His first impression wasn't much - it might not have actually been in the Core itself, but it was a Core world nonetheless. Spiring cities covered the surface, and the spaces inbetween were generally completely given over to food-production and other necessities. The population was densly human, that particular breed of Coreward humans that had become so very entangled in the highest matters of the galaxy. Indeed, in the very room Regrad could see humans of the same type, and had to admit that they had a knack for getting themselves involved - for good or ill - in everything that happened in the galaxy.
However, as experts and intelligence consultants processed a new flood of reports and directives, it became soon apparent that this otherwise plain world held much greater significance then one would expect, just by looking at it. Tirahnn and it's nine moons were in fact a true trading nexus, a gateway between the Core and the vast, exotic reaches beyond in sparser space. Most goods of worth, not to mention travellers, rumours, and knowledge from half the galaxy might pass through Tirahnn eventually.
Finally, it was determined that the next planet to be approached for Coalition membership would be Tirahnn. It’s bustling trade, economic knowledge, and strategic position made them an ideal candidate, despite the risks of soliciting for allies so close to the Empire’s doors. Even now, various clerks, assistants, agents, and so forth were moving in and around the tower to prepare for yet another endeavor. This time, however, the four favored first-contact specialists usually chosen to head up such tasks had been reassigned for some much needed R&R - although the unstated reason was that a mission of such delicacy and seriousness would have to be handled by some more skilled operatives.
In their place, the Coalition sent Knight Dolora, a Bimm, and thus an excellent candidate to speak to a trading people - her race is renowned for their haggling and trading abilities. To accompany her, and also, to defend them from any potential ‘incidents’ in Imperial space, the Coalition sent Captain Ion and his battlegroup - centered around the Claymore-class Battleship The Unmitigated. Regrad went over the various intelligence reports, crew portfolios, and such that had been prepared for this mission, but knowing them already to be in order, he put aside the datapad and instead focused on the hologram.
“I wonder if this is wise...” he murmured, mostly to himself, but he dismissed his doubts - it was better to apply himself fully to a task, then to spend time worrying about it. There were other things to do, and this mission was ready to go. Reaching into his desk and bringing out a stylus, he marked out his final confirmation and approval of the mission specs onto the file, and passed it to a passing clerk. The mission had begun.
***
“Are you sure we have everything?” said Ion, who paced up and down the bridge as his second-in-command went over the list once more.
“Yes, I am.” he croaked “Just as sure as I was last time, and as sure as I will be in ten minutes when you ask again.”
Ion grumbled at this remark, but said nothing and instead seated himself in the captain’s chair that sat in the middle of the ship’s bridge - from which he had an excellent view of the orbiting station they were docked at, and the planet Bimmisari which it orbited. The station was new - a sign of changing times, and perhaps, changing fortunes - although most of it was under construction and just what purpose it was supposed to serve Ion did not yet know. All he knew for sure was that he was allowed to use it now to pick up this Dolora knight person before heading towards their final destination deep into what most people simply dismissed as ‘Imperial space’.
“So we definetly have the reserve batteries I asked for? And the replacement parts for the fighters? The emergency rations and fuel I asked for, that’s all aboard?”
“Yes, sir, it is.” croaked the lieutenant, who threw in a sigh before saying “I must say, sir, we’re not going off to war - just a diplomatic escort trip. Are you sure it’s necessary to load up so much? Imperial space is well patrolled, so I doubt we’ll encounter any form of pirate ambush, and the Imperials themselves don’t actually own Tirahnn, so what could go wrong?”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” said Ion, grimly. “What could go wrong? We don’t know, do we? So we’ll instead have to be ready for really unlikely things, since that’s the only sort of stuff that can go wrong, and if it does go wrong, then we’ll have to deal with it!”
“...Fair enough, sir.” And without another croak, the lieutenant went back to his duties.
“What’s so fair, now?” said a voice at about Ion’s waist. He looked down, surprised, and saw Dolora - the diminuative Bimm - giving him a mildly attentive look. Ion nearly jumped in shock, but managed to retain his composure, and bowed to his ship’s guest.
“Milady, we are ready to depart at your discretion.”
“No need for that, captain.” said Dolora, who shook her head and waved a dismissive gesture. “Technically, I probably don’t even outrank you.”
Nevertheless, Ion remained respectfully bowed for a few seconds longer. Dolora had gained some recognition and respect, teaching soldiers at the Bimmisari Academy, as well as assisting local authorities with their various duties. Though she, like the knights in general, had no truly fixed rank, she had apparently earned enough respect to receive a bow from the Tynnian.
“We best make haste then, if everything is aboard.” she said. “The Tirahnns won’t want to be kept waiting long - they’re antsy enough about our arrival as it is.”
“You don’t think there’ll be any trouble, will there?” said Ion, cautiously, but Dolora simply smiled.
“No fears, captain - if we are attacked, I’ll fight them off myself, how about that?”
Feeling somewhat relieved at the casual tone she took, Ion nodded. “Right, best speed for Tirahnn. Prepare for the jump to light-speed. Make sure your trays are in the upright position and your baggage is stored. We’re off.”