One Small Step

Posted on Sat Nov 16th, 2024 @ 9:58pm by Commander Ichiko Gail & Lieutenant Commander Evelyn Rozia & Lieutenant Daniel Ellis & Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Commander William Gunnison

Mission: Let The Games Begin
Location: USS Astraea

The minutes between contact and arrival stretched on forever, minutes feeling like hours, or days. Soon, the final contact was made, the arrangements were finalized, and equipment started the move over. Crew, equipment, lighting, recording drones, everything to fabricate the arena where the grudge match of the century would resolve. The ship second made the trip over with the Kinetic production team, and the greet between crews would begin.

Snapping to a crisp attention, the Ship's Second was the first over, followed by the production crew. They snapped a moment after, in deference, and as one they all bowed. "We thank you for this opportunity, and we apologize for this imposition." the Ship Second spoke up. He was the first to straighten, but the others followed. "I am Sanso, Ship Second. Thank you for receiving us."

The production crew wasted little time once security cleared them, beginning to assemble the stands, the booth, the very arena. Sanso continued while they worked, "The two teams will be coming over momentarily."

Abigail smiled warmly. "Sanso, It is an honour to have you aboard the Astraea. I hope everything meets with your approval?"

A quick look around, "The Shipmaster sent me because he thinks I am difficult to impress." Sanso started, "I am. And you have." he looked past her, to the others, and then back to the space. "You've taken our needs and requests seriously. You've handled this matter with the diligence that we ourselves would afford it. For that, I can say, I'm humbled. Thank you."

The commanding officer watched, slightly awed, as the production crew worked silently and smoothly to prepare the area for the match. Their fluid movements were impressively efficient.

Evelyn in turn kept an eye on the production crew from her position just off from the Captain's, so that she could keep track of anything she had gotten wrong. It was out of excitement, truth be told, as she'd taken pride in getting it as right as possible. She'd also been practicing as much as she could get away with, the game being similar(ish) (in ways) to what she used to play, "I hope that we got everything right, Second Sanso, we were working without benefit of technology transfer."

To Evelyn, Sanso gave a nod, "I have confidence." he started. "Primary Sciences has assured me that everything is in order. I won't pretend to know the true nuances of everything involved." he admitted, "It will achieve. They may wish to conference with your Sciences division to that effect, but that is a conversation for then."

Though the security team had taken a fine attention to detail when allowing the production team to board, Dee was one of four officers who kept sweeping the makeshift arena with a tricorder. He knew all too well from personal experience that just because something didn't scan as an explosive or anti-security device that it didn't mean that it would be a component of such a device. In fact, his mind often thought of the time a Kazon used himself as an explosive aboard the USS Voyager just two decades prior. He and his team would not be taking any chances, even it it meant multiple sweeps around an active production team.

The coordination of the security sweeps was actually quite delicate since the production team was moving so quickly. Dee had instructed the security officers to stay out of the way. This ensured that the process would not be obstructed, and it helped keep both Astraea's engineering team and the visiting production team safe.

The first of the two teams made their way over via shuttle, no pomp, no flair, just a simple trek across the gulf of space. Eleven sons and daughters of Ts'usu dressed in uniform, blue and white trim with one wearing the reverse colors. He took a step out of the shuttle, and once he was off the rest of the crew stepped off. A captain, and his team. A leader. This was Captain Wataba, leader of the Takish Nebulae. He walked with pride, with purpose, and with his team behind him. He knew his team, he knew they'd have his back. They walked with him.

"Captain Laurens, on behalf of Takish Prefecture, we are gracious for your hospitality." and the bow the team provided was crisp and smooth. You could cut paper on how sharp that motion was. Wataba's federation standard was smooth. How much of it he knew beyond introductions was anyone's guess.

If she thought the production crew was efficient, they had nothing on Wataba and his team. Every aspect of their arrival emanated immense pride and honour. "Captain Wataba, your presence here is our honour," she replied graciously as she smiled. "I hope you and your crew find your accommodations to your liking, but if you need anything, my crew are at your service."

Wataba gave a nod as he rose, "You are a gracious hostess and a noble shipmaster. To bring the sport we love so much to you is a privilege. Thank you for this opportunity." he stood at attention before turning to his team. A quick gruff, and they rose up to their upright and locked posture. He noticed Ichiko's presence, but said nothing to draw it to attention. A simple nod. Returned in kind.

Dee, having left monitoring the production team to a subordinate, had quietly stood near Captain Laurens when the Nebulae had arrived. The lieutenant remained silent, taking the chance to observe the Ts'usugi's actions and body language and looked for anything suggestive. He was still very new aboard the starship, and he was still very much learning the Captain and Executive Officer, and so far there were no hints that he should be concerned. Still, he would continue to remain vigilant, at least until the entire intercultural exchange were complete.

He also knew that he could not remain in the shadows forever. Stepping forward, he made himself visible to the Captain, permitting her the opportunity to introduce him should she feel it necessary. Otherwise, he would gladly stay silent with the security officer designated for guiding the Nebulae. He would remain here until the Flames were aboard.

Evelyn took a deep breathe as she stepped forward to where the Captain of the Nebulae was, "Captain Wataba, I am hoping that the arena is to your liking and standards. I'm the Chief Engineer on board and I was given the challenge to recreate a Kinetic arena without benefit of your technology. If you have any questions or concerns, I'm ready and able to help address them."

Wataba regarded Evelyn as she approached the gathered few. He listened to her request, and gave a nod. "I'm impressed by your spirit of competition. We bested the Mitsu Avalanche at the Jade Throne and, in the presence of the Emperor Herself, claimed the mantle of Emperor's Chosen." he paused, returning to the here and now, "There is no one more honored and qualified to inspect your work than the Nebulae."

Wataba and the rest of his team followed the security escort to their quarters, and it was only once a calm had settled that the next team came over. Rather than take the shuttle, the Zanark Flames opted to be transported over direct. Ten forms standing, with one seemingly in the air transported in midjump, landing with a flourish when the transport was complete. Reckless, vibrant, always in motion. This had to be Neela, Captain of the Flames. Their red on orange uniforms, their motley crew thug look, her red dyed fur and wild grin, their barely organized walk forward towards the assembled crew. The only thing approaching orderly conduct was that the team stopped about fifteen feet from Abigail and the rest of the Astraea crew. The bunch of them gave a bow, nothing as crisp as the Nebulae, but a bow none the less. It was Neela that diverged. No Bow, no cultural show of respect from her people. Instead, she brought her hand up, palm flat, and brought it to her brow... a salute.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you." Neela was actually shorter than Abigail. Not including the ears, but still. Her Federation standard wasn't the best, her accent was prominent, but she put in the effort. The universal translator handled what she couldn't, but the effort was there.

Abigail cast an almost imperceptible glance at Ichiko, suppressing a smile, but her eyes sparkled with humour. The difference between the two was as stark as night and day. "Captain Neela," Abigail replied warmly. "It is an honour to have you and your team aboard the Astraea. I trust you find your accommodations to your liking, but if you need anything at all, my crew is at your service."

"We'll try not to have to test that." she offered, turning to her loyal mob before returning her glance to Abigail. She missed the glance to Ichiko, and the smile. "Yours is a very impressive craft, I'm proud to be invited upon it. Fellahs?" she turned to her team, who gave another bow. "Thank you for having us!" they said in a close approximation of unison. Satisfied, she turned back to the Captain and the assembled crew.

"I'm very much looking forward to this." she admitted with that wild grin.

Dee was impressed with the Flames' arrival. Jumping mid-transport was quite an organized feat, and it demonstrated a clear understanding of transporter technology. He took note of this fearlessness, and considered deploying a few transport inhibitors elsewhere on the ship, at least for the duration of this mission. He remained stalwart, and kept the Captain and XO in his field of vision, still observing body language and awaiting the command to escort the team to their quarters.

Will was intrigued by the arrival of both teams. Certainly, despite the distance of the Federation from the Delta Quadrant, Will was reminded of more than a few professional athletes teas from various Federation member worlds that he'd read about back in the day. And given the entrances, it had been a good idea to keep the two teams well apart from each other. There had been more than a few unfortunate instances over the centuries of outright violence breaking out because of a sports rivalry. Will admitted, though, that he was curious as to what kind of sports would be created by a sentient species that evolved from their planet's version of rabbits.

With the moment over, Neela and the Flames were escorted to their quarters. It didn't seem like the first time security escorting them, but this time at least it was under friendly terms...