Irdis (Rodian Prelude)

[GM Fang]

On Rodia at a xenobiological banquet event -

"Ms. Ninn, I must admit your findings are quite... intriguing," said the Chiss doctor, his red eyes piercing through the dense foliage of the Rodian jungle, though they were currently in a bustling ballroom.

Tora Ninn, the young Rodian xenobiologist, felt a tingle of excitement at the recognition. Her antennas twitched slightly as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Dr. Fer'ir'distex," she replied, using his full name to match his formality. "But, please, call me Tora." She had the typical Rodian accent when she spoke Basic.

The banquet hall, nestled deep within the ancient, vine-covered structures of Rodia's capital city, hummed with the conversations of scientists and scholars from across the galaxy. The air had the aroma of exotic spices and the faint buzz of alien technology. The lighting was soft and bioluminescent, casting a gentle glow on the myriad of species that had gathered to share their latest discoveries. For the safety of all attending, security was being maintained directly by the Rodian Planetary Security Force. These were the local authorities.

Tora, feeling a bit out of place amidst the grandeur, had found solace in the corner, nibbling on a plate of unidentifiable hors d'oeuvres. Her large dark eyes darted around the room, taking in the array of species, their colors, their languages, their customs. It was a stark reminder of the vastness of the galaxy, and the responsibility she felt to contribute to its understanding.

Irdis approached with the confidence of a man who knew his place in the universe. His tall frame, wrapped in a simple yet elegant robe, stood out against the vibrant Rodian backdrop. He offered a warm smile as he extended his hand. "Tora Ninn, I've heard about your work on the planet's ecosystem. I'm Dr. Fer'ir'distex, but you may call me Irdis. I'm a medical doctor, specializing in the treatment of rare and exotic species." This wasn't the whole truth, but that was another topic entirely.

Tora took his hand, noticing the coolness of his skin against her own scaly palm. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Irdis," she said, her voice a gentle blend of curiosity and professionalism. "May I ask how did a Chiss end up all the way here on Rodia?"

Irdis' smile grew slightly wider, revealing sharp teeth. "Ah, the universe has a peculiar way of guiding those who wish to make a difference. I've been working with a group seeking emancipation for all sentient beings, ensuring that medical care is not a privilege, but a right." His eyes searched hers for a moment, as if gauging her response to his cause. "But, enough about me. Tell me more about your research," he urged.

Tora's antennas perked up, and she leaned in, eager to share. "Well, Dr. Tan and I have been trying to locate a lost starship development facility in these jungles. It's believed to hold invaluable data that could revolutionize our understanding of interstellar travel." Her voice grew softer as she glanced around the room, ensuring no prying ears were nearby. "Our employer, Ranem Tivv, is quite interested in its potential. It's a secretive mission, though."

Irdis' red eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned in as well. "Ranem 'The Glove' Tivv, you say? I've had dealings with him," he said, his tone cautious. "He's an... ambitious individual."

Tora felt a flicker of unease. "Yes, he is," she agreed, her voice dropping even further. "But he funds our research, and his resources are unmatched."

Irdis' gaze remained fixed on her. "Indeed, he can be quite... resourceful," he said, his voice low and measured. "But be wary, Tora. Ranem's ambition is a double-edged lightsaber. It can cut both ways."

Tora felt a chill run down her spine, her antennas quivering slightly. "What do you mean?" she asked, her curiosity piqued despite the warning in his tone.

Irdis paused, sipping from his drink, his gaze lingering over the rim of the glass. "Ranem has been known to... acquire information and resources in less than ethical ways," he finally said. "And he doesn't always have the purest of intentions for the knowledge he seeks."

Tora took a moment to process this. Her work with Dr. Tan had always been focused on the pursuit of knowledge, not the politics or power plays of the syndicate. "Our research is for the betterment of Rodia, for the whole galaxy," she asserted, a hint of defensiveness in her voice.

