Path: newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!elnk-atl-nf1!newsfeed.earthlink.net!prodigy.com!prodigy.com!newsread.com!newsstand.newsread.com!POSTED.newshog.newsread.com!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated Approved: ascem@earthlink.net Organization: Better Living Thru TrekSmut Sender: ascem@earthlink.net Message-ID: From: "lyrastarwatcher" MIME-Version: 1.0 Mailing-List: list ASCEML@yahoogroups.com; contact ASCEML-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: NEW TOS: Sensate Focus 1/4 (K/S)[NC-17] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Lines: 652 Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 02:55:08 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.198.142.218 X-Complaints-To: Abuse Role , We Care X-Trace: newshog.newsread.com 1097463308 209.198.142.218 (Sun, 10 Oct 2004 22:55:08 EDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 22:55:08 EDT Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated:85054 X-Received-Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 19:56:10 PDT (newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net) Title: Sensate Focus=20 Author: Lyrastar=20 Series: TOS=20 Pairing: K/S=20 Rating: NC-17 (sigh. What else is new?) Contact: Lyrastarwatcher at yahoo dot com or=20 www.geocities.com/lyrastarwatcher=20 Disclaimers: Paramount. You know the drill.=20 Note: This was intentionally done after the style of the show--except=20 for the bedroom bits, that is. That means cheesy stock characters,=20 plot holes the size of nebulae, melodramatic breaks, silly expository=20 dialogue, and improbable heroics and goofy costumes and even the ever- present ripped shirt.=20 Beta help: Many thanks to Hypatia for pointing out problems, and Dina=20 for helping to fix them, even when called upon at the eleventh hour.=20 The missteps that are left are all my own doing.=20 Summary: For the KSOF frottage special at=20=20 SENSATE FOCUS ****Captain's Log Stardate 3383.5: Enterprise is arriving at the=20 Altair system a full 22 hours late for the inauguration proper, but=20 just in time for President Wyddick's formal victory banquet. Mr.=20 Spock and I will attend in a show of additional Federation support,=20 and in hopes of smoothing over any difficulties our unavoidable delay=20 may have caused.=20 Straightening his dress uniform, Spock wavered in indecision in front=20 of the hatch. On one hand, he was expected; last week, last month,=20 even last year he would not have deemed it necessary to buzz. But=20 things had changed, and it now seemed prudent to restrict some=20 liberties of interpersonal contact. There was no logic to such a=20 decision; it would change nothing between them, but there was very=20 little logic in this situation to begin with.=20 In the end, he pressed the buzzer.=20 "Come."=20 Jim sat on the bunk, giving his boots a final shine. He was in=20 between uniforms, wearing only his trousers. The gold shirt was off,=20 the dress jacket still draped over a chair, waiting for the earned=20 ribbons to be attached. The muscles of his chest and upper body=20 rippled with every movement of hand over boot.=20 Jim glanced at the chronometer. "You're early. We there already?"=20 "Negative, captain. ETA seventeen point four two minutes. I am here=20 in hopes of making use of your computer; I have some command level=20 changes to make." Totally illogical--he could have done so from the=20 Bridge. Reducing the informalities had been easy. Staying away from=20 the man had not.=20 With a wave of a wrist, Jim granted assent. "Yours still not fixed=20 yet? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were stalling on purpose.=20 You don't need an excuse to come visit, you know." He gave a quick=20 wink as he set down the boot, stood and turned to the small mirror.=20 Taking the seat behind the computer, Spock reflected that sometimes=20 it seemed that he was not the only one aboard who could read minds.=20 He applied his disciplines to suppressing any outward reaction=20 discernible to a human--to this human. Instead he called up the safe,=20 old banter.=20 "I will endeavor to remember that in the future." Jim chuckled=20 through his nose, and Spock allowed himself to relax his guard just a=20 bit.=20 One by one, Jim secured the many ribbons to the front, each in its=20 assigned position. When the only spot left was that for his Medal of=20 Honor, he crouched down beside the desk to retrieve it from the safe.=20 The little space was tight enough, and as Jim reached beside the=20 desk, his bare arm brushed against Spock's trousers.