Posted March 25, 2021, 3:30 p.m. by Civilian Kenzo B'tren-Hyrushi (Governor) (James Sinclair)
Posted by Civilian Sinayda Nyx (Governor’s Aid) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes
Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes
Posted by Civilian Sinayda Nyx (Governor’s Aid) in Years Prior - Cardassian DMZ - Norvella Colony - When Titans Meet, Thunder Comes
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The small home was set back and built under a natural overhang. No power sources were there to be scanned for from orbit, and the only heat came from the fireplace, well shielded from the windows. As the storm dumped rain and lighting and thunder broke the sky, the small group of people inside gathered around the single table in the single room. Four people looked down at the table from each side, and one stood alone at the head of the table.“We can’t just walk in. They will never -” said one voice before being cut off.
“Yes we can! They are expecting a delegation and have agreed -” said a second before being interrupted.
“Oh, right. Because Cardassians are so good at following agreements. Did you not see what happened at Shal Lor?!”
“I’m from Shal Lor, you sod! Of course I saw! Why do you think I am here?”
The arguing and interrupting and talking over went on for some time before the lone figure at the head of the table simply said “Enough… enough… calm yourselves. Before any discussion can begin, we are still waiting on your associate, are we not?” the figure asked the one from Shal Lor.
“Yes… sir. She will be here soon, I’m sure. It is the weather that has delayed her, I’m certain.”
Hyrushi, Maquis Negotiator
The door opened a moment later, slamming the interior wall as the wind took it from the visitors hand. For a moment, she was outlined against the storm, lightening casting her silhouette in the entry. Nyx stepped into the room and forced the door closed behind her. Cognac colored eyes surveyed the inhabitants of the room, stopping on Zend.
“Hyrushi, this is Nyx, my associate.” Some of the former bravado in his voice was replaced with delight. He knew the effect his partner had on certain people, himself included.
The woman came into the room, closer to the fire and the table they’d gathered around. As she did, she withdrew a dark cloth from the pocket of her vest and dabbed at the rain on her face, making sure to never block her sightline. “I apologize for my lateness, there was an obstacle that needed to be dealt with before I approached the building.” Joining the figures at the table, she came fully into the firelight. “You are Hyrushi then?” Staring hard at the man at the head of the table, Nyx ran the dark cloth over her bald head before returning it to her pocket.
—Nyx
If there was a word to describe the black-eyed Asian man at that moment, it would have been… nonplussed. Even as the door slammed at the people around the table started, Kenzo B’tren Hyrushi didn’t flinch. He simply looked at the woman unblinking as she entered and, when she spoke, said “I am, Ms. Nyx. Welcome. Tea is on, if you care for some.” in a calm and professional manner and then gestured to the fireplace.
Hyrushi, Maquis Negotiator
The barest of smiles appeared at one corner of her mouth. “Tea? How…civilized.” She walked to the fireplace, grabbed a cup and helped herself to the brew. The storm had been cold and she was soaking wet. Looking back toward those gathered, she spoke. “Don’t let me interrupt. I’m sure someone was speaking their thoughts on the best way to gain access to the target.”
—Nyx
A small smile played across the negotiators face as he looked at her. “Indeed, everyone was speaking their thoughts… simultaneously, no less. It’s been very productive.” The man then turned to look at the rest of the group. “Now, then… as we are all here…” and he unrolled a large piece of paper.
On it was a crudely drawn but actually fairly detailed plan of the settlement of Lorataka, a place known by the locals for it’s hot springs and access to one of the largest aquifers on the planet. As such, it had a great deal of importance strategically… and the Cardassians held it in a tight grip. “Lorataka. The Cardassians have agreed to talks to allow the water treatment plant to send water to the local villages and towns. A need that is dire, as planting season will be here in a few weeks. A delegation will be going to speak with the local garrison Commander to negotiate the terms. Does anyone have any questions so far?” and he looked pointedly at Nyx.
