[SRR Aylhr]
"Gonaih'Saehne. Lay in a course for Codis, maximum warp"
Without delay or a verbal response, Jarok did what was ordered. With the sight of the crippled t'Rakla changing to the familiar stretched starfield of warp speed still fresh in his mind, Jarok allowed himself a small breath. He had remained totally silent during the brief battle as he knew perfectly well that all that needed to be said would be said. His position was at helm, the Daise'Erie'Riov was leih. He would answer to those of much greater station to as to why he had pulled away from victory, why the Terha had been lost. Jarok could even now sense that the leih-a of the remaining two ships wanted to know the answer to the question.
Why.
They had run from the one of the most hated ssouhia-a in rihannsu history. Murderers of thousands of rihannsu Gekha and saehne-a, perpatrators of the most vile act of theft. Either of these two crimes would have warranted the capturing and torturing to death of the criminals. Murderers. But no. They had been allowed to escape, allowed to destroy a far superior vessel killing even more loyal rihannsu. Even the Aylhr had not escaped bloodshed. Shields could not protect from the onslaught of weapons from the aged t'Rakla. Jarok had heard and felt the shock, suprise and pain as the hhdael'ifvelhr'saehne lost her life after being hit full blast by her console exploding.
Had she lost her life for no reason other than to fuel the leih-a incompetence? tr'Rok's behaviour betrayed nothing of what could be going on inside the ira'draes-a mind. Perhaps he knew the what plan 'io-rhe' was. They would have plenty of time to reflect, suspect and argue as the continued to onwards, away from their shameful defeat.
[Ready Room, SRR Aylhr]
Dais'erie'Riov Conn'Hae i'Caernu tr'Rok sat in the chair behind his desk staring at the faces of the Leih-a of the SRR Sentaire and the SRR Hrao'd'era. Both showed a rage that few but a Rihannsu can elevate themselves to. Both had demanded he explain his actions in ordering the small squadron away from the battle with the stolen Warbird, t'Rakla. The ship was now lost to the Rihannsu forces that had tracked it in order to have vengeance on the murderers of over 5000 of their brethren at Koahht Versailles.
Conn'Hae remained calm, only he and a couple of other aboard the Aylhr knew what had actually happened during the battle which had seen the destruction of the SRR Terha. The planting of a transponder aboard the t'Rakla had been his idea, allowing the Rihannsu forces all along the border with the Federation to track the t'Rakla whenever it came too close to them, and see what stops it made whilst thinking that it was hidden from their gaze.
This didn't help him now, as the pair of Leih-a demanded his blood. They came close to insulting his Mnhei'Sahe and in many ways he wished they would. At least their death's would silence their complaining. He would happily kill both to defend his honour, and to be rid of their complaints.
"Gentlemen, there is nathing more that Reh can say to au. Au have had all the explanation that Reh can give au. A report will be sent off to the Galae'Leih immediately. Au will both be mentioned for ninte bravery in battle, and Reh will take full responsibility for arham actions." he paused for a moment, allowing this to sink in to the pair before continuing, "If that is all, Gentlemen. Au should return to Belian for repairs. Au will receive further orders in the near future, Bedah."
With this the Leih of the Aylhr broke the contact between the other ships that moved at warp back towards their base of operations. EnArrain tr'Pausinaus haughty snort was the last thing Conn'Hae saw of the Sentaire's Leih. He'd have to recommend the promotion of both Leih-a to prevent them causing further problems for him, the internal politics of the Galae something he had the misfortune of having to deal with as well as the day to day running of not only his ship, but a Wing of over 100 ships.
[A short time later]
Conn'Hae had finished the report to Galae'Ohrie, and added a secret report of his own on the success of the true mission. He knew that Khre'Riov tr'Paya was on ch'Rihan and had never met Ael'Riov tr'Ojadanus. He didn't know if the Sub Commander of Galae'Tho would even pick up on the hidden message. Conn'Hae hoped he did before summoning him to Coriel VII to demand his suicide.
