The captain, at least, seems reasonable.

Captain Rebecca Astara stood just inside the hatch to the hangar, still wearing her full, slightly over-sized red pilot suit and helmet. She was doing her best to remain professional and calm, but in reality, she was full of concern. Haruka hadn't answered her communications... All of the readings indicated the Figurewatch should be operating at ninety-nine percent capacity. There should have been nothing interrupting radio transmission. Furthermore, the mech had come in hard. All Astara knew now was that an unknown presence was on board the Figurehead, and she had a responsibility to greet them on behalf of the Squadron.

"If this alien has done anything to Haruka, they're going to answer for it," Rebecca thought to herself, fingering the gun holster at the right side of her hip. "And, if they haven't... Haruka's going to answer for not taking my call." The captain held her stiff pose, waiting for one or the other of them to announce themselves.

Finally, the door opened up. Since she could quickly tell, even before the door had slid open, that she wouldn't be greeting her ensign, the captain crossed her arms behind her back. "Greetings, honored guest. My name is Captain Rebecca Astara, and it is my pleasure to... welcome you to the Figurehead V..." The captain trailed off, unsure of what her reaction to the huge, hunky horned man in gym shorts was supposed to be. Her hand reflexively fluttered over the butt of her weapon, but she didn't go any further than that. Whoever this was... there was no way a sword-wielding exercise fanatic had come to end her life, was there? She decided to try and greet him as a guest after all. "And your name is?"

"You can call me Sir Bedevalus," the man proclaimed. Even though it had been a long time since he was officially a knight in anyone's court, he took her gloved hand and gave it a kiss, understanding her to be an authority figure and having a natural inclination to politeness.

Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat at the strange gesture from the strange, handsome knight... She swallowed that down, though, and it remained unread behind her helmet. "I'm a commanding officer, not a giggling girl... I'll conduct myself appropriately," she reminded herself. The captain took off her helmet and set it on a nearby hook, revealing her short lilac-colored hair. She would have styled it if she knew she was having company... "Sir Bedevalus, I'd like you to make yourself comfortable on our ship. Our ship's most important mission is the spread of our culture and peaceful engagement of others throughout the galaxy."

"Peaceful, huh?" To her surprise, Bedevalus frowned. "Actually, I intended to talk to you about that. For a mission of peace, the mechanical giant you're storing in the room adjacent appears to have considerable strength. It would be my honor and privilege to engage your Ensign Haruka in combat, to prove my mettle!"

"I'm sorry, but the Figurewatch is not ours to deploy in wanton skirmishes against every alien who wishes to 'prove his mettle.' However, we did not get this far into our voyage across the scars, participating in diplomacy with races both friendly and unfriendly, only to be inflexible. Allow me to bring you to the bargaining table. Once we get to know each other and come to an understanding, it is not out of the question that we will allow you your duel... After all, with the hated enemy of organic life now eliminated, the importance of keeping a combat-ready unit for defense is diminished."

The knight frowned, scratching the back of his head. "Hmm... I am happy you are willing to discuss in good faith, ma'am, but-"

"Sir Bedevalus, please dispense with the formalities. Call me Rebecca." The captain told him with a polite, slightly strained smile, wincing on the inside. "There's no way you're young enough for me to be a ma'am to you...!"

"... Okay, Rebecca... Bedevalus, then, if it pleases you. I doubt I have anything to offer you. I imagine you may have come here for a certain great crystal, but it is not mine to give."

Rebecca had never heard of anything like that, but it was starting to sound like there might be some material goods he'd be able to trade. If nothing else, she wanted an opportunity to better understand his culture. "Come with me, Bedevalus. As our guest of honor, we'll discuss what you might be able to offer in trade."

The knight reluctantly began to follow, holding his sword carefully to avoid scratching any surfaces with it. As they passed a dining hall, looking strangely empty due to the lack of crew on the ship, Bedevalus spoke up. "Captain Astara, it appears this room has ample seating. I'd be more than happy to discuss here."

The captain glanced back at him, but shook her head. "We do have certain standards for greeting guests aboard this ship. I insist you follow me to the appropriate quarters."

Bedevalus tapped his finger on the pommel of his sword impatiently, but complied. Rebecca had disappeared behind another door and into another hall.