they looked more reptilian. At the moment, the coded satellite messages, which was easily cracked by the Genesis’s computers showed that the political leaders were united in trying to conquer the neighbouring system.

GM

Magnus read over the report from his console “Looks like we’ve got ourself a look at what the Early Klingons might have looked like” He spoke with some interest “They might actually make for an interesting anthropological study, you know. If they weren’t trying to conquer their neighbors” He said musingly “Looks like we’ve got a figure of authority to speak with, can’t go higher than a monarch”

XO

“Well, lets see if we can get the Monarch on the phone… Open hailing frequencies.” Marius tried being a nice guy, then the stubborn guy now, he was going to lean in to the fighting.

=^=This is Captain Marius of the Federation ship Genesis. You have fired on us… we demand compensation and a team to negotiate such terms.=^== Still on with the comm line open, =^=Tactical, find the 20 most valuable military assets on the planet. We will target each in reverse order of importance…=^=

“Cut communications.” The turned to Magnus… “Well give what has happened I presume we have their attention.”

Marius

Magnus cleared his throat in a mixture of a laugh and startlement, practically a nervous habit “It’s an interesting First Contact approach, sir” He said with a half-smile. He turned and flashed an impressive scowl at NE Cannons who had started a search for military targets, the young man shrank under the Commanders gaze. Magnus shook his head and returned his attention to the Captain “I suppose that’s what second contact is for, clearing up misunderstandings and the like. But really, sir, Compensation?” He said in a quiet voice with a mixture of awe and amusement “Do you think they’ll try to use local currency.” He mused for a moment what sort of economy they had.

XO

“They are either going to wise up and cower in fear or....”

The surface of the planet returned the hail.

The audio was not the best but at least the Genesis’s computer was able to match and audio and the video.

The speaker was a reptilian humanoid with shiny green and scaly skin. He was dressed very much in military style.

=/\=Fed-der-ration ship Ge-ni-sis, I am Sovereign Veranus. You trespassed on our space and you claim compensation?! The only terms that I am willing to offer is safe passage out of our territory.=/\=

GM

“Continue to be jerks.” He finished.

=^=You are misinformed by your incompetent military commanders. While asking facts and maps to determine the borders of your space, they fired on us and lost. Hence why we or now at your home world without even a scratch on our paint… looking for someone competent to negotiate with. If you are not the one, I will seek someone from another kingdom who would like to negotiate. I believe there are several who have a claim on the Sovereignty.=^=

Marius was well past the point of political correctness.

Marius

=/\=Do you claim sovereignty over our sister system Matus?=/\= The voice had gone up a pitch. =/\=Where do you come from? We have had no contact from you and suddenly you appear and claim sovereignty? Do you claim sovereignty over Lesscoo as well?=/\=

GM

OOC: I meant to threaten him with one of the other people on his own planet that run for the position of Sovereign. You mentioned kingdoms, and the Klingons have ‘great houses’ that might maneuver to be Chancellor.

Magnus raised an eyebrow both at the Captains bluntness and at the aliens response “Time for the UFP Sales pitch?” He asked the Captain in a quiet voice”

XO

“I have made no claims, The Federation doesn’t take what is not freely given, despite the fact we have the power to do so. However when struck we demand recompense.” He looked over to Magnus, he knew that that was an exaggeration. The Federation routinely takes shots and does nothing about it, but the Lasscoians didn’t need to know that.

“The United Federation of Planet, allows worlds to join our.... Federation,” Marius was at a loss to find a better world. “for scientific, social, educational, and mutual military defense.” He paused. “As you can see there are advantages to being open to communication and negotiations with us.”

Marius.

There was a pause. Veranus’s eyes were seen moving. If one could notice the reflection in his eyes, one would see that there were several of his people behind the screen. There was a very slight buzzing sound which indicated that these were having a mini conference.

Veranus’s eyes came back in focus on his visual device. “First, my commanders are faithful subjects. They would not deviate from the defence policy we have set. You were warned that if you did not move out of the system, force would be used. I believe my commanders have used enough restraint. Yet you claim recompense? Then you try to recruit the Lesscoo into your Federation? Are you attempting to deceive us to become your slaves?” It was very apparent that Veranus was buying time. “We will lose our freedom if we entered into your Federation!”

