((Private Conference Room E, Amity Outpost))
Sahim greeted the Acolyte and the Luminary, confident that their findings will give them a way to preserve the Angels well being and not entering in conflict with this Federation. Their people seemed enlightened, however, too focused on their science, seemingly leaving any higher aspect aside, or at least, to the side in favor of what they can see, touch, measure and catalog.
Sahim: Luminary Prarim, Acolyte Taven...
Prarim greeted the Pilgrim with the traditional gesture, a hand to the forehead, then to the mouth, and finally to the stomach that she imitated.
Prarim: Sahim, it is wonderful to see you again. I trust that you are well.
Taven: Response
Sahim: I've come as requested.
Prarim: But of course. Please, let us all sit and take stock of what has transpired. I desire greatly to know what you have learned.
Taven: Response
Sahim: I've got an expedition with the first secretary the chief medical officer and other two, a scientist and a doctor.
Prarim: ::Intrigued:: I see. Then our expectations were correct, indeed. The Federation means to study the Angels… I take it they did not disturb them?
Taven: Response
She nodded at the comment and thought about her response
Sahim: They proceeded with caution, they didn't approach the Angels too much, and as far as I know they only took passive readings of them. Another ship was in the area, or so I thought, and warned us that the Angels liked the plasma their ships vent.
Taven: Response
Prarim: It is well that you were there to monitor them. ::To Taven:: Their respectful conduct is noted. ::To both:: Though we must recall that not all those who have appeared friendly in the past have remained so. We must always be vigilant. ::To Sahim:: Tell us, what happened next?
Sahim: The Angels approached our shuttle and began... contact. It seems that they're really attracted by their ships. That might be part of why and/or how the problems with the miners began.
Prarim considered the information for a moment.
Prarim: Do you believe, then, that the Angels themselves chose to engage with the miners?
Taven: Response
Sahim: I don't mean anything against the Angels. I'm just pointing out that there's something attracting in Federation technology at least for the Angels. We don't have that kind of problems with our ships, as far as I know...
Taven: Response
Prarim understood little of the ships’ technology and deferred his opinion to the younger Acolyte and Pilgrim. All he knew was that they carried the Hawlat where they needed to go.
Prarim: And what of your personal opinion on the Federation’s interests? So far, they have seemed trustworthy - though they are newcomers to these pastures. What does your intuition tell you, Sahim?
Sahim: I didn't get into details with the Starfleet crew. I thought it'll be better to let you know what I've seen and seek your advice about how to proceed from here on. I'm inclined to trust that they really don't want to hurt the Angels or to mingle with our faith, but we can't be completely sure, at least not yet, right?
Prarim closed his eyes and gave a single, humble nod. Hopefully her words will make sense and she hoped that the Angels gave them wisdom about what to do next.
Prarim: So far the Federation has demonstrated an earnest restraint in the face of this disagreement - and I believe they are acting in good faith. However, the question remains if they will remain loyal to their purported belief in tolerance if a resolution cannot be made with the mining corporations… As such, I have invoked the Rite of Trust.
Taven: Response
Despite her interest in science her beliefs came first and the respect for the Luminary position to interpret their beliefs. The next step in their relationship with the Federation will be determined by her elders.
Sahim: So, it's come to that? Do you believe their ready to take on the rite?
Prarim: While the Federation selects their representatives, we must also choose from among our people… I believe I know at least one Hawlat on whom the Great Spirit’s light shines in this matter. ::Turning to Taven:: I would like for you to take part in the Ritual, Acolyte Taven.
Taven: Response
Sahim: It'll be interesting to see how they take on the ritual. But facing the unknown seemed to be one of their principles as they claim to be explorers. Even if they fail it, it'll be an interesting situation to see them face.
Prarim: Sahim, if the Federation opts to have a second participant, I believe your thoughtful spirit would be welcomed as part of the Ritual as well. If not, then I am sure they will appreciate having you on hand to ensure the event goes smoothly. There is much to do and little time… Tell me, have either of you undergone the Ritual before?
Sahim: I'll do as you instruct. But I must say that I've not performed it before. I've just learnt about it.
Taven: Response
Sahim: I just hope their candidate has the strength of heart to face the ritual to their full extent.
Sahim/Taven: Response
Sahim: I'm confident that they'll understand, but if they don't, we might need to find a way to protect the Angels and hope they guide us somewhere else that is safe. But I must recognize, I was starting to feel good in this place.
Sahim/Taven: Response
Sahim: I'll be ready for whatever it is.
With that she remained silent waiting for the final word of the Luminary ready to proceed in whatever quality she's needed. Either by assistant or as a participant, though that last part made her feel a bit nervous as it'll be her first time with the rite.
TBC:
MSPNPC Sahim
Hawlat pilgrim
by