Fwurg

[Veolian Commonwealth]

((OOC: This thread is private to T'Sal and the Veolian Commonwealth.))

"Ladies and gentleman, in a few moments we begin our descent to Mirda. Please fasten your seatbelts, and put away your hand luggage.", the voice of the attractive veolian flight attendant sounded from the communications system in perfect galactic basic just as the 'fasten seatbelts' lights lit up.

A few minutes later, the VC9013 flight from Unity City to the Mirda Galactic Spaceport, dove into the atmosphere. Of course, inertial dampeners and artificial gravity ensured that the passengers experienced little to no turbulence, although a quick look through the window indicated to T'Sal that the decent was indeed very steep.

Through the window, the purple-green orb that was Mirda grew until it covered the field of view from the little window. Slowly but surely, T'Sal lakes, then cities, villages, roads, and finally the high towers of the Mirda Intergalactic Spaceport.

A little over ten minutes later, as the vessel came to a halt on one of the platforms, the voice of the flight attendant could be heard once more: "Please remain seated until the fasten your seatbelts light is turned off."

A few loud clunks could be heard, probably docking clamps locking the vessel in place, a tube could be seen moving from the tower to the side of the vessel, and finally the whir of the engines died down. T'Sal, seated in the front section of the ship, could see the flight attendant unstrap herself from her seat near the cockpit, and open the door in the front of the ship.

The flight attendant then moved to the first pair of seats, where an elderly couple of veolians was seated. She deftly removed the hand luggage from the cabinet above the pair, and handed it to them. "Lady Dewa, I sincerely hope you had a pleasant flight. Your driver is waiting for you at the exit of the pier.", she said in Láadan.

Next, the attendant handed a young lord his hand luggage, and next she walked to T'Sal (who was seated business-class, in the front of the vessel, even though she could not remember booking a seat there).

The attendant grabbed T'Sal's bag from the cabinet, and handed it to her. "Padawan, I hope you enjoyed your flight."

[T'Sal]

T’sal has packed simple for the journey. She had followed Shebi Avaja advice and has only taken her Jedi clothes with her in her bag. She could best buy appropriate clothing on Mirda, that way she could learn more about the Veolian culture. Furthermore, she has a shoulder bag with the customs papers, her datapad and other small things. Her ligthsaber was safely hidden under her cloak.

Upon arrival at the ship she had not expected to be seated in the business class T’sal had seen the Veolian embassy and was impressed by it magnificence. It seemed that they did mind the expenses. Maybe the Veolians liked to take good care of things. She got the idea that just like with the research project if they wanted it they go for it all the way.

During the trip to Mirda T’sal had been reading up on the project and practiced the Veolian language. S4 was lay under her chair curled up like a ball. Finally they are arising at Mirda and T’sal looks outside the window. They land on the spaceport and she wait until she can unfasten her seatbelt.

T’sal wants to take her luggage but the attendant got it for her. With her Jedi cloths on she is not hard to recognize, but she wanders how she knew that she was a padawan. (Mhhh, details..)

“Thank you, it was a pleasant journey” T’sal replies while taking her bag.

“Come, S4 time to go.”S4 rolls from under her chair and unfolds himself back to his spider form.

Together they move out off the ship. T’sal passes customs swiftly, thanks to all the forms. She looks around to see whether there is someone to pick her up.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Just as she steps out of customs she realizes that she completely skipped the lines in front of the customs counters. Not that she could've done anything else, when she walked up, one of the official quickly removed a ribbon blocking access to a queue-less counter, and motioned her towards it.

As this was the major intergalactic spaceport in the Smi-Halek system, there seemed to be a lot of people waiting for arrivals. Looking around, she quickly spots a veolian woman holding a sign saying: "Padawan T'Sal".

When approached, the veolian girl quickly recognizes T'Sal: "Greetings, padawan T'Sal.", she said with a deep bow. "I am Mikaro Aosa, I will be your guide and personal servant during your stay on Mirda." she said fluently in galactic basic.

"Is there anything you wish to do at the spaceport, or do you wish to go to institute, milady?"

