Peel Post #5 - Finding The Truth

Posted on Fri Oct 20th, 2023 @ 12:39pm by Captain Jamie O'Connell & Lieutenant Commander Angel Devroe & Lieutenant Maria SanChez & Lieutenant JG Johan Albo & Lieutenant JG Sarissa Aloran

Mission: TRUTH BE TOLD
Location: Various
Timeline: Current

::ON::

[Selay]

The two hour break was quickly coming to an end as T'Den looked over at Angel "We should go back into the meeting room; those two gentleman should have had ample time to look over my proposal concerning the Moon. Let us see if we can not get them to come to an agreement" she commented. Angel smiled "This should be interesting" came the reply as the two Officers walked back into the room.

They reclaimed their seats at the middle of the table just before both government representatives filed back into the room as before each sitting in their original seats. T'Den stood "Gentlemen now that you have time to look over the Federation's proposal, what do you think" she inquired as she sat back down. The Selayan
stood looking at those assembled "Madam Diplomat, Czar the proposal looks reasonable but we would want the southern half of the Moon and Aurelians may have the northern portion of the Moon" the Prefect stated then sat back down.

Czar Telon stood next addressing the assembly "Distinguished Prefect and Diplomat the proposal looks reasonable but we would want the Moon divided so we both may have a southern and a northern portion as the proposal states" he countered then continued looking directly at the Prefect "The only reason you want the entire southern half of the Moon is you already know that's where the greatest concentration of Solarium is located; your planet stands to make a fortune in profits" then he paused for a moment "Too bad only a few will profit and not your entire populace."

The Prefect thought for a moment before standing trying to think of a counter since the Czar wasn't entirely wrong.

[Peel]

As Captain O'Connell sat in his chair looking over some reports tactical called out "Captain we have an unknown Vessel headed straight for our current position" Maria stated. "On Screen" Jamie ordered as Comms complied. "Damn, that looks a lot like some sort of heavy cruiser" he thought " Comms hail them" came the order as Jamie went and stood in his usual location. Suddenly a distinguished looking gentleman came into view. "I am General Omar of the Selayan Freedom Fighters, Star Fleet what are you doing here" he inquired. "General Omar I am Captain Jamie O'Connell Commanding Officer of the Federation Ship the USS Peel. We have a Diplomat and my First Officer on the surface negotiating with your Planet and the Aurelians over possession of the Moon that sits between your two Planets" Jamie replied wondering what the hell was going on.

"Captain you might want to remove your people from Selay for their own safety. I have a Squadron of Fighters on their way to take out the Town Hall and end this atrocity" the General strongly suggested.

Jamie could feel the hairs standing on the back of his neck "Why do you want to destroy the Town Hall and what of this atrocity you speak of" Jamie inquired waiting for an answer.

"We have proof that the Selayan government have traveled to another primitive planet and have seized many of their young men to work in the mines as slaves; this we will not and can not tolerate" Omar explained sternly.

Jamie thought for a moment "Please tell your forces to stand down. I will contact my First Officer and explain the situation. I'm sure a diplomatic solution can be arrived at."

"Captain I'm afraid this has already gone too far and my people cannot let this go any further" Omar replied sternly.

"General with all do respect, I'm afraid we can't let you attack the Town Hall. Proceed and we will stop you by any means necessary and I don't think you want to feel the weight of the Federation come down on you; you won't win" Jamie stated with certainty "The choice is yours General."

After a few moments of silence "Let me get back to you after I confer with my superiors" Omar replied then disappeared from the viewer.

Jamie walked back to Command and looked at Sarissa "Counselor what's your read on him, is he being truthful about his intentions" came the inquiry.

Sarissa gave Jamie a nod of her head. “He’s being truthful alright, I sensed no deception from him.”

The Captain let out a long sigh "That's what worries me, he seems very committed to his beliefs and would not hesitate to do what he believes is right" he replied "Let's just hope a diplomatic solution can be reached and soon."

Sarissa nodded. “We can but hope so Sir. The General is highly committed, he will do what he says.”

Several minutes later "Captain we're being hailed" Comms stated. "On Screen" as the General reappeared "Captain you have two hours for a diplomatic resolution or we will attack the surface and take our chances with your Ship" Omar stated matter of factly.

"Fair enough General and I think you'll be pleased with the resolution" Jamie replied "Peel out" as the Screen returned to a view of the space before them. Looking over at Maria "Tactical if they show any signs of hostility, I want to know immediately" "Aye Sir" SanChez replied. "Comms get me Commander Devroe at once" Jamie ordered. "Aye Sir" moments later "Captain all set."

