Star Trek: Starbase 777 - cmd-briefing-room

Starbase 777 was many things - a home, a workplace, an oasis in the middle of the inky black, vast ocean of space. But for the Federation, first and foremost, it served as an outpost of peace and diplomatic negotiations. Unsurprisingly, that meant a lot of diplomatic work. And today, an unusual guest came to the station's door with a request for help - that being an Annari colony, a species from Delta quadrant, who wished to establish themselves in the Beta quadrant. Currently, the leader of the colony was present in the briefing room; the man sat at table, resting his wrists against the corner of it with his fingers laced together, shoulders ever so slightly tensed up but the facial expression being, ultimately, somewhat peaceful. Perhaps being in the Federation space was still somewhat alien to him. Pun not intended.

It was always good to have a bit of security present at negotiations like these, even if Maxson was mostly just posted by the door. Nevertheless, the lieutenant commander stepped inside of the briefing room and gave the colony leader a nod as he took his place by the door, “Hello, sir. Lieutenant Commander Patroclus Maxson, I’m the Assistant Chief of Security here aboard Starbase 777. Our diplomatic officers will be here shortly,” He quirked his eyebrow upon noticing the tenseness, “Can I…get you anything from the replicator?” Maybe that’d help make the leader feel a bit more comfortable.

Ssaedhe walked into the room after Patroclus, saluting him briefly, PADD in her other hand, makeup done, ready to take on another question. She took up station against the wall, not yet aware who else was going to show up, and she'd rather leave the actual table open to the people who were going to be leading the discussion, provided there were going to be some. She had about 500 legal texts downloaded and ready to go though, depending on what the situation required; she was a professional, after all.

Vara'l slipped into the room quietly a few moments later and proceeded to take perch near a wall. Did so as indulged in a quick visual sweep of the room with calm grey hued eyes and inclined his head in greeting. "Jolan tru, I am Lieutenant Commander Vara'l tr'Hara, I'm the Assistant Chief Tactical officer here on Starbase 777." The Romulan commenced after a moment. "I believe my colleague has already asked if you would like something from the replicator, is there anything else that I can be of assistance with?" The xB inquired then as he watched the others. Oblivious to any of the emotions displayed but having allowed himself to fall back on propriety. Replicator stuff had been offered so it was unlikely there would be something else, but if there was, hopefully it was something that could be assisted with.

She pinned her hair back as she entered her Padd tucked under her arm this was the last time she was being sent to a diplomatic assignment last minute

Sogla Bannosta Irtus entered the room, posing a vast figure in her Allied Fleet Service uniform, with her baldric draped over her shoulders. Her hair was pinned back, but flowed does her back in dark curls. She nodded to the others in the room and took her own seat, and her PADD on the table, ready to take notes.

Rii entered with a smooth stride, a PADD in hand, and offered the ACOS a polite nod. “Commander,” They greeted before making their way to the far end of the table. Settling into the seat, they glanced down at the PADD, fingers gliding over the interface as he quietly pulled up Federation’s available data on the Annari. With a subtle tilt of Rii's head, they began skimming the information, absorbing the details as the room settled before the meeting commenced. (edited)

The Annari man watched as the Starfleet officers slowly filled the room, and there was this moment of hesitance - should he get up and greet them, or keep himself seated? The solution was the middle ground - that being a polite nod, mirroring the colorful cast: "Pleasure to meet all of you," he offered, not smiling but with a kind tone of voice nonetheless. "I am Bahram, the designated leader of the colony. I am grateful for your willingness to help us, and I hope that our cooperation will be fruitful." Maxson's question almost did crack a smile on the Annari's scaly face, but he managed to hold onto that gentle stoicism. "Very kind of you, Lieutenant Commander, but I will decline. Thank you nonetheless."

