*her eyes just continued to lose focus as her heart got weaker in her chest*

*she just gazed into the middle distance, her pulse getting weaker and weaker*

*she was sweating profusely, she tried to speak but her throat seemed to swell up, she stumbled forward, reaching her arm out desperately...until she collapsed in a heap on the podium in front of dozens*

As long as you live a good and truthful life...and do not shy away from the Path, the Celestial Temple will welcome you...And so I say shun the Path of the Pah-Wraith! Embrace love not hate, welcome all Bajorans who believe into your hearts...and...and the Celestial Temple will...will welcome you...

*she felt herself start to get lightheaded, but pressed on*

And we all end up...in the same place if we walk our Path right...our glorious Celestial Temple...where every Bajoran who trusts in the Prophets goes when their time on Bajor is through...and it doesn't take much to get in... Anyone can...

The Prophets do not play favourites...we are all their children...we all bleed the same blood...we all pray in the same temples...we all walk the Path...and the Path is different for everyone...there is no one true way to walk it...everyone walks it...th-their own way...

Over the past year I have seen the rise of fundamentalism fracturing our people...like the Cardassians fractured us...divided us...

*she started to cough slightly*

And we cannot let that happen...if Bajor is to survive we must embrace all those who are of Bajor...no matter what...

Today...I look at so many of the faithful here...and I know...the Prophets are smiling on Bajor...but...it only takes one small misstep to find ourselves in the dark ages again...it is one thing to be devoted to the Prophets...it is another thing to start...hurting others in their name...

I'll see you after, Nerys...and then we can visit this Leeta together...

That sounds lovely Nerys...

*she took the younger woman's arm, trying to support her somewhat as they made their way down towards the Plaza, where a makeshift stage had been erected yesterday*

Right...well...we'll have plenty of time to catch up after I get settled in after my speech...

Yes, she did and I will be meeting with the young woman after I give my speech on the Plaza...

Nerys...it is good to see you again...

Thank you...

*she follows him into the lift which takes them to the Hub*

You're welcome...I need to see Captain Kira and then I wish to address the Faithful here on your lovely Plaza...Is that okay, Constable...?

I have never seen a Vorta walk the Path before...I like it...

You are of the Prophets...

You're welcome...

*she took out a small kerchief and wrapped her hand in it, then returned to greeting the crowd until she finally made it through them, spotting an extremely tall being she recognized as a Vorta standing by the turbolift, she greeted @stevesoong.bsky.social seeing his D'ja pagh*

What...?

*she held up her hand and indeed she was bleeding from a small nick, most likely caused by someone's ring when she had held their hands*

Oh...so I am...thank you...

They will...I can guarantee it...They will aid you in your redemption...as They would do for anyone who seeks to redeem themselves in Their eyes...

*after greeting a nice doctor she then found herself greeting a gaunt figure in a cloak whose face she couldn't make out or even what gender they were, she clasped their hand and listened to their prayer*

*she continued to hold hands and listen to the faithful as she moved slowly across the Plaza, security trying to keep the hoards down to one a time*

*arrives on DS9 to the cheers of many as she steps onto the Plaza for the first time in a long time, the security only letting a few worshippers near at a time, going through the usual motions she greats one person at a time, taking time to hear their prayers and clasp their hands*