Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-2

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Image courtesy Chris Graham

Welcome, everyone.  We’re still on “The Path of Lilies.” I hoped to finish this story in two installments. However, since I don’t want to make the episodes long, it’s going to take three. Thanks to Chris Graham for the stunning image of Compass looking out the window of the puddle-jumper craft.  Chris, I’m delighted that you were inspired.

As you know, this story is set in the “universe” of The Inyan Beacon.  With that story I envisioned something that combined science fiction and spaghetti westerns.  More than a few science fiction books, movies, and TV shows have used a Native American element. 

The Vintage Part of this Vignette

One such was the original Star Trek’s “The Paradise Syndrome” is the third episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek. Written by Margaret Armen and directed by Jud Taylor, it was first broadcast October 4, 1968.  More on that TV episode here.

That makes my vintage element for Vintage Vignettes. Video below, The Original Star Trek: The Paradise Syndrome.

In Part-1, I used Dave Williams’s random words:  runner, announcement, and soldier. This time I use first-hand, but lily will have to wait for the conclusion. Here goes.

CGI by Teagan via Playground

Path of Lilies

Part-2

Overhead lamps glinted off the sharp edges of the shuriken Compass held.  The man rushed toward her, already running as he emerged from the slice of dazzling light that opened inside the hallway.

He wore snow-white buckskins.  Equally white was the long straight hair flowed behind him.  Despite the white hair, his coppery complexion was unwrinkled.

Seeing the throwing stars in her hands, he abruptly stopped.  The soft soles of the moccasins slid several feet closer — close enough that she recognized him, although she never thought to see him again.

Meeting his eyes, Compass relaxed.  As she put away the shuriken he smiled.

“I’m surprised that Haŋhépi Wi didn’t just use that fancy-dancy crystal technology and summon me,” Compass remarked, thinking about the imperious attitude of the near-goddess seeming Lakota being she and Tank had once met.  “I gather that she was responsible for my invitation.”

“Honest One, I thought I should tell you first-hand,” white-buckskins said with a half bow.

The synth wasn’t sure if he was being sarcastic or flirty.  The man was hard to read.  She also figured that it would take something like the end of the universe to pry Haŋhépi Wi out of her tower at the Inyan Beacon.

“I apologize,” she began, meeting his apparent sarcasm with wry formality.  “I never got your name when we met previously…”

“Wawókiya,” he replied, pronouncing his name Wah – woh – kee – yah.

“Does anybody ever call you Wawooh for short?” Compass asked with the trace of a smile.

“Nope.  Never.  Although at times I’ve heard the sound made,” Wawókiya stated.

He made the statement with a neutral tone, and he kept a straight face.  However, Compass detected a glint in his eyes.  She raised one blue eyebrow at his manner.  That was certainly flirty.

“Are you flying solo?  Where’s your compadre?” he asked as they walked along the corridor toward the lobby of the depot.

“Tatanka is attending to… family matters,” she replied vaguely.

Tank had tried to persuade Compass to go with him to a family reunion.  In her experience, family gatherings inevitably meant “loud discussions.”  She had firmly declined.  The invitation to the normally cloistered world of Waxčá arrived at an opportune moment.  It made the kind of excuse the genius mind of Tatanka Cody could accept.

“Find her, protect her, spoil her, dance with her, and never stop loving her, or someone else will.  That’s the Cowboy Way,” Wawókiya muttered as Compass turned and walked down the hallway.

A moment later Compass and Wawókiya stood outside on the steps of Waxčá depot.  Compass scanned the empty horizon.  The planet was even less developed than she expected.  The scenery also held markedly less color than she anticipated.  Even so, when she gazed at the sparce growth on the distant mountains, her analytical eye didn’t see brown dirt.  Rather she witnessed the play of light cause the hues of the mountains to shift from brown to orange to purple.

Wawókiya nudged her with an elbow and pointed in the opposite direction.  The fringe on the sleeve of his white buckskin shirt swayed in a breeze, which was rapidly becoming a strong wind.

CGI by Teagan via Playground

Compass put up a hand to shield her eyes.  In the distance a small shape came steadily nearer.  Soon she could make out the shape.  It was a small overland speeder.

The little craft raced right up to the depot steps.  To her surprise, a young nun sat in the driver’s seat.  The sister bounded out of the craft.  Her habit was made of the unbleached hemp fabric that was produced by the convent.  Compass recognized it by the beige color and springy ribbed texture.

With the light fabric of her habit billowing in the wind, the nun put a cautious hand to the cornette headpiece.  Some described those as looking like horns.  However, particularly in the wind, the stiff headpiece seemed like wings.

The young nun seemed to know her way around the hovercraft, despite the limited use of technology allowed on Waxčá.  Compass also noted the six-shooter holstered at the sister’s hip.

Even a cloistered world can be touched with hazards and desperados, the synth thought.

