Narat was an unusual planet. It matched Voyager technologically, as evidenced by a brisk trading industry that spanned several thousand light years across the Delta Quadrant. However, their contact with people of other planets and societies was limited, as their strict social customs frowned upon commingling with other races. Their acceptance of allowing the two senior of officers of Voyager to visit their planet and proceed with supply negotiations was rare indeed, and came only after Janeway had convinced them that Starfleet regulations forbade prejudice of any kind, and that any of her crew who visited their planet were bound by professional obligations to obey all the cultural rules of the planet.

Each of the three continents of Narati was laid out in concentric circles of habitation and agriculture. From the surface of the planet, upon gazing into the pale blue "sky", one saw a single sun shining into the cloudless atmosphere. The sun appeared somewhat larger in size or closer to the planet than Sol of Earth’s system. The area to which Janeway and Chakotay were transporting was the largest populated area in a southern province of one of the two northern landmasses, providing it with a tropical atmosphere. The area was known as Dalkaarvi, and its layout was the same of all the other areas on the planet, with the heaviest population found in the area in the center of its circle. As each circle radiated out, the land expanded into wedges of farming areas; and where the circles overlapped, the areas of political jurisdiction extension were called the "common ground". These shared sections were politically neutral, and their natural resources remained undeveloped, with no disruption to the ecological processes. The high mountains which bisected each continent were considered a "holy domain", where The Great Being sent his spirit messengers to interact with the Narati. Because of their greater numbers on the planet, men usually traveled to the desolate mountainous areas, but occasionally a woman ventured on a pilgrimage. Such women were known as the Holy Ones, and were greatly revered and treasured.

In a shimmer of transforming molecules, Janeway and Chakotay appeared out of transport at the appointed coordinates on Narat. A reception group awaited them, and their circle of warm smiles indeed welcomed the senior officers of Voyager.

"We welcome you, honored ones from the far parts of the unexplored heavens," greeted Nareeb, the Prime Councilor of Narati, with whom Captain Janeway had made arrangements for their visit. He was almost as tall as Chakotay, but of a slighter stature. His skin was a burnished chestnut color, glowing with the patina of fine wood well-rubbed with oil. A heady scent followed each of his movements. Thick black hair was brushed straight back from his face, not unlike the long-favored style of Chakotay’s. His eyes were bright with open hospitality. "We have been anticipating your arrival with great interest. You are most welcomed into our society."

A silent, barely perceivable nod of Nareeb’s head summoned several of the other males accompanying him to come forward. Their arms were heavy with rings of fragrant flowers which they proceeded to drape over Janeway’s and Chakotay’s necks. The soft sensuality of the fleshy petals were a noticeable contrast to the coarseness of their uniforms.

"You must accept one of our welcoming traditions. You will find that our people revere the beauty in all of creation. The Great Being has connected everything, be they living or inanimate. We seek that our actions work towards the unification of all beauty and truth into one spirit," continued Nareeb.

"We are most honored in your welcome, Councilor Nareeb. Commander Chakotay and I have been studying your customs, and we will abide by them for the duration of our stay," Janeway smiled at him pleasantly.

"And you honor us with your willingness to become one with us, Kathryn Janeway. You have stated that you will be affiliating yourself with our sacred preparers of sustenance, and that your companion," he nodded toward Chakotay, "would like to share in the scholastic disciplines of our holy knowledge keepers."

"We have attempted to prepare ourselves adequately," Janeway responded. "We would do nothing to disgrace your tenets."

"Well spoken, Kathryn Janeway. We will allow you to join us in these capacities. You do understand that you, as a female, cannot go anywhere other than the house of preparation or the purification rooms without a male escort, do you not?"

Janeway smiled. "Yes, I do. However, I would ask permission to be able to contact my ship or Commander Chakotay whenever necessary."

Nareeb nodded his agreement. "It is so. Now, Kathryn Janeway, it is time to become as a Narati," he said, gently guiding her towards two large men who were to escort her to the house of preparation. "We will meet again after you have participated in first sanctification and prepared your first portions of sustenance."

Chakotay, who had been silent the entire time, smiled and said softly as he, too, was introduced to two escorts. "Councilor Nareeb, I am humbled with being allowed to meditate with your holy scholars. It is my hope that we can share our studies of truth and rejoice in their similarities. And I’m sure you will find that Captain Janeway has become an expert at making roti; her hands are quite talented indeed."

