Welcoming Aboard

Posted on Fri Apr 21st, 2023 @ 5:02am by Captain Calypso Skyie & Cass'e'Indira & Tessa di'Orion & Lieutenant Commander Alexander Espersen & Lieutenant Mark Valleroy & Ensign Rene Rouen & Louis Rouen & Amelie Rouen

Mission: Trade And Tribulations
Location: Shuttlebay

Calypso stood in the shuttlebay right by the empty landing spot as she waited for the new arrival. The dress uniform still seemed to itch, even though she knew that it really didn't, it was just the formality of it all. When she made the announcement on board that they were going to be receiving passengers for part of their journey, she made to sure tell everyone that dress uniforms were recommended, but that they weren't required, but as the Captain she was stuck with it. For a few moments, she once again questioned the intuition that had prompted that decision, but this was the first time that they were playing host to one of the new races in the region, even though they ironically looked like humans... On the outside at least, but there were several Federation races that could say the exact same thing.

She exhaled as she dug a finger in the turtleneck collar to give herself a bit of air again, glancing over the fighter in the corner closest to the bulkhead, wanting to take it out for a quick flight, then the other two shuttles that were parked and gleaming. "No, Cally, it's far too late to change your mind and put on something that's actually comfortable. Get over it, you'll survive." She said out loud to herself.

Mark, in his own dress uniform, leaned over to the captain. "What?" he said quietly to her. "Starfleet dress uniforms not comfortable? Why Captain, what a preposterous idea!" He'd never been a huge fan of formality himself, but had never found the dress uniforms as uncomfortable as many of his colleagues had said they were.

"Not enough pockets, too tight in the neck, too hot!" Cally complained, now with someone to complain TO that seemed sympathetic, "Why do I have to wear it? I'm the Captain, I can do what I want." She pouted for just a few seconds, then returned her face to normal, didn't want to make a bad impression or anything.

"You have to wear it precisely because you're the captain," Mark said. "You get to have all the fun of setting a good example for the rest of us."

"Harrumph." Calypso resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at her Chief of Security and Second Officer. Not sympathetic at all, "I'll show you a good example." She muttered. Whether it was a threat or a promise? Let him guess.

"I'm sure you will, Captain," Mark said, keeping his expression neutral.

Rene, wearing his dress uniform, stood behind Calypso and Mark in the Main Shuttlebay in preparation to receive their guests. His only information on the guests were that one was a person of some importance from another planet with warp capabilities on the far side of the sector. The other person was the VIP's personal protection detail.

Amelie stood on Rene’s left wearing a pink cotton dress she normally reserved for Sunday Mass. She glanced at the small detachment of marines formed up for the reception honor guard. She was still getting used to life aboard a starship and wondered about the real purpose of all the ceremony. It seemed ostentatious to her to put up such a fuss for one person.

Louis, unlike his sister, knew precisely the reason for his presence was associated with the assignment given to him by Captain Skyie during their conversation in the detention cell after the tournament. He was resolved to do the assignment, but was still feeling depressed about his failure on so many levels. He only hoped he wouldn't mess up the assignment.

Alexander entered the shuttlebay late, having had a bout of trouble getting the dress uniform just right. It had been many years since he’d worn one and despite the assurances of the quartermaster this one felt wrong. Probably since the last time he’d worn one, someone else…no. There’s no time for that.

“Apologies, Captain,” he said as he fidgeted with his collar as he took his position to Cally’s right. “I’d be chewing out cadets who showed up late and not ready,” he muttered as he kept adjusting the neck of his uniform.

"Don't worry about, Alex, just remember your Captain is an evil bitch who didn't let you know what, or more specifically, who is coming." Cally flashed a semi-mischievous smile on her face, "I love the looks of surprise on peoples' faces."

“Don’t worry,” he replied with a smirk as he got his uniform just right. “That’s something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

The shuttle came in for a landing smoothly, spinning in midspace just before it hit the atmospheric forcefield. It backed into the shuttlebay and landed at precisely the right location and shut down the engines, then sat there. About twenty seconds later, the rear ramp of the shuttle lowered about ten meters from where the Captain stood, now solemn and at a parade rest.

The first figure out had jet black hair in a set of obvious armor with the look of a bodyguard on high alert. It was black with dark plates and leather that went down to the elbows, then similar bracers and half-gloves. Chain armor went down to above the knee with an armored leggings and plated greaves that ended blow the ankle in combat-appearing boots. She was armed to the teeth with a sword in an over-the-shoulder sheath, other daggers and a shorter sword on the belt and a bow with integral quiver over her other shoulder. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the crowd and the Marines that had come to attention before nodding once and stepping to the side.

