Francesca had spent most of the time while the ship was in for repairs to go shopping.  It was both a way to have fun and a way to train her senses by haggling.  A good haggling could tell you a lot about a species, a culture, and the individual themselves.  Thanks to her mental talents she could also gauge if she was moving in the right or wrong direction when in negotiations with a seller.  By the end of her shopping trip she had scored 4 new outfits, 3 types of cosmetics, and a variety of sweets to test what kind of tastes other species had.  Needless to say not everything was compatible with a human palate.

Unfortunately her fun was cut short with a massive headache which forced her to return to the ship and sleep it off.  Before long they were through the wormhole and into unknown territory.

[center]***[/center]

It was quite the exciting first contact, though disappointing that she had had no chance to actually talk with or see the aliens for that matter.  They were being led to the planet to see the [i]Holy Vei[/i].  Her best guess was that the [i]Holy Vei[/i] was a high religious figure of some kind, perhaps something like a high priest or even a Pope!  It was strange how no one seemed willing to actually talk with them, other than to lead them to the Holy Vei and the brief initial contact, this seemed to indicate that the Holy Vei wanted to be the first one to properly converse with the visitors and that their followers had been forbidden to say more than necessary.

Francesca was about to share her thoughts with the captain and those present when Denise spoke up first.  As an ambassador she remained completely composed as the individual rambled on about chakras and the like.  At least she was very on board with the whole understanding and learning for a new culture part.  Frankly Francesca didn't know what to think about her and was beginning to wonder if her volunteering would be a good idea, in the end it was the Captain's decision of course.

[color=bc8dbf]"From our brief interactions we can assume them to be a religious people but aside from that we have no knowledge.  From their tone they must respect this Holy Vei quite adamantly and put great faith in her foresight.  As we have no information I suggest that all members of the delegation to meet with her holiness dress in a conservative matter.  It is much easier to dress down than to dress up if the need should arise after all.  Plus, if they are rather conservative in nature we want to reduce any chance at offending them."[/color]

Francesca's advice was carefully reasoned out, though the reality of it was they were going in blind, still better to have everyone wearing similar attire then to have an odd one out who could offend them unknowningly.

[color=bc8dbf]
"I will of course be with the delegation to meet with the Holy Vei; however, I do believe that you, captain, should be the one to initiate contact.  Afterward you may relegate your duties of diplomacy to me.  You were the first to talk with them so it is better to start with the first person they have spoken with as they will at least be slightly familiar with you."[/color]