Homestar Saga

Chapter 107: Playing Dress-up

"What's wrong with Space Captain?" Yvian gestured down at her favorite outfit. Captain Mims had given it to her when they visited a resort on Krog Prime. It was all of one piece, baring her arms, legs, and back. The crimson material emphasized the pale blue of her skin and resonated with the violet in her eyes. SPACE CAPTAIN was emblazoned upon it in gold letters, under a picture of the man himself, blaster raised to the sky.

They were on the bridge of the Random Encounter. The ship was running on autopilot, on course for Tenril Station in Oluken space. Lissa had insisted they all meet a few hours before docking to make sure they were dressed appropriately and prepared for the ordeal ahead.

"Space Captain is substandard," Kilroy told her. Yvian shot him a look, but let the comment pass. She'd had that argument with him too many times, already. The Peacekeeper's suit looked different somehow, but she couldn't put her finger on what that difference was. The unit was also carrying a small briefcase.

There was another Peacekeeper unit next to Kilroy. He had introduced himself as Ambassador Zarkon, but hadn't said much else. He mostly seemed content to watch.

"There's nothing wrong with Space Captain," Lissa assured her, "but a swimsuit is not formal attire." Her sister was wearing a long white coat, clasped closed with silver buckles. Her hair was an emerald cascade, layered on top and held in place with silver pins before flowing down her back like a waterfall.

"It's not?" Yvian looked down at herself again. The swimsuit was by far the fanciest piece of clothing she owned. She loved it more than cake. Almost as much as beer. It was far and away more attractive than anything pixen outfits had to offer.

"No," the word came out half giggle. Lissa gave up trying to stifle her laugh. "No it isn't."

"It's a human outfit," Mims cut in. He shifted awkwardly, not comfortable in the clothes Lissa had convinced him to don. The clothes consisted of a bow tie, white cuffs on his wrists, and a pair of disturbingly tight black shorts. Black socks and shiny black shoes completed the ensemble. "We wear them exclusively for informal occasions. Vacations and the like."

"But it looks so good, though." Yvian frowned. She'd really been looking forward to wearing it.

"And if we were going on vacation, I'd love to see you in it." Mims told her. Lissa flashed him a look. He quickly continued, "But we're going to sign a trade deal with the Oluken. We need some kind of formal wear."

"Ok, but..." Yvian's frown deepened. Most of the original Pixen Technocracy's history and traditions had been erased when it was conquered by the Confederation. "Pixen formal wear? What would that even look like?"

"Like this." Lissa grinned. She unbuckled her longcoat and let it fall. She wore a form fitting dress that went up to her neck, but left her arms bare. It was black as the void. No, Yvian realized. It was the void. Pinpricks of light shimmered in its depths. Stars. In the center of the dress, just above Lissa's heart, a circle of fire blazed. A circle of fire Yvian recognized. She'd seen it from the viewports of her ship. The dress was not a mere embroidery, or a static picture. It was a video, a view of the Homestar as seen from space.

"Bright Lady..." Yvian breathed. It was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen, and she'd seen a lot.

"Right?" Lissa grinned. "Kilroy made it for me." She gave a little spin. The dress swirled, the flared edges drifting back down slowly as if they were in a low gravity setting. The dress revealed most of the pixen's back. The Captain stared appreciatively.

"The Pixen Technocracy does not currently have formal attire," Kilroy flashed the white light of pride. "What we choose today will have a lasting impact on Pixen traditions. Peacekeeper units are superior in fashion as we are superior in all other ways. It was natural and appropriate that this unit provide assistance."