From: Erik (felldoh_at_voyager.net)
Date: Mon Jan 01 2007 - 22:22:46 PST
"Party in Power" continued from "Loved Ones and New Years" Location: ESPERION Stardate: 2.70101.2135 Scene: Headquarters of the Society of Progress Six months ago, religion on ESPERION was at its greatest ebb in history. The discovery of warp drive over four decades ago had led to a scientific renaissance, and contact with races from other planets had, like in many cases, inspired great cooperation and great skepticism. The 13 priests had been forced by will of the people to turn what remained of their political power over to the elected government. Temple attendance declined sharply, and census data showed believers at an all-time low. Today the world was in religious fervor. People who would until recently scoffed the old beliefs as Archaic rituals and myths designed to keep the population in line now huddled in the temples, whispering fervently to the Nearly Perfect One, and praying secretly in their hearts that their arrogance was not part of the cause. This was the world in which Jurveus had set up the Society of Progress. An institution dedicated, on the surface at least, to scientific advancement and the betterment of all Esperions. He had founded it shortly after the plague, and used it to generate large amounts of funds, which he divided between relief work and scientific research, much of it done by he himself. The combination of benevolence and progress, guided by Jurveus's personal charisma, molded the Society into one of the largest and most powerful interest groups on the planet. Ben and his two companions waited in a lavish sitting room where they had been escorted by one of Jurveus's aids. They had been offered food and drink, and the aid apologized profusely for the delay, but Jurveus was in a very important meeting and could not be disturbed. They were assured an audience with him, as soon as possible. "Whatever this is it tastes like crap." Mav muttered setting down the cup of what Ben guessed was some sort of fruit juice, that he also found quite tart. It was all local fare, and from some stockpile in the building. The Esperions did not yet have replicator technology, although rumor listed it as one of the Societies top goals. Jurveus was one of the few Esperions on which the Federation kept an extensive file. Ben had read it briefly on the way to the planet, along with the other available data, and again more thoroughly before after getting this assignment. He was, by all accounts, a truly brilliant man. The first warp drive, though a government project, was his brainchild, making him the Esperion equivalent of Zephram Cochrane. He was also responsible for many other important scientific breakthroughs, and is held at the top of several fields. Ben expected to be kept waiting for at least an hour, in typical diplomatic posturing, but Jurveus's arrival was surprisingly quick. "Commander Kenta," The red-skinned Esperion began as he came to greet them. "I'm very pleased you've come to see me. You and your companions are the first members of the Federation to pass within these walls, and hopefully far from the last." Ben returned his greeting and introduced the other two officers. Jurveus greeted them just as warmly before getting to the point. "Now," He began, taking a seat. "Unfortunate as it may be, I suspect you are here at the request of the government. I think we'd best get that matter settled as quickly as possible. There are other things I would like to discuss before you go." Ben was a little surprised at his abruptness, but did not argue. "I assume then that you are aware of the reason we were asked to speak with you." "Yes, and frankly, its ridiculous." he replied calmly. "One of the primary functions of my organization is charity. We have saved thousands of lives during the recent crisis, and have shown no hostility to anyone, least of all the Church, who have been a valuable ally in our relief efforts." "It seems those crises have given you a great opportunity to build up your powerbase." Kel interjected. Jurveus fixed him with a look that, while not malicious, left him feeling thoroughly weighed and measured. He found the man's gaze difficult to hold. After a moment, Jurveus continued. "Yes, well, there is no doubt the Society would not be what it is today if times were not so trying, but if you think I delight in the slow destruction of my world, and the death of my people, then you are mistaken. I've grown the society aggressively, but it is only so I can succeed in helping my fellow Esperions where the government has failed them." He sounded ever so slightly annoyed at the accusation, but remained for the most part calm. "That is why Tarrvas throws suspicion on me. He and the president, like so many powerful men, fear losing their power, and so they attempt to discredit those whom they consider rivals." his voice softened. "And while they posture and accuse, our people die." "So you intend to grow powerful enough to do the job government should be." Ben replied. He was subjected to the same gaze Kel had received. He found it no easier to bear. Suddenly Jurveus smiled. "Commander, I believe you are trying to trap me in my own words. I suspect you are a very clever man, and no stranger to this type of conversation. This duel of words we are having could go on for a long time without you ever being truly convinced I am not responsible for the assassinations. Perhaps I can lay your mind to rest in another way. I will offer you complete access to the records of the Society of Progress. You may analyze our income, expenses, personnel logs, scientific data, assets and liabilities, whatever you wish. You will see that we do not have the resources to accomplish what we are being accused of." "That's a kind offer." Ben replied, surprised despite himself. "Tell me, Jurveus, who do you think has the resources to assassinate the priests." Though he'd studied all of Starfleet's records on the planet, there was still a lot about ESPERION he didn't know. It was possible there were other leads worth following up. Jurveus sighed. "I do not wish to make any accusations for which I have no proof." He began as he rose from his chair. "But walk with me, and I will tell you something about our history." The small party left the sitting room and started down a long corridor. Jurveus was silent for awhile, but Ben waited patiently for him to speak. "I imagine you are aware our society was once a theocracy. The Thirteen ruled supreme for thousands of years. Slowly over the last millennia they have ceded their power to the secular government, as the interest in our ancient religion waned. Now of course with all this talk of the prophecies being fulfilled religion is becoming very common again. The citizens are in unrest, and nearly everyone fears the future. The government is also afraid. Afraid if losing their power. Naturally in these trying times they are personally seeing to the security of the Thirteen." "Naturally." Ben could read between the lines. He was accusing the government of eliminating the priests as a political rival. The party halted at a terminal. "From here you can access any information you need." Jurveus said. "Feel free to look at it here, or download it and take it with you." "Thank you." Ben nodded at Kel, who pulled out a PADD and started the download. "Commander," Jurveas began again. "How familiar are you with the geography of ESPERION?" "Not very." Ben frowned, wondering where this was going. "There is a mountain range in the North Eastern quadrisphere called the Gemodrins. In the root of that range is a massive vein of Dilithium. The Society has calculated that with the right equipment it could be turned into one of the most productive mines in the quadrant." Ben new about the dilithium. It was the primary reason for Federation interest in the system. "Of course, developing the equipment would take time, and resources that we, unfortunately can't spare, while this trouble lasts. But, if we had one of your Federation industrial replicator, perhaps two, we could be up and producing in a matter of weeks. One would think our governments could make a very mutually advantageous deal. "One would think." Ben said, not sure what he was getting at. He must know Ben wasn't qualified to make trade agreements, and even if he was, Federation law would prevent him from doing so with a non-government official. "Did you know the people of Esperion voted in favor of an application to join the Federation a few years ago. Sadly the process was blocked by the President. Its a shame really, I think both of our peoples could be strengthened by such a union." So that was his game. But was he just playing the politics game, or was this some kind of bribe for Federation support in a coop? Whether he was responsible for the assassination's or not, Ben was convinced he did have at least some political aspiration, and certainly wasn't a fan of the current government. "Finished." Kel said suddenly, sheathing his PADD. "Well then, my friends, I'm afraid I must take my leave of you; I'm unfortunately very busy. My aide will show you out. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I will assist you in whatever way I can." The last he said with a slight bow. Ben replied with a few pleasantries of his own, and the followed the aide out of the building, already planning his report. Erik Walz Commander Benjamin Kenta Executive Officer USS PATRIOT 5781-A & Lt. Seloron Junior ACT Instructor Starfleet Academy, Earth From HyperNews_at_youth.net
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sun Feb 17 2008 - 03:10:46 PST