Shikaen (Shiarrael and Itsak)

First Steps Part I

2342

~Nn’Verih, Ch’Rihan~

Thunder shook the stone walls as flashes of lightning illuminated the interior of the dimly lit room. Two nurses and a doctor hovered over a woman who gasped deeply. Just beyond the door arch several figured lingered, pacing, and glancing into the room as the woman struggled. Veins laced across her forehead as she gritted down on her teeth at the encouragement of the doctor “push!” she shouted at her.

“Susse-thrai, I am pushing!” The woman reached out and shoved the doctor into one of the trays of hot water “where is that fool Nezak!”

“Please calm down lady. You must push.” One of the nurses said but wisely kept her distance.

“Do not tell me to calm dow- Ah!” She grabbed her extended belly and pulled up “where is Nezak!” She screamed again.

“Calm yourself lady Rehu!” Nezak entered and approached his wife “you must do as the doctor says.”

“Do not patronize me! I will rip your genitals from your person for what you have done to me!” She reached out but Nezak stepped back- just barely to escape her vice-like grip.

“You are being irrational.” He said calmly but kept his distance from his wife.

Lady Nhasaen t’Rehu let out a blood curdling scream and flung her back into the bed. She gripped the covers and pushed while screaming for the next fifteen minutes. Finally the doctor announced “its coming” and asked for more water and a scalpel. The screams subsided and a small cry escaped from the room.

Nezak exited and smiled at those gathered “it is a girl- Shiarrael t’Rehu, the heir to S’Rehu has been born.”

~Three months later…~

Jamor tr’Sahen exited his flitter, behind him a young Rihannsu boy slid out. The massive Rehu estate loomed in front of them. The style and architecture was almost as old as Rihannsu civilization and unlike other landmarks S’Rehu had enough wealth through generations to keep their primary estate well maintained. It was one of the reasons Jamor was pleased by the alliance formed between S’Sahen and S’Rehu by the marriage between Nhasaen and Nezak. Jamor waited patiently as a contingent of servants made their way down to the duo. The boy however hid in the old man’s shadow.

The group of servants stopped and one approached them “Jolan’tru lord Sahen. I am tr’Volrok, hru'hfe of the Rehu estate. Let me formally welcome such an honored guest.” He bowed his head and the other servants followed suit. When he finally looked up again he gestured for them to follow “Lady Rehu is waiting for you.”

Jamor followed and the boy continued to linger just behind him. They were lead into the main hall of the Rehu estate. It was a massive and seemingly endless cavern. Dozens of portraits and finely carved statues lined the walls. One of the paintings caught his eye- it was familiar piece, old, but not worn. It depicted the ruling queen, perched atop the governing council like a wicked hawk while S’Tasks bled to death beneath her. It was an exquisite piece of infamy that survived Rehu’s downfall.

Finally they reached the end of the chamber. The servant motioned to the door and then quietly backed away allowing them to enter. Jamor stepped through the stone frame followed by the boy. Inside they found Lady Rehu sitting in a large chair with several blankets carefully folded over her and the infant wrapped in her lap. She looked up at the old man and smirked “you have taken your time Lord Sahen.”

“I have been busy with matters.” Sahen said, gently, not to scare the infant “I have brought Itsak to greet his cousin.” He turned around and looked at the boy “go now.”

The boy stepped forward, carefully; he looked at Rehu who transformed her smirk into a soft smile “are you afraid of your cousin?” She asked. The boy shook his head and approached. Stopping at her lap he looked down at the baby. It looked so innocent- he carefully leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

“Jolan’tru Shiarrael.” Itsak said quietly.

Lady Rehu grinned and gently rubbed her hand through the boy’s hair “you are good child.” She looked past him “Volrok!”

The servant stepped into the archway and bowed his head “you called my lady?”

“Yes.” She put her hand on Itsak’s shoulder “will you be a good friend to Shiarrael?”

The boy nodded “I will.”

“Good.” She smiled and nodded to Volrok “take him to the kitchen and have one of the cooks make him something sweet. He has been a good child today.”

“Yes my lady. Come.” He beckoned Itsak to follow.

The boy smiled but when he turned around and noticed the hardened expression on his grandfather’s face the smile quickly evaporated. He slowly followed Volrok into the great hall.

“I wish you did not spoil him.” Jamor said.

“It is my house and I do as I please.” She snapped at the old man- her fury well regarded. “Is it true, the rumors?”

“I did not know you were keen to listen to such things.” Jamor answered.

“It is hard not to hear some. The Vulcan Somok has returned to the Federation leaving your daughter without a bond-mate and Itsak without a father.” Rehu sneered “disgusting- how could she have ever bedded such a creature?”

