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((Deck 14, Glutik's Quarters, USS Excalibur))
::Dakarai didn't like to be here. He would rather be cleaning toilets with a toothbrush, really, but he felt he had to make this trip. It was one of those moments where his instincts had been screaming that he needed to take action. With the Court Martial about to start, there was a high probability that Glutik would want to go to it and make a nuisance of himself. Something that had to prevented, at all costs.::
::The Tellarite's quarters were surprising bare, left pretty much to their original design, with grey and silver walls. What was unusual though, was that Glutik was wearing a white suit that looked about two sizes too small. Due to this, he walked in a rigid manner, as if his jacket was made of steel or something.::
Glutik: Now is not the time, Dakarai. I'm going to the trial. As an observator.
Dakarai: ::Correcting him out of habit.:: An observer, you mean.
Glutik: I disagree. Observator sounds more important. And you've got to look important when you're about to meet a Rear Admiral. I've never seen one in real, you know.
Dakarai: ::Opting for a slow approach to the problem at hand.:: And you're going, dressed like that?
Glutik: Yes. It's my best suit. My ma gave it to me when I was 20. I always wear it on grand occasions. ::He touched the right lapel of his jacket.:: It means a lot to me. It's my lucky suit too, and I also wear it on my almost-dates.
::Trying to imagine the Tellarite as a young man was an odd affair. He looked like he was born that way: with a perpetual scowl etched on his face, and a great ability to dispute everything. Well, perhaps that today he would be able to take advantage of that very flaw.:::
Dakarai: ::With a little smile.:: Effectivement.
::The Tellarite, who had been looking at a mirror while combing his beard, turned round abruptly, looking suspicious.::
Glutik: What?
Dakarai: I said: indeed.
Glutik: Ah. Brek is right you know. No one can understand you when you speak. You should do something about it. ::He returned his attention to his mirror.:: A diplomat who can't speak properly... I ask you!
Dakarai: Je vois. [I see]. Anyway. You can't go. Not like that. You look farcical in those clothes. I'll even go further. Think of it seriously. I bet this suit has actually brought nothing but bad luck to you. You need something new, with a better cut. Something that can redefine you.
Glutik: ::Grumpy.:: I can't replicate another suit, not now. My credits are pretty low... I came across some er... difficulties. ::His voice almost a murmur now.:: The gambling type... it could have happened to anyone.
Dakarai: ::Seeing an opportunity there, he spoke fast.:: Let me guess: you were wearing this very suit! That's why a change is in order. You need a new wardrobe. And I know just the right person to call for that. He is a tailor on 118. Don't worry about costs, the Corps will pay for everything. First, let's take your measurements.
Glutik: Hmpf. Stay right where you are! You sound too much like someone who's trying to keep me away from the trial.
::It wasn't easy, but Dakarai remembered that diplomacy worked at its best when it offered options.::
Dakarai: Go then. And be a fool in front of everyone. Still, I've warned you. Clothes, they define who you want to be, Glutik. Why do you think that Brek never leaves his uniform?
::Glutik took a few steps towards the door, stopped, walked again and then turned round, his face contorted by doubts.::
Glutik: All right! All right! How long would it take?
Dakarai: ::With an engaging smile.:: Ten minutes max. oO Or, in French time, two days, and even then, that's without the shoes... Oo Let's sit down to talk it over, shall we?
tbc
PNPCs Dakarai, Diplomatic Aide and Glutik (civilian diplomat)
simmed by:
Lt. Cmdr. Brek
Chief Diplomatic Officer/2O
USS Excalibur A
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