End of Dreams, Khiy

End of Dreams Part I

This takes place between 22:00 and 23:00 Romulus Capital Time (RCT)

[Preator's Flitter Garage]

22:00 RCT

Khiy followed his small escort into the concrete parking garage. Several flitters were lined up in neat rows. Two were running just ahead of him beyond a small curve that paralleled the walking ramp leading from the door. Behind him security personnel urged him forward with quick hand gestures. Not wanting to antagonize them he walked over to the designated flitter and opened the door. The chairs were extremely plush and even his small figure sunk into the seats as he sat down. One of the guards closed the door behind him and the flitter levitated and then moved. The one behind them followed, he assumed it was filled with security personnel.

They circled the inner garage and then stopped at a concrete barricade. The guards manning the barricade scanned the flitter with their eyes and then asked the driver for an identification code. After everything was verified they were allowed to leave and the flitter hovered down the ramp and through the front courtyard. Khiy angled his head and watched the massive estate grow smaller and smaller. He wondered if he was making a mistake by leaving so soon. When they arrived at the front gate three other flitters joined the convoy. Khiy arched an eyebrow. Why would they send so many escorts? He tapped on the driver's seat to get the Romulan's attention "why is there such a large escort?"

"The Praetor is in the flitter behind us." The driver said and Khiy knew something was off. He would have seen the Praetor get into the flitter. He was trained to be observant and ever since he arrived he had done nothing but observe his surroundings. They were his people and he knew he couldn't trust them "I have left something inside the mansion. Can you have them transport me back for a moment? We are still within the palace force field correct?"

"Transport you back?" The driver sounded irritated buy Khiy pressed the issue.

[Outside the Praetor's Study]

22:25 RCT

Most of the servants were gone. It was a holiday, a day dedicated to the great element fire. Tr'Naulis thought it the perfect day to begin their plans. Fire cleansed and they would cleanse the Empire of this cancerous Praetor. Six months of planning led him to this day. The head of the servants slowly spent his time changing guards bringing in those loyal to Clan Zorek. Now everything was ready and in place but one problem remained; the Rei'Krannsu. It is said the fierce warriors donated by the Emperor to protect the Praetor were worth a hundred soldiers to a single legionnaire and ten thousand Gai'Shian. Through skill and mental toughness they were not to be trifled and tr'Naulis didn't want to fight them. No, but he had another way to deal with them. He carefully had one of the other servants bring the Praetor out of sight. When the Praetor was gone he slipped away the tracking device used to monitor the Praetor and placed it into the flitter following AAnikh's estranged son. Now that everyone believe the Praetor had left he only had to inform the Rei'Krannsu who would quickly rush to join the convoy. Approaching the legion commander, Naulis cleared his throat "excuse me" he bowed his head in a show of respect "I have come to inform you that the Praetor has decided to see the boy off. He has left the grounds."

Startled by the revelation the legionnaire Captain urgently consulted with several of his men via a private communicator. They quickly confirmed that the Praetor was leaving and the entire group rushed out. Naulis waited several minutes after the sounds of their footsteps disappeared to make his move. Entering the Praetor's study he ordered the other servant to bring the Praetor to him. Several minutes later AAnikh was led into the study haggard and angry. His dark eyes stared at Naulis and the head servant wondered what thoughts the old man was having "Greeting AAnikh. 'The dream has come to an end' are you familiar with this quote lord AAnikh?"

AAnikh stared at Naulis already aware of the treachery. He spat at Naulis' feet, the greatest of insults but the head servant just smiled at him "do you know the quote Praetor?" AAnikh's expression remained cold but he answered the question "Praetor Narzek uttered those words when he realized that his ale had been poisoned. If I recall correctly it was poisoned by a servant working for the gilgamma who in turned said 'the dream is only beginning' before the Rei'Krannsu lopped off his head."

Naulis chuckled "you do seem to remember the more unpleasant things." The servant turned his attention to the walls of the study where several blades sat on shelves "you are a student of mnhei'sahe AAnikh. I will give you the opportunity to take your life for the shame you have brought upon the Empire and your person." Naulis approached the mantle and carefully unsheathed the Praetor's honor blade. Turning around he approached the Praetor with the sword balanced on two hands "save us the trouble."

