601: Known to No Other: One

by Jariel Camen
81019.1700
After Seeking His Wisdom

-=Takesian Plains, Bajor=-

Pace did not stray from Camen’s side, as they walked to the center of town to assist with construction on the Springball Courts.

Camen had no doubt that in the short time they had known each other, that the young man had grown to love and trust him without condition.

For that reason it was so important for him to understand that Jariel could guide him through difficult choices in life, but not tell him exactly what he should do.

“Vedek Jariel!”

Camen froze in his tracks, as a young woman’s voice called his name. He looked over his shoulder, just in time for Milea to catch up to himself and Pace.

“What are you doing so far from the orphanage alone?” Jariel asked.

“Vedek Timal said you would allow me to visit any time I wished.”

“Did you tell him you intended to leave the orphanage and travel alone all the way to the Plains?”

Milea was silent.

“I didn’t think so.” Jariel said. “What is done is done. Milea, this is Gillan Pace.”

“Hi,” She said shyly. Pace smiled and greeted her.

*Red alert.* Camen thought. He kept himself firmly planted between the two. Pace was seventeen and an honorable young man. Milea however was still very much a child but certainly old enough to know a cute boy when she saw one.

She would need guidance to make sure she did not make any foolish mistakes in this life. More guidance than Camen alone could provide.

“So, what prompts this visit on such short notice?” Camen asked.

“I was hoping maybe we could continue some of our work. On the plant life? Vedek Timal said if my studies improve he can get me a chair at the University in the botany department when I am of age.”

“Sorry child, but not today. I already have a commitment to the people of this community. A commitment it would do you well to share. There is more to life then cataloging and caring for flowers and vines.”

Milea looked disappointed, but she understood. Timal had warned her that Camen was taking an active role in the rebuilding efforts, and would likely be very busy.

“Where are we going?” Milea asked, as she saw the large group of builders in the distance, surrounding the empty shell that would soon be the Springball courts.

“We are going to assist in building a recreational facility for the people of this community, and if you wish to spend the day here, you will assist as well.” Camen said.

“I don’t really know anything about building.”

“Of course, and you are too young to be put in danger around construction and heavy machinery. However,” Jariel stopped at a table, to check into the construction site. He plucked a small hard hat from those available, and a caddy full of water bottles. “You are not too young to run water to the workers, to make sure they stay hydrated.”

Milea’s shoulders slumped. “That hardly seems to be any fun.”

“Like you, these people have lost everything. And like you, they must rebuild their lives piece by piece if they are ever to return to a sense of normalcy. It will be a learning experience for you to see the world through their eyes. They will show you that only though your own hard work can you build a life worth living. No one will hand it to you for free.”

Pace had already gone ahead, seeking out Fleur in the crowd to receive his work assignment for the day. Jariel pointed at him, just before he disappeared into the crowd.

“That young man, in the blink of an eye, lost his parents in the storm. He could not, however, even take a minute of his life to weep for his loss. His sister is an infant, and without his care would have starved. There was no time to grieve, no time to pause and reflect on his own suffering.” Jariel knelt down before the young girl.

“Please, Milea, do not think that I’m trying to tell you that all you’ve been through is unimportant compared to what these people have suffered. I’m merely asking you to work with them, and listen to them speak of their own loss, and understand that you are not alone. You can put the pieces of a broken heart back together with time and good friends. You will heal, like they are healing. Perhaps one day you will even take up residence here. Do you understand what I am saying?”

Milea nodded. Jariel could tell she did not truly understand, but believed she would in time. At least today would be a start for her.

At twelve it is still difficult to feel for another’s suffering, when all you have felt is your own. It was a terrible burden for her to carry, but one she would have to endure if she were ever to emerge on the other side.

“In a few days, we will discuss the flora native to this region. In fact, I’m going to propose a massive planting effort. We have done so much with the buildings and roads, but this area needs to have its flora reestablished as well. The birds need trees to live in, and the insects flowers to pollinate if the ecosystem is to return to normal. I would like you to be in charge of researching the species native to the Plains, to assist me in putting together an order for new plantings. If you are up to the task of course?”

Milea nodded again, this time grinning.

“Then be gone with you now, the workers are getting thirsty.” Milea ran off with the caddy, and into the group of people. There were probably about fifty workers here, and you needed only to follow the gaze of their eyes towards the center to find Fleur Le Marc.

Camen could not help but be amused at the site of so many large, gruff, strapping men taking assignments from such a slight and beautiful woman.

Jariel stepped through the crowd to her side, reviewed the plans himself, and began handing out assignments of his own. All the raw materials had been gathered; it was merely a matter of assembling them.

Once the structure was in place, they would move onto the lighting, heating and cooling systems tomorrow. After the courts and viewing areas were checked for safety, the grand opening would be within a week.

Once the assignments were made, Jariel looked out over the crowd. The people had quickly become accustomed to seeing the Vedek, and the woman from Earth together. There was a natural air of leadership about them that the people wished to follow. That was why they stood now, awaiting Camen or Fleur to issue the final order to begin work.

Camen could also sense as well, the satisfaction among the people that the woman they had come to adore seemed to be so taken with the esteemed Vedek, and vice versa. It brought them comfort to see the two of them together, side-by-side.

“Are there any questions?” Camen asked. Silence was the reply.

“Then begin my friends. Lunch is in four hours. Let us at least have the foundation set by then, ah?” Fleur said.

As the crowd dispersed, Camen rolled up his sleeves and fastened his own tools to his belt. He wondered still how best to show her heart that things about him were different.

“Fleur, I’ll be setting the North wall. And you?”

“The South wall, Monsieur.”

“Will I see you during lunch?”

“I will be here.” She said, allowing her eyes to meet his for just a moment. They took up opposite potions on the north and south sides, glancing back and forth on occasion just to make sure the other was doing well.

As Camen worked, he began to wonder about the story behind the woman.

He had always known her as the operator of the café on the station, or the Serendipity. He had never really asked her about why she ended up where she did, or what her family history was.

That was information Fleur had never volunteered, and Camen had never pressed her on. Generally when people had a reason or desire to speak of their past, it was something they brought up on their own. It was one thing to know someone, and love someone, but a person usually didn’t introduce family until they felt a relationship was moving from familiarity to commitment.

It was in that moment of thought about Fleur’s family, that Camen realized exactly how he wished to reach out to her heart.

***************
Jariel Camen
On Bajor