The Broot Excursion

Posted on Thu 2nd Jul, 2026 @ 1:21pm by Criswell Sandbags & Qaraq & Magnus Temple

2,717 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: [MAIN] Learning to Fly
Location: Delavi
Timeline: Pre-reopening

ON

Being a Federation diplomat meant often interacting with people whose lives and views differed from those of Earth. Sometimes it was big, sweeping differences of culture, language, and beliefs. Other times it was small differences, where values and ideas could almost meet except for something categorically diverse. Magnus was used to this, trained to respect the different when he came across it, while still upholding his own values and those of the Federation.

He always found it tricky, however, when it came to capitalist economics, those who pursued the excess of wealth by collecting pieces of metal or digital currency throughout their entire lives and their societies. He found it baffling. He would have to pretend to value numbers and the having of things as important, because it was how their society worked. Not everyone had industrial replicators, he would tell himself. Not everyone could just give people the things they needed and shared what they had in the name of the greater good. Perhaps, he realised, that by devaluing capitalism, he had actually fallen into the trap of over-valuing the Federation’s altruism? Perhaps, his version of having things seemed baffling to others because those things lacked any value?

Magnus had been lost in this quagmire of thought as the S.S. Versailles slowly descended onto the landing pad of the Broot homeworld. As part of his Delavi tour, he had chosen to make the long journey to meet with Qaraq, the venerated owner of SB109’s grand casino and various other businesses on board. They had, of course, been shuttered while the station underwent its repairs. As a valued participant in 109’s entertainment and tourism sector, which brought millions of visitors to the station each year, Magnus knew he needed to keep in touch with Qaraq to ensure his presence would return once the station was open again.

The shuttle landed with a sweep of air from underneath the manoeuvring thrusters, and soon after Magnus, Genevieve Gillard, and Ashra were stepping out of the craft to meet their welcoming party.

They were met by a group of five Broots, the one in the middle who stepped forward to greet Magnus was Qaraq himself, or at least Magnus was pretty sure he was Qaraq.

"Welcome, Mr. Temple, to Delavi," the large iridescently-faced boulder of a man said, extending a blue hand marked with protruding pointed knuckle-bones. The handshake was about as firm as a handshake could get, but managed not to break any fingers. "As you may already know, my name is Qaraq. I hope your journey was without incident."

“Mr. Qaraq, thank you for the invitation and the warm welcome.” Magnus smiled through the pain of the handshake. He turned to his staff members behind him, “This is Genevieve Gillard, my second in charge, and Ashra, my Aide.” They both nodded firmly as they shook the Broot’s hand. “We are honoured to be here.”

"Rest assured, the honor is mine," Qaraq said in a loud and jovial tone. "I believe I have met your brother, albeit briefly. He helped me take care of some of my problems. I admit, I don't remember who owes who a drink, but it ended well for both our parties. It also gave me a chance to know your Admiral... excuse me, 'Captain' Francis quite well. I hear you will be stationed on Starbase 109 once the new embassy is complete, is that true?"

“Knowing my brother, I’m sure he got himself into some mischief.” Magnus remarked with a smile, “Yes, we’re going to have a brand new consulate, the Federation believes Delavi’s growth requires a bigger investment. I’m looking forward to finally getting it up and running.” He shrugged a little, “Unfortunately, someone decided to try blowing up the place first.”

"Yes," Qaraq said with a bow to his head. "I was there. All of my business ventures there were demolished. I'm afraid I've no other choice but to rebuild. In some ways, the starbase is a haven for me. I moved there shortly after the passing of my wife and, well, it was a comfort. Come! We must drink now!" Qaraq gestured to the nearby building that overlooked the coast of an ocean. The entire area looked like an airport, seaport, and shanty town all at once. The town had the salty-sweet aroma of an ocean town, and as they neared Qaraq's prime establishment, Magnus experienced the scent of what must have been Broot barbecue.

"We have freshly-caught ponibur on the grill," Qaraq continued. "It's a crustacean delicacy native to this world not unlike the shrimp of your world, only much larger."

“That sounds delicious, I am hungry for a freshly cooked meal. By all means, throw another ponibur on the grill.” Magnus smiled as they walked.

Genevieve strode behind the diplomat, heels tapping on the hardwood floor. She was stoic as usual, poised as expected, but even she could not deny the scent of gourmet food. She breathed in deeply, savouring the smell and smiled, despite herself. “Smells divine. I’m sorry we didn’t get the opportunity to experience this on the station.”