Hyrushi, Negotiator
She refilled her cup and walked to the table where two men moved out of her way without being asked. Standing straight on the right side of the table around the corner from Hyrushi, Nyx took in the map. “Are they simply going through the motions or is there a single chance in Cketnai that they will consider allowing it to happen?” They all knew the chances were unlikely, but if it could happen, their best bet was to give it a chance before sabotaging the water treatment plant.
—Nyx
Hyrushi smiled a rueful smile as his eyes roamed the map. “Oh, I am sure they will allow it. I plan on offering their Commander the true identity of one of our own in exchange. The one the Cardassians call ‘Smoke’… the one that has caused them such grief. I am sure that once they have that information, the water will flow almost certainly.” he said flatly without taking his eyes off of the map.
The others stood dumbfounded for long moments, refusing to believe what their own ears had just told them their negotiator said: that he was going to sell out one of the Maquis leaders for water.
Hyrushi, Negotiator
Her movements were slight and didn’t call any attention, but the cup moved to her left hand as she put fingertips on a hidden blade in the high waistband of her trousers. She would slit Hyrushi’s throat if need be. “So…you say you are a negotiator, but those appear to be the words of a traitor. What say you?” The men around the table made guttural noises of agreement.
Sindaya stared into the eyes of the man only inches from her, awaiting an answer.
—Nyx
Kenzo looked directly at her, all-black eyes shining in the fire light… and smiled warmly. “I have been called worse… often by better people than you, Ms. Nyx. And the way I conduct these negotiations isn’t up for discussion. So take your blade and cut me down if you must, but that doesn’t get our people water or the crops that come from it.” and he looked at her a moment before continuing.
Been called worse than a traitor? Nyx couldn’t even guess what that might have been. In her eyes, there was nothing worse. The slight against her qualifications as one of the better people, slid off her back. She didn’t get her sense of self worth from others. But how had he known about the blade? Her gaze sought that of Zend as pieces she hand’t previously known, slid into place. “He’s an empath! That bit of information would have been good to know, sco’ aci.”
He had enough knowledge of her language to look suitably chastised at the insult.
“No. I am a negotiator. I happen to be empathic. There is a difference.”
Angry at being caught off guard, Sindaya turned back to Hyrushi. “Knowing you’d give up a member of the Maquis because it suits your needs, doesn’t inspire trust, Negotiator. What’s to keep you from giving up the rest of us?”
“The fact that there is nothing for the people to gain from it, Ms. Nyx. That fact and that alone.” Kenzo replied flatly.
Looking back at the map he said “Now this is how we will ensure we get what we need. Before I reveal the information to the Commander, Ms. Nyx will have entered the water plant next to the garrison commander’s office.” He looked at Nyx and said “You will be with me as an advisor, and when I mention the typhoon season you will excuse yourself to use the restroom. You will exit the office here -” and he pointed at a side of the building, “- scale this fence between the two facilities and enter the plant here.” and he pointed to a door. “It has a six-digit scrolling number lock and biometric scanner. You can try to crack it if you like…” and he reached into a pocket of the dark green suit vest he wore, “… or you can just use the key.” and he handed her an archaic mechanical key for a lock. “From there -” and he slid the paper off and underneath it was a professional and accurate blueprint of the water treatment plant, “- you will go here.” and he pointed. “Set your charge there with enough time for you to extract and make your way back to the meeting, with an additional twenty minutes. Round trip should take you less than three minutes… two if you are faster than average. Once you are back and the negotiations have progressed, I will demand that the water flow before the information is given. Once we have confirmation, then I will tell the Cardassian Commander who Smoke is. At that time, the charge should go off, disabling the means to shut off the flow permanently. Questions?”
Hyrushi, Negotiator
She paid attention to the plan and the map. Also to the fact that the others were either too scared or too stupid to question the man handing out the orders. “Don’t worry about me and my part, Negotiator. I’ll get it done one way or another.”
