Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 13, 2021 19:08:19 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Colony Plaza]The look of stunned disbelief on her face only grew as Kova and Charlie confirmed the joke as truth. "They do know she's a Captain, not a Goddess, right?" Granted, she doubted her father was much better as a CO. Except he expected his crew to fear him, rather than worship him. "I'm not here to be their friend!" she'd heard him declare every time her mother suggested he might have been too hard on someone. The conversation moved to Kova ending whatever working relationship she'd had with Eastman, and Syl lifted her glass with a smile. "Congratulations," she said before taking a deep drink of the sweet wine. She admired the Andorian's ability to make up her mind and sever all ties swiftly. Syl had considered leaving the Fleet herself, and had even gone so far as to start dictating her resignation. However she hadn't gotten very far before she realized she had nowhere else to go. She wouldn't be able to afford staying on the station as a civilian, she wouldn't be welcome back on Earth. Her entire life had been engineered for Starfleet... What skills she had weren't very useful in civilian jobs. And the private companies that did need pilots generally already had them. So she'd deleted the recording and decided to continue with her original plan - Do a good enough job to rebuild her reputation in Fleet, and someday get transferred to a better post. One where she could serve a CO that wouldn't leave her behind in a foreign prison.
Tag Kova Sh'qaleq Shavan Th'zhaar Charlie Fox
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84 
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on May 13, 2021 20:26:00 GMT
[ LT Joshua Niles - Grandview Conference Room, Colony Ops Building, LZ-2, Kerelia ]The conference room they were shown to certainly had a pompous name all right. Though, considering just how few such facilities there were at the colony at this time, naming it at all spoke of someone with such an ego that if it had gravity it would be giving the Messier 87 supermassive black hole a run for its money in terms of event horizon! However, it was a place to work, and at least the view lived up to its name, so there was that. Between what he now knew, and the information from the Old Lady, Niles was starting to work on a plan of attack for the investigation. Now, once Jenkins' algorithms would be done crunching data, it would generate a solid, and hopefully manageable, suspect pool, though when the Petty Officer took the lead in the investigation, the Tactical Officer said nothing, but picked up right after Keltner's response. "We will be verifying your alibi through every mean at our disposal as a matter of due diligence, of course," replied Josh; after all, someone was dead, and barring corroborated truly exculpatory evidence, no one could be ruled out just yet. "Now, I have two streams of questioning for you. First, Doctor Murra, the victim, did you know him? And did the have any enemies that you know of? Second, I need to know more about Vedek Dima. You said you did not grant him administrative access; as the head of computer support, can you tell me who authorized it?"Then, Niles thought of something. "Mister Jenkins, can you bring up a log of what the Vedek has been up within the system, or is that something that will require a higher degree of access?"Incongruities, that was where he needed to focus his efforts for the time being. But first, he had to define them and find the right angle of attack to properly investigate them. Otherwise, it was all speculation. Judith Eastman Englebert adjusted his tie, a bit of a fidget. It wasn't every day that one was interrogated in connection to a murder. "Murra is... I guess was, an odd bird. Kept to himself, didn't make conversation... most of us, the admin staff and engineers, go out to lunch together, but he never does... never did," he explained. "As for the Vedek, we can check the log. I'll just need a PADD.""I got it," Jenkins said quietly, pulling up the (restricted) Admin log. "The vic did.""That's something he should be able to do, but I don't have a clue why he'd do it. Not that I know him, even though I've worked with him for months."The loquacious Englebert stroked his beard.
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Kaya Som
Engineering/Ops
Site Historian
Yaya! You have survived! That's too bad!
Posts: 804
Likes: 108
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Engineering
Species: Trill
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Post by Kaya Som on May 13, 2021 23:29:47 GMT
[...] "Thank you and yes may they guide him, but no he hasn't abandoned us, he was called into work and should be here when he's finished," she replied, to the man who had become a friend when he asked about Riyo.  Oh, always so gracious was Leanna. He's quickly learned how important she was to the station community and just as quickly learned why. But what was this? Fellin furrowed his brow. "He must have been needed because of the death at the building site," Fellin said connecting the dots. "Surely they could have found someone else?" It was Ha'mara. Paawin Riyo was Bajoran. The deceased was a Cardassian. Surely that mattered. Leanna Mazal |
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Kaya Som
Engineering/Ops
Site Historian
Yaya! You have survived! That's too bad!
