For a Token of the Covenant

 Episode Name:  For a Token of the Covenant

   Written By:  Daedalus

         Cast:  Channa, Daedalus, Goodwin, Jatila, Kogh, Laco, Park, Shamash, Solange, Yarosh, 
                Yimaan Minister and Zaratan.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Daedalus

     Aired On:  Thu Oct 27 21:34:05 2005

     Stardate:  55367.3

Time: Sun Oct 23 14:00:44 2005

Stardate: 55356.9

Fade in on Thomas Paine's ultrawide transporter room, a cavern of silver-grey metal with a huge 12-pad transporter dais, consoles at the cardinal compass points, amd soft plush blue-grey carpeting. A large group awaits to mount up to the pads on the dais, and a Transporter operator gives them the signal. "Alright, now that the technical team is all clear, we're re-routing to the next set of coordinates." He smiles at Goodwin. "Sir, on your signal, the Yimaans say they're ready for you."

"All right --" Josh Goodwin is addressing the Fleet officers, handing out the last bits of recording gear out to the Starfleet officers. Tricorders with scanning and recording modules, PADD's with audio recorder programs with isolinear chips for storage, even a holo-vid cam. "As I said, the idea is that nothing that we see, hear, and if I could manage, it, even touch and smell, that shouldn't be recorded in some way. In three weeks, maybe less, this ship may be destroyed by a battle group of seven Klingon ships." Was that a meaningful look towards Kogh? Maybe not. "If we can't prevent it, I want as much information as possible so we can preserve their memory." That was a meaningful look to Kogh. "Since Lieutenant Laco has singinifcant experience doing this sort of focused cultural analysis from his work with the Siingonians, I'm going to ask him to direct the information gathering for me -- positioning, what devices to use, so on -- while I handle the face to face issues." He now addresses the room at large. "As a general note, the Yimaans are touchy about their technology. I think we're excited about learning from them, not assisting them or helping them, or anything like that. Any questions?"

. o O Goodwin has some choice mental words for the Kligons positioned along the border set to blow up the ship.

Laco looks about. He seems a bit taken aback.

. o O Laco thinks, "Significant experience? Are we talking about the other Laco, or is this some sort of vieled order of some kind?"

Shamash checks the offered equipment almost automatically, even while he listens to Goodwins explanation. He nods to the 2O, "What comments would be .. permissible, or should we refrain from commenting the technology at all?"

Solange is busy fiddling with her equipment. She looks a little overwhelmed, true, but even so, happy as a clam in... well... whatever the heck it is clams are happy in.

Jatila listens quietly as the equipment distribution goes on, her gaze going briefly to Kogh and Laco a few times before returning to 419's Second Officer. A light chuckle meets Goodwin's 'general note'. "Noted." She shakes her head- no questions- and turns to Laco for any directions he might have.

Channa glances to the Klingon then back to Goodwin, she gives a soft sigh and moves around a little on the spot. She also fusses with her hair and dress, This is going to be a long day.

Park glances up briefly as Goodwin speaks, then just as quickly goes back to fiddling with his medkit.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Of course. Let the Klingons commit genocide. Scream and shake your fist if we were to propose doing the same. The double standard lives on."

Kogh gives a superbly uneloquent grunt in response to Goodwin's meaningful - or otherwise - looks. Otherwise, he remains motionless, hands efficiently clasped behind his back, which is ramrod straight. He actually looks - very vaguely - uncomfortable.

"We think they just have a wonderful place here, we're excited to learn about it, and it's really going to be a fascinating, educational experience for all of us," Goodwin answers Shamash's question. "This thing is about the size of a Borg cube, folks, so that's not even that much of a stretch." He goes to step onto the pad. "And if there's nothing else --" He gestures for the others to join him on the transporder pads.

. o O Park thinks, "Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly what Phil is going to tell them."

Laco lacks any pertinent instructions at this point. He steps up onto the pad.

Solange takes a step up... Her face seems to suggest that she agrees with Goodwin's instruction to be fascinated,"I don't think I'll have any problem acting fascinated at all... This... is like a dream." Evidently the cadet is having a good time.

Jatila glances toward Solange with a bemused smile as she picks her way carefully onto a pad. "Let us hope it remains a pleasant one."

Kogh finally moves. Slowly - but not irritatingly so. His heavy footfalls are a shade short of 'stomping' as he claims a vacant transporter pad.

Channa smiles softly as she steps up onto the transporter pad. "Yes it should be rather educational. " The Diplomat says. She then looks at the cadet.

Shamash nods once more, then simply steps on the pad as invited to.

Park steps up onto the PADD without a word.

. o O Kogh thinks, "'A dream'? What, visiting a soon-to-be-extinct culture is a -dream-? A strange viewpoint, for any member of any species."

Goodwin checks to make sure that everyone is on board and checks his gear once last time. Apparently satisfied, he nods to the enlisted man at the console. "We're ready to beam when you are, Chief."

"Energizing, then, sir." And there is that momentary suspension of being, that not-here-not-there-ness, washed over in a haze of blue-white light and the superheterodyne whine of dematerialization. When it passes, the Starfleeters and diplomats appear in ... a park. Well, a big indoor public square with foliage, at the very least, and footpaths. They are in the center of this park, a large confluence of several such footpaths where another dais forms for, one must presume, public speakers. When the party materializes at the foot of the dais, a Yimaan steps down from it towards them, two others following him close behind a few more observing from behind a demarcated 'line'. The humanoids with the ashen skin and yellow eyes smile, and the one 'in the lead' speaks. "Ah, Commander, it is good to meet you at last." If there is an overexaggerated warmth to the statement, the tension of the situation perhaps makes this forgiveable.

Jatila looks around, surprise forming at the lack of surrounding bulkheads, then delight. "All ships should carry such a place," she murmurs, before hushing to study the approaching Yimaans with polite curiosity.

With a tap of one button, the PADD at Goodwin's side is clicked on to 'record.' "Your Excellency, it is a pleasure," agrees Goodwin with a smile, making his way forward and bowing his head slightly, a greeting that works across most races. "Your park is more wonderful than I had even imagined. You and your staff must spend many long hours to achieve such a pristine location." He gestures behind him, pointing out each in turn. "Allow me to introduce you to the delegation. On behalf of the Romulan Star Empire, Consul Jatila. From the Klingon Empire, Envoy-General Kogh. On behalf of the Federation Diplomatic Service, Ms. Channa T'erij. From the Station is Doctor Aaron Park, our Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Philip Laco, one of our cultural mission specialists, Lieutenant Shamash, our Assistant Chief Science Officer, and Cadet Solange, the yeoman to our Executive Officer."

Laco stands where he is beamed in, arms folded in front of him. He stays quiet, doesn't look around, and keeps his face expressionless.

Park offers a smile and a nod to the Yimaan as he is introduced.

Channa steps forwards when she is introduced and smiles. "It's a pleasure and an honor to meet you. " she says softly. "Such a wonderful place you have greeted us in. "

Solange looks impressed... She speaks up, rather enthusiastically, now,"This place is... a true wonder. I'm honored to be here, excellency..." She's already fumbling to get her recording devices free... "This is... truly a unique experience... Truly." Nope... not faked enthusiasm either.

Shamash is one of those that look around, nodding appropriately when his name comes up. He echos the Yimaans title as honorific for greeting him. After that, his hand moves to his tricorder to set it up to record.

Kogh tilts his head - very faintly - in greeting, as Goodwin speaks his name. "My greetings," he states, rather neutrally... And quite quietly, too.

The Yimaan 'excellency' nods. "My staff and I have, yes, spent many a pleasant hour at our toils. Sustenance such as is our lot to provide to our people must mean more than synthesized protein molecules in a viscous base. Such porridge builds bodies, but it cannot build souls, cannot make the life it sustains worth living." He gestures. "Alas, I could not clear with our Security Ministry to give you direct access to the actual hydroponics centers, but this garden abuts those, and there is a clear vantage point to view, if you don't mind a bit of distance. I might be able to bend the rules a touch once the Security Minister sees you are not the threat he and his predecessors have ever been trained to consider outsiders." He gives a brief, half-paternal half-mocking smile to one of his 'minders' behind him, clearly a security type at second glance, though probably not one of rank. He does have some kind of sidearm, though. "Under-Commander Muabe here will, hopefully, give him a favorable report later."

Channa nods her head at the Yimaan. "I personally would like to see it your excellency I use to have a farm of my own and I would be interested to see how you grow things here. " She says, smiling warmly.

Goodwin chuckles softly and nods his head. "Indeed, Your Honor. I hope you do not mind the recording equipment we bring. We hope to share with others our visit who could not be here today, and preserve records of this ship for all time. In fact, we have hired a programmer who can create a replica of the inside of this ship from our recordings, so our children and walk this garden much as we do now." He gestures around the garden. "We have a garden similar on our station, but it is much smaller." He gesutres to the Minister. "Perhaps you might walk us towards these bays, Minister Zaratan, and explain, as we walk, a little bit about this area. It seems to be a civic area of some sort as well as a garden?" He casually provides a prompt for discussion and feeds the others the name of their host.