Qaraq grinned "It is one of the delicacies I will feature at my steakhouse, once the station is ready for business. After the explosion, I had several offers from many bases and outposts, including nearby Cardassian and Ferengi locations. But Starbase 109 has become like a new home to me, and the Federation has already done so much for my people, short of allowing us to join them. That is something which I would like to confer with you, Mr. Temple."

Qaraq's sons quietly departed from the group as they walked into the two-story seaside restaurant. Qaraq led them to up to the open-topped upper deck looking out at the beautiful ocean, where the crisp sea breeze gently greeted them. The scents of the barbecue were even more present upstairs. Their gargantuan host led them to a large table at the edge of the deck, where a basket of buttered roles had already been placed.

"The dinner roles are a new addition to this establishment," Qaraq said. "On Starbase 109 I discovered Terran and Broot foods are very similar. I have included a few of your human food to our new menu." As they sat down, iced mugs were placed on the table. Another Broot arrived carrying a massive glass pitcher containing a deep amber-colored liquid, with thick white froth at the top.

"Ahhhh!" Qaraq bellowed with delight as he stood and took the pitcher. As he began to pour the liquid, he said, "This is Delavi's pride and joy, a lager created here by my departed wife, made entirely with ingredients indigenous to this planet. It is called the Korfmager. Please enjoy!"

“Thank you,” Magnus smiled as he raised up his glass. “To your hospitality and your much-anticipated return to Starbase 109.”

Qaraq grinned. "To the Temple family!"

The guests and hosts tucked into their meals with warm regard. Even Genevieve was partaking in the lager with enthusiasm, as she gave a breathy, deep laugh to a comment she found especially amusing. Magnus was seated next to Qaraq and as he easily sliced the tender meat onto his fork, he leaned over to gain the Broot’s ear.

“I am so very pleased to know you are returning to the station.” Magnus said, “I think your presence will signal to many others that 109 is a safe place to visit and conduct business once more.”

"Safe place?" Qaraq said. "The precarious nature of the area surrounding Starbase 109 is the very reason I'm returning. I'm not there just for good ales and casino games. I'm also there with the intent to represent this planet and its people."

"Ah, I see. That's something I am also very interested in." Magnus nodded, "I am keen to open avenues of discussion with the Expanse, both collectively as a region, and with individual planets and systems. From my understanding, the Federation has been reticent to engage in broad negotiations thus far, preferring to deal in a case by case basis. My personal view is that approach does not provide long-term stability for the region."

"Then perhaps you and I could help each other to... make the Federation realize this," Qaraq said, his words said with a somewhat conspiratorial tone. "While I was devastated to see Starbase 109 nearly destroyed, I am shocked that it wasn't a wake-up call to the Federation regarding their presence there. It seems our conflict here is starting to seep through. I hope it isn't much longer until the Federation sees this issue and decides to act on it. We here would certainly be a powerful ally."

Magnus didn’t have an immediate answer to that, so he busied himself with cutting into his meal and consuming it, allowing the sounds of cutlery on porcelain and gentle murmurs from other conversations around the table to fill the silence for a moment. There was a reason so many diplomatic talks happened over dinner; to allow oneself the ability to pause and think before saying something. It helped to have a little distraction when required.

In truth, he wasn’t sure if the Federation were hearing those alarm bells. Yes, what had happened on SB109 could have been a massive disaster; but it hadn’t been. The crew evacuated the station and alleviated the threat without any lives lost. From a Starfleet perspective, that was likely seen as a close call, rather than a call to arms. The Federation had expressed their “concerns” and pledged “reviews” into the region but no real action had been taken as yet to advance the Expanse’s cause through to the Council. Magnus knew the wheels of progress were often slow moving; he could only hope they were waiting for the station to reopen for those wheels to actually start moving again.

Of course, that wasn’t going to stop Magnus from making noise. He had his own purpose for being in the Expanse, and if the Federation weren’t listening yet; he was going to make sure they would be hearing him soon. Swallowing his mouthful, Magnus simply nodded, “I agree, I’m very invested in advancing our relationship. I think there’s a good reason, once Starbase 109 reopens, to gather interested parties together to find out exactly what our next steps will look like.”

Qaraq nodded. "And I hope you will keep all of us in mind. I believe we would be a more powerful ally than we appear."

He chuckled then, and even that boomed through the air. "Enough business talk," Qaraq said, the merriment in his voice returning. "Let's enjoy the meal, and then have a singsong and a scrap. Mr. Temple, you've not known of a good time until you experience the Broot singsong and scrap. We drink, we fight, we sing... it's tradition!"