Posts: 804
Likes: 108
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Engineering
Species: Trill
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Post by Kaya Som on May 13, 2021 23:42:08 GMT
[NPC - Rimi Mora Plaza, Colony, LZ-2, Kerelia] [...] "Um... yeah, hi," she said with a slightly timid wave. She wasn't sure how to react at first. Besides, most of the adults she cross paths with typically found some reason to yell at her. He was nice enough, and actually ended up excusing himself to go and speak with Leanna for a moment. That left Rimi along with the vedek, as he had so purposefully corrected her. Though, the question he had posed to her still lingered heavily between them. "Who do I think hung the Cardie on the crane?" Rimi said. "It wouldn't surprise me if it were a Bajoran. I mean, who could blame them?" Rimi stood there sharing her logic with the vedek. "The Cardassians enslaved your people for half a century, and then tried to do it again with the help of the Dominion." Her eyes looked towards Dima. "But that's probably the sort of thing your Prophets frown upon, huh?" The Vedek could feel eyes on him from around the square and he relished not acknowledging it, giving his full attention to the youth. Her candid response was so satisfying, the kind of surprising perspective delivered so brazenly that only the young were capable of. "Forgiveness from the Prophets awaits us all," he said, not quite conceding the point. "You know," he said in his rolling accent, "It would not surprise me either that the killer may be Bajoran. Bajorans have killed many Cardassians," Emmari said absently running his hand along his jaw line without breaking eye contact. He did not himself use the word 'Cardie', preferring the epithets of his native tongue that did not endure translation well. Then he said, "I do not use 'Cardie'. Instead, say he is a 'thellek bor' [fn]One who buries the dead.[/fn] or perhaps ... 'ribek kell'ta'rem' [fn]One who builds gallows[/fn]." Maybe Rimi would put those in her broadcasts. There should be no pity for Dr. Murra. Kova Sh'qaleq (Rimi) |
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Leanna Mazal
Civilian
Posts: 1,728 Likes: 32 
Position: Civilian
Species: Betazoid
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Post by Leanna Mazal on May 14, 2021 11:54:58 GMT
[ Apazi Fellin | Square, with Leanna ]Oh, always so gracious was Leanna. He's quickly learned how important she was to the station community and just as quickly learned why. But what was this? Fellin furrowed his brow. "He must have been needed because of the death at the building site," Fellin said connecting the dots. "Surely they could have found someone else?" It was Ha'mara. Paawin Riyo was Bajoran. The deceased was a Cardassian. Surely that mattered. Leanna Mazal [Ha'mara Festival - Square] From the way Fellin furrowed his brow and realised why Riyo had been called away whilst on vacation, confirmed Leanna's worst fears about the situation that Riyo had witnessed earlier. Wishing it was that simple as Fellin then queried why someone else couldn't of done it. " That makes sense as I had a feeling that something was wrong and unfortunately I don't think anyone else was available. Although it could be because Riyo is Acting CMO, I just hope that he's okay" Lea replied, wondering how it was all going and if Riyo would come straight here afterwards, especially with going through his treatment and recovery.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on May 14, 2021 13:45:57 GMT
3 hours later[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Grandview Conference Room, Ops Center, Colony]Judy, now in uniform, stood in front of a 2D projector screen, in the rather splendid conference room the Starfleet working group had seized. She’d asked a selection of personnel to join the investigation, based mostly on who was available, though none were obligated to come. “Let’s start by establishing the facts,” she explained.
“Dr. Veho Murra is our victim. He was a senior structural engineer employed on this project; he was also a war criminal responsible for the construction of a concentration camp on Bajor. As I imagine most of us know, he was found hanging by his belt from a construction crane.”
“We have established a timeline of some of Murra’s activity, and other events, surrounding his death. It’s been pushed to all your PADDs.”- 4 days ago, 1800: Veho Murra approves admin access for Vedek Dima Emmari, to the colony’s computer system
- 3 days ago, 0900: Veho Murra activates a new tricorder
- Last night, 1800: All work stopped for the night at the block on Nth 3rd St, where Murra will be found
- Last night, 2300: Veho Murra leaves work and returns to his apartment
- Today, 0415: Veho Murra is spotted by security cameras walking to the block in question
- Today, 0425: The crane on which Veho Murra was found is operated
- Today, 0440-0455: Veho Murra dies
“Let us note that the tricorder Murra activated three days ago was found near the crime scene, and appears to have had its biometric sensors compromised. This is significant, as the system used here verifies one’s login credentials by reading biometrics via the user’s tricorder.”
“We know that this tricorder was handled by a Bajoran. We have identified 15 Bajorans present on the colony who have ties to Dakhur province, where Murra built a concentration camp; at present, they’re our best suspects.”
