USS Penumbra Sim Narrative, SD 202107.30
The regular sim was temporarily suspended in order to conduct the nuptials of our beloved Chief Engineer, LtCmdr. Bevin MacArdry, to our just-as-beloved Chief of Operations, LtCmdr. Tabeshk Tibris!
Congratulations to the lucky couple!
Many of the crew of the USS Penumbra had gathered in the enlarged Holodeck that Bevin had configured before for the Targ Hunt (by removing the wall between Holodecks 1 and 2). The Commodore was to conduct the ceremony as the Officiant, but he was nowhere to be seen!
The groom, LtCmdr. Tabeshk Tibris, stood fidgeting nervously in his Dress Whites (the standard Starfleet dress uniform for formal occasions). The uniform bore the various medals and awards he'd earned. In addition to these, he wore on his side a Klingon daq'tagh, a ceremonial (but fully functional) dagger. As he fidgeted, he kept glancing around at the setup. The walls were adorned with blood-red banners edged in black and gold, several emblazoned with the crest of House Tibris. Torches and braziers blazed in strategic places, and there was a large rack of padded clubs or maces, called "ma'Stakas" in Klingon, off to one side. A pedestal stood about waist-high with a large, engraved rock on top of it.
Near the pedestal, to the Officiant's (when he finally arrived) right hand as befitted the ship's First Officer, stood Col. Travis Patterson in full ceremonial Marine Dress Blues, complete with all of his various medals and awards and his Marine Officer's Saber. He'd even freshly shaved!
Opposite him, on what would be the Officiant's left as befitted the Second Officer, was Cmdr. Relok, in full Dress Whites, also bearing his various medals and awards, including the necklace of the Fang of the Sehlat, and wearing the ceremonial dagger he'd been granted upon induction into the Sentinels of the Order of the Sehlat.
Beside Tabby was his father, Konar Tibris. He also wore Klingon Armor and sash. While it bore no Starfleet medals, it did have a large number of Klingon medals and awards, and there were one or two that appeared of Vulcan make. The odd thing, to those who knew Klingon culture, was that he bore neither bat'leth nor daq'tagh, a nearly unspeakable crime against the honor of his house! But, Konar had given both his daq'tagh and his bat'leth to his only son, Tabeshk, when he graduated Starfleet Academy, telling the young man that the honor of House Tabeshk now fell upon him to uphold. And even though he tried to keep the "traditional" Klingon glower on his face, he just couldn't seem to stop grinning as he gazed around at the setting.
Near Tabby at the pedestal, leaving a gap where the bride would stand, stood Ciaran MacArdry, Bevin's eldest brother, who was standing in for their father as the Lord of Clan MacArdry. He was in the full dress-uniform kilt with a plaid tartan sash held at his shoulder with a penannular brooch bearing the crest of Clan MacArdry. He wore a golden torc around his neck indicating his rank as Lord of the Clan.
Near the wall of the chamber, opposite the rack of ma'Stakas, stood MstSgt. Khal'Gon. Tabby had chosen the half-Nausicaan, half-Klingon Marine to be his Tawi'Yan, or Sword Bearer (the Klingon equivalent of "Best Man"). Instead of his Marine Dress Blues, for this occasion he was bedecked in Klingon Armor and sash bearing his medals and awards. A daq'tagh was at his belt. He bore two brand-new swords crossed in front of him: one was the complex curved two-handed sword with spikes, the Klingon bat'leth, the Sword of Honor; the other was a long, straight, double-edged sword with a cruciform guard and two-handed, leather-wrapped hilt, a traditional Scottish Claymore.
Standing in the rear of the large chamber was LtCmdr. T'Lin, who had been selected by Bevin to be the Maid of Honor. Instead of her Starfleet dress uniform, she was wearing a traditional N'Ereon ceremonial robe, the gold accents along its edges and the golden pin at the shoulder identified her (to those who knew) as a D'Vir. On her hip, tucked in a special holster hanging from her belt, was her collapsible spear (also a signifier of her role as D'Vir). She was "guarding access to the bride" and waiting to escort her in.
And behind the wedding party, where the various attendees milled around before taking seats for the ceremony, were LtCmdr. Jason Carter, wearing his Dress Whites for the first time aboard the Penumbra, looking not too comfortable with them; and LtCmdr. Dr. Shadow K'Trevala, wearing the traditional festival garb of his people, with a feathered comb adorned with sparkling crystals holding his long hair out of the way.
