Crew Logs

Captain James Hunter ... Dr. Zira Dominie
"Storm Clouds Breaking" ... posted 060630

      Jim had made it back to his quarters.  His mood was still extremely foul after the encounter with the slimy little Merchant Galin.  People such as him literally made his skin crawl.  Hunter could never understand how someone could sell out another living being for money.  And then, to try to use Federation Laws as a way out by claiming he'd been mistreated......well......it was enough to make Jim want to show the little toad to an airlock.
 
      He looked up as the door chime rang.  "Enter."

     The door slid open and Zira stepped inside.

     It had been a long long day that wasn't anywhere near ending.  It started out fairly routine; breakfast and working out.  But, after punching out Ben, attending a nerve wracking staff meeting, overseeing psychiatric/neurological testing, assisting Columbia's medical staff, performing emergency surgery, hiding biodampners within some of the ships security staff, repairing Galin's knee...all while trying to sort out memories as she ran the Endeavour's entire medical department, Zira was tired...and she could use a soft couch and a drink. 

     And now she felt like she was facing the most difficult part of her day.  She quickly took in her surroundings and then turned to him, "I apologise for the intrusion, but we need to talk."
 
      Jim motioned her to come in and sit down.  He had a feeling he wasn't going to enjoy this conversation.  "I see.  Well, I have some time.  What's on your mind Doctor??"

     Zira sat back on the couch, crossing her legs as she did so. "You".  She smoothed back her hair and then rested an elbow on the back of the couch as she shifted and leaned in on it. "I need to ask...how are you doing?"
 
      Jim actually felt a laugh bubbling up from inside himself.  "How am I doing??  Let's see.  I've been dragged back into Starfleet against my will.  I've been put in charge of an impossible mission to rescue the passengers and crew of a pirated starship......some of which are my friends.  I also have to find three children who are being used as ransome for the sliding technology.  I have to save them......and keep the Orions from gaining our secrets.  To do that, I'm about to send someone who is as close to me as my own brother into the Lion's Den......figuratively and literally."  His face turned a little sour.  "To add to that, I've been given a command that includes two Orion women as crew.  Me......who is allergic to the counter-agent for their pheromones.  Nothing against either of them, as both seem extremely competent officers.  It just that it can be......distracting......at times."
 
      He looked away from her.  "I also have had to grudgingly admit that I've enjoyed being back aboard a starship......sitting in the center seat......feeling that adrenaline rush."
 
      He looked back at her again......not hiding anything behind his mantle of command.  "And then there's you.  So, in answer to how I'm doing......just peachy, thanks for asking."

     Zira's hand had moved up to her forehead as she stared back at him.  She was there as the ship's CMO and had not expected his last remark.  She hadn't expected him to release any of what he said so easily, and now... she was at a loss. "Well", she responded quietly, "I...don't know how to help you where I am concerned ..with the exception of putting in for a transfer as soon as this mission is over."
 
      Jim shook his head.  "You don't need to apply for a transfer.  I'm not sure I'll be staying around after this mission, so don't make any rash choices."
 
      He focused his intense blue eyes on her.  "Why did you leave like that??  No word, no note, no goodbye.  Just vanishing into the night.  I get up for a drink, and you're gone."
 
     Zira opened her mouth to respond but the words just weren't there.  She stood up, and rubbed her hands down her face as she walked away.   She folded her arms as she came to a stop across the room.  "I told you I wasn't thinking very clearly."  She turned around and had to look away from his stare, "I was going to wake you and tell you goodbye but I couldn't chance you insisting on the reason why."

     The painful memory of losing Dominie came back.  She looked at him, her own eyes pleading, "I'm not ready to talk about this yet and I am not up to defending myself to you.  Please just accept my apology and let it go."
 
