=== Government House, Alphosa 4 ===
Admiral Morgana Kanryth looked around in approval as she was led through the
entrance hall to the Governors residence. The decor was not what anyone would
call exquisite, but it was a definite improvement on what the residence had
looked like two years ago during her last visit. At that time the Klingon
occupation had just ended, this very building having been left derelict for
the duration of the five year occupation. The Klingon overseer had preferred
to live onboard the orbiting Starbase rather than live among his new human
'subjects'.
As commander of starbase Versailles, it was Morgana Kanryth who had negotiated
the return of the entire sector to Federation control. It was part of a
promise that she made to herself when she first assumed command, that she
would repatriate all Federation worlds lingering under Klingon and Romulan
control after the disastrous war of 2402. Much to her disappointment, she had
never been able to make any real progress on the Romulan front before her tour
of duty ended.
Her thoughts snapped back to the present as the assistant escorting her pushed
open the doors to the Governors office. "Admiral Kanryth, Governor Harkness,"
he introduced with a flourish of his wrist, inviting the Admiral to step into
the spacious office.
Kanryth moved inside the office as the Governor came around the desk to meet
her. "Governor, it's good to see you again," she said as they shook hands.
"The rebuilding efforts are much farther ahead that i'd have thought
possible."
�It�s been hard Admiral, but thanks� to you its possible.� Harkness smiled
and shook the Admiral�s hand firmly. He respected this woman �I was surprised
to hear about your pending retirement. I thought you would stay in Starfleet
for a long time. It�s a bit disappointing to hear to be honest.�
A wry smile flashed across Kanryths lips. "Once you accept certain positions
in Starfleet, or reach a certain rank, your career is deemed terminal. You
have to make way for younger officers to move up the chain. I admit that I
will miss the uniform, but it's time for me to move on."
Harkness�s head bobbed in understanding �well I am glad you decided to visit
us one last time before you turn in your uniform. You�ll get a hero�s welcome
here. Everyone was surprised, excitedly so, that you decided to visit. So
how have you been? How is your family? We�ve been so busy here, especially
with the recent war that I�ve not really had time to watch the news nets.� He
led her towards a back meeting room with lower officials scurrying to and
fro.
The Admiral followed Harkness, glancing around at the activity. "It seemed
fitting," she said with a pause. "To be honest I�ve been avoiding a visit, the
successes here in Alphosa only put our failures with the Romulan occupied
colonies into sharper focus. Plus I never was one for the spotlight," she
added.
�The Romulans.� Harkness shook his head �never know what they�re thinking.�
He led her into the room; the main conference table had been replaced by two
large chairs. He gestured for the admiral to sit down and took his seat
across from her. Government workers stormed in with several refreshment
trays. Outside of the other entrance a throng of media could be heard
chattering away. �So, is this only a farewell tour Admiral?�
"Actually that depends on you Governor Harkness," Kanryth said as she sat
down. "I can retire content, if needs be, but at the same time I hate
unfinished business. I can't say I have faith in the upper leadership of the
Federation as of late, I feel it's time for a change." She let the sentence
hang in the air, intending to gauge the Governors reaction before making her
proposal.
�Time for a change?� Harkness leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin
�the election�� He paused for a long minute �are you saying you want to run
for President?�
"That's exactly what I�m proposing; however as an outsider to the political
arena I would need a strong nomination. If I was nominated as Alphosa's
preferred candidate, and had the backing of the other six planets in this
sector, I might stand a chance." It was a long shot, but if Kanryth was good
at one thing it was sensing weakness. The Bedford administration was on its
way out, and there was no other strong candidate in the arena.
�I see.� Harkness nervously fidgeted with his sleeve �please wait a moment
Admiral.� Standing up he made his way out of the conference room via a side
door. In his absence several stewards waited on the Admiral offering her
refreshments. Harkness returned about fifteen minutes later with a wide grin
blazing its way across his face. Plopping into the chair he leaned forward
towards Kanryth �I spoke to Councilor Malidora Suh- we discussed the
implications of such a nomination. We had no intention of recommending a
candidate but would be truly honored to support you as president. Malidora
will submit your name to the council today as the official nominee of Alphosia
for President.�
Kanryth set down the cup of coffee she had accepted from one of the stewards
and nodded slowly. She had half expected the answer to be a very polite 'no'.
"Thank you, Governor, for my part I am honoured to have your support."
The Alphosa nomination was a hefty one within the Federation, unless the
people chose to vote against their Governors choice it carried with it the
backing of seven member worlds. That Governor Harkness had agreed to her
request so quickly could only indicate that he was not even remotely worried
about the population being unhappy with his choice.
Such a sudden nomination did carry with it some difficulties however. "If you
could hold the announcement off until this evening I would appreciate it. I'll
need to contact Starfleet and have them advance my retirement date to today,
it would be unseemly for an active duty Admiral to announce a political
candidacy," she added. The request itself would come as no surprise to
Starfleet, she had already informed them that she might wish to move her
retirement forward by several weeks and received assurances it would not be a
problem.
�That will be no problem Admiral but�� Harkness paused and studied her
�running for the presidency isn�t like scooping fish from a pond. You�ll need
a good campaign and good endorsements. I have very intelligent people on my
staff that can help you but while I would love to believe my name has some
clout beyond the sector- I am just another fish in this great big pond called
the United Federation of Planets.�
Kanryth smiled at that. "Governor, we're all 'just another fish' in that
particular pond. I've put out some feelers, I know the public have no good
will remaining for the current administration. By association that will make
it extremely difficult for any of President Bedfords cabinet members to run
for office. It's a wide open field right now, and with your help I�m confident
our campaign will carry the day."
Harkness smiled and nodded his head. Reaching out he grabbed her hand cupping
it between his �and for my own benefit.� A wink at the doorman caused the
doors to be parted and a rush of reporters to flood in �it has been a great
privilege to meet with you today Admiral. The people of Alphosia can never
thank you enough for freeing us from the oppression of Klingon occupation.�
"You're welcome Governor Harkness. Since the end of the 2402 war the
Federation Council failed to repatriate a single Alphosan. I could hardly
stand by and allow that situation to continue," Kanryth said after a momentary
pause. Beneath the surface she was angry that the Governor had played such a
cheap trick on her, especially when she would have happily provided a press
conference if asked, externally however she maintained her composure. One
didn't reach the upper echelons of Starfleet Command without being able to
deal with a surprise.
�Thank you for your visit Admiral.� Harkness casually released his grip from
the Admiral�s cold thin fingers. He stood up, gave her a parting nod, and
left the room followed by the throng of reporters who were assaulting him with
a variety of questions. A young woman approached the Admiral �I hope you
enjoyed your visit ma�am. Your hover car is waiting- I can see you to it if
you�d like?�
Kanryth watched the reporters trailing after the Governor for a moment,
realising the fact that the media was about to become a regular presence in
her life. For better or worse, she didn't know yet. She shook her head
slightly and then nodded at the young woman. "Lead the way," she instructed.
Time to beat a hasty retreat before one of the reporters decided to peel off
and come after her. There would be plenty of time for that later.
==================================
Admiral Morgana Kanryth
Starfleet Command
Governor Adrian Harkness
Federation Council Member
Alphosa Sector
APB Thomas
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