A Splendid Invitation

Posted on 27 Feb 2019 @ 1:22am by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant JG Matthew Plumeri
Edited on on 09 Mar 2019 @ 3:55pm

11,437 words; about a 57 minute read

Mission: Episode 17 - Crystal of Life
Location: USS Galileo-A - Deck 5, Holodeck One
Timeline: MD -62, 1500

[ON]

The voyage had been long and though one kept busy there were times when one needed something else. Allyndra had remember a certain scientist and with that a thought had formed in her mind. It had taken time to set things up but finally she was ready and sent a simple invitation. The invite simply read: '1500 holodeck one deck 3. You might be intrigued."

Of course Allyndra had arrived well before and set the programme up. She set the time during late afternoon during High Summer, though the Twins, the two close binary stars of the system would still bright. If he arrived he would find himself in the courtyard of House Warraquim. The paved stones shining with bits of quartz and the area surrounded by gardens with the air perfumed from them. The House itself a tall spiral like structure made of stone would be there at the back of the open space and made of the same style stone. An apprentice girl in the traditional garb of corset like top and full skirts would be there to greet him along with two tall infertile males dressed in tight suits almost reminiscent of 18th century earth.

Matthew tapped the LCARS panel, just to be sure he was at the right holodeck and asked, "Computer? Who is using the holodeck now?"

"Holodeck One has been reserved by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim."

"Ah ha. May I go in?" he asked.

"Program is online. Enter when ready."

He stood before the doors a moment and closed his eyes before taking a step forward. What did Commander Warraquim want to show him? He took a step forward and the doors opened. Even with closed eyelids the sun was bright and he had to shield his light eyes from the sun. He stepped inside and onto a stone surface in the middle of what appeared to be a courtyard. The twin suns reminded him of home. Fontalis had twin suns too. It was warm here. His eyes adjusted to the brightness and he looked and saw gardens that ran along the outside of the courtyard. He saw before him a long wide courtyard. At the far end was a larger, spirally structure. The doors closed behind him now and as he turned to look there were more gardens behind him.

He took a few steps forward towards the larger structure. He noticed that the stones beneath his feet had a luminescence that shone even in the bright sunlight. He wasn't sure if one could step on the shiny stones and so he avoided placing his feet there. Ahead of him, a young woman in a corseted top and gown walked towards him in greeting. There were two taller gentlemen with her and he recognized none of them. He wasn't sure of the protocol here either. After all, everybody knew that on Dabron III it is impolite to speak until spoken to. While on the planet Emoh it's best to first let loose a noisy fart as a greeting.

Best to wait and see what was 'normal' here.

The woman with the two attendants came to halt about three feet away and then she made a deep curtsy and the two tall males bowed deeply. She spoke, "Welcome M'ahilini H'anohmo." She then translated. "Honoured Guest, The Mother of the House has asked me to escort you to her quarters for tea and refreshments. We shall be your attendants for your time here, if there is anything you need we are at your service."

The show of respect caught him off balance for a moment. Because it was genuine and kind. There is a "fake" courtesy that is often evident when dealing with the duplicitous species - Romulans come to mind. And then there are the species that are not so forked tongued and mean what they say. Commander Warraquim seemed to be just such a person. It took Matt a moment to take it all in. He returned the bow and remembering his etiquette said, "The Mother of the House does me too much honor. I am simply a humble guest." He lifted his eyes only a moment and then stood straight again, "Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

I am Alohiai," she replied straightening and then almost dismissivley indicated the two tall males are "Honi and I'kai'a." She turned slightly and to one she indicated as Honi said, "Ma'mal'u" The man bowed and literally ran off only to return a few moments later with an umbrella which he unfolded and then held over Matthew.

"I noticed the glint and the suns seemed to be too bright. High Summer can be like that. This way if you please." She again made a slight curtsy and then fell in next to him as the other servant then followed . As they approached the structure Alohiai waved a hand and said, "We will pass by class rooms, please do not be offended by the students curiosity. There are very few interactions with off worlders here."

The shade from the umbrella was a relief, "Thank you Alohiai. My world has twin suns as well and the summers get hot. But only every one-hundred and fifty years do both suns share the days at the same time. In all my life I have never seen both suns at the same time in the sky. But here...it's quite stunning." As they passed by a few classrooms, he noted the students inside. "Are these the classes you mentioned? Why would students be interested in an 'off-worlder'? Your people are members of the Federation yeah?"

Alohiai shook her head and stopped to observe. "No, the Council at this time has simply offered an alliance not membership. We do not travel the stars on our own but...." She stopped as though she was not sure if she should say more or not. She finally made a small shrug. "We are taught that in our past we had much more technology then what you see. There are stories of things called Fold Ships that could cross vast distances in the seemingly blink of an eye. However, along with those marvels if they ever existed, where more dangerous things and it is said we nearly destroyed ourselves and almost our world. From the ashes the Great Houses arose and the Mother's of each House decided that it would be best to put away such things and return to a much simpler time."

He nodded in understanding as she spoke. He did notice an absence of technology here. This was not altogether uncommon though. Many species preferred their home life a little more 'rustic' than their professional lives. Matthew included himself in that lot. "I see...I can't help but notice the grand house that we are approaching. The well groomed gardens and the elegant and simple designs. Have your people, or just this House's Great Mother then...er....refrained....from modern technology?" he asked delicately as they walked. The gravel under their feet crunching with each step.

"Every House great or minor follows what the Council has set. I will admit that not all completely agree and those that disagree vary in how much they disagree. However, due to the consequences of the past, even in this day and age it is thought better to follow the wishes the majority than to return to conflict among ourselves. The Houses also intermarry and thus ties of blood and lineage also help to reinforce the idea of cooperation rather than rivalry."

As they approached two males in livery stood on either side of the opening. They bowed but the wooden doors which were intricately carved were open.
Alohiai explained, "While the great doors will be closed in the evening they remain open most of the time to show that the House welcomes any and all here. There are no armed guards, it is considered unnecessary."

