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:: on the bridge, watching the planet glide by on the main viewer as she tries to clear her mind to get ready for this meeting ::

:: is at her station on the bridge ::

:: at her console on the bridge, doing ops-y things ::

:: sits at her station on the bridge, hands off her console and just… thinking ::

:: is sitting at Main Sci/Ops, as usual, glad she's not a diplomat like her brother ::

:: at the helm, doing remote queries to the Rocinante's systems since there's not much driving to do while in orbit ::

:: stands and lets out a long breath before speaking :: CSO: Commander Wright. You will have the bridge during the meeting. We have secured permission to scan the planet, so I want relative tech levels and capabilities for these factions, at least.

CSO: Dig into the history and see if any of the claims on either side hold merit. Have engineering analyze their tech, get weapons capabilities, medical knowledge, whatever might be useful.

:: looks up at the word ‘medical’, then sinks back into contemplatively spacing out ::

CO: Aye, Captain.

:: meets Nourik's entourage first in the TR, then has them wait nearby for Pherzen's entourage beam-up, and begins escorting both to the conference room ::

:: begins accessing databases ::

:: looking around the ship, in awe ::

:: equally impressed, but is a little better at not showing it ::

:: takes another deep breath :: CMO: Dr. Acacia, with me, please.

CSO: You have the bridge, Commander.

:: looks up, then nods, rising from her seat to follow the Captain ::

:: enters the TL and directs it to deck four ::

CO: I have the bridge. :: remains at Sci/Ops where she can actually get work done ::

:: glances over at Alexis, then back to his console ::

:: follows Harper into the lift, taking a deep breath ::

:: glances up to Harper then Acacia, then looks back down at her console, communicating with the science labs ::

:: quietly :: CMO: I need your empathy for this, Emily. And whatever it is that connects us and gives me a hint of it.

CSO: I'll get right on that tech-analysis, Commander.

:: smirks, smoothing down her baby hairs around her usual duty braid :: CO: I’ll do whatever I can.

:: enters the conference room with faction representatives and their entourages in tow, indicating where each should sit ::

CMO: If I do not notice something alarming, get my attention.

:: nods firmly ::

:: smiles in thanks and spends the rest of the short ride in silence ::

:: takes his appointed seat and tries to refrain from glancing too much at Pherzen in distrust ::

:: exits the turbolift and pauses at the door of the VIP conference room, checking her hair in the dark display next to it, and makes a few adjustments ::

:: after she figures most things are in order, she turns her chair around :: CSO: Is there anything you'd like me to do at the moment? :: suddenly turns chair back around to type out a response to an inquiry ::

:: starts analyzing the Wenkudian tech, swiping through the readings with one hand, while softly biting the fingernails of her other hand ::

:: checks her teeth in the corner of the reflective surface behind Harper ::

:: then assumes a command demeanor, but slightly softer than usual as a hint of being here as mediator, not a commander, but she is dealing with a General, after all ::

Self: Hmm...

:: nods belatedly at the CEO, engrossed in her own research ::

:: she then walks through the door :: All: Hello, and welcome aboard the Atlantis. Thank you for agreeing to come to our table and have a conversation.

:: follows behind Harper and bows her head respectfully in greeting ::

SCI: Er. Yes. Can you help me look into their technological capabilities while I look at the historical perspective?

:: walks to her chair at the head of the table and pauses, gesturing at Emily :: All: This is my Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Acacia, and you have already met Commander Kuari, my Executive Officer.

:: smiles at the delegates ::

CSO: Their technological profile is showing a lot of hallmarks of early-era warp-capability. Like, well within a century out from discovering warp.

CSO: Aye, of course. :: switches out of her science labs communications to look up the tech ::

CSO: Getting hit this hard by the Xovul at this stage probably set them back a bit.

:: turns and nods at D'Bryn :: CEO: Can you determine anything about their respective weapons capabilities?

Thank you, Commodore, for hosting these talks.

