A state of proper balance or equilibrium

Posted on Fri Sep 4th, 2026 @ 7:30am by Captain Rovak & Frater Maat'n & Doctor S'Lace & Frater Slok

971 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: UnderMind [4]
Location: Shitau Colony, Dreizhen III
Timeline: Afternoon - MD06

“Fraters of the Order of Divine Harmony, attend. I am Doctor S’Lace of Vulcan. I come before you today with the endorsement and support of this system’s de factor governor, DS13’s Captain.” S’Lace told the science-monks of the Order, not one of them less than a century old. They managed to look both intensely focused and dismissively disinterested as they sat watching in the central meeting hall of their community.

It was a large, rounded space shaped by intricate and expert Vulcan architects, for an apparently simple, but surprisingly complex visual depiction of universal scientific basics through shapes and arrangements in earthy tones.

“You have told us that other members of the Order were unaware of Grandmaster M’Hum’s dealings with the Bugs of the Undermind. While we do not wish to make accusations to the contrary, the Captain has determined that the Order is not something we can permit the continued autonomy of on a world with as many unknowns as this third planet of the Dreizhen system.” S’Lace continued.

“That is why he has asked me to present you with a proposition for an alternative. Those of you who agree to be part of this alternative will continue in your current position and capacities, with the addition of new duties. Those of you who are not willing to be part of the alternative will be returned to Vulcan or the Federation-adjacent planet of your choosing.” S’Lace knew it was a threat, but it was an entirely legal one.

“Those of you wish to pursue the Order’s hermetic theosophical practices may do so with the understanding that such practices will not have any impact on your new duties.” S’Lace clarified. “And while we will require at least twelve months of service in the alternative before any permanent residency on the planet will be considered, we do intend to offer planetary residence to those who may wish to step down after a reasonable period of service.”

“My proposition is simple. The Order of Divine Harmony will officially disband. The Adherents of Divine Harmony will continue their practice as they choose, either here or elsewhere, as is their choice. The colony of Shitau will be wholly subsumed and replaced by the Harmony Institute, Dreizhen III’s first educational facility. You, the fraters of the former Order, will be its instructors and attendants.”

S’Lace had expected some hushed discussion, but they remained perfectly silent and focused ahead. Perhaps they communicated telepathically? She asked herself, knowing that an Order like theirs had the time and inclination to develop such uncommon but possible skills.

Frater Slok stood and spoke aloud with invitation. “Who would be leader of this institute?”

“I will serve as Administrator of this new Institute until such time as it is determined that a choice may be made from within if required for new leadership.”

Slok remained standing. “You are an outsider. You do not understand our methodologies, our idiosyncrasies. Our unrivalled success comes from those traditions and explorations.”

“Unrivalled success is not the objective of the Institute. You may seek that in your own time, but while you serve the Institute, you will prioritise the greater good of the peoples and societies of the Dreizhen system.” S’Lace responded unapologetically.

Frater Maat’n stood up from the seated assembly. “We must discuss this in privacy.” He said to S’Lace, who nodded, and stepped out of the room with Rovak.

“What do you think?” She asked him after they’d passed through the outer doors, back into the afternoon sun in the courtyard, intense enough that most humanoids would instinctively seek shade, but pleasant for their hearty Vulcan constitutions.

“It is difficult to tell. I have very limited experience with entities like the Order. But I have never been confident in my ability to predict other Vulcans.” Rovak admitted.

They had time enough to do a lap of the area, S’Lace began to think aloud already about changes that would need to be made in order to facilitate education and educatees. Rovak didn’t have any disagreements.

Eventually, both Slok and Maat’n emerged from the central hall.

“Doctor, Captain.” Slok said. “We have considered your offer. We all accept. We await your instructions.”

“Very good. My first edict to the Fraters is that in all future dealings, all will priorise Federation standard manners and courtesies, with a focus on pro-social interactions, where required. The attitude of the Order is one that will not continue. Any Frater who cannot comply with this instruction may be returned to the planet of their choosing.” S’Lace instructed. “Otherwise, continue with the cleanup until such time as further instructions are received.”

"Of course, Administrator." Slok said. "I will see to it."

"And secondly, you will prepare accommodations for 200 Romulan adults, ensuring they are up to both Federation and Romulan standards." S'Lace instructed.

“It shall be done.” Both men said with a simultaneous bow, before returning to the meeting hall.

“As was said, firm leadership seems to be all they require for obedience. It will still need a name as a colony, even if the Harmony Institute remains its sole focus.” Rovak observed.

“Um’ro.” S’Lace suggested. “Being in a state of proper balance or equilibrium. A name and a mission statement.”

“I approve.” Rovak said with a nod. “Administrator S’Lace, I believe you have your work cut out for you with the Order. Do not hesitate to request anything you may need.”

“Hesitation has never been a problem for me, sir. Thank you once again for this opportunity.”

“Live long and propser, Dr S’Lace.” Rovak said, offering a Vulcan salute.

“Peace and long life, Captain Rovak.” She returned it, with the barest hint of a smile curving on her cheek.

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