“Our duty is to investigate the truth, and not to address the motives behind this event. That said, if any of you would rather avoid this task, there's no judgement here.”There was no getting around that fact. Many would surely think Murra had it coming, and Judy was sympathetic to that perspective herself.
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Kaya Som
Engineering/Ops
Site Historian
Yaya! You have survived! That's too bad!
Posts: 804
Likes: 108
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Engineering
Species: Trill
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Post by Kaya Som on May 14, 2021 13:51:57 GMT
1300 hours, solar noon at Landing Zone 2 | Ha'mara Pavillion in the Square
A breezy pavillion has been erected in the green space of the settlement town square to serve as venue for one of the central moments of the Ha'mara festival of lights. It is a ritual known as the Unburdening where all are asked to relieve themselves of the heavy loads of resentment, fear, jealousy, regret, and anger. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, Bajorans and visitors alike may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol of what they are letting go, so that when night falls and the fast is over, they may celebrate new beginnings.
Now, the Vedek Dima Emmari is speaking.[ Vedek Dima Emmari ]"... and upon each stone we can place our grief and regret and all that weighs us and bends our backs to the wisdom and will of the Prophets. Only when we shed our burdens can our Pagh rise follow our true path." He was a tall man, the Vedek, and even though he seemed to be speaking softly, his voice carried unassisted in a most steady baritone and his peculiar rolling accent. He continued, for the benefit, mostly, of the young or non-Bajoran visitors. "Long ago, these stones were not so small and this basin not so shallow. We waded into rivers carrying rocks pulled from our fields or rubble from fallen buildings. And into that rushing current we gave up what dragged us down to the steady and unrelenting erosion of the water. The water, like the will of the Prophets, always finds a way to cut its path, and even the sharpest stones are rounded smooth, becoming part of the river itself." He went on like this a little longer, telling a parable of a man who carried an unjust burden. "One day, a man was walking a rough and remote road when he came upon a Cardassian. The Cardassian was starving and liable to die of thirst. In his arrogance, he believed he needed no food or water for the dangerous journey. The Cardassian begged the man for help. 'Please, you must carry me. Is it not the way of your Prophets?'" The Vedek lifted his eyebrows as if to ask all who listened what they would do. "But the Cardassian did not realize that his face was known throughout the region, and that he been a cruel and ruthless magistrate during the Occupation. The man had a choice to make. If he left the Cardiassian where he lay, he would surely die. But if he took him upon his back, they could both fall. "The Cardassian, seeing the conflict in the man's eyes, continued to plead with him. He said it was the will of the Prophets that they'd both be on this road, that the Prophets demanded mercy for all." The Vedek paused again and continued suddenly gentle. "Finally, the man relented, for the man wanted to serve the Prophets. He lifted the Cardassian on his back and began to carry him." And then the gentleness ended abruptly and the Vedek ended his tale matter-of-factly, no more sadness in his voice. "But the sun was hot and the dust was choking. After many hours, the man fell to his knees in exhaustion and both he and the Cardassian perished on that deserted road. "In this time of Ha'mara, we are invited to Unburden ourselves. But do not carry the burdens of others, do not weigh yourself down by those who'd bring you to harm." And with that strange tale, the Vedek smiled and called for the Unburdening to begin.
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Enola
Intelligence
[TI39]
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
Rank: Ensign
Species: Romulan-Vulcan
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Post by Enola on May 14, 2021 17:57:02 GMT
[Eta Borir - on a jogging lap ]
Eta had passed the time well. She had watched Bajorans, she had tried to distract herself with a little jogging. And last but not least, she had tried to remember Murra. He looked familiar; after all, commanders of a Cardassian freighter and builders of concentration camps knew each other only too well. But what Eta had probably enjoyed most in the last three hours was that she had not spoken to anyone or made any effort to start a conversation. That was just as well.
Finally, the Cardassian had rolled up her trouser legs and walked far around the crane, for what must have been the fourth time. Far away from corpses or Bajorans who were probably secretly laughing up their sleeves.
She didn't want to be present when the Vedek was talking this shit about the Cardassian and the Bajoran, because Eta had another theory about it that she would pound into the Bajorans' brains with her fist if necessary. But the occupation was over, and she admired the Bajorans for not killing her yet, and the only war here so far was over looks. In a sense, Eta compulsively ended her mental whirl with the conclusion that she would avoid the Vedek to the letter. Although a conversation between Cardassian and Vedek would certainly be interesting.
