Feeling The Heat

Posted on Mon Aug 10th, 2020 @ 4:10pm by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: Cruel Meridian
Location: Royal Sozon Amphitheater
Timeline: MD 12 - Evening
1791 words - 3.6 OF Standard Post Measure

[Previously]

"Now," the Grand Vizier continued, "the Emperor has informed us that we will hear opening statements from our distinguished visitors. Please, refrain from interruption until the statements are complete. The stage belongs to the United Federation of Planets!"

[Now]

Cassie nodded her thanks to the Grand Vizier and walked up the stairs to center stage, in order to be better able to address the crowd. She turned on the Universal Translator next to the microphone, as she knew very well she would not be able to deliver a full speech in the local.

"Thank you Grand Vizier, Emperor," she said in the local language before clearing her throat and switching to Federation Standard.

"Ladies, gentlemen, esteemed ambassadors and councilors, your Excellency Emperor Tevrin Condruil IV, on behalf of the USS Majestic, I would like to thank you for this most warm welcome. It is our honour and privilege to be standing amongst you on this gorgeous day," she started, displaying her most charming smile. Indeed, not a cloud obscured the sky, and both suns were shining brightly.

But she was sure to have blisters by the end of this: the sandal straps were killing her feet. Unfortunately, taking them off in front of thousands of people was not an option, unless she wanted to cause a scene within her first hour on the surface.

She powered through despite the hopefully not-too-obvious discomfort in her feet. "In only a few days, we will be witnessing the wedding of Emperor Condruil and Princess Leyana. Hopefully, this momentous event will help usher a new, peaceful, and prosperous era to both civilizations as they move forward. An era where differences can finally be set aside, peace can reign after a over a century of conflict, and where knowledge, culture, and scientific discovery can be freely shared between both societies. Where both peoples can thrive!" She paused during the uproarious applause, mostly coming from the far benches, pondering about the words she had planned on saying next, as part of her speech. She finally decided to keep her mouth shut. It would be a disservice to everyone involved, and not only because she did not believe a word of those two sentences she had planned to utter.

She wished could have taken off her sandals as she waited for the applause to die down. "Now, it is probably no secret that both the Sozon Empire and the Tulias Alliance, as part of moving towards this new era, have both appealed to the United Federation of Planets for membership. I am therefore pleased to announce that the reviews are going well and according to schedule," she continued, even though nothing could be further from the truth.

With the disclosure of the betrothal contract to her to colleagues in Paris, the Sozon application, and that of Tulias, was yet uncertain. Unfortunately, this was all politics, and the people, at least, needed hope. "I wish both the Tulias and Sozon good luck with these particular proceedings, and may both have a prosperous future!" These last few words were met with yet another applause.

Cassandra bowed her head. "I will now yield the stage to Emperor Tevrin," she said before rejoining her crewmates stage left.

The Sozon Emperor stopped the Grand Vizier from standing to herald his turn at the podium, choosing instead to allow the last words of the Federation to ring out over the crowd. Murmurs could be heard as they waited for whatever was next, but only a privileged few knew what the real cause of the delay was. With such large viewership, lucrative advertising deals for the televised broadcast proved to be irresistible for the Sozon leadership, but Tevrin played it off as more intrigue, allowing the suspense to build before he finally stood at took the podium.

"Constituents of the Sozon Empire, I stand before you now as a changed person. Long have we fought against each other, taking up the mantle of patriotism and duty, each and every one of us steadfast in the belief that we were fighting for the right cause. A moment of silence, then, for our fallen comrades."

For the first time since the beginning of the festivities, silence reigned supreme in the amphitheater. The Sozon stars were beginning to set behind the mountains, and the first twinkles of starlight in a picturesque Oslerton evening would have been visible in the sky had the stage lighting not been so bright.

"Thank you," Tevrin remained reverent, causing a few raised eyebrows from his advisors. "I will admit, the burden of setting the course and direction of the Empire weighs heavily upon me. Years of daily reports from the front lines of this conflict have done what they can to dull the horror of the losses of our fellow Sozon, but I fight to keep every name that comes across my desk as dear to me as my own family. This great toll has been the driving factor behind our search for peace with the Tulians. The sacred act of marriage to a chosen representative, represented here by Princess Leyana."

