Lt. Cmdr Stros - Not All is Peaceful

[Nathan Richards]

((West Imeris Branch Settlement, Uwe II))

Wong: But it seems like you’ve long since found your calling, right? How did you get to where you are?

An interesting question. Stros had to admit that he was curious what had brought Elarrapal to the point of warp dissension that she now embodied.

Stros: Indeed. As you said, you might not have prophecies, but I am sure you have stories.

Elarrapal: A few. But once we’ve shared the meal. I’d not push tradition further than that.

Varati: Yes, a light meal would certainly be a pleasant recovery after this strenuous and exciting day!

Moore: Response

The group approached what Stros assumed was a storefront, or perhaps restaurant, tucked into the trunk of the tree. It seemed the Uwezo weren’t ones to waste what their planet provided as everything inside seemed to be made from the very same tree, if not other trees around the area.

Stros: Given my background, I am rather curious where your doubts lie. Do they possibly align with mine?

Elarrapal: Perhaps, or you would not have come here. Do speak your mind; I’ll not cast you into the depths for it.

A mild relief that Elarrapal was willing to listen and have conversation about the subject.

Varati: We’re all probably obsessed with this inner restlessness and worry that major changes are coming and that they aren’t in harmony with nature. The skies are darkening…

They all took a seat at a long table after Elarrapal had tapped her fingers against a pale spot of the wood. Perhaps some way of signaling through the tree’s internal structure to others within the environment.

Wong: I do believe we need to do our best to preserve nature.

Moore: Response

Stros: The damage to our great forest may be irreversible with the advancement of our program. What kind of steps are needed to be taken to make sure that doesn’t happen?

Direct, straight to the point. Stros knew that warp travel posed no harm to the forests of Uwe II, but it was a major concern of the Uwezo people. Perhaps playing into that ideal would yield the answers to the questions they had. Were the steps to be taken violent? Or were they simply orchestrated protests like they had witnessed today? Did they hope that these demonstrations would be enough to falter, if not halt, the development of warp travel for the Uwezo?

Elarrapal: It is best to be clear in such matters, Stros. They ceased their efforts to protect the center tree of Uropal once they found their metals beneath it. They have cut funds to protect the trees from summer moss and shadow blight by sixty percent, and put those resources toward their ship instead.

Stros nodded slowly. While some other species developed their warp technology in times of environmental unrest, the Uwezo took great pride in their forests and planet. Harvesting metals for building materials was certainly a damaging endeavor.

Varati: We can’t just risk our mother planet for some half-baked technological gadgets. The forests are our home, the trees are like our ancestors. They reach to the sky—but not further. ::pause:: That scares me…

Wong: I don’t believe in the sacrifice of our home. I do think that more should have been done to protect it before warp was ever on the table. 

Moore: Response

It seemed the others had done their due diligence in observation and preparation for the mission. Their understanding of the culture was rather impressive.

Stros: How much of your demonstrations go the path it did today? ::Attempting to sound nervous, concerned:: Is there ever violence?

Elarrapal: I do not allow it. But I am not the only one with concerns, and I cannot say that dreams and prophecies others have been granted.

Another slow nod from the Vulcan.

Varati: I would be very sad if these discussions led to a real division in our society and violent riots. I’m telling you, that sort of thing scares me. How do you protect yourself from that?

Wong: From what I’ve seen, demonstrations largely seem peaceful if a bit boisterous. How do you maintain such a balance?

Moore: Response

Elarrapal: If the north united itself to the point where none would question, or move their household to another branch, then it would not be itself at all.

Some of the Uwezo mannerisms were either lost within the Universal Translator’s matrices, or Stros simply didn’t understand what the Prophet was saying. Either way, he simply continued to nod as food began to show up to the table. Different platters of insects and over-ripened fruits were laid out in front of them, eliciting an eyebrow raise from Stros.

Varati: Ah! Bless the forest with what it gives us today!

Several of the dishes seemed reminiscent of dishes that were enjoyed by some back on Vulcan. There were several insect-based dishes that he had the…pleasure of tasting growing up. Lieutenant Wong’s rummaging through is bag drew Stros’ attention. He was pretty sure he caught a brief glimpse of a tricorder screen. Hopefully Elarrapal couldn’t see the technology within the Klingon’s possession. 

Wong: Ah! I’m sorry. This just reminds me, I have something I need to take with food. I’ve forgotten to take it earlier.