Admiring the carved doors a moment, Matt responded, "That is a very good way to run a house; if I do say so. It's an an open door policy. I like it. These carvings are very ornate. They must be crafted by hand? Is this what the students are learning?"

"They are sir," Alohiai nodded. "However they where done by a different Guild. We are Warraquim..." she trailed off thinking. "It means like knowledge gatherers or keepers. I suppose you might say we are sort of what others might call librarians. We hold and record and disseminate knowledge. Though perhaps teachers along with being librarians. New developments in ideas, philosophy, art, that sort of thing we travel to record and preserve."

"Ah, of course. I see now. How interesting...I have many questions. Who is your master here?" he asked.

"You mean the head of the House? That would be Allyndra, she is Mother named. Here," she waved a hand to encompass the area they were traversing, "out society actually, is matriarchal. It has been that way even before the Great Houses. Do not get me wrong, sir, males both fertile and infertile are treated with respect but but do not hold spots on the Council or become the head of a house. You may hear while you are here the title of Mother used. It is a sign of respect but the formal title is held by the Mother of the House. Please do not be offended if one of the staff or students addresses you as such. Come this way," she indicated a ramp that spiraled up along the sides going up. "Most of these are quarters for those in the House," she explained while slightly lifting her long skirt to start the ascent.

He nodded as he fell in step alongside Alohiai. As they walked the ascending ramp he took a good look around. "You say things have been like this from the beginning. How old, that is to say, how long has your society been structured this way? And what was life like before then?" As they walked he took note of the solid way the building was created. Nothing seemed out of place or overlooked. A masterful design.

"The time of the A'burab'atu ended..." she thought for a moment and then said, "three hundred of your years ago. How long they held sway," she shrugged. "Records are very incomplete and not all is shared. Perhaps another three hundred or more. Before that little archeologically remains and even those considered experts argue over exact things but what did survive indicated that females held the higher position. What survives indicates that at times of famine that the males would give their blood to ensure the next generation. That is to make sure the females had enough protein in order to fly and produce eggs. I understand that it is not always so other places."

"Errr...no. It is not" he replied delicately. "But hey, it's a big universe. Your species is the oviparous? Ahh...I can see now. It's no wonder then that you would want to return to an older, simpler way of life. It makes nesting so much easier doesn't it?" Matthew admired the delicate wall carvings now almost wanting to reach out to touch them.

"Nesting?" Alohiai questioned. "I do not quite understand what you mean. I have tried to study various concepts for this meeting but I will admit that there are many things that I may not have fully studied or grasped." She stopped and made a very deep curtsy, almost to the point that her head touched the ground. "May I ask your forgiveness for failing in my duty. The Mother will be displeased."

"Please", he said as he kneeled and touching her hand so that the two of them almost looked like a single motion, "the fault is all mine. You mus'nt bow to me. Where there is error, it is mine. Please. Rise again and together we will try again in understanding." He lifted her by the hand, gently upwards.

Alohiai took the hand. It was something more attune to what she was used to. "The Mother tasked me as you attendant to be mindful of all things and allowed me to study much of what normally is not something most of us get to encounter. She mentioned there might be a time when I like her will go off this world and learn about others first hand. It is a change in the way things have been for centuries. What is this nesting that you refer to? It is word that I am not used to."

Pleased that Alohiai responded positively Matt said, "On my homeworld, mammals will make a home, a place where they can have their young, eat and return to sleep or rest that is as safe as they can make it. Nesting would be the process of making a safe space in which to live. That's all I meant."

"Well when we come back from the sea, we are gathered into the House and raised here if that is what you mean? We are not quite like others in how we are born. Once impregnated, the females fly to shallow spots in the sea to lay their eggs. The K'tareth then spend a year at sea developing and if they survive return again to where they were born undergo another metamorphosis and emerge as a sort of miniature form of adult. We then grow until full adult and then stop. We do not age as others from what I have studied well not until our very last year when we will age rapidly and then die. Does that explain things to you better?"

He nodded, "Indeed it does. Thank you. My field of study is the stars and not biology. I know only enough to get me into trouble." He grinned at his self-effacing remark. Certain that Alohiai wouldn't understand or find amusing the barb he moved to, "How many people live here? How many members does this House have?"

"Here about three hundred though it changes depending on who is present and who is on assignments. For the town which is mostly of the House Warraquim, another two thousand more. The stars, that must be fascinating to see them, well I mean see them from a different perspective. Ah...here we are." Alohiai halted in front of a set of double wood doors again carved with care and intricate detail. The wood around some spots near the handles were dark and worn from the many hands that had touched them. She rapped on the doors which had a sort of deep resonant sound. They opened and two ladies handling each one opened them and backing with the doors and giving a curtsy when they had opened them. Another stood and curtsied as well.

"This way," she said as she straightened. "The Mother has requested tea on the balcony."

Following Alohiai, Matt entered the room. It was a wood paneled room with high vaulting ceilings that included wooden planking all the way up. It didn't feel overwhelming though; rather warm and relaxed he thought. It appeared to him to be a sitting room. Ahead of them were wide open spaces that led onto a wide and airy balcony that overlooked even more gardens that he had seen before. There was space here for many people. And he thought that if much entertaining were done this surely must be one of the spaces to do it. He imagined that on colder days, if indeed there were any colder days than this, that one could sit inside and look out on the gardens from inside.

But no, he was wrong. Stepping onto the balcony there were outdoor heating units that should they be needed must put out enough heat that even in inclement weather one could enjoy the view.

Allyndra stood on the balcony looking past to the sea which was not that farr away. A gentle breeze wafted from off shore bringing a slight tinge of salt to the fragrance of the gardens. She was dressed in the same style, a sort of low cut blouse with a corset like garment over it. It was decorated with bits of silver and gold threading in a complicated design. The skirt was full and was obviously made of Trellium silk as the breeze caught it caused scintillating rainbow shimmers to cascade down. A small wooden table was just behind her set with two chair with low backs to them. They too had been carved and inlaid.

Alohiai made a curtsy and then spoke, "Mother, the guest has arrived." She held her spot not moving.

