Corellian System

[Taaru Masako]

Taaru's comm peeped for attention, and for once, he was thankful for the interruption. He didn't think he could remain civil very long with the junior science officer.

"Pardon me," he says as a way of excusing himself, tapping the earpiece in his right here and stepping away from Buula.

"Masako here.....,"

A sudden switch to Thruvaran.

<<No, LEFT of the main corridor. Just like it says in the manifest, Deck 15, portside of the center line, bulkhead's 23 through 31. Yes....No, just have the Super show you the way. I know the Scholls are bunking together.... Yes, I know what that means. Would you rather have them separated, so we have to keep eyes on both of them?...Right, see you soon. Masako out.>>

Masako rubs the bridge of his nose, feeling a migraine coming on. He realizes Buula still standing there.

"C'mon, we're going to miss the launch. I'll show you the way."

He indicates that they should leave the way Masako had originally come, heading back to the main elevator shaft connecting Tyrena Station to the Faustus.

[Jet Almeara]

"Date..." Jet remarked with an arched brow "is a little strong, I prefer..keeping you out of trouble" Glancing at the time she sighed "Oh kriffing hell...I'll tell him later, lets get to the ship so I can ditch the heels" she held of a hand to forestall any comment from Aaron "and no...nothing about that pertains to you in any way what so ever"

Jet chose to ignore his comment about her mind - as well as the easy comment she could make about what Aaron did and did not find 'hot', instead stepping off in the direction they had come from earlier, retracing their earlier route with the sharp clacks of someone in heels not wasting any time.

[Erika Freeborn]

Erika held in a laugh as she once again listened to another one of Jet and Aaron's famous back and forths. Would these two ever have a normal conversation. Seeing that the party was leaving she turned to Rothk who was waiting mostly patiently beside her.

"We better keep up or we will miss the ship and be stuck here."

Although she knew Jet would make sure that didn't happen it certainly helped Rothk become more motivated to getting out of this room and to the ship. The two followed Jet towards the door with which they entered the room earlier.

[Buula Rath]

Buula is not quite sure how to reply after the Major's outburst. Luckily she is saved when his comm goes off. She listens to his conversation but doesn't understand any of it as Thruvaran is not in her linguistic arsenal. As she follows him to the ship she attempts to explain her scientific expertise.

"I don't know that much about modern technology because I study what was not what is. I specialized in Crytography and symbology. What good what an alien super computer be it the keyboard isn't in Aurebesh? Can any of your crew even tell the difference between Alpha, Aleph, and Aurek? What about non-linguistic systems, do you know anyone that can make sense of them? That's what I'm here to do, Major." She said as she accidentally turned her explaination into almost a rant. It was much easier not to be intimidated by him when whe was not facing his stern gaze or listening to his gruffly raised voice.

[Taaru Masako]

Taaru patiently listens as Buula explicates her education as the two of them make their way to the primary elevator shaft, then responds in kind. Cognizant of his earlier behavior, however, he attempts a kinder, or at least less intimidating, tone.

"Fair enough, Ms. Rath. But I must warn you that the particular artifacts we will most likely be working with are as sophisticated in their technology as they are in their modes of communication. Indeed, in many ways, I am beginning to think they are one and the same."

Enigmatic as the comment seemed, it was a logical paradigm for the Ancients. Unlike humanity, which had only coexisted with Techne for a few pitiful millennia, the Ancients had not only coexisted, but harnessed and fused with the concept and praxis of their craft. Taaru had a hard time wrapping his mind around the idea, existing in that subcategory of noumena - that which can only be thought, but not realized.

Returning to the conversation: "Moreover, you will soon realize that you may have some competition. You aren't the only one who knows her voiceless alveolar lateral fricatives from her Sapir-Whorf hypothesis."

He turns, one eyebrow raised, expecting some sort of reaction from the science officer. If anything, she would soon learn that Taaru didn't exist in her version of the universe: The one where individuals in a free market specialized in one or two very specific disciplines in the continued trend towards perfect division of labor.

Being long-lived had its advantages.

They arrive at the elevator shaft with some luck: A unit is already there. Taaru steps aside to let her enter first, then quickly joins her, keying the lift to take them to the Faustus' spinal corridor. As the doors close, he remembers an important fact, and sticks his arm between them, forcing them open again.

Buula's SB-20 droid trundles in with her luggage, squeaking somewhat impudently.

Taaru stares at it, with the look of a predator. The droid quickly swallows its breath, or at least attempts the digital version thereof.

[Jet Almeara]

Having successfully retraced her steps - and returned to the Faustus without any incidents or interruptions Jet consorts briefly with the manifest and points both Aaron and Erika to their respective cabins.

Aaron, Jet knew would find his especially fine - since Jet and Taaru had ensured their own form of revenge weeks ago by having it painted pink, and not just any shade of pink - but bright, eye splitting neon pink - the type of pink generally reserved for florescent vests and raver outfits. They had both been fairly sure that at some point during the night he would make a comment or misbehave, after all - Aaron really couldn't help himself.

