Carpathia V: Episode 13 - The Queen
Tokkastra
After two weeks of nothing but space, even the stars zinging by the windows became tiresome, though there was the occasional passing of a tokki ringship. Not that anyone could see anything, mind, but the crew developed a little ritual of contacting each one with friendship greetings. That said, there were many ringships, far more than plied that route on a regular basis. Nobody on the Shadowdancer knew why. What they did know is that there was a parade of tokki ships going in the opposite direction and contacting them gave them something interesting to do and the tokki were always keen to wave back, so to speak.
On the bridge, anticipation built even more than on the rest of the ship, because, in just a few moments, there was a job to do and Riku would finally have a chance to do something that did not involve just keeping the ship going fast in a straight line. Tokkastra drew near.
Zaos: We are approaching the Tokkastra system.
Kau: Confirmed. We are now receiving standard orbit approach from Tokkastra control. Relaying to helm.
Riku: Received.
Teren: Slow to induction and follow the prescribed approach vectors.
Riku: Slowing to induction, Commander.
Aside from traffic monitoring, the ship was entirely in Riku's hands now. The rest simply watched out of the expansive windows as the planet drew closer with the binary stars shining brightly behind it. Within a few minutes, Riku had the ship parked perfectly in orbit around Tokkastra.
Before anyone could move along to the next tasks, Kau had an announcement, delivered with a wide-eyed expression on his face.
Kau: Erm, Captain... There appears to be a communication request from the Tokkastra royal palace. I just verified that it's authentic.
Ivy glanced at her first officer and each gave a shrug and a smirk.
Ivy: Must be a welcome message of some sort. Put it on the viewer.
And then, the unexpected. Queen Maoh III's face appeared on the viewer and, at first, Ivy didn't clock what she was seeing right away. Nobody did. It was in the moments of dawning comprehension that Ivy completely lost her composure.
Ivy: Oh, Queen... I mean, your majesty! Or...
Ivy continued to flounder helplessly until she could think of nothing else to do but bow.
The rest looked on, unsure themselves of what they should do. They noticed, even if Ivy didn't with her eyes pointed at the floor, that the Queen was gleefully suppressing giggles.
Queen Maoh III: My dear Captain Tyler, there shall be no need for that. However, for future reference, protocol dictates that it is I who bows and you are expected to rub my ears. Of course, this is only pertinent if we are meeting in person.
Ivy rose, slowly, still unsure of what she should do next.
Ivy: I see. I apologize, your... I'm afraid I have not been instructed on what I should call you.
Queen Maoh III: Traditional address is Miss Maoh, and it is I who should apologize to you. I have caught you unawares.
Now fully recovered, Ivy relaxed and stood in military at-ease, with her hands behind her back.
Ivy: That is perfectly okay, Miss Maoh. What can I do for you?
Queen Maoh III: I'm not sure if you know, but just before the Vashta War started, I was in discussions with the Carpathian government regarding putting one of my sisters on the Chrono Blade. We would like to understand how your ships operate and put some of those ideas in practice.
Ivy made a quick glance to Teren, who shook his head.
Ivy: I'm afraid I was not informed.
Queen Maoh III: I understand. Discussions were still preliminary at the time, before the Vashta invasion. Now, however, I understand that you are in need of a Chief of Security.
Ivy: That is correct. I'm sad to say that we lost most of our security team in the Battle of Polaris Deep.
Queen Maoh III: Indeed, that is very regrettable. I may have a solution for you. If you would be agreeable to join me for dinner tonight, there is someone I shall like to introduce.
Ivy hesitated, for she knew enough about tokki customs to know that anything like this would be more than just dinner. Nevertheless, she decided to accept, eyes open to what may lie ahead.
Ivy: I will be delighted to accept, Miss Maoh.
Queen Maoh III: I am pleased to hear that. I shall send details to your communications officer.
Ivy: I will confirm at my earliest opportunity. Will there be anything else, Miss Maoh?
Queen Maoh III: Nothing else. I look forward to meeting you.
The screen went dark, sending Ivy into an immediate exhale that might have produced a small hurricane on the bridge before she flopped into her chair.
Teren: Feel better now, Captain?
Ivy didn't so much as move her head to address Teren, but more like untensed her muscles so that it would just flop over in his general direction.
Ivy: Didn't see that coming, but I'll be fine for dinner once I've had a chance to study a bit beforehand. You do realize that this will be more than just dinner.
Teren: Yes, Captain.
Ivy: And you know that whatever time she gives me, I'll probably be a lot later than that.
Teren: Yes, Captain.
Ivy stood and gave a tug at her uniform before swatting Teren playfully in the shoulder.
Ivy: Very good. I'll be in my ready room, studying. You have the bridge. Maybe I'll be able to pick up Dr. Araslan on the way back.
