"An Engineer's Perspective"
(Previous post: Jessica's 'As If Dealing...')
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Setting: IRRAJ, Courtyard in Town
After settling in to his spacious quarters, the
ANUBIS' chief engineer decided to take in the sights
and sounds of IRRAJ. Thinking back to the holodeck
program he and Lea visited, David wanted a more
personal inspection of the people of IRRAJ. Trying not
to draw much attention to himself, he decided on
wearing his engineer's vest and tunic and tucked his
comm badge inside the vest and carried only his
modified tricorder. It came in handy in situations
like this. He could gather information while looking
like a 'tourist'.
After walking for about an hour, the CEO discovered
the differences in the classes here on the planet.
Inside the palace gates, one could want for nothing
and get everything his/her heart desired. But outside
was a different story. David saw the people working to
make a living, so to speak. But it was different than
he expected. He saw no sorrow. No dispair. These
people looked pleased as they went about their
everyday lives. Bartering and trading their wares,
foods, spices, and clothing. The engineer paid special
attention to the way people acted and reacted with one
another. A tug on his pant leg made him look down.
"Would you like to try some asphirah?" the little girl
asked him and the massive CEO squatted so he could be
close to her.
"Asphirah?" David asked.
"Yes, it is very good. My memaw and I picked it fresh
this morning. Would you like to try some?"
David smiled and took... the fruit from the little
girl. It resembled what could pass for either an apple
or orange from Earth. David went to take a bite.
"Be careful," the little girl said, "the skin is rough
on the inside. You need to skin it," she said handing
him a small blade. David smiled and handed it back to her.
"Would you like to skin it for me?" the CEO asked and
she smiled and nodded taking it from his hand. As she
peeled the fruit a man walked up behind the little girl.
"Anneka? You're not bothering this man are you?" he
asked as David stood the man's eyes followed him to
the full extent of his height.
"Quite large sized aren't you?" and David smiled
inwardly thinking if this man thought he was big he'd
fall over if Elan was there.
"No taller than your average man," David replied and
the man snorted.
"Bigger than I've ever seen," he said extending his
hand, "Obiah's the name."
David took it and shook it, "David" he said as the
little girl tugged on his pant leg again.
"Here you go," she said as the CEO took it from her and
bit into it. A bit sour for his taste but it went down
sweet.
"Delicious," the CEO said looking at Aneeka, then
looking to Obiah, "your daughter?"
He nodded, "The best thing that ever happened to me.
She's an astute person when it comes to our family's
business," and he waved his arm over baskets of fruits
and vegetables, "could I interest you in some?"
"Maybe later. Right now I'm just taking in the sights,"
he replied, "how much do I owe you?"
"'Owe me?'" Obiah asked, "what do you mean?"
"Does your fruit have a cost?" and he saw confusion in
Obiah's eyes, "like a monetary value?"
He laughed, "Oh no, all we ask is that you tell
someone else where you got that asphirah. Its the best
within the three Providences."
David nodded, "I most certainly will," and Aneeka
tugged at his pant leg again.
"Will you come back for more?" she asked.
David squatted down again, "I sure will. And next time
I'll bring a friend with me."
"Come Aneeka, we have much to do," and she waved at him
as they returned to setting up their baskets. David
headed back toward the palace thinking the briefing
the crew had was skewered somewhat as to the peoples
of IRRAJ. As the CEO turned the corner, a figure
nodded to another across the street and they followed
the massive engineer.
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as
Lieutenant David Dawson
"A Starfleet officer... that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2006 post #194
Stardate: 61014.1700
Julian Knight (d_dawson_1@yahoo.com)
Chief Engineer
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
