Perception Part 3

Posted on Sun Apr 24th, 2022 @ 2:48pm by Captain Maia Sterling & Ambassador Amanda Blake & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Lieutenant Isabelle Raal & Captain Karyn Somers & Lieutenant JG Marina Tanger & Captain David Blake & Ensign K'Rin C'Tinu & Rear Admiral Stera Saagu

Mission: The Riixian Insurection
Location: Royal Betazed Assembly Chambers
Timeline: 239504.06

Captains Log Stardate 239504.06

The Ambassadorial delegation of the Federation represented by the USS Leto's away team consisted of Captain Sterling Captain Blake, Lieutenant Kasey Tanger, Lieutenant Marina Tanger, and Ambassador Amanda Blake. The Caliphate had been defeated and the senior leadership was being held in an antechamber. Charges of Insurrection and treason were pending. The Caliphate had made an impassioned plea to the council what they couldn't take by force they tried to take by persuasion, however, the people of Betazed valued truth among almost everything else. The Leto reported that the Psionic weapon at Niation falls had been neutralized and the biogenic weapon had been neutralized. Commander Toran's family was safely in our custody and her father's wounds were being tenderly treated by Doctor Hendon aboard the Leto. There were several in the various great houses that still wanted to secede from the Federation despite the military victory that had been gained against the caliphate. There were still hard feelings from some of the hardliners who weren't part of the caliphate that thought being a member of the Federation was dangerous. It was her team's mission to try and persuade the council members to remain in the Federation. Log Out.

Maia stood in the council chambers and listened to the impassioned pleas of the Caliphate leaders insisting on isolationism. She shook her head gently at all the distortions of the truth they put forth.

Finally, she got her chance to speak.

"I am Captain Maia Sterling of the Federation Starship USS Leto. I have come here on a mission of peace and resolution. I have heard the plea from the caliphate leaders. From a certain perspective, they do have a point. It can be dangerous to be part of a larger community when the galaxy is being invaded. I have to say that one of the main things that I have admired about the Betazoid culture is your adherence and respect for the truth. The truth is that the Caliphate has distorted the truth and used mind-controlling devices to control people and also murder them. How is that the truth? Betazed enjoys good relations in the Federation, excellent trade, and common defence. Yes, the Dominion did a lot of damage throughout the Federation and all but destroyed Betazed, but we came together as a community and rebuilt. Can I ask how long it would have taken Betazed to rebuild this beautiful planet without Federation assistance? You are not alone out here. You are a member of a vast community of sentient species. The Federation has 4000 member worlds and growing, each with its own beliefs and customs and I respect them all. I would ask that this esteemed ruling council remember that we are stronger with you than without you. and you are stronger with us than without us. Your membership in the Federation isn't perfect but it has been mutually beneficial for over a hundred years. Yes, you are but one voice in a chorus but we are listening. Please consider what you have to lose by succession and what you have to gain by it. I believe you will find that the scales have been artificially manipulated. Thank you for this opportunity to address the council." Maia stared.

Up next is Lieutenant Kasey Tanger a Betazoid member of my crew and my chief Diplomatic officer.

"Salutations to all esteemed members of the council," Kasey stated as he stood firmly at the podium. "I am Kasey Tanger, the son of two esteemed diplomates from Betazed. My parents raised me mostly off-world, but Betazed is my home non the less. I am honoured to be here as a representative not only of the Federation but also of Betazed. The peace we have all lived in most of our lives was in part due to the Federation's assistance. My parents negotiated on behalf of Betazed on many worlds. I am here to say that the Caliphate has done serious damage to the reputation of all Betazoid in the universe. Betazed is a planet of peace, there has not been any major negativity in history until the Dominion War. The Federation was there to help and as Captain Sterling stated, Betazed would likely not be where it is today without the Federation. I stand here today as a Betazoid who never has looked away from my heritage. While I do not live on the planet or work for the council, I do still honour my heritage in all my work. The work I do is for the benefit of the Federation and in turn for Betazed. I continue to work following the legacy of my late parents which is why I am a diplomatic officer for the Federation where I can work for all. I know my parents would be here today if it was possible also pleading for Betazed to remain strong with the Federation. The Caliphate is not the means to separate our world from the Federation. Please recognize that prosperity and peace are what the Federation is truly all about and the Caliphate is only out for abusive and selfish interests that benefit only their leader or a select elite in the leading ranks."

