Gods of the People (Part 1 of 2)

Posted on 29 Jan 2017 @ 10:16pm by General ('aj) Ko'raH House of G'Iogh & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant Amaranai Franklin & Commander Marisa Wyatt & Lieutenant JG Ricardo Montoya & Ensign Miraj Derani & Senior Chief Petty Officer Martin Caine (KIA) & Ambassador Soral Varro
Edited on on 29 Jan 2017 @ 10:18pm

3,158 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 13 - Rogue
Location: Kreanus Colony - Deck 42, Temple & Sacred Shrines
Timeline: MD 07 - 2000 hrs

[ON]

The doors to the facility opened at precisely 2000 hours to welcome parishioners to the bi-weekly service. The room was painted a rich purple with gold filigree in the corners. Along both sides of the room in recessed alcoves stood a dozen statues of men and women representing the various species of Kreanus. Each was dressed in traditional robes and each held a platter with food, representing the bounties offered by the most High Church of Kreanus.

Rows of wooden pews lined the walkway, giving the commoners plenty of room to sit for the service. At the front of the room, in front of a stained glass window depicting a tree reaching up to the cosmos was a 3-meter-high circular staircase ending at an elaborate podium.

"Welcome!" the man on the podium said, his voice echoing through the large hall. He wore some sort of tall, pointed hat and golden robes that obscured his features.

Just inside the large double doors was a small doorway with a corridor that led around back. The sign read: All other religions, this way.

Abbey had spent most of her time wandering the colony. Most of the guards ignored her, she was tainted with blood for all they cared and with her half-savaged angry facial expression no one even made eye contact with her glinting green eyes. Walking into the temple, she wistfully looked around before finding a seat at the back of the service behind the others who had come to attend.

The door swished open after Abbey had entered and in stepped a very large, muscular Orion man named Gor. His skin tone was light green which indicated he was from the southern shores of his home world, but he nevertheless presented himself in typical Orion fashion as evidenced by his naturally bald head, robust garments, and multiple face and body piercings. He took notice of the unfamiliar Human woman who was one of the only others present before slowing his pace and walking up towards the podium.

A familiar sight in the colony's worship chamber, Gor had arrived for only one reason -- to offer his libations to the spirits. Which, of course, meant the person representing the spirits who could offer both he and his family prosperity. He bowed when he approached and held his hands out. "The Spirits praise you," he said before slipping several pieces of hidden gold-pressed latinum from his sleeves into the collection basket.

"May the gods of Kreanus bless you," the Priest said. "May your harvest be bountiful and may the spirits guide your path."

Miraj wandered into the chapel, not so much with immediate spiritual relief on her mind, but another thought occurred to her. It had been two weeks since their ship and crewmates had been murdered, and there had still been no ceremony. One thing she had learnt in her life with her father was that the dead needed commemoration. Maybe they could have a funeral or something in this place. Wondering if the man in the pointy hat would be any good to officiate, she went forward to one of the wooden pews, and sat down, pulling her zip up, waiting for the service to begin.

The man at the podium raised both his hands. "Our numbers may be few, but all those who submit their will to the gods of Kreanus will find favor and blessings. Believe that there is a greater power and give of your worldly goods, and you will gain riches in the afterlife."

He went on, expounding on the merits of duty and obedience, of not putting too much value on worldly goods and how giving them to the church would bless the lives of all the people of Kreanus.

Listening to him it became quite apparent to Miraj that the man was insane. The whole colony was falling apart, made up of defeated dreamers and their marooned victims as it was. No-one had any worldly goods to give up. There had to be someone better than this. She stood up to go.

As Gor was heading to the exit door after giving his donation, he spied the pink-haired woman who had suddenly risen and was attempting to leave. He didn't remember seeing her offer any libations to the church. "Excuse me," he began. A large, green hand dropped down firmly on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze to halt her exit. "I have not seen you before. Did you wish to please the spirits as I have?"

Miraj looked up at the small green mountain. Lurid tales of what Orions got up to filled her head. "Er. How did you please the spirits?"

His eyes flicked to the left then to the right while he pondered her question. Wasn't it obvious? But then he realized, being a new arrival, she might not be as accustomed to the proper rituals as on her home world. "Forgive me," he replied, releasing her grip and bowing his head slightly. "I am Gor, retainer of the High Priest. I will be honored to show you the correct way to worship," he offered, now presenting his hand openly for her to take.

She took his hand, it swamped hers substantially. "Miraj. I came in with the Galileo crew." She paused a again. "Though I came more for a priest than to worship myself."

Gor laughed, albeit hollowly, then put a hand on the top of her shoulder to help steer her back towards the podium. "I can understand your trepidation. You must be new to our services. Will you allow me to guide you and introduce you to his Highness? I insist."

"I guess." She'd never really encountered anyone religious. "I don't really know anything about religion." She was warming to the Orion. He said he was only an assistant, but he might be better for what she had in mind, compared to the man waffling on at the pulpit.

