LtCmdr Azura Ada - don't split the party

[Azura Ada]

((Aelvarai Selav, Aelkuun))

The shuttle ride down to the surface was routine, and Azura was glad the others were amenable to takinbg the shuttle down to allow some in situ atmospheric readings from the shuttle. Even relatively standard M-class planets are worthy of study.

They touched down and soon disembarked to be greeted by a K’tsélai adorned with a wetsuit, and a beautiful wrap.

Ne’Tatkret: Hello. I see you and greet you openly. I am Ne’Tatkret of the Ne'tsetiira'lu clan. Some find it easier to call me Ne’Tatekret and that is fine too. I am the leader of this research team. I take it you are of Starfleet?

Azura smiled gently but warmly, and nodded, letting the others speak.

Zol: We are. Thank you for having us. I am Ensign Janai Zol.

Is’Kah: Greetings, Ne’Tatkret of the Ne'tsetiira'lu clan, I am Is’Kah of the Xiron clan, Lieutenant of Starfleet. Please accept this token as an offering of peace.

Ne’Tatkret: Response?

Ada: Hello, Ne'Tatkret. I am Lieutenant Commander Azura Ada. I serve as the Chief Science Officer on board the Valkyrie. I am grateful to visit your world, and to be greeted by you.

Ne’Tatkret: Azura Ada. Iz’Kah Zeeron. Janai Zol.

Zol: We are eager for a glimpse at your history, Ne'Tatkret.

Is’Kah: Close, Ne’Tatkret. It is sEARon.

Ne’Tatkret: Understood. Welcome to Aelvarai Selav. It is an island that has an old temple that the Va’tsekeluai’ra clan built long ago. We are here to investigate it before it is lost entirely to the waters here. It is partly underwater. You can all swim, yes-yes? We have spare wetsuits but I don’t know if they will fit you.

The K’tsélai's concern was clear, but Azura had thought ahead and packed her own wet gear before heading down to a mostly ocean planet, populated by a mostly aquatic species. 

Zol: I come from a family of swimmers, and I can hold my own in the water. I think we'll manage to fit in your wetsuits - I hope so, at least.

Is’Kah: I have been trained on how to swim.

Ada: As far as humans go, I can swim well. And I brought my own wetsuit and swimming gear.

The new ensign approached the partially submerged temple, and Is'Kah's steady gaze watched over Zol.

Zol: Ne'Tatkret, if I may, what does this depict? ::Points at ceramic::

Ne’Tatkret: Response

The complex was impressive, a series of structures, some more submerged than others. Azura wondered what was lurking under the surface, both figuratively and literally. Somewhere, a musical tone emanated across the complex.

Zol: Where's that sound coming from?

Is'Kah motioned to a building.

Is’Kah: I believe it is in that direction.

Ada: Curious.

Ne’Tatkret: Response

Zol: I'd love to study that. Commander, Lieutenant, anything you'd like to do?

Is’Kah: That will be acceptable.

Ada: I'm intrigued by the sound, too. 

Zol began visual documentation, and Azura pulled out her tricorder to get baseline readings and worked on building a map of the complex.

Zol: Ne'Tatkret, could you tell us about the history of this temple and the  Va’tsekeluai’ra clan?

Is’Kah: I, too, would like to know more.

Ne’Tatkret: Response

Ada: Impressive that these structures have lasted this long. What caused the water to rise, or rather, the complex to sink?

Is’Kah: Fascinating. Does that deity still affect parts of your culture today?

Zol/Ne’Tatkret: Response

Is’Kah: Is the Va’tsekeluai’ra clan still in existence, or have they been absorbed by another clan?

Zol/Ne’Tatkret: Response

Ada: What about this is most pressing to you, Ne'Tatkret?

She turned away from the temple and back to the woman, inquisitive and warm.

Is'Kah/Zol/Ne'Tatkret: ?

Ada: Then I'll start there. ::She turned to Is'Kah:: Are you comfortable with splitting the away team, Is'Kah? And which one of us will you accompany?

She cracked a smirk at the protective, adorable hybrid.

Is'Kah/Zol/Ne'Tatkret: ?

Ada: Fine, fine, we won't split the party. Ne'Tatkret, are you in any rush? At any rate, I'll get my wetsuit on.

She retreated to the shuttle for a bit of privacy, and started stripping down.

Is'Kah/Zol/Ne'Tatkret: ?

-- 
Lt Commander Azura Ada
Chief Science Officer
USS Valkyrie-A

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PODcast team member
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C239510LD0

(she/her, character)
(she/her, writer)
 
 
“For the wise person looks into space and knows there are no limited dimensions." --Zhuangzi