Jatila inclines her head when she's introduced, deeper than a nod but nowhere near a bow, before her eyes flick thoughtfully between the boss Yiiman and Muabe.

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Security Minsiter: A 'no' vote."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Wonder what's going on there. A little bit of friction, perhaps?"

Kogh bestows a brief stare on the Yimaan security type, lasting perhaps a second and a half. Then his gaze drags away to find the leading Yimaan, and, for a moment, he looks on the point of speech - but instead simply maintains the look, eyes thoughtful.

Park reaches into a pocket of his lab coat and activates his recording device, apparently content for now to follow along with the rest of the group.

. o O Park thinks, "I want to get to the med bay and see what their facilities look like."

Solange follows that gaze to the Muabe, and takes a step forward now curiously, even as she continues her recording, humming quietly to herself. "Dormez-vous..." The same song she always hums. "Hmmm..."

Shamash keeps one ear on the conversation, though most of his attention is centered on looking around the garden he nods in understanding about the security measures.

. o O Kogh feels calm - partly. He's irritable, however. This, in turn, is probably due to the fact that he's vaguely uncomfortable. Uneasy, in an unhappy, rather than anxious, way.

"Indeed, Commander, I would be happy to escort you. Our Deputy Minister of Health, Doctor Lakische, will be meeting us at the viewing area. Minister Bosheth mentioned that your Chief Medical Officer may be coming today" -- he favors Park with a second smile and nod -- "and arranged to have him on hand just in case. We will meet him there. And you are correct, yes. This is one of twenty five such public squares throughout our vessel. If your people wish to record our foliage for posterity, I am sure even the UnderCommander cannot complain about *that*, and we can walk slowly, as we walk, to oblige." But Muabe certainly doesn't look *happy* about what the Minister he walks behind says. Indeed, his stony visage mirrors Kogh's, perhaps, or Laco's.

Park begins to move here to there as they group walks along, examining this plant and that briefly and taking scans with his tricorder.

Laco slowly allows himself to move to the rear of the Federation party. Once there, he opens up a tricorder, presumably the one that Goodwin gave him, and activates it.

Channa moves up to the Klingon and walks besides him. "How are you today Ambassador?" she asks, hoping to place him at ease a little. "Lovely place yes?" she adds.

"Your people must place great value on freedom of expression to have so many public squares," comments Goodwin to the Minister as he walks, taking in the foilage with a polite, but also impressed eye. He laughs, shortly. "I can only imagine what the royals might think if they saw so many places for their former people to speak their mind on matters of state." Clearly, this is meant to be some sort of topical joke on the political situation here.

Jatila glances round and moves to settle beside Solange as she follows along. An eyebrow lifts somewhat at Goodwin't comments, though she contents herself with watching the surroundings, her gaze sweeping back and forth.

Solange comments curiously,"I'm actually curious, myself, as to the specifics of the governmental structure here... This must've taken quite a lot of coordination to put together such an accomplishment."

Kogh grunts quietly, gaze turning to Channa. "We have ye

Kogh grunts quietly, gaze turning to Channa. "We have yet seen little," he answers Channa, somewhat gruffly. A pause, as he glances around - no doubt for emphasis. "But it is not distasteful." Again, his eyes turn to the Minister, a question clearly forming on his lips. Being Klingon, he doesn't wait for a space in the conversation, but simply thrusts forwards his question: "Do you hunt beasts here?"

GAME: Goodwin spends a courage point.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Presence/empathy & Charm (claiming Advantage) vs Yimaan Minister's Presence and Succeeds.

The Yimaan Minister looks oddly at Goodwin for a moment. And then chuckles, as if weighing the possibility of the joke and then determining that it was, yes, in fact a joke. It is a polite laugh, after the fact, but it beats a poker face. "We have always had public squares on the ark, since we first left Long Ago Havila-Yima, the old homeland, or so we are taught." Now the smile is more genuine, but also puzzled. "Beasts?" He considers the meaning. "Ah, animals for hunting? No. We have few creatures on the Ark other than ourselves. Our forefathers brought a number of lesser creatures for companionship and light agriculture, but there was simply not enough room on the Ark for even a single mated pair of each animal, to breed later. Our Forefathers knew not how long we would dwell here on the ark before reaching our destination."

Laco continues to follow along quietly.

Channa nods her head at the Klingon. "Well not, but I was enquiring to the view so far... " She trails off when he goes to asks his question, she steps up along side interested also, her late husband liked to hunt. "Such a shame. " she says softly. "Animals are speical also, but I can understand your need to have left them if there was no room. "

. o O Jatila thinks, "No meat? Eeewww."

Solange looks over to Jatila commenting,"A little daunting... I was impressed with this one square... but twenty-five...?" She speaks up,"What sorts of animals /do/ you have then, if I might be so bold?"

"Destination?" asks Goodwin, politely. "Lieutenant Shamash has special training in space sciences." And that's perhaps a cue to Shamash to join in the conversation. The joke is left as is - he did his best, at least, and allows others to pick up the questioning.

. o O Laco thinks, "You know, once the Klingons are done slaughtering all these poor fools, if they just leave the hull floating around in space, it could provide the space frame for an impressive space station."

Jatila nods her agreement with Solange. "It's practically a world in and of itself, more than a ship, it seems."

Park is content to catalog the different varieties of plants as they walk along, hopefully not falling too far behind in the process.

Kogh nods, slowly, with understanding, to the Minister's answer. Aside to Channa, he remarks, "The view is indeed aesthetically pleasant." Well, that's -pretty- good. For Kogh.

. o O Kogh thinks, "But empty. It is a shell of a world, a mere striving. It is a journey, embodied. Curious. - I wonder if their literature has grown stagnant as a result - or grown ever more florid to counter the tides of atrophy?"

. o O Kogh feels curious.

"In response to your own question ... Cadet Solange, it was, wasn't it? Our governmental structure is as complex as we need it to be. A council of ministers whose deputies and magistrates and clerks both administer the day to day needs of the Yimaan People and see to our longer-term survival. We have been traveling for generations. Not quite countless, but a large enough number, I assure you."

Shamash nods to Goodwin as he is spoken to, addressing his words to him as well as the Yimaan dignitary. "Yes.. it would be interesting to see your methods of astrogation. A whole history of changes and galactic phenomenons must be quite vivid in them."

GAME: Goodwin contests his Diplomacy vs Routine and Succeeds.

Solange nods to the Minister,"Thank you minister... Are you saying you elect officials as needed, instead of by a rigidly defined structure? That must expedite things quite a bit..."

Laco continues along quietly, listening.

Goodwin trails along as well, saving what questions he has for the moment. He asks Park, casually, "Quite the fascinating collection of flora, don't you think?"

Jatila sends a curious look toward the Minister. "How many of your people do reside on this ship, sir?"

. o O Goodwin thinks, "19,633."

Channa smiles warmly at the Klingon pleased that he being pleasent. "Reminds me of the world I settled on after I left starfleet. It too was filled with greeny and flowers. So pleasent. " She then turns her attention back onto their host.

"Nineteen thousand, six hundred, and thirty six." A smile. "At last census count, which was last night." By now, they have arrived at the edge of the public garden, and what is clearly a security fence of demarcating posts with no visible energy field or material substance between them separates it from a stepdown of grassy hillock on the other side of which is a smaller but more three-dimensional garden of frameworks and control consoles. From this vantage point, overlooking the hydroponic garden from the higher elevation through the boundary line, the people that move between the hydroponic garden rows seem jerky in their movements rather than elegant, almost like a picture played at the wrong speed, but they move through their duties and seem satisfied enough, some dozens of meters distant. "Ah, here comes the Doctor." And sure enough, another Yimaan dignitary, also with a security 'minder', approaches. "In any event, Cadet Solange, it is not so much an election process as a simple ... promotion of the finest. We have had a pure meritocracy for the forty three years since the Revolution. The Aristocrats who ran things prior to that might make the same claim, but their ranks were fewer, and more elite, and they perpetuated their own eliteness and gave the common folk no chance to rise. We do. There are no bars to advancement to the Council, if one is skilled enough."

Goodwin turns his head to Park at the notice of the folks out in the hydroponic garden, tilting his head towards them in a 'huh, what do you think?' sort of fashion, but trying to keep it subtle. But with the approach of the doctor, he doesn't have much time to respond, so he moves forward to be ready for greetings and introductions and so forth.

. o O Jatila is puzzled. "Nineteen thousand, six hundred, thirty six. All about to be wiped out by the Klingons. So much for concern about long-term survival. If they know they're to be destroyed in a few weeks, why don't they avoid the Klingons? Ask for protection?"

. o O Goodwin thinks, "All right. Three off."

GAME: Laco contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Laco contests his Search vs Moderate and Fails.

Jatila frowns lightly at the answer to her question. She glances briefly toward Kogh, then away.

Solange studies the people working out among the rows briefly, looking somewhat curious before she returns her gaze to the minister, noding slowly,"That must have a singularly satisfying effect for your people's morale."

Laco casually waves his tricorder about.

