Kenji and Floona were herded through winding, large, and darkly violet corridors by their armed escort. They came up to a large armored window looking out into one of the huge cargo bays. Their escort rumbled, "The person that wants to ask about landing protocols is down there. She is Awina of the Nagarajah ruling class of the Nada-Haltu species, of the Suurin Enclave. They are NOT Trayodashan, so meeting with her may be fatal for both of you. Your decision." Kenji remarked,"God, she's an ugly spud! Nice looking ship, though!" Awina stopped waving them down at that point and Floona snapped at Kenji, "I think she's cute...sort of like a doll! That's a type 201, Sururin Single-Ship outfitted with a Nada-Haltu multi-environmental cockpit. It's one of the most nimble and agile ships in the Sururin Armada. It has two Time-Space Matrix Drives and IS Hyperspace Capable...I wonder why she didn't just fly it here herself?" Floona looked surprised at her own rush of knowledge. Kenji asked, "Was that info from that artifact thing you touched?" Floona nodded, as Awina's voice came out of the air,"I'd like to know that as well. Yes, this 'ugly spud' can here you quite well down here, but I don't recognize the head bobbling motion of the female. Different cultures use different body-languages even within the same species." Floona gasped and Kenji groaned. Floona exclaimed quickly, "Let me apologize for any harm my companion's comment may have caused!" She reached over and punched Kenji in the upper arm hard. He bent over, grabbing his arm and grinding his teeth. He gritted out,"Yeah, sorry." Floona bowed and asked in a respectful tone,"Oh, Elder Race, what do you want from us?" Awina said,"I am Awina, of the Nagarajah. I am amazed to find such a knowledgeable and respectful being here. You are native to the planet ,Balaam, below us?" Floona paused. All the 'driftware' module had told her about the Nada-Haltu were that they were Elder species, easily insulted, and unpredictable. There were something about being talked to by equals, not by minions or servants. She put together pieces together in her mind. Floona said carefully,"Elder Awina,I am Lieutenant Floona, of the Deva species, and commander of a mission from the planet below us, to carry the Cure for the Blight to the rest of our solar system. My species was once subserviant to humans, but we freed ourselves from that bondage. We would be happy to aid you in any way that does not compromise our mission." Awina smiled, looking quite pleased. "I need some guidance to land on the planet below.I seek one of my kind, lost on the planet below some thirty-five years ago." Floona responded, "There is no planetary government. The Blight caused a collapse of the governments, and the structure of society. Out of curiosity, Elder--are you seeking the 'Measure of the Bridge between Worlds', as well?" Awina flinched as if struck. Her eyes filled with tears, as she said,"The MEASURE? She ...'died' almost forty years ago, with most of her sisters. Why do you ask that of me?" Floona and Kenji looked at each other in shock. Floona said quietly, "Last that I know...we had left her, QUITE ALIVE, on Floating City 64. At least, someone with that name, Elder." Awina wept quietly with her hands over her mouth. She looked at the two of them. Floona and Kenji felt acutely uncomfortable, watching on. After a moment, she said, wiping her eyes, "I need you to take me there. Now ,if possible." Floona thought. She said to Kenji, "Kenji--take the Cure to the orbital station at Maris." She then looked at Awina and said,"If I can pilot your ship down--I'll do it!" Awina looked surprised. She said, "IF you can pilot it...certainly." Floona couldn't hide her grin as she looked at that beautiful ship. --TO BE CONTINUED!--