The Leih sent the message through to the Khhae'Saehne to send on via subspace to Galae'Ohrie. Looking back to his computer screen he looked over the messages he had received whilst they were fighting the t'Rakla. One message stood out above the rest. An incoming transmission from ch'Delnar, the Orrha of the Phi'lasasam there had sent him a letter.
Opening up the message he read the text, a smile broadening on his face as he read on.
"Gonaiih'Saehne. Lay in a course for Codis, maximum warp" he ordered as he hit his comm unit. After a moments pause he reopened the comm channel, "Arrain tr'Randuiel to my Ready Room immediately."
Moving from his desk his mood improved as he poured two glasses of water. Turning at the chime he ordered the Gonaiih'Saehne to enter, seeing the scowling face of Jarok tr'Randuiel standing silhouetted in the doorway.
"Arrain, enter"
At the sound of the command, Jarok entered the spacious office, his barely contained annoyance with the Leih obvious in the malicious glare imparted on Conhae tr'Rok. The rustle of his uniform as he saluted his superior was terse. Much like he wanted the conversation to be. He had no desire to speak to the leih in his attempts to cover up his actions before he seeks forgiveness in death. He approached the captains table upon which were two glasses next to a bottle of water, the drink of noblity. The leih had obviously expected him for some reason.
Erie'Riov Conn'hae i'Caernu tr'Rok returned the salute without any betrayl of purpose.
"Will au take Water with arhva?". His gesture to the glasses belied nothing of the purpose for the meeting.
"Na rekkhai. Reh na drinks with vang'radam". Jarok couldnt have insulted the leih worse if he would have tried. His words betrayed his absolute lack of faith in the leih, despite his respectful manner of address.
tr'Rok's demeanour grew colder and much less genial. He motioned slightly towards the ceremonial, but well used looking Kaleh on the wall behind him.
"Reh could kill au for a statement like that". Deliberately the leih took a drink from the glass. As he placed it back onto the table, he gave Jarok a dangerous look.
"Now, reh have something to discuss with au. Au will refrain from any further insults, or reh will carry out arhem threat"
Jaroks disdainful expression remained as evident in his face as they were in his words.
"Reh will consider ninte proposal. Though arhem death would only add to the list of ninte crimes against ninte own rihannsu'nneikha". His tone became more questioning as he awaited the leih's response to either strike him now, or continue to warn him.
"Is au returning to ch'Rihan?". Jarok assumed that i'Caernu's execution would be swift and merciful were he to forgo remaining in this area of space for any length of time.
Thankfully, the last noise that Jarok ever heard wasnt the silent swish of a blade as it severed his head from his neck.
"Reh am na returning to ch'Rihan. We shall rendevous soon at ch'Codis with a new member of the crew. This is the matter reh wish to discuss with au"
Jaroks suspicious look grew. "'New member' rekkhai? Na one of ninte own is it? Reh...". He silenced himself with a frown. This new member could speak for themselves and needed no traitorous leih to explain them.
In an irritated and almost disbelieving tone, the Conn'hae continued
"Arrain, if au wish merely to insinuate and make slurs against me, au can leave the room now and confine ninteself to quarters, au will be put off the ship at Codis, ninte 'replacement being there awaiting our arrival. Reh have read ninte Duty Record, it is na very good, au have na held down any post for long have au? IF au wish to add the Aylhr to ninte list of 'failed' assignments the feel free to carry on as au have been."