"The only one who brings shame is you." AAnikh wanted to reach out and strangle Naulis but the disruptor pistol pressed against his back made any sudden moves an unwise course and he also wasn't certain if he had the strength at his age to strangle a man to death "if you wish me dead then you will have to do it yourself. Or are you too much of a coward?"

Naulis's smile faded "very well, if you wish it this way, do not forget that I gave you the opportunity to save the honor of your name." He wrapped his fingers around the blade's hilt and ordered the other servant to force the Praetor to his knees "AAnikh you have betrayed your people and the Empire. There is only one punishment for such crimes; death." Lifting the sword into the air he aimed for the Praetor's neck "bedah AAnikh, may you and your entire clan rot in ariennye [hell]."

[Estate's Transporter Room]

22:40 RCT

Khiy dematerialized in the seated position and nearly fell over. Reorienting himself he stood fully erect and studied his surroundings. At the transporter console he noticed the young girl he met earlier in his room; her pale brown eyes were glaring at him.

"I need to find the Praetor." Khiy said stepping off the small transporter pad.

"The Praetor was following you!" The girl shouted at him "most of the servants are gone so we will need to find what you misplaced ourselves. How the elements could have cursed Lord AAnikh with such offspring I cannot understand. Now let's hurry. I must be up early tomorrow to prepare first meal."

Khiy cautiously stepped through the archway leading to a large hall. The polished marble floors seemed to go on endlessly in both directions "where would the Praetor be?"

"The Praetor was following you!" She shouted again and Khiy's passive expression darkened into anger "he was not following me. Something is wrong. There are no guards posted here. Even during a holiday why would they not have guards posted at the transporter?"

The girl bit her lip realizing that something might indeed be wrong. "I do not know. Perhaps he is in his study or in the gardens."

"Which is closer?" Khiy asked peering down the hallway to see if anyone was coming but it was eerily silent.

"The study." She said moving past him "it's this way." She turned right and sprinted down the hall.

Khiy kept pace. Maybe he was just overacting but he wanted to be sure that nothing was amiss. Why? Why should I be concerned? He wondered but decided to save those questions for later. "Is there somewhere I could get a weapon?" Khiy asked and the girl stopped and rushed into a side room. A few seconds later she reappeared and handed him a ceremonial dagger. The sheath was gold and the hilt was silver. He unsheathed it expecting to find a polished silver blade but instead he was greeted with glossy obsidian.

"Will that work?" She asked and Khiy nodded. It might not be a sturdy blade but then it didn't need to be sturdy to impale someone. The girl resumed her quick pace and Khiy followed. They sprinted for several minutes before their sensitive hearing latched onto a loud conversation occurring several paces ahead of them. Khiy grabbed the girl's arm to stop her and put a finger over his lips to signal silence. They quietly listened to the conversation. Khiy recognized one of the voices as the Praetor's but he didn't recognize the other. "Who is he speaking to?" Khiy asked in whisper.

"Enak tr'Naulis, he is the head servant of the Praetor's estate." The girl answered in whisper. Khiy inched forward and noticed that there were no guards to be seen.

"There is only one punishment for such crimes; death."

The girl heard the words as clearly as Khiy did and she pushed past Khiy running towards the study's open entrance. How stupid! Khiy thought and ran after her. The girl reached the entrance and stopped "Lord AAnikh!" She screamed. Khiy leapt and tackled her and a green bolt sizzled past just above them. If he had been a second late the girl's head would have been vaporized. The pair rolled across the floor and stopped about four feet from the door. A black smoking scorch mark sizzled on the wall adjacent to the study. Khiy could hear shouting come from the room and he was on his feet instantly. He gripped the dagger tightly and waited.

First the very tip of the disruptor angled out of the doorway. Khiy lowered his posture and waited like an animal about to pounce. Directly behind him the girl was panting. The Romulan holding the disruptor jumped out and pointed the weapon in Khiy's direction but Khiy was too low and the man had to readjust his aim. Using the millisecond to his advantage Khiy jumped up and pushed the arm holding the disruptor towards the ceiling. Several green bolts shot out hitting the ceiling. White pieces of the ceiling and fluffy insulation snowed down onto the trio. It was a short struggle however. Khiy brought the dagger up and slit the romulan's throat. Green life blood spilled out and bubbled as the Romulan gagged drowning from the blood spilling into his severed windpipe. Once he was dead Khiy let the body drop to the floor and pried the disruptor out of his hand. He checked the girl over visually "are you okay?" he asked. She just nodded her head and satisfied with her answer he carefully made his way to the study's entrance.