Jamor grimaced “she was foolish and ignored my warnings. There is another reason I am here.”

Rehu looked at him with a suspicious glare “I expected so.”

“I need you to watch the boy. Teelis refuses to leave her room since Somok’s departure.”

“Foolish woman.” Rehu sighed and then glared at him “but I’m not blind to your lies Jamor. The reason you bring the boy here is because you cannot stomach a half-blooded bastard in your midst.” He started to speak but she lifted her hand “leave him here. I will ensure he receives education and training to join the Rei’Krannsu when he is of age.”

“He will not join the Rei’Krannsu. It is enough shame that he carries my name.” Jamor turned around and left.

First Steps Part II

2350

~Nn’Verih, Ch’Rihan~

Eisn burned brightly in the Rihan sky. In a large field adjacent to a massive estate two children were practicing sword play. Kneeling slightly away from the pair was an elderly Rihannsu, he wore a large head covering to protect himself from the bright sun, and casually dug into the earth with a hand held plough. Glancing up for a moment he grunted “this is training time Shiarrael. Are you just going to stand there?”

Standing erect with a wooden blade Shiarrael glared at her opponent “this is boring!” She swung the annoying thing haphazardly at a pile of flowers knocking several petals astray. A gust of wind grabbed the loose petals and pulled them down the small hill into her opponent who grimaced. She laughed “sorry.”

“Enough.” Itsak scowled at his young cousin “if you want to play games Shiarrael, fine.” He lifted his blade and charged her. The elderly Rihannsu stood up but said nothing. Stunned by the sudden movement Shiarrael squealed and jumped away from the falling sword. However, Itsak didn’t let up; he was intent on punishing his cousin today. He continued his onslaught swinging at the girl. She did a decent job dodging the hits but her footing was awkward and she slipped and rolled down the hill. Jumping down the hill Itsak lifted his wooden sword and bopped Shiarrael on the head with it.

“Owww! That hurt Itsak!” Shiarrael stood up rubbing her head.

“Maybe you’ll take training more seriously next time.” He sneered at her and bopped her on the head again.

“Oww! Lhiu Itsak! Hwi wort!” Shiarrael shouted and then kicked Itsak in knee. Her older cousin grabbed his knee and fell over. While he writhed on the ground she kicked him again in a more sensitive spot causing him to groan in pain. She started chuckling at her mastery but quickly stopped when a hand reached over and popped her on the rear. When she turned around she found her grandfather glaring at her.

“Where did you learn to speak that way?” He kneeled down and dug his hand into the soil “you should not speak of your family that way. Understand?” Shiarrael nodded as her grandfather held up a handful of soil “if you want a dirty mouth then you can one. Open.” At first she resisted but knowing that it was futile she finally opened her mouth. Her grandfather smeared the dirt into it. “There, now apologize to Itsak.” He stood up.

Shiarrael spit out the dirt and waddled over to her cousin who was still lying on the ground. “Usae Itsak.” She bowed her head.

Itsak stood up, dusted himself off, and then smiled “it’s okay Shiarrael but you should take this training a bit more seriously” He looked at her grandfather and bowed his head.

“Itsak take Shiarrael to wash out her mouth.” The elderly Rihannsu grunted and returned to what he was doing.

Grabbing Shiarrael’s hand Itsak pulled her towards the estate “why do you always refuse to listen?” He looked at her, tears were now staining her cheeks and her mouth was covered in dirt. He chuckled “you look quite pathetic.”

“Shut up!” She grimaced and tried to wipe away some of the dirt with her free hand.

They made their way to one of the fountains. When they reached it Shiarrael pulled away from Itsak’s grip and splashed her face with water until all the dirt was gone and she began rinsing out her mouth. As she rinsed the dirt away she heard shouting coming from the estate.

“What do you mean you have sponsored him to attend the war college?!”

“Do not raise your voice to me- you left the child under my care. If I sponsor him it is my choice.”

“Without consulting me?!”

“There was no reason to do so.”

“How dare you! That child is my daughter’s son- he is a mere bastard! The shame he brings is only fitting for the Gai’Shian, I will not allow this!”

Shiarrael recognized the voices. One was her mother and the other was her father’s father, Jamor tr’Sahen, Itsak’s grandfather. She looked at her cousin who was silent and staring at the ground. At his sides his hands were balled into fists as the shouting continued. Grabbing his hand she literally pulled him towards the estate.

“Stop Shiarrael.” Itsak said pulling her hand off his.

“You’re just going to let him say that about you?!” Shiarrael pressed her knuckles against her hips “go tell him to eat manure!”

