From: Greg Monforton <gmonfort@direct.ca> Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 00:24:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE - Reception Continues
MD 14.1900
***CHESAPEAKE - Temporary Corellian Embassy Room***
"Can you believe those... those... Slimedevils!" Falgor stammered
in anger. The same outrageous beret he had come aboard with slipped over
one eye, and he brushed it aside with an arm.
"The nerve of them, taking our rightful objects. They would lay
claim to the whole system if they thought they could get away with it.
That isn't right. Is it m'lady?"
Livia sat down, and gently rubbed her temples. Menary sat too,
once the duchess was seated. Falgor continued to pace, softly cursing
the ShipOres delegates.
Getting no answer, Falgor continued his mini-tirade. "Commoners!
Villians! Mercenaries!"
"Stop."
The word wasn't spoken very loudly, but had the effect of freezing
Falgor in his steps.
"M'lady?"
Still calm, Livia gazed at Falgor. "Falgor, I'm still in good
spirits, despite the tiring negotiations, so I'll explain something to you,
instead of having you thrown out of the room."
Falgor gulped.
"Falgor, you have a lot to learn of negotiations. Firstly, the
opening statements themselves mean very little. The word is posturing.
Each side tries to show as strong a hand as possible, while ascertaining
just what the other side *really* expects. Opening statements usually
use 'absolute' language, with seemingly no room for comprimise. If we
told them what we really wanted, the process of comprimising would
eliminate any chance of us getting it. They play by the same rules.
Does this make sense to you?"
"Yes, m'lady. But to hear their ridiculous claims over our
sovreign lands rends my heart."
"Don't let it worry you."
A slight subject-changing pause.
"Now, about this reception. Here's our plan. Mr. Coltair, I
would like you to discuss with Mr. Meredith possible points of negotiation
should we offer the use of either planetoid as a concession. A bigger
share of the labour, more of the profits, retaining ownership, and such
things. Don't bring it up right away, as it will weaken our position.
But giving in slightly to these demands may yield us a far greater
profit."
"As you wish."
"Falgor, establish contact with either aide. Attempt to limit
your discussion to their position, and determine as much as you can."
Falgor nodded.
Livia stood up. "As for me, I'll concentrate on the mediators.
Excuse me, I must return to my quarters to prepare."
***Ten-Forward***
MD 14.2025
Standing together near the viewport of the lounge, Livia was
giving Stavay a lesson in Corellian interstellar history, establishing
the Regency's claim over the various stellar bodies in the three Corellis
systems. Stavay listened politely, occasionally asking questions of
clarification.
The reception was in full swing now, though the delegates were
largely outnumbered by the officers of the CHESAPEAKE who were present.
All the officers had gone through a short formal occasion course in
basic officer training, where they had been taught to flock to guests
and act like they were hanging on every word.
Needless to say, this wasn't always a comfortable way of doing
things, and most officers quickly gave up, forming their own cliques.
Dixit and Falgor were sitting together, but Livia couldn't hear
what they were saying. Meredith and Coltair were standing in a corner,
likewise discussing.
Livia finished a short discourse about the first colonization
movements of her race. Stavay and a few of the braver junior officers
were her audience.
"Counsellor, I would like to have a word with Commander Brennan.
Please join me." She nodded to the other officers, dismissing them.
Daniel was talking to Elanna Miris, the new executive officer.
She appeared somewhat haggard, as one might be after a day of travel.
They both turned to greet the duchess.
"Hello Commander. I would like to express my gratitude for your
fine reception." Livia said with a smile. She looked to Miris. "You
must be the new executive officer."
Brennan managed a smile of his own. "Duchess Livia, may I present
Lieutenant Commander Elanna Miris?"
"A pleasure." Miris said warmly.
"Congratulations on your assignment, commander."
"Thank you very much. If you'll pardon me? I'll let you three
talk."
Livia gestured, and Miris walked off.
"She seems confident." Livia stated. "I heard about the change of
command. I hope Captain Bell will be alright. It is somewhat ackward that
she would leave at such a time. <Pause> Still, I have every confidence in
the officer replacing her."
"I will do my best not to betray that confidence, duchess."
On the other side of the room, Falgor had just dismissed himself
from Dixit. He noticed Miris walking his way.
Betazoid. His heart raced.
'Think happy thoughts! Think happy thoughts!'
He forced a ridiculous smile. "Hello Commander."
"Hello. Are you alright? It's Falgor, right?"
"R-right. I'm fine."
"You seem a bit... nervous."
Falgor clasped his hands. "Nervous? No..."
Miris tilted her head slightly. "You don't think I'm reading
your mind do you? Probing non-betazoid diplomats without their permission
is considered the height of rudeness. I can sense your nervousness, but
that's because your feelings are so strong."
That calmed him down, slightly. "Oh." he said warily, "My apologies."
"Please, if there is anything you need, do let me know."
She left him, and he rushed to the corner to compose himself.
The reception continued.
*NRPG* - Getting kind of late, so this will have to do. A bit of
character development and a tiny bit of plot development.
All - I hope everything is well. (Saves me writing it for each of you. <G>)
Regards,
Greg Monforton
Corellian Delegates
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