MERLIN
STARDATE 07.18.21
PRIME SECTOR
Lots of personnel transferring over to the Merlin while we are docked at Starbase Dover, Captain Elizabeth thought. But then again, I lost a lot of crew members during our battle with the Death Cult. And sometimes, new blood is good…
Captain Elizabeth stared at the unusual figure seated calmly before her. The person was no more than three feet tall. He was solid black, except for his two eyes which seemed to glow yellow. A white robe covered in symbols hung from his body. This was Fortune. He was one of the Puss Felinus. Fortune was also the Merlin’s new Chaplain.
“Welcome to the Merlin, Fortune. We welcome your religious faith and the positive influence it will have over the crew.”
“It is a blessing to be here,” Fortune replied with a slight purr. His black tail flipped back and forth slowly. “The Merlin’s reputation precedes her. I hope I can contribute to her success.”
“Your bio indicated that you serve the True Lord. Could you elaborate?”
Fortune paused as he closed his eyes for a moment. A few seconds of silence passed before he spoke.
“Yes, I serve the True Lord. But that doesn’t mean that I am not open to other beliefs. Anyone is free to come to me. I will do my best to impart what limited wisdom I have upon them and guide them toward the path.”
“The path?” Captain Elizabeth asked in a curious tone.
“The path of right and wrong, of course,” Fortune replied with a smile and a purr.
“I see…” Captain Elizabeth remarked. “Fortune, I’m sure you are aware that we have a crew full of very diverse belief systems. They are free to worship what they please per Alliance of Lords policy. Some don’t worship anything at all. And right and wrong is relative, depending on your perspective.”
Fortune paused once again. His tail whipped back and forth faster.
“Captain, you and I both know that right and wrong is right and wrong. It is fixed. It does not move. It is not relative. Every living thing innately knows what is right and wrong, although they don’t always choose the proper one.”
Captain Elizabeth found Fortune to be intriguing. She could spend endless hours discussing metaphysical topics with him.
“Please, Fortune, call me Elizabeth.”
“As you wish, Elizabeth. If you don’t mind my asking, what are your own beliefs?”
Captain Elizabeth’s life flashed before her eyes. She thought of every moment when something unexplained happened that defied logic.
“I definitely believe there is a higher power outside of science. I’m just not exactly sure what it is. Perhaps that is one of the things we will discover as the Merlin completes her travels?”
Fortune purred. “I hope so, Elizabeth. I will do my best to assist you in your discovery. Every person has to discover their faith on their own. Belief is something that can never be forced on anyone.”
Captain Elizabeth nodded in agreement. She was confident that Fortune would make a fine addition to the crew.
“Very well. I think our meeting is concluded. If you need anything in the Chapel, just let me know.”
“I will, Elizabeth. You have been most gracious. You have my sincere thanks. I look forward to serving the crew of the Merlin.”
Fortune hopped out of his seat with grace and agility. For a moment, Captain Elizabeth had forgotten about his feline nature. Before Fortune could leave, Captain Elizabeth asked one final question.
“Fortune? I almost forgot. I noticed in your Bio that you describe yourself as a Battle Chaplain. Why is that?”
Fortune turned and smiled at the Captain. His yellow eyes glowed brighter.
“It is my Duty to Combat Evil in All of its Forms. The True Lord’s Words are my Armour. My Faith is my Flaming Sword.”
LET EVIL BEWARE.
