Winston Chronicles Qob/Tranquility Universe

[Mitar Precip 0]

Vole Hunting: Part 2

 

Vole Eradication Map- Grid 30, 2 Kilometers NE of old Vesta colony well

 

Daniel Winston, his seven year old son Mark and CO Sean Baxter were in a concealed position on an embankment about 25 meters from where Mark’s dad had earlier placed a container of replicated peanut butter. All three had their rifles ready and their eyes trained through their scopes.

 

“C`mon you darn voles. Come get some. It’s been an hour already.” Baxter bemoaned.

 

“Not much wind today Sir, but they will be here, I guarantee it. They love peanut butter”

 

“I never understood why a Cardassian animal would like an Earth food we kids enjoy,” chirped the youngest hunter who was the only one who made an effort of hiding himself with leaves and sticks.

 

“A future science report in the waiting Mark, and Mr. Smith would be most curious about your findings.” His dad had to mention.

 

“Ugh more homework. No way!”

 

“Actually, Lieutenant, I would like a full report on your rifle’s performance along with the old codger manning the Vole Desk,” said Baxter. “I did not expect to have to cover your latest stunt project on a family hunt. ‘Developed by many Starfleet Engineers’.. yeah right. You and some guy in a torpedo bay. Like that was a confluence of great minds.”

 

“Shhh...quiet. Got one approaching the bait,” the Mark reported.

 

The two officers immediately homed in their scopes on their target, a fat vole which clearly didn’t mind getting fatter, quickly began licking the bait.

 

In a hushed tone Daniel let his CO know he always let his son have the first shot. Baxter quickly nodded. Next Winston quickly checked his ODRI to see if the area was free of stray hunters for his sons shot. “You are clear to zap son.”

 

“Hey Mr. Baxter,” the boy quietly got Sean’s attention. “Watch what happens when you zap the vole’s tail”

 

“Son I told you...”

 

Mark’s first shot went wide right of the vole which instantly poked its head up. His next shot a few seconds later hit the vole’s tail. The fat vole screeched and lept a meter into the air, only to be zapped again by the boy’s rifle as it fell to the ground, limp. “Weapon safed,” the boy reported.

 

“...not to show off-- Sean your rifle safed?” After he got his reply, he proceeded to the deceased vole and kicked it away from the trap with his foot, then “vaped” the vole using a smaller Type 2 Phaser.

 

“That was quite a sight. I didn’t know voles could jump like that.” Baxter had to chuckle replaying the event in his head. As Mark’s father returned, the Commander had to ask. “How many years has he been hunting?”

 

“Two. And please, sir, I’m trying to teach him this is serious business,” Daniel replied. “Speaking of business, if you wouldn’t mind, let me test this thing.” He returned to his position behind his scope of his rifle. “I need to see if it will take out a vole”

 

“You won’t have to wait. Here comes another one. ODRI is clear. You’re clear to fire, Lieutenant.”

 

Daniel checked the power selector on the rifle verifying a “low” status, chambered a round with a slight click. He trained his scope on the vole now enjoying some peanut butter. “Weapon free.”

 

The gun made a quiet “woosh” as it fired. Being a projectile weapon it didn’t leave the optical trail seen with a phaser, disruptor or plasma bolt rifle. The vole just seemed to explode on its own near the bait, sending its remains all over the place.

 

“WOW!” The child couldn’t restrain himself. “That was awesome! Great shot Dad!”

 

Realizing what just happened, Dad buried his head and announced the rifle was safed.

 

Commander Baxter’s tone was serious. “Heh, Mark, your dad and I need to talk over that...kill. We have to figure out how we are going to ‘vape’ that mess.” He turned his head to his lieutenant who knew his day shooting day was done. “C’mon Winston, grab that ‘hunting’ rifle of yours. Let’s solve this problem as engineers do.”

 

Mark watched the two men carry their rifles to the splatterzone. He felt like his dad was on his way to the principal’s office.