The Speakers Diplomacy

Posted on Mon Sep 7th, 2026 @ 12:30am by Captain Tyler Driskill & Lieutenant Nixie Wilde & Lieutenant Roan Gaeta & Lieutenant Commander Gulati

1,187 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 4 - Siphoning of Stars
Location: USS Concord
Timeline: Directly following the meeting with the Speaker

10:12 hours

Once the meeting had adjourned several individuals would be making their way to the Khelvari vessel. Others would escort the Speaker on a tour of the USS Concord that would come to a conclusion in the VIP area of deck five. The Speaker would be treated to a dinner in her honor, joined by several members of the crew. As the trio of Starfleet officers and the Khelvari diplomat left the bridge and entered the turbo lift, Captain Driskill wore a smile on his face. This could be the beginning of a very important relationship, hopefully for both the Federation and the Khelvari.

"I wish to know more about your Federation," said the Speaker as she was given a tour aboard the USS Concord. She had observed already from the meeting that, unlike her people, the crew of the Concord looked dissimilar to one another, and that extended well beyond wardrobe or potential biological sexual dimorphism. Captain Driskill looked different than Lieutenant Rehman, but Lieutenant Wilde looked vastly different from Lieutenant Commander Gulati. "Your crew is... blended?"

“Very much so” Tyler Driskill replied “the United Federation of Planets strives its self on diversity and peaceful exploration. There are one hundred and fifty member planets and species in the Federation at the current time.” The Captain smiled “there are members from both the Alpha and Beta quadrants in the Federation.”

"We believe our differences make us stronger," Nixie noted, giving a nod in their direction, in the absence of a hat to tip. "Each world brings its own knowledge, experience and ways of seeing the universe. Together, we gain a wider perspective than being apart."

"And technology no doubt," replied the Speaker. She knew there had to be an advantage in that, multiple civilizations sharing technology let alone the aspects of science and medicine.

The small group had visited several key locations aboard the USS Concord including the most important, main engineering. “How are we feeling, Speaker?” Captain Driskill asked the Khelvari visitor as they made their way back to the turbo lift. He was asking if the speaker thought at first assessment if the Khelvari and Concord technology would be comparable. Of course Captain Driskill knew there was more to it then a quick tour to know if things would work out.


"From what I have observed, your technology appears primitive to me," she replied. "From afar. Upon closer inspection, where you certainly are behind us in several areas, there are several where you appear to exceed us. Ultimately, I believe the technology will be compatible. It may take time and resources, but I believe our people and your crew can help one another," she explained.

“Very good, Speaker” Captain Driskill replied with a smile and a hint of excitement in his voice. “Are there any other areas you would care to visit, Speaker?”

The Speaker had seen a lot in a short amount of time, but it was enough to make some determinations about these people. They had technology that was interesting, principles that had guided them for centuries into acquiring new technologies with the hundreds of worlds and civilizations. They were genuine and diverse.

Were they advanced? Not entirely, but some of their technology could be of some use. In response to the question, the Speaker gave a dismissive gesture. "No," she said. "You've been kind in showing me enough to understand your people. I do look forward to sampling this Federation cuisine."

19:00 hours

Captain Driskill was double checking the buffet, beverage options and decor before the crew and the Speaker arrived. He wanted to make sure everything was perfect. It wouldn’t be long before the arrivals and everything looked wonderful, at least to the Captain, who was munching on a small slice of pine apple.

Doctor Roan Gaeta entered the VIP area at an easy pace, smoothing a hand over the front of his uniform before his eyes moved around the room. He had been curious about the Khelvari since hearing about the first contact, although he had deliberately resisted the temptation to start asking for biological scans before anyone had even managed dinner. And yes, maybe he was a little cautious all things considered. His attention settled on the buffet and then on Tyler, catching the Captain in the act of eating a piece of pineapple. A small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth as he approached and then tutted. "You know, Ty, generally you're supposed to wait until the guests arrive before you start eating their dinner," he said lightly, his blue eyes shining with it.

The Captain blushed as he swallowed the food that he had managed to enjoy before getting caught. “I know” Tyler admitted “but I’m famished.” The Captain just realized he had kept himself busy with the Speaker all day and failed to eat.

Roan watched him for a moment, his eyebrows lifting before he gave a quiet shake of his head. "Yeah, I gathered," he said, glancing towards the buffet before reaching for one of the small plates and holding it out to him. "Eat, Ty. You've got a few minutes before everyone gets here."

“I hear Doctor Clark has received the requested medical supplies and were helping the Khelvari get a but more organized as we speak” the Captain was making small talk and also making sure the Chief Meeical Officer was aware of how thing were progressing.

Roan's jaw tightened slightly before he gave a small nod. "I'm sure Doctor Clark will fill me in," he said, his tone remaining easy enough. He had no problem with Clark handling herself. He just did not particularly like finding out what members of his own department were doing after the fact.

“Well the rest of the dinner guests should arrive anytime” Tyler had asked Commander Gulati to escort the Speaker. He figured Nixie would either be with the Commander or arrive shortly before to make sure things were safe for their guest.

A minute or two later, Nixie arrived, her sleeves somehow having been pushed up just a nudge even with her dress uniform. She took a moment to survey the room, as always. It was a habit that had proven its worth on more than one occasion. She found the Captain, nodding firmly to him to assure everything was clear.

Captain Driskill returned Nixies nod. He knew her nod meant that she had surveyed the room. “Once our honored guest arrives we will have dinner, but feel free to enjoy appetizers and have a drink while we wait for the Khelvari Speaker and Lieutenant Commander Gulati” Tyler announced to the two officers that he had invited.

The Speaker soon arrived with Lieutenant Commander Gulati escorting her. The two had been having a lengthy discussion and took the turbolift together. Lieutenant Commander Gulati entered the room and gestured the speaker, ushering them in. "The Speaker and I have arrived," she said and gave a small nod at Captain Driskill.

“Shall we enjoy dinner and conversation” the Captain gestured to the food with a smile.

 

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