Gar’Tan made it clear that, whatever the humans were currently thinking of KA's governments, they were wrong. Itxaro began to suspect that perhaps Earth political structures weren’t really applicable here, and they’d have to form new opinions rather than rely on past prejudices. They were receiving all information secondhand, rather than experiencing it themselves, which made drawing any solid conclusions even more difficult. Perhaps, if the commander allowed it, they could arrange a trip to the nearby cities to gain more intel. [i]Or maybe Zey doesn’t need to know about it.[/i]

J’eon mentioned that he would have to look further into developing a sword for her. This idea opened up a whole new world of exchange in Itxaro’s mind; they didn’t have to share the most cutting-edge technology with the aliens. [i]We can just teach them old stuff. Types of swords, different ways of mixing materials to form stronger building materials. It doesn’t have to be warp drive.[/i] 

[color=fff200]“Actually, J’eon, hold off on that sword for now; I might have a custom order that might interest you.”[/color]

Mallory seemed skeptical of the native’s motivations, particularly J’eon’s at the moment. [i]Maybe because he’s a Glen?[/i] Itxaro shrugged in response. [color=fff200]"I don’t know X.O., maybe he’s just along for the ride. J'eon, my good friend here wants to know; why are you here?”[/color]

Vigdis and Kareet seemed totally engaged in an exchange, and a slight smile flashed across her face. She was happy to see she wasn’t the only one interested in engaging with the locals; or so she assumed. Vigdis did voice their concern about the translation speed, however. [color=fff200]“Well, I was hoping Gar’Tan here could just, uh, transmit the language into our heads, but I don’t think that’s possible, so it's up to us. You’re right, as much as I hate it, we’ll have to use Wodan and our translators.”[/color]

Kercheck stepped forward and gave the humans quite a show, his feathery arm transforming into a chitinous, shining blade. Itxaro audibly gasped, followed by a nervous laugh. [i]Either Ezra wasn’t watching or didn’t catch that, because if he had, this little birdie would have an extra hole in their head.[/i] [color=fff200] “Uhh, yeah Kercheck, we’ll be sure to set up a little exchange sometime soon. I’ve also got a leg dealing me some misery if you’d like to take a look at it sometime. Just keep that thing put away for now, ok?”[/color] 

Itxaro shifted uncomfortably as the conversation continued. Things were becoming too complicated, and with Gar’Tan present, the humans couldn’t even formulate a game plan. If it had just been her, Itxaro thought, things might be different, but it was growing crowded now. She heard a clamor behind her as various crewmembers and stowaways peeked over the barricade in the shuttle, eager to catch a glimpse of this world’s inhabitants. [i]Not great.[/i]

[color=fff200]“Listen, X.O., how about we preserve the goodwill we’ve got here and call it a night before things get out of hand?”[/color] Itxaro said eagerly, ready to end their exchange. She turned to address the aliens. [color=fff200]“Thank you all for meeting us here. I… Can’t believe we’re actually talking to eachother, and you’ve given us a lot to discuss. Our priority first is to learn your language, so we can all communicate without Gar’Tan’s help. No offense, Gar'Tan,”[/color] Itxaro said, glancing around. [color=fff200]“From there, I guess we can begin negotiations. Exchanging knowledge, learning from eachother. That sort of thing, right?”[/color] She looked back to her crewmembers, as if for reassurance. [color=fff200]“So, stick around in the meantime, ok? We're gonna need your help.”[/color]

Itxaro felt self-conscious of her little public address. It seemed stilted and awkard, but sincere. She hoped it was enough.