ILLUMINARRPG: (5-0950) Ambassador Quentin McKenzie

[Al Muir]

Mission:  For Honor

Day: 5

Stardate: 2446.04.28


(Qo'nos - Diplomatic Quarters - Ambassador Quentin McKenzie - 0950)


As Sekal took the center of the room he gathered everyone’s attention to let them know that, “the Ambassador is quite correct."  He thanked Pe’tah and gave him and the two new House rulers an opportunity to leave to do… whatever Klingons needed to do.



Sekal stepped away from Lanista toward the center of the room. "Gentlemen ...," he nodded toward Quinna who had finished treating her patient, "... and ladies the Ambassador is quite correct."


He turned his gaze toward the latest arrival. "Councilor Pe'tah you have my thanks for your timely intervention however it would appear you have internal Klingon matters to discuss with your compatriots."


Then he turned to McKenzie and said,  "Ambassador, am I to conclude that you are refusing the counsel of my officer?"


McKenzie shook his head, “That is not what I am saying, Captain.  However, I am saying that council needs to be tempered with reason, and that it is clear that this woman is looking to supplant me as one of the voices of the Federation.”


"There has been no conspiracy to replace you, merely an unfiltered summation of the thought process of one who knows the internal workings of Klingon politics."


~Then perhaps she should start applying a filter.~ he thought to himself, but only nodded.


His eyes settled on Lanista. "Despite your reservations the Ambassador has been chosen to represent Federation interests in this matter and I expect you to offer guidance rather than criticism Lieutenant."


There was a sudden change in the demeanor of the half Klingon half Vulcan, "My apologies, Sirs.  My bearing was meant to be probative. My approach was curt because time is of the essence here. My demeanor here has not been to communicate any particular intent, nor any desired outcome. I appreciate being called for my input, and I approached the matter in the most direct way possible, given the implied urgency. I am sorry, however, if any of this has resulted in any offense. None was truly intended."


McKenzie’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the woman critically.  He was not really buying her apology.  Her arguments were too emphatic, and too caustic.  He did not believe she did not intend to offer offense.  In fact, he was pretty certain that was exactly her goal.  But he did not say anything more.


Sekal nodded. "Now, with that settled I suggest we turn our attention to the matter at hand, refrain from confrontation and work out an equitable plan for moving forward. As for the conduct of my officers Ambassador…,” he looked at McKenzie sharply, “I suggest that if you have reservations you speak with me of them in private rather than airing them in public. While members of the Federation they have a vested interest in their native affairs but I will take the steps necessary to ensure they remain on course until this matter is resolved."


‘“Indeed, Captain,” McKenzie replied,returning the gaze, just as clearly sending his own message back.  “I have no issue with that, as long as they are not openly suggest our involvement with the internal struggles of the Klingon government.  At that point, I don’t care who they are, I will have my say.  This is not, as the saying goes, my first rodeo, or my first experience with the Klingons.  We,” he indicated to himself and the other ambassadors, “have actually taken time to learn something of the culture here.”


Lanista looked at Sekal and expressed her thoughts about her position in Klingon affairs.  For someone who had just attempted to incite them to be involved in Klingon affairs she seemed to have suddenly decided her lack of importance in this scenario.  McKenzie just shook his head.


“Well, Ms. Lanista,” he said, “we can agree on one thing.  Klingons do, indeed, define themselves by their enemy.  Which is why it galls them that we have held them off for centuries.  However, if you have been involved in current politics you might have noted a slight evolution in that policy.  A minor movement, if you will, but a change nonetheless.  It was that evolution that prompted our mission.”


(reply Lanista)

(posted by Al Muir)


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