MSNPC Rana - Within the Shadows

[Sarah P]

There seemed to be a lot of inconveniences in this part of the universe. Or perhaps it was merely good fortune that they were going to be able to test so many subjects. She was sure Vidya would be curious about all of this. Rana clicked her mandibles together as she paced the bridge--first the foolish creatures with the intriguing radiation weapons, now this?

They were halting the ship, which was very different from the previous one they had encountered. They didn't yet have sights as to the beings within, but one thing Rana knew for certain was that they could not be Velithari. Not with a ship so...pathetic looking. It didn't resemble a predator at all, hardly supposed to strike fear into enemies.

Rana: Does it seem like they'll be getting free any time soon?

Laya: Not certain, captain. I don't believe we've come across a vessel like this.

Rana tilted her head in mixed displeasure and curiosity. She reached into the ship's communication network and sent a signal down to their technological bay.

Rana: Vidya. If you're not too busy, could you help me with our newest guests?

Vidya: Response

Rana: I will see you soon, then.

Rana disconnected from the communication network and focused on the task at hand. It could be possible that they were trying to analyze them the same way that she wanted them analyzed. Naturally, it could also be true that, like their previous encounters, this was an attempt at an attack.

And that would not stand.

Rana tapped the claws of her hands together, then looked across the leadership station of her ship.

Rana: Rili. Bring us closer to them.

Rili: ::bored:: Yes, captain.

Rana's ship advanced slowly. Good. It was far more of an intimidation tactic than anything else, and their adversary's reaction would show Rana exactly what she was dealing with here. Prey, caught in a snare? Or a fellow predator, attempting to expand its territory?

Just the front of the ship would be visible to her latest catch, but it was still a magnificent piece of the ship. If Rana was familiar with Earth insects, she might have compared it to a praying mantis. Instead, the Velithari equivalent came to mind, a creature well-known for its deadly tactics.

She turned at the approach of her trusted researcher.

Rana: Vidya, does proximity to the ship allow for a clearer assessment of the threat?

Vidya: Response

Rana: ::clicking thoughtfully:: Do you see anything...notable about it? Does it seem intelligent?

Vidya: Response

TAG/TBC

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MSNPC Captain Rana 

of the Velithari

Ensign Thomas Melville-Kilpatrick

Medical Officer

USS Khitomer – NCC62400

K240210TM2