The market place was alive. She could hear laughter of high-pitched children's voices, and lower rumbles coming from the parents who watched. An exotic purple hue befell everything she. When she'd materialized at the center of the bustle, her ears had been attacked by a cacophony of sound, none of the melodious voices of the aliens could be distinguished from each other.
Kathryn felt odd here. Usually when the Voyager stumbled across a warp-capable culture, the people were... closer in appearance. She got many curious glances as she passed by the bartering and bargaining Toara. The Toara were tall and bulky, she could only imagine the challenge it was for the aliens to be as graceful as they appeared. Their skin radiated a dull yellowish color that would make most humans look sickly, but these aliens had bright blue, purple, or pinkish eyes that pulled together their entire serene air. The Toara were hairless except for an abundance of it on the top-most part of their heads, where most adorned long blond hair of all shades. They traditionally wore the locks in multiple braids that were twisted into neat bundles at the bases of their necks. Kathryn definitely felt out of place: short, and thin with peach colored skin, and copper hair.
She needed to find Chakotay, then at least she would be in more comfortable company.
She stepped past an empty marketing stall and rounded the corner to her left. A deep baritone voice floated to her. Kathryn's ears perked up at the sound, straining to discern the source. It was coming closer...
"I do believe your captain has already scheduled shore leave for most of the crew, but not for herself..." The two men passed her, a large Toaran man blocking her from the view of his companion. "The Ministry would be very delighted to have you and your captain honor us with your presence." Kathryn could hear the smile in the Director's voice. She followed behind them as they walked.
"I'll see what I can do, as you said though, Prallen, my captain is a stubborn woman, I will speak to her."
"That you will, and I wish you luck if she is as stubborn away from the negotiating tables, as she is at them."
The men were strolling away from the setting sun, and towards the dimmer, green sun.
Kathryn put her hand carefully on Chakotay's shoulder, sure not to startle him. "Gentlemen, may I join you?" They turned. Kathryn could see the laughter in Chakotay's eyes. He knew exactly how stubborn she could be.
The director hooked his arm with the captain's right. Kathryn offered her other arm to Chakotay. Another tradition in this society that echoed Earth custom. A sign of protection among the Toara people, when two or more persons were together as friends or more, they joined arms, if not to feel closeness, to publicly display friendship.
Kathryn shifted slightly to accommodate the high pull of the Director's arm. The magenta sun fully fell below the horizon, and the market was showered in a new, beautiful greenish-blue hue. The trio continued to stroll. The director smiled as he watched the awe on the commanding officers' faces. The stall attendants began closing, pulling brightly colored shades over their counters.
"It may rain this evening, I suggest you both be careful captain. Our storms are beautiful, but dangerous."
Like someone I know. Kathryn thought as she smiled up at the director. At the same time she tightened her hold on Chakotay's arm.
Prallen disengaged his arm and turned to them. "Will you both be all right if I leave for my home currently?"
Chakotay looked for an answer from his Captain, she only nodded. "Yes, Director Prallen, we wish you good journey, many thanks."
Kathryn and Chakotay bowed their heads as he finished in a traditional valediction. "Good journey Voyagers, good night." He bowed his head, like the command team had, and turned away from them to continue ahead and to the right.