A Caitian's View
Post of the Month - February 2007
by L'Verrem
ON:
The joining ceremony of Commodore Daniel Butterworth and Doctor Connie Butterworth has ended and they have departed for the "honeymoon". I was not told exactly what happens during this phase of the ceremony, but discussing it caused laughter and a blush response in the humans I asked. I have a most difficult time deciphering human innuendo as well, so this will remain a mystery to me. At least I have been able to discern it does not have any reference to the phase of Earth's moon relative to observing it from Earth's surface. I intend to consult the ship's computer when I return to the Pacifica.
This is the first time I have witnessed first hand the human joining ritual (except for the aforementioned "honeymoon"). I had the distinct honor of leading the ship's musical group in selecting and performing the music for their wedding. Most races find music enhances the mood of an event (though the Vulcan response to music is the same as it is most other things). I also found it most puzzling that such a joyous occasion evoked some human responses for mourning. I noticed several people, Doctor Connie Butterworth included, shed tears during this event. I observed no reason for physical or emotional distress. I will ask her about this upon her return to the Pacifica.
Humans surround themselves with symbols of life during this ceremony, which is fitting as most procreation occurs from joined mates. Commodore Daniel Butterworth and Doctor Connie Butterworth chose a botanical garden that was familiar to them, which was filled specimens of plant life from all over Earth as well as several other worlds. Some human females carried great gatherings of flowers and some of the males wore a flower on their ceremonial garb (I found mine to be quite aromatic and tasty). There was an exchange of vows, much like the Caitian ritual. They also exchanged metallic rings as a sign of their union. On Cait, we have no such symbol for a joining. Caitians can tell lifemate status by scent alone. When Caitains are joined as lifemates, they undergo a physiochemical change. This change, known as the M'Rrrrrrrrtharsashkossss'rrrrrrr, or in Standard, the Lifemate Change. The change is so profound that if one of the lifemates die, it is most likely the other will soon die after that. There are few survivors of lifemate death. Those that do are taken and cared for by members of a reclusive sect for as long as they survive. The scent of the Lifemate Change is noticeable only to beings with more highly developed olfactory sensors (which humans lag significantly behind in). After the exchange of vows and rings, they were pronounced by Commodore Kimberley Harper that they were joined. Photographs were taken of the joined couple in multiple configurations of friends and family. This ritual is, as far as I know, unique to human culture. On Cait, we do not take portraits, but rather exchange Mmmmrrrrrrthrrrrrraaaaaaaasha tokens in accordance with the teachings of The Great Messenger so that the tribes the two lifemates are from become one as well. I also noted that many of the invited guests had brought companions of the opposite sex (a "date", as Marcus Cesarian put it). Some held hands and made other outward signs of affection throughout the ritual. Caitians do not bring a "date" to a joining ritual unless they intend to become lifemates during the ritual as well. Had this been on Cait, I believe many of my shipmates would be joined as well at this moment.
We then all traveled to another area for a large feast. I chose mainly Earth seafood (which was even more tasty than the flower), and a curious drink called champagne, which I found pleasant tasting, but made me sneeze. There was a revelry and joy I have never experienced during this phase of their joining ritual (even besting our graduation from Starfleet Academy).
I was overjoyed to meet Friend Owen Banks and James Harris at the reception phase. I had not had contact with either since they left the Pacifica. Owen Banks had just enough time on Earth to join me in the Hortorrrrrrrathmmm on the main island-Continent of Australia in an area the natives call "The Outback". A curious name. It was a profitable Hortorrrrrrrathmmm, and we feasted on what we had caught over a fire that night. The stars were most beautiful, though some were in different places than the same view from Cait.
It pleased me to see Daniel Butterworth and Doctor Connie Butterworth in the happiest state I have ever seen them in. Since most Caitian joinings are arranged between tribes (and that the female courts the male, which is the opposite in human culture for the most part), I find it most profound that the humans pick their own lifemates and live their lives in peace. Peace be between their houses. While they are on the honeymoon phase of their joining ritual, I will assume command of the Pacifica and oversee several minor upgrades and restocking of our supplies.
Log Ends
Lt. Commander L'Verrem
Executive Officer
USS Pacifica
