First things first

[knlwtchr 0]

Ensign Knlwtchr stepped off the transportation she had utilized to gain access into Alanda's Castle.  She looked around to her "party", counted heads, and released an inner sigh of relief.  Then she took Mr. Spocks hand and landed firmly on the course ground beneath them.  A barely noticable wink was her only response to the kind security officer.  

 

Keeping in step with the group, Andrea caught sight of the common folk gathering around their villages newcommers.  The new ensign scanned the deprived, destitute, and seemingly soul-less crowd of people watching the away team advance into the castle.

 

Many faces her eyes fell upon were small, sunken, and utterly filthy.  Some were standing motionless.  Some begged with their hands outstretched.  Some were laughing and running along behind the crowds, oblivious to their destitute existance.  

 

The adults were not any better off.  In fact, it looked as if any kind of food or "wealth" the adults obtained were given to the children.  When you think the children must be starving, you get a look at the adults and realize real suffering.  Most of them just stood, watching the caravan as if they were hopeful their long awaited "Moses" had arrived.

 

Andreas heart sank.  More than anything, she wanted to be able to lead these people accross the "red sea" to freedom.  Many times in the short walk to the castle doors, she found herself concentrating more on the crowd then on the path before her.  It almost got her in trouble.

 

"Has the Princess taken ill?"

 

Andrea blinked and looked down to two little girls before her.  Besides a few slight differences, it was obvious they were identical.  Andrea considered them momentarily and decided she could not remember any identical faces in the crowd she had just walked through. More than likely, it was the reason they were given such a reguarded job.

 

Taken ill?  The ship's Counselor considered her statement for a moment and realized why they might have asked such a question.  With the look of the crowd, the blood in her face must have drained completely.  Andrea's raised a brow regained control.  In her best voice, she stepped forward and pointed.

 

"What are all these underlings doing in our presence?  Do they not have labors to see to during light hours?"

 

The twins shuddered as the one on the left attempted to give an explaination.  Andrea took this opportunity to scan the crowd again, hoping good will on all their homes and families.  She was thankful she didnt have to listen intently.  With a wave of her hand, she advanced toward the twins again.

 

"Lead on, children."

 

With a sly glance over her right shoulder, she made sure Mr. Spock was still with the group.  Then she continued in step with the rest of the women.  The images of longing and saddened faces had burned their outlines in her memory.  Andrea longed to return and see to their care.  But first: their mission.