Galactic Threat or Harmless Parasitic Cult ?

[Theranis III]

Theraakis Gir Khaan (The Empire of Theranis III), today proudly announces its acquisition of the D'An system. The cheers of victory echo throughout the Empire.The D'Anklili have fought with valour, and have brought honour to their houses. Despite their defeat, the D'Anklili have brought no shame to their shame or to D'An. The Empire will forever remember their glorious last stand.
However, Imperial forces have discovered on the D'An system's fourth and fifth planets ( D'An Khist, and D'An Khur), a most horrific blight, that the D'Anklili themselves have been battling.
The plague in question is something called Broh-Nae-ee-zam, and has affected almost a third of the two planet's populations. This plague, is not unfortunately contained in the D'An System, but others as well. Recently an Imperial cohort has returned from the Praerae System, after responding to a call for assistance from the Nin-Tum-Gash Confederacy. The entire Praerae system was infected with Broh-Nae-ee-zam, and Broh-Naes found to be wandering the streets. The Praetim, notorious pacists, and slow to anger, have recently armed themselves with stones and cudgels, to drive off any Broh-Nae that wander within any Praetim precinct. Two Nin-Tum-Gash colonies were so badly infested, that sterilisation procedures were performed to rid the system of the plague.The planets had to be Theraki-formed ( terra-formed), to make them re-inhabitable.
Theraakim scientists have sought an etiological source of Broh-Nae-ee-zam, and have traced it to a small star system, with a yellow , medium class star. This is apparently the home of a somewhat benign appearing quadrapedal creature called a "Mai-Leet-Tayl-Poh-Nae" . , that terminate in hooves, and do not appear to have any dexterity. It has an elongated face and neck, and large eyes. The creature has long limbsIt appears to have some type of keratinous fibres growing from its longish neck, and from the base of its posterior end. These fibres tend to be brightly and vividly hued. The extreme length of these fibres , brings to question how these creatures ambulate without tripping over these tresses. Some depictions of these beasts have them emanating some sort of refracted light, of eight colours. The purpose of this light arc, and the long keratinous fibres are perhaps a defensive mechanism of the creature. More disturbing is that there seems to be more than one of these creatures. They do seem to have some type of emotional hold on their victims, which in turn affects their behaviours.
Theraakis Gir Khaan has quarantined the Kru-i-Ki'im System, which neighbours the Praerae system, and has sent out advisories to the Three Viceroyalties, and our allies, to be prepared for this Broh-Nae-Ee-zam. Be warned, this threat make be coming to your system, your world soon !

[Theranis III]

The Mtabane reported their first instance of Mai Poh-Nee-eezam in their star system, and have asked the Imperial Government for assistance and advice in combatting this infestation. Both the Synod of Rau, and the Synod of Vao, are requesting investigations into the matter, and how this will affect their various commercial interests.
The Imperial Government wishes to seek solutions to this menace, and requests any other government to offerany suggestions and advice on the matter.

[Scolopendra]

All over the place

International communications being what they are in this crazy mixed up multiverse of ours, the missive requesting assistance is picked up in the middle of nowhere by an Interstel trader moonlighting as a wire service reporter, who transmits it to the local Triumvirate Interstellar Trading office, which forwards it to a nearby Triumvirate of Yut Diplomatic Corps consulate, where it is sorted as a 'potential charter invocation' and as such transmitted over coded shaker-box teletype to the headquarters of the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services on Titan. TYCSHQ, lacking any immediate patrolling forces in the area and uncertain that it requires immediate hurt-people-and-break-things response, forwards it via another shaker-box line to the offices of the Galaxy Exploration Command on Bright Morning. The GEC looks at the ships it has scouting the galaxy to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations and all that jazz, and finds one: the Beagle (refit)-class TYRS-RCR Tenjiku Tokubei, commanded by one (rather unfortunately named) Captain Earl Grey.

Thanks to Triumvirate bureaucracy being closely monitored and widely automated, it doesn't take nearly as long for this chain of events to occur as it may seem at first glance.

The order goes out.

*-*-*

Captain's space quarters, aboard Research Cruiser Tenjiku Tokubei

Captain Grey, as far as he was concerned, didn't think his name was unfortunate. It fit the custom of his homeland, and when he emigrated up-and-out it suited him remarkably well in his first adopted homeland. He had a touch of the wander-lust, however, and kept going until he found still another country--or set of countries--who both had the kind of adventure he was looking for and sufficient experience with... varying body types that he could actually fit in. His previous Guard service and innate intelligence got him quickly through officer training school. He had almost made a few enemies by only having to complete one tour as an Endeavour-class scoutship captain before scoring the command of a flying research university (and second-line battleship, it had to be admitted), but to be fair he'd knocked that tour out of the park with his response to several crises and he had a decent capacity to make friends. He called it an unfair advantage to those he was willing to joke with.

The desk chimes under him, and he twitches one ear in very mild surprise before answering. "Grey here."

On the screen there appears a man, labeled 'TOKUBEI' on his left breast, Asian in descent and stern in bearing, with his black hair pulled back and cut short and his uniform neatly within all applicable regulations... except for the small toy frog tucked under his right epaulette. Just like everyone does when they enter the captain's space quarters, he first looks well over Grey's head and then looks down to make eye contact. "Message for you, sir."

"Thank you. Patch it through."

The man nods shortly, and his face is replaced with one longer, paler, and more constitutionally dour, albeit from a life of disappointments rather than any in-built tendency towards being a martinet. Despite this, usually he looked happy. This is not one of those times. "Captain Grey."

"Director Hertzfeldt," the captain replied in his projecting voice. "It's not often that we get a call from the chief of the Command."

"And I know I usually bring bad news when I do; I'm sorry," the man on the other end said. "A situation's come up, Captain, and Tenjiku's the only ship in the sector. Long range transmissions have made one-way contact with an expansionist empire called Theraakis Gir Khaan. They've annexed a system they're calling D'An, which through triangulation we've figured to be GEC-TS-914423473."

"The high number suggests it's rather far out, sir."

"It is, but not Shysh far out. It's just a little past Interstel's trading network, so it's well outside of our sphere of influence, as it were. Problem is," he continues, preempting the obvious question, "the content of the message. It's being sent to your databanks now but in short, one, they have a 'Broh-Nae' population apparently brought about by 'Mai-Leet-Tayl-Poh-Nae.'"

"I see." Captain Grey closes his eyes for a moment and shakes his head. Life was easier before he learned how everything was broken.

"There's apparently been unrest and... well, 'sterilization' has been mentioned more than once. There's a potential charter invocation in this, but everyone is very much leery about us returning to a Kommetrez footing, especially now that the Taraskovyans are in."

"And my orders, sir?"

"Proceed to GEC-TS-914423473, or at least get as close as you can without causing an incident. Make contact with the Theraakis Gir Khaan and, if possible, defuse the situation. I've been in contact with General Nikunj and the CINCTYCS and you do have authorization to offer extraction to those most likely to be... sterilized. Also, given the nature of the transmission, we're not too sure how... conservative these people are when it comes to body types."

"Noted. We will divert immediately."

"Thank you, Captain, and good luck."

Grey nods and the screen blanks out; with that done, he hops down from his chair and walks to the command compartment, pausing just long enough to actuate the dogs on the door between the two.

*-*-*

Approaching D'An

While still a respectful distance away and cruising in at a respectful speed, TYRS-RCR Tenjiku Tokubei transmits a goodwill audio message on all frequencies. Its delivery is rather stentorian.

To the Theraakis Gir Khaan, new masters of the D'An system:

This is Captain Grey of the Research Cruiser Tenjiku Tokubei, representing the Triumvirate of Yut. We have received your concerns regarding your 'Broh-Nae' and 'Mai-Leet-Tayl-Poh-Nae' problems.We offer our assistance and, should you accept, await further details and permission to approach."

[Theranis III]

Greetings to Outworlders from the Government Provisional of D'An,
You are invited to D'An Second World, to confer and assess situation. Please be advised that the D'Anhim are a conservative people, and are suspicious of any lifeform not of Theraroid ( humanoid) physique. We were not aware that your species was capable of such extensive interstellar transport.
If you have any experience with the Mae-leetl Ponee situation . please advise.
We must also advise that you do not send many of your situation crew/landing party . Many Theraakhim, and D'Ankhim, consider Terran as property, and would find offense if any of your crew spoke out of turn.

[Scolopendra]

Tenjiku Tokubei Command Compartment

Understood. We will proceed as directed to orbit around the second planet.

Captain Grey nods silently to the frog-epauletted man, who nods back. No one aboard feels anything as the ship adjusts its vector in what will become, to the outside observer, a conservative brachistochrone approach that naturally ends in a high polar orbit over the second planet.

Our epidemiologists and memeticists are standing by to assist your authorities once we get additional information. Being able to gain information from the ground would be beneficial; if you think it best that we not deploy a landing party, could we instead use telepresence drones or make contact with local health and government authorities? From the descriptions in your call for assistance we believe we have identified the general clade but acting rashly on too little information could hardly help.

