Arrival

[Tarisa 0]

On her way to docking port 2, Tarisa’s heart was racing. She had been with Nijil, working on the training program for their friend when she got the call. Personally, she wished she could avoid this all together and continue working on the project. They had just come up with the idea to use a self aware holomatrix as the foundation of the program and then build around it using basic data from a few of the core races. Hopefully with the information she had given Nijil, he would be able to start building. It would at least give him something to do after being stuck in his quarters.

 

Rounding the corner to the docking port, Tarisa slowed as she gazed out the windows. In view was a what appeared to be a shiny new ship. She had never seen this particular class, but the Mithraan craftsmanship was quite clear. On the port side of the ship read in Mithraan, “Teapo’s Wings.” After delaying as much as she could, Tarisa finally moved on to the airlock doors. To the right of the gate stood a dock officer who was monitoring docking functions behind a console. He looked up at Tarisa and said, “They are coming aboard now, Ma’am.”

 

Tarisa’s heart pounded in her chest as her tail flailed about sporadically. Her nerves were becoming unbearable as the gate doors finally began to open. But what was once nervousness turned to excitement at the sight before her.

 

“Tarisa!” called out the light pink haired Mithraan from the gate.

 

“Yda?!” Replied the young science officer as she rushed up, putting her hands in the other Mithraan’s as they joined foreheads, touching noses. “Sister? What are you doing here?”

 

“I could not miss my little sister’s Keywah,” said Yda. “Also it has been so long since we have been together.”

 

“Yes. It has been too long. Since my graduation from the Academy.” Tarisa finally released her sister from their family greeting. “Tell me how Lo’gan is doing. Has he finally found a mate?”

 

Yda nodded in response. “Yes. Our brother has finally settled down. He is set to go through Zoh’wahtuh in a few weeks. It would be good if you were able to write to him before then.”

 

“I will,” replied Tarisa. “I had planned to send word to Mother and Father as well.” She could not believe her sister was standing before her. “How is Miana? Is she adjusting to life as a Prodigy?”

 

“You should ask her yourself,” grinned Yda as she stepped aside.

 

Behind Yda stood a young Mithraan girl, who looked to be around the age of nine. She had long white hair, little white furred ears popping out of her head, A little white tail lashing about happily. “Neemah!” Yelled the little girl as she ran up to Tarisa.

 

Taris was overjoyed as she knelt down, greeting the girl in the same fashion as her sister. “Little One,” purred Tarisa. She then pulled Miana in for a hug. “I have missed you.”

 

The little girl buried her head in the older Mithraan’s shoulder, purring as well. “I missed you too, Neemah.”

Tarisa finally released her niece, getting a good look at Miana. “You have grown so much…”

 

She could have gone on forever, but the sight of another figure exiting the docking gate brought her back to reality. It was a tall and imposing figure of a male Mithraan. Tarisa noticed a pan’tho stick attached to the right side of his belt, guessing that he must be a member of the Larc tribe. Which meant he was more than likely a guard. Glaring at Tarisa a moment, he nodded “Larc Suhbeh of Clan Barah.” He then quietly stepped aside, revealing two other Mithraan women.

 

One of the women was tall and wore a long white coat, typical of a doctor from Mithra. She had short black hair and deep brown eyes behind a pair of small framed glasses. “Doctor Y’shta,” Tarisa said as she gave a little bow. The doctor nodded in return. “Tarisa.”

 

The sight of the other woman put Tarisa’s stomach in knots. She was an older woman with streaks of gray running through long dark brown hair which she kept in fancy braids. She wore traditional Mithraan silk robes, and carried an ornate walking stick. She looked quite out of place on this station and was one of the last people Tarisa thought would be here. Tarisa gulped slightly as she put her right hand to her chest and bowed. “H..High Elder Danu…”

 

The elder of the Duelle Tribe smiled at the gesture. “Greetings, Duelle Tarisa of Clan Laeda. I trust you are prepared for your Keywah?”

 

“Y...Yes High Elder,” nervously replied Tarisa. “Though I must say, I was not expecting the ritual to be performed by you.”

 

Danu chuckled, “But of course. It has been too long since I performed the ritual myself. Also, I had to make sure you would not avoid it like you did last time.”

 

“I was in the middle of my studies with Starfleet Academy,” Tarisa frowned deeply.

 

The elder simply dismissed it with a wave. “Details, young one. I wish to see this station of yours.”

 

“Yes, of course. It will probably be some time before your quarters are prepared. I only recently sent word to Station Operations, since I just received the message from Mithra.” She began leading the group from the gate.

 

“Ah yes,” replied Danu with a sly grin. “That was my idea. I did not wish to give you the chance to run.”

 

The frown on Tarisa’s face was constant. “Of course.” She looked to the Mithraan ship once more as they got to the windows. “Is that a new model?”

 

“Ah, you noticed,” said Danu as they stopped at the window. “Yes. It is the new commercial transport commissioned by the Teapo Conglomerate. Quite beautiful. I would have offered a tour, but the ship is set to leave soon. They are going to that colony nearby?”

 

“TKR-117, High Elder,” Y’shta answered.

 

“Ah yes. Thank you, Doctor.”

 

“I see,” replied Tarisa. She then continued escorting the group from the docking port.

 

Eventually, the party arrived in the Commerce Area. Many delicious scents coming from the various restaurants, cafes, and eateries filled the noses of the Mithraans.

 

Doctor Y’shta took in a deep breath. “What fascinating scents.”

 

“I agree,” replied Danu. “This is quite the destination.”

 

“There is plenty more to the tour, but if you like, you can take your time to explore the area here,” Tarisa said. “There are many places to eat.”

 

Miana twirled around excitedly. She began pointing to different places, the smell of food overwhelming her. “I want to try all of those places now.”

 

Yda placed a gently hand on her daughter’s head. “All in due time, but first you must be introduced to your school.”

 

“School?” frowned Miana.

 

“Yes. I was told they have a school here with many children.”

 

The little girl frowned as she folded her arms across her chest. “I do not need school. I am a Prodigy.”

 

“Consider this a social experiment then, young one,” said Danu as she placed both hand on her cane.

 

Yda held out her hand. “You might even make friends.”

 

Miana sighed as she took her mother’s hand. “Alright.”

 

After some instructions from Tarisa, the mother and daughter duo walked off towards the school. Tarisa then looked at the remaining three Mithraans. “Please, have a look around and enjoy the food. Hopefully your rooms will be ready soon…”

 

The others glanced around briefly before Danu walked off towards one of the more fancier restaurants with Suhbeh at her side. The Doctor then walked off in the other direction, being driven by the curious smells coming from one of the cafes. Tarisa sighed and tried to relax as they all departed. This was going to be a long visit.