Lieutenant Commander Anton Richards: Is Bliss
Anton Richards
(( Within his Caverns, (Central Subterranean Excavation, Marohu III) ))
Nilsen: Our people have similar roles. To keep and maintain knowledge is one of the most noble pursuits we can follow..
Kaelith: Knowledge is powerful but also rewarding.
Anton nodded along as he continued to look around at the “sanctuary”. He observed the tiniest of details within the architecture, details so tiny it would have taken humans decades to complete. He responded with awe.
Richards: Amazing.
Nilsen: Can you tell us about your people, how would I refer to your people?
oO Your people? I am but a reflection on the water's surface, not the water itself. I served them as roots serve the tree—less invisible but essential. I am not people, but he must refer to the befores. Oo
Kaelith: They were my creators, but they honored me as a colleague. Like gentle currents of thought, we kept knowledge together, as equals in the sacred duty of preservation.
Richards: So like an archivist… Or a curator!
Nilsen: Is there anything you can show? Is this room a part of you? Are you two separate beings?
Kaelith: Like the planet nourishes the body of man, this room and the caverns nourish my existence. I do have the ability to control all of this holding his arms out at either side, but like the planet protects and nurtures, I must preserve the sanctity of this place at all costs.
Anton knelt down, the intricate patterns laid even in the floor beneath their feet.
Richards: I can see why. That’s a very honourable role.
Tarnas: That’s… extraordinary. Thank you for sharing that with us.
oO Gratitude, unlike those invaders who sought only harm and theft of knowledge—like the calais rodent destroying what it doesn't understand. Oo
Richards: My father has a similar role.
Albeit alot less honourable, and a lot less interesting, Anton thought.
Richards: He seeks to discover and maintain ancient knowledge and artifacts there otherwise would be lost. What kind of information do you keep in these archives.
Anton tried his best to keep his question in a good-hearted nature. He didn’t want to upset the being, or make it seem like he was prying.
Kaelith: The archives throb with ancient wisdom like stellar pulses across the void—knowledge more vast than all celestial bodies scattered through night's canvas. Each fragment contains universes of understanding, waiting like dormant seeds beneath time's shifting sands.
Yes, definitely more honourable than old dad.
Tarnas: You’ve endured so much, and yet you still welcome strangers with openness. That speaks volumes.
Richards: Indeed. We are honoured to be welcomed so kindly. We’d love to assist you in some way or…
The being began to speak, as if it had detected Anton’s inability to think of what had come next. In truth, Anton wasn’t exactly sure how they’d be able to help something capable of all this, and provided the celestial knowledge part was truthful, he didn’t think Starfleet's experience would help much either.
Kaelith: All beings possess great knowledge, flowing like rivers through the bedrock of existence. It resonates within each consciousness like sunlight refracting through crystal, waiting to be shared and amplified through connection. Yet through their greed and selfishness, many transform from nurturers into consumers—like ravenous caterpillars stripping the leaves of possibility, leaving only hollow stems of what might have been.
Tarnas: Kaelith… what do you hope to gain by revealing yourself to us now? By choosing to connect with us, after holding this sanctuary alone for so long?
Anton, not meaning to put words in Tarnas’s mouth, decided to elaborate.
Richards: We seek to learn, to discover, but not at the cost of destruction.
There was a brief pause, and Anton looked towards Nilsen. He was worried that he may have upset the being somehow.
Nilsen: I think Kaelith here has been most kind in answering our questions; perhaps a moment to allow us all to breathe. Kaelith, can you show us around and show us how to navigate this place?
Kaelith: Thank you Nilsen, your heart shares like the fruit tree, willing to share its nourishment. I don't mind the inquiry. Your assistance would help stabilize my being. I will show you more as we travel.
Anton smiled, this didn’t sound like he had upset him.
Kaelith: This way my friends. You are safe within the bounds of these caverns, like the offspring safe in the womb, it’s protection extended to us all.
Anton continued to smile, he could barely contain his excitement.
Richards: Thank you!
Nilsen/Tarnas: Response
Kaelith: These caverns are older than knowledge tells us of the universe's beginnings. This planet was not the original home—never merely a destination for travelers from before.
He was speaking in riddles. He wondered just how old his knowledge had taught him the universe was exactly.
Richards: Fascinating.
Nilsen/Tarnas: Response
Kaelith: Many wonders dwell in these halls, their rich knowledge too vast for any single being to consume in a lifetime. The technologies here represent a collection of wisdom from numerous species who existed even before my creators. Is there one technology or class of technology that draws curiosity from your consciousness? As the crystal resonates with sound, as the light bends through water, what knowledge vibrates with your inner self?
Anton thought that now was probably not the time to share his interest in weaponry.
Richards: We are interested in all types of things. We all have our different specialties, but we are interested in everything as a whole.
Nilsen/Tarnas: Response
Kaelith: Many apologies as I learn the manner in which you present your knowledge. What…do you.. Seek?
Anton thought for a moment, he figured it would be best to allow someone else to answer this question.
Richards: That’s a really tough question.
Anton peered towards the others again for help
Nilsen/Tarnas/Kaelith: response
Richards: Indeed, we seek knowledge about all things. Things that can guide us forward, or correct our misinterpretations.
Nilsen/Tarnas/Kaelith: response
[TAGS/TBC]
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Lieutenant Commander Anton Richards
Chief of Security
USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850
T239802AR1
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