Luckily for Tasha, Dr. Kitty was happy to do up the Karnor's hair first, and thus show her how it's done before letting the hybrid loose on her own locks. There was hot chocolate afterward, and listening to some of the music recordings the human had brought with her from New Zion.

The tour and dinner went well. Both Gordon and Kitty restrained their desires to delve deeper into things – especially the medical technology that Zerachiel was still keeping packed up. The machines, berthed Titans and the bridge were impressive enough, and as agreed beforehand the only PersoComs encountered were of the digital variety – Gabriel was not comfortable yet letting anyone know about the nature of the crystal artifacts and their ghost effects. Dinner was reserved and modest, with Layth preparing the food for Kitty as the only other vegetarian around. Gabriel told stories of the early days of the Expedition, and the excitement and wonder everyone felt when they first arrived in the Primus system.

After the two visitors were escorted off, Fred came out of hiding first to finish working on the mechanical body for the ITAIC emissary – who was just software at the moment. Gabriel invites Tasha to spend the night in his cabin – and it's probably not just because her hair looks nice either.

The next morning, the entire base seems to come alive with activity: the PHTO Council is expected to arrive tomorrow! The second hangar is cleaned up, with all of the unneeded equipment being moved out and everything else polished to a shine. There's even a wide red carpet that's ready to roll out! The Bellerophon crew are likewise getting ready.

"I'm not sure how much we want to impress them," Gabriel tells Tasha as they stand in the Titan Bay, looking at the freshly-polished Melchior. "I definitely don't want them to know about the ghosts – no telling what a technology for bringing back the dead will mean to the different groups. Same goes for the cloning systems. We need a story to explain why the artifacts can't be returned though."

As Tasha gazes up in to the eyes of her Titan, she purses her lips and thinks. "Hrrm," she mutters after a moment, then she spreads her hands and says, "We could tell them that they're undergoing a long and intensive scan process, or have exhibited strange side effects since we began our missions and we're keeping them under quarantine to prevent any unfortunate effects that may come with their release. That's … ," she glances at her mate, " … almost the truth, isn't it?"

Gabriel nods. "But we can't make it seem too interesting either, or they'll want to know more details," he notes. "I'm toying with just giving them a quick look at the stack, and telling them they all fused together like that. No way to claim their individual pieces then."

"Maybe that they fused to the machines, as well, making their removal somewhat problematic, because they're linked-in to certain secondary but difficult to replace sub-systems? In a way we don't understand?" Tasha's machine isn't the only thing that's well-polished today; Tasha herself has taken the time to do her hair and polish her armor. She looks big and respectable, almost unnaturally so for a woman who fit 'earthy' to a T.

"I like that, we'll use it," Gabriel says. "Besides, it's still true that we don't know how to disconnect the thing, or what will happen if we do. Still like Tartarus as potential HQ?"

Tasha wags at the acceptance of her plan, although her suit's tail, not being designed for a lot of locomotion, barely moves. To the question of Tartarus, she smiles and turns to face Gabriel more fully. "Tartarus is a wonderful place. Or at least, I think so. I've met almost everyone now, and they're all very pleasant and friendly. If I didn't know better, I'd say Lieutenant Vesuvius is already one of us, we just didn't notice him there. He's waited his whole life for this. The Doctor is likewise interested, albeit rather uncomfortable with being the sole human woman. The troops do their duty, but we get along. I don't know if they're excited, but I did see pride in their eyes when I said I would suggest we remain here. I think that means a lot. My only concern is, will they be enough? Not that I'd chose haughty and educated over friendly and less so," she answers.

"Well, the enlisted men would still be under the Expedition Military Command… as would the base. I'm not sure how much autonomy Vesuvius's Special Technology and Exploration Corps. has," Gabriel notes. "I don't even know if we'll get support from everyone – or what kind of support they can even give us, beyond recognition. They'll probably… " Here Gabriel is cut off as a six-wheeled thing drives through the Titan Bay. It's like a miniature version of the truck, in that each wheel seems to have it's own leg that can be moved around, but has further articulation between each of the 'hips'. A lot of exposed electronics are mounted to the back, including a head of sorts made from a spare helmet. Fred is on its tail, but at this distance is too incorporeal to actually grab the thing.

