Lt Avander Promontory: Grateful to Not Be the Only One
Avander Promentory
((Small Temple Off the Beaten Path of the Gratitude Festival, Bajor))
After Josh had gotten a vision with the Vedek, Avander was keen to give it a go. Alas, it didn’t seem to work. He moved over to allow Aine a shot and tried to discern her reactions. They didn’t quite look like Josh’s.
Promontory: (to Josh) Is this what I looked like?
Herrick: ::nodding:: It does look a little weird, an officer just standing there in front of a ‘man of the cloth’ in the middle of an almost deserted temple… but stranger things had happened.
Vedek: Clear your mind.
Sherlock: It is clear.
Aine flinched as the elderly man pinched her ear.
Vedek: Now ::beat:: it is clear.
A moment later, the Vedek withdrew his hand and concluded the ceremony.
Sherlock: ::confused:: I didn't see anything.
Vedek: You saw what the Prophets wanted you to see.
Sherlock: So they don't want me to see anything?
Vedek: Not yet. When you see, you will understand.
Sherlock: So, you saw. Great. ::beat:: When do they want me to see?
With only the slightest pause, the Vedek deign to respond.
Vedek: Soon.
Sherlock: I knew it! I coulda put money on that one! I KNEW it!
The intensity of Aine’s response took Avander aback. It seemed like they weren’t in any worse shape than when they had entered the temple, but the disappointment of almost having some insight still stung. And, at least for Aine, seemed to be a personal affront.
Herrick: The lieutenant ::nodding to Promontory:: didn’t get anything else. Seems to be a luck of the draw thing.
Promontory: (placating) Maybe we could get a refund?
Since they hadn’t paid anything, it wasn’t exactly a bad deal…
That, nor the Vedek’s calming presence seemed to pacify Aine.
Sherlock: This is crap. If the Prophets know everything, they know I hate surprises.
Vedek: They do know. The Prophets know all that is.
Avander pondered that for a moment. He supposed knowing that one hated surprises wasn’t necessarily tied to not enacting surprises on someone, perhaps for an upcoming birthday?
Herrick: Look, mine (beat) wasn’t fun. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t eye opening, but I could have also done without it. Something about the consequences of my actions and all that.
Promontory: (reassuringly) Sounds like you don’t have to wait too long, if that’s any consolation…
Herrick: ::nodding:: Soon does seem better than elsewhere. ::raising a thumb towards Avander:: He might be 100 before he gets his.
Sherlock: That's just great.
Promontory: (apologetically) I mean, one hundred is still pretty young for an El-Aurian…
The Vedek reached inside one of his robes and pulled out a well-polished silver medallion that reflected brightly, even in the smoky, dimly-lit room.
Vedek: As an old man, I have seen that there are many forks in the road to which I gave myself to the will of the prophets. It has led me to this moment, where I trust that they placed me here to give you guidance.
The Vedek clasped his hands around Aine’s, the medallion now resting in her palms.
Vedek: Let this be your reminder that not all answers come at once. Once you’ve seen what you’ve needed to, you can come back and present this should you want someone in our order to guide you. Until then, you’ll need to wait. Sooner is sooner than you think. ::giving a knowing smile::
Sherlock: Even the Prophets like to torture me.
Herrick: Well, why should they miss out. ::he leaned in and knocked his shoulder into hers playfully:: I hear they’re in good company with Nilsen… What's going on with that anyway?
Promontory: Ensign Nilsen? The eager beaver pilot!?
Sherlock: response
Vedek: This weary body needs some rest; enjoy the rest of the festival and peldor joy!
Promontory: Peldor joy!
Sherlock: response
Herrick: Thank you Vedek!
As they walked to the room’s only exit, Josh turned towards the Vedek.
Herrick: What the… he’s… gone?
Promontory: Oh! Was he one of your ghosts? (beat, rubbing ear) Only his hand felt a lot more solid than I would’ve expected for a ghost.
Avander wished he had brought his tricorder. A quick scan of the room might have been helpful.
Sherlock: Response
Tags/Possible end scene for Avander
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