Artrex's Gala: Arrival - [part 1]

Posted on Mon Jul 25th, 2022 @ 12:29pm by Samanthia Akiashiro & Colonel S'er'in'e

Mission: The Archan Job
Location: Archa IV: Artrex Estate

The vast sprawling palatial mansion spread out over several acres. Pools were tucked in open ended courtyards that would give the view of a mountain range or sandy beaches of the ocean. An airstrip that could accommodate a lot of airships to include space shuttles with attended hangers if needed for the privacy of guest arriving. Vast tracts of forested lands with lakes scattered amongst them. Near the palatial mansion was several outdoors sports parks for several different Archian outdoor types of games.

Akiashiro Defiant landed carefully in its assigned spot and the ramp lowered to the ground to allow its passengers to disembark. Awaiting the group were several chauffeured mini vehicles to carry them to the Mansion to the entrance. Once everyone boarded the small vehicles, they took the group to the vast sprawling building.

Elder Akiashiro did a quick head count before leading the way into vast sprawling building. Samanthia moved next to S'er'in'e with the group into cool interior of the mansion. The cream of Archian Society moved about forming one group only to dissolve into new groups. The conversation muted when they spotted Akishiro Group. Seeing S'er'in'e towering over majority of the group.

Samanthia invaded S'er'in'e personal space, seeing how many of the females were eyeing S'er'in'e with a lot more interest. Fur or no fur, Samanthia casually placed a hand in the small of his back to show he was hers and she was unwilling to share.

Rewo'El, Ambassador from Ritorian Hegemony, seeing S'er'in'e, the only Caitian there. He broke from his group of those that were in conversation with him. He approached Elder Akiashiro along with Mr Artrex at his side to make the initial introductions.

"Greeting Elder Akiashiro." Artrex voice spoke out as he shook hands with him. "This gentleman at my side here." Giving a quick polite head tilt in the direction of Rewo'El. "This is Ambassador Rewo'El of Ritorian." Turning to Rewo'El. "This is Elder Akiashiro, Raphael and his lovely wife, Tamarue." Giving another polite head tilt in the direction of Raphael.

Raphael and Rewo'El shook hands quickly, then Raphael introduced his group. To include S'er'in'e and Samanthia. Rewo'El nodded politely as each was introduced and focused his attention on S'er'in'e. "Master S'er'in'e, it's rare to see a Caitian away from Cait. Unless either in Starfleet or part of their Diplomatic Group." His expression showing interest in what he had to say.

"Fate decided that my future lay off-world and amongst the stars." S'er'in'e responded, his answer vague yet honest from a certain point of view. It was clearly by how he was standing and the closeness he held between Samanthia and himself that fate also meant other things as well. He knew that the profile of this event was high and his being included in the party was conditional on his being well behaved so he kept that in mind with his own actions.

Rewo'El nodded wisely, seeing how close he was to a pretty female. "I perfectly understand." He let his eyes briefly roam over Samanthia with a slight but noticeable smile. Then looked at S'er'in'e. "I'm glad I'm not the only Off-Worlder here. I hope you both will be part of Private Collection Tour of Mr. Artrex." Giving both a nod, then stepping back with a glance at Artrex.

Mr Artrex spoke up. "Refreshments are in the room east of main room. Lounges are to the left. Mingle and enjoy." He looked at Elder Raphael Akiashiro. "Hopefully we'll get some time to talk about interstellar shipping." Smiled as Raphael nodded.

Samanthia gave a soft smile as she gave the vast room sweep to see the various objects of art on display. From suits of Archian style of armor to paintings and tapestries. Vases and huge urns mingled tastefully with the rest of the visible art and relics on display. She looked thoughtfully at them, knowing these were the low value pieces. While moving with the group of Akiashiros deeper into the room to mingle with the rest of Mr. Artrex's guests.

The look that Rewo'El gave Samanthia was not missed by S'er'in'e but in the interests of the moment and venue, he let it slide, begrudgingly. His Mate however seemed to be enjoying the moment as he saw her looking around taking in the views of what lay around them. While he himself didn't see the appeal he wouldn't take from what she clearly was. The invitation to see more was undoubtedly welcome by many.

As the Akiashiro group progressed deeper into the room, People came up and greeted Raphael and the others. Some splitting off from the group to scatter about the room. Samanthia was approached by a young woman all smiles, "Heyas Sammy! I was hoping you'd show up!" She looked up at S'er'in'e with a smile, "Who's this handsome cat?!" Giving him an appreciative glance.

Samanthia smiled warmly at Selena, "My Mate. S'er'in'e." She looked up at S'er'in'e. "This Selena. University friend and house mate, before I met you." Then looking back Selena, "you can admire him from a distance." She gave Selena a quick hug and got one in return. "How did you wangle an invite to this?!" She exclaimed back softly.

S'er'in'e bowed in greeting as he did with all females. He said nothing but smile as Samanthia introduced him and glad for the informative suggestion about distance. Clearly, a friend of his Mate he stood in silence, watching, patiently waiting, mindful of others in the group such as the Elder and his close party. His training was kicking in as he took in the others around them especially since Samanthia had mentioned concealed weapons. Was trouble to be expected? If so then Samanthia was his only concern, all others were secondary.

"With Professor Wanglestien. Foremost Archeologist that made his name in discovering Car'Angle last battle site in Central Mountain Range." Selena spoke, pointing towards a group of Professors heatedly arguing over some point in history. "Then she whispered, "My Grandpa brother. He always invites me to these events, since I've shown interest in Archeology."

"As you probably noticed, I'm with the Akiashiro's." Samanthia spoke as Selena nodded. "If it weren't for the chance of seeing Mr. Artrex's Collection. I'd declined in coming. Then finding some other way to see it." She thought about the chance encounter with one of Artrex's employee.

Listening, watching S'er'in'e stood by as his Mate spoke to her friend. He didn't mind the chatter, it was a diversion and one less set of eyes upon him. Still however it was an otherwise pleasant evening so far with more to come if the hype his Mate had mentioned about the collection was anything to go by.

"I'm sure you would've found a way. I could've talked the Professor Wanglestien to include you with us if you wanted to come." Selena smiled. "Nice meeting ya, Serine!" Selena turned her attention on him. "Tell me about your home world? Got any ancient sites that need exploring there?"

S'er'ine brought his attention to the young Selena whom was now directing her attention to him now. "Cait." He replied. "There are ruins littered upon the Homeworld, many are available as a tourist attraction to the young and the curious. A few are forbidden to outsiders, holding significant religious or cultural import." A subtle tact that Samanthia might catch on to, outsiders, for being mated to a Caitian she was no longer considered one.

Selena and Samanthia's eyes lit up at the thought of exploring Cait Ruins together. Even glancing at each other with a smile. "Who would I... both of us," leaning against Samanthia briefly in comradeship, " have to go through to get permission to explore and do a little excavating to find any relics overlooked?" Selena looking up at S'er'ine.

"Permission would need to be sought and it's rare to be given quickly." While he didn't want to completely dash the hopes of the two females he added. "I shall however make inquiries for you." S'er'in'e had doubts they would enjoy such a trip while being strictly observed and monitored, anything they found would be taken from them never to leave the Homeworld. "I suspect conditions would be applied if permission was granted but what, I can not say."

"It'll be an experience for the both of us." Selena smiled. "You can tag along to assist us? We can always use a Liaison." Eyes showing excitement at the possibility of a chance for an off-world site. She glanced at Samanthia whose was showing excitement also. "It would much appreciated. Give the info to Sammy and she can share it with me at the University."

"I wish I thought of that. Here I'm suppose too be the smart one. " Samanthia smiled with a glance at Selena who laughed softly giving Samanthia playful elbow jab to her side, then back to S'er'in'e. "Also be a good outing for Mariah. And you too." Giving S'er'in'e a quick one armed hug around his waist.

"It is doubtful I will be permitted to attend, my Caste are unwelcome, we are warriors not Archeologists and a female's touch is more...gentle than a warrior." S'er'in'e spoke though he suspected his Mate might view his touch differently to rough. "Though our Daughter I believe would enjoy the visit and exploring the province." S'er'in'e held no worry about the safety of the two females, security was absolute at these sites and even though the pair were not Caitian, the others that would be present were and all knew the penalty of harming a female.

"From what I understand from what Samanthia has been telling me about Sol-3 culture. Their Orientals in ancient times. Warriors were quite the artist, philosophers, minstrels and poets. For they seen and know the destructive side of their chosen professions and sought the more intellectual enlightment. I'm sure your Caste will make allowances?" Selena spoke thoughtfully.

"That is true. The scrolls, books you have." Samanthia smiled. "Even your Caste instructors made sure you knew Cait History. To bring a sense of worth and value in order for you to face the hardship of training and keeping your skill at their peek to preserve Cait's past, present and future." Samanthia smiled with eyebrows raised to show the wisdom of her words to him. "And what makes it special and more meaningful is the uncovering of past relics, and artifacts to instill a deeper sense of what you sacrificed is very worthwhile." Then facing him and in a softer, warmer voice. "I want you to witness and be part of any discoveries we may find."

"I will see what I can do." While for the most part Samanthia spoke true and he knew that but there were details in her comments that were not. His skills were not at their peek until recently, his retraining was painful and brutal but he learned, again. He had to wonder whom he would have to ask, what requests would be made of him to facilitate what the two women wanted. He understood her wish for him to be there but he had reservations for being taught about something and actually being permitted to see and experience for himself were two very different sides of perhaps not the same coin.