Pilot Episode - Act III

Hamilton’s lips form a thin, white line while the Inphirian speaks. "This is, of course, one of many reasons we are grateful for your presence on this mission, Liaison Officer Oobadek. May this mission be a laurel between our communities." She nods her head to him politely, then looks to the technician. "Now if there are no other questions, I believe we are ready to beam down, pending approval from the surface."

The door to the transporter room slides open with a telltale hiss, and the captain comes in. "I understand your excitement, Commander," says McCurry. "But I would like to say a few words before you depart."

As the away team members turn to listen, she adopts a serious, though not stern, expression. "As Liaison Officer Oobadek has undoubtedly told you already, there is some tension already present in the Federation's dealings with the Inphirian people, especially the governor of Errbex. You have each been chosen for this away mission for your particular skills and talents, but they will only be at their most effective when you are working together. You complement one another, and you are best when those talents are used in concert. Please remember that, and remain open to others' suggestions and points of view."

Though she is looking from person to person in turn, her eyes fall on Pleiades as she says this last. Still, her gaze moves along without lingering over long on any one person.

"Go with all of our best wishes, and make the Hodgkin proud."

With that, she nods to the technician to give permission to begin the transport process when the team and Errbex are both ready.

Oobadek signals pleasure to her in response, and replies, "Adjunct Dorabin, this is the First Officer, Commander Pleiades Hamilton, second in command of the Hodgkin. Under Starfleet protocol, Captain McCurry remains on board," he adds.

Hamilton inclines her head slightly, not losing a respectful eye contact. She raises her hands and gently tilts her fingers outward, symmetrically, to mirror the greeting offered earlier via Comm. "The crew of the Hodgkin is honored to greet our hosts in this space."

She waits for a response before introducing her crew.

"We are here to provide any assistance Governor Pologret needs. If he considers it appropriate to read us in on the developments up to this point that are not already in Federation files, we would appreciate it. However, I will defer to his judgement."

She is stiff, but amiable, which sounds odd coming from her.

Oobadek arranges his tendrils in a conciliatory manner, showing relaxed calm politeness to the fellow Inphirian. "If I may suggest, Adjunct, but perhaps a tour of the colony may be a good start? We would not want to impose a solution without fully understanding the state of things."

Something flashes in the commander's eyes, and an astute observer will notice a slight change in the hue of her cheeks. But only if they look closely.

"Thank you, Liaison Officer Oobadek. Plans and contingencies are only as solid as available information. If Governor Pologret does not oppose, this would help us offer the most accurate plan possible."

She gestures to the others with them in turn. "Before I miss the appropriate opportunity, let me introduce Lieutenant Hironaka, security specialist, Lieutenant Blakeney, operations, and Lieutenant Edison, engineering."