STF

The Chief of Staff Has Landed

Posted March 21, 2023, 2:09 p.m. by Civilian Kenzo B'tren-Hyrushi (Governor) (James Sinclair)

Posted by Civilian Ana Caputo (Governor’s Chief of Staff) in The Chief of Staff Has Landed

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in The Chief of Staff Has Landed

Posted by Civilian Ana Caputo (Governor’s Chief of Staff) in The Chief of Staff Has Landed
Posted by… suppressed (24) by the Post Ghost! 👻
It was a long, very long, shuttle ride from Earth to OED V. A long time to consider the journey life had taken a person on. Ana had only gone back to Earth for a summit on colonial trade and export policy, but it still felt like home. More so than any of the dirtball colonies she had been living on for the previous few years. She hated those places. They were all fifteen years behind the times and liked it that way. She had been Lieutenant Governor on a dirtball colony for almost a year before a position came open. Chief of Staff to the Governor of OED V. While to most it seemed like at best a lateral move, Ana understood it slightly differently. People knew OED V. No one knew Oryx VII. It didn’t matter how high she rose in the middle of nowhere. Being someone, somewhere was a start.

When the shuttle touched down, and the back hatch opened, Ana braced for the worst. A young betazoid man waited for her. “Ms Caputo? I’m Arin, I’ll be your assistant. The Governor asked to meet you when you arrived.”
“Excellent. Lead the way.” Ana said without hesitation.
“I’ll make sure your things are brought to your residence.” Arin answered the obvious, but unasked question.
“Thank you.”

A short while later, they stood outside the Governor’s office. Arin nodded to the Governor’s assistant who pressed the intercom button. =/\=Governor Hyrushi, the new Chief of Staff is here.=/\=

-Chief of Staff

Dorma Fen was a human woman of Asian descent, but with flaming red hair and jade green eyes. While they waited for the Governor to open the door, Fen regarded the new arrival with a blatant once over. “Ms. Caputo…” she said as she rose from her chair and extended a hand. “Dorma Fen. Governor Hyrushi’s Assistant. Welcome to Oed V.”

Ana shook Dorma’s hand. “Thank you.” She returned the blatant once over, if only to indicate that she had noticed the one she received.

Dorma sat back down and then point-blank asked “So tell me what you know of Governor Hyrushi. I may be able to help fill in any blanks you may have.”

Dorma Fen, Governor’s Aide

Ana quirked an eyebrow at being quizzed, but launched into it anyway. “He’s the no-nonsense type. Makes decisions that sometimes are broadly… unexpected. And while he denies any affiliation to the Maquis, he has definite and tangible leanings towards decentralization. What did I miss?”

-Chief of Staff

Dorma looked at her and smiled slightly as if she had been given a small present. “Oh, he has never denied much of anything… he was, after all, a prominent negotiator between the Federation, Dominion, and the Maquis at various points in time. As to his personal political stance, you will have to ask him.” At that moment the comms chirped. =/\= Send her in, Ms. Fen. =/\= came a low, smooth voice.

The large doors swung out and Fen said “Good luck. I hope you last longer than the last four.”

Ana smiled a little as she walked in. So he was a challenge.

The room beyond was spacious and white. Walls of glass from the left of the doorway gave an uninterrupted view of the city as they wrapped around the far corner of the room and then continued on out of sight behind a three-quarters-high wall that extended from the far right corner of the doorway about three-quarters the length of the room. Set into the wall was a fireplace, in front of which was a large seating area with a low table surrounded by couches and chairs. In the far left corner of the glass walled room was a desk a a raised section of floor. Set at an angle with two chairs before it, the lone occupant of the room seated behind the desk looked up as the door opened.

The figure appeared human, save for the eyes. Terran Asian features surrounded jet black eyes. Long, black hair flowed down the back of the figure halfway to their waist. Dressed in a dark gray suit with a deep red paisley shirt under the vest, the figure stood and smiled. “Ms. Caputo… a pleasure. Please have a seat, won’t you? I am Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi, Governor of the colony.” and he held out a hand to the new Chief of Staff.

