Federation Log | The Diadem | Councillor Jolias Enor & EnRiov Shiarrael t'Rehu

Posted on 241509.14 @ 10:17am by President Jolias Enor

Mission: Reconciliation & Reconstruction [Fleet Plot]
Location: Multiple
Timeline: Current

A crown
Golden in show, is but a wreath of thorns.
Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights
To him who wears the regal diadem. – John Milton, Paradise Regained

[Earth, London]

“What a crowd.”
“People are interested in seeing the Praetor. It’s not every day you can get up close to the leader of your enemy.”
“Hrm.” The Andorian pursed her lips as she stood on the steps of the large convention center in Fulham overlooking the River Thames. “Really, you would think the people would get this excited about our own President.” She frowned “but no. Instead when an enemy comes to visit the people become enthralled.”
Next to her the Bajoran shrugged “perhaps more curiosity then enthusiasm? If the Marines weren’t here to keep them under control I’m sure they’d throw rotten eggs at her. It would be comical. Perhaps I should have had my aid send down crates of eggs?”
“Uncivilized.” Aniri sighed “and it’s too late now.” Her eyes moved towards the sky where only a few thin wisp of ivory contrails stained the turquoise sheet. In the distance a metallic flicker like some daytime star could be seen “they’re almost here.”

About ten steps down Jolias stood next to the President whose rosewood robes gently fluttered. A cool gentle breeze coasted in over the River Thames chilling the tense sweat that clung to the edges of Jole’s forehead. Covering the shoreline and overlooking the center were a throng of people at least twenty thousand strong held back by barricades and lightly armed Starfleet Marines. Using hands to shield their eyes the crowd gazed skyward where the Romulan transports could now be seen in the distance glittering against the bright noontime sun.
“They’re almost here.”
Jole turned slightly to face the voice and realized it was the President’s Chief of Staff who was also shielding his eyes while looking up. Next to them the Vulcan President looked serene as he stared out towards the crowd. Below them Starfleet security personnel were carefully moving people to make room for the Romulans to land.

[Romulan Transport]

“We have clearance from the Earth security nets.” Lai announced as the convoy of three bombers tilted and entered the atmosphere. An orange cone of flame quickly enveloped the front of the bomber painting the cabin a deep shade of amber. It jostled slightly as they passed into the stratosphere and towards the Island of Great Britain.
“No escorts this time?” Shiarrael smirked looking out the window at the empty blue that surrounded them.
“Perhaps they will just shoot us down and spare the fuel?” Raha snorted but then swallowed remembered the Praetor was aboard.
Arrenhe said nothing but looked at her hands as they approached the landing site.
“There seems to be a crowd.” Lai noted.
Standing up Raha leaned over the pilot’s chair looking over Lai’s shoulder and whistled “well, we certainly have quite the welcoming committee. I’m sure tr’Varun will have a terrible spout of diarrhea when he sees this.”
“Indeed.” Shiarrael smirked “hopefully they have a ventilated washroom. The Ael’Riov has a poor constitution for overly stressful situations.” She looked at Arrenhe “the Rei’Krannsu will be securing the area in concern with Starfleet’s marines before you exit. Intelligence sources on Earth have informed us of some unknown situation affecting some of the orbiting facilities- the issue seems benign since ever Starfleet doesn’t appear concerned but I believe caution is prudent.”
Arrenhe nodded.
“Final approach.” Lai spoke as the bomber shook again. The towers of London were quickly growing to dominate the view outside the windows. Sparkling at the city’s heart was the River Thames where dozens of ships were cruising over the shallow waves creating white v shaped trails in the water.
The Bomber rumbled as the landing struts lowered. Out of the periphery of the cockpit windows they could see the other bombers following suit. Raha jumped back into her seat and snapped on the belt buckle “everyone prepare for landing.”
In the cabin slightly down from them the Rei’Krannsu could be heard priming their weapons. If anything happened they would be ready- but so deep in enemy territory it would be a valiant but hopeless effort should any concerted effort be made against them. The thought of such a thing frightened Shiarrael…

[Romulus]

Thousands of light-years away in Beta Quadrant the Senate complex was filled to the brim as angry shouts echoed through the ancient chamber. Standing at the center podium overlooking the benches t’Charvanek wore composure as the others bristled and barked at each other.
“The Klingons have taken more territory and what is the Galae doing? They sit and twiddle their thumbs!”
“What is the Praetor going to do about this?!”
“Do you want a war with the Klingons? Is that what you are asking for? Our fleet is separated we cannot fight them!”
“Ah, another Jorani coward.”
“What?! I will have your tongue Zorek!”
Finally having enough of the banter t’Charvanek slammed her cane into the marble floor causing a raucous thunder to reverberate through the chamber. Silence instantly followed and the elder Senate speaker commanded everyone’s attention “I will not allow the dignity of this chamber to fall into chaos. We are not Klingons.” The comment was met with murmurs of approval and nods. “Senator tr’Verelan has requested the right to speak and it has been granted.”
Claps and jeers rang out as Argelian took the podium. “I know the recent Klingon incursions have been upsetting to this body.” The understatement caused the hawks to grow louder with their sniping but the Senator ignored it “an effort is underway to rectify the situation. The Praetor will negotiate with the Federation about a resolution to the crisis-”
“What will the Federation do?!” One Senator, whom Argelian recognized at Ithrei tr’Volzak, stood up pointing a finger at Argelian “your sister is delusional if she thinks the Federation will dissuade their Klingon overlords! The Federation is crippled and are the Klingons’ fvai’n! They can’t be trusted!”
“Volzak is right, the Federation can’t be trusted!”
“It is not trust the Praetor seeks nor is it an intervention.” The words caused the body grow quiet “what the Praetor seeks…” He said “is assurance that the Federation will not involve itself in the coming conflict.”

[To be continued]