Leyana was shaking, she was so nervous. She kept her head held high and fought to keep her expression neutral, but inwardly she just wanted to run. She didn't want to speak, all she really wanted was to just disappear into the crowd. She held on to Herbert's arm with such strength she feared she might actually crush it.

"Yes," the Emperor continued; his voice gaining momentum as he effortlessly worked the crowd. "I stand here today and speak not only to the Sozon Empire, but also the Tulias Alliance. Bravery, gallantry, sacrifice - all of these qualities have no sovereignty. I stand here today to acknowledge the suffering endured by both sides. I stand here today to act in the ways my privilege affords me to end this conflict, and so does the Tulian senate. We have welcomed the Federation here not as foreign envoys, but as future brothers and sisters of the Sozon Empire - a stronger, more unified Sozon Empire!"

The crowd erupted into applause, waiting for a moment to express their appreciation for their Emperor. But for the first time, Tevrin showed nervousness. His posture shrank as he stood in front of the microphones, looking for all the world like a man who had but one, final trick up his sleeve. As quickly as his anxiety came, it went away from him like the breeze in the evening air, climbing through the upper level of the amphitheater before disappearing into the night.

"And it is in the spirit of unification, in the spirit of peace - something our new friends have long held onto as a core tenet - that we apply for our membership in the United Federation of Planets. Make no mistake, we understand that we must ensure that our own household affairs are in order. We continue to strive for peace, and with the Sacred Marriage to come, we show our dedication to the same ideals as the Federation. Thank you all, and may the twin suns of Sozon smile upon us this day. For the Empire!"

Barr’s eyes went wide with shock when he’d heard they’d applied to become members of the Federation. There was surely no way the Federation would let this Empire join after being at war for so long with their enemy. He felt Leyana hold his arm tightly, he could also feel her trembling. He would give anything to just make this all just go away for her.

Jane was just as surprised as Barr and she was sure her eyes were just as wide. She struggled to think of something intelligent and intelligible to say but glanced at Cassie momentarily for support. "Thank you Emperor. We're flattered that you think so highly of us. Becoming a member of the Federation of Planets is a goal many should strive for and we are always willing to extend our hands to fellow peaceful societies." Jane felt like she was lying through her teeth but she had to take him at his word if that's what he wanted. She was just grateful she didn't have to make the choice. Her report counted for something but if there was one thing Jane couldn't stand it was politics. "The Federation would of course take your application very seriously, if and when you submitted it."

From the stage, Tevrin silenced the mixed reaction that had emerged from the crowd. Instead, he nodded to indicate that he understood, though his perceptive eyes keep studying the body language of the assembled negotiating team. Very few dared to make eye contact, but neither woman backed down from the wordless challenge.

"Sozon thanks you. It pleases us to hear that our application is being met with sincerity, and we intend to show how sincere we are. The Holy Rite of Matrimony smiles upon Sozon, now and forever!" Simultaneously, every person assembled in the crowd knelt to the ground on one knee, clasping their hands together and touching their foreheads in a surreal display of religious fervor. The uncanny sight of tens of thousands moving in sync continued as Tevrin motioned for the Grand Vizier to conclude the day's events.

Cassie smiled in support as the Captain made her way to center stage. "I recently spoke with the reviewer assigned to the case, and she's fairly certain that the Sozon application will be rejected. We'll probably only know for certain during the talks," she murmured as Saulitis came back. "I apologize for this blatant display of politics, though."

"Don't worry about it," Jane said shaking her head. "I've had to bite my tongue and play nice plenty of times before. The life of a starship captain," she mused. "Besides, maybe this is a good sign. Perhaps they actually want to change things. They're not ready for membership but they might be on the right track toward it. Hopefully."

The conversation between captain and diplomat was drowned out by the thumping rhythm of another dance performance. Something about the song signaled the kneeling crowd to rise and return to their seats. Another standing ovation showered down as the dancers left the stage, causing one or two members of the Majestic's crew to evade an errantly thrown bouquet of flowers. Once again, the Grand Vizier took center stage as the evening wind caused his robes to billow out around him.

"So concludes the opening ceremony. Our goal is in sight. Tomorrow, our work begins in earnest as we continue towards our destiny."

The Grand Vizier and every Sozon attendee of the opening ceremony faced Emperor Condruil.

"For Sozon! For the Emperor!"