Wild Hunt

Posted on Mon Sep 10th, 2012 @ 4:45am by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson & Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur

Mission: Episode 1.1 - "MystiQue"
Location: Holodeck : USS Yorktown
Timeline: (Backpost) MD04, 1930

ON: [[Holodeck: USS Yorktown, Episode 1.0, MD04, 1930 Hours]]

Stepping out of the holodeck to reset the holodeck program to one of her favorites. She quickly added new perameters to the scenerio. She smiled softly as she worked. "I hope you are comfortable with a primitive society without guns. Weapons are spears and bows being the most common. Flint knives were mainly used as tools." Letting him know what he was getting himself into.

Joe offered a smile at the comment. "I'm don't always have to be using weapons," he remarked mildly. Though I certainly know how to use bows, spears and knives, he added silently.

The doors open to reviel a vast open grasslands with the wind gently creating moving waterlike swells in the waving grass. Trees dotted the vast gentle rolling hills landscape as far as the eye could see into the distance. In the sky hung two moons in different shades of grey admist a vast deep star filled sky. Towards the horizon the edge was brightening as if it was on fire to herald the coming day.

Stepping into the scenerio, was like stepping out of a primitive hut to reviel the rest of the community of varying shapes of the different huts of the village. Miranda stripped off her outter garments to reviel a furry onepiece undergarment for the modesty and sensibilty of Joseph. "Should I create similiar clothing for you?" She asked, folding up the clothing she wore outside the holodeck.

"If you think it work better than this," Joe replied, indicating the Ancient Western clothing he still wore.

"Arch!" In a command voice. The Arch appeared with them in between the legs of the Arch. "I'll let you design your outfit," giving him a wink, moving so he had access to the controls.

"Hmm..." Joe said thoughtfully. "Perhaps it'd be better if you picked something for me. After all, you know the area better than I do; I wouldn't want to pick out the wrong thing."

Miranda quickly created leather buckskin pants and sleeveless tunic for Joseph, a flint knife. She looked him over as she handed the stuff over to him. "You can change in that hut," pointing out the closest hut with a nice set of antlers over the front opening. "There are bows and spears in there. find the ones to your liking," giving him a soft smile.

Joe nodded and retired to the hut, where he quickly changed into the outfit Miranda had chosen for him. He had long ago learned how to change quickly, but it took him a while to decide on the weapons. While his forte was long-range weapons and he could certainly use a bow with skill, the spear promised to be more versatile. Making his decision, Joe grabbed a spear and returned to where Miranda stood outside.

Mranda had a quiver of flint tipped arrows slung across her back in easy reach along with a bow and spear. She was looking out over the savanah, ears swivaled towards him. Then glancing at him, smiling softly. "Lets go," Taking off at an easy loping jog, heading out into the waiste high grass as the morning sun began peeking over the horizon.

The morning dew on the grass soon gotten her legs moist with moisture and her mocosans abit damp as she traveled, heading for a distance forest that appeared in the strengthening light of the day. Sounds of the local avians began to the grace the air as they called out to one another in rejoicing of seeing another day. In the surrounding grass, came the rustling of rodents scurrying about in their endless cycle of survival on the high plains. The vibrant colors of the vegetation was a explosion of colors in contrast to the Desert like setting of Joe's Ancient West town. The soft wind caressed them both, keeping the morning tempature cool. The land that looked deceptively smooth rolling hills was filled with sudden drops into small arroyos that had small trickles of running water as they came close enough for them to visible. Copse of trees stood tall with limbs spreading out to provide shade and sustunance to the abundant wildlife, near a small meandering shallow river.

Miranda looked at Joe, to see how he was fairing to the distance they covered so far, as she kneeled next to the river, to take a drink of water using her paw/hands to scoop the water up and taking dainty quick laps of water as the rest leaked out from her pawlike hands.

Joe was no stanger to physical exertions; the jog didn't take much out of him at all. Nevertheless, he followed Miranda's example and stooped to take a drink of water. After a moment of drinking, he sat back and glanced around, continuing to admire the view he had been observing throughout the jog.

Miranda leaned back to sit on her heals, looking around, then stood up with the help of her hunting spear. "We cross farther down," then moved at silent walk through sun dappled undergrowth. Avians singing in the trees till they got close to fall quiet and resumed their singing when they posed no threat.

Hissing slightly to get his attention and motions him to become still. Pointing up to the danger was several various shades of brown, greys, huge six-legged bears towering as tall as an Elephant, next to the river. She motioned him to down as she lead by example, moving slowly lower herself into a one kneeling potion with the spear horizontal across her thigh.

Instantly and silently, Joe dropped next to Miranda, his own spear ready. His eyes flicked across the scene, taking everything in with the practiced eye of a marine sniper.

The bear that was closest to them, lifted it's muzzle into the air, swinging it's head side to side. Exposing several young bear cubs staring intently at the water, with several half eaten fishes littering the bank.

Joe eyed the cubs warily. They weren't so much a danger in and of themselves, but the mother would be extremely volatile while protecting her cubs. He glanced at Miranda, wondering what she intended to do. He didn't know the area well, nor the specific tendencies of these bears; had he been on his own, he probably would have passed quietly around him.

