LtCmdr Salkath - Here and Now

[Salkath]

((Promenade - Deep Space 9))

After a refreshing meditation session in the Bajoran temple and making a new acquaintance within, Salkath had exited onto the Bajoran station's main thoroughfare. It was there that he spied a familiar crewmate, Gnai, who appeared to be in a rare state that even the stoic Vulcan could recognize. Whether his companionship was warranted or not, he invited it to join him on a stroll, where he could see if he was able to provide support or assistance.

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

Gnai: Only just a small amount. There was a brief overview of major religions in Federation species at the Academy.

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: In a sense… but there is not much spirituality on Galador. Just an appreciation for the past and attempts to keep it alive. ::tendrils flare out, and then pull back in:: But meditation sounds… useful? To learn more about. Of course.

Salkath: I would be amenable to discussing it generally or in more specific terms with you. ::looking about critically:: Though this atmosphere is hardly conducive.

It appeared that Gnai was of the same mindset, as it looked about as well before offering a sage suggestion.

Gnai: Perhaps this conversation might be better suited for the upper level? ::pause:: The wormhole might make a good view.

Salkath: Indeed. Let us continue.

Following his fellow officer, Salkath strode slowly up the stairs, using the opportunity to once again marvel at the engineering prowess of Gnai and its mentor. However, he sensed that now was not the time to steer the conversation back to his personal interests; if he was to be a friend then he must consider the emotional needs of Gnai even if he was treading in unfamiliar territory.

Gnai: ::breaking the silence of their walk:: So, you think that this could work to calm one’s worries? ::pause:: Do Vulcans have worries?

Salkath paused prior to answering, looking out the portholes at the top of the stairs as they ambled along for inspiration. The view of the wormhole, if one could push the scientific concepts of verterons and subspace tunneling out of one's mind, was certainly fascinating. The Celestial Temple, as the Bajorans called it.

Salkath: Vulcans do indeed fret. We experience all emotions, but choose to suppress and control them to a greater extent than other species for myriad and complex reasons. oO Now is likely not the time for a dissertation on Vulcan history... Oo The greatest tool we have to accomplish this goal is introspection through meditation. It allows us the ability to choose logic over emotional response, to channel those thoughts productively.

Gnai: This would like to learn then, at least a little.

The sparse crowd on the upper level of the promenade were distracted by the wormhole's opening, and it appeared Gnai was a little, too. Salkath was understanding of the awe, and understanding of the distraction it could cause. What he offered it was not an instant panacea, and he would not abuse it with that notion. To that end, Salkath joined Gnai as it steered them towards a bench outlooking a porthole at the wormhole.

Salkath: In time, we can do that. Back on the ship, in proper environs and with proper assistive aids. For now, let us simply sit and regard the scientific wonder beyond.

It went unsaid that Salkath hoped his unspoken camaraderie would also help. He could sit here for however long it took Gnai to find its peace in the moment, then they could go their separate ways or travel back together. As he offered, in time and in the proper place, he would impart whatever wisdom Gnai might wish from him about meditative skills, but for the time being, he would simply be here and now.

END

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0