Councilor Nareeb smiled broadly, his even white teeth contrasting with the darkness of his complexion. "Ah, she is skilled with roti, eh? A woman who makes good roti is known as a woman who can make a man happy indeed." His voice lowered as he said to Janeway, "Kathryn Janeway, I look forward to partaking of fresh roti from your beautiful hands."

Her eyes met his. "And I shall enjoy sharing it with you," Councilor," she responded huskily as she turned and departed with her escort. Before her eyes completely turned away, she was certain that she saw a cold darkness appear in Chakotay’s.

Captain Janeway walked between her two tall escorts to the house of preparation. The structure was located among a complex of several buildings in the center of the populated area. The buildings’ area was surrounded by a thick border of lush trees reaching heights of almost twenty meters. The massive vegetation of the trees shielded the buildings from the rest of the "city". Each building had a path leading to it through the trees. The paths were laid with an unusual stone-like material that allowed for sure footing; but it was also porous, allowing it to absorb any rainfall and place it directly back into the soil underneath. The cycle provided a constant water supply for the foliage.

The buildings themselves were low and flat roofed; none was more than two stories tall. They were constructed of polished marble and inset with mosaic designs retelling the history of the planet. The paths leading to each building were lined with thick hedges of flowering shrubs that gave an air of privacy to each of the public buildings.

They finally arrived at the house of preparation. Janeway first noticed enticing aromas escaping through high louvered windows of the edifice. The entryway was a large double door made of a heavy, dark wood; there was script on each door.

Janeway turned to one of her silent escorts. "Please excuse my curiosity, but what is the text on the doors?"

Before either of the men could answer, the doors opened, and a slender woman met them. She welcomed Janeway benevolently and answered her. "The words are a blessing to all who enter, that their work may be glorified to the sustenance of our people." Her smile carried to her arms, reaching out to greet the Starfleet visitor. "Welcome, Kathryn Janeway. We have been expecting you. My name is Salaari, and I will be your companion here in the house of preparation." Salaari nodded her head silently towards the male escorts, and they left wordlessly.

The woman was a couple of centimeters shorter than Janeway, but her coloring was similar to that of the captain’s, in contrast to the more dusky-skinned men. She moved with elegance and grace. Her body was draped in a rias, the traditional garb for the women of the Narati. Several meters of a delicate, filmy material of dark green were intricately layered around her small form. Small geometric designs in gold and silver winked from among the folds. Her long hair was pulled straight back from her face and braided into an elaborate knot at the nape of her neck. Her only jewelry were carved golden hoops that adorned her ears.

Janeway smiled at her new escort, and extended her hand in gratitude. "Thank you, Salaari; I m honored to be allowed to be among you. I hope that my efforts will bring you honor."

Salaari continued with her warm words of friendship. "Your reputation would have me expect nothing but the best. Come; before we get started, let me show you our house of preparation. We cannot go completely inside until you have undergone your first purification, but you can have an overall idea of how we work."

She led Janeway down the long foyer which opened up into a large general room inside. The area was punctuated with a pattern of preparation tables and work areas. At the back of the room, long passages led to the outside of the building, where oven areas were located. Conveyor systems transported supplies from the pantry areas off to the sides and also brought finished products back into the room. The pantries contained massive supplies of grains and flour; vegetables; dairy products; spices --- all in separate storage areas.

Salaari continued her introduction of the facility. "All of our supplies are brought in daily from the surrounding agricultural areas; all our sustenance items are fresh. You will notice that each of the preparers of sustenance moves silently; although we do not have vows of silence, we feel that our work is best accomplished in a meditative spirit. Each of our preparers is capable of performing many functions, but we all have our specialties." She smiled at Janeway. "I understand your gift is the preparation of roti; is this correct?"

A lump of nervousness formed in Janeway’s throat before she answered. "I have been practicing this skill; I am hoping that I can match the expertise that I’m certain your people exhibit. However, I must be very honest with you, Salaari," she said leaning in and speaking softly. "I am more concerned about properly moving and working in your accepted clothing," she said as she noted the grace and ease with which the women worked in the flowing garments that she and Chak had "experimented" with in the holodeck.

