Appointees each stand a solitary shift in ancient, ceremonial armor carrying a long, bladed pike, standing guard over the bodies of the dead until they can all be returned for burial within the Cardassian Union. Standing a full eight-hour shift is highly demanding task: the antiquated armor is extremely heavy, and Vigil members are permitted no breaks during their shift, not for meals, not to get off their feet, and not even to relieve themselves, as tradition requires that the Vigil accompany the dead at all times.