For The Record

Posted on Dec 02, 2016 @ 10:36am by Ensign Arak Schad
Edited on on Dec 02, 2016 @ 10:38am

Mission: Aftermath

“For the Record”

(Continued from “United” )
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Location: Starfleet Academy
Scene: Gardens
Stardate: [2.16]1202.0247
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The gardens were lovely this time of year or so it seemed to Arak, who had taken to walking the grounds of Starfleet Academy his second year as a cadet. While it was true that the weather here was never more than perfect and the grounds were well maintained by Boithby, in some shape or form, Arak just seemed to feel that during these months of the Terran calendar the plants seemed to come alive. Earth was truly a sight to behold, a paradise that thrived after centuries of violence, and still thrived after current scars were inflicted upon her. Yet, the atmosphere had changed at Starfleet Academy and a strange distancing of species has begun to grow.

Looking out into the bay Arak sighed before taking a seat on a nearby bench only to be accompanied by a pair of Colias eurytheme, Orange Sulphur, butterflies in their brief mating ritual only to end suddenly with the rejection of the male. Arak smiled softly as the arthropods continued on their routines and the male danced softly in the air landing upon his knee. There was a sort of kinship with this creature, not the entire Lepidoptera order, just this particular species. The gentle washed yellow hues that gently embraced the sunlight as the ventral side of its wings were exposed to the sudden darker burnt orange flash that appeared with the dorsal exposure Arak understood them.

“Pardon me,” a gentle voice came suddenly from Arak right with enough surprise that it sent the duo of Orange Sulphurs into the air taking wing to escape Arak’s movements.

Arak watched the pair fly together for a moment before fluttering into nothingness before turning to face his unexpected visitor. Standing there as the sun dimmed at the beckoning of clouds passing by was a young Andorian female. Her skin a darker pale blue, the shade of arctic water reflected through a sea of ice, her hair white as the snow that capped many a mountain on this planetary paradise, and her eyes seemed to be a perfect meeting of the two colors as if wanting the best of both frigid worlds. She wasn’t wearing cadet attire or Starfleet for that matter; but, it was rare for anyone other than Starfleet to be found in the academy even more so an Andorian, whether they were in the academy or not. It was not a subject widely discussed, much like the Pon farr of their Vulcan counterparts, the Andorian wedding ceremony and consummation following were socially guarded topics and yet they are briefly mentioned in any given biology lecture on Academy grounds when a question of their seeming disappearance is asked only to be noted that commonly an Andorian wedding requires four people leaving each cadet to infer the reasons why and lack thereof of offspring.

The young woman stepped closer only to stop as Arak instinctively recoiled and slid further away on the bench. Her smile was inviting; but, not to much so to show interest in him; but, enough to indicate she was there because of him, “I am sorry if I am bothering you; but, I was hoping to speak with you if I may?”

Arak tilted his head slightly to the right before quickly blinking several times in repetition as he ponder the implications of such an inquiry and its ultimate purpose. The young woman smiled again doing her best to reassure the young Aaamazzarite, knowing the species to be flighty and quick to disappear in a crowd, “you see I was hoping, well that is I was wanting to ask for your help.”

“Help, help?” Arak stated as his head twitched slightly considering the request, “I am not sure as to what help I will be able to lend; but, as a Starfleet officer I will render aid.”

The young andorian woman smiled and let a quick light hearted laugh fall from her lips and dance through the air, much like the previous Orange Sulphurs Arak thought, before nodding her head, “I was hoping you would help me as a visitor to this world.”

Arak’s muscles tightened slightly as his head moved leaning to the left. Something withinside him did not agree with the comment or distinguishing of being a visitor to a world he had made his home for six years, having moved to earth early to adjust to the social changes and lifestyle before entering the academy for four, “I’m afraid I can not help with that as I no longer consider myself a “visitor” to this planet.”

The woman frowned being faced with her own choice of words before nodding, “no, no you wouldn’t. I am sorry, it was a poor choice of words on my part; but, it is the very reason I am asking for your help.”

“I fail to see how the classification of my current residency status upon this world or any other could be beneficial to anyone,” Arak stated blinking quickly again watching the young woman's face darken from the pale shade of blue it had been to a deep darker blue, much more like the depths of the arctic where danger hides.

“If I may just be permitted I believe I can explain,” she stated before moving to the opposite end of the bench and extending her hand, “my name is Leitas.”

Having become familiar with the customer Arak extended his hand and smiled slightly, “Arak.”

Leitas smiled before pulling her messenger bag onto her lap and opening it to retrieve a padd, “It’s nice to meet you Arak and thank you for allowing me to sit with you. I have never had the opportunity to speak with an Aaamazzarite representative and it’s truly an honor.”

Arak’s head slightly jerked before returning to its previous tilt to the right, “I am not a representative of the Aaamazzarite people Leitas I am merely a Starfleet officer.”