He wasn’t wrong, the diplomatic officers did indeed arrive shortly after he had said they would. He gave his small smiles and nods toward those who walked in past him, and a salute toward Rii. “Of course, Bahram. That offer stands, in the event you’d like something later,” The security officer replied. If nothing else, hopefully that helped ease some of his tensions.

A tad late to the diplomatic party, Dagis entered along with their ACOO, offering polite nods to everyone present. Deciding diplomacy was key she switched up her usual order of greeting to address their guest first. "Lieutenant Dagis, Chief Operations Officer. This is Lieutenant Five of Eight, my Assistant Chief Operations Officer. It's a pleasure to have you aboard." The rather short Ferengi greeted Bahram with a friendly smile and a tilt of the head. "If you or your people need anything while you're here please don't hesitate to reach out to us, we'd be more than happy to provide."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," chirped the ACOO in question, happily trailing along behind Dagis. She would leave most of the talking to her and the actual diplomats, but was happy to help if needed.

It seemed that the officers were done with their gathering - and Bahram took that as a clue to lift himself up from his seat, now looking over the unfamiliar faces: "Well... we might as well begin, then? I assume that it is probably highly unusual to see an Annari here, on your station. We came here from the Delta quadrant, due to... issues, we had with our neighbors, if I were to put that mildly." A tiny grimace appeared on the man's face. Nevertheless, he continued. "I am here representing my colony. And my colony is in need of a place we could call our new home... your quadrant is an unusual choice, and you would be fair to deem it as such, but it is what we had agreed to. We have also done some of our own research, and found a planet that might suit our needs. The issue is that... we do not have many resources nor knowledge to properly research it and finalize our decision. This is where we hope that you, Starfleet, could assist us. After all, planet charting and terraforming is something that you seem to be very familiar with."

Of course, he was here, as he tended to be. It was sort of the Captain's HQ, beside his office and the bridge. So, like, three HQs? Maybe that's not how it works. Anyway, he was in attendance. "It is something we are familiar with, and we do have the resources to assist you. I can see no reason why we should decline your request, although I will still request to hear any further details before we go ahead."

The Annari nodded: "Of course. We have our eyes on Thrakos V, a planet located in the Thrakos system in this very sector of space. A little before the meeting I have provided your system with... what little information we have on that system and planet. It is not much, just your general information about the size, the sun, the atmosphere, the planet class, and so on. No information on flora or fauna, or any details about the surface or water or whatnot... yet, at least."

The officer pursed his lips together. This would be quite the away mission from the sounds of it, especially with whatever crew sent down there only having general info to operate on. He shifted how he was stood and pulled out his PADD, mulling over his fellow security staff. Who to suggest to bring along? Gotta keep the away team safe…

That didn't sound like much. "Was there any sort of interference that affected your scans?" That would explain why they were able to find so little. Sure, it was also a matter of resources, but it would be good to know if there might be any atmospheric conditions that would restrict even Starfleet's scanning technology.

"Well, there was indeed interference with the atmosphere," he nodded. "While it is perfectly suitable for carbon-based lifeforms like you and me, the chemical components in the upper layers were creating... almost like noise, in the data. It also makes it impossible to use transporter beams. - so if we want to land on Thrakos V for survey, it will have to be done via shuttle."

He nodded. "A complication our shuttle pilots will be very pleased to navigate." He knew some of them were itching for a little more action, even if it was just ubering an expedition team to the surface of a potentially dangerous planet instead of from one ordinary place to another.

So they were needed to get a look at what the planet had in store, then. Five nodded along, taking mental note. Exciting! Nerve-wracking, but still exciting. "Is there anything else we should know that hasn't already been sent over?"

The man took a moment to think about it, but then shook his head: "I am positive we have given you everything we could, information wise. Also, while we're on the topic of landing... can I accompany your away team for that? Reading over gathered data is fine and all, but seeing the place with my own two eyes would help with the decision making - at least, in my own opinion."

"I don't see why not." He was sure Bahram was already aware there might be something unexpected on the planet, so there was no need to point it out. "Just take the same safety precautions as everyone else will."

