The TML PBeM

1992, Turn 3 - Part 7 (of 11)

Talisman Bridge

Something catches Nishu's eye, as he finally closes down his board and all the other windows on it. His video camera is stuck to the wall above his station, off to one side. The little red light glows, still recording onto its crystal.

He unsticks it and turns it off, turning it over and over in his hands. He's had this camera for almost ten years. It's travelled across sectors with him, from the Marches to Corridor and on to Vland, then over to Core. Somewhere in his scrapbook was a picture of the shining sphere of the Imperial Palace, floating above the gardens of Capital, just as he had seen it a few months before everything fell apart.

The Imperium shattered, and with it his dreams of visiting Terra, Nishu and his camera had turned aside in their travels. The chaos of the Solomani Rim was no place for a tourist, far from home. He'd stayed clear of the fighting, making his way to Reaver's Deep. Where they'd found him, offered him a chance to see something really marvelous. He'd jumped at it. And he'd brought his camera.

Somewhere in the crystal matrix, a thousand thousand deaths are recorded as a one-of-a-kind light show.

Nishu stuffs the camera in a pocket of his jacket and stands, reaching under his seat for his duffel. He feels very tired.

Alliara walks into the lounge, her three-lens headgear glinting slightly.

Doejin breaks contact with JJ when Alliara arrives. A slight movement of the head could almost be interpreted as a nod toward JJ. And, as the iris to the lounge shuts, there is a perceptible motion of Doejin to try and see what lies beyond. However, new curiosities command his attention.

"Hello Mister Horne. So - this is the fish. Right. Well, I have a translator for GenAssist Dolphinese, courtesy of the damcomp. Care to try it on the visitor?"

"Contact, Alien, Unidentified. Time Stamp: first conversation in an ongoing contact. Present: Mister Horne and Miss Niigurd. Initially present: Mister Sokuku. Starting recording now."

Doejin glides up to Alliara much as he has done with Dave and J.J. The fin is offered in the manner of the Visitors.

With a minimal motion, Alliara activates the combined recorders (flat video, sound and text). The electronic field of vision takes a brief moment to adjust to the bulk of the dolphin so close to the recording pickup.

As the dolphin moves towards Alliara, she takes an initial step back and bends her knees slightly. As soon, however, as the fin is proffered, she relaxes her stance and (zooming the flat-cam on the fin) touches it.

"Mister Horne, I am now recording. Would you like to have a try with the translator provided by the ironmongery?"

Switching on the language translator, Alliara looks at the dolphin and says:

"How is the water here?"

Thew Visitor looks at Doejin, says something slowly, and a little box on her fluke says, "Gurble mooble WATER ?"

With vigorous head bobbing and shaking and a bit of fluke twitching, "Click, whistle, whistle, click, click, whistle."

The translator seems to hesitate a brief moment, and responds with a prolonged "Beeeeeep. Water. Beeeeeep. Fun. Beeeeeeep."

JJ's commdot beeps. << Ger to Mr. Horne, What is it? >>

"Sorry to disturb you, sir, but since you were unavailable I sort of let the cat out of the bag, with Sokuku and Alliara. Anyway I am at present in psionic contact with the Dolphin aboard the Talisman. It seem to be harmless and very curious about us. It uh... he I think? wishes to see the other ships. I get the idea that he was on the Ring shuttle or scout ship or whatever that was. Anyway I don't know how long I can keep contact, I have no psi drugs with me, I assume there are some onboard. Anyway do I have permission to escort the 'phin around the ship, or would you like to speak with it personally first?"

<< Mr. Horne, I have no problem with the Dolphin touring the ship, but I will need the answers to a few questions, namely: What does it expect it's status is? It has no vessel of it's own and thus isn't really a guest, I'm not certain that it wants to join our expedition as an associate (under contract). Second, find out if it needs any special dietary, medical, or environmental requirements. Lastly ask what it and the shuttle crew's intentions were, and If it is in a hurry to get back (not that we can do anything about that). Yes we do have Psi-Drugs on board, I was briefed that there were psionic individuals on board. Sorry I won't have time to talk to it until at the earliest 0530. >>

JJ gives a sigh of relief; he was half expecting an order to be burned at the stake. "Yessir. Horne out."

