Ensign Janai Zol - The Temple Complex

[Janai Zol]

((Aelvarai Selav, Aelkuun))

The shuttle sailed past the main continent of Aelkuun, above sparkling blue waters the likes of which were only rarely seen on Earth or Trill. Janai had her face almost plastered to a window, looking out at the sights, picking out small islands, some with villages dotting their coastlines. 

This was to be her first on-field work as an Ensign, and she couldn't wait to experience the wonders of a civilization unknown to her. She'd brought good boots with her, a PADD for taking notes, a flashlight, and her trowel from her first digs back in the Academy. There were better tools than a trowel for digs, of course, but something about it made her happy. She'd brought along an old camera as well, to fill it with pictures.

A growl from her belly reminded her she hadn't brought lunch, but she hoped there'd be something to eat down there. 

She wasn't alone on the shuttle. Lieutenant Is'Kah and Commander Ada had joined as well, both eager to get to know the locals and their history, she assumed. She wondered if Commander Ada had any particular research she wanted to run, or if this was simple scientific curiosity to her.

Soon enough, the shuttle came upon a small island, barely large enough to make landfall. A large temple complex jutted from the island's north, half on its beach, half covered by the sea's waters - it was clear it had been sinking below the waves for some time now.

Janai was out of the shuttle as soon as its doors opened, feeling her legs sinking slightly in the sand. The sun was shining, its heat mitigated by the pleasant winds that blew near the sea. A handful of trees had found the strength to root upon the sands, providing some shade.

A K’tsélai was waiting for them, wearing a wetsuit and a beautiful wrap around her torso. Arms outstretched, the local greeted them with a bow.

Ne’Tatkret: Hello. I see you and greet you openly. I am Ne’Tatkret of the Ne'tsetiira'lu clan. Some find it easier to call me Ne’Tatekret and that is fine too. I am the leader of this research team. I take it you are of Starfleet?

It was a simple greeting, and it put Janai at ease.

Zol: We are. Thank you for having us. I am Ensign Janai Zol.

Ada/Is’Kah: Response

The K’tsélai studied each of them in turn as they talked, her gaze mindful. Once they were all done talking, she pointed to each and spoke the names back, slowly, working them in her mouth.

Ne’Tatkret: Azura Ada. Iz’Kah Zeeron. Janai Zol.

Janai nodded with a smile. Names were important to her - they were pieces of history. She appreciated someone who took the effort to speak and remember them.

Zol: We are eager for a glimpse at your history, Ne'Tatkret.

Ada/Is’Kah: Response

Ne’Tatkret: Understood. Welcome to Aelvarai Selav. It is an island that has an old temple that the Va’tsekeluai’ra clan built long ago. We are here to investigate it before it is lost entirely to the waters here. It is partly underwater. You can all swim, yes-yes? We have spare wetsuits but I don’t know if they will fit you.

The K’tsélai studied them with some anxiety as she spoke. Janai could swim just fine - it wasn't her favorite pastime, but her parents had insisted that she learn, and her brother Doren was a champion swimmer.

Zol: I come from a family of swimmers, and I can hold my own in the water. I think we'll manage to fit in your wetsuits - I hope so, at least.

Ada/Is’Kah: Response

Before going under the water, Janai wanted to study what remained of the temple above the sea's surface. Almost without thinking she took a few steps towards the structures.

It was clear that parts of the temple had been built out of wood. Most of it was gone now, victim to insects and people and the sea. What remained was not in the best condition, waterlogged and rotting. The rest of the temple had suffered from the rising waters too, but it held much beauty still.

There were hints of stone in the construction, mostly foundational pieces, brought from elsewhere at a heavy cost and with much toil, Janai assumed. But most of the temple was made of coral, some particularly durable variety that held up even now, its surface pockmarked but covered in faded color, mosaics and even a handful of ceramics, old pottery that was still here, being studied. The closest one showed a creature rising from the waters.

Zol: Ne'Tatkret, if I may, what does this depict? ::Points at ceramic::

Ne’Tatkret: Response  

The temple complex was split into many buildings, and from somewhere came a clear, musical sound. Zol reacted to it first, taking a lap inside her torso then settling, relaxed.

Zol: Where's that sound coming from? 

Ne’Tatkret/Ada/Is'Kah: Response

Zol: I'd love to study that. Commander, Lieutenant, anything you'd like to do? 

Ada/Is'Kah: Response

Janai took out her camera, snapped pictures of the reliefs she saw on the coral buildings, of the ceramics, of the view, the way the sun fell on the sea around the island. She could see other K’tsélai around, Ne'Tatkret's workers, so busy with their own tasks that it was obvious they were trying to glimpse at the foreigners among them. It was understandable - she'd do the same in their place. For a moment she felt overwhelmed, presented with so many opportunities, so much to do and witness. 

But best to take it from the beginning. She turned back towards their guide.

Zol: Ne'Tatkret, could you tell us about the history of this temple and the  Va’tsekeluai’ra clan? 

Ne’Tatkret/Ada/Is'Kah: Response

--

###

Ensign Janai Zol

Science Officer

USS Valkyrie-A, NCC-76418-A
V240304JZ2