SBA Episode 17: And You And I Part II - Eclipse
The Star Beagle Adventures
Episode 17: And You And I Part II - Eclipse
Scene 1: Terms of Expression
Coming quickly to terms of all expression laid …
17.1
Terms of Expression
“Hello, Queen. I am Captain Ronald Howard the Fourteenth, commanding the United Space Ship Beagle and speaking on behalf of the Beagle Task force, an exploratory expedition from the United Federation of Planets. We have established a colony on the planet known locally as Beidth, and to us as ASA 4, the 4th planet from the sun known to us as Al Salemais A, or ASA and to the locals as Ul. We are preparing an opening ceremony and are extending an invitation to you and a select group of representatives to join us, along with local representatives.
“It is important to note that by establishing a colony within the ASA star system, we are bringing the intelligent life within this star system under our protection. Our policy is to not interfere with their cultural development and we implore you to respect and adhere to this policy as visitors to a colony of the United Federation of Planets.
“We have considered your edicts and we do not recognize your authority to issue such edicts against representatives of the United Federation of Planets or against any other native population within this galaxy. We are aware that you have traveled here through the Jar Galaxy, known to you as the Great Wheel. Our general policy is to give precedence to the native populations, while welcoming immigrants to our galaxy.
“The creatures you referred to as an invasive species are relatives to our populations and have part of their genesis within the Milky Way. While they were born in the Jar Galaxy, they have ancestry within the Milky Way, which we will respect and we implore you to respect as well.
“You are welcome to join us as honored guests. Please comport yourselves accordingly and do not attempt to usurp our sovereignty or the sovereignty of other natives of our galaxy.”
Commodore Yui Song was amused. She switched off the viewer and stood up from her chair behind her desk in her office aboard the U.S.S. Mako. “Well, your throne is fancier than hers. I suppose the vulcans who built your ship really wanted to make an impression. But “Hello Queen?” Not something more formal like, "Greetings Your Majesty" or some such?”
“That would be a recognition of her status,” Captain Skip Howard rejoined. “And like as not, one she wouldn’t recognize.”
“Arrogant and gracious at the same time,” Yui observed.
“I figured I’d go with what I know,” Howard rejoined.
Commodore Yui made an amused noise, then assumed a more serious expression. “Are we prepared for them to come in hot?”
Howard bit his lip and took a deep breath. Then: “I know Captain Phlox is pushing his engines beyond their max, but it’s not really the Citadel itself that we need. We need the 31 short range interceptors Citadel is carrying.”
Yui shook her head slowly. “Those little pea-shooters have not proven very effective against destroyers. They do okay against oversized cruisers that don’t maneuver well. They can get inside a big ship’s shields and hammer at blind spots not covered by their guns. But destroyers generally don't have blind spots. And the death toll among interceptor pilots, especially against the jem’hadar, was just unconscionable.” She tapped a few controls on her desk and the image of a holy lander destroyer came up on the screen. “These ships don’t have blind spots. They’re bristling with weapons.”
Howard had a grim expression. “We’ll only get one shot at this. We have to put a thermomine on each of their hulls…”
“No, Ronald,” Yui interrupted. “My pilots could do it. But I only have two interceptors. We can’t count on such a complicated maneuver without weeks of training and simulations. And that’s assuming Phil has enough skilled pilots. Those interceptors are for the colony's defense. We can’t send them up against those holy lander destroyers.”
Skip Howard looked grim. He sat down slowly. “Our chances against that armada wouldn’t be good assuming they’re no more powerful than they look. And we know the holy warrior’s songs can make starship engines perform well above specifications. We have to assume the same holds true for their weapons and shields.”
Yui Song obtained a tea service from the replicator. She settled across from Howard and served him a cup of tea and waited, watching her subordinate as she slowly worked down her tea.
Howard drank equally slowly. He looked up. “I had forgotten how much I liked this stuff. This is really good tea.” He set his cup on the tea service. “Okay, I have another idea. It’s a real long shot and I really hate to ask. But I just can’t see any other way.”
Yui looked at him steadily. “The godchildren?”
Howard nodded slowly. “The godchildren.”
Yui Song sighed heavily. "Go ahead and send your message, Skip. Let's roll the dice."
17.1