> you can but hope [ KIRA | OPEN ]

[onlyknoviolence]

[ there were two sides to every coin. seeing odo had made her smile, but had also brought up memories that she'd been doing well to keep hidden whilst she was here. it was recent and the grief felt overwhelming at times, but she carried on. right now.... she'd seen the area which would be a temple looking slowly like that and while it may not be

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[canyonsiniowa]

[ kirk had been slowly making his way towards the holodecks. slowly, of course, meant that it'd be three light years before he ever got there. normally the trek from sickbay to them didn't take so long... but kirk felt that he had the weight of all of vulcan on him now. he was responsible for his crew. for his friends.

and yet he failed.

there was a temple here. apparently it was something the bajorans used for their religion. kirk knew nothing about it, or why he was standing in the entryway. he didn't really believe in a higher power... or more that if there was, it couldn't affect him.

his eyes landed on major kira. but he didn't move to her. she seemed to be in prayer, and respected other cultures enough not to bother into them. ]

[onlyknoviolence]

[ she stayed where she was a few moments after her prayer; she didn't doubt that she'd be coming back, this place was still a comfort and she believed that the prophets were listening. standing up she kept her eyes on the spot where she'd prayed, as if something were there before lifting her head up and turning. she hadn't heard him come, and gave him a small nod. he looked a little troubled, but didn't know him enough to pry; she respected privacy ]

[canyonsiniowa]

[ he gave her a small nod in return as she passed by. but then he spoke up. ]

Major... do you mind if I ask you something?

[onlyknoviolence]

[ she'd been ready to leave, to give him privacy if he wanted to pray or say something ]

That depends on what you're asking.

[canyonsiniowa]

This is a temple, right? For the Bajorans - your people...

[ kirk flexed his hands. he could still feel the weight of spock's body in them. ]

Do your Gods really listen?

[onlyknoviolence]

There's one thing that I know about faith -- if you have it, it doesn't need explaining, if you don't have it then you don't understand.

I believe that they hear our prayers. They don't answer everyone, but those who are chosen they do.

[ she didn't know if the prophets could hear here, but she would still believe because without all else, she still had her faith ]

[canyonsiniowa]

[ he nodded to show he understood. kirk had faith in everyone, except himself. especially now. ]

I hope I'm not... pissing them off being here.

[onlyknoviolence]

They'll listen. The prophets may be our Gods, but I doubt that they'd discriminate.

[canyonsiniowa]

I just...

[ kirk paused. a sharp pain pierced through the numbness that covered his body. ]

... didn't think someone like me would be accepted in a place like this, is all. After what's happened.

[onlyknoviolence]

Someone like you?

[ she didn't know what he was talking about -- she hadn't seen him really since the infirmary and the whale incident ]

What happened?

[canyonsiniowa]

One of my crewmates... died... while saving me.

[ he still had to make the report to the other captains. he had to tell them all what happened. he had to separate himself and be in command. but god, it was harder than it should of been. ]

[onlyknoviolence]

I- I'm sorry. How?

[canyonsiniowa]

He stood in the place I should have been.

[onlyknoviolence]

What does that mean?

[canyonsiniowa]

I should have been the one in the radiated room. Not him.

[onlyknoviolence]

[ other than the whales and the body swapping, kira had thought - or hoped - that this place would at least be safe. she didn't know what to say, so placed a hand on his shoulder instead. he was blaming himself when he shouldn't, but try telling anyone that ]