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That's my Q #74 - The AwakeningOFF: Howdy! I'm joining mid mission here. I play the new civilian – a chaplain who is currently confused that there is no command crew. Feel free to come see him when your conscience dictates. Alex yim: alxnjsh ON: <<Earth>> Gavin sat quietly on the shore. It was a chilly July day and the breeze swept across the cold Pacific and danced across Alaska's land. He raised his orange turtleneck sweater to cover his Adam's apple. His cheeks were wind burnt to a soft pink and his lips lost what little moisture they had. It was three weeks ago when he was sitting in the café owned by his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Patrice when a Federation official sat next to him. It was a warm spring day and he was enjoying a cup of tea. The patio outside was empty and Gavin quietly turned a page of the ancient text in his hands. The words were scribed in both Latin and Greek and recounted the mystery of Saint Scholastica, the patron saint of rain. "Gavin?" His aunt's voice echoed from inside. Gavin carefully lowered the text, "Out here Aunt Pat." He called back. A few moments later an unknown woman dressed in the bright red of a Starfleet uniform stepped through the sliding doors onto the patio. "Are you –" Pausing, as if frightened not to use the correct title the woman waited for Gavin to insert the correct honorific. Gavin closed the text, setting it on the table. "Gavin?" He questioned. "Yes, Gavin Quinn." The ½ Bandi ½ human nodded slightly, "How can I help you…" He looked at the woman's collar, "Lieutenant…" "Lieutenant Halverson." She finished his probe. "Ah, Lieutenant Halverson, how can I help you?" Gavin said offering her a chair. "I'll get right to the point," Halverson began. Gavin breathed in the aromatic tea and thought to himself, "I didn't expect anything less." "I've been asked to offer you a position within Star-, within the Federation on a Starbase." She said sitting fully erect in her chair. "I see," Gavin said, "And where is the position." "It's on Starbase 47." Halverson said. "And they need me?" Gavin questioned. Halverson nodded once, "A starbase functions very much like a small planet. There are diverse cultures who have spiritual needs to attend to." "A civilian?" "In Starfleet commission and rank matters most in command situations. It gives crew a figure to focus upon as the leader who has final say. In fields such as science, medical and to a lesser degree engineering rank is secondary to a position, whereas within security, marine, tactical and command, rank has more emphasis. When you're bleeding from a wound you want a doctor regardless of rank, but when you are in battle you want a Captain who's had experience." The Lieutenant stated with a smile, the first since she arrived. Her back continued to be rigid. "Yes, I see where that would be true." Gavin intoned. "Your position will work closely with the Medical Department and the counselors to attend to the needs of the crew and civilians in which you come in contact." Lieutenant Halverson continued, "Not to mention offering any information you have on the customs of other cultures regarding spirituality and religious practices." Gavin nodded, "Sounds intriguing." He leaned further back in his chair and put his feet up on a chair in front of him. "I have to check with my superior." Gavin said calmly as he thumbed the handle of his mug of tea with his right hand. A flicker of light danced across a lone piece of jewelry that hung loosely on his middle finger…a silver ring with a simple cross and the Latin phrase "Always Faithful" etched on it. Lieutenant Halverson piped, "The Archdiocese has already given its blessing." "Not that superior." Gavin's right lip curled into a smile as his eyes cast upward. The woman looked up, at first not comprehending. It then dawned on her. "Oh…oh!" She nodded, "Of course." She set down the PADD she carried in her hand and got up from the table. "When you…" She wasn't sure what to say, "When you have your answer, we'll be waiting." A millisecond after Lieutenant Halverson walked through the door his aunt scrambled out with a fresh cup of tea. "Who was that and what did she want?" "She came to offer me a position." Gavin said matter-of-factly. A week later Gavin found himself on a transport heading towards Starbase 47. It was a quiet and mostly contemplative trip to 47. There weren't many heading out, but he managed to find his way jumping from ship to ship. Standing in the space bound city, Gavin assumed that there would be more bustle. In fact, he thought there would be A LOT more bustle. The chaplain shrugged and made his way through to his goal – the chapel. Entering a set of doors he was in an entry way, a sort of threshold before entering the sanctuary. Walking over to a screen he read that currently running was a general chapel. He walked to the doors and they opened. Gavin smiled. "Computer, Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel, Anchorage Alaska." The room morphed into a simple chapel. The chaplain made a sign of the cross and walked to the side, a wall of votive candles in red glass holders. He lit a candle and said the Memorare. "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to they protection, implored they help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen." Satisfied with his inner calm, the chaplain turned from the sanctuary… he was determined to find someone and present his credentials. OFF: Gavin Quinn Chaplain Starbase 47 |
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