GM

“”It is a conglomeration of equal worlds. No world or people are slaves or subjects of another world unless that was the relationship before they joined the Federation in the first place.” He didn’t want to come out against slavery just in case this was a slave culture. He just needed to cool of the situation and de-escalate. “I didn’t offer you membership or decline to offer, I just explained what the Federation is and does. If you find that distasteful there is no need to discuss it. If you found it interesting we could discuss it. It is information that we freely give to any race we met.”

Magnus quietly stood up and moved to the Tactical console, he typed down a message to NE Cannons ‘Keep a full scan around the area, look for any changes in the current fleet movements and potential threats’ He didn’t say anything, there wasn’t really a reason to type the message instead of speaking it.

XO

The ships that the Genesis had found were all powered up but not moving. They were on alert, waiting for the Genesis’s first move.

GM

Marius knew they were up to no good… but Magnus looked like he was investigating it. He suspected a ground based weapon.... maybe they were waiting for the Genesis to orbit into a weapon arc.

Marius

Magnus returned to the Captains side “Looks like they are waiting for our first move before acting. I think it’s time to put on the diplomat’s shoes and figure out how we can convince them we’re all nice and good for them” He said quietly.

XO

The CO was right. There was movement on the surface of the planet and a great amount of energy being generated to feed to two laser cannons. These cannons would not affect the Genesis if shields were on. However, without the shields, the lasers could puncture through the hull of the Genesis of it hit one spot for a total of 10 seconds. The Lesscoo ships were vulnerable against these cannons.

GM

=^=I assume your commanders are under the authority of the same people who are telling you to stall us longer enough for your planet based laser cannons to come to bear on us. Creating more anger and hostility.=^=

“Shields.” Marius commented.

=^=You clearly do not have any interest to act in a civilized manner. Perhaps it is your intention to continue to escalate the situation until we reach the point where we have to demonstrate less restraint.=^= He paused… =^=In the interest of detente… we will withdraw to 500,000 kilometers and await your diplomatic team.=^= He gestured at the helm officers.

Marius

Verranus looked stumped, =/\=That is acceptable …=/\= he muttered.

NE Flyboy nodded at the Captain’s gesture and moved the Genesis quite casually back the distance ordered using thrusters to go slowly. Casual flying in a nonthreatening manner.

NE Flyboy

Somewhere about this time a message came up to the engineering station. =^= Kesh, recommend a non stationery positioning. Shields will be highly effective against their nuclear weapons though cumulative radiation will render phasers incrementally less effective. =^= He sent the data up. While a much reduced phaser shot would still be effective against the Lescoo ships, Dagen would rather not be in a position where more power was needed and it wasn’t there.
- Dagen, CE

Kesh had been spending this while focusing on ship systems, finding comfort in the pure logic of the ship while the illogic of aggression taking place with interactions with the Lescoo happened in the background. Quiet thoughts regarding her desire to never again have a Commander pip on her shoulder resurfaced for a moment or two, to then be pushed aside in favor of doing her job.

Said job was acting as liaison to Engineering, so she does just that.

=^= “Aye… rrth, sir. =^= A momentary delay in her reply coming as a side-effect of slight startle a result of being yanked back out from immersing her head in power system sand. The offered information is released for inter-system transfer and then uploaded to Tactical’s database.

The Caitian engineer turned, stepped to the Tactical station, and made a soft warbly trill to the officer standing there to call attention, gesturing a clawed digit at the side-screen where the data regarding non-stationery positioning and the effects of radiation of phaser output. Hopefully all completely useless and definitely not about to be used to cause any deaths.

-> Kesh, Engineering

Marius nodded. He would keep it in mind if he got into a big fire fight. But he definitely wasn’t planning on getting in a fight right now.

Marius

=/\=There will be a ship with several negotiators on board, please allow them to approach your ship without harm,=/\= Verranus finally replied after minutes of inactivity. Whilst his facial features were not easy to read, his eyes showed that he was anxious and nervous.

GM

“I want that ship and those crew members scanned like nobody’s business.” Marius looked about. “If they slip a bomb, biological, or chemical weapon on that ship or on their emissaries. I’m going to fire everyone.”

=^=We will be standing by, whom should we expect so we can prepare the appropriate level of pomp and circumstance.”

