Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Back on the Atlantis…Cara and Miri Vane…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé Mardusk (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Back on the Atlantis…Cara and Miri Vane…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Back on the Atlantis…Cara and Miri Vane…when the past does not match the present or the future
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The ride over in the shuttle had been quiet. Miri and her crew kept relatively quiet as was the crew of the Atlantis. She wondered briefly how on edge they must be. First Greetings often terrified people because they feared the unknown. This was not the first time Miri had been part of the team greeting a potential member of a new civilization however it was the first time they were not welcomed with more open arms. Looking over at Cara, Miri could not help but notice the bright red color of her counterparts hair. It was a lovely color on the woman but so different than her own. Sitting there, Miri mentally compared them. They both appeared to be about the same height and weight. Miri however had silvery white hair that was styled in a blunt cut that just brushed the top of her shoulders. Her lavender eyes were a distinct contrast to Cara bright green ones. She was excited to get to know more of her personality.

Cara spent the quiet ride back to the Atlantis openly studying Miri Vane. Cara was curious but cautious. This should be exciting. This was the first time she’d been part of a first contact where there wasn’t an air of anticipation and excitement and the discovery and possibilities. No matter what Pellan and Adar said, they did not need to bring a fleet that big here. Jessa’s ship had made it just fine with a crew of five. Pellan and Adar obviously knew what had transpired on the Atlantis, and if they were not violent people, why did they not begin with apologies and explanations - of any sort. That was a question Cara hoped to answer.

As the shuttle landed on the Atlantis hangar, Miri stepped out and looked around. It was considerably smaller than the hangar of the Redemption but the Atlantis was a vastly smaller ship. She waited patiently for Cara to make the first move in where they would go to get to know each other better.

Miri Vane

Stepping off the shuttle into the bay, the two large targs followed Gravel and Cara off. It was hilarious to Cara they had gone unnoticed until now. The beasts were truly stealthy when they wanted to be. She turned to look at them, “Hall, ghoS.” When Oats looked at her expectantly, “Pelos, ‘avwI’.” Gravel may not like it too much, but that was just too bad. It was for both their peace of minds. Other than a quick nod to him, nothing else was said. She turned to Miri, “This way,” and she led the way out the door of the bay. Outside, waiting like always, was En Royo, her ever faithful body guard, tour guide, seeing eye human. Cara gave a quiet mental chuckle at that. She didn’t say anything to him, she just nodded to him as they moved toward the lift.

“I though’ perhaps we’d start in my office. Get ta know each other a bit,” she said to Miri as Royo called for the deck and the lift took off.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri entered the elevator and moved to the side allowing everyone to enter. The person joining them appeared to be going with them as they were waiting for Cara when the shuttle landed and they disembarked. Miri was surprised to see the animal also following them into the elevator. Pets were also common on the Redemption but most people did not bring them on duty unless it was for a purpose. “What is your pets name,” Miri asked trying to break the ice.

Cara’s green eyes danced. “He’s not really a pet in the way you are thinking. He is a working animal. Highly trained, and very attentive to his duties. His name is Oats. His brother is Hall.” Cara looked down at the targ with far too intelligent eyes. “ngu’,” she ordered him. It wasn’t the typical order identifying Vane as a friend, but the more strict command of “identify”. Oats would take in her scent and be able to find her wherever she went on the ship. He would alert if he scented her anywhere she should not be. Miri wouldn’t know that though, neither would Royo. At the command Oats looked up at her and let out a guttural snort.

“We have pets too,” she replied looking at the animal and thinking how odd it was for someone to keep livestock as a pet. Staring at the animal, Miri let a small smile curl the edges of her mouth. There was no need to insult these people. Miri contemplated the animal and reminded herself that these were a primitive people. It was not uncommon for worlds not in the Union to prize their beasts as if they were pets. Her mind wandered even though her face continued to show the warmth of a genuine smile. “Pleased to meet you Oats.”

Oats looked at her, eyes narrowed and then turned away, clearly dismissing her as unimportant.