With the motion of one digit across his throat, the captain signals to the comms officer to shut off the compartment's microphone. The red 'on air' light next to the spherical hologram that makes up the strategic indicator display taking up the front third of the compartment goes black, and Grey grins darkly to himself before hopping into his seat at the center of the arc of chairs that are the senior bridge officers' stations.

"'Epidemiologists?'" asks the frog-sporting commander next to him.

"Politics, Ex-Oh. From their perspective, they're dealing with an invasive species and people acting very strangely. It wouldn't do to simply gainsay their experience."

[Theranis III]

Logis /Office of the Lugal/ Government Provisional D'An re: Lee-tayl Poh-Nae situation. Contact has been made with a bar-giga (outworlder) species. They have made claim to be able to assist with Lee-tayl epidemic,and proffered such assistance to the GP D'An.
Such an offer would be much appreciated, but questions have arisen due to this situation. The Advisory Council is in high uproar, as is the 3rd Wing Command. The first question is how and when did a rig (thrall) species acquire such long range interstellar transport, and second, how did they manage to broach the Empire's frontier, let alone get to the D'An system ? Many on the Council and the 3rd Command can't decide which is the worse ; the former or the latter question. Clearly the Government Imperial will launch investigations into the latter situation. As to the former, the Vel have long warned us, that the Na (humans) had been making progress in various technological fields. But the official view had always remained that as long as the Na play with their nuclear toys, and remain on Kir (Earth), they would pose no problem.
Had a most uncomfortable 3 usun (equivalent to 90 minutes) meeting with representatives from both the Rao and Vao Synods. (This is probably the first time in recent memory, that members of the Rau and Vao have ever sat together in the same room, united in common cause). They are alarmed that the Government Imperial's borders have been violated ( and more to the point, how will these rig intruders affect Rao and Vao trading and financial interests. They also want to be able to claim to claim the bar-giga ship and crew. Both Synods have graciously decided that they are willing to divide the crew amongst themselves. I had to forcefully state, that the bar-giga have been afforded diplomatic immunity, despite being a rig species, and are not to be touched).
Had another meeting, this time with D'Ankhim representatives. They are concerned that the presence of Na, might disrupt the social order of Minek (D'An III), and impair the smooth transition of Provisional administration to civilian governance. This is a valid concern, even though D'Ankhim do not own Na thrall. They have brought up the fact, that one of the Na , has en-titled itself as "Captain", which to any ear, sounds as if it commands authourity, and thus some type of deference. The D'An have pledged fealty only to Theraakhim, and to the Emperor. first and formost.
My own question is , who has leaked these transmissions to the Rao, the Vao and D'Ankhim Council ? As stated earlier, the message responded to by the Na , was not an authourised transmission. Is the person/s responsible for sending the message, also the same for the leaks ? My second question is of all the species, how is that the Na have responded ? Vel scientists and speculatives have traced the etiological home of Mae-Lee-tayl-Poh-Nae-ee-zam to the the Solis star system. To Kir, the Na homeworld. Perhaps the Na , have built up some type of tolerance or even immunity to this psychological pandemic.
I will follow the instructions given me by the Central Authourites, and allow a situation crew to land on Minek. If there be any validity to prayer, then I make one that my government and I have made the correct decision.-

To the Bar-giga star barque, Tenjiku Tokubei, You are granted permission, by the grace of the Emperor and of the Imperiata, to land one situation/landing crew consisting of no more than 10 Na. You will be guaranteed full protection and courtesies. We understand, that you have a quadrapedal species aboard, we are most curious to meet this species. If it does not mind accompanying you, it will be made to feel welcome.
Maarduk Gir-An-Ea-Gigan , Governor General , Government Provisional , D'An.

[Scolopendra]

Command Compartment

"Sir," the communications officer--a brown-eyed woman who would, at first glance, pass for a baseline human if it weren't for the undyed gunmetal-grey hair and slightly knobbly, curved ears--reports, "we're receiving another transmission from the planet. It's on a slightly different frequency."

Captain Grey nods. "On screen."

After the newest message plays out, his face tightens slightly. "Adhusah, prepare a response."

The addressed woman flicks a switch on her console; the audible click accompanies the re-lighting of the 'on air' sign.

Maarduk Gir-An-Ea-Gigan:

Understood. We will be in orbit shortly; please transmit landing coordinates.

Captain Earl Grey, Galaxy Exploration Command, out.

The microphones deactivate with another loud click of a switch, and Grey looks over his crew. "Department heads, with me. Tokubei, you have the conn--have the research department head meet us in the senior staff conference room."

*-*-*

Senior Staff Conference Room, aft of the command compartment

Triumvirate joint naval architecture tends towards the boxy, steel, and utilitarian. Hence the conference room is a boxy steel parallelpiped with a long table in the center and screens mounted on the walls between frame reinforcements.

"That last message concerns me," the captain said from his seat at the head of the table. "Thoughts?"

"It does have a different tone from our first contact, sir," says a lithe man labeled 'SEABROOKE' with efficiently short, wavy brown hair and angular, aggressive features that, when combined with his wide blue eyes, tends to leave the impression of a barracuda. "It's much more formal, and... well, contradictory."

Grey nods. "Going from suggesting no landing party to welcoming ten of us, and from saying non-humanoids would not be trusted to inviting quadrupeds. How do you think they could tell that, Seabrooke?"

The man addressed simply shrugs. "I'm just the tac officer. What do you think, O'Byrne?"

The woman Seabrooke glances towards sits primly in her chair, an old sort of regal bearing. That, combined with her long black hair, has earned her 'the Dread Lady' moniker amongst the ratings when she's out of earshot. "One wouldn't think it possible with conventional sensors. If they have any sort of thaum or psi in their sensor technology, all bets are off."

"That would make our attempts to treat this delicately somewhat moot," Grey says.

"Not necessarily; that would depend on resolution. To be honest, picking out psi 'lifesigns' of our sole... ah, quadruped," she replies, momentarily faltering in her bearing with the slightest apologetic shrug, "out of nearly eight hundred people who are all bipeds and of all different species is unlikely, at best. They're either extrapolating from our stated 'previous experience' or bluffing."

"Then there's the issue of this 'Terran as property' thing, sir," Seabrooke recalls. "Chattel slavery's an entirely different thing to what we're here for--"

"It is, and it's not our place to change an entire empire's social system overnight," Grey interjects simply, not bothering to hide his distate. "As far as Charter precedence is concerned, slavery requires a diplomatic and economic response. We're not going to start any wars over it."

"Though it does call into question the invitation, sir."

"It does. Doctor Furlan, are any of your memetics or epidemiology staff NEENJA-qualified?"

The slab of beef addressed differs from the others in that the metal rank on his collar are triangle-based rather than the portions-of-stars that make up the rank of the more military officers. While generally built like a small armored vehicle, his nut-brown face is unexpectedly delicate, with carefully trimmed amber hair and beard and green eyes. He brings a hand to that beard as he ponders the question. "I'm not sure skullcaps is something one qualifies for, Captain."

"Then have any been disqualified?" Grey has no interest in dealing with the paperwork associated with partial-upload affinity syndrome.

"No, but it's also not something we usually screen for. They're not soldiers. I do know that Doctor Demjou, one of our disease people in the biology department, has rigger kit inside her thanks to her previous field work. Memeticists... hm. I guess that's the really important one, isn't it?"

"From my experience," the captain replies drily.

"Hell, I'll just call for volunteers and get a waiver of liability. After hearing so much about them through the grapevine I'm sure one will want to see a brony wildfire in person."

"Good. That makes a landing party of three, then: Doctor Demjou, whatever memeticist you find, and me in humaniform avatars, displaced down. We have standard-issue Zero-One mechanoid bodies in storage, don't we, R-Lucian?"

The distinctly androgynous R-Lucian is also distinctly non-human, given their jet-black skin and lidless, featureless almond-shaped polished silver eyes. And the tentacles. And the brown hair too straight and blocky to have ever been organically grown. They move like biology, though, but that's simply how far mechanoid avatars have come. "We do sir, yes. I'll have my engineers refit them with NEENJA hardware immediately. A question?"

"Yes?"

"If they don't like mechanoids?"

"Better that they enslave or destroy mindless surrogate instrumentality, then."

R-Lucian grins. "Hands?"

Grey smirked. "I'll manage."

*-*-*

On approach to D'An II

Time passes, preparations are made, and the usual exchange of formal go-here-do-this requests and instructions and authorizations pass without incident* until there are three artificial bodies on the displacer pad and

D'An II, Landing Zone

with a momentary flash of perfectly reflective silvery cylinders said three bodies appear where they're told to appear with nothing more than the cylinders, a burst of reflected light, and the pop of pressure-equalizing air to announce them. The avatars are clearly robotic, made primarily of shiny white plastic plating and smooth myomers that look like sanitized, artistic renderings of striated muscles. Standing a meter and a half tall, they do not move as the stereotypical robots of old, though, instead shifting their weight from foot to foot and moving fluidly as one would expect organisms to. They are labeled, quite literally, with adhesive-backed nameplates in English and rank insignia. Assuming the former to not be immediately obvious, one has a gold five-pointed star pointing upwards on its forehead, one has a copper triangle pointing downwards in the same place, and the last has a point-down gold triangle with a single bar next to it.