Salaari’s voice sparkled with gentle laughter. "I am certain that you will adapt quickly, Kathryn Janeway. The rias is a garment that provides maximum maneuverability for all work and physical activities while allowing a woman... to be a woman."

She gently led Janeway back towards the entrance area. "Now... it is time for your First Purification, so that you may join us in our daily rituals."

The two women returned to the wide hall of the foyer. The purification rooms lined the two sides of the section; there were six rooms on each side. Salaari led Janeway into the third one on her left.

"This room will be the one you will use each time you enter the building. I will be here to meet you and help you in the rituals. I will also help you dress." She opened the door, and bent her head momentarily, in deference to the sanctity of the preparation rituals.

Janeway scanned the area. The room was about ten meters square and filled with warm, steamy air, heavy with a sensual aroma. Through the misty air, Janeway saw a large circular tub... oh, what a bathtub! Its walls were constructed of thick polished marble, and its diameter spanned about three meters across. The large receptacle rose about a meter and a half off the floor, with three steps leading to the top. Billows of steam floated and swirled over it. The mesmerizing sound of gently flowing water began to hypnotize her; she sighed in ecstasy!

Salaari smiled at Janeway’s obvious pleasure with the sight. "You seem to be familiar with the therapeutic effects of bathing," she said to the Starfleet captain.

"Oh, yes!" responded Janeway. "Bathing is the most relaxing activity I know of; but I am rarely allowed the opportunity of such luxury with my position."

"Yet... here on Narat, it is part of our devotional rituals," Salaari said in response. "You must wash away any of the residual outside world in order to prepare sustenance. Here; let us divest ourselves of our outer-world attire and prepare ourselves. Oh, yes; I’ll be there with you," she laughed in response to Janeway’s silent question. "It is necessary to have another help in your preparations."

The two women began undressing. By the time Janeway had pulled all of the cumbersome layers of her uniform off, the Narati woman had slipped out of her own gossamer sheathing. Salaari took Janeway’s hand and led her up the three steps to the edge of the tub. She stepped into the warm waiting water; the water’s level came up almost to her waist. Janeway followed her lead. Salaari extended her hand to Janeway, and led her to the center, where there was a submerged bench.

"Please, Kathryn Janeway, sit down upon the bench so that I may properly prepare you," Salaari bid her.

Janeway seated herself on the flat surface, finding it an unusual combination of firmness and comfort. The water rose to a level just underneath her breasts, which seemed to float on the clear surface of the water. Salaari’s right hand came out of the water, now holding a large sponge-like object. She walked behind Janeway and said soothingly, "I will now begin to bathe you. From this point on, words will not be used. I shall direct you as to how you are to move."

Janeway nodded her understanding.

Salaari raised the sponge, heavy with water, over Janeway’s head and gently squeezed the warm liquid contents her head and hair and shoulders and breasts. The sponge seemed to contain an emollient substance, for her skin felt refreshed and soothed. Salaari continued delicately bathing her visitor, pulling aside hair and arms and breasts and washing her well. Janeway fell into a relaxful state, luxuriating in the pampered attention.

Her reverie was broken as she felt Salaari’s skilled hands urge her forward on the bench, until she was seated on the edge of one end. The Narati woman gently pulled her legs apart, so that she was straddling the bench. Suddenly, jets of effervescent water shot up from unknown vents in the bench and tub, spinning swirling waters around her ankles and thighs and buttocks. The prickling streams sought out the spaces between her toes... around her knees... and forced spurts of the cleansing waters into the now-opened private areas of her lower body. As if knowing where to go, finger-like rivulets entered her, cleansing her inner surfaces as well as the outer ones. She gasped with the surprised stimulation it brought. While this unique cleansing took place, Salaari was massaging her shoulders.

Salaari broke her imposed silence, whispering words to soothe Janeway and belay concern for her responses. "Ah, Kathryn Janeway, do not become anxious. The movements of the water are with purpose. Your reactions are to be expected, for it is the body purging itself of all worldly passion. Part of the purification ritual is to rid the body of all thoughts but the ritual of preparation of sustenance."

