Cuddles' Journey!

Chapter 5: Emissary

The airlock was already purging of all the sterilizing agents used to ensure that no foreign pathogens were brought on board. Cuddles finally joined Kai, Tommy, and Polly, all higher-ranking individuals of the ship's command staff. They were all waiting for him as he rushed into the room, thank goodness for larger lung capacity. Despite running all the way up here, he looked just fine. He was not stressed out at all...he was pretty good at suppressing his emotions.

Fortunately, the guests were still in processing just as he entered the space, but that likely wouldn't stop Kai from scolding him. "Finally, there you are! What took you so long?" Kai asked as Cuddles wandered into the room. He didn't appear out of breath or stressed out—but unknown to the Panthorian. Tommy described the conversation he'd had with Cuddles over the COMM a few minutes ago as...busy. There seemed to be quite a bit going on, but looking at Cuddles now, it looked as though he'd taken his sweet time getting up here.

"I was busy, small talk," Cuddles responded simply as he joined the others. 

"Why'd you hang up on me?" Tommy asked, shuffling next to Cuddles' side. "Is Bode okay?" Tommy pressed further, naturally worried about his cousin.

Cuddles frowned. "Like I said, Tommy, I was busy; yes, he's fine. Don't ask about it again." 

Tommy tried to pet Cuddles on the arm, figuring he'd appreciate a friendly touch.

 The Panthorian growled as Tommy came closer.

 Tommy laughed anxiously as he reeled his hand in...no physical touching...got it. He and Cuddles hadn't had that many interactions, but when they did, Cuddles was usually quiet, but even now, Tommy could clearly see that he was irritated.

"Straighten out your loincloth." Kai pointed upward.

Cuddles couldn't even protest. It was indeed lopsided a little—no thanks to Bodi; he fixed it and then tightened his belt with shame.

"Level two decontamination complete. Cabin pressure equalized," D1 announced. After the decontamination spray cleared, the doors started to open with their usual mechanical noises.

The first thing the crew noticed(having only seen the top halves of their bodies on info screens— as they entered the ship, they maneuvered by way of mucus-covered, slimy tails.) They looked like big salamanders. Their sluggish appearance was almost certainly their staple feature, along with their large cartoonish mouths, eyes, and faces. "Hello-Hello! We've already been speaking with your representative over messages, but as an official recognition of the beginning of our trade talks, I would like to formally introduce myself. I am Hal'all, Governor of the Northern Region of the Slugaxian Homeworld. And this is my son Thra'll! Who also serves as my representative to the President of our world."

Thra'll smiled, "It's an honor to be here!"

"Zreeth-lah!" Tommy blurted out with a smile. 

The guests already seemed impressed by his rudimentary understanding of their language. "My...my. It is usually customary to commence in-person talks with a first impression, so that means we would prefer having no idea who our representative was when discussing over messages. It seems as though you've revealed yourself."

Cuddles resisted the urge to slap Tommy in the back of the head for ignoring their custom, but...unusually—they turned to laughing. 

"It's okay! To be honest, we were wondering who it was. We believe you to be very thoughtful, as evidenced by your studying of the greetings we've passed along in our last transmissions."

Tommy's face turned a little red as he rubbed his arm, "Sorry...I know I wasn't supposed to reveal myself until later on, but I really wanted to say the thing...I have basic Patrol first contact protocol all stored up here—I couldn't resist." Tommy pointed to his forehead...now he was actually getting the chance to use it—and ironically, the instance had nothing to do with the Patrol at all. A formal yet friendly greeting that roughly translated to; 'Peaceful energies to you.'