The two Kalderi were silent and, at first, the Bonaventure's crew worried there had been something lost in translation. Belatedly Solae noticed their mouths were moving inside their helmets, the pair of aliens utilizing a private communication between their suits, undoubtedly discussing how they wanted to respond. The duchess waited patiently; they were the guests arriving uninvited and imposing upon what little good will the Kalderi had for the Stellar Empire. Rosaria discreetly glanced at Rene, who stood stoically, taking his lead from his fiancee. No one truly knew what they were doing, but they had no better strategy than relying on the intuition and expertise of the only diplomat present.

"We would know the names of everyone on board," one of Kalderi finally announced. Their armored attire was so bulky it was impossible to discern gender with any certainty, but the voice sounded pointedly more feminine than either of the two that had been channeled through their speakers on arrival. It was somewhat reassuring to know the species at least had sexual dimorphism. The similarities between the races would make their negotiations significantly easier. Slavers like Thorne chose to ignore shared traits because differences were what allowed them to claim superiority, subjugate, and reduce others to the status of animals. This ignorant way of viewing the universe was what she hoped would lead to the downfall of the prejudiced.

"This is my Lieutenant Colonel Rene Quentain, my chief of security," Solae introduced, deciding she would disclose his duty as a military attache at a later time. She did want to give the impression she came to their system with any warlike intentions. "My other companions are my handmaiden, Rosaria, and my two bodyguards, Yarue and Dasin," she continued with a gesture to each. The Kalderi gave short nods of acknowledgment but lingered the longest on the two Syshin. There were no records of the Kalderi and Syshin ever having met, although it was possible they had and humanity had simply not been privy to the information.

"Duchess Solae Falia, did you buy these Syshin?" the secondly Kalderi asked candidly, the deeper voice indicative of the individual being male. If she had been the typical noble she would have not hesitated to assert she had proudly, but as lucky would have it she was not, and instead interpreted the query as a thinly veiled accusation against her moral character.

"Absolutely not. They are here by choice and their own free will. I value all life, whether it be human, Syshin, Kalderi, or synthetic. If you were to come to a mutual agreement with Yarue and Dasin for them to stay on one of your planets, they would have my blessing, as I would never prevent them from living their lives as they see fit," she bristled slightly. Typically this sort of first greeting ought to be full of warm smiles or professional detachment, but her flare of anger and indignation proved her words genuine, and conveyed to the Kalderi how serious she was about her philosophy.

"Many of your people own Syshin as slaves," the female Kalderi pointed out, glancing to Yarue and Dasin for any sign they were unwilling captives that were in need of a rescue. All she saw was the two shifting their weight uncomfortably, restless in their garments, apparently bored or frustrated with the formality of the discussion.

"That is true, and something I hope to change," Solae declared with honest passion. "No Syshin has, to the best of my knowledge, ever been appointed as a bodyguard, much less by a duchess. I come to you prepared to forge those new paths with both the Syshin at my side and with you, the Kalderi." The empress had given her legitimacy but she doubted that the ruler of the human empire was prepared for her newest appointment to be quite so bold. There would be ripples when word reached Capella what she had done, negative consequences along with the positive, and a risk of social stigmata. She had made a monumental gamble, but a gamble none-the-less. Taking risks was the only chance for progress, but Rene probably appreciated better than most the price she could potentially pay if her plan failed.

"We will inspect your ship," the male Kalderi declared, satisfied for now with her response. "If the conditions reflect what you say, you will be permitted to land."

Rene followed Solae’s lead and stepped aside, allowing the aliens to pass. There was nothing improper in allowing the Kalderi to inspect the ship. Mia had already sanitized the computer records beyond the ability of anything less than a full forensic team to reconstruct. It was merely listed as a prize of war that had been brought into service by then Marquessa Falia. Records after the capture were complete but hardly very illuminating. A true diplomatic vessel would look much the same, with any truly sensitive information stored in a diplomatic computer that was physically separated from the mainframe. Mia’s massaged database included an account of the Empress’ promotion of Solae along with authentications take from the Rosette she carried so there could be no question as to their authenticity.

The Kalderi started at the bridge, making some attempt to interface with the Bonaventure by way of probes built into their armor. From their comments about the Syshin they obviously knew more about Imperial society than Imperials imagined but if so that didn’t make them any more suspicious. Solae opted not to follow the two Kalderi, a deliberate expression of trust and the fact she had nothing to hide, but they followed their progress on security holograms. From time to time the aliens paused and moved their mouth parts. Mia interpreted the behavior as using some sort of sonic sounding, probably to confirm that there were no false compartments hidden on the ship that were contra to what their scans indicated. Even though he knew there were no such cavities, Rene found himself holding his breath.

After ten minutes the Kalderi returned to the airlock, their expressions were hard to read but Rene thought they seemed a little more relaxed than they had when they had first come aboard. The larger of the two made an obscure gesture and then both aliens made a slight bow to Solae.

“We are transmitting coordinates,” the smaller of the two said in a slightly more feminine voice.

“Do not deviate from them or the skyfires will engage,” he/she cautioned. Rene glanced at a holographic display on which Mia was acknowledging the receipt of course information. Rene wasn’t sure what they meant by ‘skyfires’ but it wasn’t difficult to guess from context. Before anyone could say another word both aliens bounded back into the umbilicus, sailing weightlessly back towards their vessel.

“Not much for small talk,” Rene commented once the airlock doors had closed and he heard the hissing disconnection of the boarding tube. He wasn’t sure if that was a cultural peculiarity, perhaps the response of junior officers to suddenly finding themselves in the presence of a high level envoy from another government, or simply a desire to be away from what they would see as a strange alien ship. There was so much unknown that making any kind of assumptions might be dangerous, so he tried to keep his speculations under control.

“Lady Solae,” Mia interjected breathlessly.

“These coordinates are for landing within the Kalderi zone, not the area reserved for human vessels. I can find no other record of such a landing,” the AI announced.

A video feed, slant imagery from a ship on approach Rene guessed, appeared on the screen, displaying a small palatial structure with a large open space which initially appeared to be a courtyard, but was actually a private landing pad judging from the data the Kalderi had committed. Rene let out a low whistle, impressed that they had managed to penetrate so quickly. Perhaps this would work afterall.

"Why would they board us with only two people?" Rosaria asked as she trailed after Solae. The longer she was with the couple the more she took advantage of the fact that they would answer her questions. Thorne's employees would not permit her to speak out of turn and, on the rare occasion she was openly defiant, they refused to honor any request, much less an idle query. They had viewed her as an object with which they would infuse the knowledge deemed necessary. When she had been liberated, it was both physically and intellectually. It was for this reason that neither the linguist nor her lover would deny her reasonable explanations; they wanted her to stand on her own as a person, and that required giving her the tools to understand the world around her outside the limited scope in which she had been allowed.

"It was a risk assessment," the duchess replied as she made her way to the bridge. Mia had already been instructed to navigate them through the system towards their destination. Typically she would have guided their vessel herself, but Solae felt the circumstances warranted the precision of a computer, as a slight deviation could be interpreted poorly by the Kalderi. The AI lacked the 'finesse' to perform the landing, however, so she had to be prepared to handle their touch down. It was a task made slightly ridiculous by her regal and refined gown that glittered with each step.

"Imagine you are the Kalderi," Solae elaborated as she sat down. Her full skirt overflowed on the chair, making the sight even more comical, but she didn't have time to dwell on the ludicrous. "Besides merchants, you don't have many dealings with an alien race, and your first contact was when they massacred one of your settlements just because you could. You'd be skeptical of anyone coming to you with proposals of peace. Even if you're technologically superior, they could still have crude weaponry, and if they are lying about their intentions they could damage or kill your people if you allow them to land. Alternatively, you could send a couple scouts to board their skip and try to verify their story and at least make certain they aren't armed to the teeth with explosives. The worst case scenario is you lose two scouts, but you'd still be able to eliminate the threat before they are near any civilians."

"You understood all that from two Kalderi on our ship?" Rosaria asked skeptically. It made sense, and she did not disbelieve the theory, but she was slightly baffled as to how such a large leap had been made from a brief interaction.