Allyndra turned and nodded giving a small hand gesture to which Alohiai rose. "Thank you daughter, please have refreshments brought if you would please."

"Yes Mother," Alohiai made a small dip and headed off.

"Ah Matthew, please have a seat or if you wish you can take in the view from here. I hope that you did not get too many odd looks. It is exceedingly rare for the House to have visitors not from this world."

As it was the custom here, Matthew bowed, making sure that it hurt just a bit. He hadn't bowed like since the last time he went to Temple. "Commander, you have a lovely program here. And what a fine House this is. How accurate is the program? I mean - did you model it after your own House?" he asked as he stepped forward to take in the expansive view.

"It is a recreation to the best of my memory," Allyndra replied. "I thought the day would be nice but can always go to Ring Rise. If you have never seen it, it is something that most people have come here from elsewhere find to be an amazing site. I myself never get tired of it."

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he imagined what it would be like to be on the real thing, "Well, you've done a marvelous job in getting all the details down I'm sure. Those carved doors - are a work of art - if you ask me. Let's do it. I came here to learn more about your people, your culture and your planet. Your way of life is new to me; I'd like to learn more." It sounded like the tea service had arrived. Matt cast a glance behind him.

"Very well," Allyndra said and then looked up. "Advance time period to just before Ring Rise and set with Lock and Key aligned." The programme shifted and it was now night. There was still a breeze but it came from the land toward the sea and it was still tropical and warm. The stars shown and there was no moon. The figures had frozen and it seemed as if no time had passed for them when the shift occurred.

"Mother the tea is ready, is there anything else I can bring?" Alohiai asked politely.

"Not at present you are dismissed and thank you daughter." Allyndra made a nod the head which was answered by a quick dip on Alohiai's part and she departed.

Allyndra took a seat and poured the tea into two china like cups. It had almost the smell of Earth like hibiscus to it. "Blood flower petal tea," she said. "A sort of herbal like tea. There is sweetener there if you would like it sweeter though we already tend to like our drinks and foods sweeter than most humans." She waited a moment for him to taste it.

"No sweetener, thank you." He lifted the cup to his nose and took in the smell. It was strong, much stronger than Human teas. It smelled lovely, like fresh roses. The tea had the consistency of a thick syrup and Matt thought that it would also taste as strong. But it didn't. It was smooth, almost creamy in texture and it had the most scintillating flavor. It was, however, much too sweet for him. If he didn't have diabetes at the beginning of the tea; he certainly would have it if he finished the tea. He took another sip. It was hot. "It's delicious. Thank you!"

She smiled and then pointed to two very bright looking stars that almost seemed to be touching. "Those are the two gas giants in this system. We call them the Lock and the Key. There is a story and it goes like this: 'A long time ago there were two lovers. So much in love were these two that the gods grew jealous of their love. So the gods took the lovers and fixed them in the sky such that they could see each other but never touch. Instead of their love dying it grew ever greater until they shone with a brilliant glory. The Twins as we call them made the gods realize their mistake and though what had been done could not be undone one goddess took pity and decreed that when the Lock and Key aligned that the lovers could kiss.'" Allyndra looked for a long moment at the two planets and there was a bit of tear in her eye. She sighed and then said, "The Twins, the binary suns are what astronomically are called eclipsing binaries. When the two gas giants align the gravitational tug causes enough change that the Roche limit is exceeded and the two stars exchange gases. It is a sight to see the Twins kiss and it is considered by us to be an omen of change."

He listened as she spoke and followed the sky to see the heavenly bodies. "It's amazing isn't it. I've not seen too many worlds that are treated to this...spectacle of Nature. Has this affected your Cosmology very much? Your view and your place in the Universe?"

Allyndra thought about the question. "Well I do not think any more than any other species. We observed phenomenon that we did not quite understand and made up stories to explain them. While Ring Rise does obscure the stars there is the point before that one can see them. We are near the junction of
of the Orion and Sagittarius arms so interesting I suppose but nothing that spectacular. Like others we wondered and when the A'ksu arose and we could leave this world we explored. I think that they had more impact on our view of ourselves and our place." She sighed. "We are tied to this place, the time and tides, the very salinity of the ocean it makes us...delicate?" She left the later as a question not sure if that was the correct term.

She turned her attention back to the view and then said, "Computer advance programme to Ring Rise." She stood as the the scene shifted just slightly and held out a hand. "Come, this never fails to impress even me."

It started slowly and one had to look but a point of light grew in the heavens becoming brighter and spreading until a titanic silver rainbow filled the sky arching from horizon to horizon and casting a pale silver light across the landscape. Allyndra smiled and waved a hand again. "The Queen of Night's Promise."

From end to end the silvery arch filled a large portion of the sky above them. It was rainbow like in that various bands were differing shades of silver. No doubt composed of the fine gases and dusts that were at work here. Because the light hit it just so, the 'Ring Rise' was sharp and defined. Not at all fuzzy or ill-defined. And so one could easily see how a primitive people would marvel at it. Matthew silently wondered to himself as he stood in silent appreciation of the planetary display, ~ What an amazing sight. Why would people ever want to leave this place?~

After a moment he asked, "It's amazing. Truly magnificent! What was the Promise?"

"That the gods would never do what they had done to the lovers. That they would watch over us but no longer interfere with our lives. It is said that the Queen of Night took the moon and refashioned it thus into a great ring as a symbol of that promise." She stared at the rings for a moment and then said, "More than likely the moon if it existed just got too close or was nudged too close by one of the suns conjunctions and passed its Roche limit. Still, whatever the reality is it left something to see. Now come," she invited him back to the table with a gesture. "Let me tell you about the A'ksu. The dark time."

"Ah, a smart move on the part of your people. That's the trouble with meddlesome deities; they tend to muck things up" he said as he took another long look at the sight. Returning to the table with her he said, "Oh? Yes, I remember someone remarking about that in passing. It was a time of great consternation for your people yeah?" he asked as he took a seat across from her. He took a courtesy sip of the overly sweet tea, just a sip and set the tea cup back down to listen.

