[JP] PNPCs Luxa Lorana & LT Pantaz Asturun - The Diplocat Commissioning (Part I)

[LtCmdr Tamio K'Wara]

(( Corridor - Deck 120, Deep Space 224 ))

Asturun: Sorry, so sorry, uh, sorry-

It felt like that word was starting to lose its meaning with how many times Pantaz had said it in the time since coming onboard Deep Space 224. The sheer amount of times his wide form had accidentally clipped a shoulder in the past hour made him feel like a clumsy pup on their first Gathering, not a middle-aged man who had spent the past five years training for deep space deployment.

But the alien station was filled to the brim with technology and species that Pantaz had never seen before, and while his head whirred around to ensure he wasn’t missing anything important, he failed to account for how his tall wide frame seemed to leave very little actual room for people trying to pass him in the otherwise reasonably-sized hallway.

Realizing that he was very likely to miss his appointment, he desperately interposed himself onto the path of an alien humanoid (not a difficult task) and raised one of his paws with an expression he hoped conveyed his apology for the interruption.

Asturun: Excuse me, sorry for disturbing you. I need to find the, uh, F-D-C Suite?

(( Luxa Lorana’s Office - Federation Diplomatic Suite, Deck 120, Deep Space 224 ))

Luxa was used to drowning out the world around her, especially when she had not one PADD to read but several. She was able to fully immerse herself into the search for understanding and knowledge that had become her life. Once, a much younger version would have scoffed at the idea of literature, research and studies. How the shades of her life had changed, she wouldn’t even recognise herself now. 

The first PADD was a new research paper from the Daystrom Institute on the many theoretical discussions on alternate realities. The other was the proper diplomatic protocols of the prominent powers in The Borderlands. But not even those could distract her from the imposing figure that entered the FDC diplomatic suites. Through the glass walls of her office,  she could see the mountain, and Luxa’s tail performed a pleasurable loop above her head. It was her guest. 

Pantaz Asturun, the cultural exchange assignment, a Pifili astrophysicist, who was one of thirty applicants from his planet who’d been assigned to various Deep Space stations across the Beta Quadrant in the past month. The 2 metre tall xeno-felinoid was looking mighty confused, as he sheepishly asked the receptionist for directions.

Luxa placed her PADDs in the concealed drawers of her desk, she cast a cursory glance around her office. Plants were properly placed, various artworks were positioned in the ideal viewing positions as to be enjoyed by her visitors. The scent markings she had ensured were installed were created to create an inviting and relaxing place. From the little information she had on Pifili biology she hoped that Asturun would enjoy it.

Within moments, the hulking alien had moved to her office door and was looking at it with a thoughtful look on his face, his stumpy tail moving back and forth erratically in his confusion, before he carefully reached for the door which slid open on its own accord.

Asturun: Miss Lorana?

Luxa got to her feet, her gesture was open, her eyes fixed to Pantaz and her tail instinctively swayed in several welcome loops above her head. He was an interesting felinoid. The mane was impressive, as was his stature. Yet, the head lacked fur, otherwise he would have been remarkably similar to a Caitian. 

Lorana: I prefer Envoy Lorana. Welcome, Mister Asturun. 

Pantaz’ tail moved slightly, a recognition of the correction, as he entered the office, lowering his head to avoid the top of the doorframe.

Asturun: Apologies, Envoy. And thank you. I hope I did not keep you waiting. I got ::thoughtful pause:: lost, a couple of times, since leaving the Docking Bay.

Lorana: Not at all, I was reading a thesis about the collapse point of mirror matter fields and the diplomatic traditions of the Da’al, one of the Borderlands prominent species. Tell me, and I hope I’m not ignorant to ask such questions, does your species share the Caitian ability to process multiple pieces of information at once? A scientific curiosity :: she raised her paws in an apologetic gesture any human would recognise :: I can’t stop. 

Asturun: It’s not a problem at all. The degree to which we’re able to split our attentions differs from individual to individual, but provided the information share commonalities, we’re able to process several new pieces at once, yes. Though, I confess, I doubt I could internalize new cultural information about an entirely new species of ::searches for a more apt term than ‘alien’:: humanoids, while also reading about mirror matter.

Luxa indicated the chair for her guests. Comfortable lounge chairs around a sofa, adjustable for different body types but defaulted to suit Caitian bodies. She had incorrectly assumed that that would be the most appropriate composition for Asturun, but his size made a fool of that assumption.

Lorana: Caitians prefer to lounge when we have a conversation :: cautious not to offend :: We can stand if you prefer? 

Asturun:: No, please. ::jovial smile:: I’d like a reprieve from my Qhapaq’ku’s constant altercations with the ceiling.

