A Message of Peace and Friendship

Posted on Tue Sep 30th, 2025 @ 12:53am by Captain T’Kal & Ensign Emmanuelle Larose & Lieutenant Commander David Erickson & Lieutenant Commander Valerie Novis & Lieutenant Commander Clay McEntyre & Lieutenant Karane Inda & Lieutenant CASTIEL 'Cas' Johnson MD & Lieutenant Megosho Gehente & Lieutenant JG Annika Johnson & Lieutenant JG Renata Novotná & Alaric Fenner
Edited on on Wed Nov 26th, 2025 @ 4:18pm

1,903 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: ARYL 1X04: All the Friends We Can Get
Location: Outside the Legislative Assembly Hall, Sector Two, Kannok
Timeline: SD 8965.4 (27 August 2290, 09:00)

Captain's Log, Stardate 8965.4. We have arrived in orbit of Kannok, a colony world of the Drenkul Republic. Our mission is to open diplomatic ties with the Drenkul, with a view to one day establishing a defense and intelligence sharing pact. At minimum, we are hopeful we can agree to an exchange of ambassadors who can continue what we will have started. Mr. Alaric Fenner, my new diplomatic advisor, has been on-site laying the groundwork.

My senior staff is beaming down to Kannok to greet the Drenkul negotiators, though some will return to the ship while others explore the amenities the Drenkul have to offer.

On that note, it is regrettable that we had to leave a small number of our crew, including our chief helm officer Mr. Sung, with the USS Thelev immediately before we reached Kannok. Hopefully we will receive a new senior pilot soon. In the meantime, Ensign Larose will shadow Lieutenant Commander Erickson in order to pick up skills at the helm.

Petty Officer Oswin Simmons was also remanded to the Thelev's brig. They will ensure she is brought to justice.

Mr. Fenner helpfully relayed a list of actions which are prohibited on Kannok but which are not considered criminal offenses in the Federation. I have been assured that the local police will be flexible with regards to enforcement and punishment, but I have nevertheless ordered my crew to remain vigilant and avoid any action which may antagonize our hosts.

**

In a public square just in front of the large stone building that housed the Planetary Legislative Assembly of the Drenkul planet Kannok, ten humanoid figures shimmered into existence. Except for the security chief, who was authorized to use his armour variant while on duty, they all wore the crisp and well ordered Starfleet uniforms, complete with dark red jackets and trim coloured in white, dark green, light green, grey, yellow, or red.

The senior officers of the USS Ark Royal took in their surroundings. A ceremonial honour guard stood to either side of their beam-in point. In front of them, at the foot of the steps into the grand assembly hall were a small delegation of Drenkul wearing formal attire, as well as the Captain's old colleague Mr. Alaric Fenner.

As the beam faded away, Meg looked around her, impressed. The buildings surrounding the square were elegant and spare in their design. Spying the aliens in front of her, she decided it was the same for their hosts. She took a deep breath of the alien air, a habitual response to beaming on to a planet. The Orion always felt like she was holding her breath when transporting.

Annika looked around curiously, the area looked nice enough but there was an air of tension as well not that Annika could pay too much attention to it without drawing attention away from greeting their hosts. She smiled warmly and waited for introductions.

David did a full 360 turn, his eyes flitting around, and the more he saw, the more his eyes flew. He couldn't yet put his finger on it, but something felt off about the place. He looked down every road from their central location, peered at a few covered shop windows, and looked at the citizens hurrying by. Everything seemed quiet. He chalked it up to first-contact jitters, but kept his eyes peeled.

Karane rolled her eyes at David's little 'tutu twirl'. She briefly glanced around, mainly taking in the overall style and look of the buildings. Her inner-engineer was calling for her to find more about how they built and constructed their world and what materials they used. However she knew this had to wait.

"Salutations!" T'Kal called out. "We bring a message of peace and friendship from the United Federation of Planets!"

"We accept your message in the spirit in which it was given!" the woman in the center of the opposing group replied. She and her compatriots closed the gap to the landing party. "I am Utani Wulam-Drenkulo, Chief Negotiator for the Drenkul Republic. My senior advisor, Aruan Tedja-Drenkulo, and Tekang Adi-Kannok, governor of this world. And you know Mr. Fenner, of course."

T'Kal bowed her head to the group and nodded to Alaric. She noted those who had not received their introductions, the four who stood a single pace behind, their eyes cast downward.

"I am T'Kal, Captain of the USS Ark Royal and emissary of the Federation." She gestured to her each of her crew in turn. "My senior staff, First Officer Valerie Novis, Chief of Security Clay McEntyre, Chief Navigator David Erickson, Chief of Communications Megosho Gehente, Chief Engineer Karane Inda, Chief Surgeon Castiel Johnson, Chief of Science Renata Novotná, Counselor Annika Johnson, and Bridge Support Officer Emmanuelle Larose."

Uttering a traditional Orion greeting, Meg did as the Captain had, and bowed her head to the group. She wondered at the 'surnames' the Drenkul had given them, puzzling as to what they signified, whether a clan or class hierarchy. As she studied the Drenkul, hands folded neatly behind her back, she became curious about the ones with the downcast eyes, and watched them surreptitiously.

Annika nodded and offered a warm smile as she respectfully greeted the Chief Negotiator as she would a matriarch in her own society.