[T'Sal]

T’sal is glad to see the veolian women. She is quite surprised to hear that she is her guide and personal servant. But the words milady struck her and she looks confused to the women. Within a few second she recovers and starts talking in galactic basic.

“Dear miss Mikaro, it is nice to meet you and I am looking forward to my stay here. May I introduce to you S4N8 my science servant droid.”

S4 make a nice bow and says “Nice to meet you.” with a robot voice.

“By the way please call me miss. I am neither an adult woman nor nobility, so that will do.”

T’sal is honored that they think highly of her, but she is just a padawan. Although she is quite skilled her accomplishments were not that great to be called by a high title.

“I think I will first exchange some money and then we can go to the institute.”

They start walking towards an exchange location. During this T’sal wants to start some casual talk. She speaks now in Láadan, a Veolian dialect.

“Mikaro Aosa, could you tell me a bit more about yourself? Do you work for the institute or somewhere else?”

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The veolian woman looked at S4N8 with a confused look.

When the droid actually introduced itself, she replied: "Eh... Nice to meet you to, science servant S4N8."

She didn't have time to regain her composure when T'Sal told her to call her miss.

"But...", she started. "Ehm... as you wish miss T'Sal."

"There is no need to exchange money, miss. Most veolian businesses accept credits, and the few that don't will gladly offer their goods and services for free. You are, after all, a Jedi."

"I do not work for the institute directly, miss." she replied in láadan. "I am employed by the stewards of House Shebi , in the capacity of hostess. My job is to ensure that your requests and desires are met swiftly and satisfactory during your stay on Mirda. So if there is anything you want, do not hesitate to tell me."


The woman walked through the spaceport with a confident stride, and after a short walk she walked towards a closed door flanked by two guards. "House business", she told the guards (in the bolī dialect) while swiping a card in front of a card reader in the door. The guards nodded and stepped quickly aside.

The doors opened with a hiss, and T'Sal could see a well-appointed lounge. Aosa gestured T'Sal inside. The hostess led T'Sal through the lounge, and onto a platform. A luxury hovercar, clearly too large for the transport of a single person was awaiting. Aosa directed her attention to T'Sal. "Your other luggage has already been put into the trunk, miss.", she said, while holding out her hands to accept any other things T'Sal wished to put into the trunk (such as hand luggage).

The hostess slid into the car, and offered her hand to help T'Sal get into the car. The interior of the car was clearly designed with comfort in mind.

After settling down, the driver closed the door behind the pair of women. A few moments later, the vehicle lifted off the ground with a soft hum, and smoothly accelerated away from the spaceport.

"We should arrive at the institute in about two hours, miss T'Sal.", the hostess said in láadan, "Is there anything I can do to make your trip more comfortable, something to drink or eat maybe?"

[T'Sal]

T’sal thinks about the "the few that don't will gladly offer their goods and services for free. You are, after all, a Jedi."
She decides to ask questions later about this and walks with Miss Mikaro to the exit and the car.

WWWOOOWWWWW, that it a big car, T’sal thinks. T’sal kept her shoulder bag and stepped into the car. It is really luxurious and she looks around with big eyes. Okay,…… Better ask now or she might end up staying in a big palace.

“Miss Mikaro, might I acquire some information about the exact status of Jedi within the Veolian commonwealth. Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice and we humbly serve the people. We live a simple life and do not value worldly possession but dedicate us to the Force. As such I did not expect this grand welcome.”

Says T’sal with an odd smile. Better get this clear at the beginning. T’sal hopes that Miss Mikaro does not feel offended. But this big luxury makes her feel uncomfortable.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

"Of course miss T'Sal, you can ask anything of me."

T'Sal's hostess seemed honestly surprised by this question, and her expression could easily be interpreted as anxiety.

"The Jedi are greatly respected in the Veolian Commonwealth, and are well known for their kindness and great personal power. As you might know, the Veolian Commonwealth is built on the principles of feudalism. While the emperor is the highest authority, it is well known that his imperial majesty holds the Jedi in high esteem, calling upon them only in the times of great need.

As such, the social status of the Jedi has risen in the eyes of the population, to a station very near the emperor. It would be unseemly to receive you in any other way, that would make it seem as if House Shebi does not share his imperial majesty's opinion of the Jedi.

