NALINI’S QUARTERS

(STANDARD TYGER AMBIENCE, CONFINED SPACE)

NALINI
Tinker, I understand that we cannot venture into territories under the sway of Xinwei-Moore, but surely we can return to Ntembu space.

TINKER
Captain Macorum thinks otherwise, your highness.

NALINI
Then he doesn’t understand diplomacy. We achieved everything my father wished.

TINKER
That was Kiran’s belief as well, your highness.

NALINI
Kiran…
(BEAT)
I wish he were here, Tinker. I wish all of them were here. It’s been days, but I still think of the shuttle and that horrid moon. Kiran was so brave.

TINKER
I did not wish to cause you distress. Perhaps you should see Doctor Shen, your highness.

NALINI
The doctor?

TINKER
Although I do not believe she has extensive psychiatric training, I have learned Doctor Shen worked at an Accident and Emergency Ward on Batori.

NALINI
And?

TINKER
By the mental agitation I observe in you and the dreams you reported, she may be a more suitable person with whom to discuss these thoughts.

NALINI
Hmph. She may be a good doctor, but she is certainly not as personable as my regular physicians.

TINKER
There is a probability she remains less disposed to you due to your injury to her face.

NALINI
I was defending myself from what I thought was a Xinwei commando. My apology and explanation were both straightforward.

TINKER
Indeed, your highness. However, I did hear the doctor complain to the Captain that her nose has not re-set correctly.

NALINI
Hmph. Well, she re-set it herself, so who’s to blame?

TINKER
It is not within the scope of my programming to determine blame.

NALINI
Fine, so what about this Captain Macorum? Have you learned anything else?

TINKER
I will not be certain within six sigma until we are able to test his DNA samples against thos in our House data banks. However, he is most likely Lieutenant Colonel Macorum.

NALINI
So he fought my father in the Border Wars.

TINKER
Colonel Macorum was part of Walker’s Brigade, so it is possible.

NALINI
(DISGUST)
Mercenaries.

TINKER
They were a highly capable unit.
(BEAT)
I did fight against them in several battles.

NALINI
Hmph. I doubt they were worse than Kalmar’s Red Berets.

TINKER
If you mean in terms of inflicting casualties on our troops, they were equal. In fact, Walker’s Brigade trained much of Kalmar’s special forces.

NALINI
Whether or not he is the same man, can we trust him now?

TINKER
Insofar as he will do his best do deliver us to Acheron, yes, I calculate a high probability that we may trust him.

NALINI
Really?

TINKER
There are several factors contributing to this assessment.

SOUND: HAIL SOUND

GRAINNE
(INTERCOM)
Your highness? Tinker? This is Grainne.

SOUND: SWITCH CLICK

NALINI
I am here, Grainne.

GRAINNE
The captain wanted me to let you both know we are within a few jumps of the Vischulon Nebula.

TINKER
Thank you, Pilot Kochowa. We shall be up there shortly.

SOUND: SWITCH CLICK

NALINI
I suppose she is one of the factors you were considering.

TINKER
It was.

NALINI
I certainly didn’t expect the pilot of a craft such as this to be Arang Pelaiyu.

TINKER
I cannot factor in all the motives of organics, but the Arang Pelaiyu are consistently employed in positions of trust throughout the Imperium.

NALINI
But have you ever heard of one of her People working on such a ship?
(BEAT)
I know they say they’re a freighter, but I am sure they conduct smuggling or other illicit trades.

TINKER
That is my hypothesis as well. Pilot Kochowas’s position is unorthodox, but even where the Arang Pelaiyu engage in criminality, I have no record of one being violent nor breaking their own laws.

NALINI
I did ask her how she came to be on board. She simply said her path led her here. People of the Way, indeed. I’m glad you think we are in good hands, Tinker. Despite my concerns about the captain, I feel safe here. The… crew have been helpful.

TINKER
I have noted you have sought the assistance of Aidan Vosky.

NALINI
He has proven very helpful. Just setting up these quarters for instance. And answering my questions. Many of the other crew members did not appear to have time.

TINKER
I cannot accurately assess the situation, but I still predict Lady Shohreh would not approve of the amount of time you have spent with Aidan Vosky.

NALINI
I cannot say what Lady Shohreh would approve or disapprove… and she isn’t here anyway.
(BEAT)
Besides, aren’t we expected on the bridge?

TINKER
You are correct, your highness. We should go.

SOUND: BULKHEAD DOOR OPENING

NALINI
Thank you, Tinker.