The shuttle Envoy had come to a hydraulic cushioned landing on the hangar bay's steel floor as a dozen meters above, a pair of large domed magnetically sealed doors groaned and grinded their way closed, with a final loud thunk as they met and sealed the toxic polluted exterior environment from the relative safety of the completely sealed "City-Complex".
A small gathering of what could be presumed to be the local community leaders eagerly waited to greet the New Republic delegation as the shuttle's boarding ramp lowered with a familiar hiss and release of plumes pressurized air.
General Calgan Verose brought up the rear of the column, preceded by several politicians and diplomats. As the two groups met, they eagerly exchanged warm greetings. .
"Welcome! Welcome! I am Klomo Haradus, Minister of this settlement, your unexpected arrival has come at a most perilous time for us, and we are most enthused to host New Republic emissaries!" a tall but thin gangly looking near human of some exotic origins said, his nervous and anxious demeanor shining through as clear as an Alderaanian afternoon.
As Calgan shook hands with him, the near-human joyfully commented on his pleasure with a full fledged Military General being part of the unexpected guest party,
"A General!, yes. We are most anxious to discuss our deteriorating security situation with you my Lord,"
"Please Minister, General or Calgan will suffice. There is no room for Lordship in the New Republic hierarchy," Calgan answered with a smile while the two kept a meandering pace behind the other representatives who were ushering onward putting an ever widening distance between them.
"Ah, yes, yes. I understand this, General. On my homeworld, we have no hierarchies or ranks. Here I'm afraid, we cannot afford the luxuries of peaceful surroundings. ."
The two delegates intermingled as they made acquaintances with one another and slowly proceeded along a clearly marked walkway, behind the larger group, leading out of the Hangar Bay, through a large blast door and deeper in to the complex. . .(more coming)