Upon request of Princess Shebi Ajava, we have kept the welcome as quite and modest as is socially acceptable. She impressed on me the fact that Jedi have little need for material possessions, and that we should expect a highly spiritual and analytical guest."

After a short silence, Aosa softly started: "I can see about getting a smaller car, if you wish for it?"

[T'Sal]

“Noonoo, let’s just keep this car. I would not want that to cause trouble for House Shebi. Thank you for your explanation this explains some things.”

T’sal takes a moment to organize her thoughts and then continues.

“Before I left miss Shebi thought me some things about the Veolian Culture. The Veolian and Hiocan culture are quite different, she told me about that family is important, about the feudal system and some more.

But I just noticed that I seemed to get special treatment ever since I came aboard the ship and I just wanted to what the reason behind this is. I know that Jedi are highly respected but this felt awkward. Being compared to the emperor is quite something and I do not know how to handle that. There is no nobility within the Hiocan Society, so this is quite new to me.

I think it might be better to avoid being publically known as a Jedi. Maybe you could introduce me as a special exchange student. I would like to keep a low profile. This way I can get a better view of the Veolian culture and will perform better in a normal environment. With miss Shebi I discussed the point of clothing and she said that I could best buy here some cloths, maybe we should do that right away.

I really do not want to bring shame to house Shebi and if necessary you can call me milady and dress me up. I need your guidance on the nobility matter and what to do. If there is anything please tell me. Within the Hiocan society you can openly discuss all kinds of things, you share your points of view as to get more insight but always have respect for each other. So do not hesitate to ask questions.”

T’sal is speaking very open and earnest. She really did not want any culture problems. Being compared to the emperor really seems to bother her. This is clearly something outside her scope and hard to grasp.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Aosa seemed confused and suddenly replied: "Oh... I am really not good at this. I'm sorry..." she looked away from T'Sal, but continued talking.

"I did not want to make you uncomfortable, miss T'Sal. I was not comparing you to the emperor, I was trying to tell you that the emperor thinks highly of the Jedi, and therefore house Shebi thinks highly of the Jedi."

She looked at T'Sal, with an apologetic expression.

"I don't think you would ever do anything to shame house Shebi. You are a Jedi after all. You can basically do what you want to whomever or whatever you want... You have more personal power than even an elder hemet, and they are allowed to do anything."

She pressed a button cleverly hidden in the table, "Driver, please drive us to a nearby clothing store", she said. The reply from the driver was almost instantaneous: "Yes miss. The detour will take half an hour extra."

((OOC: If you don't want to play the store thing, just say so in the next post -- we'll jump straight to arriving at the research institute. (Though I will still give a short description of the kind of clothes you could've bought, so you know something more about the culture ^_^)))

[T'Sal]

“Oh sorry, then I have been over thinking things.

I do not know what clothes are fashionable, but I would like something green or red. I will trust you on the design; as long as it is comfortable (can move normally) and is not too revealing.

Maybe you could tell me about the Shebi family and their activities. I know miss Shebi and I heard her grandfather is the head of the institute, but who is the head of the family and does miss Shebi have siblings?”

((OOC: Maybe we can combine the shopping with some more talking. I would like to hear some more culture talk and maybe see some things in the store.))

[Veolian Commonwealth]

While the hovercar brought them to a shopping center, Mikaro Aosa explained some things about house Shebi. It seemed that House Shebi did not have a single thing that they do. Miss Mikaro knows a lot about their territories, which seem to be roughly a seventh of the planets surface, and their control of companies and the house military. It seems as if she is describing a small Union member; something which, when one thinks about it, does not seem surprising. With one sixth of the population of Mirda supporting them, they are as big as some of the smaller Union members.

She also gives a short version of the history of the house: House Shebi is well known for it's long history, as it is the only house that survived the aftershock wars. Together with their strong military tradition, they have remained one of the six houses without any doubt as to their legitimacy. The current head of the family is Shebi Kiasekel, retired fleet admiral and well-known entrepreneur in the weapons-manufacturing field.

