Lt. Haukea-Willow: Pandora’s Box
Aly Drolet
((Small Conference Room - MTF Maximum Thrusters))
In situations such as these it always appeared to circle back towards the fact that Haukea had participated in the Academy surf team, an extension of her experiences on Risa, allowing her to easily shift her weight, bend her knees and ride the metaphorical waves that came with the ship descending into an atmospheric landing on the asteroid.
The asteroid itself as a standard, icy rock, barren, dark - flawless setting for a horror holonovel.
After closing the communications channel with Ross, Ryden slowly lowered his PADD, gaze drifting back toward the settlement.
Sylvax: Let's suit up, civilian clothes, then we will meet at the settlement. We are expected to meet with one of their leaders. ::he scanned his PADD:: Her name is Leda.
For a slight moment a flicker of confusion crossed Haukea’s face. Ryden had mentioned two names - which being the foremost important?
Willow: Please correct me if I am wrong Sylvax, you mentioned to Ross a Temurian trader named Kiro, however we are to meet with a leader named Leda. Would it not be wise to meet with your trading contact first?
For the Risian having a clear set of parameters was paramount to a successful mission.
Ivalyan: ::quickly, before her nerve could dissolve:: W-w-would it not make more sense to meet K-Kiro first? ::She glanced between them, steadier now, chin up just slightly.:: If he’s already expecting us… we establish c-c-commerce footing before leadership. Lower the stakes of the first impression. Let Leda hear we’ve already done b-business before she meets us.
A smile graced Haukea’s lips, lighting at the notion that herself and Ivalyan were, it seemed, on the same metaphorical page, regarding the initial confusion in which correspondent was more ideal to meet first. Yet, surely, with an explanation from Sylvax, all would work itself out into understanding.
Sylvax: ::He adjusted his grip on the PADD slightly:: Under normal circumstances, yes. ::His tone remained thoughtful rather than dismissive.:: But if the settlement already knows strangers landed nearby, approaching a trader before acknowledging one of their leaders may look evasive. Especially in a community that likely survives by noticing when people avoid direct conversations.
Surely, in that sense, with visitors on their home asteroid, it was at least reasonable to make acquaintance first and foremost before exploring their territory. It would have been equivalent to greeting the host before asking for the restroom, invading their personal lodgings.
Willow: That is more than reasonable. Say no more.
Ivalyan: S-sirs.
Haukea waited, patients painted on her face, for Ivalyan to respond, the anxious emotional energy sparking a sense of short, truncated, verbiage. Besides, Ryden himself provided her with a non-verbal nod of appreciation, signaling his relief at her ease in understanding - for having himself taken direct heading on this particular mission, a fair deal was likely weighing on his shoulders - similar to the Terran Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders.
Sylvax: Besides, if Leda decides we’re trustworthy enough to remain in the settlement, speaking with Kiro afterward becomes much easier. ::A beat.:: I’d rather not begin our stay here by looking like we’re conducting business behind their backs.
Ivalyan: Response
For an experienced Starfleet officer, having conducted several instances of political and diplomatic business without the opposite individual’s foresight, it was clear that not all instances called for deception. In the case of The Temurian, a species of miniscule stature, priding themselves on honesty, it was out of the question.
Quickly however, as she gazed at their mismatched attire, Haukea developed another inquiry.
Willow: Now, I must ask, based on our meeting this leader in civilian attire, would it be suitable for us to change? Be more cohesive in our appearance? As much as possible anyway, in order to attempt for us to sell the idea we are from some non-Starfleet organization?
While Haukea herself, as a Risian of surprisingly high design standards, wore a gray pinstripe pair of trousers, black t-shirt and ancient black and white saddle shoes - felt for a supposed undercover mission, with first contact adjacent communication, her attire appeared over-dressed. Besides, each office had a varied definition of civilian clothing, indicating a potential chance for an incohesive troupe of individuals. Ryden Sylvax, certainly, through facial expression alone, appeared to ponder the question, providing it adequate thought.
Sylvax: Considering we currently look like three people who lost an argument with a cargo freighter wardrobe processor...
Without several more humorous individuals such as Corey and Ross, Ryden, at least Haukea thought, had attempted to fill the void with deceptively dry wit. The endeavor was appreciated.
Sylvax: Yes. Cohesion would help. ::He folded the PADD behind one arm.:: Nothing too polished. Nothing coordinated enough to look manufactured.
Willow: That in itself may be difficult with the resources we have available.
Ivalyan: Response
Modern technology in the 25th century often produced articles of clothing from synthetic means, reproduced from a replicator. Yet, even that, a quick, high yield method, could produce fabric that, to the untrained eye, both felt and appeared genuine. However, despite such methods, an unpolished, rugged attire was difficult to achieve.
Nevertheless, Ryden’s eyes drifted in contemplation back towards the view of the asteroid out the view port.
Sylvax: We want to look capable. Independent. Like people used to moving between settlements and making trades. ::A small pause followed.:: Not like Starfleet officers pretending not to be Starfleet officers.
Willow: Perhaps we all wear a cohesive piece of attire. A cloak maybe?
Ivalyan: Response
Sylvax: ::His expression warmed slightly after that:: Though admittedly, that may still depend on how well we all act once we get out there.
Willow: Truer words were never spoken. Our attire could be falling off our shoulders, yet if we don’t sell our story we are still Starfleet officers at the end of the day playing pretend.
Ivalyan: Response
Playing at pretend was equivalent to the gods playing tricks on Pandora, asking her to walk away, guardian of a box, she knew not which it held.
((Timeskip - Elder's Chamber - Temurian Settlement))
In the time given, Haukea had provided a layer of warmth to her attire, a dark charcoal grey hooded cloak, acting as a rugged outward appearance, shielding her from the surprising cold - a thin line of frost echoing under their footprints, distant shadows elongating beneath the amber glow of industrial oil street lamps - of the asteroid.
Turning her head back for a final look, the basalt formations encased the MTF, leaving only a curtain of darkness in their wake. Yet, head on their path amber light leaked through slender openings between metal cabling, suspended lanterns crisscrossing overhead in woven strands. In many ways the environment surrounding the trio materialized as an underground city, dark, artificially illuminated, yet for the first time in her career - with Temurians’ wide eyes studying them - she was stood on an asteroid.
Nevertheless, having neared the settlement, numerous Temurians were gathered, waiting for their arrival, and at the center, Haukea assumed, was Leda. Leda, small, did not rise herself in greeting, instead, as what seemed natural, her ears twitched once, beneath a similar hood, approaching them in respectful silent observation.
Sylvax: ::Inclining his head towards Haukea and Ivalyan:: Elder Leda. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.
Leda: Response
Willow: Haukea-Willow. ::In a show of respect Haukea lowered her own hood, exposing her face and ja'risia.
Ivalyan/Sylvax: Response
Leda: Response
Willow: Thank you for allowing us to come and listen to your wisdom.
Ivalyan/Sylvax: Response
Leda: Response
Lt. Haukea-Willow
Chief of Security - Crisis Response
Starbase 118 Ops
M239512BG0
Ad Astra Per Aspera/To The Stars With Difficulty - Una Chin-Riley
