The Difference You Want to Make
Posted on Wed 1st Jul, 2026 @ 11:06pm by Magnus Temple & Daeren Iril & Miadze Palel
3,651 words; about a 18 minute read
Mission:
[MAIN] Learning to Fly
Location: Horizon One Space Station - Delavi
Timeline: After the explosion
ON:
In the outer rim of the Delavi sector, there was an auspicious region of space called the “Horizon Cloud”, an ethereal nebula of micro-silicates that when reflected by the light of a nearby white dwarf star, created a phenomenon as if the surrounding space was blanketed in a pillowy, wispy fog of shimmering lights. It was beautiful. And while this view brought in many visitors and sight-seers from across the galaxy, the dense particles would also play havoc with warp drives and starship engines, meaning there was usually only a small, shifting passageway through the region that could be safely traversed.
To protect the important trade and travel route, and to assist any craft attempting to navigate the corridor, Starfleet had established a small supply station and transport hub at the opening of the Horizon Cloud.
“…Hence, we have Horizon One.” Magnus was explaining as he and his diplomatic team stepped off the S.S. Versailles and out onto the docking ring of the station.
Horizon One was a J-Class station with an external docking ring and a central hub of 15 decks, mostly concerning supplies and basic maintenance, station operations, and some guest quarters. At the very tip of the facility was a domed Observation Lounge that allowed a full, panoramic view of the nebula. Internally, the layout was a series of burrowed corridors, intended for functionality and utility. It was the “service station at the start of a highway” version of a Starfleet Starbase.
“It’s like an itty-bitty station.” Ashra remarked as she looked around. “Like they shrank a normal Starbase.”
“Horizon One is only meant for re-supply and navigation.” Genevieve Gillard stated, “It’s not meant to be the size of a regular station. Which is why,” she stopped mid-stride in the corridor, “I question whether this is an appropriate location for our meeting with the Trill Consulate?”
Magnus nodded, “Agree with your hesitation, Gen, but this is the first time in months that ourselves and the Trill Ambassador have even been in close proximity. This is the closest point between us and we have a narrow window of opportunity to have a formal conversation.”
“Narrow is right.” Ashra side-mouthed as she bumped against a bulk-head.
“But…” Gen sighed, gesturing around to the very inauspicious corridor. “Here?”
“They actually have an observation lounge with a stellar view of the Horizon Cloud.” Magnus replied knowingly. “Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. And we need to make an effort in showing our Trill friends that we will go the distance to see them. If this is the most convenient location for us and them, then so it is.”
“Do you think they’ll have souvenir magnets?” Ashra remarked, cutting into the conversation. “I need to collect another one for our tour memorabilia.”
Gen raised an eyebrow but Magnus just laughed. “Come, we have some time before the Trill arrive. We’ll see if they have souvenirs.”
(TTS Maral)
The Trill Diplomatic Transport Maral docked at Horizon One, and Daeren Iril, the Trill Consul-General, met his assistant, Miadze Palel, outside the small ship's transporter room. "Ah, there you are," Miadze said. "I'm glad we're finally able to do this. I've been looking forward to meeting with Ambassador Temple ever since he proposed this gathering." She wore a light blue, long-sleeved dress for the occasion, with a hematite necklace and earrings.
"So have I," Daeren said. "I really haven't enjoyed the politics back home, and this was a welcome excuse to get away from it for a while. 109 can't reopen soon enough to suit me. I hope this meeting will pave the way for some useful cooperation between us and Temple."
Miadze snorted. "Not likely, with the way the government is currently leaning."
Daeren agreed with a wordless grumble of disgust. "Too true, but we're us, not our government. I hope we can cobble together some kind of decent working partnership."
They entered the transporter room. With a quiet word to the transporter technician, they disappeared in a cloud of sparks and reappeared in Horizon One's main transporter room. They made their way to an LCARS access panel. "Computer, give me the location of Ambassador Magnus Temple," Daeren said.
Ambassador Temple is located in the Observation Lounge.
"The view there should be spectacular," Daeren said to Miadze. He tapped his combadge. "Iril to Ambassador Temple. Miss Palel and I have arrived. Are you ready for us to join you?"
In the Lounge, Magnus was looking over the preparations for the meeting as they waited. Ashra had organised with a passing tour ship to prepare a selection of Trill-friendly snacks and beverages, which were laid out on platter. The team had secured the Observation Lounge for the private function from Horizon One, so they had the whole place to themselves. They had arranged a circle of sofas around a coffee table right in the centre of the room, with two private seating areas on either side for one on one conversations. By the door was Ashra’s food and drink table.