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Joshua Niles
Security & Tactical
[TI22]
Posts: 649 Likes: 21
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Tactical Officer
Species: Human
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Post by Joshua Niles on May 14, 2021 18:27:22 GMT
3 hours later[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Grandview Conference Room, Ops Center, Colony]Judy, now in uniform, stood in front of a 2D projector screen, in the rather splendid conference room the Starfleet working group had seized. She’d asked a selection of personnel to join the investigation, based mostly on who was available, though none were obligated to come. “Let’s start by establishing the facts,” she explained.
“Dr. Veho Murra is our victim. He was a senior structural engineer employed on this project; he was also a war criminal responsible for the construction of a concentration camp on Bajor. As I imagine most of us know, he was found hanging by his belt from a construction crane.”
“We have established a timeline of some of Murra’s activity, and other events, surrounding his death. It’s been pushed to all your PADDs.”- 4 days ago, 1800: Veho Murra approves admin access for Vedek Dima Emmari, to the colony’s computer system
- 3 days ago, 0900: Veho Murra activates a new tricorder
- Last night, 1800: All work stopped for the night at the block on Nth 3rd St, where Murra will be found
- Last night, 2300: Veho Murra leaves work and returns to his apartment
- Today, 0415: Veho Murra is spotted by security cameras walking to the block in question
- Today, 0425: The crane on which Veho Murra was found is operated
- Today, 0440-0455: Veho Murra dies
“Let us note that the tricorder Murra activated three days ago was found near the crime scene, and appears to have had its biometric sensors compromised. This is significant, as the system used here verifies one’s login credentials by reading biometrics via the user’s tricorder.”
“We know that this tricorder was handled by a Bajoran. We have identified 15 Bajorans present on the colony who have ties to Dakhur province, where Murra built a concentration camp; at present, they’re our best suspects.”
“Our duty is to investigate the truth, and not to address the motives behind this event. That said, if any of you would rather avoid this task, there's no judgement here.”There was no getting around that fact. Many would surely think Murra had it coming, and Judy was sympathetic to that perspective herself. The information at hand with regards to the investigation was sparse, and the connections, the ones that could be proven, were scarce. There were leads, and a lot of conjecture, but no hard links as of yet. Though when the word came that he could withdraw from the investigation had come down, Niles was actually conflicted about it. He knew he'd already disappointed the Old Lady, though he wasn't entirely sure how he'd done it, and he had the very clear indication that if he'd taken the first runabout back to the station as he was able to, it would only make things worse. So, he had decided to stay, and saw to it that the proper tools of the trade would be sent down for him to at least be able to do his job. So when the Captain had convened everyone in the conference room he'd originally commandeered, he too was back in uniform, with a proper Starfleet-issue tricorder at his left hip, and a phaser at his right, with a portable terminal in front of him as well as a PADD, with his civilian clothes unceremoniously shoved into the small duffel bag his things had come in and dropped in a corner of the room, well out of the way. With all the hard information that had been gathered to this point before him, Niles was thinking about the architecture of the log-in processes. To him, that would be one of the key components of the investigation, even with the list of prime suspects having been reduced to fifteen people. "Captain, I can't get this out of my head. The security guarding administrative accounts is stupidly weak, especially in light of that tricorder that was tampered with to spoof the biometric match, and was seemingly activated by the victim. I say seemingly, all we know for certain is that someone using his credentials did it. Which could mean anything; someone using his console when he stepped away for a moment, his console having been compromised and remotely accessed while he was logged in, or having been made to do it under duress. Or, there is the possibility that someone with super-user privileges logged in as him using elevated credentials. And that also ties to why the Vedek has unfettered administrative access, and that until he can be spoken with I've uncovered absolutely nothing as to why he has it."Granted, Mister Keltner was far less abrasive than his sister, but thus far no one could be truly ruled out as a suspect. Especially not people with the access to erase their tracks within the system. But what made it all worse is that for every answer they got, two or more questions popped up. "Though in the meantime, we should comb through every record we can access; security, communications, computer log-ins, access, replicators, the laundry room, the gym, everything, and try to reconstruct everything our victim has been up so since... honestly I'm not really certain when we should start. But I'd say no less than twelve hours before he granted the Vedek access, and preferably for a good month prior."
Tag Judith EastmanSoft to all others. |
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on May 14, 2021 19:16:06 GMT
[Lt. Paawin Riyo - Kerelia Colony - Plaza]Riyo had rejoined his family a couple hours before, after his anger had simmered to a dull ache in his chest. Lea had been, understandably, worried about him... But he'd done what he could to reassure her that he was managing, and he would talk to her about it later after the kids were asleep and they could be alone. After leaving the shore, he'd gone back to their condo to shower and change in attempts to rid himself of the lingering smell of death and chemicals. He was wearing another traditional Bajoran outfit, only a slightly different shade of red than the one he'd been wearing previously. Now he stood, half listening to the Vedek's speech, rolling three stones between his fingers. He had initially only been planning on leaving two in the water, to represent the faces that had haunted his dreams for so many years. But knowing there was now a third face that would likely start haunting him as well, it seemed only appropriate to attempt to leave that burden behind with the others.