They are otherwise visually identical.

The gold-star robot looks at its squeezing hands momentarily with its photosensor arrays, clustered like a spider's and glowing red like a stereotype, then looks around to find whomever looks to be in charge. Waving the other two to follow it, it approaches said dignitaries and bows shortly. "I am Captain Earl Grey of the starship Tenjiku Tokubei. This," it indicates the gold triangle-and-bar robot, "is Doctor Dana Demjou, an epidemiologist of our science staff and this," it indicates the copper-triangle robot, "is Doctor Vaughn Kozel, a memeticist of the same."

* I'm assuming, for the sake of brevity.

[Theranis III]

Maarduk An-Ea-Gigan took a look at the robotic forms before him, and started laughing. He then turned towards his aide, La-Ua-Kiir, and spoke, "It appears that the Na either believe that we are supposed to accept these machines as Na, or that we mean them harm." Maarduk shook his head, dark amber eyes glinted at the mechanisms before him. His head crest flashed red. "La-Ua-Kiir, have those toys returned to the the bar-giga. If the Na wish to play at diplomacy, then send them back to their nursery. Here I actually had given them more credit than they deserved. " He growled, as he turned his back on he assemblage, and started for his chambers.
La-Ua-Kiir, lanky and tall , even by Theraaki standards, watched as his superior left. He returned his attention to the mechanisms. He spoke in an annoyed tone to no one in particular, "I might as well be talking to a chair or table!" He then saw a rig placing a tray on a nearby stand. He motioned to the servant, who obediently came to the aide. " You, tell these things to return from whence they came. I'm not talking to bits of animated metal. " La-Ua-Kiir sniffed. The rig, a human male, looked up at the Therrak, then at the robotic devices. "What does this one say to them ?" he asked. La-Ua-Kiir shook his head. " Tell them, to go back to their ship, and that if they wish to deal with Theraakhim, then deal with us as Theraakhim. We have no time for puppets." The servant nodded, and went gingerly over to the three machines.
"My lords, will not communicate with such as these devices." He was fascinated by the array of lights and sensors. He reached out to touch it, but thought better of it. "My lords have stated, that if you wish to have any business with them, then you must come in your true forms. " The rig shot a quick glance over towards La-Ua-Kiir, then spoke in a half hushed tone. " Theraakhim dislike subterfuge and such tricks. You have given them offense, by not accepting their word, that you will not be harmed. Hospitality and word of honour are two of my masters' greatest virtues. They would rather perish in the fires of a nova, than violate these two virtues. Bring your true forms here, and this offence will erased." The rig then stood somewhat helpless, did he bow to a machine? He turned towards La-Ua-Kiir for guidance, who in turn only shrugged.



Maarduk returned to his chambers, his head creast still flared and crimson from the encounter with the Na avatars. The office was was a large octogon , in which four of the walls were maroon ochre, so favoured by the Theraaki. On each panel , there was painted a scene in which various animals inhabited an idyllic Homeworld. On a fifth panel, a Theraaki family is seated,and feasting, attended by dutiful rig bearing trays of food and drink. In front of it, stood a real rig, waiting for Maarduk's orders.Seeing his master's mood, the servant tried as best as he could to blend into the scene behind him.
As it stood, Maarduk, took no notice of the rig. He stormed over to the large simple framed tble, that served as his desk, and tapped at a silver cone shaped object. The cone immediately hummed, and opened up like a metallic blossom, to form a quicksilver concave screen. Maarduk tapped at the screen a couple of times, and there appeared the image of the Tenjiku Tokubei, hovering above D'An Khist or Minek's (as the Theraakhim called it) northern pole. He tapped again at the screen, and the ship loomed larger. He tapped again, and there appeared in four squares , in which writing and numerals traced down in three panels. These panels were from the readings from the four probes, that the 3rd Wing command had sent up.To the Na, these probes appeared to be only four meteors drifting harmlessly in space. yet these probes were sensitive enough to read that the ship contained eight hundred plus lifeforms.
Maarduk raised his brow as he read the writing. "Four, five , eight different species. "Such a menagerie !" he exclaimed outloud, startling the rig who seemed to remain undetected by his master. What are the Na doing with such a company ? he wondered. He tapped on the image of the Tenjiku Tokubei, and it enlarged again, revealing that its white silver hull had been scraped and pocked here and there by space debris. "They've been around." he said to the air. " Clearly, an adventrous sort. But, what brings you out here, so far from your own system ?"
There was a knock at the door, and Maarduk looked up, nodded to the rig, then returned his attentions to the figures on the screen.La-Ua-Kiir entered the room, stood before Maarduk and saluted. "The mechanisms have departed as you commanded, my luga." he stated sharply. His eyes immediately fell towards the screen's back. Without seeing what his superior was looking at, he knew. "For a bar-giga craft, that is a beautiful barque. Fine lines and balance. " he said. Maarduk slowly nodded his head in agreement. "It is that..." he tapped on the screen, and it quickly furled down into its original cone shape."But the question still remains, why are they here? I don't understand why the Central Authourity, is expecting me to entertain these Na. Not long ago, that ship would be nothing more than vapour and dust for daring to broach the Empire's borders. I don't know Kun La-Ua-Kiir." Maarduk said slowly.
La-Ua-Kiir could only look at the now silent cone. He had no answers. Maarduk then spoke again, "Imagine the piss, that the Na had in them, in sending those toys, and expecting that we were going to glad hand and toast their arrival. Not that I was any more happy to recieve a Na delegation, but puppets ? What were they thinking ?" La-Ua-Kiir, chuckled at his superior's rant. "I apologise for my laughter, my luga." Maarduk waved it away. "You were right to laugh. The whole scenario seems as if it were out of some Erinqho farce." he replied. La-Ua-Kiir nodded. Inwardly, he was surprised that Maarduk even took the time read something that wasn't a military manual, let alone to refer to Erinqho literature." Perhaps, my luga, you could see that maybe they felt it best to take precautions..." he ventured. Maarduk's eyes flashed bright yellow. "Precautions ? After I gave them not only my word, by the Word of His Imperial Lord ? Ptah ! what to expect of these bar-giga ?" he half shouted. Which gave way to laughter. La-Ua-Kiir and the rig, who stood unnoticed the whole time, both jumped at the unexpected laughter. "Did you look at the Na toys ? Primitive, yet splendidly crafted. Works of art.I would bet you 5,000 talents, that our Vel cousins would love to get their hands on one of those things, just so they could take it apart and put it back together." Maarduk paused, and motioned to the rig. " Fetch us some chur. How do you like yours Ua-Kiir ?" he asked. La-Ua Kiir answered " Hot, my luga." again surprised that Maarduk had used only his given name. "Two chur, hot, and some trigla."Maarduk ordered, and the rig bowed before departing from the room.
Maarduk then turned to La-Ua-Kiir. "We need to formulate some plan of action. I believe that the Na, have had a quick lesson on proper etiquette. They learn quick as a species, I'm sure that they will want to return..."

[Scolopendra]

One of the advantages of the NEENJA system is its dramatically accelerated clock-speeds.

-That's... not good.-

-Saw that one coming--Captain?-

-What if R-Lucian was here? Offense can go both ways.-

"No offense was intended," Grey-bot says levelly, looking at the servant, "and I understand you personally are in a delicate position. Your masters should be made aware, however,"--momentary glance towards La-Ua-Kiir with nothing said, then back to the rig--"that in a very real way these bodies are as true as any other instrumentality we could have chosen. We could have chosen bodies of meat and bone which could have very well been microbiologically incompatible with your unknown ecology, and we chose not to take that risk: your masters are already concerned with one epidemic; would they have us bring another with us?

"We have come out of our way to render assistance to no immediate benefit of our own. We have swallowed our pride at the assumption of being made of servitor races. We have been given conflicting information and advice regarding what we are to do here. And yet here we are, in instrumentality that if you prick us, we will still bleed. If you harm us, we will still hurt. The universe is a big place and there are other mechanoid and uploaded societies who would not take such insult so lightly.

"But we are here to help, not to harm, and so we again swallow our pride. But our patience knows limits. We again offer, freely and in good will, the assistance we have promised. What we will not abide, however, is insult after insult, particularly the assumption of trickery on our part when we have done nothing but extend a helping hand with your masters' best interests at heart.

"Those best interests can allow us to, if it comes to it, swallow our pride again and return in avatars marginally more fitting to your masters' aesthetic wishes if that is the only way they will do business. But we cannot guarantee, in this small amount of time, microfloral compatibility since whatever harmless bacteria those bodies have adapted to do not adhere to honor or agreements but rather the simple laws of biology and epidemics. We will also remember the slight to our own honor and our choice of instrumentality."

The word 'choice' has a slight emphasis to it. "Let your masters know all this, and yet this more: no matter what form we take, they speak to the same minds. We have and still are adjusting and adapting to your unknown culture. It would be simple politeness for some of the adaptation to be mutual... and should a willingness to adapt be shown, your masters will find that we are as willing to erase offences as they."

