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Posted on Sat Dec 5th, 2020 @ 1:33am by Commanding Officer Maralen Seitha & Ship's A.I. Lyta & Flight Control Officer Merrynda
Edited on on Sat Dec 5th, 2020 @ 1:34am

Mission: What Lies In The Darkness
Location: Captain's Office
Timeline: 248001.01 0745

Maralen Seitha was like most of his crew today, excited. The key difference between them and him was his training which allowed -- or was it forced -- him to wear a facade of calm about him like a cloak.Sometimes it irked him that he fell so easily into these well-trained patterns. Sometimes he wished that he could just relax and let himself be in the moment instead of analyzing it to death from this place of reserved Calm Efficiency. But maybe that would come with time. For now, he sighed, straightened the uniform that came with the position of Commanding Officer -- gods but he hated these things! -- and started toward the door of his office.

Halfway to the door, however, he was stopped by Lyta's voice and suddenly shimmering into being between him and his destination. Her red hair was pulled back in a tight style, and her expression spoke of intensity and urgency. Her whole body projected that air in fact. "Captain, the Red-Gold Triune needs to see you immediately."

Red-Golds were Builders, warriors of the impressive sort. They were cool in battle, self-sufficient to a fault, and never asked for help. So if the Triune that led his Red-Gold Contingent needed to see him urgently, thden whatever was wrong was indeed immense. "Where are they nnow, Lyta?"

Lyta did not move, but her eyes tracked to the door then back to him. "They are waiting outside the office."

Maralen mentally sighed and took a moment to gather himself. His tail coiled around his waist, its tip tucking under one of the coils so that it could not give away any feelings on his part. His face took on a mask of calm neutrality. His spine straightened, and he retreated behind the desk. "Let them in."

Lyta nodded and vanished. A moment later, the door opened, and three people entered. The one in the center walked just a hair ahead of the other two, the CenterFocus of this particular Triune. Sherra Tutanna was a tall woman who carried herself with a power that was not borne of her energy Gift. "Captain Seitha." sdhe greeted, though it sounded less like a cordial greeting and more like a statement designed to make sure he was who she thought he was and that he was paying attention.

For a second, Maralen was reminded of the Executive. She was intimidating like he had been. But the differences quickly overrrode that impression. "Yes?"

The three seemed to be communicating telepathically, then Sherra spoke again. "We have been contacted by the Mother Empire. They have asked us to invoke the clause in ShadowDragon Enterprises' contract with them which states that when asked, FarVoyager will divert to investigate their stations."

Maralen knew what she was referring to. In exchange for some Builder technology, like the Mobile InterPlanetary Doorway (IPD), they had asked that Ashlyn agree to have her ship stop and investigate any of the Builder stations they came across. A sub-clause in that section stated that, if needed, the Builders could direct the ship to investigate any station that appeared to be in any form of distress, to be determined by the Builders. This, apparently, fell into that category.

"And what is it you want me to do exactly, Miss Tutanna?" he asked calmly.

Another pause, then she spoke again. "The Triune Primary has asked that we direct the FarVVoyager to Sector Post XR-46. The Empire has been receiving an intermittent distress call from that Sector Post, and we need you to investigate it and, if possible, lend aid to the Station's inhabitants."

Maralen wanted to sigh, but his training won again, and he nodded. "Understood. I will comply. Is there anything else you need of me?"

The three communicate again, then Sherra shook her head. "Not at this time. Thank you for your cooperation in this Captain." They then turned and left without another word. Just like Red-Golds, take care of the business then leave. His Realm-trained side found it appealing as it was efficient, but the rest of him grumbled that it was rude. The trained side won again.

"Lyta, is everyone at their posts and ready?"

Lyta didn't bother to appear this time, but her voice filtered back through the speakers hidden in the bulkheads. "Yes, Captain."

He nodded to himself and left his office. Making his way to the Bridge, he gave it and the crew there the once-over. Arrayed around him were the various stations that controlled the massive vessel, but at the center stood the Nav Arena, a circular area that, when hte drive became active would become a massive holographic interface that translated the navigation officer's movements into course adjustments and speed adjustments. It was quite fascinating actually, and he had studied it in depth. Now, Merrynda stood at its center, waiting for the order to move the ship, excitedly he thought from her stance.

She was not to be disappointed. "Merrynda, take us out, slowly. Once we have cleared the station, take her to maximum and head for the the ISD."

Merrynda grinned. "Yes, sir!" The Nav Arena activated, and her happy face was obscured in a holographic starfield as she maneuvered the ship away from Tassryth Station.

"Senior Staff," with the obvious exception of Merrynda, "Mission Briefing in ten."

To Be Continued in Mass JP