Chorus of voices: The Great  Mother will provide for us…. You have been sent to save us.

Thelev: =/\= Very well, stand-by, Wanderer. Murray out. =/\=

Fairstar: Ah my Lord. It appears the Great Mother has provide the means of our deliverance.

Lord Stellerhaven: I did not realise you were a devout follower of the Cosmic Constellations, Captain. I am relieved to find that you share our common wisdom.

Fairstar: <Response>

Stellarhaven: Starfleet? What do they want?

Fairstar: <Response>

Stellarhaven: Ahaha! Indeed. How often I have observed the comet circle the planet before unleashing devestation upon the surface. They are not to be trusted so easily.

Fairstar: <Response>

Stellarhaven: They who violate the Galactic Mother with their probes and scans, who burn Her flesh with their warp drive and spew their toxic debris into Her vicinity. I don't agree. We continue on, Captain as I have instructed.

Fairstar: <Response>

((Backsim ahead!))

::Their platonic argument was cut short when the Murray opened a channel again.::

Thelev: =/\= Murray to Wanderer. We're going to beam you and your passengers off, Captain. I get the impression they're not going to be too impressed, correct? =/\=

Fairstar: =/\= You could say that Commander.=/\=

Thelev: =/\= I'll have you and this Lord Stellarhaven beamed to the Murray and we can discuss it further. If you have any injuries we'll look after them, too. =/\=

Fairstar: =/\= Understood. Fortunately injuries are limited to a few cuts and bruises. No one is seriously injured. =/\=

Thelev: =/\= Acknowledged. Prepare for transport, Captain. =/\=

::Regis turned to the young Captain, glowering.::

Stellarhaven: You may go to their craft, Captain. I must talk to the Elders. Only their guidance will placate my mistrust of the outsiders.

<Responses>

  ((Small Timewarp: A chamber within the Wanderer))

::Regis entered the dark room and bowed solemnly as a single light flickered into existence near the back of the cabin.::

Elder: Why do we delay?

Stellarhaven: Some of the flock believe that the warp core will destroy us in short time. A Federation vessel has offered assistance.

Elder: We must remain on course!

Stellarhaven: I know, Elder. I will do everything in my power...

Elder: We must not miss Starbirth. Outsiders must not be permitted!

Stellarhaven: I understand, Eminence.

Elder: I hope so, Lord Stellarhaven. Always remember that whatever the Galactic Mother giveth, She can also taketh away...

  ((Another Timewarp - USS Murray))

::Materializing on the Murray, Regis inhaled deeply and said a short prayer. In his belief, only the nobles were graced to be transported anywhere. To be reduced to atoms and graced with a brief connection to the fabric of the Mother was a great blessing, and one which must be cherished. For a microsecond in the Galactic Mothers life, a mere mortal could touch the creator and bond with Her. Transporters were licensed to the nobles and only ever used in ceremonies.::

::Regis bowed curtly to the Starfleet officers and offered a small thanks for their use of transporters.::

Thelev et al: <Response>

Fairstar: <Response>

Stellarhaven: I do apologise for my delay, Commander. I am on strict orders to ensure this pilgrimage is kept on schedule.

<Responses>

Stellarhaven: Oh indeed. Starbirth is a great event in our calendar.

<Responses>

Stellarhaven: ::holding up a silencing hand.:: I'm afraid that's out of the question. My flock have never been blessed with the Transporter. I fear its use will send them into a spiritual frenzy. You understand that we reserve such privileges for our Holy calendar.

<Responses>

Stellarhaven: Absolutely not! You have no right to interfere... review your Prime Directive sometime! It forbids you to challenge our spiritual beliefs.

<Responses>

TAGS!

Lord Regis Stellarhaven

Order of the Universal Brethren

as simmed by:

Lt.Commander Danny Wilde

Chief TAC/2O

USS Ronin