Inside he saw the Praetor kneeling before a thin boney man who held a large Kaleh [katana like sword] over the Praetor. Khiy lifted his disruptor and aimed it at the Romulan "do not mo-" He couldn't finish his sentence the man flinched and Khiy shot him squarely in the forehead. The sword fell onto the marble tiles loudly as a green mist slowly rained down. Dark green brain matter stained the study's mantle but Khiy ignored his gruesome handiwork. Quickly moving to the Praetor's side he knelt down "are you all right?"

"Why are you still here Khiy?" The old Praetor slowly stood up but his muscles protested the strain. Kneeling against the blood soaked chair he panted and tried to regain his senses.

"I felt that something was wrong and I came to check on you." Khiy still didn't understand why he was concerned about the man, he shouldn't be. "It seems it was the right course of action. We need to leave immediately."

"Lord AAnikh!" The girl whimpered running inside and wrapped her arms around the elderly Praetor "are you injured?" She ran her fingers across his cloak trying to see if there were any noticeable wounds. AAnikh coughed and shook his head "I will survive, at least for now." He looked at Khiy "what do you know? What caused you to come back?"

"There was a large escort assigned to me so I became suspicious. The driver mentioned that you boarded the flitter behind ours but I knew you did not follow. Something was wrong so I asked to be transported back. When I returned I noticed all of the guards were missing. It furthered my suspicions that something was amiss." Khiy glanced around "when they realize that Naulis is dead the others will come to finish the job and they will come in numbers. We must leave."

AAnikh nodded "yes, we must hurry."

[Unknown Location]

22:55 RCT

"Senator, Naulis informs us that the Rei'Krannsu left the Praetor's estate and they are following the decoy flitter. They actually believe the Praetor is onboard!"

The silhouette chuckled "Naulis has always been a clever man. Destroy them and set the fires. Inform the Gai'Shian to mobilize and march towards the Galae command center. It is time we end clan AAnikh's influence." The window of his room overlooked the main freeway. Several massive explosions flared up and then quickly diminished. Finally he would get his justice.

"Senator, we have a problem!"

The silhouette twisted in the darkness "what is it?"

"Our guards have found tr'Naulis and he is dead! The Praetor is missing!"

"What? Find him and kill him! Belay the orders to the Gai'Shian- set the fires and have them find the Praetor. If he isn't killed then we fail and it is us who will be dead!"

22:59:57 22:59:58 22:59:59 23:00:00

End of Dreams Part II

This takes place between 23:00 and 00:00 Romulus Capital Time (RCT)

[Ra'tleihfi Central District Fire Command Station]

23:02 RCT

“We are getting a report of a massive crash and fire on the main flitterway!” One of the fire controllers shouted as he stormed into the command room. Four other Romulans jumped up and ran out to grab their gear but the chief fire commandant, tr’Janek, remained calm and slowly stood up.

“Inform fire control flitters 1-5 and emergency medical flitter 1 and 2 to convene on the scene. We’ll be there shortly.” Janek ordered and moved over to his locker where he slipped on his insulation jacket. As he slipped it on two more controllers rushed in “a major fire has erupted in the central residential zone! At least seven homes are ablaze and several more are threatened!”

Janek immediately felt ill. Most of the homes in the central residential zone were merely inches apart. A fire would quickly gut the area if they didn’t act quickly “move all fire control flitters to the residential zone and contact all adjacent districts to lend support.”

“yes sir!” The two rushed out and now he was alone again.

Fastening the final buttons on his jacket Janek decided to take just one fire control flitter to deal with the crash. Certainly a tragedy but now they needed all their resources to prevent a greater one.

[Ki’Baratan, Chief Praetor’s Estate, Flitter Garage]

23:15 RCT

Dozens of heavily armored Gai’Shian were moving into the Praetor’s residence. Khiy, the girl, and the Praetor ducked behind a concrete barricade as they waited for all the soldiers to disperse. Could this be a coup? Khiy wondered as he labored not to breathe too heavily. Next to him the Praetor quietly watched the scene unfold.

“They are well armed and well geared. They must be working for someone powerful.” Khiy whispered.

“Likely a Zorek.” AAnikh spoke his suspicion “they have been unhappy for quite some time with my peace initiatives. They hate the Klingons and the Federation with an abundance of passion but I did not believe they were so unhappy to organize this. Perhaps we are only doomed to repeat history?” He sighed quietly.

