Abruptly, she realized that Meulin was looking to her for help. Her mind raced. She had to do something, but what...? Just as suddenly, though, an idea began to form in her think pan. It was crazy, but... maybe it was crazy enough to work.

Aradia straightened to her full height, mindful of her footing on the slippery mound, and took a deep breath. He wanted proof? All right, she'd give him proof. She'd tipped her hand already. Now it was time to go all in.

"I'm Aradia Megido, Emissary to Her Conscientious Majesty, Empress Feferi," she said, her voice taking on a marked tone of authority. She spun her sylladex - one reel, two, three - and equipped a signet ring on her index finger, holding it up so they could see. "By her authority, and in the absence of captain or crew, I hereby assume command of this vessel."

There. How's that for 'allowed to be here,' kiddo?