Success! There was still quite an unreasonable timer on the omni-tool, but sometimes it takes baby steps to reach your ultimate goals. Narvia looked relieved (if a little red in the cheeks), and Ariel was content with that. [color=e9e6e1]“It certainly is a step forward. Let’s give it a look later tonight.”[/color] The arms shop was making bank from that discount, looking at the amount of gear and weaponry that the group was buying up. The blades and firearms and tools, both melee and ranged, conventional and exotic — was that an anti-materiel rifle? Really, Tarak? — totalled up to one hefty bill. Ariel wondered if it wasn’t a little excessive as the group of remilitarised Star Marines continued on their way to the Moonstrike vessel. The Xuanzang looked not much different from a regular cargo transport. Ariel was hardly an expert, though; no doubt it had some surreptitious modifications, just hidden enough to pass casual inspection. Souped-up engines, concealed weapons, advanced cloaking systems and what not: or at least, that was what the space operas said. Judging by the fancy armoured car Natasha had sent out just now, it wasn’t too far-fetched an assumption to make. Guided by said woman, the group’s entry into what looked like a meeting room marked the beginning of a whole round of greetings and introductions. As the others said their hellos, Ariel took the chance to have a good look at the ship and her captain. Natasha looked like a bit like the rugged but free-spirited sort. Was it the haircut, or the eyes? Perhaps it was a combination of both, or the way she had wholeheartedly approved of and participated in Ashton’s unchecked trading spree earlier. The ship was practically immaculate, though that could very well be nothing more than the work of some automated drones, given the ship’s small crew. The captain deserved an ‘A’ for presentation all the same. A little lull in the air indicated that it was time to speak. [color=e9e6e1]“Hello, nice to meet you all! My name is Ariel, Ariel Sin. Like Navi, I’m from the inner Solar System. I’m not as good at fighting or magic as everyone else, but I’ll be giving all I’ve got!”[/color] An older man wandered in around then. From that coat, he must have been the ship’s medical officer… [color=e9e6e1]“Ah.”[/color] Even after inadvertently voicing her surprise, Ariel tried not to stare at the little coffin nail in the man’s hand, or the puffs of grey disease in particulate form wafting from his mouth. Staring would be rude, after all. It was easier said than done, though, and she found her disapproving gaze drawn to Dr Millard’s cigarette over and over again. Seeing the doctor smoke kind of undermined his credibility a bit. Especially since it was one of the old-fashioned cigarettes — of all the myriad ways to feed an addiction, that had to be one of the worst. Even with nanomedicine mitigating the worst of the health effects, it was still unsightly at best. Sure, there were all the psychological and socioeconomic factors that contributed to the habit, but still… Ariel stuck her hand out, palm open and facing upwards, as if expectantly waiting for the doctor to hand something over.