Grey-bot folds its arms. "Now are we going to waste more time changing into less functional clothing, or shall we get to work?"

[Theranis III]

The rig was at a loss of what to say, he turned around, only to discover that La-Ua-Kiir had already left. He returned his attention back to the three robotic forms. "I can assure you, in my own humble capacity, that no harm will come to you. You have nothing to worry about, in regards to , what did you call it, mee-grow flowa ? You mean germs ? The masters have biologically filtered this area,down to 0.0000000000001 of a milimicron. If anything, Theraakhim are more prone to what you could bring here. Look at me, I'm human, and I haven't been sick one day, in my entire life." offered the rig, somewhat hopefully. He wasn't quite sure whether the minds behind the machine masques understood what he was saying.
"My masters live under the burden of honour and duty. I don't know if you can understand, but it is more than them dealing with robotic devices, they use similar devices, themselves. But, the real insult is that you did not come as true form. Theraakhim can't give a machine a place of honour , or offer their hospitality to such a thing, no matter how close to living it may seem." the rig looked about the room, as he spoke. He was clearly intrigued by the black metal structures. "Did we, I mean Na, really make this ?" he asked, as he gingerly stroked the metal of the one called Grey bot. " I can't believe that, Na, er, humans, made it this far , I mean not as cargo, but on our own."
He looked at the robot with the golden upright star. He assumed that this one must be of some rank. " What harm , will it do you to come back as you are? Think of it this way, you will be showing the masters, that humans are not just rig, but a real people. There are other humans here as well, some who never saw Kir, or a free Na. Or a Na in command of others. I say too much. I know..." the rig stopped speaking, his large blue eyes filled with something akin to sorrow. He wasn't too sure himself, of Na being capable of such things. "What is Earth like ? I was once told by some elder rig , that it was nothing but a great ocean, with landmasses covered with unforgiving deserts..." he was interrupted by a loud grunt.
" What are these things still doing here ?" La-Ua-Kiir grumbled. He looked at the machines, more annoyed than angered. In one small way, he was happy that the Na had not rushed away. They had some backbone somewhere in their system. He looked at the rig, and shook his head. "They won't listen to you ?" he turned to the machines and addressed them, " Gi-gir here, has full authourity to command you to leave. You should heed his words, as you would any other in his honourable position." he turned to the rig, and added "Isn't that correct ikkun Gi-gir ?" The rig nodded, and stood closer to the Theraaki. A look of pride glowed on the servant's face. He then turned back to the robots. "Return to your craft, and do as Gi-gir has commanded. Come back as your true form, our luga, Khaan Ea-An Gigan has ordered that a welcoming dinner be prepared for you all. Why let a good turgasu go to waste, by letting it grow cold ?"

[Scolopendra]

Before the explorers can start speaking heart-to-heart to the poor slave, the boss-man shows back up.

The gold-star 'bot brings a jointed hand to what would be its temple if it had a nose.

The gold-triangle-and-bar 'bot makes a completely artificial throat-clearing sound. "Filtering an area to such a degree actually increases the risk of contamination, since any invasive species has unimpeded room to grow--"

It is cut off by a rise of Grey-bot's hand.

"May I at least relate how the historical precedence of smallpox and Peterson's Blueface show that 'I haven't been sick a day in my life' doesn't mean anything when it comes to potential new diseases?"

The hand remains.

"Never mind then."

After a pause, Grey-bot looks back up at the rig. "We understand your plea. We understand the reasoning and perhaps even the pride behind it. Let it be known, however, that in this day 'true form' means less and less. Some day there may be an encounter with a civilization as flexible in its instrumentality as we but decidedly less patient. That patience allows us to accept that we have unintentionally offended and not let pride or hurt feelings keep us from our duty. If you will not accept these as true forms, then we shall, as guests, respect your request and return in our preferred forms." The words carry a slight emphasis.

After another short bow, Grey-bot leads his comrades back to the center of the room. A displacer flash later, and...

Five minutes later

Flash-cylinders-reflections-collective-pop.

All three wear similar uniforms: black trousers tucked into black combat boots, high-collared double-breasted Eisenhower jackets with green plastrons, hems, and epaulettes over black sleeves and sides. A circular Triumvirate roundel covers the left breast over a steel nametag; the right breast carries a series of colored squares equivalent to a ribbon tree.

On the left, a short but elegantly curved mahogany-toned woman, obsidian-hair pulled back into a bun to reveal a polished golden plate covering her forehead and embellished with thin channels in a pattern resembling an Art Deco lintel. No, wait, that plate is her forehead. From her half-lidded stone-grey eyes, she's unimpressed. From her gold triangle-and-bar on either side of her collar, she's Doctor Demjou.

On the right is a tall, athletic, green-eyed bald man a few shades of brown away from coal. By the level of his thin black eyebrows, he's singularly unimpressed. From his red triangle on either side of his collar, he's Doctor Kozel. If anything, he's more mechanically rigid now than he was as a robot.

Between and a good deal lower than the two stands a quadruped standing about a meter tall. Underneath the same kind of uniform as the others, he has a coat of short sandy buff hair. Each leg terminates in a combat boot with a subdued toe, and his proportionally large, peaked head is topped by longer taupe hair styled into a very regulation-looking regular cut with a side part; flanked by wide, pointed ears; and spearheaded by a blunt spiral horn, the same shade as his coat, emerging from his forehead like the bowsprit of a ship. Behind him, from under a flap in his uniform, emerges a neatly-kept taupe tail. If the tightness around his eyes and mouth is anything to go by, he is seriously disappointed.

From the gold stars on his collar, he is Captain Earl Grey of the Galactic Exploration Command.

"As we said," the distinctive stentorian voice emerges from the small quadruped, "our preferred forms. This is as close to 'true' as you're going to get."

And then, as if the past ten minutes had never happened: "I am Captain Earl Grey, commanding officer of the Triumvirate of Yut Research Cruiser Tenjiku Tokubei representing the Triumvirate of Yut and its member nations and species via the Galaxy Exploration Command. This," he tilts his head towards the woman, "is Researcher-Level-Four Doctor Dana Demjou, epidemiologist of the exobiology division of Tenjiku Tokubei's research department. This," he tilts his head towards the man, "is Researcher-Level-Three Doctor Vaughn Kozel, a memeticist of the exopsychology division of the research department."

[Theranis III]

La-Ua-Kiir and Gi-Gir looked at the new shapes in front on them. La-Ua-Kiir makes an audible sound of exasperation , while Gi-Gir's face is drained of all his colour, then turns bright red. He glared at the forms and shouted, "You fools ! Why are you being so obstinate ? My masters are only trying to be hospitable , and extend to you all of their house ! And all you want to do is play games. " He shouted. The rig's outburst shook La-Ua-Kiir, and he turned, startled, to look at the human fuming with anger. When Gi-gir made to charge the three, La-Ua-Kiir, held him back, by throwing his arm in front of the human's chest. "Calm yourself, ikkun. Calm yourself. They cannot help, but to follow their suspicious natures." he said, as he stroked Gi-gir's short cropped brown hair. He then turned his attention to the three, and shook his head sadly. "See, what you did to poor Gi-Gir. The ikkun of the house, and you upset him so." he looked down at the rig, and said to him, " Why don't you go and get yourself some chur, and calm yourself. I will, confer with these." La-Ua-Kiir said, his voice almost catlike and re-assuring.
He watched as Gi-Gir left the room. Before he turned his attention to the three creature avatars. He slowly shook his head again. "This simply won't do. Imaginative, yes, but simply most inappropriate." he said, as he walked over to a pro-counsel style folding stool, and sat himself.he folded his large muscular arms in front of his chest, all the while shaking his head as he looked at the creatures. " I suspect you are utilising some form of transformative molecular transponder, no ? We have used such, in dealing with those species such as the Binomes, a fascinating species, totally computerized and binary. They detest corporeal lifeforms. " He looked down at the quadruped , looking back at him, and chuckled. "So this is the form you choose for yourself ? Not a particularly fearsome beast, our , how would one say it, mentalist ?, No, Psychologists is the best word, would say they you want to appear ferocious , but also approachable. " La-Ua-kiir, unfolded his arms and placed a hand on each knee.
" Poor Gi-Gir, was most upset with you. He so much wanted to meet you. He was the most excited of all of us here. He even suggested what foods to serve you. Our luga,Khaan Maarduk, he would have served you water in a bowl, but Gi-Gir prevailed on him, to do better than that. For a Na, he is sometimes more Theraak, than any true Theraak." La-Ua-kiir spoke almost in a purring sing-song voice. He looked at Dr. Demoju's mahogany female. "Ah, you have been to Majkornda. beautiful world, and most luscious women. You have the form down to even the forehead plate. Did you play this same game there ? I'm sure that if you had, that several of your kind, or rather your avatars, must have been burnt as witches. Majkorkhim has no sense of humour. Fortunately for you, I do. I also appreciate your situation. So far from home, on a world with a species of unknown quality and temperament." he said , impassively.
la-Ua-Kiir, stood up, brushed at his heavy cloth pants, before looking up at the creatures. "This simply won't do. Trust is most difficult to build, and most hurtful when broken. Distrust is the dull toothed worm, that gnaws away at the inside, and builds most insurmountable walls. It prevents one from finding allies, and drives friends into the caress of one's enemies. Please, return to your ship, and reconsider your decisions. I ask this as a boon, for I feel within me, that you are an honourable species. I myself would deal with you, in any matter that you choose. " he chuckled at that, as he made another inspection of the cast of creatures before him, " but I am not the luga, only humble La-Ua-Kiir of the 11th House. I understand why you feel that you must be so cautious, and I understand your sense of pride. It brought you this far, and more than likely further into the abyss above us. Cool yourself, and partake of whatever it is that you drink , if you like, I will send along some chur. Return when cooler minds prevail. I'm sure my poor Gi-Gir will forgive you. Go now in peace. "
La-Ua-Kiir gave a quick nod to the trio, before he turned and left them. As he walked away, he said to himself, please let these obstinate ones correct themselves. Pride will fail us all, if they don't see reason in what I ask.

