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((SB 118 - Diplomatic Corps Building - Ambassadorial Quarters - Sector 3))
::Until now, Brek had believed that he knew this building quite well, but he wasn't so sure anymore. This specific area looked like a maze of white walls, doors and self-effacing personnel. There was no sign anywhere that said `keep quiet' and yet these corridors were as silent as an abandoned casino that had already been looted.::
::His footsteps led him to the door that he was seeking: the sanctum of Third Secretary Jomar. A place that he had kept all day, like a prisoner, and Brek was getting rather worried about this. The last thing he wanted was for this department to develop a reputation of harassing Romulan citizens.::
::He called at the door and called again, without receiving any response.::
Brek: Third Secretary Jomar? ::In this deafening silence, his voice echoed in an odd and impersonal way:: At least give me a sign that you are all right in here. You don't even have to talk… just…
::The door slid open, revealing a tall silhouette. Brek stepped back in order to better appraise it. Jomar was an old man who looked dignified, but also very tired.::
Jomar: ::Staring down at his visitor.:: If the purpose of your intrusion concerns my refusal to help SB118's science team, you have come all this way for nothing, Lt. My choice on the matter is final, and I'd appreciate it if you would leave me alone.
Brek: ::Trying to take a peek at Jomar's quarters, but all he could see was a pale green hue.:: I had gathered that, and don't worry, even a Ferengi specimen like me knows better than to force your hand. No, I was genuinely concerned about your wellbeing. oO And my own reputation. Oo We are all on edge because of the present situation, but it doesn't mean that we have lost our identity. We are all individuals, with our own mindset. With this attested, it is perfectly acceptable for you to come out as a Romulan who prefers to remain neutral. You see, the danger in most cases, is to be too secretive about one's own intentions. This is when people start to talk and form their own fantastic ideas of the situation.
Jomar: ::Remaining as still as if he had been made of marble.:: At least the rumours about you, Lt, are founded: you talk far too much. In any case, although I appreciate your understanding, your reasoning is naïve and due to this lack of perception, faulty. My neutrality would be held against me, specially among Terrans. They are not as open-minded as you obviously think.
Brek: I would agree with you that at times they appear to be more pretentious than open-minded. However every problem has its solution. If their reaction troubles you, dig into their history. In this instance… ::Taking a few seconds to think.:: … if you are ever challenged over your decision, mentioning World War II and Switzerland should do the trick.
Jomar: ::Lifting one eyebrow.:: You are most peculiar, Mister Brek.
Brek: I am Ferengi.
Jomar: Do you drink Romulan Ale, or are you one of those who find that the beverage tastes foul?
Brek: I'll drink anything, specially when it is offered.
::Jomar stepped aside, inviting Brek into his bland quarters. The Senator had already packed his belongings, and the only decorative item that remained was a small decorative floor lamp.::
Jomar: As you can see, there is no secret here. I plan to leave this Starbase as soon as the authorities will allow me to do so. Please, take a seat, Mister Brek. Federation furniture has always been of the highest quality. ::He went to a small generic cabinet and produced two plain glasses and a carafe filled with an intense blue liquid.:: This is the last of my possessions; to be honest, I wasn't sure what to do with it. At one point I even considered flushing it down the toilet. I hope your tolerance for alcohol is acceptable, Lt? This vintage is quite potent.
Brek: ::Looking forward to give it a go.:: With all the banquets and informal meetings I`ve been to, I can hold my drink without problems, Third Secretary.
::Jomar poured the liquid in two equal measures and sat in front of Brek.::
Jomar: So, Mister Brek, I hope you won't mind if I use this opportunity to try and understand how a mind like yours operate? Shall we remain on neutral grounds and have a game of chess?
Brek: ::With a nervous grin.:: If you are as well versed in rumours as you pretend, then you will be aware that I do not enjoy the reputation of being a good chess player.
Jomar: Let's start on a clean slate and forget about all those background noises that pollute the Starbase, shall we?
::Brek nodded his head. He wasn't fond of chess games, but he liked his alcohol, so at least the invitation was not entirely unpleasant.::
tbc
Lt Brek
Chief Diplomatic Officer
SB118/USS Victory
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