Mo received a grateful nod: "Thank you, Captain. So... anything else we might need to discuss, or we can move onto preparations?.."

"Anything to add?" He said, addressing the room.

"If you'll be coming along, sir, we should assign security officers to the away team just in case— though, I'm sure Commander Maxson will have that covered." Five hummed, thinking it over. "I can't think of anything."

Ssaedhe looked up from where she'd been taking notes, shaking her head. She didn't have any questions, and it wasn't particularly her scene, either; she'd wait on the station to hear back from the away team, see if her work was still necessary.

Dagis shook her head in agreement with her ACOO. "Nothing I can think of, no. I can arrange the nessesary resources for a scouting mission."

Deciding that they could move onto the preparations, the officers could do exactly that - as well as arrange the away team in the #airlock!

Bahram had taken his seat, allowing a moment for everyone to be situated before jumping straight into business. "What was discovered on the expedition?" he asked. His expression was the same, calm as ever, but there was unspoken eagerness; hope for a better life, for himself and his people.

And we're back in the fucking building! There would come a time when Ssaedhe got good at these things, but as it stood, she just looked around for a second. When it seemed like nobody was going to speak up right now, she did. "According to the report, Thrakos V has a thriving ecosystem that supports numerous species of plant and wildlife. The soil is suitable for farming, and there are native plants suitable for consumption," she started off.

“From a…scientific standpoint, it serves as quite the point of interest,” Maxson added onto Ssaedhe’s statement, his hands clasped together. He looked rather tense, which considering who he was, it wasn’t shocking, “…however, our science team has raised some…concerns about the longevity of a potential colonization effort.”

Bannosta had taken her seat and was reviewing the briefing of the away team. It seemed like a decent place for a colony, though megafauna and technological interference would cause quite the logistical issues for longevity.

"That is... excellent news," Bahram answered in regards to the state of the ecosystem, and valuable resources. "Whatever difficulties come with settling, my people are more than equipped to handle them."

Having looked over the log to make sure she had the facts straight about the mission and what the away team found, Dagis, having been at the initial meeting and on the bridge for the mission itself, decided she felt it necessary to participate in the talks. She was no scientist, nor diplomat, but she was in Operations and specialised in logistics, which included knowing how to set up a basic colony should something go horribly wrong aboard 777, the Eventide, or anywhere else for that matter. She was also, however, not neutral in this matter, having already sided against the colony in her mind due to the apparent risk to natural habitat, which felt reminiscent of very old Ferengi methods of colonising and subsequently butchering 'lesser' worlds for their resources. Whether that will change, only time could tell, and so sit down at the table she did, PADD in her hands as she reviewed data.

“Well, sir, the difficulties would come from settling. From the report…” He brought out his PADD, One’s report open on the screen, “…the fragilities of this ecosystem would be put at risk by things like farming, or housing. Not to mention the megafauna. I’m afraid I didn’t witness this…dragon encounter, but…nevertheless, I will admit, it does leave me and Starfleet with some worries.”

"We have no intention of depleting the planet of every resource, I assure you." Bahram folded his hands on his lap. "We will find a way to deal with these 'dragons'."

"The atmospheric interference with technology also puts logistics, communicarion, defense, and potential rescue or relief intervention at a disadvantage." She stated, knowing how hard those things could be even with reliable teleporters, comms, and scans.

Syrax, as the pilot of the whole away mission and the first-hand witness of the dragon encounter, was also present here - just in case any clarification was required, course-wise or fauna-wise. Seeing Ssaedhe enter, the tall helmsman's face broke into a dimpled smile and he waved at her.

One of the scientists at the mission, Saren sat next to his cousin, PADD in hand for notetaking. His brief conversation with One was on the Romulan's mind... the junior assistant's gaze went back and forth, prepared to answer if addressed, and also just... wanting to see the outcome.