“It will be nice to get to know you and your crew more,” Miri stated. Internally she cringed at the word nice. The word she wanted to use was intriguing but that would have put Cara even more on the defense. She was not friends with this woman nor was Miri actually seeking the woman’s help. It was like a blind date where two people were thrust into a social situation where both were unsure how it would end. It was also odd for Miri to be associating with someone in Cara’s profession. In the Union, mind seers were banned and the punishment was re-education. Having a real life mind seer to study fascinated Miri. Until now she only had academic texts which was used to train her in her profession. This interaction with Cara would make for a one of a kind case study for her profession. Since the woman had no idea her profession was illegal, it allowed Miri to study her without any bias.

Cara chuckled, “I was thinking more along the lines of enlightenin’ After all, that is the purpose of these little chats.” Cara couldn’t wait to get into the conversation and find out what exactly Miri was sent to find out. Of course her job was to do the same. It was a game of chess. Or… more like fighting the dark Sidhe. Trying to out trick them before they devoured you. The Galactic Union was certainly out to devour anything in its path.

“Is it common for your Federation to poke fun at other’s religions?” She let the comment linger long enough to take a breath before continuing. “Don’t answer that. We are not here to lob insults at each other and and I did refrain from a little sarcastic wit about how cuddly your pet was.” Miri was used to hostile patients in her sessions and while this was not a typical session per say it was in essence a session. These Federation people were hostile and angry. She could understand why but that did not mean she would take insults hurled at her that were poorly hidden as playful banter. “I understand your anger and hostility due to your first encounter with the Galactic Union. It was reprehensible however I encourage you to be more open minded with your thinking and not paint everyone in the Union with the same brush that was tainted by those Elders.”

How interesting. While Cara had been genuine in her statement Miri was immediately offended by the word ‘enlightening’. Cara filled that away for later. She listened to the woman. The more Miri talked the harder it became for Cara to not laugh and hide her smile. She did hide it though. Though if Miri actually took the time to see Cara and not look down her nose at her, she would see in her eyes that Cara was amused by the childish outburst. Cara wasn’t even trying and she’d already managed to rile the woman up. This was going to be easier than she anticipated. However, Cara kept her posture relaxed, and her gaze met Royo’s in a friendly smile, seemingly not having heard a word that Miri said. It was going to take more than that to get a rise out of Cara. Nor was she going to rush to beg forgiveness and please let her explain. And try to appease the woman.

Watching the display on the turbo, Miri realized that the mathematics of this place did not match their own numerical system. Her orders from the Chancellor were simple and easy to follow in regard to her reason to be on the ship. It also allowed for natural conversation. “Our mathematics are different,” she gestured to the display. I guess I will have to trust that you are taking me to your office and not the brig,” she made a small joke. Miri had did not have the reference to know what eleven meant when the destination was called out in the elevator. Now she could reasonably assume it was a number but it was next to impossible to figure out their numerical system based on a single word.

Miri Vane psychopathologist

“Really? I would expect ta no understand the language of another culture right away. Part of the discovery and learnin’.”

“That is part of the excitement about meeting another civilization but I will admit it is puzzling on some level that we all speak a basic common tongue. Our linguistics team is very excited to find where the linguistic divergences are between what we call Galactic Standard and you call Federation Standard?” The end of her sentence had a questioning lithe to it. Miri was not sure that is what they referred to their language but linguists were not exactly creative people. “The inability to read your written form of your language is predictable. Most primitive cultures exist with oral traditions before they put their words to paper.” Miri could not let the dig from earlier go unchallenged. “Without a codex to refer to society’s will invent their own. At least that is what we have found across the stars.”

“That is a conversation for the linguistic and anthropology experts. Perhaps even social philosophers. I am no’ any of those. Are ya? Is that yer field of study? If so, I can arrange for a different guide if ya wish.” Cara didn’t miss the jab at being primitive. Miri’s continued attempts to rile her and make her feel defensive were weak.