“Perhaps.” Khiy turned his attention to the girl “What is your name?” He looked at her but she ignored him.

“Naeza is her name.” AAnikh smiled at the girl and then grinned at Khiy “pretty yes?”

Blood rushed Naela’s cheeks “please Preator this is not the time.”

Khiy ignored the girl’s reaction and took his chance when all the soldiers disappeared to leave the safe veil of the barricade and approached one of the parked flitters. The Praetor and Naeza followed him.

“What are you doing? What if they see us?” Naeza asked angrily.

“We need to leave.” Khiy answered and opened the flitter's door “ and we cannot just walk out of here.” He slid across the passenger seating and activated the central panel “if you were attempting to flee Praetor, where would you go?”

AAnikh thought about it for a moment and then answered “the Galae Command Center in I'Ramnau. Galae’EnRiov tr’Verelan is an Ahaefvthe and a clansman. I would be safe there more then any other place.”

“Of course.” Khiy said and began inputting the coordinates for the Galae command facility into the flitters automatic piloting computer “I am setting this flitter to head there. What is your personal authorization code, the code that will inform the traffic network that this flitter is carrying you?”

“To the end of autumn the last petal has fallen.” AAnikh answered. His code was a quote from one of the ancient poems by the Romulan poet t’Fazen.

Khiy slid out of the flitter and shut the door “I have inputted your code and I have set the auto drive sequence to take the flitter out in three minutes.” He gestured to the barricade “take cover” and then ran to the next parked flitter.

“Are you crazy?” Naeza said as quietly as she could “shouldn’t we take this flitter and bring the Praetor to tr’Verelan? He will protect him!”

“How can you protect someone who is dead?” Khiy asked and opened the other flitter’s door sliding up to the center console again “if the Praetor takes that flitter then he will be exposed. They can just kill him and come up with an excuse after. It doesn’t matter. Now go take cover. I will be there shortly” Khiy inputted the same coordinates into other flitter and designated it as ‘escort.’ He finished with little over a minute to spare and slid out closing the door as quietly as he could. Crawling back behind the barricade he added “I’m certain they will not even make it beyond the front gate.”

The girl didn’t say anything but the Praetor smiled at him. Both flitters activated at the same time and automatically levitated. Two Gai’Shian ran out but they were too late. By the time they noticed the two flitters both were moving down the exit ramp and towards the front gate. A few seconds later dozens of other Gai’Shian ran out and boarded their troop transport. Once they were gone Khiy stood up “is there another exit?” He looked at Naeza and the Praetor.

“I do not know much of this place. It is not my primary residence. I only stay here when I am in Ki’Baratan.” AAnikh answered.

Naeza stood up “I know! I always see the stewards empty the liquid food waste near here.” She studied her surroundings and then pointed westward “there should be a sewer grate over there!”

Khiy followed her direction studying the concrete. Finally he saw a metal grate about two and half feet in diameter. Kneeling down he slid his fingers into the small grappling groves and pulled it up as carefully as he could manage “how secure is this palace?” He looked at AAnikh wondering if they had security countermeasures within the sewer system.

“Not secure enough.” AAnikh answered with a slight chuckle “but I do not know the specifics. I am sorry Khiy.”

“We’ll deal with it when we get there.” Khiy answered and motioned for him to go down using the rusty metal ladder that lined the sides of the hole “please hurry we do not have much time before they realize those flitters were only a ruse.”

“Yes, you’re right.” AAnikh carefully slid his shoes into the ladder’s grooves and slowly made his way down.

[Primary Flitterway between Ki’Baratan and Ra'tleihfi]

23:32 RCT

The flames were raucous but the fire was the least of the damage. Pieces of several flitters were scattered all across the metallic basin of the flitterway. Janek was a veteran soldier of several conflicts and it didn’t take his fire training expertise to tell him that this was no mere crash. These flitters were destroyed by an explosion. But why? And who? Explosions were not an uncommon occurrence by any means but it was truly unheard of to have them destroyed on a flitter causeway where there was a chance to kill other commuters. “Set water on these fires!” Janek ordered and was quickly showered by chemical water.

