The Fairy Folk

Posted on Fri May 16th, 2025 @ 12:40pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Commander Callie Raven-Grayson & Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono

3,128 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Cead Mile Failte
Location: USS Washington

With the captain and away team safely transported to the planet surface, the Washington had returned to its safe distance near the stellar core fragment and begun full sensor scans and study of it and the surrounding area. Jon was now in command of the ship, and the remaining senior officers were all on the bridge.

"We have all sensors trained on the fragment again Commander" Lt Ibarra noted from Ops. "Everything remains as it was before we took the captain to the planet. Just like Cmdr Celes and Lt Senn, I have no explanation for how or why this object is not tearing this system apart."

"It is a mystery to be sure." Jon agreed, "Continue to monitor it Ibarra and let me know if anything changes." He looked over to Callie and then turned to look at Imik. "You two picking up anything out of the ordinary that could explain this?"

"Aye sir" Ibarra replied simply.

Checking her instruments, Imik for now couldn't explain the mystery before them. "I am unable to explain or find a logical reason for this phenomenon, but I will continue to expend resources until I find some explanation." She looked at her comrades and offered a smile, but deep down her frustration was growing.

"Commander, I am reading an unknown energy reading coming from the Captain's Ready Room" Ibarra said from her station at Ops.

"Thank you." Jon said calmly as he stood up and headed to the captain's Ready Room. "Imik, call for a security team to the bridge."

Imik did as she was asked but placed one of the team in her place on her console. "Remain here and monitor as I have been doing, take your orders from the duty bridge officer." She then fell in behind Jon.

As the door to the Ready Room opened voices could be heard, a somewhat heated argument apparently being undertaken. "I understand your desire to learn more about these humans on this vessel Aine, but as you are well aware I am currently in the process of dealing with something far more pressing than these mortal creatures" said the one female who looked young, with fair skin, long silvery hair and wearing a white flowing dress and cloak, and a silver circlet.

The other female, a redhead looking Irish female, looked somewhat put off, her hands crossed upon her chest. "Arianrhod, perhaps these mortals are some of those Morrigan spoke of in her encounters. Morrigan's charge may be among them, and that would be of interest to Danu, and Dagda." She looked towards the door and saw Jon and others standing. "Look, they are human. Some of them at least."

Jon stood in the doorway looking calmly between the two ladies. "Ladies, I'm Commander Jonathan Grayson, is there something I can help you with?"

"You are mortal. Human. Are you from Earth?" questioned the redhead.

Jon nodded his head, "Correct, I am mortal, and I am from Earth. Now, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"My name is Aine, and this ray of sunshine is Arianrhod. My apologies for dropping in suddenly. You were an unexpected delight that I was curious about" the redhead replied.

"See, you spoke with them, exchanged pleasantries. May I now get back to my work?" questioned Arianrhod.

"Aine and Arianrhod. A pleasure, I'm sure. No apology is necessary for being curious. I am curious about you as well." Jon answered as he walked further into the room, calling out, "Callie, Imik come in here and get Kate up here as well." As he moved behind the desk and sat down.

"What brings you to this place?" questioned Arianrhod.

"We spotted a stellar core fragment headed towards your world. We came to warn you and help you evacuate your people." Jon answered honestly.

"Noble, but unnecessary. I have everything under control" Arianrhod replied.

"You'll have to excuse her. She doesn't talk to people very often, not in centuries actually" Aine added.

Jon nodded, "Quite alright. Excuse my ignorance but just how do you have everything under control?"

Appearing behind Jon mid conversation Callie studied their guests curiously, from what she was sensing of them with her senses still not 100%, they were genuinely curious, although she wasn't sure yet exactly what to make of them.

Jon felt someone behind him and turning he saw Callie. "Come in Callie," he said with a smile. "Callie, I'd like you to meet Arianrhod and Aine. Ladies this is Lt. Commander Raven-Grayson our chief counselor."

Callie nodded politely offering a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Aine became visibly excited. "This one is empathic Arianrhod. She has telepathic abilities as well. I would say she is only half-human, and perhaps, oh what did they call themselves, Vulcans, Ferengi, Klingon."

"Betazoid Aine. She must be Betazoid" Arianrhod said flatly. "Interesting that the humans are breeding with other races. I'm sure that leads to some interesting combinations."

Imik now appeared at Jon's other side, her hand only millimeters from the Ojnas blaster that hung at her hip. "Alien beings, I am not Human. But I am Chief of Security of this vessel, you will explain yourself to us fully." As she spoke, her psychic ability went into overtime. She actively attempted to probe both of the alien minds, but their own defenses stopped her. "Beware Commander, they could do you and our crew harm. I would urge caution as they are powerful beings, even I, an Ojnas am at a loss as to just how powerful their minds are."

"Commander Grayson is also my wife." Jon stated before nodding to Imik. "Thank you Imik. Your recommendation is duly noted."