Pantaz indicated the ceramic headdress he wore on his head, purple linings around a pearl and gold inlay, with turquoise gemstone cylinders hung from the bottom. His height aside, the extra ten centimeters provided by the headdress kept needlessly antagonizing Starfleet’s design philosophy, and Pantaz was starting to feel real worry that his Qhapaq’ku might not survive his stay at DS224.

Luxa admired the headdress, she had wondered if there was a cultural significance to it. Something to research later. She chose to not ask about it, she knew that these things may be sensitive. 

Lorana: I can only imagine, on your world, our rooms would be considered small. 

Asturun: I hope you won’t take offense, Envoy, but I will confess to having seen nurseries larger. This was... Not anticipated in our cultural briefings.

Which seemed a significant oversight, actually.

Luxa allowed herself a good natured laugh as she slid into the lounger, and Asturun mirrored her motion opposite her. While his size did mean that the lounger seemed rather uncomfortable, his body language betrayed far more ease reclining in this way than when he had been standing up.

Lorana: Starfleet design is :: smiles politely :: lacking in imagination. One day I’d like to show you Caitian designs, but we may need to make some adaptations. I’m considered tall for my species. 

Luxa was glad that Asturun seemed open to the discussion on the differences of their species. Felinoids, even in part, were rare and even rarely got along. Pantaz wondered if he should mention the fact that he was considered small for his... And decided against it for the moment.

Asturun: I will welcome the opportunity. There was not much room for us to bring furniture from back home when we left, though we were assured that the Federation would give us resources to ::thoughtful purr:: replicate appropriate furniture upon arrival?

Lorana: Of course, and I would be overjoyed to help with that? If you needed it. My mother is an architect and a celebrated sculptor and artist. I have been told I have an eye for design myself.

Luxa resisted the urge to point out her specially chosen pieces of art, but she feared her tail gave it away as it glided towards each of them. She pulled it down next to her and smiled towards the Pifili. 

Asturun: I have noticed. Your office is aesthetically pleasing, though my eye for design is... Lacking, or so I’ve been told. I grew up on a ranch, and spent most of my time in libraries, and I’m afraid my distinct lack of decorating sense is evidence thereof.

Lorana: :: excited :: Perhaps you need an education. I can be your guide, I would never forgive myself if you had to endure the boring Starfleet aesthetic your entire time with us. There are many cultures in the Federation and beyond for you to discover. 

Pantaz wondered if that education was part of the Cultural Exchange Programme, or just Envoy Lorana being unable to pass on a chance to pass on her sense of style. Whichever one, he would be grateful for the help. Just because his apartments usually had sparse decorations, that didn’t mean he preferred it that way.

He was just far too aesthetically colorblind to even attempt decorating.

Asturun: It is... Remarkably sterile in many areas of the station. Is this by design?

Lorana: Sterile is a word I would use, along with functional, grey, bland, understimulating, and devoid of personality. And we say the Borg are the greatest threat to the Federation. I think it may actually be a lack of creative invention :: laughs :: 

Luxa’s criticisms made Pantaz chuckle as his tail stump made slow whips in amusement. One benefit of Caitian design philosophy, even if undersized, was the allowance for free tail movement - something the shuttle that had transported him here had not provided.

Asturun: It looks very modern, but yes, devoid of color. On Kaccla II, everything has color, but also a hint of history. I think many young Kacclans would be enamored with the absence of personality. ‘A blank canvas’, one could say?

Lorana: Cait is much the same. Colours symbolise meaning to us, along with scent. Most Federation outlets are inclusive and will have scent markings. Does your species … scent? I hope that’s not rude?

Asturun: Not rude, no, but... ::nasal bridge trembles slightly in thought:: I don’t mean for this to turn into a history lesson in any way, but how familiar are you with the diplomatic situation on Kaccla II, Envoy?

Lorana: Not very, other than what I read from the Starfleet records. 

Pantaz’ tail dipped in shame as he recounted his planet’s failures. Though he had not been involved in the diplomatic meetings with the Challenger’s crew, his planet’s failings were the failings of every Pifili and Aarakocra, and it stung like a personal stain on their honor as he had to recount it for the first time to an outsider.

TBC in Part II

Luxa Lorana

Diplomatic Envoy

FDC and D-SRED

Deep Space 224

as simmed by: 

Commander Ava Munro

First Officer

USS Artemis-A

A240004LL2

&

LT Pantaz Asturun

Cultural Exchange Participant

FDC

Deep Space 224

As simmed by

LtCmdr Tamio K’Wara

Chief of Ops

USS Artemis-A
A240006GS1