“No, he’s right. I’m a bastard and I do not deserve to be part of the Galae.” He sighed and started to wander off. However, Shiarrael simply grabbed his hand again and pulled him into the great hallway. As they both made their way to the antechamber the shouting grew louder. However, when they reached the massive arching entrance they found an imposing figure standing in their way. Shiarrael’s grandfather looked at the pair and then walked into the antechamber.

“What is the meaning of this?” Her grandfather said bringing the commotion to a standstill. He slowly removed the head cover revealing his sun worn skin and ivory hair. He was a tall and imposing figure; hard lines carved their way through his face- old scars from many battles. A former Galae En’Riov he preferred the life of a Galae officer over that of the Rei’Krannsu but never allowed the latter to hold that fact against him.

“Forgive us father.” Shiarrael’s mom said standing up “we seem to be having a disagreement.”

Jamor shot him a sour look “how dare your daughter sponsor Istak for the war college without my consent Verol!”

“You abandoned him here- what gives you the belief that your opinion holds weight in this matter Jamor?” Jamor began protesting vehemently but her grandfather continued over the protests “you put that child in our house because you are too ashamed of him. So be it- you have not acknowledged him since, why do so now? You are honorable Jamor but you wear your honor with disgrace. You have not earned the right to be rude in this house. Itsak will join the Galae- now leave. It is none of your concern.”

Jamor, stunned by the words, walked out of the room in a stupor failing to notice Shiarrael or Itsak who were gawking at the entire scene from the edge of the archway. Her grandfather called them both in “Shiarrael, Itsak, come here.” They both entered the room.

Shiarrael’s mother grinned “how long have you two been watching?”

“Grandfather! You put him in his place!” Shiarrael cheered but the old man scowled.

“I simply spoke truth. Itsak if you wish to join the Galae I will be your sponsor- is it is your wish child? Do not mind the words of your grandfather, he is an old fool too concerned with his own pride. One day he will see you as a grandson.”

Itsak wasn’t sure about the last part, but he was sure about one thing “yes, I want to join the Galae.”

Garbage Day

2409

~IRW Endless Sky~

“Disruptor residue.” Tr’Huljan shook his head “certainly one of them was responsible for this mess but which one? Impossible to tell. It could have been anyone. The station was holding Federation prisoners afterall.”

Vaek’Riov Itsak tr’Sahen brooded from his raised throne on the bridge of the Endless Sky. He gave his RS (XO) a knowing look- one that told everyone he was irritated and had a suspicion about the culprit “Ulhri” he finally said the words and his RS immediately frowned.

“There is no evidence that he is the culprit Rekkhai.” Tr’Huljan cautioned. The political intricacies of such accusations were often dangerous “we should wait until we have evidence to present to the senate.”

“He is the only blood sucking fiend in this entire sector.” Tr’Sahen grumbled curses as his crew cringed at the colorful language coming from their Leih’s mouth. When he finished he looked at tr’Huljan “order the IRW Hiren into this region. Riov t’Gonash reported of rumors that Galae ships were demanding payment to cross this space.”

“Bait Rekkhai?” Huljan smirked.

Sahen said nothing. He simply watched the view screen but in his mind he was hoped those petty criminals who wore the honored uniform of the Galae would fall for the trap. The Hiren was a small patrol ship- a very tantalizing morsel when alone.

~Some time later, IRW Hiren~

“Rekkhai, vessel decloaking to port.”

“Who is it?” t’Gonash stood up and focused her attention on the distorting area of space. When it finished she didn’t need her tactical officer’s report of ‘D’Deridex’ to tell her what that massive, outdated, beast was. “Hail them.” She ordered. A second later the viewscreen lit up and a rather filthy rihannsu in old Galae rags was staring at her. “Unknown vessel, identify your purpose.”

The man grinned and laughed. He turned around and his entire bridge crew laughed mockingly “you’re not in a position to make demands Riov. By order of this sector government you are to pay passage fee to pass through this sector.”

Gonash grimaced “sector fees are illegal, especially when it concerns vessels of the Galae. If you leave I will overlook this illegal action.”

The man burst into laughter “if we destroy your ship who will know?”

“I will know.” Stepping out from the shadows of the Hiren’s bridge tr’Sahen glared at the filthy thing on the other side of the view screen. Just as his face hit the light six warbirds decloaked surrounding the D’Deridex. Among them, the D’Dherex class IRW Endless Sky, equaled in size to the D’Deredix but eclipsing them entirely in terms of firepower. “Acts of piracy have only one punishment- death. However, if you tell me who your master is I will forgive you this once.”

The man hesitated but then he sneered at tr’Sahen “you do not have power here!”

Sahen sighed “destroy that ship. I am in no mood for games.”