Alliara, meanwhile, is noting the dolphin's speech carefully:

"Contact Log, initial contact via translator. Partial translation is possible. To be updated via a language-cracker.

Translator: append interrogative to following. Identify interrogative structures in the dolphin's language, if possible."

Looking at the dolphin, Alliara says (asks):

"Food? Fun? Things?"

While waiting for a response, she hits her commdot:

"Mister Sokuku, this is Niigurd. The translating assist is able to partially translate the dolphin's language. Please update commander Ger. Ask him to provide for maximum assist from ship's computer for translation programme preparation."

<< Thank you Alliara. I'm sure PATER will give you as much assistance as possible. Please ask Mr. Horne to assist you with words that do not translate. He has his own methods. >>

Tap. << PATER, please provide maximum possible compute assistance to Ms Niigurd for translation. >>

_Yes, Mister Sokuku. Bringing cognitional and associative databases on line._

Tap. << J.J., please assist Alliara as much as possible with teaching the translation software. I'm assuming that you might lose effectiveness with your translation abilities soon and want to have a mechanical backup. >>

Returning her attention to the dolphin - "Name, Alliara learner of languages."

"Right, you box-and-brains - Peter, pater, whatever - record contact with dolphin, independently of my instruments. Mister Horne will provide an independent translation of some of the words the standard translator crystal intends to miss. You will record and attempt to collate Mister Horne's translations with the software. An updated translator will be appreciated.

_Scanning and recording. I will recompile the cognitive and syntactic databases as we work._

"Also - make a preliminary med scan (if possible) of the visitor, and pipe its results to the Sick Bay for analysys."

_The Talisman's cargo hold has no scanning equipment installed. I can't do what I haven't the tools to do._

"Use standard security cameras, I care very little whether you are able to execute the letter of my requests, I want you tincker-box executing the gist of my commands while I am in contact.

Pipe what you can take via the standard security camres - on every bloody band these cameras can receive - UV, IR and visible. "

"Move, box-and-beans."

_Insulting me won't speed the linguistic analysis any, Mister Niigurd,_ Pater comments mildly. _Ready to proceed._

"However, It is highly emotionally satisfying to me, and since my mental wellbeing is less assured in the long run than yours, please allow me to make what deprecating commnets I choose. In addition, it would be very civil of you to speak with a female voice to me. Do so in the future. Chukle if you agree, box-in-the-jack."

_I am not a computer program, Mister Niigurd,_ Pater replies. _I am an artificial sentience. My parameters were clearly mapped out on the day that I was "born," and one of them was the nominal gender that I use for audio communication. Your request is denied. You may, however, continue to insult me in any manner you find comforting._

As JJ *informs* Doejin of what the plan of attack is to "teach" the translator, Doejin begins by again greeting Alliara. For the next 20 minutes or so, there is a stream of small talk between Doejin, JJ and Alliara.

Several salient points that are learned....

Doejin was mighty amused by the "primitiveness" of the translator's attempts at translation, it was very similar to that of a young "pup's" first words.

Doejin relates that he performed maintenance for the Hoop using the shuttle that was observed and using space suits.

The suit he is wearing is _not_ a space suit but a skysuit. It is used for mobility over land and to maintain comfort levels in atmosphere.

He has a sense of humour and enjoys investigating all things mechanical (or electrical in nature.)

He relates how Ian was brought aboard the shuttle and the assumption about his going to the surface.

At some point in the proceedings, Redd closes his door and emerges later in fresh overalls, looking more relaxed and sipping a drink. Learning of (JJ's ?) admission of psionic talents, however, he frowns and retires to his cabin again, returning with a psi-shield in place. He says nothing however, but continues to watch from his doorway.

At the end of the session, JJ looks quite tired and drained. Doejin seems much less energetic than when he arrived.

In the midst of the session, Sokuku calls in:

<< Niigurd, Horne, If you are still in the Talisman lounge, please remain there with Doejin. If you have left the lounge, please return there by 0515. Subcommander Bhyarrvouf wishes to meet with our guest. --Sokuku out. >>

"Niigurd here. Shall await the arrival of fur-n-brass. Will attempt to initiate programming of updated translotor software for the new language. Should the visitor (the dolphin) want a bath, shall I use the jacuzzy or the cargo hold - I have no scuba training, too..."