Above them, across the domed ceiling, the Horizon Cloud was just starting its early hint of sparkles as the White Dwarf star began to illuminate the area as it crossed into the region.
“Done.” Ashra remarked proudly, observing the buffet with a smile. Magnus finished moving one of the chairs into place and wandered over.
“Talking points are on your PADD.” Genevieve stated, as she finished typing on her own device from the comfort of the lounge.
“Talking points?” Ashra frowned, “I thought this was an informal visit. I’ve prepared informal food.” She added with a little bit of panic rising in her voice. “This is not serious talk food. It’s nibbles and snacks.”
“This is perfect.” Magnus said warmly, trying to reassure her, “You’ve done excellently. I just asked Gen to prepare some notes in case I forget anything.”
“The ice tea has fruit chunks in it.” She insisted, as if that was unforgivably offensive. She placed a hand on the side of the pitcher, trying to decide what to do next. “You can’t have a serious conversation while a strawberry is swimming around your glass.”
“It’s perfect..” Magnus held his hand onto her arm and gently pulled it away from the pitcher, as Ashra looked like she was about to go fishing for fruit chunks in the drink. “Let’s leave the fruit alone.”
Just then, the call came through from the docking ring, announcing the Trill delegation’s arrival. Magnus tapped his badge and smiled, “Good to hear from you, Ambassador. Please, make your way up to the Observation Lounge.”
Beside him, Daeren heard Miadze gasp as the doors opened. "Ohhh! That is gorgeous!"
"It ought to be set down in poetry," Daeren agreed. "What a marvelous thing."
As the doors opened, Magnus and his team deliberately stood back, allowing the full scope of the large domed ceiling and the stunning view outside to come into full view. They had timed it perfectly, the Horizon Cloud now starting its delicate twinkle in the starlights. “Magic Hour” as the tourists called it, when the White Dwarf Star shone directly onto the nebula and a cascade of shimmering lights washed over the clouds.
“Welcome.” Magnus said proudly.
"Ambassador, it's a pleasure to meet you," Daeren said and shook Magnus' hand. "This is my assistant, Ms. Miadze Palel."
Miadze extended her hand to Magnus, also. "It's a delight to be here, Ambassador. I am so glad you suggested this meeting place. I could look out that window for hours."
“It’s wonderful.” Magnus agreed. “This is my legal counsel Genevieve Gillard and attaché Ashra.”
Gen and Ashra shared handshakes with their Trill companions, each in turn. Gen looked up at the ceiling as a wave of twinkles spread across the cloud. “It is a marvellous phenomena, no wonder it draws so many visitors.”
“I’m only sorry it took us so long to coordinate our schedules.” Magnus added. “And, of course, not being able to do this on SB109.”
"Having seen this, I'm ready to suggest we hold more meetings here," Daeren said. "The only thing 109 has to compare it to is Nausicaa, which is a lovely blue planet, but it doesn't sparkle like the Cloud. Thank you for arranging this meetup."
Magnus directed the group over to the circle of couches and sat down, waiting for the others to follow. “I’m glad we could finally do this. It was heartening to know that everyone made it off the station alive. That was quite a harrowing day.”
"An unexpectedly, suddenly harrowing day," Daeren agreed. "I wasn't sure if we'd all be able to get on the Maral in time. I heard that everyone made it out alive, though, which is a miracle, given how many people were onboard 109 that day. I suspect Captain Francis was thankful for that. He clearly has a skilled, disciplined crew, to pull that off."
Ashra had quietly went around dispensing a beverage and a small plate of finger food in front of each of the Trill guests, placing the cups and plates gently down on the table. She would wait for a lull in conversation before offering to take specific food requests. She moved silently around the space like a whisper, a personal skill she had proudly honed through many, many events such as this; her footsteps were feather light and her beverage placement with unpronounced softness.
“The station crew did amazing work,” Magnus was agreeing, “They saved us all, really. I hope Starfleet gives Captain Francis and his team commendations for their efforts. I still can’t imagine why anyone would want to attack the station like that? With so many civilians on board?”
"Sadly, there are people who don't care about civilian life," Daeren said. "I have little idea who would have attacked us, either, but there are pirate groups in this area of Delavi space, and I know fighter groups from 109 have engaged them a time or two. The explosion, though--that was unprecedented. I hope Starfleet has a plan to prevent that from happening again."
“Agreed.” Magnus nodded as he leaned forward and took hold of his ice tea and drank. “Actually, before the attack on 109, we had been discussing regional security in my office. It’s been a point of concern for the Federation. You’ve been around Delavi longer than I have, how do you feel safety in the region has developed in the past few years?”
"It's improved from what it was when I first arrived," Daeren said. "109's Marine fighter wings have kept the lines of commercial travel reasonably clear. But now, where we used to have a multitude of small pirate groups, the weaker ones have either found easier prey or have merged with the larger groups. The primary ones that concern me are the Orion Pirates and the Second Sons. When Ambassador Krell of the Klingon Empire was in residence here, I was able to occasionally gain intelligence from him about the Second Sons. They're a thorn in the side of the Empire, but they're well run, judicious in their demands, and so are tolerated. By all reports their leader, Partha, is honorable--as far as that can be said in a pirate organization. His brother, H'tek--not so much. I used to get security briefings from 109's command team, but since the explosion, those notices have ceased."
"We will look to restoring the shared communications." Temple said earnestly, "It serves us all to have up to date information on the Second Son's movements. What do you know of the Ravager's entrance into the region?"
"Unfortunately, I'm not as familiar with the Ravagers as I am with the Second Sons," Daeren said. "What can you tell me about them?" Next to him, Miadze took out her PADD, ready to take notes.
“Savage, brutal, will kill for sport and enjoyment.” Magnus said seriously, “They don’t just attack weaker ships for cargo, they will tear their ships apart with the people still alive inside. The Ravagers occupied a sector deeper within the Expanse and would usually conduct raids when they liked, but they’ve begun expanding their territory, turning systems into their hunting grounds. It is said that they are moving closer to Delavi now.”
Daeren exchanged a shocked look with Miadze as she wrote and then returned his attention to Magnus. "Is this group a part of the Orion pirates or are they their own organization? What action does the Federation want to take?"
“They are not part of any known organisations,” Genevieve stepped in for the Ambassador. “But a race of scavenger bandits who have emerged from within a gaseous system on the far side of the Expanse. Said to have been born in such a caustic environment that it has affected their physical health and mental stability. They fight each other as much as they fight for supplies and resources.”
“Information sharing would be my first priority.” Magnus replied, as he leaned forward in his chair. “Between all parties, that is. We have to known their movements and whether they are progressing into Delavi territory. I have spoken to Qaraq, of the Broots, and believe there may be consensus for a gathering of Delavi powers to address the on-going security concerns. The Federation isn’t looking to come in and assume a military position; but I believe once Starbase 109 reopens, we will hopefully see a stronger Starfleet presence.”
"Ah, I see. As long as the Ravager threat is happening in Delavi space, it isn't the Federation's problem, and the Federation therefore wants no part of it. Am I understanding you correctly?" Daeren sighed. "That works fine, until the Ravagers begin attacking Federation outposts, but by then, the Ravagers would already be well established in the area, and there would be no getting rid of them without a very high cost in funding and lives. What is it they want, ultimately? A reputation for unchecked murder only gets you so far."
“The Federation wishes to respect the sovereignty of the Delavi region.” Magnus answered carefully. “We would consider an invitation from the region to assist with military protection if it were asked for, but they cannot assume any position without a clear consensus from Delavi itself. The last thing the Federation would want to do is act unilaterally in a region in which we have no formal relations or defence agreements, which has no centralised governing body to make that call, or that could potentially trigger conflict within Delavi. That is why we need to get the Delavi region together to discuss these matters.”
He shifted in his chair, “The Ravagers only want to serve themselves. They have the mindset of pirates but the ferocity of warriors. Right now, they attack areas that are too weak or disparate to fight back. I fear they are testing the waters, so to speak, by hunting within Delavi space. Seeing how far they can push, looking for weak prey. A clear show of unity within the region may demonstrate that Delavi is no easy target.”
"What you said makes eminent sense," Daeren replied. "Does Qaraq seek to build a centralized Delavi government? I remember hearing that the Delavi had petitioned for admission to the Federation but were turned down. Was the lack of centralized governance the reason for that?"
“I wouldn’t want to presume their intentions, but I would certainly be suggesting a Security Council type arrangement for the Delavi region in light of recent events. That would at least give us a coherent body with which to communicate or coordinate with Starfleet.” Magnus said, “I’m very much using my appointment to the role as an opportunity to restart and renew our efforts into the Expanse, hopefully I will be able to push forwards with formalising our relationship, especially as the necessity for such an agreement becomes increasingly urgent.”