Having shed her companions for the moment Jet collected Ice from the Shadowchaser and made her way towards the interior areas of the ship, mostly for explorations sake although she was heading vaguely in the direction of the Bridge, where she intended to be when Faustus left Corellia behind.

[Erika Freeborn]

Erika makes her way to her cabin, with Rothk in tow. Their bags had already been delivered by one of the ships many droids. The room was more spacious than she had expected, which was fine. Clearly whoever decorated it had a good eye. Collapsing on the edge of the bed she took it all in, glad to be free of the overly formal proceedings that occured earlier.

Rothk followed his mother into the room. It was alot different than he expected it. Although honestly he wasnt sure what to have expected considering how few of times he has been on a ship, and never before on a ship of this size. He went about exploring every inch of the room.

[Buula Rath]

Buula laughed silently as the droid also felt the fearful power of the Major's gaze. As the lift ascended she turned toward him once more, "That was rather quaint, but curtious none the less. Thank you, Major Masako."

As they came to the destination and the door opened Buula moved to exit proceeded by the droid. As she left down the cooridor the only fareweel she offered was in a lifting of her hand. She headed toward her assigned quarters all the while thinking about waht he had said. It was not what whe had expected. Military men were supposed to be one of two things intellectual and intelligent just passing any physical requirements or a stupid ball of muscle with no brain. The man she spoke with was obviously neither. "And his name," she asked herself, "Why is it I feel I should know it?"

[Aaron Starkiller]

"Aaron help," came Adrien's exclamation as Aaron entered the room and was assaulted by the young boy. "It's not fair! I don't want to stay in this room! It's a girl's room!"

"Easy, easy," Aaron said, prying Adrien from his waist. Squinting his eyes Aaron took in the violently pink room and sighed in exasperation before grumbling. "Women."

"And Thruvaran's," Adrien added with a smirk.

Aaron laughed and mussed the boy's hair. "Yeah. Thruvaran's too," he smiled down at the boy before walking ver to a blank spot on the wall. He examined it closely, his brow furrowing. He pressed an index finger against the pink wall, half expecting it to burn his skin. After a moment a silvery substance seemed to be spreading from where Aaron had touched the wall. As a matter of fact the paint was actually being slowly removed by a complicated molecular technique he was akin to, leaving the wall void of color.

Aaron motioned for Adrien to take a seat on his bed. The boy did as he was told and Aaron sat on his own bed, across from fiancee's son. "I have a present for you," he told him as he reached into his bag. He pulled out a small, metallic cylinder and handed it to Adrien. "You're going to need this if you're going to be Jet's apprentice."

Adrien took the lightsaber hilt in both hands and stared at it wide-eyed. "But mom said I was too young."

Aaron smiled deviously. "Well your mom's not here right now squirt," he reassured him. "Besides, I was younger than you are when I got my first saber. Go ahead. Turn it on."

Adrien couldn't keep the smile off his face as he pressed the activation plate. With a resounding snap-hiss the blade jumped to life in the boys hand. He was mesmerized by the amethyst glow the lightsaber cast across the room and the deep hum. He gave the blade a small practice swing and winced as an electric crack filled the room when he hid his bed post. He looked at Aaron sheepishly. "Isn't it supposed to cut through everything?"

Aaron gave Adrien a reprimanding look and shook his head. "Number one, be careful," he told him. "Number two, it's only a training level saber. No need to have you hacking off your own hand. Number three, lightsabers don't cut through everything."

Adrien nodded and powered down the blade, setting the hilt on the bedside table. "I'm gonna miss mom."

Aaron stood and patted the boy on the shoulder. "Me too pal. Me too," he pushed the boy down playfully. "Now get some sleep. You've had a long day."

After Adrien was asleep, Aaron changed into his more typical attire and left the room, locking it behind him.

[Jet Almeara]

Jet didn't have time to explore the ship as fully as she would have liked..but she supposed there would be plenty of time in the days ahead. Making her way to the Bridge she found that the crew was already present and working - which she had expected, Aralee was busy at work and Jet chose a place along the walkway surrounding the crew for the moment to observe things.

[Avery Heartshorn]

Avery had nodded off for a second but her body gave a quick twitch that woke her up instantly. Her eyes shot open and flicked about for a second before realizing her surroundings.

'Oh yeah...,' She thought.

She could instantly feel her stomach clench. She was waiting for the punishment. She was waiting for something to happen, or someone to burst in, or someone to say something awful. But there was nothing. There was silence. For once this was perfect.

Smiling lightly to herself she quietly rolled out of bed, and made her way to her own clothes, which she slipped on with her back to the bed. She slipped into her dress, pulling her arms through the sleeves until faltering with the zipper.

She pulled, but try as she might, it was stuck. Pausing for a second, she let her arms fold in front of her, her fingers tapping against her upper arms before reaching back to try again.

"Frak..."

[The Thruvarans]

Avery's valiant attempts to make herself decent are aided by the sudden appearance of Miko, who has yet to do the same. Gathering the top of her dress at the nape of her neck with one hand, he zips her up with the other, kissing her neck in the same movement.