Tag Leanna Mazal
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Leanna Mazal
Civilian
Posts: 1,728 Likes: 32
Position: Civilian
Species: Betazoid
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Post by Leanna Mazal on May 15, 2021 9:53:02 GMT
[Plaza - Kerelia Colony] Despite Riyo's reassurances and promise to tell her everything once the kids were in bed. Lea was still understandably worried about her Imzadi and how his mood had changed so much following the autopsy he had to complete. Although managed to keep that to herself as she trusted Riyo implicitly and knew that he wasn't one to keep anything from her. He had been through so much lately, that Lea hoped that he could still enjoy the rest of the festival and at least forget for a little while. Returning to the plaza for the Unburdening ritual had definitely been a good idea and even the children seemed to understand as they listened to Vedek Emmari. She may not be Bajoran but the whole premise of this particular ritual and ceremony, had appealed to her and so she focused on the Vedek's words whilst holding the flat grey stone in her palm. Whilst she had already made peace with her past before Riyo, this felt like the final piece of the puzzle, so she could concentrate fully on her future with the Doctor and embrace his culture properly. " I'm ready when you are" she whispered to Riyo as the Vedek finished and signalled for the Unburdening to begin.
Tag Jovireh Velal |
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Kova Sh'qaleq
Civilian
Posts: 516
Likes: 34
Position: Security Consultant
Species: Andorian
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Post by Kova Sh'qaleq on May 15, 2021 19:51:04 GMT
[NPC - Crewman Ezra Mora - Conference Room, Colony, LZ-2, Kerelia]  As Ezra sat there, he couldn't help but think about Rimi. There was a part of him that wished he'd gone ahead and sent her back to the station. At least he knew that she'd be safe there and well out of harm's way. He could still see the spark of light that had been upon her face hours ago. She had been so excited to share everything she'd done. Of course, poking around an actual murder investigation wasn't something a teenaged girl should be doing. It wasn't that he thought she'd find any real danger, but he couldn't risk exposing her to such a possibility. It was possible he came down too hard on her, but Rimi hardly listened to anything else. The crewman engineer refocused his attention on the meeting, as the Captain went over the timeline that they had uncovered. It even seemed that their list of plausible suspects had shrunk. Perhaps they were well on their way to actually solving this mystery, but there was still a long way to go. Lieutenant Niles then spoke up, lending his expertise to the investigation. He pointed out that there had been a lot of holes, and was attempting to explain the approach he believed was the best way to proceed. He then mentioned that Vedek... the same one that Rimi had mentioned. She only hoped his daughter had listened to him and was staying away from him. "That vedek," Ezra began, "from what I've heard, he doesn't seem the least bit empathetic about the loss of life. Given the history between the Bajorans and Cardassians, it's understandable. However, he also comes off rather cavalier about the whole thing. I figure he's as good a place to start as any." Perhaps Ezra's opinion was fueled by the man's urge to protect his daughter, but he wasn't aware of anyone else that seemed to be as high a profile of a suspect.
Tag: Judith Eastman , Joshua Niles
[NPC - Rimi Mora Ha'mara Pavilion, Colony, LZ-2, Kerelia]  Rimi wasn't entirely sure why she was there. Suffice it to say, she'd rather be anywhere her father wasn't. He'd finally caught up to her, and she thought this time, it would actually be different. She had told him about her streams and the viewers, and even Vedek Dima. Her enthusiasm in believing she had been doing something constructive... something meaningful was met with the traditional response of her being meddlesome. There may have been some warnings about what she was doing was dangerous, but she couldn't see how. She'd just been talking... and asking questions. Learning something for once, and it didn't seem to matter. Lunch had silent, and perhaps that was a blessing. Because otherwise, they likely would have been yelling at one another. It was clear to Rimi that the only thing her father wanted her to do was to enjoy a Jumja Stick and stay out of the way. He certainly had taken care of her streaming abilities by suspending her account until they got back to the station. Eventually, Rimi had found herself at the pavilion with many others, and it seemed that Vedek Dima had more to say. Rimi had managed to find her way as closely as she could to listen to Dima. His earlier words about the dead Cardassian still resonated. He'd told her that he wouldn't have been surprised if a Bajoran had killed Murra, the 'ribek kell'ta'rem' [fn]one who builds gallows[/fn] is what Dima had called him. And at least Dima had respected Rimi's ideas about the murder. He hadn't just up and dismissed them like her father had. Perhaps that played a part in how much she in turn was listening as the man spoke. His tale about the Bajoran and Cardassian was captivating. And while she expected some rosy ending, she found true comfort in the harsh reality of the actual ending. As Dima told them it was time for the Unburdening to begin, her eyes traveled down to the stones she held in either hand. One of them represented what she believed to be her feelings towards her father. All the anger and resentment she had towards him, and how he essentially trivialized her entire existence. The other, represented her feelings towards her mother. How badly she missed her, and her regret for not cherishing the time that she'd had with her. Her hands closed around each stone, gripping them both so tightly that it felt as if either stone would pierce the palm of her hand. It was so painful to hold on to those feelings, and yet so difficult to actually let go. Her vision began to cloud with tears, as the storm of emotions stirred within the young half-Trill.
