So... We need to know a little more about the Ambassador do we...? As for the Sentinel - He has an important question to ask...
Enjoy
Lucy
Chapter 10
Ehliena relaxed back on her lounger, enjoying the Miami sun, she hadn’t had the chance to escape to her little paradise for quite a while, but now she had a couple of hours of free time, she was going to make the most of it, especially as her Aunt was due later that day.
Lwaxana Troi was a formidable woman, but at least Ehliena did not dread her visits as her cousin Deanna had. Admittedly, being in her Aunt’s presence was a test in its own right and she had heard several stories with regards to her Aunt’s fixation on Captain Picard, but an encounter with Dr Timicin of Kaelon II had slightly mellowed the exuberant Ambassador for a short time.
She was debating whether to run a program or just to stay with the 20th century music she had been listening to when a polite query impinged on her conscious. “Ehliena, may I join you for a moment?”
She sighed and welcomed the Sentinel onto the holodeck, smiling at the latest change to the entity’s shape. All of the Symehk had now adopted a human ‘form’ – that is, their outline was that of a human, and they now walked – or in the case of the juniors, ran – everywhere. Their colourful energy still pulsed within the confines of the outline. “The Commander said I would probably find you here – and the computer confirmed it.”
Ehliena sat up from her reclining position a little startled by the Sentinel’s tone which seemed a little sad. “Is there something wrong?”
A sigh echoed in her mind, “No… not really. I have been asked to tell you that my people will begin the final transformation tomorrow and to invite you to the ceremony.”
“Ceremony?”
“Mr Data suggested that we mark this day with a ceremony so that it can be remembered by our descendents; a day where we found new purpose and new form in our life, but also to remember those that could not be with us.”
“Is that what makes you sad?”
“A little. I do wish that more of us had been able to make it. We have discovered that we have so much to offer – and a great deal to receive in return.”
Ehliena gave a soft smile, “You will be welcomed into the Federation Sentinel – as you say you have a great deal to offer – not only your skills, but as a people. I am sure you will be happy on Earth.”
“No… I am not going to join my people.”
The empath was almost at a loss for words, “Why?”
The soft tone came back to her, “I have been alone for such a long time in my duty as Sentinel that I have always felt separated from them, I would find it difficult to live among a large population. My skills are varied – I never specialized – unlike the Historian and Librarian who are both linguists of a high degree.”
“What will you do? Where will you go?”
Ehliena could almost feel the smile in the Sentinel’s voice, “I have asked if I may remain on the Enterprise, as a liaison officer for my people with others. The Captain is considering my request.” The Sentinel paused for a moment. “Ehliena, if I am permitted to join the Enterprise, do you think I will have friends here?”
Ehliena returned the smile, “Of course you will… Data certainly will be a friend and Geordi after the help you have given them in engineering, and most likely Commander Riker. The Captain will also value your assistance if he has a mission of a diplomatic nature, and as time passes, you will make more friends as you get to know more people.”
“Will you be my friend too Ehliena?”
For a moment Ehliena was puzzled by the request – the tone soft but seeming a little hesitant. Putting her thoughts to one side, she nodded her head, “Of course, I will always be your friend.”
“Thank you and you will join us tomorrow won’t you?”
Ehliena grinned, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world…” The Sentinel turned slowly and excused itself, leaving her to relax, although she pondered for a short time on the strange nature of the Sentinel’s conversation.
Waiting for more. 