Martial Limitations
Posted on Mon Sep 15th, 2025 @ 2:16pm by Petty Officer 1st Class Ayol & Crewman Slar & Mars & Lieutenant JG Ubia & Warrant Officer Reksim Floth & Freddie & Consul Kwaa
Edited on on Mon Sep 15th, 2025 @ 2:18pm
989 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
The Serpent's Tooth [3]
Location: High Security Brig 2
Timeline: Morning - MD13
Ayol felt a certain creeping dread every time he entered the vicinity of the high security section of the brig. It wasn't as though there was any reason for it, nothing bad had ever happened here, and as far as they could tell the cells were all shipshape. Besides, the somewhat terrifying Capellan Chief Taan and his team were watching constantly, and only a few steps away. Further besides, he was a Vorta, it was his life's work to serve, regardless of consequence.
He gave a nod to the burly officer guarding the door, who put the other cells on mute and allowed Ayol entry.
He looked briefly around at the other Goa'uld, although all had been deemed fit to remain behind, they remained in secure accomodations as per the Captain's orders. They had objected initially that this was unnecessary, but after Commander Atna's attack by the rogue symbiote that seemed to be engineered for stealth, those arguments suddenly had much less weight. She was alright, thank the Founders. Fortunately, there had been no sign of any further symbiotes anywhere other than where they should have been, as certified by both Tyr and Polyphron, as well as the wider security department.
"Mr Mars," Ayol began, approaching the forcefield, "I understand you have requested to speak with the Captain. I am his yeoman, he has sent me to discuss the matter you wished to broach with him."
Slar didn't know exactly why he'd been asked to come along, but he assumed it was to keep the Goa'uld from getting aggressive. His colleagues didn't do it often, but they knew that having someone who could bite the head off the other party in a conversation tended to instill a certain gentility in anyone prone to argument. Not knowing that Slar was a pacifist vegetarian was part of that advantage.
He looked up from his bent over seated on the bed position as he heard his name. Mars smiled at the 'yeoman', it must mean personal attendant, the former troop's commander mused. "Hello Mr Ayol. Yes, I wanted to request the possibility to work for Starfleet to regain their trust... in some way?"
“I see.” Ayol said, considering the unexpected request. “I’m afraid such a request is beyond my authority to consider. You are at this juncture a foreign national in our custody until such time as the colonies for your people are established. I can perhaps ask if someone at the Federation consulate is willing to discuss the matter with you. I’m afraid the legalities are beyond my understanding and as such I cannot make any guarantees.”
Mars nodded. "Ah, the pleasures of politics. Anything you can set in motion is appreciated, Mr Ayol. Thank you in advance."
Ayol was at the Embassy in less than five minutes, smiling politely to Ensign Ubia at the desk. She gestured for him to enter wordlessly, projecting telepathic warmth and belonging. He smiled and felt just a twinge of sadness to leave her, but he knew that was the bewitching Deltan way. He wondered if the Founders had ever considered exploiting such a mechanism, it was certainly potent. A Vorta could make great use of it, without ethics.
"The Consul's just on a slipstream call, sorry Yeoman. He'll be out shortly, he knows you're here." Warrant Officer Floth told Ayol with a polite but casual diplomat's cadence.
"It's no problem, I quite adore it here, even in the lobby." Ayol said, turning back to face the embassy. The sunlight, the plants, the fountains, the white marble. It was all to the exact tastes of Ambassador Velt. Gaudier than most, but no less remarkable for it.
"Freddie's on duty if you want a drink." Floth gestured to the bar across the large chamber, where the hologram of Freddie flickered to life at the sound of his name, a glass and metafibre cloth ready to serve. Ayol considered it, staring across the way. Freddie had a creative way with liquid deserts that he'd never seen in a hologram before.
Before Ayol had an opportunity to give into temptation, Kwaa emerged from his office. "Mr Ayol, hello. How can I assist?" The Consul asked.
When Ayol finished explaining, Kwaa made a sharp whistle. "Well, I don't think I'm going to have anything good to say to this Mars. But, best to get it out of the way I suppose."
Kwaa proceeded straight to the brig, nodding to security as he went by. Once he reached the forcefield, he didn't mince words. "Mr Mars, I'm sorry but I don't have any good news for you. I understand you have expressed an interest in working with us. I'm afraid that's not something we'll be considering at this time. You'll be provided accommodations at the Atenist settlement, what happens to you thereafter will be up to your people." Kwaa said. He wanted to leave there and then, but he felt the man was at least owed an opportunity to respond.
A little disappointed, he felt to be expected, all things considered. "Do you know when that will be, Consul?" Mars inquired calmly.
"Within the next few hours." Kwaa answered. "You're to be settled in Akhet-Aten, the Pharaoh's city. I'm sure if you prefer, we can help find you lodgings in New Ischia, but what remains of Hera's forces are in the City of the Horizon."
Mars nodded. "Thank you for telling me, will I be allowed to contact Starfleet in the future, or is that up to the Pharaoh as well?"
"There will be a small number of starfleet crew in each colony at least eight hours a day. They will be able to facilitate any communications with the station you may need." The Consul explained. "The situation will be explained to you when your people are gathered for departure. Good luck, Mister Mars." Kwaa steered himself away and departed, ready to be done with the task.
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