      Jim relented......a bit.  "Okay.  It wasn't my intention to put you on trial.  Apology accepted.  However......I think in fairness to both of us, that night should be left as..........an isolated incident."  Hunter wasn't totally happy.  If there was one thing he hated......it was being left dangling in the wind when he really wanted to understand something.  He decided then and there that the night on Chincoteague was something to be put completely behind him.  It would do no good to dwell on it......not when there was so much ahead for the future......especially if the other part of the equation was at a point in her life where she felt it necessary to keep things hidden.  In is mind's voice, he could hear himself saying something along the lines of 'this is exactly why I don't get involved'.

     Zira replied back, her tone revealing her hurt, "If that is all that night meant to you... you can refer to it...in that way."  Trying to sort out and understand memories and feelings towards things and people between herself and the 'other' Zira had been difficult.  A process she was still working on.  But two things she was sure of, she was hurt by his attitude, and that night at Chincoteague had meant much more to her than an 'isolated incident'. "It feels as if your need for answers has more to do with ego than concern.  Why can't you understand I just need some time?"
 
      Jim felt his emotions begin to bubble up inside.  The last little while had been a roller coaster ride for him.  He'd pulled drafted back into the service, thrown into the middle of an impossible conflict and told he had to solve it, no matter what, and now he had to deal with personal issues of this nature......and at a point where he wasn't sure how he felt about things himself.
 
      "I resent that Doctor.  I was trying to be diplomatic and express that I had no expectations of you......and that I was willing to give you time......despite the fact that it's been months since I've heard from you."  Getting angry wasn't part of the plan......but there it was.  His own anger......his own hurt......plus a lot more.  Feelings he'd never really allowed himself to address properly.  Thoughts and emotions that he'd always done his best to keep a handle on.  Yes, he'd had flare ups on occasion......especially against Mallory.  But as for all that he was inside, he kept that on a tight rein.  Now......he was in a position where the hold on those reins was perilously loose.
 
      "If that's all it meant to me......I wouldn't have even brought it up now."  His voice was low and soft......yet held a cold anger that was projected in way that yelling could never have accomplished.  "I was the one who woke up alone.  My need for answers was out of concern......that maybe I'd done something to scare you away......or had hurt you in some manner, maybe with regards to your memories from your home Universe."  He was of course referring to the Jim Hunter she'd left behind when she'd been brought aboard the Challenger during the slide out of her Universe.
 
      "If it was ego Doctor, I'd have just added a notch to my bedpost and called it a day."  He turned away from her.  "Maybe it's not my ego......or my motives......that need to be questioned.  Maybe you need to ask yourself why you feel this need for time and space.  Once you know the answers, then maybe you'll be able to tell me why you need time.  If it has to do with another who wears my face......well......I'm a big boy.  I can take it.  I may not like the answer......but I'll live, trust me."

  "No.", she replied quickly, her own level of frustration beginning to rise, "This has nothing to do with him.  It never did."
 
      Jim crossed his arms......in what is considered in Psychology circles as the classic example of putting up a barrier.  "So why the need for character assassination with regards to comments about my ego??  I never said anything other than leaving things as an isolated incident......intending to give you the time you needed......and an 'out' if that's what you wanted."
 
    Zira hugged herself as understanding and self conviction came to her. She knew she hadn't been fair. "I'm sorry...." She took in a deep breath,  "I shouldn't have attacked you."   As she spoke, images and sensations of the night they spent together came to her...... and the following morning she left him.  She had to look away.  There was a slight tremble to her voice,"I didn't want to leave." she whispered.  Her eyes looked as if she was searching for the meaning of it.

      The Captain turned away from her again.  The set of set of his shoulders took on the 'Mantle of Command' look that he tended to have when on duty.  The look on her face had taken on an almost pleading aspect.  It only added to his confusion.  She said she that she didn't want to leave that long ago morning......yet still she had.  "I have had in the past......a sort of 'personal policy' or sorts where I don't become involved with people under my command.  So......if my words come out wrong......it's because I'm in 'uncharted territory'."
 
      Jim's eyes softened a bit.  "I'm still willing to listen......if you ever want to talk.  Take all the time you want.  It's just that this is neither the time nor the place for this.  I think you know that as well."

     Zira nodded, welcoming the chance for escape, "Yes..I do.  And I really should be getting back to Sickbay."  She headed towards the exit and stopped suddenly, turning back to him. "Captain..", her voice soft and kind.  "I understand and I really do appreciate your offer.  I hope you understand as well that I am concerned..as CMO of this ship.. to how this mission is affecting you on a personal and command level.  You have admitted to me yourself the difficulties you are having."
 
      The Captain smiled back at her.  "Doctor......I've had nothing but difficulties for the past five years."  He took a deep breath......then exhaled.  He really had been through the ringer during the past number of years.  Slowly......the fear that he would break like his counter-part in that other Universe had faded into the background.  He would always have doubts.  That was part of being Human.  But for now, here, today......it wasn't an issue for him.  "I've learned to bend so as not to break.  I'll be alright.  Trust me."

     The Doctor studied him.  She wanted to believe him.  Her mind automatically slipped into a memory from long ago.  With the new reality of her trinary existence......that of being one host to two different Dominie symbionts......her memories were somewhat cluttered.  Still......this one came through loud and clear.
 
~Jim Hunter smiled over at her.  Not the Hunter she knew now.  The 'other'.  The one she'd left behind.  The one who had been her friend......he big brother......her confidant......and her secret crush.  He was telling her that the sliding mission would all work out fine.  She had just cautioned him to be careful.  As his CMO, she was concerned.  He'd smiled and told her he was used to pressure......and that he'd be fine and to trust him.~
 
      The similarity was uncanny.  Zira had to repress a shudder at it.  Despite her hesitation, she relented, "I will.  I'll accept your word." She angled her head down, raising an eyebrow, "But, I will bring this up again, Captain.  Can you include that in with your bending?"
 
      Hunter shrugged.  Water may wear away stone......but only after thousands of years.  He was still mortal.  He was still Jim Hunter.  And he was still stubborn.  "We'll see when the time comes......won't we Doctor??"

     She nodded sadly, "Yes, we will",  and left.

Captain James Hunter, Lieutenant Commander Dana Imari
"Storm Clouds and Thunder" ... posted 060630

Jim waited patiently for Commander Imari to arrive.  He had to ask her a big favour, and he was at odds with himself.  The Captain wanted her to join Captain Dominie aboard Columbia.  He felt her insight into the Orions would be invaluable.  However, he was worried about sending her as well.  This scenario could turn very ugly......and as an Orion in Starfleet, she'd be at extreme risk.  
    The door of his ready room chimed, opened, and Imari entered wearing her full uniform, with her loose blue smock. Her hair, brought back in out of her eyes. Her thick black glasses hanging just off the end of her nose. The frumpy, homely look was back in place. A slight contrast to the sexy Orion appeal very few of the security officers and Hunter saw earlier that day with the merchant captain, Galin.
 
    Her hands were stuffed the pockets of her smock. "You wished to see me, Captain?" Imari asked, stopping just short of his desk.
 
      Hunter nodded, motioning her in.  He took note that the voluptuous creature on the hanger deck had once more retreated inside the shell of the Starfleet Officer.  he had to wonder at the glasses once again.  Why????  Especially when Orions don't suffer the degenerative eye disorders that Humans do.  "I did indeed Commander.  I have a favour to ask of you.  It is voluntary, please remember that.  I'd like you to join Captain Dominie aboard the Columbia.  I believe you would be a huge asset to her as she heads deeper into Orion territory."
 
      Jim motioned her to sit down.  "I don't make this request lightly.  I know the dangers it might entail to you.  However......you know things about their protocols that we don't.  In fact, having you on the inside could be an 'ace-in-the-whole' for us." 
 
      The Captain paused a moment to choose his next words.  "Since I arrived here, I've been quite impressed with your performance as First Officer.  In all honesty......I don't want to send you on this mission.  But......I have to make choices for the greater good.  I think you can help best by going with the Columbia."
 
    Dana nodded. "It would be no different than other assignments I've been on, Captain." Dana said as she sat back in the chair; her legs crossing. Her hands were still in her pockets. The only time a hand appeared was to take care of the sliding glasses that slipped to the edge of her nose then back into the pocket it went. "What are the details and what is it that you hope will be accomplished?"
 
      Jim smiled.  "Good questions.  I hope I can give you some good answers."  He took a deep breath.  "Captain Dominie has volunteered to let Columbia be captured......in hopes of finding out where they've taken our people.  If she can accomplish this goal, hopefully she'll be able to relay that info to us.  As I see it, we have two objectives.  Find the crew of the USS Nash, and find the missing children.  We're going to put up a fight, but Endeavour will fake heavy damage and pull out.  The Orions will take Columbia and depart with their prize......hopefully.  Brian Culkin will shadow them under cloak.  You will relay info to him, and he will relay it to me.  The sliding apparatus has been faked as well as all the technical data.  The real equipment has been moved and hidden.  Not even its creators would know it's purpose now."
 
      He paused for a moment to let what he'd said sink in.  "To be honest......I'm not happy with this plan.  But......we're running out of time.  We haven't got many options left to us."
 
    "Am I too assume then those on board the Columbia will only be a skeleton crew," Dana asked, "with the rest of the Columbia crew coming on board the Endeavour?" She leaned over slightly. "I am asking, as those Orions wanting such information as they've taken bold steps to acquire it, should they find out it is fake they will have no problem in exterminating the crew and sending what is left of them in body bags."
 
      Hunter hid the grimace.  "I know.  Hopefully, the technical aspects Admiral Mallory has created in the false systems will keep them confused long enough for the rest of us to do our job.  As for the crew, yes, the majority of Columbia's crew will be aboard Endeavour.  She will have a skeleton crew, plus you and Viktor and a Security compliment hidden via biodampeners in the Engineering spaces and Jefferies Tubes."
 
    Imari sat back in the chair, thinking for a brief moment. "Will this fake information be enough that they won't be looking for technicalities or discrepancies? Again, I'm thinking of the words spoken in the debriefing that there is or was a possible leak from someone. We can speculate that the girl may have said something but I doubt it would be anything technical, just enough to wet the appetite. How much of the information was leaked out? And do we share with Captain Dominie if it hasn't already been shared?"
 
      Hunter shrugged.  "We can't be sure how much information was leaked.  We still don't even know who the leak is.  The fake information will keep them busy for a long, long time.  The technical data on the sliding technology is massive.  Nobody could hope to go through it all in anything less that a month......much less have the apparatus up and running and properly programmed.  No......the fake data will do its job.  The fake equipment will do its job.  As for Captain Dominie......what she doesn't know......they can't kill her for.  The good Captain will have enough on her plate.  Having to worry if anything has been leaked......is something she doesn't need.  She knows to be careful."
 
    "No, Captain," Dana corrected quickly, "they will kill her for something she does not know as well as for something she does." Dana met his gaze. "But I will not say anything about the potential leak. I will do my best to relay the information to the King of Arus and keep her informed as we go deeper into Orion space. Is there anything else you'd like me to do while I'm there?"
 
      Jim nodded.  "Keep your eyes and ears open.  Finding this leak is just as important as any other part of this mission.  Admiral Ross confided in me......and now I'm confiding in you.  Starfleet has known about a potential security risk for several months now.  In addition to saving everyone, we're to find that leak......and plug it."  He stopped for a moment to give her a half-smile.  "This just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it??  My job is to report certain 'facts' to headquarters.  Your job will be to listen to see if that info makes it back to the Orions, and try to back-track it.  If you do, you let me know through Brian Culkin."
 
      The Captain leaned back in his chair, his hands making a steeple in front of his face.  "When I speak to Captain Dominie, I'll have to leave this bit out.  I'm not happy about that as you might be able to tell.  She was my Exec for four years......my friend for even longer.  I'm God-father to her daughter.  But we need to attack this problem on all fronts.  If we manage to save the people from the Nash without fixing the leak, what's to stop the Orions from trying again??"
 
      Jim sighed at the problem before him.  "This is one of those moments Commander when the dictates of the uniform come into conflict with just about everything else.  Every step you take could have a potential landmine under foot.  I'm about to send a friend off in the arms of the enemy.  In addition, I'm using the situation she suggested herself to potentially find a dangerous security leak.  However......trying to find this leak could put this friend into even more danger......not to mention the lives of you and Viktor and the rest.  Viktor I've also known for many years......and more than one bottle of vodka.  You and I have just met......but I can already see why Starfleet speaks so highly of you."
 
      He looked out the window of his Ready Room.  "And Ross wondered why I wanted out."
 
    Dana understood to a point about the deep friendship he had with his fellow crewmen. It was something she did not have. "It is a luxury I could not have in my previous assignment. It was too dangerous." It was all she said then added. "I'm used to the free falls of danger. I'm used to going in alone." Dana paused. "I'll look after her the best I can, Captain."
 
      Hunter nodded gratefully.  "I know you will.  I wouldn't have asked if I hadn't thought I could count on you.  And for the record......I want you back safe and sound as well.  You're part of the 'family' now.  That means that no matter what..........you're never going to be alone."

Captain James Hunter, Captain Katerina Dominie
"Storm & Fury" ... posted 060630

The last progress report had come in.  Repairs to Kat's ship had been completed, and the last of the Engineering crews had returned to Endeavour.  In addition, the Security people and Commander Imari had transferred to Columbia.  There wasn't anything left to do except put their plan into action.  Jim opened a commchannel.  On the screen, Kat's face appeared.  +The last of my people have beamed back aboard.  I think that's about it.+

     Kat took in a deep breath and nodded, +Yes...And we are as ready as we can possibly be.  We are going to fight back with..well, almost everything we got. Give them a convincing fight, Jim.  It may not be so easy to just stand back and allow them to take us.+
 
      Jim gave her a wry smile.  +Why Katerina my dear......you've developed a wonderful sense of irony and a talent for understatement since you gained that fourth pip on your collar.+  He allowed his smile to ease into its old teasing mannerism.

     Kat swept her hair back as her cheeks changed color.  She forced a smile back, +I learned from the best.+
 
      Jim laughed out loud this time.  He adopted an Scottish accent before responding to her.  +Yer a sassbox Lass......an' there's nary a kiver ta be done wi' ye'.+  The good humour was brief in duration however.  His smile faded, and his face sobered.  +This may very well be the hardest thing I've ever had to do.  Staying aboard Challenger to cover you and the rest of the crew's escape was a cake-walk by comparison.+

     Kat looked around as she fought back at the emotions building behind her eyes. She was close to losing when she looked back at him.  +You told me you would see me on the other side.  I took that as a promise that I thought you had broken.  I was wrong to give up hope.+  She wiped at one of her eyes with the palm of her had as she continued, +Well..this time I am telling you......I will be seeing you on the other side.+
 
      Jim swallowed past a lump in his own throat.  +The first thing I learned about Command was that there are times when you have to do and say things for the benefit of others......even if you know it isn't true.  When I told you I'd see you on the other side......I'd meant for whatever lies beyond this mortal existence.  While I'd hoped to fly away from the Challenger......I knew there was a pretty good chance I wouldn't make it.+  He let the silence hang between them.

     Her eyes shining, Kat forced a smile, "Well..I guess that's where we differ. My meaning has a different definition.  So..shall we say until next time?"
 
      "The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions Captain.  I know it......and now that you're part of the Captain's Club......I'd bet my last dollar you know it too."  He gave her his best smile.  "Just do your best."  A small sample of his inner devil peaked out in a grin.  "That's an order."
 
     She nodded in sad agreement, "Aye aye Captain",  and then disappeared from the screen.
 
      Jim reached out and gently touched the screen where Kat's face had been only moments ago.  The hand clenched into a fist, which came crashing down on the table top.  All was quiet for a few long moments.  Then......slowly......deliberately......he stood up, straightened his jacket, and went out onto the Bridge.

Captain James D. Hunter, "Thunderstrike" ... posted 060712

SNIP:
 
      Jim reached out and gently touched the screen where Kat's face had been only moments ago.  The hand clenched into a fist, which came crashing down on the table top.  All was quiet for a few long moments.  Then......slowly......deliberately......he stood up, straightened his jacket, and went out onto the Bridge.
 
      Zack looked up and obediently called out, "Captain on the Bridge."
 
      Hunter took his seat, pondering the upcoming events silently for a few moments.  "Helm, lay in a course away from the gas giant, four eleven mark six.  Full sensor sweeps.  I want to know what the Orions have in store for us."
 
      As the crew went to work, Jim felt the absence of Viktor and Dana immediately.  Both would've been here had circumstances been different.  Still......there was the ever-reliable Zack who could switch back between Navigator and Science Officer with no ill-effects.  And Mark Jackson was at the Helm.  The Tactical Officer was one he didn't know yet, though......being the only Brikar aboard......it had to be Zan Kebron.  Also, manning the Bridge Engineering station was Anichent th'Dani......now his Acting First Officer as Dana was aboard Columbia.  Still......Jim felt he needed more.  With a flick of a switch, he opened the ship-wide intercom.  +Counselor Rookii, please report to the Bridge.+  The Captain felt he needed someone to provide him with some insight into the Orions......and the Counselor was the perfect choice......being a trained Psychologist AND an Orion herself.

        
    Tapping her commbadge, Teesnia automatically replied, "On my way, Captain." Her feet immediately headed toward a turbolift.


      Zack looked over at him.  "Sir......sensors are sketchy at best.  But it appears that Orion re-inforcements have arrived.  I think I can see four Imperative-class battleships now.  In addition, I now see six Harmony-class vessels."
 
      Jim suppressed a shudder.  "Ten to two!!!!  Good Lord......talk about over-kill!!!!!!  We won't really have to act too much with this plan.  We really are over-matched here......no matter what upgrades this ship has."
 
      The Captain swung around to face the Helm.  "Mr. Jackson, give us a nice, easy heading out of here.  Also, transfer any and all data on the electromagnetic anomalies to Mr. th'Dani."

     Anichent had snapped his head at the screen at Zack's announcement and stepped forward, "Perception is strong and sight is weak, Captain."  His senses keen and the aggression built as his enemy's numbers grew. The Endeavour deserved her revenge. "Too bad there isn't more than one opinion here as to give us the opportunity of selection."
 
      Jim actually felt a smile tug at his lips.  "Why Commander......that sounds almost Shakespearean."  He nodded at the blue-skinned officer.  "The 'Lady' will get to have her day.  Trust me."

     Shakespearean...  Anichent angled his head up as antennae moved around in uncertainty.  Joe Pavao once accused him of the same thing.  Feeling a bit perplexed, Anichent nodded back and looked back at his Engineering console for a moment.

     Mark smiled, "Aye sir, taking us out nice and easy, also transferring data on the anomalies. Time to run through the maze."

     The Captain nodded.  "Then by all means Mr. Jackson, take us out.  And send a coded signal to Columbia to do likewise."  Jim fought to keep the butterflies he was feeling in his stomach from showing on his face.
 
     Arriving on the bridge, Teesnia nodded to the captain. She didn't know if he wanted her there just in case or if he had some specific question for her, so she stood, out of the way to the side and said, "Counselor Rookii reporting as ordered, sir."
 
      Jim nodded.  "Grab a seat somewhere Counselor.  I'd like your input on the members of your race we're about to be facing.  I've only faced them once before, during an incident where a Starfleet Operative was sent in to bust a Slaver's Ring.  I was sent in as her backup, and to provide her with a way to contact the outside.  However, there wasn't that much contact with actual Orions other than the leader of the organization who I didn't get to see more than once or twice."

     Anichent gave Teesnia a quick sideways glare as he turned back to the Captain, "Captain, data received. Shield adjustments will be made as data is collected by the sensors within the shielding systems.  Warp power to engines and deflector grid are back to normal."  

     Mark continued to smile, this was almost fun for the moment, though he had a gut feeling this would go from fun to bad in no time. "Signal sent, taking us out."
 
    Teesnia noted Anichent's glare and had to refrain from sighing out loud. She almost wished smacking someone in the back of the head and telling them to get over it was a viable psychiatric tool. As it wasn't, she took a seat near-ish the captain and considered his question.
    Input on the members of her race. Did he assume all Orions were the same? Would he like it if someone suggested all Human's were the same? No no, she was being silly now. She knew what he meant, he wasn't slighting anyone. All races, taken as a whole, posses certain identifiable traits, and while an individual in that race might be different, they would still tend to lean toward the whole.
    Obviously this was something counselors get used to and eventually she would just rattle off what the captain wants without a second thought. Teesnia, however, was still sort of new to this. "Is there something specific you are looking for, Captain?" She asked. She didn't know the Captain well enough, or really at all, to know how much or little information he wanted from such a broad question.
 
      The Captain considered a moment.  "I need some broad insight on what sort of tactics they could use.  How members of the Orion Military might be trained to fight.  What sort of people they might be."


     Kebron listened to the chatter while monitoring the sensors, he wanted to make sure they got no surprises from the Orions. He already felt extremely uncomfortable leaving the Columbia. He would have preferred to have gone over with Chief Kowalenko but being Brikar he obviously didn't have the size or grace needed to fit into a Jeffries tube. A pity.
 
    Ok, she knew what he wanted, sort of, now how to tell him without A) going on and on, and B) feeling like she was maligning or betraying her own race. "I'm sure you're aware that the men are generally under female control? Because of that you can generally expect one of two situations. If the mistress is on board, you might" she paused to stress, "might be able to negotiate. If she is not aboard, the men will battle to the death to follow their orders as they will not usually call for additional orders or changes to orders."
    "Now, if you wind up in hand to hand combat, you should know that the Orion homeworld has the equivalent of two of your Earth's gravities. Which means that physiologically they are probably stronger than even Vulcans. I'm sure you've at least seen Orion males, they are large, extremely powerful beings."
    Without getting into a long dissertation on the speculation that Orions had evolved from reptilian, rather than simian ancestors as Terrans did thus having much different mannerisms, Teesnia finished with a broad generalization of Orion mannerisms/values. "You can expect them to be colder and more ruthless than Terrans. For instance, it would appear that Terrans have more value for life, all life. Some might say they are vicious and cruel. Their attack strategies would tend to bear that out anyway."

     His head slightly bowed in the typical Andorian manner when listening, Anichent headed back towards the Captain and Counselor. "Sounds about right", he hissed.
"Otherwise would be in pretense." 

          Teesnia had been ready for another verbal attack when the Andorian approached. She'd even mentally braced herself for it. She watched him closely as she looked for the slur in his words. She couldn't really take offense, after all, he was just agreeing with what she said. So why did she feel he was casting slurs anyway? She decided to keep silent and hope he'd go back to his station soon.

     Anichent returned the stare as he continued, "Even so, I suggest we attempt a negotiation.   Use their advantage for our own... feed on their known tendancies towards..."  His eyes left hers and he looked at the captain, "..I believe the human word is vainglory."
 
      Hunter suppressed a smile.  "We usually call it vanity......however, if my memory of Webster's Dictionary is correct, vainglory can be substituted."  The Captain allowed his teasing grin to surface for a moment.  "Just another example of your Shakesperean tendencies Mr. th'Dani."
 
      Jim looked back towards the Teesnia.  "Thankyou Lieutenant.  Please, stick around.  I have a feeling we'll need some of your insight in the moments to come."
 
      At that moment......the starship rocked as she was intersected by the disruptor beams from two of the Orion battlecruisers.  Hunter just had time to grab his chair arms to keep from being unceremoniously dumped onto the deck.  "Here's where the fun begins!!!!"
 
 
To be continued..........

Lt. Viktor Kowalenko ... "Sardines" ... posted 060725