Finally, when the car smoothly comes to a halt at the entrance to the shopping centre, she reveals the answer to the last question: "Of course, miss T'Sal. Princess Shebi Ajava has 33 sisters and 35 brothers, with 8 other hemets among them, 5 female and 3 male."

"Princess Shebi's mother is the fifth wife of Shebi Kiasekel, and gave birth to 7 of her sisters, and 5 of her brothers. Of course, she is now considered the most influential of his wives, as 2 of her daughters and 1 of her sons became hemet, which is an exceptionally high ratio. And she is only 453 years old."


"Ah, we're here.", the hostess said when she looked outside. The driver opened the door, and T'Sal's hostess moved outside to offer her hand to the padawan.

The car had come to a stop in front of the entry to a large shopping mall, and the pavement was covered by a red carpet. At the door stood a single veolian woman, wearing white ballet flats, a short white dress, and a white choker around her neck.

Inside the shopping mall, T'Sal could see groups of people moving around, and a few younger veolians were sitting on a bench near the central fountain. A rare few groups seemed to be given a wide path when walking from one shop to the next.

"I have heard that Hiocans do not wish to be served by slaves, is this true, miss T'Sal?", T'Sal's hostess motioned toward the veolian woman, and continued: "Or is she allowed to help you?"

[T'Sal]

So House Shebi is the oldest House and seems to have quite some influence. Miss Shebi has quite a big family, but Hemets lived every long so that explains. For her mother to have giving birth to 13 children of whom 3 became Hemet’s has to be quite a feat. This kind of things seems somehow strange to T’sal as the status of nobility is different from the Hiocan status of equality.

Thinking more about it, T’sal wonders is she if she will be the youngest around as Shebi’s mother could have been her great-great grandmother. T’sal has just become a woman, she has small breast and she would still grow.

When entering the shopping mall T’sal looks curiously around as to get a good idea of the culture. But then the question of miss Mikaro hit hear in the face.

“Ehh, I do not know. Slavery is forbidden in the Hiocan Society and I do not know what other Hiocans do outside. Equality and respect for all living beings is very important. So I could imagine that they would not like it if someone was completely slavish, does not have any self esteem and is not treated well.

I am a guest here so I see no problem in them helping me.”

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Looking around, T'Sal gets the idea that there are two kinds of people moving around. Those that are just shopping, and those that walk around like they own the place. It seems that three groups of youths have made this mall their loitering place.

Together with T'Sal and miss Mikaro, the veolian woman in the white dress entered the mall.

"Honourable ladies", the woman started in Láadan, "is there anything I can offer you?"

"Miss T'Sal wishes to buy some new clothes. Preferably comfortable, in a fashionable style, and as modest as possible.", Aosa replied almost immediately.

The veolian woman led them past a few shops, into an expensive looking shop, where different styles of clothing were on display. There were no duplicate pieces, and every mannequin was female. The slave led them to a couch, where Mikaro sat down, motioning for T'Sal to sit down as well. A few moments later, the proprietor of the store quickly walked towards them.

After a deep bow, she introduced herself. "Miss T'Sal, miss Mikaro, it is an honour to have you here. I am Vastra Aurata, my husband is the storekeep. Please, allow me to show you the collection" She quickly tapped a few buttons, and a holoprojector started projecting actual scale models of clothing in the air in front of the couch.

The collection was very extensive, and though some of the pieces definitely did not match T'Sal's idea of modest or covering, there was still a lot of choice.

[T'Sal]

T’sal first studies all the cloths to get a general idea of the Veolian style. She then picks some cloths that fulfill her whishes and tries them on. T’sal has not been shopping for clothing in a long time and she enjoys it.

“Miss Mikaro, will there be some occasion where I might need something special?”

T’sal is a women and she cannot resist to have at least one pretty outfit. For the rest she wants a small assortment of modest veolian cloths as to maybe buy later some more. She does not want to buy an entire wardrobe. She asks miss Mikaro for some final advice before buying.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

"No miss. As far as I know no special events have been planned.", replied Aosa

T'Sal could easily find some outfits that match her personal preference, though it became increasingly clear that veolian clothing was mostly designed for aesthetics and less for actual coverage of protection against the weather or cold. There seemed to be two categories of clothing, the first being armour-like clothing, and the second being thin, form hugging clothes. There was some overlap between the categories, and both groups seemed to have more formal and casual interpretations.