Stros certainly wondered if medications that needed to be taken with food were a thing that the Uwezo dealt with. If not, it may come across as rather confusing.

Elarrapal: Come, eat. There has been no shortage of supplies here yet, but there is ever talk of such things. The lower branches of Imeris are rotting, after all.

Looking over the provided dishes, Stros was somewhat apprehensive. For one, he wasn’t all that hungry. For two…it didn’t look all that appetizing to him. Ensign Varati, however, did not hesitate before beginning to sample the provided sustenance. 

Varati: ::takes some fruits and insects:: Truly excellent! At home, they always roast the insects for too long, and the fruit is usually not even fully ripe…

Perhaps a bit of an over exaggeration of the separate cultures of the locales. 

Wong: There. I should be good for a while. Sometimes being a technician is a hazardous profession.

The Lieutenant must have made some gesture of taking a medication that Stros did not witness. 

Wong: Ah! I see we have a nice spread here. If I know my sister, she’ll eat anything. As far as Stros goes, I think these ::Picking up one of the roasted insects:: Are some of his favourites. And Hynii really likes his fruit!

A signal that the food was safe for consumption, Stros assumed. Thankfully Lieutenant Wong had been diligent in scanning the dishes before consuming. If only the Ensign had been as cautious. But it appeared that it didn’t matter either way.

Stros: ::Reaching out and appreciatively taking one of the insects that Wong had held up:: One of my favorites, indeed. You mention a shortage of supplies. What exactly do you mean, if I may ask?

He popped the insect into his mouth and reluctantly bit down. The initial flavor was a bit smokey, with some exotic seasonings he couldn’t quite place. The crunch of the exoskeleton was admittedly somewhat satisfying, but the following rush of…contents, was somewhat unsettling.

Moore: Response

Elarrapal: Traders are nervous sorts, even here. But, as for stories…how I became prophet of Imeris is the traditional choice. It all began in a rainstorm.

Given the cultural and biological nature of the Uwezo, Stros had to assume that rainstorms held some sort of cultural significance. 

Varati: Oh, you definitely have to tell us more about that, Great Elarrapal! I especially like stories that begin in the rain.

Wong: Do tell.

Moore: Response

Stros kept quiet, still attempting to inconspicuously process the insect that he had just eaten.

Varati: ::excited, to Elarrapal:: Was it like me, that the rain was trying to tell you something? The shape and hardness of the drops weren’t like usual… ::looks slightly sad::

Stros took a slightly longer breath as he kept his attention on Elarrapal.

Wong: Please continue.

Elarrapal: It usually tells me that I should hide beneath shelter most of all. But I’d climbed far past where I knew, and the leaves were little protection from the rain. It had soaked into me, and perhaps the spores it carried had already begun to grow by the time I found an opening in the bole of the tree. It was too dark for me to know then that it led me to the corewood. I did realize until after I awoke and tasted the new flavor of my dreams.

oO Fasci- Oo

Stros: Fascinating. 

Moore: Response

Varati: Okay, I see… but you’ve not only become the Prophet of Imeris, but also the leader of this group? Have there been any more messages from the Rain, or does anyone else have the idea of demonstrating against the new technologies?

Perhaps too many questions all at once.

Wong: Do tell us - what challenges have you faced so far?

Definitely too many questions at once.

Elarrapal: The usual sort with trying to direct birds caught in far too loose of a net. If we can have a demonstration without splitting off as many branches as there are people there it is a gift. But those who remain with me are dedicated to the safety of all our kin. Others walk different paths, and I cannot say where they all will end.

Structure and peace seemed to be an important aspect to Elarrapal for these demonstrations. No sort of violence or malcontent meant. Simply peaceful protest.

Stros: Nobility in the face of great odds. ::Nodding slightly:: Keep the peace and the structure to have your voices carried by the wind.

Moore: Response

Wong: I see. And how have your interactions been across from anyone who has been pro-warp so to speak?

Right back into the matter at hand. They still needed to gain all of the information they could.

Elarrapal: Varied. The excitement of a newly opened blossom, not caring what might melt away beneath its pollen. The despair of those who would condemn our world so quickly, and seek escape for themselves and only a few others.

Stros: Mass transport is not a concern for those on the other side. Perhaps a rather difficult thing to overcome, but still casting a shadow upon the environment of our planet.