"Well we'll-" Tasha breaks in as Gabriel stops, then blinks, her words falling away as she turns her head and follows the man's bemused gaze. When she sees the rogue cart, her eyes widen. "Don't tell me that's the ITAIC ambassador's body… ?" She prompts as she moves to help intercept it!

"I COME IN PEACE!" the robo-thingy declares before going into a weird set of maneuvers that ends up leaving it wedged between two heavy crates. "I REQUIRE ASSISTANCE!"

Tasha arrives next to the bizarre robotic something-or-other and puts a fist to her hip with a clank. "Well, this is weird," she declares, gesturing at the robot with her other hand. She turns to Fred as the man catches up, asking, "Is it working right? This wasn't exactly what I was expecting."

"I think it's having some issues with the motor controls," Fred says. "It just needs a little more learning time. The wheels have stopped, maybe it can be pulled out… "

"It has less than a day to get itself in order," Gabriel points out as he arrives at a more sedate pace. "Couldn't you have made it look more… Imperial?" he asks.

"I guess it's still getting used to being 'awake,'" Tasha agrees. She walks over and leans over to heft the machine in to the air, then turns it to face her. "Hello again." She smiles at the robot, then glances at Gabriel. "I was wondering the same, but really, Fred's probably over-worked as it is."

"Even my genius has limits," Fred says. "Those Nagabots on Orpheus were made from living silicon and stuff. I spent most of my effort on a brain that would actually work, but couldn't remotely connect to any other systems."

The helmet spins around to look at Tasha with its camera. "TASHA!" it declares. "DO NOT SHOOT ME, I AM THE EMISSARY. PLEASE ASSIST ME!"

Tasha's ears shoot up at the response, and she blinks at the machine several times. "I'm not going to … Oh. Well I suppose I rather did that one time, didn't I? But that's air under the ship. What do you need, to be returned to Fred?"

"I APPEAR… frzzt appear to be wedged between these crates," the robot explains, its voice improving. "I have been learning how to move, but I find wheels to be tricky."

"I thought they were too the first time I had some," the young woman agrees. She kneels down, then, after releasing the robot, braces her hands against the two crates and begins sliding them apart so she can free the machine. "Having a new body takes a lot of work, doesn't it? That's mine over there," she then points at the Melchior as she leans back.

"It is much better than your meat-ware body," the robot claims. Once its free, it manages to back out, spin around in place for a bit, and then stop. "Bring him back to the Mech Lab," Fred urges. "I think I can just adjust the speed controllers to solve this."

"Can do," Tasha replies. She picks up the machine, then turns to her Captain and asks, "With your permission, Captain?"

"And please don't flirt with my superior mechanized body while I am not in it, Sir," Tasha adds, winking.

"By all means, see to the Ambassador," Gabriel says, giving a half bow and sweeping his arm… mostly to hid his grin.

Tasha tilts her head – the best salute she can manage with her arms full. Then, she marches on in to the ship with Fred.

"He… it… still needs a name too," Fred says. "Calling him 'Emissary' sounds silly. A function isn't a proper name, except to a Silent-One maybe."

"And we can't have Silent-One gloating, can we?" Tasha laughs as she walks along. "But lets see, the Imperial Triadic AI Cores got an acronym-name, so how about another? Sheollian AI national ambassador? SAINA?"

"Hmm, it's got a bit of a hiss to it, which works," Fred notes, nodding and showing Tasha where to set the robot down on a work table. "It's also sort of gender neutral… I think. I don't know much about Imperial naming conventions. But best of all – it's short enough to stencil across the helmet!"

"We Vartans are good at spontaneously naming things after big life events, and what's a bigger life event than having life?" Tasha places the robot down, then steps back, folding her arms behind her. "I'd best get back to the Captain and prepare for launch, if I'm not needed further?" She glances at the phantom Karnor for confirmation.

Fred pops open some panels and gets to work with a logic probe. "Oh, thanks for the help! No, you can get back to Big Things with the Captain. I shouldn't have any more problems with Saina here until it's time to give him arms or something – after the Council stuff is over with."

"Tentacles are just as versatile, and easily retracted," the robot offers.

Tasha grins, nodding. "You know how to reach me if you need me; don't be a stranger!" The woman gives a wave, pausing at the mention of tentacles. Then, she just shakes her head and decides to exit before anything else weird can keep her from her task.

