[ Royal Air-Space Force Headquarters, Supreme Commander's Office; Sagar Tu, Agarda]
"As of this time, I hereby declare that the Rihannsu Star Empire is in a state of war with both the Car'dhassin and O'rihon Empires, as well as the traitorous forces of Kirk." A slight smile appeared on Tomalak's face as he was watching the news broadcast. "Further, and in accordance with Rihannsu Laws I hereby proclaim Vaek'riov tr`Kirk to be a traitor to the Rihannsu people. His rank of Vaek'riov is hereby revoked, his post as Ne`Galae'Fvillha is stripped from him. The ranks of any and all Rihannsu who follow his orders or side with him are forfeit, as is his life and the lives of those who would aid him."
Tomalak's smile grew wider... this was the moment he was waiting for. He reached for the intercom unit and tapped a button, opening a channel to his adjutant.
"Please contact Admiral val-Bheas and inform her I shall be beaming aboard the Madlhes in 5 minutes for a conference. Also find Brigadier Reshat and Brigadier Tarnal of the Royal Guard, I want them to join me aboard the Madlhes at their earliest convenience."
[Later: Aboard ISV Madlhes]
Nai-Avvas (Rear Admiral) Alza Dainata (lady) val-Bheas was in the transporter room personally to greet him. She looked just like a classical Ori'leh from a picture in some xenoethnology book - very tall, with pigmentless white hair and cat-like yellow eyes, dressed in the black Dimper'Zhar'Bat uniform with distinctive black leather officer's jacket and, as most representatives of her race, rather pretty.
Yet, apart from her appearance, Nai-Avvas Alza val-Bheas was by no means an average citizen of Ori Empire - this woman was probably the most brilliant tactician Dimper'Zhar'Bat had to offer and, without any doubts, the most famous starship captain in Ori history. The names "Alza Bheas" and "Battleship Alvira" (Alza's former command) became a legend... much like "James Kirk" and "Starship Enterprise" for the Starfleet.
"Welcome aboard the Imperial Space Vessel Madlhes, General," she saluted him in a way which was customary in Dimper'Zhar'Bat and allowed herself a smile. "Somehow, I knew you would want to come."
"Am I really so predictable, Admiral?" he smiled back at her.
"In this instance, perhaps..." she replied still smiling. "Your adjutant informed me that there would be other Agardan military officials to accompany you."
"Brigadier Reshat of the RASF and Brigadier Tranal of the Royal Guard," Tomalak nodded, "but they shall join us a bit later."
"Certainly, General," val-Bheas acknowledged. "Why don't we proceed to the conference room already?"
"Lead the way, Admiral," he nodded again and smiled.
*=\/=*
"Please, take a seat, General," val-Bheas motioned casually at one of the chairs in the Madlhes' main conference room as they entered. "May I offer you anything to drink?"
"Thank you, Avvas," Tomalak smiled settling in the comfortable ergonomic chair at the head of the conference table. "I'll follow your choice."
The Ori admiral nodded and walked over to the replicator at the far end of the room, issuing an order in Standard Ori, too softly for Tomalak's universal translator to catch. After a moment, two short glasses of amber-colored liquid materialized in the slot and val-Bheas picked them heading back to where Tomalak was seated. "Horezian Honeyfruit Brandy," she commented placing one glass in front of him, "that's what I usually drink."
"To the victory!" Tomalak raised his glass.
"To the victory," val-Bheas agreed, "Long life to Ori Empire." Slowly, she drew her glass to her lips and took a long sip.
Tomalak took a cautious sip of the beverage too, it had a peculiar bitter-sweet taste, not as strong as Agardan brandy he became used to lately, but more delicate. "Not bad at all," he smiled taking another sip, "my compliments."
"Tank you, General," val-Bheas smiled back ever so slightly, "though I do not suppose you've requested this conference just to sample exotic beverages?"
"You are eager to get down to business straight away, Admiral," he grinned in response, "are you not?"
"That's how I usually get the job done," she stated matter-of-factly. "I assume it's time to act?"
"Not right away," Tomalak shook his head. "tr'Kirk is sure of his force at the moment and, knowing him, offering him help at this point will only insult his arrogance. I think we should wait for the first clash and see how it goes. But we must be prepared..."
"Ahhh... let the fool enjoy himself while he can," val-Bheas smiled. "Lea knows it won't last very long."
"You are so convinced that tr'Kirk will lose the battle, Admiral?" Tomalak raised his eyebrow.
"But of course he will... that's what happens when you ally yourself with the Cardassians," she smirked. "They'll turn their back on him pretty soon."
"What makes you think so?" Tomalak looked at her even more interested. "He offered then a fair deal."
"I *know* so, General," the Ori Admiral smiled again. "We have intelligence that they are engaged in secret negotiations with t'Kazan... But then, what do you expect from the treacherous Kaddasi?"
"Nothing good, I suppose," Tomalak nodded. "How reliable is this intelligence of yours?"
"It comes from *Ori* intelligence sources, General," she sounded slightly insulted. "It is as reliable as the fact that you are sitting in this conference room opposite to me."
"I see..." he shrugged impassively. "Then I suppose we should start planning the operation."
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