A slight chill went through the spine of this wine-tasting, comfortable-living Danish diplomat when the Broot said the word “scrap”. Magnus thought it was surely a mistake the first time, something he had misheard, until Qaraq clearly said that they also fight.

“Traditional to… fight?” Magnus asked carefully, his mouth stopped from finishing his food. His eyes found Genevieve’s across the table, and she was already staring back at him. Although she had a hint of mirth in her eyes, as she was undoubtedly picturing Magnus attempting to fight Qaraq. The very image of that was plain as day on her amused face and Magnus immediately knew she would be no help. His eyes said “not happening” right back at her.

Ashra was carefully considering her PADD, wondering where in her delicately planned schedule a fight had been organised. She was sure she hadn’t seen, nor would have added, such an activity to her itinerary. She tried not to look panicked but she was, undoubtedly, panicked.

Magnus swallowed his mouthful of food. “I’m not much of a fighter, Qaraq. Wrong brother. That’s more a Nyx activity.”

At this, Qaraq and all present offspring erupted in laughter. Even Criswell found this funny, and was doing a bad job hiding it.

"Magnus, Magnus," Qaraq said, shaking his head. "A single Broot could cave in your soft human head with one gentle punch! No, sir. You will not be fighting tonight. If someone offends you, it is my right to challenge them myself, since you are my guest." He quickly added, "And please do not protest, or I will be very offended. My people find honor in helping others, especially people of importance like yourself. Any objection from you implies you do not believe me strong enough to defend you. Your Captain Francis received the same courtesy when he was marooned here. Other than possible flying debris and broken glass, you will be quite safe. So enjoy yourself! Tonight we honor you."

A visible relief was evident on Magnus’ face and he offered up a breathless smile. “Of course. As long as I get to keep my soft head in tact, then by all means.” He waved his hand in front of him. “I would be honoured to witness your great traditions. From here. In my seat.”

Genevieve had the audacity to look disappointed at this news, but then she had a thought. Leaning over she said to Qaraq, “Did you say you that you sing first, sir? The Ambassador has quite the baritone voice.”

"Ah!" Qaraq said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "I believe this is going to be a spectacular night!"

From the other end of the room, there came the sound of a table being overturned and glass breaking. They all turned to look at the disturbance. An angry Chalnoth had fists in the air, and he was taunting one of the Broot servers.

"You have the gall to call me that?!" yelled the Chalnoth. "Let's see you do that after I dismantle your jaw!"

The Chalnoth swung at the Broot, who dodged the blow. The sailing fist hit a giant Orion man, who was back from the restroom and simply trying to return to his seat.

"You idiotic Chalnoth scum!" the Orion cried, and jammed his foot in the Chalnoth's crotch.

Another Chalnoth rose, but the Orion caught the punch, but as he did he bumped into the Broot who had originally offended the Chalnoth. The Orion's dominance over the two Chalnoths was short-lived when the Broot picked him up and threw him through a table where a group of Boslics were sitting and had just started their meal.

Qaraq stood, growling gleefully. "Time for a scrap!" he cried and charged away from the table, the other Broots following suit, leaving Magnus and Criswell at the table.

"Um... would you like to see the back room?" Criswell asked.

Genevieve stood from the table with quiet poise, clutching at her glass with a mixture of amusement and concern in her eyes. It was entirely possible that the usually stoic, soft-voiced legal aid was enjoying this show of brutish aggression and chaos. She clapped as one of the Chalnoths went skidding into a wall.

Magnus was a little more alarmed, he had backed away from the table as the commotion had begun. At Criswell’s offer to leave the brawlers to their fighting, he nodded quickly in agreement. But not before he reached over and grabbed his glass to take with him. He still had his priorities, of course.

As they moved to leave the dining room, Magnus caught up to Criswell’s side. “Tell me, did I see some real Earth lemons on the garnish there?” He asked. “Would I be able to, well, buy some off you?”

Criswell's eyes lit up, and his hands came together in a manner more suited for a Ferengi than a human. "Buy some?" he asked. He knew his master would have just given the lemons to Magnus, but if Magnus was willing to pay, well, that was a whole different thing. "Come with me and we'll negotiate a price..."

OFF

TIE-IN SONG! "Shanty for a Brute" is the song sung by Qaraq later that night, after the scrap. To hear it, message CF or go to the Discord.

 

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