Minutes later, Tasha walks in to the Titan Bay and grins. "It's always interesting with Fred around, isn't it Captain? How close are we to go-time?"

"The airship is supposed to arrive tonight," Gabriel says. "There'll be some welcoming ceremony and maybe a brief tour of the base, but mostly it'll be getting the VIPs and their people settled in. First formal Council meeting will be in the morning, after breakfast. That is, if everything happens according to Vesuvius's schedule."

The young woman nods to all this, then folds her arms and glances up at her machine. "Is there anything I need to do before then, Sir? If not, and you plan to deploy the Melchior, I could get some practice in. Or, show you the interior while it's active." She stares at her machine a moment, then adds, "Dr. Kitty knows of the Origin Markers, by the way. She believes the Kampfu- … Kampfoozen … the Group's core is composed of a Progenitor Cult element. There is the possibility the Melchior's appearance may draw anyone who is aware of the Magi and the greater Expedition-Era Cult plan."

Gabriel frowns a bit at that. "The Kampfengruppe isn't part of the PHTO," he notes. "But they do have the Offworld Legion, and I don't really know what that group does. If we put Mel out on display… no, they'll be reacting no matter what, I imagine. I fully expect Council members or their subordinates to try and arrange an early peek at our toys tonight when they're all supposed to be sleeping."

"I can't blame them; I know I'd want to see all this," the Vartan woman says, grinning a little, if a bit forced. Her scent tells Gabriel what he already knows from having been around her so long: she's a little nervous, but she's trying to present an aura of positivity and good cheer. She takes a breath, then stretches arm arms over her head. "I guess nothing to do but wait."

"And be on guard," Gabriel warns. "These people aren't military, and not necessarily scientists – they're politicians. They will try to get an early advantage on each other, cut some under-the-table deal. Especially the ones that don't have a lot to bring over-the-table right now."

Tasha's ears perk, then she nods slowly, looking down at her folded arms. "I can't say I've had a lot of dealings with politicians. There was just Queen Tyche and the Amazonians, and the New Zion military personnel. Both times I played a minor role, and was mostly marginalized at that. I guess I can always say "I'll have to talk it over with my superior," if I don't know what to say."

"What was the queen like, anyway?" Gabriel asks. "Calli seemed pretty nice, once you got past the 'she can kill me before I can move' issue."

"I thought so too, about Calli," Tasha agrees. She then purses her muzzle and tilts her head, thinking. "Queen Tyche was … intimidating," she admits. "I kept wanting to challenge her, and at the same time I wanted her to like me. I almost decided to remain as a slave, just to try and prove myself … somehow. I'm not sure what my plan was there. I was probably just desperate. But anyway, the Queen was a lot to handle and I was rather aware I was out of my league. Not that that ever stops me."

"Well, I'm glad you've outgrown that," Nora says as she arrives… well, at the far the door, since she's carrying a datapad and doesn't want to drop it. "Final list is compiled, ready for you to review and approve, Captain."

Tasha jumps a little as she tends to do when Nora sneaks up on her – an easy thing for a ghost to do if they're not in Tasha's field of vision. She gives her sister a wry look, then grins. "I'm sure you are." She then sticks her tongue out at the other woman, before turning to Gabriel. "I'll take my leave so you can focus, Captain. If you need me, I'll be in the Melchior preparing for launch."

---

The opening of the hangar doors is an impressive sight from the inside. The dome splits like a sliced pie, and the slices retract into the walls – visible through maintenance openings, where the giant gears and motors labor. Just above, one side lit red by the setting sun, is the Expedition Airship Ajax, even bigger than the Bellerophon. Mooring towers and cranes extend upwards to anchor it, which takes quite some time. Once it's secured, and entire section of the undercarriage comes free and is lowered by cables, giving a glimpse inside the giant dirigible. It's hard to get a sense of scale, but the section being lowered down must be at least fifty-feet on a side and half as tall.

"That's … That's the biggest airship I have ever seen," Tasha remarks in a tone of awe, eyes scanning across it to pick out the myriad of details. "The Rake would have fit inside it. Too bad my mother and Eyeshine couldn't see this." She almost runs a hand through her hair but stops her hand an inch from her locks, eying it then forcing the arm back to her side and exhaling.

Kitty keeps fidgeting with her tunic, tugging down on the hem as if it were riding up, while Gabe and Gordon seem resigned. Finally the platform touches down, and soldiers roll out the carpet to it while other secure the sides so it can't move. Several ramps fold down (since this is also a supply shipment) but the one facing the welcoming committee reveals the visiting dignitaries. It's clear why such a big opening is needed, since they all move at once, so nobody is ahead of anyone else. The human and Karnor for the Expedition look… old, but not elderly. Next to them are two Nagas, one big and green and the other smaller with blue and black markings. The Confederate delegation consists of an older Eeee man who walks with a cane, and a large Vartan woman who carries a folding wheelchair. Odder, though, are the Silent-Ones. The one in the fancier garb and more ornate mask moves… well, like someone too young to really pull it off with proper stateliness. The woman next to him does it far better.

Kitty whispers to Tasha, "Lyle Cromwell and Gustav Altieri for the Expedition, Sssistho-Sephra and Dr. Drasskessa'tek of the Celestial Empire, Senator Makai Cornelius and Colonel Rapatia Talonstrike of the Confederation, and it looks like Archon Strength-of-Stones and Deputy Scholar-to-Aliens for the Silent-Ones."

Tasha sweeps her gaze across the newcomers as well, her eyes lingering on the Vartan woman, then, surprising given her leanings, the male Silent-One emissary. The Nagai and Terran delegates are what I expected but not the rest, she thinks to herself as she watches, I should learn to expect the unexpected. During a last minute decision, another unexpected change occurred: Tasha was handed Nora's old uniform when it became apparent her clothes and armor might make her seem like a Confederate-sympathizing party. It was cut for her wings and resewn, but still fits a little too tightly for her liking – and there's an entirely different kind of pressure that accompanies Nora's uniform to boot.

"Ah, Dr. Drake. You mentioned her," Tasha whispers back. "Nice to see another Vartan after so long. The Archon looks a bit young, though?"

"His predecessor died unexpectedly in a duel," Kitty whispers. "The background I have on him is incomplete, but by profession he is an architect."

"Well, I feel a little more comfortable with a young man. Maybe his opinions haven't yet hardened," the younger Vartan whispers back. "And you know, I think I may ask them for a tour of their ship."

Behind the delegates come their entourage – and it's not small. There are some who are clearly military bodyguards, and other attendants that carry luggage and boxes of whatever the delegates are likely to need during their stay. And behind those… one and a half pairs of pointy Lapi ears hanging at the rear.

"I think I see Lapi ears," Tasha murmurs to Gabriel. "I guess the others found a way to us, if we not to them."

Vesuvius takes a step forward when the delegates are within spitting distance, and says, "On behalf of the Expedition Special Technology and Exploration Corps, I welcome the Pit of Himar Treaty Organization Council to Tartarus Base." He then gives a half bow, which the delegates return (except for the Eeee, who looks like he'd either fall over or snap in half if he tried).

Tasha remains stock still as Vesuvius greets the delegates, while inside she's a storm of nerves. When it became clear the Melchior wouldn't be necessary, she spent her final few hours practicing her greeting and salute with Mariel. Nora's uniform wears heavy, as if the weight of her sister's legacy were now upon her shoulders. And so, she repeats her greeting over and over in her mind as she awaits her turn.

Gordon then sweeps his arm, and introduces the others. "May I present Captain Gabriel Akkers of the original Joint Expeditionary Force and master of the Bellerophon, and Cadet Tasha Argentine of Sinai, Pilot of the Gryphon Melchior." The delegates all turn their attention on the ancient Karnor and the Vartan-hybrid, and bob their heads in greeting.

Tasha forces herself not to swallow, waiting not-so-patiently for Gabriel to step forward. She isn't about to flinch now!

Gabriel makes his step and bow, and says, "Seeing the different people of the Joint Expedition working together, as we did in the distant past – which is still not so distant for me. I hope this cooperation will continue and enrich all of those involved."

There's a general murmur of approval and agreement (excluding the Silent-Ones, of course) at this.

Next in line is Tasha, who steps forward and executes a spot on (and three hour practiced) salute. Her hooves click together just as her hand stops an inch from her forehead. "I share my Captain's sentiment, and look forward to a new an era of exploration and cooperation. I am honored to be here before you, in the service of the JEF." Her hand then falls to her side, and she bows as Gabriel had.

The Vartan in the group raises her eyebrows at the display, but everyone else nods and doesn't seem put out by the somewhat military display, since Tasha was introduced as a Cadet. "We'd like to get a look at your ship before settling in," Cromwell says. "Not a tour or anything… we just want to see it for ourselves you understand, to know that it's… real." The other delegates grin at the prospect, even the Silent-Ones, since that's about all that shows through their masks.

Tasha steps back, then asks her Captain, "Shall I notify the ship, Sir?" The young woman is glad her color makes blushes hard to see, and that her head is back where the shaved area can't betray them. She has to struggle to keep her eyes focused and not searching the delegates fro any further sign of approval or disapproval, and decides she may need a drink later. Several.

"Yes, Cadet," Gabriel says, and then smiles to the delegates. "Just this way. But it is a bit of a walk… " This causes some muttering among the delegates – other than the Eeee, none of them look like a walk would be an issue, but they agree to wait for transportation so Makai won't have to resort to using the wheelchair.

As usual, Tasha's communication is little more than her staring off in to the distance as she sends and receives the messages via thought. "Cadet Argentine to Bellerophon, the delegation party is inbound for a external inspection. I'll identify them once you have a visual." She sounds a little stressed entirely beyond sounding formal.

"Confirmed. Status here is quiet; it should be an uneventful visit to the exterior. I will move to the main hatch to observe," comes the reply through the comm systems to Tasha.

Several electric carts are brought forward (since Vesuvius had them standing by anyway). It still takes some time, since the carts only seat a few people… and one is more of a flat sled, for the Nagas. Everyone is eventually sorted out though. In the background the cargo is being unloaded, and the Lapis are still keeping out of the way and waiting, although it looks like the Sergeant is talking to them. Finally, a small convoy of vehicles heads down the long connecting hall, and it only took twice as long to get it going as walking in the first place would have required.

"Here's the lineup: Lyle Cromwell and Gustav Altieri are the human Terran reps. Sssistho-Sephra and Dr. Drasskessa'tek for the Imperials. Senator Makai Cornelius is the Eeee, with Colonel Rapatia Talonstrike the Vartan beside him, for the Confederates. Archon Strength-of-Stones is the male youth, with Deputy Scholar-to-Aliens the stately woman beside him – Silent-Ones, of course." Tasha explains as the convoy approaches. "I saw Lapi in the back, so our friends are probably here as well."

The arrival in the second hangar is surprisingly quiet. The various spotlights have been used to really highlight the gold, sculptural details of Bellerophon, making it look all the more impressive. The boarding ramp is extended, and two Karnors still stand guard at the base, along with a form in modified white power-armor on the ramp itself.

"Depressingly long names which I will never remember. Though it is unlikely I will need to; I doubt they will speak with me," comes another reply from the comm system. Then the aforementioned suit if power armor reaches up and taps the side of his helmet briefly. The figure draws itself up straight and folds his arms behind his back, looking very much the statue for the time being.

It looks like an old JEF uniform – probably Nora's – was found for Tasha, and it even appears that she's had her hair styled. The young woman looks a far cry from the one Layth met months ago, and her formal, at-attention pose as she stands beside Gabriel only adds the the impression. "Count your blessings on that, I haven't been this on edge since we arrived in New Zion," Tasha sends. Out loud, she announces, loud enough for all to hear, "The JEF Bellerophon, heavy scout vessel remodeled for exploration as part of the JEF fleet."

It isn't clear which of the delegates notices the armored Lapi. Most are staring open-jawed at the ship. The Confederate delegate sighs, clearly wanting to fly up for a better look… but his Vartan attendant has her hand firmly on his shoulder. The Nagas are flicking their tongues like mad, and the Archon looks like he wants to run over and touch it… and likewise has a restraining hand on his shoulder. The bodyguards try not to look at it, and focus on the people and surroundings, but it's a losing battle.

Unnoticed by the other arrivals, Sergeant Bear parks another utility vehicle near the entrance, packed with familiar look luggage, along with three Lapis sitting on the pile.

"Is that a request to be rescued?" the voice over the comm asks.

Meanwhile, Tasha marches on with her descriptive monologue, "Rebuilt from combined technologies, the Bellerophon represents a change in ship design from other scout vessels of its type. A strong effort was made to make the ship multi-species, reflected in both its design as well as technology." Tasha casts a glance towards the arriving Lapi, but quickly affixes her gaze forward again. "I've got it. I'm the second-in-command. I need to handle these things – or learn to. But thank you, none-the-less."

"Understood," comes the reply.

"Feel free to come forward and get gawked at; I'll introduce you when I'm not rambling officially," Tasha adds. "Excuse me, providing a history lesson."

"It is… bigger… in person," "Very sssleek… " "Shiny!" "Artful." That last comment was delivered in an electronic voice by the Archon's glove. Nobody notices the six-wheeled robot that perches at the top of the ramp and scans the group with its cameras.

The figure in white armor descends the ramp, each footstep echoing with a thunk in the hangar bay. When he reaches the bottom he turns slightly and heads towards the ambassadors. There's a slight shake of his head and several segments that make up his helmet separate and slide back and out of the way on quit pneumatic pistons, letting the Lapi breathe and hear normally again. He doesn't say anything to those gathered, he merely nods slightly.

"Cadet Layth, current pilot of the Silent-One Reaper-class Titan," Tasha announces as Layth draws near, nodding to him. He can just make out her wink before her face is a formal mask again.

"What… it's not a robot!" the blue-and-black Naga woman blurts when Layth's helmet comes off. This draws the attention of the others. "We know what Lapis are," the Karnor, Gustav, notes. "We met some on the flight over, Kessa… "

The mention of the Reaper gets the young Archon and his assistant's attention, but they remain… silent, if a bit excited.

"Would like to see the Gryphon," the Vartan, Rapatia comments.

"Pilot is too kind given my lack of skill in managing it," Layth says and tilts his head slightly to the side. "I am more its caretaker than a true pilot."

"There will be a formal tour tomorrow," Gabriel notes, a bit distracted by the Lapis in the corner. Aisha is up on top of the luggage pile and waving at Layth, after all.

Tasha's eyes widen at the sudden request for her to pilot, causing her to glance back, then over to her mate. "Is that acceptable, Captain?" She then grins a little wryly, adding, "And my fellow Cadet is too modest, but he always is."

"Launching either Titan is a laborious process, and the delegates will be able to get closer to them, in safety, during the tour," Gabriel notes. "I'm sure everyone is eager to get to their quarters and get comfortable."

"I quite remember falling out of it when we docked it," Layth points out and lifts a finger "Hardly something I would consider a true pilot would do." His head tilts a bit and he looks to the Silent-Ones, then tries to support Tasha by adding, "We could deploy both for the ambassadors to see; but the captain has the final call, of course."

The younger delegates don't seem to get the hint in those words, but their companions do. The Vartan does… wink at Tasha though.

"Yes, Sir." Tasha bobs her head to her Captain then begins again on her history lesson, "The-" She stammers when the other Vartan winks at her, but then soldiers on, quashing a grin. "The Bellerophon features a multiple engine configuration, as visible from the ground. The external cowling on the atmospheric drives was removed to provide additional armoring to the TSS Fenris, the Captain's original vessel."

Layth finally spares a wave to the Lapis in the back, but tries to not distract the others by keeping it brief.

The group listens to the rest of Tasha's presentation, although they don't move to actually look at some of the things she points out, like the rocket engines. It isn't clear how much of the technical details they even understand. Senator Cornelius brings things to an informal end, however, by dozing off.

Tasha must be distracted, because she blinks and tells Layth several seconds after her latest historical review, "Ah, Layth, we should heed the Captain and wait until tomorrow." A pause, and then, "The Captain warned me the ambassadors may attempt to manipulate us to get special favors; it's best we default to asking the Captain if unsure. And, to be wary."

From far down the connecting corridor, warning horns blare, and the huge cargo section of the Ajax begins to rise back towards the belly of the dirigible. Vesuvius claps his hands, and says, "Well, I think your quarters should be ready by now, and I'm sure most of you will welcome being on solid footing after such a long airship voyage."

Layth merely nods to Tasha's warning.

Tasha concludes her lesson by turning to face the group again, and nodding. "A more formal tour will be presented tomorrow. We look forward to your arrival, and your interest. Rest well." And she bows again.

As the Karnor commander begins herding the vehicles back towards the Officers Elevators, there's plenty of buzz among the (conscious) delegates. Once they've passed, the Lapi brigade approaches. "We brought your stuff," Aaron announces. "Caravelli's here somewhere too." Calligenia, naturally, pokes at Layth's armor.

"It is impolite to refer to women as 'stuff'," Layth remarks to Aaron in his usual deadpan. Calligenia then gets told, "The armor does not bite; though it does make the wearer stronger than any Guardian or Warrior."

Tasha keeps her bow going until the delegates have departed and the group is more or less alone, then rises and exhales sharply. "Whew, that was stressful," she admits, then she glances at Gabriel and says, "But I do look really good in this uniform. How'd I do?"

"You did very well," Gabriel says. "You did not seem like a flight attendant, which is good."

"Luggage, I meant," Aaron notes. Aisha hangs back a bit, looking intimidated to be this close to the ship and the armored Lapi. Calli just seems to ignore the Bellerophon.

"Er, thanks?" The young Vartan blinks at her mate, then gives him a appraising look before grinning. "The Captain is too kind." She then turns and waves to the newly arrived Lapi. "Welcome!"

"You changed your hair," Calli notes to Tasha, and… stares at her head.

"It is not polite to call them luggage, either," Layth remarks to Aaron, then quirks the corners of his lips. "Have you been keeping them satisfied?"

Tasha smiles when Calligenia notices her hair, and she reaches up to pat at it, a bit self-consciously. "Yes, it was necessary to look more formal, and really, it wasn't keeping with the styles here. Is there something wrong with it? Or, my head?"

"You've got skymetal in the back of your head," the chocolate Lapi notes. "Were you injured?"

Aaron has his typical put-upon look. "I take no responsibility for what they've gotten into," he claims. "I was busy following my own profession and gathering samples of the local flora that could be potentially useful."

"What?" Tasha begins to reach back, then pauses. "Oh!" She laughs, letting her hand fall. "I guess there is something wrong with my head, or rather, different. To pilot the Melchior, it was necessary to have… " Tasha eyes search Calligenia's face as she pauses, considerably, before she concludes, " … To have have metal embedded in my skull, brain, and body to control my Titan."

"What are these?" Aisha asks, taking Tasha's hand so she can see the tattoos.

The Amazonian tilts her head, ears lopping down. "You must not stand outside during a storm," she finally tells Tasha. "The gods like to strike at those wearing metal during storms."

The Vartan woman doesn't resist having her hand taken, instead turning it over so they can see the full design clearly. "They're also part of the system that allows me to control my Titan. I have tattoos like this across the length of my body. When in operation, they glow blue. I'm what's known as a 'cyborg' by ancient nomenclature." She blinks, then laughs again, reaching over to muss Calli's head with her free hand. "I'll keep that in mind," she assures her. Besides her hands, Tasha has other differences: she seems calmer for one, and her accent is essentially gone. It's almost like talking to another person.

Aaron seems the most alarmed by all of this. "You'd better see a Mind Mage, Tasha," he says. "I know you don't like magic… but it can't be worse than having stuff stuck into your brain."

At least Tasha's distrust of magic persists, because she wrinkles her muzzle at the suggestion of mind magic. "Really, it's fine," she assures the newly arrived Lapis. "I was checked by the ship's automated doctor and by Medical One on Sheol. Khattan technology is incredibly reliable, and safe."

"Until we return to Sinai and your brain melts," Layth notes, "And that is only partially a joke. You may not be able to return home again."

"Since when is technology reliable?" Aaron asks, half-grinning at Tasha.

"Layth, you haven't had anything done like that have you?" Aisha asks, sounding worried. "That armor is… just a suit, and not your skin now, right?"

Tasha's good humor seems to melt upon Layth's revelation, but she takes a breath, then inclines her head. "You may well be right, Layth. I'll address that if I need to." She glances at Aaron, forcing a smile. "Technology is extremely reliable outside Sifran Space, and, thus, the Sifran Probability Field radius."

"No, there was a horrible accident and they had to graft my head onto the body of a robot," Layth claims, sounding completely serious about it.

"Yeah… well… this world has magic now," Aaron points out… then gapes at Layth. The two does actually cry out in horror though!

"It was a total loss," Tasha agrees, nodding to Layth's comment, equally straight faced.

"You shouldn't tease them like that," Gabriel says, shaking his head.

"Aaron will have to be my surrogate in all things physical with you," Layth adds to the poor does.

"It's better than him teasing me all the time," Tasha asides to her mate. "Also, didn't they say the good Doctor was here? I wonder how he's doing." "He's got his ankle in a cast," Aaron notes, shaking his head. "Latania offered … nearly demanded… to fix it, but he resisted. Not sure why."

"Oh," Tasha glances back, "The wires are permanent, so, there's nothing much to be done about them even if magic does effect them."

The two does are glaring at Layth now. "That was cruel," Calligenia accuses. "And we missed you so much, too!" Aisha adds.

"It may be a discomfort with non-scientific medical application," Tasha suggests, nodding. "He had confided to me that he held great pride in his skills, and most people unfamiliar with magic are disturbed by it." She looks about to add more, but shuts her muzzle.

"I think he likes Latania and did it to get more attention from her," Aaron suggests, then looks up at the gaping maw of the ship. "So… how badly haunted is this thing?"

Tasha goes to answer, but pauses, glancing at Gabriel instead.

"Nothing to keep us from sleeping soundly," Akkers answers.

"Because he would owe her a favor and the mage is scary enough to not to want to owe her a favor," Layth offers as explanation to Aaron's actions. "And there is only one ghost, a Silent-One and my friend."

"A ghost?" Aisha asks. "A warrior spirit?" Calli asks next, always trying to be more specific.

Glancing back, Tasha insists, "Please keep any mention of ghosts or any other supernatural activity strictly to yourselves, especially around the delegates and their entourage."

"Well… I guess a Silent-One ghost is… quiet at least," Aaron says. Having dealt with mages most of his life, the idea of ghosts isn't disturbing to him at all.

"No, a technician who died a lot time ago," Layth says and shrugs a bit. "I spend a lot of time with her."

"With regards to the Bellerophon," Tasha adds, in afterthought.

"Did you miss us at all?" Aisha demands.

"Of course I did. The only attention I received on the ship was from a really large Karnor," Layth says simply. "And it is not quite the same… "

"We're supposed to have quarters somewhere," Aaron says. "We should probably let the Sergeant shows us to them." He seems to be directing this suggesting at the does.

"We got jobs in Marketing while we were waiting," Aisha says. "I'll tell you all about it later!"

"Sergeant Bear is a good man, please try and follow his advice and directions," Tasha agrees, nodding to Aaron for his suggestion. To Gabriel, Tasha says, "Captain, if you don't mind and don't need me for anything else, I'd like to see if I can meet the third shift and try and catch a drink."

"We should find out where Caravelli is staying too," Gabriel notes. "And get something to eat. Do you think your Cookie friend can make something to tempt Zerachiel out of his lair?" he asks Tasha.

"Marketing?" Layth asks. The buck shakes his head, then says to Tasha, "Perhaps we should go fight Titanian Pirates, it would be far safer than … marketing." He then looks between the others and says, "I suppose I shall return to the ship, then?"

"We can close it up remotely if you'd rather join your harem for the night," Gabriel tells the buck… with just as straight a face as Layth used to claim he was now a robot.

Tasha twists her muzzle, but nods. "I'll see what I can do, since I was going that way anyway. I should be able to find where the Doctor is staying through the shift members, as well." She glances at Layth, and as she grins, she sends, "I know I am going to find somewhere nice, loud, and full of beer and Karnors to relax. I can only take so much of the does at once."

"Did you frisk them for can openers?" Layth asks Akkers with an equally straight face.

"We brought your old clothes, if you want to just relax a bit," Aaron offers to Layth.

Akkers puts his hands up, saying, "I'm not frisking them! I didn't survive 6,000 years to do something that dangerous. Let Tasha do it."

Tasha glances between the two men, then the does, and finally at Aaron before returning her gaze to her Captain. "I'll just dismiss myself, Sir, and see to the Doctor." She salutes, then, very deliberately, turns and heads for the interior of the base.

"Actually, I could use a bath," Layth remarks and then looks directly at Calli and Aisha. "Then I could consider relaxing a bit." He almost calls after Tasha to tell her they dismissed her a long time ago, but decides she's had enough prodding for one night and grins instead.