[Scolopendra]

"Now wait just a minute," Captain Grey interjects sternly to La-Ua-Kiir's retreating back, leaning forward on all four legs. "Your Gi-Gir specifically requested to meet our 'quadrupedal species.' I am that species. If you're looking for bodies of birth, well, we're right here. That's why we prefer them."

The two scientists look at each other momentarily and unconsciously lean back slightly.

Meanwhile, the short equine continues more levelly. "Therefore we are at an impasse, La-Ua-Kiir of the eleventh house. If the Gi-Gir wishes to see the bodies we were born in but are expecting purely unmodified, unaugmented, and average humans then the gap between his desires and his expectations are too wide for us to make match. We could come back in such a fashion, but then we would truly be guilty of the slight we were first accused of when we came in sterile avatars. We could try to comply by displacing down only our brains, but that would be lethal to us and not particularly helpful to you.

"We can explain further at his, or your, pleasure but for this moment it's time for reciprocation. We trusted, and still trust, your assurances to our safety sufficiently to come as we were born. Now we need you to trust us when we say that this is the case. That we do not meet your or the Gi-Gir's expectations is not our error--we are all explorers, and the act of exploration inherently carries with it the risk that our expectations fail to match reality. Now we can all grit our teeth and rail at the fact that this is so," he says with a tilt of his head and a firming of his brow, "or we can accept that we have all been, to one degree or another, incorrect and accept it as a learning experience."

The captain leans back into his neutral posture. "We will wait here as you relay this. If this is not acceptable, we will return to our ship and trouble you no more. If, as you say, cooler minds prevail, then we look forward to accepting your hospitality, acting as polite guests should, and fulfilling our promises in our mutual work."

[Theranis III]

La-Ua-Kiir stopped in his tracks, and listened as the one called Grey spoke. Slowly he turned around to face the trio. A quizzical, yet amused look on his face, as the realisation dawned on him. He immediately understood what provoked Gi-Gir's anger, and that he himself had mistook Grey's avatar as a manifestation of the alien's imagination. The audacious Na, was not in fact a Na as he knew them to be. Grey was a Bro-Nay.
A wry smile crept across the Theraak's lipless mouth. "Is this why you hesitated and risked a diplomatic row, all because the commander of this situation crew is a Bro-Nae ?" he asked as he walked slowly towards the trio. He inspected the avatar forms more closely. "and these are how you are truly represented ?" He shot a scolding glance at Dr. Demoju, and then inspected at Dr.Kozel. La-Ua-Kiir rubbed at one of his chin barbs.
He turned from the group and moved towards the pro counsel style folding stool and sat down on it. " I am assuming that your avatars can sit." he asked as he touched a small bell shaped object. Soon a red headed human male appeared. "Bring two, " he quickly glanced up at Grey, "maybe three chairs. No two, chairs and one ottoman couch. Might as well bring some chur, and a small brazier. And find the ikkun." La-Ua-Kiir said. The rig nodded and quickly left.
La-Ua-Kiir returned his attentions to the trio. "You have truly created a most interesting situation. In my years serving the Emperor, I have experienced many a first encounter with bar-giga races. Of course, it was usually Theraakhim on the turf of the bar-giga. You are the first bar-giga,on , what is now Theran turf." he sighed after he spoke.
"I..." he was interrupted by the appearance of six rig, two bearing chairs, and another two hauling the ottoman sofa. The fifth carried a tray with a large ornate vase-like vessel, and several cups. The sixth was Gi-Gir, who looked with an angered surprise at the trio still standing in the anteroom.
La-Ua-Kiir looked at the bar-giga and began, " Please be seated. " he said the assemblage, as he gestured towards the seats. "As I told you, earlier I am not of a position to do any official business with you, I am only a kun, and the adjuntant to the Luga. But perhaps, there is a way, that . Gi-Gir , serve our guests some chur." La-Ua-Kiir spoke, again in his cat-like purr. " There is no way, that a Theraak, of Khaan Maarduk's lineage can do dealings with avatar , here on Minek."
As La-Ua-Kiir spoke, Gi-Gir poured the steaming chur into the delicate white test tube-like cups. His blue eyes glared at Grey as he placed the cup onto the short table beside the equine figure. He wondered how these avatars were going to drink , especially Grey.
" Careful," La-Ua-Kiir said, " Not only is it hot, but chur does have a kick to it. Now back to what I was getting at. Khaan Maarduk can not deal with an avatar here on Minek. But above us, there orbit two moons. The larger one is Gi-Gir. Our Gi-Gir here, is named after it. On that moon, there is a under utilised research station. More abandoned, wouldn't you say. Gi-Gir ? " The rig furrowed his brow, and nodded a sullen affirmative. "Well, if you should , say, suggest that as a meeting place, and our luga agrees, then you could continue to utilise your avatars, as would we Theraakhim. There is a lack of air on Gi-Gir, and Maarduk Ua-Ea will not deem to get into a shuttle nor a spacesuit. He will use an avatar." La-Ua-Kiir stood up, he looked at Grey. "We Theraakhim, are capable of flexibility."
Gi-Gir silent up to this time, spoke up. " I apologise for my anger, it was well the surprise. I do not want you to believe that this house, intended disrespect to you." he bowed deeply.

[Scolopendra]

The GEC crew listen politely as La-Ua-Kiir makes his arrangements, then sit down--the humans rather conventionally in the chairs; the small pseudopony atop the ottoman with his legs folded under him. "Then no disrespect was intended on either side," the captain replies. A blue aura like an aurora manifests around both his horn and the cup offered to him; the cup levitates to his lips and he sips from it carefully, more due to temperature than kick. He was known, at one point, for comparatively hard drinking. Behind him, the scientists follow his lead through the normal method of using their hands, though at least Doctor Kozel apparently finds the brew blink-worthy. "Though some further clarification is perhaps necessary.

"I am not, as you would say, Bro-Nae. I am perhaps better described as Poh-Nae, and I am unique among the Galaxy Exploration Command as being a starship captain. My ship just happened to be the closest one and was therefore the one dispatched. The universe sometimes displays a low sense of humor. Now if we may clarify our side...

"Our initial use of avatars was done partially as an excess of caution, we will admit. It certainly isn't standard procedure. However, we were warned by the transmissions that first authorized our approach here that humans--Na--were considered... as lesser species and that non-humanoid species should be distinctly avoided. That, combined with the real but admittedly overstated threat of biological contamination, drove my decision. I recognize now it was a poor one and apologize."

He takes another sip before continuing. "What you're speaking to now are not avatars, per se. I tend to get philosophical and the Triumvirate has reached the technological point where one's physical instrumentality--pardon, their body--is essentially a matter of choice. Most people default, like everyone else, to the bodies they were born with because they don't essentially realize that there is an option, or those that do change their bodies without good reason are considered eccentric. Most mechanoids, lacking a physical basis, are quite creative in their choices and expressions in instrumentality; I, as a quadruped in a biped's world, see the issue in more relief and tend to take the mechanoid side. I was offended, yes, but that was my fault. It lead me to be more indignant than I had a right to be."

"If I may," Doctor Demjou says politely, and continues after a nod from her captain: "This is my... 'normal' body, the one I was born and grew up in. This"--she taps her golden forehead--"has nothing to do with the Majkornda. I've never heard of them. Instead, it's my cosmetic preference over some cybernetic implants that I use to control external drones. Those implants are basically the previous generation to our current technology, the one that allows for... well, post-organic hot-swapping of bodies."

"And before the thing with the robots, I'd never even partially uploaded before," Doctor Kozel adds.

"Neither had I, though I'd been tempted," Captain Grey says as he retakes the lead of the Triumvirate side of the discussion. "So, to clarify, what you see right now are natural, biological bodies containing our as-born and living minds. Bluntly, kill these, we die." He figures that honesty may be better policy at this point, but still nonchalantly takes a sip from the glass as if to indicate that the idea didn't bother him much. "Now, if the abandoned moonbase will move things forward because we're still considered 'avatars,' well, I can accept that as a consequence of my original choice not to be completely forthright.

