The soft power approach

Posted on Sun Dec 22nd, 2024 @ 3:35pm by Lieutenant Rune Thul & Vestar Khai & Ambassador Oriath Velt

2,596 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Masters of the Stars [2]
Location: Thul Family Quarters
Timeline: 1655 - Four days after the end of DownTime

Ambassador Velt had been waiting for four impatient days after all that business on the Dreizhen V moon to see the Thuls. Flynn had told him to give them a couple of days. Velt hadn't read any of the operations reports, but he saw that Thul was in line for the purple heart, and everyone had been talking in hushed tones about something called a Dalek. He figured it had gotten ugly, and decided four would be the right amount of days, perhaps arbitrarily.

Velt knew Thul would have not yet finished his shift, but might show up mid-conversation. That would be helpful, he had strategised. He wanted to speak to Vestar, feeling he had a proposition that would be difficult to resist. He pressed the door chime.

Vestar stood at the doorway as it the door opened. "Greetings your grace." He inclined his head forward a little and stepped back. "It must be very important if you came yourself and not one of your aides, please come in." The Security Chief's husband was slightly dishevelled, there were all sorts of activity from children going on all over.

They seemed to be playing a game that had them jumping from leg to both legs, then back to one leg again. All three had black and blue suits on that provided padding, they were attacking each other as well. Mainly pushing and shoving with the occasional slap, and that was the small girl that participated.

"Apologies for my children, it is their practice time for some school event in a day or so." Vestar said as he stepped aside for the Ambassador to enter.

"Please, this is your home, I'm sorry to intrude. I don't think that's a sport we had when I was growing up." Velt said with a warm smile he beamed to the children, who he assumed were too busy with their activity to take much notice of him. "I was hoping Mr Khai that you and I might have a moment to chat, if you can spare it. I can come back another time if you'd prefer, but I was nearby and I've been putting it off."

"What is this about, Ambassador?" Vestar asked, curious, the two still standing at the door.

"This might sound like a strange thing for a Federation Ambassador to be discussing, but it's a matter of commerce. I understand you have taken over the administration of the Thul family business." Velt said, taking a step in as per the invitation, to allow the door to close.

"Technically, I did intern under the Seventh House Matriarch, Mrs Thul. It's not a family business, just a business she wanted to do herself." Vestar closed his eyes briefly and mouthed a what could only be a Betazoid memorial phrase before he opened his eyes again. He smiled at the Ambassador and gestured for the VIP to follow him into his office. It was just off the lounge room.

Once the door closed, the ruckus the children were making seemed to lessen, only slightly. Vestar walked to stand in front of his chair behind the desk. "Please do sit down, Ambassador, can I get you anything?"

"Thank you, no." Velt said taking the chair he'd been offered. "I'm on a very controlled diet. I get the fluid levels wrong and my Doctor starts having conniptions." He told Vestar, resisting the urge he had to dig his claws into the armrest of the fine seat. "I'd heard you brought everything over from the Qaraqorum by hand. If only I had the patience and the help I'd have done the same, but holographics seem to be the order of the day for a man with as much free time and interest in manual labour as I've got." He observed.

Vestar frowned. "Oh dear, that doesn't sound fun at all. Food and drinks should be enjoyed, my chefs are quite skilled at making nutritional meals and beverages that can cater to most of our customers. Perhaps you could let me know what that diet is, and I am happy to see what one of my chefs can do with it?" He smiled with grandeur as he sat down and had his hands, palms up, at shoulder height. He winked at the Ambassador to complete the pose.

After a moment, Vestar brought his hands to a resting position on the desk top just next to the small computer on his right. "Of course, once my husband, the kids and I agreed to stay on Deep Space 13, the corps of engineers aided us with moving supplies, furniture and our personal belongings over." He continued. "The café I have on the Qaraqorum is fully staffed and able to run without me, so I had to contact my personnel office. Thankfully, there are a few who could come and work at the newest location for my restaurant chain 'The Spot', and other small side businesses I have on the go, here on Deep Space 13 that are already half way constructed in the civilian sector."