Again silent, Salaari’s hands guided Janeway, to turn her around and place her body into a kneeling position on the bench, again with her legs spread wide. The jets of warm water continued their caressing and filled her with their seductive motions. In spite of herself, Janeway succumbed a second time to the climactic sensations created by the gyrating waters. Salaari, well aware of the sensations being perpetrated, supported Janeway’s body until it calmed, and then again placed her into a seated position on the bench. The Narati attendant completed a second washing of Janeway’s upper body, then slipped her hands under the surface of the water and, with the sponge, carefully wiped away any residue of bodily substances from Janeway’s lower orifices and upper legs.

"Breathe deeply, Kathryn Janeway. Allow the warm air to cleanse your lungs and purify your senses," Salaari instructed. Janeway followed the directions of her guide. The scented air relaxed her, and her body did indeed feel like a new being. Salaari helped her out of the tub, and she realized that her legs were still weak. Salaari wrapped her in a large towel, and then did likewise to her own wet body. She led them both to one of the side walls, where jets of warm air carefully continued the drying process.

Now that the bathing and drying processes were over, Salaari walked over the wall and triggered a hidden button, which opened a camouflaged door. Several shelves held a dozen or more folded rias, all made of shimmering silken cloth .

"Now, Kathryn Janeway, we will select a rias for you. I will help you with the garment. As you are not experienced in its intricacies, if you were to attempt dressing yourself this first time, you would become entangled and frustrated, thus losing all meaning of the preparation ritual. Ah.... I think this one will be acceptable for your first time as a preparer." Salaari picked up one of the folded stacks of material, one of deep red, flecked with metallic patterns of silver and turquoise.

Taking the free end on the top of the folded material, she showed Janeway how to hold one end of the gauzy silk at her waist with her right hand. Salaari continued to unfold the long piece of fabric, winding it around Janeway’s waist three times. The fabric became a layered skirt, barely coming to her ankles. Then, Salaari deftly pulled it over the other woman’s left shoulder and down and tightly around her breasts three times, tucking in the remaining end at her right waist.

The Narati woman stepped back., admiring the transformed Starfleet captain. "You look like you were meant to wear a rias, Kathryn Janeway; it befits your womanhood! Only your hair betrays you as an outsider." Again she reached into the covert contents of the closet and withdrew a gold metallic headband. She brushed Janeway’s hair back from her face, and slipped the band into an anchoring position. With her hair pulled away from her face, Janeway was now ready to begin her duties. Salaari lastly knelt down and slipped the barest of sandals of a cushioning fiber onto Janeway’s feet. With a satisfied nod, she turned and quickly dressed herself.

Your purification is now complete," stated Salaari. "Do not touch anything until you are brought the materials for your duties."

The two women entered the large preparation room. Salaari escorted Janeway to an area of a large circle of Narati women, all of whom were kneeling on cushioned mats, concentrating in meditative bliss as they made the hundreds of flattened masses of dough that would become the warm roti for the daily meals. Janeway caught her breath as she watched them and realized that this was where she was to work.

Salaari quietly instructed her. "You work for a period of thirty minutes followed by a rest period of ten minutes. If you have studied our customs as you say, then you know that we consider the preparation of roti our most sacred duty here. We pray and meditate while we prepare it; thus, the kneeling position."

*Thirty minutes!* thought Janeway. How could her body stay in a kneeling position that long? Oh, what she would have given for some of Tuvok’s meditative discipline now!

Salaari led her to a vacant spot within the circle. "This is your ‘valaka’... your work area." A slab of polished marble, about a meter wide and half as deep, provided her work surface. A kneeling cushion was placed in front of it. Large containers of flour and water were within reach, as well as smaller containers of aromatic spices. Salaari bowed her head to Janeway, then walked away, leaving her to face the unfamiliar task alone.

The time had come to prove herself to the Narati. She knelt onto the cushion, took a deep breath, and began her chore. She scooped out two handfuls of the floor with her right hand, and then added a small amount of water with her cupped left hand and began the tortuous task of kneading the mass. *Expert in making roti!* she recalled from some of Chakotay’s last words before they were each taken to their respective sites of visitation. Ha! Hadn’t he remembered her last desperate attempt at this task? She uttered a silent prayer to whatever deity would accept it, asking for guidance to be able to prepare something that was mildly acceptable.