“No I am fine unless you are uncomfortable,” Miri stated looking at the woman quizzically. It was understandable that the woman was probably going through a myriad of emotions. There was a fleet off her ships port bow and they were vastly outnumbered. First greetings often made people tense. It was Miri’s prime directive to ease some of the woman’s fears. She hoped the woman would not request a replacement but if she did so be it. There were an army of psychopathologists on the GUS Redemption. “I am not a xenolinguist by profession although it does fascinate me as a field of study. The digraphs of the Xansa people are so intricate and beautiful they are their own art form and highly prized in our home galaxy of Vela Astria.”

Cara laughed freely. It was clear she was finding joy in the moment and not laughing at Miri. The idea of this woman making her uncomfortable was absurd. “No, I’m not uncomfortable at all. In fact I find the whole experience exhilarating. I just want to make sure you get the most out of your visit before you return home.” Cara nodded slowly, “Language is unique, often provides a sense of identity for people. The Chandrans are a very peaceful, very purposeful people. They have a three-day ritual just to say “hello”. It is quite beautiful and existential experience.”

The lift stopped and the doors swished open. Cara stepped out with Oats and then Royo followed behind them. “Well, for all you know my office is the Brig,” Cara said deadpan as they walked. Slightly down the corridor they came to a small waiting area, that was occupied by a Bolian woman behind a desk. “Welcome back, Lt.,” she said with a warm happy tone. “‘Ello, Ann. I’ll be busy for the next little while.” She smiled, “No worries, Lt. I’ll take care of everything.” Royo stopped by her desk and took up a position of attention while Cara walked over to her office and pressed the controls to open the door. “After you, Miri Vane,” she said waving the woman inside.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri walked into the room and was very surprised. The room had a cozy warmth to it. It invoked the sense of being in a familiar place with its variety of seating and decor. The art on the walls and the color choices of fabrics in the room created a sense of peace and tranquility. Even the woman’s desk lacked the imposing authoritarian feel but reminded one of a home office. In a single word this woman’s office was soothing. Miri surveyed the seating options and took a seat in one of the chairs. Sitting down, she again noticed how comfortable the chair was. This mind seer had been meticulous in sculpting a space where anyone how entered it felt immediately cared for and safe. “Your office is beautiful. It feels more like an apartment of a friend rather than a clinical space. Is this by choice or design?” Miri’s tone was complementary but also inquisitive.

Miri Vane Psychopathologist.

Cara looked around at her office. Trying to see it from an outsider’s point of view. The Federation had long since decided mental health was important and necessary. Caring for the mind was equally important to physical health. The space was set out to be the most productive to healing. “By choice. Would ya like somethin’ ta eat or drink?” Where she would get such a thing Miri probably didn’t know. She remembered during a staff briefing that Jessa had been unaware of replicators and their function. Cara had no intention of giving away tech secrets, but a little tech magic would be fun to see the woman’s reaction.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“If it is customary for you to do so then hostess choice,” Miri said in a pleasant tone. “I am unfamiliar with your edibles and beverages so whatever you like will be fine.” The word hostess was intentional. Right now Miri’s job was to put the woman at ease. The rest would come later. “You asked previously on our trip here about my field of study,” Miri started a basic conversation with enough details to explain her profession to answer the woman’s prior question. “I am a psychopathologist. We study sentient interactions as it pertains to society and personal interactions.” It was evident Cara was highly intelligent and inquisitive by nature. Even if this crew despised the Union and its inhabitants that did not mean individuals couldn’t be curious about their society. The Milky Way galaxy was so remote it was a field scientists dream.

Miri Vane Psychopathologist

bump

“In such diplomatic missions, it is customary ta offer, but not ta enforce. One never knows what allergies or cultural taboos might be unknown when it comes ta food and the consumption of. Since ya have no expressed a preference, we shall forgo it.”

