"Prelude to the Hunt"
[Previous post: "Sometimes Things Move Too Fast"]
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
The Hirogen Hunter carefully scanned through the available information
on IRRAJ and its people as he tried to evaluate all of the potential
dangers he and the other members of the ANUBIS' crew might encounter
during their mission. Although the King and his court would not be
considered as *adversaries* Uxtar still thought it best to get as much
information as possible on them if only to make himself better
acquainted with the many customs of this race. So far the list of
things to remember had reached an impressive length and continued to
grow with each page the Sec/Tac officer accessed.
"Did you know that no commoner is permitted to look upon the Princess?"
Uxtar indirectly asked of his friend the FCO who had been going through
some pre-launch verification at the helm.
"Several cultures have such restrictions in regards to their ruling
class," the Vulcan hybrid replied in his *logical* voice. "It serves
to avoid the lower classes to desire something they cannot have and
possibly cause a security risk. It is also a way for the ruling class
to maintain a certain level of fear throughout the general population,
fear which they use to keep control."
"I understand that," Uxtar said while his fingers drummed over the
tactical station. "What I do not get is that the penalty for failing
to abide by this rule is immediate death to be carried out by the closest
guard. The punishment seems to be excessive in comparison to the
crime."
"Yes it may appear to be excessive," Derek said as he turned to face
his friend, "but the Prime Directive forbids us from interfering or even
judging their ways. We will just have to make sure that any wondering
eyes stay away from the Princess while we are on IRRAJ."
"That may prove to be more of a challenge than you think my friend,"
Uxtar growled softly. "According to the data provided by Admiral
Koniki and Commodore Simmons the Princess is said to enjoy long walks in the
royal gardens, late night strolls on the beach and sometimes likes to
venture into the city for no apparent reason."
"It would therefore be wise for us to obtain the specific definition of
what a *commoner* is if only to make sure that they are kept away from
the Princess," Stormwind said as he thought more about the effect this
would have on the Hirogen instead of the Princess.
"Or maybe I could just make sure that the princess is *unable* to
venture out during our stay," Uxtar added with a grin. "After all
there *is* a kidnapping threat against her and it will be our job to protect
her and my personal responsibility to train her in the arts of
self-defense."
"Forgetting for a moment that the *threat* is unreal, I would be
careful not to incapacitate the Princess as her father may not look onto such a
course of action too kindly," the hybrid said in a way that made him
sound 100% Vulcan. "Although we will likely be granted special status
for the duration of our stay, it would be prudent for us to avoid
making our presence felt. Of course this may prove to be easier for some than
others."
Uxtar glared at his friend as he quickly turned back to face the helm.
Apparently the human side of Derek had decided to make itself known for
a short period by shooting a playful stab at the Hirogen who would
never be able to *blend* in any humanoid culture like that of IRRAJ.
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[Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.] 2006 post #163
Stardate: 61012.1900
Mark Hutchings {h172mark16@fastmail.us}
Ensign Uxtar
Chief Security Officer
USS HATHOR
