[[BACKPOST]]: The Declared

Posted on 17 Nov 2012 @ 8:29pm by
Edited on 24 Dec 2012 @ 5:13pm

1,237 words; about a 6 minute read

This will be a long one (well now that I read it, not that long, but w/e) I'm lazy, so PRETEND they are speaking in Vulcan :3 MOUSE OVER any Vulcan tidbits for translations.

ON:

[[2387: MIRI'KAHR COUNCIL, MIRI'KAHR VULCAN]]

"Brother, I heard the news. They are delivering the decision today at chamber," the rushed and harried voice of Sekhet carried over as he ran up the steps to the large building and caught Liyar outside the looming wooden doors.

Liyar turned, taking in the Earth-lightened features of his adopted brother and the Starfleet cadet uniform he now wore. The curly cap of black hair that usually was worn immaculate had grown out a little down past his ears, and he still exhibited the same endless enthusiasm that Liyar recognized. "Indeed. Council is beginning shortly. You and T'Nira are in attendance?"

Sekhet nodded, and T'Nira walked up gracefully at her more leisurely pace to meet her Intended's fingers with her own. Her long red hair was tied elegantly behind her back in two plaited braids. Her probing black eyes cast themselves on Liyar, flashing in undisguised anger. "I cannot believe they are deliberating about this at all," she said, in perfect poise.

"You are a minority," Liyar pointed out, standing aside as they walked in first.

Sekhet blanched. "Surely you cannot agree with this, Liyar? It is absolutely antithetical to our foundation. You cannot speak on behalf of it," Sekhet urged.

Liyar gave him a slow blink. "Many believe aiding them is a foolish endeavor. Mathematically, the numbers speak for themselves."

"The numbers?" Sekhet said, and then lowered his voice, "The numbers? Are you employing sarcasm?"

"Negative. Statistically, we benefit by doing nothing about Romulus. This has resulted in many who believe that the most logical thing to do is nothing."

"Logic justifies many things, Liyar, but there is a difference between logic and insanity," T'Nira interrupted sharply.

"Indeed, T'Nira." Liyar fixed them both with a comprehensive look, and Sekhet seemed to relax. "Come, session is beginning." With that, Liyar swept past the doors calmly.

***

"Be seated," a sonorous voice called as they took their places near the side benches.

Several dozen berobed Vulcans sat down simultaneously, any whispers of chatter died down in deference to T'Maile and the Council elders. It had all been done above their heads, only now was the time to tell Miran province the entirety of the Council's decision. On the viewscreen above was the sigil of the Vulcan High Council, and in T'Maile's and her comrades hands were PADDs and other items detailing the official broadcasts which had yet to reach Miri'kahr.

T'Maile stepped up to the podium, clasping her hands around its wooden edges. Even for someone of her discipline, she appeared weary. Long nights of deliberating about the Romulans' fate were hard even on her. Nevertheless, when she spoke, it was with the authority she was accustomed to.

"Councilmembers, Representatives," she addressed, staring hawklike at them all. "It has been decided. Vulcan is not to interfere with the state of affairs on Romulus. Ambassador Spock's request has been denied by order of the Vulcan High Council. The Vulcan Science Academy has disavowed all contact with the Federation on this matter. We act in accordance to logic and reason, and the future protection of our world and its generations to come. That is all."

It was short and to the point, delivered sharply and bluntly. T'Maile may have sent the message, but even Liyar could see she was not the messenger. All at once, people erupted in bits and pieces, phrases here and there, speaking over one another. T'Maile banged a large wooden hammer against the podium and silence befell the room once more.

Liyar closed his eyes and leaned his head back, willing calm through his body with all of the force of discipline he could muster. At long last, he stood. "Permission to address the Council, Maat tela'at."

"Liyar, Son of Clan Leader Severen. As your father is indisposed, you are the default speaker for Miri'kahr. You are acknowledged." T'Maile set her eyes on her oldest son, who stood regally, posture rigid and uncompromising. Two hundred pairs of black eyes swiveled to focus on him.

"I recognize that the High Council's will is absolute," Liyar began, his voice ringing through the high-ceilinged ancient architecture powerfully. "I recognize my words have no hold over yourself, nor the High Council. However, I state for the record on behalf of Miran province and its inhabitants, as acting Clan Leader in all of its absolute rights: We do not accept this ruling as logical or reasonable."

Sekhet looked along with his companions at Liyar. Most of the inhabitants of the room did not know much about the son of Severen except that he worked for the V'Shar and was responsible for bringing many home from P'Jem to the Hall of Ancient Thought. Everybody was watching him. He would become the next Clan Leader, but was this really the way to do it? By open defiance, even when nothing could be done? Was it not more reasonable to maintain silence?

Whether or not the majority agreed with him, they all were watching.

"I state for the record that rather, it is uncompromising, callous and ruthless. We have become cold, where the capacity for reason should engender compassion. The Time of Awakening has always been looked upon as a source of pride, for the Vulcan race. We learned valuable lessons. That we are rational, thinking beings which separate us from the le-matya. That we need not fight over the well, but reason with one another and agree for the benefit of all. That our burden to face Nature is lessened when shared with another. Now, we have forgotten our Way."

Liyar's voice wavered for a moment at that, but he continued resolutely, regaining composure. "We have become unyielding. We say it is logic that tells us to do nothing. While billions of our brethren are annihilated. No. Logic cannot permit the needs of the many, if those needs are weighed against a cosmological whole. We cannot submit our collective need greater than the collective need of another and then submit we are doing this on the basis of rationality. We aspire to rise beyond war and entropy. Yet, we use logic as a weapon, where Surak once said show them peace. I submit to you today that this is not peace."

With that, he inclined his head and stepped back. "Permission to leave, Maat tela'at."

T'Maile met his eyes unflinchingly. "Your statement has been processed. You are dismissed, Clan Leader Liyar."

Liyar strode out, head held high despite the whispers as he walked past. It wouldn't change anything. But it would be noted. It was not enough, but it was the only power a singular man held. He could only hope that Ambassador Spock had enough time to defy the Council's orders.

OFF:

T'Maile
Liyar
Sekhet
T'Nira

 

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