“No problem,” Miri said taking a seat. “We don’t suffer from allergies due to our medical technology. That illness was cured millennia ago. When our two great societies begin negotiations I will ensure that Supreme Chancellor Vell knows you need this medical cure.” Miri paused and got comfortable in her chair. It was the relaxed position someone had when they were used to being in control of a situation.

“Ya misunderstand, Miri. We take such things as allergies inta consideration because it is never safe ta assume what another culture does or does no have. The Federation did still have allergies to some extent, however, to completely wipe hem out would require genetic manipulation, and that was against their most strictest law. No augmentation.“

“Genetic manipulation is a sin.” Miri’s voice was strong and steady as she recited a verse. “For God forged the seed of life by fire and truth, and set it upon the universe
in the image of Asha. Woe unto those who, with pride as their guide and the Lie upon their tongue, reach forth to twist My creation! For they awaken the children of Angra Mainyu, and summon the shadow that devours soul and flesh alike. Let the impure be cast into the fire that burns beyond time, where the deceitful are unmade. Cling to the pure path, O children, lest you be counted among the destroyers of the holy order. The fire judges all.” The words rolled off her tongue as easily as if the two women were having a conversation. Her eyes never wavered nor did her tone because Miri believed every word spilling forth from her lips.

“I am glad we hold the same values even over the uncounted trillions of light years between our two great nations. It would have been a pity if we came all this way just to find out we did not hold the same values.” Miri did not come out and state what could have happened if Cara’s response was different than the one she gave. In fact, the expression she wore and the lack of further elucidation on the topic might have felt more unsettling than any answer Miri might have given. “We use nanobots to treat all our conditions at the cellular level. Think of it as if there was a doctor constantly monitoring your health and well being.”

Cara sat in her typical chair, positioning herself across from Miri. “What exactly do ya do, Miri? Within the service of yer Galatic Union?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri looked at Cara quizzically for a moment before speaking. “I am a psychopathologist. We study sentient interactions as it pertains to society and personal interactions.” Was this a test or a genuine misunderstanding. The woman was being hospitable when she first mentioned it so maybe she did not hear her reply. It could also be a test where Cara was checking to see if the answer would be the same. It was a common psychological tactic. Most testing measures asked the same questions over and over with just a few words or variables changed to ensure the validity of an answer. Miri wondered if this was the case. New races at times could meet the Galactic Union with some trepidation. “Same as you correct?”

Miri Vane

Cara chuckled, “Well, yes, but I was meaning in a more day ta day basis.” This woman was so suspicious and defensive. “Yes but at the same time I am also a sort of diplomat, as Elder Novar said. But instead of large nations and powers, on a day ta day basis, I help mediate between people, or with themselves if they are struggling with a personal matter.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Leaning back casually, Miri listened to Cara’s response and tried to think of the base way to frame hers. “My job is more clinical in nature. I assess individuals as you probably also do but that is where my day to day responsibility ends. I submit a report. If there is an issue in my report the individual assessed goes before the adjudicator. The adjudicator decides the next course of action and what will happen to the individual.”

Miri Vane psychopathologist

“What exactly is an adjudicator’s role in your society? I know what they do here in our galaxy, but we do no use them in the treatment of mental health.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Neither do we,” Miri said in a neutral tone. “In fact adjudicators have nothing to do with mental illness. If one is sick they see a doctor for treatment of their condition.” Cara’s response was tiptoeing dangerously into the grounds of mind seering. “Adjudicators are the judicial division in the Galactic Union. When a crime has been committed, they arrive to process the situation. This includes hearing the accused version of events along with the person lodging the complaint or alleging a crime. Once they have all the information they apply the relevant laws and regulation to pass judgement on the accused. Justice is swift in our society. There is virtually no protracted litigation when crimes are committed. The longer individuals wait for a conclusion to a trial, the more events become less clear in one’s mind. It is best to deal with the situation swiftly and immediately.”