—Nyx
“No. You need to get it done this way. Because this way will deflect attention from us as complicit and give us a small window to withdraw. Any other way… and one or both of us will probably die. Now then…” and he looked at the taller of the four people standing. “Did you bring the charge? And is it to specifications?” The woman, a Bajoran, nodded and set a small wooden box on the table. “Designed as our reports say Smoke designs theirs. When they scan, it should show up as their work.” Hyrushi nodded and then looked at Nyx. “They will not allow weapons inside, and they will be… well… thorough… in their search of us. Will that be a problem?”
Hyrushi, Negotiator
She took in a deep breath, “It isn’t the way I prefer to travel, but no, it won’t be a problem.” Sin had lead a lifestyle that called for being deadly with hands AND weapons. She knew several martial arts disciplines so being without a standard weapon didn’t phase her as much as it might the next person. “When do we leave on this questionable mission, Negotiator?”
—Nyx
“Tomorrow morning. So you have e a chance to get enjoy your tea, get some rest, and the rover will here at first light.” Rovers, or six-wheeled all-terrain land craft were common in the rural areas; and after a rain like the one they were currently having, almost mandatory to get anywhere. “The trip should take us about four or five hours.” and Kenzo looked at the assembly.
“For our safety, no one will be allowed to leave until we have returned or sent word. I apologize for the inconvenience, ladies and gentlemen, but a necessary precaution. I’m sure you understand.”
Sin schooled her face so the others wouldn’t see how vexed she was that the trip and assignment amounted to just her and the Negotiator.
There were some displeased grumbles, but no outright objections. “Very well. If you will all follow me, please.” and he led the contingent to a spot near the door and Kenzo pulled back a rug revealing a trap door. Lifting it, soft light came up the narrow stairs that led down. “Please everyone. After you. It is a safe space with plenty of food and drink. Your stay is for your safety, and I thank you in advance for your understanding.” Kenzo’s voice was simultaneously gentle and reassuring… and brooked no argument. The four figures made their way down and Kenzo looked at Nyx.
She watched the others as they disappeared into the lower room and almost envied them their down time. Turning to see about a room for herself, she heard Hyrushi take a step in her direction and turned back quickly.
“Ms. Nyx, a moment… if I may?” and he gestured to one of the two chairs by the fireplace as he shut the trapdoor and replaced the rug.
Hyrushi, Negotiator
One, perfectly shaped eyebrow raised, wondering what he would accost her with now that the others weren’t around. Taking the seat more facing the door than naught, Nyx sat carefully on the chair. “Something else?” The sarcasm was barely discernable in her voice.
—Nyx
Kenzo sat slowly, his black eyes looking intently at her. “I know that you are not pleased with these… circumstances. And for that I want to apologize. I have heard many whispers about you, Ms. Nyx. From our people and the occupiers… both occupiers, actually. Your reputation is… formidable. I will admit to a certain level of skepticism, however, and I would simply like to ask… and, please, I mean absolutely no disrespect… if you feel your reputation is well-earned?” His eyes didnt leave hers and he quietly sipped his tea.
Hyrushi, Negotiator
Interesting question. “I believe most of what I’ve heard is accurate.” She leaned forward a bit and gestured with open arms. “Every story ever told has received some enhancement from at least one or two of the tellers, so you should know that I can’t actually disappear. I’m just good at melting into the background. Was there something in particular that concerns you?” She swiped at an errant drop of rain that slid down the smooth skin of her temple.
—Nyx
Kenzo looked at her intently for a long a moment and then gave a terse kind of smile. “No, no. I am just… ensuring… we have every possible chance at success. The Cardassisans are not fools, nor are they easily outwitted. I have heard the stories told about you. And while I am aware that certain liberties were taken in the retelling, it is reassuring to know that you believe in yourself as much as your associates do.”
Kenzo crossed one knee over the other and took a sip of tea. He then set the cup on the arm of the chair, balancing it perfectly on the first try. “Do you have any questions about our task before we call it a night, Ms. Nyx?”
Hyrushi, Negotiator
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