Laandi was as poised as ever, dressed in a formal plum dress and cape.

The dress hung like a Greek toga, fastenings hidden under the fitted cut cloak, the draped costume trimmed with a black vinyl that matched her black gloves.

It was a strange mix of medieval and catwalk fashion, not bad, just strange.

“Ah Xant, Miss Howe, welcome,” the Director greeted, her voice bouncing with delight. “I thank you for indulging my sudden request.”

It was hard to be angry when she seemed so genuinely happy to see them, so Jasmine settled for cautious.

“It was a reasonable enough request,” Xant nodded in return as he stepped past Laandi into the room. “We had just finished administering the medication for Jasmine’s injury. Your timing could not have been more auspicious.”

“Excellent,” Laandi concurred.

Laandi and Xant continued to exchange pleasantries, as Jasmine followed Rynard in his search for another comfortable wall to lean on.

“Rynard, can you keep an eye the dogs this time?” the human asked.

“Just the one?” was his reply, she wasn't sure if that was a joke or not.

“Two eyes, please,” she answered just to be sure, before crouching down to give her furry charges a pet each. “Now I know I said we would go for a walk, but you guys will have to wait a little longer ‘kay?”

Sieglinde looked up forlornly, “Whiiine (no walk?)”

“Not yet, I have to talk a little bit,” she assured the golden.

Spades had already laid down, and Kimiko was too interested in sniffing the door frame to listen to the human.

“Jasmine?” Xant called to her, already sitting at Laandi’s desk, the Director standing behind it waiting.

“Coming,” she answered, taking one final breath to calm herself as she took her seat.

Laandi swept her cape aside as she sat on the other side of the desk, her gloved hands folded neatly and calmly.

“Now then, I have some wonderful news,” the Director announced proudly, “Uleesia station will be hosting a private Guest and he has expressed interest in conversing with you Miss Howe.”

“Me?” she gulped.

“Private Guest?” Xant’s ears stood on end surprised. “I didn’t think news of Jasmine's existence would leave the confines of Esaander communication.”

“That is correct.” Laandi chuckled “I had to inform the client of our progress and he is more than pleased with our results. Sir Nako will be joining us to discuss the long term effects and ramifications of extending his contract with Esaander, and by extension, us.”

“Sir Nako?” Xant’s ears lowered. “Laandi, could the correspondence not have waited until after the completion of the Citizenship application?”

“Sir Nako has a right as a private contract owner to be updated with the progress of his venture. In our meeting we confirmed both confidentiality and renegotiated the contract to include the prevention of Esaander’s envelopment during the inevitable, exponential growth period the company will likely encounter,” she placated, her voice soothing and calm. “Xant your concern is admirable but not required-”

A Freq-Pulse, short and sharp, shot from Jasmine, grabbing everyone’s attention. The human closed her eyes and took another calming breath.

“Sir Nako,” Jasmine began, spacing her breathing, thoughts and words. “He issued a contract about me?”

There was a silence between the three, without realising it Jasmine had taken control of the conversation away from Laandi. The Director was compelled to answer her question.

“Yes, His Honour Lieutenant Commander Tar Nako,” Laandi explained. “He was the one who found you aboard the Rajavan ship. While he is a member of the Galactic Council Rangers, the contract he issued was a private one, meaning that he, and he alone is privy to the results. Sir Nako is, in many ways, your beneficiary Miss Howe, and he has requested an audience. As Executive Director it is my job to facilitate a comprehensive conversation between both parties.” Laandi dipped her head ever so gracefully, hands spreading apart at an even pace, a gesture the human couldn’t quite place but understood the significance in the action itself. The Director then put forward her proposal. “Miss Howe, if you are willing I will coach you in conversational etiquette.”

Jasmine lowered her own gaze in consideration. Laandi had used many unfamiliar but important-sounding terms and if Jasmine did not speak up then the Director would have been content in glossing over those terms as ‘understood’. She at least understood ‘private contract’ but without context it meant very little. The grey alien had tried to ‘negotiate’ with her before with values Jasmine couldn't comprehend, and she didn’t want to repeat their last encounter.

“Did Sir Nako give any idea of what he wanted to talk about?”

“He did not say specifically, general conversation might be all he is after, to understand a new Creator species as Xant and I do.”

“(Understand a new Creator species)” Jasmine was once again reminded of her position as a fascinating anomaly, as different and as alien to them as they were to her. That a simple conversation was something to prepare in advance for, she would need to conform to their standards, instead of the rules being understood by both parties as she was used to.

This day wasn’t getting any better.