Miranda tapped him on the shoulder and motioned for them retreat back the way they had came and began to inch her way backwards, being careful not make any sounds that would carry to the huge predators.

Matching Miranda's speed and silence, Joe followed her down. As they moved, he made sure to keep an eye on the bears in case they took notice of them.

Once a safe distance away and lots of thick vegetation between them and the bears, She stood up with a smile of relief. "Looks like we'll have to swim for it," Demostrating how to secure the spear to himself by doing it herself, as she headed to into the water to swim across the river.

Again, Joe followed Miranda's example, knowing she knew the program better than he did. After securing the spear, he followed her into the water, beginning to cross the river with powerful, practiced strokes.

The river's current was noticeable, yet weak and didn't hinder a speedy crossing, nor bring them into view of the bears once they made the crossing. She shook herself, sending water droplets flying about her. She checked her bowstring, making sure it was okay from the water crossing.

"Thanks," Joe muttered wryly as some of the drops of water hit him. "I wasn't quite wet enough." He grinned to show he didn't really care, and then pulled out his spear to check the bindings on the head.

Miranda smile with a soft chuffing sound, feline laughter. "Most of these animals are extinct now on Cait 9," vioce softens, "Like those bears." Leading the way from the river, up a game trail to the top of the platoue. Off in the distance was a gathering other Caitians, dressed similiar to her and Joe. "We join them for the hunt. You stick with me." Miranda smiled as she waved and let out a yeowl that carried to let the Group know they was approaching to join the hunt with them.

"We're lucky to be able to see them with the technology we have," Joe said about the bears. "They're magnificant creatures."

She nodded as her and Joe was soon surrounded by them, They looked at Joe suspiciously at first till Miranda explained that he was from a different pride. Some of younger Female Caits eyed Joe with abit appreciatively. The males nodded, a few glared at him, but left him alone grundingly accepted him into the group.

Joe met the glares evenly, not challenging but not backing down until they accepted his presence.

Soon there was a sound of a large rattle, and the group fell silent, as they parted to let an old greying Caitian through with beads, feathers, varying sized small bone and leather strip. He danced and pranced about, spinning as he snarled, hissed, growled and purred as he tossed a light powder into the air to settle on everyone and the ground. When he reached the center of the group who had made a clearing for the Shaman Cait to bless the hunt, watching him perform. Sometimes with feats of strength and agility, the Shaman would leap into the air to do flips and land on his feet, or just simply spin in the air. His eyes blazed with wisdom of age as he looked about the gathered group. Coming to a frozen stop before Joseph, looking at him with pale azure eyes.

Again, Joe met the gaze unflinchingly. He didn't know the customs here, but he could certainly prove he was worthy of their acceptance. He was a Marine, after all.

"Who is the Outsider?" Shaman spoke in vibrant voice, looking at Miranda as she stepped forward.

"This Joseph from the Pride of Humans, He has found favor with me to join the hunt for he is prideless here amongst the Pride of the People's Lands. He'll pull his weight or go hungery at tonights feasting, Respected Shaman," Miranda spoke softly as the Shaman nodded.

"Spoken wisely," Shaman once again looked at Joseph, "we hunt the mammoth tusked piglets that are migrating through our area." Turning his attention to the gathered group, while drawing crude drawing of the mammoth piglet in the dirt. Drawing out the plan to capture and hunt down a few of the creatures as he explained.

"Thanks for putting in a good word for me," Joe murmured to Miranda, even as he carefully studied the plans. He didn't know the prey they hunted, but he was certain the Shaman did; following his plan was the best idea here.

Once the Shaman finished speaking and wandered off, the gathering broke up into pairs or groups of hunters to work together. More experienced hunters teamed up with a lesser experienced hunter, to teach and guide them through the hunt. As Miranda motioned Joseph to stay with her, gathering a few more hunter of less experience to join her group. She headed out in the direction she was assigned to hunt in. "The *Mammonth Piglet can be quite feirce and quick. Aim your spears for the spot just behind the jaw on the neck. If the Piglet charges you. Plant the spear butt into the ground and angle spear tip towards it. Just before impact, jump to the side and get out of it's way! Or you'll be quite crushed under their weight! Or slashed open with it's razor sharp tusks!"

The brush grew quite high, surrounding them as they traveled in single file through the tangled mess on the game trails that allowed passage through it. Offering shade from the growing heat of the day. yet no wind stirred the air amongst the brush that surrounded them. Miranda ears perked at the soft muffled snorting/grunting sounds of the Piglet.

She stopped, as she determined how close the Piglet was. Looking at the ground before her showing the fresh tracks heading in the same direction they was traveling. She smiled and took off at an easy ground eating pace, motioning to the others to get ready. "Joseph, ready your bow," Giving him the soft order, coming to a clearing was a huge Mammoth Piglet in all it's glory, She quickly motioned the other to spread out to surround it in the clearing. As she wited there next to Joseph. "Once you shoot, quickly get your spear ready," speaking softly, purrlike. Then moving into position herself, taking note of the others getting in their assigned spots.

