The Zenarch - A Zoner Agora at Mal's

[puppytaste]

Dirk was almost sleeping in his chair. Diplomacy was never something that interested him much, but after what had happened so far he knew why Christian had picked him. After all, he was one of the few senior Phoenix officers who had served in an actual military force. What had preceded here was so unlike what he had expected and assumed about Zoners, that it almost made this whole.... 'Circle Jerk' as they called it back in his old LNS days worth bearing. Almost. Maybe I'm the only one who see's this but these talks are going nowhere. They could hold us hostage, Hell they can shoot us in the back of the head and it won't change a thing.' Somehow that did not even seem that bad anymore, at least he could get a little shuteye. There were 3 of them now all making, what seemed to him at least, the same argument over and over. This was not going anywhere at all. In fact in Dirk's opinion they had really shot themselves in the foot. Even he knew you never get very far pulling weapons on people, unless you wanted to rob them or strike some kind of intimidation. And the TAZ were not going to accomplish either of those as long as Dirk still drew breath. With that option now out of the way, they seemed to want to filibuster and bore them to death instead. The name Doc Holliday was mentioned, and that perked his attention a little. He had a name well known by just about everyone in Sirius, and he might be making a visit to our little meeting. Finally a real surprise. Dirk thought with anticipation. Just then, Dirk's mobile communicator gave a hum, it was vibrating. This device allowed him to receive any communications sent to his ship while he was out of it, very handy. Dirk noticed that nobody was even paying attention to him, all still bleating about Gallia this and give me that, so he put the Mic/Headphone device in his ear and answered in a low tone. 'Dirk here' he almost wispered. 'Dirk its Burton, what the hells going on? You were supposed to have left almost 2 cycles ago, Report!' 'Aw hell this should be fun' Dirk mused. 'Well Sir, the talks have not ended yet we have not been permitted to leave.' 'PERMITTED?' Christian yelled 'What the hell did they do put a gun to your head?' 'Well actually...' Dirk paused for a moment, the other delegates had overheard Christians yelling and now were all looking at him. 'They want us to wait for another delegate, Doc Holliday.' Silence from the other side, and then 'You know my position on this matter Dirk, they could march the General Minister of all space out there and it changes nothing. Still, it would be rude to walk out on such a high profile meeting. Not many can say they've met the esteemed Doc, and you would be missing a great opportunity. However, you and Quiron are needed back in the Omicrons immediately. There has been many happenings in the last few cycles, and I need my staff here now! This has gone on for too long already. You may wait for Mr. Holliday but you are ordered to leave immediately after. I don't care if they put a gun to your head, as long as you have stated our position on this matter you need to leave. Is that clear Commander?' Dirk smiled at this. 'Perfectly sir.' 'Good to hear. Burton out.' Quiron looked over at Dirk. 'That was Burton, he wants to know why its taking so long to give over a simple no' Quiron Grinned, and Dirk looked to the 3 puzzled TAZ faces. 'We will wait for Mr. Holliday esteemed representatives. But then we are leaving, in fact I don't even think we can wait for a complete cycle at this point. You want to talk about your problems? Well we have plenty at home that require our attention as well, and we will be leaving very shortly. You can take it to the bank that there is nothing you can say,' Dirks gaze shifted to Brittonas, 'or do that will change Burtons mind. Period. You can try and take it out on me and Quiron all you want but as far as our leadership is concerned the matter is settled and final. So if you will please present Mr. Holliday it would be most beneficial. However if he cannot make it soon, I am afraid we will be leaving you. And pointing more guns or even trying to take us hostage will change nothing.'

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