"On the other hoof, as it were, since I'm made to understand that preparations have already been made here, we would like to make amends by showing full trust in you and yours as our hosts by remaining here, assuming that the fact we are not artificial drones or avatars is sufficient to at least calm the luga if not forgive our previous transgressions on his hospitality and honor."

[Theranis III]

La-Ua-Kiir laughed gently. He looked at Gi-Gir beside him, then back at the trio. "So this is for all intents and purposes , your actual bodies?" he asked as he rubbed his four chin barbs. Gi-Gir touched at La-Ua-Kiir's shoulder, and the Theraak nodded. The human approached the trio, and bowed slightly to Grey. He was clearly uncomfortable in doing so. He felt betrayed the first time, thinking that Grey was Na, such as himself. "By the graciousness of our luga, khaan Maarduk Ea-An-Giggan, Holder of the Dawn Crystal, Primer of the 6th House, and Governor of D'An, I extend the hospitality of this house. Enter it without fear, and leave in fullness and cheer." Gi-Gir stated formerly, he made a deep bow spreading his arms wide. He stood upright, and then turned to La-Ua-Kiir. He bowed again, " My kuun, shall I make announcement to our luga, that he has guests awaiting his presence ?"
La-Ua-Kiir nodded, and replied, "Yes , ikkun do so. It is past the high mark that , that our guests be afforded the hospitality of the House of Maarduk."

[Scolopendra]

The explorers hop to their feet at something just short of attention once the formalities break out, then return the bow with short ones of their own: a 'Pendran tradition, one that carried over to the Triumvirate combined services. The humans bow from the waist; Grey's 'bow' is more of an acknowledging nod. "And I, Captain Earl Grey of the Galactic Exploration Command, Lieutenant of the Guard of Halterpool, accept gladly on behalf of the Triumvirate of Yut. May this be the beginning of a mutually beneficial friendship."

Despite the slaves... or are they more like serfs> Grey catches himself thinking. That is a different problem for a different time. The ostentation and ritual reminds him of the formality of home; the others, being al-Halishi Scolopendrans, find it somewhat alien. The status of the rigs, on the other hand, offends them but they do their best to hide it despite the occasional glance of humanitarian concern.

[Theranis III]

La-Ua-Kiir watched as Gi-Gir left once again, this time towards Maarduk's chambers. He quickly drained the remainder of chur from his cup, and placed it onto the table beiside him. He then tapped at the gleaming bell shaped box , and within seconds, a rig appeared. la-Ua-Giir stood to the man, then stood up, and addressed the trio. " Now, we must get to formalities. We must remove these chairs, and tables, it will not do, for you to be seated when he arrives." La-ua-kiir said, as eight rig, all approximately the same height, appeared in the room, four of them immediately went over to collect the table and to the trio, and began to remove the table and cups. They saw Grey, and took a step back from him, not sure what he was, standing next to the sofa. "Be considerate of our esteemed guest." La-Ua-Kiir said evenly. The men watched as the equine move from the seat, before they retrieved the sofa. They started for a door on their left, but la-Ua-kiir stopped them. "Perhaps it would be best to bring that to the Kaum Hall. It will be a more satisfactory arrangement there."
He returned his attention again towards the trio. "Now, when the khaan arrives, there is no need to bow. he is addressed as 'my luga'. fear not, there is no abasement on your part, to call him this, it can mean 'lord', but it is more a title of respect of his office, similar to that of 'general' or 'governor'. Next, I do not know how you rank yourselves, other than Captain Grey. But the one next in rank should stand to his left, and the last ranking to the left, and slightly behind him or her. This one introduces himself first, then those of each preceding and higher rank. Captain Grey, as the leader , you are to take three steps forward, and then re-introduce yourself. You will offer khaan Maarduk your weapon. It is permissible for you to disarm it beforehand. You will see the same happen on our side. Then Khaan Maarduk, offer each of you, a green or a yellow stardrop stone. Select the yellow one. This ceremony is called Khaas Waan. " La-Ua-Kiir said in a catlike manner.
La-Ua-kiir had just finished his instructions, when he heard Maarduk Ea-An-Gigan's voice. Behind him, followed three others. "So kuun La, the bar-giga have returned ?" La-Ua-Kiir rolled his eyes, how could he tell Maarduk, that they had never left."In a manner, yes my luga." he said, carefully choosing his words. "Good , good, good ! Taught those offworlders some manners , eh ? " he said clapping his hands together. A sheepish look streamed across his face, when he saw the trio standing in the manner instructed to them by La-Ua-Kiir. He turned to him, and angrily whispered, " You didn't tell me they were right here." Maarduk quickly pasted a smile on his face, as he looked at the situation crew. Again he turned to La-Ua-Kiir, a puzzled look on his face, and mouthed "That's them ?" La-Ua-Kiir nodded. Maarduk sighed, collected his thoughts and once again turned to the trio assembled . He walked over to the group, followed by la-Ua-Kiir, and the three others, and they took their prescribed places.Gi-Gir stood over the far right, observing his masters' interaction with the Na.
The Trio did their introductions , precisely as they were instructed, and La-Ua-Kiir was pleasantly surprised that Captain Grey, actually offered his weapon.He did expect some resistance on the captain's part. he understood a warrior's mistrust of handing one's weapon to a potential opponent. But then that was what Khaas Waan was about, establishing a little trust. The first introduction was,Doctor Harjyaan, a tall thin Vel. He, like all Vel, resembled the figure in Earth lore, the alien grey, except that his skin was a pale, deathly pink, natural for Vel. Despite his frail looking frame, he had a deep voice, that was more like a soothing radio announcer. He first introduced Commander Taakzin of the 3rd Wing Command.She stood impassively, jaw jutting out. Theraakhim women are mannish by human standards, but Commander Taakzin was mannish by Theraakhim standards. She was boxy, and angular. The only outward appearance, that set her apart from her male counterparts, was that she lacked the head crest and chin barbs. Then La-Ua-Kiir was introduced, and finally as per protocol, khaan Maarduk Ea-An-Gigan. He proudly handed Captain Grey his mikku, a pistol like weapon, that had a small blade attacted to it, like a miniature bayonet."It is over 500 years old, and has been carried in over 1,000 battles, by all the Primers of the 6th House." He watched as Captain Grey studied the weapon. "You are the first , the first Na...aa, er, the first bar-giga to ever view it at such close range. History right there." He tapped at the barrel of the weapon, then looked over at the other two of the trio, then over to his own party, beaming with pride. The Theran all nodded their approval.
After the Khaas Waan, Maarduk when over to Dr. Demoju. "How fortunate, the Na are, that one of Majkornda's finest has deemed to accomapny them. " he said , as his eyes explored her body most appreciatively. "When time allows, you will have to tell me more about the Season. Unfortunately, I had to miss it this..." La-Ua-Kiir interrupted. "She's not Majkorn, she is Na." Maarduk stepped back, astonished, then reached into his vest pocket, and pulled out a pair of wire rim glasses, and thrust it onto his face, he re-examined Dr. Demoju peering throught his lenses. "My word, she could pass for one of Majkornda's most perfect specimens. No offense intended doctor." Maarduk sputtered. He mouthed, "Someone could have informed me...", as he walked towards his party. He turned and spied G-Gir, and motioned him over. Gi-Gir came over obediantly, and Maarduk spoke to him.,and the human nodded.
Gi-Gir then walked from the Theraakhim, and made his announcement, " Honoured guests of our luga, the gracious khaan Maarduk Ea-An-Gigan. Please follow, our luga to the Kaum Hall. There he can properly entertain you..."

[Scolopendra]

The Khaas Waan wasn't too much different from the silly 'dining' traditions that the Command maintained as a way to teach protocol. Captain Grey was, from professional tribal knowledge, neither surprised nor particularly concerned about having to give up his weapon. The burnished steel wedge that made up the 'personal hand-arm, selective emission, ray' was a logical extension of the Cetagandan flashlight laser into a multi-function tool, with the caveat that all of the functions were directed energy of some caliber. It was an ongoing joke within the GEC that the comparatively fantastically expensive weapons with their integrated targeting systems, identify-friend-or-foe mousebrains, optional biometric safeties and tunable everything had never been fired in anger, having always instead been handed over in either the rituals or the bureaucratic transactions of first contact.

Perhaps notably, he did not proffer the ray gun's stirrup-like handle, thus leaving the weapon with only holdout power reserves and making it somewhat more awkward to aim; not though the handle did him any benefit on the latter whilst he wore boots.

"I am honored, my luga, to be a part of its history. Long may its rememberance continue." Accepting the mikku with another azure-glowing field, he examined it. The knife part was natural to him; the barrel was more abstract though he took care not to point it at anyone.

Doctor Demjou smiled at the compliment, awkward as it was--not so much due to the misidentification as the interest. "No offense taken, my luga. I accept the compliments as they were intended." For a moment, she thought if that was perhaps saying too much to accurately convey her intent. This is why she was a scientist, not a diplomat.