David nodded when his name was called, keeping his face neutral. He watched the negotiator's eyes as the Captain went through their names, watched people strolling casually by and looked around at the quiet buildings around them, then back to the captain.

Valerie mirrored the bow of the Captain, but didn't say anything verbally. She wasn't that comfortable with diplomatic situations overall and didn't want to screw up this particular one as well.

Clay nodded his head as he pulls off his sunglasses, putting them through a loop on his vest and pulling out his normal glasses to put on.

Alaric watched them as he stood a few respectful paces to the side of the Chief Negotiator and his advisors, his eyes on the Captain and the crew of the Ark Royal. There was a small smile on his lips though, respectful, meant to show that he was enjoying the moment. He had dressed for this, in a navy colour just a shade off Federation blue. It had been intentional, as had the long waistcoat that showed intricate embroideries in the lining. That was in a pale blue, almost white. No true pattern unless you looked for them.

As her name was called, Karane bowed slightly. It was mainly because of her own culture and custom, which these aliens seemed to have in common.

Ensign Larose, Lieutenant Novotná, and Dr. Johnson also gave polite nods as they were named.

Everyone having acknowledged the senior Drenkul officials, T'Kal continued with the chief negotiator. "Introductions concluded, perhaps we might begin?"

"In a moment, Captain, for there is one issue which we must address. Senior Advisor Tedja-Drenkulo will explain. I shall meet you inside when all is resolved."

T'Kal arched an eyebrow, not understanding what the one remaining issue could be. Fenner's latest report suggested everything was in order. Nevertheless, she looked to the approaching senior advisor to hear about this problem. She waved for Mr. Fenner to approach as well.

"Apologies, Captain," Aruan said, his tone diplomatic. T'Kal got the distinct impression that he was sorry only for the inconvenience, however, and not for its cause. "It has to do with your delegation. We are concerned about it being of the appropriate level."

"Oh?" T'Kal said, stepping slightly further from her team.

"Your message stated that the Federation will be represented by you yourself, accompanied by your Chief Communications Officer, your Senior Diplomatic Advisor, your Counselor, and your support officer," Aruan explained. "These last two...are they right? We were made to understand that only senior officials would take part in these talks. Support staff are, well, inappropriate."

"Mr. Tedja-Drenkulo," T'Kal said, slowly, careful to maintain calm and diplomatic integrity, "Counselor Johnson and Ensign Larose are members of my senior staff. They have all the rights and privileges as any of the others. We only have one Counselor on board, obviating the need to refer to her as chief of a department, but she is the responsible lead on our entire crew's mental health. And Ensign Larose is the officer trusted with any and all bridge stations when a senior officer is unavailable. Indeed, Mr. Fenner is the only one on our delegation not part of the senior staff."

"Be that as it may, we are beginning on the wrong foot," Aruan said. "I shouldn't be telling you this, but the Chief Negotiator was most upset to see junior people on your delegation. We would be ever so grateful for you to reconsider."

T'Kal carefully considered her next words. That she wanted all of her people there with her had to be weighed against the likeliness of success in their negotiations.

"Ensign Larose will stay behind," T'Kal conceded. "But Counselor Annika Johnson will be on my negotiating team. If you need us to send a new Note Verbale naming her as Chief Counselor, we will graciously comply."

Aruan grinned. "We welcome your flexibility on this matter, Captain. When you are ready, you may follow me into the Great Hall." He stepped back and permitted T'Kal to reunite with the others.

"Ms. Gehente, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Fenner, you are with me," T'Kal told her senior crew. "Apologies, Ms. Larose, but you will not be able to accompany us. The rest of you are dismissed. Visit the planet as you desire, but remember the laws here. Lieutenant Commanders Novis, Johnson, and McEntyre, take rotations on the conn." With a nod, she and her negotiating team started following Aruan inside.

Dutifully nodding, Meg kept her expression neutral during the conversation. Her mind, however, was racing, equal parts intrigued and vaguely insulted at the insinuation that junior officers were somehow less valuable than those who were department heads. It offended her meritocratic sensibilities. It was clear though, from their naming structure and their surroundings, that Drenkul set great store on appearance and rank. Something we could use to our advantage, she thought.

David watched them go, hands behind his back. Once they were done, he turned around, eyes darting around as he raked over the buildings, the people, the scenery. He looked back at his Captain, ready to suggest he join, but when a good enough excuse didn't come to him, he reluctantly let it go and went back to examining the courtyard itself.

Annika followed on behind T’Kal, but she didn’t need to hear the conversation to know that her presence wasnt entirely welcome, all she could do now was continue with her duties.


END

Captain T'Kal
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Valerie Novis
Executive Officer and Chief Tactical Officer

Lt. Cmdr. David Erickson
Chief Navigator

Lieutenant Commander Clay McEntyre
Chief Security Officer

Lieutenant Megosho Gehente
Chief Communications Officer

Lieutenant Karane Inda
Chief Engineering Officer

Lieutenant Castiel Johnson, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Lieutenant JG Renata Novotná
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant JG Annika Johnson
Counselor

Ensign Emmanuelle Larose
Bridge Support Officer

Alaric Fenner
Diplomatic Advisor

Utani Wulam-Drenkulo
Chief Negotiator, Drenkul Republic

Aruan Tedja-Drenkulo
Senior Advisor, Drenkul Republic

 

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