Convergence [5/6]

Posted on Tue Oct 6th, 2026 @ 1:13pm by Captain Jaro & Lieutenant Harinarayani Khatri & Lieutenant Commander Riaani ek'Meru

756 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: The Fissure
Location: Deck 10 - Astrometrics
Timeline: 12 hours before arrival in the Orellia system; again

Jaro listened attentively, a thoughtful tilt to his head as he absorbed her words. He didn't shift uncomfortably, nor did he offer a defensive protest. Instead, he met her gaze with quiet composure; an expression that had served him through decades of diplomatic contact.

"I can certainly understand the apprehension. To those watching from afar, seeing a new fleet arrive utilizing technology associated with the Collective must inevitably raise uncomfortable questions. But it bears mentioning, Lieutenant Commander, that any technology is merely a tool. A scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon saves a life; in the hands of an assassin, it takes one. A tool itself cannot be good or evil—its nature depends entirely on those who are wielding it."

He rested his hands comfortably behind his back, taking a slow step toward the center of the dais.

"Starfleet may be a blank sheet for the majority of powers here in the Delta Quadrant, but our presence is not a prelude to conquest. One of the core mandates of Task Force Bridgehead is precisely what the name implies: to explore, and to build bridges across the vastness of space. To seek out like-minded civilizations and find ways to cooperate in peaceful co-existence."

A subtle smile formed around Jaro's lips as he continued: "Which segues rather neatly into your query regarding the impetus behind looking at this world in the first place. The answer is delightfully simple: to explore. Our long-range sensors picked up an unfamiliar signal from an unexpected source near our base of operations. Having crossed the entire galaxy to explore the Delta Quadrant, it would be entirely illogical for us not to investigate such a signal when it presents itself on our figurative doorstep."

"So Starfleet operates from the presumption that exploration is its own justification."

It was a statement, delivered as if to jot down a mental note rather than presenting a personal interpretation. Raya noticed that ek'Meru merely dipped her head to the side as she contemplated the implications, and though it would have been easy at that point to accuse the woman of forming a hasty opinion from very limited information, the Commander followed her observation with an objective counterpoint.

"Or perhaps your people have encountered a need to prioritise expansion. My people would say that curiosity is rarely problematic on its own but benevolence is a choice and choices are demonstrated through actions far more effectively than words."

It seemed, Raya decided, that ek'Meru was speaking partially to resolve her own mind on whatever was the actual cause of her slight frown. Certainly, the other woman's hesitation seemed loaded with indecision, as if caught on the cusp of committing to a course that would require an element of personal conviction.

"And actions take time." Riaani nodded, seeming to concede a point made only to herself. "My attempt to expedite a formal stance is not because I expect one to be easily determined. From the Osha'Thaar's point of view, our initial interaction with your representatives has been sufficiently amicable enough to encourage optimism. It is not on their behalf that I seek clarification in this instance."

Once more, the woman's gaze wandered in Raya's direction, a gesture the pilot might otherwise have appreciated had the inherent astuteness not been so proficient at leaving her struggling to avoid apologising for transgressions she hadn't even committed. Without trying to make it seem too obvious, the Lieutenant drew herself upright just a little more and gave the Commander the benefit of her undivided attention.

"My people have encountered the Borg, there are very few worlds in this sector who have not. There is one planet, however, that bore the brunt of many attempts to utilise local resources when securing the foothold you now intend to utilise. Their operational protocols tend to centre around maintaining vigilance and consolidating their capacity to avoid future subjugation. They are stoic and proud and not especially flexible when it comes to negotiating under what they would consider to be unsubstantial terms. I suspect they are already wary of Starfleet's presence." Riaani glanced towards the projection. "I also suspect they may know something of this planet's history beyond the scope of local supersitions. They have made it a point of accumulating information on the Borg's movements; you might consider it to be their primary motivation for traveling offworld at all."

[TBC]

Captain Jaro
Captain
USS Amazônia

Lt. Commander Riaani ek'Meru
On-loan Executive Officer
USS Amazônia

Lieutenant Harinarayani Khatri
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Amazônia

 

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