"They didn't show much interest in conversation, wore armored suits, and were trying to evaluate an unknown factor," Solae replied with a soft smile. "If that's not a military scout, I'm not sure what is. If they had sent one of my fellow diplomats we'd still be waxing poetic about the details of the Stellar Empire's treatise with the Kalderi," she lightly jested with sincerity. Sooner or later they would run into one of her professional peers. She estimated that even Rene would tire quickly of listening to her spending hours lost in chatter.

"Yarue, Dasin," she called over the speaker, "would either of you like to simulate what a landing would be like? Mia, activate the co-pilot seat like we did with Rene that once. Have my station maintain the controls, but ghost them to the other station so they can feel when it's aligned." It would be a harmless exercise. No input would actually be processed from the second chair except to give a sensation of whether or not they were in synchronization or if had made an error. It occurred to her that just because her fiance did not have the aptitude did not mean any of her companions might share in some of the necessary strengths. The offer was not made to Rosaria on account of her age; she was much more reluctant to let a non-adult learn the system.

"I will try," Yarue announced as he quickly moved from the main hold to the cockpit where Solae and her handmaiden were watching for visual cues they were in range to begin the landing sequence.

"Three minutes until we enter orbit," Mia declared breathlessly as they watched the planet grow larger on both their screens and in their generously sized window. The two warships had moved to maintain a safe distance, just in case the humans acted erratically, but were strictly monitoring, not threatening the freighter.

The Bonaventure bucked and rocked as it decended through the upper atmosphere. Ranal Pindi was a blue world, largely covered with relatively shallow oceans. Unlike Panopontus however, the land here had been formed in the geologic past by volcanic eruptions that left great basalt mounds that fell sharply into the cerulean blue seas. Here and there the dark shapes of trenches, not deep but many times deeper than the average surface water, drew lines across the ocean surface. There was no obvious evidence of volcanism now, but the Bonaventure’s sensors registered several heat signatures which closely resembled what one would expect to find in Imperial geothermal power plants, suggesting that it continued deep beneath the surface.

The world did not appear to be densely settled, certainly not by Imperial standards, with perhaps two or three dozen cities that majestically crowned their high stone perches. Surrounding the cities were large areas of what Rene could only conceive of as aquatic gardens in which a number of kinds of seaweed, many brightly colored, were apparently cultivated. The differing colors and the clear water gave the impression that the cities were somehow wreathed with streamers. Strangely the sensors did not detect any water craft larger than a few meters and no ionization trails to indicate recent starship landings. If there was commerce between the cities it must be on a very small scale.

The buffeting subsided as they passed through the atmosphere and descended toward the indicated island. Rene watched the sensors closely for anything that might resemble weapons emplacements tracking them, but if there were such emplacements, they were either too subtle, or too different from Imperial models for the basic sensors of the freighter to detect. The city they approached was on the small side and crisscrossed by wide curving boulevards lined with trees with broad leaves of pale blue that reminded Rene of palms he had seen on New Concordia. The streets themselves appeard to be sculpted from the basalt stone of the island, faceted in curiously asymmetric but none the less appealing geometric patterns.

“Do you think the Kalderi will help us?” It took Rene a moment to realise that Rosaria was speaking and she was directing the question at him. It was good that the girl was curious and Solae wanted to encourage her as part of her transition from her former subservience, because of this Rene resisted the urge to tell her to quiet down while they were focusing on the landing. Also the fact that she had directed the question at him showed that she was observant, clearly recognising the fact that Solae had to focus on the control.

“There is no way to tell really,” Rene admitted, there was simply too much unknown about the Kalderi to resonably predict an outcome.

“But I think there is a chance,” he added after a moment.

“Why?” Rosaria pressed. Rene resisted the urge to grind his teeth, but his current duties didn’t really preclude him from answering a question posed by his Lady’s Handmaiden.

“They granted us permission to land very quickly,” Rene explained.

“That means there is someone on the ground with enough power to make the decision and enforce his or her will on the naval units in orbit. Also the fact that they are having us land in the city rather than the traders cantonment is a good sign. If they wanted to stall for time they could have landed us there and waited to make contact.”

Rene wondered how much of that was true and how much he was allowing his own hopes to color the situation. He wasn’t a diplomat by training or disposition, but he had spent enough time around politicians to grasp the basics. The Kalderi had superior technology, but that didn’t mean they were unbeatable, at least in the short term. An Imperial Fleet, a real one as opposed to the kind of anti-pirate sloops that Duke Tan was using, would be able to devastate border worlds if it chose to. The Kalderi had possessed a vast fleet a thousand years ago, but that didn’t necessarily mean they still did, a lot could change in a culture over a millennium. It also begged the question as to why they had ever possessed such a fleet. It could be to deter some unknown adversary on their far borders or it might simply be to keep their own population under control. Perhaps Solae’s mission would shed new light on questions that had kept Imperial historians guessing for centuries.

The pitch of the thrusters rose sharply as Solae guided them in on final approach. The designated landing area appeared to be a large courtyard in front of an impressive manor. Kalderi architecture appeared to run towards towers with several fluted structures linked together both at the ground level and by walkways that crisscrossed at various intervals like spiderwebs between tree branches. Beneath an impressive portico stood a robed Kalderi flanked by a quartet of guards in armor similar too, but far more ornate than, the boarding party had worn. Each one carried what appeared to be a pike as well as a sword of a pattern recognisable from the one they had taken from Lord Armon’s manor. The Bonaventure touched down with the impact of a feather floating to the ground, the ship groaned slightly and then the thrusters cut, the ominpresent rumble giving way to the gentle pings of cooling metal. Rene stood and offered his arm to Solae.

“I am at your service Ambassador,” he said with a faint smile

They disembarked the spacecraft in a pre-arranged formation of Solae's choosing as once again they deferred to her expertise and judgment. By no means did this mean the duchess relished in the way leadership had passively been thrust upon her shoulders, but in this instance, as a delegation to a foreign race whom they were approaching in peace, it was a responsibility she gladly assumed. This was more the pinnacle of her dreams than being granted an elevated title. The former marquise and her escort walked in the front. Rene balked slightly, not wanting to steal any of the limelight from the dignitary herself, but she was insistent. Socially she was his superior in the Stellar Empire, but she wanted her partner beside her, to set a precedent for his involvement in her life as her equal in all things, regardless of courtly protocol. Rosaria, as handmaiden, walked directly behind the couple, flanked by the towering Syshin guards in their finery. Though it was not discussed aloud, the adults all realized this kept the teenager protected in the unlikely event things became hostile, as she had no battle experience to reply upon and keep her safe otherwise.

The landing pad was not a composite like anything they had seen before. By the time the thrusters had been cut and the hatch opened, the glittering deep green stone was only mildly warm to the touch. At first blush one might erroneously assume the hue was completely a convenient byproduct of the materials. The aerial view, however, proved that the specific verdant shade blended into the vegetation in the near vicinity, making the slab both stand out enough to be functionally sound, but be sufficiently innocuous on the ground level to not be an eyesore among the landscaping. This visual harmony was not a coincidence; it made Solae speculate that there were variations of this landing pad in a myriad of colors.

Before they had touched down the diplomat had briefly wondered if the Kalderi had suffered any sort of cataclysmic event, like the one humanity had suffered so long ago, one that could have possibly returned them to a prior technological age. Each successive step forward she became more certain that, even if they had, their advancements had been regained. The residence in front of them was a veritable piece of art, the stone curving, twisting, and stretching upwards as it had been carved from a single slab by a sculptor. There were no joints or seams in sight. The elevated walkways were impossibly smooth arches whose beauty made it easy to forget how precarious they would be to walk without handrails.

The mystery of why there were so few boats and why the architecture rose to such heights was dispelled as they reached the portico. In space Kalderi armor kept their wings covered out of pragmatic necessity, but here on land there was no such need, and the limbs were exposed and neatly folded behind them. Similarly, their host or hostess (it was difficult to discern a gender) had robes designed to accommodate wings as well as their full range of movement, enabling flight so long as the clothing was not too heavy. Solae hid the surprise on her face but discreetly kept glancing towards the leathery appendages. They were dark in color, two of them a saturated purple edging on black, one a deep brown, and the last glimmering a faint blue when struck by errant rays of sunshine.