"Well Spoken Mr Tanger", Maia said pleased.

"Up next on behalf of the United Federation of Planets is Ambassador Amanda Blake," Maia stated.

Amanda took the centre stage looking stately in her ambassadorial robes.

"Many here have known me for a very long time, I have been the Federation Ambassador to Betazed for a decade now. I truly believe that the Rixxian Caliphate is wrong in assuming that it speaks for the majority of Betazed. An organization that has to distort the truth or even mind control its victims does not deserve to stand in the light of day among sentient beings. I am a sentient being who values truth and justice. I have been ambushed, delayed, threatened, and almost killed trying to get here. I have already filed a criminal complaint against the caliphate for their methods. Methods that are usually reserved for a time of war when in extreme desperation. That time is not now, however, a remnant of the caliphate has not yet beaten their swords into ploughs. It's taken many weeks to get here and the damage has been done. Some of you in this very council have supported the Caliphate. I know that Politics is Politics, but it is wrong to murder to silence the opposition. Betazed has only one reason to leave the Federation, and that is to become an autocracy and an Ilse unto yourselves. I resolutely ask that you carefully reconsider your position. Because regime change from the end of a pointed weapon will only result in the self-destruction of your entire society and place in the greater galactic neighbourhood. and history. That is all I have to say about that. Thank you for your attention to this most important matter".

The next speaker will be Ambassador Stera Saagu the Betazed representative to the Federation.

Ambassador Saagu stepped forward and shook hands with Betazed friends as she came to the podium. She allowed the applause to subdue and then started to speak.

"Thank you, LT Tanger, it was great to hear you speak and also your ideas for peace. As you know I am an Ambassador for Star Fleet. But I am also a citizen of Betazed. I am very troubled about the matters involving the Caliphate. And how they acquired sure a powerful weapon. And I am very sad that we as a Government on Betazed allowed this to happen. We as a Government must take back control of our planet and make sure all involved with the Caliphate be given proper sentences that are necessary for their crimes.

They have committed war crimes like have never been seen by our people before. Kidnapping, murder, and terrorism; we must see they pay for their crimes and we must stop them. I believe the Federation is a great assistance to Betazed and that we need them to aid in our planet's defence. If we don't unify with the Federation it is only a matter of time before another group such as the Dominion comes and takes over our beloved planet again.

With help from the Federation, we can still rule our homeworld and also help to keep space free for all life forms. I happen to know right now LCMD Toran a Betazed and XO on the Leto is fighting to save her parents. And that a long-hidden child of Betazed has come back to fight for the honour of Betazed. Her name is Havri Belbre. She is the Chief Security Officer on the Leto and is fighting now to defeat the Caliphate and destroy the psionic weapon the Caliphate have. She was removed from Betazed as a small baby to protect her from the assassins that killed her parents. And has come home to fight for Betazed. And to assume her mother's place on the Betazed Council.

Havri Belbre was kidnapped for the information she held and escaped with the help of the Federation. The information she uncovered proved who all known members of the Caliphate were. Plus allowed for others to be exposed as well. I feel we the people of Betazed own the Federation a huge debt of gratitude for what they have done for us. And Also feel that if we did not have help from them that the Caliphate would have destroyed our planet already.

I ask the Council to listen and review everything that has come to light about the Caliphate. And to let Betazed continue to be part of the federation. And to assist them when needed. Because as you can see they will go all the way for any member of the Federation. To help defend them."

After huge applause, she spoke again, "I am not sure who the next speaker is but I will ask Captain Sterling to come back up."

Maia stepped off the podium and excused herself and went into an antechamber.

=/\= Sterling to Leto, Status report. =/\=

=/\=Psionic defusing crystals have been deployed. We are in geosynchronous orbit above the capital to monitor aerospace traffic in case the Caliphate launches a last-ditch assault on the council vote.=/\=

=/\= Great work is there any word on our away teams=/\= Sterling inquired.

=/\=No updates at this time Captain. We are monitoring all communications traffic in the system and will keep you appraised of the situation.=/\= Lt Gibbs replied.

=/\= Alright, keep me informed of any changes Sterling out =/\=

Isabelle sat beside Marina, with no one at the podium she leaned towards Marina.

“Maybe you should go up, you’ve been in the position of being on both sides. Talk to them.”

Marina looked between Kasey and Isabelle before nodding and making her way up to the podium. She cleared her throat and looked around those gathered.

“My name is Marina Tanger, though for as long as I can remember I was known as Marina Monroe. I’m Betazoid, Betazed is my home. I never knew my real parents and I only recently discovered I had a twin brother.” She looked toward Kasey. “I have spent a long time deep undercover as a member of the Caliphate, they still have my daughter. The Caliphate wanted to destroy all outside influences, and make Betazed a free world as they put it! But don’t be fooled, they want to isolate Betazed so they can destroy our leaders, and rule as they see fit.” She paused to let that fact sink in. “Please don’t make any rash decisions, don’t isolate our homeworld from our allies and friends.”

With that Marina offered a polite nod and stepped down from the podium, she just hoped what she said had given those gathered something to think about.

- Shuttle Dragonfly -

Sheena, having just finished transporting her parents and grandparents to her shuttle, Communicated to Maia quickly. =/\=Toran to Sterling, I am inbound with my parents and grandparents to the council chambers. My mother has insisted that she wants to speak before the council=/\= While waiting for a reply, the doctor is working feverishly on her father's injuries and her mother's as well. Her grandmother and grandfather are patiently waiting for the doctor to finish.

Once again the bad side of Betazed had reared its ugly head. Sheena’s parent's injuries were life-threatening. But too much had been lost already. Hendon was determined no one was going to lose loved ones. Not while he was still Chief Medical Officer of the Leto. It took a while but Robert managed to stabilize them. He did not leave their side until Robert was confident they would live.

=/\= We are in the middle of deliberations now, if you're going to speak you need to get here soon. =/\= Maia said.

Brannon hit her communications Badge, =/\= Captain Sterling, the control room for the psionic weapon is destroyed. I think it is time for me to join you on Betazed so I can report personally to all that we have destroyed the control room and the weapon itself is destroyed. I think it is time for me to show myself to the people of Betazed.=/\=

=/\=Lieutenant your mission now is to assist lieutenant Somers with taking out the biogenic warhead and missile delivery system. that is your primary duty. Sterling out. =/\=

Robert moved towards Toran. “Their road to recovery will be a long one. But they will make it. Let them sleep for now.” He reported

Verinnia lifted herself on her elbow bringing her mother scrambling to her side. "Now daughter please relax, you must save your strength for the council chamber", Casi said.

"Yes, mother you will listen to grandma. She knows best at this point. Father will be there as well as I when it comes time for you to speak. =/\=Toran to Sterling We are five minutes out from Betazed. We will transport you to your location when we arrive. Toran out=/\=

=/\= Acknowledged=/\= Sterling replied.

Sheena and her grandparents and parents shimmered on the pad in the outer chamber of the council chamber and waved to Maia letting her know they were there.

It didn't take long for Verinnia, Sheena's mother, to take her place on the podium. Weak but steady, Vaughn awake but still unable to talk next to her on a gravity stretcher, Verinnia addressed the council.

"Esteemed members, you've all known me for two decades now and I stand here, injured to address this situation with the Caliphate. Is this the tyranny you want for our beloved peaceful home? Is this the mind-bending technique you want for our children? Vaughn and I were kidnapped because we resisted and with me out of the way there would be no deciding vote to counter the swing of the Caliphate votes. I say this to you now, the Federation has destroyed the psionic weapon and the bio-genic weapon that was poised to launch to destroy this assemblage. The Federation has once again helped put down a massive coup of a rebel group bent on denying you as a people the freedom to choose what you want. The caliphate would have you live in a state of mind control and that goes against everything we embrace as our freedom of living. Had it not been for the USS Leto, Capt. Sterling, my daughter, and XO and her gallant crew, both of us would now be dead. I ask you not to be swayed from leaving the Federation. Being part of the United Federation of Planets is an honour, an honour that others would not offer," Verinnia concluded, clapping her hands graciously for the Leto and her crew.

Sheena was crying because the outpouring of her mother's emotions hit her hard as it was the truth and it came from her heart. Stepping off the podium, Verinnia hugged her daughter tightly, "Don't cry Sheena everything will be alright," she said looking at Capt. Sterling.

"I can't wait to read your after-action report Commander Toran", Maia said.

Up next is Lieutenant Brannon.

Brannon came straight from the moon to the meeting in the Council Chambers. Her uniform was still smudged from the fight with the Caliphate, She stepped to the podium and cleared her throat. "I am LT Angelina Brannon Chief Security Officer on the USS Leto. I was born here on Betazed and my parents were murdered by the Caliphate. To protect me, I was raised by parents from Tera(Earth. They gave me their name to protect me.

They were Star Fleet Officers and raised me to take pride and honour in being Betazed. I was taught the ways by others on the ships of the Betazed ways. Some of you will know me by my Betazed name Havre Belbri. My parents thought the Caliphate was a good thing at first. But when they found out what the Caliphate was doing they left the Caliphate. The penalty they paid for doing so was that they were murdered. And if I had been found they would have killed me too."

She holds up her amulet, "They hid the information on the Caliphate on a small computer chip in this. I recently found it and deciphered the information. The Betazed Security teams have copies of the information now. They are in the process of rounding up all Caliphate operatives now.

Till I found out this information was on my mother's amulet which I treasure. I was hunted by the Caliphate to get the information and keep it secret. I was kidnapped and held hostage to try and find where I had it hidden. I was tortured and treated badly by my captures. But I fought back to keep it safe and to protect Betazed.

Without the help of Captian Sterling, the crew of the USS Leto and other members of the Federation. I would not be here now. With the kidnapper in custody, we turned the information and kidnapper over to Betazed. And she is awaiting trial now. I am here to claim my Mother's seat on the Betazed Council and am here to give my full undying support to Betazed. And to represent the Betazed's in Star Fleet as well. Because without Star Fleet there will be no Betazed to be here for us.

I call upon the Betazed council to vote to remain with Star Fleet in the future!!!!

Long Live Betazed and her people!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for hearing me.

As she passed Captain Sterling she whispered, "I know a clean uniform would have been better. But this one showed how we are willing to fight for Betazed." She shook hands and received hugs as she went to take her seat.

"Lieutenant well done why don't you get back to the Leto and have Dr Hendon take a look at you you are bleeding."

"Aye Captian" replied Brannon, "I felt seeing me straight from the fight would show better how serious we are about protecting Betazed. I need a shower more than anything Captain.

Brannon to Leto one to beam up to Security Office. "


The first minister of the Betazed government returned.

"Ladies and Gentlemen you have given this council a great deal to think about. Regardless of the outcome. On behalf of all Betazed, we thank you for your service to us and those that you have put forth on our behalf. You have represented both the interests of Betazed and those of the United Federation of Planets well. This council will be adjourned for lunch and will reassemble in two hours

[End]

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A post by:

Captain Maia A Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

LT Angelina Brannon
Chief Security Officer
Uss Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Isabelle Rahl
Chief Counsellor
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant jg Marina Tanger
Infiltration Specialist
USS Leto NCC-80916