Miri Vane Psychoanalyst

Bump

Bump

“How very Hilter-esc of the Galatic Union.” It was said lightly and with a smile. Not knowing Earth and Federation history, Cara was betting on Miri not getting the reference. If she did, well that was an interesting fact that would indicate a spy in their midst. “So in our society we would call ya a forensic psychologist. So tell me, Miri, what would ya do if ya found me ta be in violation of a Galactic law but not one of our own?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri took in all of Cara’s verbal and non verbal communication. The woman appeared to be deflecting some part of her emotions with humor. It was not not rib tickling laughter but more the dry humor of sarcasm. “First off I will say that the use of sarcasm shows a high degree of intelligence. It also shows individuals that use it display tend to have advanced abilities in creative thinking and processing abstract concepts. All of this is what I would expect from someone in your position. You are clearly extremely intelligent and highly skilled in your field of work. Your Captain would have to be an idiot to give me someone with minimal expertise and from the brief time I engaged with her, Captain Bordeaux is not a bumbling bureaucrat. In the short time I have known you I have observed several instances where you have used several references that I have no ability to share or expand a conversation around such as Hitler-esc. From your tone I am assuming it has a negative connotation but assuming that is a sleight or sarcastic insult. Since I have no basis to assume it is negative I will withhold my opinion.” Miri was not hostile or aggressive but matter of fact. Her job here was to learn about the senior staff and superficially this member of the Atlantis crew. Miri also felt that as a host, Cara for the most part, had displayed a grace and professionalism that Vane didn’t often encounter when a First Greeting was occurring in the manner it was with the Federation.

Cara grinned wider. Miri did have an opinion. “Have ya ever been part of a first contact mission before, Miri?” she asked quite seriously.

“Three but my last one was on a planet called Bespau. We have the historical footage on the day they were indoctrinated from their Capital. The city was called Bandi. I can request the footage is you would like to see it.”

“Perhaps later. I’m sure it would be quite educational.” She held Miri’s gaze a moment, her own was soft and curious. “No, I ask because it seems ya do no have a history of positive experiences with new cultures. Every time I say somethin’ that ya perhaps don’a understand ya become defensive. Instead of askin’ me ta explain, ya attempt ta insult me in a very underhanded and covert fashion. It leads me ta wonder if yer used ta bein’ attacked. I assure ya, I have no plans ta harm ye.”

“That is how you see it,” Miri looked at Cara as if learning something vital about a new patient. “Intersesting. I see it more as confident and your ships responses predictable.”

Ah and there was that underhanded jab at them to try and help her feel safe behind her false sense of superiority. Interesting indeed.

“As to your last question,” Miri took a far more clinical posture that Cara would instantly recognize. Miri was shedding her aloof demeanor and getting into more direct issues. “Nothing. If you are not a citizen of the Galactic Union, our laws would not pertain to you. I will say however there is a caveat. No one we encounter has ever refused membership into the Galactic Union when they see all the advantages we afford their civilization.” Miri let that settle in before diving into the deeper question she thought Cara might be asking. “For the sake of argument though lets say you did break a law and were a member of the Galactic Union. In that case we have individuals knows as Adjudicators. They arrive on the scene to process the alleged offence. They pronounce judgement and then the penalty code is applied accordingly. This can range from public apologies to removal from our society. Only a few crimes as so severe they warrant removal and based on the crime, I may be summoned to evaluate someone’s mental status. If we find there is no probable way to re-educate someone then why even have them in your society.” It was a very brief summation of their legal system. “If you want to role play give me a specific crime and we can discuss the punishment”

Miri Vane

If Miri’s posture became more formal, Cara’s relaxed. “I ask just ta get an idea of yer culture. Ya say yer adjudicators are, well the phrase we use here is ‘judge, jury, and executioner.’ I was curious if your society thought that power extended outside of itself. Now as to yer other statement that no one turns away the Union. I am curious what would happen when a culture does no want ta be a member. The Federation has yet ta meet anyone who does no want ta be part of us as well. It shall be interestin’ ta see how our bosses work that out.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Refusal to join is an act of suicide. The Union provides everything and anything a society needs including protection. If a civilization chooses not to join then when an enemy attacks we do not waste our resources in helping. We do not believe in waste. That is why we don’t have prisons in the traditional sense. If you are not going to add to the advancement of our society we do not need you. You live in a back water corner of the galaxy. There are enemies that would crush your Federation like a beer can and toss it over their shoulder before you could muster your troops. The only reason you live in this peaceful tranquility is because you are so back water and and primitive no one cares to look for you. I mean do you turn over every rock when hiking or just go about your way.”

