Jurisdictions

[NDak 0]

Destorie frowned deeply as he materialized aboard the Talon following his meeting with the Governor of Dumok’azen. There was little about this mission he had enjoyed, and none of the parts he had enjoyed involved anything that had transpired since the Talon entered orbit of the foul, dusty, infested planet. There had been the business with the fighter pilot escaping, then his rather unpleasant initial meeting with the governor, and now there was not only the accident which put his people in harm’s way but the rather annoying situation developing with the governor chief of security.

 

Waving off the salute from the transport officer, who noted that he’d seen much more of N’Dak than he’d ever scene of the Khre’Riov, Destorie skulked off into the hallway that teamed with people beaming down to support the mission on the planet. At the very least, he supposed, his crew had shown themselves to be ready for the mission, springing into action to help on the planet. He hadn’t got a formal report from the planet yet, and that, he was rather sure, would give him another headache but for now he was going to enjoy the small victory of having a semi-competent crew.

 

The incident with tr’Baris still roiled him as he rounded the corner after a short lift ride and tapped in his security code to enter his quarters. The insolence of the man. Talking to him as if he were a disheren. Had it been the first such incident, perhaps it would have been forgotten; however it wasn’t. During their initial meeting, tr’Baris had been rather mouthy and the Governor had sat there and watched it, encouraged it even. Destorie frowned more deeply. He couldn’t place it but there was something about Baris that he did na like.

 

Yet, in spite of his own ego, Destorie knew that the job needed to be completed. He glanced out the window to the planet below, stroking absently at his chin. Even if the cave-in had not been the result of terrorism by the natives, it was only a matter of time before they struck again. The governor was already below his quotas and the extended shut down of one of the mines would increase that pressure even further. None of this was going to end well. Even with the full resources of the Talon, just repairing the damage done to the processing plants would take several weeks and then with the mine collapse, it could extend the mission even longer, all the while the resistance movement would continue to flourish. And to top everything off, there was that tiny detail about the governor killing the leader of the Dumok people.

 

Destorie sighed and walked to his desk, cracking his knuckles before opening the console to begin typing a formal report to the Daise Khre’Riov.

 

--

 

<<message truncated>>

 

In Summary:

 

The situation is not entirely out of control yet, however I feel that due to a number of factors we are in a very precarious situation.

 

It is clear from our findings that the local populace has been getting support from an outside source, possibly someone on ch’Rihan who could stand to profit from the situation. It is also clear that the governor’s administration is likely compromised, at least to some degree. I have launched an investigation, headed by tr’Valdrin, into the matter though I suspect that individuals within the governor’s staff will not be entirely cooperative to an outsider poking around.

 

While I have no doubts about the ability of my crew to carry out any assigned order to them, I am deeply concerned about the Governor’s staff and frankly the governor himself. I am also concerned that if the situation continues to deteriorate that the natives may become hostile towards the crew of the Talon who are assisting in the repairs of the mining facilities as well as helping to secure them.

 

While I am fully aware that this is the Governor’s jurisdiction and that technically he does have authority in these matters, I would request permission from Galae Command to take a more active role in settling the matter. If we do not bring an end to this conflict soon, it will only get worse, and even once we have repaired the mining operations -- the attacks will only resume once we have left orbit, unless Galae would prefer to station a larger garrison on the planet.

 

It would be my preference to settle the matter without using force, perhaps even negotiating with the locals. However, I would also ask for official authorization to use lethal forces against the natives. While I understand that we would prefer to keep the native workforce in tact, I feel that we should not limit ourselves.

 

To put my request more clearly, I would like for Galae Command to enpower me to carry out my mission. While I believe the Governor to be an honorable man, I feel that he is more interested in jocking for position than allowing me the autonomy I need to carry out the mission.

 

I will continue to update you as to the situation and look forward to a response on my queries for additional information regarding the scope of my authority. Also please note the attached data packet concerning our findings on the moon base.

[NDak 0]

With his report sent to tr’Varlon, Destorie leaned back against his chair frowning ever more deeply. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the tal’yae board glinting in the starlight as Talon passed into eclipse. Tal’yae, a game similar to human multi-d chess, had long been a staple of the interactions between he and his brother, and in-fact between he and his father. As a young boy, he’d been perhaps too direct in his approach to be a talented player; but as he’d gotten older he’d learn to be more subtle, cunning and devious -- to attack from multiple directions.

 

As he considered the game, a thought occurred to him. Slowly, but surely, a devious, plotting smile crept across his face and he leaned forward opening the console again.

 

--

 

Governor,

 

Once again thank you for your hospitality earlier. The initial reports from the mine indicate that they have gained access to the first level and relief efforts are underway; additional medical, engineering, and security personnel have transported to the surface to assist.

 

As we discussed this incident may or may not be the work of the local terrorists, however, I believe regardless of the culprit, this situation has given us an opening to explore a peaceful solution to the native unrest. As a third-party with whom they neither have reason to trust or distrust I am in a unique position to open a dialog with the local leaders and attempt to bring resolution to the continued labor unrest.

 

Per our conversation, I believe that in order to fully secure the Galae’s interest in the system, we need to bring the situation to a fountainhead. To that end I would ask for your permission and your facilitation to open negotiations with the local leaders.

 

Thank you for your time and if you require any further assistance the Talon is at your disposal.