Ang, dressed in her gaudiest ceremonial costume, all low-cut to show off her ridged back and
spurred shoulders, as befitted a Commander, stood on the bridge as the enormous craft slid
into orbit around the planet known as Terra 3. Ang was a Giforian, a race ideally suited for
their role as Assessors for UFOR – The United Federation of Races. Her huge frame, with its
scaly multihued skin, large head and impressive crest, (harking back to a saurian evolution),
presented an imposing stature; a physical presence that had proved very useful when
negotiating with newly integrated species. Giforians, with their distinctive large unblinking
luminous green eyes that seemed to bore right into you, were a common sight at the
headquarters of UFOR on the ruling planet of Gestor that sat at the heart of FOS – the
Federation of Sentience. Their qualities, consisting of meticulous fastidiousness coupled with
curiosity made them much in demand for the type of work UFOR was involved in. They were
impressive people. Few species remained unintimidated by an encounter with a Giforian. But
even for a Giforian, Ang was rather special. She was blessed with a searing intelligence well
beyond the norm. It came as no surprise that she had risen through the ranks to gain the
important role of Chief Assessor.
For most assessors the current task would have been carried out at distance. Usually the
criteria of the federation could be applied without recourse to physical contact. Indeed, the
assessment was mainly administrative, anyway, almost perfunctory. Most criteria were
objective and even the most subjective elements could be assessed through thorough analysis
of the assembled data or observation from deployed equipment. UFOR had the best analysers
and analytical tools honed over generations leaving little doubt or room for mistakes. There
was absolutely no need to be present in person. Not that Ang cared about that. This is what
gave her a buzz. A true maverick; she did what she wanted and had a nose for sniffing out the
true state of affairs. As far as she was concerned all the information in the cosmos was
insufficient to make a definitive judgement. Intuition ruled. Her nose told her everything she
needed to know. The data merely solidified her decision. She deployed the evidence to
bolster her decision, not inform it.
UFOR had been gathering and processing data on Terra 3 and its rapidly expanding empire
for years now. In reality they had more than enough for a judgement. Though in Ang’s
opinion what they lacked was the personal touch. For Ang it was necessary to breathe the air
and touch the flesh before making a judgement. As far as she was concerned all the data in
the universe could not replace that. Ang only needed to walk among the people to know. For
Ang, one day spend among the subjects was superior to all the reams of data picked over and
analysed by the highest grade computers. Her nose told her all she needed. Fortunately the
stinking brains of UFOR, as the minions of the organisation were wont to describe them,
surprisingly respected her ways and decisions. She was afforded the latitude to do it her own
way. So she was here with all the equipment and personnel necessary.
The real assessment was about to begin.
Most of the crew of the Neff were Giforian, like herself, although there were smatterings of
other races like the lumbering pink Leff and nimble tiny blue Xerc, making up the many
thousands of crew. The Leff, with their sedentary lifestyle, high intelligence and ability to
concentrate for long periods were ideally suited for administrative work and could expertly
process the findings of the mission. That’s why Ang employed them. They would put her
findings into a definitive final report just how she wanted it. In contrast the quick-witted Xerc
could work wonders with any technical task. Their flexible frames coupled with immense
strength enabled them to slide into the tiniest of spaces to service equipment. Their quick
thinking and problem solving enabled them to deal with any emergency. They ran the ship.
Together the three species made for a fine crew. They covered the skill sets.
A smile of satisfaction pulled at the corner of her mouth as she surveyed the planet spread out
below them. Her crest had half risen and the waves of iridescent colours flowing across her
features and down her back clearly displayed her pleasure. Giforians were useless at games
involving deception. Poker was definitely out. Their feelings were on display for all to see.
Right now, Ang was feeling something verging on elation. Being familiar with the
topography of a place from even the most detailed imagery was no substitute for laying eyes
on the real thing. Her eyes roamed over the familiar details of the planet while her mind
summoned up the images of its denizens. Her mouth watered. Despite the years of
groundwork this, in Ang’s opinion, was where the real work began. This was what she
relished. She slowly nodded her head as the greens, reds and iridescent blue waves rippled
across her scale skin.
They were in place. The shields were functioning. The Neff would, despite its immense size,
remain undetectable. Things were about to get real. This was her domain. Here Ang called
the shots. Only when she was fully satisfied would the Judge be summoned and court
assembled. Ang knew that, despite all the legal process, she alone determined that judgement.
Her task was to gather the necessary information and direct the outcome. She had no doubt
that the judge and court would support her assessment. They always did.
Ripples of crimson and orange registered her contentment. What would follow were months
of pleasurable investigation. She was looking forward to it.
Ang put the thought of the arrival of the judge to one side. Here and now she was in complete
command. A wave of crimson flowed through her crest.
Sounds very interesting!
Cheers Pooj.