Intentions

Posted on Mon Nov 2nd, 2026 @ 9:44am by Mora'thil & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6 - Episode 8- The Price of Home
1025 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Mora'thil gaze swept the room, noting how the Starfleet officers had spread out since their entrance. There was a great many of them. Interesting they brought so many to this gathering. Did that not deplete some of their strength on board their ship? Just one ship. Travelling an entire galaxy in one ship. Should they lose that one ship, what would they do, she wondered.

She looked for someone not engaged in conversation and found Gary. The marks on his collar indicated he was highly ranked. If she recalled correctly, this individual was the second in command.

She glided in his direction. "How are you enjoying this evening?" she asked.

Gary had been observing the interaction of the Elysium officers and some crew in their dress white uniforms and how they mixed or clashed with the various other colors of the various diplomats and their entourages. He had been so focused he did hear her glide to him. Her voice startled him at its proximity. "Oh, it is quite the scene and I am enjoying it. It got me off the bridge." He joked as he racked his brain on who he was talking to.

"I am glad to hear. None of us are sure what sort of 'scenes' appeal to your people. This one seems to appeal much more to some of your people than to others." She pressed the tips of her fingers together and nodded slightly. "I am Mora'thil, and it's very good to meet you. All of you."

"You did very well. It is an excellent setting one of relaxation social interaction. My compliments to you and the others." Gary replied before adding "Gary Taylor and the pleasure is mine." As she mentioned her name a bell inside his head rang.

"Do you have such events on your worlds?" Mora'thil asked. "And for those of you less comfortable tonight, is there anything we can do for them?"

Gary nodded, "Oh yes, they are common on my world and for a variety of reasons. As for those being less comfortable, you are being perfect hosts. The uncomfortableness comes being, intereacting in big crowds but thank you for asking, that is greatly appreciated."

"If they have difficulty with crowds they must have significant fortitude living within your ship for as long as you have," Mora'thil mused. "And I cannot take credit for this Zypheran welcome. I am as much a guest as you, although with somewhat less fanfare. We are curious to see where this project leads. What you are suggesting is an immense undertaking. Even if the project ultimately fails, the journey there will have far-reaching consequences."

Gary smiled, "Not quite the same on board the ship as in most cases you are dealing with small groups of people. Maybe just your department." He paused as he looked out at the large number of people from different races that had come to meet and learn about the proposed project. "I agree the journey itself is important and to have everyone focused on a shared goal and in that regard there is no failure."

"If, for whatever reason, the Erebus project does not come to pass, what do you suppose you'll do?" Mora'thil asked.

Gary didn't hesitate with an answer. "If this project does not come to fruition then we'll continue to do what we are currently doing,... making our way back to our home in the Milky Way galaxy."

"You would never settle down? Never consider making Circinus your home? Whether on your ship or on a planet?"

"I wouldn't and won't say never but the desire to get home is very strong and powerful. To see family, loved ones is what spurs us on." Gary explained.

Mora'thil nodded. "I think if I was stranded as you are, I would at first wish to return home, but in time would probably choose to stay. There would be so much new to learn. As it is, I feel like I will only get a casual understanding of your people in our time here. So many different histories, different cultures. To have so many live peacefully while confined on one ship...such an arrangement is rare here. And from what I have heard of your Federation... we have nothing similar. There are trade federations which bring together many different people, but it is for a specific purpose. Is that what you are hoping for here? A new version of your Federation?"

"It may come to the point in time that we do decide to stay but we haven't reached that point yet." Gary conceded. "However, the Elysium is a small city." He acknowledged and as you noted so many different cultures and we do liv peacefully. The Federation is a grand achievement. So many different worlds, different people but all united in a goal for betterment of not just the member worlds but all." He thought on Mora'thil's question and replied. "Perhaps in time it will expand and become like our Federation but one must first start with small steps. After all you crawl before you walk and you walk before you run. But if you are all truly united there is no reason that this humble beginning cannot grow into something wonderous."

There was a pause in Mora'thil's manner. The bioluminescence along her skin dimmed and slightly pulsed. "Will you think less of them if they choose not to form something like your Federation? Your 'something wondrous?"

Gary shook his head, "Absolutely not. I already have great respect and admiration for all involved for even considering coming and working together. For willing to entertain the thought that this is all possible. I fully understand what is being asked of all parties and what an enormous undertaking it is. I think just having them in the same room willing to listen is a major accomplishment."

"Depends on the representative. Some look primarily to line their own pockets. Other may have arrived more out of concern than an intent of cooperation," Mora'thil replied. Then, she stood. "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance, Captain. I do hope you assuage their concerns. Have a good evening."