Ancient mythos, when religion was revered on the home planets of human civilization, spoke of demonic creatures with leathery wings. It was impossible not to draw a parallel. Kalderi faces were drastically different, especially their mouths, but there were not dissimilar to the more bestial renditions of lore. Perhaps these had not been creatures of idle imaginations. Millennia ago Kalderi could have theoretically visited Earth, the birthplace of their species, and incited a legend. More often than not a tale was inspired by fact. Human recreations, since memory was fallible, could account for the stark differences between fiction and reality, or the Kalderi could have evolved from their first years of traveling the stars. Neanderthals and the genetically engineered aristocrats of today were far from identical.

"Duchess Solae Falia, Lieutenant Colonel Rene Quentain, Handmaiden Rosaria, Guard Darue, and Guard Yasin," the robed Kalderi greeted with careful, precise enunciation, "I welcome you. The language of my people is not entirely within the range of human hearing, and you are not physically able to replicate its sounds, so you will call me Lithyll while you are here." It was an unusual introduction, but purposeful, as the disclosure would prevent misunderstandings once they were led inside. If they had heard Lithyll called another name, or heard half-conversations in their presence, they would not be as suspicious it was malice or malevolent secrecy that kept the communication outside their understanding.

"It is an honor, truly," Solae returned the greeting with a reverent curtsy. "By permitting us to land you have already brought me a great amount of personal joy," she proclaimed with a radiant smile. Interactions between imperial nobility was a lesson in restraint; suppressing emotions, forcing calm composure, withholding grins and frowns, even controlling the cadence of laughter to politely suit the situation. Here, however, Solae's honest and earnest desire to simply be around the Kalderi so that she might hear of their culture was her greatest asset. Restraint could have made her seem coldly apathetic, which would be insincere and make them question her true aim.

"Personal joy?" Lithyll repeated, his or her head twitching slightly to the side.

"I am curious about all the people of the universe," Solae explained, her enthusiasm freely seeping into her words, "about their traditions, their beliefs, their customs, their lifestyles, their folklore. I know that the failings of our ancestors have given you every reason to forbid my fellow humans from entering your homes, and so I hoped for this moment but did not dare to presume my wishes would be granted. To see you and speak you alone fills me with happiness," she added with a bow of her head in respect.

"You are an unusual human, Duchess Solae Falia," Lithyll observed, but the lilt of their voice suggested it was a compliment rather than a criticism. "We have much to discuss," he/she said, turning towards the doors and motioning for the intrepid troupe to follow.

Solae and Rene followed Lithyll into the small palace that evidently served as his dwelling. There had been nothing on the overflight to suggest that the Kalderi, at least in this city, had anything recognizable as public buildings. Any Imperial settlement would have government centers, public service hubs and the other amenities of a community, the Kalderi seemed to be doing without such things, or perhaps they existed in a form too unfamiliar to the humans to be recognisable. Even Lithyll’s manor, though grand was indistinguishable from a half dozen other similar structures the sensors had imaged during the descent.

The interior of the building was surprisingly airy. Rene had expected that the towers on the exterior would make the inside space cramped and segmented, but the opposite was true, it was though they were within the bellows that powered a vast pipe organ with delicate stair ways tracing upwards into the towers above. It was also literally airy. Gentle breezes blue from a dozen different directions, not strong but obviously present. Works of textured art covered the walls, some were clearly designed to channel the winds, and Rene suspected if he understood the principles better, the less obvious ones did also.

“You come to us at an interesting time,” Lithyll explained as he lead them into one of the wings of the manor.

“I was pleased to be the one to take responsibility for you,” he continued before glancing at the humans. Seeing no obvious reaction the alien elaborated.

“I understand that in your Empire you have very strict hierarchies, an Empress, Nobles, Lords and so on. Even governors and elected officials. Among the Kalderi we prefer those in position and with an interest to take charge, for the Good of All.”

They entered a large circular room which was created by the base of one of the towers. Smaller rooms, separated by archways with what looked like falling water created the doors. Rene experimentally reached out and touched one of the doors, surprisingly it had form to it, though it wasn't quite solid, perhaps some kind of force field. Noticing this Lithyll reached out and placed his hand on the door and then rotated it. The door vanished as though it had never existed revealing a bed chamber beyond. Reversing the motion the door appeared again blocking the view.

“Unlike humans we enjoy the circulation of air, my people would feel trapped if we closed them off the way you do,” Lithyll explained. He gestured them all to seats around a central table made of some kind of polished stone. As protocol dictated Rene waited for Solae to seat herself before settling into his own chair. Lithyll waited for the whole party to be seated before taking his own ease. The long limbed alien seemed to fold himself into the chair crossing his legs as a human child would have done.
“I know you must be weary from your travels, but I have arranged for a … social gathering for tonight. Many of the Kalderi who make decisions on...Ranal Pindi,” he said, clearly pausing before choosing the human name for the world, “will be in attendance.”

"That is an... unexpected sign of trust," Solae admitted. Rosaria sat to her left, with Rene to her right, and the Syshin beside him. Proper formation would have had the bodyguards flanking their charges, but it would also having them standing rather than sitting, and would deny them the comfort of being directly adjacent to one another. Dasin and Yarue had grown accustomed to their companions to the extent they were mildly friendly, but the duchess was sensitive to the fact they had taken huge leaps of faith in quick succession, and did not want to stand on etiquette when establishing a rapport was of greater importance. She also had the distinct impression that there was little that could protect them if the Kalderi deemed the group a threat.

"How do the Kalderi people regard humanity?" she asked after a moment's thought. The first step of diplomacy was to gauge the situation; what prejudices and misconception they had towards one another. The alien race was clearly not hostile, but that did not mean they were friendly. There was a vast difference between a technologically advanced civilization that saw the intelligent beings they shared the universe with as annoying gnats, as possible allies in the struggle to survive and thrive, or as a potential source of labor if conquered. That the Stellar Empire had subjugated Syshin by taking advantage of their more primitive home world was a stain upon history itself.

"We have observed your people since first contact," Lithyll explained patiently and calmly. It made sense. When their settlements had been violently eradicated, even after the Jeweled Armada had responded in retaliation, the Kalderi could not afford to disregard their neighbors. To do would have been gross negligence. The treaty had ensured there was not war, but borders had to be maintained, and they had to be cautiously mindful if there were ripples of conflict that destabilized the government. Civil unrest could result in ships disregarding law and venturing into their territories.

"We have been waiting for your people to... mature," he intoned.

There were many ways in which Solae could imagine they might think humanity had been immature. When they had met the Kalderi initially they had slaughtered them in a display of greed and power. The Syshin had been treated just as poorly. Across several sectors they had struggled with stability, some generations of emperors lacking while others were glorious but short-lived. Prosperous times made aristocrats complacent and they took much for granted, while turmoil had them betraying one another to gain an upper hand. Hundreds of years had changed them as a race, but there were undeniable faults. Duke Tan was arguably the manifestation of some of their worst proclivities.

"We could be better," the linguist carefully confessed. "I am hopeful that through our understanding of each other we can grow. Many of our people I believe have been reluctant out of fear," she added after a moment's reflection.

"Fear?" Lithyll asked.

"Of the warships from the past," Solae stated delicately. "They have seen the strength of the Kalderi, and that makes them afraid, especially if they come with dishonest intentions. I chose to come to you because, as you may have seem from our vessel, we do not have weapons beyond those we use for self-protection, and I have nothing to hide. I was a translator that worked in an embassy before I was granted the title of duchess."

"I see," Lithyll said with an expression of amusement. His mouth could not quite form a smile, but feelings transcended language barriers with ease. "Those were not warships. Some of the worlds our people live on were not... habitable when they were discovered. We developed tools to eliminate beasts and plants on the surface so that we could reshape it more easily."

Rene nodded his head as though the information they had received hadn’t just completely up-ended centuries of Imperial thought on the Kalderi. It was possible that Lithyll was lying, though it was hard to see where that would create an advantage. The footage that survived from the Jeweled Armada depicted vast energy beams. Rene could easily see them boring into the crust of the world to release magma or exploit fault lines. Come to think of it, this very world might have had islands created by such a technique.

