[2006: MAR-APR] A Viper's Bite

[Toni]

A Viper's Bite

By Lieutenant Toni Turner

Lieutenant Lori Striker’s speech pattern had a certain charm. The Southern drawl intrigued, tantalized, and enthralled the listener in a most disarming fashion, but under the guise of an airheaded, wimpy woman, lurked a strong-willed, quick witted put-down artist who could not only put the enemy down, but lay him out as well.

Words emitting the scent of Magnolia blossoms were her most valuable and effective weapons. No blade could compare to the castrating power of her beguiling smile and sugary tone, and no bullet could pierce armor more deeply than her acid recoil.

Romulan Lieutenant Tal Zeetra, was not without charms of his own. He held a certain notoriety for brilliance and cunning. His skill was in deception - always quick with a slick, but evasive, answer. Manipulation was his scheme, and he cleverly enveloped unwary foes within his web of antagonism.

This silver-tongued orator was articulate, polished and sophisticated, and coupled with his sarcastic nature, his words were impregnated with a baneful influence, often paralyzing foes before a debate could begin.

Both preferred a good sparring match over haphazard challenges, finding the competition a liberating experience, and a heartfelt expression of contempt. They contain the essentials of survival, indicative of their respective racial traditions, and they were loyal to their style, undeniably illustrated by strength, courage, and of course, brass.

As each considered each other, they planned their strategy, and by the time the momentous occasion began they knew their tactics.

Federation Commander Weeks began the deliberations with a welcome, that was quickly answered with a wry tone from Romulan Commander Omar.

Striker took aim. Although her words were charming and purely a confection, their barbed wire delivery sliced poignantly, leaving their target frustrated, exasperated, and sputtering lamely.

Zeetra retaliated with his clever mystique, showing that he had mastered the art of being direct, making him a substantial adversary.

Choosing a blunt, but tactful, confrontation put Striker back in control, taking the Romulan by surprise.

Giving her an admiring gaze, Zeetra disarmed her defenses, using words coated with a substance that would normally inhibit action, but Striker stood her ground next to him, delivering an equally blistering nibble.

The two Commanders smiled inwardly, while each of the Lieutenants took their best shot. Although their feelings went unspoken, they were in agreement that pairing the two had been an excellent choice.

As the words past between them like poison arrows aim at their hearts, Zeetra and Striker produced an irritating catalyst that intensified the toxin threatening to rendered them helpless. They rethought their tactics, continuing to indulged in the verbal battle until the ceremony was complete.

Commanders Weeks and Omar announced the winners of the debate simultaneously. “By the powers invested in us by the Federation and Romulan Governments, we pronounce you husband and wife."

The couple embraced, their lips silenced momentarily by a kiss as venomous as a viper's bite, then Zeetra whispered softly, “We’ll have to do that again on our anniversary.”

Striker, smiling sweetly, returned the whisper, "Why honey, you'll just lose."

[Toni]

CORRECTED VERSION

A Viper's Bite

By Lieutenant Toni Turner

Lieutenant Lori Striker’s speech pattern had a certain charm. The Southern drawl intrigued, tantalized, and enthralled the listener in a most disarming fashion, but under the guise of an airheaded, wimpy woman, lurked a strong-willed, quick witted put-down artist who could not only put the enemy down, but lay him out as well.

Words emitting the scent of Magnolia blossoms were her most valuable and effective weapons. No blade could compare to the castrating power of her beguiling smile and sugary tone, and no bullet could pierce armor more deeply than her acid recoil.

Romulan Lieutenant Tal Zeetra, was not without charms of his own. He held a certain notoriety for brilliance and cunning. His skill was in deception - always quick with a slick, but evasive, answer. Manipulation was his scheme, and he cleverly enveloped unwary foes within his web of antagonism.

This silver-tongued orator was articulate, polished and sophisticated, and coupled with his sarcastic nature, his words were impregnated with a baneful influence, often paralyzing foes before a debate could begin.

Both preferred a good sparring match over haphazard challenges, finding the competition a liberating experience, and a heartfelt expression of contempt. They contain the essentials of survival, indicative of their respective racial traditions, and they were loyal to their style, undeniably illustrated by strength, courage, and of course, brass.

As each considered each other, they planned their strategy, and by the time the momentous occasion began they knew their tactics.

Federation Commander Weeks began the deliberations with a welcome, that was quickly answered with a wry tone from Romulan Commander Omar.

Striker took aim. Although her words were charming and purely a confection, their barbed wire delivery sliced poignantly, leaving their target frustrated, exasperated, and sputtering lamely.

Zeetra retaliated with his clever mystique, showing that he had mastered the art of being direct, making him a substantial adversary.

Choosing a blunt, but tactful, confrontation put Striker back in control, taking the Romulan by surprise.

Giving her an admiring gaze, Zeetra disarmed her defenses, using words coated with a substance that would normally inhibit action, but Striker stood her ground next to him, delivering an equally blistering nibble.

The two Commanders smiled inwardly, while each of the Lieutenants took their best shot. Although their feelings went unspoken, they were in agreement that pairing the two had been an excellent choice.

As the words past between them like poison arrows aim at their hearts, Zeetra and Striker produced an irritating catalyst that intensified the toxin threatening to rendered them helpless. They rethought their tactics, continuing to indulged in the verbal battle until the ceremony was complete.

Commanders Weeks and Omar announced the winners of the debate simultaneously. “By the powers vested in us by the Federation and Romulan Governments, we pronounce you husband and wife."

The couple embraced, their lips silenced momentarily by a kiss as venomous as a viper's bite, then Zeetra whispered softly, “We’ll have to do that again on our anniversary.”

Striker, smiling sweetly, returned the whisper, "Why honey, you'll just lose."