Template:USS Illuminar Missions

The Root of Decay

This mission was the Illuminar part of the Joint mission with the USS Exeter.The two ships did not cross paths until the end of the mission but were on branching paths.

In The Root of Decay Kai Hetel Krevi was struck down by a mysterious ailment while within the confines of the temple at the capitol city of Ashalla.

This is where the Bajoran orbs are housed and the Kai had made a two month circuit of the orbs consulting one per week due to the warnings she was receiving. Her final warning came during her use of the orb of the Emissary.

"Day: 1 Stardate: 2445.09.01

(Bajor -- Ashala – Temple Rectory- Kai Hetel Krevi – 1030)

Kai Hetel Krevi entered the chamber with a heavy step. Around the verge of the circular refectory the walkway was raised above the central floor and was covered by a gold and burgundy fabric that was less carpet and more of a heavy drape though firmly affixed to the platform.

Before her were three steps down to the sunken level. Central to it was a heavy table which was circular and at nine points around its circumference were sturdy frameworks of the same richly lacquered material. In each of these reposed the squat metal containers that bore the true treasures of her people.

Her steps took her around the one set directly before the door she had entered as she passed it in a clockwise direction.

She stopped before the first and after lifting her hands intoned.

"The Prophets show us our destiny through the visions they bestow upon us. Through them we are warned or comforted."

Before this one she had stood sixty three days ago and received the first warning of ill to come and every seven days afterward she had moved to the next in the circle. At each one the danger grew more pronounced though the meaning was still hidden from her.

She lowered her hands and moved to the next repeating the gesture.

"Through the Prophets our pagh are protected and strengthened."

She then moved to the next.

"The Prophets show us the truth of our way, lighting our path."

The fourth was now before her.

"Before the Prophets we stand in unity, strengthened by our faith."

Those bestowed upon the Bajoran people by the Oralian Way and Vedek Yevir had now been recognized, she continued her circuit.

"Through the visions come wisdom and instruction to guide the people."

Four remained.

"The wisdom of the Prophets are in prophesies that are revealed in their time."

Three were left.

"Though the material world changes the Prophets remain the same."

Two.

"The Prophets are timeless, existing beyond our understanding."

She now stood before the receptacle of the ninth orb, together known as the Tears of the Prophets they were the link between her people and those they worshipped who abode in the Celestial Temple.

She raised her hands again. "The Prophets sent the Emissary to deliver us from servitude and guide us to freedom."

The orb recognized she lowered her hands to either side at the lower edge then raised them. The shutter before her lifting to reveal the glowing orb of mystery and wonder.

The light filled her vision and her heartbeat rang in her ears. She stood in a meadow with an unmerciful sun bearing down upon her and draining her strength.

A broad tree stood tall before her, its branches low and heavy with leaves. Beneath them cool shade beckoned.

She walked forward to shelter under its branches as her strength waned. As she approached the dark recesses the leaves turned brown and fell to the ground then the tree itself once so welcoming now shriveled before her eyes until it was no more than a dead, dry skeleton.

The vision blurred and her heart once more beat loud. She saw at last a mahogany skinned man walking toward her, a smile brightening his face. His steps were measured and effortless.

The Emissary Sisko stopped only a few paces away. The welcoming smile did not leave his face.

"The leaves of a tree are fed from its roots and as they decay the tree itself dies."

She shook her head in confusion. "Emissary I do not understand these warnings.

He shook his head, the smile upon his face diminished.

"The roots must be fed and healthy or the leaves die. This is the way of all life."

The vision clouded as she reached out her hands to grasp the uniform he wore which was the same as she had seen in the holopics.

"I do not understand."

As the light receded she blinked her eyes then lowered the shutter once more.

Nine weeks she had come for wisdom, every seven days she had searched for it in the next tear.

She was no more understanding of the message now than when she had begun.

Darkness clouded her vision as she collapsed to the floor."