“Ie, Rekkhai.” Gonash bowed her head at the Vaek’Riov and then issued the order to power up weapons. The other six ships did the same.

“Forgive me- I had a slip of the tongue. Let us talk!”

“Soon you will have no tongue.” Sahen said as he walked to the lift. His back flashed as the ships pummeled the D’Deridex until it ruptured into thousands of fiery bits. He didn’t care. He would get rid of these petty fools, all of them.

Hour of Truth Part I

2409

~IRW Knvuk~

“The final life sign has ceased.”

Terrh grimaced “how long was that?” His eyes focused on the view screen his irritation threatening to boil over. Still no sign of Charon or the ships he sent after her. Whispers on the bridge of the Nebula having swallowed all of them were also trying his patience. Terrh was disappointed in his people- ‘how can they be so ignorant’ he wondered. When the Memento Mori was finally complete he promised himself that all of these pathetic fools would be removed from their petty existences.

“Four hours and fifty two minutes from dispersion.”

“Four hours?” Terrh’s teeth grinded heavily. It was too long. His bosses wouldn’t be pleased. Even though it had been vastly improved since the initial test phases six years ago four hours still presented a great deal of problems. It wasn’t deadly enough. “Failure” he hissed under his breath. A shrill alarm broke his mental cursing “what is that?!”

“Warbird decloaking!”

No! No! Terrh stood up, blood dripped from the edges of his mouth as he bit down heavily on his tongue. So close! “Destroy them!”

The young tactical officer looked afraid “that is a D’Dherex class dreadnaught! We don’t stand a chance against them!”

“They are hailing us!”

“Stall them.” Terrh turned and made his way towards the turbo lift “should you fail” he pulled a vial out of his pocket “you will share in the planet’s fate.” When the lift arrived he stepped into it and disappeared into the gut of the Knvuk.

~IRW Endless Sky~

“Why are they slow?” Itsak’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the old D’Deridex staining his viewscreen. “Hail them again- tell them if they continue to insult us without answering that we will let them join the element of fire in the pits of areinnye.”

“Ie Rekkhai.”

“The planet appears to be devoid of life.” Tr’Huljan said, looking at the science readings over the shoulder of the science officer “but there is biological residue in the stratosphere. It appears to be some sort of weapon.”

“Was the planet inhabited?”

Tr’Huljan nodded looking up at his Leih “Apparently- there are several large settlements but no life signs. Also we detect weapons residue in upper orbit. Disruptor mainly- but one Starfleet signature and debris that correspond to a Federation starship. Isn’t that interesting rekkhai?”

“Shiarrael.” Itsak breathed “that ship- Charon is nearby is it not?”

Tr'Huljan smirked “how long has it been since you’ve seen your cousin?”

“Not long enough.” Itsak spat “certainly not a Federation Leih.”

“They have finally responded to our hails.” One of the officers’s announced. All eyes focused on the viewscreen. They were greeted by a young Arrain sitting in the command chair. Itsak was incensed and stood up “who are you? Where is tr’Zadul?!”

“The Riov is currently indisposed. I have been granted authority to speak on his behalf. I am Arrain Jae t’Neva.” Her black eyes stared through the screen “we seem to have a communication issue. Forgive us for the delay in responding to your hails.”

Itsak wasn’t born sucking a thrai’s tit. He knew he was being had “bring Zadul before me now. What happened on the planet- we detect bioweapon residue. Did you have something to do with that? Also where is the Federation ship? Do not snipe your tongue at me child!”

The Arrain looked around studying the other bridge crew. They appeared anxious “I…” she stuttered “I cannot answer that question. We do not know what-” Her comment was interrupted by one of the tactical alarms on the Endless Sky’s bridge.

“Rekkhai- they have launched a bomber!”

“What is that?” Itsak asked “get a tractor beam on them!” He barely finished his sentence when the view screen erupted in bright hot light. He took a step back and fell into his command chair. The viewscreen image automatically switched to an external view of the Knvuk just into time to watch the ship begin to sheer apart from internal explosions and then explode in a magnificent ball of fire. The Endless Sky rocked from the shock wave but remained otherwise un-phased by the explosions. “What happened?! Where is the bomber?”

“They apparently self destructed.” Tr’Huljan said “and the bomber is gone.”

“Ridiculous.” Itsak cursed “I do not enjoy mysteries Huljan.”

“Rekkhai- ship decloaking ahead of us!”

“Is it the bomber?” Itsak asked sitting up.

“No… registry is…the Fvullhajun Ra'Dhuil!”