Hyrushi, Governor

Ana shook the Governor’s hand, looking much friendlier than she did with his assistant. “It’s very good to meet you.” She was dressed not dissimilarly to Hyrushi, a point in which she took personal pride. She wore a black suit and white shirt. On her lapel she wore a pin of the Federation flag. She took the offered seat and studied the man in front of her. “May I ask you a direct question, Governor?”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi sat and his obsidian eyes fixed on the woman in front of him. “I prefer them to indirect ones, so please.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Ana leaned forward a little. “Opening the dome. You didn’t do that for its own sake, did you?” She shot directly into Hyrushi’s politics and far away from common niceties, asking the question as though she had the answer hidden in her pocket.

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi’s face was emtionless… flat. He showed no sign if he took offense or was surprised by the question. What couldn’t be seen was him opening his mind to her emotions, both surface and deeper. He was silent a moment and then said “I am not sure what you are asking, Ms. Caputo. When the comet struck Oed, there were just over one million beings living on it. When I took over as Governor a year and a half ago, there were almost four million. The city was still functioning well and the people were happy; but it was reaching capacity. We needed to do something before the… ‘issues’… started. It was a priority for the colony… not me personally.” He vocked his head slightly to the side and regarded her closely.

“Now… if you are asking if I did it to send a message? Make a statement, perhaps? Absolutely.” he said. “But it may not be the message or statement you think.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“The question that stands about it-“ Ana pushed further. “Is why terraform. It’s difficult, often expensive when the alternative of expanding the dome, or building new ones also existed. Unless you wish to demonstrate that the colony can survive by the use of its own resources and resourcefulness. And further, why found your own intelligence agency, if you find the Federation’s resources satisfactory?”

-Chief of Staff

Hyruahi could feel her confidence, and her desire to pull information from him. He looked at her and said “How long was your trip here, Ms. Caputo?”

Hyrushi. Governor

“Long enough.” Ana quickly responded. “You must’ve made the trip between Earth and here before.” She relaxed in her chair. “You love direct questions, but hate direct answers. The perfect politician.”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi shook his head. “No… I had a reason for that question. You see..” and he looked down at the desk and tapped a few commands. A holo-vid came up. It was the Federation Representative Chambers. A single figure stood at the front. “This was read into the record the day before yesterday. I am assuming that you missed it while traveling… although there has been considerable talk of it here and we are having a great number of comms from other colonies about it.” and he pressed play.

(Excerpt from thread https://www.star-fleet.com/core/stf6/oedv/posts/205984/ )

Speaker Artos Rusa stood at the podium. “On behalf of the Executive and people of the Oed Five Colony, I shall read for the record this important statement:

Representatives Of the Federation, greetings.

Let us begin with an acknowledgement. An acknowledgement of the vast size and complexity of our government. For hundreds of years, the United Federation of Planets has brought together species and communities across the vastness of space that is our galaxy. All United under a common goal: Peace, and the inalienable right of all sentient beings to self-determination. As the years have progressed, we have grown to encompass thousands of worlds… and even more communities.

But with great numbers comes a great responsibility: to ensure that we are not forgetting those members whose voice may not be loud, but who are as important as the rest of this august body. And that is what brings us before you today.

For too long, Oed V has been an afterthought. A minor associate when things are good… a minor annoyance when times are difficult. Yet Oed V is the home of over four million beings, living and working and trying to create something special. We have suffered greatly. From external threats, internal strife, enemies not of our own making, and an apocalyptic natural disaster that destroyed ninety-nine percent of all life on the planet. Yet still we live. We work. We strive to be more. Those of you who know us know that we are proud of what we are building. That we bring a great deal to the Federation with our natural resources, location, and singular determination.

But still we are an afterthought. Only deemed needed when others need something from us. That has gone on for far too long. We have held our tongues. We have been obedient to the law. And we have asked you to listen.

You have not.

Therefore today, Oed V will make its voice heard. No longer are we to be a tool used for others and then ignored until the next need is presented. Beginning today we, the people of Oed V, demand to be treated as a partner in the Federation… and not a simple convenience.

