09-13-2025, 01:05 AM
Ameen settled into his chair at the head of the table, observing his guest's every move. He saw the look C'had gave Keir—the same predatory gaze from the transporter room. It sent a flash of protective anger through him, which he immediately suppressed.
That's a problem. A line he's approaching very quickly. File it for later...
He also noted the apology directed at Emery Tyris-McEntyre.
So the 'date' was a real thing. Another potential complication...
Then came the question, dripping with ego: "Are we all waiting for the story of my life?"
Ameen offered a calm, polite smile, refusing to be drawn into the drama. He picked up his fork, a subtle signal that this was, in fact, a dinner, not a performance.
"While I'm sure all of your lives have been fascinating, Mediator," Ameen began, his tone even and direct, "you are correct. It is this life, the 'much more interesting' C'had Kestir, that is of the utmost importance right now." He met C'had's gaze, holding it. "You are the one who will be negotiating peace between the Veld and the Taveres. You are the reason we are all here. So yes, in that respect, you are the most interesting person at this table."
He paused, letting the compliment—and the reminder of duty it contained—sink in.
"So, let's start there," Ameen continued, smoothly pivoting the conversation from personal history to official business. "Tell us about the situation as you see it. What are your initial thoughts on the conflict? Your predecessor's files were thorough, but we'd be very interested in hearing your fresh perspective."
He then gestured to the buffet. "But please, let's eat first. No diplomacy should be conducted on an empty stomach."
The real mission starts now, Ameen thought, finally taking a bite of his food. Right here at this table...
== Tag ==
That's a problem. A line he's approaching very quickly. File it for later...
He also noted the apology directed at Emery Tyris-McEntyre.
So the 'date' was a real thing. Another potential complication...
Then came the question, dripping with ego: "Are we all waiting for the story of my life?"
Ameen offered a calm, polite smile, refusing to be drawn into the drama. He picked up his fork, a subtle signal that this was, in fact, a dinner, not a performance.
"While I'm sure all of your lives have been fascinating, Mediator," Ameen began, his tone even and direct, "you are correct. It is this life, the 'much more interesting' C'had Kestir, that is of the utmost importance right now." He met C'had's gaze, holding it. "You are the one who will be negotiating peace between the Veld and the Taveres. You are the reason we are all here. So yes, in that respect, you are the most interesting person at this table."
He paused, letting the compliment—and the reminder of duty it contained—sink in.
"So, let's start there," Ameen continued, smoothly pivoting the conversation from personal history to official business. "Tell us about the situation as you see it. What are your initial thoughts on the conflict? Your predecessor's files were thorough, but we'd be very interested in hearing your fresh perspective."
He then gestured to the buffet. "But please, let's eat first. No diplomacy should be conducted on an empty stomach."
The real mission starts now, Ameen thought, finally taking a bite of his food. Right here at this table...
== Tag ==