Hour of Truth Part II

~USS Quantum Fury, Sickbay~

As the curtains were drawn around the examination bed Khiy slipped off his uniform jacket and undershirt. Now bare-chested he climbed atop the biobed and lied down as instructed. He twitched as a cold soft hand touched the bottom tip of his right breast and then moved down slowly. Above him he could see the fluttering red hair of his chief medical officer. The young woman smiled at him “stay still please Captain. I am analyzing your bone density.” A crack sound broke her smile and Khiy could feel one of ribs jerk awkwardly. He tried to sit up but the quick doctor tapped on the control console next to the bed instantly restraining him beneath a force field “stay still, I need to heal your broken rib.” she emphasized to his dismay.

He waited silently and she worked her magic. When she finished she said nothing save for the simple gesture of deactivating the force-field. Khiy sat up, slightly muddled, but he looked at the doctor “thank you Lieutenant.”

“Don’t thank me. When you get back to Versailles Kelcy is going to KILL you. I just saved you for her- if I had let you fall to pieces here then I would have been at the end of her quite infamous wrath. I don’t think I need to tell you how stupid you are- but since I enjoy it so much and you seemed to be deaf towards my advice, EVEN with those ears of yours, I will repeat myself. Captain, your bone structure is porous. Without your treatment you have to be cautious. If you had fallen a little further I might be mending your entire rib cage- and god knows what else. You need to be careful!” Savannah McCoy was a talented doctor, Khiy appreciated that, but she seemed to enjoy the art of nagging.

“I will keep that in mind.” Khiy said. Savannah started to speak but the chirp of his commbadge silenced her. He tapped the device slightly grateful for the interruption “Kanryth here, what is it?”

“Captain-” It was Kaen’s voice but he sounded strained “another warbird has decloaked out here, it’s a bit more modern and bit bigger then that D’Deridex. They seem to be having a heated discussion. Perhaps you should head up to the bridge?”

Khiy glanced at Savannah. The doctor pouted, rolled her eyes, and then turned pushing her way through the curtains. He knew that meant he could go for now- but she had a lot more to say to him and he would hear from her later. He pressed his commbadge “on my way.” Sliding on his shirt he made his way out of sickbay carrying his uniform jacket under his right arm.

~USS Quantum Fury, Bridge~

When the lift doors opened Khiy had just fastened his last button. As he stepped out a blinding flash from the view screen greeted him. Nik Nok was shouting from the tactical console “they have self-destructed and the bomber we detected earlier is now gone.”

“Report.” Khiy ordered immediately as he watched the final embers of the D’Deridex’s exploding structure fizzle into oblivion. Kaen stood up and switched to the executive officer’s chair allowing Khiy to take his seat. The view screen refocused on the monster that had arrived only moments earlier and Khiy easily recognized the giant D’Dherex class. It was both more modern and more deadly the old D’Deridex- just seeing it on his view screen brought a chill to his bones.

“We’re not sure.” Kaen said “when they arrived they demanded an explanation from the D’Deridex. They were arguing and then we detected a Romulan bomber being launched from the D’Deridex- a few seconds later, well you saw what happened. Now the bomber is gone and apparently that big thing is the flagship of a Romulan fleet commander.”

“A fleet commander?” Khiy swallowed. The Charon was missing somewhere in the nebula. If the Fury went after them no doubt they would be seen. Unlike the decrepit D’Deridex they were no match for a D’Derex class dreadnaught and with its newer sensor systems they might even be able to detect the Quantum Fury through its cloak. A heavy sigh slipped through Khiy’s lips “Decloak and hail them.”

“Captain?!” Kaen’s eyes widened “that ship is a mons-”

“We don’t have a choice. We have to go after the Charon- if they are still out there we cannot abandoned them.” His tone was ridged and his expression cold. “Hail them!” Khiy didn’t need his tactical officer to tell him that they had decloaked. The D’Dherex’s beak turned towards them, the massive disruptor ports at its tip glowing hot.

“They have accepted our hail-” The view screen switched from the monstrous ship to a bridge which seemed comparatively too small for such a behemoth. Several Romulans gazed at them- their eyes showed uncertainty but their expressions hinted at disgust. The Vaek’Riov, Khiy recognized his rank insignia, stood up and approached his view screen “for such a little ship you are quite far from home” a wicked smirk creased through his lips “explain your presence.”

“This is the Federation Starship Quantum Fury. We detected a distress signal and came to investigate. When we arrived our sensors detected a biological agent at work in the planet’s atmosphere and a lone D’Deridex in orbit.” Khiy remained rigid as he spoke.

“You lie.” The Vaek’Riov returned to his seat the smirk still clearly expressed on his face “there were other ships- a Federation ship among them. We detected the debris and weapons residue in the planet’s upper orbit. Our sensors followed their path from orbit into the nebula.” His eyes narrowed- a dangerous sign “what happened here?”