<< We'll see if we can arrange a cargo hold filled with some large amount of water. See if you can determine if there are any trace chemicals he would like included in the water supply. I'm afraid we can't provide live fish or anything like that. --Sokuku out. >>

"He'll need salt, and lots of it," Alliara says. "Ocean dolphins can't live in fresh water. Osmotic pressure problems."

Andon gets the call to meet the Xerxes sisters, and leaves the bridge. Nishu follows a moment later, faded duffel hoisted to his shoulder, leaving Thul to 'lock up.'

He pauses in the doorway of the crew lounge, stunned by what he sees. Doejin floats in mid-air, clicking and screeching to Alliara, who listens to the voice coming from the translator in her hand. JJ Horne sits off to one side, kneading his temples.

Nishu lets the duffel slip to the deck, standing quietly in the background, just listening.

<< Horne, this is Chi... this is Edmondsen. Major Farouk left me to man the security monitors here in the Armoury. I've got a situation here where I may need your help. Get up here immediately, please. >>

<"J.J. here, I am on my way"> with that he says, "I am needed in the Armoury. I also require rest from the translation session. I think we have the beginnings of a coherent translation process here. I will let you continue with the conversation Alliard."

"Thank you for elevating me into the male kingdom, Mister Horne. However, I prefer my regular name - Alliara."

He then thinks to Doejin *"Goodbye my friend for now, I am required elsewhere for a time, but I am sure we will talk again soon."*

J.J. taps his comdot: <"J.J. to Subcommander, I am required in the Armoury, We seem to have the translation program learning at a rather good rate. Request permission to leave the lounge. If you need me for further translations let me know I will need to talk to the CMO about some assistance. J.J. out>

<< Go, J.J. You're needed there. But I want to talk to you later. 'Vouf out. >>

J.J. turns to go. <"Rigo, what's the problem?"> And with that the door to the lounge shuts behind him.

After J.J. leaves, Alliara looks at the dolphin and says:

"Looks like it is you and me, Doejin. I hope this blasted little tinderbox of a computer can now translate properly... What would you like to know about me or us and what would you like to tell me of yourself? Would your skysuit require maintenance, and what kind? What kind of food do you require and how much of it? How soon?"

---

While in the conference, Dave types up a quick memo to Zben Blaine:

:: Zben, Since you have some Aslan experience, could you draft up a information sheet detailing Aslan customs and habits. Particularly, what should we do or not do to keep from antagonizing them. It appears that we will be working with them rather closely for a while.

-- Sokuku::

---

Aiwi has been working feverishly on sensors since they were briefly neutralized. Her best efforts, together with those of Fa'eairl, have met with no success. With an audible growl deep in her throat, she types a quick message in trokh: "Monitor Fa'eairl's progress on sensor analysis and advise only myself or the Admiral as necessary. Use the utmost discretion in this matter -- we leave immediately for the fiyfiyalr vessel" and she sends it to khea''s board. Then she taps her comdot: "Aiwi to Aorlkhea', message on your board. Check it when you have finished in sickbay. Aiwi out." She then reluctantly leaves her board and prepares for the zero G transition to the Alcyon. Just before Akhouw and she leave the Trakh, she reports, as ever, succintly, to the Admiral. "Unable to determine source or cause of sensor neutralization so far, Admiral. Also unable to determine any similarities between this event and prior sensor tampering. Fa'eairl will continue to analyze; Aorlkhea' will keep us apprised of any developments."

As first the Admiral, then Aiwi, leave the vessel, the main computer of the Trakh continues (among other things) to work on the problem...

When Aolrkhea' resets the power plant, the following message is sent to Aiwi's board on the Bridge.

"[0433 IST] Main fusion plant automatically returned to normal operation by computer control at order of XOOD. Emergency protocol teahlai remains available at hryeh uealaao warning. "Note: Am concerned about fuel usage rates. Perhaps we should begin misjump conservation measures in case we remain trapped in this place for long. Still no positive reports from Hryawi. --Khea'"

Emergency protocol teahlai has been worked out in advance by the senior female officers, in reaction to Solomani tactics in the last few months. In cases in which the power plant cannot be placed on full power quickly, power from the grav plates (but not the inertial dampers) is transferred to weapons -- a total of 270 MW of power immediately available to the Bridge, until the fusion plant can be brought up to speed.