With his new acquaintance in tow, the Orion man led the Boslic hybrid up to the the front of the podium in front of the collection dish. He bowed and lowered his head, and pressed her back firmly to indicate for her to do the same. "My eminency, this is..." he looked towards her and waited for her to introduce herself.

"Miraj," she said simply. It didn't feel right to bring out her rank and title here. After all, she had no ship to fly, and Starfleet had no welcome here.

"She is new to our congregation and wishes to know how best to worship. She comes from the Galileo. Federation, I believe," Gor explained.

The priest had finished his speech and descended the stairs to greet his congregation. "Meeraajhh," he said, drawing out her name. "Welcome to the High Church of Kreanus. "There are many ways to serve the spirits. Gor here is one of my most loyal followers. He always has something to contribute to the church. We accept tithes of money, goods, and services. That allows all the citizens of Koreanus to earn rewards in the afterlife. The first thing you must learn that the things of this world cannot accompany you when you die."

The emphasis on giving up worldly goods seemed a bit strange to her. She'd been raised in the Federation, and acquisition of personal wealth was a fairly alien motive. "Well, isn't that obvious?" she asked "I mean, you die, how can you take anything with you. Energy just disperses and matter breaks down"

The priest waved a hand around the room. "Not all here share that sentiment. While those in Starfleet simply replicate what they need, there are many worlds and many people who do not have the same advantages. And there are those who value the accumulation of wealth above all else."

Gor listened silently and nodded to convey his agreement with the explanation. Of course, being an Orion, he and the majority of his kind fell towards the farther end of the spectrum -- Orions weren't as materialistic as Ferengi, but they nevertheless enjoyed wealth and prosperity as a means to embrace their lifestyle of hedonism.

"Well, yes," Miraj knew that was true. She had encountered Ferengi and knew that collectors could be very determined to get an item that would fill their collection. She had given up plenty of her stipend for some particular piece of pirate memorabilia. It was all floating in space now, gone forever. "Though it doesn't look like anyone here has very much, let alone have spare to give up."

"One would think," agreed Gor. "But there are always a few who come to Kreanus with riches and intend to hoard them for themselves," he explained.

The priest nodded. "Others horde their time and talents. There are many types of offerings that can be given."

Miraj wasn't convinced. It all seemed a little...superstitious to her. And it wasn't what she was here for. "What do you do when people die here? Are there funerals?"

Gor shrugged then started to answer. "For some, yes. Each race honors their dead in their own way, however. Many times they are honored in private by their colleagues. The more prestigious of us are the most often honored."

The priest nodded. "It all depends on your preference and how much you wish to pay. Anything from a simple blessing to a large funeral is possible."

"I don't have anything to pay with," she said, a bit appalled that she had to pay anything. She was used to the federation where such services were provided for free.

"A simple prayer over the dead can be done for as little as service to the church. Helping to clean the facilities or assisting those who come in search of assistance," the priest said. "For anything more, you may have to talk to your friends for help. There is a fee to cover the requisite paperwork, supplies, and upkeep."

Miraj looked around. "You know, I don't think you're quite what I'm looking for. I'm sure you have a very nice place, but I don't think it fits with the spiritual needs of the crew, so umm, thanks."

The priest glanced at her and nodded, once. She wanted a handout. He could ill afford that. If he gave one he would have hundreds clamoring for him to give them the same consideration. He could ill afford to live and pay his own tribute to the general if he received no money for his services.

A large light green hand settled on the Boslic hybrid's shoulder. Gor looked down at her and smiled only with his mouth. "Your libations will help our congregation and therefore all of Kreanus," he explained. "I urge you to reconsider our offer of services."

Miraj looked doubtful. "Even if I could afford it, I think we'd all be more comfortable with someone a little less materialistic and a little more approachable." she looked up at the very muscular man. "Like you."

The Orion raised his eyebrows with surprise. Him? Performing a service? "But...I am just a retainer," he replied, looking from side to side nervously. "I am...flattered, but it is not my place to perform a minister's duty."

Miraj sighed. "A pity. I don't think the one you've got is a good fit for us." She twirled a finger around one of her bunches, "If you change your mind, I guess you know where we're being kept. Id feel rather more comfortable donating to someone who understands Federation nature a bit more than he seems to do."

Gor's eyes went wide at Miraj's obvious disdain for the high priest. It had just been spoken aloud and no doubt the man had heard it. He glanced nervously towards him, not sure how to process or respond to the recalcitrant worlds. "I apologize for her words, your highness..." Gor managed to say with a trepid chuckle. "She did not mean to offend you." His eyes turned severe and locked on hers. "Correct?"

She looked a bit flustered, she had thought the priest had moved on when she had declined his services. "Of course not!" she insisted, "but i had something specific in mind. And you're not it, I didn't mean any offense, I promise."

The priest inclined his head to Gor. "She is new. She is forgiven this once for her offence." Then he looked at the woman for a long moment, considering his options. He wanted to make an example of her, but this was not the time. Next time, he promised himself.. "Then I wish you good luck and good day," he said.

