Three equal tones coming from the station’s klaxon was as expected, as the utter shock on the face of the Dari station commander, once Vilgi and the six other members of his party shimmered into place in said commander’s office.

“Captain Morr! This is an extreme violation of established protocol. The very protocols that were agreed with your leadership and the you agreed to follow. Explain yourself or withdraw you party.” The rising fear in his voice was plain enough, it was this fear that was feeding this reaction, and something Vilgi knew would have to be handled with care in order to find a way though.

“It is true this is against established protocol.” Vilgi began by confronting the issue and making a small concession to begin with. “However I felt it needed to take such action in light of preceding events.” He continued building on the concession and phrasing his comments in a way that practically invited a question.

“What events do you speak of? How are they relevant?” The Commander fired back, seemingly having got over the sudden appearance of the team and ready for a battle of words or whits.

“Your administrations or elements of them have systematically prevented Starfleet, specifically my crew, from adequately performing the task which it was called in to perform.”  Vilgi stated plainly and confidently, going on to cite specific instances. “For example, during our joint operation to retrieve the escape capsule containing the artifact, an anomaly was detected, it was not acknowledged by your crews and attempts by mine to probe further were stonewalled. Later on my officers were removed or confined, and federations diplomatic aids were removed for pursuing a legitimate concern. A vessel of Dari or Kerack construction was intercepted on a course that would have taken them into restricted space and according to our sensors your station is operating without external sensors with no explanation forthcoming. Can you explain?” His reasons stated, his challenge made, the Bolian captain fell silent, a slight grin curling at his features. This type of exchange, after a painstaking work by his crew, was the sharp end of command for Vilgi.

“I have none other than I followed directives that were passed down to me. I was assured these directives would contribute to the preservation of our treaty.” His response was honest, if defensive, with a hint of deflation. Vilgi noted the station commander had picked out Primus-Navucs Odwurd, the ship commander for a moment, before returning his attention to the Bolian.

“Captain Morr if I may.” Odwurd chose this point to step forward. For a moment Vilgi considered the posabilities. This could be a master stroke, allowing both commanders a moment to set themselves on a new path, or this could be a complete undermining moment, with accusations of puppetry or manipulation or the like. It would be a gamble, but so was bringing the Kerack along in the first place. The Bolian nodded. The Kerack spoke.

“Commander you and I are of the age where directives were followed without question, but not dare I say without misgivings and unease. I know you understand this. The time for such conduct is gone, such attitudes need to be laid to rest along with the conflict they were born from. Our Federation friends have shown us compassion, demonstrated an insatiable curiosity, we have an opportunity here now, shall we take it you and I?” The speech was one worthy of seasoned commanders, articulate, motivating, to the point. If Vilgi had to guess he would assume Odwurd had a fair reputation both within his own ranks and that of the Dari. Exactly the type a federation admiral would pick for a special assignment. Vilgi found himself a little jealous of the apparent self confidence. But that was a personal reflection for another time.

“You speak from the heart. I will admit the instructions to go blind left me uneasy and more than a little concerned we were back in conflict once more. I will follow your lead and that of the Federation. How would we proceed?” The Station commander relented, but with grace, appearing to see the need to change and break the cycle.

“Call the Representatives. Then the four of us can lay out the discovery of the Makeabish. If that goes well we can move on to proposals to include them in the current treaty.” Sethren Merrova responded, stepping up to the other side of Vilgi. The encounter to follow would fall squarely within his purview, and the seasoned diplomat’s words and stance would indicate he was, not only up for, but equal to the challenge.

“Let us begin a new era then.” Stated the Kerack station commander, he cracked a smile for the first time Vilgi was aware of, having a brief dealing during the reception, it was nervy. Perhaps that was to be expected, but still a slight inkling that perhaps there was another meaning to his statement sat in the back of Vilgi’s mind, electing to let this play out he turned to the security officer and had a discrete word regarding his concerns. Then waited for the arrival of the representatives.