Jamie tapped the chair Comm "Commander Devroe we need to talk right away."

[Selay]

Angel felt her Comm buzz, since she had silenced it before the meeting, then she stood and excused herself walking out into the lobby as she pressed her Badge "Commander Devroe here."

"Number One he have a problem" the Captain stated then went into detail about what was happening in space "See what you and T'Den can do in a Diplomatic fashion; you have two hours before I beam you both back to the Ship." "Understood Captain, Devroe out." Angel immediately turned and went back into the Meeting Room.

Sitting in her seat she tapped T'Den on the shoulder and whispered "We need to talk now; it's very important" Angel whispered with the intention of not taking no for an answer.

Meanwhile the two men were still talking back and forth as T'Den stood "Gentlemen, let's take a short break then we will resume" she commented as Angel stood and they both left the Room.

Out on the Lobby T'Den stated in her usual Vulcan manner "This better be important to disrupt the meeting." Angel went into detail about what the Captain had relayed to her "So what are you going to do." T'Den thought for a moment "I will inform the Prefect of the Federation's stand on any type of slavery. By his reaction I will be able to tell if the information you just shared with me is reliable or not; although I am sure it is. Angel smiled "I can do one better, if you'll allow it, I am Betazoid and can reach out with my senses and tell you if the Prefect is being truthful or not" she explained. A surprised T'Den replied "That would be most helpful Commander."

The two Officers walked back into the room with Angel sitting and T'den standing as she started "Normally I would conduct this in private but since both your governments want transparency in this matter, I will not clear the room but proceed.

Looking at the Prefect "Sirs I have just received viable information that the Selayan Government is aware and condones the use of slavery and intends to do so concerning their mining operations. May I remind the Selayans that the Federation does not tolerate any form of slavery for any reason and your Planet may loose their place in the Federation of Planets if this proves to be an accurate account. Prefect how do you respond to these accusations" T'Den concluded sternly hoping for the truth for a change.

The Prefect just sat for a few moments not knowing quite what to say knowing full well they had been found out and also knowing expulsion from the Federation would be certain doom for Selay and it's Citizens. Taking a deep breath he stood "Madam Diplomat, esteemed Czar the Selayan Government meant no deception in this matter. Our Citizens refused to work in the mines, and knowing what it would mean to our way of life, we felt we needed to do something to ensure the success of the mining operations. These people live in a very primitive society and we felt maybe we could help their way of life as well as our own." he concluded being very nervous of the outcome of this meeting now.

Before T'Den spoke she whispered to Angel "So what is your read on the Prefect" she queried.

Angel whispered back "T'Den I don't sense any deception or secondary agendas; for the first time I believe he's being truthful with you" she replied with a smile."

T'Den now stood "Prefect here is what is going to happen next if you wish to remain as part of the Federation of Planets. First you will immediately release and return these men back to their home Planet. Secondly you will accept the terms of the document set before you concerning the Moon in question" then turning to the other person "Czar is this acceptable to you and your Government before we proceed any further" she concluded stone faced.

The Czar now stood "As much as my Government disapproves of what the Selayan's have done" then he paused momentarily "Yes we accept the terms of this document concerning the division of the Moon between our two planets" he replied happy that he had been victorious in this matter.

T'Den stood once more "Prefect does your Government swear to proceed as I have outlined from this day forward" she inquired matter of factly.

"Yes you have my word on it" the Prefect replied sweating the whole situation hoping it would be over soon.

"Then this document is officially ratified and each one of your Governments can possess half of the Moon comprising of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres" T'Den Officially stated with the full backing of the Federation of Planets. "One more thing before we conclude these negotiations" looking over at the Prefect "I will be filing a full report concerning this meeting and the contents there of. I am sure you will be seeing someone from the Federation to check up on what we have discussed today. Do not take this lightly as it could very well mean your Planet's expulsion from the Federation should they not like what they hear and see" T'Den finally concluded.

The Prefect swallowed hard "You have my word on it Maddam Diplomat; the Federation will absolutely find things in order when they arrive as per our agreement this day" he replied with sincerity.

The entire time Angel felt no deception or secondary agenda coming from either one of the Representatives from the two Planets. T'Den looked at her counterpart as Angel smiled and nodded reiterating everything was as presented.

Being satisfied with the outcome of the negations Lieutenant T'Den gave her last statement "These negotiations are hereby concluded and thank you all for your participation in this matter." Turning to Angel "Perhaps we should return to the Ship and give the Captain the good news."

Angel smiled "I'm right behind you" as the two Officers stood and left the Town Hall.

Tbc

::OFF::

Senior Officers
USS Peel
NCC-71015