:: takes her seat ::

:: after seating their guests, walks to stand next to Harper, just off to her right at the head of the table, then sits after the introductions ::

:: takes her seat as well ::

:: her green eyes scan the room, watching the faction leaders as they react and make their own greetings, trying to get a read on them ::

:: glances at her console, blinking in Mild Confusion, sending what she could find directly to Wright, not quite understanding the technological doodads enough to explain it like D'bryn ::

:: starts analyzing data on propulsion systems that he picks out from the data stream coming in through the scanners ::

:: keeps an eye on the room and settles into sensing the vibe ::

:: sits on his side of the long table, his entourage taking their seats to either side, facing Nourik's side. He glances at Nourik, but focuses his immediate attention on Harper :: CO: Yes, thank you. We're not much interested, but if there are things to be said, we appreciate the neutral ground. That is... :: gestures at the grandeur around him :: ...this beautiful, awe-inspiring ship of yours. It is quite impressive, Commodore.

CSO: Not insubstantial, if considering the dangers they pose to themselves and each other—but they pose no real danger to us. :: frowns :: So they didn't stand a chance against the Xovul.

:: after mentally processing the available data :: Bridge: It looks like this may boil down to a border dispute of sorts. I'm running some detailed scans of the contested area.

:: nods to Nourik and Pherzen with a polite smile :: Thank you. We are proud of Atlantis. She is our home and treats us well, as long as we take care of her. So, shall we get to the business of the day?

:: to nobody in particular :: Ahh. Border dispute. That's familiar. Once had a dispute on the farm with a neighbor over a forest area. Turns out nobody owned it anyway. :: gives a mild shrug ::

:: glances distrustfully at Pherzen, then looks back at Harper, hopeful that this Federation and all their power can settle this idiotic fight :: CO: Yes, please, by all means! We want an end to this war. One that does not result in our subjugation!

:: glances over at Herschel, shakes her head, and looks back at her console as the scan results start coming in ::

Bridge: No real fighter capability of note, as they have yet to achieve the propulsion and weaponry miniaturization technology necessary.

:: nods at Zorro ::

:: reads through the scan results :: Self, aloud: Ah... that'd do it.

CSO: What will do it?

SCI: Scans indicate several deposits of minerals necessary for building warp-capable ships in the contested area.

:: bows his head to Harper, then turns his head to Nourik, listening to his complaint calmly, but his voice hardens as he goes on :: CO: As I've said, the Xovul have done a fair amount of damage to Leuk'pa territory as well. This conflict began with a fight to reclaim our land, and an attack by this alien species has little to do with the outcome.

:: gives a large understanding nod :: CSO: Aaaahhhhh. Yes. Very understandable.

Pherzen: Yet, that attack has affected you both, inflicting grave damage. We understand that, having recently been in conflict with the Xovul, first directly, then in defense of an ally.

:: starts wistfully paging through the data on their aircraft ::

:: keeps an eye on the delegates ::

:: narrows his eyes, clearly not pleased Harper has seemed to take Nourik's side, but recovers enough to respond calmly :: CO: Yes, they have. However, this does not warrant further interference from a fourth party. Nourik only reached out to you for favor, when it is our own conflict to resolve.

:: starts to speak up, but is cut off by Harper ::

CSO/All: I'm a bit fuzzy on, like, trade laws and stuff. Wouldn't it benefit both sides if they joined the Federation? Wouldn't that give them both easier access to the resources they need to build ships?

:: turns and shrugs at D'bryn :: CEO: You'd think?

Pherzen: From one flag officer to another, I understand the need to press the military advantage when you have it. But could there be a way to achieve your goals without further bloodshed and without subjugating anyone?

:: eyes Pherzen :: Yes, could there be?

:: has no need to mention that she's only been a flag officer for a few weeks or so ::

CSO/CEO: Seems so.

:: looks from Harper to Nourik, a slight smile stretching back on one side :: Nourik: I don't know, Nourik, is there? Give us the land that's rightfully ours, what you took years ago. Move your people out, and we can be done with this. I'm not without mercy.

And then what? Wait until you need more of our scientists and engineers to build those warp ships that you crave? Will you just come and take them?

:: raises an eyebrow, keeping quiet and listening carefully ::

:: glances at Harper, then back across the table :: Nourik: This isn't about the future, is it? For all I know, you'll try to take the area back in a few years, once we've done the hard work of building refineries and infrastructure. Is this about now, or what could possibly be?

:: interjects :: What could possibly be? Where will your people be a hundred years from now, if things continue on their current course? Still fighting over this territory, perhaps?

