Libernobis

This was the perfect example of a new world meeting the old. Stone columns, most of which had been restored after the Occupation, bore the faces of figures in Bajor’s history. The column closest to her was of a woman, dressed in thick robes, with her hands clasped in front of her praying to the Prophets. The next one was of one of Bajor’s noted Kais’. In between each of the wide set columns, windows doubled as eyes over Jalanda City. Kira liked to imagine that the sacred statues were observing, watching with a benevolent gaze as Bajor flourished after the Cardassians fled their planet. Shifting her gaze from the windows, Kira Nerys looked back at the assembly currently occupying the municipal center.

As if the distinct grey and black jumper uniforms weren’t enough, Federation banners had been erected in the hall. Though, she had to admit that at least they were a tasteful size. Unfortunately, the presence of the officers was much more obtrusive than the banners that had been displayed for the day. Tensions were hot in the hall as the simple meeting about the Bajoran religion and its impact on Federation officers had escalated to a debate about the religious practices of Federation officers.

The catalyst in the debate was clear, though surprising. Commander Vorak, a Vulcan with a yellow-olive skin tone and sharp black hair, had brought up the point that Captain Sisko, arguably a hero and significant key player in the Dominion War, wouldn’t be deceased now had it not been for the apparent ‘gods’ of the Bajorans. Kira understood the reaction of her countrymen at the accusation. After all, her reaction would’ve been the same around the time that Terok Nor became Deep Space 9. It was because she was seasoned by exposure to the Federation, a secular institution, that kept her own anger controlled. Nevertheless, it was there and Kira restrained herself as she watched the Vulcan step down from the podium he was speaking into.

Commander Mensah, a tall, thin woman with chocolate skin, stepped up. Before the conference today, she was introduced to the pretty human and instantly, Kira had liked her. Mensah had an open air about her, as if everything that came out of her mouth was sincere and honest. And, while the dark skinned human hadn’t said anything, she talked like she walked with the Prophets, like faith was a part of her. Tuning back to what Mensah said, Kira breathed in deeply as she repeated her mantra: don’t lose your temper, don’t lose your temper.

“….and, while the Federation does not officially recognize a singular entity as a ‘god’, it is at the very foundation of the United Federation of Planets to accept and embrace the different cultures. Religion is part of a different culture and, how can we presume to believe that it is within our rights to infringe on the beliefs of Starfleet personnel?”

Lesedi Mensah paused and looked to the stoic faced Vulcan whose suggestion was so invasive. “As someone whose foundation of practices and belief is based on logic, how would it impact your rights and ability to perform your duty if you are no longer allowed to, for example, research.” Lesedi did pause, but not long enough to allow herself to be interrupted.

“Design, mathematics and science, all studies based in logic, are some of the most important facets of the Federation, however they are no more or less important than our cultural tolerance and desire to explore.” This time when the Commander paused, she didn’t immediately resume. Her lips, vaguely reminding Kira of an upside down heart, pursed together as she looked over the officers. They already knew what she’d told them but Vulcans, Kira discovered, had a unique talent of making anything sound reasonable and logical.

“At this time I would like to present Major Kira Nerys to speak on behalf of the religious community on Bajor.”

Kira breathed in deeply, asked the Prophets for patience, and approached the podium as Commander Mensah stepped down.

“To begin with,” Kira started after a few moments of surveying the crowd “Federation efforts to recover the bodies of Captain Benjamin Sisko and Gul Skrain Dukat were unsuccessful. The extensive efforts returned absolutely nothing. Only one body was recovered, and that was the body of Winn Adami. No physical evidence was found to suggest that either of them were somehow burnt to nothing.”

Kira told them and breathed in. “So, it is inaccurate to state that Benjamin Sisko is dead. He is simply missing until we have further proof that he ceases to exist.” It was easier for Vorak to say that the Emissary was dead. If he was dead, that only gave his argument more validity. Her goal wasn’t to prove him wrong, only to prove that he may not be right. Taking a sip of the water she’d been provided with, she looked back at the Starfleet officers. Admiral Ross had been a part of the Dominion War and, seeing his face tilted to the side as he waited for her to continue, Kira honestly wasn’t sure if she was comforted by his presence.

“Our time of association has not always been optimal for the best communication. The Occupation, our transition to a free state, and then the Dominion War all were not the best platforms for a free exchange of culture and ideas. The Bajoran people, or at least I, do not expect the Federation to understand our faith. It is very complex and takes a lifetime to learn when you are Bajoran, it is unreasonable to expect you to.” Kira finished with an amused smile, but the Bajoran cleared her throat and it disappeared.

“Because we do not expect you to understand our religion, I do not expect you to fully….accept when a non-Bajoran subscribes to our beliefs. Benjamin Sisko was a spiritual leader in our faith before he even knew it. Regardless, he eventually embraced his role within the Bajoran culture. His sacrifice was made because of his beliefs, just as any person with strong spiritual convictions would. It is the same sacrifice any officer would make for their government.”

“As a follower of the Prophets and a soldier, I do understand your dilemma. However, I do not agree with it. By questioning if an officer can or should practice their spiritual beliefs is asking them to put their government before their gods.” Kira paused and pursed her lips. “This has never gone very well throughout history.” As she stepped back, Kira thought that she should’ve rehearsed better. Though, as she took the three steps back to the seating, the Bajoran had to fight back a smile. They didn’t ask any questions, which in turn didn’t provoke her temper. Everybody won.

