The engines of the YT-1300 Bird of Prey hummed to a stop. Nothing more than a grey speck amidst the cluster of stars that was the Interior region, the craft was completely stationary. On board the craft, the passengers eagerly awaited some sign to indicate what their next move was to be. No doubt by now, their presence had been noted and flagged for inspection. It was only a matter of time before they were hailed, if they did not send out a beacon first. In the vein of good manners and politics, however, the YT-1300 would make the first move.
"Hapan Consortium, this is the YT-1300 Bird of Prey, Captain Stark speaking."
There was a static silence, as a response was awaited. Finally, the communication channel clicked once more.
"Bird of Prey, state your purpose within Hapan space."
The captain turned in his seat and looked to the party behind him for direction. There sat a number of people there, each unique. The most noticeable was the lavishly dressed Bishop Trythe, a tall lank man with dark hair smoothed back away from his pale. He wore ceremonial robes of deepest blue, trimmed with gold. His pale blue eyes seemed to gleam with some unearthly sparkle as he stared directly back at the pilot. The Bishop was the one in charge of this arrangement. With him he had brought helpers, each of whom was dressed the same. They wore heavy brow robes, with hoods pulled up. There were four of them in total, each sat in the exact same position, not uttering a word until spoken to.
"We come to speak with the leaders of your people on a matter of importance," the Bishop said, his voice replacing the captains.
Once again silence fell, and the group awaited a reply. Would they be refused, or would the Hapans indulge their curiosity and allow them an audience?
