AN UNSTATED UNDERSTANDING (PERIOD) (M/F)

"Even with colonial rulers as wise and just as the British, it is
natural that these little rebellions should occur every now and then",
the Sheik said. "I'm just glad that we could negotiate the return of the
city to British control without any further bloodshed".

"Indeed", the Colonel replied as he pushed the papers across the desk to
the Sheik.  "I think these...unstated understandings between the Army
and the locals are the core of the Empire".

"Naturally I will expect all of the leaders of the rebellion to be
turned over, and the British prisoners released" the Colonel continued. 
"My troops will assume control of the city immediately".

"As you wish", the Sheik replied as he signed the papers.  "A pity
though - we had a most amusing spectacle planned for lunch."

"A spectacle?" the Colonel asked.

"Well, naturally a great deal of the rebel resentment is directed
towards your females, since they are so much more outspoken then our
women", the Sheik explained.  "There is one young woman in particular, a
Miss Davis, who has offended nearly everyone in the city".  "And yet,
sadly, since her father is in your Parliament she is exempt from
justice".

"I am familiar with Miss Davis", the Colonel said tightly.  "She threw a
drink in my face at the Embassy party last month".

"I'm afraid the so called 'Revolutionary Tribunal' has sentenced her to
a rather shameful and ignominious punishment" the Sheik said with a sly
smile.

"How shameful and how ignominious?" the Colonel asked, his interest
clearly piqued.

"She is to be taken to the market place and stripped naked for 30
strokes of the paddle".  "Then she will give oral pleasure to 10 rebel
soldiers to be selected at random, through lottery".

"A rather bitter drink for such a proud young lady!" the Sheik added
with a laugh.  "Seeing a haughty little imperialist bitch like Miss
Davis brought to heel would have had an enormously calming effect on
local resentments" he observed.

"But it is out of the question now", the Sheik said wistfully.  "Miss
Davis will be freed immediately, and your troops to reclaim the city".

The Colonel's pen hovered over the paper as he considered the matter.

After a long and thoughtful pause, he put the pen down.

"I left my ceremonial pen in my other uniform", he said.  "Perhaps we
should sign the treaty after lunch".

"Indeed" the Sheik said. "We can eat at the marketplace".  "I have a
wonderfully discrete seat where we can enjoy the pre-luncheon
entertainment unobserved."