Commander Katsim Peri - "Decision Time"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Dump Site near Æstin, Valaria III ))
With her fellow officers, Peri remained hidden behind a large stone on the ridge that overlooked an area fully fertilised and thriving. The sight of it was quite a contrast with the fields that lay fallow and sickly. What she couldn’t understand was, they obviously knew how to fertilise and take care of the soil, and they had something that would do so, but they neglected to use such things. It made no sense. Why do so and starve your people?
The people that approached and sent them scrambling for cover heard them somehow, and one of them approached, his nearness calculated by the circle of light that moved closer and closer. Everyone froze, and Peri pressed against the stone. Her eyes moved away from her companions seeking options, but even if there was some better cover, their movements would be heard from such a short distance. They were stuck.
And then, another familiar voice rang out.
K’ylaria: Stop right there.
The circle of light stopped only a foot away from their position, and Kylar’ia’s voice was its catalyst. A second later, it swung around, likely to shine upon the newest arrival. Once again, the young woman had come to the rescue. The light moved away and Nis hissed softly.
Nis: What is she doing?!
Closest to the edge, Riley shifted to gain a better visual of what was happening, but Peri remained too far away and was blind to the scene. She lifted a finger to her lips, silently urging everyone to remain quiet.
Nis / Richards: Response
Noblewoman: What are you doing out here?
K’ylaria: I’ve come for the same reason you have — to protect our interests here.
Noblewoman: I doubt that very much. After your behavior in the dressing chambers last Rigisday, your loyalties are obvious. Guards, seize her.
Although she could not see, Peri could hear clearly the shuffle of feet, the grunts of people, and could easily envision in her mind what was happening. The sound of fabric tearing caused her to wince, and Nis whispered insistently.
Nis: We’ve got to help her!
Shaking her head, Peri knew she likely looked like an uncaring person in the face of the situation, but she also understood the risks. They were on a pre-warp planet, and despite the fact that the Continuance had forced them into the situation, they had already gotten too involved as it was.
Nis/Richards: Response
The girl let out a cry, though someone must have had a hand over her mouth for it was not as sharp and clear as earlier. Riley’s voice remained low, keeping his words for just the officers.
Riley: Not unless we must.
To Peri, that sounded like he agreed with her, that they shouldn’t get involved, but even as he said it, the man looked around the edge of the stone, as if he was calculating. Before Peri could whisper anything else, Riley spoke again.
Riley: Richards — diversion. Opposite side. Make them turn.
Then, his attention turned to her.
Riley: If she breaks, you move. Fast.
He paused, but only long enough for Peri to open her mouth, not actually say anything.
Riley: On my mark.
Katsim: Wait!
She kept her voice soft, softer than normal even for her, but there was no doubt about her insistence. She reached out and started to touch Riley, then pulled back, her eyes darting to the edge of the stone where all she could see were the shadows of trees in the dimming light of the sunset, the purple of the sky as night took over. A single star twinkled above them, and a chill on the breeze let the world know the sun was gone for the night. In other circumstances, it would have been lovely, but the situation they were in ruined it.
Nis/Richards/Riley: Response
Katsim: The Prime Directive.
Since they set foot on that planet, the group had interfered more and more and more. Peri hated that they couldn’t just take care of the problems that the people faced and not worry about such a thing, but every single officer there took an oath, and agreed to abide by that guiding principle. If they interfered again, they would possibly reveal more about themselves. How were they going to take those guards? Perhaps the others were well versed in hand to hand combat, but Peri had barely passed her classes. It only brought home the knowledge that she was ill equipped and hammered in the idea that working with Wes was not only valuable, but necessary.
Nis/Richards/Riley: Response
Teeth worried her lower lip. As they stood there, Peri could hear the men shoving around the young woman who had come to their aid in the town when they sought answers for the strange famine. Once again, she had come, likely to assist them still, and she was in trouble. Yes, because of them. Did that mean they should continue to violate a directive by which they were supposed to live by? She didn’t want Kylar’ia hurt, but she also knew the rules by which she was bound. Glancing from one officer to another, she finally relented. She wasn’t in charge, Richards was. If he said to go, she would abide by his decision. Dark eyes turned to him.
Katsim: All right.
Nis/Richards/Riley: Response
-- Commander Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0