“We do have some warships, as you would think of them,” Lithyll continued, making an eloquent gesture with his palm and the tip of one wing to the ceiling above them, clearly indicating the guard ship in orbit.

“But that is more a matter of dissuading any unwise human raiders, we find we have little need of such things,” the alien declared. The Kalderi clearly understood humans better than humans understood Kalderi, it was easy to imagine raiders, seeing an apparently unguarded world, sweeping down on it, even with the lessons of history to advise against it. Unfortunately that meant getting ships from the Kalderi was likely to be something of a challenge.

A chime at the door rang and two slender Kalderi entered carrying trays of refreshments and flutes of what appeared to be champagne. They set them down before their guests with the precision of a drill team. The food seemed to be some kind of sushi cooked in a very acidic vinegar and Rene waited for Solae to take a bite before he joined her.

“Eat and drink,” Lithyll encouraged though he made no move to join them.

“Our thanks .... ah by what title should we address you?” Rene asked. His military rank gave him the option to ask questions that might be too blunt for Solae to voice but might nonetheless prove useful to his fiancee.
“I am merely Lithyll Colonel,” the alien replied, “we do not use titles in the sense you understand. All here know that I am Lithyll and that I speak for the community of Ranal Pindi on the matter of your embassy.” Rene nodded in understanding though the information didn’t clear much up, he still had no idea how the Kalderi here or anywhere else organized themselves, but he would leave further questioning to Solae.

“Will you join us in a drink then Lithyll,” Rene asked politely. The alien responded with a grating sound that Rene interpreted as a chuckle.

“I am afraid not Colonel, I do not mean to be rude, but we are not evolved to digest ethanol, I would be dead within an hour if I were to have so much as a mouthful,” the alien explained.

"Lithyll, may I be so bold as to make a suggestion before we eat?" Solae asked diplomatically. Rosaria was eyeing her champagne with great interest. While she had been the toy and protege of her former mistress, alcohol had been expressly forbidden, though not out of any sort of concern for her health. Thorne viewed liquor as a privilege the girl had not yet earned. There had been 'moving goalposts' of what might be worthy of an award, be it clothes of her choosing, a special meal, or decorations for her room. After a while the teenager had stopped striving for the prize; it had become clear to her that her sadistic 'mother figure' had no intentions of deviating from her strict rules and regimen.

"Of course, Duchess," Lithyll agreed readily, expecting that the suggestion would be about food, beverage, or accommodations.

"I assume the Kalderi have superior technology to humanity," she began. That Lithyll did not object or allege it was a false fact told her everything she needed to know. Though she had been relatively certain of such an assessment, it was beneficial to have it passively confirmed. The Stellar Empire did not have ships that could generate energy blasts like the Jeweled Armada of so long ago. Hearing that they were utility functions made into weapons put into perspective the prowess alien race; they knew then they didn't need their warships to retaliate, implying they were even more formidable if challenged as equals.

"I won't presume nor pretend I know the extent of your people's abilities," Solae continued, "but there is... conflict within the empire. A certain Duke Alexis Tan has staged a coup and self-styled himself as an emperor. Currently his focus is on expanding within the domain of humanity, but I would be remiss if I did not warn you he is unlikely to respect the treatise between the Kalderi and the Stellar Empire he is trying to usurp. I wouldn't want any of you to..." she hesitated and sighed. Though she had brought up the topic of her own accord, it was a subject that troubled the peaceful aristocrat, a woman who cherished softer virtues and kinder relations than many of her peers. "I could not sleep at night if any Kalderi was harmed by me withholding crucial information," the linguist stated honestly.

"Duke? That is the same title you have, but male, is it not?" Lithyll posed calmly.

"It is, or it was," Solae conceded. "When our empress learned of his betrayal, and those he had killed on his quest, she coneyed his title to me. Before I was made a duchess, my title was marchessa or marquise, a rank below his." It was more of an explanation than Rosaraia, Yarue, or Dasin had explicitly received. She had not been maliciously trying to keep any of her history from her companions. The urgency of needing to flee Zatis, elude hostile forces, hone new skills, and find sanctuary had been more pressing than the particulars of how the empress reacted to discovering a duke had amassed and army and went on a ruthless killing spree.

"And you believe he may come here?" Lithyll inquired.

"I do not know," she shrugged. "I am no soldier. Truthfully, I have no desire for leadership. I do not covet power, so the goals and tactics of one who does is beyond me. I wish every day that he could have been content with what he had, that nothing had changed; I'd gladly give up being a duchess if lives lost could have been saved. What I hope to do is make the best out of being given his title. Empowering my Syshin allies, advocating for their rights, and improving understanding with the Kalderi are what I am most passionate about."

"I see," Lithyll nodded. For a moment he was quietly contemplative. Yarue and Dasin, who were famished, took the opportunity to gobble down their food once they saw Solae nibble at the offering. Rosaria ate as well, but did not care as much for the acidic flavor, and much preferred the bubbling golden liquid that had been previously forbidden. "I will make a recommendation other warships are prepared for any turmoil that may spread from human space."

Lithyll’s gaze paned to Rene with the precision of an electronic lathe making a cut.

“You are a soldier Colonel,” the alien observed, “do you believe that trouble is likely to spread into Kalderi space?” Rene paused for a moment. He was not a trained diplomat and he wasn’t entirely sure what answer Solae would like him to give to the question.

“I cannot predict what the rebels might do,” he said after a moment.

“But it is possible that as they grow desperate they may make some move in this direction. Also Tan has pulled his fleets away to the galactic west, fleets that would normally be in charge of suppressing piracy. I’m even less able to predict what bandits might do while Tan neglects his duty.” It was no diplomatic masterstroke but he hoped it would keep the idea of danger alive in Lithyll’s mind and perhaps help move him to assist Solae in whatever way he could. Lithyll bobbed his head in what might ave been the equivalent of a sage nod.

“Wise words Colonel Quentain,” the alien replied before turning his head back towards Solae.

“We do not choose leaders in the same fashion as you do Duchess Solae,” he told her, “but it is our experience that those best suited to exercise leadership are those who least desire it.” Lithyll stood up and Solae and the other humans followed suit, exchanging bows with the alien.

“You have given us much to think about, I will discuss it with the others,” Lithyll declared. Rene had no idea who ‘the others’ were in this context but he assumed it was however the Kalderi on this planet made decisions.

“Rest, and in a few hour we will see you at the ball, you will have a chance to speak with others. Many are curious about you Duchess,” Lithyll told Solae with a toothy smile before turning and walking from the room, leaving the humans and their Syshin friends alone.

"Do you really think they might attack here?" Rosaria asked Solae and Rene once she was certain they had been left by their Kalderi hosts to converse privately. She was so used to the tactics employed by Thorne that she had not yet escaped the mentality that someone was always working an angle to their benefit. That she was even questioning the diplomat and soldier was a testament to the effect their character was having, however; in the past she would have assumed she was correct, but because she viewed them as people of higher integrity, she was torn between what she knew and what she hoped to believe.

"Like Rene said, I don't know, but he's right about the pirates. I still hope they help us," she clarified, "and the greater empire as a whole. With their support we could not just win a war but stabilize our government. Forging diplomatic relations would reflect positively upon the empress, and it would empower her, as well as give her good reason, to grant more rights and freedom to the Syshin as another alien race we share the universe with. They are lofty dreams but.. we have a responsibility to warn them about Tan regardless. We warned the empress of his treachery, and we'll continue to warn anyone and everyone else we can, and pray to the cosmos that it will save lives." Solae sank back her in her chair as her last sentence seeped into her mind. New Concordia had not published the true death toll when they left. With his propaganda firmly in place, he had guaranteed the numbers could be whatever he wished, but now she pondered how many he would ruthlessly sacrifice in his campaign. Historically periods of civil unrest had culminated in mass graves and obfuscated data as to the real toll.