One peculiar thing was the complete lack of multiple layers. With most Union cultures, clothing is worn in multiple layers. For example, some underwear, a short and pants, and a sweater or vest over that. This allows one to adjust the warmth of the clothes by taking of the vest when necessary. Veolian clothing, however, seemed to lack any type of layers. In fact, the inside of most of the outfits seemed to be made with much care to ensure that if fits well, and would be supple and smooth on the skin.

[T'Sal]

As there is no special occasion T’sal does not try some pretty outfits but keeps it simple.

The one layer clothing of the Veolians seems to fit well to T’sal surprise. The Hiocans have mostly 2 layers, some small clothes and then robes.

“Miss Mikaro, could you tell me more about the Veolians cloth? I seems that it consist of one layer while most other cultures have two or more. I know that it is hot on Mirda, but even on Hio we wear some small cloths underneath our robes.”

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The shopkeeper's wife, miss Vastra Aurata, is somehow capable of fetching any outfit T'Sal want's to try on from the back of the shop. After some browsing, and some advice from miss Mikaro, T'Sal ended up with a small collection of fashionable, yet modest, outfits -- though it seems this shop does not carry underwear.

"I don't know much about clothing miss.", was the reply of Mikaro Aosa "Maybe it is as you say, though I do not think Mirda is hot. The only people that wear smallclothes are brides, on their wedding day, and prostitutes. I am not really sure why, I think it's just a tradition."

The clothes T'Sal selected were neatly folded and put into a small bag that was given to the slave. Miss Mikaro made to leave, seemingly without paying.

If she is not interrupted, she leaves the shop and asks "Is there anything else you wish to buy, miss?"

[T'Sal]

“No thank you, this will be enough.” T’sal replies.

((OOC: Let's continue to the institute))

[Veolian Commonwealth]

When leaving the shopping centre, the hovercar was already parked at the door.

After a smooth ride of another hour and a half, the car came to a stop in front of in impressive building. T'Sal, having done research in such laboratories herself immediately recognizes some of the equipment on top of the building, as they are high-energy uplinks to orbital measurement stations.

Mikaro Aosa stepped out of the car, and held open the door for T'Sal. "Miss T'Sal, we have arrived."

On the grounds surrounding the building, the flag of house Shebi could be seen.

A large, muscular man was waiting outside the building. Once he spotted T'Sal, he quickly walked over to her. His muscular frame seemed a bit off combined with his grey-white hair. When he came closer, T'Sal could see that his age has crept into his face, and most definitely in his beard.

Up close, he was a bit intimidating, easily towering over T'Sal and Mikaro Aosa.

"Greetings Jedi.", he said with a booming voice. "I am Shebi Danoach, princess Shebi Ajava's grandfather on her mother's side." He held out his large hand to shake.

[T'Sal]

T’sal takes a good look around as she steps out of the car as the large Veolian man approaches she ends up looking up to him. She makes the Hiocan greeting and introduces herself.

“Greetings sir Shebi, I am T’sal and look forward to work here in your institute.”

She then takes his hand and shakes it.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Shebi Danoach's handshake was firm. After shaking, he said: "It is I who should look forward to your contribution. It is well known that the Jedi are not only formidable in combat, but in all they undertake."

"Let us take a short tour through the facility, so you get acquainted with the equipment and the current projects. I have arranged a short presentation by each of the departments in the meeting room."

With this short explanation, he led T'Sal into the facility. At the door, he looked at Mikaro Aosa shortly, and told her "Hostess, you may wait in the cantina." in bolī dialect. ((OOC: I you want to interfere here, just do so and assume the rest comes later.))

He led T'Sal on a tour through the facility, introducing her to the heads of each department as "Jedi T'Sal". The facility had five distinct departments, each focusing on a specific discipline within the exotic particles field. Each department had top-notch equipment, and T'Sal quickly noted that about half of the personnel was support staff helping the actual scientists with experiments, doing literature searches and keeping lab journals.

