So... Last post on this thread.... The change is about to happen... Any surprises in store?
Lucy
Chapter 11
Ehliena walked onto holodeck two, stunned to see the number of people gathered in such a space, though she had to admit that the greatest percentage were of the Symehk. Quickly she joined Beverly and Geordi, who were talking quietly to The Manager and The Librarian.
Captain Picard was joined by Cdr Riker, who were discussing something quietly with The Sentinel, the looks on their faces encouraging.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.” Lwaxana Troi was in her element, The Manager had inadvertently asked her to host proceedings, which meant a simple affair had become something much larger.
Aunt, please… These people are not like you – they do not need to be the centre of attention…Ehliena heard a slight chuckle in her mind in response to her comment.
“As Ambassador of Betazed, with all titles associated therewith…” Ehliena raised an eyebrow slightly, knowing how long that list could be… “I would like to formally welcome you all to today’s ceremony.”
“Today, our guests from the planet of Symehk will assume human form, to enable their race to join with those of us of the Federation. They bring with them gifts and knowledge that we are only now beginning to understand, in return, we offer friendship and hope for the future.”
“Today will be known as ‘Transition Day’ and be remembered for two reasons, one a celebration of new life and a new beginning and secondly as a Commemoration and Memorial Day for those that were unable to join us. They will not be forgotten.”
“The first transition stages have already taken place and each Symehk has the template of human form. They will now complete their journey each adopting a specific persona. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you – The Manager.”
Ehliena was stunned by her Aunt’s movement to a more supportive position, rather than trying to control the proceedings – moving to one side, catching her eye, she was surprised when her Aunt gave her a wink.
There are going to be a few surprises, so be ready...The Manager’s blue aura filled the room, and it began to speak quietly, “It was our decision that our people should become humanoid from the beginning – our ancestors were human and we felt it was that form that we should return to. Hearing that our race has evolved into nomads, while we have – essentially – remained home bound assured us that we would have to search for a slightly different identity.”
“Through discussion with various members of the crew, we felt that it would be most appropriate to choose a form and identity that would fit in most easily with our new home – our new friends.”
Ehliena felt the room take a deep breath as Guinan stepped closer to her. Although the two of them had worked closely with the Symehk when they first arrived on the Enterprise, the last few weeks had seen their meetings with them diminish, as her Aunt and other liaison officers had taken over. Ehliena had been quite relieved to get back to her normal duties.
The Manager continued, “We have therefore chosen the style and identities of the people of Earth from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.”
Stepping to one side, the Manager, and those of his council made space for their people. Slowly, the colours began to fade and the Symehk began to assemble themselves into two groups. One group slowly began to assume female features, the other male. Just as the situation could be deemed possibly embarrassing, the Symehk added clothing to their forms. The ‘older’ members being slightly more formal in their dress than younger members, teenagers adopting the ‘denim’ look of various generations. When all were complete, Ehliena could see smiles in all directions.
Captain Picard stepped forwards for a moment, “Welcome to all of the Symehk people, I just hope I will be able to learn your chosen names before you leave us.” He turned to the Symehk council. “and what of you my friends? We have not seen you change.”
The Manager chuckled, “We have chosen to be a little more… Identifiable… We hope that by adopting the persona and identity of more well known people from your past, it will help us become more quickly integrated on your world.”
“Each of us have noted people of great respect by individuals from your crew and have selected personas based on that respect. Ambassador Troi, you have shown great respect and admiration for an Earth leader and as you and I will be working together closely, I have chosen to adopt that identity, though we will keep our positions to hopefully avoid confusion”
Slowly the Manager changed form, several crew members gasping at the final result. Ehliena smiled, her Aunt would certainly have a challenge matching wits with the legendary Nelson Mandela… She chuckled as the Librarian became writer JRR Tolkien and openly roared with laughter at Geordi’s consternation as a council member known as the Teacher became Einstein.
All the changes were slow but smooth, until only the Sentinel was left. Manager Mandela stepped forwards once more.
“For a long time, the Sentinel has scanned the galaxy looking for help for our people; it was the first to receive contact from the Enterprise and has done much to help our people settle in to our new life. Recently it came to us with a request – that it would be allowed to travel with the Enterprise, using its skill and knowledge to say thank you for all that this ship and her crew have done for us. We, the Symehk Council, have agreed to this request. Captain Picard, the request was also made to you, we await your decision.”
Jean-Luc Picard stepped forward, “Manager Mandela, we have considered your request and would be delighted to have the Sentinel join us on board.”
At his words, the Sentinel began to change as smoothly as its people, but much more quickly, Ehliena watched, intrigued by what she saw. The Sentinel spoke softly, “I too have chosen a person who seems to generate great respect in a member of this crew. Did I get it right Ehliena?”
An amused chuckle from the direction of Will Riker was quickly muffled and cut short as Ehliena froze in her place, unable to say anything to the figure standing in front of her. There was no mistaking the stance, the blue eyes and red hair; even the voice sounded the same. Ehliena stared at the personification of Lieutenant Horatio Caine…