Unless I hear otherwise, I will assume that there are no other medical problems with the patients, and continue my move with that assumption. The _Trakh_ can handle human patients relatively well, given warning; luckily, Vargr patients aren't too much different.

> << Hfolraw: You are Pilot/Officer on Duty until my return. > Aolrkhea': ... You are Executive Officer on Duty until Aiwi > returns. >>

<< Hfolraw, aye sir. I have the deck. >>

Hfolraw quietly slides into the command chair. "Uhwaikh, what is the weapon status? Let's return to a normal alert mode and secure the turrets."

"Secured, Hfolraw," the Gunnery Officer notes sourly. "We seem to be all prepared to hand ourselves over to the humans."

"I trust the Admiral knows what he is doing. If the humans seek to dishonor themselves, then we will be handing ourselves over to them -- like a ayakyuir handing himself over to a herd of plant eaters. But remember, some of them do understand honor. We must hope their Admiral is one."

"Hrrrh." The young gunner looks dubious as he scratches under his chin with a dewclaw. "The point is taken, but I have dealt with the Hisol'i often enough to know to be on my guard. Are the Vassals of the Vassals of the One really so much different from them, Hfolraw?"

> "Hfolraw, Aolrkhea'. ...it is returning to normal alert status to > conserve fuel."

A pained expression passes briefly over Hfolraw's face. << Thank you, Aolrhkea'. We are returning to normal status on the bridge, as well. >>

"Females!" Uhwaikh grumbles.

Aiwi taps her commdot, "Aiwi to Hryawi, I am on the bridge and awaiting your report."

"Still collating, Aiwi. We have some preliminary findings, but nothing upon which I would stake my word as a professional...."

"RRRRrmmm. Keep at it." Aiwi flicks off the communicator with a growl.

Aiwi then begins a complete ship's systems security check to insure that Shipboard communications and computer activity are not being monitored in any way by the Alcyon or any member(s) of its crew. It takes a moment to confirm that no illicit data traffic is occurring over the fiber-optic lines connecting the Trakh's communicators to the Alcyon's intercom grid.

She then addresses the computer. "Fa'eairl, recognize Executive Officer Aiwiheikahaih. I want a database of all existing library data on Turnskaad Enterprises and on the following individuals: Count Ger of the Darrians, an arlaeaha named Bhyarrvouf, and the following humans: Johann Abuko, Karl Morser, Etienne de Mer, Laser ...hrm?... Farouk, Dave sokuku, Mac Witfield, and Doctor Christian van der Merwe."

_Information on Turnskaad is being spun into a file for future reference,_ Fa'eairl reports. _Personnel files on requested individuals now appearing on main touchscreen. First subject: Count Nanadh Nggemmen Ger._

Aiwi settles herself more comfortably in her chair, and begins to read. After a moment, Eihoftyah pads over to her and says softly, "Fiya'?"

"Ka'tai," Aiwi responds without looking up. Eihoftyah leans over her and begins reading the utilitarian female script on the screen as quickly as he can.

"Hrrrrrrrrr," he growls softly. "If the intelligence reports of the allied clans in the Confederation are even half true, this Count Ger is not to be trifled with."

"True," Aiwi whispers. "Akhouw may have heard of him, given his wide travelling background. But what is he doing out here, so far from home?"

"Unknown," Eihoftyah shrugs.

_Second subject: Doctor Johann Abuko._

Aiwi reads a few lines, then lets out an evil hiss. Eihoftyah's eyes narrow to killing slits. "Practically a hisol'iyauist," he spits.

"I want THAT one watched carefully, Eihoftyah," Aiwi snarls. "Next!"

_Third Subject: Doctor Karl Morser._

The pair relax slightly. Aiwi makes a small note to have Hryawi speak with this human at the earliest opportunity.

_Fourth Subject: Etienne de Mer._

Eihoftyah raises an eyebrow, and one ear twitches. "One to remember," he says.

_Fifth Subject: Major Lester Farouk._

Eihoftyah's OTHER eyebrow raises. "One to watch," he growls softly. "A worthy opponent, to be sure."