She took a sip of her tea and then looked at him. "Many generations ago it was discovered that certain individuals seem to have a gift, a knack or whatever you would like to call it. They could take seemingly diverse pieces of knowledge and then make great intuitive leaps. Further more it was discovered that the trait could be passed on, so our ancestors bred for the trait. In short generations of time we went from being hardly much above farmers and small groups to a very sophisticated technology. Records tell of things such as ships, Fold Ships they were called, that could span the distance of the galaxy in as fast as you could blink your eye. Miracles that gave each of us the ability to regenerate." She held up her left hand and wiggled the fingers. "You would be hard pressed even with a detailed scan to know that I lost three fingers on this hand. There were many more, but these individuals, they were referred to as being Arburabat'u which means to do things quickly, while intelligent, many lacked the foresight of seeing what the consequences of their actions and discoveries would lead to. It is recorded that we attempted to colonize elsewhere but the dance of the Twins, the tides of the oceans, the very salinity our reproductive ability is tied to. The colonies failed and here on Akkadia, the Katarah, the larval stage were protected and the planet's population exploded. Those at the colonies returned and with ever increased competition for more and more limited resources those Arburat'u turned their attention to destruction. It is amazing that the world survived, that any of us survived, but a few of those great Arburaba'u finally brought things back from the brink and they created the Great and Lesser Houses making sure that we all were dependent upon the other. They managed to salvage the oceans and brought us back into harmony but as a consequence it was said by them who now called themselves A'ksu, which means dangerous, that the technology would be put away, and we should live simpler lives and that we should never breed for the trait again. When it does appear those individuals are watched and guided."

He listened quietly as she related that part of Akkadian history to him and he made mental notes as she spoke. When she paused he asked, "So the Arburabat'u, were the source of both the problem and the solution then?" he asked, "Please continue, how have you managed to guide the ambition of high intellect of individuals that, at least at some point, realize that they are superior to their masters?"

"If I understand the question, we no longer breed for the trait specifically. Over the course of time, enough has been spread that we all carry a bit of the trait. Those with more as I indicated are noted and then the House and Society tries to guide them. We learn lessons from the day we are brought into the House on trying to see the consequences of actions and decisions. I doubt we are perfect, but so far we have not had any more conflict nor has our world suffered since. That is not to say everything is harmonious. We realize the galaxy has become a more dangerous place, and with more and more being able to cross the stars, smaller. There are those that argue we should look back to the past and revive if possible some of those marvels. Other's think we should stay the course and others think that we should try to find some sort of balance. As I said, from an very early age every child is taught: 'E’Malama mua, m'akou wahio k'ahiko', In order to preserve the future, we put away the past'. Now some of us are thinking that in order to preserve the future we must look to the past but carefully. I think that and the Mother that came before me thought that as well. It is one reason we have sent a very few off this world to see and report what we have seen."

He nodded, "I see" and took a small sip of the tea. "You understand my meaning just fine. I'm a bit of a student of History and so, you'll excuse me if I am curious about the world and culture that you come from. I have never known anyone like you Commander. It makes you unique and interesting. But what of your people's other accomplishments? You hinted that there are many things Akkadian are proud of?" he asked pleasantly.

"We have no illness, there is no disease here, accidents most can recover from though people can be killed through accidents. There is no strife, there is no want. Once we reach a certain age we do not age further until the very end of life, thus there is no infirmary. While we do have a sort of hierarchy, it is not fixed. If an individual has a talent, oh say someone in this House loves to weave, or perhaps has the wanderlust we make arrangements for them to go to another House. The world is sustainable and stable and bounty is everywhere. That is what we are proud of. If you refer to the technology of the past, even I do not know most of it and much of it was ill used. Things like the Fold Ships were marvels but consider that the Iconians once had something similar, gates that took one nearly instantaneously to someplace else. The others feared them and the Iconians suffered for it. Imagine if the rest of the galactic powers, Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Borg for example knew that we had the ability to travel any place at any time? Turn the idea and send an entire Fleet to out into the void between the galaxies?" She looked that the young man a moment and then said, "As I have said, we have tried to see what the consequences of our actions might be."

He smiled and played a little joke with her. He said, "Well...nobody's perfect." She described what many people would a veritable paradise. Practically perfect. Of course, Earth was similar. From a certain point-of-view of course. She described a world that had learned, perhaps even the hard way, the costs and consequences of technological and imperial aspirations. Certain that she wouldn't "get" his strange sense of humor he moved on and asked, "These...marvels...from your past. The technology and the science to build and create - and use - a fold ship. Somebody must know where the knowledge is kept? I mean, yes people say, 'Oh we threw all that away. No, no...galactic domination isn't our cup of tea. We tried it but didn't like the color.' that sort of thing? But really...now...no matter how bad it is you don't throw it all away. Humans have a funny saying. My Dad used to say, 'Once the toothpaste is out of the tube; it's awfully hard to get it all back in again.'" He looked at her a moment before lifting the tea cup again to his lips for a well-timed courtesy sip, "I don't want to offend but...I can't think of any culture anywhere that has totally and completely purged themselves of their darker natures. Their, well, their shadows if you will? Everything I see around me here is beauty and elegance and art. Those things come at a cost - if nothing else than the protection and security of those things. So tell me, if you will, where is the gurantee of your liberties? Who secures your freedoms for you?"

Allyndra looked at Matt and tapped her fingers for a moment on the side of the cup thinking. "It is why we have begun to seek friends," she said ignoring the question of the knowledge of such technological marivels of the past. She then shrugged, "If it is the will of the gods we perish then so be it. As I said, we are doomed anyway. We have not been able to successfully colonize elsewhere and it is known that one day the Twins will eventually touch and put an end to this place."