Miri Vane

My she was aggressive. Hall snorted from his spot as if detecting it. If she told Miri she did turn over rock and leaf when hiking, she’d probably think Cara was making fun of her. “Many don’a, but that does no mean that the insects are unhappy ta be over looked. I think perhaps they are quite happy ta be left in peace.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Yes but insects don’t have the luxury of being sentient beings such as we are. They go about their day blindly until their death. The Union seeks to enlighten so that they understand they hold a place in the universe and as such should contribute to it.” In some ways, Miri longed for the naietvity of this part of the galaxy. They had no idea what the Union had fought and suffered against the enemy to provide them such a quiet little place in the cosmos. She also pitied them for their stubbornness in accepting membership into the Union.

But only contribute as the Galatic Union sees fit Cara thought. “I know many telepathic species who would argue that you are incorrect in that assumption.”

“You have divine here,” Miri asked. If that was the case, the prophecies from the ancient texts may have more truth than poetry.

“Divine? No, they are just people with telepathy,” Cara said. Out of all the telepathic species she knew, none of them considered themselves gods.

Miri reclined more into her seat. Since this was a fact finding mission, Miri decided to pose a question to Cara. “So tell me does your Federation have a religion or spiritual center?”

Miri Vane

“There are many such places across the Federation for those that need such things. But as a whole, the Federation bases our understanding of the universe on science. We have evolved and are enlightened beyond the primitive need ta explain natural forces with revering imaginary friends.” Cara sat relaxed in her chair as if they were discussing how nice it was that star ships didn’t have weather patterns to contend with.

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

“Tell me,” Miri looked at her inquisitively. “How does your Federation differentiate between sentient and non sentient life forms?” Miri was very interested in Cara’s response. It would tell her vast amounts of information about this government.

Miri Vane

“The Federation defines sentience as having intelligence and self-awareness. Some scientist argue that consciousness is another possible criteria, but it is too nebulous a concept ta precisely define sentience or not,” Cara answered. “And the Galactic Union? How do ya define sentience?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri settled back into her seat. “We define sentience in the same way but also include consciousness. Our official defining quality is the capacity to have subjective experiences and feelings, such as pain, pleasure, or fear. A sentient being is consciously aware of these sensations, unlike non-sentient organisms that may react to stimuli but have no inner experience.” It was a philosophical debate now but that was how one found common ground and began to understand the principals of the Galactic Union. “Now this is just a basic definition and I am sure both our civilizations accept that while things such as bacteria and viruses are living and respond to their environment, sentient creatures have actual awareness, making it a key aspect of consciousness.”

“Take your pet over there,” she indicated the pig like creature. “It absolutely demonstrates feelings and has some marked degree of intelligence. We can love our pets and they return the affection. We can be cruel to them and they show fear. They can learn tricks and survival in the wild without any help from us. As I said I have my own pet back on the ship. I would even go as far as to suggest that some animals are far better judges of character than some of my own people.” The comment was a way to lighten the mood a bit. Anyone that had ever owned a pet knew how smart they could be and how they at times could cut through the noise of manners sensing almost the intent of others.

“Now the Union also includes sapience in our definition of higher life. We define sapience as the capacity for wisdom, deep understanding, and sound judgment involving higher-order cognitive abilities such as reasoning, abstract thinking, self-reflection, and moral consideration. I think we agree so far that while animals can solve problems, use tools, even communicate in their own ways, they don’t reflect on the meaning of their actions. They don’t wonder why they exist, or what’s right and wrong. We do. That’s what makes us different. This ability to think abstractly, to question, to reason in ways that go beyond instinct or survival. It’s why we have art, philosophy, laws. It’s not just about being clever—it’s about being aware of our own minds.” Her monologue was just to set up a common definition of the terms to be use as the conversation expanded. People might have little differences in the way they accepted this definition but generally it was more semantic differences.

