Todag> ::seated in his area, Ozo next to him. He’s been quiet since arriving, extremely serious.:::
Kren> ::sitting along in his area, seems to be agitated:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:12 PM
::walks in, spying the representatives from each side, separated by a viewing screen, reminding her why she advised Security to be sure no one got around their side of the curtain::
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:13 PM
:::Security is forming a wall on either side to ensure that:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:13 PM
::approaches the middle:: welcome to the Mercutio, Gentlemen.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 5/13/2025 9:13 PM
:guarding the curtain making sure noone gets around to the otherside of it:
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:14 PM
Are you both comfortable with the setting?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:15 PM
Wren> Yes.
Todag> We appreciate the hospitality, Commander.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 5/13/2025 9:15 PM
:: lingers just behind Edra, her gloved hands tucked behind her::
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:18 PM
::sits in back softly muttering his Vulcan exercises::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:18 PM
::nods:: of course. It’s our pleasure. Kren, were you supposed to have a partner in these negotiations? I want to make sure we aren’t seen as showing favoritism. Since the Rugas have 2 representatives, you’re welcome to have the same.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:19 PM
Kren> I felt it better to come alone.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:19 PM
:: shifts to stand beside K’Naut, letting her hand softly brush his arm::
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:21 PM
:: nods to Statzia and continues muttering in Vulcan::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:21 PM
::nods:: if that’s what you prefer. The record will show that the offer was made. ::sits down in a chair that was placed for her to see both sides:: Gentlemen, we are here today because both of you want to stop the fighting between your peoples. Is that correct?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:22 PM
Kren> They know what we want. What we deserve.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:22 PM
Bondmate?
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:22 PM
Please answer the question posed to you.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:23 PM
Todag> This is not going to be productive if this is his attiude.
Kren> If he wanted peace, he would not give orders which kill children.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:23 PM
::patiently places a hand up to Todag to hold off for the moment::
::directly to Kren:: do you want to stop the fighting between your people?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:25 PM
Kren> Yes.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:26 PM
::nods and turns to Todag:: is that why you are here today as well?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:27 PM
Todag> I am here to seek peace but I will respond to his statement. I do give orders to preserve my people’s security and safety. If children or anyone else is hurt it is because you fire projectiles from civilian areas expecting it will shield you.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:28 PM
:: leans in, speaking softly:: If we need to recuse ourselves, Emma is capable of monitoring the program.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:29 PM
Kren> Easy for you to do so, sitting in your office.
Todag> I have four grandsons who are members of our military. I know the risks.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 5/13/2025 9:30 PM
:: gently:: Gentlemen…
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:30 PM
Kren> And you are willing to sacrifice them.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:31 PM
::uses a gavel to bring their attention back to her::
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:32 PM
:::both look at her:::
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:33 PM
I’ll be fine, Z. I just wish I had some popcorn.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:34 PM
Before we go on, I’m going to ask that you stick to answering my questions instead of addressing each other, for the moment. Can we agree to that?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:34 PM
Todag> Yes.
Kren> ::nod::
Emma
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:36 PM
If they continue to verbally spar, there is an adaptation of this program that will not allow them to hear what the other says. I can turn on and off which side gets to speak.
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:37 PM
::softly::This is almost as entertaining as a fraught meeting of the Clan of Clans.
Emma
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:38 PM
:: holds up the device she has plugged into the console:: If this conference devolves further, I’ll just mute them both and let the Counselor talk on both of their behalf.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:38 PM
::keeps her voice light and friendly:: wonderful. Thank you. Now, you both have the same goal in common for this treaty. Based on what I have learned of your peoples the last few days, even that much seems like progress. I would like to help you reach that goal
…but that will mean giving up some of what you want, both of you. Do we all understand that?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:41 PM
Todag> Perhaps it would be beneficial if we knew what the others would be willing to concede.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:42 PM
Before we get there, I’m making sure you understand that you will be conceding as much as they do. Is that acceptable?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 5/13/2025 9:42 PM
Will you concede some of the crystal locations?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:43 PM
Todag> It’s the nature of compromise.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:44 PM
:nods: it is. But you still haven’t told me if you’ll be willing to do as much when it comes to it.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:44 PM
Todag> Yes.