“When we arrived the Charon was already gone.” Khiy said “and as a guest of the Romulan Star Empire you are required to assist them. Unless you rule from a perch with no honor.”

The smirk disappeared immediately. The Vaek’Riov now scowled “I see- you are not a Vulcan as I originally suspected. A Vulcan would have certainly been wise enough not to mock me.” He twisted his head around “tr’Huljan is what he speaks true? We must assist the Charon?”

“It would appear so Rekkhai.” A voice from off-screen answered. A few specks of laughter echoed through the small cavern of a Romulan bridge.

“I will allow your insolence slide this once.” The Vaek’Riov said “go look for your ship and we will search for ours.” The screen immediately switched back to the view of the D’Dherex. The massive thing twisted slowly until it faced the nebula and moved towards it. Khiy looked at his helmsman, Alia, “take is into the nebula- T’Ern, Three, do all you can to find the Charon.”

Revelations Part I

~USS Charon, Ready Room~

As soon as the counselor left with the child Shiarrael sat down. She glanced at the empty glass on her desk and shook her head. She could understand Lamont- if this were another life she would have had a similar reaction and acted upon it. She had before, but this was different. A glance at the planet now dominating the view from her ready room caused her to grimace. Standing up she picked up the holo-image of her children that had fallen off her desk during the fighting. She looked at it, smiled slightly, and placed it back on top of her desk. Just then, her commbadge chirped.

“Captain, a Romulan starship has decloaked nearby and has ‘invited’ us to beam aboard immediately. The transmission provided beaming coordinates. I believe they are awaiting our response sir.”

“Join me in the transporter room.” Shiarrael tapped her commbadge again “Lieutenant Tyrax proceed to the transporter room immediately.”

So, we will meet after how many years Itsak?

~IRW Endless Sky~

Shiarrael rematerialized and stepped off the pad followed by Sakarra and Ian. At least a dozen Gai’Shian, all heavily armed, greeted them- though their weapons were pointed towards the deck it did little to ease the tension. With everyone present the Gai’Shian gingerly gestured to the doors with the tips of their weapons and Shiarrael obliged followed by the others.

Ian was unimpressed by the assembled Gai’Shian guards that lined the room. The captain had felt the need to beam aboard to discuss certain matters however what was there to discuss? The Galae would not listen and worse they might attempt to shift the blame for the recent calamity onto the Charon and Quantum Fury in an effort to protect themselves from the evils that had been committed. Lamont did not understand the point of this meeting. The end result would hardly be favorable. The rows of armed guards and weapons aimed in their direction were proof enough that their presence here was merely being tolerated for the moment.

And yet, these were Rehu’s own people. She knew them and they knew her. While her power may have faded within the empire, her reputation from what Lamont knew, always seemed to proceed her. The name T’Rehu was not greatly admired, but it was respected and in many cases feared. If anyone had the power to influence the outcome of these proceedings then perhaps the captain could.

They were led through the cramped corridors until they reached a room guarded by three other Gai’Shian, the guards parted allowing them in. Inside they found themselves in a small auditorium, at the center a single chair was placed and in it was a Rihannsu woman. She was an erie’Riov by her rank insignia and standing in front of her was a familiar face. He smirked at the group “Jolan’tru- I thought it would only be kind to allow you to hear what she has to say.”

The young Vulcan had followed her CO through the ship, radiating silent disapproval towards their would-be guards. Not that the stomping, rude Nirak'lar would have been able to pick up such subtle signals. Ah, she really should have taken the time to meditate. Blinking with quiet irritation, Sakarra took in the scenario before them, coming to a halt only a short distance behind the Captain.

Fascinating.

A slanted brow rose ever so slightly at the sight of this ship’s commander. Yes, quite obviously another relative, and not too distant from the rude one who had commanded the Sunheart.

Lamont simply stood at ease and listened. His heart still burned with the embers of hatred for those who had caused recently calamities. His objectivity and clarity at the moment was impaired at best, temporarily out of commission at worst. The best he could do for now was simply remain supportive, but silent. Leaning over toward Lt. Tyrax, Lamont in a quiet tone asked a simple question of the young Vulcan officer.

"Lieutenant, what do Vulcan techniques and teachings say when one finds their logic in question?" Lamont looked inquisitively at Sakarra genuinely interested in her answer. Internally his emotions were a bubbling cauldron and in his current state he could not objectively perform his duties. How Vulcans had ever managed to tame the fires of emotion was a miracle.