He was very grateful for the engineers and other workers living here for their services. He planned on catering for them while they worked. "The place should be ready within 3 weeks, 2 if my staff get here before then. They are on their way and should be arriving very soon. I was working on a Delta quadrant expansion plan while on the Qaraqorum, it will have to wait a little longer, sadly." Vestar didn't mind sharing his former goals, he made a glance over at the computer which had a live feed to Supremacy Inc's current construction and shipping updates. It seems that their freighter was several days ahead of schedule but still at least 2 weeks away.

"I see you've made your preparations well. Even a Galaxy-class ship still takes two weeks to get here from Federation space. Are you bringing the total workforce you expect to require?" Velt asked. "I ask only because there's a rather large Romulan population here with not much else to do. Gainful employment would do a great deal for the Federation's credibility among them."

"I thought the new Ross-class ships were replacing the Galaxy line already?" Vestar asked but then smiled as he continued. "At this stage yes, as they are already on their way, for I expected to be working in the Delta quadrant from the Qaraqorum and my freighter, but I would be interested in hiring those who like to serve others. My incoming staff can become mentors and trainers to those who are willing to serve, it is a restaurant after all." His expression went neutral. "The exceptions to the generalisations notwithstanding, few Romulans have entered the hospitality industry in the Federation. Considering they blame us for the loss of their homeworld, I have a hard time believing any would accept my offering them employment. They'd see it as charity, and I'm only saying this because of what I have heard from other businesses based out of Federation space."

"Forgive me, I'm a 24th century man. The Galaxy-class is still the benchmark in my mind. I'm glad the likes of Admiral Gali and others are refusing the refit. She's a classic. The Ross is.. eh. But I digress." Velt said, leaning forwards. "What if I could get you a meeting with Ambassador Creon? She's the de facto leader of their population, after all. You might be surprised how hungry people here are for honest work. I don't know if you've seen, but the promenades are bare. There's fewer than one and a half establishments per level. The two dozen or so Romulan-owned businesses are already overemploying for their needs. They won't take charity, you're right, but they'll work hard if there's a sensible reward in it for them."

"Oh, that was not a judgement on you, Ambassador, regarding the Galaxy-class/Ross-class." Vestar quickly corrected with a chuckle. "Personally, I'd like to get my hands on an Excelsior-class. That would make a grand mobile headquarters for Supremacy Inc." He added and just as quickly moved on.

Vestar leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together as he considered the Ambassador's words. He knew most diplomatic personnel in the Free State are probably Tal'Shiar or heavily connected to them. Thankfully, his husband had trained him in many ways to interact with the Intel types and other cunning individuals. Considering business affairs, it was valuable to say the least.

"Does she care about her people? Has she gone out of her way to improve their lives or better our relations with them in any way?" Vestar asked somewhat colder than he intended, but from what he knew of the Tal'Shiar and his husband's history with them, Romulans barely care about each other's wellbeing. Of course there are always exceptions to that, but he has met few and far between.

"She freed this place from Imperialists back in 2400. She was a Starfleet Intelligence officer after a defection deal. Later a Captain, until she went AWOL with the dish of a Prometheus-class ship and fled here. She left her resignation with the saucer when she returned it. She commanded the station for the Free State until they offered it to us. They made her Ambassador. Busy woman. Poor timing." Velt explained.

His right eyebrow went up in a very Vulcan manner. "Confusing series of events, to say the least." Vestar stated. "Where is the Free State's presence? Or is she the only official?"

"The Embassy is the only remaining official Free State presence. There are several officers of the Free State military aboard working with the Starfleet crew, she is senior among them." Velt explained.

Vestar nodded. "Ah yes, my husband did mention that." He placed his hands on top of his desk. "Very well, I agree to a meeting with the Ambassador, but does this really concern her? If the refugees wish to work, I am happy to meet with them, as civilian employment is hardly a diplomatic purview." He ventured.