As of today, Oed V will no longer allow any Federation organization to operate with impunity in our space. Any operation or endeavor of any size will be preempted by notification to the appropriate Oed agency. Oed V will agree to the request, or not, as we deem best for the people and the colony as a whole. To be clear: No Federation agency may operate on Oed V without our knowledge. Should any agency do so will be seen as a violation of our inherent right to self-determination. As such, should this come to pass, Oed V will submit to the people an immediate and legally binding Referendum of Independence. Should the majority vote in support Oed V will become, immediately and irrevocably, an independent government, with all the rights and privileges thereof.

We do not take this course lightly. But we can no longer abide by the Federation treating us as a footnote to issues that directly concern us.

We do not set leaving this government as a goal. We wish to prevent that necessity. We have now told you how to adjust your perspectives in order to maintain the status quo. We have nothing more to do but wait… and hope that you can see the mistakes of the past and learn from them.

Yours in Partnership, Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi, Governor and Eela Dasca, Lieutenant Governor.

Let the record stand as the Statement having been read according to the Member’s wishes.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Ana smiled. She didn’t know they had gone ahead with it while she was traveling, but it is what she suspected was coming, or near enough. “You’ve done it. You made yourselves impossible to ignore. The Federation government is watching you now. Not merely OED, you.” She pointed to Hyrushi. “But you must’ve seen that coming. You knew you were painting a target on your back, and you did it anyway. So that’s why you set up your own Intelligence Agency, and I’m assuming you’re militarily ready to respond should Starfleet come baring down upon you.” She paused. It was a heavy, thought-filled pause. “So you told them they have to ask nicely to use OED and its space. Effectively declaring this place independent. However you didn’t just come out and ask to be a member planet in your own right. Are you waiting for them to offer membership, or to blow it by not saying please before sending a ship?”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Ms. Caputo… I think you may have the wrong idea about me. I am not setting myself up to be anything… granted, except perhaps a target. But everything I am doing I do for the people.” He leaned back and pointed out the window. “Four million individuals, and more every single day. Working, creating, learning… living. Do they deserve less of a chance than someone on Terra? Or Vulcan? Or Andoria? Or even Oryx VII? No. They deserve every opportunity anyone else has. But… Oed had been relegated to, as we said, an afterthought. The people deserve better. And I intend to make sure they get it.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I never said you were doing it selfishly. You and I have more in common than it might seem on the surface.” She gazed out the window. “We agree, for instance that those people are underserved by the Federation. Exploited, even. Such is the nature of colonies. OED is, or rather was, an afterthought because it did too well. It bounces back on its own from the bad times, and produces bountifully in the good. Of course they deserve equal opportunity. What you need to know is that during the Maquis War I pointed out this central contradiction within the Federation economy. When I did that, I was sent so far from Earth it was hard to get a call all the way back there. You’re driving at something that the Federation government would rather have kept quiet. If other colonies start talking about doing this, there will be big problems here. I have every intention of helping you see that every single person on this rock has every opportunity that anyone else gets. But I need you to understand that you are rather unlikely to get a simple, easy, ‘well played, may we use your space and resources?’ And be ready to beat them at their own preposterous game.”

-Chief of Staff

Kenzo leaned forward slowly and said “First and foremost. You will never again refer to this place as ‘this rock’. This our home. The people here are fiercely proud of this place. If you call it that again, you can guarantee that your stay here will be very short. Second… we absolutely need the Federation. At least for right now. Until we can get the Terraforming fully underway and the orbital platforms full staffed and running, the manpower the Federation has at its disposal is of utmost importance. And lastly… you still need to convince me that you are indeed the right person for this job.” and he leaned back and steeed his fingers together… and waited.

