StarThe Lady Navigator is engrossed in perusing the dusty tomes, which appear to have been neglected by the other officers, be it because of sloth or dullness of mind. When you walk closer, Cassia looks up at you, starts, and hides a weathered book behind her back. "Lord Captain? My apologies, I... I did not notice your entrance."
YOU"It pleases me to see you adjusting to life aboard the ship."
Star"Compared to Eurac V, your ship is a boundless world of unfamiliar hues. And yet the abundance of bright colours can at times be wearisome on the eyes. The bridge and the decks are so... clamorous. In my search for a place of quiet, I was fortunate to come upon this islet of serenity filled with rare tomes and practically devoid of colour."
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"
Star"One should not underestimate the Navigators of House Orsellio, Lord Captain. Like a shawl of pale smoke, a faint malaise hangs upon my shoulders, but it will not be the slightest hindrance to my duty to Humanity. And my duty to you." Cassia's response is reserved and pointedly decorous, clearly intended to create a distance between you.
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"
Star"No, no, it is not that at all, Lord Captain." She nods genially to her taciturn servant. "It is just that Uve is quite capable of carrying out his duties by himself. He is well accustomed to my... my whims and preferences."
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"
Star"Your servants are somewhat sluggish when it comes to attending a noblewoman of the Navis Nobilite, but they are quite tolerable. Thank you for your concern."
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."
Star"There are people on this ship who are far more impulsive and dangerous to others. And far less devoted to the God-Emperor than a herald of the Navis Nobilite." Cassia tosses her head back and straightens. "But I did not need your words to see the shades of umber unease that whirl around your subjects whenever I am near. Were I not acquainted with such a reaction... I could have found their behaviour and your question just now insulting."
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."
Star"Oh, this..." Cassia carefully shows you the book, which turns out to be a collection of works by the Cadian naval commander and poet Aelius Quent. "I found this fascinating read on one of the shelves, and I must say it has caught my eye — its every chapter is written in verse. I find it so... beautiful and enrapturing!"
Star"Eurac V had a vast archive of its own, of course, although most of the works within had to do with scholarly disciplines of some sort or another. Only in my sparse moments of respite was I allowed to escape into the pages of more embellished works." Cassia gently brushes the dust off the cover with her thin, clawed hand, her eyes filled with longing after reminiscing about her lost home.
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"
StarFrightened by her own words, Cassia covers her mouth, pales, blushes, then pales again, and hides her face behind the cascade of her snow-white hair. "I... beg your pardon, Lord Captain. That was no way for a Navigator to conduct herself."
YOU"I am beginning to think, Lady Cassia, that the feelings I have for you are far more complicated than common sympathy."
Star"Lord Captain?" Cassia looks up in surprise, her ruby eyes staring at what she sees behind you. "So many colourful sparks are flaring to life and dimming all around you. It is a veritable ocean of emotions! There are so many of them that I can barely see the pure-white sincerity of your words."
StarThe primness of her expression cracks, revealing a great weariness beneath. "Please forgive me, [Name]. I cannot even understand myself right now. Your words and attention have reminded me of life on the station. Of Theobald and Felek. I do not understand... They were merely the Keepers of Eurac V, so why do memories of those two make me feel a strange heaviness... here?" She places a hand on her breastplate.
Star"At the same time, I find myself overwhelmed with new excitement and... anticipation. At last, I have set foot outside my familiar walls and into a world that I have only seen before in the pages of books. Your ship alone is a treasure trove of remarkable artefacts and curiosities. And just imagine the things that await beyond! But... my delight must seem childish to you, surely? In your heart, you must be finding all this quite amusing."
YOU"I would not dare to make fun of a lady's feelings, especially not one who has captivated me since I first set eyes on her."
StarCassia blinks in surprise, her eyelashes fluttering, and a delicate blush suffuses her cheeks. "Words like that, Lord Captain, could easily be misconstrued. You should familiarise yourself with some of the works in your library to learn the appropriate manner of conversing with a lady."
StarStruggling to maintain an expression of polite indifference, Cassia covers her burning face and swiftly exits the room.
end of branch
YOU"I would rather we find amusement elsewhere... perhaps in the privacy of my chambers?"
StarCassia frowns, and her cheeks turn even paler than usual. "Lord Captain, what do you think you are doing? Saying such a thing to someone with whom you are barely acquainted? It is... outrageous. It's obscene. You should better familiarise yourself with some of the works in your library to learn how one ought to behave around a lady."
StarStruggling to maintain an expression of polite indifference, Cassia turns on her heel and swiftly exits the room.
end of branch
YOU"What I find childish is your manner of addressing me as if I were your friend and your mistaken belief that anyone here would be interested in hearing about your emotional turmoil."
StarCassia flinches, but her face remains impenetrable. "I was merely trying to show proper decorum and make conversation. But you are right, [Name], in saying that the word 'friend' cannot possibly apply here. In any case, this conversation is beginning to drag on. I must excuse myself — there are matters that require my attention in the Sanctum Navis." With an expression of courteous aloofness on her face, Cassia turns away and leaves the room without dignifying you with another look.
end of branch
YOU"I understand what you are going through. My own life was turned upside down not too long ago."
Star"Indeed? I... I did not know. That is to say, I could not have known, as it is the first time we are speaking in a circumstance so..." She glances around the room, growing somewhat sheepish. "...private. My word, when I found this place, it was so full of officers. Why did they all leave?"