Soft Tag: Leanna Mazal , Jovireh Velal (Riyo), Enola , Kaya Som (Vedek Dima) |
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on May 15, 2021 20:35:38 GMT
{Quotes} 1300 hours, solar noon at Landing Zone 2 | Ha'mara Pavillion in the Square
A breezy pavillion has been erected in the green space of the settlement town square to serve as venue for one of the central moments of the Ha'mara festival of lights. It is a ritual known as the Unburdening where all are asked to relieve themselves of the heavy loads of resentment, fear, jealousy, regret, and anger. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, Bajorans and visitors alike may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol of what they are letting go, so that when night falls and the fast is over, they may celebrate new beginnings.
Now, the Vedek Dima Emmari is speaking.[ Vedek Dima Emmari ]"... and upon each stone we can place our grief and regret and all that weighs us and bends our backs to the wisdom and will of the Prophets. Only when we shed our burdens can our Pagh rise follow our true path." He was a tall man, the Vedek, and even though he seemed to be speaking softly, his voice carried unassisted in a most steady baritone and his peculiar rolling accent. He continued, for the benefit, mostly, of the young or non-Bajoran visitors. "Long ago, these stones were not so small and this basin not so shallow. We waded into rivers carrying rocks pulled from our fields or rubble from fallen buildings. And into that rushing current we gave up what dragged us down to the steady and unrelenting erosion of the water. The water, like the will of the Prophets, always finds a way to cut its path, and even the sharpest stones are rounded smooth, becoming part of the river itself." He went on like this a little longer, telling a parable of a man who carried an unjust burden. "One day, a man was walking a rough and remote road when he came upon a Cardassian. The Cardassian was starving and liable to die of thirst. In his arrogance, he believed he needed no food or water for the dangerous journey. The Cardassian begged the man for help. 'Please, you must carry me. Is it not the way of your Prophets?'" The Vedek lifted his eyebrows as if to ask all who listened what they would do. "But the Cardassian did not realize that his face was known throughout the region, and that he been a cruel and ruthless magistrate during the Occupation. The man had a choice to make. If he left the Cardiassian where he lay, he would surely die. But if he took him upon his back, they could both fall. "The Cardassian, seeing the conflict in the man's eyes, continued to plead with him. He said it was the will of the Prophets that they'd both be on this road, that the Prophets demanded mercy for all." The Vedek paused again and continued suddenly gentle. "Finally, the man relented, for the man wanted to serve the Prophets. He lifted the Cardassian on his back and began to carry him." And then the gentleness ended abruptly and the Vedek ended his tale matter-of-factly, no more sadness in his voice. "But the sun was hot and the dust was choking. After many hours, the man fell to his knees in exhaustion and both he and the Cardassian perished on that deserted road. "In this time of Ha'mara, we are invited to Unburden ourselves. But do not carry the burdens of others, do not weigh yourself down by those who'd bring you to harm." And with that strange tale, the Vedek smiled and called for the Unburdening to begin. The springwine had left her at first with a sense of false well-being, and then a niggling headache. Charlie leaned against a supporting beam, her upper arm pressed against it, her head leaning toward it as she listened to the Wolf Priest. He was easy to listen to. It wasn't just the tone of his voice or the unusual cadence of his accent, though that was strangely appealing, it was the words chosen, too. The Vedek was obviously a man used to speaking and used to being listened to, and he seemed to hold the audience in the palm of his hand. Charlie's own hand clenched and loosed regularly, absent of any smooth stone to represent her burden. She liked the parable a lot. And she liked the execution, though she had to believe that Dima was aware of how his lack of remorse would come across. She pushed herself away from her shaded shelter and stepped aside to allow others to pass and rid themselves of their metaphorical baggage. She caught sight of the young Trill who had so enthusiastically embraced being a reporter and gave her a small wave. Then her eyes flew upward, toward Olsen, who was busy making his rounds above, recording the ceremony. Charlie wasn't sure when the appropriate time might be, and she didn't want to interrupt the Vedek during the ritual itself, but she wanted to give him the opportunity to do a little unburdening himself. That was, before he was potentially taken away to be questioned by someone else. "Vedek Dima," she greeted as she approached, her hands automatically raising upward as if to show she was unarmed. "Charlie Fox, FNN. I was wondering if you might have a moment for me? That is, if I'm not disturbing you." She almost laughed at that rather uncharacteristic addition; Charlie didn't often give a flying fart who she was disturbing. Maybe the spirituality of proceedings was getting to her. Or maybe it was the springwine.
