Simple Diplomacy

[Chirakis 1]

Simple Diplomacy

 

A Joint Log by Dr. McDowell, LtCdr Feretti, and Cdr Chirakis

 

Cdr Chirakis dropped her Peregrine fighter from warp well outside the gravity well of TKR-117. From the void emerged a small class M planet, not as spectacular as many she had seen, and certainly not worth fighting over. Standard flora to fauna ratios showed on her scanners, along with some areas of desert, plain, and tundra. A shift in calibration showed standard tectonic activity that spoke of a molten core with no significant deposits of precious commodities such as would draw the attention of a passerby. All scans corroborated the scans taken by the science team's first and second planetary surveys.

 

Yet there was something beyond the planet's recently found archaeological site that drew those whom Ambassador Drankum called "frontier hugging hippies" to places such as this. Having lived on the edge of civilization for so long, Kirel Chirakis wondered at their motivation, at why they would choose to colonize such a nondescript area of the galaxy, and if there was anything beyond their alleged rich archaeological find that might keep them there.

 

She was also concerned with the planet's security and the likelihood that someone might stumble upon it, but from this distance there didn't seem to be much that would draw a passerby. To the north of the colony lay an ancient mountain chain that reached beyond the terminus to the far side. To the south ran a river whose tributaries seemed to water most of the southern plain. It appeared to be an ordinary planet and nothing more.

 

A few hours later she was wandering through the courtyard, accompanied by Aegis' Chief Science Officer, LtCmdr Feretti, and escorted by Dr. McDowell.

 

The scientist she is, Leilani couldn't help but be impressed by the tour and was looking forward to visiting the ruins before the dig took place. Though progress was good in coordinating where to dig and when to start, the opportunity to view the site now would definitely help her with her plans. Leilani quietly followed Commander Chirakis and Dr. McDowell as the latter escorted them through the courtyard. She activated her tricorder, keen to get as much information about them as possible.

 

Hannah was eager to show Chirakis and Leilani the colony. She was proud of how hard the colonists had worked to set it up and get it running. Hannah also wanted to show Chirakis and Leilani that she wasn't some psycho scientist; she was just someone who had worked very hard to get where she was. She wanted them to know Hannah.

 

Upon exiting the science building, Kirel stepped into a courtyard that appeared to be an area of relaxation for the colonists. Several wrought iron tables surrounded a small water fountain in the middle. Newly planted beds surrounded areas of grass, and a few trees rustled in the afternoon breeze.

 

The mountains to the north appeared to shelter the valley floor from the fiercest storms and, since Kirel's mind seldom wandered far from defense, she noted they might be used for cover during an attack. They seemed to be fairly geologically stable; at least there were no overt signs of recent eruption. The river to the south meandered through the valley. It, too, had been there a long time, and the extent of the flood plain seemed a safe distance from the colony and the archaeological site.

 

"You certainly have made progress in the last few months, Dr. McDowell," said Kirel, her eyes continuing to wander over the outlay of the station. "Your laboratory and all your working spaces are well designed. Your living spaces certainly appear comfortable – more than adequate, I would say. I understand you've been planning this colony for several years, and your careful planning is evident." It never hurt to be complimentary, and Kirel was sincere. But she did have more pressing things on her mind.

 

"Tell me, though -- have you shelters for emergencies, plans for natural disasters or... " here she paused to angle her eyes skyward and wave her hand in the direction of space, "...otherwise?"

 

"Not yet but we do have plans to add them in the coming months. I'll be happy to show you the plans." Hannah replied.

 

The tour of the colony took about an hour. Hannah showed them everything: the greenhouse where they grew some of their food, the storage area, the medical facilities, living quarters, communications, etc. As she showed them around, she gave them a brief on the future plans for the colony, how eventually a city would be built to support a community and possibly a station to support ships. She tried not to brag about her colony but she couldn't help it. She ended the tour of the colony back at the science building. "So that's it for the colony. We can go see the dig site if you like or have supper. I believe TooRam is making his famous stew tonite."

 

The mention of food brought to Kirel the sudden recognition of a smell drifting on the breeze. "Famous stew?" she echoed, glancing at Leilani. "Now I see why your science team is so eager to stay here, Dr. Feretti," she said with feigned jealousy, then turned back to Hannah. "Supper it is, then the site. As eager as I am to see the subject of so much speculation, I don't believe I could pass up a home cooked meal, as you Terrans call it."

 

"Of course." Hannah smiled and nodded and then led them both to the dining area where most everyone had gathered. She introduced everyone and then indicated where to get the plates and utensils and then the food. Hannah then led them to a table and sat down.

 

Leilani smiled her thanks as she was led inside the colony. Stew sounded alright, and she was getting somewhat hungry after spending those few hours stuck in the lab. While she was looking forward to touring the archeological site, she hadn't really had a chance to tour the colony either and was eager to see it as well. As they entered the dining area she could smell the stew and other foods that were currently being prepared. Leilani nodded politely and returned any introductions directed towards her. "The people here are quite friendly" Leilani said to Dr. McDowell, "and going by what I'm smelling, dinner should be good too." She smiled as she took a seat by the doctor and Commander Chirakis.

 

Hannah nodded and grinned. Perhaps this joint venture with Aegis wouldn't be so bad after all.