Sitting up a bit in the chair and mildly surprised at the dark turn of the conversation he said, "Well, I can only speak for myself but I hope that by the time that happens, some millions of years from now, I'll have long ago shuffled off this mortal coil. And by then, who knows what marvel your people will have cooked up. Maybe some scientist will develop something to reinvigorate your star? If the probability is not zero; then you cannot say it will never be. The Universe has a...a remarkable tenacity for surprise and wonder. I think so at least." He let that sentence sit for a moment. Sometimes one could fill a canyon with idle chatter when all that was needed was the sound of silence. He took another look at the sky. The colors were vibrant and fresh. The air was not too warm and had a delightful smell to it. Below, he could hear water from a fountain and the happy chatter of people talking. He waited a few moments more and then quietly, almost soothingly said, "The best books haven't been written yet. The best song has not been sung. The best music hasn't yet been played. The highest mountain has not been climbed nor the lowest depth explored. The highest score, the fastest run, the longest toss, the best is yet to come."

"Perhaps you are correct," Allyndra said looking out toward the ocean. "One can never say for absolute certainty and for all that those long ago A'ksu accomplished it is remarkable that not one figured out how to balance our physiology to another world. Still, we must look at see what things might or might not happen before pursuing such things again. We were isolated and still are but perhaps by reaching out and looking for friends might be the better policy. Still..." she made a little almost secret smile. "Things that have been put away can always be re-found as you say."

"You have a wonderful planet here - worth visiting. People would want to see this place. My people, on my mother's side. They are isolationists you know? Fontalis for Fontalans and so on. They used to be into wall building. Keeping 'the other', the 'alien' out. I understand why they think that way but I don't agree with them. Most of my people would rather be part of the larger galactic neighborhood. Building bridges instead of walls - so to speak. So, when I tell you that I understand the fear. I do. I get it. It's worth it though you know? To be part of the wider world. It comes at a cost; you have to learn to live with and tolerate all those 'aliens' and 'others'." He smiled cheerily. "What you need is a barbecue. A pool party. I mean, that's basically what the Federation is. A little more red tape but basically a big ol' BBQ."

"I am not familiar with that," Allyndra replied. "Because of dietary restrictions I do not participate in many if not most communal eating occasions." The idea of what he was saying going over her head.

"I understand completely. You can't talk about bar-b-cue. One has to experience BBQ. If anything, consider it a cultural exchange away mission. Anyway, I've got just the program. Now tell me, what would an interesting and gracious people like yourselves ever bother with 'dietary restrictions' for?"

"Most of what we consume is either liquid or at most soft fruits. Our digestive systems are not designed to handle very much solid. We are heamotophages, that is our main source of protein. Weight is the enemy of flight."

Matthew responded, "Well that's fine. Someone always brings something non-fatty lite or sugarfree anyhow. Oh, you'll have lots of fun. But I have many more questions." He made himself a little more comfortable and then asked, "The school and the students below us and in the courtyard? Are they all from this House or from the surrounding lands as well?"

"They are all House Warraquim. Each House has it's own school and teachers. While there are basics across all the Houses that the Council sets, each then teaches things specific to that Houses' function. Each House is also responsible for teaching those children of those that are workers that do not necessarily live in a House. Those such as farmers, sailors and so on. Education is prized here and shared. As I mentioned it was considered that one of the downfalls of the time of the A'ksu was each group competed to ever be greater than the other. Sharing and communication thus is important here now."

"Yes, but you also mentioned earlier that these noble Houses had all the rights and privileges of feudal lords and barons to determine their own interests and specialties. I'm curious to know, if you can even tell me, how did your people maintain a balanced approach? If there was no 'central government' that adminstered the need for more farmers in this area, more shipbuilders, carpenters or artists...how did your society not fracture and drive itself apart if every House was autonomous from any other?" he asked his query.

Allyndra shook her head. "Each has its territory, each its function. However, unlike some of what you would call feudal society, those mostly were places of strongholds but each had their own complete function. A sort of city state unto their own. Here we are dependent on each other. For example without the House of the Sky Sailors we would have no trade, without the House of the Silk Weavers no goods to trade with to the stars, without House of Herders no real food, it goes on. One domino falls it can start the others. The Houses meet cooperate and the Council oversees all. Our history has taught us disputes are best handled by talking and understanding one another not fighting with each other."

"That's incredibly remarkable. That your people have come thus far, maintaining your core values and beliefs, globally as well as locally and have survived to this day. It's a remarkable achievement. So...two questions on that idea. One is, do you feel that your policy of remaining 'isolated' or maybe a better term is 'aloof' from the rest of the galactic neighborhood is what has preserved the integrity of your system and your culture? Or is it some other factor? Because I've never even heard of your people until I got to the Galileo. Although, the Federation is adding more member worlds everyday so I guess that's not such a calamitous surprise?

And secondly, it seems to me that because of these values and beliefs that you would fit in very nicely into the structure - at least ideologically speaking - with the United Federation of Planets. I totally understand that membership in the Federation would mean the curtailment of the power of the Houses to align with the UFP charter. Although, I think you could get a legal variance from the Council since it is the House structure on which your society functions and is based. And to suddenly adopt a Presidential Federated system would be...disastrous. What are your thought about that?" he asked.

Allyndra thought on the question. Aloof might certainly be a word but she really thought that it was more a sort of xenophobia but maybe aloof worked.

"Certainly isolation has prevented other ideas from coming in, different viewpoints, different ways of doing things. I must say that we have appeared to be xenophobic, but again I think the Council sees it as way to keep 'contamination' to a minimum. Our world is well off the general star lanes and really into the nearly unexplored part of the galaxy. I think that the major players have all been so busy with each other that for the most part learning of new worlds has been put lower. That leads to your second question, since we are aware of the major players it was decided that the UFP was the best choice for an ally. Hence our alliance with them. As for membership, technically we cannot become a member planet as we do not demonstrate that we have warp drive capability. Yes, at one time we might have had the ability the travel among the stars and that might be mitigating circumstances but as for the moment." She shrugged. There was much she was not telling. The ships, at least some of them, still existed. The technology was still working and it could be as easily turned on an invader sending them to the deep space between the galaxies if need be. "Secondly the Council does not feel it is ready for all that is implied by becoming a full member as part of that is to share all knowledge. While much as I indicated has been lost, I am not sure we are ready to share what remains yet."