"Is there no technology available to combat this interference?" He turned his attention to Bannosta. "Something that would increase the signal, so to speak."

"Technically, there is a special terraforming process should be able to clear some of that up," Five piped up from her seat beside Dagis. Sci-fi tech, baby.

"Right. So," he said, averting his gaze to the table. "If you all will allow me to speak plainly, my people have nowhere else to go. We are without homes, without a place to rest and recover from our evacuation. I fear for the life of my wife and unborn child if this stress continues," he said, fingers curling tighter around eachother. "This planet has all the resources a young colony could possibly need. We are willing to accept the danger and push past it."

The assistant chief took in a slow breath, “We understand, but in good conscience, and based off the findings of our science team, we are uncertain as to if Thrakos should be the…all or nothing choice, so to speak,” He hummed, “Can I ask what the population of this colony would be?”

Ssaedhe was glad someone with more experience was taking the lead. For now, she took notes of everything being said, hoping she could use all the information to come to resolution later.

"What findings? Is there anything I have not been informed of that threatens our lives?" He directed his attention to Maxson, maintaining his calm, composed demeanor. "Our colony is composed of two hundred and sixty seven, sir. Families, children, and elderly. Those who managed to survive, at least."

“…mm,” He took in another breath, tightening his clasped hands. Never a dull moment. There was no right or wrong answer, and Maxson certainly didn’t have the scientific expertise to lean toward outright denying the colony. He joined Starfleet because of Hobus, transporting planetless refugees to somewhere new…he let out a huff. “These…megafauna, they would pose a threat,” It’s clear the wind is out of his sails. There’s so many factors he had to juggle. He liked being a cog in the machine, not a wrench in the gears.

"I am aware of the threats they pose, Commander. They are animals." Bahram had a bit more of an edge, now; tired of rehashing the same points. He was there, after all. He saw it with his own eyes. A new home was so close to them, now. No more suffering. No more stress and sleepless nights. "They can be rehomed away from my people."

The morals involved with this whole situation were tricky to say the least as far as Dagis was concerned, with the colonists needing somewhere to live and the animals needing their natural habitat to not be overrun by desperate people. When Behran mentioned rehoming the animals the Ferengi found herself biting her tongue, trying extremely hard to not screw things up by stating her very, very blunt opinions, and let those with diplomatic training do their jobs and try to find a resolution.

"There is technology and ways of life that are modern and comfortable that do minimal interaction with the environment and keep colonists safe. If they are willing to coexist with the planet, as any of us that have grown up on a colony have been, I don't see why they shouldn't find refuge here. Our team flew a shuttle near the large creatures and we're unharmed. So long as the planet is respected, as any should be, why shouldn't they have a chance?" Bannosta understood the weight of colonizing and untouched planet, but any colonized planet other the homeworld a species evolved on, has been touched by people where they hadn't for millions of years. "Life deserves a chance to thrive peacefully, and that includes Bahram's people." (edited)

Rii leaned forward slightly, his tone measured, thoughtful. *“You’re asking for a home, Bahram. Not just shelter, but a future. And a future isn’t built on a single desperate push—it’s built in steps, with strong foundations.” *His gaze held steady, not challenging, but intent. “Thrakos V has promise. You wouldn’t be fighting for it if it didn’t. But promise alone isn’t enough—we need to make sure your people don’t just survive there, but thrive. That means proper infrastructure, stable supply chains, a way to ensure continuity.” Their fingers tapped lightly against the table, punctuating the thought. “So here’s what I propose—a phased approach. Start with an outpost. A foundation we can reinforce together. We test the ground, reinforce your tech against interference, work on integrating support where it’s needed most. That way, when you expand, you’re not risking everything—you’re building something lasting. While we're doing this, Starfleet will keep searching for a new home incase the phased ideas fall through .” *A pause, then a slight nod, an offering. *“If we do this right, your people won’t just have a place to exist. They’ll have a future they can count on.” (edited)

