MSMF Prompt #82: Obsidian
The new initiates to the Veyron Mystic Order gathered in front of the entrance to the temple. It was a small group, just ten initiates. One could tell at first glance that each one hailed from a different planet, a different walk of life. That was as it should be, since the Order preached the philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, or IDIC. It was a philosophy brought to the order by a Vulcan elder some two hundred years before. The Veyron Mystics had welcomed the small Vulcan scout ship that had crashed on their jewel world, more so when they discovered a common dream of peace in the galaxy. They added the teachings of Surak, founder of modern-day Vulcan philosophy, to the Veyron Mystic Order's teachings. Thus, the Order's jewel world became the center of peaceful philosophy in the known galaxy.
An Elder of the Order stepped out of the temple. "Welcome initiates. We are pleased to have you here. Before you can begin your journey, I believe a change of attire is necessary." He made a gesture and the initiates were all attired in grey and black initiate uniforms, with black hooded cloaks. "Please enter the temple and begin your training."
A few initiates hurried inside. Two linked hands and walked in slowly. A few more hung back. One stood in the same place, taking in his surroundings. He looked around at the rainbow of colors on the Veyron Mystics' jewel world, then his gaze swept up and down the temple.
"Is there a problem, initiate Antauri?" the Elder asked.
Antauri shook his head and said something in his primate language. The Elder frowned, and pulled a small wand-like object out of a hidden crevice of his long robe.
"I am sorry, I did not think to give you a Universal Translator," the Elder said. He adjusted the dials on the device. "Please repeat what you had said."
Antauri gave him a quizzical look. "It was nothing." He jumped when the device repeated his words in Galactic Standard. "That is a remarkable device!"
The Elder handed it to him. "It is yours while you are here. We have a small number for the use of initiates who have not yet mastered Galactic Standard."
Antauri took the device. "Thank you...I am sorry, I do not know how to address you."
"You may call me Elder. Now come, initiate Antauri, let us begin your training."
The Elder led Antauri into the temple. Antauri carefully tucked the translation device into a hidden storage compartment in his helmet, then took his place among the new class of initiates.
THE END