Moore/Varati: Response

Things seemed to be coming together. Elarrapal did not have a hand in any of the prior sabotage to the warp program. At least not directly in a way that could lead back to her.

Wong: And as for yourself, how have you been doing?

Elarrapal: I do as I must. I speak, I taste the fruits of our world, and I dream with the corewood as it calls me.

Certainly not involved. Elarrapal seemed to be genuine in her desire to keep the planet safe. That wasn’t to say that those who listened to her words didn’t take the extremist route…

Varati: The sweetest fruits are always the most tempting. ::pause:: At least, that’s what I thought about the new technology… And the B’al-Udin’s prophecies said that it would only destroy the heavens and thus our world… The reason we headed south to see what was really happening there.

Stros: Which does beg the question to why prophecies look toward space travel like a foreboding shadow.

Moore: Response

Elarrapal: Surely you’ve heard the shape of them already. Our gods cannot stretch their branches to the stars, but they have heard their songs for so long as we have been here.

The trees representing their gods…only being able to reach a certain point so the prospect of reaching beyond the reach of their gods. The prospect of space travel made the Uwezo potentially escape the comfort of their religion. Perhaps it was seen as those who would travel beyond the sky would rise above the gods…

Varati: Yes, the stars… they are so far away, and if not even the gods of heaven can reach them, how could we?

Precisely. 

Wong: Have you always heard this calling?

Moore: Response

Elarrapal: They are not kind dreams. There is cold and fear and the creeping rot, and ever my rest shall be given over to them.

Nightmares of the potential future of the planet, presented after the ingestion of spores, possibly from another form of life of the planet. Were they not certain that Elarrapal wasn’t simply suffering from some sort of infection? Not to discount the religion or beliefs of the culture, but Stros was looking at it from a purely scientific standpoint.

Varati: ::nods to Elarrapal while sipping::

Wong: That certainly doesn’t strike me as kind.

Stros: Seems rather questionable for the gods to provide these restless dreams of forboding omen.

Moore: Response

Many different factors seemed to be at play. A prophet who may or may not be suffering from infection induced hallucinations, who they could not prove or disprove was or wasn’t involved in sabotage/terrorist activities slowly rose to the top of the list for them to attempt to reach the root of. 

Elarrapal: If you had wished only answers to your questions, you would have consulted the knots or made an appointment. I have never claimed that what I have been shown should not be shared. ::she leaned in, and clattered her claws upon the tabletop. That she had forswarn violence in her cause did not prevent her from using the fulness of her words.:: Did one of the ministers end you? Or was it Norsel?

Tension seemed to swell as it appeared their questions had reached some sort of breaking point.

Varati: Norsel? Who’s Norsel? And no, no minister sent us. As I said, many of us were initially very positive about the promising innovations; perhaps we should have said that right away… But over time, and with the news we received from the south, doubts began to grow, the euphoria faded, and fears quickly became more and more apparent… We were too far removed from the decisions, torn between the old and the new worlds—so we set out on our own journey.

Wong: Ah! Dreadfully sorry! I suppose we allowed our curiosity to get the better of us. We only wished to hear your truth directly from you. I promise you, we have no affiliations with any of the Ministers or this Norsel.

This “Norsel” was perhaps a new name to add to their list of persons of interest. 

Varati: ::to Elarrapal:: But you see, we were so excited to come here and meet someone from the movement that we’re now completely tired and exhausted from this day. ::looks around:: I think we need a little break after the delicious meal you served us and would like to meet up with you and the group again later. To clear skies!

A sudden departure after the accusation and rather quick defense against said accusation certainly didn’t seem suspicious at all.

Wong: She’s indeed correct. We really need to be getting to our lodgings for the night. But I do wish to speak to you soon.

Stros: Indeed. ::Looking to Elarrapal:: I do apologize for any ill-content we may have caused you.

Elarrapal/Moore: Response

Carefully, Stros stood from his seat, straightening his tunic.

Varati: We thank you very much, dear Elarrapal, and hope to see you again soon and to engage in intensive exchanges. May the gods of the forest and the sky be merciful to you!

oO Easy Ensign. Oo

Wong: Thank you very much for your time and for the meal. It was a real honour to meet you.

Elarrapal/Moore: Response

With a simple nod in farewell, Stros followed the others from the restaurant and away from the the watchful eye of the prophet.

