Lets try this again

Posted on Wed May 19th, 2021 @ 10:33pm by Rotush Kenear Minister & Commander Marisa Sandoval & Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: Surface- government building
Timeline: Current

Minister Rotush sat in his office, frantic, he had witnessed the murder of the Starfleet officer, now they would be held accountable. He had no idea of Starfleet protocol of such matters, but he knew it wouldn't be good. If it had been the Klingons that had arrived first... then there would be devastation.

"Klingon council has stated that their people are en route minister. However the federation and the Klingon empire are bordering on war." his aide replied as he approached the desk. "Also, another shuttle has landed, and a larger contingent of federation personnel, has arrived. Armed."

Nodding. "Do you blame them."

Aide said nothing, just turned away, "excuse me something I have something to attend to."

Rotush paused, his needing to attend to something now was a little confusing, but he had other things to worry about. "Lets get out there and meet the Starfleet officers shall we." He turned to his officers. "Weapons remain here. There has been enough bloodshed."

Outside, Marisa and her team were approaching the building. "Keep weapons down. We don't want them to get jumpy. Let's hope they're as upset by the shooting as we are."

Sky was sending a whole mix of strong emotions as they approached the building. “We’re definitely at the right place. The emotions coming from this area are practically off the scale.” She massaged her temples, she had no choice but to ramp up her mental defenses to stop herself from being flooded with unwanted emotions.

Rotush walked out of the building, his security in tow, all unarmed. He had no idea what to say, so he said nothing, and awaited their first response. He was expecting hostility, which would be perfectly acceptable. He stopped awaiting their final approach. Once they had, he held out his hand and so did his security officers. To show they were unarmed. Little good that did the first time. "Please come inside away from the open."

Marisa held out her hand as well. She drew on her Vulcan half to show an outer calm that belied her caution. "Thank you," she said quietly. She glanced at each member of the party, gauging their reactions.

Sky followed suit to show that she too was no threat to anyone. “I think going inside would be a wise decision Commander” She smiled politely.

Leading the team in, "How is your captain?" He asked first, "There are things you should know... but all in good time Commander."

Rick was suspicious but kept his thoughts private for the time being. He agreed with going indoors for the rest of the discussion. He really didn't like the away team exposed in such a manner and who knew if the shooter was still out there or not?

"Not well," Marisa replied. "He has been sent to a special medical facility." It was quiet ant blunt.

Rotush paused as they entered a room with table, big enough for all to sit. Turning, he nodded and the security officers walked out. "Please sit." He gestured as he sat.

"I can tell you it wasn't us, not my people. An individual from our people may be conspiring with a third party. But the government wants things to remain as they were, but we need help."

Sky was carefully monitoring the conversation, letting her Betazoid senses guide her. “It’s the truth Commander, I sense no deception.”

A security officer walked in... "Sir sources say the IKS Gree'Tok has arrived in orbit. The Klingons have arrived."

"What sort of help do you need--apart from the condition of your atmosphere?" Marisa asked. "Also, why are the Klingons here? Do you want them to join us?" She had no problem talking to the Klingons. She much preferred a direct approach whenever possible.

"Klingons are here because the original treaty involved the three of our people." Rotush replied "As for other help, the people are getting sick, a disease is ravaging through the population, some say it's from mining without the proper equipment and both the federation and Klingons have asked for more. This causes more pollution, more accidents as well as more of the disease."

"At the same time, there must be sustainability," Marisa said. "Not just for production, but for the people here. We want to help find temporary relief and a permanent solution." The conditions on the planet were appalling. She would do what she could to help the people here find the help they need.

"We have what we have commander." Rotush replied as he leaned back, "Our economy relies on the mines, depends on your and the Klingons purchase. The more we mine the more we make. The more we make, the sicker we get."

Rick frowned. "Excuse me if I'm outa line, but what good are the riches if you're too sick to spend it on anything?"

"We lose everything we make. Since we can't pay with resources, we pay with the profits we make with the resources." Rotush replied, coming clean finally. "This mining is an Orion Syndicate facility. We mine, sell the resources, and we pay them, not to raid and steal that which is meant for the Federation and the Klingon empire. They in turn get the profits."

Rick's frown continued, "Sounds like an old fashioned protection racket. That's no good."

"So what we need is assistance with our 'problem' he looked around. There are very little loyal to them, the little we did stand up for.... was met with a school of young children abducted. Since then. We agree to their demands. They requesting more profits, so we mine more. Machines break down... explode, people die... we work. Or we lose our kids." He turned to the Commander. "We need help."

"Why didn't you tell us any of this before?" she asked. "Of course we'll help you." Risking the lives of children was unconscionable. She knew Starfleet would help drive off the Orion's and help clean up the planet.

"Its been decades, they know how to get to people." Rotush replied as he looked at his security. "I tried... once to stand up. I lost three daughters... They lost their sisters. My security are my two remaining children. The only ones I can trust." He paused, "They have ways on making people work for the, and its not profit. They threaten people you care about."

"Commander Sandoval, I believe we have found our assassin." came over the combadges.

"On my way," the first officer responded.

She turned to Rotush. "I need to deal with this," she said. "We'll get back to you shortly." She paused, then added. "We will help you and your people, Minister."

Rotush nodded, "Let us walk you out." He replied as he gestured towards the doors. "Please, take the lead." He replied to his security, one can not be too sure, especially with experience of the past 24 hrs.