Message to: Agisdi Vlenidohv, Cassini
Comm ID: Ganagati, Baffin
My Chief,
I have been in Baffin this past week, checking on the progress of our people afflicted by the plague.
I can now report that the miraculous energies of this strange hollow planet have indeed cured them of all disease. I have watched our children laugh and play as they fly weightless at the center of the geode. I have seen our old people with renewed strength and health. All physical tests are negative for the virus which caused their suffering.
They may be returned to their homes now. However, my Chief, I will not be returning with them.
Several days ago I partook of the sacrament of these TAZ. I went to a remote portion of the geode alone, and sought a vision from my spirit guides. My guides told me that even though our people are now healthy, it may be a very long time until they find peace here in our larger home of Sirius, the place of our birth.
The ways of fighting and struggling to secure needed resources for our people may have to continue. I am a Healer, my Chief, not a warrior. My heart is not in this struggle. I have spoken with my wives and children. We have decided to seek a home elsewhere. One where there is a chance for peace. Even if the powers of Sirius grant the Nayehiya ownership of Cassini, its planet is a barren and airless place; and nowhere do our people have land to till, or streams to fish. We have lost our birthright.
I have also spoken with my brother, Gilbert. He and his wives and family, and the families of our wives have also expressed a wish to search for a better future for our children. He has resigned from the IND, and his ship, the Shamans Drum, has been outfitted for a long voyage of exploration. Together, my brother and I will take our relations on a quest for a new home. A few others here at Baffin have agreed to join us, to ensure that our bloodline may continue untainted in whatever new home we may find.
I wish you and all the Nayehiya success, Agisdi. I pray that someday these immigrants from the Sol system will accept our people and live in harmony with them. I pray that you and your warriors will no longer have to fight to insure the survival of the tribe. I pray for your happiness here, and I hope that you will pray for our success and survival on our journey also.
We leave tomorrow, Agisdi. Gilbert and I honor you, your warriors, and the Nayehia people. We will always remember you in our songs and ceremonies. May you all find the future you seek.
Location: San Quentin Base, Cassini System
Time: Present
The Nayehiya Council of Elders sat as they had from the beginning of history. In a circle. No voice was raised against another. Each tribal leader spoke in turn. A very old piece of wood known as a talking stick, lavishly embellished but worn from use was passed by Chief Agisdi Vlenidhov to the Medicine Man Ganagati.
My brothers, I have been called before this Council to explain my decision to take my family and others of the tribe away from Sirius. I have grown weary of our constant struggle for survival here, in our ancestral home. We were the First People of this space, yet we are regarded as a mere annoyance by these Terrans who have taken our lands. They do not see that we are of the same human strain as they are. They deny us the rights of their own kind, and they shun our presence. We become fewer in numbers, and must resort to thievery and violence to fill the bellies of our children.
Ganagati paused, and looked at each Elder in turn. They represented small remnants of the Nayehiya throughout Sirius. Alcatraz. Montezuma. Buffalo. Padua. Cassini. Others spoke for families who had taken refuge in friendly bases such as Cape Wrath, Beaumont, Belfast. The leaders of these remnants each looked somberly back at Ganagati.
The wise leader of the TAZ, Malaclypse, has told me a tale of another who also became weary of strife and bloodshed. This man, Nicholas Gideon, was once the Ambassador for another people who came here from far away, but who were also shunned and mistrusted. This man Gideon took a portion of his people away from Sirius, through an uncharted rift in space near the Omega 49 system. This is where I, my brother Gilbert, and our families will go. Any who wish to join us are welcome. We will search for new systems and planets where we can enjoy peace and prosperity again. We leave within the month. I ask that any Elders who wish their tribes to make this journey indicate now, so that we may plan.
Ganagati walked across the circle and extended the talking stick to Agisdi Vlenidhov. I am sorry, my Chief. This I must do for the future of my family.
Chief Vlenidhov looked silently into Ganagatis eyes, as if seeking the truth buried within his soul. After a long pause, he spoke. "Very well, my Shaman. It is true that we have made little progress in regaining our birthright here in Sirius. The Chief then looked around the cirlce at his Elders. There is no shame in this decision by Ganagati. Now, we must all decide. If you wish to join this search for a new home for the Nayehiya people, stand now. Do so with honor, and no fear of shame or reprisal.
Another long pause ensued, as each Elder searched his own heart for an answer. Then, one by one, the Elders slowly began to stand. Finally, only a very few of the tribal leaders remained seated.
Agisdi sighed. There is your answer, Shaman. The life blood of the Nayehiya is in your hands. Prepare well. Plan well. Do not fail.
Ganagati bowed his head to Chief Vlenidhov. I give you my solemn word, Agisdi. He then turned to the Council. Those of you who would join us, please contact my brother Gilbert. Inform him of what you will need, and what you can provide for our journey. It is not easy to leave a home, but the Universe is wide. We will find a way. Ganagati bowed to the Elders, and walked out of the room.
[color=#FFFF00]Final message from Agisdi Vlenidohv to the Nayehiya
It is with mixed feelings I make my final sayings. On one hand I have sorrow in my heart to see our people depart the lands we have loved for so long. Our history is here ... our families are buried here ...
However ... our future is much brighter somewhere else. We must continue our blood line or we shall become extinct. We cannot gain strength as a people in this place.
Ganagati is correct. We must move on to another home. Council of the Nayehiya ... gather your families and follow Ganagati and his brother on this new journey.
I cannot go with you. I will retire my vessel to the Outcasts in the Omicrons and begin my spirit journey. You will not see me again. I wish all of you safe journey. Find a new home.
Agisdi Vlenidohv passes the talking stick to Agayvli (old) who in turn passes it to Ayoli (young). Ayoli stands before the council and bows. He was one of the 300 critically afflicted by the virus. Agayvli has chosen him to take lead on the scouting party. Ayoli and 9 other vessels will depart tonight. The remnant of the Nayehiya will leave as soon as preparations are complete.
Agisdi Vlenidohv nods to Agayvli approving of his decision. Take care my friend. We shall be united in the winds.
Agisdi Vlenidohv departs the circle for the last time. He departs for the Omicrons tomorrow.
// For those who encounter me and have no clue who I am and who were not around for the Nayehiya. This may help with some background on Atalawohisdi of the Nayehiya. //