2024-08-31: A Poor Welcome

• Cutscene: A Poor Welcome
• Cast: Tempo Astelian, Janid Harpe, Gidon Kall, (NPCs of Eight Orlodhari)
• Where: The Ra Mari II, Earth Atmosphere
• Date: August 31, 0099
• Summary: A lull in the action on the bridge allows a few crew members to talk about the events of Junius Seven's fall.

---

"We risked our lives to help and they still treat us like interlopers," Tempo Astelian says with a big sigh. "We're not even welcome on the planet." He's a dark-skinned man with purple hair and an uncharacteristic frown, in the MDF uniform. He's the Comms Officer on the Ra Mari II.

"Not the first time for some of us," Janid Harpe reflects darkly. "Not really the first time for you, either. We're both Coordinators." Janid's lighter with blue hair, but there's nothing light about her mood, after all that. She's the chief Weapons officer.

The bridge of the Ra Mari II is much quieter now that the battle's over and the ship is calmly flying for Orb on the course prescribed by the Minerva. The Admiral and the Captain both are busy in the Captain's ready room now, discussing... something, probably supply matters or politics or both.

"Cheer up," Gidon Kall says, though his voice is a little gentler than his words. "Good old reliable Orb is willing to take us in and let us resupply, at least. It's not the whole planet against us--just the same old people we've been fighting for years." He's a big man with Commander pips on his jacket, bearded and tall and blond. He's the First Officer.

Astelian wobbles his hand up and down. "I guess," he allows. "It's just... rough. Do you think they'd be treating us better if we'd managed to stop it...?"

"Probably not," Harpe answers. "But better not to think along those lines anyway. 'What if' is a trap. Trust me."

"She's right," Kall chimes in. "We did what we could. It wasn't enough for everyone, but it was more than would've happened if we didn't try. ...the Admiral was willing to risk it. So we owe it to her to commit."

"Right," Astelian answers. "The Admiral..." The younger man sighs again. He's done that a lot today. "She doesn't even get a chance to stop and complain like us."

"No, she doesn't," Harpe says. "...I can tell it weighs on her. Even if our families are safe on Magallanica," she says, "A lot of other people's families weren't. But giving in to assholes like NUNE isn't going to help her feel any better. She's got to play the game, but we can at least show her we don't blame her for it, right?"

"Right," Kall says. "She's been the type to take it all on her own shoulders as long as I've known her. ...But then, she hired me when she was Captain, so I guess it comes with the territory. Even so, we can support her by doing our jobs the best we can."

Harpe adds, "And by keeping morale up. I know I'm a little dour, but..." She offers a wry smile. "Well, there's a reason I limit my complaining. I just..."

"Hm?" Astelian asks. "...Right. Keeping morale up, that's my job. You're right! I need to step up my game!"

"That's right," Harpe replies. "I don't think cookies in the lounges are gonna do it this time. But I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Cookies are always a good idea," Astelian sniffs. But then more seriously he adds, "I'll have to remind the crew that the ships' counselors are still on duty. It's important that they know there's someone to talk to."

Kall nods, satisfied. "Better," he says. "...We've got to keep it up for Captain Maina, too. You saw her stagger; whatever that was back there, it really hit her in that... Newtype way of hers."

Astelian winces. "Yeah, that was rough, even for me, and I'm not all that sensitive compared to her. "So sure. That's what we'll do. Our best. Though... It'd be nice if they let us help. I know our supplies and facilities could take on a lot more people..."

Kall shakes his head. "NUNE doesn't want our help. They couldn't say 'no' in that situation, but they lose face if a 'foreign', 'unrecognized' nation gets involved. Not directly, anyway. You can bet we'll see refugees from Earth in Magallanica, though."

Harpe nods. "...Right. NUNE..."

Harpe looks to her console again, and continues, "I have a bad feeling about all this. It's bad now, but..."

"It can get worse," she finishes.

"Worse than this many people dying?" Astelian asks, nervously.

Kall shakes his head, cutting off Harpe's next reply with, "It can. But that's tomorrow's problem. We can only take it a day at a time."

"...But how many days will we have left?" Harpe wonders. "...Sorry. I'll rein it in."

"It's fine," Astelian says. "It had to be rough on you, seeing a PLANT used like that. Nobody will blame you for being down."
"I guess not. But I'd rather not bleed about it on duty. ...Maybe later. We can get a drink with my husband and your new guy, Astelian."

"...Sure," Astelian answers. "I'd like that."

The mood remains subdued, though. Most of the crew on the bridge doesn't say anything at all.