General Alukh returned Velaul’s salute, then turned to Kurasa with a look of determination.
“She’ll be there right away. Best of luck, Federation,” he said, pausing briefly before stomping toward the elevator with a few efficient strides.
The away team had a few minutes to prepare before returning to the lobby on the 51st floor of the hotel. The activity that had previously filled the lounge had faded, like the last embers of an abandoned campfire. The away team’s footfalls echoed through the quiet atrium as they approached the transporter room.
The away team materialized onto a transporter pad in a dim room with walls of grey brick. The air here was stale and cold, with a hint of moisture. The building that they’d arrived in seemed much older than any they’d seen on the planet to this point. Modern lights and computer terminals had been installed later, in sharp contrast to the antique construction.
Those with security training would also notice a lump in the ceiling that appeared to be some kind of automated defense system. It remained retracted and inert as the team stepped off the pad.
The transporter room’s lone door slid open, revealing a large circular room that structurally resembled the main chamber of a church. Despite that resemblance, there was no sign of any ritualistic or spiritual significance to the space’s current layout. Practical desks were laid out around the perimeter, likely belonging to Tanndi’s ministers. The leather seats well worn, but empty for now.
“On behalf of the Tanndi nation, welcome to Riani,” a woman spoke. She was tall and thin, with stark white skin and elaborately braided hair. Cybernetic implants as thin as fishing lines ran down her temples and neck like intricate tattoos. She stood in the center of the room, a few paces from where the away team had emerged. “I’m President Samihah Khushkhu — pleased to make your acquaintance. This building is usually open to the public, but due to the sensitive nature of your visit, I asked to meet in private. I believe we have much to discuss.”
She stood calmly, waiting for the away team to approach. The tall windows behind her were tinted pink with the first signs of dawn.
“She’ll be there right away. Best of luck, Federation,” he said, pausing briefly before stomping toward the elevator with a few efficient strides.
The away team had a few minutes to prepare before returning to the lobby on the 51st floor of the hotel. The activity that had previously filled the lounge had faded, like the last embers of an abandoned campfire. The away team’s footfalls echoed through the quiet atrium as they approached the transporter room.
== Capitol Building
Federal District, Saule City
Tanndi Nation
Planet Riani ==
Federal District, Saule City
Tanndi Nation
Planet Riani ==
The away team materialized onto a transporter pad in a dim room with walls of grey brick. The air here was stale and cold, with a hint of moisture. The building that they’d arrived in seemed much older than any they’d seen on the planet to this point. Modern lights and computer terminals had been installed later, in sharp contrast to the antique construction.
Those with security training would also notice a lump in the ceiling that appeared to be some kind of automated defense system. It remained retracted and inert as the team stepped off the pad.
The transporter room’s lone door slid open, revealing a large circular room that structurally resembled the main chamber of a church. Despite that resemblance, there was no sign of any ritualistic or spiritual significance to the space’s current layout. Practical desks were laid out around the perimeter, likely belonging to Tanndi’s ministers. The leather seats well worn, but empty for now.
“On behalf of the Tanndi nation, welcome to Riani,” a woman spoke. She was tall and thin, with stark white skin and elaborately braided hair. Cybernetic implants as thin as fishing lines ran down her temples and neck like intricate tattoos. She stood in the center of the room, a few paces from where the away team had emerged. “I’m President Samihah Khushkhu — pleased to make your acquaintance. This building is usually open to the public, but due to the sensitive nature of your visit, I asked to meet in private. I believe we have much to discuss.”
She stood calmly, waiting for the away team to approach. The tall windows behind her were tinted pink with the first signs of dawn.