[SNR J`Tol]
With all six ships warping out of the system, tr`Raith could finally breath a sigh of relief. The pale commander bends his neck forward, cracking out the stiffness, and slides the nerve sheath interface off and away from his neck. The device folded in on itself and back behind the head rest of the command throne- packed securely away until it was needed again. Raith leaves the Oira to J`Tol's political officer, a short and gnarled Arrain, and heads down to the primary hteij (transporter)...
[SNR Kalen]
It was still his ship... what was left of it. Hull supports had collapsed into the corridors, making the short trek to the ship's med bay more difficult than normal. The erie`Riov noted Meira had been beamed back to the ship, looked none the worse for wear, and was quite busy patching up the wounded troops. She, and Nerik, gave their respectful nods to the CO and continued on their business.
Not wishing to interfere, Raith sits back towards the entry door and gestures to the PO. Nerik approaches and gesturing over his shoulder notes:" Meira was beamed back shortly after t`Pranara was sent to the 'Dark Dream'. Not sure what transpired, but she seems to be fine enough."
"Ie... and the rest?"
"My platoon lost a few Rei`Krannsu... they fought well enough. As formy mission..." the Arrain trails off. "The th`ann a hraih (prisoner is in the cell)."
"Vriha`Menkha! Have him transferred to the J`Tol... and round up your troops. I wish to talk to the gathered forces that partook in the battle... if you would be so kind, get me a quick report on the actions that happened there." The officers exchange salutes and part ways...
[Some time later...SNR Kalen: ship's mess]
It had not been one of Raith's better speeches, but no one really seemed to care. The gathered crew, and its commander, were tired and bloodied out. Notably tr`Kuro and some of his platoon were not present, insufficient crew was available to relieve him entirely. Some light ceremonies went to pass, a few personnel were promoted and/or given some commendations for their valor in combat. As the meeting wound down, the sub-commander lowered the ISD he had been scanning on and off, and clears his throat.
"Erien Donal tr`Ragarok." Raith gestures before him. The Erien quickly jumps to attention before the CO, constant bewildered grin laid across his face. "In reading your platoon commander's report, it became apparent that the mission may not have succeeded had you not taken.. certain actions. I had hoped that promoting you would be enough to qualm your ambition," The CO grins reaching into a small black case. "Apparently not though.Erien tr`Ragarok, for your actions and competence in the field I present you with the 'Black ribbon with falling dagger'. Congratulations Erien- you have earned it."
Donal's grin widens even more, being the recipient of more shinny honors. He salutes and steps back in file with the rest of the 'professors'.
While the applause rolls on, Raith lightly gestures Ryu to step forward. tr`Kandeen snaps to attention before him and pivots to face the crew. "Vaed`Rae!" Taken aback by the sudden call for attention- but certainly impressed by the force and confidence put into the command, the Marines quiet.
Raith nods to Kandeen and addresses the gathered. "As was obvious early in the mission, we were set for an ambush. At present I have no idea who, or how this was done- as our location and mission changed mid coarse... With the situation as it is, I must, for all our sakes, unearth the culprit. I can not do that on the Kalen- I can not bring au-a where I am going. I have been very pleased with your handling of the situation- even when we were split and your centurions had to make plans on their own. So it is not difficult for me to enact this: I, erie`Riov tr`Raith, as commanding officer of the SNR Kalen, Relinquish my command for an undetermined period of time. In my place erie`Riov Ryu tr`Kandeen will stand and, as they have for me, Arrain-a tr`Idran and tr`Nerik will be his chief aides. As tr`Shaleya's status has still not changed- thanking the elements that he was in containment when the ship was boarded, his position, should he awake, is reduced to Dais`Ops. t`Pranara will hold the post until then. Any further questions?...."
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