Kogh nods, slightly, to Channa - although his nose wrinkles at the mention of 'flowers'. Naturally, no big strong Klingon could show anything but disdain for such things in public... "Heavy, lush foliage provides excellent hunting grounds," he remarks, "which is always preferable." He sounds thoughtful - but distracted. And the reason thereof swiftly becomes obvious, when he addresses the Minister (quietly, and with a calm sort of curiousity): "Might I ask where - or indeed if there is any, in actuality - the prime focus of your literature, and arts in general, indeed, might be? And, of course, would you be willing to share them with us?" A slight gesture with one hand indicates that he does not speak of the Empire alone, but, presumably, of the Federation and the Star Empire as well.

Shamash keeps his recording equipment running, checking now and then that it is truly recording what transpires. focussing his attention here and there, but mostly now on the conversation that is still in the air. He keeps a bit closer to Goodwin in case some other cue line appears which can be commented.

"Indeed," to Solange. "There is at once both comfort and a lack thereof in the possibilities. I know I must constantly be the best at my job, or someone else is accordingly more entitled to it. I have been removed from office, and the restored to it, three times in the past fifteen years. Because others were better than myself, but then I worked harder and resumed my place." He smiles. "Of course, it does leave little time for a social life. Like my father, who briefly served as Minster of Health, my family hardly ever sees me these days." He steps forward to facilitate introductions. "Doctor Lakische, this is Lieutenant Commander Joshua Goodwin, Second Officer of the nearby station that has sent this delegation to meet with us and learn of the Great Revolution." He says this by rote, as if it is some kind of greeting or formula. "This is Doctor Aaron Park, who serves their station much as Minister Bosheth serves the People. He is eager to talk to you about our medicine." Within moments, the rest of the delegation has been introduced, likewise. The security minder, who follows Lakische the way Maube follows the Yimaan agronomist, does not get introduced, and remains obtrusively stony.

"Your doctors must be busy, Doctor Lakische," remarks Goodwin, pleasantly, nodding his head. "There have been three new additions to the ship since I last spoke to it, why, just four days ago." It's a polite way to prod at population figures. "It is a pleasure to meet you, though." A bow.

Laco watches the hydroponics workers do their work, keeping out of the various conversations.

. o O Laco thinks, "There is definately something odd about this place."

Jatila's eyebrows lift, even as she aims a polite nod in greeting toward the Yimaan doctor. "Indeed, I'd be quite interested in knowing more of the Great Revolution." She glances toward Goodwin, then to Maube. "Have you had many problems with morale or discipline recently, considering the circumstances?"

GAME: Laco has the merit of Mathematical Ability at 3.

GAME: Laco contests his Life Sciences+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Lakische says "Indeed. On that note, Doctor Park?...." And soon the two physicians wander off, Park clearly noticible recording things as they meander and talk about the state of Yimaan medicine.

Solange nods slowly to the minister, soaking it all in. One more curious glance to the workers then, before she looks back to the Minister,"Well... that explains a lot... it does seem that it would encourage hard work if one wants to stay successful. That does bring to mind the question of what happens in the case that people grow over-competitive. Do you have a well layed-out justice system, or do things usually follow naturally enough that discipline is more fluid, like with your council?"

Kogh nods slightly, falling silent - with an air of patience. The newly arrived security minder gets a brief stare roughly the same length as Maube did, earlier.

Goodwin takes a step back so that he can speak to Laco more quietly, and Solange discusses matters of justice. He quirks a brow at Laco, then nods his head to the workers out in the 'fields.'

. o O Goodwin thinks, "What is going on out there?"

Zaratan, having given Solange the lion's share of attention, keeping Kogh's question at bay, does turn. "Actually, Your Excellency," he says to Kogh, "you will have to forgive me but botanical and floral arrangements is the extent of my artistic expertise. However, since your Romulan and Federation companions here seem rather interested in our culture as a whole, I could bring us after we are done here to Revolution Square, which is two fora over, to meet with the Minister of Education. He is a fine old fellow who still teaches our youth himself, every few days, and today is one such day."

. o O Kogh thinks, "That Cadet should not speak so much. So many questions can be answered in books - inefficient! - it is the things which we take for granted which matter. A Klingon takes for granted that, should his honour be questionable and questioned, he may - and indeed should - die. But a Terran does not, and no doubt they struggle with the very concept. No, the true question is - "What do you wish to be?""

Laco raises his eyebrows at Goodwin. "Commander?"

Channa perks up a little at Zaratan. "How are your young educated. " She asks, coming forwardsa alittle leaving the Klingon's side. " I would like to speak with this Minister. " she adds.

Goodwin keeps his voice low. "Your impressions of the field, Lieutenant?" he remarks, perhaps having noticed what Laco had been focusing on, as he was there himself. The others, it seems, can drive the conversation with the Minister for now.

Zaratan adds, after a moment, "I hope that didn't sound as insulting as it might have. We are told you have excellent translation devices, but sometimes ... such devices are a false guide." He smiles at the Klingon. "You must understand that keeping this Ark in homeostasis demands so much of my attention that I no longer have the time to read my *wife's* love-poems, let alone our great literature. It is a full time task to manage our sustenance, with so many people."

Kogh nods, slowly, thoughtfully. "I have a more pressing question, as well - that perhaps can wait with the others, for later, when we meet this individual." A slow smile. "But it is pleasing to hear." He doesn't appear to be about to explain -what's- pleasing to hear, though.

Shamash continues to be an attentive scholar to the proceedings around him, trying to hide a curious glance to Laco as he seems to have found something

Zaratan nods. "Come, then. We'll move on. Minister Yarosh is very conservative, I warn you, but if you comport yourself well, he might even be able to change the Security Minister's mind and let me broaden this tour." He starts to walk, which gives Laco and Goodwin and perhaps Shamash that moment to linger behind.

Solange looks back briefly at the three officers, before she taps at her recorder, and goes tamping after Zaratan, evidently hungry to ask more questions,"Oh, that /would/ be exquisite, wouldn't it?"

. o O Jatila thinks, "Security Minister again. He- or she- is starting to sound like somebody worthy of meeting."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Though, come to think of it, where /are/ all their females? Surely there'd be at least one among these ministers and guards, out of pure odds."

Laco says, "It's a field. They are unskilled."

Goodwin rolls his eyes slightly at the Mission Specialist. "But what about their movements," he prods on, even as the small group goes ahead of them. "Ideas on why they're so jerky?"

Kogh directs an irritated glance at Solange - albeit a brief, irritated glance. His attention returns to the Minister, as the Klingon follows on. Voice oddly level - his tone had been a touch more polite before - he answers, simply, "Indeed? That would be pleasing."

Jatila looks around to Laco and Goodwin, her lips twitching with a bit of humor. At Goodwin's latter comment, though, her steps pause and she moves closer to the pair to peer toward the field.

Channa nods her head and follows along, after the others if she's mission something here she's showing no evidence of it.

Shamash stays indeed a bit back, wondering if he is called to analyse something. But thinking of Laco as a good scientist himself, he just nods and rejoins the entourage.

A brief stroll down a long boulevard-like corridor, then a large open platform like a slow-moving turbolift, and then another short stretch of corridor, and ... another garden, just as large as the first but with less grassy hillocks and hedges and more actual trees and bushes. In fact, not so much a public forum masquerading as a garden masquerading as a park but a park masquerading as a public forum masquerading as a garden. The sound of children laughing can be heard, and soon, the children can be seen as well. Another Security Ministry minder, a woman, stands behind an old man in intricate robes, who is motioning the children to silence, though there is a smile on his face. "Protocol," says Zaratan, "demands we wait until he either pauses or dismisses class. But that should not be too long. Just remember what I said: He is a great teacher of the Revolution's history and doctrine, but he is also a firm believer, and very staunch. Do not offend him or there will be little we can continue to discuss."

Solange follows along, wondering,"You must place great emphasis on education... I take it educators are thus highly respected?" Still, as they draw near, she falls silent as expected, examining the old man with the children a smile.

Laco shrugs. He says quietly, to Goodwin. "Because they're a bunch of unskilled laborers who don't know what they were doing, but rounded up to put on a show for the guests? Perhaps threatened with a half-portion of that porridge slop the Minister mentioned, should they somehow cause an embarassment?"

Channa looks upon the children with a fond expression. "Children, the greatest gift off all. " She says, watching them her eyes hungry, her heart missing her own child so far away. The attache then turns to Laco over her shoulder, her expression confused. Is the man joking?

Goodwin raises eyebrow slightly at that evaluation, but nods his head, moving on forward to join the main part of the group. "Thank you, Lieutenant," he says simply, quietly. His hands fold behind him as they come upon the group here.

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Minister of Education: No. But there's more to this than meets the eye, perhaps."

Jatila considers Laco, then nods, keeping her voice low for him and Goodwin only. "But why not have skilled workers doing it then? One would think a meritocracy would extend to more than just government." She pauses, annoyed, and turns to follow Goodwin, shaking her head.

Kogh obscures a potentially larger smile at the sounds and sights of the children with a quiet grunt, thus buying enough time to suitably limit the expression. Lowering his voice, he observes, "Steadfastness of will is respectable indeed." And proceeds to attempt to assume as non-threatening a posture as possible - presumably to avoid terrifying the children. But, unfortunately, large Klingons in battle armour naturally find 'non-threatening' a difficult posture to pull off.

