[center][h2][color=mediumpurple]Rhylaen[/color][/h2][/center]

The young Tevranian was both surprised and thrilled to discover that there were others of her species aboard the cramped shuttle.  She spent most of the flight with them, talking quietly.  Upon arrival at Fortress Ship Solaire, however, Rhylaen hung back and let the others disembark first.  She was one of the last off the shuttle, along with the handful of other pilots.  The fortress ship had decent gravity -- a little heavier than the lost Tevran, but not so much as to be an issue.  It was probably based on Earth's gravity, Rhylaen figured.  Most Galactic Federation places were.

The pilots were greeted by a woman in a blue-and-green pilot suit, and a hunched-over man with a walking stick.  The old man immediately made a crude comment about Rhylaen, and her hands clenched at her sides.  It was true -- a number of the remaining Tevranians ended up in children's entertainment because of their size and fey-like appearance.  It saved on special effects.  And yes, some desperate individuals ended up in brothels, where they were viewed as exotic.  But there were plenty that chose other paths, like she had.  Scientists, doctors -- even pilots.  And she was plenty capable.  Her Framewerk, the Electric Dragonfly, was exceedingly agile, and well-armored to boot. 

She listened attentively to the schedule.  When the mention of a squad leader came up, however, she made a quick negating gesture.  She was hindered by her alien nature, and preferred a supporting role.  And already she was getting glares from one of the other pilots.  It made her wonder what she'd done to offend him.

[hr]

[center][h2][color=lightskyblue]Sparks[/color][/h2][/center]

Sparks spent most of the flight into Fortress Ship Solaire chatting with those around him.  Since he was in slacks and a T-shirt with the phrase "√-1 2³ Σ π and it was delicious" there was no outward indication that he was a pilot.  The sight of the fortress ship took his breath away.  It was [i]massive[/i], a feat of engineering to be sure.

He waited until most of the other passengers were off the shuttle to disembark, but had no problem being one of the first pilots off.  The woman that greeted them had to be Lieutenant Ritsu, and his guess was soon confirmed.  The old man was Executive Officer Lorenzo, the scientist behind the project.  His crude remarks made Sparks cringe inwardly.  The poor Tevranian!  But his attention soon was drawn to the green-haired Lilim beside Lorenzo.  [i][color=lightskyblue]Huh.  Another AI, then.  Good, that means Dancer won't be too out of place.[/color][/i]

The mention that the pilot named Aurora was also a greasemonkey pleased him.  He'd have to figure out which one she was, and talk to her.  And an older Framewerk?  his fingers itched, and he couldn't wait to get a look at it.

The schedule was rigid and mostly filled, something he rather expected from a place like this.  And of course there would be competition for the squad leader slot.  Sparks didn't particularly want the role.  He took a moment to look around at the others.  One of the pilots, a younger woman in a school uniform, seemed upset.  Homesick? or perhaps nervous?  He didn't know, but he felt sorry for her.

When questions were asked for, Sparks raised his hand and waited for acknowledgement.  [color=lightskyblue]"Is there some sort of introductory info packet, with things like a map of the ship and staff rosters, stuff like that?"[/color]