But such was life in the Galaxy Exploration Command.

At the invitation to follow, they nodded politely and followed silently, the thick soles of their boots cushioning their footfalls.

[Theranis III]

The Kaum Hall doors were opened wide by two rig, and exposed the interior of the room, which was in former times the cafeteria of the school building, now housing Maarduk and his staff. (The D'Ankhili civil wars had leveled many of Minek's older and larger buildings, and through some miracle, the school had remained largely unscathed. After the Theraakhim Intervention, and subsequent annexation of the D'An system, Minek became their centre). The walls were covered with numerous tapestries, depicting, in consecutive sequence, the Battle of Um-An-Ninu , the decisive battle of the Unification period. Long tables were arranged along the walls, all facing a large brazier in the centre of the room.
Gi-Gir called into the hall, "All know, that our most beneficient luga, khan Maarduk Ea-An-Gigan, Holder of the Dawn Crystal, Primer of the 6th house, Governor of D'An, now approaches. May all be showered by his grace." Gi-Gir made a deep bow to those already assembled in the room, and then towards the party entering the room. He then stepped aside, and Maarduk entered the hall. He was greeted by those in the hall, who rapped on the table tops with their knuckles. Maarduk stood still for a few seconds , basking in the greeting. He then went to the brazier, and threw into his yellow starstone. The small flame leapt up, with a sizzling sound, and the air was perfumed with a scent akin to jasmine mixed with sandalwood. He then walked over to a group of three female Theraakhim, and touched foreheads with each. He then stood to the right of the first female. Next came La-Ua-Kiir, who threw his starstone into the brazier, followed by Taakzin and then Dr. Harjyaan.
There was a slight lull, before the appearance of the bar-giga, and those assembled, waited with craned neck to see their appearance. Rumours had already spread about what they might look like, much of it based on the aliens first appearance in their precautionary avatar forms. The female who stood immediately to Maardduk's right, had looked noticeably relieved , when she saw that he was unharmed, she had heard of the barbed suction cups on the tentacles of the aliens. Still, she unconsciously placed her hand on her dagger hilt.

[Scolopendra]

From their position outside the cafeteria-cum-great-hall, the officers of the Galaxy Exploration Command watched the ritual with interest and, at least amongst the humans, an increasingly palpable sense of concern. This lead them to start speaking to each other in quiet undertones.

"We weren't briefed on this part," Demjou said softly. "Do we follow their lead? Are we supposed to throw our gems into the fire?"

"Patience, Doctor," the short quadruped replied with an uncommon gentleness. "We'll figure it out."

"We've already insulted them once," the golden-foreheaded woman answered.

"And we're still alive despite it," noted the tall, dark man. "The society strikes me as traditionalist and ritualistic, but rational even as they're passionate. Storming off in a huff is a lot wiser than lashing out at what angers one... though even in that spectrum, our luck has varied based on the speaker. There has to be some force maintaining the tradition, which would suggest a conservative nature--"

The captain cut off his subordinate's theoretical tangent. "We're dealing with the patient ones right now. If we lose some face due to an error, then so be it."

At the neck-craning and the obvious expectation of action, the Triumvirate crew took their cue to advance at their own stately pace: Captain Grey in front, the scientists off either flank in the classic spearhead formation.

The problem with a stately advance is that it is by necessity a slower one. "I swear I've had nightmares like this," muttered Demjou out of one side of her mechanically forced smile.

"And they were harmless then," Grey replied sotto voce out of the side of his formal expression. Assuming no direction to the contrary, he lead them to the brazier. He withdrew the yellow sunstone he'd previously selected as directed from a pouch on his belt with the distinctive blue glow of his telekinesis, held it up, and... glanced towards Maarduk and La-Ua-Kiir with a raised eyebrow."

Doctor Kozel felt his forehead start to grow moist and, for the first time, began to envy Demjou's cybernetics.

[Theranis III]

From his position, La-Ua-Kiir gave an encouraging nod, and Grey threw his gemstone into the brazier. There was a great "swoosh" sound, as the gem riled the flame, and the air was further scented with that jasmine/sandalwood perfume. A cloud of pale grey white smoke rose upwards towards the ceiling, and spread over the hall, dropping a fine glitter-like dust over everyone. The assembled crowd murmured their approval. Demoju and Kozyel followed suit as their leader. Without knowing it, Grey threw his gem, so that it hit the mikru, the stone that was the source of the brazier flame. Theraakhim children in play did this , causing the shower by poking a stick or non-stone at the blazing mikru. Grey's act , unintentional as it was, awoke feelings of sentimentality in many of the Theraakhim, they did not see him as some savage.
When the trio performed the ritual, G-Gir, lead them over to Maarduk, and the three females. Maarduk stiffened up, and nodded towards the females. From the far left, the first female introduced herself, "I am Tir-Gigi-Lil of Ta-Gil-Mos. Third consort of Khaan Maarduk. This is, " she placed her right hand over the head of the female to her right, " ukun Taa-Ri-Ninal of U-Kari-Tu. And this is the honoured, first consort, ukunu Inanaa- Ningal, of So-No-Mos". after her introduction, Inanaa-Ningal stepped forward, and presented her blade to Captain Grey. "I am most honoured to meet you. May our peoples know war, only as allies against what is wrong."her voice was even, yet stern, yet re-assuring.
She turned to Dr. Demoju, and her eyes suddenly turned cold, she gave her a quick nod, then glanced over at Maarduk, who was eyeing the doctor himself. then she looked back at Dr. Demoju. " My husband, seems to find you quite attractive, I can see that his eyes do not betray him." she said curtly, then allowed a smile on her face, " You will certainly keep things a bit warmer tonight." she added, as she took off a bracelet from her left wrist, and placed it on Dr. Demoju's left wrist. She then came upon Dr. Kozyel, and looked him over quickly. "You will sit with me. " she said, as she took him by his hand. "You may appear to be made of ice and metal, but if you move, then there is fire within you."
From the distance, Gi-Gir watched the aliens mingle freely with his masters and other guests. He could not help but stare at Capt. Grey ,as he easily made his way around his usually aloof masters. His thoughts were interrupted by a another rig, a human like Gi-Gir, but taller. "Ikkun, should we bring out the food ?" Gi-Gir looked up at the man, "What do you think, drag everyone into the kitchen, and let them eat out of the pots ?" he snapped at the man. "Go and start bringing the food out. I will announce that the meal is ready." As the rig departed for the kitchen, Gi-Gir called out, "It is my pleasure to announce that our luga, khaan Maarduk Ea-An Gigan's benefience shall shower upon you. His bountiful larder has been opened, and his wine cellar unsealed. Please be seated for his bounty !"
at that began the feast.
The first dish to be brought were trays and trays of meat pies and pickled vegetables, urns of chur, and whole stuffed creatures, the size of robins. This course was followed by targasu, a grey lumpy stew, thinner than a stout gelatin, but thicker than a soup. This was eaten with wide pieces of a flat bread. The targasu, was followed by a h'tarindra, a creature that was serpentine in length, and width, but the thickness of a boar, and had a porcine like head, but with two horns on its head, and a frill at the back of its head, like a prehistoric triceratops .The roasted skin was a golden brown, and when sliced, revealed snow white flesh. The Theraakhim, had long been accustomed to having vegetarian subjects, and citizens, and so trained their rig to cook in may styles and cuisines. When the flesh h'tarindra was served, a totally vegetarian version came alongside it, looking identical in everyway to its original model.
The dinner lasted several hours, Theraakhim austere in so many other things, believed that life was lived only once, and should be enjoyed while there was time of peace and plenty.

[Scolopendra]

Had the good captain known of his accidental act of sentimentality, he would've been of two minds. His professional mind would've been happy to err into something beneficial for a change, something that brought dissimilar peoples closer. His prideful mind, on the other hand, would've been annoyed based purely on how, no matter how hard he tried, he simply could not escape the spectre of being 'cute.' He'd been a respected officer of the bloody Guard, a wearer of the grey, and was well in line to made a peer of the realm--

But he didn't know, of course, and so simply carried on as formality dictated. The introductions from lowest rank to highest matched the previous ceremony, so Captain Grey looked up and eyed his crew into line to repeat their introductions if glanced at meaningfully by their hosts to do so. This also conveniently put them in order of descending height. At the address of the first consort, Grey nodded respectfully and accepted the knife with his blue nimbus. "May we always champion the good," he extemporanized. He quieted any thoughts about good being relative.

Doctor Demjou couldn't help but blush slightly at the first consort's rather blunt assessment and couldn't think of a suitably witty yet responsibly diplomatic response before she suddenly found herself being gifted with a bracelet. She looked down at the gesture, smiled back at Inanaa, then glanced down quickly at her captain to catch his large, too-blue eyes.

He shook his head at the edge of perception, half a centimeter one way and then back. Usually gifts were either a mutual affair for emphasizing a bond or a one-sided affair, either as tribute or as largesse. Given how they spoke of hospitality, he guessed the latter. Returning with a counter-gift would therefore be insulting.

This was quickly made irrelevant (to Dana's relief) when the hostess moved on to Doctor Kozel. In context this seemed to all of them, despite their inability to confer, a way to settle the score with her husband.

Well, almost all of them. Sexy exotic space people were theoretically one of the perks of GEC duty, and Doctor Kozel grinned broadly from behind closed lips as he bowed dashingly--or, at least, he presumed it was dashingly, because he'd seen that sort of slight-twist into the hand looking-up hand-behind-back pose done in swashbuckler dramas. His hairs standing momentarily on end, he glanced over the too-large eye of Captain Grey.

Who glared back at him.

Vaughn stifled a throat-clearing sound and smiled what he hoped was diplomatically. "I am honored," he said; after a quick rooting around in his mind about the names and titles he'd heard and not being able to make heads nor tails of them, he added a "m'lady" in an attempt to show that he was making an attempt.

Upon being directed to their seats--or their equivalent, in the case of the captain--the three officers were of, predictably, three different minds of what to do.

Captain Grey simply did his best to look stately, and not like a cute little pseudo-horse in a perhaps contrastingly militaristic-looking uniform. Whether or not conversation was expected before, during, or after the meal would be made evident to him in due time.

Doctor Demjou felt like a kid at a family reunion dinner: that is to say, completely uncomfortable and masking it with excessive politeness. Back straight, hands folded in front of her, photograph smiling to those around her.

Doctor Kozel, as a professional memeticist, was curious about the sorts of ideas the people around him had. As a semi-professional Magnus Hesche fan, he was curious about Inanaa-Ningal. "My apologies, m'lady," he adressed her with as much cordial respect as he could muster, "but we've not been informed on the usage of proper titles beyond addressing our luga. How am I to address... m'lady with the intent to convey all the respect due her?"

He'd read somewhere that third person was more respectful. It was probably in Magnus Hesche and the Hyperdiamond Palace.

[Theranis III]

Inanaa looked over Doctor Kozel, and smiled. "I am referred to as ukunu. or uku'un. Males call me the latter. Are you interested in linguistics, doctor ?" she asked , as she dipped her fingers into a bowl filled with scented water. " I taught six exo-species languages, at the Imperial University. That is before , my consort, was assigned here on D'an." she sighed wearily. "The D'Ankhili, have to much to recover, before they start even considering taking up linguistics. What is your speciality ? " she asked as the maa-gush-ka was offered to her by a rig. She looked over the aubergine sized vegetables, and selected one. "You definitely should try this." she suggested. Before the doctor could say anything, she tore off a piece of the vegetable, revealing its golden yellow flesh, fragrant steam wafted from the interior, and proffered a morsel near his lips. "I'll take care that you'll not nip off my fingers. There can be time for that at a later time." she said in a seductive tone. On Dr. Kozel's right, sat Tir-Gigi-Lil, and seeing Inanaa's actions, she huffed, and grabbed at his elbow, and cooed, " Maa-gush-ka is fine, but taas-khi is more satisfying..." and with that she thrust to his lips, a pale greenish, egg shaped fruit. Unknown to Dr. Kozel, taas-khi was also an euphemism used by Theraakhim women in referring to a male partner. Inanaaa heard this and laughed. Then muttered just loud enough for Dr. Kozel to hear, " Bil-Ga-Meshu's army couldn't satisfy that canyon." she laughed again, and made a small wave over towards Maarduk, who peered from across the long table.
Capt. Grey was placed between Taakzin and Maarduk, and Dr. Demoju to Maarduk's right. Taakzin looked most uncomfortable sitting beside the alien. What could she say to it. She had dealt with other quadruped species before, but to actually dine with one was another matter, especially one as ugly as this. Finally she broke her silence, and asked, " You are a captain !? " she realised her tone, and corrected herself, "You are a captain, how do you manage with such as the Na ? You must not be able to sleep, knowing that they will have to come to you for every detail. " she looked him over, and continued, " How is it that one of your species, has come to be in company with such as those ? You should be leading a company of true warriors, not rig and their breeding mates." "Kun Taakzin, enough !" barked Maarduk."Pardon kun Taakzin, she is used to living in a barracks and not accustomed to the rarified world of diplomats. But she is a most able commander, capable of defeating a horde of Bellorin and controlling a battalion of soldiers, but not of her own tongue." he glared at Taakzin. She nodded, and turned to Grey , " I submit, my upmost apologies. our luga is correct to admonish me. " Taakzin said gruffly.
"Please, do not allow her speech to disturb you captain. You will probably hear more speech like hers. Like many of her station, she was not born of a House, and thus , to alien ears may sound coarse. Amongst Theraakhim, we prefer our mat, without sweetener as it were." He gave Grey a short smile.
"And now Capt. Grey, to matters at hand. " Maarduk paused as he wiped his hands on a cloth. " What brings you here to D'An ? What is your purpose and objective ? You and your crew are quite some distance from your own territory." he asked , as his amber eyes studied the equine figure seated beside him."The only reason why you are seated here, is that the Central Authourity, and the Government Imperial, have ordered me to hear you out. Why you are here in the D'An system is most puzzling. Even, I will admit, this is but a backwater system, and that, I am a 100 year old khaan, who is counting his days before I retire from Imperial service. "

[Scolopendra]

On his end of the table, Vaughn quickly found himself getting in over his head. Future appeals to 'when-in-Rome' diplomacy would probably fail to impress his captain, and he grew increasingly aware of Maarduk's glances in his direction. Still, there was the matter of the offered bit of vegetable and not wanting to offend. After a second of quick thought he split the difference by moving in closer, then transferring the morsel to his lips with his own fingers. "Sometimes one just can't trust oneself, my uku'un," he explained. Only a moment after did he realize that he said it with a wink. Then he got pulled to the other side and similarly offered an egg-shaped fruit which, by the need to maintain his recent precedent, he accepted in the same way minus the unintentionally teasing words. Instead, he said something more along the lines of "I hardly expected such delicacies on this voyage," which he only heard through the mild buzzing in his head.

The Captain is going to kill me soooooo dead.

Suppressing another rhetorical clearing of his throat, he decided for the sake of survival to take advantage of a previous point in the conversation. "Linguistics is an important part of what I do, yes, my uku'un. I'm a memeticist, studying the generation, propagation, and extinction of ideas within and across cultures, and linguistic relativity does inform that. The idea-structure of groups, based on their language, is like the soil in hortoculture or botany: different idea-structures naturally support different ideas. When combined with other pressures, particularly social ones, unexpected ideas can take hold and spread." He smiled with a slight shrug. "I realize that getting too in depth can be bad manners, so let me know if I become dull."

On the other end of the table, Earl Grey grinned with more than a bit of humor. Part of that humor was the inside joke that, amongst Scolopendrans as he'd been for a while now, bared teeth had once again become a threat (and, if anyone cared to pay attention, Dana twitched ever so slightly due to a glimpse of of the corner of her eye and didn't thereafter quite know why). "No offense is taken on my part, my luga, Commander, and I accept your apology." He said that last mostly to Taakzin before collecting what appeared to be vegetable matter with his usual blue aura, taking a polite nibble, and swallowing before continuing. "Such surprise is common among the Triumvirate; my species is considered too... 'cute' and innocent to fit in with the usual paradigm of command. The latter stereotype, at least, is not completely unfounded. This, among other things, is why I am the first. I do, however, have to speak up for my human comrades; the ones I have served with, every one, have been well-trained professionals who can work wonders when allowed the initiative to do so." He leaned forward slightly to glance at the memeticist Kirking it up at the opposite end of the table. "At least, initiative is usually a benefit.

"And my mission?" The captain smiled. "We are responding to a warning and request for aid we received via third party regarding the Broh-Nae-ee-zam 'plague.' We came here since, according to the transmission, other regions had already resorted to street violence and sterilization. D'An seemed a more reasonable place to make contact and offer to help, since any assistance could then transfer more organically to other, more extreme locations which, due to extremity, would probably be lesser poised to listen.

"Therefore, we have two objectives. The primary one is to assist your government in understanding Broh-Nae-ee-zam; that is why we have a memeticist with us. Doctor Demjou is with us in case we are incorrect in our assumption as to its nature, since in our experience it is memetic in nature. The secondary objective, related to the first, is to... extract, if allowed, any Poh-Nae or Bro-Nae who could be considered either 'Patients Zero' or nodes in the Broh-Nae-ee-zam network. This would serve the dual purpose of neutralizing the... epidemic, as it were, as it stands in D'An and also meet our social duty to protect at-risk populations. From the announcement it doesn't sound as though there are any Poh-Nae immediately present in the area--instead only being involved via recordings--but it is simply prudent to check."

Doctor Demjou, feeling like the proverbial third wheel, saw an opportunity to make her presence more worthwhile than just eye candy for the governor-general. "Our civilization is mostly accustomed to Bronyism, my luga, so how we see it, we can remove--kind of--what's plaguing you at no risk to ourselves, if it is what we think it is. If it actually is a biological disease, well, my staff and I aboard Tenjiku Tokubei can work on synthesizing an antidote or vaccine without resorting to more... um... drastic public health measures."