“We don’t see our belief in something grander and better than ourselves a a primitive ideology. There are things science can not explain such as why we have sapience and animals don’t when essentially we all start out the same: a group of cells grown from some sort of reproduction. Something happens at the moment of creation that is different for us than it is for animals. For us it is the by the hand of God.” Miri had opened a specific conversational topic and was interested in Cara’s response. “So speaking in generalities because you have mentioned that there is spiritual ideologies here and they probably are not the same, how does your science explain the difference between your ability to contribute to the Federation and your pet over there?”

Miri Vane

“Evolution. Through environment and experience and mutation we have evolved along a different path than they have. And the most common hypothesis is we developed the opposable thumb,” Cara said. “As for the ability to understand one’s place in the universe. The only way to truly know if my targ contemplates his place in the universe would be to read his mind.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Somehow it felt like a trick statement or at least a way to deflect from the conversation. The conversation was a hard one for some but Miri had engaged in this sort of philosophical debate since she entered service. “Evolution has its place,” Miri conceded. “It is not that we don’t believe in science or even evolution. Both can have their place in faith for those intellectually open enough to explore new ideas.” She was baiting the woman slightly. “However if you are looking at scientific facts, then why do animals that have lived for millions of years not evolved enough to be sitting here having a debate with me instead of you. Or,” Miri studied the woman intently as she formed her next question, “if you believe that your Targ is capable of knowing his place in the universe then why do you keep him on a leash as a pet..” She paused long enough to let her absurd comment sink in. The Federation might be a young civilization but they certainly were advanced enough to partake in philosophical debates about humanity.

“Perhaps it is the place he wants. No all species, no all living things, are power hungry.” It was an absurd statement from Miri, and Miri knew that, but Cara wasn’t here to argue with the woman. She was here to learn about her and vice-versa. Not dance around the edge of starting a war. “As for why I have apparently evolved further than my targ? Well that would be a matter for deep scientific research. It could be many things. Environment, mutations, exposure or lack of exposure ta certain reactions in the universe. Perhaps, it is the ability ta no adapt. Everythin’ he needs he is able ta get the way he is. He can survive and thrive on his own as he is. Perhaps he does no need ta evolve. There is a hypothesis in evolutionary study that those born with mutations survived because those without it were incapable of adapting as they were in order to survive.” Cara smiled. “Or perhaps, the truth is they are more evolved than we are. They live a life of luxury and ease. They do not have ta hunt, find food, or fight off predators. We do that for our pets. Perhaps the truth is, we are their pets instead. How incredibly cunning to trick whole sentient species inta takin’ care of their needs so that they all live as kings.”

There was no point in taking this much farther if the woman was going to suggest that animals has more sapience than those in the Federation. Miri didn’t understand why the woman was so avoidant of the topic and giving only flippant replies. Taking a moment she nodded as if processing Cara’s statements.

Miri was treading into what they called hot button topics. “Are you choosing to not have an intellectual debate or are you just scared to have one because I can stop if the topic is too intense. There must be other counselors for me to engage with?” Miri did not want to end the interaction. She felt confident Cara was holding back for some unknown reason. The woman was an expert in her field. That was abundantly clear. The Captain would not have sent in someone who didn’t have the ability to represent the Federation and the Captain herself in a sense if Kelly did not believe in this woman.