Irdis held up a placating hand. "I don't doubt your intentions, Tora. But it's always wise to consider the broader implications of what one discovers." He looked around the room, his gaze lingering on a group of well-dressed individuals, likely members of the Tyrius Sysworks Syndicate themselves or perhaps one of their competitors, such as Rodian Interfreight, before returning to her. "Your findings could change the balance of power in the galaxy. It's a responsibility that should not be taken lightly."

Tora nodded thoughtfully, her antennas still. "You're right," she conceded. "But what choice do we have? The research is too important to ignore, and Ranem is the one providing the means to find it."

Irdis studied her for a moment before speaking again. "What led you to this path, Tora?" he asked, switching the subject to her personal journey. "How did you become a xenobiologist?"

Tora's eyes lit up as she spoke of her early fascination with the diverse creatures of the galaxy, her love for the natural world, and her desire to protect and understand the delicate balance of life. She described the moment she had discovered the vast array of species that existed beyond the borders of her own planet, and how it had set her on a course to study and preserve the life she had come to adore. Her passion was palpable, and Irdis found himself drawn in by her dedication.

He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving hers. "You have a great deal of potential, Tora," he said, his voice earnest. "And I suspect that your work will have far-reaching consequences, not just for Rodia, but for the galaxy as a whole."

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment. "Thank you, Irdis," she replied, taking a sip of her drink. "But it's all thanks to Dr. Tan. She's been a mentor to me."

Just as she finished speaking, a shadow fell across their table. Tora looked up to see a figure that immediately captured her attention—another Rodian, with a sleek, almost predatory grace to her movements. The newcomer's emerald-green skin was a stark contrast to the duller hues of the others in the room, and her eyes, a piercing black, bore into Tora with an intensity that was unsettling.

"Ms. Ninn, I presume?" she said, her voice a seductive purr that seemed to echo through the banquet hall. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Siv'rada, a recent addition to the Tyrius Sysworks Syndicate." She offered a slender hand, her fingers adorned with gleaming rings that matched the sharpness of her smile.

Tora felt a sudden tension coil in her stomach as she took the offered hand, her grip firm despite the unease. "A pleasure," she replied, her antennas tipping slightly to the side, a subtle sign of skepticism.

Dr. Siv'rada's smile grew. "Ah, Dr. Fer'ir'distex," she said, her gaze flicking to Irdis. "We've met before, haven't we?"

Irdis' expression remained neutral, but Tora sensed a shift in his demeanor. "Indeed, Dr. Siv'rada," he said, his tone cooler than before. "Welcome to the fold."

The mysterious Rodian's gaze swept over Tora, assessing her from antennae to sandaled feet. "And you must be the one making all the waves with your research," she said, her voice laden with curiosity, as she switched to the Rodian language. "Your potential discoveries could be quite... profitable."

Tora's antennas stiffened at the unspoken challenge in Dr. Siv'rada's tone. "We're driven by knowledge, not profit," she replied, her eyes unwavering.

Dr. Siv'rada's smile never faltered. "Of course, the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "But in our line of work, it's often the ones who can monetize their findings that gain the most recognition." Her eyes flicked to the nearby Tyrius Sysworks Syndicate members before returning to Tora. "And, I've heard that Ranem 'The Glove' Tivv appreciates those who can bring value to the table."

With that, she gracefully excused herself, leaving Tora and Irdis to ponder her words. The music and chatter of the banquet hall swelled around them, but the young xenobiologist felt as if the air had thickened.

"Well, she's certainly... ambitious," Irdis murmured, his eyes following Dr. Siv'rada as she weaved through the crowd, leaving a trail of whispers in her wake.

The opening ceremony's music grew louder, signaling the beginning of the exhibition. Tora took a deep breath, her gaze returning to Irdis. "Your words of caution are noted," she said, her voice firm. "But we have a mission to complete."

"Indeed," he said, his gaze following hers. "And I believe in your ability to navigate the complexities of this world. Just remember, knowledge is power, but it's how you wield it that truly matters."