Ozo> ::side glance to Todag:::
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:45 PM
:: quietly:: I’ll bring snacks next time.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:45 PM
Thank you. ::smiles and turns to Kren:: and you?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:46 PM
Kren> I’m open to it.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:46 PM
::singular nod:: good.
::turns back to the others:: Tostag, tell us the 3 things you want most from this treaty.
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:48 PM
::nods:: Yes, Z, capital idea!
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:48 PM
Todag> Security and access to energy. That’s all we’ve ever asked for.
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:50 PM
::gently smacks his lips:: Something to drink, too. It’s so hot in here.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 9:51 PM
I think Emma has it calibrated to their planetary average… and they don’t have fur to contend with.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:52 PM
Kren> We want access to the Spites and not to be under their thumb.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:52 PM
::nods:: expand on what you mean by Security, please.
::holds her handup to Kren again:: just a moment ::said quietly::
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:53 PM
Todag> We have spent centuries being under daily assault from them. We have spent untold amounts on our defensive forces. That could have been spent on other needed aspects of our society.
Lt K’Naut, Chief Engr — 5/13/2025 9:53 PM
::shivers::Ugh. Now it’s too cold. This is going to be a bad p’rau, Z. Real bad. ::begins his Vulcan exercises again::
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:54 PM
Todag> If we had a lasting peace we could transition from a need on our military.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:54 PM
::nods again:: do you know the reason you are under what you call daily assault?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:55 PM
Todag> They claim we took their holy land.
Ozo> ::almost speaks up but a look from the PM silences him:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:56 PM
Do you know or have you been aware of what their holy land is?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:57 PM
Todag> The crystal formations. We rely on it to power our lives. They argued we were stealing the lifeforce of those they worship. When they tried to push us out of the area and disconnect us they found out we were stronger. And that’s how the lines were drawn.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 9:59 PM
::continuing to speak clearly and evenly:: Todag, do your people have an entity, or entities that you worship? Or a place that is sacred to you?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 9:59 PM
Todag> We have our temple.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 10:00 PM
::nods:: of course. It was recently bombed, wasn’t it? Almost…taken away from you?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 10:01 PM
Todag> Our actions were forced by them.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 10:01 PM
::takes a slow breath:: please answer the question.
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 10:02 PM
Todag> It was the target of a terrorist bombing, yes.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 10:05 PM
::thinks momentarily of the counselor behind her, and takes a page out of her book, reaching to place her hand on Todag’s:: I’m sorry for the fear that must have put into you and your people, but can I ask you to consider something?
Cpt H Crow — 5/13/2025 10:06 PM
Todag> ::he looked to her hand, then her:::

CdrEdraCrow — 5/13/2025 10:08 PM
::speaking softly:: It’s possible the taking of their crystals, holy to them, had just as much of an impact on them as damage to your temple. Can you fathom that?
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/13/2025 10:09 PM
Just let me know when. I’ll have a holodeck reserved for a couple of days.
Todag> ::visably considering:: Commander, I mentioned my family who serves in our military, as did I, as did my father, and his. My people require the security I previously discussed. But I am not blind to the plight of his people.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:05 PM
:: ears perk::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:07 PM
::sits back quietly for a moment before continuing calmlly:: What if I suggested that you wouldn’t need so much security if they could have some access to the crystals? It is my understanding that that is what drives them.
::looks to Kren for a moment to be sure she hasn’t gotten it wrong::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:08 PM
Kren> ::slight nod:: But they misuse the crystals, they sap the lifeforce of the Spites.
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:09 PM
:: from her spot by the door:: Why not use an alternate power source?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:10 PM
Todag> We have none. When we arrived we found the crystals served that purpose and built our economy, our infrastructure, everthing on it.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:10 PM
::nods to Kren, and raises a brow as a thought crosses her mind.:: I’m sorry to disrupt the current dialog…Todag, could we get a sample of the crystals to analyze? Kren, would that be acceptable? to scan the crystal?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:11 PM
Todag> Yes, I can provide that.
Kren> I trust you will be respectful with it.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:12 PM
::nods:: we will. And I intend to return it in tact.
::turns to Millie:: I want to get this analyzed to find possibilities for subsitute power sources. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:13 PM
:::A few minutes later a sample of the crystals is beamed up. It is a sample about 6 inches by 2:::
Kren> ::bows his head:::
Todag> That fragment could power a small town.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:16 PM
::to Todag:: please have one brought here as soon as you can. I’d like to see if we can help you find an alternate power source. I understand you need one, but from their point of view ::gestures to Kren:: your people have taken a religious symbol of their since you got here and used it up. If we can get you a sustainable power source, and they can have their Spites back, I think that would give you both what you want.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:18 PM
I’ll get this over to Sciences. See what they have to say.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:18 PM
::takes it carefully and hands it to Stazia, almost ceremoniously:: Have Engineering take a look at it, and maybe even medical too, please. ::turns back to the two men:: let’s take a recess, and we’ll reconviene here with an answer…in an hour.
::nods to Statzia:: sounds good. Thank you
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:19 PM
::::AN HOUR PASSES:::
Jenkins (Science)> :::has joined the gathering after the testing and everyone is back in their seats, he holds the crystal very carefully.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:21 PM
::hopes for news of a substitute that can be provided to Todag and his people
::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:23 PM
Jenkins> Commander, this sample is very remarkable. The energy levels are off the charts but you cannot access it by mere touch. But when we put a conductor on it, you wouldn’t believe the power output. But that wasn’t the really crazy thing.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:23 PM
::nods::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:23 PM
Jenkins> If I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s a lifeform. In our tests, it seemed to be able to control the output upon request.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:24 PM
::raises a brow:: that could make a difference…did Medical have a chance to look at it?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:25 PM
Jenkins> Yes but they could not confirm. If it is a lifeform, its a pure energy which we dont have the tech to properly catagorize.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:26 PM
::nods:: The question we have, either way, is can we, or something else on the planet help provide them with a substitute that will give them similar energy resources?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:27 PM
Science> The Federation has several versions of clean perpetual energy. It shouldn’t be too difficult to examine their power grid and find something that could be the alternative.
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:28 PM
Too bad we can’t just ask it.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:28 PM
::smiles and nods to Jenkins, before turning back to Todag and Kren:: Gentlemen, I think we may have found a solution that works for everyone.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:28 PM
Todag> It’s really alive?
Ozo> ::;looks uncomfortable with these developments:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:29 PM
It’s a possibility. We’d have to look at it more to determine, and that could take steps that Kren and his people may not be comfortable with.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:31 PM
::nods to Kren:: I’m familiar with that feeling.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:31 PM
Todag> ::slight nod to his assistant:: That is a definite risk.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:32 PM
::looks at Ozo:: We have no intention to leave you with shoddy tech.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:32 PM
Just need a conductor, right?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:32 PM
Todag> Peace is also risky when you have been raised in war.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:33 PM
Up to you, Em. I know that software incursion hit hard. I won’t ask you to–
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:34 PM
::nods to Todag:: it feels very vulnerable to drop your weapons when you’ve held them so long. I come from a race of people who understand that. But you do with to end the fighting, don’t you?
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:34 PM
::a cord materializes in her hands:: Commander?
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:36 PM
::turns to Emma:: yes?
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:36 PM
I want to try to make first contact.
:: the cord materializes a cradle on the end held in her hands::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:38 PM
::looks from Emma to the crystal and back:: I think that would require the permission of the Vexxaions. You may have to explain to them what you’re doing though.
::looks to Kren::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:39 PM
Kren> I envy you. ::to Emma:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:39 PM
::slight grin::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:39 PM
Todag> ::watching closely:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:41 PM
:: turns to Kren:: I am, well, also an energy based life form. The rest of my crew may not be able to, but–I can plug the crystal directly into my program.