Bannosta had grown up on a colony thrashed by the Dominion war. Invaders had tried to utterly purge the colony, but her parents and other colonists, Klingon, Human, Vulcan, and more, had resisted with everything they had. Even today, he colony was repairing the ecological damage caused by the Dominion. Scientists, artists, and craftsman had turned to warriors to fight for their home, and decades later their expertise and love for their home was recovering the ecosystem to where it had been. She didn't see why a people that needed a home couldn't appreciate the world they lived on like hers did. "There are many out there that have expertise and knowledge to help. None of us want to just leave you to fend for yourselves on a new world. Determination and hope is very important, and where those don't fill in, other can help."

“And to your point of…rehoming, an outpost of this nature could serve to help our scientists determine the best course of action concerning the environmental needs of the animals present on the planet,” Finally, something that didn’t make him feel like he was walking a tightrope.

"Commander's suggestion sounds good," the junior assistant of the Science division noted. "I take only just one issue with what was said... no mention of how the ecosystem of the planet, and it's non-sentient inhabitants, would be approached. The rich soil fit for farms is where the thousand year old forests grow. The easily accessible mineral deposits are the cliffs, inhabited by bird colonies who live by the ocean's side and raise their young there. Taking away the atmosphere's concealing qualities might negatively impact the plants, or the animals. A single step too far into it's territory might result in the flare-tailed dragon's defensive behavior." He gestured with his arms, "It's all... fragile. An ecosystem is a well balanced structure, a house made out of bricks. So... where do you fit a new one?" (edited)

"The report mentions Illyrian practices. Perhaps bringing their experts on board can help us reduce strain on the ecosystem." Ssaedhe was trying to get her thoughts together. What to do, what to do... Scientists didn't seem very keen on this colony being established, but people need homes; she knew that like none other. "Under 300 people is not difficult to house temporarily, I'm sure that if Thrakos V does not work out, some other terraforming project will open up that we can offer them."

"Where will we live now, Commander?" Bahram asked quietly. "This would be a viable solution in any other case. To people that have not been ravaged by war and suffering, who are looking to peacefully relocate. We are tired. We are hurting, and need to rest. What will we do, while we wait for your phases to allow us a home?"

The Captain was also here, but quietly observing for now. Other people had things they wanted to say, and he'd been glad to let them shine while he formed his own opinion on what was obviously a complicated issue. Besides, he agreed with almost everything Relem had to say.

He, however, felt a little more inclined to talk. The only reason he hadn't was because every time he had a thought, someone else said it out loud. It was an inevitable inconvenience with discussions like these. "Forgive me if this is an uninformed idea, as I am no scientist, but - does the outpost need to be on the planet itself? Is there any practical way for it to be... In orbit, somehow? In such a way that would enable the people to access the resources they might need from the planet as well as receive resources from us, and not have to build any sort of disruptive dwelling on the planet at all?"

"That could be done anywhere, to be fair... No need to bother Thrakos V to begin with in that case," Ssaedhe mumbled, taking more notes.

"A space station is hardly different then the ships they are sruck on. Many colonies have had the luxury of extensive surveys before landing, many have not. Prefabricated buildings, replicators, and the usual colonial kit will provide a home, safety, and a beginning without needing to dip into the resources elsewhere. The surveys and further learning can happen as they settle in. How many species have lived on there homeworld and still find new discoveries and new breakthroughs? Asking for a plan for every contingency and possible outcome is both impossible and unfair. There is risk involved but we have ways of minimizing that without asking these people to keep on floating about in space without a home. If they need something to help them settle, why can't the Federation provide it?" Bannosta was indeed passionate, and she spoke with the weight of a Klingon, a bit loud for certain, but not rude. (edited)