YOU"If I may be so bold as to presume, my subjects must have found themselves overcome by your rare beauty. As I have."
StarCassia blinks in surprise, her eyelashes fluttering, and a delicate blush suffuses her cheeks. "Words like that, Lord Captain, could easily be misconstrued. You should familiarise yourself with some of the works in your library to learn the appropriate manner of conversing with a lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Is it so bad that we are enjoying each other's company? Or would you prefer to proceed straight to my chambers?"
StarCassia frowns, and her cheeks turn even paler than usual. "Lord Captain, what do you think you are doing? Saying such a thing to someone with whom you are barely acquainted? It is... outrageous. It's obscene. You should better familiarise yourself with some of the works in your library to learn how one ought to behave around a lady."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I do not tolerate idlers on this ship, and my officers know it well."
StarCassia thinks for a moment and nods curtly. "Then I must take my leave as well. I am due to inspect the Sanctum Navis after the communion ritual and prepare the chamber for the upcoming warp jump. Thank you for your company, [Name]."
end of branch
YOU"Perhaps my people did not wish to disturb you."
Star"Or because my presence offends them." With an expression of courteous aloofness on her face, Cassia offers you a curt nod. "Then I must take my leave as well. I am due to inspect the Sanctum Navis after the communion ritual and prepare the chamber for the upcoming warp jump. Thank you for your company, [Name]."
end of branch
YOU"I am afraid I must return to my duties."
Star"If so... please allow me to excuse myself as well." With an expression of courteous aloofness on her face, Cassia offers you a curt nod and leaves the room.
end of branch
YOU"I am not in the habit of finding amusement at the expense of my people. Just remember to keep your emotions in check."
Star"Of your... whom? Ah, I see. You must already consider me part of your crew. Yes. Yes, of course, I... I shall strive to live up to your expectations, Lord Captain." With an expression of courteous aloofness on her face, Cassia offers you a curt nod. "And now I must excuse myself, for there are matters that I must see to in the Sanctum Navis."
end of branch
YOU"I am afraid I must return to my duties."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You have nothing to apologise for. Human emotions are natural, be they good or bad. And it is just as natural to share them with others."
StarThe primness of her expression cracks, revealing a great weariness beneath. "Please forgive me, [Name]. I cannot even understand myself right now. Your words and attention have reminded me of life on the station. Of Theobald and Felek. I do not understand... They were merely the Keepers of Eurac V, so why do memories of those two make me feel a strange heaviness... here?" She places a hand on her breastplate.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Quite right. So I would ask that you mind what you say from now on."
Star"Yes, I... I understand. I offer you my apologies once more." Cassia covers her burning face and swiftly exits the room.
end of branch
YOU"It is indeed difficult for me to feel empathy for a mutant. However, the crew's well-being hinges on that of its Navigator."
StarThe primness of her expression cracks, revealing a great weariness beneath. "Please forgive me, [Name]. I cannot even understand myself right now. Your words and attention have reminded me of life on the station. Of Theobald and Felek. I do not understand... They were merely the Keepers of Eurac V, so why do memories of those two make me feel a strange heaviness... here?" She places a hand on her breastplate.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe this conversation has reached its natural conclusion."
Star"Yes, I... I understand. I offer you my apologies once more." Cassia covers her burning face and swiftly exits the room.continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Alas, a title alone is not enough to hold everyone's attention all of the time."
Star"I... I did not..." A blush of embarrassment tinges her pallid features, but she regains her composure quickly. "Please forgive me this regrettable lapse, Lord Captain. There are times when books sweep me up, and I lose myself in their pages and forget about the world's existence. Was there something you required of me?"
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What do you think you are doing here? I did not give you permission to leave the bridge."
Star"I was not aware that a Navigator of my station required such permission. I shall henceforth be more... astute in following the particular regulations of your ship." Cassia's reproachful gaze shifts away from you as she continues to hold her chin high with dignity. "I shall burden you with my presence no longer."
end of branch
Entry point 2 of 4
StarCassia cringes ever so slightly, adjusts the adornment on her forehead, then awkwardly hides her clawed fingers in the folds of her clothes. The unnatural appearance of Navigators often becomes the topic of gossip among lowly servants and officers alike. It is clear that she does not feel comfortable aboard a ship teeming with new people.
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 4
StarHer answer is too mannerly to be genuine and too vague for you to perceive the truth behind it.
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 4
StarCassia cringes ever so slightly, adjusts the adornment on her forehead, then awkwardly hides her clawed fingers in the folds of her clothes. The unnatural appearance of Navigators often becomes the topic of gossip among lowly servants and officers alike. It is unsurprising, then, that Cassia prefers the company of one who is used to how she looks.
YOU"The events that took place on Eurac V must have shaken you greatly. Are you well?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Your only attendant is your valet from Eurac V. Do my servants not measure up to your standards?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Are you satisfied with your new attendants?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I hope that you have had ample time to calm yourself and your powers."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Point at the book in Cassia's hands] "I see you are fond of reading."continues where this line first appears above
StarAfter an awkward silence, Cassia frowns and purses her lips. "Lord Captain, would you kindly explain to me why you are pestering me with these questions? Enquiring about my mood and my needs, showing an interest in the books I am enjoying? You are behaving as if you possessed a shred of fellow feeling for one such as I!"continues where this line first appears above