Miri Vane

Cara laughed loudly and with obvious mirth. Tears coming to her eyes. After a moment she wiped her eyes and blew out a breath. “Oh my, there is that insultin’ again. I am engagin’ in an intellectual debate with ya. I just see no reason ta get mad and argue. However, if ya want someone more confrontational I can arrange that. Or perhaps ya are not capable of keepin’ up with what I am sayin’? I can simplify my explanations if ya like?”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri gave her an expression of disbelief and blinked her eyes for a moment. “Actually no I am not able to keep up with what you are saying because it makes no sense. I was talking about my religion and faith but you seem not to be able to contemplate why I have such strong faith. I am not offended,” Miri stated. “I am just thought we would be engaging in something deep than what our favorite colors are. It appears to me that you have come with a set of preconceived notions about our people and that is fine. We are not unsed to that but I am at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the Federation and I really don’t want to report back to my superiors that you find pets more enlightened and evolved than you Federation so I suggest we start over with a topic less intense. How about,” Miri took the tone of a therapist searching for a topic that would shift the power dynamic so Cara felt more like the clinician and not the client. “You ask me a question. Anything you want,” Miri opened her arms in a broad gesture indicating nothing was off the table to be discussed.

Miri Vane

“Actually I never said whether I understood or was capable of understandin’ why ya had faith or not. Ya asked if the Federation had centers of faith and I gave ya an honest answer. Now as ta my pet bein’ more enlightened,” Cara shrugged, “I was engagin’ in philosophical debate. This obviously upsets ya, or perhaps is even forbidden by the Galactic Union because the study of philosophy innately requires us to contemplate the improbable and that which challenges the universe as we know it.”

Miri struggled to understand the constant rhetorical nature of Cara’s responses. The woman seemed to be speaking more in riddles than making direct statements. She also found it funny to think that anything the woman said could upset her. Miri was strong in her faith and conviction. Whether Cara liked or disliked her faith in her own civilization did not matter to Miri. Cara obviously believed in whatever this Federation stood for so why was it so odd for Miri to have the same conviction. As to the philosophical debate, Miri was needed to move to more concrete discussions. She nodded politely as Cara spoke letting the woman expression her opinion.

Cara almost laughed again. She knew what Miri was doing. She was trying to make Cara feel in control. The thing was, Cara had been in control the whole time. By ‘giving Cara a position of power’ Miri was trying to give herself the power. To indicate she was the one that could give or take it. “First, yer wrong. Of all the people that were partnered in this meeting of strangers, I am the only one that has had no direct contact with any member of yer Galactic Union. I have no preconceived notions. Ya should honestly evaluate yer own. And I think I’ll leave the questions for ya. Ya see, yer Galactic Union came here, yer Galactic Union sought us out, yer Galactic Union sent a reconnaissance force, or,” Cara paused, “they were no sent, but rogue. Which is a different scenario. Yer the ones who are curious and want somethin’ from us. Yer the one with the questions.”

Lt. Mardusk, counselor

Miri was feeling her frustration grow with this situation. “Okay we are going to have a hard reset.” If Cara did not want to make this a casual banter or ask question, Miri would take charge. “I think you are grossly misinformed about what is going on and why we are here.” There was nothing menacing or emotional about her response. It was the familiar tone therapists took when starting an interaction with a new client although Cara was not a client and this was not a session. “To parse your last statements, first off we want nothing from you. In fact if we did not recieve the distress call from Patron Novar there is little to no chance we would have even found this ship. To be blunt, we are not interested in your Federation. We are only interested in our own people. Yes we are curious about you because you are a new civilization that we encountered but it is curiosity like anything new. As to the people that came here before us, their arrival here and why is as much a mystery to us as it was to you. I hate to break it to you but your Federation is not that important in the scheme of the universe. Civilizations rise and fall like the waves on a beach. Our arrival is significant to you because apparently your interaction with the Elders was less than ideal. I am sure that Chancellor Pellan Vell is discussing that with your Captain. Since you have no knowledge about our culture or civilization, per your comment about having no direct contact with any member of the Galactic Union, then everything you have said is based on suppositions. So I am going to suggest we start fresh. I like pottery. Back home my grandmother taught me and it is something I enjoy. Creating something new and fresh I made with my own hands. You suggested that I pose all questions so what is your favorite hobby?”

Miri Vane

bump