The current workload was relaxed, but T'Sal quickly picked up that two of the departments were working a few secret projects as well, though she couldn't determine exactly what they were.

After the two-hour trip through the facility, each department sent a researcher to present the current projects, getting T'Sal up to speed on what exactly they were doing here. Most projects weren't special, though T'Sal could easily recognize that two of the projects were related to her proposal on micro-black branes. Another proposal had to do with hyperspace signatures, but the researcher was a bit nervous, and his presentation wasn't all that clear.

After another two hours of presentations, Shebi Danoach asked: "What do you think so far? Does one of the projects interest you, or shall I get some of the research proposals in here so you can have a look at some other topics?"

[T'Sal]

“For great undertakings you need help and that is why I have my science servant droid S4N8 with me.”: says T’sal while patting S4 on his hand. He has been standing next to her. It seems like a good idea to introduce him quickly so the Veolians get used to him as they do not seem to like smart droids.

“A tour and presentations will be great.”

T’sal gladly joins sir Shebi on the faculty tour, S4 is walking behind T'sal. She is sad that miss Mikaro is not joining, but this is sir Shebi’s territory and she follows his suit. T’sal is quite impressed with how they work here, it looks a bit familiar to the Hiocan style of systematic and order, but they have not so much support staff. They continue to the presentation hall. During the presentations T’sal takes notes on her datapad.

“Impressive sir Shebi, you have excellent equipment and staff. I am now finishing my research on time dilation and am thinking of shifting towards the micro-brane particles. It is an interesting new field and offers enough new challenges.”

[Veolian Commonwealth]

"It is indeed. Unfortunately, we have no open projects in that direction at the moment.

I will have my secretary inquire as to the status of our recently submitted research proposals, as we had two promising follow-up projects lined up. In the meantime, you might be interested in our special project."

Shebi Danoach led T'Sal to a secured door flanked by two guards. He typed in a code on the console, and led T'Sal deeper into the facility.

After a few minutes of walking, T'Sal suddenly stood in a large hangar with a small ship in the middle. The ship was surrounded by measuring equipment.

"This is the H322 prototype. Our first try at exploiting a hemet's telepathic abilities for direct brain interfacing. However, that's not why I brought you here. This ship is also the first ship to incorporate our newest hyperdrive technology, a form of signature dampening.

A while ago, we received a project request, and coming with it was highly secured intelligence on reverse engineered Echani technology. So, jedi, how much do you know about hyperspace physics?"

[T'Sal]

T’sal has hoped to work on the micro-brane particles, but a special project sounds also interesting. T’sal is curious as to what it is and follows sir Shebi into the corridor. She is surprised to end up in a hangar rather than a lab.

“Ehh, hyperspace physics? I know the basic principles. The Hiocans use a time dilation mechanism in their hyperdrives. I did not know Veolian hyperdrives needed a hemet with telepathic powers to function. Sounds like interesting material as some Hiocan also poses telepathic powers.”

T’sal is a little unsure. She does not know where this is exactly going to. But sir Shebi sounds like he has a plan in mind and T’sal is curious to what end that will lead.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

"Well yes, veolian hyperdrives require a hemet veolian pilot to operate at peak efficiency. But that is not why we are here."

He walked over to a pair of veolian women discussing something while drawing on a whiteboard.

"Ladies, I would like to introduce padawan T'Sal. She was the originator of the micro-black brane research proposal. Since we have already finished that project, I though it might be interesting to get her opinion on the signature dampening process. Please see to it that she is brought up to speed.", Shebi Danoach spoke in an authoritative tone, as if he would not accept no for an answer.

"Padawan T'Sal, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Shebi Falen.", the first veolian woman introduced herself. The second women looked angily at Shebi Danoach, but introduced herself as well: "I am Likra Ilina. I'm honoured to meet you, lady T'Sal."

"Very good. I'll leave you in the capable hands of the ladies, padawan T'Sal. If you need anything, just tell my secretary.", with that, he made to leave the hangar.

((OOC: I will fast-forward the 'bringing up to speed' part in the next post, skipping to the end of the day -- I think that will offer more interesting roleplay. If you want to have a bit of a talk with the ladies, just do so, and we'll do that before fast-forwarding.))