_Sixth Subject: Doctor David Sokuku._

The pair scan the data swiftly. "Will he be our contact for day-to-day affairs?" Eihoftyah asks.

"Perhaps," Aiwi nods. "Next."

_Seventh Subject: Mister Mac Witfield._

Both Aslan let out a hiss of laughter. "These humans are mad," Eihoftyah laughs. "To place a CUB in such a position of responsibility!"

"Do not be fooled by appearances, Eihoftyah," Aiwi says. "He is very young, yes, but he sits at Nanadh's side and is welcome there. This means much." But she doesn't stop smiling, nonetheless. "Next."

_Eighth Subject: Doctor Sir Christian van der Merwe._

"He associates quite closely with the arlaeaha of the Extents," Aiwi notes with a frown. "Puzzling that he should leave their company for ours."

"He is old and long in the tooth," Eihoftyah shrugs. "Who can say where the elderly and wise choose to make their paths? Kaieariyeh!"

Aiwi smiles at the phrase. "Well, that seems to be the limit of our data," she says softly. "More than enough for the Commander to assimilate and use--"

"Wait!" Eihoftyah's eyes narrow. "Where is the arlaeaha?"

Aiwi frowns. "Fa'eairl," she snaps, "Where is the data on Bhyarrvouf?"

_There is no individual named Bhyarrvouf in the database,_ Fa'eairl replies.

"Perhaps you are not using a wide enough referential scan," Aiwi says.

_A full database crossreference will take some time._

"Proceed."

Several tense minutes go by, then Fa'eairl says, _Ninth Subject: Doctor Sir Bhyarrvouf BaHaThagk-Kabra._

Aiwi and Eihoftyah huddle over the few lines of text on the screen.

"Impossible...." breathes Eihoftyah.

Aiwi tosses her mane back with an irritable shake of her head. "Quite impossible," she agrees. "Obviously a reference to the wrong person. There is no need to bother the Admiral with this garbage. Delete it."

_Deleted,_ the computer replies imperturbably.

---

The first thing Simon and Kara sense is cool, sweet oxygen in their lungs. As their eyes flutter open, the oxygen masks are taken away. They are lying on the deck in the corridor of a ship of some kind; it is ornately decorated on every spare surface with intricate scrollwork and smooth, flowing art. Leaning over them are two Aslan: a female holding the oxygen mask and a large male looming over her and watching with interest. Both are regarding Simon and Kara with great intensity.

Kara eyes the Aslan with confusion for a moment. Her eyes then flick about the hanger deck taking in the presence of the heavily armed Aslan. She sniffs suspiciously at the strange alien scent of the beings standing around her. Her hand snatches instinctively at her shoulder...

Pussycat is not there.

"Welcome aboard the Combat explorer Trakh of the Khakaueirl Clan," the female says in heavily accented Galanglic. "I am Aeawiyh, Assistant Medical Officer. This is Eihoftyah, our Troop Commanding Officer. If you can stand with our assistance, we will escort you to our Sickbay where you may rest. Admiral Akhouw Tra'Ekhaul, our Commanding Officer, and Chief Medical Officer Aolrkhea' are on the way from the Bridge to greet you. Ksss.... you were very lucky to have survived...."

The male interrupts her with several sharp words in Trokh. Her ears twitch, and she says, softly, "Fiya'."

"Ka'tai," the male responds, and motions a pair of burly Aslan troopers forward.

Simon slowly nods, then only slightly more vigorously shakes his head to clear the cobwebs as the room fades from gray to black-and-white and slowly into muted color again.

"That's for sure," he mutters.

A pair of Aslan hands reach for Kara's shoulders. In the blink of an eye, her hand snatches closed on the forarm of the Aslan trooper stopping him just short of touching her. Fire flashes in her golden eyes as she stares at him. Then slowly, breathing heavily, she hauls herself upright.

When she reaches her feet, she gently releases the trooper's arm. She stands bolt upright and nods to him, her tail gives a brief wag of thanks. "Fiya." She breathes the single word to the trooper hoping that she's pronounced it correctly.

The trooper makes a face, and quietly says, "Fiya'." He emphasizes the glottal stop at the end. But his eyes show a certain respect at her effort.

Kara corrects herself with a slight bow of the head, and a more pronounced wag of her tail, "Fiya'."