Marius

Magnus moved to the Security station “Prepare a Security team, standard diplomatic escort. Prepare the VIP quarters in case and make sure we make a good impression.” He moved to the coms station “I want a preliminary cultural analysis, standard greeting, appropriate food and the like” He said in a quiet tone. They were going to make a good impression on the visiting diplomats, they might have gotten of on the wrong foot but they weren’t savages.

XO

“Yes Sir,” NLt(j.g.) Matt Lock replied, transmitting the orders down to the Security office to send the four tallest, broadest NEs to the shuttlebay, and the next four tallest, broadest NEs to open up at least two of the Genny’s VIP quarters.

COS
as NLt.(j.g.) Matt Lock

The ‘diplomatic’ vessel approached the Genesis and then communicated that their team was ready to board the Genesis. They asked for directions for their smaller shuttle vessel to dock with the Genesis.

GM

Marius looked over, “Sensors?” He looked over to the new CSO. He wasn’t about to let them over without a clean scan. “They’ve been willing to do a whole bunch of weird things. I wouldn’t put it past them to use kamazakis, chemical or biological weapons.”

Marius

“Sir there’s nothing on the sensors. Correction I am detecting something but it is odd. Honestly sir I have no idea. I mean them having chemical or biological weapons would be unusual for them sir.” He said.

“Have Shuttlebay two take them” Magnus ordered the Comm officer on duty “Permission to go great our venerable guests” He then said to the Captain.

XO

“Go ahead. Be sure they don’t pass anything important on the way to the conference room.” Marius didn’t like their change of heart. Not that it didn’t make sense, it would have made sense, two hours ago, too so making sense wasn’t something he expected from the Lossacian.

Marius

Staying alive, staying alive… woo woo woo....

Ooc: sorry for the late response. Just added my part into it.

Lt. Angel

“Copy that” Magnus said in a serious tone then flashed a grin before turning to leave “I wonder if they will try to bribe me?” He asked himself although he said it loudly enough that the Captain could hear.

XO

“Well whatever it is accept it, the Federation doesn’t pay well. We’ll split it 60/40.” He gestured towards himself when he said sixty.

Vanessa was rather excited to be sitting in the conference room. Normally these events were attended by people from the Dip Corp but without a contingent of diplomats on the Genesis, she had been allowed to attend. Her purpose was just to observe and possibly answer questions if the Captain had any later. Vanessa was just happy it was something different than handing over a box of Kleenex for the day.

The ‘diplomats’ were well behaved as they followed the ushers into the conference room.

GM

Magnus motioned the Security Escort to take their place to the side of the room and then showed the two diplomats to their seats “Captain, This is Chichak, representative of Verranus, the ruler of Lesscoo” He said indicating the more elaborately dressed man “And this is Lieutenant Lepto, his charge d’affairs” He turned to the two diplomats “This is Captain Calvin Marius, Commanding Officer of the Genesis” He said with the same polite diplomatic smile as he waited for the Captain to take his seat first.

XO

As the XO spoke and introduced the representative and the charge d’affairs, Chichak and Lepto gave a slight nod of the head as their names were mentioned.

GM

“Gentlebeings.” Marius nodded at them before he took his seat. “Please,” he gestured towards the seats. “We welcome you to the Genesis. Before we get started can we offer you food or drinks?”

“We are a star-ship in the service of the United Federation of Planets an conglomeration of cooperative worlds. ” Marius didn’t offer the number of worlds. Not that it was a secret, but he didn’t have any interest in giving them too much information for ‘free.”

“I believe mistakes were made during our encounter with your warships and things escalated unnecessarily.”

Marius

“We are willing to overlook the mistakes,” said Chichak. “We have been monitoring the lives of the lesser beings living on the Messi system, which is within our territory for the last 30 years. Thus, it is not right that you interfere with their lives without first coming to the Lesscoo. As you are willing to admit that you are in the wrong, the Lesscoo would be willing to allow you to accompany our research department in the observation and monitoring of the inhabitants of the Messi system.”

GM

That wasn’t exactly what he had meant, but he assumed they would take a slightly blaming tack. In fact the point where they didn’t try attacking him was already a win as far as he was concerned.