“Laandi,” Xant spoke up, retrieving his dataslate from his jacket pocket. “This exchange will be invaluable for Behavioural Studies, I will be taking notes as you instruct.”

“Very well,” Laandi nodded her head.

[These transcripts are for research purposes only, any opinions expressed therein are not wholly representative of species, governments, organisations or conglomerates mentioned. The release of these documents have been authorised by Executive Director Dr. Salhor Laandi]

ED Laandi: It is 1120 [hours] the 28th [day] the second quarter of [year] 306, Rejuvenation dynasty. I, Executive Director Dr. Salhor Laandi requested a meeting with the Creator Level Subject and my Head of Research Dr. Xant. Please, introduce yourselves.

Subject: Miss Jasmine Anne Howe.

DH Xant: Dr. Uru’nav Xant, Head of Research.

ED Laandi: The topic of today's agenda is the Instruction of Formal Official Etiquette by myself to the Subject Miss Howe. Dr. Xant will be taking notes as per research practises.

ED Laandi: Your manner of speech when discussing Sieglinde’s schedule was acceptable, but there are a few mannerisms we will need to correct. When speaking in the negative try to avoid direct eye contact, turning your head to the side like this.

[Note: Laandi demonstrated, lowering her gaze and eyelids, chin almost touching her shoulder. Subject Jasmine then copied the action to the Director’s approval.]

ED Laandi: It conveys a polite submission to the speaker, which you should be conscious of when speaking with the Commander.

Subject: Because he is a higher ‘rank’ than me? So don’t make eye contact at all?

ED Laandi: It is for the best, direct eye contact indicates you are on equal speaking terms. Most Commanders have a badge of honour upon their shoulder, look to that when speaking.

Subject: Alright, I’ll try.

ED Laandi: Next is your hands, try to keep them in a visible position at all times, together if possible, separated can be seen as planning to take action during conversation. Not necessarily rude, but off putting.

Subject: Oh, ()

DH Xant: () What is it Jasmine?

Subject: I get it now, I always thought it was weird you guys don’t do anything else while talking.

ED Laandi: When you are conversing there is no room for other actions… what other actions could possibly be taken?

Subject: Uhh, anything? () Playing on your dataslates, fixing your clothes, drinking tea. (Twiddling your thumbs, whatever...)

[Note: While normally very cooperative, Subject Jasmine had suffered major injury for her species and was irritated from pain discomfort. This coupled with less than desirable sleeping arrangements lead to a less than compromising disposition. Subject Jasmine later specified that the combination of pain, tiredness and hunger makes all humans irritable and aggressive.]

Subject: Okay, so are there any other rules when talking to him?

ED Laandi: Other rules?

Subject: I mean should I answer only when spoken to? Does he talk first or should I? Do I use his full name every time I answer his questions?

ED Laandi: It appears we will be getting our own lesson on human etiquette. Very well Miss Howe, () how would a human conduct a meeting with an official?

Subject: Well, I guess it would depend on where we are meeting. If we are sitting, if one person is sitting and the other standing, wow, now that I think about it we have a tonne of rules.

[Note: Subject Jasmine confirmed that Humans are very social creatures with a multilayered society, where greeting formality differs greatly depending on the social status, age, geography, economic value, and even gender of the other party. Even going so far as to have different greeting saying for specific times of day and times of the year.]

ED Laandi: Please, explain away.

Subject: Well, I’ve never greeted an officer in a formal setting, but usually I think you stand at their arrival, and shake hands. Xant, if I could have your hand?

[Note: Subject Jasmine stood implying that I should participate in the demonstration of a formal greeting. She extended out her right appendage, so I in turn extended my left, the closest appendage to her, this was already a misstep by my part.]

Subject: Oh, () I mean your right hand.

DH Xant: Is it of special significance?

Subject: Yeah, you shake with your right… most humans are right-handed, it has something to do with putting down your weapon and grasping hands as a friend. I’m not entirely sure why, it’s one of those things that’s so old you don’t question it.

[Note: Subject Jasmine then proceeded to grasp my right hand with her own. A human’s manipulators are quite warm to the touch, each digit can apply differing pressures. The end of each digit is topped with a fine claw layer, Subject Jasmine stated that the grooming state of these claws can be an indicator of status and taste. The condition of the hands is very important.]

Subject: Make sure it’s firm, too loose and you're seen as weak, too tight and you come off (like an asshole) as overbearing or unnecessarily hostile, if you're close you can place a hand over theirs, but that's more a well-wishing thing.

[Note: Subject Jasmine held my hand in a manner that was not uncomfortable, but demonstrated a small measure of the human's strength. She raised and lowered both our appendages in the ‘shaking’ motion, raised once, twice, then released. This is the formal standard.]