Hyrushi, Governor

Ana stayed absolutely unwavering. “Governor… I am many things. Easily frightened is not one of them. You didn’t say anything I said was untrue, just that OED still relies on the Federation to a certain extent. You are many things, foolish is not one of them. Why would you waste both of our time on an audition” she carefully dodged the word interview. “that could’ve been done by subspace call if you were so uncertain of me. If you want to send me packing, fine. Spend more time hunting for a Chief of Staff. If you want someone to help you govern, I’m here, ready and waiting. You cannot tell me you made that move and expected no reprisals from the Federation.” She shrugged. “Politics is moves and countermoves. You wouldn’t open a business negotiation with your highest possible offer, you don’t begin a political maneuver with your biggest card.”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi looked at her 8n silence for a long moment and then said very calmly and evenly “Ms. Caputo… you seem to be working under the assumption that I am actually playing their game. I can assure you that I am not. Nor do I intend to. Do I expect pushback? Yes. Did I create the Colonial Intelkigence Agency to deal with those? No. I created it because Star Fleet Intelligence was working against the best interests of the colony and we needed to stop it. Did we create the CCDA to fight Star Fleet? No. We created it to decrease the need for Star Fleet presence on the orbital platforms. I trust that you are well versed in the art of political maneuvering. And that skill will serve you well here. But what will serve you even better is being direct, clear, and concise. As I will be with you right now.” Hyrushi stood and moved to the window, waving her over to stand next to him.

“For decades this place has had Governors and Lieutenant Governors who ‘played the game’. Many played it very well. But I am not them. They operated u def the assumption that they could win. I harbor no such delusions. The Federation is far too vast… to large… too bureaucratic to defeat by playing the same game by the same rules. Rules they can and do change when it suits them. So… to better serve the populace of Oed… I have decided the best course of action is simply not to play.” He looked out over the city for a long moment. “It drives them crazy, you know. When a directive of something or another comes down from the Central Government and I reply with ‘I wish you luck in your endeavor. This is not applicable to Oed V, so we will disregard. Thank you.’. What i furnaces them even .ore is when they create a policy that is applicable to us and we reply with ‘Oed V is very happy and pleased to see the Federation taking these steps. They have served us well over the past two quarters that we have been doing it, and we hope you find the same success.’.” He looked at Ana and gave her a slight smile. “Of course all done in the most respectful way possible.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“Of course.” She returned the smile. It faded after a second “That’s how I told the Councilor I staffed for that the Federation could beat the Maquis. Time. Passion only keeps something going so long. All the ports not under federation control cost money. Repairs and restocking… eventually they’d run out of resources and funds.” Her face and emotions told a story of recalling deeply unhappy memories. “This war of attrition you’ve started, it’s a good idea. You still have to govern here and keep watch for the next thing they do to get you to budge. What do you actually want? I know, what’s best for the colony, but what do you see as best for the colony? Right now, looking out that window at those people, what’s best for them?” Ana thought that the whole colonial system was a mistake from the outset and these places needed legal standing. She wasn’t sure what Hyrushi saw as the best outcome of his plan.

-Chief of Staff

“Ah, but that is the question, is it not? What is best for the colony? And to be honest… I do not know. And if I thought I did know, I would probably be wrong. My vision is not what is important.” He tapped the window, obsidian eyes reflected in the backdrop of the hustle and bustle of the city below them. “What matters is what they want. Their vision. And that vision is they want to simply be. To be allowed to live their lives as they wish with little interference from those who do not live here. Oed has a large advantage over almost any other colony. It is united. All of these people share a common goal… a singular purpose. They want this place… this planet… to be the best home they can make it. For everyone. They are a community… and they want the best for that community. They also know know that means a lot of very hard work, and they do not shy away from that. They don’t expect things to be given to them. And they don’t demand handouts. But they do demand a return on their labor. Both materially and from those who are in charge of making sure things run as they should. I harbor no delusions about what would happen to me if I failed to serve the people. As has happened to several of my predecessors who sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the people, I would be… ‘removed from office’… in a most swift and permanent manner. Oed does not tolerate ineptitude nor corruption in its appointed leaders. A fact I am keenly aware of… as you should be as well. It’s not Governors who have received the proverbial axe.” He was silent a moment and then added “And that is a system I can support, actually. The people do not vote on who they want to lead them; so it is a good balance that they can and have simply eliminated the ones they feel don’t best serve them. Brutal, yes. But efficient. And that is Oed at its core, I think. Reserved approval backed by the application of brutal efficiency.” and he chuckled softly.

