A Book Shop, a Monk, and a Dog

Posted on Thursday, 26 March 2020 - 2:11pm by Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: Taurus shipyards - Promenade
Timeline: 2393

{ON:}

The Book Shop

Soral strolled lazily across the promenade. He'd finished his medical and had enjoyed the afternoon off. Last night he'd spent the night with Doctor Selin and he hoped to again. He was intrigued by her. It had been so long since he'd not only been with a woman but had let his mind touch another's. It was, obviously, more intimate for a bonded pair but it had been nice to connect with someone and leave the day and the thoughts for one night.

"You look lost in thought. Calculations?"

Soral turned to see Captain Vortek standing there. "Of a sort." He clasped his hands behind him as they walked. Vortek and he were good enough friends for them not to stand on formal greeting. "I owe you thanks for hosting Selin and I."

Vortek studied him. He knew Soral enough to let the matter drop. "The Seleya Kal will stay two more weeks here we must head back to the colony. You are welcome to join us for that time."

"I have to report to my ship soon." He stopped, turned, and looked at Vortek. "I do, however, wish to acquire a few items from your Reldai.

"Of course. She is in meditation now but if you wish come by later in three hours, to be precise."

Soral gave a nod. The two friends parted and Soral continued on his way. He did not have much to transfer to his ship but his sudden contact with Selin had broadened his mind.

As he continued to stroll something caught his eye. A small shop, rather interestingly decorated with a window display, something that he hadn't seen in a long time. He walked over to the shop and was fascinated to find that the standard automated door was replace by a swinging one. He pushed the door inwards and stepped inside of what he saw as a different world. Soral stopped and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. The heavy scent of aged paper struck him.

"Magnificent, isn't it?"

At the gentle sound Soral turned to see a young woman standing not too far from him. She was tall and thin, wearing a long white silk gown. Her chestnut hair, rolled in gentle curls, cascaded down her shoulders. She smiled at him.

"It is... a lot of books."

"Ahhh but one can never have too many books." She sashayed down the first isle. He watched her as she walked, her silk gown a contrast to the wood shelves that were painted black. "Look around, see if something strikes your fancy."

Soral did just that. He walked and wandered the seemingly endless isles using the provide ladders to climb and read the high titles. Ten minutes turned to twenty, to thirty, to hour and beyond. By the passing of the second hour he'd amassed quite a collection. As he made his way to the front the woman smiled warmly. "Ahh, see you are a reader."

"Indeed." He pulled the books from the hover container that she had provided. It seemed to be quite the little device, the only obvious bit of technology in a shop that looked as if it was transported through time. Having paid for his purchases using Universal Credits he headed out to pick up a few more essentials. By the time he'd returned to his quest quarters on the attached station he'd amassed three trunks worth of items.

Shaking his head at his own...little shopping spree he packed his things and then headed to the Seleya Kal. He didn't stay long and he obtained the essentials for meditation that he needed. Lucky for him the trunks he'd amassed in his quarters had some room. He packed the new items carefully and looked around one last time. They would be by to pick up the trunks later that evening.

Until then he decided to head to the local tea shop to pick up some tea.


The Monk

Soral had just seated himself with the Bajoran Spiced tea that he'd gotten. He noted, with some displeasure, that the shop was full. He picked up the book he had brought and began reading. He had the strong ability to tune out the noise. It wasn't long before he was interrupted by an unfamiliar voice.

"May I sit here?"

Soral looked up from his text to find a Bajoran man standing before him. Not just any many but a Monk. It wasn't lost on him that he was now reading a book by a famous Bajoran monk and drinking Bajoran tea. "Indeed." He motioned. He didn't want to be rude but he turned back to his book.

"I see that you are reading the Kayana Way by Prylar Forlara."

"Indeed." Soral closed the book and placed it on the table. Somehow he knew that his peaceful moment was lost. "You are a Prylar as well."

The man smiled as he took a sip of his Bajoran Raka tea. "I am Prylar Latara Edon. The order of the Kai."

Soral gave a nod in recognition. "I am Commander Soral of the USS Fontana."

The short jolly looking Bajoran smiled. "Good to meet you. Not many Vulcans would read such a passionate text."

"I had the pleasure of spending some years at a Vulcan Monastery. While the two are probably different the passion for monastic life is something that is shared. While with Bajor it is the Prophets that are focused on with Vulcan it is the Logic."

