ILLUMINARRPG: (9-1600)- Admiral Skeese, Skipta, Riven Mias

[Charles Gatling]

Mission:  The Uncaring Stars
Day: 9
Stardate: 2445.10.22

(Kal'Shar –  Gertin District - Freelands - Admiral Skeese, Skipta, Riven
Mias – 1600)

The group approached the hill that had indicated where Riven Mias was being
held in a cave.  As they got closer the conversation between Skeese and the
others grew heated.  He had insisted on going to Skipta by himself, to
discuss the situation.  Not one other person in the group agreed.  Even as
he ordered Geehoff to step down on this matter the boy risked much by
standing up to the admiral and making it clear that he was not going to go
in there by himself.

Finally they all agreed that the Admiral would go, with Ensign Picard,
Geehoff, and Devers.  The rest would wait for word to come forward.  It was
the best that Skeese could negotiate, which left him wondering about his
negotiation skills.  Hopefully Mias had already been at work while in the
hands of the “True Sharlayans.”  Skeese still shook his head at the name.
Nothing more than a cult that believed in alien abduction and genetic
purity, which seemed contradictory.

Now the quartet stepped towards the opening and Skeese called out, “Hello
in there.  This is Admiral Skeese.  I am here to talk with Skipta.  I am
certain that he wants to talk with me.  Will you allow us to enter?”

Riven tilted his head to listen more carefully to the voice outside, this
was what he had been expecting. “Skipta it is time for us all to talk I
would say. This would have been handled much more easily had you not sent
an assassin but that is water under the bridge. We can work this out and
move forward.”

Skipta shook his head, “Sometimes the blood must flow to purify a wound.
Much like medicine to treat a tumor.  Clearly, the medicine did not reach
its intended target.”

Turning to his men, he nodded.  “Let him enter,” he said.

Orders were relayed and two Sharlayans came to the opening.  “Skipta
invites you to enter.”

Skeese looked at the two … men?  For they were merely more than boys. Had
they ever even looked at a woman with adult thoughts. He sighed and stepped
forward.

“Then we accept your invitation,” Skeese replied. “Lead us to him.”

The two boys turned and led the group through the inlets until they entered
a chamber. Seated on stool like rocks were Skipta with Mias beside him. He
noted the two StarFleet officers tension and held up his hand to keep them
still.

“Ambassador Mias, are you well?” Skeese asked.

"Except for a tender scalp I've been well cared for." The mind- healer
replied but made no move to rise.

Skipta looked at the Admiral, a man who represented all that was wrong with
the Sharlayan people.  Why they had been led astray from the true path.
Here, now in front of him.

However, he would not appear ungracious.  Motioning, cups were brought, and
a pitcher.  Skipta poured water into the cups.  “Welcome Admiral Skeese,”
he said holding the cup for Admiral, “Water is life.”

Skeese nodded in acknowledgment of the greeting. He took the cup and
nodded, drinking deeply. “Water is life. Why then would you want to end
mine so wantonly?”

“Why would you dismiss the concerns of the people, Admiral.  Why would the
keepers shy away from those who work the land, who purify the air, the
water?  Why did you turn away from our history?” Skipta asked in reply.

Skeese shook his head and placed the cup on a rock. He took a breath as
he’d heard this all before.

“Skipta,” he said trying to be understanding, “I understand the people’s
anger at the distance that has been created over the past six cycles. It
was necessary to keep the Gatherers and the Colonists safe from the ravages
of what was happening in the outer areas of Kal’Shar. We had already lost
so much. But you were not abandoned. Our presence was just not as marked.
Perhaps that was a mistake.”

“The history that you speak of… it is the history from a specific point of
view. Not everyone believes as your “True Sharlayans” do. We have not
turned from the history that you believe. We have never embraced it. We
have left you in peace to think and believe as you wish, why can you not do
the same for us?”

Riven sighed. "Skipta doesn't know." He looked from the Admiral to the
other Sharlayan. "And this is an example of why my Federation has what we
call the Prime Directive in place for dealing with other cultures. Your
people were divided during your history by another that perhaps wanted to
help and now you…," he looked back at Skeese' "and you are dealing with the
aftermath. We all look outward for something beyond ourselves, something to
worship and that is not a bad thing but worshipping another fallible being
is fraught with peril."

Riven looked at Skipta. "The world they sent you to is dead Skipta. It was
recently struck by another body. Now I don't expect you to take my word for
it, this is a matter of faith after all so I'm going to show you… the both
of you. Once the repairs are done Illuminar will be leaving and another
ship arriving. I will take you both to your destination to show you in
person that I'm telling you the truth. And afterward." He stood to his feet.

"Afterward we are going to talk and decide how you will proceed from here.
Will your people remain at each other's throats and doom your race or will
you find a way to work together and bring yourselves to your journey's end?
I am here to help you through the transition and I will stay until it is
done."

Skipta eyed Riven closely. “You have been fair to me. I will agree to your
proposal.  I find it hard to believe that the Gods would send us to a dead
planet, but if you are true to your word and can show me this place.  Then
I will talk.”

Skeese smiled a big smile. “See Skipta, this is why I have put my trust in
these people. Riven Mias speaks truth and with wisdom. I also would like to
see the world that was to be our home. Would it also be possible to see our
new home and speak with those people. Five years may seem like a long time,
but it could be a short time to reach agreements with those that already
live there. And I think Skipta might appreciate seeing where his gods are
leading us now.”

Riven gave a slight smile and nodded. "I think that can be arranged. You
two are being afforded a rare privilege. The Illuminar was the Federation's
newest ship but has just been replaced for that honor by the Tolliver. It's
not every day I get to ride on the newest and best. I think you both might
enjoy it." His eyes twinkled as he looked toward Skeese. "Minus the
chocolate of course."

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Al Muir (Admiral Skeese)
Tim Bushnell (Skipta the Skeptic)
And Charles Gatling (Dr. Riven Mias)


Charles Gatling
Commanding Officer
USS Illuminar
NCC 61240


"The light shines brightest amidst the deepest darkness."
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