Minister Yarosh does in fact see the gathering, and a look of something like a mixture between curiosity, disapproval, and puzzlement crosses his face. Then the old man leans himself on his walking stick, and rises up. "Children, it seems we have guests, from Outside the Ark, in the Lands Not of the People." The children react with predictably wide eyes and some babbled questions which start to run together. Yarosh silences them with a rap of his stick on the artificial stones beneath his feet. "Minister Zaratan," he calls out, "you bring your guests to meet me, for some reason? And here I thought *I* was the doddering old fool." He steps forward. "It is ever a displeasure to me that you seem so set on new things, Zaratan, when the Revolution has served us well for half our lives." But for all this, the man is a model of politeness as he stops, the children in tow, a respectable conversational distance from the party, waiting to be introduced.

"Minister Yarosh, The Great Mover himself would not meet approval in your eyes." But Zaratan is smiling as he says it. "And, yes. This is Lieutenant Commander Joshua Goodwin, whom you may remember recently entreated the Council. He has proven quite adept at introducing his companions..." And with that hand-off, Zaratan falls silent.

And so Goodwin goes through the motions of introducing the party that he has with him, more or less the same as he did when they first met Zaratan, minus Park, of course, who is mentioned as off with the good doctor. He segues in, "I am told, Minister Yarosh, that you are a remarkable repository of information about the People and the Greaty Revolution." He adopts the Yimaan terms. "We hoped that we might join you, as your pupils, to learn of the history of the People."

Laco watches quietly.

Jatila shifts to one side slightly, her gaze settling on the children. She does very still for a moment, before looking at Yarosh expressionlessly.

Channa gives the old man a warm smile "It's a pleasure to meet you Sir. "She says then smiles down at the children. "What lovely smiling faces. " She tells them, then looks around. "Maybe I speak with one or two of the children?" she asks.

Solange actually forestalls her own questions this time!

. o O Jatila thinks, "They don't know. They don't know they're going to die... Focus, Jat. Focus."

. o O Channa thinks, "So needless."

Kogh simply nods when his name is mentioned in Goodwin's introductions, watching Yarosh carefully.

Yarosh looks back and forth from Goodwin to Channa. "You may," he says to the woman, "of course, but if you wish to join the class, you shall have to make those questions brief, young woman. This *is* my classroom and I will wish to avoid unseemly delays." He takes a step back, motioning the children to move forward, but keeping a level and appraising eye on the conversation which ensues.

Goodwin allows Channa to question the children, hanging back now, since the introductions have been made. "Quite a remarkable ship, isn't it, Mister Ambassador?" he asks Kogh. "Multi-generational, even." He gestures to the children, ever-so-not-subtlely.

Channa nods her head to Yarosh. "Of course good sir, I do not wish to delay you at all. " She steps forwards and crouches down to eye level with then children. "Hello. " She says softly. " How exciting it must be for you all to travel in space. " she says.

. o O Goodwin thinks, "And your government will be blowing them all away in three weeks. How does that make you feel?"

Jatila hesitates, then slips to Kogh's side, opposite Goodwin. "Indeed," she murmurs. "No doubt they'd make fine, upstanding Yimaan citizens someday." Not 'they will'. 'They would'.

Kogh glances at the children, his expression decidedly neutral - until his eyes. They're angry, but in a cool sort of way. And his ire isn't directed -here-, it would seem, since he agrees, very softly, with Jatila, "Indeed they would."

The children look at Channa, confused.

GAME: Channa contests her Receptive Telepathy vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Kogh glances at the children, his expression decidedly neutral - until his eyes. They're angry, but in a cool sort of way. And his ire isn't directed -here-, it would seem, since he agrees, very softly, with Jatila, "Indeed they would." Attention shifts to Goodwin. "What would you have me say, Commander?" It's stated flatly. There is little warmth, there - even less than was directed at Jatila, in fact.

"They've been traveling in space all their life," chuckles Goodwin, at this funny little cultural misunderstanding, though it comes with a bit of a glare at Channa. "It must seem so plain to them." Hint. Hint. He leans down a little bit to speak to one of the kids. "So what do you like to do in your free time? What games do you play?" Kogh is ignored for now.

Zaratan approaches Laco, quietly, as the Education-oriented conversations wear on. "You seemed most interested in our farming, Lieutenant Laco. I ... regret that I can show you so little." He lowers his voice even further. "I have tried, believe me, to get the Council to let me. But I am just one man out of twenty-one, and the majority could barely be convinced to allow this visit at all."

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Jeez, Channa. 'How exciting it must be for you all to travel in space.' It's a /world ship/."

Jatila glances up at Kogh's face, nods once, and looks back at the children, her lips curving in a slight smile.

. o O Kogh thinks, "Indeed, what would you have me say? Would you have me insult our guests by stating their defeat as certain? Would you have me tell our guests that even if they manage to defeat my people in the battle to come, that they will inevitably fall? That defeat tastes ever bitter in a Klingon mouth - and there are always those who seek to correct the errors of those who came before? That to win their respect they should defeat us in that battle - yet to do so shall spell their certain doom, equally, even though we would kill them regardless, albeit with respect? Or should I speak empty words regarding my own feelings, my own derision for those who seek honour in the slaying of children at the whim of honourless, cowardly Ferengi, who have not even the strength of purpose to carry out their dark deeds by themselves?"

. o O Kogh feels bitterly angry - even, perhaps, betrayed.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Careful now. Don't beat him over the head with it /too/ much, Jat."

Channa smiles at the children then stands up. "I guess it's like any other day " She says softly to the children. "Indeed Commander, though it can still be exciting seeing different planets, different stars even encountering people such as us. Everything in life can be exiting even the things which are normal. " She turns back to the children smiling at them warmly. Channa doesn't seem to be embaressed by her question, she generally wanted to know what the children thought of traveling.

Laco raises his eyebrows. "May I inquire why that is, Councilman? I do not understand the secrecy. You have your ways, and we have ours. Wildly departed branches on the technological tree, if you will. Your technology is of little interest to us, outside of sociological studies, just as I hear ours is to you. Especially farming. For the most part, farming has become a hobby, or source of exotic goods. We rely on replicator technology, as you may know. If you fear us mocking you, I can assure you such a thing will not occur."

Shamash is, still, quite silent, going so far as even to lock his hands behind his back, listening to the guide and local dignitary with a stoic facial expression, which is especially hard to keep with Lacos words.

. o O Channa thinks, "why must he always show me up, embaress me? I was trying to be diplomatic something he wouldn't know if it hit him over the head."

"We do not," says one of the older children, "see other planets, other stars, other people. Not usually." He still seems genuinely confused as Channa's questioning. "The Revolution requires that we work hard in our studies, play at games only that help us grow into better citizens -- we run, we wrestle, we play at /matasa/ and other games of calculation. If we work very hard, and become Ministers, we might occasionally deal with visitors such as yourself, from Outside the Ark."

GAME: Shamash contests his Social Sciences/Sociology vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Jatila contests her Presence/Empathy & Diplomacy vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Kogh contests his Presence/Empathy & Diplomacy vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Presence/Empathy & Diplomacy vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Channa contests her Presence/Empathy & Diplomacy vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Jatila's eyebrows lift at the child's explanation, approval in her expression. The Education Minister gets an appraising look, as if somebody went and shined a new light on him.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Damn close to their own version of D'era. Nice."

Channa tries to keep a normal expression on her face when the child speaks, she glances over her shoulder ganging the reaction of the rest of her part. Something about what the child said didn't sound right. "Working hard is important but playing is also. " She tells them kindly. "What other games to do play, I use to have a baby doll I would pretent with. I use to play dressing up in my mothers clothes as well. " She looks at a little girl and winks. "When my mother was in the room, she'd let me wear her make-up. "

Goodwin chuckles softly and looks up from where he talks to the children. "Well, Your Honor," says Goodwin to the Education Minister. "You certainly seem like you train your students well." He chuckles. "They know well their role among the People."

Kogh remains silent, aside from the creak of his armour as his hands come to rest, tangled in a relaxed, loose fashion, behind his back.

Solange nods softly to the Education Minister and wonders,"What was the lesson we interrupted about, sir?"

Shamash listens to the words and nods slowly, seking out the attention of the mission commander and lifting his eyebrows at him, asking a silent question.

. o O Channa thinks, "These children are answering me as if they were told what to say. How can I get them to think for themselves. This is wrong, I child needs to be free to express for themselves not be told what to say."

Zaratan says to Laco, "Our privacy has always been important to us, from the days long gone by, on Havila-Yima, or so it is said. On that, I must beg your pardon. Even in these days of Revolution, where new ways abound, old habits die hard. In a sense, that is perhaps as it should be -- while I am somewhat progressive, amongst the members of the Council, even I feel that change must be respectful." He continues to speak to Laco quietly, out of earshot save for those who have been ignoring the children and paying attention to the Minister and the Mission Specialist. "Change must be tempered by a sense of propriety or it is nothing but a moment's anarchy, a mercenary goal rather than a way of life."