"True. Why did you leave the monastery?"

Soral considered the question a little. "It was my time to leave. I thought it best to pursue other training, in Starfleet."

"Hmmm." The Vulcan studied him. "Is that all?"

Soral debated. It was a complicated question with so many factors to consider. "It is a complicated question."

The man laughed. "I'm good at those. So why read this now?"

Another complicated question but one he knew the answer to well. "I am trying to find my balance again. I have not felt that sense of peace since leaving the Monastery."

"Ah. Well...may I offer advice?"

Soral inclined his head. He'd found in his experience that one could often not stop anyone from offering advice but in this case he could use some.

"We Bajoran's believe that there is no such thing as coincidence. We believe that the Prophets lead us to situations that we are in need of. Think on it. You are here," he motioned with his hands. "The café is full and you are drinking Bajoran tea, reading a Bajoran spiritual text and the only seat available to me, a Bajoran Prylar is here. Perhaps the Prophets are guiding you to me or me to you."

"Prylar Latara I do not believe in the Prophets."

The monk smiled, "Nonetheless I am here. Perhaps I can help you find your balance. There are many ways for us to bring that monastic balance to your life now."

Soral raised an eyebrow. "Indeed?"

The conversation went on longer then either had intended and Soral had to admit that he felt... at peace and had already started formulating a new meditation plan.

They had ended up finishing their tea and walking while they talked. Now that he'd walked the Prylar to his shuttle he was on his way back to his quarters to await Ops picking up his trunks.

His path back to his quarters took him through the promenade again and it was there where his life would take another unexpected turn.


The Dog

As Soral walked an unusual sound drew his attention. It was faint but his ears drew him to it. He rounded a corner to see several people gathered around a box. Raising an eyebrow and allowing his curiosity to get the better of him he too headed towards the crowd.

It wasn't long before he figured out what was at the heart of the crowd. There, stood a man, with a box, that was the source of the sound. It was high pitched and unusual. He made his way towards the box and looked inside.

Inside the box there were several little puppies clamoring about and barking. It wasn't they that drew his attention it was the one standing to the side holding himself regally and studying the others as if he found their behaviour illogical.

Soral raised an eyebrow and looked on at the small dog. He studied it a while and as he was about to turn a rustle in the box drew his attention. He watched as the little dog used another as a brace and toppled out of the box. He walked up to Soral and looked up at him placing his paws on Soral's shoe as if to say I like you, you seem logical

"I'm sorry." A man said as he scooped up the puppy. "This one is trouble."

Soral raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Oh he's not like the others, not only in colouring but... He is off by himself. He doesn't frolic like a normal puppy. We usually have a runt in the litter and this one is it."

"I see." Soral turned but the dog would have none of it. The little puppy began to yup and whine. Soral turned back.

"Look at that," the man said. "Quiet and all of a sudden he takes a shine to you Mr. Vulcan."

"Indeed." Soral turned and the dog whined again.

"It appears he likes you." The man picked up the dog and thrust the animal at Soral.

Soral had no choice but to take the it. He held it away but the dog tilted his head studying him. "He appears intelligent."

"Nahhh he's not like the others. As I said he just stares at them. I'm gonna remove him. There maybe something wrong with him."

Soral looked back at the box. "They are rather emotional, perhaps he dislikes that. Where will you remove him to?"

The man shrugged. "Hey listen if you want him take him. He's free. He won't make me any latinum."

"I'd rather not." He set the dog down and began to walk away.

He'd only taken a few steps when he felt something on the back of his leg. He looked down at the sand and white coloured dog. Stooping down he picked it up. He walked back to the owner.

The man laughed. "I guess so. A Vulcan, who'd have thought. Well the Beagle is yours." He walked back to a table an held and brought back a PaDD. "All you need to know about Lemon Beagles."

Soral raised an eyebrow. "Lemon Beagles?"

"Well he's the only one in the bunch to be born like that. See how the others have a dark spot on their back and have darker fur. This one has lemonish or sand coloured fur with white and he has hazel eyes. It's like a lack of pigmentation. So they are somewhat rare. The PaDD has all you need to know."

"Indeed." He took the PaDD and his new friend and headed back to his quarters. He had a feeling he would have some more shopping to do.

{OFF:}

Lieutenant Commander Soral
Executive Officer