Her hands and fingers worked the fleshy dough in front of her. She glanced at either side to determine the size and shape that the others were making. She added more flour... more water, and continued her rhythmical movements. How long had she been doing this? She would never make it a whole thirty minutes! No Kathryn... think about the dough... how does it feel? Is the texture becoming right? Think... touch... feel! Become one with the dough! *I need you to show me again, Chakotay!* she thought, remembering the holodeck session before their harsh words... how he positioned her hands on the dough... how he placed his hands over hers, guiding her through the movements... his body straddling hers... leading her body in the dance... moving with her... their skin blending into one layer... their bodies responding to each other...

The dough under her hands became him, his body yielding and responding to her touch, molding itself to her. Yes... that’s the way it should feel! Her hands caressed the growing mass on the marble... warming to her body’s touch... becoming more pliable with each rotation. She flattened it into its final shape, and placed it on the waiting baking board. A second flat round was completed; then a third formed under her increasingly confident and supple hands. Her mind was lost in the memories of learning the rhythms and movements.... imagining her body being guided by his, feeling warmth of him flowing into her, guiding her hands through the movements that he had longed for them to do... allowing his hands to cradle and caress her body in ways that she had only imagined before. She had found her meditative technique and became lost in the sensuality of her dreams. She was startled when Salaari came by and whispered that it was time for her to relax her muscles for a while. The Narati woman commended Kathryn on the several rounded flat cakes of roti that she had prepared. They were of the correct size and texture; Nareeb would be happy with the results.

Chakotay followed his escorts to another building within the central complex, the center of holy studies. He, too, walked along a path through a circle of tall trees.

Suddenly, the building appeared in front of him. Its construction was entirely of white marble, with ornate trims and designs of gold and gem-like stones. A tower/turret arose from the center part of its roof, soaring to a height of about ten meters. The tower was spheroid in shape, but pinched and pulled upwards into a narrow pointed top. The spire was entirely covered in gold, almost blinding with the reflected light of the planet’s large sun.

At the entrance, there was a trough, about twenty centimeters deep and just as wide, that spanned the walkway. Deep blue water quietly circulated through it, although Chakotay could not see from where the water was feeding or exiting.

Jareem, one of his escorts, instructed him as to an entry ritual. "We must rid our feet of the world before we enter." He removed his sandals and rolled up the folds of his long-skirted luangitay into one hand. He stepped into the swirling water and with his free hand, he reached down and thoroughly cleansed his feet. He then looked at Chakotay, still in his Starfleet uniform and boots.

"Perhaps you need to divest yourself of your other-worldly entrapments, Chakotay," he said, a slight smile on his face. He nodded to the other tall man with them. "Vasik, would you please show our friend where he might change?"

Vasik’s expression matched his friend’s. "Of course. Please come with me, Chakotay." Voyager’s first officer followed the Narati to a small building hidden among a group of flowering shrubs. Vasik opened the wooden door of the plain building. "Do not be alarmed; you are not the first to visit us from beyond the heavens and join us in our meditations. You are welcome to make yourself as one of us. Here --- you will find several choices of our accepted garb." Vasik continued. "You must remove all of your other-worldly clothing here. You may dress in it again when you leave the center, or, you may wish to select another luangitay to wear for your common activities here on Narat. The choice is yours. I shall be happy to assist you in dressing in the garment, if you wish."

It was Chakotay’s turn to suppress a smile. "Thank you for your offer; I have studied your customs and believe I can take care of myself."

"As you wish," nodded Vasik. "I will await you outside; call if you require assistance." The dark Narati bowed slightly and went outside.

The wood lining the interior of the building was fragrant. Chakotay. could not tell whether it was part of the wood itself, like cedar, or if the room was misted with the scent. A low bench was available for him to upon and pull off his cumbersome boots. As he then tugged at his moist socks, he knew why the foot bath was at the entrance; feet like his that were encased in heavy footwear tended to become like unwashed armpits! He shook his head in disgust with the odor. Next came all the layers of the now-overheating uniform; the temperature on the planet was probably at least ten degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding environment on Voyager. Yet, when he divested himself of the last layer, and the air of the dressing area bounced and buffeted and his unclothed body, he suddenly felt chilled. He folded all the pieces together and placed them in the small alcove that he had been shown for this purpose.