The young woman looked up at the human standing beside her and the first thing that came to mind was that he again proved to have an awful sense of timing. But she could hardly tell him that, nor that she was tethering along the brink of highly unreasonable behavior herself. Possibly worse, she was acutely aware of her mental state and rather than being disturbed by it, found she was approaching the point of … past caring’.

Hands clasped behind her back, Sakarra presented little more than utter stoicism and was quite grateful noone present would have the sensibility to pick up the signs that to any other Vulcan would have practically screamed ‘red alert, core breach imminent’.

“There is no simple answer, ambassador.” she replied in the same low voice, studying her own reflection in those astonishingly green eyes “However, I should point out that acknowledging the fact that one’s logic is in abeyance could be deemed the most important part of the solution.”

“I see,” Lamont quietly answered. Her answer was hardly helpful, but was perfectly logical. “Perhaps I should rephrase the question”, Ian continued. “How do you personally cope with the rigors of living among us highly emotional and irrational beings?” Ian looked up as the Romulans were busy speaking to one another. He could make out some of what they were saying, but was paying little attention. He had no interest in this discussion and could see no benefit to speaking with any of the Galae as it would only further their understanding of recent events thus empowering them to shift the blame if they decided to retreat from the problems within their own ranks. Ian looked back at the Vulcan and into her dark eyes.

Her face was nearly expressionless yet despite her cold exterior there was something there that was out of place. Ian couldn’t identify exactly what it was. He just continued to gaze into the dark, languid depths of her eyes searching for answers. The thought occurred to him that if he searched too hard or too long he might easily lose himself within their depths, but he was beyond caring. Intangible, yet present, Ian’s well developed sense of perception could just barely make out something within those dark eyes staring back at him.

“I realize this is hardly the proper venue for such a conversation lieutenant”, he finally said although he maintained his gaze. “Please dismiss my illogical inquiry. We can discuss such matters at another time.””

“Dismiss? Not at all, ambassador.” Sakarra said mildly, her voice as low and near inaudible as the evening breeze over the desert “Another time, yes.”

She held Lamont’s questioning gaze for another second and wondered whether there was a person with a shred of sensibility present after all.

Had she given herself away? No, he did not know what it was that seemed ‘off’ about the particular Vulcan he was looking at, survival instinct alone dictated he would have to react to that, but the sheer intensity of his green eyes suggested he had seen something … unusual. She would have to be even more vigilant.

Rather than serve to irritate her even more, the knowledge she was being watched by Lamont had a strangely calming effect, as if there was an early warning system at her shoulder. Nodding near imperceptibly to the taller human, Sakarra’s full focus returned to the Commander of this ship.

Lamont almost smiled at the lieutenant. Her expressions he was learning were almost imperceptible yet with enough practice and careful focus one who knew what to look for could perhaps find meaning even through the tough barriers of Vulcan stoicism. How little he understood of Vulcan subtleties. Being around Lt. Tyrax he was slowly realizing just how little he actually knew of the Vulcan race. He had learned their language, but mastering their culture was a different matter. He was a veritable infant compared to a Vulcan of his own age. He must seem like an annoying child to the lieutenant. How little he knew. And yet, the lieutenant tolerated him. Was it tolerance or just Vulcan logic? He hadn’t sensed indifference from the woman which would indicate he had offended or insulted her, yet his seemingly feeble skills at reading her expressions left him with many questions and few answers. Something within him wanted to open up and divulge a lifetime of troubles for her cool logic to address. Under normal circumstances Lamont would never contemplate speaking of such things to any living person. However, these were not normal times.

He wondered if she could sense such things within him and at the same time debated with himself if what he was seeing was simply an illusion conjured up by his own active imagination. What he had seen was so faint, like a ghostly apparition, it was possible its basis in reality was far more imagined than tangible. As the Vulcan shifted her attention, Lamont did the same pushing such interesting, but idle thoughts to the corner of his mind for later contemplation. The Romulans for the moment had the floor and despite his misgivings about beaming over to this ship also had his attention.

As he stood in the belly of the Romulan ship, surrounded by Romulan soldiers, with a Romulan captain before him, an ex-Romulan captain at his side, and a Romulan cousin, Lt. Tyrax on the other, he couldn’t help but feel isolated, alone, and so utterly ignorant. He was out of place and no matter how good his education and knowledge of Vulcan and Romulan culture and affairs, nothing had prepared him for this. Like a schoolboy, all he could do was stand silently and watch. Perhaps he could learn something from the experience. Indeed he would try.

Itsak tr`Sahen was circling the chair in which the woman sat with the air of a predator who has cornered its prey and revels in the knowledge the prey is fully aware of its impending doom. Any other time and place, any other being in that chair, and Sakarra might have been offended by the display. But what was even more disturbing that she wasn’t, was the fact she knew if given the chance, it might have been she who was the predator, and with less restraint than what this relative of her Captain was still showing. Unnoticed by all but maybe one, the young Vulcan’s features turned to marble.