The second (and last) person to come down the ramp was altogether different. Blonde, with bright blue eyes framed by silver eyeshadow and highlights, lips graced with a reddish silver lipstick. She, too, was wearing armor, but less so. The upper body was a semi-glossy fabric tunic with half a sun looking as if it were below the horizon in gold, with hints of chain mail peeking above the neckline, but leaving half her upper arm bare. Silver two-tiered pauldrons were on her shoulders with the same half-sun crest, a single bracer on her left wrist, leaving her right wrist bare but for a bracelet that didn't hide the intricate tattoo that circled her wrist and went up her inner forearm.

The skirt she wore was a white fabric, pleated with a silvery-white metal. A silver belt held a short blade on the right side, a cylinder of about three inches length on the left with several pouches along it as well. Sandaled 'boots' were laced up her calf up to her knees, reinforced with thin plated strips. Flowing behind her was a cape of white, with silver trim and held up by delicate silver butterfly-looking clasps. On her head was a tiara that appeared to be similar to Celtic knots, with even more delicate silver ornaments with four feathery spokes above each ear, sapphire earrings attached to each ear. She was carefully counting her steps and glancing down as she came down the ramp, then looked up.

Rene studied the two new arrivals carefully. It was obvious the older woman was the bodyguard for the younger woman and was probably a very skilled warrior.

Amelie watched both women step out of the shuttlecraft. She almost smirked at the sight of the young woman and turned slightly to look at Louis, wondering how long it would take him to fall in love with another woman unattainable for him.

Louis knew he should be paying attention to the arrival of the two guests, but his heart wasn't in it. He still felt like a failure for not keeping his promise to free Tessa'e'Sera. He didn't even look as the arrivals stepped off the shuttlecraft, his eyes locked on the deck.

The look on the girl's face was definitely showing her nerves as she walked forward towards Calypso, stopping two meters from her and slowly brought the armored forearm up to her chest with a clenched fist and lowering her head only in a bow, before bringing it up and lowering her hand, all to some internal beat that faint movements of her lips indicated that she was keeping that count and she looked back up, finally speaking in a very clear voice, "I am Tessa'e'Sera di'Orion, Priestess Second Class of Urd'a'Neta, Heiress to the Barony of Lights End and Daughter of the Light of the Eastern Watch." She finally gave her full identity, something she'd been told by her protector to keep secret before, and it felt good for her to say it finally. She gestured with a hand to her bodyguard, "This is my protector, Cass'e'Indira," She pronounced it like 'Cassandra', "Who has been my constant companion since I was a child."

"I thank you, My Lady Captain Calypso Skyie and the crew of the Chimera, for ever-" Tessa cut herself off, "For rescuing myself and my companion here on the world of Tr- Trarim. We are of the world of Tial, sent out as part of a larger exploration team, because Tial is not an experienced star nation. We were attacked by strangers, our um..." She blinked a few times as she hunted for the right words, "Representative was killed along with everyone but us and we were taken captive and sold into servitude on Trarim." Her eyes glanced over to Louis and back, "Thus far, I have found you of the Federation to be honorable and good, with some of you," She paused for a few moments and glanced back at Cass, who took a step forward and whispered something in her ear to calm her down and Tessa nodded slowly, "My Lady, you and your people have come to our aid with no reservations, no expectations other than just the mere hope of friendship, some risking significant harm to do so." It was obvious that she'd been at least TRYING to rehearse this, but nerves were getting to her, "I have come to accept your generous offer of a trip home, although I urge you to not alter your own plans to do so, so that I may at least try to fulfill the task my brethren, I mean my colleagues, my- my-" She flushed a bright red as she looked towards the ground, "My people died for." She looked back up, trying desperately to fight off embarrassment.

Calypso tried to keep her own face solemn, though she wanted to smile at some of the mistakes that the very young woman was making. She was trying, it was obvious and she stepped forward, imitating the formal acknowledgement of the downwards look, "We welcome you aboard the Chimera, Tessa'e'Sera di'Orion. I'm certain that we will soon have a chance to get to know each other much better in your time on board, but I would like to introduce you to my Command team aboard. First is my Executive Officer, my second in command, Lieutenant Commander Alexander Espersen."

