"A Better Kind of Hunt"
[Previous post: "Observations and Irritants"]
###
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
There had been something shifty about those seafaring Caitians, but
Uxtar had not been able to put his finger on it. Even while the CO and
he returned to the ANUBIS the Sec/Tac kept looking over his shoulder
half expecting one or several members of the BLACK PANTHER's crew to
rush them unannounced. The Hirogen could not clearly state how he felt
but there had been no way for him to ignore his instincts as a Hunter,
not that he would have if given the choice.
Now that they had returned to the ship, the Hirogen felt more at ease,
even relaxed. To attack the Sec/Tac and CO while they had been on the
hull would have been nuts, since Uxtar's size had clearly given him the
upper hand, but to attempt an attack through the emergency hatch would
have been pure madness. The Caitians had no idea that the crew of an
entire starship would be found beneath the entrance, and that amongst
these officers several highly trained Marines would be there to defend
their territory.
Uxtar actually let his mind wander as he thought of just how futile
such an attack would prove to be, and how almost enjoyable it would have
been should they try.
"Lt. Uxtar?" the CO said while tugging at the Hirogen's arm. "Those
Caitians really got under your thick skin haven't they?"
"Forgive me Captain," the Sec/Tac said glad that he could not blush.
"I just don't trust them."
"I recall you saying that a few times already," the Captain said with a
mild chuckle. "How about you lend a hand is looking for our missing
officers below deck? I am sure that your skills and strengths might
come in handy. In the meantime the rest of us will further investigate
this issue of power."
"Should we not open the outer access ports as soon as possible to
address the air issue?" Pravat asked in support of the FCO's suggestion.
"Not right away," the CO replied. "Those Caitians out there believe
this to be an island, as strange as it may be, with a single *cave*
entrance and for the time being I would rather they continue to think
this way. You and Uxtar head down to the lower decks and see what you
can do, direct everyone up to the higher decks."
"Yes Captain, as you wish," Uxtar said before the Hirogen followed the
Marine down the open turbolift shaft.
###
The first five decks had been easily covered and everyone who had been
encountered directed up to the upper levels. As Pravat, his men and
Uxtar made their way lower though the decks became larger and required
much more time and effort on the part of the Marines and Hirogen Hunter.
Pravat, who had been in the lead along with the Hirogen Sec/Tac suddenly stopped and motioned for the rest of his men to do the same. "Did you hear that?" the Marine asked as he stared into the flickering darkness down the corridor.
"Sounds like two, no three women talking," Uxtar replied.
"No doubt about it, your hearing is fine. But I was referring to that
knocking sound but three women talking will do just as well," Pravat
said before motioning his men to move ahead towards the origin of the
voices that the Hirogen had identified.
The group arrived in front of a closed door and proceeded to manually
open it, which proved to be no big deal for an Enaran Marine and
Hirogen Sec/Tac officer.
"About time you guys showed up," the CMO bellowed. "We were starting
to get bored in here. There is just so much that three women can do to
keep themselves busy when alone in the dark."
Pravat and Uxtar bit their tongues and helped the three women onto
their feet.
###
[Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.] 2006 post #248
Stardate: 61036.1045
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 7 Corridor
Stardate: 61036.1145
Mark Hutchings {h172mark16@fastmail.us}
Lieutenant JG Uxtar
Chief Security Officer / Tactical Officer
USS ANUBIS
