SRR Ra`KalenChapter One Hundred-Eight: Approaching the Zone
[Oria, some light years away from SB Hama]

"Navigations!". Kandeen called out from his throne.

"Ie, Rekkhai?", came the reply from the front.

"Estimate time of arrival to the Neutral Zone border?"

"30 minutes Rekkhai"

Kandeen nodded and sat back. Though different than Starfleet Vessels, Rihanssu ships were very well designed. Everything where you expect them to be, there where you need them. The most intriguing part about them though, Kandeen thought, were the virtual terminals. In fact, Rihanssu ships were designed quite in detail and rarely that the production plans deviated a great deal from the original 'blue prints'. This was of course Kandeen's perception, yet after having served Starfleet so many years, it was enough to make a comparison...or was it a biased opinion?

The 'human' born Rihannsu, now a Commanding Officer of the Kalen had so hoped this would be a smooth transition from his past to the present and maybe to the future. But the apparent 'test' that was put forth by Nerik troubled him. He hoped the rest of the crew weren't as 'experienced' as the Political officer.

"Nerik"

"Ie Rekkhai?" The lower ranking officer straightened himself and met his commanding officer's eyes.

"I need a moment with au"

"Ie?"

"I have this sudden concern about the crew", Kandeen said in a thoughtful manner. "How can I be sure that everyone on board is in fact loyal to the new republic? To me?

"I can assure you Rekkhai, every-"

"I'm sure of it also", Kandeen interjected much to Nerik's annoyance. "None the less, I wish you to conduct personal interviews with the senior staff only"

Nerik looked suspiciously at Kandeen. "Rekkhai, I don't mean to be arrogant but is this necessary?"

"Quite so, I want a full report of your findings in 3 days. Oh, I'm on my way to make a tour of the Kalen, do join me", grinned Kandeen as he made a polite gesture.

"As au wish, Rekkhai", replied Nerik obligingly.

Kandeen maintained his grin while waving Idran over.

"Ie Rekkhai?", asked the naval advisor as he walked over.

"I'm visiting various departments, while I'm gone au are in command"

"Ie Rekkhai!"

The CO nodded and turned his gaze on Nerik and said, "Shall we?"

[Idran on the Oria...]

The throne was his......he had done many holodeck programs on the Intrepid like this.....except this was real. As Kandeen stood and escorted Nerik out, he took the throne. Glancing down at the wore area on the armrests, he placed his hands and arms on them as if to eclipse all the previous owners of those spots. He had sat countless times on the throne of a Warbird in the holodecks. This was no warbird, but it certainly ws no holodeck either. He settled into the chair and looked at the view of the oira. What a seat to command from. Maybe someday he would look into that seat, but for now he was comfortable with just once in a while.

He was no big fan of Nerik, but he did trust his judgement most of the time. Except he always felt under a microscope when he was near. Since the Republic had come into its own though.......Nerik had lightened up a bit. Even going so far as to crack an occasional joke, albeit a Rihanssu sense of humor, but humor nonetheless. He pondered the two officers as they left on the task. He had gotten to know several officers pretty well and didn't consider any of them disloyal. These were trying times though, even desperate some would say. His father would have used the latter term. He had remebered the tone in his fathers voice when he asked Tasrek to join the Galae.

Helm> ::interupting:: Rekkhai, we are appoaching the Neutral Zone.

Tasrek> ::nods:: Menkha. ::presses a panel:: erie'Riov tr'Kandeen, oira.

Helm> Orders rekkhai?

Tasrek> Assume a parrallel stand off to the Neutral Zone perimeter. Long range scanning......

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