The Leih stiffened and stared hard at Jarok "If na, then act like a Saehne of the Galae"
Almost automatically Jarok came to absolute attention and intoned "Reh dathe-s hfehan ch'Rihannsu'nneikha"
"Reh will 'behave' arhem self. Au have arhem word.". the tone was respectful
Without warning the Daise'erie'Riov sat. "As au know, the Ifvelhr'Saehne died fighting the t'Rakla. Arrain t'Kiirlh will be well missed to the crew"
Jarok also seated himself opposite the leih and his desk. "Of course she lost her life, you killed her in ninte failure" Jaroks thoughts almost formed words, instead he simply replied
"Rh'e rekkhai. she shall be sorely missed"
The leih's matter of fact tone continued
"Reh also see from ninte record that au have experience at the Ifvelhr' post on the Vrelnec'Ahui"
Jarok nodded "Ie rekkhai. Reh was denoted 'gamma shift' due to..." he smirked ever so slightly "arhem devotion to arhem task". It was true. He took dev're hours at gonaih followed by tho hours at ifvelhr. t'Khrein rarely got a chance at gonaihh, and usually had to suffer his comments during her shift. The irony of his position, the same one as the ailhun<> of the leih held did not escape him.
The leih's voice continued unabated
"Reh appreciate ninte devotion to the Republic, Arrain."
As if in regret, the leih stood glancing once at his kaleh before heading towards the window of the Ready Room and looking out. Without turning to look at Jarok he continued staring out at the stars
"Reh mentioned earlier a new crew member joining us at ch'Codis"
Jarok allowed himself a small comfort and leaned back in his seat, fingers templed "Ie rekkhai. Au did. Who are mnean to recieve?"
Conn'hae turned back to Jarok from the window, the starfield continued it silent yet impossibly fast dance "Have au ever served as a fighter pilot, tr'Randuiel?"
Jarok tilted his head ever so slightly. A strange question to ask. Obviously the leih hadnt looked as deep into his files as Jarok had imagined "Fighter pilot rekkhai? Na. Reh na trusts being locked into a small peice of metal" His voice turned ominous "Reminds arvha too much of a tomb"
Daise'erie'Riov Conn'hae i'Caernu tr'Rok's voice betrayed the experience, loyalty and sheer pleasure. It gained tempo and became almost wistful.
"It is the most dangerous posting in the Galae, the life expectancy of a Fighter Pilot is roughly 35 ihnerha. Only the bravest Rihannha apply for the training, erie'Riov t'Manda served longer than any other in the cockpit of Rihann'su Fighters. Reh also served there, on the SRR Fvull'Hajun Ra'Dhuil"
The knowledge that his previous leih, erie'Riov S'aannra t'Manda's had served aboard the Fvull'Hajun Ra'Dhuil was know to Jarok. The ship instilled little more than disgust in Jarok, being a haven for lloann'na and rihannsu alike. A truly despicable ship.
"The Rihan who trained me gained a nickname in the Phi'lasasam, that of the Nei'rrh. She has recently returned to active service from Galae'Khi and awaits us on ch'Codis"
The Daise'erie'Riov paused, though he knew perfectly well that Jarok understood exactly what was going to happen. "This is why reh would request that au transfer to the Ifvelhr'Saehne's position on the Oira, erie'Riov t'Lhoell will be joining us as Gonaiih'Saehne"
Jaroks visage and tone became less than pleasant "'request'? Demand au mean." He visibly calmed himself, though the scow remained.
"Reh will accept rekkhai"
The leih's voice took on an almost exasperatedly disapproving tone "erie'Riov t'Manda informed me that au were more outspoken than most Rihan, Reh did na think au to be THIS contrary."
Conn'hae's look of regret at having Jarok on board was obvious."ninte acceptance is greatfully received, but do na think Reh will tolerate such outbursts on the Oira. Now, prepare one of the Transports for travel,when we reach Codis,au will escort arhva to the Colony, where erie'Riov t'Lhoell awaits us"
Jarok nodded decisively "Ie rekkhai. Reh is loyal to the nneikha, and will serve the khina<> with all arhem strength. It is a great honour to serve the empire in any role. Reh shall prepare the transport"
Without giving the Daise'erie'Riov a chance to interrupt he rose and saluted "If there is nothing else rekkhai?"
