A hooded figure followed the acolyte deep into the dark sanctuary of learning.
Only their soft footsteps and the rustling of the long dark traveling cloak broke the perpetual silence.
After a time they came to a small room. It had the appearance of being rough-hewn from the surrounding stone. A simple slab jutted from the wall, a sleeping pedestal. In the center of the room stood a simple computer interface terminal from which the occupant would receive a large portion of his higher learning.
The younger man did not ask if the accommodations were suitable. They were what they were, nothing more nothing less.
He simply turned away and left the dark figure alone.
The lone traveler raised his hands slowly to the hood.
He pulled it slowly from his head and surveyed the cell that was to become his home.
Without undue haste he removed the cloak. He hung it from a simple wooden hook near the door for later use.
With great economy of motion he removed the blue Starfleet uniform shirt and standard issue black trousers.
It was the only clothing he found when he had awoken in the Starfleet hospital.
Then he removed the hospital issue briefs and T-shirt that he had awakened in, folding them neatly and stacking them with his uniform.
Without a second thought about the illogic of destroying serviceable clothing, he deposited them in the disposal chute.
He stood for a long time there, naked.
An observer may have believed he was lost in thought, had there been anyone there.
The only sound disturbing the stillness of his new home was the ragged sound of his own breath as he fought to still the turmoil within.