AN: For your enjoyment. Please don't hesitate to review -- let me know what you think good, bad and everything in between. -MS
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Summer could feel droplets of sweat trail from the nape of her neck into the high collar of her coveralls. The air was stiflingly humid and it was evident that many of the humans present were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Looking around, Summer spotted Dr. Reiss conversing with a seemingly random Zulraian. No other attempts of socialization were made toward the group. They seemed to be waiting for something. What, Summer was unsure.
Finally, the group was led to wait under the shade of a large awning. It was located at the front of a large building. Probably the compound that they were to reside. Before they entered the building, they were introduced to their Zulraian counterparts.
"As you are well aware, you all will be assisting these scientists." Dr. Reiss looked down to his tablet before continuing. "There has been a total of five teams formed. Teams have been decided upon by specialty. Your tablets have been updated with your teammates' information and working location. You will meet in your prospective laboratories on the morrow. Please use this time to familiarize yourself with your teammates." With that, he entered into the building.
After several minutes of awkward silence, stilted greetings were exchanged. Summer accessed her tablet to discover her teammates' identity. Of course the Zulraians didn't need to access anything. They probably already knew every human present names, dates of birth, socials and so on.
Summer saw that one other human was a part of her team, Dr. Ricardo Silva. She looked up from her tablet and spotted him along with four other Zulraians socializing near the entrance of the building. She assumed that he was conversing with their teammates and decided to make her way over to them.
Upon her approach, she noticed all conversation ceased and attention was focused on her arrival. Dr. Silva was still speaking, but the Zulraians did not seem to be paying him any mind. All four turned towards Summer in curiosity.
"Dr. Evans," one stated. He took several steps away from the group in order to meet her half way. "I am Shiltar, Chief Engineer at the Northern Zulraian Academy. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Shiltar reached for her hand to initiate a handshake. Summer accepted, not wanting to cause any offense. He obviously studied several aspects of her culture and wanted to put several principles into action. She thought it was cute.
Shiltar, along with the other three Zulraians, appeared to be in his mid to late 30s. They all had dark hair. Shiltar and two others had long hair and only one had short. All of the Zulraians had a similar facial structure; angular features and square jaws. But Summer found it easy to distinguish the identity between all four mainly due to the tattoo-like designs they wore on their faces.
"Likewise Shiltar," Summer answered. He held her hand a bit longer than necessary. She didn't think anything of it because he probably never shook hands with a human to know how long it was socially acceptable to hold a hand for a handshake. "I understand that we will be working together and I would like to get to know everyone. Is it possible to take a tour of the facilities as well as have a meal?"
He looked back to his colleagues briefly before turning back to Summer with a slow nod of acceptance.
"It would be my pleasure, but first let us meet my associates." They both turned and started to make their way towards the group.
"Summer Evans. I am Jerv," a Zulraian stated once they got closer. "I am quite interested in working alongside you."
"I am also," another stated. He stood next to Jerv. "I am called Farux."
Summer nodded in acknowledgment to both males, somewhat amused at their eagerness. She turned towards the last Zulraian. He stood aloof to the side, obviously not as eager as the other three. He stood out from the other Zulraians in attendance because of his short hair and circular marking surrounding his left eye.
Shiltar, Jerv and Farux introduced themselves to her. The only one left was Omid, the reserved one. His attire was different from the others, also. Instead of silky suede-like fabric worn by many Zulraians, he wore leather.
"Dr. Evans, come meet the last teammate," Ricardo directed her over. "This is Omid. He has been appointed team leader and is absolutely brilliant! His theories involving genetic markers vs. environmental influences are groundbreaking. I'm sure you have heard of him. His research projects and published works are right up your alley."
Of course, Perish'ka Omid! She knew his name sounded familiar. She started following his work in Junior High. He was one of the few Zulraians who cared to publish for Earth and he's been in circulation for about 50 years. One of the main reasons why Summer became interested in science was because of his detail accounts.
"I am familiar with Perish'ka Omid," the Zulraian in question turned his head towards her at the mention of his full name. Summer took this opportunity the study him up close. He reluctantly made eye contact with her and she was taken aback by the open animosity he displayed.
"How convenient," Omid quipped. "Yet I have absolutely no prior knowledge of you."
Summer flinched, not expecting such hostility from someone she considered an icon. She quickly hid her surprise by turning towards Shiltar.
"I believe you owe me a tour," he nodded. Apparently ready to end the tension. The doors of the compound opened as Shiltar led the group down a spacious corridor.
The interior of the building was a light slate gray color. Markings appeared at the beginning of every intersecting corridor, sort of like street signs. Summer was sure that this was for the humans benefit.
"We are currently in Ktu Hall. This building is where you all will reside during your stay on Zulraius. Please note that each hall has a symbol. It is understood that this will assist in your orientation.
"There are three levels to this building. We are currently on the first floor. There is a basement which houses the gym. The Mess is located on this level as well as security and several recreational rooms. As we approach the back of the building, you will note that there is a demarcation, which notates the beginning of the residential quarters. The second floor is where the rest of the quarters are located. Your tablets have your specific lodging locations."
Summer was in awe of her surroundings. Like the shuttle that brought them to the planet, there were no discernible doors or windows. There were symbols placed discreetly on areas that could be doors. "How would one have access to their room? There are no apparent openings and I don't see any handles."