Kara calmly begins the task of nonchalently adjusting and smoothing her uniform, panting heavily at the scent of fresh air. She takes her time as she pulls at the sleeves and adjusts her thigh length Go-Go boots. Her attitude is of one who is used to command. All the while, she slowly surveys the hanger deck and it's crew. Carefully noting each weapon held by the ship's troops. Pussycat is nowhere in sight. Lastly, she adjusts her uniform Commander's cap. Finally she speaks, her galanglic is quite good albeit heavily accented.

"I'm Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrazone Audax Kavishar, currently an emmissaaary." Her ears twist slightly displaying the red and black marks of the Sed-Urz emmisarries. She then politely leans forward with a polite wag of her tail to catch the scent of the two Fteirle officers. "Fiya', Commander Eihoftya, Medical Officer Aeawiyh, your efforts are most appreciated. I'd be most honored to meet your Admiral Ackhouw Traekhaul if only to inform him of the efficiency of his coooommand." She bites off the last syllable of her sentence with a snap."

"Very well, Commander," Eihoftyah says smoothly.

"Would you be so good as to inform me of what Clan you hail from and your miiission?"

"We are of the Khaukaeirl, second only to thge Yerlyaiuwo in the Tlaukhu," Eihoftyah says proudly. "As for our mission-- I shall leave that to the Admiral. It is not my place to speak of such things."

"You do honor to the Khaukaeirl for your assistance. Are we two the only survivors of the vessel Glory of Efaaate?"

You are the only survivors aboard THIS ship," Eihoftyah replies. "There may be others on the ships of the fiyfiyalr...the Imperium."

Kara reflexively snaps a look at him, "Imperialist forces? What's their stength, weaponry, numbers, and disposiiition?"

"I am not at liberty to divulge such information without permission from the Admiral," Eihoftyah replies smoothly.

Kara's ears fold back, and she emmits a quiet growl, "Grrufczet."

Kara then allows herself to be escorted to sickbay.

Eihoftyah makes no attempt to touch her, only guiding her by a pointing arm.

Simon allows himself to be helped up. Then, holding up the index finger of his left hand, he says "just a moment please. While I'm deeply indebted to you and your crew for this assistance, I'd prefer to try to walk to sick bay on my own if I can. This would preserve some shred of dignity, and would not further soil your uniform.

"It's good to know there is compotent help available, though," he finishes, obviously addressing the last remark directly at whichever Aslan spoke to them first, rather than at the guard to whom he had just spoken.

Simon then slowly moves down the passageway, occassionally using the burly guard for support, and listening intently to the Aslan and Vargr, doing his damndest to figure out these strange alien customs and languages in a helluva hurry.

Stiffly, Kara strides down the odd corridor studying its details. Trying to estimate the size and strength of the ship based on it's odd construction. At a stumble from Simon, her arm shoots out and grasps him sharply to steady him. Now close to him, she breathes softly, "Don't suppose you happen to speak Trokh? Dooo ya?"

As they round the 'corner' to enter the sickbay, Kara inclines her head to the intricate scrollwork decorating the interior of the room. "Commander Eihoftyah, I must admit, I'm intrigued by Fteirle artwork, perhaps you would be so good as to allow me use of my translator." A growling note creeps into her contralto, "Since you've taken my belongings, you'll find it in the duffel I had in the pod." Her eyes brighten and her tail wags politely, "It'll help me appreciate your Yoyokhtef, though it may'nt disguise my horrible pronunciation. Or perhaps you'd care to explain this art work yourself, while we wait for your Admiiiral?"

"Translators mangle our language," Eihoftyah says firmly. "We will speak Galanglic. Your possessions have been stored until the Admiral gives his leave to return them; they have not been opened or molested."

Kara throws her head back and laughs a short bark. "HARF! As long as the fiyfiyalr don't mind us both mangling their laanguage!" For the first time since emerging from the pod, her proud tail wags openly and freely.

"I am no artist," Eihoftyah says. "Perhaps someone like Hfolraw, our speeder pilot, might assist you. He was not born in the Hierate, and still has a newcomer's appreciation of the way in which we live...."

"I seeeee."

A tinge of ice hints in her voice, "Oh by the way, I suggest you be very careful with my weaaaapon."