=20 At the touch, Spock pulled his leg away--politely, not too hastily,=20 he hoped. Before this week he scarcely noticed these casual contacts=20 that has sprung up between them; now it seemed that he was evading=20 them continually. =20 The medal attached, Jim donned the tunic and checked himself in the=20 mirror. "Now where did I put the presentation plaque?"=20 "Other side, second shelf," said Spock, without looking up.=20 Jim turned the revolving unit; there it was in shiny oxylite and=20 brass: "To the First Republic Administration of Altair VI and the=20 Unified Altair Concordance, From the United Federation of=20 Planets...." Jim wondered how in the hell Spock had remembered that.=20 His mother used to do things like that and his father always swore=20 she was psychic. Jim had always figured otherwise; she was just=20 looking out for her man. She knew what he needed.=20 Jim tucked it under his arm. "Thanks. Now, if I can just make it=20 through the presentation." He could ad lib any speech with the best=20 of them, but the Altairian names were a mouthful.=20 Jim sank into the chair on the outer side of the desk and keyed up=20 his speech on a padd one last time. As he adjusted his legs under the=20 desk, Spock turned slightly in his chair, keeping their knees from=20 bumping--a considerate move, genteel even, so why did it have the=20 feel of a rebuff?=20 Spock had been distancing himself a lot since the stop on Vulcan. At=20 first Jim at had passed it off as recuperation, but now he was=20 starting to feel the emptiness of places his friend ordinarily would=20 have occupied. It had been over two years since he had known the=20 lonely hours of command burdens borne alone and had, through some=20 unvoiced accord, come to believe that he never would again.=20 Or perhaps, phrased more precisely, he had come to believe that if=20 Spock had any say in the matter, that he never could.=20 McCoy had pronounced Spock fit for duty--actually his words were, "as=20 fit as that walking calculator will ever be to work with red-blooded=20 human beings." That McCoy had resumed their sparring was more=20 reassuring than the report itself, and Kirk had resolved not to=20 worry. When Spock was ready to talk, he would; until then only the=20 man himself knew best what he needed.=20 When Jim's comm beeped, it was Spock who answered it. It was Uhura on=20 the other end.=20 "Oh, Mr. Spock. I was trying to reach the captain."=20 "The captain is listening; go ahead, Lieutenant." Spock swiveled the=20 screen towards Jim. =20 "Captain, Mr. Sulu reports that we are in high orbit around Altair=20 VI. I've hailed government reception, but there's an energy baffle=20 still up around the planet. Our hail is in queue for the security=20 relay station--anticipate eight minutes to reception. And there's=20 only one space gate; I don't know how long you'll have to wait for=20 that."=20 Jim glanced at Spock and saw the same yellow alert go off in his face=20 as well. An energy baffle kept waveform energy from passing through=20 the planetary ionosphere. Not only were energy weapons blocked, but=20 also communicators. Ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship communiqu=E9s had=20 to be relayed through a control station. Transporter signals were=20 blocked and spacecraft had to pass through regulated gates. Worlds at=20 war often used the baffle, but it was expensive to maintain and a=20 major inconvenience. They were invariably taken down when the wars=20 were over.=20 This did not bode well for the supposedly now-stable system. =20 "Code 710?" Kirk asked.=20 "Negative, just the standard welcome message on auto-repeat. And=20 there are dozens of Federation vessels in orbit, including the=20 Republic."=20 "Understood, Lieutenant. Tell hangar deck control to ready the Henry=20 Hudson for pre-launch sequence in--" He glanced to Spock.=20 "Six point four--"=20 "Six minutes," Kirk finished.=20 "Aye aye, sir.=20 "One moment--" Uhura paused, then her voice returned. "I have a hail=20 from the Republic. Captain McElhannon wishes to speak with you."=20 Tanner McElhannon was one of the men who had shaped the officer Kirk=20 had become. Fair, brilliant and fearless, he had taught Lt. Kirk more=20 during his six months on the Republic than the academy had in five=20 years. Now pushing sixty, McElhannon hung on to starship command with=20 all the tenacity of a Llardarian huntdog. With his extraordinary=20 service record, it wasn't much of a fight.=20 "Pipe it down here, Lieutenant." McElhannon's broad face came=20 onscreen.=20 "Mac!"=20 "Jim!" McElhannon's voice was like sunshine in an ion storm. "What's=20 a nice captain like you doing in a place like this?" =20 "Slumming, apparently. Don't you ever wash that rustbucket of yours?"=20 "Easy now," Tanner laughed. "I know what happened to Lieutenant=20 Johanssen's prize Rjizzillian longhair."=20 "It was sick anyway. We did it a favor," said Jim.=20 "Sure, sure. You tell it to Johanssen.=20 "Little late for the party, aren't you?"=20 Jim made a face. "I couldn't decide what to wear."=20 "Still the pretty boy, born to drive 'em wild, huh? My own yeoman was=20 useless for weeks after your transfer--moping." Mac punctuated the=20 remark with a long-suffering roll of his eyes.=20 "But seriously, I'm glad you're here. The Yorktown was called to a=20 skirmish on the Klingon border; it's just you and me kid, and I'm=20 mighty glad for the company." His voice was still bright, but his=20 gaze was now tight and intent.=20 "Yes--" said Jim, "About that, what's going on? An energy baffle?=20 That wasn't in the reports. I thought the Tellarite war was over." =20 McElhannon hesitated. "Nothing really. Just a little civil=20 disturbance--the usual hard feelings when one party wins and another=20 loses." But again, Jim read something more in those eyes.=20 "Mac?"=20 "Captain."=20 The sharp edge to Spock's tone caught his attention. He looked up in=20 time to see Spock mute the connection.=20 "Captain, with the communication relay stations and wartime=20 precautions in place, it is 96.20 percent likely that ship-to-ship=20 communications are being monitored by the Altairian government."=20 Jim nodded. "I see."=20 Spock re-opened the channel. McElhannon made no reference to the=20 interruption.=20 Jim reset his face. "I see. Those things happen sometimes. I'll see=20 you down there and we'll catch up?"=20 "Absolutely. I'm saving you a seat. Someone has to show you which=20 fork to use."=20 "At least it's not chopsticks--like on Camus XII."=20 The Republic had been called to Alpha Camus XII to assist with truce=20 talks with Beta Camus IV. On the second day, the Betas had launched=20 their entire arsenal destroying over 80% of the surface of planet.=20 Twenty-four Federation members, 76 Beta Camisians and 2 billion Alpha=20 Camisians died. Jim had never gotten the images of the death and=20 destruction out of his mind.=20 He had absolutely no idea what utensils Camisians used for meals.=20 "No, nothing like that," said McElhannon, "but I'd better give you an- -etiquette briefing." =20 Jim gave a curt nod. "Understood. See you down there. Kirk out."=20 Jim spun sideways in his chair. "Well, Spock, what do you make of=20 that?"=20 Spock folded his arms in front of his chest. "There is more to this=20 situation than is contained in the mission brief."=20 "Clearly. And none of it good.=20 "Kirk to Bridge."=20 "Bridge. Uhura."=20 "Have an escort team--the next two officers on the duty roster and=20 two security men--all in dress uniforms meet us on the hangar deck."=20 "Aye sir." The channel closed.=20 Kirk rubbed his chin in the direction of the darkened screen. "I wish=20 I knew more about what we were going into. Hypotheses?"=20 "I have insufficient data to present useful alternatives--"=20 "...but someone else does." Jim completed Spock's sentence. He stood=20 and grabbed the plaque. "Come on; let's go find out what's going on=20 down there."=20 Spock rose along with him. Jim hurried him though the cabin door,=20 resting his fingertips lightly on the small of his first officer's=20 back.=20 -------------------------------------------=20 Chapter 2=20 The escort detail was ready and waiting of course. "No weapons=20 allowed in the reconstruction zone," Jim said, as he saw Bennett=20 reach for the shuttlecraft weapons' hold. "Leave the phasers there."=20 There was the briefest hesitation. "Yes sir."=20 Uhura's voice came over the cockpit comm. "Hail received. You're=20 cleared for the transit gate. Coordinates being transferred to the=20 Henry Hudson computer now."=20 "Thank you, Lieutenant.=20 "Mr. Spock, whenever you're ready."=20 Spock commed the hangar deck control. "Pre-launch checks complete.=20 Open flight doors." The launch pad turned 180 degrees, and the Henry=20 Hudson launched toward Altair VI.=20 In the parking bay Jim spotted the Sophocles, a shuttle from=20 Republic, but Mac was nowhere in sight. An escort party led them to=20 the main building, and soon Mac was pumping his hand.=20 "Good to see you, Jim. Filled out a little, I see."=20 Jim sucked in his stomach. "I believe you've met my first officer,=20 Mr. Spock."=20 Mac nodded greetings. "With Chris Pike, yes."=20 Jim began, "Mac, what--"=20 Mac tightened the handshake much harder, the signal clear as a red=20 alert, then let the hand drop. "Come on; let me introduce you to=20 President Wyddick."=20 They passed through a weapons scanner at the front door, then two=20 door guards, each sporting two pair of decorative phasers, scanned=20 and searched them as well. Pretty useful for a soldier, Jim thought,=20 studying the Altair Sixer body. Heavy scales--almost armor--six=20 tentacles aiming independently-- He briefly considered making some=20 joke about six-shooters, but let it go instead.=20 Someone had spared no trouble for this dinner. At either corner of=20 one side wall, a spiral of stairs led up to a balcony that ran the=20 length of the wall. Flowers draped over from every inch of the=20 railing. Behind the rail, a holographic band played a curious blend=20 of tones.=20 The head table was up on an elevated stage at the far side of the=20 room and was set for twenty or so. There were seats designed for the=20 reptiloid bodies of the Sixers, as well as typical chairs for=20 humanoids. In front of the center seat was a small podium. Behind the=20 table, the stage extended back to a curtain. Waitstaff moved behind=20 the table, setting more implements and flowers.=20 President Wyddick was tall and thin, his scales individually painted=20 in an elaborate mosaic of bright colors. "Delighted to meet you,=20 Captain Kirk," he said, extending one tentacle as a humanoid might=20 for a handshake.=20 Jim took the limb. The scales were thin and fine on the end giving a=20 slick, metallic feel. The shake was brisk, with just the amount of=20 pressure expected of a human male. Someone had briefed the President=20 well.=20 According to the report, the Sixers were only low level telepaths. It=20 was the mute Fivers who communicated exclusively telepathically; even=20 the Universal Translator couldn't transliterate their thoughts.=20 Still, Jim concentrated on blocking his mind--just in case.=20 Wyddick continued, "My Chief Advisor Bradwllch, War Minister=20 Toeffyll, Foreign Affairs Minster Aaoocoo, and Minister of=20 Agriculture Gwddymoetur." One by one he introduced the beings at his=20 shoulder with a flip of a tentacle.=20 "My first officer, Mr. Spock," Jim said, tossing a nod behind his=20 shoulder.=20 "Ah, a Vulcan. Our Starfleet liaison told us all of our guests would=20 be human."=20 "I am of bi-racial heritage. Starfleet records list me as both;=20 perhaps that is the source of the confusion."=20 "Or perhaps it's because of the multiple changes in the plan we=20 filed. I trust it's not a problem?" said Kirk.=20 "No, no, not at all. Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock." He twisted=20 two tentacles together and parted them at the tips to form a stylized=20 V.=20 Spock returned the courtesy. "And you and your people as well."=20 Jim continued the introductions. "Lieutenants Leslie and Kelowitz;=20 crewmen Mattox and Bennett."=20 "Delighted, gentleman," said Wyddick.=20 "Mr. President, I need to ask you about the continued defense=20 precautions. I thought the war was over," Kirk said.=20 The President tucked his tentacles behind his back. "It is.=20 Unfortunately there has been some-- unpleasantness with a small=20 faction from Altair V."=20 Kirk frowned and scanned the room, puzzled. "According to our=20 reports, the citizenry of Altair V fought with you in the Tellarite=20 conflict," said Spock. "And I see many Fivers--as you call them--here=20 now." Indeed, one of the presidential aides, many of the guests and=20 most of the service persons were the brown-furred humanoid denizens=20 of Altair V.=20 "That's just it," said Wyddick. "It's only a tiny subset. Nothing to=20 concern the Federation."=20 "What is the source of the discord?" Spock asked.=20 "The civilization on Altair V is different than we are, less=20 sophisticated, but generally congenial, and appreciative of our role=20 in aiding their civilization. They did fight along with us, with=20 distinction, I might add, and are as thankful for the union between=20 us as we are.=20 "My own Minister of Foreign Affairs is a Fiver." Wyddick waved a=20 tentacle to Aaoocoo, the single humanoid standing behind him. "We=20 hope to incorporate more Fivers into higher level positions as they=20 continue to gain education and abilities.=20 "The group that's attacking us is just a tiny, primitive tribe--a=20 cult really--that's taken a stand against my government for no good=20 reason. They're barbarians; they eat only flesh--often raw flesh.=20 There are even rumors of cannibalism. They fight for no reason except=20 to kill."=20 "Surely you have the might to suppress such a small group," said=20 Kirk.=20 The President fidgeted with four of the tentacles behind his=20 back. "Certainly. We could annihilate them any time we chose, but=20 we're not barbarians, Captain. We defend ourselves, but keep hoping=20 that they will have a change of heart and join us in peace with the=20 rest of their species."=20 "Admirable, but unusual thinking for a weary and war-torn planet,"=20 said Spock.=20 "We try to rise above the norm, Mr. Spock," said the President.=20 "But you must excuse me, gentleman. I see the Denebian delegation is=20 here. Perhaps Captain McElhannon can provide a tour. He arrived=20 several days ago--in time for the inauguration proper." Wyddick=20 emphasized the last phrase ever so slightly.=20 "Delighted," said Mac. "Come on, Jim, walk with me."=20 "You four," Jim spoke to the security team, "stay here. Spock." Jim=20 gathered up the Vulcan with a twist of his head, and they strolled=20 back out into the street.=20 "So, what is it, Mac?" Jim asked when they had maneuvered a discreet=20 distance away.=20 "I don't know, Jim, and I wish I did. On the surface of things, it's=20 utopia. President Wyddick is intelligent and efficient. The society=20 runs like clockwork. The Fivers live happily alongside the Sixers;=20 there's food and work for everyone--no wants, no poverty, and yet,"=20 he pointed to the sky where the ripple effect of the energy baffle=20 could be seen, "war measures are still in effect. Something doesn't=20 fit."=20 "Wyddick explained that. Just one group of malcontents. It can happen- -even in utopia."=20 Mac shook his head. "I don't buy it. For one thing, these 'primitive=20 savages' are launching coordinated attacks, using advanced military=20 intelligence and countermeasures. I witnessed a missile assault on=20 inauguration day that nearly took out the planetary shields. Not only=20 does that belie what Wyddick said about them, but I also doubt they=20 could be suppressed as easily as he says. And as for random violence,=20 we captured an assault ship with three Fivers aboard. My Betazoid=20 counselor interviewed them only briefly, but all three made the same=20 claims. That the government of United Altair is holding the Fivers in=20 slavery."=20 "Slavery?" Jim looked up sharply. "You investigated?"=20 Mac nodded. "Of course. The captives were claimed by the government=20 before we could get details, but still we found nothing."=20 "The Fivers are less sophisticated than the Sixers and have=20 correspondingly less responsibility, but I saw nothing to add up to=20 slavery," Jim said.=20 "Spock, did you pick up anything from the Fivers in the Hall?"=20 "Negative. Although my mental contact was limited to the most=20 superficial level, the group mood was one of contentment. They would=20 also be aware that I could communicate with them, and not one called=20 for help."=20 Jim spread his hands. "Mac--"=20 "I know Jim, I know, and I'm not saying that I believe their story,=20 just that the official version doesn't hold water."=20 "And Kyle?"=20 Kyle Tranble was the captain of the Yorktown that had left orbit=20 earlier. He was a by-the-book man, solid and serious, and an avid=20 realist.=20 Mac shrugged. "He said I was being paranoid. Maybe, but it's served=20 me well so far, and I know when something isn't right.=20 "We're warping out right after this dinner. The Klingons are making=20 noises about annexing Jarrius III and we've been ordered to=20 intercede. I tried to talk Komack into giving us more time, but he=20 wasn't in a terribly receptive mood."=20 Jim winced. "I might've had something to do with that."=20 Mac chuckled. "So I heard. Anyway, I wouldn't want you to ruffle the=20 old bird more than necessary, but keep your eyes and ears open, would=20 you Jim?"=20 "Always."=20 Guests were being seated when they arrived back at the banquet hall.=20 Mattox and Bennett had stationed themselves at the back, below the=20 balcony, with a good view of the room. Leslie and Kelowitz had taken=20 positions at a guest table closest to the stage. The President led=20 the way up the few steps to the head table. Behind them waitstaff in=20 uniform lined up in position. They were all Fivers.=20 The first course was a cold plate, a bed of purple sauce with slices=20 of something brown and fleshy. Meat. Spock slid his plate to the side=20 without comment.