Joe got ready, knowing that timing, accuracy, and speed were important here. He waited for Miranda's signal.

Miranda nodded at Joseph to shoot the Mammoth Piglet, readying herself for the kill. She smiled predatory as the Piglet became aware of the impending doom, swivaling it's head around, shuffling it sharply hooved feet in the ground. Raised it tail.

With a sharp twang, Joe released the arrow he had drawn back to his ear. In the blink of an eye, the arrow had crossed the distance from Joe to the Mammoth Piglet and buried itself into the creature. Joe's accuracy was perfect, but that didn't mean the Mammoth Piglet was going down right away. Even as blood pumped from its fatal wound, the Piglet charged its attacker; Joe grabbed for his spear, knowing that those tusks could still do some damage.

Miranda let out a primal growl, loud enough for all to hear, and then throwing her spear into the neck area behind the jawline as other spears flew with accrucy into the sides of the Mammoth. Some of the braver Caitians rushed the Mammoth Piglet to shove their spears into into the neck and body of the Piglet, making it stumble as it tried to get to the more nimble hunters.

It collapses to the ground in a small rising cloud of dust with it life fluids soaking in the ground as it gave it's dying twitches. Miranda smiled at Joseph, "mmmmmeerrrowww..Good shsho-ot," purrred softly as they began to prep to haul the Mammoth Piglet back to hunting camp. "You've gained a place at the feasting table."

"Thank you," Joe said. There was always a thrill to the hunt, a thrill that didn't quite ebb immediately after the prey was finished. He nodded at the Mammoth Piglet and the preparations. "How can I help get it ready?"

Miranda smiled, "The spears now are used to make a travois," directing the inexperienced hunters to lash together the once flimsy yet leathel spears into sturdy poles with a leather webbing between the wide part where the load goes, which in this case was was the freshly slaughtered Mammoth Piglet. "Help load it on the travois," pitching in to help pick up the dead weight of the Piglet along with the other hunters.

Quickly, Joe moved forward and used his considerable strength to help move the Piglet. Even with so many people helping, it was a difficult task.

Once piglet was loaded on the travois and secured, weapons secured on them, with three hunters to a pole of the one end of the travois, began the hard work of dragging the load back to the hunting camp. Miranda led the way, widening the path for for those following pulling the load. She had Joseph follow the load to prevent other predators from sneaking up and trying to take a chunk of their fresh kill.

Though he wished he could lessen the load on his companions by assisting them, Joe knew that every part was important. His alert gaze constantly swept their surroundings, missing nothing in his effort to protect the kill.

Breaking out of the brush onto the open savannah, the wind felt good from the stiffling towering brush. Miranda sent one of the Hunters ahead to get help to bring in the success of their group's hunt. She replaced the runner on the pole to help drag the Mammoth Piglet.

While still keeping an eye out for any last-minute attempts to grab the Piglet, Joe moved over near Miranda. "You sure you don't want me to carry that for you?" he asked.

"Relieve Merf," Nodding towards a young caitian male that was almost ready to collapse from the hard work of dragging the loaded travoise over the uneven ground of the savannah towards the hunting camp just coming into view in the distance and a small group coming towards them. "I do my share also," wanting to be relieved, but as leader, she had to be willing to endure what the others were also enduring. Turning to Merf, "Be alert! We aint safe yet from those that would spoil our success!"

Seeing the struggling young Caitian, Joe quickly jogged over to him and slid into his spot, seamlessly taking the load without even a falter to mark the change in worker.

Merf, a brown tiger stripped Caitian male, nodded his thanks to Joseph when he took his place on the traviose across from Miranda. "Yes Huntress," He replied acknowledging her as he fell back, unslinging his bow and notching it with an arrow whose flint tip was covered with something slimey.

Despite the load he bore, Joe took time to study the Caitian's arrow. "Is that poisoned?" he asked Miranda.

"Gi'anko weed sap which deadly to lesser intelligent life forms. Higher Intelligence, a powerful hallucigenic." Miranda gave him a full showing of her teeth in a predatory smile. "It's still powerful even after it has entered the system of the prey and those that eat it, either hallucinate or die." Her softening smile gave away that she had experienced the Gi'anko weed sap outside the holo-deck which caused her trouble on her previous shipboard assignment.

"And you know this from personal experience?" Joe asked with a grin.

Miranda looked away, towards the front, nodding slightly confirming his statement as both groups, the hunting party and the group from camp, joined up. Camp group taking the place of the hunters on the travoise load with the Mammoth Piglet. On called Merf put away his arrow to save it for later.

Joe glanced around, taking everything in. It was a unique experience, and he was certainly glad Miranda had shared it with him. It was always good to remember where one came from, and what one had to do to maintain those traditions.

******
Footnote: *Mammoth Piglet is Boar with leathery hide like the elephant, but not as tough, tusks are between an inch to 4 feet in length depending on the age of the Mammoth Piglet. Height about around 6-8 tall at the highest part of it. weighing at least 300-400 lbs fully mature.
******

OFF:

A Post By

Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson
Chief Sec/Tac Officer, USS Yorktown

and


Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur
Chief Flight Control Officer, USS Yorktown