Tag: Kaya Som (Wolf Priesty), softs: Kova Sh'qaleq (Rimi), area. |
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Shavan Th'zhaar
Science
[TI35]
Posts: 800
Likes: 19
Rank: Lieutenant
Position: Assistant Chief of Science
Species: Orion/Andorian
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Post by Shavan Th'zhaar on May 15, 2021 21:47:40 GMT
[Shavan Th’zhaar - Plaza]
If only it really was that easy. Drop a rock in the water, and drop everything that was holding you back along with it.
Shavan stood back outside the pavilion, listening to the Vedek's speech for lack of anything better to do. He definitely wasn't one for any kind of spirituality… but it was a nice story. The idea of unburdening was one that resonated with him, especially in light of the company he had spent the morning with.
He sighed and raised the glass of springwine he was still nursing (albeit much more slowly now) to his lips. It had improved his mood just enough to think about what he would do if he really was participating. Of course, it might not be allowed to join in this late… and he’d probably need a whole cartload of stones anyway.
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Kova Sh'qaleq
Civilian
Posts: 516
Likes: 34
Position: Security Consultant
Species: Andorian
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Post by Kova Sh'qaleq on May 15, 2021 22:35:52 GMT
{Quoted Posts} 1300 hours, solar noon at Landing Zone 2 | Ha'mara Pavillion in the Square
A breezy pavillion has been erected in the green space of the settlement town square to serve as venue for one of the central moments of the Ha'mara festival of lights. It is a ritual known as the Unburdening where all are asked to relieve themselves of the heavy loads of resentment, fear, jealousy, regret, and anger. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, Bajorans and visitors alike may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol of what they are letting go, so that when night falls and the fast is over, they may celebrate new beginnings.
Now, the Vedek Dima Emmari is speaking.[ Vedek Dima Emmari ]"... and upon each stone we can place our grief and regret and all that weighs us and bends our backs to the wisdom and will of the Prophets. Only when we shed our burdens can our Pagh rise follow our true path." He was a tall man, the Vedek, and even though he seemed to be speaking softly, his voice carried unassisted in a most steady baritone and his peculiar rolling accent. He continued, for the benefit, mostly, of the young or non-Bajoran visitors. "Long ago, these stones were not so small and this basin not so shallow. We waded into rivers carrying rocks pulled from our fields or rubble from fallen buildings. And into that rushing current we gave up what dragged us down to the steady and unrelenting erosion of the water. The water, like the will of the Prophets, always finds a way to cut its path, and even the sharpest stones are rounded smooth, becoming part of the river itself." He went on like this a little longer, telling a parable of a man who carried an unjust burden. "One day, a man was walking a rough and remote road when he came upon a Cardassian. The Cardassian was starving and liable to die of thirst. In his arrogance, he believed he needed no food or water for the dangerous journey. The Cardassian begged the man for help. 'Please, you must carry me. Is it not the way of your Prophets?'" The Vedek lifted his eyebrows as if to ask all who listened what they would do. "But the Cardassian did not realize that his face was known throughout the region, and that he been a cruel and ruthless magistrate during the Occupation. The man had a choice to make. If he left the Cardiassian where he lay, he would surely die. But if he took him upon his back, they could both fall. "The Cardassian, seeing the conflict in the man's eyes, continued to plead with him. He said it was the will of the Prophets that they'd both be on this road, that the Prophets demanded mercy for all." The Vedek paused again and continued suddenly gentle. "Finally, the man relented, for the man wanted to serve the Prophets. He lifted the Cardassian on his back and began to carry him." And then the gentleness ended abruptly and the Vedek ended his tale matter-of-factly, no more sadness in his voice. "But the sun was hot and the dust was choking. After many hours, the man fell to his knees in exhaustion and both he and the Cardassian perished on that deserted road. "In this time of Ha'mara, we are invited to Unburden ourselves. But do not carry the burdens of others, do not weigh yourself down by those who'd bring you to harm." And with that strange tale, the Vedek smiled and called for the Unburdening to begin. {Spoiler}[Charlie Fox - Ha'mara Pavillion, LZ-2]