Alexander stepped forward and bowed formally at the waist before the young woman, so regal in dress if not quite there in countenance. She was on her way though. Experience will help.

“My lady Tessa’e’Sera di’Orion,” he said, “It is our pleasure and privilege to have you on board.”

Tessa gave what seemed more like an imperious acknowledgement with a severe inclination of her head, "The pleasure is mine, My Lord, and please, for all of you, just call me Tessa."

“Of course, Tessa,” the First Officer replied. He suppressed a smile. Extreme formality and informality in the same sentence. But she’s trying.

Cally smiled softly again, "And then my Second Officer, third in the chain of command, Lieutenant Mark Valleroy." She gestured to Mark at her side.

"Welcome on board," Mark said. "And if I am to address you as Tessa, I hope that you may feel comfortable with addressing me as Mark in return."

"Of course, My Lord." Tessa responded immediately, then went red again in her cheeks, "I mean, of course, Mark. I'll do my best." She said in a very quiet voice.

Mark smiled and nodded at her.

"In an effort to make you feel more at home, I have asked a couple of our civilians that are more your own age to take point in helping you acclimate to the ship and our own Federation culture." Calypso gestured towards Amelie and Louis with a slight smile, "I believe that you have met Louis Rouen already?"

Tessa finally broke a little bit of a smile, "I certainly have."

Louis had thought he would never hear that angelic voice again. His eyes had darted up with Tessa's first word. He took a step forward and dropped to one knee, his head bowed, in part to hide his teary eyes. He could only find enough voice for one word. "Milady."

"Milord, rise." Tessa replied, "I was surprised to see you yield in the arena, however very pleased that you were unharmed in the combat." She made a wide gesture, "I look forward to getting to know you and your sister better." She made the assumption, "Milady." She inclined her head towards Amelie.

Amelie curtsied as Tessa’e’Sera addressed her. She looked at her twin brother on one knee and had a fleeting thought he would propose. It brought a smile to her face despite how ludicrous that would be.

Tessa gave what was an absolutely genuine smile for a second before she realized it and schooled her face again. She berated herself for giving in to something personal when this was supposed to be official. She turned back to Calypso and in a very ceremonial gesture, withdrew her dagger and extended it hilt-first to Calypso, trying to remember the right words for this part, remaining silent as she lost the words, "I um... I- I place myself and my safety in your hands, My Lady, in the hopes that we will come to know each other and each others people better."

Cally took the weapon hesitantly, then in a move that seemed right, offered it back to the girl one the flats of both palms, "I accept the responsibility and will return you home safely, Tessa. On my honor."

Rene stepped forward bowing his head for a moment to Tessa’e’Sera. "I will show you and your companion to quarters Lady Tessa’e’Sera. If you will both follow me.

"Of course, My Lord." Tessa acknowledged and her shadow of a bodyguard detached herself from the convenient location to accompany them, no expression on her face at all. But Tessa gave a slight bow to the rest of the group of Starfleet Officers, "I beg your indulgence, My Ladies, My Lords. I am sure that we will get to know each other soon."

Rene gestured for the visitors to follow. He was interested in discovering what could have possibly caused Louis to intervene in a local customs on behalf of the young woman. "Louis, Amelie, your both are familiar with where VIP quarters are located. Why don't the two of you lead the way."

The two teenagers nodded and Amelie took Tessa’e’Sera by the hand. "Come Mademoiselle. We can't wait to show your quarters. I hear they rival some guest suites in hotels back on Earth."

Tessa froze as Amelie just... Grabbed her hand. It just wasn't DONE on Tial, and especially not with her... She was raised as basically untouchable aside from during training or preparations, or... She had to consciously wipe the look of shock off her face because it wasn't proper, not for someone in her position as... 'What am I now?' She thought to herself, "Um.. Sure. But I do have one question... What is a hotel?"

The teens having departed along with the eldest Rouen and the young lady's companion, Alexander stayed back with the Captain and Security Chief. "What is it that you have up your sleeve, Captain?" he wondered aloud. Though he hadn't known Cally for long, it was clear that she was up to something.

For her part, Calypso had a slight smirk on as she watched the rest of the gathering break up. Truth be told, she didn't know quite how this was going to turn out in the end, but every journey of discovery started with meeting new people and new races. "That remains to be seen, Alex, but what we have here is an impressionable young girl. Let's see what that turns out to be."