Episode 2.03: The Trill Question

[Davy, aka GM]

Voshen
Greetings are passed around, and the third aide in the group (a woman named Sholaan* Naske) is introduced, as well. They graciously accept Voshen's offer of assistance, and give him nameplates to put around the table (and a padd with the arrangements) - the nameplates include members of the Trill and Novan delegations, along with Tobin, Miguel, Chev, and himself. The navigator notices the placement of each attendee isn't haphazard, but follows some form of protocol for rank (ambassadors in the center, facing each other, with other senior diplomats flanking each, and the Starfleet personnel to one side - the seating to the opposite side is left unassigned, which the staff say are for aides like themselves - but is also where Tobin, Voshen, and the ambassadors will meet ahead of the first session).

Ord is very familiar with poker and is keen to get in a game. The others are less so, but are willing to learn.

* Sholaan is pronounced shoh-lay-ANN. -Ed.

Tobin
"What was the old quote? 'We fear what we cannot know, the uncertainty of the unfolding of events.'" Tobin recognizes this from one of their philosophy textbooks back in school - a quote by a founder of the Symbiosis Commission. "It was about accepting a future we can never truly see or predict - that the chaos of a billion souls acting independently makes any prediction suspect, and that we must let go of that fear of not knowing.

"I'm sorry for your friend, that he can't accept the private aspects of our culture," she adds. "I hope we can convince him that we are not an oppressive society - to the contrary, we've long been a strong meritocracy."

The legate smiles slightly. "Not that I have to prove that to you."

OOC: If you gents want to take your conversations further, let me know; otherwise, we'll get to the next scene.

[Renny]

OOC: Sorry, Davy. Been busy decorating the house. Apologies for the delay in response. Happy to move on to the next scene when ready.

[Davy, aka GM]

Cole & Chev
His briefing complete, Cole begins to assign team members to their stations. He next stops by the small Novan delegation meeting space and is invited in by the ambassador.

"Lt. Cole, I'm Davar Errickoa," the elder Novan greets, then introduces the other members of his team: Delegate Calixta Quesada Otero de Colinoro, and aides Anamaria de Brazanos and Zahra Nuralla. Errickoa is older - well into his 60s or 70s, with graying dark hair and a silver mustache and goatee - and he gives the impression of a man who has always succeeded in whatever he set his mind to; honestly, there's almost a royal air surrounding the man - and that his entire delegation is comprised of beautiful women just adds to it.

Nearby, Miguel smiles at the security officer's arrival.

"We were just talking strategy - discussing the fact that you and your crew have experience with a Trill among you," the ambassador continues, gesturing for Cole to join them at the conference table. "Tell me, what is your impression of Tobin Les and his performance on your ship?"

Tobin & Voshen
Ambassador Lasree Voliax arrives in due time. She stops short at the sight of the Zaranite, and a flash of...something...crosses her features for a brief moment before they shift to a bright smile, so genuine looking, one can't tell if it is sincere or practiced.

"A fresh voice from the outside, I see," she says, extending her hand in greeting. "I'm Ambassador Voliax. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant...?"

"Voshen, ma'am," the navigator replies.

"Thank you for answering Mr. Dax's call for assistance. This pre-conference session is important to us," the ambassador continues. Releasing his hand, her eyes scan the room behind Voshen. "I was told a Tobin Les was to be our primary liaison..."

She finds Tobin and Jeeri toward the back and gestures for them to come forward. "Mr. Les, I'm Ambassador Voliax. I look forward to finding out how your experience in Starfleet will help our homeworld's membership application. Mr. Dax speaks very highly of you and work you did for him at Starbase 24."

[Renny]

"We were just talking strategy - discussing the fact that you and your crew have experience with a Trill among you," the ambassador continues, gesturing for Cole to join them at the conference table. "Tell me, what is your impression of Tobin Les and his performance on your ship?"

"I'm pleased to meet you, sir", Cole replies before nodding respectfully at the rest of the ambassador's group in turn.

He considers carefully before replying to the ambassador's question.

"I've always found Commander Les to be an exceptional officer, sir."