He nodded in understanding; more than he let on, he understood. More than she could have known; he understood. "There are other levels of membership that may benefit your people. Perhaps territorial status might work for you? Perhaps not. Provisional status seems to be a compromise position. At least in my people's case it was. I mean is." He took a look around and admiring the view said, "Then again - what's the hurry? I only wanted to suggest that you already seem aligned to so many of the principals and ideals that the UFP already has adopted. But, now I can see, that there are some...challenges...that are not so easy to overcome. In time. And there's plenty of that isn't there?" He said as he sat back into the chair. The warmth of the sun on his skin felt good.

"At least for now. We all know that one day the Twins will cease their dance and finally embrace fully. That will be the end of this place and all upon and within it. Try as they might, the ancient ones never quite solved the ability to transform a place to handle our biology. The rhythms of the tides, the salinity of the ocean, the motion of the suns, our reproduction is all tied to that. And even if we found a world that was close enough that could be transformed would we have the right to change it to the detriment of what had evolved there naturally? What would be lost with that change? What species would be devastated by changing the environment to suit ourselves?
Perhaps we think it best to live as best we can while we can and when the time comes," she shrugged her shoulders. "The time comes."

He let a beat pass. Noticing that this was the second time that their conversation turned somewhat to darker tones and 'inevitability' of life. He asked, "Where can I read about your pantheon? I suppose I should first ask if you have a pantheon? It seems like your people do? I mean with the twins and so on?" he asked. "I'm particularly interested to read about how your people view Time. How you view Destiny and I suppose, not putting too fine a point on it, Fate?" How people viewed time and it's passage, whether or not they believed that the stars, the suns and the moons determined or even affected their personal lives often would be telling of the society on the whole. Even if a people or a society no longer believed their own myths; the same stories could have a profound impact on them today. Whether they were conscious of that effect or not would have to be researched. And this was often a point that diplomats and first contactees would avoid. But, not Matt. "Perhaps a book from your own library?"

"We do, but we also believe that the gods have given us the power to make our own destiny. However, I will arrange that for you." She waved a hand and one of the ladies waiting a very discreet distance away moved toward them and made a dip.

"Yes Mother?" she inquired.

"If you would be so kind, please arrange for a copy of our tales and myths from the olden times to be made available."

"Yes Mother." The lady made a quick dip and hurried off.

Allyndra turned her attention back to Matthew. "Well shall we just enjoy a bit more time just enjoying the evening. Hopefully I gave you some insight and maybe even a paper or two?" She smiled at that.

"Yes, that sounds loverly. You have a very nice home here Commander. I'm sure it was hard to leave it to be on about your adventures in Starfleet. Speaking of which, we haven't spoken much about your career in Starfleet. Why did you become a doctor, for example?" he asked politely.

"As to that part of my life...." Allyndra trailed off for a moment looking for a long while out to the ocean which sparkled with silver under the rings. "I was chosen to go. I am widowed, my husband died in an accident on the day I made my first matron flight. I did not know until I returned. A year later when I returned none of our K'tareth returned from the sea. I had lost husband and children and was at a very low point. The Mother of the house along with the Council decided that it best to distract my mind with going off world and to learn more. As to becoming a doctor, it was thought that by knowing about the various other races psychology and physiology we might perceive them better. We have little healing arts here, they are not really needed, thus it was something of interest to me as well. I have worked for a bit on trying to parse how we managed to be given the gift of being able to regenerate but it has not translated well. A challenge then still to rediscover some bit of semi-lost knowledge. Oh there are books and records that are in the archives that I have looked at, but they are incomplete and the language has drifted as well since those times making it difficult to translate."

The pain of her losses was palpable; one could see it in her face. Even those crystal-like eyes of hers could not hide the pain. And Matthew's heart hurt for her. He had a rich faith tradition from which to draw meaning from. From which he could offer tender, heartfelt words. Perhaps some of them even wise. Perhaps some of them even true. His inclination was to "fix" the situation by offering some solace, some platitude that might help what was surely a very old, deep loss. He hesitated and decided against such an action and instead remained quiet in attentive listening. Then, a still, small voice in him reminded him of what his mother, Yanni, used to say to him. It is well known that mothers can read their children's thoughts as if the child were an open book. Yanni certainly could read this one for sure. Fathers could sometimes read the kid too; but mothers could always do that. He remembered that he had come home from school early that day. When she looked up to see who was come home she got up to greet him and from afar she knew that something had happened. Matt remembered that she welcomed him home and a moment passed as she looked at him, hugged him and thought about what to do. He remembered that mom did not question him or pry anything out of him. She knew something was bothering him and she simply said, "If you have something to say then you'd best say it. The problem, if there is one, is in the space between your ears." Taking his head in her hands, she raised his chin and met his eyes, "Go on and say the things that are in your heart while your friends have ears to hear them."

And that was the end of it. He remembered that now and looking at Commander Warraquim said, "I am sorry for your loss Commander. I cannot imagine a greater loss to any parent than the loss of their children. I remember, when I was a kid, one of my friends moved away. Far away actually and had to change schools. I was heartbroken because she was like a sister to me. I didn't know that then but, only that I would miss her. I didn't say anything to her though. Her last day at our school and...and I didn't tell her how much I would miss her. And I had the words. I was a kid yeah, but I knew what she meant. When I got home that day, I was upset and my Mom looked at me and knew that something was not right. She said to me that I should not wait to tell someone what they mean to me. Something like, 'tell them while they have ears to hear'. Which I guess could be a lifetime. Or, while they are standing there in front of you. I didn't find her again for years, Madeline was her name. One day, there she was. Married and had a life of her own and a couple of kids in tow. It was years and years late, but I told her. I finally told her. And I wish I had told her years earlier."

He continued, "So I hope that you will take what I am about to say only as a condolence. There are no words to bind up your loss. But I hope that this helps in some small way? As we are both scientists it occurs to me that there are cycles to life. And as I look at the world and am constantly surprised by what the natural world allows me to learn about it. I see cycles and patterns. In my faith tradition, I think one of my poets did too. The story goes that the poet was lamenting his life and the shortness of it. His face was long and full of sorrow and his clothes were tattered. His shoes were worn. His beard was long. He walked on a road and met a farmer who seeing the poet was a religious man offered him food and a place to rest. The farmer welcomed him into his house and gave him good food, mended his clothes and a safe place to sleep. The next day, trying to repay his debt to him, the poet went out into the field to help. The farmer met him and said that no repayment would be accepted. There, the poet, watching the work as the farmer tilled the soil understood what you and I might call a cycle of life. He wrote it in a book. Today we call that book a collection of sacred writings. The farmers kindness to one poet resulted in an exquisite work of poetic beauty. At least to us it is.

The poet understood and wrote, 'I died as a mineral and became a plant, I died as a plant and rose to animal, I died as an animal and I was Man. Why should I fear Death? Death is not the end; but the doorway the gate through which I pass to something new.' Matthew paused and looked at her again, "I wanted you to hear that and I wanted to say it, while I have a mouth to speak it and you have ears to hear it. I believe that one day, you will meet your spouse and you will meet, for the first time, those your children. No good thing is ever lost. And surely those are... good things!"

Allyndra was a bit surprised and held a set of fingers as two of the big males standing nearly in the shadows made a move. They did not understand such things as touching like that. She listened to the story and then said solemnly, "Haku ala Hakuina ena A'oe ea po'lealu, Houniana eta hap elalu pillia'tu din'atu L'ani. Mai Po'lealu". She knew he did not understand the words as she said them. She then waved in general and repeated the phrasing but in Federation, "Lords and Ladies of Light and Darkness, from earth you raised us up so we could touch the sky. From earth we came, to sky we go, and then return back to earth. Accept my thanks for the gift of flight and grant that another year be given unto me." She then shrugged. "Perhaps, perhaps the gods have already made other plans, or the universe. We must enjoy what we have while we have it and not live with regret but accept that each day given is just that a gift given."

She then laughed and waved for their drinks to be refilled. "Well I will give you a book, well a copy of my log of stories I have heard from my people. Perhaps they might give you some insight but since you told me one. Let me relate one as well. It goes like this: "Once a long time ago there was a small dwelling on the edge of the forest long before the Great Houses came to be. In this house lived a mother and her two daughters. One daughter was fair and full of grace and her name was Aleakea and the other had been born with deformity and her name was Ola'ha.

One day Aleakea needed to go to the spring to fetch water and as she was filling the container out of the forest came a withered old Mother. "Child, may I have some water please?"

Aleakea looked up and felt sorrow for the old Mother and poured the water out and then washed the container and refilled it from the middle of the spring with the freshest water. "Here Mother, please drink and be refreshed."

The old one did that and then thanked the girl and went one her way.

The next day it was Ola'ha's turn to fetch the water and as she did so again the old Mother appeared out of the forest. "Child, may I have some water please."

Ola'ha nodded and like her sister, washed the container and then waded into the far pool to get the freshest water. She slipped and lost her footing and being twisted could not swim well and drowned.

Since her sister had not returned Aleakea went to look for her and found her floating in the pool. She went to bring her back and begin to cry over her sister's body.

The old woman appeared again. "Child, why do you cry?"

"My sister has been lost. I should have taken her turn for the water."

The old woman transformed there into the form of a beautiful goddess and said, "You have shown me kindness what is your wish?"

"To have my sister back of course!" Aleakea said.

"I could make you good fortune and wealth," the goddess said.

"What more precious could there be in this world then the love of my sister? What more good fortune could one have then to share sorrows, joys, laughter and tears with?"

"Very wise, beyond your years Child." And with that the goddess waved a hand and restored Ola'ha to life. The two sisters held each other and cried with joy.

"Child," the goddess said looking to Ola'ha. "You were kind as well, I shall grant you a wish. Wealth, freedom from your deformity?"

"Mother," Ola'ha answered in reverence. "I have learned to live with my deformity but others have not." She waved a hand at the pool and spring.
"Perhaps, all that come here and drink from the water may be restored to health and fullness. That is what I ask for."

The goddess nodded, "And as wise as your sister. Very well, all that come here and drink from your pool Child will be restored."

The goddess turned and waved her hands and then vanished.

Aleakea got up and fetched the container and dipped it into the pool and brought it back to her sister. "Here sister, drink like the goddess commanded."

Ola'ha did and instantly her deformity went away and she was as beautiful as her sister.

And thus the tale of Ola'ha's pool spread and people came to drink of the miraculous waters and came away restored. The two sisters lived a very long time and it is said that in time they gifted the miracle of the spring to all, that all might be restored and all for a simple kindness to a stranger."

Allyndra finished and smiled, "So is there any other gift to a stranger who is no longer a stranger that I can give?"

"Thank you. That was a loverly story." Matthew thought a moment and said, "Perhaps just one more request? I would like to make a copy of the book you are lending me. I would like to share it with an archivist I know. She works on the Federation's primary library archive called 'Memory Alpha'. These stories need to be preserved so that they can be shared. With your permission of course? Perhaps, if I bomb out as an Astronomer...I'll find better luck writing children's stories!"

"Of course, you may. There is nothing there that we are secretive of or embarrassed about. Many cultures have their mythology and stories from old times. Things that still echo about teaching the way one should be."

There was a chime that echoed and she looked up. "I guess our time here is nearing an end. I only had the deck for a certain amount of time. However, you have an invite to my real home as a standing invitation. Just say: 'Allyndra illm Warraquim, Mother Named, has given me an invitation and then add K'ono hoa. Can you repeat that last part? It must be done correctly."

He nodded and attempted to repeat the foreign word. The UT (universal translator) "smoothed over" his thick accent most of the time. But it couldn't do it this time. It sounded like, "Kho' no-ho-ha."

Allyndra smiled. "Not quite. Think of the first part as though you are saying Federation uhoh. Feel the stop there? Should sound like Kah'ohno. The next word draw the vowel sounds out more. Hoooaaahh. Try again."