((West Imeris Branch Settlement, Outside of Restaurant, Uwe II))

With a potential new course set in their endeavor, the group moved along the pathway through the small settlement as they contemplated their next moves.

Varati: Phew! Let’s take a few more steps… I just want to make sure no one’s following us. ::looks back:: Elarrapal is smarter and more devious than I thought.

Wong: Devious isn’t the word I’d use here. She was cautious and understandably so. It seems like this isn’t her first rodeo.

Stros: The layout of our questioning certainly didn’t help to alleviate and suspicions she may have had.

Moore: Response

Perhaps if their line of questioning had been a bit more structured things may have ended a bit differently.

Varati: I’m so curious to see what the tricorders recorded! Has anyone heard from the other teams yet? Since no one seems to have followed us, should we retreat to a quiet side alley?

Wong: Sure. But not for long. It would look suspicious. I’d strongly suggest we also put some effort into finding an inn or something we can stay and set up.

Slipping into an alley for any extended period would certainly raise more suspicion than was already on them. Perhaps not from Elarrapal, but others passing by.

Stros: I agree. While an alley may provide us momentary cover, a more private setting would allow us to freely speak and discuss moving forward.

Moore: Response

The group turned down a side alley, making sure they were sufficiently secluded from the street beyond for the moment.

Wong: I’m going to suggest we don’t bring out our tricorders right away. Not until we know nobody is watching us. As it is, I only just lucked out by sneaking a scan at our meal. Not everything on that table was edible for everyone.

Stros: ::Quick glance towards Varati:: The caution was appreciated, Lieutenant.

Moore/Varati: Response

Diving directly into situations, especially on an alien planet with little to no information, was never a preferred idea. 

Wong: I’m about to say something controversial, but Elarrapal might actually be onto something. If they’re trying to achieve warp at the cost of their own environment, then I completely understand her concern. And it’s something we need to explore.

Stros: It makes me curious as to why the Uwezo are mining metals for their vessels instead of utilizing the forest much as they do with their architecture. Their gods might not be able to reach the stars, so why not take them with them?

An interesting concept for Stros to ponder. 

Moore/Varati: Response

Wong: I do think warp travel and protecting the environment can coexist. They need to in order for the Uwezo to progress.

Stros: We’ve seen instances of species using naturally derived materials for their vessels. Perhaps it just comes down to making the suggestion.

Something that may need to be brought up with the other team to reach some sort of common ground between the two groups.

Moore/Varati: Response

Wong: I want to explore what Elarrapal was talking about when it came to the summer moss, shadow blight and the Uropal tree. I’m not suggesting we break the prime directive here. But I am suggesting that if she’s concerned about it, it needs to be looked into. I’d certainly would like to take Varati with me for this one.

Stros tilted his head slightly.

Stros: These things that Elarrapal stated may simply be naturally occurring phenomena that, while damaging to the trees of the forest, may or may not require outside intervention. Observation may be necessary in understanding what exactly these repercussions are, but nothing more.

Moore/Varati: Response

Wong: And lastly, Norsel. She mentioned them and it seemed like she’s had some less than pleasant dealings with them in the past. I think this is someone else worth investigating as well. They’re part of this puzzle.

Stros: I agree. We should inquire as to who this Norsel is, but as discreetly as possible. I fear we may have brought suspicion to ourselves in the eyes of Elarrapal so we must be careful when approaching other members of the anti-warp group. 

Moore/Varati: Response

Looking up towards the sky, Stros’ brow furrowed.

Stros: I do suggest we take ourselves to a more private setting to further discuss this. We may need to attempt to contact the other team to learn of their findings. 

Wong/Moore/Varati: Response

Stros: Along the way, do listen for talks of this Summer Moss or Shadow Blight. If we can gather information passively, it could help us a great deal.

Wong/Moore/Varati: Response

Before the group could move from the alley, a commotion could be heard from the direction where the protest had taken place.

Stros: Or, perhaps we have more pressing matters to attend to.

Quickly moving towards the entrance to the alley, Stros peered out in the direction of the once occupied street. It appeared several Uwezo were once again standing in front of the building. This time, they didn’t seem so peaceful.

Wong/Moore/Varati: Response

TAGS/TBC…

Lieutenant Commander Stros

Chief of Operations/Second Officer

Amity Outpost

A239905NR1