Hyrushi, Governor

“Honesty at gunpoint…” Ana mused for a second. “Do you not consider yourself one of them? You’ve lived here for some time, are employed by the government. If an independence referendum were held tomorrow would you abstain from voting? Your opinion does matter. If they trust you to be honest, and the fact that you yet live suggests they do, then they must also know that you have access to information they do not. If your opinion is the most informed, and you remain silent, it will raise questions.”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi thought for a moment and said “The point is my opinion, more informed or not, is not the most important one. If the referendumm came to pass and there was a vote, I absolutely would cast a ballot. But my vote would be my own. Just like everyone else’s. And if I were to be asked in public how I voted, I would explain that how I feel is my perspective and I would not use my influence to sway anyone one way or the other. And yes, I am one of Oed’s people… but just one. Regardless of my position, I am just one voice. My job is to lead, not direct. There is a large difference.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“And there we agree. But I needed to hear you say it. That your job is to lead. To say you do not wish to sway a vote with your voice may be enough. But if the Federation violates your terms, everyone down there will look here for guidance. Not just on how to vote, but how to carry on with life.” Ana looked to Hyrushi. “Governor, if the Federation keeps changing the rules to keep you from winning, that means you have been. If they have to do it more than once it means you’ve been kicking their asses. If you don’t wish to engage with them, fine there’s policy here to make, plenty of it. You may not be playing their game, but they are. And they’ll act on that basis until it stops working. When they attempt to undermine you, destroy what you’re working for… we just have to be ready.” She returned her gaze to the window. “Their wellbeing is the battleground. If you design to build them up, they will attempt to tear them down to put the colony back ‘in its place.’ Being ready for their game isn’t just playing at politics, Governor. It’s protecting OED.”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi could feel her sincerity and determination. He smiled slightly and said “I agree to a point. There is a method to what myself and Captain Dasca are doing… or trying to do, anyway. And that is to showcase Oed in the best possible light at all times. To make the Federation realize what we here already know.” He turned and looked at Ana fully. “Oed is valuable. It has the potential to be one, if not the, most important pieces in the colonial endeavors anywhere. What we do here can be a template for colonies everywhere. And if the colonies are successful? Then the colonies have a much bigger voice. And that is the goal. To ensure everyone is heard.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I’m sure colonial governments are already watching to see how this goes.” Ana admired the ambition. “With such an ambitious goal… I know what you’ve done, but what steps follow?”

-Chief of Staff

Hyrushi gave her a rare smile and then gestured to the window. “Ask them…” he said softly and then went to sit down at his desk.

Kenzo tapped a few commands and brought up a calendar. “Down to business, then. Tell me what you have been told about the Vren issue here, and what the current state of affairs is concerning that.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Ana sat down across from Kenzo. “Very little of that was communicated to me. I know there’s a problem with their homeworld, a doom cult… this is the first significant contact with the Vren we’ve had.” She leaned in a little, curious where this was headed.

-Chief of Staff

Kenzo nodded. “Yes to all of that. But much more.” He pulled up the overview of the Vren he had received from the Ambassador and downloaded it to a PaDD and handed it to her. “The Vren are an amphibian species similar in appearance to the Poison Dart Frog of South America on Earth. They are bipedal and technologically advanced. A planet in a neighboring system to their homeworld was destroyed and the debris of that destruction is moving towards their system. Its course will take it across their sun and lower the temperature to levels the Vren will not be able to survive. They have asked the Federation for help.”

He leaned back and continued. “This request is made difficult by the history of the Vren and Oed V. The Vren have raided the colony in the past. Destroyed ships. Even assassinated a few of the Governors for reasons we do not know. But there has apparently been a societal shift in their normally xenophobic stance. The younger generations are coming into power. They are more open to communication and cooperation. So, in that vein, the Vren are coming here. To Oed. For full diplomatic talks and cultural exchange. Will be hosting a gala to welcome them. They, in turn, have conducted a ritual of apology and sent us the video which was played for the general public at the press conference we held last week to announce the Vren. They have also sent us a gift… some kind of bio-growth compound that will help us with our terraforming efforts. That is being analyzed by both Oed and Star Fleet scientists as we speak. So you have arrived at a most opportune time, Ms. Caputo.” and he looked directly at her for a moment, his face expressionless.

“Oh, and the Vren arrive in three days. Their ship is currently at the border of Vren and Federation space waiting for us to escort them in.”

Hyrushi, Governor


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