Okay, there were things Dagis wanted to contribute and so she was going to. If she didn't, she'd just feel like a lemon. "If I may, Commanders..." She interjected, before looking towards Bahram. "You can't just re-home animals. It's their territory, not yours or anyone else's. Many species have done that over the years and it led to ecological damage, or it just not working. Many years ago the Ferengi built a colony on a planet right in the roaming grounds of a large species of mammal. They tried to re-home these creatures, but they kept coming back and destroying the colony through roaming and grazing, bulldozing anything in their path when they migrated." The woman said calmly. "But that being said, we have barely explored this planet, so for all we know there could be a perfectly suitable patch of land for you to call home that wouldn't take away from the natural balance. But invading the territory of native species and rehoming them is not a long term, viable solution, especially when they bite back." The Ferengi added, before nodding in agreement with what Bannosta said. "The Federation is more than capable of housing your people until we determine if the planet is viable, or we find somewhere else you can permanently call home, rather than temporarily. It would be less upheaval in the long run, and would mitigate the risk of damage or injuries."

"Given this planet's uncharted status, ideally it would need to be studied first, fully. There might be a patch suitable for colonisation, as Lieutenant Dagis put it. But it's just as likely that this place could become a sanctuary, to be protected, " he nodded to what the Ferengi woman said.

"No disrespect to anyone concerned with the ecosystem, as someone that has seen her planet's nearly fail thank to war, but we can have the conversation we are having about literally any planet. I could find a near lifeless ball of rock where we could about the cyanobacteria eating sulfur off the rock. We have ways of making sure the immediate ecological impact is minimal. If something comes up, like the fernegi colony, we help them adapt and find a solution. We aren't just letting them land on a planet to fend for themselves." She took a deep breath and waited as patiently as she could.

19:34

"Any planets already surveyed to any level you are asking are likely already claimed by much more powerful and well equipped organizations. This is a few hundred people desperate for a home, not San Francisco we are building. We may be explorers fine with living on ships and space stations, but we made that choice. They did not."

It didn't phase him. He, too, was Klingon. "Well, the advantage of having a colony above a planet is you can use the resources there - in a regulated way - without having to live there permanently. It all depends on... Bahram, how self-sufficient do your people want to be?"

He listened intently to each point made. Of course he did; they were good and valid, until... "So the Federation would value having the planet for themselves, rather than allowing us to settle?" he said in that same, quiet voice, dark eyes fixed on Saren— low, but still calm, even with tension rippling under it. He addressed Eshen, next, "We need to rebuild from the ground up, sir. We have nothing but the clothes on our backs. We were forced to flee from home and were not able to bring much."

Listening to all points being given, the COO decided to interject yet again. "My main concern is not the current impact of a few hundred people living in harmony with a planet and farming its land carefully like settlers, it's the impact caused by the population increasing over time and the colony expanding." Dagis said in a respectful yet to the point tone. "One idea that might work would be to send out further scouting parties to find a suitable location for a colony to be constructed, with minimal impact to flora and fauna, and rather than the colonists chipping away at natural resources the Federation provide what they need to build a sustainable and self-sufficient colony that doesn't result in the destruction of natural habitats." (edited)

"And the giant flare-tailed dragon," Five jumped in, just in case everyone forgot that point. They hadn't, but thanks, Five.

"Just to note - it would not be ours exactly, just under our protection. We would not be able to to interfere with it except to stop others from interfering with it, or other conditions are met, like some kind of disaster came upon it. The details of what giving a planet sanctuary status like that would entail are written in more detail than I can explain in conversation, but I'd be willing to send you that information if you requested it." It was like a space national park, basically.

"We can have this conversation about any planet, correct. This one, however, houses dangerous, probably carnivorous megafauna the size of a shuttle." it didn't attack them back then. Because they backed away. Or were lucky. He breathed out, before addressing Bahram again: "No. That is not what I meant, and I apologize if that came off as such. What I mean is... sending you to live there, just like this, without knowing the rest about the planet, is dangerous - for you, and for the fauna of the planet. What if there is a leviathan, much more aggressive than the flying reptile we saw? What if there is some illness that will kill off all of you? Annual natural disasters? I know your pain intimately, Bahram, and I know how much you wish for it all to just be solved already. And I promise you that we will find a way. But it's just... not that easy. And we need to consider the impact this will have on every party involved - the voiceless one, too."

"That is a very reasonable solution. In the meantime we can also see if there are other planets nearby that may be more appropriate, but we must move forward with a solution and make progress, not just find roadblocks. We may have something in our databases we have not yet seen." Bannosta was fine with finding other ideas, but just telling people no and moving on was unacceptable, to her and everyone here. "I can even get you in touch with a few officials that help with colonization in the empire that I know, and elsewhere, and see if maybe something better is nearby in non Federation space. Not to insult the Federation at all, but more eyes on a solution the better, and one you and your people can make with informed consent. Even examples of how similar situations were resolved elsewhere. Precedent. We in this room don't have to be the only ones helping them. We have our opinion and passions, and more perspectives and information can help." The diplomatic officer in her kicked in and she calmed the fierceness in her to a degree.

"Of course. Forgive me," Bahram exhaled, his hold loosening on his own hands, allowing them to fall back into his lap. "There will be more information needed on the planet regardless, that is correct. I.. apologise for my abrupt assumption. I simply want what is best for my people." Conflict raged on in his expression, mouth pressed in a thin line. He wanted to rest. He promised his people a home. It was his duty, now, but... They may have to wait for a permanent option. "I am willing to cooperate with you all for another solution, if you can provide one."

He paused and considered Bahram's words. "Wait, let me rephrase my question - do you want to rebuild with your own two hands?" He said, gesturing in the general direction of Bahram both to get his attention and show who he was addressing. "How much help from the Federation are you willing to receive? Because if the answer is 'as much as we can give', then us helping you build an orbiting colony and then giving you our own supplies is a solution that doesn't require us touching the planet at all, right? Of course, it would take time, so it's not a short-term solution, but it's something I think I'd like to hear your opinion so we can include or discount it as an option."

"Right now, I would appreciate a short term solution as well as a long one. Somewhere for my people to rest and recuperate while we wait for our home... I would not mind the orbiting colony," he said, inclining his head thoughtfully. "Assuming it will come with enough food, and space for us all. Thank you."

"If that is what you want, of course the Federation will make sure you'll be taken care of. That's in the nature of the Federation. As for the colony..." Ssaedhe gathered her notes. "It is difficult to promise a planet even if there were no other concerns surrounding colonisation. The planet lays unclaimed, but as per Federation law, we must first explore and study such a planet before finding a potential use for it. In the meantime, less than 300 colonists is not a large number to house, relatively speaking. This starbase alone houses over 20000. It is safe to say that while you may not have a permanent home yet, but you can be housed temporarily with no real issue. Denying that would go against foundational UFP values." She finished with a deep breath, looking around the room before looking at Bahram, then the captain, then the XO, and then Bahram again. "I would be willing to volunteer my services to aid this process, as well as the process of finding a permanent solution," she said at last.

He smiled. "That's correct; we have room for three hundred guests on a temporary basis. Honestly, it won't even be a squeeze."

"Thank you," Bahram visibly relaxed, the tension seeping out from his posture. "Thank you all, so much. Your kindness will not be forgotten, and hopefully will be repaid in full when we can."

"If your people can thrive then that is what we want to help with. Genuinely." She said warmly.

“If I and the rest of the security team can aid in helping make your stay here any better, please do not hesitate to ask,” Maxson gave Bahram a nod. The Oklahoma served as the temporary home of hundreds of Romulans back when he was a child. The least he could do is make the stay better, just like his father had asked him to do when he was young.

Dagis offered a smile and nodded in response to what everyone else said, agreeing with them and feeling glad that at least a temporary solution was being found for these people. This is why she joined Starfleet, to help. "The same goes for Operations. We're more than willing to assist in accommodating your stay here and to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible."