"Scars and Trophies"
[Previous post: "Dark Confessions"]
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Setting: USS HATHOR, Bridge
Every so often a smile would cross the Hirogen's face as he thought
back to the trophy that now graced the small table in his quarters. After
the Imperians had been dealt with all of their remains had been
transported to the ANUBIS so that Lt. Cmdr. Maya could see if more
could be learned about the robotic race. Every body part and scrap of metal
which at one point been part of an Imperian 'Battle Droid' had been
sent over, with one exception.
Taking into account all of the hardships that those glorified tin cans
had put them through, Uxtar had thought it only fair to take a little
something to remind him that they had come out of this victorious. The
Imperian, although no longer active, had been most reluctant in giving
the Hirogen the prize that he had wanted.
Uxtar had required the use of several tools to separate the robot's head from the rest of its body, but all of the hard work had been worth it. How many other Hirogen Hunters could claim to have such a trophy in their possession? Uxtar knew of none and that was the reason why he kept smiling.
History though had taught all those who cared to listen that there always was another side to any story, be it of victorious conquest or bitter defeat. What some referred to as a campaign against a vile enemy the other side could remember it as a massacre at the hands of a cold and ruthless adversary. In the case of their encounter with the Imperians the Hirogen doubted that the mechanical race would make any notable record of the fight. The 'other side' of the confrontation in regards to the historical account in this case would be provided by those who had fallen in the fight against these murderous machines.
They had been the only reason why Uxtar had not outright celebrated their victory and why he had been even more determined to get a trophy, not to gloat about their victory but instead to have something to show for the sacrifices that they had made.
"How is our tactical situation?" the CO asked. The question had pulled
Uxtar out of his thoughts, a gesture that he had actually appreciated
as this was not the time for thinking but a time of action.
"According to the sensor telemetry we are receiving from the ANUBIS," the Hirogen reported as he scrutinized his instruments, "there are no IMPs in our path or on an intercept course."
"Maybe this is a sign that things are quieting down," Lt. Dawson said from the engineering station. Uxtar had not been able to identify the tone in the man's voice as having either been hope or sarcasm.
"Quiet may not be a good thing," the Hirogen continued. "Comm traffic is almost half of what it was a few hours ago. There are only two possibilities that I can think of to explain this. The Cardassians have taken control of the situation and have already cornered the Imperians or the Cradassian forces have been dealt a devastating blow and are now trying to regroup as best as they can."
"Either way it means that our little trek to SURIAL III may not be as quiet as we like it to be," the ExO added with a sign. If the Cardassians had managed to get the upper hand, they patrols would sooner or later resume thus risking the HATHOR and ANUBIS to be detected. If on the other hand the Imperians had crushed whatever opposition they were faced with, they would be able to go up against both Federation ships with more droids than anyone would have likely cared for.
"Whatever the reason, let's keep our wits about ourselves. I have had my fill of surprises for this mission," the CO said knowing deep down inside of her that there were still a great many *surprises* in store for them all given the nature of their mission to SURIAL III.
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[Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.] 2006 post #094
Stardate: 60341.2130
Mark Hutchings {h172mark16@fastmail.us}
Ensign Uxtar
Chief Security Officer
USS HATHOR