Daeren nodded. "What exactly are our efforts into the Expanse? What does the Federation want from it? I've spoken briefly with Qaraq a couple of times in Orchids & Jazz, but it was never about anything related to Delavi. As a Consul I don't have the leverage of an ambassador. I am, however, a joined Trill. At home, my word carries more weight than my diplomatic rank otherwise suggests--especially in our current political climate," he added with a neutral look. "I would like to work with you to ensure the defense of local space against the Ravagers. Is there a way I can assist you in working with the Delavi?"
Magnus was warmed by the Consul’s words, nodding along as he spoke. “I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to work with us. My goal is to bring Delavi and the Federation together. I invite however you would prefer to reach out to any contacts in the region and advocate for our cooperation. That will go a long way towards a cohesive, unified Expanse. My immediate goal is to hold a Security Summit, if you were available to attend and encourage others to do so, that would be an invaluable service to the cause.”
"I would be glad to lend my support to that," Daeren said. "To this point, my discussions with Delavi contacts have been with businesspeople discussing business agreements with Trillius Prime, so discussing piracy and the Ravagers is a logical extension of that."
“Well said.” Magnus agreed immediately, “The safe passage of commerce must be a high concern should Delavi wish to protect its interests. Trade is the lifeblood of the region; I agree that the business community within the Expanse can place significant pressure on local governments to work together to improve security for everyone.”
Daeren nodded. "They have the most to lose if the Ravagers increase their hunting area. If anyone can move the powers in the Expanse to unify their forces, it will the commercial sector. I will start talking to my contacts."
“Thank you.” Magnus said earnestly, giving the slightest of nods to Genevieve as he looked up at the domed ceiling. The Horizon Cloud was in full bloom now, a light show of dazzling glow was overhead. “Delavi is such a striking difference between outstanding beauty and intolerable cruelty. Both extremes can exist in this region as neighbours. My hope.” He gave a half smile, “Is to bring more stability to Delavi. I believe we can be partners in that goal?”
"I believe we can," Daeren said. "Let's see if we can make that happen before we must."
“Will you be taking up residence on Starbase 109 when the station re-opens?” Magnus asked, reaching for his glass of iced tea and taking a sip after he spoke. He always forgot to drink when he was speaking so passionately with someone about his work; his throat was getting parched. A chunk of fruit touched his nose as he did, and he smiled. “In a Trill Embassy?”
"We'll return to 109," Daeren said. "It still needs a Trill consulate, and I haven't received a promotion, so I don't expect to be heading to Earth. I need to assess the damage so I can send paperwork back home for repairs and let them know if we've lost anything critical. I think it would be a good chance to redecorate the place and have a few conversations with Commander Rex about the threat." He smiled at Magnus. "I've noticed she enjoys Trill sabrebeast as much as I do, so that might be a good way to make the conversations flow more easily."
Magnus frowned a little at this, “I would definitely get in touch now. From what I hear, they’re already making the repair plans for the station. I imagine ours will be a lower priority but we’re expecting to re-open with a brand new Embassy.” He gave a small shrug. “Of course, if your Embassy is not functional at that time, you are more than welcome to work out of the Federation consulate until it’s ready. We will have a dedicated office for traveling dignitaries.”
"Oh, I wasn't planning to wait until the station reopens to do all of that," Daeren said. "As soon as I can get scans of our consulate, we'll submit the repair requests and get moving on it once my government approves the emergency funding. I requested a damage assessment the day the explosion happened. I hope we won't need to impose on your hospitality, but if we must, then I thank you for your offer."
“There would be no imposition. Our Embassy will be more than happy to accommodate you. In fact -“ Magnus looked over to Genevieve, who quickly produced her PADD and held it out forward, looking as it initiated a quick file transfer to the Trill. “I would love to invite you to our official Opening Ceremony of the new Embassy. Pending final construction date, of course, we’ve got a provisional save the date invitation to send you.”
"We would be glad to attend, Magnus," Daeren said as Miadze accepted the file and began scrolling through it and added it to Daeren's calendar. "I'm glad to see the Federation is moving fast on that."
Magnus demurred a smile, knowing it came less from Federation expediency and more from just knowing the right people. "I am, too. The new Embassy is going to be quite the impressive bit of bureaucratic agency. Perfect for the big goals that we have for the Expanse."
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