“Is that for poisonous sosho?  Or do you have desperados slithering around too?” she asked the nun with a motion to the weapon.  “What about your little vehicle here?  Am I incorrect it believing that technology is not permitted here?”

“The Mother Superior allows some discretionary use of primitive technology, and a few more advanced necessities,” the sister began with a pious expression on her face.  “The land speeder is not quite primitive, but it is old.  Sometimes travel faster than horse and wagon is expedient.  As for the shooter, yes to both questions.  The Sisters of Waxčá will defend ourselves from perils of the planet, be they animal, reptile, or mankind,” she added in a challenging tone.

With a nod, Compass stowed her duffle bag in the backseat where Wawókiya seated himself.

The nun gave Compass a curious look at the casual way she tossed her pack onto the seat beside the Lakota being.

“Venerable, it is an honor to welcome you to Waxčá,” the nun said to him, causing Compass to arch one eyebrow.

The corner of his mouth twitched upward when he noticed surprise register on her face.

CGI by Teagan via Playground

I thought the existence of Haŋhépi Wi and whatever other Lakota beings there might be other than her and Wawókiya was a closely held secret, Compass thought.  Although the nuns seem to know and even revere them.  “Wawooh” already has more than enough ego for one man.  I’m definitely going to start calling him that.  If he doesn’t like it, then so much the better.

“I hope our humble convent can provide acceptable shelter,” the young sister continued, but did not include Compass in her remarks.

“As the wise ones said,” Wawókiya started with an inclination of his white head.  “It doesn’t matter if a cowboy lives in the mountains or in the flats, as long as it’s warm and there is a place to lay his hat.”

The young woman tittered words of praise for his wisdom.  Compass thought she might upchuck if she had to witness any more.

“I’m not familiar with your culture,” the sister began, turning to Compass.  “Please correct me if I misstep.  Do precede your name with any title?” she began and the synth shook her blue head.  “Excellent.  Please call me Sister Agnes.  As I recall, your stated occupation is researcher.  Rest assured that I will give you any information you desire first-hand.”

“Thank you, Sister.  I can’t wait to get started,” Compass replied with an arch glance at the smirking Wawókiya.

“Oh, I see you are unaware.  Naturally this does not apply to the Venerable,” Sister Agnes began with a respectful nod to Wawókiya.  “Although I can’t help being surprised that the Venerables allowed one such as you to be aware of their existence.”

At that remark the synth’s other eyebrow lifted.  She drew a breath for a sassy retort.  However Wawókiya spoke up first.

“Haŋhépi Wi works in strange ways,” he remarked in a tone laden with mystery, which was greatly appreciated by the young nun, and extremely annoying to Compass.  “The elder has given her blessing to Compass.”

Sister Agnes gaped in surprise.  She closed her mouth with an audible pop and muttered awkwardly that she understood.

“Be that as it may,” she started, but paused and bit her lip as if concerned about what she was going to say.  “Before you can enter the hospitality of the convent, you must make the pilgrimage, a personal quest.”

“Also, you must go alone.  You may take with you only the things you can carry,” Sister Agnes added.

As if on cue to emphasize the dire tone in which the nun spoke, a triple prong of lightning struck the mountains in the distance.

♣ ♣ ♣

End Part-2

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I know I said this last week, but stay tuned next weekend for the conclusion — honest, that’s the last episode.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend.  I love to hear from you, so friendly comments are encouraged. Hugs!

♣ ♣ ♣

Of course, there’s the obligatory shameless self-promotion…

The Armadillo Files

Armadillo Files anime style cover by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
By Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Universal Purchase Links

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0B8XX4ZSL

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0B8XDF1GF

♣ ♣ ♣

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2024 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

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69 thoughts on “Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-2”

  1. Pingback: Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-3 – Teagan's Books

  2. Hi Teagan! I’m glad I’ve caught your three-part story, especially since it’s up my science fiction, alien alley. So, two things: 1) The Star Trek episode is one of my faves of the original series, although I dislike that Kirk lost love and a baby. “The City on the Edge of Forever” is also one of my faves and same thing – Kirk finds love, loses love. It’s a bit sad. 2) If only CGI Wahoo (WooHoo!) actually existed, I was 40 years younger, and he was my neighbor…

    Can’t wait for the finale!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Haha. Mary J, you just gave me a huge smile. Thanks so much for reading the story and commenting.
      I was surprised by how many readers were Star Trek fans but didn’t remember that episode. I’m not a hard core Trekkie, but the series shaped my thinking growing up, and I’ve always loved the original.
      I’m with you about Wawókiya as a neighbor. 😉 He can be a tad conceited, but… As someone I once knew said, “It ain’t conceit if it’s true.” Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Yay! I love knowing I’ve done something unexpected, Teri — particularly as well-read as you are. The Scoobies are sunbathing (we’re already having a 90 degree day, unfortunately), but they send a loud purr to you and Bond. Hugs winging back to you.