Kau: I have received the information from Queen Maoh, Captain.
Ivy: Forward it all to my ready room.
Shuttle Bay, The Next Day
Ivy left that evening, leaving the management of the Shadowdancer to Teren. It was mostly logistics, taking on cargo and passengers on their way to Carpathian planets and colonies. Not difficult work, but busy work full of motion. Teren stayed on duty well into the evening with no communication from Captain Tyler and, indeed, none would come until the next morning, after he had a full night's sleep. Her shuttle was coming and Ivy requested that they meet in the shuttle bay.
Teren waited patiently in the shuttle bay for Ivy to arrive. After only a few minutes it gently swooped in and touched down gently on the deck. When the door opened, Ivy came out first prompting Teren to pull some effort into hiding his surprise. There she was, hair rumpled, uniform dishevelled, and rank pin askew. Two others followed her out, a demon and a tokki carrying a spear, and Teren had a good idea of who they were.
Ivy approached without pomp or ceremony and introduced her two guests as briefly as possible, first gesturing to the demon.
Ivy: Dr. Tiamat Araslan. She'll be our new Chief Medical Officer.
Then, she immediately switched to the tokki without waiting for any greeting exchanges.
Ivy: And Rayna Maoh, who will be our new Chief of Security. This is Teren Unas, my first officer.
Tiamat: A pleasure, Commander.
Rayna, by contrast, stood up tall and straight, slamming the butt of her spear on the deck.
Rayna: An honor to make your acquaintance.
Ivy stepped away, as though she were already leaving, but stopped first next to Teren.
Ivy: I'm going to bed, so I leave them in your capable paws. Go do first officer things.
And then Ivy left for real this time, without another word, leaving Teren in a bit of an awkward position.
Rayna: My apologies, Commander. It appears that Miss Maoh quite tired out your captain last night.
As he thought, but Teren decided it prudent to simply acknowledge the statement and quickly move on.
Teren: We guessed it was a possibility. Shall I show you to your stations? We can stop at sick bay first. Dr. Raad is eager to be relieved.
Sick Bay, NCCS Shadowdancer
As planned, sick bay was first, as it was not just on the way to the bridge, but Teren also thought it would be good for Rayna to note the location. Upon entering, the room was mostly quiet, with the nurses tending to only a handful of patients with minor work-related scrapes. A far cry from the perpetually full sick bay on the Chrono Blade during the war. Teren didn't have to ask for anyone, for Dr. Raad immediately popped out of his office when they entered.
Dr. Raad: Consternation! And it was just getting quiet around here. What's wrong with you lot?
Teren: Nothing wrong, Doctor. I'm giving Rayna a tour of the ship and I would like you to meet your replacement, Dr. Tiamat Araslan.
Dr. Raad: About fucking time. I'll give you the tour, introduce the team, and give you my quarters. After that, I'm outta here.
Not that a demon would be scared of Dr. Raad's antics, but Teren thought he should lean in and give Tiamat a little reassurance anyway.
Teren: Not to worry. He was reactivated at the start of the war and he's just keen to get back to retirement.
Dr. Raad: Damn straight!
Tiamat: I see. In that case, I'm ready for my tour and introductions immediately.
Corridor, NCCS Shadowdancer
After dropping off Dr. Araslan with her new team, Teren escorted Rayna through the ship to her new station on the bridge. Taking the longest route possible, he pointed out areas of interest along the way while making conversation as they walked.
Teren: That is a spear of the Toski Kari, isn't it?
Rayna gripped her spear more tightly and pulled it close to her.
Rayna: It is, Commander. I must admit, I feel naked without it.
Teren: I have no objection to your keeping it on your person. However, such things are not normally allowed while on duty. Cultural dispensation exceptions are available and we should be sure to get that in writing as soon as possible.
Rayna: I appreciate your consideration. On the subject of needs, I'm afraid I studied systems for the Falchion-class ships, so I will need material for this ship.
Teren: Not to worry. This is a temporary vessel until they find something else for us. In the meantime, I was the security chief on this ship before it was removed from service and I can help you with anything you need.
Rayna: Thank you, Commander.
Teren leaned in closer and spoke softly into her ear, which proved to take some effort, since they were perched on top of her head.
Teren: Don't tell anyone this, but I believe a Falchion-class is in our future. I don't think they would have sent you to us if there weren't.
Rayna: I hope you're right. Then I will just have to learn your protocols.
Teren: I'll be helping you with that too.
The corridor came to an end with a pair of sliding doors marking the terminus, which slid open as they approached.
Teren: We can proceed to the bridge from here. After you.
With a nod, Rayna stepped into the lift while Teren followed, ready for their bridge tour.
Commissioned art in Carpathia from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Colourbrand
Falke2009
Nalaxa Art
