This time, she had written a much less formal message. It said simply "Melissa, I'd like to show you something, and ask your advice. If you're willing and available, I would very much appreciate it if you could come visit me for lunch today --- Kay".
Then she quickly hurried back to the base, so as not to be late for duty. Regardless of which answer she later received from Louis, she'd be prepared.
A couple of candlemarks later that morning, Melissa looked up as the knock at the door interrupted what she was doing. "Come in!" she called from where she was on the floor, surrounded by a pile of things that she had taken from a large trunk. A maid came in with a folded note. "A note for you, Domna." she said. Melissa took it from her with a smile. "Thank you."
After the girl left, Melissa opened it, grinning once she recognized Kay's writing. Of course... After a little more rummaging, she found what she was looking for, wrapped it carefully in a scarf, and repacked the trunk carefully. Then she readied herself to go out, and sent a messenger to arrange an escort to accompany her to the Terran Zone.As they walked, Melissa was quiet, and the young guard stayed a respectful step or two back from her, which was a relief. She was in no mood to make idle chatter today.
When they reached the visitors' gate, she asked the guard at the gate in perfect Terran Standard to please see if Miss Kay MacDonald was available to meet Miss Melissa Ridenow. She was expecting her visit. Then she sat back and waited, hoping that Kay was free at the moment.