Kneeling down he used a flashlight to carefully examine the charred frame of the lead flitter. On the front hood he noticed a black soot covered emblem. Standing up he walked up to the flitter and ran his hand across emblem and shined his light on it. Sadly it appeared that the emblem had melted almost completely. “Strange, what house is this?” He asked himself. In the corner of his vision he noticed a metallic reflection just a few steps past the burned out flitter. Shining his flashlight on the basin he made his way to the shiny object. Reaching down he picked it up and realized that the object was pinned to a piece of torn cloth. Shining his light on the cloth he studied the emblem and then gasped. It was clearly the emblem of the Rei’Krannsu but not any Rei’Krannsu- the Praetorian Guard! Taking several steps back he shined his light onto the hood of one of the other burned out flitters. Its emblem was less mutilated. There was no mistake. These flitters were from the Praetor’s transportation fleet. Turning around he wiped the water out of his eyes “contact Galae Command now and tell them this is an emergency!”

[I’Ramnau, Galae Command]

23:40 RCT

Argelian was reading over a briefing from the sixth fleet when t’Knei, the commander of the Galae intelligence department stormed in followed by EnRiov Shiarkek “a massive fire is ravaging the residential districts of Ra'tleihfi.” T’Knei spoke abruptly “several Gai’Shian detachments have been mobilized to help fight the fires and the citizenry is being evacuated towards Ki’Baratan.”

“What?” Argelian slid his desk chair back and stood up. He parted the curtains of his office and looked out. Past the towers of I’Ramnau he could see the heavy orange glow over Ra'tleihfi. He grimaced and turned around to face his subordinates “who authorized the use of Gai’Shian without informing me first?”

“Governor tr’Volzak.” T’Knei answered “the only reason I know is because I was monitoring local channels when the general fire alert went out to every fire command district within thirty kilometers.”

Is it that bad? Argelian wondered. He started to ask T’Knei what she knew about the situation but his desk communicator went off beforehand “Galae EnRiov we are receiving an emergency message from the Ra'tleihfi Central District Fire Commandant.”

“Perhaps we’ll get answers now.” Argelian said and then answered the communication secretary “patch it to this communication unit.” He said and waited for confirmation of the transmission before he spoke to the fire commandant “Greetings, this is Galae’EnRiov tr’Verelan. Are you contacting us to brief us on the fire situation in Ra'tleihfi?”

“I’m afraid not Galae’EnRiov. Apologies but I wanted to inform you of an incident that has occurred on the flitter causeway between Ki’Baratan and Ra'tleihfi. There has been a large crash and it appears to involve several flitters bearing the Praetors seal. We are curren-” Janek’s voice cut off save for background chatter but about fifteen seconds later his voice returned “several Gai’Shian are approaching our position. Please wait; I’m sorry Galae’EnRiov, one moment. I am commandant tr’Janek of the Ra'tleihfi Central District Fire Command. We are securing this accident scene and we have- what. We have authorization to be here! Put your weapons dow-” static filled the transmission. Argelian gnashed his teeth “what happened to the transmission?!” he demanded.

“It appears to be jammed at the source.” The communications secretary said.

T’Knei rubbed her chin “there is something amiss. If those are truly flitters bearing the Praetors seal then they are from his transport fleet. A fire commandant wouldn’t mistake such a thing. The Praetor may be in danger.”

Argelian nodded his head agreeing with the Tal’Diann’s assessment; something was truly amiss “Shiarkek prepare two hundred navy security officers and several bombers to transport them. T’Knei contact EnRiov tr’Houjen and order him to position the first fleet in orbit and tell him to mobilize two hundred Gai’Shian.”

“Do you believe this a revolt?” Shiarkek asked.

“I don’t know what to believe.” Argelian said “but it does not hurt to take some precaution.” As soon as he finished his sentence the lights went out. Turning around he looked out his window. The burnout seemed to cascade across the skyline and quickly filled the entirety of I’Ramnau in darkness. When the emergency backups didn’t come on Argelian reached for his disruptor “I hope you brought your side arms.”

[Unknown Location]

23:54 RCT

“The fire commandant is dead but not before he informed tr’Verelan about the Praetor’s flitters. Our agents in I’Ramnau have cut power to capital but it will not take them long to fix the issue.”

“Hopefully you will find the Praetor before then. What about the other flitters that left the estate?”

“We intercepted them at the front gate. They were empty.”

“A distraction?”

“Most likely.”

“How many Gai’Shian have you mobilized to find the Praetor?”

“Around twenty thousand throughout Ki’Baratan and Ra'tleihfi. We couldn’t bribe any of the commanders within I’Ramnau.”

“I want two warbirds prepped.”

“Do you think tr’Verelan will allow you to escape if we fail? You will die with the rest of us Senator.”

“Even so, it will not hurt to try.”

“We’ll find the Praetor. I assure you.”

“You assured me this would be simple and now look! You have no idea where the Praetor is and now tr’Verelan is alerted! This ruse will only last so long and when it is over Verelan will scorch the earth we walk on!”

“The Praetor will be dead long before that.”

“He better be. For all our sakes.”

23:59:57 23:59:58 23:59:59 00:00:00

End of Dreams Part III

[I’Ramnau]

The central capital was silhouetted against the fires burning in Ra'tleihfi. Khiy shivered at the sight of the massive blaze, blood dripped from a gash on his forehead, and beneath him laid the corpses of several ill matched assassins. “They’re dead” he whispered into the warm wind that brushed past him. Behind him the Praetor stared at the scene- embers from the burning city were reaching up into the night sky like moving stars. Helping to hold the frail Romulan leader up was his young maid-servant Naeza. Khiy used his boot to push two of the corpses off the ledge of the landing pad. He could hear the splash as their bodies joined with the Apnex sea. Where are they? Khiy wondered. He contacted Argelian who told him to meet at the senatorial landing pad but only an ambush awaited them. He felt tired, sore, and most of all angry.

In the distance several bombers could be heard making their way towards the landing pad. Spot lights seared through the darkness and illuminated the primary landing platform. The trio shielded their eyes as Romulan commandoes beamed in around them. “It’s the Praetor!” one of them shouted. Slowly the brightness faded and Khiy pulled the shielding hand away from his face. Galae’EnRiov Argelian tr’Verelan was in the middle of the pack and approaching with armed escorts.

“Praetor tr’AAnikh?!” Argelian had witness the melee on approach. At least four assassins had attacked the Praetor, but Khiy, Khiy had saved AAnikh. Overhead a growing rumble shook the capital. Argelian didn’t turn his gaze away from the Praetor; he already knew what it was.

Khiy looked into the sky to find the source of the vibration. Parting through the thin clouds were three massive D’Dherex Warbirds. Bombers were flowing out of their hangers and all around I’Ramnau he could see splashes of green light. No doubt Argelian was having thousands of troops beamed in to restore order in the Capital and surrounding cities.

“I am too old for this.” AAnikh chuckled, soot covered most of his forehead. Naeza cautiously released her grip as medical personnel surrounded the Praetor. Following their requests AAnikh sat down on the cold metallic surface of the platform to be examined “have you found the culprit Argelian?”

Argelian knelt and nodded his head “Governor tr’Volzak in accomplice with Senator tr’Kerat formed the assassination plot and mobilized over twenty thousand Gai’Shian to torch Ra'tleihfi. Shiarkek arrived at the Governor’s estate to arrest him but tr’Volzak slit his own throat before he could be apprehended. Tr’Kerat attempted to flee aboard the IRW Rehillh but the ship was destroyed by orbital weapon systems. The remaining accomplices are being rounded up and executed for their treason. Proconsul Riuurren is convening the Senate to issue a statement condemning Kerat and Volzak. I have been informed that the Zorek are going to see to it that their houses are abolished and their families executed for the treachery.”

“Zorek.” AAnikh felt some pain at that news. He never approved of such draconian methodology. However, both House Volzak and Kerat were sub houses of the Zorek clan. It was understandable that they would want to disassociate themselves with the actions of the two, but eliminate two entire houses? It was such a painfully sad thought. “There is nothing we can do. They knew the price if they failed to kill me- and now they will pay it many times over. Such is the will of the elements.” Argelian grunted as one of the medics probed some soreness in his back “it’s tender, be more cautious!”

Argelian smirked and turned his gaze to the burning city. Soon the flames would be doused and things would become calmer. Anyone considering rebellion will think twice when they remember what occurred today. Argelian was sure that some type of calm would remain until the Praetor drew his last breath. And what about you? He looked at Khiy who seemed to sulk away from the rest. What do we do with you?

[Ki’Baratan, 4 Days Later]

Khiy looked snug in his Starfleet uniform. Standing next to him was the Federation ambassador. AAnikh liked the middle aged Trill. Lanril Po had proven to be a respectfully smart man but AAnikh wouldn’t have expected less of someone who had over three centuries of experience, equal to his own span of life. “Good evening Ambassador, I trust you are well?”