He turned and looked at the several folded pieces of material awaiting his selection for use as an acceptable covering. Each of the pieces was closely of woven material, yet it was of the softest of textures, allowing the fabric to wrap and drape comfortably around the torso. All of the pieces were the color of unbleached linen, differentiated only by a colored border composed of differing widths of stripes. A single color was used for the border decoration of each garment; he chose one with stripes the color of Kathryn’s favorite beverage. He wound the material around himself, in the manner he had learned earlier in his holodeck simulation. It felt so different; he felt so vulnerable; only one piece of material protecting him from the unknown.

He opened the door, and true to his promise, Vasik was waiting. He extended his hands which held a pair of the thin sandals everyone wore. "You will need these for later; however, we do not wear foot coverings inside the center." He turned and once more walked to the entrance of the opulent larger building. Vasik gave the sandals he was holding to Chakotay, and then repeated the cleansing ritual performed earlier by Jareem. He picked up the footwear and motioned for Chakotay to follow his example.

The scented water was warm and soothing against his feet. The gentle motion seemed to massage every muscle in each limb and brought a smile to his face. After a thorough washing of his feet, he looked up at Vasik, who nodded his approval. Chakotay stepped onto the smooth stones in front of the entrance. The first bare step onto the stones pierced him with an exquisite coolness; the hard surface felt almost soft and silky, leaving his feet soothed and relaxed.

He and Vasik stepped across the pristine threshold of the center for holy studies, placing their sandals within small niches at either side of the wide door. They were in a small alcove-like area, with an arched ceiling curving to about three meters above them. An opaque drape separated the main part of the building from this entrance room.

Vasik pulled back the drape, and Chakotay’s intake of breath betrayed his calm demeanor. If the outside of the building was opulent, the inside was resplendent and majestic. A large circular room, about thirty meters across, curved upward into a central domed area twenty meters above the floor. The dome was almost transparent, allowing the sunlight to diffuse throughout the area, illuminating dozens of circular alcoves, within which the Narati scholars could contemplate and meditate upon their studies. In the very center of the room was a large square table, with information pads imbedded in its slightly sloped surface. Several Narati were obviously using the pads to communicate requests. Changes in facial expressions indicated transferals of the information to smaller, portable pads which they held. Having received their requested studying materials, they returned to their assigned cubicles for examination and reflection.

Four larger areas were equally distributed along the outermost periphery of the central area. Each of these "rooms" appeared surrounded by invisible walls and contained an arrangement of chairs where several scholars could discuss and debate their findings. Eight Narati were engaged in lively conversation in the room closest to Chakotay and Vasik, yet their words were muted; only silence came from the room. Chakotay was about to inquire about protocol in this most distinguished place when Jareem saw the two men and came over to join them.

"Ah, Chakotay... I see you are properly prepared. Please... come with me and I will show you how we process information. I know that you will want to share with us, just as we want to share with you. As your studies progress, you will be introduced to others who share you interests, so that you may then participate in one of our reasoning circles. What area of learning interests you the most?"

Looking around at the structure around him, Chakotay was bursting with questions about the evolvement of the Narati cultures and people. But he knew that if he began with that, his primary mission would be ignored. No, he should attend to his immediate goals first, then he could explore his personal penchants.

"Jareem, your hospitality is most welcomed, and I look forward to joining you and your wise ones in their contemplations. We on Voyager have been exploring this part of the galaxy for many years, and, before that, we gathered much information from wide areas within our own home quadrant. Every area offers new and informative understanding of the natural world of each species. On a trip that has been as long as ours, away from environments natural to us, we look for the ways and means of co-existing with the elements around us. Some of our crew are now showing symptoms of physical and mental distress due to dwindling supplies of certain essential natural elements. Our preliminary studies have indicated that your rich planet may be able to supply us with some of these necessities."

Jareem nodded knowingly. "Indeed, we have much to share regarding the relationship of natural elements for the benefit of our inhabitants. An entire discipline of study is devoted to this subject, which we call the holma tura. We believe that the corporal body is but a vessel in which the spirits of all life commingle and find equilibrium. I shall be more than happy to introduce you to our teachings of holma tura. Come." He led Voyager’s first officer over to the central area and proceeded to instruct him in the retrieval procedures.

