First Contacts

Posted on Sun Nov 26th, 2023 @ 2:52am by Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance

Mission: The Q Effect
Location: Earth
Timeline: Current

On:
{United Federation of Planets Headquarters, Earth}

Kevin departed the conference room at United Federation of Planets Headquarters ahead of the rest of the attendees at the diplomatic conference with the Fawuine. The negotiations with Faline and her people had been cordial but intense. The inclusion of the Romulan ambassador had been a necessary evil that had complicated matters. Still, an arrangement had been reach to permit the Fawuine safe passage through Romulan space to the Federation. Kevin believed the point had been so fiercely pushed by the Federation as a method of sticking it to the Romulans as it was a demonstration of benevolence towards the Fawuine.

Kevin leaned against a wall, letting out his stress with a long exhaled breath. In addition to transit rights, the Federation team had secured a colony for the Fawuine on an underdeveloped agricultural class-M planet. Despite their technology, Faline’s people preferred more natural settings choosing to live in harmony with nature in a way that humans never truly achieved.

Other members of the conference began filtering out, Buckner among them. He came over to where Kevin rested against the wall. Without prelude, he said, “It is not our way for a family herd to include more than one male.”

Kevin had no idea what Buckner meant, so he remained silent.

“You saved my mate,” Buckner continued, “and guided me to save the fawns. Without you, I would have died protecting the herd.”

Kevin shrugged dismissively.

“I owe you and Lieutenant Kronnelti a debt that I can never repay.”

“I won’t speak for Kronnelti,” Kevin replied, “but for my part, you can repay me by caring for and protecting the herd for all the rest of your days.”

Kevin could not read the Fawuine, but his ears became almost instantly erect. “I shall be so,” Buckner acknowledged as he placed a fore hoof on Kevin’s shoulder. Sensing that he should respond in kind, Kevin placed his own hand on Buckner. The two stood this way for a moment, then the Fawuine broke his stance and moved away.

Faline stepped up to Kevin as Buckner walked off. She too placed a fore hoof on Kevin’s shoulder briefly. “Lieutenant Lance, you are truly the noblest representative of the Federation and your people. Your courage is boundless and will be commemorated in our tales of lore and legend. Words cannot express my gratitude, not only for my own life and the lives of my family, but for the future that you have given to my species.”

Kevin was about to object that he did no more than any Star Fleet officer would have done but Faline stepped forward and nuzzled his neck in a most intimate fashion. Over her shoulder, Kevin saw Buckner stiffen and flatten his ears against his skull. Kevin worried that, despite Buckner’s earlier assurances, he was about to be impaled on the Fawuine male’s impressive antler rack. But Buckner held his place.

Faline finally broke the embrace and turned away from Kevin. “Come along Buckner,” she commanded, “we must attend to our herd.” And then the two of them departed.

Kevin slumped back against the wall.

“You are becoming quite the expert at First Contacts,” a female voice observed.

Kevin looked up at Ambassador Wyrick. “It is fortunately that alien females are unable to resist your masculine charms,” she smiled which the scar on her face turn into more of a leer.

Ambassador Wyrick had led the diplomatic mission to Pyxis Alpha Five and was more than familiar with the relationship that has developed between Kevin and Kera. But to imply that his questionable seduction skills had been responsible for diplomatic success was very embarrassing to Kevin. He colored and looked away in shame.

“I’m sorry, Kevin,” Ambassador Wyrick said with true regret in her voice, “That was…unkind of me.”

Kevin didn’t look up.

“Still,” she continued trying not to exacerbate his embarrassment, “my original point stands. The Choc’kta, the Odinskus, and now the Fawuine. You are building an impressive resume.”

“Most of the Choc’kta died,” Kevin replied without emotion.

“Yes, but that was more Captain Ellis’ doing than yours.”

Kevin shrugged.

“I have been appointed Chief Diplomatic Officer on USS Independence,” she said, “You could come along as a Diplomatic Officer.”

“I am happy enough as the Chief Flight Control Officer aboard the USS Chuck Norris,” he replied.

The blonde Ambassador shrugged, “Suit yourself. I think that a talent such as yours is wasted in a Star Fleet uniform.”

Kevin couldn’t think of anything to say in reply, so he remained mute.

“I will have a word with the Diplomatic liaison to Star Fleet. Your Captain should be made aware of your talents in the diplomatic field of endeavor.”

:off

Lieutenant Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris