Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2014 15:57:09 GMT -8
"Agreed. First, as my companion here just pointed out, we have seen no badge or other means of identification. How then do we know that you are not a 'faker', as you put it."
Somehow, hearing her own points validated by Diran's observations made Henri feel a bit more justified in her claims. Such protocols were never overlooked and drilled into their officers to avoid the most simplest of loopholes that criminals could exploit: breaches in protocol on behalf of those enforcing the law. Which begged the question, what could cause this man to forget the basics. Though, as he began to speak... and rather passionately, it became obvious.
Henri simply listened to his words, and while his own identity wasn't any more certain, she did no one thing: he was a victim. He, like so many others, had had peace and tranquility ripped away from them. It was a violation that was almost unheard of. How many enemies of the Federation had actually managed to reach Earth to do the damage that had been done here. They had escaped the wrath the likes of the Borg and the Dominion, but it had been the Klingons... old friends, but even older enemies that had done so.
"They were out there, as was I, fighting and watching our colleagues and friends die to keep this and every world in the Federation alive and in one piece! "If it weren't for those sacrifices then we would be unable to have this discussion."
Henri could hear the frustration in the Zaldan's voice. And in some ways it was justified. Everything he'd said was true. Starfleet had been there, fighting and trying to protect this world... and so many others. The officers of the fleet had watched their fellow crewmen die and give their lives for billions. And to be met with such ungratefulness felt like a smack in the face and an insult to their memory.
Henri's hand quickly fell on Diran's shoulder. "At ease, Ensign," Henri said. It seemed that the Zaldan may have gotten all of his words in by the time she intervened. She withdrew her hand and then turned her attention to the man. "I understand your frustration. It may not seem like it, but I do. We all do. You felt that we should have been here to protect this planet... to prevent something like this from happening. But my colleague is right. Just like you, there are billions of other people on over a hundred worlds that feel the same way."
"As members of Starfleet, we do have an obligation to protect every member planet of the Federation... as well as our allies. And it hurts when we... fail," said Henri. It wasn't a word that was uttered, but it was how a number of people felt. "But we don't have the luxury of wallowing in defeat. We have to pick ourselves up... all of us. Because we only lost this war if we stay down and surrender to fear." Henri swallowed and took a step closer to the man. "You have every right to be upset and disappointed in us. And I can assure you that it is nothing we haven't told ourselves a hundred times over. And the only way we'll ever overcome what happened, is to live for those we lo-"
The sudden wet sensation on her cheek quickly silenced the ops officer. Henri's eyes had instinctively shut, but as they opened, she saw a bit of drivel on the edge of the man's lips. He began to back away, his eyes moving between each of the Starfleet officer's present. Henri grabbed the bottom of her shirt and went to wipe at her cheek. As she released the gray fabric, she held up a hand hoping that her friends wouldn't react. The me man continued to retreat, disappearing into the weeping of earth. In that moment, Henri was again reminded that diplomacy had never been her strong suit. And she was also reminded of a truth that was the hardest to accept by anyone wearing that uniform. "I guess you can't save everyone."
TAG: @jonathanrichards, @mikoyo
Somehow, hearing her own points validated by Diran's observations made Henri feel a bit more justified in her claims. Such protocols were never overlooked and drilled into their officers to avoid the most simplest of loopholes that criminals could exploit: breaches in protocol on behalf of those enforcing the law. Which begged the question, what could cause this man to forget the basics. Though, as he began to speak... and rather passionately, it became obvious.
Henri simply listened to his words, and while his own identity wasn't any more certain, she did no one thing: he was a victim. He, like so many others, had had peace and tranquility ripped away from them. It was a violation that was almost unheard of. How many enemies of the Federation had actually managed to reach Earth to do the damage that had been done here. They had escaped the wrath the likes of the Borg and the Dominion, but it had been the Klingons... old friends, but even older enemies that had done so.
"They were out there, as was I, fighting and watching our colleagues and friends die to keep this and every world in the Federation alive and in one piece! "If it weren't for those sacrifices then we would be unable to have this discussion."
Henri could hear the frustration in the Zaldan's voice. And in some ways it was justified. Everything he'd said was true. Starfleet had been there, fighting and trying to protect this world... and so many others. The officers of the fleet had watched their fellow crewmen die and give their lives for billions. And to be met with such ungratefulness felt like a smack in the face and an insult to their memory.
Henri's hand quickly fell on Diran's shoulder. "At ease, Ensign," Henri said. It seemed that the Zaldan may have gotten all of his words in by the time she intervened. She withdrew her hand and then turned her attention to the man. "I understand your frustration. It may not seem like it, but I do. We all do. You felt that we should have been here to protect this planet... to prevent something like this from happening. But my colleague is right. Just like you, there are billions of other people on over a hundred worlds that feel the same way."
"As members of Starfleet, we do have an obligation to protect every member planet of the Federation... as well as our allies. And it hurts when we... fail," said Henri. It wasn't a word that was uttered, but it was how a number of people felt. "But we don't have the luxury of wallowing in defeat. We have to pick ourselves up... all of us. Because we only lost this war if we stay down and surrender to fear." Henri swallowed and took a step closer to the man. "You have every right to be upset and disappointed in us. And I can assure you that it is nothing we haven't told ourselves a hundred times over. And the only way we'll ever overcome what happened, is to live for those we lo-"
The sudden wet sensation on her cheek quickly silenced the ops officer. Henri's eyes had instinctively shut, but as they opened, she saw a bit of drivel on the edge of the man's lips. He began to back away, his eyes moving between each of the Starfleet officer's present. Henri grabbed the bottom of her shirt and went to wipe at her cheek. As she released the gray fabric, she held up a hand hoping that her friends wouldn't react. The me man continued to retreat, disappearing into the weeping of earth. In that moment, Henri was again reminded that diplomacy had never been her strong suit. And she was also reminded of a truth that was the hardest to accept by anyone wearing that uniform. "I guess you can't save everyone."
TAG: @jonathanrichards, @mikoyo