Footsteps rang out throughout the halls as the crew shuffled between their stations, or made their way to their destinations. Despite the noisy, busy exterior, it was quite solemn within the med-bay. Taris and the Head-Doctor stood over the young star-seer, watching her chest weakly raise and fall. It was clear that she was alive, but the extent of her injuries were still quite unknown to the two. It wasn't a physical injury that put her in this state, that much was clear to them.

[b]"She's unconscious.."[/b] Head-Doctor McClain explained. [b]"We believe the violent transition through the wormhole may have been too much for her mind to comprehend. It is unclear if she has suffered any permanent damage from the transition.. only time will tell."[/b] McClain shortly glanced over at his Captain, before making his way towards several screens that were projecting the images of several of the nearby ships. [b]"Captain, how have you been?"[/b] McClain suddenly asked.
Taris shifted uncomfortably at the doctor's news about the Star-Seer, before turning to him in a rather surprised manner. "What do you- I'm fine." He quickly replied.

[b]"Fine eh? You have an odd definition of fine Swordmaster.."[/b] The Head-Doctor jested. [b]"You and I both know that's not true Taris. When you're not busy.. I advise that you come by here again for a check-up. Who knows.. I might be able to prevent your hair from going gray."[/b]
Taris offered a smirk to his old friend. With each passing day, the toll of command was taking more and more of a toll on the man. Though he did his best to hide it, it was beginning to slip through the cracks of his facade. He gave a weak nod to the doctor before the intercoms came alive once more.

[b]"Captain, this is bridge. Could you come up here again? We just received some news you should hear."[/b]

[b]"That check up might have to wait awhile Doctor. Look after Asha while i'm gone alright?"[/b] Taris replied to McClain with a quick salute, who promptly returned it as well. Taris would then turn to take his leave, heading towards the bridge once more.
[hr]

Helmsman Zarwen had been recording most of the publicly transmitted messages, doing his best to keep a log of activity, as well as conducting several scans on most of the larger ships. They weren't very detailed scans, mostly just an attempt at gathering some basic information about the outsider's vessels. 
[b]"Have you learned anything of these Outsiders?"[/b] Taris asked as he returned to the bridge. Zarwen would glance back at the approaching Captain and nod to him.
[b]"Aye, but not that much.. been a few interesting announcements you might want to hear though Captain. Here, i'll play them for you."[/b] Zarwen pressed a button on the console infront of him, which began to playback some of the earlier broadcasts.

[quote][color=ed1c24]"Romanova to all ships. We propose a meeting on a any other ship to discuss our situation and confirm our present location."[/color][/quote]

[b]"A meeting..?" [/b]Taris repeated. [b]"Good.. there might be hope for these outsiders after all."[/b]
[b]"There's more sir.."[/b]

[quote][color=0072bc]"Romanova and all other ships, we accept your proposal. The Paramount has enough docking bays and hangars to house your needs. Hangar Bay Primary, located on the underside of this ship, will be unlocked for diplomatic purposes. Please send a diplomatic team over with armed escort, should you wish. Be warned, however, that you are being closely monitored."[/color][/quote]

Taris rubbed his chin as he listened to the recording. These outsiders were certainly different from the ones he was used to dealing with. Violence wasn't their immediate reply, but he still held within himself a reasonable doubt about them. For all he knew, this could be a trap meant to lure in the surrounding vessels. The Paramount was a large, and powerful looking vessel. One that could unleash a great deal of damage if it so desired. 

[b]"Scans also revealed something interesting about the vessel identified as [i]The Spirit of Wind[/i].."[/b] Zarwen began. [b]"There's no detected life-signs aboard her."
[/b]
[b]"None at all?"[/b] Taris stated aloud as he pondered the information. [b]"Hmm.. Helmsman, open a public channel, I have another announcement for these outsiders."[/b] Zarwen nodded to his Captain, and carried out the request to broadcast a new message.

[quote][color=6ecff6]"A meeting.. how pleasant. I, Taris Val' Markurio, Captain of the [i]Pale Quiver[/i], and Swordmaster of Valinos.. Shall attend this meeting aboard the [i]Paramount[/i]. As a sign of good will, I shall come alone, and I shall bring with me Valtorian tea for each of the representatives who attend as well. I however, do request a shuttle be provided for transportation aboard, and would be much obliged if the [i]Paramount[/i], or any other vessel could provide me with transportation."[/color] [/quote]

As the channel closed, Zarwen looked surprised by his Captain's announcement. [b]"Alone sir.. are you certain that's-"[/b]
[b]"Yes Helmsman. We need diplomats, not soldiers. The Battlemaster would only complicate matters, and our troops will be needed elsewhere."[/b] The Captain replied, clasping both his hands behind his back. [b]"After I leave, dock the vessel alongside [i]The Spirit of Wind[/i] and have Hendrick lead a scouting mission aboard the vessel. There may be supplies aboard that we could use, or something we could scrap for later."[/b]

[b]"Y-yes sir.."[/b] Zarwen replied, still feeling uncertain about his Captain's decision.
[b]"Bring us close to the [i]Paramount[/i], and keep full power to shields until a shuttle arrives for me."[/b] Taris stated. [b]"Continue with your observations as well Zarwen.. I need to get dressed for the occasion.."[/b] With that, the Captain strolled out of the bridge to presumably return to his quarters. Valtorians never liked to look dull, especially not when they were dealing with outsiders.