Eihoftyah ignores the tone. "It is triggerlocked and separated from its ammunition. Dangerous only as a cudgel, and an awkward one at that."

"It was triggerlocked as an agreement between the captain of the Glory of Efate and I. When and if your Admiral deigns to return it, I would appreciate your assistance in removing that lock..." Kara sighs gustily and streches her long legs, "I'm afraid I'm ill at ease with my weapon confiscated. You're a khir, I'm sure you understand. I'd rather hand my weapon over, than have it taken. I'll try not to offend, but please understand my coooncern."

"Your concern is noted, Commander. However, my orders stand. If and when your weapon is to be returned to you, it will be at the behest of the Admiral."

Kara's tail droops. "Erf."

When the patients arrive in the sickbay, a two-meter tall female Aslan of later middle-age awaits them. She is wearing a variation on the ship's uniform -- a long tunic patterned in red, white, and Khaukeairl clan colors, decorated with silver epaulets and a vertical band of indigo cloth off-center to her left, into which is intricately sewn beautiful gold yoyokhteaf. Over the tunic she wears a white robe or coat which has silver yoyokhteaf on it and contains some diagnostic equipment in its' pockets. She is bent over slightly, working at a diagnotic scanner, but straightens up quickly as the patients arrive.

"Aewiyah, I've got the diagnostic program all set for you. Bring him -- er, the human over here first, he seems a bit worse for wear; run standard tests on him, check blood oxygen levels, the whole routine. Eihoftyah, direct the Commander to that bed, there. And I'll need to talk to you in a moment." She switches to perfect Rim Galanglic. "I am Dr. Aolrkhea', chief physician aboard this ship. You will be all right -- you are recovering from oxygen deprivation, so you must lie down and rest while your systems recover. I was trained by the best at the University of Wariner, and Aewiyah is quite talented, so you can relax. If you have difficulty with the pronunciation of my informal name, you may refer to me as Dr. Khea' -- but not Aolr, or we may think you've hurt something." She smiles, her lips closed. "Now sir, what did you say your name was...?"

Shortly after the two guests arrive in sickbay and Doctor Aeawiyh has begun a standard battery of diagnostic tests, the door glides open to reveal Admiral Akhouw, a tall (180cm) and well built fteirle, with a powerful muscle structure (slightly stronger than even the burly trooper's). His hair is a deep, rich golden color and his mane is full and thick. In most respects, he has the classic, coolly dignified bearing of a noble male. He is wearing a long, wide shouldered vest in his clan's colors over his standard close-fitting red and black tunic, platinum epaulets, a gold, yoyeaokhtef embroidered command sash, and a short kilt.

He steps into Sickbay and favors his guests with a short, formal bow. "My greetings, sir and madam, I am Admiral Akhouw, Commander of this ship, the KCR _Trakh_, and loyal servant of Khaukheairlko. I regret that I have only a few minutes to spare for you, but an urgent meeting with Admiral Nanadth is less than a khtauaao hence." He coolly appraises them both, waiting for the inevitable questions.

Simon will attempt to bow, as his sense of balance will allow him. "I am deeply honored to meet you, sir. Thank you for my life. What questions I have will wait until you have more time."

The tall arlaeaha stands and steps forward with the confidence of one accustomed to command. She is extremely tall for one of her race coming to a mere 10 cm below the Admiral. Pure white fur shines under the light of the floros set off by the black tipped fire-engine red of her ears. Her lengthy frame appears almost all legs which are covered with tight fitting, thigh length Go-Go boots. She wears a vargr naval vac-suit uniform which fits like a glove to her shapely frame. The uniform itself is curiously unadorned for such a uniform, the only marks on it being a name tag labeled in Gveug and two black circles boardered in red on her left arm. In contrast, her cap has enough decorations and scrambled eggs on it to be that of a Sector Admiral. Her small necklace is adorned with two mushroomed gauss needle slugs.

Kara bows deeply, palms upward in a passable imitation of the traditional fteirle greeting. As she rises, her tail gives a brief formal wave. Briefly her eyes flick over to Simon for a brief look and a nod that says "Do what I do."

Akhouw watches these maneuvers with a calm gaze, but there's just something about his face, if you didn't know better, you'd swear he was amused...