:: caught off-guard by that, and thinks ::

:: leans back in chair, crosses arms :: Bridge: You guys think that civilization—quadrant-wide, galaxy-wide, whatever—will ever reach a state where war is obsolete?

:: sighs deeply :: CEO: I really, really hope so.

Bridge: You know? Like, how long would it take for all civilizations to get to the point where war just doesn't make sense?

:: frowns, again annoyed at Harper's words, which seem against him :: CO: Perhaps? Remember, Commodore, I'm not the one looking to join any sort of collective that you have, it's Nourik here. As far as I'm concerned, we can take care of our own afairs. I came here to listen to what Nourik has to say... :: glares at his opponent :: Nourik: ...and I'm beginning to think this was a waste of my time.

CEO: There are a wide variety of beliefs and ideals, ja? And we all value the experiences of all those people. However, with ideals comes extremes. With extremes comes evil. And with evil comes violence and war.

SCI: So you don't think it's even possible?

:: leans forward as she clasps her hands :: I am not trying to get you to join us, General.

Pherzen: I think she means that we could accomplish more as a people by working together.

:: nods and watches ::

:: places his hands on the table, leaning forward, but not enough to leave his seat :: Nourik :: I'm not interested in working with you, Nourik. The land is ours, and we're taking it, plain and simple.

:: furrows eyebrows, thinking :: CEO: The only way to resolve conflict is to be tolerant and understanding of all sides. As long as there are extreme, intolerant views, war will continue to happen.

SCI: Yeah, that makes sense. War is a symptom rather than the disease. It's a symptom of extremism, of an unwillingness to be malleable as a people. I get you.

Ours. What does that even mean, you old fool? Here, let me tell you: it means that it's Wenkudian, not Leuk'pa or Thrin'pa! Do these people segregate themselves by what tiny fraction of their worlds they come from? It doesn't seem that they do, and look! :: waves his arms around, indicating the Atlantis :: Look at what they have accomplished! This ship beat the Xovul when we could not!

:: would interject that they had a lot of help, but lets the moment ride ::

SCI: So do you think that paradigm could change, across an entire civilization? Do you think extremism could be eliminated?

:: looks at Herschel for her response ::

:: listens with interest to the philosophical conversation ::

:: leans back in her chair, steepling her hands contemplatively ::

:: pauses to think again :: CEO: I don't think that the complete elimination of intolerance and extremism is something that any of us will see in our generations. Rooting those out is a decades long, multi-generation process. Even if we were to get rid of either in all the species we know of right now, there will still be people out there who break convention and try to manipulate others. :: she gives a mild shrug ::

:: nods appreciatively at Rike's observation ::

:: stares at Nourik, any trace of a smirk fading completely. When he can't look at him anymore he lowers his eyes in thought, glancing at Harper, then surreptitiously at the walls around them, now clearly uncomfortable. He wants to argue that Atlantis clearly has many years on them, but...he can't argue at the scale of the argument against him with this advanced species hosting him, making his claims on the piece of land seeming...insignificant by comparison. He licks his lips nervously, but puts on a practiced front :: CO: I cannot argue that your people have...clearly advanced well, apparently by cooperating as one. However, Wenkudia does not have one world power. How would we determine who leads our entire planet? Should it not be headed by the most powerful of the species, those that are best fit to lead? Who determines this leader otherwise?

:: frowns, although she knows this is probably true ::

:: nods :: SCI: So it's just sewn into sentient nature. Like you said: extremism is a natural byproduct of belief. :: frowns :: As much of a bummer as that is, I can't really rustle up the sheer optimism to disagree with it.

CEO: The philosophical, theoretical question boils down to would we go as far as forcibly removing every living individual's belief system for the sake of preventing war?

Pherzen: What is your measure of power? Physical prowess? Intellectual acumen? Are those what makes someone fit to lead? I'm not here to reorganize your government, but across our Federation, there are many models to choose from if you are looking for ideas. I would personally suggest representatives from across your world, bringing their diverse viewpoints and perspectives together in a council of sorts, that could determine what is best for your entire world, while local governments still tend to the affairs of their populations.

Think of it, Pherzen. Think of the ships we could build if we not only pooled these resources we fight over, but our minds.