The children smile shyly at Channa. "Our dolls are nice, but we have to earn the right to make them ourselves." And another girl adds, "What is make-up?"

Minister Yarosh, for his own part, intercedes now, using Goodwin's compliment and Solange's question as his excuse to cut short this exchange. "Indeed. I think now we should resume class, children, yes?" But it's clear the question is an order, and the children follow him back to the little 'clearing' of tree stumps and sitting rocks and similar perches. "Now, we spoke last of the evil Iron Warlocks of Cardassia Prime, and their wicked henchmen, the Bajorans and the Breen." For all he is talking at the level of the children, he does not seem to be kidding. "Who can tell me about the time of Deception, when the Cardassians and Bajorans came to us pretending to be friends?"

Jatila blinks at the lesson content, stiffening. She takes a step closer to listen, before visibly halting herself, her gaze intent.

Channa looks almost shocked when the Minister carries on the lesson, it takes alot of her self control not to make a sound. She schools her expression back into the normal warm and welcoming one and just listens.

Laco purses his lips, and shrugs. "Well. Whatever gives your people comfort in their final hours, I suppose."

Goodwin takes a step back to Shamash, blending a bit to the background for the others to listen to the lesson. "What do you think, Lieutenant?" murmurs the second officer, low enough for just him and the science officer. "Rehearsed just for us, or just programmed as part of all of this?"

. o O Jatila thinks, "I wish you could meet Commander Dakin, Yarosh. As for the Cardassians... *growl*"

Solange smiles softly to herself, then, even as she listens with a curious ear. Finally, she detaches, moving closer to Zaratan and Goodwin, and, inclining her head, speaks quietly, so as not to disturb the lesson,"Your honor... if I might be so bold as to beg a moment of your attention?"

Solange smiles softly to herself, then, even as she listens with a curious ear. Finally, she detaches, moving closer to Zaratan and Laco, and, inclining her head, speaks quietly, so as not to disturb the lesson,"Your honor... if I might be so bold as to beg a moment of your attention?"

Zaratan lowers his voice even further, keeping Laco back from the lesson unfolding as he makes a quiet hissing under his breath. Zaratan whispers to Laco, "It is no matter of comfort. Do you think I do not want to live? I have spent almost twenty years, since I myself worked in those hydroponics gardens, planning for the future, for a growth of population that was never intended by our Found---"

Zaratan looks up from his conversation with Laco as Solange approaches. "Yes, Cadet Solange?"

. o O Laco feels a blast of anger.

Shamash leans towards Goodwin, mentioning "This is somehow.. orchestrated. Well, i can not blame them.. it sounds llike the way to do it..but there is something i just can not put my finger down to." he makes a so so sign.

Laco gives Solange a duranium-blistering look.

Goodwin shakes his head. "First the bays and now this." He turns towards the security 'minders' that seem to be about here and there. "I bet they're not always here like this. I wonder what's in that hydroponics bay they don't want us to see."

Solange smiles softly to Zaratan, then, inclining her head politely once more, before she lowers her voice to murmur something. "If I overstep myself, do let me know." And then she sees the look Laco shoots her, and takes a step back reflexively.

Kogh perks an eyebrow slightly at the content of the lesson, but otherwise stands motionless, watching (and presumably listening) to Yarosh.

One or two of the children look up at the visitors as if expecting one of them to take the hit for the team and dive in for the lesson, but apparently one or two of the other children are better prepared, and one raises his hand, and is acknowledged by Yarosh. "During the days of the Aristocrats, before the Revolution, when The People slept long-sleeps and only the Aristocrats allowed themselves day and night, The Ark of the People was visited by the Iron Warlocks, who came with servants worshipping false gods they called Prophets." He looks hesitant, but continues, clearly by rote. "The Iron Warlocks sought to weave a spell on the Aristocrats, but were rebuffed. The Bajorans were more cunning, and tried to trade certain wisdoms for the secrets of our travel, secrets the Iron Warlocks would not share with them. And then there was fighting, but none died -- as they fell, they were swept away in beams of light, and it was surely a trick, for within the day, the Iron Warlocks began to make war on the People."

Solange whispers to Zaratan, "One in twenty one is such a very large number sir... I wonder... there is much our people could learn from each other... I would daresay youn, and Lieutenant Goodwin get along exceptionally... I wonder, however, if we could not do more for you to help further this friendship, though... How may /we/ aide /you/."

Zaratan looks back and forth from Solange to Laco, back and forth, back and forth. He is confused now. And then, as Solange steps back a pace but lowers his voice, he nods, giving Laco a just-a-moment gesture. Zaratan whispers to Solange, "It is not so much that, my dear young woman. As with all councils, there are votes to be taken, and right now, what Lieutenant Commander Goodwin has asked for, we simply do not have the votes to give you. That is all. I am sure he can explain it to you further if he wishes you to know."

. o O Laco thinks, "If I were in charge of this mission, that idiot would find her way into an unexpected EPS explosion on the way home. I'm not entirely sure what they teach cadets these days, but you would think they would cover keeping your mouth shut when the grown-ups are talking."

Channa shakes her head trying to believe she's hearing this, the child seems wrong she can't place her finger on it. Seeing Shamash and Goodwin a little off she moves towards them. "Sirs. " She says softly. "Do you detect something not quite right here?"

Laco pats the Councilman on the back companionably, then steps away, towards the 'class' session.

Goodwin takes a deep breath, his attention split between Shamash and the lesson. "Yeah," he mutters softly to the diplomat. "But rejoin the session for now, hmm?" Someone needs to pretend they're still interest in the show. He meets Laco's eyes for a moment, curious.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Bajorans. More cunning than the Cardassians. Uh, I think not."

Solange inclines her head politely, and murmurs something more, then, before she offers,"Sir..." To Laco, and then to Zaratan,"If you will excuse me your honor...?" And with that, she takes another step back, inclines her head, and turns towards Goodwin, evidently intent on conferring with him.

Channa nods her head and goes to rejoin the lesson, she looks around and decided to take a seat with the children, maybe she can pick up a few things from them. She closes her eyes, and forces on those around her.

Solange whispers to Zaratan, "A wish to help. Very well... I shall confer with the Lieutenant and see what is necessary to get those votes for you. You've been terribly indulgent."

Jatila listens intently to the history lesson, her brow furrowing now and then.

Shamash nods to Channa and rejoins the group following Goodwin.

"Very good, Tybor, very good." The old man looks exceedingly proud. "You even have the cadence and the meter down. You will be a fine teacher someday. My only regret will be that another will likely have my robes to lose them to you by that time." This seems to be a high compliment. "And this is how we know that the Iron Warlocks and the Worshippers of the Prophets could not be trusted. Who can tell me why this is important, and where the Breen enter in to the tale as equal partners in villainy against The People? Anyone? Anyone?"

Goodwin takes a step back, but makes a gesture at Shamash and Channa to remain with the group. He tilts his head towards Solange so that the cadet may speak with him in cofidence, eyes flicking between the two groups.

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Meter and cadence?"

Solange draws close with Goodwin, pursing her lips for a moment, before she looks back to Zaratan,"Sir." Taking a deep breath, she murmurs something else, now, this time to Goodwin.

Laco crosses his arms, and watches the lesson. Laco doesn't appear to be pleased.

A girl raises her hand. Yarosh addresses her as 'Daganna'. She smiles and speaks after he motions for her to proceed. "The Aristocrats showed they were unfit to rule when they angered the Iron Warlocks so. They showed they could not be trusted to deal with those Outside the Ark, and their wisdom was in doubt, and believed no more by The People. For the Iron Warlocks are the mightiest warriors in all the galaxy, they tamed the worshippers of the Prophet and the masked warriors of the Breen, and they conquered" --- here Daganna falters, as if forgetting, and looks once or twice at Kogh before continuing --- "the Klingons and only the holy vows which bind them to their stars kept them from conquering further. But they could send the masked warriors beyond their space to chase us, and did. And the war continued, and the Ark was greatly damaged at the hands of these great warrior servants of the warlocks, showing again how the Aristocrats were not fit to rule. And so the Revolution was born."

Solange whispers to Goodwin, "Though I think the Lieutenant is decidedly displeased with me now, sir, I think this man, Zaratan... I think he truly wishes to help. As he explained it, his hands are tied because of... what? Votes... Evidently getting these votes is a mtter of some difficulty. He said to speak to you... why can'the give us these votes he says we need? There has to be something we could do. I actually like these people, I think, strange or not. They seem... nice, for the most part. Some may not like us, but that's the worst I get from any of them."

Jatila blinks. She starts to glance toward Kogh, but can't quite complete the movement before looking away quickly again, forcing herself not to smile. But then her gaze arrows in abruptly on the young girl, Jat's eyes narrowing.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Masked warriors? Iron Warlocks. Masked..."