"I think we should probably head to the bridge."

He doesn't wait for a response, instead busying himself with dressing in his uniform once more.

[Avery Heartshorn]

Avery jumped a bit in her skin- but this was pretty common it seemed to find Miko suddenly by her.

She leaned her head against his with a slight smile before turning around to find him busy with his own uniform.

"Guess so..."

She ran her fingers through her hair, pushing the curls away from her face before reaching out to place a hand on his desk, leaning against it.

The butterflies in her stomach felt as if they all latched onto her heart and were dragging it down against her stomach. It wasn't usual for Avery to have to have "the conversation" but the lines were blurry now and needed to be defined. It sounded so trivial to ask if someone was now your significant other just because you slept together...it was more awkward to add that maybe you didn't know the other person all THAT well.

Avery sighed as an outward sign of an inward problem. She stood straight again and walked to Miko, reaching up to button the jacket.

She opened her mouth to say something, her lips moving slightly as if trying to form the first word. But she laughed lightly, blowing off the whole question that had formed in her mind- instead she said.

"So how mad do you think Taaru's going to be?"

[Taaru Masako]

Masako didn't react, save for a courteous nod in Buula's direction. As she departs, he watches after her and her droid for a second or so, contemplating something that only seemed to be relevant, or make sense, to him.

Finished with his reverie, he walks across the main elevator bay, a hub of sorts that connects to the ship's hangar, cargo holds and network of turbolifts. Dozens of crew members were bustling about, either just arriving from the ceremonies or making connections with the lift network to get to their stations and be accounted for.

Masako narrowly missed the express lift headed for the bridge. Several junior officers and specialists recognize him and greet him with salutes, which he promptly returns to put them at ease.

The lift ride to the bridge is a relatively long run, following the spinal corridor and then switching to a vertical shaft as they arrive beneath the bridge deck. Masako bides his time by scanning the faces in the lift with him. Two crew members, sensors specialists by their uniforms, are chatting about the recent shatterball match, supplying the only noise beyond the hum of the turbolift.

Taaru recognizes one of the other crewmembers.

"Helmsman Washburne, isn't it?"

The junior NCO nearly jumps at the mention of his position and name, uttered by someone he has clearly identified as THE Taaru Masako. Regaining his composure, he is able to blurt out a response, albeit nervous.

"Uh,...that is to say....yes. I mean: 'Yes, sir.'"

Taaru doesn't let it show that he has clearly realized the fellow's celebrity shock and continues as normal.

"I've heard you were hand-picked by the captain to be the primary. That's quite the commendation. Where did you do your flight training."

The helmsman stares at Taaru, seemingly confused by the question, or maybe by the fact he was being addressed at all, mouthing the words of the question as if to reassure himself he was being spoken to.

"Um...Arcturus station."

Now it is Taaru's turn to be surprised. "Isn't that a civilian station?"

"Um yeah. I grew up there. Been around ships all my life."

This elicits a nod and a pursing of the lips from Taaru...a good indication that he is impressed.

"You know, helmsman. I started out on freighters and cargo shippers myself."

"I know, sir."

Taaru turns to him, clasping his hands behind his back: "Oh, do you? Pray tell how?"

Helmsman Washburne realizes his mistake, having seemed presumptive, though his comment was absent-minded.

"No, I mean...well....I've seen the test footage from the early Star Viper trials...the ones you personally flew. You don't overcompensate during maneuvers...it's something only freighter pilots master, because docking procedures are more difficult than any other ship," Washburne elucidates, using his hands to mimic a ship pulling into a berth, and is seemingly very focused on the thought, before realizing where he is and snapping out of, grinning sheepishly.

Taaru goes ahead and says it out loud: "Very impressive. Very impressive indeed. I think Captain Galor made a very excellent choice."

Before Washburne can get out a "Thank you, sir," the doors of the turbolift slide open, and Taaru is first to step out. Washburne's flabbergasted expression is quickly silenced as the rest of the lift's occupants push him out, and he busies himself with checking in with the OOD and assuming the primary helm.

[...]

Taaru greets Jet and Captain Galor and her XO as he approaches the command booth, which oversees the down-sloping half-circle of the terraced bridge. He does not salute the captain, however: Their authorities, one as captain of the ship and the other as commander of the marine detachment, are the same.

"Major Masako, glad you cold join us," Galor says in way of greeting.

"Wouldn't miss it, Captain. When are we popping the cork on this one?"

Galor doesn't respond, but instead gives her XO a significant look, who in turn significantly looks at the Officer of the Deck (OOD).

The OOD in turn looks significantly at everyone else as he keys the comm pip attached to his uniform's collar.

"Sections, report in."

[The Thruvarans]

"You mean: How mad will he be when he finds out his executive officer has found a keen and insatiable interest in his pet xenosymbologist and cultural anthropologist?"

He takes her hand as she finishes the top button a kisses the palm.

"Pretty darn fuming, I'd say. But what Papa doesn't know won't hurt him. That said, however, it would probably be best if you arrived on the bridge before I did."