He walked past Gor and paused to put his hand on the other man's shoulder. "You are a faithful servant. The gods bless you for your faithfulness."

The Orion bowed his head in acknowledgement and humbleness of his master's words. "If it pleases the gods...I can send some of my men to keep an eye on her. Maybe even...persuade her of our virtuousness?"

"We can afford to be a little charitable this time," the priest replied. "But keep an eye on her, just in case she continues to stir up trouble."

"It will be done," Gor replied. His head bowed even deeper this time before rising to allow his eyes to lock on the Boslic hybrid and take mental notes of her appearance for future purposes.

Martin was back up and hobbling with almost his namesake cane for the first time this morning. He had taken a few rest stops walking the colony this morning, he didn't know what drew him but felt something did. He saw a building open today that he hadn't seen open before today. He went in an saw an eclectic mix of the colony's people. He even saw a fleet Boslic down the front. Pain must be playing with his head, cause he couldn't remember her name.

The priest saw the new arrival. "Greetings. May I help you?" he asked.

"Not really I have just been walking around getting used to the colony. I have been in bed for the last few days resting and thought I would look in while the doors open." Martin said.

The priest smiled. "The gods led you here so you could offer your thanks to them for your renewed health."

This guy's crackers. Martin thought, but kept that to himself. "Yes, your right." He said with a smile.

"Of course," the priest said. "Have you an offering to make?"

"I was kidnapped, kicked and beaten often on a daily basis and you want more from me. How about I go to the general and tell him your trying extortion on the extorted?"

"You clearly do not understand the difference between giving a freewill offering and extortion," the priest said. "The general not only sanctions this church, he has given his own offerings."

"Mmmmmm no I think considering your previous statement, supported by you statement that the general gives open support to you makes me consider taking my 'freewill' offering elsewhere." Martin looked around saw another fleeter. A young officer he made his way to her. "Ma'am are you okay here?"

"Oh, hello again. Are you and JJ and Stephanie alright|"

"Would you mind walking with me walking with me for a bit. Ma'am!" Martin gave the young Boslic a chance to leave.

"Not at all. Its nothing serious I hope?" Miraj frowned, looking concerned.

"No nothing's the matter with me family..." Martin said until they were out of earshot and out the door. "I just didn't want then squeezing you for blood. I am just walking I have had a few days enforced rest And have been told it is time to start walking further again.

"Well that was kind of self inflicted," Miraj said, but not without sympathy.

"Well your out now I am going to try find a less pushy run chapel if you would like to walk for a while?" Martin said, he like Miraj. This was the second time he had rescued her.

""I'm not sure they're organised enough for that. but they did seem to be sending other random people round the back?"

"Well would you like to go see where they were sending people then or do you think you can keep yourself out of trouble this time ensign? That's two, okay one and a half you owe me." Martin said with a smile, as he remembered her bare bum from last time.

"Sounds good. Shall we?"


In the chapel

Abbey watched the exchange between the group and could not help but snicker. Who were these people to decide what was to happen in the afterlife, it didn't matter what you did in this life because when you die there is nothing apart from eternal glory for the warriors of Odin. Abbey didn't believe in gods but she believed in Valhalla. That's what you get for being raised in an entirely war fought universe. She had come across some believers on a ship called the Asgard whom all believed that when the died in combat Valkyries would collect their souls and take them to Valhalla to wait out their days till Ragnarok, which right now sounded great abbey thought.

The priest raised an eyebrow at Abbey's snicker. "You disagree?" he asked. "Even a warrior can benefit from seeking the favor of the gods."

She wanted to ignore the priest but something inside her snapped "I don't believe in gods, only humans who have become by rights all powerful and when I die I will serve Odin in his army for ragnarok," Abbey replied.

The priest laughed. "Odin is a god. One of the Terran's Norse Mythos, if I recall correctly. So, by wishing to be with Odin after you die, you are in fact believing in a god. And not a god of peace, as Ragnarok is the end of the world for the Norse." He waved a hand dismissively. "Believe as you wish. It is your right. However, do not use your own believe to be hypocritical of the beliefs of others." He was done with the conversation and turned to address another parishioner who wished to speak with him.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

Gor
Retainer
Kreanus Colony
[PNPC Ko'raH]

Ensign Miraj Derani
Cheif Flight Control Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant JG Amaranai Franklin
Assistant Chief Tactical / Security Officer
USS Galileo

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Chief Medical and Second Officer
USS Galileo

His Royal Eminence Polonius Dragore
Priest of the High Church of Kreanus
(NPC Sandoval)

SCPO Martin Caine
Chief of the Boat (CoB)
USS Galileo

LTJG Braxton MacKenzie
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo
[PNPC Varro]

AMB Soral Varro
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Galileo

LTJG Rico Montoya
Medical Officer
USS Galileo

ENS Abbey St. James
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo
[PNPC Wyatt]

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