=20 The president took note at once. "Mr. Spock, you maintain a Vulcan=20 diet?"=20 "I do."=20 He turned to a waitress and passed her Spock's untouched=20 plate. "Eeoojjnn, inform the kitchen that Mr. Spock is to be served=20 the Fiver menu, and take this away."=20 "Mr. President--" the Agriculture Minister down the row, began.=20 Wyddick waved him off. "Please, Gwddymoetur, we must respect our=20 guests."=20 "The Fivers are not served the same food?" Kirk scanned the room.=20 Indeed, all the Fiver guests except for Aaoocoo had a shallow bowl of=20 grayish paste. One of the same was being substituted where Spock's=20 plate had been. They were informed it was called yyilliss.=20 "Aside from the differences in metabolisms, most have a distinct=20 preference for the produce of home--something I'm sure a traveler=20 such as yourself can understand. Even Aaoocoo prefers the simpler=20 Fiver fare, but adapts himself tonight in the diplomatic interests of=20 politics. We go to a great deal of difficulty and expense to husband=20 Fiver produce here for immigrants; the difference is their gain, not=20 loss."=20 "Convenient that they're mute and unable to verify this," Kirk said.=20 "Mute, but hardly unable." Wyddick turned to Spock. "You possess the=20 telepathic abilities of your Vulcan genetics?"=20 "Largely."=20 "Then, by all means, feel free to interview anyone you like. Ooaayyll=20 here," a young waitress stepped forward, "for one, would be happy to=20 address any of your concerns."=20 "I'd prefer--interviewees not specifically chosen by you," said Kirk.=20 The President's face ran through a series of changes, then settled=20 into a rote smile. "Captain, our planet is your home for the duration=20 of your stay. You and your people are free to roam where you will and=20 talk with whomsoever you care to. I'm sure you will find our=20 citizens, all of them--Fivers and Sixers alike--more than willing to=20 answer any of your questions."=20 It wasn't any special telepathy, just the multilevel unspoken=20 communication that had grown and been refined between them through=20 the years. Correctly interpreting the order, which his captain had=20 not needed to speak, Spock pushed away from his bowl of half eaten=20 yyilliss and stood.=20 "But," the President continued, "I would suggest that you be back in=20 time for the soup course. Terrine of mahhrass--a delicacy treasured=20 throughout the sector." He picked up a three-pronged fork, stabbed a=20 slice of meat, and popped it into his mouth with gusto. "It's not to=20 be missed."=20 For the vast majority of telepathic sentients, interpersonal=20 communication is much like any other, precise and very highly=20 discriminated with levels of disclosure and privacy. The Fivers=20 broadcast a basic mood and attitude or could mentally send a=20 general "call," but further detail required intention. For a=20 primarily touch-telepath like Spock, that meant physical contact.=20 Starting in the building, and moving out into the street, he=20 approached several Fivers. From the kitchen staff, to the janitorial=20 staff, to a sundry merchant in the street, to a farmworker on her way=20 home, all were agreeable, and reported happiness with their lives and=20 lot.=20 Near the end of the last meld, his communicator chirped.=20 "Spock here."=20 "Spock, how're the interviews coming?"=20 "Nine out of nine working subjects report satisfaction and=20 contentment with no evidence of duress of any kind."=20 Kirk paused. "In that case, report back to the hall; Mac's leaving.=20 Things have heated up and the Republic's been ordered to warp out=20 now."=20 Spock was already heading back. "On my way."=20 Reentering the building, Spock approached one last Fiver. An older=20 man with matted fur, looking more than a little tired, clearing dirty=20 dishes. The Fiver led them into the dish processing room for the=20 deeper meld. Yes, he was tired and ready to go home after a long day,=20 but he was proud of the success of the banquet and the work he had=20 done. He lived and worked here by choice, and was happy to do so.=20 Thanking the man, Spock broke the meld. In front of him was a one-way=20 viewing panel the staff could use to spot needs in the hall.=20 In the balcony, partly obscured by the holographic band, a shadowy=20 figure took aim with a rifle, dead at the stage.=20 -------------=20 End part 1 of 4 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list. Most recent messages can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCEML. NewMessage: