"Head-to-Head"
[Previous post: "Looking Within"]
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
The Bridge of the ANUBIS had fallen into the normal quietness of
routine as each member of the crew worked on their respective duties and
preparations for their mission to IRRAJ. Since the Marine CO had taken
it upon himself to once again review the military strengths and
capabilities of the IRRAJ's Royal Guards, the Hirogen had found himself
with a few moments to spare, so he turned his eyes towards the FCO.
"Everything all right?" Uxtar asked Derek as the Sec/Tac stopped right
behind the Vulcan hybrid and looked over his shoulder.
"The ship is responding above normal parameters," the FCO replied in a
perfectly Vulcan tone. "Why, have you detected something that should
have hindered the ANUBIS' flight performance? If so it would be
logical for you to report your findings to Lt. Dawson."
When Derek turned to look at Uxtar the Vulcan hybrid saw something in
the eyes of the Hirogen which indicated that the Sec/Tac had not been
there for anything relating to the current state of the ship's flight
controls. "Is there something wrong?" Derek asked of his friend, this
time the hybrid sounding much more *human* than Vulcan.
"I was just thinking about you and Lt. Cmdr. Maya going ahead on the
DRAGONSEYE," Uxtar replied. "Although our Intel on IRRAJ is detailed
there are many aspect of the culture that we are not aware of, and I am
not entirely certain that she is the best officer to lead this advance recon."
The FCO took a few seconds to glance around the standing Hirogen to see
if the CSciO had been at her post at the back of the bridge, but as
Derek suspected the Shillian had left the bridge probably to continue
her research in one of the many labs onboard the ANUBIS. "I appreciate
your concerns but I am sure that everything will go according to plan.
Lt. Cmdr. Maya is a talented officer with an sizable amount of field
experience, I am sure that the two of us will be able to handle
whatever we encounter."
"If you two were heading out to investigate some never before seen
scientific oddity I would be in total agreement with you," the Hirogen
continued. "But this advance recon mission may require a more
*physical* approach, one that with all due respect to the commander I
do not believe she is up for."
"You may be correct in that regard," the Vulcan hybrid said having
regained his *logical* tone. "Unfortunately our CO has assigned her to
this task and I have to believe that of all of us she knows best.
Maybe Lt. Cmdr. Enaii or even yourself might have been a better choice but I
suspect that Captain Rikar wishes this advance recon to be as low-key as possible so as to not attract any unwanted attention. Logic dictates that Lt. Cmdr. Enaii, as a reputable ILO might be recognized by other operatives while a Hirogen on a trading mission might draw one too many question."
"Is there a problem Ensigns?" the First Officer asked as she joined the
FCO and Sec/Tac officer at the front of the bridge.
"No ma'am," Derek quickly replied still in his Vulcan mode. "Uxtar was
just stating some *security* concerns about the advance recon mission
Lt. Cmdr. Maya and I will be departing on as soon as we are close
enough to IRRAJ."
The Romulan hybrid met the Hirogen's eyes for a few moments before
nodding what the Sec/Tac and FCO could only guess had been a display of
acceptance before she returned to her post.
"Fear not my friend," Derek said having once again switched from his
rigid Vulcan tone to a more friendly human pitch, "we will take all
necessary precautions. Plus there is truly nothing to be concerned
about, you and the ANUBIS will not be that far behind us and I can
imagine that it would please you to no end to know that you came to our
rescue and claimed the glory of the hunt."
Uxtar grinned. "Just make sure that you stay on the side of the
*hunters* and not cross over to that of the *hunted*."
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[Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.] 2006 post #175
Stardate: 61013.1300
Mark Hutchings {h172mark16@fastmail.us}
Ensign Uxtar
Chief Security Officer
USS ANUBIS