:: looks between the two delegates curiously, their reactions not what she expected ::

:: thinks about her little house on the ocean cliffs of Risa where there is no war currently ::

:: chuckles dryly :: SCI: Funny hypothesis, isn't it. I remember some philosophy guy invading a party we were having at Academy, and he started going off with all that John Lennon shit about, 'Imagine no religion.' He cited the Crusades, and other religious wars and heinous acts, and said the world was better off without religion. When challenged, he said, 'No spirituality either.' And then someone hit him with, 'What about a non-religious belief system? Would you eliminate that too?' He stuttered for, like, three minutes straight.

:: glances at Emily ::

:: shrugs slightly, having nothing to report so far ::

SCI: It kind of seems like evil is a natural malignant growth on the things that make us individuals. Like if we want to remove the possibility of evil, we have to remove our humanity.

CEO: And that is why there's a joke that people don't like moral philosophers. :: chuckles a bit :: CEO: Indeed. Belief is what makes everyone a unique individual. I personally would rather live in this current world than everyone be like... the Borg- for a lack of better comparison.

:: low-key trying to ignore the conversation now, because it's just depressing ::

:: smiles wide, points an accusatory finger :: SCI: Beuzak's Law!

SCI: The longer a discussion continues, the more likely it is that someone makes a comparison to the Borg.

:: smirks ::

SCI: I'm kidding, but I think you're right.

:: nearly facedesks into her console ::

CEO: Hey, at least there aren't any Vulcans around for T'hek's Law. :: clears her throat and raises an eyebrows, deadpanning :: Fascinating.

:: unconciously looks around for T'Lira ::

:: listens to Harper, then Nourik, and considers their words for a minute. He drums his fingers on the table, then snorts to himself, the glowing beads at the end of tentrils to either side of his head bobbing with the movement. He takes in a deep breath :: CO: I must say, I came here thinking this would be listening to Nourik, but it seems you've had just as much to say as he has, if not more, Commodore. :: he glares across the table :: Perhaps that was his plan all along. Even so, you have...made me consider more than I expected to. I cannot argue that a united front would be ideal. Unite all the factions? Isn't that what's required here for Nourik to have his way with membership? That's a task much more easily said than done.

SCI: That's a thing?

CEO: Unfortunately not, but it should be! :: breaks out into loud laughter ::

All: It is a soft requirement in that support in joining from your world's government or governments must be given, and the natural way for that to happen is through unification, but that would be a matter for that future governing body to debate. As I said, I am not here to get you to join us. If that happens once you are at peace, then I will be the first to welcome you. But my purpose here is to get you both to see what the other has to offer, not if surrendered by force, but if lent to a cause greater than either of you.

:: chuckles to himself ::

:: nods :: CO: Yes, I can see that now. You've given me much to think about. Perhaps in order to progress, a more...cooperative way of thinking is in order. :: he turns to the other Wenkudian faction leader :: Nourik: You clearly are willing to, and have had more time to give this thought. I will need some time myself, to consider...compromises.

Of course.

:: smiles warmly ::

:: smiles :: It is a common story among peoples of the Federation, along with our neighbors; once they begin truly working together as an entire world, their technological advancement tends to take great leaps forward.

:: puts his hands on the table, standing :: CO: We will convene at a later time if you are willing, which can be arranged. I do have other matters to attend to. ::in a somewhat dismissive, long-suffering tone, he adds :: My...sister is missing, for one.

:: blinks ::

:: stands and offers her sympathy :: Pherzen: I'm very sorry to hear that, General.

:: also stands, frowning, but saying nothing ::

:: glances at Harper, then remembers to keep quiet and opts for good ol’ telepathy :: ~CO~ I think Nourik knows something about the sister.

:: bows his head back, then nods briefly, but more diplomatically towards Nourik than an hour ago ::

:: tries to think a thanks back to Emily, but isn't sure if she can, so she settles on a glance ::

:: keeps her cool externally, bowing her head in polite pardon to the delegates ::

All: Very well. Best of luck in your search, General, and thank you both for coming to talk. I think a lot of progress was made today.

:: stands from her seat, and works with the Marines stationed around the room to begin the escort process back to the transporter room ::

:: walks with them to the TR ::

:: follows after the Captain to see off the guests ::

:: once Phrezen beams away, she asks for a word with Nourik ::

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