Also milling in the "attendees" section was Lt. Katarina Hawke. Unlike the rest of the crew, she wasn't truly a Starfleet Officer (she hadn't gone to Starfleet Academy, but was instead awarded a "provisional commission" by then-Captain Taylor in recognition of her training and experience while she was a Borg drone). And, she wasn't used to weddings in general, much less a Klingon-themed wedding such as this one. She'd done some research into what she was expected to wear and selected a sky-blue dress to wear to the formal event.
Her brother, LtCmdr. Denovan Hawke, however, had found it was particularly easy to figure out what he had to wear - just the standard Dress Whites with his various medals and awards in the appropriate places.
Around the periphery were several of Patterson's Pathfinder Marines standing as "Ceremonial Guards". These included SgtMaj. Derek Hines and SSgt. Will Davies, friends of both the bride and the groom. The Ceremonial Guards were also decked out in the Marine Dress Blues with their medals and each bore a deactivated WAR rifle (wouldn't want to risk any actual rounds being fired). Each also had at least one functioning weapon secreted somewhere on their body, just in case.
As they all stood impatiently waiting to get started, Patterson's commanding voice called out, "Alright, since it appears that the Commodore is briefly indisposed ...," he let that sentence trail off. Then he said, "You're all well aware that tonight is the wedding ceremony for Tabby and Bevin. Has everyone been able to read the program? Everyone knows their specific roles, if there are any?"
Everyone mumbled and nodded the affirmative, and then Khal'Gon leaned towards Tabby and whispered, "Are the blades for the ceremony supposed to be sharp?"
Tabby just gulped, but across from him, Ciaran overheard Khal'Gon's question and with a grin answered, "Yes!"
Finally, Cdre. Zak Taylor arrived, looking a bit flustered. He was wearing the full ceremonial Dress Whites, only his had the longer tuxedo tails of a Flag Officer, since he held the rank of Commodore. His various medals and awards adorned his breast as well, but he also wore a Klingon sash that bore both the sigil of House Tibris and the one of Clan MacArdry, as well as the symbols of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet. The sash showed his place as Officiant of this Ceremony.
He took his place and announced, "Well, without Bevin on duty, we had technical issues with the lighting and sound system!" He grinned to show he was joking. Finally, he said, "Now that that's all settled ... let's get this party started!"
And with that, the sound of Klingon drums accompanied the sound of Scottish bagpipes! The various participants straightened and faced the front while the attendees found seats. Kat frowned, looking around. There was no-one near her, but she could have sworn someone had spoken to her. She gave a slight shrug and moved to find her brother to sit with.
Zak gave a signal and someone, somewhere, who was operating the Holodeck Controls, turned off the drums and bagpipes. Zak took a breath and began telling the traditional Klingon Creation story at the heart of all Klingon weddings: "With fire and steel did the gods forge the Klingon heart. So fiercely did it beat, so loud was the sound, that the gods cried out: 'On this day we have brought forth the strongest heart in all the heavens. None can stand before it without trembling at its strength.'"
Tabby glanced around, fidgeting with his hair and collar. Zak continued, "But then the Klingon heart weakened, its steady rhythm faltered, and the gods said: 'Why do you weaken so? We have made you the strongest in all of creation.' And the heart said ...," he gave a subtle nod towards Tabby.
Tabby said, "I am alone." His father, Konar, growled under his breath.
Near the wall, Khal'Gon stepped out, and started towards the wedding party with the two huge swords. At the back, T'Lin opened the rear door to permit Bevin to enter.
Zak resumed, "And the gods knew that they had erred. So, they went back to their forge and brought forth another heart."
T'Lin escorted Bevin to the front. Bevin was wearing a red satin and velvet gown with what was called "peek-a-boo" shoulders. A plaid tartan was slung baldric-style across her torso. She approached Tabby with a wide grin and love shining in her eyes.
In the seating area, Kat whispered to her brother, "You know, I've never been to a wedding." She smiled broadly.
Den answered, also at a whisper, "Been to one or two, but ... not like this!"
"Well," Kat replied, "I can't wait to see what happens." She tried to return her attention to the ceremony, but as she did, she saw someone walking past. She turned and looked and didn't recognize the person. She gave a little shrug and pushed the nagging worry out of her mind. She just wanted to be happy for Tabby and Bevin!
Den had noticed her startled reaction and shushed her with a hand motion, whispering, "I do know this story, but you should listen to it. I like it."
Kat turned and smiled at her brother and returned her focus to the wedding.
Once Bevin was in place, T'Lin took up a position a few steps behind Bevin to await her next role as Maid of Honor.
Khal'Gon presented the swords to the wedding couple, then moved to stand a pace or two behind Tabby.
With the wedding couple now appropriately armed, Zak resumed the story. "But the second heart beat stronger than the first, and the first was jealous of its power."
Following the "script" of the ritual, Tabby then "attacked" Bevin with the bat'leth Khal'Gon had given him. Wanting to make it "look good", he charged her, bat'leth held in a vertical chop.
Bevin quickly brought the Claymore crossways and blocked the attack, then slid along the edge of the bat'leth with the long blade of the Claymore until she had it just touching Tabby's neck with the flat of the blade!
Zak continued the story, "Fortunately, the second heart was tempered by wisdom."
Bevin spoke in her thick Scottish Brogue, "Iffin we jawine taegaethir, nae faircis kin stawp is!" That is, she said "If we join together, no forces can stop us." (For the rest of this Narrative, I will give only the "clearer translation" of Bevin's speaking for easier reading.)
Bevin slowly lifted her blade from Tabby's neck and Tabby lowered the bat'leth from attack position. Bevin surrendered her Claymore to T'Lin and Tabby gave his bat'leth to Khal'Gon. The Maid of Honor and the Tawi'Yan then took the blades to a table set aside for them. Khal'Gon gave Hines a look that clearly said, "Guard those blades." Hines gave him a stern nod in acknowledgement. Then Khal'Gon and T'Lin took their places to the outside of the "fathers", Konar and Ciaran.
Continuing the ritual, Tabby and Bevin took one another in the arms in a tight embrace as Zak continued the story, "And when the two hearts began to beat together, they filled the heavens with a terrible sound. For the first time, the gods knew fear. They tried to flee, but it was too late. The Klingon hearts destroyed the gods who created them and turned the heavens to ashes. To this very day, no one can oppose the beating of two Klingon hearts."
Caught up in the ritual, Konar surprised everyone with a wall-shaking roar to the heavens, "RRRAAAAGGH!"
Khal'Gon, though part Nausicaan, was more Klingon at heart. He too lifted his head in a roar, "RRRRAAAAAAGH!!!"
Zak glared at Tabby like a Klingon priest should and asked, "Tabeshk Tiwan Tibris, son of Koran of House Tibris, does your heart beat only for this woman?"
"It does," he answered.
"And will you swear to join with her and stand with her against all who would oppose you?"
"I do," he said.
Zak turned to Bevin, the same stern expression on his face. "Bevin Moraig MacArdry, daughter of Donal Jared of Clan MacArdry, does your heart beat only for this man?"
"Aye, it does!" she said.
"And do you swear to join with him and stand with him against all who would oppose you?"
"I do!"
"Tabeshk," Zak turned back to the groom, "have you brought your siller?"
In answer to Zak's question about the siller, Tabby said, "I have." He produced a small leather pouch and poured out thirteen silver coins into Zak's outstretched hands. The coins made a distinctive rattle and clink as they fell. He announced to Bevin, "I pledge my wealth to provide and support you and our family."
Zak turned to face Bevin, holding his hands over hers and letting the coins slide from his hands into hers, again making that distinctive clink and rattle. Bevin then turned to Tabby and returned the coins to him, again clinking as they fell back into his hands. She said, "I pledge to share our wealth freely with you and our family."
Tabby then turned to face the gathered crowd and with a wide grin, flung the coins into the air! The place erupted into chaos!
First out of his chair was Carter, diving for the nearest coin as it hit the ground. Scrambling after him came Relok, then Konar dived in, elbowing Relok for a chance at the coins. Shadow slipped into the pile, rooting for coins that had rolled towards him.
T'Lin joined the fray, grabbing for coins and jabbing anyone close by with her elbows.
"Scramble!" Den shouted at his sister as he launched himself up and over the chairs in front of him.
Kat's eyes went wide, unsure what Den meant and what was going on in front of her. She instinctively jumped out of the way rather than into the fray.
"Get coins, Kat!" Den yelled up at her over the noise of the scramble. He grabbed a couple and tossed them closer to Kat for her to get more easily.
By the pedestal, Patterson continued watching. Dress Blues and saber weren't conducive to rummaging around on the floor for coins. Beside him, Zak stood watching. As the Officiant, Zak wasn't supposed to get involved.
Kat was still confused. She noticed a coin rolling towards her foot and bent down to grab it. She looked up at Den and asked, "Is this normal for weddings?"
Den grinned at her. "For Bevin's heritage, yes." The "siller" was a symbolic gesture showing that the marrying couple could be generous with their wealth knowing that the future would be prosperous.
Kat blinked at her brother. "Really? It seems odd. But ... I guess it's customary after all."
Suddenly Carter lunged to his feet with a single silver coin firm in his fist. He studied the tussle below him searching for another, then decided the one was enough. He'd been quick enough to grab that one before anyone else could react.
Konar lurched to his feet, moving slowly now since he'd probably torn his stitches on the wound from the targ hunt. He proudly displayed TWO coins, one in each hand!
On one wall, Davies gave a nod and a silent hand motion. The Marines responded by producing bayonets and preparing to mount them. Zak noticed and gave a silent hand signal that meant "Not yet!"
Patterson stepped back from his place at the pedestal, then turned and moved over to the wall where the Pathfinders waited. Khal'gon joined him there, retrieving his ceremonial rifle as well. Hines signaled a regular Starfleet Security officer to guard the swords and joined the other Marines.
Suddenly, Kat flinched and frowned at her brother. "Did you say something just now?"
"No," he answered, slipping her another coin he'd scrounged. "Why?"
"Because I ... never mind, it's nothing, just my over-active imagination." She studied the two silver coins, rubbing her forehead with one hand. This had to be the most confusing day of her life so far.
Once all the coins had been scrounged, folks returned to their places and Zak resumed the ceremony. "Bevin, do you bring fire to this bond?"
At the cue, T'Lin slipped off and collected a cart that bore five elaborate candles. Four were about the same size but the center candle was easily three times the size of the others. All were elaborately carved and intricately dyed.
They were Bevin's var'Hama candles, originally the custom required the bride to journey to Mount Hama and there acquire three targ from which to process the tallow to create the candles. Since Q'onos and Mount Hama were not accessible to Bevin, she'd had to "make do" with the rendered fat from the targ-like creatures they'd fought during their Away Mission on Lampros Three that they'd accidentally beamed aboard when they withdrew. Konar had examined them and given his approval.
As T'Lin brought the candles out, Bevin answered Zak's question. "I do." She took the largest candle and placed it next to the large stone on the pedestal, then distributed the other four candles, one to Konar, one to Ciaran, one to Tabby, and one for herself.
T'Lin stepped forward with a small lighter and set Bevin's candle alight. Once the flame had established, T'Lin stepped back and Bevin turned to Tabby. "I light a fire in your heart." She lit his candle from hers.
Tabby said to her, "I bring your fire into my House." He turned and lit his father's candle.
Bevin turned to Ciaran and said, "My heart burns for this man." She lit her brother's candle.
Then the four of them stepped forward and simultaneously set their fires to light the large candle on the pedestal. As they did they all exclaimed, "We honor the fire in this bond. May it unite our Houses!"
With all five candles now burning, Zak indicated the Stone.
Zak said, "Both of you place a hand on this Oathing Stone and swear your bond to one another."
Bevin stepped forward and placed one hand on the stone, then turned her smiling face to Tabby and began with her Brogue:
"Aill I aim, tae thee, I gi
Me guids, me lave, me aill,
Naw awn, fer ye alane, I'll laive,
E'er me hairt, yer thraill."
It went on, but to translate for the reader, the entirety is given without the Brogue as
"All that I am, to thee, I give
My goods, my love, my all,
Now on, for you alone, I'll live,
e'er my heart, your thrall.
My love, my darling, my life, my soul,
My king, e'er more to be,
Your gentle heart has made me whole
and set this caged bird free.
Now to thy glove, I freely come,
Thy jesses gladly take,
Thy willing servant to become,
all others, to forsake,
As my lord, I take thee now,
This, to thee, my love , my vow.
All that I am, to thee, I give
My goods, my love, my all,
Now on, for you alone, I'll live,
e'er my heart, your thrall.
My love, my darling, my life, my soul,
My king, e'er more to be,
Your gentle heart has made me whole
and set this caged bird free.
Now to thy glove, I freely come,
Thy jesses gladly take,
Thy willing servant to become,
all others, to forsake,
As my lord, I take thee now,
This, to thee, my love , my vow."
There was silence in the chamber as everyone present pondered Bevin's sonnet. It was beautiful and meaningful, and expressed in Bevin's flowing Brogue had a certain ... flavor ... to it that made it even more special.
Now, it was Tabby's turn.
With his hand on the Oathing Stone, Tabby turned to face Bevin and began his vows.
"To the one I hold most dear
Let it be said that I stand before you
in loving embrace.
I will defend you against any foe
that dares come to exact harm upon you.
I will let none steal your smile
or your beauty.
I will let none take away
your value, your rights,
the woman that you are.
I will give you all I am
and be with you sick or well
'til death do us part.
I will always be there.
I will provide for you and any children
that we have.
I will go to the ends of every planet,
carrying the weight of it all.
Every away mission,
I sware on my life to protect you
For you are the most valuable to me.
Without you, I have no honor.
Without you I have nothing.
And so I ask of you,
will you tie our souls together
as one?
Will you unite with me in great alliance,
and strike down all who oppose us
in the name of Tibris?
I want you to be my woman.
I want you to share in the spoils
of our acievments.
Bevin, I want you, all of you forever.
You are my love and my life,
my wealth and my other half.
Will you take me as I am to be your husband,
'til death do us part, in health and in sickness?
Will you take on this warrior before you
as your husband, and will you take on the name of
Tibris as your own?
I know I'm asking a lot, but if you agree,
I will continue to cherish you through our days.
Maybe once we grow old, we can travel the galaxy
just so I can hear that laugh once again.
I love that laugh, that smile, your bright eyes,
all that hair, and the words you speak.
I love that personality you grace me with,
and I am so beyond blessed to be yours."
Again there was silence among the attendees. Never had they imagined that Tabby could have been as eloquent or the words have been more heartfelt.
Zak allowed the moment to linger, then turned to grasp a two-handled cup from a nearby cart and placed it on the pedestal near the rock and the candle, then turned again to collect a large pitcher.
Along the wall where the Pathfinders were gathered, Patterson leaned over to Hines and whispered softly, "Two columns. Make ready and echo the line."
The Sergeant Major gave a silent nod and turned to his Master Sergeant to relay the orders in a soft whisper. Khal'Gon turned to the Staff Seargent and repeated the orders, still in a soft whisper.
Davies recognized this as "the signal". He motioned to his squad with his head and they quickly formed up, at attention and ordered arms.
Zak poured from the pitcher. From the color and consistency (and for those close by, the aroma) it was Klingon Bloodwine. He filled the strange, two-handled cup called a "quaich" and then spoke. "Each of you take one of the handles of this two-handled cup and each of you drink a toast to your bond."
Coordinating a cup with two handles controlled by two people took care. First they maneuvered it to Bevin's mouth and she took a sip of the strong beverage. Then they moved the cup to Tabby's mouth and he took a sip. They managed to do it without spilling any on their clothing (though there were a few dribbles on their chins).
With the quaich done, Zak took back the cup and faced Tabby. "Tabeshk of House Tibris, you may pin the crest of your House to the Bride's tartan."
Tabby quickly did so with a wide grin. Zak announced, "Bevin of Clan MacArdry, you are now bound to the Klingon House of Tibris!" He paused only slightly before saying, "Bevin, you may offer your blade to the Groom."
Bevin produced a pattern-welded sqian dubh from the front of the bodice of her gown, still in the scabbard, and handed it hilt-first to Tabby. Zak declared, "Tabeshk, you are found worthy of Clan MacArdry!"
Zak raised both arms and proclaimed in a loud voice, "Then by the powers vested in me by Starfleet Command and the United Federation of Planets, I hereby declare Tabeshk Tiwan Tibris and Bevin Moraig MacArdry to be husband and wife!"
Patterson called out, "Company, to the Ready!" The Marines lifted their rifles to their shoulders. Patterson called, "Aim!" They pressed their cheeks to the stocks and took aim down the barrels. "Fire!" All of the Pathfinders pulled their triggers and the sound of several "clicks" from the empty magazines nearly echoed around the chamber.
Khal'Gon let out a deep, guttural, gurgling growl. Patterson called, "Fix bayonets!" And the Pathfinders did so, attaching blunted and padded bayonets to their rifles, many with wide grins as they did.
Patterson cried out, "The hour is now! The gates of Sto-vo-kor await! Today is a good day to die! Q'apla! To the newly-wedded couple, my Hounds of Hell! Company, CHARGE!!!"
Khal'Gon's voice rose above the din as he shouted, "Q'apla! yov!"
And a dozen armed Marines charged across the room just as everyone else (aside from the Commodore as the Officiant) rushed across the room for the ma'Stakas!
T'Lin was first to arrive at the ma'Staka stand. She snatched one out and rushed across the room taking aim at Tabby.
Konar was second, grabbing his ma'Staka and whirling with a roar, "AARRG!" and rushing at his son.
Relok was third to grab one of the padded clubs, but stood a moment studying the melee.
Tabby and Bevin grabbed their own ma'Stakas and stood back-to-back to fend off the attackers. Tabby was trying to careful to be defensive only, not wanting to hurt anyone. Bevin was also defensive only, protecting Tabby even as he was protecting her.
Having made his study, Relok now moved in, attacking Tabby. Konar roared again, pounding at his son mercilessly. Tabby muttered under his breath, "Oh, crap," and fended off his father, Relok, and T'Lin.
Ciaran grabbed a ma'Staka with a grin and made his way into the general melee just for the "pure-dee-old fun of it".
T'Lin swung her club towards Tabby's midsection, aiming for one of the least lethal places to hit. Though padded, the ma'Stakas were heavy weapons that could deliver damaging blows.
Tabby tried to kick T'Lin away, trying to honor the Vulcan "no-touchy" rulue, even as he whirled to attack his father, aiming for the back of his knees, but Konar dodged.
Bevin got a swing over Konar's guard and lightly whapped him on the side of his head. He growled back at her, "Aw, come on, girl, put that fire in it! Hit me like you mean it!"
Bevin responded, "Revered elder, stand down before I kick you in the derriere where the targ got you!"
Konar barked back, "Just hit me one time girl! A solid blow on the weapon shoulder. Take my arm off!" He grinned and raised his ma'Staka to strike her.
Meanwhile, Relok delivered two or three solid thunks on Tabby's upraised ma'Staka. He'd deliberately aimed to hit only the weapon, knowing this melee was more about the symbolism than the battle.
Tabby whirled and swung a leg to sweep Relok's legs, but T'Lin caught him, delivering a good wallop on one leg with a chuckle. Tabby only stumbled slightly, countering with an elbow into T'Lin's weapon shoulder. As the elbow connected, he used his other arm to grab her "blade" and pull, effectively flipping her onto her back! She lay still there as if knocked unconscious.
Bevin whapped Konar a good one on his weapon arm, striking the nerve bundle there. Then in one fluid move, she whirled and gave another blow to add insult to injury, smacking him on the rump, right where he'd been gored by the targ (though she did her best to pull most of the blow).
Konar dropped his weapon with an exaggerated groan and hobbled off holding his bruised shoulder, acting as if Bevin had "lopped off" his sword arm. He flopped in his cushioned chair with a grin to watch the rest of the battle.
Bevin spun from her attack on Konar and smacked Relok in the back of his head. It wasn't that hard, but hard enough for Relok to know he would have been dead. He fell to the floor and lay still.
Finally, Den decided to join in. He glanced at his sister and shrugged. He thought to her over their Borg interlink, ~It's supposed to be just the ceremony, why not jump in? They were supposed to right? And then, just drop and play dead ... go splat.~
But Kat didn't get involved in the fighting, just watched in wide-eyed amusement at the officers acting like children! She couldn't stop herself from giggling.
The room had devolved to utter chaos. But in that chaos there were many outright laughs mixed in with the groans. Eventually, Tabby and Bevin succeeded in "fending off" their attackers as folks gave up and collapsed.
Patterson ended up laying face-down on the ground, his hand barely resting on his WAR rifle as he "played dead".
Khal'Gon ended lying on his back, his eyes towards the Heavens and his rifle gripped in his hands. He was holding his breath, pretending to be dead.
Hines, however, had ended up thrown over a bench! His rifle had clattered to the floor in front of him out of reach as he too, played dead.