Kogh's eyes widen - fractionally - and a low, agitated rumble sounds in his chest. The rumble is not silenced, but dimmed by the realignment of his lips - which had twisted, momentarily, into a particuarly savage-looking snarl. No prizes for guessing which part rattled the Klingon's cage. His bottom lip is bitten, -hard-. A tiny trickle of blood stains his lip when his mouth opens to speak, his voice low, and definitively angry: "And I suppose the -Cardassians- claimed this?" It's not so much a question as a demand - and it is directed at Yarosh, not the girl. He avoids spitting on the ground (though looks as if he'd like to), but does then proceed to launch into a particuarly vivid string of profanity in his native tongue, mostly revolving around spurious accusations relating to the unsound evolutionary history of the Cardassian species in general. But Yarosh, and Yarosh alone, is the center of his particuarly icy, angry stare.

At this, the two security minders -- both Yarosh's and Zaratan's -- move to take up a more defensive stance around the old man, hands hovering above their sidearms. Yarosh, for his own part, blinks but is otherwise unfazed by the outburst. "All know these things to be true, Master Kogh. I am old enough to remember the dark times of the Aristocrats, before the Revolution. Perhaps you were not schooled properly in history? Perhaps you have not read the great books? It is all there to be learned if you only apply yourself. It is as the children have properly learned in their studies, and learned to recite properly in the bardic fashion which our schools teach: Only a fighting force as great as the Iron Warlocks could have damaged this ship so. Therefore, they must be the finest in the galaxy. It is simple logic. This is why we do not fear your people, once our technicians and yours have worked together to repair us, we will have no need to fear any *but* the Iron Warlocks, and we do not intend to travel back to their space. Perhaps your ships could defeat the Masked Warriors who serve them, but the Breen are so cowardly they use secrets of invisibility to strike from surprise. I do not doubt your people are not cowards to fight so. You are clearly warriors by your size and strength. Is it so hard to believe that I do not wish you harm or ill-will just because I will not vote on the council as Lieutenant Commander Goodwin wishes me to, just to appease his people and yours?"

Zaratan, for his own part, attempts to intercede, motioning the children to move away as the elder teacher debates -- or attempts to debate -- the Klingon Ambassador.

Jatila takes a few quick steps away from Kogh, both to avoid guilt by association and, well, just in case he has a conniption fit. She looks toward Yarosh, considering him. "That explains a lot," she murmurs, and sighs, looking toward the children again. The educator's comment about cowards and invisibility... Her lips thin, as her gaze returns to him, but she doesn't comment.

. o O Jatila thinks, "So. How do we convince them that... I don't believe I'm thinking this... that the Klingons are a force to be feared?"

"There's a council," Goodwin begins to explain. "Of twenty-one ministers, and there needs to be a majority vot --" His quiet Political Science lesson to Solange is cut off as he takes a step forward. "I think it's valuable to hear the history of the People as /they/ tell it, Mister Ambassador."

Solange winces at that, even as she offers, quietly to Goodwin,"Sir... perhaps it might be wise to speak the ambassador... He /has/ shown amazing restraint." She bites off the phrase 'for a Klingon'.

Channa eyes slip to the guards, then to Kogh she stands quietlty from her seat and goes over to him. She doesn't say anything yet, she's just there if needed.

. o O Yarosh thinks, "Perhaps I made a mistake in voting to allow Goodwin's visit after all."

Kogh growls under his breath quietly, waving a hand - still angrily - but in a 'warding off' gesture. Not at the security minders - they're completely ignored, in fact. Derisive, one might say, that act. "I am not angry at -you-," he states flatly, "but at the -idea- of it. And of what it implies. I will tell you a truth, Minister: I had believed your people of great bravery, courage, and strength, to face the times ahead with such little fear. Yet... Now? I see I was underinformed. As you, I see now, are, as well, of us. We have not, are not, and will never be conquered by Cardassia. The Cardassians are, on occasion, devious and cunning opponents... but they are not leaders. They are followers. As, I note, recent history proves." He motions vaguely. "I suspect you will find none here to dispute this."

. o O Kogh thinks, "You will all die. And it will be worthless, of even less honour than I had believed - and that was less than none. A worse than empty, worse than hollow victory for an Empire so obviously denying decline. What worthy foes we pick, in these -great- days I live in. Pah!"

Yarosh says, "You act as if the two histories are different, Commander, Master Kogh, as if history as we tell it is not history. That is fairly insulting, frankly. Do you *wonder* why I instruct my pupils in other Ministry seats to pay you all no real mind?" He seems to notice now what Zaratan was trying to do and dismisses the chiildren, ordering them to run along with a nod of thanks. "Minister Zaratan, for all of our political differences, I must honor your devotion. Clearly, I have let my taste for debate run away with me. I hope you will accept later a libation in your honor." And Zaratan nods, showing that even among Revolutionary Council Members, there is still a spirit of Honorable Opposition. And Yarosh turns to face Goodwin and Kogh again. "History simply is. We have lived through dark times, my honored guests. Why do you insult us by doubting us so? By telling us falsehoods that run counter to what we know to be true? I admit, perhaps, that the Council is wrong to dissemble as the extent of the damages done to this vessel in the past, but I am no military man, who seeks to maintain a brave face at all costs. I am an educator. I seek truth, and I seek to enlighten. That is why, even though I voted *against* your proposition, Commander, I permitted your visit today. Because if you truly wish to educate others about us, I cannot but be flattered." He looks at Kogh. "But you, Your Excellency," -- the formality wells up -- "you speak a falsehood so plain it astounds me. You claim the Iron Warriors are mere rabble, as if we should think ourselves less than nothing that they have defeated us. You can defend this in debate, I trust?"

Channa nods at Yarosh. "For they are different good minister. " She says softly, looking at Kogh she places a hand on his arm gently. "They do not understand. " She tell the Klingon softly. "Nothing will get achived with anger, calm down please Ambassador. "

. o O Jatila thinks, "Pride goeth before a fall, Yarosh. This is not a matter of what you think of yourselves. Is that what makes your history insist that the Cardassians were the greatest warriors ever? Because it would be a blow to your pride that they were not, yet they nearly defeated you?"

Solange offers, a bit tentatively, before she comments,"So far, I hear only absolutes... Why not speak of what is. Offering what is without the why of it is is of use to those with learning. In the very spirit of debate, one must often offer evidence. But You're two people with very different cultural views... At one time, my people thought their world to be flat, offering only tradition without support. And later, they were proved wrong. Right or wrong, though, we come to learn and record. To help, if we can. Not to argue. None of us has anything but the best of intent. The Ambassador's culture is one that has a strong, and often iron viewpoint, while the Yimaan people have long-standing, wonderful traditions. Neither, though, leaves room to flourish in argument. Much can be learned from both."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Kat, I adore you. Now shut up."

Oh, dear, oh, dear. Joshua Goodwin, former Captaion of Starfleet Academy deabte, tries to throw himself verbally into the middle of this. "Each people has its strengths and weaknesses," he attempts to defuse. "We, ourselves, have fought the Iron Warriors, and defeated them in battle at times. But it does not mean to say that the People are not honorable warriors themselves. Indeed, you forced the Worshippers of the Prophets into retreat, did you not? You have much to be proud of, Your Excellency, much to be proud of. But yet the Honorable Kogh is also right, for he fought with my people against the Iron Warriors. You see, Your Excellency --" And here Josh tries to Push the Moral of the Story, "It is when people /come together/ that great things are accomplished, as we come forward today to work with you for the greater glory of all the People."

Yarosh laughs. "Honest debate, Cadet Solange, is all an honest meritocracy can ask for. If you and your elders would provide it, we would listen." He motions. "But now I see your tactic, Goodwin. You come to shake our faith in our Revolution, instill fear in us. That is your method, your collusion --- you come together, as you say, you and your Klingon friend here, to accomplish what you believe to be a great thing, to convince us that there is a greater threat, one to fear. But you make only assertions, with no evidence, no proof. You wish to scare us, but we have survived a Revolution precisely *by* working together."

Kogh opens his mouth to speak, but is beaten to the punch by others. He takes the time to draw several long, deep breaths - which calm him surprisingly rapidly. "Your claims are meaningless. I collude with no-one. I state -my- words, here, for my government's position is already plain. - And you wish my response? Then you shall have it." He pauses, taking a deep breath, voice calm and assertive. "Your vessel has been travelling for much time. It was, then, built in days when the Cardassians were far less than you were; that you keep pace enough with the developments of those around you, when you are so restricted in numbers - and that you did so well enough to ward off attack by a foe with far greater resources than your own? In that, Minister, there is -no- dishonour. And I do not doubt your history. It is, however, -incomplete-." He sighs, heavily. "Minister, let me change tack. I do not -care- whether your history is accurate. You may describe the Klingon people as tribbles, for all I care. What, however, I do care about, is the fact that those children you just dismissed are likely to die because of your People's very nature - which is no accusation of fault, but simply is fact. I do not blame you for your confidence. The Cardassians must have seemed a mighty and insurmountable foe - to you. And that you fought, and did not bow your knee to them in supplication - that is indeed worthy, and respectable. But in the end, your own nature is your own difficulty. As mine is mine. I am a Klingon, and I hear the Call of Kahless; I was born to be a warrior, and so I think in the terms of a warrior - even though I have strived to be a true diplomat, as duty and life demands, much and many of the days of my life. And you were born, all of you since your Forefathers, to be caged and protected by this great ship. It limits your sight, and so you do not see the danger that lurks all around you. There are no dangerous beasts here; you have good security services, I suspect - these certainly seem efficient - and your children are brought up with discipline and wisdom; so you hardly need fear each other. - Tell me, Minister - -what do you need fear-? I put it to you that you have never truly been threatened - not a threat that was not overcome, no matter how difficult it was. And as you yourself say - history is a powerful, powerful force. Come, now. Do you see what I am saying? Your People are indeed great and noble - who could look upon your works and not be awed? - but your experience is just that: yours. Ours is ours, and mine is mine - and I tell you from mine: you are doomed if you fight us today. Not because you are inferior, or because you are not strong, or because we are stronger than you, or nobler, or greater in any way - that is not the issue - but because you know nothing of us. No war can be waged without knowledge of the enemy. And if you are to make us an enemy by trespassing on our space regardless of our wishes, then war is inevitable. And in the days to come? They will say: it is but history. And this debate, in the end, will have been meaningless."

Laco mutters to himself. "You've survived a revolution to throw it all away forty years later. I hope you remember this conversation when you're venting atmosphere on every deck, and your reactor, or coal-burning furnace, or whatever you have is about to go critical."

Solange turns, then, to murmur quietly to Goodwin.

Solange whispers to Goodwin, "If that doesn't work, sir, maybe we /should/ arrange a formal debate."

Goodwin takes his PADD from his side and pulls up a file on it. On it are seven icons with the IKDF logo on it, marking out positions in Klingon space where the ark ship is bound for. " And if you want proof, Your Excellency, this is my proof." says Josh, drawing himself. "These are my scans from my Station which show seven Klingon ships stationed to destroy your ship." He hands it over. "If you wish debate, Your Excellency, you shall have it with me, and I shall bring all the proof you need." It's a challenge.

Jatila lifts her chin. "I can't speak for my companions, Minister Yarosh, but I really do not care one way or the other about your Revolution, save that it /is/ history, and history must be preserved for all to learn from. Which is why they," a nod toward the Starfleeters, "Are here." She pauses. "That having been said... Cadet Solange makes a very good point. You ask for proof, for evidence, of Ambassador Kogh's words? I daresay that can be provided fairly easily, as well as proof of those ships'," a tilt of her head toward Goodwin, "Ability to utterly destroy your beautiful home. All we ask is that you consider it with an open mind. An open book is what teaches us. Not a closed one. I beg that you take example from that."

Yarosh says, "Debate is never meaningless, Master Kogh." He just shakes his head in wonder. "I hear the beauty in what you say, and you have no idea how much I regret that you had not come to me even a year ago, to while away the hours in great oration, for truly I have never heard an orator save only myself to surpass the likes of you and the Commander here. Your words *honestly* do move me, but, I see no ...." He takes the PADD from Goodwin. Eyes it. "This is more than a recorder, then. It can play back archives, as well? I had thought it merely a device to record and then shunt the recording to a master archive later."

"I can do many things, Your Excellency. I do not know if you are a Navigation, yourself, sir, but if you check with the Minister of Navigation, you will know that this point." Here, Commander Goodwin comes around and points out the IKDF symbols. "Is exactly where your ship is scheduled to enter Klingon space. And I know for a fact that they intend to destroy you as smugglers and intruders. I have the memorandum from the Klingon monitoring station, if you wish. But yes, my device can play back archives." He gets around to answering the question.

Yarosh says, "I see. And will it accept verbal commands? Or do I have to push on it in places?"

"I can, if I set it to do so," says Goodwin. "Though the commands are more difficult vocally, as it must first translate and then interprit them." He generously offers, "What might I play back for you, Your Excellency?"

Channa shakes her head slowly and sighs, so much to lose so little to gain in this debate. She stands back away from the Klingom unsure what to do what to say. She's as usual alose for words, these people have so much passion. Her own passion left her along time ago. Her eyes drift around the room looking at the faces of those here, at the children at the ministers. Then finally the force on Goodwin Laco shamash and the Cadet her own people.

Jatila's lips purse for a moment, and she folds her arms across her chest, watching the exchange between Goodwin and Yarosh.

Yarosh says, "And can all of these devices do this?"

Shamash, well, has been silent, trying not to look too ... well.. look about anything at all. He just keeps in a half attention look one knows from long parades. Probably his thoughts wander.

Goodwin nods his head once. "They can," he says simply. "Though the tricorders require you to either read the information on the screen or send them to a device like that." He nods to the PADD.

Yarosh says, "I see." He motions to Shamash. "You there. You are Lieutenant Shamash, I believe was your name, yes?"

Shamash inclines his head as he is addressed, ignoring the you there with practised ease. "Your information is correct, Minister."

Yarosh says, "And you have one of these devices, it seems." He gestures at the PADD. "Lieutenant Shamash, if you please, set it to accept verbal commands and hand it to me." While waiting, he turns to Solange and Channa. "Lovely ladies, unless your Commander here is more devious even than the wicked Bajorans, which I doubt is possible, I am sure he could not expect me to ask for that particular archival device, nor does he know what question I am to ask, precisely. I hope you don't think an old man too devious in this course of action, but my knowledge of history has been challenged, and as Master Kogh so rightly states, even an old man fights in his fashion."

Shamash side-glances to Goodwin for a confirmation even as he changes a few quick settings.

. o O Goodwin is having memories of some Academy debate tournaments, mind flashing through them in rapid succession.

Goodwin nods his head to Shamash, assenting to the hand-over.

Kogh sighs, quietly. "Before you fight this battle in your own way, Minister, consider this: I would not suggest you halt for ever. Merely pause, and consider. If you are to fight us, then so be it; but there would be no dishonour in gathering your strength so that you will at least die as gloriously as you can, in pursuit of your beliefs - or gain victory with the greatest prowess possible. - And I will make the effort for you to secure safe passage through our space; which, in turn, is sure to be a glorious battle in itself." He smiles, teeth showing. "You and I, and all of us today, have the chance to -make- history. Not teach it. But will the history you choose, Minister, be one worthy of the greatest songs - or of sadness and mourning for what may have been?"

Jatila looks up toward Channa and Solange, and the old man beyond them.

"There you go, Sir", Shamash gives the altered device to the Minister.

Channa nods her head slowly at the old teacher. "It's perfectly ok, Minister I understand what are you saying. " She smiles. "You will be surprised on what you hear, I only ask you keep an open mind and believe we are not trying to trick you here. "

. o O Goodwin thinks, "Please, oh, please, oh, please don't let it be one of those wacky timeline things where Shamash has an isolinear chip from the /old/ timeline where the Klingons /were/ enslaved by..."

Yarosh says, "Should you ever find yourself in my position, Ambassador," to Kogh, "I assure you I would support you in *your* decisions. Why can you not support mine?" He holds out his hand to Shamash. "Besides, the matter will soon be decided." He looks down at the little PADD. "Show me," he commands it, "the history of every battle fought by the Cardassians" -- freed by the need to speak in the 'bardic' teaching style, he does not need to refer to them in the flowery fashion as the Iron Warlocks anymore -- "with the Klingons." And as the PADD beeps and begins to comply, he reads, holding his silence except for the occasional "Hm."

Goodwin's com badge chirrups. "Commander Ghorev to Lt. Commander Goodwin."

Solange inclines her head a little,"If this doesn't speak for us, sir... Then we'll still be able to have our debate, I suppose..."

Goodwin looks like someone who has had his cellphone go off in the middle of the theater. But he does reach to touch his commpin, clearing his throat. "Goodwin here. Go ahead, sir."

Goodwin taps his com badge. Goodwin clears his throat, sounding a bit meek. "Goodwin here. Go ahead, sir."

Over Goodwin's com badge, Ghorev says, "Mission Ops reports an intensive data linkup to your PADDs. Are you just about done with your work over there? I may need you back here shortly to help negotiate a delicate matter."

GAME: Goodwin contests his Shipboard Systems vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Jatila contests her Shipboard Systems vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Solange contests her Shipboard Systems vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Shamash contests his Shipboard Systems vs Routine and Succeeds.

Solange murmurs something to Goodwin quietly, lost in thought...

Solange whispers to Goodwin, "Is it possible the the Commander doesn't want them looking at that?"

Into his com badge, Goodwin considers how to put this. "Sir, we're in the midst of a cultural-historical exchange with the Minister of Education at the moment. However, if I am needed, I can make myself available."

Over Goodwin's com badge, Ghorev says, "No, no." A pause. "That is much more important, I suppose. I hope the results are favorable, then. I will deal with the matter myself, or have Ensign Chretien relieved from covering MIssion Ops and send her down on my behalf."

Over Goodwin's com badge, Ghorev adds, after a moment, "Ghorev out."

Goodwin's com badge clicks as Ghorev drops off channel. The channel closes.

Yarosh, after taking the duration of the brief hail to review the data, hands it back to Shamash. "Lieutenant, I thank you." His voice is heavy now, thicker. "Ambasasdor, it seems your oratory is backed by evidence, as I desired to see, and I can no longer say that your abilities in this regard are second to my own." He opens up his robes, begins to slide out of them. "Minister Zaratan, in your presence, and with you and the UnderCommanders as witness, I submit to the demands of The Fourth Edict of Revolution, and, as the Edict's intent was to exclude none from the right to compete in the meritocracy, I yield up my office as Minister of Education to Master Kogh."

Jatila starts to look relieved at Yarosh's receipt of the information, a smile starting to curve her lips. She ends up, though, blinking, and slowly she looks at Kogh, somehow managing to keep a straight face. "Congratulations," she offers deadpan.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Which gives Kogh a vote in their council. He's not a bad orator. Persuasive, even. Hmmm."

Channa eyes widen yet again at what is happening before them, she looks to Kogh waiting for his reaction.

Laco snorts laughter.

For once, it appears that Goodwin is speechless. "Well," remarks the second officer, nodding his head in agreement.

Solange just barely manages to cover her mouth in time to prevent smirking. A moment later, she removes her hand, and offers to Goodwin, quietly,"I think we just got our vote."

Zaratan looks stunned, himself. Having come forward in an attempt to cool the debate, he now stands between Kogh and Goodwin, and a pace or two back, and he clears his own throat. His voice is stiff, formal, is the Minister of Agriculture's. "Indeed. Congratulations." Uh oh.

Solange offers, almost as an aside,"It seems that without passion, wisdom is much more difficult to find."

As Yanosh practically thrusts his robes at Kogh, saying "You must take this as a token of your victory", Zaratan motions to Goodwin. "Commander, if I might have a moment of your time?"

Kogh hikes up both eyebrows. Blinks slowly. His eyes twinkle with something akin to a sort of amusement - for an instant. But he shakes his head. "You would have me -teach-?" A soft, rumbling laughter. "I could not teach. It would kill me. Diplomacy drives me to violence against inanimate objects often enough - when animate ones are not feasible - and yet you suggest I should teach? What then, would you do? What use would I be to the cause that needs to be carried - none of your Ministers would accept me; I see and hear that hear, and now. So, then, your Edicts must be satisfied, yes? Then I will not compete your position - provided that you strive for time before entering Klingon space, and in that way, act in my name, and do only what I would do -were- I to take your position. With time, we can overcome the barriers that stand between ourselves and a more rational resolution - or perhaps we will not; but the effort in itself is noble, for those children whom impressed me so earlier. But your People, of all, surely fear time less than many others; you defeat it with this ship, already, in your way. So what is a little more waiting?"

Goodwin nods his head. "Of course, Your Excellency," says the second officer, his eyes very wide. "Should have seen it coming, should have seen it coming." Ooops.

Jatila slips quickly to the Klingon's side. Jatila whispers to Kogh, "Take it. Take the position. Don't tick them off by flouting their traditions. We can worry about you having it later. For now, /you have a vote on their council/. And you can persuade others on the council to vote against this suicidal path they're on."

Zaratan says to Goodwin, his voice low but not particularly whispering, easily perceivable by those who are giving an ear to them rather than to Kogh and Yarosh, "Commander, I must accept this, as must Mini---the Honorable Yarosh. But I cannot condone it. Please tell me you did not plan this. I am mindful that your people asked repeatedly to meet Yanosh, and I do not think my reminder of his staunch opposition on the Council was the first you knew of it. He is the lynchpin of the opposition and I find this a rather mercenary way to get what you want. I will vote my conscience in Council, but I cannot condone the way you did this, and I want to make that clear."

. o O Kogh thinks, "I would take the damn position if I could. But there are those in the Empire who would no doubt see that as treasonous, or somesuch. And these people... would never trust me. Ever. Again. And my House is not without enemies... and I cannot afford to make more. Not now. We are too weakened by the disappearance of my father already."

Solange turns to Zaratan, then,"I assure you sir... that would be the Lieutenant's last intention. All that was intended was to persuade the Honorable Yarosh that patience, and not haste was indeed preferrable in this instance."

Goodwin gesutres here. Gesture there, where 'there' is the new Minister. "Your Excellency, I assure you that this was not any plan or design on my part. I sought to use suasion to assist the Honorable Yarosh in making up his own mind." A pause. "Yet, it appears that the Envoy-General was more persuasive than I had thought."

Zaratan nods. "Very well. Obviously, this will shatter the opposition. I will convene a meeting of the council." He raises a voice. "Minister Kogh, come. We must get you to the Council chambers."

Solange comments to Goodwin, then,"I take it this is a good thing, sir...?"

It would be now the perfect moment to raise a single eyebrow, if Shamash was capable of that feat. He is not, so he raises both, biting on his lip as not to say anything.

Goodwin takes a deep breath and raises his shoulders. "This is all in the Envoy-General's hands," says the second officer, finally. For once, the control freak is powerless.

Solange offers, then,"Well... if it's worth anything... I thing the ambassador will do the right thing."

And, indeed, that hope follows the Yimaan Minister of Agriculture, and the Klingon who -- robe still in hands, protesting gruffly but too mindful of his place as a diplomat to object physically -- is now the Minister of Education, depart the Revolutionary Square Garden. Within moments, an intercom announces: "Attention to all the People: A new meeting of the Revolutionary Council is about to start. The Honorable Yarosh has been replaced as Minister of Education in a debate of merit with the Klingon Kogh, and the new Minister of Education will, as is tradition, be chairing today's parliamentary Council session." The announcement continues as the focus trails now through the garden, towards the blank exit out into th corridor. "All of the People who are not on an assigned work-shift may proceed to the nearest view-room to witness the Council's deliberations....That is all...."

Fade to black.

Time: Thu Oct 27 21:04:58 2005

Stardate: 55367.2

Fade in on the mess hall of Thomas Paine, with the background hum of the warp drive in flight. The sole occupant of the room at the moment is a Klingon in battle armor, though there is the hint of movement at the door indicating that either his own honor guard, or a security officer, is there to ensure his privacy...

For one to all intents and purposes victorious, Kogh does not appear tremendously happy. He is seated, with a dk'tagh cradled in both hands; there does his gaze lie. A smile is there, upon his strong features, but it is not a whole-hearted one. "Personal File, General-Envoy Kogh. - So, here we stand," he is saying, voice low and thoughtful, "and it would seem that all has come to an exceedingly polite beginning. It is never the end, after all. The visit will take place; the law will be suspended for long enough; and there is just the glimmer of hope of some sort of new beginning for the Yimaan - although I am not certain others, such as the Yimaan themselves, will see it that way." He pauses, lifting the dagger up to the light to peer at it, head tilting to one side ever so slightly. "My father was never pleased, come the end of a successful conference. Somehow, peace never feels right. Yet I, like he, fight for it with every inch of strength - even while I despise that fate has somehow ripped from me the greater glories of battle." A quiet grunt. "'Life is unfair,' my grandfather once told me, 'but be glad that it is so; better that than to believe that we deserve all that comes to us.' So, in the end, I do not believe that this is deserved, this victory; the Yimaan do not deserve it, for they are weak, and they will perish if the great quality which they possess remains untapped. House Koraga does not deserve the avoidance of the dishonour which may have been brought into greater light by their attack on the Yimaan ship. The Yimaan Exile Crown Prince does not deserve to live, for he is a coward who would not face the Law, and instead used tricks to bring about safety for his pointless little visit. Starfleet does not, for they thought to interfere where there own laws would prohibit it - even if they did so through others. The Romulans... what victory could they ever deserve, if I speak from my heart?" A heavy sigh. "So none, really, deserve this victory - except for those children." A slow smile, and the Klingon heaves to his feet. "So perhaps not all is lost. - End."

Time: Thu Oct 27 21:22:40 2005

Stardate: 55367.2

And as the Klingon's growls of pessimism-in-victory fade, the image does as well, re-resolving to the equipment lockers of USS Thomas Paine, where a few Operations crewmen depart in silence, leaving Lieutenant Commander Joshua Goodwin alone with his thoughts as he checks in his own equipment, one of the few ways to find a snippet of solitude on the small, cramped ship...

"Second Officer's Log, Stardate 55367.2

"They say pride goeth before the fall, but sometimes it's better for a proud people for there to be no fall at all. I never boarded the Yimaan ark ship looking to help install the Klingon Ambassador as the Minister of Education, but it was best in the end that he did. There's no shortage of irony: That a xenophobic people would accept an outsider, someone not of the Ark to chair their Council for one day, that the representative of the government set on destroying the ship would be its savior.

"For my part, I got a letter of good will from the Yimaan people expressing their appreciation for my, and the Station's, help over the last ten days. The Crown Prince-sort-of-in-exile gets to walk among his people once more, and the ringmaster of the entire ambush has been tried and awaits execution.

"But better than any letter is that the ark ship will live. Twenty thousand people will pass through space, allowed to carry out their own journey in their own way, and all of us now have a greater appreciation for one another. The most satisifying part of this job is getting to say you changed and affected lives for the better. In Federation history, this will be another brief file in Memory Alpha's databanks. For the Yimaan people, and for me, it's a whole lot more."