Aine moved closer. "We aren't here to harm anyone. If we were, you couldn't stop us anyway. But harming mortals isn't something we do, at least not often. I personally enjoy you. I would ask your friend here to stop trying to probe our minds. We are keeping her out for her own safety. She isn't ready to see what we have seen, know what we know. If she were to actually look into our minds, she'd see our evolved forms, and it would kill her in a most painful way."

Arianrhod looked at Imik. "You are Ojnas. Morrigan said your race was destroyed by the Spider race long ago for an offense against Ogham. How do you find yourself here?

"I am relieved to hear you aren't here to harm anyone." Jon replied, "We would like to learn more about you." He added and then grew silent as Arianrhod questioned Imik.

Bowing to the aliens, Imik's face showed her true feelings. "Not all of my people perished at that time, some escaped and became a transient race for three thousand Earth years. And we caused no offence to Ogham, whoever he or they may be." As she spoke her hand never moved, it remained millimeters from her blaster. "You may destroy us or this vessel, and we may not be able to prevent it. But I assure you of one fact, you will not forget us or escape lightly." The Ojnas officer now moved slightly forward of Jon, "Here I stand, as the protector of my vessel and of my friends. My people saw your true forms and suffered for it; we will not suffer again."

"You have to forgive Arianrhod, she can sound a bit serious, especially when she is under strain. She isn't threatening you just stating information" Aine stated franticly. "I have no desire to cause you or this vessel harm. No need for militancy."

Jon reached out and lightly placed a hand on Imik's shoulder. The gesture spoke volumes. As it conveyed unity and friendship, a closeness not often seen. He spoke to Aine, "That is good to know." To Imik he said, "We protect each other if it comes to that but considering Aine's words that seems unlikely." Though he did not tell Imik to relax or stand down.

Suddenly Aine turned into a ball of light roughly the size of a softball and streamed past Jon and the others, leaving a trail sparkling dust. Reappearing on the bridge she looked around. "Very interesting. You have advanced quite a bit since last I was on Earth."

As Aine passed her, Imik projected a thought towards her, My life is forfeit if I fail to do my duty, I mean what I say. The Humans are my friends and this is the vessel I serve, do not harm them.

Arianrhod looked at Imik as she exited onto the bridge, speaking telepathically, You concern yourself with trivialities. Every mortal's life is forfeit from the moment they are conceived, as your time in the incarnation is finite. That you are willing to sacrifice yourself for your comrades is admirable, but unnecessary.

Callie looked at Jon. “Fascinating guests, they’re intriguing to say the least.”

Jon met Callie's look, as they headed for the bridge. "I couldn't agree more Callie. They are indeed fascinating."

The turbolift doors opened and Kate walked out and Aine quickly rushed to her. "You are an interesting one. You appear to be small, cute, and cuddly, like the leprechauns."

"You are having too much fun Aine. You are going to attract Cernunnos up here" Arianrhod stated sternly.

Jon looked at Callie and Imik before looking at their two visitors. "Who is Cernunnos?" He politely asked.

Imik turned and looked at Jon, "Cernunnos is associated with fertility and fecundity and is a Celtic god, He is often depicted as an antlered being." She turned and looked at the other two, "Though why a Welsh princess and an Irish Goddess would fear a French God is beyond my present comprehension."

All Jon could do in way of a reply was "Ahh," Which was followed by "Thank you Imik.' And making a silent vow to become more knowledgeable about gods and deities.

Arianrhod suddenly grew in size, over twice the size of anyone on the bridge. "Who are calling a Welsh princess? And why do you think Cernunnos is a French god? We are the Tuatha. We have existed since time immortal. At one time the Celtic peoples of Earth worshipped us. We have protected and shepherded many races over millennia, protected them from other powerful races and from their own poor decisions." As she spoke all power drained from every system and it suddenly grew shadowy.

Aine quickly made her way to her companion. "They weren't trying to offend. Calm down" she said in a panicked tone.

A strange smile now crossed Imik's face, "Arianrhod is a figure in Welsh mythology who plays her most important role in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi. She is the daughter of Dôn and the sister of Gwydion and Gilfaethwy; the Welsh Triads give her father as Beli Mawr." Moving forward she now turned to the other alien, "Áine is an ancient deity associated with midsummer, the sun, fertility, and wealth. She has various myths and legends and is linked to several sites and families in Ireland." Stopping midway between the crew and the two aliens, she continued. "Cernunnos is a Celtic god whose name is only clearly attested once, on the 1st-century CE Pillar of the Boatmen from Paris, where it is associated with an image of an aged, antlered figure with torcs around his horns." Placing herself in full view of the pair, Imik now stood proud as an Ojnas and a member of the Washington. "This is how the Humans know of you, not as the Tuatha not as immortal alien beings."

As she waited for some reaction, Imik now related how the Ojnas knew of these beings. "My people know of you because of first contact before our systems were invaded, a vessel similar to this made contact with a being calling herself Brigid the Goddess of knowledge. She imparted this knowledge freely to my people, who brought it back to our home world. We then went to Earth to find the Humans but only found a backward warlike species, we made no contact with them." Imik now turned and re-joined her crew mates and waited to see how the aliens would react to her information and her bravado.

"You know nothing of us. Our people have protected humanity. What you speak is conjecture and falsehood. Brigid has never encountered your species. It is not her way. Only Ogham and Morrigan have encountered your species directly" Arianrhod spoke, her voice still tinged with anger. She looked at Jon, "How do you allow this one to speak falsehoods? She is not even aware of the recent encounters you had with Morrigan, Danu, Brigid, and the vile Hela. We come here in friendship, and you allow this one to slander us? Perhaps I should take away the protection I grant, allow your vessel and all that inhabit to feel the awesome power of that" she said as she pointed to the viewscreen which showed the stellar core fragment.

Ibarra had remained silent and somewhat awestruck up to this point. Hearing this threat however, she thought it important to inform her superior of the reality, "Um, Commander, if she is the reason no one and nothing is feeling effects from the core fragment, I think it would behoove us to keep it that way. Even at our current distance from it, our shields would fail in less than a second and it is even money on whether we melt into puddles of goo or feel every molecule in our bodies pulled apart first. That isn't just for the living creatures aboard the ship, that is for everything on the ship, and the ship itself, assuming we wouldn't have an instantaneous warpcore breach." Having said her peace, she sheepishly sunk back to her seat at her station, hoping such information might push things into a peaceful resolution.

From the back of the bridge a new voice sounded out, "You will not cause harm to these people." The voice was jovial and protective, and booming in its nature.

Arianrhod and Aine looked to the rear of the bridge as everyone else, and as a massive, bearded male appeared, they both prostrated themselves. "Lord Dagda" they both said reverently.

"What I speak is the truth," Imik stated. "I have no reason to spread falsehoods, and if you are able simply check the database of this vessel. You will find all that I say is true, the Ojnas database is also there to verify my species first contact with your species." How else would I know of Nuada Airgetlám, often referred to as Nuada of the Silver Hand was a warrior king of the Tuatha." Imik now separated herself from the crew and stood alone in full view of the aliens, "I do not fear you, nor do I speak falsehoods. Judge me if you want but leave this vessel alone."

Jon was taken back by the sudden change in tone of the meeting; he felt quite frankly out of his depth. However, he never shied away from a challenge, and he never deserted a crew member. He stepped up beside Imik and spoke to Arianrhod. "If you knew Imik as I do, you would know better than to speak as you do. She is a loyal crew member but even more importantly a friend, a dear one and I trust her with my life. We are not here to make enemies but to make friends, to learn about you." He glanced at Ibarra as she made her statement about the core fragment. "Thank you, Ibarra." He said calmly seeing the younger officer's panic. He turned back to Arianrhod. "You are the only one who has made threats to this vessel and the people aboard it. Is that the way of a supposedly superior being? Because to me you look petty.''

Callie stepped up to calm the situation. “Perhaps we should all take a few moments to calm ourselves? Interactions between different species, whether they be gods or not, can be fraught with difficulties. We prefer to get to know others peacefully, not through conflict.”

Dagda offered a deep belly laugh. "Ha! Ha! Ha! I like the empath. She understands the reality of the situation. Arianrhod, leave this place and these mortals. You have more pressing matters to deal with than seeking out conflict and offense."

Arianrhod looked to Dagda and nodded her understanding and vanished in a silvery flash. Aine looked to Dagda, "Might I stay here a while? I have not interacted with humans from Earth in centuries."

Dagda nodded his approval, seeing Aine smile. The massive being stepped to Jon, "You are a bold human, willing to protect a subordinate against such odds. That is admirable. She may speak some truth, but her words are still offensive. Perhaps she needs a lesson in diplomacy. I leave you to it. You leader, the frost creature, he is learning of important things now and will return to this vessel soon. You and your people will be allowed to visit the planet in a limited fashion. I suggest you enjoy it."

Jon nodded, "I will see that she gets a lesson in diplomacy Dagda." He replied respectfully before shifting his gaze to Callie, "Good work Callie, thank you for the reminder about interactions between different species."

Kate simply leaned against the wall next to the turbolift doors and observed the newcomers as they talked. She did smile at the being that called her cute and cuddly. She even stretched her arms out for a hug, but she still kept quieter than Ensign Jaye from the Enterprise D as she observed the interesting developments and took notes on a PaDD. Using her internal universal translator, she called up the conversation as it took place on the bridge, noted the names as they were spoken and began writing filed on the newly discovered species while they talked. She was sure to include surveillance footage of the new visitors, text-based descriptions, and any openly divulged information about themselves that they volunteered during their arrival. As she leaned against the wall, she looked up over her PaDD with her dark eyes and kept a kind, cautious smile.

Dagda vanished in a golden flash paired with the sound of a melodious harp. Aine remained and looked about. "Perhaps a game will lighten the mood." Aine looked at Kate, "I shall hide, and you shall seek. Ready? Here I go!" Aine again turned into a ball of light and passed through solid bulkheads, leaving a trail of sparkling dust in her wake.

"A being millions of years old playing a child's game. Perhaps peaceful coexistence is possible" Ibarra noted.

 

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