Prelude to Kannok

Posted on Thu Sep 25th, 2025 @ 8:59pm by Captain T’Kal & Alaric Fenner

1,059 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: ARYL 1X04: All the Friends We Can Get
Location: Government Centre, Kannok
Timeline: SD 8964.8 (25 August 2290, 09:00)

“Good morning, Mr. Fenner.” Aruan Tedja-Drenkulo, the man in charge of logistics for the Drenkul side of the upcoming conference, greeted that Federation representative at the entrance of the planetary government’s main hall. His aide, the woman named Sumintan Ying-Kannok, stood beside him with two cups of what passed in the Drenkul Republic for tea. These two Drenkul had been the people Alaric had been most closely working with ever since his arrival on Kannok. The three had worked long hours ensuring that things would go perfectly when the Federation starship Ark Royal arrived two days hence for negotiations with the Drenkul government.

Almost all the pieces were in place. Indeed, they had finished early enough the previous say that they could recess in the afternoon, permitting Alaric to explore during the daytime. “I trust you were able to explore the city last night?” Aruan asked. "

Alaric gave a smile as he accepted the tea, offering a small nod of thanks. “Tedja-Drenkulo, you honour me by asking.” He held the cup for a moment, not yet drinking. The heat of it grounded him. A small detail, but one he appreciated. The gesture had been made deliberately. It cost little, but said much. “I did have the chance to explore for a time,” he said. “The city is remarkably well ordered. The signage, in particular, struck me. Not just consistent in style, but phrased with unusual clarity. Quite a feat, given the number of languages in use.” He took a moment of pause, the smile lingering faintly. “Even the pavements seem to encourage proper spacing.” He gave the man a respectful nod to accompany the compliment. His tone remained light, but genuine. “I did not reach the beaches, regrettably, though I hear they are considered a point of pride. I did spend some time in the museums. The Harmony Monument is certainly striking. Its scale commands attention. I suspect the perimeter lighting is designed more for surveillance than aesthetic effect. Still, from above, I imagine it achieves both.”

At last, he sipped the tea. The taste was one he had grown used to. Mineral, astringent, with a faint sweetness he could not quite place. Not unpleasant. But it would not become a favourite. His gaze shifted to Sumintan. She had not once met his eyes in all the days they had worked together. That did not trouble him. Some people were not permitted to meet the gaze of the guests they supported. Others had learned it was safer not to. He had not yet decided which applied to her. Or whether the difference mattered. “Ying-Kannok,” he said, tone gentler now, “your notes on public ordinances were invaluable. I know you are more forgiving of faux pas made by visitors, but I have never enjoyed making such mistakes. You have my thanks.” The words were chosen with care. The tone, too. Not because he expected her to reply. But because people like Sumintan remembered what was said to them. And more importantly, what was not.

"You honour me, sir," Sumintan said, her gaze remaining low as she further bowed her head.

"Now, to the final stages," Aruan said. "I am informed that the workers finished setting up the conference room last night. Let us give it a final inspection."

"Of course," Alaric bowed his head to Aruan, with warmth as he followed him.

They continued to talk as the two men walked side by side, with Sumintan following behind. "Our chefs have prepared a lunch menu for each day of the talks," Aruan said, "as well as for an official dinner, to which we would welcome the Ark Royal's entire senior staff. They have taken into account the list of dietary restrictions which you provided."

"I appreciate it," Alaric said, giving a small nod as his eyes took in the surroundings and his ears stayed tuned into Aruan's cadence. "A lot of Federation species have...both cultural and biological requirements when it comes to food. I am honoured and humbled by the effort the royal chefs have taken to accommodate us."

They reached a pair of large wooden doors, which two armed guards in full dress uniform opened for them. Inside was a large rectangular stone table, with five chairs to either side of it, the central one being more opulent than the others. At the head of the table were a pair of flags, the Drenkul Republic next to the United Federation of Planets. On the opposite side, a table which held multiple drink containers and glasses, as well as plates and an assortment of Drenkul delicacies. "I trust this will be to your liking?"

Alaric didn't respond at once, instead making a point of walking to inspect the space. He took long strides as he did so, but his eyes clearly took in every detail. He finally looked at Aruan and smiled, bowing his head. "It is exquisite," he said before he looked at the flags, then at the glasses. "These are the hand-blown glasses, are they not? I admired them during the last dinner."

“They are,” Aruan said. “We have artisans who forge it from the sands of the Sector Six beaches. The glassware is blown and spun into these intricate and colourful designs at glassmiths in Sector Four. You can watch them do their craft, it’s brilliant.” He turned to the aide. “Sumintan, arrange for a set of glasses to be gifted to the Federation representatives.”

“As you command,” Sumintan said with a bow.

“Now, let’s go over the agenda one last time, and then Sumintan can escort you back to your hotel.”

Alaric nodded as he looked at Aruan, giving a small smile. "Yes. Now, I suspect that the highest ranking crew members will introduce themselves. While on their most...Starfleet appropriate behaviour, I hope you will forgive any slips of decorum," he said with a small shake of his head. "It will have been a long time since any of them have set foot in such beautiful surroundings."

"We will understand any diplomatic flubs that follow from a long journey among the stars," Aruan assured him. He reached toward Sumintan, who immediately handed him a Drenkul PADD and scrolled down. "Now let's go to Page 2..."

END


Aruan Tedja-Drenkulo
Senior Advisor

Sumintan Ying-Kannok
Assistant

Alaric Fenner
Diplomatic Advisor

 

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