:: chuckles:: Last time I made first contact with a life form, it gave me a bloody nose, and I don’t exactly bleed. Maybe they’ll say hello, maybe not.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:41 PM
Kren> The Spites welcome all who believe.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 5/20/2025 9:42 PM
:: stands, offering Emma her chair::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:42 PM
Jenkins> ::brings the crystal over to Emma, curious how this will work:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:44 PM
:: sets the cradle on the table in front of Edra, looking up at both representatives:: No promises. :: sits, gesturing for Jenkins to place the crystal on the cradle, lifts her hair, and plugs in the other end of her cord to the base of her neck::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:45 PM
Jenkins> :does so:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:49 PM
:: takes a breath:: I’m… not sure if I can– :: face goes still::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:50 PM
Spite> :::In Emma’s mind she sees a pair of eyes with a bright green glow::: ~~Daughter of none, what do you seek?~ ~
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:51 PM
::aloud:: Oh…hi. I guess I wasn’t expecting you to talk.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:52 PM
Spite> ::nearly a mental grin:: ~You sought proof~
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:53 PM
I… guess I’m seeking, well, you. You’re a pretty popular bunch. :: paintings on the wall shift from art to blank frames::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:54 PM
Spite> ~You have found us. What do you ask of us?~
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:54 PM
::eyes shift to the now-empty frames on the walls, then back to Emma::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:56 PM
:: lets the sound come through the frames, as if in a viewscreen:: Well, my friends are trying to get your friends to stop killing each other over access to… well, you. How can I help? Are you safe?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 9:57 PM
Spite> ~We are eternal, one with Zenon.~
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:57 PM
:: holds a death grip on Millie’s hand::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 9:57 PM
::thinks: Zenon? like the element?::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 9:58 PM
So, the power transfer doesn’t hurt you?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:00 PM
Spite> ~Pain is not something we concern ourselves with after our transition. We were once like them.~
Todag> :::slowly stands from his chair, watching Emma intently:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:01 PM
Got it. Would you…prefer that you not be used for energy? Or is that cool with you?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:02 PM
Spite> ~Zenon wishes for peace.~
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:03 PM
::thinks: that’s not helpful…::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:03 PM
Todag> ::walks towards Edra, then past her and around the partition.::
Kren> ::stands at his approach:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:03 PM
Peace. Got it. ::pauses:: You all hear that?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:03 PM
Todag> Your Gods are alive.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:04 PM
::tries to stop him, but doesn’t react in time::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:04 PM
Kren> ::slight nod:::
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:04 PM
My new friend expects peace, so that’s what you’re going to do.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:04 PM
Todag> I do not want my grandchildren, or yours, to live as we have.
Ozo> ::stands as well::: Minister?
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:05 PM
::looks at Ozo, trying to read his body language::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:05 PM
Todag> Commander, I will accept your alternative energy.
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:05 PM
:: breaks Millie’s hold, closing the distance to the party::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:05 PM
Todag> And as soon as it is proven to work, I will withdraw my people from your territory.
Kren> I will inform my people and ask they show good will and stop any attacks.
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:06 PM
Wow. If I had known it would be that easy, I would have asked to plug in to talk to you days ago.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:06 PM
Spite> :::fades away from her mind:::
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:07 PM
::stands next to the two representatives:: Even with your decision now, it will take time and work for both of your people to accept this. Be patient with them, and yourselves. ::looks at them::
Understood?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 5/20/2025 10:07 PM
:: paintings on the wall fade back into pictures of ballerinas::
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:08 PM
Todag> I am going to return now and inform my government of these developments.
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:08 PM
Oh. I guess, goodbye then.
Computer, pause recording.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:09 PM
Kren> :::offers his hand:::
Todag> ::shakes it:: It is my generation which will struggle most with this new peace.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:10 PM
One more thing before…it came to our attention that both of you were being assisted by people from neighboring planets. We don’t think either species had your best interests in mind, and we recommend you wean yourselves off of their supply lines.’
Cmdr. Statzia G’Karet
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:10 PM
Recording?
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:10 PM
which, should be easier if you’re not fighting each other.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:10 PM
Todag> Perhaps we can rely on one another instead.
Kren> I would like that.
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:11 PM
::shrugs, unplugging the cord from her neck:: I wasn’t sure if the home planet would believe them.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:12 PM
That would be helpful, especially if they turn hostile without you as a customer. We can set up a line of communication to be of assistance with your new power source, once it’s set up.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:13 PM
(find ends)
Emma
APP
— 5/20/2025 10:13 PM
:: sits, contemplating:: Daughter of none?
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:15 PM
Todag> Thank you Commander. ::lightly claps Kren on the arm and leaves the HD with Ozo behind::::
Kren> My thanks as well. This is a new era.
CdrEdraCrow — 5/20/2025 10:15 PM
::smiles and nods:: My pleasure. I’m truly glad we could help.
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:16 PM
END
Post credit scene….
Cpt H Crow — 5/20/2025 10:18 PM
Epilogue: Hours after returning to the surface Todag was assassinated by several council memebrs in chambers when he laid out the results of the summit. Ozo was named his successor, who immediately ramped up military strikes on the Vexxions. Starfleet considers this a lost cause and we have been ordered to leave orbit.