Lounge
“Thank you Egil,” Hanako said, returning the bow with a curtsey. “I am glad you like your gifts. Since you are a computer technician, I thought it might be good for you to have something that allows you to work with an AI without the restrictions of the ship’s computer.”
Just then, the lounge intercom came on. It was Blackberry. “Excuse me Shosho, but we have some company. I request that the day shift bridge crew come up here.” In the background they could hear the sound of someone cursing angrily.
“If you will excuse me,” Hanako said. As she left the lounge, she turned around in the doorway and put her finger on her temple for a moment. “Think ‘away team’,” she grinned.
Bridge
“THIS IS A FREE SETTTLEMENT OF CIVILIANS!!” an enraged Mishhuvurthyar shouted on the main screen. “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE, YAMATAI! Go away.”
“With whom am I speaking?” Hanako asked as she stood in front of her desk.
“You! Hanako Ketsurui of all people!”
“I am asking for your name,” Hanako reasserted herself.
“Grullyvushhgari,” the Mishhu huffed. “Former NMX Overseer, now a person of business.”
"We need to inspect this planet for NMX forces," Hanako said.
"This is not a military settlement. Furthermore," the Mishhuvurthyar simmered, "this is not part of the Empire and your laws are not applicable here."
"That may be, but this planet is not a nation. We will visit if we please," said Hanako. "It important that we secu..."
"Miss Ketsurui this planet has in recent times become a place of free multi-species interaction, where individuals from across the galaxy have gathered. I knew this day would come when Yamatai would encroach on us and I have viewed it with dread. You must promise not to disrupt things. I have worked hard to get this set up and it is delicate."
"As in unstable?" Hanako inquired. "And you speak for this planet?"
The Mishhuvurthyar grumbled. "Well...we have had our shortages of supplies and crime is a major nuisance. And I do. Mostly."
"Maybe we can help you," the Shosho offered. "Every society has its problems. In return for letting us visit, we will solve some of your problems. Alright?"
"Oh really?!" the Mishhu exclaimed, raising his dozens of tentacles up in the air mockingly. "Maybe. But I have some restrictions. No use of ship weapons, power armor, or teleportation units is allowed on this planet. And if you visit, watch your back. I cannot be held responsible for the people living here."
"Very well," Hanako said. "I will talk to you again later. End transmission."
As the screen returned to a view of the HX-24 star system, Hanako looked to the other bridge crew with raised eyebrows.