She then steps to a closer distance and politely leans forward to catch the scent of the noble fterlie. "Fiya' Admiral Akhouw, I am Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrazone Audax Kavishar. It appears we've you to thank for our reeescue."

"Greetings, Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrrazone Audax Kavishar. We were indeed fortunate enough to rescue you from your inevitable fate." His tail flicks side to side, slowly.

"Your crew has performed well, my compliments to their performance, and their commander."

Akhouw politely nods. "You honor us, Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrazone Audax Kavishar."

Aolrkhea' looks over and realizes that the Kara has gotten up from the bunk she had sat upon, to approach the Admiral. She hurriedly excuses herself and rushes over. "Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrazone Audax Kavishar? It is not wise for someone of your size to so exert themselves so soon after recovering from unconciousness. Please, at least sit back down on the medical bunk before you hurt yourself. You can continue your discussion with the Admiral there."

As she does as requested, Kara's tail waves broadly, "Hrr, Your vessel's a combat ship isn't she? Small and sharp, Harf! Indeed, she appears similar in strength to my first command. Cut my teeth commanding destroyer escorts like this ship: small, tight, but agile... and not without teeth."

Akhouw looks slightly peturbed at this comment, but retains his calm dignity. "Quite so, Commander Karravore Verramduser Corrazone Audax Kavishar. Quite appropriate for my present needs, as in the past, for I need only command battleships when that will do the job at hand."

Kara seemingly ignores Akhow's discomfort. "Indeed Admiral, the capitol ship has its place, but it's a bit much for many tasks. I was in destroyer escorts for years. Their tactical use is sorely underestimated by many. They're not the most powerful piece on the board, but they can still turn the gaame."

Aolrkhea' watches closely until Kara sits down on the bunk, and then breathes a small sigh. *Why is it that sick people are so insistent on overexerting themselves just when they start to improve?* Not wanting to interrupt Akhouw and Kara's conversation, she nods to both of them and quietly slips back to with her other patient.

Kara turns briefly indicating Simon, "The vessel we were on apparantly misjumped. Could you be so good as to tell us our current posiition? I'm also curious to your miiission..."

At this, Akhouw simply stares at her with an inscruitable expression. "I would be happy to provide you with navigational information upon my return." He growls, ever so slightly. "I do not see any reason for me to reveal my mission to you at this time."

"Erf." Kara's tail droops.

Kara then half turns to face the wall of the sickbay. Her head tilts as she examines the yoyeaokhtef on the wall. "On a more personal note Admiral, while I appreciate your need for security, I would ask that you allow me access to my equipment. If you deem it so necessary, I think it best if I voluntarily turned over my weapon, rather than have it confiscaaaated."

Akhouw considers briefly. "With your word of honor that you will do no harm to my command or that of the other ships in the vicinity, I allow you access to your equipment, and will retain your weapon under voluntary pledge for the moment. Acceptable?"

Kara rises to her full height, "You have my word as an officer, and an emmissaary." She then relaxes and adds with a broadly sweeping tail, "Don't worry, Admiral, as long as your crew behaves like gentlemen, I'll try to be aa lady."

Some transient emotion passes across Aolrkhea''s face quickly, and just as quickly disappears. *Argh. Other cultures, Khea'.... Still, an admirable attempt.*

Mildly puzzled, Akhouw looks at Kara for a moment before enlightenment appears on his face. "Ah! A galanglic language device, an, um... simile, if my memory is correct. Thank you."

Kara seems lost in translation for a moment, "A difficult language true, but one I fear, we're stuck with, unless you know far more Gveug than the few words of Trokh I knooow."

Shortly thereafter, Akhouw bows formally and leaves, picking up Aiwi on the way to the meeting. One last matter. << Hfolraw: You are Pilot/Officer on Duty until my return. Aolrkhea': Interview our guests and ensure that there is no danger of disease, as well as try to discover their personal background. You are Executive Officer on Duty until Aiwi returns. >>

When the Admiral prepares to leave, Kara bows her head (as by this point she's sitting down) "Thank you for youur time, Admiral. I hope we may meet again when your time isn't so preessed."

"That is a shared hope between us, honored guests. Enjoy our hospitality while I attend to my business. We shall talk later."

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