"Miss Solae," Yarue interjected, looking at her evenly from over her plate. His expression was, as far as a human could discern on any Syshin's features, pensive and thoughtful. "You are familiar with our customs, yes?" he inquired, already knowing her response, but needing to pave the way for what he was about to propose. Dasin bobbed his head slightly in silent agreement of whatever it was they were on the precipice of unveiling.

"I am, Yarue. Is there something troubling you?" the duchess replied quizzically.

"Then you know that our people lead in pairs. Many lead with their birthmate, but when they separate for a long time, a bond may form between others, friends or mated couples. Your people lead by one, but you are better when you lead as two. The Syshin would trust you more if you tried to lead them as two, not one," he suggested in slightly halting common tongue.

It took a moment for her to fully realize what he was trying to impart. By Syshin tradition, they always lead in pairs, and in the case of the settlement on New Concordia, they were twins. From her reading she knew that was not always the case. Forced estrangement or death could result in one twin finding someone else to bond with in the same capacity, and if one became a leader, the other did as was functionally needed. Romantic pairs sometimes became leaders as the case arose; in fact, couples who outlived their twins would become such a tight-knit unit that there was not a human adaptation of the relationship, for that deep understanding, and the best of linguists were unable to translate the concept properly. What the guards were trying to relay was that presenting Solae as the aristocrat and Rene as her attache did them a disservice if they wanted to appeal to the Syshin and, perhaps, the Kalderi. Before the Syshin they would have to be peers, independent and dependent, of equal voice and power, or else there would be cultural barriers.

Comically neither Solae nor Rene seemed particularly inclined to lead. Solae was doing so because she must to achieve her goals, because she was available and fit for the duty, because it had been thrust upon her. Rene seemed to be even more reluctant to assume a mantle of status. Both of them had spent such a long time feeling distant to the power they now wielded it undoubtedly felt nearly blasphemous. Temptation lingered to shuck it all and try to return to a simpler time.

Rene and Solae exchanged looks. Neither of the wanted to lead, certainly they had both been born to it, but following their own inclinations they would have both chosen to lead simpler lives. What the Syshin suggested made sense in their frame of reference but the broader political implications were problematic. It was, marginally, acceptable for Rene to be Solae's consort but even that limited roll was likely to cause her headaches in the future. It might be understood that he would wield the power of counsel to his partner, but taking on official power, even in a situation like the Syshin was a more dangerous question. Whether Rene would be seen as an evil adviser advancing himself at the cost of the people, or a Cappelan lording it over the local aristocracy largely depended on the bent of whomever was spinning the story.

Not for the first time Rene wished they were free to choose their own destiny, without having to run every choice and action through the myriad political ramifications it might have, but a fish might as well wish it could fly. Of course, Rene thought, there were the rare exceptions that could. The idea cheered him considerably.

"Speaking of your people, were you able to make anything out of the records you found on the Bonaventure?" he asked, expertly changing the subject. It was not abandoned, but something he and Solae would need to discuss in private before they did so infront of her retainers. Yarue's face fell somewhat at the question.

"Little," he confessed, "The records are ..." The Syshin struggled for the words.

"Incomplete, fabricated, filed by idiots?" Rene prompted. The Syshin nodded at the last.

"There is automated data and the occasional note, but nothing that makes things clear," the Syshin responded. Rene pondered that for a moment.

"Why don't you as Mia to take a look with you, it isn't quite the same but she has a great deal of experience in piecing together facts and theories from fairly limited information," he told Yarue. The AI could extrapolate a thesis worth of data from the phrasing of an RSVP and the twitch of an eyelash, Rene was fairly certain it was up to reconstructing the rudimentary files of a couple of degenerate space pirates.

There was a gentle tone at the door and a moment later it wavered out of existence revealing a slender but relatively diminutive Kalderi. Gender was still be no means certain, but Rene's mind instinctively classified this one as female. She wore a flowing robe of plane white save for gold thread that had been bound around her wings in a lose netting that formed an intricate cats cradle.

"Greetings," she said in flawless if exotic sounding Standard. Solae stood and offered her greetings and Rene followed suit.

"I am Kel'shaiei," the Kalderi said lowering her eyes deferentially to Solae.

"I am to be your guide in matters of protocol for tonight's dance, we do not wish you to be intimidated by unfamiliar customs."

"Will we need to change for the ball?" Solae asked, suddenly uncertain how well she could actually dance in her current attire. The dress was certainly formal and subjectively breathtaking to her audience, but women's fashion frequently sacrificed practicality for aesthetics. Even if dancing itself was not required, she would not pass up an opportunity to see if Rene could recall how to lead from his noble upbringing. The Stellar Empire's upper echelon conducted business during social gatherings regularly. Because the traditions of the court were so essential for negotiations, as well as maintaining the reputation of a lineage, not even the most rebellious scion could be spared from countless dance lessons. The duchess remembered how much she dreaded hers; gliding across the dance floor was enjoyable, but her teacher and partner was a curmudgeonly old bachelor that was a font of seemingly endless criticism. Once she had told her mother with exasperation that the empress herself would not have been spared his insulting judgment.

"Our people will not expect you to dress as we do," Kel'shaiel reassured, her eyes flickering between the aristocrats' garments as she silently assessed whether or not they would be offensive to the other Kalderi. There would be a great deal of latitude given to the foreigners, but it not without implicit limitations.

"Would it be possible to procure the services of a tailor?" Solae asked after a moment's pause. "We left our last destination in a hurry," she clarified, "and didn't have the time to get Yarue and Dasin more comfortable clothing. What they are wearing is modified from protective uniforms made for humans. The modifications are expertly done... but it's still very human. They may be my guards, but they are also representatives of the Syshin race, and I hoped to find something that is more reflective of their culture, while serving the same purpose."

"We could stay on the ship for the dance," Yarue offered in Syshin, realizing that her motivation was equally over concern for him retaining some semblance of his cultural identity as well as intending to have him attend the ball. Sitting at the same table as a high-ranking dignitary and her attache as a paid, valued employee was more than he could have hoped for.

"You can stay on the Bonaventure if that is what you really want," Solae turned to explain to the Syshin in their native tongue, "but this is an opportunity I think you should take. This is not all about me, Rene, Duke Tan, or even the empress. Stand proudly before the Kalderi and show them what your people are like. I will support you all the way," she smiled, "but you and Dasin must decide for yourself when you want to take that first step."

"Do the Kalderi... weave?" Dasin asked in Imperial Standard, gesturing towards the decorative netting over Kel'shaiei's wings.

"Humans use a great deal of synthetic fabrics," the diplomat informed her host, "but the Syshin value the art of weaving and use it in many of their textiles."

"You will go to this ball?" Yarue asked Dasin somewhat incredulously, surmising that the posed query meant that his only companion of the same race was entertaining the idea. It was such a monumental political statement that he anticipated spending an hour or more contemplating the issue.

"It does not hurt to ask for things we would like to wear better. We can wear the armor when we need to, but have clothes that are not made for humans," the other Syshin replied calmly, neither taking a stance for attending or declining the invitation. Perhaps as guards they ought to follow Solae everywhere like a shadow, looking for threats, and remaining close at hand, but there was a significant technological gap at play during this meeting. Whether or not anyone wished to acknowledge it aloud, they all knew that if the Kalderi wanted to annihilate the party at any time, they would not struggle to do so. The Bonaventure was hardly a war ship, they were vastly outnumbered, and the swords at the hip of the security detail were deadly- not to mention the Kalderi had the unique advantage of flying.

Rene observed the by play between the Syshin and the Kalderi with concealed interest. Intelligent aliens were rare in the portions of the galaxy that humans had explored and, as a general rule, they differed so dramatically in habitat, biology and outlook that interactions between them were rarer still. An academic part of his mind recognized that there might not be many humans that had ever witnessed a discussion between two other aliens.

“Some Kalderi weave,” Kel’shaiel responded with a flattening of her mouth parts which Rene took to be a smile.

“It is a meditative practice among our people, if you can provide us with a description of what would be appropriate, it can be procured for you,” the Kalderi said with a slight bow. Fortunately for Rene his dress uniform was both appropriate and the attire dictated by Imperial custom.

“What can we expect at the ball,” Rene asked. The situation required he leave most of the talking to Solae as the trained diplomat, but it was possible to use his position and the stereotype of the bluff soldier to ask questions more directly and with more ignorant than was desired for an ambassador. Kel’shaiel’s mouth parts furrowed into what might have either been thoughtfulness or concern.

“Herios Lithyll has assumed the role of trediyal for the Duchess,” Kel’shaiel replied although neirther herios nor trediyal meant anything to Rene. Kel’shaiel obviously recognised this and backtracked.

“Herios means leader, or elder, in your tongue,” she explained, in her oddly accented galactic.

“A trediyal is one who … expresses your point of view before the other herios,” the alien went on, making subtle gestures with her hands and wings that might have conveyed a subtext if Rene had enough knowledge to decode them. He avoided glancing at Solae for more information, certain that she would fill him in later if necessary.

“So he will ...take our side?” Rene asked, puzzled as to why an alien who knew nearly nothing of them would choose to side with them with so little information. Kel’shaiel nodded expressively.

“It is the way of our people, a trediyal will speak for you, and one of the other herios will act as pendiyal, and speak against you. The other herios will make up their minds and eventually there will be concord,” Kel’shaiel expounded.

“It sounds like a trial,” Rene observed, a little apprehensive about being involved in so formal a proceeding, but the alien was shaking her head.

“Among the Kalderi there must always be concord, all decisions, even purchasing food or deciding on clothing are approached this way.”

“What if Lithyll cannont convince the other herios or they don’t come to an agreement?” Rene asked. Kel’shaiel cocked her head for a moment clearly confused by the idea.

“There must always be concord,” she said, and Rene had the impression she was stating something that was too obvious to need to be spoken aloud. Solae nodded slightly in his peripheral vison, perhaps understanding more than he did so he let the point drop.

“Is there anything else we should be aware of?” he asked the alien. She paused and looked him up and down.

“You will need to bring a sword,” Kel’shaiel said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Ceremonial swords were not unknown within the Stellar Empire, there was even a version of the marine dress uniform that included one, though it usually reserved for those serving on a naval vessel. Somehow though Rene got the impression that wasn’t exactly what the Kalderi meant.

“Uhhh… why will I need a sword?” he asked politely. Kel’shaiel brows furrowed slightly but she was diplomatic enough to smooth the expression out within a second or two.

“Dances, even political ones, are a part of courtship and mating ritual,” she said in an almost professorial tone. Rene shared a side long glance at Solae, and though her face was impassive, he sensed she was equally confused.

“And that requires swords because….” he prompted. Kel’shaiel turned her toothy smile toward Solae.

“Males may challenge you for the right to mate with the Duchess Solae, and projectile weapons are prohibited in such contests,” Kel’shiel explained politely.

“I see,” Rene responded dryly, so much for enjoying a simple dance.

"Do you think that anyone would make such a challenge?" Solae inquired, barely able to contain her amusement. It was a serious matter, of course, but she had an abundance of confidence in Rene's ability to 'defend' her against would-be suitors. The last few weeks had certainly proved his prowess in battle. Although he was reluctant to engage in melee, even when the risks were minimal, he was quick on his feet, perceptive, and able to move quickly in the flow of movement without getting snagged on unimportant details. Aristocracy seemed to place an inordinate amount of focus on conquering, but the duchess believed that Rene embodied a more noble vein of warriors, those who defended. Not every man that picked up a pistol or sword truly respected what it meant to take a life and acted themselves accordingly. Some were reckless, some were cruel, some were arrogant, and some were cowards; it was rare that they honored life without disgracing it or becoming a perverted vision of humanity's inherent brutality. The linguist only wished she could impart to her lover how he shone in her eyes.

"Whether they do or do not, he should carry a sword, or the others will view you as... unattached," Kel’shaiel said, trying to be delicate with her explanation. Not bearing a simple ceremonial weapon would give the unspoken message that the emissary's partner was not staking a claim on her. Under ordinary circumstances, this would invite interest, as any male could try to become her mate with less contest.

"Has there ever been a union between a Kalderi and a human?" Solae asked curiously, now somewhat intrigued. The Syshin were not compatible with humanity, and although the Kalderi had many physical differences, that did not mean the future co-mingling of their species would follow the same path. She certainly wasn't volunteering to test compatibility herself, but she couldn't help but wonder if such a thing was a possibility. This was their first encounter with aliens besides the Syshin.

"There has not," asserted Kel'shaiel with certainty, "but most who will come tonight have not met one of your kind before," she added tactfully. It was the kindest way of saying that she could a novel source of intrigue. The Stellar Empire traded with the Kalderi, but the mercenaries met a select few traders, ones that did not represent the entirety of a culture. Tonight's attendants were to be individuals that came from a wide variety of roles, not just merchants, and as such their personalities wildly diverged. She would be lying if she claimed she knew factually that none would seize the unique opportunity to see if they were capable of taking the high-bred lady that bravely strode into their courts. It was unlikely, but implausible.

Yarue and Dasin were horrified and disgusted, the former more than the latter. "Duchess Solae is not a thing to be fought for. She must agree to her mate," Yarue declared firmly. Syshin were born in pairs, ruled by a pair, and deeply devoted to an ideal of community cooperation. Stealing was a serious crime in their society, and coercion was an even greater sin. There was a twisted irony that a race who built their entire civilization around mutual agreement might be forced into slavery. Certain depraved individuals, like Mistress Thorne, delighted in knowing they could victimize their 'pets' into becoming something that had no agency whatsoever, who was prey to the worst atrocity they could have imagined.

"The Syshin value consent above all," Solae told Kel’shaiel quietly. "If a female objects to the courtship of a male, she can refuse him, and he can be exiled if he does not honor her request," she elaborated. Humanity was not so different in spirit, but there were a great many that lacked virtue, and found many ways to break laws, exploit loopholes, bribe, blackmail, or manipulate to compel the object of desire to obey. Syshin were much more strict. If all allegation of coercion could be substantiated, the Syshin in question would either spend considerable time seeking atonement, leave for another settlement, or be left one their own, which was seen as worse than death. Whether it was nature or nurture that was responsible, they did not fare well in isolation.

"No harm will come to the duchess," Kel’shaiel assured. "It is more of a ritual to impress, and the Kalderi at the ball will understand her customs are different." This answer did not completely placate Yarue or appease Dasin, but they did not look quite as incensed as the moment before. Before they had been reluctant to attend the dance, but now they were a little more suspicious, and perhaps slightly worried.

"Are we the first foreigners to be in your court?" Solae asked, desperate to change to topic to something that was less likely to offend Yarue. She sincerely believed she would not be mistreated by the Kalderi, but she knew only time and experience would convince him of the same.

"No," Kel’shaiel confessed reluctantly. "There are beings besides humans, Syshin, and our people in the universe, but it is not my place to tell you of them. When they are ready for you to know, you will know of them. Come, I will show you where the ball will be held so it will not be so unfamiliar to you," she encouraged them.

Solae stole an exchanged glance of surprise with Rene. When she had posed the question she had expected to hear either no one had been before or it had been a long time ago, but not that there was another mystery of the cosmos, something even more elusive than the Kalderi. To have gone undetected for this long meant they were exceptionally advanced in their technology, surpassing anything that had been seen thus far, that they resided past where imperial ships had explored, or a combination of both. Tantalizing though the mystery was, Kel’shaiel had made it clear she would not be divulging any more details, so she tried to center her thoughts on the event ahead of her.

Rene arched any eyebrow at Solae as she passed. It was a matter of Imperial scientific doctrine that intelligent life was exceedingly rare and that starfaring life was even more so. To here that the Kalderi had, or at least claimed to have, encountered other beings in the plural was a revelation. Kalderi space was a hard stop to Imperial expansion and exploration could there be Empires and peoples humans hand never encountered beyond their borders? Apparently so. It was possible it was a lie, but it was hard to see what would be gained by such a tactic. Perhaps if they were successful they could begin to explore such regions of the galaxy. Rene felt a sudden surge of anger directed at Duke Tan and his foolish rebellion. What wonders could they discover if they weren't wasting time killing each other over who ruled in the Eastern Cross or on Capella. He knew it had always been that way, humanity was a contentious race and had been since before they spread to the stars but it didn't make him any happier about it.

Kel'shaiel led them out of their rooms and into the mansion. Rene expected her to take them to some kind of chamber within the complex but instead she lead them out into a walled courtyard and then out through an exit between two ornamental pillars. Kalderi architecture it seemed, did not lend itself to doors, perhaps their wings gave them a different perspective than humans had on space. To Rene's surprise they emerged onto a cobbled street they had seen during the overflight. Kalderi in various costumes, close enough in style for Rene to imagine them as normal clothing, walked here and there on whatever errands they were about, some carrying small bundles the purpose of which could only be guessed at.

"I apologize," Kel'shaiel stated as she began to walk down the hill towards where the cliffs dropped off into the sea.

"We Kalderi do not travel far from our residences if we can avoid it, and have little use for the transport cars humans seem to require," she explained. Rene and Solae shared a glance as they puzzled over the meaning of that statement. Transportation varied by world and by areas within a given world on many poorer colonies air cars were unknown and even diesel engines were rare and reserved for agricultural equipment. Conversely on the richer worlds it was a rare family that did not possess at least a ground car. On Capella itself transportation was restricted to subterranean rail lines, or anti-grav palanquins within the Imperial City itself, on account that air traffic posed to great a threat to the Empress. Perhaps their alien hosts were less omniscient than they seemed.

The street wound it's way to the edge of the steep cliff where an elegant turret concealed a very functional looking elevator. Rene glanced over the edge and saw some sort of disturbance in the waters below, though from this height it was unclear what. There seemed to be a faint shimmer on the clear waveless water. Kel'shaiel made an appologetic sound, having evidently noticed the looks they gave the elevator.

"Our appologies," she said, casting her eyes downward in a gesture that Rene didn't know the significance of, "We, that is the Kalderi, would glide down, this is a freight elevator." Solae nodded her acceptance and stepped onto the metal plate followed by Rene and the rest of the party. Kel'shaiel pulled back a wire cage from a crude but functional looking control panel and depressed a switch. Cable began to whir through an unseen winch and the elevator lowered smoothly for a minute or two, though the only indication of this was the slight variations in the shaft around them.

The doors opened when they reached the bottom to reveal a strange vista. In front of them was what appeared to be a natural cavern, though it had been improved and smoothed to act as a staging area. Beyond it was the sea. The bottom of the sea. A great amphitheater had been opened beneath the water as though by magic, millions of gallons of water held aloft by some sort of force projection technology as though the ocean itself formed the ceiling of the room, fish, or analogues of fish glittered about the edges, their jewel like scales catching the soft light cast by lumination crystals. Corridors had been formed by similar fields making walkways and boulevards beneath the waves. Great reefs of colorful luminescent coral were separated from the viewer by nothing more six inches of water filling the air with a strange shifting light, prismatic and alive. The floor was dry, composed of what appeared to be the native rock, though it had been polished far beyond the ability of nature so that it shone like the night sky, tiny inclusions of glimmering as imitation stars. It was obvious that the area was kept this way enough that nature hadn't worn away the careful artistry of the place.

"Whoa," Rosaria said as they followed their guide through the underwater corridor to the first and largest of the visible rooms. Kalderi were already moving about, setting up tables in strange irregular patterns around the perimeter of the space. It was disconcerting to see such a mundane activity taking place in so fantastic a setting. Rosaria reached out a hand to the wall curiously.

"Wait don't..." Rene began but Rosaria's hand had already passed through the insubstantial divide between air and water. A jet of liquid erupted around her fingers and she pulled her hand back with a yelp of surprise. The breach closed with the slow rippling effect of a pond reacting to the introduction of a pebble. Rene resisted the urge to scold the girl, it wouldn't be diplomatically appropriate, but it could have just as easily have been a lethal does of static electricity that shot up her arm as several liters of sea water. Rosaira, for her part looked abashed, rubbing her fingers against her thigh. Rene realized that though the water looked placid, they were at least fifty meters down and the over pressure must be considerable. Kel'shaiel at least choose to ignore the incident.

"You can see why Lithyll judged it wise to show you the venue in advance," she said, transitioning smoothly.

"Some are claustrophobic, and it is best not to discover this at the last moment."

Syshin hailed from an arid planet with strong winds. While many of the settlements on their native world were either in or in close proximity to an oasis with fresh water and vegetation, they did not have lakes and oceans as humanity (and apparently the Kalderi) had grown so accustomed to. Very few Syshin learned how to swim as a consequence. They did not have the same need for bathing by submerging in water and a great deal of importance was put on keeping what bodies of water they had available as clean as possible, since it was necessary for drinking and preparing meals. Since the species was subjugated by citizens of the Stellar Empire, it was not surprising that it was rare for anyone to time and effort to team them to swim, much less secure a pool to practice. Predictably being underneath such a vast expanse of the liquid, with an invisible barrier, made Yarue and Dasin rather nervous. To their credit they did not immediately retreat, but they were uncomfortable enough that Solae saw their tense body language out of the corner of her eye.

"It is beautiful," the duchess quickly complimented before Kel'shaiel noticed the anxious twitching behind her from the Syshin in her party. "Forgive me for saying so, but I did not think that a race with such beautiful wings would hold a ball in a place such as this, where there is no exposure to the sky," she flawlessly segued.

Of the pair, Dasin was more reserved, more patient, but also slower to trust. By contrast Yarue was more outspoken, more emotional, and more decisive. The nuances of their personalities had come to light after a short period of time traveling on the Bonaventure. Yarue strode with more purpose, eager to prove his bravery, but wore a frown that put his feelings about the space under display; his peer took more hesitant steps, scrutinizing the translucent walls as if visual cues might grant him the security he needed, not yet convinced that they were not being led into a lair of danger. Given the history of Syshin's first encounter with humanity, being skeptical was only prudent. Solae reassured that the Kalderi were benevolent, but their ancestors had thought the same when they met the first intrepid adventurers allegedly representing the descendants of Earth Prime.

Kel'shaiel nodded, not offended by the question woven into the comment. "It is like the ships that allow you to travel in space," she replied thoughtfully, "we seek to use our technology to see things we can not ordinarily, to explore places we can not go without aid. Do humans not have places underwater?" she asked curiously. The Kalderi were more advanced, but it was well within the realm of possibility for humanity, who had terraformed uninhabitable globes, to develop a more rudimentary counterpart. The winged aliens only studied the pink-skinned bi-pedals they traded with on a surface level. No one had tried to pierce the complexities of their society, the details of their ever-changing fashion, or what was currently in development for the upper echelon's luxurious way of life.

"There are some domes," Solae slowly responded, "but they feel more... crude than this." There wasn't quite an appropriate word to describe how different the sophisticated the staging area for the dance felt in comparison. She had never been to an underwater bio-dome; they were reserved for the wealthy, who were the only ones able to afford such a decadent retreat, but many aristocrats considered them more trouble than they were worth. Primarily a residence under the sea was inhabited by an eccentric recluse, someone with a keen interested in marine biology, or a lord or lady engaged in illicit activity. Before space travel was possible they were more popular because there was a limited amount of geography to support a growing population. Now that colonization throughout the galaxies was viable, less had any desire to withdraw to a watery residence. Crazes came and went, however, and the linguist would not be surprised if either perpetually aloft estates in the sky or villas buried beneath the waves soared in popularity again.

Looking towards Rosaria, the duchess suddenly donned a mischievous grin before turning towards their hostess and escort. "Would it be possible to practice our dancing for just a few moments? It's been quite some time before I've been at a ball, and I wouldn't want to appear lacking when the rest of the guests arrive."

Kel'shaiel looked surprised by this request but nodded her head in approval demurely, confused by the diplomat.

"Come on Rosaria, practice with me," Solae said with a large smile, tugging the smaller girl towards the dance floor as she yelped in surprise. This baffled Kel'shaiel even more and the two Syshin looked on equally bewildered. Only Rene, who knew that once in a while his lover could be a free spirit, capable of joking, laughing, and playing with wild abandonment was not gaping when she selected the teenager as her partner. It was obvious to him that he was not being romantically replaced, but not everyone who beheld the spectacle had that same confidence.

"She just said dancing is a mating ritual!" Rosaria protested in a slight pink twinge of embarrassment. As proud and cold as she was on Zatis, she was still a girl, one who could be flustered and teased like any other. It was harder to joke with her than some of her peers who had been through less trauma, but because the couple treated her with dignity and respect, she had begun to relax and let go of the barriers she kept between herself and others. One night while they laid in the captain's quarters, Solae had said she knew that Rosaria would never be as "normal" as if she had never been the protege of Thorne, but that her personality was thawing, which was the best that anyone could hope for.

"Humor me," Solae grinned, tossing errant strands of hair out of her face. "Just in case there is a young Kalderi boy at this ball and you can't summon a reason to excuse yourself." she prodded with a wink, making Rosaria twinge even more pink. To Kel'shaiel she explained, "For humans, dancing can also be done for fun. Many use it as a way to express themselves or enjoy themselves rather than courtship."

Rene watched with a quiet smile on his face as Solae lead Rosaria through the steps of the dance. It was rare that he got to see Solae enjoying herself, she had a light and happy soul that was often seemed oppressed by the duties that were thrust upon her. He was glad that she could take a moment just to enjoy the simple act of dancing with another person, without worry of how it would be interpreted or that armed gunmen might burst in at any moment. Rene reflexively checked the exits, though out of training rather than any actual concern. Assassins would need to use depth charges to get to them here. He turned to Kel'shaiel to find her watching the dance with what he imagined to be a bemused expression.

"Rosaria is too young to have a mate among our people," he told her. The alien bobbed her head in understanding. It wasn't that Rene begrudged the girl the opportunity to fraternize with her peers, whatever age that might be among the Kalderi, but he was already starting to feel a little dread about the prospect of having to deal with challenges to Solae. Kel'shaiel made a clicking sound and nodded.

"Among ours too Colonel," she reassured him, "No one may challenge for the right to mate with one who has not yet taken to wing." Rene nodded in relief, he wasn't sure exactly what taken to wing meant for those without wings but he was relieved that the situation wasn't quite as complicated as it might have been.

"Do you think it is likely there will be any challenges for Solae?" he asked. Kel'shaiel seemed to consider this for longer than Rene would have wished.

"We have a saying among our people Colonel," the Kalderi said in her sonorous voice, "Only a fool tries to predict what a fool will do."

Rene didn't know what to make of that, but he felt like there was considerable subtext to it. Were there Kalderi whose politics she dissaproved of? Did she think they were likely to try to make trouble at the ball? No scion of the Imperial aristocracy grew to adulthood without learning the Machiavellian maneuvering of the political system, but they also knew the terrain and the players and beyond that the way other humans, or at least other nobles, thought. There was so much he didn't know here, so many pitfalls that might be yawning in front of them which they wouldn't see until they were on top of them. He resolutely pushed such thoughts from his mind as he watched Solae dancing and laughing with Rosaria. There needed to take time to enjoy the moment, there would be time enough to worry about tonight later.

After a few long minutes passed, which Rosaria swore up and down felt like an eternity, Solae released her 'victim' and wandered back towards the group still smiling. Yarue and Dasin had watched with detached curiosity; they both had been taught to dance in their youth, but as one might guess, their cultural dances were vastly different from those that humans performed. Neither wanted to ask the duchess any questions, however, lest they be pulled out onto the floor and compelled to humor the peculiar aristocrat themselves. They murmured to one another quietly, trying not to draw attention to themselves, but unable to keep from conferring over the details of their discoveries.

"Humans and Syshin choose their mates," Solae said as she brushed aside hair that had come undone in her over-exuberant waltz. She could not remember the last time she had lead a dance, but she was certain she had never done so with such a squirmy, unenthusiastic partner dying of embarrassment. Briefly she paused to make certain her Kalderi guide did not seem to possess knowledge of human courtship. Once she saw that the other female was paying rapt attention, but remaining silent, she continued. "Most humans mutually decide to enter into a romantic relationship and, if some time passes and their affection grows into love, they choose to marry."

"Did your parents... select each other on such criteria?" Kel'shaiel asked diplomatically and politely, seeking to better understand the traditions of the Kalderi's newest guests. She had already surmised that Solae and Rene had an attachment to one another, but it was difficult to correlate it directly with any arrangement the Kalderi had. Engagements were somewhat unique to humans since they could carry on endlessly; even the Syshin found this comically ridiculous since they viewed one as either mated or not, rather than promising to one day formally take on a title. Yarue and Dasin did not call attention to their view on being betrothed out of respect for the couple that saved them.

"No, the humans that bear titles like myself are expected to typically select someone that benefits them- they have political connections, business connections, a higher title, greater wealth. My parents cared for each other but were not madly in love; I believe they valued one another's companionship more than anything," Solae conceded. For a brief moment Kel'shaiel was pensive, shrewdly calculating the age of the woman based on her limited knowledge of her species, and quickly concluding that if they were being spoken of in the past tense they were deceased, but it was not of old age. The linguist was far too young to have parents unable to sustain their own life with all the medical achievements that the Stellar Empire possessed. It would be incredibly rude to speculate aloud, but she could make an educated guess they did not meet their end 'naturally.'

"Ah, but that is not the case with myself and Rene," Solae corrected, erroneously believing the pause in conversation was because Kel'shaiel was trying to determine what the soldier attache brought to their imminent joining. "I am not interested in possessions, currency, or being appointed to any higher station in the courts," she added, belatedly realizing that as a duchess there was not much higher she could climb- if at all. Internally she wryly wondered if the late marquise would have been proud to know his daughter had been elevated without aspirations to do so. "Although you probably know as much from my introduction. I have to confess I am quite smitten with Rene just as he is," she said cheekily, "and if your protocol necessitated me defending him from other suitors, I would already be practicing my swordplay." From the couple times she had held Lord Armon's sword, Rene could be absolutely certain that she was as much of a danger to herself with the weapon as anyone else.

"We are fortunate that is not necessary," Yarue remarked dryly, nearly making Solae erupt in giggles. She knew he was serious, since it would be an offense for him to have his charge be forced into combat, especially since he owed her a debt for freeing him from slavery, but she couldn't help but think it was an apropos reaction to her terrible lack of swordsmanship.

Rene had though the underwater ball room looked impressive before, but now it nearly defied description. The afternoon had passed and they had eaten a simple meal, assured that there would be food at the ball, and dressed. Rene had donned his formal uniform to which he had added the appropriate sash and a scabbard that held the sword they had take from Lord Armon's estate seemingly so long ago. The Kalderi had a complicated system of lore and custom that surrounded carrying swords and though Kel'shaiel had done her best to explain it the details were a little hazy to Rene. Apparently fencing had developed among Kalderi as part of courtship ritual rather than a tool of war. Given the fact the were able to fly territory had been less of an issue in primitive Kalderi society with groups able to travel easily over long distances. This cut down on competition for resources but also placed a premium on maintaining genetic diversity. The human prepensity for violence as well as their cultural heritage made associations with swords that were probably not present for the Kalderi themselves. Rene found that he was pleased that the Kalderi had achieved their technological advancement before they had come into contact with humans rather than the otherway around.

The ball room in its full glory, also reflected this inhuman pattern of thought. Scores of Kalderi filled the place, the gentle breezes stirred by their mostly motionless wings created a definite breeze which rippled the aquatic walls. Bioluminencent creatures in the ocean, attracted by the rich source of oxygen glided around the rippling walls, their soft light refracted to gentle rippling rainbows by the shifting walls. They appeared to be somewhat analogous to Terran jellyfish, though the moved much faster and maneuvered by jetting water through contracting semitransparent tubes that flickered with light as the pulsed.

Lithyll stood at the base of the doors bedecked in a robe that was black but woven with so much gold thread that the color appeared to ripple between black and gray as the varicolored lights reflected off the metal. Around his neck hung several chains of gemstones and his head was beset by an intricate lacework of beads which formed a sort of a crown.

"Ah, welcome honored guests," he said quietly.

"If you want to take a moment, then I shall introduce you to the gathering," he told them seeming completely calm and almost blissfully serene.