05-25-2025, 07:29 AM
Trill Planetary Control first scanned the USS Zephyr, and then answered their hail. A middle-aged man filled the center of their viewscreen, his expression bright-eyed yet stressed.
“This is Ambassador Vel Junde. You have been instructed to escort top trade mediator Kestir as requested by both planets Veld and Taveres.” He paused for effect. “These planets have been in various disputes for hundreds of years, and have finally decided to settle down and speak at the same table. They will only speak with Kestir, whose information we will be sending to you now.”
He looked to his left and nodded to someone off-screen.
“Please be advised that we hold her in the highest regard, and every request must be met.” Vel Junde leaned forward, as if to tell the Captain something secret. “Kestir’s current host, while very good at what she does…” He leaned even more far forward, bringing his voice down low. “She is very old, Captain, so please handle her with care. She has asked for two weeks time for preparations, and Veld and Taveres have been gracious enough to grant her three. We ask that you do not take one second of that from her.”
The Ambassador sat up straight again, taking a deep breath. Some of the stress was now gone from his face. However, the person to his left handed him something, which he viewed off-screen, and caused him to look back up to Captain Ameen in alarm.
“There - will be a delay.” He stammered. “Please read her dossier carefully!”
The screen went black, and communication with Trill was cut. Aside from this very odd, specific-yet-vague conversation, everything else in the Trill system was as to be expected.
“This is Ambassador Vel Junde. You have been instructed to escort top trade mediator Kestir as requested by both planets Veld and Taveres.” He paused for effect. “These planets have been in various disputes for hundreds of years, and have finally decided to settle down and speak at the same table. They will only speak with Kestir, whose information we will be sending to you now.”
He looked to his left and nodded to someone off-screen.
“Please be advised that we hold her in the highest regard, and every request must be met.” Vel Junde leaned forward, as if to tell the Captain something secret. “Kestir’s current host, while very good at what she does…” He leaned even more far forward, bringing his voice down low. “She is very old, Captain, so please handle her with care. She has asked for two weeks time for preparations, and Veld and Taveres have been gracious enough to grant her three. We ask that you do not take one second of that from her.”
The Ambassador sat up straight again, taking a deep breath. Some of the stress was now gone from his face. However, the person to his left handed him something, which he viewed off-screen, and caused him to look back up to Captain Ameen in alarm.
“There - will be a delay.” He stammered. “Please read her dossier carefully!”
The screen went black, and communication with Trill was cut. Aside from this very odd, specific-yet-vague conversation, everything else in the Trill system was as to be expected.