"Anything that might make her people happier is likely to concern her. I imagine she'd be a good contact to have in this region of space for anyone looking to expand their business. On that subject, part of the reason for my visit is to ask if there's anyone else you might know who might be looking for promenade space? It's in all of our best interests to increase activity out here, and Starfleet is motivated to assist in any way possible. That would include incentives for any businesses wishing to open up here, and finders fees for anyone who can assist in getting such deals closed." Velt said in a way he hoped was inviting.

His right eyebrow went up in a very Vulcan manner again. "And help my competitors..." Vestar laughed somewhat as if he was a warlord who had conquored the land. "While half true I can reach out amongst my network and pose the offer. I will need in writing what is promised to those who answer so they can see the benefits?" He stated firmly.

"Remember, Mr Khai, this is the United Federation of Planets." Velt said, for the first time expressing himself without any apparent charm or guile. "Growth and profit are antiquated terms. Collaboration and togetherness are what get one's likeness on a statue in some colony orbiting a distant star you'll never set foot on. We can officially offer six months without administrative charges, but the truer opportunity is to be the first of one's ilk to offer their wares to an entirely new universe. I've never met an entrepreneur who wouldn't jump at that opportunity. And imagine being the friend who got them there." Velt quickly returned to his smooth, understanding delivery.

"Only a Federation Ambassador would believe profit is antiquated, sorry to burst your bubble but profit is still a galactic mental force that drives many both in and out of the Federation." Vestar said but he did nodded towards the end of the Velt's words. "I do have to agree with you there of being first in best dressed as the humans put it when there's several universes' worth of customers to serve. Probably more. Leave it with me and you might get a flood of businesses crowding the station. I hope you are prepared, unless you wish to have a Businesses Committee to handle all that administration you mentioned?" He asked with a telling smirk.

"If you and your fellow merchants aboard wish for representation in station matters, I suggest you speak with the XO. Unfortunately I can't make that sort of decision and it would be a little odd for the suggestion to come from me. We've got more than two thousand empty shopfronts Mr Khai, of all shapes and sizes. I envision an oasis in deep space. But I do not expect it overnight." Velt said.

"Anyone who is willing to sign on the dotted line though, would have all the resources of Starfleet ready to speed them on their way. With enough interest, I might even be able to get a word in with the Inactive Ships Office about repurposing some of our older model starships sitting in mothballs." Velt elaborated.

Vestar stood. "Well that sounds great--about the older model starships." He offered his hand. "I will put forth all you have said to those in my network and to others I have some connections with, its all I can do, I can't force them here so we will just have to wait and see who answers and arrives Ambassador. I will try to inform you about arrivals as I become aware of them." He finished with a smile.

"I appreciate it, Mr Khai. I look forward to whatever your contacts can offer. Thank you for your time." He said, standing from the seat and shaking the Trill man's hand, careful to keep his claws withdrawn.

After their hand-pawshake, Vestar walked around his desk and approached the door. The ruckus from the kids had apparently died off and he wasn't sure when. He left the office leading the Ambassador back to their front door but it opened to show a Lieutenant Rune Thul rubbing the back of his neck but stiffened.

"Ambassador," Rune greeted as he assumed an at attention stance.

"Mr Thul, please forgive the intrusion. Your Imzadi and I have been talking business. I'm foreseeing big things for Supremacy Inc!" Velt said, patting Thul on the shoulder enthusiastically, using the gesture to position himself around so he was out the door before Thul had a chance to enter. "Thank you once again Mr Khai, I hope to see you both soon. Come by the embassy! Bring the kids, we'll have dinner." He called out as he started down the corridor with a wave.

"Only I may call him Imzadi," Rune stated firmly.

Vestar actually gulped. It was the first time Rune felt fear from his Imzadi, to say it was chilling was understatement. The annoyance Rune felt at the disrespect or what he preceived as disregard for what he felt was his culture's word and meaning for love simply uttered by a non-Betazoid warred with the cold sensation.

Vestar reached for Rune and firmly held onto his husband's arm. "Love, please."

Rune stopped but he eyed the Ambassador as he retreated down the corridor. He physically relaxed a little. Next time he will calmly explain. He turned to Vestar and smiled. "Yes Imzadi," the two entered their quarters again and the two got their kids ready for bed before themselves.

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