Po nodded his head. His thin white air gently shook at the short movement and his broad smile soothed the winkles at the edges of his lips “a lot better then I was a few days ago. Please, let me be the first to offer the Federation’s condolences for all the lives lost during the tragedy.”

AAnikh grinned “Thank you, but we are a strong people. Everything lost will be rebuilt and more beautifully. Fire cleanses.” His grin dulled a bit “but we have other issues to discuss Ambassador. These recent incidents along our border.”

The ambassador’s own expression soured “I assure you that the Federation had nothing to do with those incidents-”

“Indeed, I have spoken to your president and she informs me the same. However, because of the difficulties and tensions it has caused I have decided to restrict access to Romulan fleet facilities along the neutral zone. All Starfleet vessels currently undergoing repairs will be allowed to complete, however, we will not allow any new vessels access to our facilities. This is as much for the safety of our own vessels as it is for the safety of the current treaty.” Aanikh’s eyes showed his deep thoughtfulness. It was a compromise with the senate which was clamoring to withdraw from the treaty. There were plenty of people in the Empire who were anxious to jump towards war with the Federation.

“That is very understandable Praetor.” Po tipped his head at the Praetor in a sign of respect.

“Because of the actions of a Starfleet officer.” AAnikh nodded in Khiy’s direction “that prevented my assassination I have decided not to withdraw our diplomatic presence on Earth. This does not mean that I am not displeased about the Federation’s recent behavior. Your treaty with the Dominion and the Breen made without proper consultation to allies is both insulting and disingenuous to the efforts we have made for reconciliation. Your president would be wiser to consult her allies.” AAnikh stood up and grabbed his cane “that is all Ambassador” he looked at Khiy a sparkle in his eye “Lieutenant Kanryth.” With a smirk he slowly made his way out of the large chamber.

Po sighed deeply when they were finally ‘alone.’ There was never such a thing as being truly alone on Romulus though. There were ears and eyes in every nook “I’m not entirely sure why you came here Lieutenant, but thank you, if someone had managed to kill him. We’d be in a universe sized pile of feces. Join me for lunch?”

Khiy shook his head “I am boarding a transport ship bound for Versailles. I need to get back to the station. Get back to work.”

Po nodded “suit yourself young man.”

[Transport Dragonfly]

Khiy entered his small chamber and fell down into the bed. He could feel his muscles aching. Even after three days of rest on Romulus he was still tired and weary. His mind was always scanning surroundings expecting some sort of surprise attack. Luckily nothing had happened and now he was headed back to Versailles. A knock at the door forced him to sit up. He gently pressed a hand against his phaser holster “enter.”

The door slid opened and Naeza walked in holding a small piece of luggage. She studied Khiy who was genuinely surprised.

“What are you doing here?” Khiy asked.

Naeza pulled out a small parchment and handed it to Khiy.

Accepting the piece of paper he looked at it. All of the words were written in Rihannsu but he easily understood it:

Khiy, I understand that life here is impossible for you. How trouble it must have been for you growing up a slave? When I dwell upon it, it saddens me greatly; however, after seeing you I realized you were a good person. Morgana Kanryth raised you well.

The doctors here informed me about your genetic condition. I know about your brittle bone structure and your injuries sustained in my defense. It is true that you were simply created no conceived- however that does not make you any less alive. You are still my blood and I will always consider you a son.

Much like you Naeza was a slave. Senator tr’Kazanka found her when she was a young girl in the slums of Ra'tleihfi. He rescued her from a brothel and brought her to me unsure of what to do. I asked her if she would be willing to learn housework. She energetically said ‘yes’ and I employed her in my house. She is now a young woman but it is difficult to escape one’s past in this world. When I die life will become difficult for her so I am sending her to accompany you. She is smart and will take good care of you. If this arrangement is uncomfortable I’m certain you can find her a life in the Federation.

Khiy, when my day comes, I will die in peace. For that I thank you. Live, and live well.

- Aehkhifv i-Latasalaem tr’AAnikh, D’ khaiell hel na stelam-a

Khiy crumpled the parchment and looked at Naeza. I hate everything about this world, but why does it hurt to leave it? “I will take you with me to Versailles Naeza, what you do from there is your decision.”