The springwine had left her at first with a sense of false well-being, and then a niggling headache. Charlie leaned against a supporting beam, her upper arm pressed against it, her head leaning toward it as she listened to the Wolf Priest. He was easy to listen to. It wasn't just the tone of his voice or the unusual cadence of his accent, though that was strangely appealing, it was the words chosen, too. The Vedek was obviously a man used to speaking and used to being listened to, and he seemed to hold the audience in the palm of his hand. Charlie's own hand clenched and loosed regularly, absent of any smooth stone to represent her burden. She liked the parable a lot. And she liked the execution, though she had to believe that Dima was aware of how his lack of remorse would come across. She pushed herself away from her shaded shelter and stepped aside to allow others to pass and rid themselves of their metaphorical baggage. She caught sight of the young Trill who had so enthusiastically embraced being a reporter and gave her a small wave. Then her eyes flew upward, toward Olsen, who was busy making his rounds above, recording the ceremony. Charlie wasn't sure when the appropriate time might be, and she didn't want to interrupt the Vedek during the ritual itself, but she wanted to give him the opportunity to do a little unburdening himself. That was, before he was potentially taken away to be questioned by someone else. "Vedek Dima," she greeted as she approached, her hands automatically raising upward as if to show she was unarmed. "Charlie Fox, FNN. I was wondering if you might have a moment for me? That is, if I'm not disturbing you." She almost laughed at that rather uncharacteristic addition; Charlie didn't often give a flying fart who she was disturbing. Maybe the spirituality of proceedings was getting to her. Or maybe it was the springwine. [ Shavan Th’zhaar - Plaza] If only it really was that easy. Drop a rock in the water, and drop everything that was holding you back along with it. Shavan stood back outside the pavilion, listening to the Vedek's speech for lack of anything better to do. He definitely wasn't one for any kind of spirituality… but it was a nice story. The idea of unburdening was one that resonated with him, especially in light of the company he had spent the morning with. He sighed and raised the glass of springwine he was still nursing (albeit much more slowly now) to his lips. It had improved his mood just enough to think about what he would do if he really was participating. Of course, it might not be allowed to join in this late… and he’d probably need a whole cartload of stones anyway. [ Kova Sh'qaleq - Ha'mara Pavilion, Colony, LZ-2, Kerelia] Kova could hear the words, but sincerely doubted that life's woes could be solved by dropping a rock into a basin of water. Hell, she'd spent a month tapping away at boulders on Caldonia. She was done with rocks. Of course, the metaphor was something that resonated with her. Perhaps ending her tenure with Starfleet was her own Unburdening. In many ways, pursuing Starfleet had always been what led her towards trouble. There had never been a time, if she was truly hones with herself, that she hadn't been in the fleet's shadow. Her eyes sought out her friends, and there was just a hint of fear that a true unburdening could mean letting some of them go as well. The Andorian recoiled at the notion. Syl and Shavan may still be in the fleet, but both of them were more than just their uniforms. She could be honest with herself about that. As much seemed obvious considering how supportive Syl and Charlie had been about her severing ties with the Fleet. Charlie had even suggested she continue consulting. It wasn't as if she hadn't done it before, but with no exclusivity. She already had somewhat of a reputation, and perhaps not being on Starfleet's payroll could open a few more doors. Her eyes searched the crowd. She could see several familiar faces. She could even see Charlie slipping into what looked like work-mode as she made her way towards the vedek. Kova tried to recall exactly how much spring wine Charlie had drunk. Either way, she didn't have the metabolism of an Andorian, which could make for an interesting interview. Her eyes then shifted towards Shavan, who seemed to be casually drinking his own springwine. She navigated a little closer, some of their earlier conversation still tapping at her thoughts. "How many pebbles would it take to unburden your soul? she asked. "I know for me it'd take more than that little basin there." There was a slight smile on her lips as she pushed a lock of her ivory hair behind her ear. "Perhaps a small pond would do."
Tag: Shavan Th'zhaar Soft Tag: Syl O'Connell , Charlie Fox , Kaya Som (Vedek Dima), Jovireh Velal (Riyo), Leanna Mazal |
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