"Regulation Pain Instrument?"

"Regulation pain instrument?" I asked, and Captain Lance smiled.

"I asked the same question. Apparently in there culture serious infractions of Starfleet Regulations or disobeying a direct order still can be punished by 'pain instruments' such as whips or klingon pain sticks. Since our Starfleet doesn't have those the generally accepted compromise for such cultures is a bullwhip," My captain informed me.

"I see, and if I refuse?" I asked.

"You tender your resignation from Starfleet, efective immediately, become a civilian, and are dropped off on the first uninhabited Class-M planet we encounter as a colonist," my twin informed me, with the most subtle note of condemnation.

"I see. In that case, now being in full possession of the facts, I accept," I stated.

"Swear it," the red skinned hermaphrodite said, leaning forward and looking hard in my eyes.

"I so swear by the principal of IDIC," I replied, and took the shirt.

"Very well Ensign, you are now a part of Starfleet once more, may you be worthy of the trust the Imperium has placed in you this day," The Brevet-Captain said, and gestured me to sit at the middle of the table. "As you are a part of Starfleet again, I comand you to choose a culturally suitable differentiation procedure with your twin T'Vanu, Myself and my twin have chosen the symbols of our respective origin governments, but this is a very individual choice as you will bear this marking for the rest of your life. If you wish we can leave the room while you confer, we understand that Vulcans are often quite private about these things..." The Brevet-Captain said.