Counselor's Office

[Sinopa Pallaton]

"We will need to see if there is something new, or unusual that they have eaten, or touched. So the doctor would be needed for that. For the other aspect I would need to see them. I will do so as soon as I can."

As he felt the nearness to him he smiled and wondered why he had ever left home. If he had stayed they would be married by now. He turned and looked into her eyes, that was when he heard the chime. He looked to see who it was.

"Enter, it seems your invitation to join us was accepted. We will see if I can arrange such a program in enough time."

As she entered he turned his attention to her. "Hello Lt Jones, or should it be Tracy when not on duty?"

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

She enters the room "Hello Sinopa, please call me Tracy she smiles at Sinopa then looks at Oota hello Oota"

[Sinopa Pallaton]

"As you wish Tracy. Do you still wish to join us in the winter celebration?"

"On our world things are very different. There are roles for both males and females. You with Oota, would prepare the food, from stored berries and roots, clean the furs, begin to tan the hides, which would already be in camp. I would go on a hunt with the other males. It is the first hunt of the winter."

"We do not eat fish or any living creature from the lakes, rivers or seas. We believe them to have special power from the Suyitapis, the underwater people. They give us things that are used in medicine bundles. Unlike the First People (Blackfoot) on your world our ways, beliefs, and values are the way they were before the Preservers took us to our world. We had no need to change them and after seeing the things I have seen here I am grateful to the Old Man and the Preservers." He smiled at them and gave Oota a quick look. Waiting to see if she wanted to add anything.

[ootadabun]

"Hello Tracy I am glad to see you."She stood straight as Sinopa explained their customs and duties to Tracy.Once he had finished she decided to add a few things.

"In our preparing of food tanning hides and the cleaning of skins we do not use anything close to the technology you are used too.We use our hands,knifes,sharp edged stones.Things we have made ourselves."

"It is hard work make no mistake but it is very rewarding as well.To know you prepared a meal or tanned a hide to be used for many things in our village by the sweat of our brow and not some machine that just makes it appear does not let you really appreciate what you have done."

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

Tracy looks at Oota "The cooking is no problem, I will need help on the skins, I have none that" she then looks at Sinopa "After seeing what?"

[Sinopa Pallaton]

"The ways of the Terrans and their world. I left mine thinking those who seemed to master so much, must have more. Their ways more advanced and would be more then I have seen. But I was wrong."

"Some would say what I am experiencing is culture shock, but I believe it is deeper. At any rate, your race and mine while sharing the same roots have moved on different paths. Not one is truly better then the other just different to meet different needs. Enough of that."

"Perhaps Oota sees it differently with different eyes." This was an attempt to get Tracy's attention back to Oota.

[ootadabun]

"No Sinopa I see things like you do.Tracy our people have a saying which I have noticed is a foreign perhaps even unthinkable idea to your people."

"The hurt of one is the hurt of all.The honor of one is the honor of all.You see Tracy our people share many things with each other.If one in our village grieves we all grieve.If one earns respect or honor we all feel pride for that person."

"I know this may sound strange but maybe you can capture a glimpse of our world."

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

"I would like to know about your race" knowing more about them would let her spend more time with Sinopa, and knowing more may come in handy latter, she looks back at Sinopa "when dose it start?" she asks with a smile

[Sinopa Pallaton]

"Once I have arranged it, in a days time. It will take awhile and will begin at daybreak. Oota will have something for us to eat. The men will bathe in the river separately in the early morning after the woman."

"Be prepared Tracy your comfortable bath, controlled by a temperature setting will be non existent. The temperature of the air will around 30 - 38 degrees, the water temperature even colder. We believe that it will strengthen the body and mind. The spirit will rejoice in the elements and natural settings."

"I will leave you with Oota while I arrange it. I will see you both in the morning around 5 am or 05oo hours."

He kissed Oota on her hand and cheek then walked out. For him personally that was a huge display of affection in public. He was raised by his grandfather to keep such things private.

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

She smiles "I can handle the cold water and air" she watches Sinopa leave and licks her lips, she then looks at Oota "Anything else I should know?"

[ootadabun]

She waited for Sinopa to leave before she spoke."Tracy I am not a fool I have watched how you look at Sinopa.He would just dismiss it or perhaps he is not paying close enough attention."


Leaning forward,"I hope I am wrong about what I see and you are doing this to learn about our people with no hidden agenda."

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

She looks at Oota "You are Wrong! I wish to understand your race, Knowing about them makes it easer for me to handle you!" she then smiles "I do like Sinopa, he is very hansom, why should you care?"

[ootadabun]

Standing tall trying to control her anger."First Sinopa and I are betrothed.We met in our village fell in love and he paid a large dowry to my father to have me as his mate!"

"How dare you say you wish to handle us! We are not horses! If you think you can ever handle us like the rank you covet so much you are mistaken.We will never be handled as you put it!"

Her eyes burning with a piercing fire as she spoke.

[Lt. Tracy Jones]

Tracy looks at Oopa "Now that info would have been useful to know, then I will not try for him"

She then titles her head "Like this, knowing about you so I don't say things to offend you. Trust me you don't want a war with me" she says Staring at Oopa

[ootadabun]

She listened as Tracy explained her intentions and her meaning with clearer words.Taking a seat she looked up at her.

"Tracy I owe you an apology I forgot our ways and yours are so different.To you Sinopa was just a handsome man and worth trying for.I also misunderstood your words you do seem interested in our culture and our ways."

"For that I am glad but I must ask you why are you so untested when the rest of the ship seems to be only interested on how to reach the next rank up?"

Tilting her head in curiosity."I am not looking for a war as you put it from anyone,"