Leitas laughed tucking her white hair behind her ear, “excuse me I was just meaning that as an Aaamazzarite on earth don’t you feel you represent your people among the Terrans?”

Arak looked down as his eyes seemed to process the words much like a computer would only to soften slightly with the weight of sadness posed by the thought itself, “I have never distinguished myself in that manner nor have I felt the need to defend my people or their culture on earth. I am a member of the Federation just as you, and all species from protectorate worlds on earth are including the Terran or Human race.”

Smiling Leitas nodded, “I like your way of thinking Arak. See, there is a growing feeling that people are afraid of Humanity and i’m trying to get honest answers to help assess the situation to be submitted to the Federation Council.”

Leitas continued to smile her lips remaining closed showing no teeth this time. She didn’t feel as if she was telling a lie to Arak, as she would give all that that they discuss to her boss and then from there it would be used to help with presentations to the council. She only watched Arak, studied his body language and adjusted appropriately all to have him speak his mind about the situation.

Arak’s eyes which has been moving with the processing of her last statement suddenly stopped and fixed on her face. He watched for subtle ticks or twitches to indicate fabrication or misleading intents as his mind weighed the outcomes. There weren’t many things that Arak knew would unsettle an Andorian, without losing an antenna, but he was counting on the unsettling stare of an Aaamazzarite would be enough to throw the young woman off her game if she were up to no good. No change came and Arak acquiesced, “I’ll be glad to answer your questions.”

Leitas’ smile widened as he moved closer holding her padd, “do you mind if I record our conversation to ensure no misunderstanding and if I were to add in your previous comments as well?”

Arak nodded, “you may as you were already doing so beforehand.”

The blood rushed to Leitas’ cheeks as Arak revealed he had caught her slide of hand beginning a recording session with her padd. Chuckling softly her right hand lifted rubbing the back of her neck,”you caught that did you?”

Arak’s head twisted slightly more to the right with the woman’s words, “there is little I do not see in the world around me.”

Leitas’ paused a moment staring at the pale yellow man. There was something in his words that seemed comforting almost flattering; but, there was no compliment that was said yet it felt as if one was almost implied. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks again before she nervously began, “Ok, for the moment I just want to see if you agree with some statements that have been made throughout the Federation recently. Richard Edgerton has been likened to an ancient Earth political regime during the second World War, who wanted a particular race of humanity to dominate the planet much like Edgerton wanted Humans to dominate the Federation which is quickly deemed wrong. The resulting chaos and strife incites a response from the remaining officers of Starfleet and the rest of Federation to wage a nigh-civil war to remove him, much like the War in ancient Earth history; but, that is deemed righteous.”

Arak’s eyes darted back and forth as he processed the information making sure to examine each word and inflection before nodding in agreement, “that does seem to be the standing thought and I would tend to agree with the statement being viewed as such by all.”

Leita smiled softly moving down the list to the next statement, “when the Federation council identified the problems in Human society (namely that Humans are much too powerful) and tries to take steps to reform the Federation and reel in Human power and influence, it is deemed bad and there's a backlash. With the standing feeling that if the other races in the Federation do not act, Richard Edgerton's ultimate dream comes true as Humans will likely eventually aggrandise themselves so much that they become the true power in the Federation; or, if the other races in the Federation do act, they are accused of betraying the Human race and risking a pro-Edgerton backlash amongst Humans, which could make his politics more attractive to Humans once again.”

Arak’s eyes quickly moved from side to side examining every word before looking back to Leitas, “I can see where these would be points raised expressed and agree that they are possible outcomes.”

Leitas’ eyes watched Arak as his facial expressions did not change but remained the same with each statement. She knew that the Aaamazzarite people were not emotionless and did not pursue logic and yet so far Arak had not expressed his own opinion.

“ Let me follow up that last statement with a question for you. As a Federation citizen what do you feel is the solution?”

“What it has always been,” Arak immediately answered catching Leitas off guard after having to wait for carefully calculated responses.

Leaning forward Leitas smiled softly showing her confusion, “what it has always been?”

“Trust, it has always been trust. The results are supposed outcomes. Humanity is they way it is due to lifespan, they are driven to succeed. Historically, most notably recent history, that drive has been to the greater good, and when a threat to the Federation and her people appear they have quickly stepped up to deal with it, not just if it's a human caused or perceived threat, but any threat,” he quickly answered shifting slightly in his sitting posture to accommodate the soreness beginning to build in his muscles.

“But surely with the prime directive the removal from the Council is a breech..”

Arak shook his head slowly knowing that generally the prime directive is not an issue with Federation members as they grow as an organization and as a singular planetary body, “the prime directive forbids interfering in a species natural development not their role in the grand scheme. Yet it is with the multiple interactions and experiences given by other societal forces that cause humans to do what they do best, change, adapt, and grow becoming more than they were.”

