The Scaffold circled the desert planet. Below, many looked up to watch the near-mythical Mothership pass by. The huge colony ship was greeted with cheers and prayers by most, a few muttering curses at it. One Kharaki stood silent, though. While others remarked on the passing, or even dedicated a few thoughts to it, newly-christened Commander Kolthas Naabal was more interested in his guests. "What do you mean, I've got no choice? I'm barely nineteen seasons old! You've got to be kidding me." He rubbed his eyes as the Sjet envoy stood politely in his doorway.

"You cannot turn it down. You must command the Mothership." Kolthas grimaced.

"There's got to be someone more qualified than I am. I mean, I'm not trained as a warrior. I am a flight engineer, that's all!" The envoy sighed.

"Kolthas Naabal, you have been selected to command the Mothership precisely because you are not a warrior. The Daiamid wants to ensure that peaceful actions will be taken first, to keep trade relations open. As to qualifications, that is true, but there are none who are... quite like you." The envoy smiled thinly, recalling the information on the reluctant Commander. Kolthas Naabal was well-known for striking down his own Kiith-sa, to protect another Kharaki. His Kiith-sa had been attempting to gain access to a neuronicist's files, and Kolthas had been working with that neuronicist to develop an advanced control interface. The Naabal Kiith-sa grew angry as he was denied access, and drew his weapon. It was later ruled by the Daiamid that Kolthas was out of line, but his punishment was light. Considering the crime, it was a miracle he survived at all, let alone be protected so. That Kharaki neuronicist was Karan Sjet. "Please arrive at the spaceport tomorrow morning. The shuttle will depart at sunrise." Kolthas smiled bitterly as the envoy turned to leave.

"Do I need to wear my Commander's uniform?" The envoy glanced back, and Kolthas heard a sly chuckle.

"That would be appropriate, yes." The door closed on a choice swear word.