LtCmdr Salkath - Floating Through the Station

[Salkath]

((Bajoran Temple Entrance, Promenade - Deep Space 9))

What had started as an unfortunate decision to venture into the humanoid press of DS9 had actually taken a fortuitous turn. Finding the Bajoran temple quite by happenstance, Salkath had wandered within and started an amicable discussion with the ranjen within. The amicable discussion switched to light conversations of theology, and the two shared their respective prayers with each other.

After having a promise extracted to keep in touch via subspace, and in person when in the sector, Salkath exited the temple on his return to the Artemis. It appeared that a shuttle or shuttles had recently docked, because the press of bodies was even worse than before. He stopped just inside the entrance, looking for an efficient path through the crowds, when he spied an unmistakable figure just to the side. He made his way over to the bench where it was seated.

Salkath: Greetings, Ensign Gnai. 

The way that the Galadoran's suit leapt upright was incongruous with a relaxing visit to the station. Salkath hoped that he hadn't disturbed it in a moment of quiet reflection or other such introspection.

Gnai: Commander Salkath! ::pause:: Good to see you, sir. What are you doing on the station?

He nodded at the entryway he had just exited. Even now, after just leaving, Salkath felt a draw into the quiet, contemplative space when faced with the bustling chaos without.

Salkath: I had come to 'see the sights', as it were. I found the sights lacking. That is, until I discovered the Bajoran temple here.

Gnai: The temple? What drew you there?

Salkath: Vulcans are a spiritual people, and when you add a drive for knowledge to that, it means that when one gets to visit a planet with known, tangible deities, one pays their respects.

He meant that tongue in cheek, as evidenced by the slight raise in his eyebrow. But it was true that Vulcans were polytheistic, an abnormality for such a logical species, so Salkath was not the exception for his people when it came to an interest in and curiosity about the spiritual faiths of others.

Gnai: response

Salkath: The crowd is starting to thin out. Would you walk with me for a while?

Now that the shuttles had emptied and their passengers had dispersed to their destinations or waypoints, the promenade was marginally more welcoming for casual conversation while moving around. Salkath was amenable to company if Gnai was willing, which would make the visit to the station that much more fulfilling.

Gnai: response

Salkath: The Prophets are a fascinating juxtaposition. Are you familiar with them, or the Bajoran faith at all?

Gnai: response

There was a bit of a commotion in the gambling and drinking establishment they were wandering past, but Salkath paid it little heed. Such a den of iniquities was sure to have such commotions on a regular basis. Instead, he looked down upon the dome of the ambulatory suit at the colleague within. Salkath felt he had a good reference point to gauge the state of Gnai; he had seen it at its low on the alternate Betazoid prison, and at its high when discussing its suit's capabilities in engineering. If coloration and carriage was any indication, Gnai embodied the former state of mind rather than the latter. He would not pry into the emotional state of his new friend, but he would offer support if and when needed.

Salkath: I do not know if Galadorans are a spiritual people like the Bajorans or Vulcans, but there is much to be said for the associated meditation and introspection to help clear one's mind from... distractions. If you would need someone to join you in such exercises, I am often available.

Gnai: response

TAG/TBC

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0