Sitting back down, Kira watched as the speaker, a Bajoran officer who had been remarkably unbiased, resumed his post. Thankfully, the rest of the presentation was considerably quicker; or maybe she just didn’t notice it as much now that her part was done.

Once the assembly was dismissed, Kira saw the dark skinned officer. Briefly she reflected that her skin was a touch darker than the Emissary’s had been. Mensah spotted her about the same time and exchanging smiles, Kira cut through the grew jumpsuits to reach the Commander.

“I don’t believe we’ve actually met face to face, Major. I’m Commander Lesedi Mensah.” She stated and firmly shook the human’s hand, pleased that her grip wasn’t limp.

“It’s nice to meet you Commander. I appreciate your investment in this debate. I hope it is resolved before it becomes too much of a hot issue.” The last thing she wanted was more conflict. Her entire life was so heavily dotted with it, was it so much to ask to keep a boring existence for a little longer?

Walking with Mensah, Kira listened as she began to speak.

“I find what Vorak wants to do to be unreasonable. But, I was raised with certain spiritual beliefs, I can’t imagine having to choose between my duty to my faith and my duty to the uniform. I don’t feel that anyone should have to.” There was a pause and Mensah’s thick lips turned into a pretty smile. “And, call me Lesedi. I’ve never been one for the formalities.”

Kira was right. She did like the woman. It was nice to see that Lesedi’s open face was a reflection of her personality. “It’s refreshing to hear that. I’m sure that there are religions all across the Federation just as there is on Bajor, but it is still good to get such active support—“ Kira paused when she heard the soft sound of her insignia on her chest. Politely excusing herself from Lesedi, Kira stepped away before tapping her communicator.

“Kira here,” The voice on the other end was some new lieutenant that had been transferred to Deep Space 9.

“The Dominion ship arrived through the wormhole and had taken heavy damage. We used a tractor beam to take it in and Doctor Bashir is treating injuries.” The Major stilled and her eyes widened.

“Why wasn’t I told as soon as the ship came through the wormhole?!” Her anger became apparent as she started towards the exit without bidding goodbye to Lesedi.

Having taken one of the station’s shuttles down to Bajor, she knew that she could make it back to the station quickly. The conversation with the lieutenant was short as he told her that their Chief Engineer, a Bajoran named Renal Bergus, was already investigating the damage to the ship. With no more information for the Lieutenant to provide, Kira left a brief message for Commander Mensah before departing for the station. A wounded crew and a damaged Dominion vessel was a horrible way to start rebuilding a relationship.

As someone always concerned about his appearance, Weyoun had been immensely pleased when his clothing was clean again and he was able to straighten up his hair. Knowing that he was once again put together made sitting in front of a disgruntled Kira Nerys more tolerable. Though, she was still strained and had expressed that quite well so far.

“Do you mean to tell me that you don’t know what happened to cause your ship, your crew to be in that condition?” the Major questioned after Weyoun finished his admittingly bare recounting. Giving the Bajoran a patronizing smile, Weyoun slowly breathed in through his nose.

“As I recounted to you Major Kira, our ship departed Dominion space on a course to the wormhole. When we were nearing it, some unknown event occurred that caused me to go unconscious,” Weyoun said with a deliberately patient tone. “When I woke up, the ship was in distress and my crew unconscious.

“I can only hypothesize that there was some accident aboard the ship,” he continued “that somehow affected everything on it.” If they had been attacked, he had every confidence that the Jem’hadar would do exactly what the Founders engineered them to do, which was to fight and win. It was too bad that they did not engineer them to never be rendered unconscious, then they would have evidence other than burnt out computers and scorch marks on the hull.

Weyoun’s large lavender eyes watched Kira’s warmer eyes from across the desk as she debated this. Kira sighed and Weyoun only offered a simple smile. “It seems very convenient that on the first official return of the Dominion under peaceful communications, your ship is” the Major paused, looking at the somewhat slight built Vorta in front of her. “compromised.”

“I agree, it is quite an interesting coincidence. However no matter how much you question me, I still will not know what happened until the crews are done.” Weyoun’s diplomatic experience kept the strain off his face as he gave her another very clearly false smile. The Major stood, forced to be content with the situation. Taking that as a cue, he stood up as well and clasped his hands. “Now that that is cleared up…”

Kira wasn’t sure if she was relieved that the Vorta seemed to be distracted on the way to Bajor. Since she laid eyes on him in the infirmary, Weyoun hadn’t had that same air about him. While it was difficult to for her to put specific words to the attitude, his utter and blind faith in the Founders created this cloud of arrogance. At least, Kira thought that that had to be it. Though, he was condescending, cruel, and an expert liar. Perhaps he just seemed all the more alien when he wasn’t putting on fronts.

“Major,” Kira blinked when the pale skinned Vorta addressed her. Regarding him expectantly, Nerys waited for him to continue.

“Like you, my beliefs in the gods…in my gods, is unshakeable.” Weyoun started and didn’t actually look at her, his eyes on a PADD in his hand that contained the day’s news. “But, I find it to be important for us to understand the faiths of other people.” Finally, he looked up to her and offered Kira another one of his smiles, though right then they weren’t quite the same.

“So, with the spirit of understanding in mind, I would like to visit one of your orbs.” Kira opened her mouth, but when he held up a hand, her voice stalled in her throat.

“Major, I assure you, all I desire is a better understanding of your culture.” Weyoun told her and Kira was almost taken back by how sincere he sounded. Usually, the Vorta had such a false tone that it was almost sickening. Hesitating, she finally nodded.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Kira finally agreed.