"Hmmm...OK" he said and took a moment. "Khah' Oh-Nooooo. Khah-Oh-Noooo. Kha'Oh'No" which now sounded a bit more Klingon than Akkadian.

"Better," Allyndra replied. "It might do and I do not think anyone else but us speaks the language. As I indicated, it means something like special invitation and you will be treated as a respected member of the House."

"I'll keep practising. Thank you for the extended invitation Commander. Sometime, I'll have to show you where I live. My quarters have a very nice closet." He jested with her and winked with a grin on his face. He took another sip of the too sweet tea, didn't make a face and set the cup back down. "Thank you for the tea. Next time I'll have to try something else?"

"Of course, however you will find Akkadian cuisine, if one could call it that somewhat blandish. Fruits, juices, that sort of thing. Perhaps you may like to take one of the sky ships and see the Trellium weavers. That is our only export off world. A friend of mine did that and enjoyed the experience.

"Oh? Well, I am watching my figure. Starfleet already measure me for my coffin and I'd hate for them to have add an extra panel to the sides." He jested but it seemed to have fallen flat. He shifted gears right into, "I've never heard of the 'trellium weavers'? What is that? Who are they?"

Allyndra was surprised a little. Trellium silk was known and like gold pressed latinum could not be reproduced properly. "Ah well," she said standing and motioning for him to remain. "It is easier to show than to explain. It will take me a few minuets to change. The silk cannot be reproduced properly even in a holographic projection. Please enjoy the time."

He stood at the same time she did and inclined his head in a most gracious and courtly fashion, "But of course. I shall await your return with great anticipation."

Allyndra returned to her quarters and changed quickly. She loved the feel of the silk dress and the long folds of material moved easily with her walk. The dress was typical Akkadian style, cut low on the back and just a tie at the neck. The waist high and tight but the rest of the dress fell away to make a fullness with a small train to it. Every little movement caused scintillating rainbows of colour to chase down the dress. It was almost like wearing a rainbow. Even on her world the dress was would be expensive, off world it was worth a fortune that would make a Ferengi drool. She returned to the simulation and back up through the holographic representation and back to the balcony. As she came back onto the terrace she made a twirl letting the dress swirl around her figure and even here with the light touch of the ring light the dress sparkled with rainbow shimmers. "This is Trellium silk," she said and moved closer to Matthew. "You may touch it if you wish. The silk is produced by spiders that lay dormant for twelve years at a time and even then they make only so much. The silk is gathered and then woven into garments."

"Oh my!" he said when she came back into the room. It was like seeing someone dressed in a rainbow. As if one could simply pull the heavenly bow from the sky and wrap your self in it. Then, it would turn an iridescent shade of silvery shimmer. He hadn't seen anything like it before. "Wow! Now that's pretty amazing. The way it catches the light and makes all kinds of colors!" He reached to touch the hem of the dress at her behest and found it incredibly smooth and - well - silky. It was like no other fabric he had seen or touched before. He wouldn't even describe it as a 'fabric'. It had an airy feel to it. Yet, as he pulled at the material, gently of course, it was a strong as anything he had seen. It was cool to the touch and the thinner layers he could see his hand beneath the single layer. If one could have captured a cloud and wrapped it up, that was the feeling to his hands of the Trellium Silk. "Now that's the kind of dress you go dancing in!"

"Off world as it is now, worth a fortune. The material has never been successfully reproduced. A dress such as this would probably fetch close to forty bricks of gold pressed latinum. While interesting we have no real use for the later material. There is nothing we import."

"Marvelous. I mean, freakin' stunning! You have a remarkable world. And you are a remarkable people. I'm sure that I'll have plenty of material for a dozen whitepapers and perhaps even a book or two. If I have further questions though will you have the time to answer them? Matt asked.

Allyndra made a curtsy, a deep one as though one would do to a Mother of a house and said, "We have learned a painful lesson." She straightened and turned away to stare out over the silver tinged ocean. "Trying to see the consequences of actions or even inactions. We are not the gods and only hope that by talking and considering each others thoughts and words, taking in the data that we can arrive at a spot that will benefit ourselves." She waved a hand in general still looking over the ocean. "Perhaps one day we will be a member of that great collection, perhaps not, but we will attempt to determine what the consequences of joining or not joining will be for future generations." She paused and then turned, "Well I truly hope that one day you will get to visit, the simulation is good but it is not the same as being there."

Matthew nodded in agreement as he continued to admire the Trellium Silk dress, "Simulations are never as good as the real thing. I hope that one day your planet will see fit to join the larger galactic community. From what I can tell you have much to share with many worlds. And they would have much to share with your people. Every major change starts with a conversation. And it only takes a few people to get the conversation started. Perhaps, with our visit today, we have started that conversation?"

"Perhaps, perhaps you might be the first ambassador to my world as well. Well who knows, until then," Allyndra again made a curtsy and said with sincerity in her voice but keeping to Federation, "May breezes blow gently, may fair winds guide you, may the Twins protect and guide you and return you safely to home." It was formal but again the tone was genuine. "A traditional saying for when someone departs."

She then straightened up and said, "Computer please end simulation." The was a shimmer as if a heat wave had passed through and the world seemed to shimmer a moment with it and then it was just a room with the projector stripes outlining the confines. "I hoped you enjoyed your invitation."

"Fantastic! Oh hell's yes I enjoyed it. Thank you for having me. Your whole house is like a five star hotel. Mint on the pillow, stocked icebox, the works. My only problem now is, of course, where to begin my studies of you Akkadians." Matt said as they walked towards the now open holodeck doors and out into the ships corridor.

"Record what I have given you and as questions come up I will do my best to answer any questions. We are too far away right now for you to go there so I guess I am your resource for now." She paused at the door. "When there is time I will show you water dancing."

"That sounds perfectly delightful. I shall be looking forward to it. And, thank you for the hospitality." With a flourish of his hand and a deep dip, showing both his thanks and admiration for her culture, he bowed. Holding it a moment and then straightening up. "Until we meet again then."

"Until we meet again," Allyndra nodded.

[OFF]

--

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Second and Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo-A

LTJG Matthew Plumeri
Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

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