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    1. Hi Robbie. Then nuns came right away with my inspiration image of the lilies, because the flower made me think of the Lilies of the Field movie — that I mentioned in the intro of Part-1. (Well, actually second, right after the spaceman made me think of the Native American influenced world I created last year for the Inyan Beacon.) Thanks for visiting. Hugs.

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  5. A couple of years ago I watched Season 1 of a show called Warrior Nun, which presented Nuns and Sisters in a v-e-r-y different light than their stereotypes. It will be interesting to see how these “members” play their parts in your last chapter, Teagan. I laughed at your comment about everyone in the CGI world being gorgeous…makes sense, I guess.🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi, Bruce. Oh! I had forgotten about that show. I watched a few episodes of it. Cool concept with the “halo” and fantasy element. For awhile I found several series from various countries that I was enjoying more than the “local” offerings — all dubbed to English of course. Warrior Nun (Spain), two from Turkey “The Gift” and “The Protector.” My favorite was one from Mexico, “Diablero”. I mean, how could I not like a hero being a demon hunter named Elvis Infante? Although I cancelled Netflix not long after that. I just wasn’t using it. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

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  9. The story deepens 🙂 I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story with a nun having a six-shooter and who rides a speeder. You’re very creative, Teagan. And I’m looking forward to the third part of the story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks very much, Dave.
      Haha. I’m always saying that EVERYTHING has been done, and done, and done (when it comes to stories). I hadn’t really thought about it, but maybe I have something unique at least in that element. Well, what do ya know. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. There’s definitely a hidden agenda with the people in charge… But it may just be greed or a selfish determination to keep out the foreigners.
      Don’t forget the spreading plague on the faraway planet. Or the fact that the revered Haŋhépi Wi arranged for Compass to be there. Maybe the Mother Superior (and so the nuns) have second thoughts about allowing Compass to be there. Or maybe The Mother Superior is shrewder than anyone realizes. But to what end?
      One more episode… I hope I haven’t made a liar out of myself two weeks in a row. LOL. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. A piquing write,Teagan. Thank you!

    I will wait next week for the completion…. and the lily!

    Hugs!

    PS The Star Trek vid didn’t work here. No worries. I adore the original series, and have seen all multiple times.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was afraid of that about the video. I had a devil of a time finding one that would work for me. The big company that bought rights to the show has gobbled up everything. That’s why I added the Wikipedia link to describe it.
      Anyhow, I’m happy you enjoyed this part of the story, Resa. Many thanks for spending time here today. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. HUGS!
        Yes… the big companies are gobbling up. I’d love to watch “Golden Girls” again, but Disney bought them. It’s like paying ransom for tv that used to be free!
        I’m not paying!

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        1. I gave up cable TV in 2014 and never looked back. I had Netflix for several years, but wasn’t using it enough to justify the expense. The only thing I have now is Britbox. I can’t deal with shows that are too loud, violent, or intense. Britbox has more cozy mysteries, which are what I can usually deal with.

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  17. Lovely. I’m so impressed by the kind of images you have in the post that elevate the entire reading experience. Not a Star Trek fan or should I say not a hardcore sci-fi fan, but that nun image and that muscular guy both are fantastic.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Many thanks for your feedback, Sharukh. I’m not a hardcore anything fan really. I guess that’s why I’m a multi-genre author. However, when I was a kid, Star Trek made a big impact on my thinking, just as The Twilight Zone shaped much of the way I write.
      I made a lot of attempts trying to get Wawókiya to look as I imagine him, and never got what I had in mind. That one was the best compromise. Everyone seems to like it though, and that’s the important thing. The nun riding a land speeder turned up some laugh-out-loud funny images, but that one was closest to the story. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks so much, Kymber. You know… sometimes I’ve tried very hard to get the software to make an ugly person. It seems that in CGI world everyone is gorgeous. I couldn’t get an image exactly the way I imagine him (although I admit that in my imagination he’s handsome 😉 but I was pleased enough with that one. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

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  20. Fascinating episode. I don’t remember that episode of Star Trek. Kirk as a native god, getting stoned in the end. Pure hilarious korn. Excellent CGI.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Tim. Several people have said they don’t remember that one. Admittedly, I mostly remembered the costumes. The software turned out some hysterical images of the nun riding a land speeder, but that one was closest to the story. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Caturday. Hugs.

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  21. So much for “Welcome aboard, it’s nice to meet you.”

    This was a very interesting episode, Teagan and very well done. You held my interest from the get-go and I will patiently wait until the end. I’ll think about traveling with Compass as she makes her pilgrimage. I have to applaud your images this week, too. They are stunning and the add quite a bit to the experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Haha — ya know? Thanks, Dan. I thought I had finished this segment a few days ago, but yesterday I went back and added that bit, and then a little more. I know where the story concludes, but as it is, it feels rushed to the ending. So the pilgrimage needs exploration before next time. Thanks for your feedback on the images too. Sometimes I wonder if they are a distraction, so I appreciate this. Hugs.

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