Go to the dining hall

After exiting the bridge, you pulled down your thong slightly, hoping that it might air dry somewhat until you could find somewhere to tidy up. However, as you did, you noticed it already felt much less moist than just a few moments ago. "Is there something special about this material?" you asked MPAD-24 while examining the front portion of your thong. "It seems to dry very fast."

MPAD-24 promptly listed the qualities. "That portion of your outfit includes state-of-the-art active fiber technology. The material is designed to wick away any moisture and then remove it via nanoscopic evaporation coils. In addition, the active fiber technology makes the material cut and tear resistant, stain proof, and it provides odor control, temperature control and self-cleaning. The same material is found in portions of your upper garment."

You were surprised to learn that what seemed to be a simple thong and strapless bra were actually so advanced. Based on this information, you could resume your tour without needing to freshen up. To confirm this, you slid your hand all the way to the bottom of your thong, and it now felt completely dry.

"Would you like to resume the guided tour," asked MPAD-24.

"I think I've seen enough of this level," you replied. "I'm not interested in touring the crew level either at this time. Let's proceed to the dining hall on level three."

MPAD-24 floated back to the elevator, entered and somehow activated the controls. You'd probably have to figure out how to do that for yourself at some point, but for now the robot guide was handling it all for you. Soon the door slid open, revealing a level you hadn't seen yet. Beyond was a very large open room. Along the sides there appeared to be machines designed to dispense various foods. The middle was filled with a variety of tables in different shapes and sizes. At the far end of the room were a large set of windows which provided a view into space. A few aliens were seated at or standing by the tables and one was standing by the windows. Although most of the aliens were Greys, there were a couple of girls with bunny ears that must be Cunis seated together on the far side. There was also a large bug-like alien that was probably an Arthro standing alone near the windows.

"I'd like to checkout that view," you said. As you walked to the far end with MPAD-24 hovering near your shoulder, you sensed that the aliens were checking you out. For a moment you felt a bit bashful strutting through the dining room in such a skimpy outfit, but you realized that most of of the Greys weren't wearing any clothing, nor did the Arthro, and from what you could see of the bunny girls, their outfits revealed far more skin than yours did. They weren't gawking at your skimpy outfit; they were curious because they'd never seen a human before.

When you reached the window, you looked out and saw it was facing the damaged alien relay. Seeing it again reminded you of those you'd lost on the Odyssey. Before you could dwell on it, the Arthro interrupted your thoughts. "Excuse me. We have not met yet. I am Klix, an ambassador for the Arthro."

"Hello Klix," you replied, "My name is Skylar Furton, though most call me Sky. I'm a human."

Klix looked like a giant insect, somewhat like an ant, but also like a beetle due to the large shell on his back. While most of his body was smooth, his limbs were covered by a series of short bristly hairs. The antennae on his head seemed to constantly wiggle, and his multi-faceted eyes periodically moved to scan the area.

"I am not familiar with your species," he said. "How far are you from your home world?"

"I think it's about five light years away," you replied.

Klix suddenly tilted his head and his antennae stopped moving for a moment. "One of the nearby systems? I did not realize any of them were inhabited. The Grey's records did not mention any in this region. Has your species charted much of this area?"

"Most of what we know is based on observations with telescopes, and more recently with interstellar probes. I was on board our first expeditionary ship, the Odyssey, to explore the Alpha Tau Minor system before we crashed into that," you added as you looked back out the window toward the enormous alien structure. "I'm the lone survivor from a crew of fifty-six."

"I offer my condolences for their loss. Space travel is dangerous for the inexperienced." After a short silence he continued. "When I first learned that the Starpoint was being diverted, I was not pleased that my mission was being delayed, but I quickly realized how urgent it was to get this fixed," Klix replied. "However, meeting you could end up being even more important for all of us."

Before you could inquire further to understand what he meant, Klix said, "I need to meet with the Grey representative now, but I would like to learn more about you and your species. Perhaps we can meet again another day."

"I would like that. Perhaps you can tell me more of the Arthro as well." you replied.

Klix bowed slightly, and then turned and dropped onto all six limbs before scurrying out of the dining hall.