4 hours ago
Riley gave a quick nod as Lieutenant Commander Whittaker greeted her, the warmth in the woman’s voice cutting through some of the tension that had been building in her chest. Even so, the reminder that both Whittaker and Captain Allen were present made the room feel heavier. She tugged at her sleeve again, a nervous habit she couldn’t quite shake.
Alright, this is it. No more prep, no more practice. Just stay sharp and don’t overthink it.
When Whittaker explained that Captain Allen had already set everything up and all that was left was to activate the program, Riley’s pulse jumped. Final examination. The words hit harder than she wanted to admit. She drew in a slow breath, forcing herself forward toward the threshold.
The holodeck shimmered as she stepped through, the sterile grid dissolving into the sleek lines of a starship’s observation lounge. Viewports stretched overhead, stars scattered across the black with the blue-white curve of a nearby planet filling part of the frame. Voices hummed around her — soft conversation, clinking glasses, the steady movement of uniformed officers keeping the event flowing.
Starfleet was the host tonight, welcoming the Artanians. The guests stood out immediately — tall, four-armed figures with pale, yellow-hued skin, their gestures measured and graceful. They moved among the officers in small groups, curious eyes taking in the surroundings. On the surface, everything looked polite, even friendly, but Riley knew better than to take appearances at face value.
She felt her size more here than she had in the corridor. Among the taller officers and the towering Artanians, she had to tilt her chin just a little higher to keep her gaze level. Petite or not, she refused to let herself seem small.
Her training kicked in. She shifted her stance, scanning the lounge with care: exits, vantage points, unfamiliar faces, and the subtle language of bodies in motion.
Keep calm. Observe first, act second.
She lifted her chin, ready to step into the exercise.
== GM Input: What does Riley notice first about the atmosphere between the Artanians and the Starfleet officers? Are there any subtle signs of tension or potential threats that might catch her attention? ==
Alright, this is it. No more prep, no more practice. Just stay sharp and don’t overthink it.
When Whittaker explained that Captain Allen had already set everything up and all that was left was to activate the program, Riley’s pulse jumped. Final examination. The words hit harder than she wanted to admit. She drew in a slow breath, forcing herself forward toward the threshold.
The holodeck shimmered as she stepped through, the sterile grid dissolving into the sleek lines of a starship’s observation lounge. Viewports stretched overhead, stars scattered across the black with the blue-white curve of a nearby planet filling part of the frame. Voices hummed around her — soft conversation, clinking glasses, the steady movement of uniformed officers keeping the event flowing.
Starfleet was the host tonight, welcoming the Artanians. The guests stood out immediately — tall, four-armed figures with pale, yellow-hued skin, their gestures measured and graceful. They moved among the officers in small groups, curious eyes taking in the surroundings. On the surface, everything looked polite, even friendly, but Riley knew better than to take appearances at face value.
She felt her size more here than she had in the corridor. Among the taller officers and the towering Artanians, she had to tilt her chin just a little higher to keep her gaze level. Petite or not, she refused to let herself seem small.
Her training kicked in. She shifted her stance, scanning the lounge with care: exits, vantage points, unfamiliar faces, and the subtle language of bodies in motion.
Keep calm. Observe first, act second.
She lifted her chin, ready to step into the exercise.
== GM Input: What does Riley notice first about the atmosphere between the Artanians and the Starfleet officers? Are there any subtle signs of tension or potential threats that might catch her attention? ==