Subject: You need to exchange greeting of course, ‘hello Commander how are you’ (‘I'm fine sir and you?) ‘Good good, now then onto this meeting…’

[Note: Subject Jasmine explained that acceptable greetings can be any of the following: hello, hi, hey, how’s it goin’, good morning, ‘morning, good day, good afternoon, good evening. The usage of these greetings initiates an almost formulaic dialogue that is expected to be held before the reason for the meeting can be brought up, Subject Jasmine refers to this as 'small talk'.]

Subject: Eye contact is prefered, but not constantly, that can get creepy, there is usually beverages or food as well, unless it's all about paperwork, then yeah, I’d usually have my hands on my bag or something. Oh! The host has to offer the beverage, even if the host was the one who called the meeting, and then there's accepting and declining the drink.

DH Xant: The eating arrangement? Conversation and consumption happen at the same time?

Subject: Yeah, like we were back at Security.

DH Xant: That is a completely normal situation for you?

Subject: Okay not completely normal, but the closest I'm ever going to get out here I’m assuming.

[Note: Subject Jasmine expressed enthusiasm with nutritional sciences. Stating that she had studied it before her Rajavan abduction. Nutritional sciences, in Jasmine’s own words, ‘isn't just nutrition, it’s a way of life!’ ]

ED Laandi: Conversation and consumption are completely separate in polite Arvas society, it would be seen as very boorish.

Subject: Huh, I'll be sure to pass that on to human ambassadors, () (no welcoming feasts for you guys). Then if I am representing the human race, I can’t do it while wearing this, I’d prefer something more like what you’re wearing Director.

ED Laandi: Clothes like mine?

Subject: Yes, more natural fibers, do you have anything like cotton?

ED Laandi: Natural fibers? This robe is worth almost [15 years] worth of contribution credit. I can however organise a fabricator for some simple robes.

Subject: Am I going to be looked down upon because of what I wear?

[Note: Subject Jasmine has been wearing ‘Standard Citizen Coverings’ copyrighted by Esaander corp as well as ‘Standard Citizen Armour’ designed by Kyu-Kage Development corp. and licensed by Esaander corp. The cultural convention of coverings and status was one apparently deeply ingrained in human society, a familiar parallel between both Human and Repair Strain Qzetillian society.]

ED Laandi: Until your Citizenship is formalised there is little we are able to do about it. Nako however is a very forgiving Knight, he was the one who found you after all, he would be the most understanding of your circumstance-

Subject: Wait a minute. Sir Nako, Sir as in a Knight?! ()

ED Laandi: Technically, Sir Nako is two ranks above ‘Knight’, Captain Rynard could have retained his ‘Knight’ title had he stayed within the GCR.

Subject: That’s really cool.

[Note: Subject Jasmine commented that humanity shared the concept of ‘knights’ however her society outphased them into law keepers and soldiers respectfully.]

ED Laandi: You however, Miss Howe, until the citizen request has been finalised, are not able to claim a title, a minor infraction, but one that can be easily passed over considering the circumstances.

Subject: So, if I am not a ‘Citizen’ how should I present myself? Can I wear a combination of armour and clothes?

ED Laandi: I beg your pardon?

Subject: Uhh, (I just thought it would be cool)

ED Laandi: Jasmine, wearing armour would present yourself as a competent combatant and that is an entirely different set of protocols. Ones I am not entirely familiar with, sword etiquette, entourage order, challenge ethics, Freq types. For the sake of simplicity, Citizen clothes will suffice.

Subject: If it's possible then, I’d like something that isn’t so tight fitting. A jacket like Xant’s, my size, white blouse, black skirt half way down the thigh. What options do guys have for shoes? I’ll need a razor too, unless waxing is available?

ED Laandi: I’m not sure I follow, Miss Howe

Subject: (Aliens aren’t going to care about your hairy legs Jasi,) Nevermind.

[Note: Human’s grooming goes beyond most other species would consider competent, into what many would consider mutilation. Subject Jasmine detailed such actions as removing unwanted hair, painting skin, cutting claws and even piercing flesh. Subject Jasmine showed me the indents on her ears where she had this piercing procedure done, she even tried to demonstrate with my medipen. I declined the demonstration.]

ED Laandi: There is also the manner of Sieglinde and the other Users, they should be kept separate for the initial meeting.

Subject: What? Why?

ED Laandi: They could be perceived as an entourage, and I fear we do not have the time to go into the politics of it.

Subject: Rynard said something about me having an entourage in the elevator, is that the same thing?

DH Xant: The Captain was being... Uncouth in the highest degree.

Subject: How?

ED Laandi: An entourage defines you as a Princess, a being of political power, and the dominant romantic interest of those around you.

Subject: Oh… oh that dick! () Ha ha ha ha… (I’ll get him back later, heh).

[Note: Subject Jasmine explained to me that while she appreciated the occasional joke at her expense, something she and her close friends did often, he took it a bit further than what she is used to. She also commented on a human term close to the manner of Captain Rynard’s joke, saying ‘only my mum and Katy can call me a bitch’.]

DH Xant: It was quite uncalled for, he is growing a bit too familiar.

Subject: But wait, Arc and Suk were calling me a Princess and ‘Your Grace’ does that mean they’re?...

DH Xant: No, Arc and Suk calling you ‘Your Grace’ is a matter of formal respect and admiration, if they were to start calling themselves your entourage, without your permission no less, it would be cause for concern.

Subject: Will Nako have a entourage?

ED Laandi: He will have his Captain with him but I suspect your conversations will be in private.

Subject: But you and Xant will be with me right?

ED Laandi: No Jasmine, that is why I am willing to coach you in etiquette-

Subject: () NO.

DH Xant: Jasmine?

Subject: () I am NOT going to have a private meeting with an alien soldier. Especially with this crash course in etiquette. I’m not going to be able to remember everything, and what if I (fuck up) screw up and offend them or they offend me? (I don’t want to hurt him.)

DH Xant: I am afraid there is little we will be able to do if his honour decides to ask for a private session.

Subject: Why? () Why can’t you just refuse and say “I’m sorry but the human is weird and isn’t comfortable without her caretaker?”

DH Xant: Because having the approval of a GCR Commander, especially an Arvas Commander, will help with the validation of your Citizenship.

Subject: () Why does that matter?

ED Laandi: It is politics Miss Howe, your application will look more favourable with the backing of an Arvas Knight. It is a prestige factor we cannot do without. They expect a certain degree of respect from GC Citizens and denying him that would lead to more troubles on your path to Citizenship.

Subject: But why?? () Is there something special about an Arvas (Grasshopper) Knight that is different from someone like Rynard?

ED Laandi: Oh my, Xant, perhaps it is best to stop your recording now. It seems we will be changing subjects from Behavioral Studies to Politics.

[Session Ended]

Xant turned off the recorder and listened in to what would be lesson for himself as well. He only knew the bare bones of politics, it wasn’t his field of study or interest and impacted very little on his daily life, Laandi was the one that ensured such things didn’t interrupt his research. Getting to observe Laandi explain and have Jasmine ask such questions would be invaluable to his newfound task of Behavioral Studies.

The Director turned to the human, giving Jasmine her full attention as she tried to answer the Subjects requests as precisely as possible.

“Miss Howe, the Arvas were the last Creator species to join the Council. They were responsible for helping us defeat the Rajava and bringing about the Salvation Dynasty. Even in our present Rejuvenation Dynasty, the Knights that served and those who follow in their calling are honoured.”

“But the Rajava are still around…” Jasmine hissed under her breath.

“As are all the mistakes of the Painful Dynasty, it will be a long time before the universe corrects itself,” Laandi demonstrated the lowering of the gaze, looking at her hands before returning back with bright eyes. “But with your cooperation we can correct those mistakes much sooner. Now then, Miss howe on the subject of attaining fabricator clothes-”

“The Painful Dynasty,” Jasmine interrupted, she remembered Xant saying something about them going through a millennium of tyranny. That she would never have to suffer at their hands again and Laandi stated that she and they were the same, what had happened?

“Just how long were you fighting the Rajava (evil brainsacks)?” she asked, concerned that she knew so little about the aliens who had abducted and tortured her. Laandi and Xant exchanged glances, unsure which of them should answer her. Xant raised his hand to Laandi, he felt it was better that he deliver the distressing news to Jasmine.

“Most sources...” Xant began, lowering his ears and dataslate “Estimate we have been fighting the Rajava Original Strain for just over 800 [years].”

“Not all records are conclusive however,” Laandi added, it was her area of expertise after all. “Some records state we have been fighting for nearly [880 years] but GC analysts say that is closer to ‘Divided Dynasty’ unrest periods than actual war.”

Jasmine sat there stunned. 800 years of war? 80 years of unrest?

“How?...” she began, as once again, a million questions flooded her brain, how could they be fighting the same enemy for 800 years? How could they sustain such a fight? How did it happen? Why did it happen? Would Humanity be forced to join the war? Jasmine took a deep breath, and cleared her thoughts, and decided to start at the beginning. “...What happened during the ‘Painful Dynasty’?”