Kathryn arose shakily, light-headed from being on her knees for so long. She also wanted to free herself of the intoxicating images and memories of how she learned to do all of this in the first place. She wondered how much of her overall weakness was from the actual work and how much was from her erotic retrospection. The delicate sound of a rank of dainty bells echoed in her ears, the signal that all was completed for her time of obligation in the house of preparation. She stumbled to her feet, amazed that she was not as stiff as she had anticipated. Salaari appeared beside her, a warm scented towel in her hands. She proceeded to use it to rub Kathryn’s weary arms. She handed the towel to Kathryn, indicating that she should use it also to wipe her hands clean. She noted that all around her the same scene was being repeated with the two dozen women who had been making roti.

Salaari took her hand and led her back to the preparation room, where several other women had gathered already. They, too, each had an attendant like Salaari, and were being divested of their "work" rias. The attendants sponged down the women and rubbed them with a lightly scented oil, giving added attention to the hard-worked muscles of their arms and thighs. This ritual completed, fresh rias were draped around them.

"Now you are ready to join the men for the Last Meal. Nareeb has asked for you to join him and that you may share, from his hand, some of the roti you have prepared."

Kathryn jerked in surprise; she had forgotten of the earlier promise! Her "cooking"? Being shared? Anticipated by the leader of these people? If it turned out like most of her culinary attempts and their continued welcome on this planet was being based on her skills... well, she and Chakotay would be back on Voyager, failing in their mission completely, in about an hour.

The sun was low in the sky as Salaari and Kathryn were met by a four man escort and led down a winding bowered path. "This is the way to Nareeb’s dwelling. The prepared food is transported through the food links from the house of preparation to all of the surrounding buildings. It will be waiting for us when we arrive."

The arboreal way abutted a large carved door that was the entrance to a thick-walled, flat-roofed stone building. As they passed through the doorway, Kathryn noticed that the stone walls were at least a foot thick. The interior of the building was cool with a pleasant humidity. As she had noticed elsewhere, a delicate aroma scented the air.

Nareeb greeted the small group in the entrance way. "Welcome, welcome! Come join us for Last Meal, my friends; the others await us!" He offered is arm to Kathryn.

"It will be our pleasure, Councilor," she responded, smiling at his cordial reception.

They rounded the corner and walked through an arched opening into a large dining area. Four long tables formed a square, lined on the outer edge by chairs. Eight place settings were prepared on each of these four outer peripheries. In addition to herself and Salaari, Kathryn saw only two other women, neither of whom she had seen before. Like herself and Salaari, they wore elaborate rias; however, they appeared to be more "ornamented" than she and her friend: their eyelids were dark with a smoky color; a deep rose tint highlighted their cheeks, and their lips were full and moist with an colored balm. Metallic threads, reflecting the subdued light emanating from behind the veiled wall coverings, twined throughout the shining tresses of their hair,

Nareeb guided her to her place, pulling out the chair for her and modestly adjusting the folds of her rias around her as she sat. As his hand passed the bare skin of her right shoulder, his fingertips brushed against the soft surface. Shivers from an unknown source ran throughout her body. Her eyes opened wide, only to find his gleaming back at her.

And then she saw him. Chakotay was in the group seating themselves on the side of the square opposite her and Nareeb. There was an expression on his face that she couldn’t understand; she had never seen it before.

A melodic gong sounded throughout the room, signaling the party to their seats. Nareeb alone stood, and spoke the ritualistic words to begin the meal.

"My friends, we gather to celebrate the provisions of the Great Being, to partake of what we have been given, and to honor all with the life and energy endowed by the provisions. Today, we are honored to be able to share our bounty with new friends... friends who share in the reverence of the holiness of all that lives."

He reached in front of him and picked up the flat round of roti in front of him, and tore off a small bit. His hand moved to Kathryn’s mouth and she realized that she was to take it from him. Her lips opened, and he slowly fed the roti into her waiting mouth. He smiled warmly as she ate what he offered.

"Our friend, Kathryn, has prepared the roti for us, and so I give it back to her. Thus it has been and will be forever... man and woman sharing of all they offer with each other. May you, Kathryn, accept and share as willingly."

Kathryn Janeway swallowed, the roti sticking in her throat. It wasn’t that she had not prepared the bread properly... in fact, it was damned good!... it was the words that accompanied it, and their underlying inferred meaning.

What exactly had she silently promised, in accepting the roti from Nareeb? Just how far was she going to have to go to adhere to all of the customs of the Narati? How long could she play it by the book?

or continue with more 'Turtlestories'