Despite the leih's obvious wish to end the meeting, his calm and deadly voice stung Jarok with its intensity "Reh did na tell au to leave." He stared into Jaroks eyes for a long moment before moving back towards his
desk
Jarok held his salute to his chest "Au did na. But unless au hna something else to say.." his gaze at what the leih withdrew was more inquisitive than suspicious, the gleam from the object as the leih removed it from the drawer and held it delicately in his fingers intriguid him.
Jarok remained standing with his hand over his chest in a held salute
It was the Daise'erie'Riov's turn to mock "Hands by ninte sides, Arrain. Vaed'rae"
Instinctively Jarok assumed position of attention.
"Arrain Jarok tr'Randuiel, for ninte flying in the battle against the t'Rakla, and the skill au showed in combat, Reh award au the Aenir v'Saeihren Sagomh. Wear it with pride."
With a quick movement the leih pinned the golden medal on Jaroks sash before taking a step back and saluting swiftly
Jarok hastily and warily returned the salute, but instead of gratitude, an uneasey, unpleasant expression etched itself onto his face.
"Do na think this is some sort of a bribe, Arrain, Reh know that au think Reh am ryak'na for arhem actions against the t'Rakla, but au do na know the full story. Be sure Reh acted with only the interest of the Republic in mind, and have sent a report to the Galae'Leih informing him of arhem actions."
"Then au are na to be executed then?" Jaroks tone was of disappointed seriousness.
As if half expecting such a comment, the leih replied in a simple tone. "That remains in the hands of Ael'Riov tr'Ojadanus. It will be his decision, and reh will follow his lead as Reh have always followed arham Leih. Now, au are dismissed, Reh want the transport spotless before Reh set foot in it. The Beta Gonaiih can take us into Codis Orbit"
Jarok's face was impassive, showing only a hint of disappointment that the leih was not going to be immediately killed.
"Ie rekkhai. Ninte transport will be 'mollais'aihsa'<> rekkhai"
Without further word Jarok spun on his heels and marched out of the room. Only as the last trappings of his cloak were out of view and the door shut firmly behind him did the leih mutter a final curse
"Lacendt'Gemaen Feanna"
"I've hated titles ever since I was a lowly ulhan in the Romulan Guard" - Neral, Proconsul and later Praetor of the Romulan Empire
"Au are dismissed iahwil"
The technician saluted and left hastily. Despite wishing to single handedly deal with the overseeing of the shuttles systems, he knew that this was impossible. Too much could be overlooked by a single rihan, that may not be missed by two. No one was immune to death by shuttle sabotage or accident, all from farien to llairhi<> could one day suffer the cruel hand of death by accident.
He would make sure that this was not one of the times in which death would attempt to play its hand. Though slightly troubled by the Leih's words, he doubted that i'Caernu tr'Rok would escape justice. His pleas for mercy would fall on the deaf ears of the families of the five thousand loyal rihannsu warriors who lost their lives to the ssouhia ryak'na murderers. He wished to see the Leih live at least until his trial, but before then they had to retrieve the new gonnaiih'saehne from ch'Codis.
He did not care for the news of a new gonaiih, he cared even less knowing that it was one from i'Caernu tr'Rok's "breed" of rihan. The "rhuissa'bhudt"<<'Good boy'>> of the mollais'nheilhhu<>had allies and friends from his past aboard the Fvull'hajun Ra'dhuil, the fact that such a ship could have existed disgusted Jarok to no end. The mere thought of cooperation with the anasai
lloann'mhramel defied his very beliefs. And now he served under a lloann'na jol-asi vang'radam. It almost made him sick
He grimaced at the feeling before making doubly sure that the security precautions were fully in place, transponder signal strength, warp field integrity, navigational adjunct's and power reserves were functional and at capacity. He had made the iahwil check at least three times before rechecking them himself. All was in order and all would be safe. As he imprinted his signature onto his ISD report, he spied the iahwil being stopped and interrogated by Daise'paectum'saehne tr'Khola. The Daise'paectum gave a scowl in his direction before disappearing again.
Jarok merely stared at the retreating rihan's back before entering the shuttle for one final inspection.
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