Years of training had taught Vanessa to retain a neutral expression when she was bothered by something. The use of tables to hide her foot-tapping, a drink to hide a frown, and a sneeze to hide the WTF expression were other things she used when her training was not enough. The use of the term lesser being was definitely going to need a sneeze. What the heck…lesser being, she thought instantly irked by the term as she looked up at the light and let her tongue find the trigeminal nerve at the roof of her mouth. You’re a lesser being, she thought as she poked the spot with her tongue tip and looked at the light.

The light and spot produced a sneeze instantly allowing her to hide the annoyed expression on her face. “Excuse me,” she apologized rubbing under her nose with the tip of her finger. The sneeze gave her enough time to return to the neutral expression and polite nodding. If anyone ever caught the half-second between her sneeze and look of irritation, it was easily explained off as a weird facial twitch before the sneeze.

Vanessa Slade

“You must understand our confusion as the you are two distinct races and there are no signs where you have interacted or traded with the race on that planet. Nor at the time of your attack on us had we engaged anyone on the planet.”

“That isn’t precisely what I said. I said mistakes were made. Not that we made mistakes, however I certain I could have done better.” Marius started slowly. “I think we’d do best looking from this point forward. We’d welcome an joint expedition with us just as observers as I recognize that you have better knowledge of the situation.”

Marius

Magnus leaned forward, he kept a calm expression and a polite smile for the duration of the conversation. First conversations like this were an interesting way to learn more about the culture of the species. Before he managed to speak he looked at the counselor, a warning look without changing his expression. He didn’t speak up yet, allowing the Captain to start the flow of conversation.

XO

Chichak seemed to disregard part of the captain’s reply when he said, “We are obviously unable to trade with the Messi because the natural course of their development may be altered and think that they are able to surpass the Lesscoo. When we deign that they are able to handle the Lesscoo ways, we will naturally show our magnanimity and make contact with them.”

GM

“Obviously,” Vanessa said with complete sincerity in her voice and a fully sympathetic expression on her face as she looked at Chichak. The only people in the universe that could match the neutral expression of a counselor was that of a professional poker player. The difference was a counselor was trained to use subtle expressions to encourage people to feel safe and respected when in a session. That is why the sincerity and sympathy came off so convincingly with Vanessa. “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity,” she said taking a sip of her coffee. The famous quote by the historical orator Martin Luther King was the first thing that popped into her mind. Back on the podium nearly three centuries ago, the man had used this quote to demonstrate the backward thinking of that bygone era challenging those in power to continue to live in error believing in untruths, and spreading misinformation about a segment of the population. Vanessa strived for the calm demeanor and powerful presence of men like that but she was far more impulsive and hot-blooded, which is why she quoted them instead of using her own set of choice words. These dignitaries however seemed to be so self-centered and ingrained in their own importance the comment probably would be seen in support of them versus in support of the Messi.

Vanessa mentally cleared her afternoon on the off chance her new boss or his second in command would like a word after this meeting with the Lesscoo. This was her first time with the CO and XO in a capacity like this. It remained to be seen if they would approve or disapprove of her input. Only time would tell however this input was easy.

“We have very similar systems, perhaps a little less concern about surpassing us.” He paused. “So what was the protocol that use identified? Conquest? Invasions…” He looked over to his First Officer. “It was something like that… then we got shot at. It happened so quickly.”

Marius

Magnus looked at the Captain then back at the two diplomats and with a smile said “I believe the term was subjugation”

Marius clapped his hands lightly and then pointed to Magnus… “Yes subjugation, sometimes my memory gets shaky when I’m dodging nuclear weapons.” His voice changed from pleasant to slightly annoyed.

“As lesser beings, the Messi should submit to us. Of course, we do not view you as lesser beings but you were in our region of space after all,” said Chichak.

GM

“Generous.”

“Well, that’s good to know. I was worried there for a moment,” she replied.

Vanessa picked up her coffee and took a polite sip to hid the false smile on her face as she let her gaze drift from the CO, to the XO, and back at the dipsticks, everyone was calling dignitaries at the table. Vanessa knew if she was not drinking coffee, she would be running her mouth. At least she could vent in her own mind. Setting her cup down she unloaded what she wanted to say in her mind. You know in SOBO your arses would have been thrown out the second you dropped the lesser being comment the first time. We are now at the second time and I am counting. One thing about human women, Chichak you should know is we never forget anything. We take a boneheaded comment or action, wrap it up with a neat little bow in pretty paper, and pack it away. That way we can open it up over and over again like a Groundhogs Day Christmas. Okay M-team Vanessa mentally used the nickname she had created for her bosses Marius and Magnus, is it time to call them idiots yet?

Casually, she let her gaze slide to Marius like everyone else at the table waiting for his reply.

Lt. j.g. Vanessa (making several humble pies for later consumption if needed) Slade CNS

Magnus’ smile seemed to falter for a moment but it happened so briefly it might have simply been imagined, he did, however, raise an eyebrow and looked to the Captain “It would make for an awkward conversation if that were to happen” He said to fill in time for the Captains response, that in turn would decide how to behave for the rest of the conversation.

XO

“For the purpose of greater understanding can you give me the criteria of lesser beings, and the process from scientific observation to subjugation. To avoid confusion and potential conflict.”

Marius

Yes! Yes! Big Dog Marius is in the howwwwwssssahhh. How do you like them apples Chichak? Vanessa shifted in her seat uncrossing her legs and crossing them the other way. She had never gotten into the habit of wearing pants like just about every other female officer in the fleet. She always wore the dress or skirt option with the heeled boots. The uniform gave her a decidedly feminine persona however what it could not do was tame the spitfire persona underneath. Years of sitting in church on Sunday had taught Vanessa the art of keeping her upper body still while working out her emotional energy waggling her foot at her ankle. It was her first time with the CO and XO in an official capacity. The only thing Vanessa wished she had right now was some popcorn so she could snack on something as she watch the M-team take down the men across from her.

Lt. j.g. Vanessa (unofficial cheerleader of command team Genesis) Slade counselor

Chichak looked confused. “Subjugation is the heritage of the Lesscoo. This is part of our heritage. Is there anything more glorious than subjugation?”

Something in Vanessa snapped. She was probably going to get fired or demoted but there were worse things in this world. All inner thoughts left her mind and became public. “Only a good beating in a back alley by a thug on the way back from a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood,” Vanessa said in a sarcastically upbeat tone. She let out a small laugh as she continued. “Or,” Vanessa settled her gaze on Chichak, “you can get everyone one of those big bulky yolks,” she put her hands up around her throat, “like you strap onto an ox before you make them plow the fields. I heard they are making them quite stylish this year. You can get even them bedazzled,” ” she picked up her coffee taking a sip with a fake smile on her lips. “I mean if you are going to be under the thumb of oppression you might as well look good and it clears up any assumptions of the pecking order of the planet…you know for people like us.”

“Subjugation is the only way to help the lesser beings,” agreed Lepto.

GM

“Or I don’t know…independence and cooperation,” she countered. Vanessa was not sure how these meetings went exactly but she was about to find out. “I mean call me crazy but it’s a thought there Andy Jackson.” Throughout history, there were countless tales of one race subjugation another. President Andrew Jackson was just one in American history but Vanessa could have come up with scores of them. The Dominion War was the most recent but Vanessa was not looking to start a war at the table so a forgotten piece of Americana would be lost on them but the point could still be driven home.

Lt. (jg) Vanessa Slade

Marius turned slowly to the new girl. “Inside voice.” She wasn’t helping the discussion..

“Yes, sir,” Vanessa replied softly with a small, polite head nod indicating she understood his polite way of saying pipe down. For the first time since she had sat at the table, the coffee cup she raised to her lips wasn’t hiding a scowl or tempering a flurry of expletives trying to escape her lips. It was cleverly hiding a smile. Inside voice, she mentally repeated his command let the china hide the laugh erupting in her head. Since he didn’t dismiss her outright, that meant she probably wouldn’t be peeling potatoes for the next week. That didn’t mean, however, he holding a sign over his head changing Viva Vanessa. You go girl completely agreeing with her. Vanessa didn’t know her boss well enough to know the emotions behind his comment. His clever verbiage and tone showed the man had a humorous side even if that was how the man relayed anger in public situations.

“Maybe our terms are not the same, can you explain what you mean by subjugation? Seeing as neither of us have been subjugated, its tough sometimes to know what that really means to the people who are.”

Marius

Vanessa looked at Marius and then the people on the other side of the table. She was just as eager as the captain it seemed to hear their Merriam-Webster definition of the word subjugation.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“In our history, the mighty has always assimilated the less mighty into their rank and file. When different tribes fight for dominance, the stronger tribe will dominate over the weaker tribe and assimilate it. The first step is subjugation, which is the process of taking control and making sure that internal strife would be diminished for the good of all. After a time, the weaker tribe ceases to exist but its members become members of the stronger tribe. This is the way the Lesscoo has been doing things to reach our present state on our planet. It has become a way of life for the Lesscoo,” replied Chichak.

GM

Vanessa opened her mouth to reply and heard two words in her head Inside voice in Marius’ tone and cadence. She looked at Marius with a side glance. Their working relationship was too new to understand each other’s mannerisms but this look was not completely unreadable. It was the side glance of someone asking permission to speak freely.

Vanessa Slade

Magnus nodded slowly “The subjugation of a weaker force is not uncommon in primitive civilizations” The slight was intentional but not outrageous, he did shoot the Counselor another warning glance “And I’d be lying if I said if there are no advanced civilization with a similar mindset.” He did add to soften the blow “And have the Lescoo ever subjugated an alien race before?” He asked in a non chalant tone.

XO

Chichak looked surprised, “Alien? I do not believe so. The lesser beings on Messi, once subjugated will become Lesscoo. We do not consider those lesser beings as aliens.”

Magnus slowly nodded his head, not something unheard of but he was curious to know if it was such in reality.

Vanessa’s forehead wrinkled slightly hearing the XO’s comment and the tone of his voice. She had no idea who was surprising her more. Vanessa knew the CO and XO were as sickened as she was at the Lescoo ideology but the laisse faire way Magnus and Marius were interacting with the Lescoo was almost equally as unsettling. This was why however she would never be in command of anything except a therapy session. If she had been captain, Vanessa would have unceremoniously and impulsively ordered the Lescoo off the ship and given the Messi the full support of the ship and the Federation. This however would have added to the problem instead of solving it. Command would send in another ship and send her to some backwater posting. Marius and Magnus were playing the long game of politics and conscious. They were using a skill set she did not possess to try and artfully move the closed minded Lescoo to a more open and accepting view of equality in the galaxy while still completing the mission. Vanessa could and would learn a lot under their command if she survived this first assignment.

She let her gaze drift back to Marius. Her job as a counselor was to establish trust with her clients to help them. Her job also was to trust and support her commanding officer and his decisions. For the first time in a long time, Vanessa realized how hard it was to trust someone else could see a path clearer than you could. Vanessa had to trust Magnus and Marius knew a far better way to handle things than she did.

Vanessa Slade

This was getting a little away from him. The theory it was easier for civilized man to act as barbarians that barbarians to act as civilized men. However that didn’t seem to be the case for his crew, they were so disgusted by the Lesscoo they couldn’t keep their bile down and he had a hard time motivating himself into trying to stop them as he wasn’t too pleased either. He gave her a slight shrug. This might be the shortest and poorest first contact ever. “Some have argued that the Federation assimilates worlds pretty indiscriminately.”

Marius

Magnus cringed internally, he understood the Captain’s point but without the context of understanding the Federation that was the wrong thing to say.

“So,” Chicak claimed in a triumphant tone, “you have come to subjugate the Lesscoo!”

Lepto sat straight up, “You will never subjugate the Lesscoo without a fight. We are not lesser beings than you!”

GM

“You misunderstand. Races often rush to join the Federation with what we offer in an alliance, we never force anyone to join certain never by force of arms.”

“The Federation does not subjugate anyone. We will not attack your world as long as you do not attack us. That is a given and requires no concessions on your part. That being said we find your attacks on us, even though you feel were provoked are things that we find very unacceptable.”

Marius

Magnus glanced at the Captain through the corner of his eyes, the man was no diplomat but he certainly knew how to get out of a hole. The First officer turned his focus completely on the two Aliens, Chichak seemed to have been pleased with the thought that they had come to conquer was it the pride of having been proven correct, greed, or arrogance? He thought to himself, Lepto on the other hand seemed to be the classic loyalist, hot-headed and perhaps not well suited for diplomatic missions. He glanced at Slade and suppressed the smile he felt forming Amusing “The datapad I gave you has information regarding the Federation, standard diplomatic introduction.” He added.

XO