A New Friend

Posted on Sun Apr 7th, 2019 @ 8:18am by Admiral Deela T'Lar

1,405 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 97 - Cultural Exchange
Location: USS Essex, Various
Timeline: MD 07 Current

ON:

It had been a busy morning. Kalani had started her day on the Sutherland securing artifacts, then getting her medical and counseling onboarding, and then she'd been on the Pegasus and now she was on Essex dropping off a few more artifacts. It was funny to her how she'd been at the station about three weeks and it still felt new....although it was really two wasn't it? They'd been here for about a week. Either way she'd gotten a lot done and she had this one more run before she headed back to Pegasus, where she was stationed until their return to the base.

"That's the last of it," Ensign Filton said.

"Wonderful. I just want to check the containment status and then we're done."

The young ensign gave a nod. "Take your time."

"Thank you." She headed over with her PADD making notes as she went.

Deela was checking up on things before they took off for SB400. She heard that there was some item being brought to the Essex and she wanted to make sure that they were stored properly. When she walked in, she looked around and spied a woman that she hadn't seen before.

Deela approached this woman and spoke, "Hi. I do not believe we have met." She searched her memory, "Lieutenant...Liora?" All the newbies were men except for two and one of them was Orion. So it was an easy choice.

Liora turned and smiled, "Hello!" She stuck out her hand growing quite fond of the hand shaking ritual. "You must be Admiral T'Lar!" Her enthusiasm was rolling out in waves.

Deela shook her hand, ""I am." She smiled, "Any problems getting the artifacts stored?"

"None what so ever. I got a treasure trove." She took T'Lar's hand and pulled to one of the crates. She entered the code and opened it. "Look at these!" She practically jumped up and down with glee. "These are pre military pottery samples. When Cardassian's were artists." She looked at T'Lar, "Aren't they beautiful?"

Deela was surprised when she took her hand, "Well yes, they are. The are quite interesting too." She looked at her, "It is such a joy to see someone so passionate about their job. I haven't seen that for a long time."

She smiled, "I knew ever since I was a little girl this is what I wanted. I even used to dig up the orphanage grounds," she chuckled. "I was determined to find some ancient secret." She gently placed the item back in its case. "OH!" She pulled Deela to another case. "Look at this!" She opened the case. "These are Orb Replicas from Bajor. They sparkle and shine, don't work but wow!"

"They are certainly sparkly." Deela thought about Lai'lira and what was left behind. She wondered if Liora would know what they did. She almost said something to Liora but not knowing her, she decided to wait until they got back to Cardassia where she could investigate the crystals more. "You seem almost disappointed that they don't work."

She sighed, "I've never seen a real orb. I hear they are quiet the experience. Most of the orbs were found. There were three that are still out there....the most prized of which is the Orb of Love. There is a whole legend about it and the guardian."

"Orb of love. You will have to tell me more about it sometime." Deela was still not ready to show her what she had.

"Oh my yes. Of course! It's a beautiful story. Would you like to get coffee I can tell you now if you like!"

"I would." She didn't have anywhere to be right now, "Someone else can check on the containment status for you."

She smiled and gave an ensign a few tips and then they were on their way. It didn't take long to get to the mess hall. They both ordered their drinks and sat town. In place of a coffee Kalani had taken a hot chocolate with a twist of lime. It was her favourite. She smiled, "Wow, the Orb of Love...where to start." She had a way of speaking when she was excited about something that seemed to be too fast and too full of energy. "Well the word is that this orb predates all the other orbs. This orb was the original starter for the Prophets and the Bajoran spiritual life. It stays active for a while and then goes dormant and is lost. That is why they call it the disappearing orb. The theory, at least according to Bajoran books is that the entity who controls it is overwhelmed at times of pain, like the occupation. Then is destroyed when the people forget that love is they key to life. It's really a pattern but do you want to know why this is so special now?"

She didn't wait for T'Lar to respond. "We are living in the age of re-emergence for the orb!" She clapped her hands in glee.

Deela cocked her head slightly, "Re-emergence?" She sipped her coffee, "Are you trying to say that the orb will be making its appearance?"

"Yes, in a way. The story is that the Guardian of the Orb will be reborn into our world. If legends were right this would have happened about.... 23 years ago. It says something like 'She will be born to a warlike race that traces back its logical roots. She shall live a life of pain and tragedy, hunted by her own family, she shall live and grow in grace and beauty. She will spread innocence and joy, love against the hardest odds and when she has learned that love does indeed live in the world again she shall return to the Celestial temple leaving behind her two guardians of the sacred stones.' That's part of it." She smiled, "These two guardians shall be keepers of the orb...a link for the guardian to the world they will be her most loved friends."

Deela sat there stunned. She shifted in her seat as she took in what she said. Then took a few more sips before she spoke, "Fascinating story." She took a breath and let it out slowly, trying to decide if she should show her or not, "Have you met Dr. Hades yet?"

"He is the CMO." She smiled. "Why?"

Deela paused before answering, wondering if she should entrust her with it, "I...we came into possession of something but we are not sure what exactly it is. I would have to get permission from Dr. Hades before I could show you." She didn't feel comfortable showing her unless Dr. Hades was in agreement. "This story, do you believe that it is true or just one of those stories that get handed down generation after generation?"

"Oh I believe it. I believe it with everything I am. Actually it was told to me first at the orphanage where I was. One of the headmistresses was Bajoran. I always felt connected to the story." She sighed, "There is so many layers to it." She smiled. "I will look at anything you wish. To be honest my goal is to find the orb."

"Oh?" She became a little concerned that her goal was to find the orbs that they may have in their possession, "And if you do find them, what are you planning to do?"

"Them? No the orb is one but there are two guardian stones. They will lead to they orb. It's said that each one is meant for a guardian and only they can use it. I think this world needs love and I think the Orb needs to be on Bajor. If I found it I would make sure it gets back there."

"I see. When we get back to Starbase 400 and I have had a chance to speak to Dr. Hades, I will get back to you. I would like to find out more about these guardian stones too." This was something that she would have to discuss with Dr. Hades.

"Of course." She finished her coffee. "Well I should get back."

"I should too."

They stood and Kalani gave T'Lar a hug. "Thank you for talking with me!"

"It was a pleasure Kalani." Deela smiled, "And I promise that we will get together once we get back."

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