Leitas’ nodded before leaning back slightly into the metal arm of the bench for support, “so, if you're another of the Federation's species, you just sit back and do nothing while Humans continue to accrue more power and influence until one day they're just... in charge?”

Arak emitted a soft smile before looking around at the Academy grounds and the bay once more, “power is in the eye of the beholder. Humanity has filled many positions because of their population, due to lifespan and speed in breeding; but, it does not mean they have more power, or at least if feel the majority do not think that way.” He took a deep breath before turning back to Leitas staring her straight in the eyes, “to define it as power undermines the democracy of the Federation.”

“How so?”

Arak once again straightened his posture before facing Leitas more his body language relaxing slightly, “Aaamazzarites, like Humans and all other protectorates, have one representative. We follow the chain of command ,like humans and all other protectorates, but it’s the Humans who have continually balanced out temperaments of all the other protectorates and are balanced themselves by others protectorates.”

Leitas’ nodded, “so you’re saying humanity helps keep the balance as a whole and through that balance they are themselves in balance.”

Arak nodded slowly his voice certain of every word, “it's why there is documented evidence of why they lead so well. They continue to show how much they understand they must be guided carefully to ensure their drive is not replaced by disastrous ambition and in turn are through their willingness and humility help others find common ground not thought possible.”

Leitas’ smile changed slightly as she prepared a mental curveball. The thrill of debate and discussion was never outmatched by anything not even in her youth. She lived to discuss and sometimes argue, but always striving for the right resolution, “yet I or any other species might accuse them of disguising their attempt to hold on to power by pretending to be benevolent. From that point of view, Humans are everywhere. They dominate Starfleet, wield enormous political power, and as you've just indicated are resistant to any suggestion to curb that power. A benevolent dictator, as Batman likes to remind Superman, is still a dictator.”

“As who said,” Arak stated his eyes darting back and forth searching the knowledge he had of humanity looking for a bat like man or man publically declared to be super.”

Leitas’ laughed an honest laugh for the first time since Paris enjoying the company of Arak, for what it was worth. The ensign was honest and compassionate with his words even if all of them were not spoken, “don’t worry about it; but, the accusation would be hard to overcome.”

Arak nodded in agreement, “and yet as an Aaamazzarite or any other species including humans could argue you would be allowing your fear of lack of power or loss of it to cloud your judgement when I clearly said as a species they we do not desire power and freely admit to having to be guided to ensure as a whole who they truly are is not lost.”

Leitas laughed softly at the rebuttal, “one final question and then we are finished. Looking at the future, do you think this is doomed to become a circular argument?”

Arak once again began to examine the conversation and information from his personal experiences on earth. Looking down he sighed before coming to his conclusion, “Only if trust can not be reestablished. I hope the Assembly will see that A species can't be made to account for an individual. If they intend to do so then they would need to begin plans for making Vulcan, Andoria, and all the others who were neo-essentialists and supported them, sentenced the same fate as earth dissolving the Federation.”

Leitas nodded before slowly standing straightening her outfit, “I want to say that it has been a pleasure Arak. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

Standing slowly Arak nodded stretching the muscles in his legs and back before facing Leitas one last time, “You are welcome but I am puzzled that you did not mention one thing.”

Leitas tilted her head slightly having felt that she covered the necessary topics for her report quite thoroughly, “oh?”

“President Sardak,” Arak plainly said before turning away from her slightly only stopping to finish his thought, “and how circumvented the established and re-established process to enact a favored outcome within the council. Which, if the testimonies of the current council are to be believed, happened in the background to enact martial law and Richard Edgerton's ultimate rise to power.”

Leitas’ did not respond only watched as Arak walked away slowly before vanishing in the passing crowd of cadets. Her heart sank as the fear that she had stopped recording began to grow inside her mind only to be relieved as she looked down seeing the timer still going. Slowly she smiled before turning again finalizing her report and submitting it. The day had just begun for her and slowly she would collect the data she needed but for now she would enjoy the garden and the yellow and orange butterflies that seemed to swarm where Arak was. She only stopped when a soft yet stern voice made contact with her ears causing her to turn and face Boithby who was only a few steps away, “I didn’t send you in his direction to drag his name through the mud kid.”

“Don’t worry Boithby that will not happen. The recording has been sent to my boss, Ms. Bonviva,” Leitas’ replied.

Boithby grumbled as he reached over planting a flower into the bed he was knee deep in, “you heard what I said.”

“Boithby she is not like that you haven’t met her,” Leitas began to say defending Xana.

Straightening up as best he could Boithby grunts a laugh, “tall lady, blue skin, real knack for solving problems and making them. Oh, I know her, and my statement stands.”

Leitas’ stared at Boithby before shaking her head and walking away, “good old Boithby.”

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NRPG: Couldn’t sleep so I did this


Justin K. Owens
Ensign Arak Schad
Science Officer