Lieutenant (JG) Jaran Jira - Sound and Fury

[Jira Jaran]

(( Geological Reserve -- Bewa City, Morta ))

K'Wara: So, seems to me like we have two options: Downward slope through the Mountain's Heart, or taking the Quitter's Lift back down to the Exit of Shame.

Ikaixar: Let’s leave Jagrav waiting a little longer. I vote the Heart.

Jira had no fondness for Jagrav, or the treatment they'd received from the Nascaik in general. They also strongly felt the need to make the initial climb worth the effort by squeezing everything they could out of the experience.

Jaran: I haven't gotten my money's worth yet. Let's eat that Heart.

K'Wara: ::chuckles:: This may be generalizing, but I feel like the gift shop would not be placed at the Exit of Shame. The Nascaik culture doesn't seem in favor of rewarding shortcuts.

Ikaixar: At least we know the way out. Shall we? ::gesturing towards the heart::

K'Wara indicated that it was Ikaixar's turn to lead the group.

Jaran: I'll be right behind you.

The descent was a polished and curated affair. No rough hewn steps and raw textured walls. Every line was as straight and clean as possible, and the walls gleamed except for where art covered them.

Ikaixar: Now this… I think is a sight to see.

K’Wara: Next time, I'd like to see a proper art museum. Growing up with sights like these... ::dreamy sigh::

Jira looked on while the others spoke.

Ikaxiar: What do you think sits at this ‘heart’? Surely it's just one big cavern right?

K'Wara shook their head, and Jira understood the sentiment. For all they knew, it would be a burly Nascaik behind a desk, berating them for something or other, representing the true spirit of their people and planet.

K’Wara: Whatever it is, I doubt 'just' is a word that will do it justice.

Jaran: I'm hoping for something pretty and enjoyable, at least. Not a trial.

Ikaixar: Plenty of room for a gift shop, surely

That did elicit a chuckle from Tamio, though their response was cut in short order.

K’Wara: One would presume- ::breathless:: Wow!

They had turned the corner slightly before Jira, so their exclamation came at the same moment the Heart came into view. And it was an understatement.

Jaran: Wha... ::trailing off::

The Heart was before them. A better word couldn't have been chosen. A massive column of scintillating crystal extended from the depths of the void that dominated the centre of the chamber they'd entered to, presumably, the roof far above them and out of sight. Strategically placed lighting made the crystal flash and flare with every movement. It was stunning, almost literally.

K'Wara: ... This is, just... Amazing.

Jaran: I wasn't expecting anything like this.

Ikaixar: Response

K'Wara: My sincerest compliments to whoever designed this reserve. ::shakes their head:: Frankly, calling this place a reserve is false advertisment. It's a heavily curated museum in its own right.

Jira wasn't particularly feeling like splitting hairs, though she wasn't really wrong. The mountain still existed in the centre of the city, largely untouched on the outside. But the geology of the interior had been subdued and crafted as much as any other city block. A little misrepresentation could be forgiven in light of the wonders within, however.

They approached the edge of the yawning chasm cautiously.

oO Still no safety rails. Oo

They leaned out as far as they dared and did the most childish thing they could think of.

Jaran: Hellooooooo!

Helloooooo! lloooooo! lloo!

Jaran: I'm no geologist, but that sounds pretty deep.

Ikaixar: Response

K'Wara: Can you imagine the time it must've taken to create this exhibit!? The patience, and stubbornness!

Ikaixar: Response

Jaran: Not to mention the time on an epochal scale to create what's being exhibited.

Jira moved around the perimeter to look at the spear of crystal from all angles. No perspective provided the same experience. Lights danced and seemed to have their own life about them.

They stopped walking on the far side from the rest of the group and paused to appreciate the sight. That's when they heard it, in the momentary stillness. A quiet pulse, made of more tones than Jira could count.

Jaran: Everyone, quiet and listen. Do you hear that?

Ikaixar/K'Wara: Response

The room, now fully silenced, filled with the sound. It swelled until it was painful and beautiful in equal measure. It was a choir of invisible chimes, each designed and tuned to the most perfect tones. Jira could feel their boots vibrating in resonance. They plugged their ears.

Jaran: ::unable to be heard clearly over the sound:: How did we not hear this from outside?

Ikaixar/K'Wara: Response

And then the sound, almost a physical entity inhabiting the space, began to subside. It lowered and lowered until it was a whisper. And then gone.

Jira stood, stricken.

Jaran: What was that?

Ikaixar/K'Wara: Response

TAG/TBC

~~~

Ensign Jaran Jira

Medical Officer

USS Artemis-A

A240209JJ4