“Where did you come from? What happened on this planet? Tell us everything and I will be gracious enough to spare you and your crew. Tell me nothing, well, useless things are discarded are they not?” Itsak smirked and paced around the chair, his eyes were like burning embers as he stared at the woman. She fidgeted but gave the appearance of remaining composed. Finally after a few minutes she broke; there was no reason for her to hide this knowledge.

“We are part of Governor tr’Ulhri’s system security forces.” She looked at Itsak only, completely ignoring the other guests “seven years ago a man named Terrh convinced our lord to build a research station in the Hirexa system in orbit of the dead planet ch’Hirexa. For his part tr’Ulhri was promised a seat on the senate- however the research station needed test subjects. Ch’Dabhae was perfect; no one would miss a bunch of rebels.” Shiarrael visibly scowled at the woman’s comments but she remained silent and listened “the station is run by a bunch of Federation scientists for a group called NeoDyne and they paid a large sum to our master to allow them to continue their work. Memento Mori” the woman scoffed “is what they unleashed on the planet. A redeveloped Dominion Mutagenic Retrovirus.”

“Hirexa?” Itsak smiled “are you certain?”

“Yes, quite, we brought several specimens to them.”

“NEODYNE”, Lamont suddenly blurted out. Without thinking the following words escaped his lips. “Fvah dha'nia Areinnye!”(what the hell?) He quickly realized his loose tongue had drawn the attention of everyone in the room upon him. “This cannot be”, he stated quickly his heart rate increasing exponentially with each second. “Hre va”, he asked his voice nearly breaking both with nervous tension and pent up anger. (What else?) “Hnafiv'rau!”Let us hear it.) He wasn’t sure why, but something was possessing him to speak Romulan. His knowledge of this language was meager, but he knew enough to converse with the lying captain before him who was obviously attempting to shift the blame from her own disgraceful actions to that of the Federation.

The Riov was startled by the outburst and finally broke her gaze away from Itsak to glance at the rude human. One of the Gai’Shian lifted the butt of his rife to smash it into the Ambassador’s skull but Itsak lifted his hand stopping that action. He glanced at Lamont and then at the Riov “answer him.”

Revelations Part II

~IRW Endless Sky~

The Riov looked at Itsak and lowered her head in a slight bow towards the Vaek’Riov “Memento Mori is not the only item they have researched. I have seen it with my own eyes- they have been experimenting with borg nanoprobes, genetic resequencing and engendering technologies.” Her eyes lifted and focused on the Ambassador.

His anger was growing more powerful by each passing moment, but behind that wave of passionate emotion was an equally strong, but silent flow of fear. The name, NeoDyne struck fear and pain into the depths of Lamont’s heart as if someone had plunged a spear through his chest. The Romulan female captain was not speaking fast enough for his liking. He demanded to know why she was spilling these vile lies.

The Riov’s face turned ninety degrees at Lamont’s blow. The sound of the hit echoed through the cavernous room. Having seen enough Shiarrael reached out and grabbed Lamont’s shoulder “ambassador what has possessed you? Calm down now.” In the corner of her eye she could see Itsak watching with a wicked grin but his focus was not on Lamont, but her. She gritted her teeth, trying to command a great deal of patience when dealing with the Ambassador was difficult

When she had finished, Lamont took several steps toward the Romulan captain shrugging off T’Rehu’s own stern grip on his shoulder stopping only when the numerous Gai’Shian raised their weapons in warning to the human officer who was perhaps as unwanted as the Romulan Riov before him.

“IS THIS THE TRUTH”, Lamont shouted at the Romulan captain. “ANSWER ME YOU ROMULAN SUSSE-THRAI!”(B*tch)

“You speak big for a human- if you do not believe me go see for yourself.” She turned away from Lamont.

The woman’s answer finally came and stung Lamont’s ears like a cold, bitter wind. If his glare were a phaser he would have carved a hole in both the woman and the bulkhead beyond her. His own green eyes furiously burned as he searched the woman’s own. Much to his own dismay he found no trace of deception. This Romulan had everything to lose and nothing to gain by withholding information.

“Thlhom veherr'a “, Lamont said almost at a whisper to the Riov. (My apologies.) He could see the tension in her eyes. Beyond that was fear, but what person wouldn’t be fearful of the current circumstances. His eye contact was broken when he felt Captain Rehu forcefully pulled him backwards.

“Compose yourself Ambassador.” Shiarrael wanted to reach out and wring the Ambassador’s neck but she knew such sudden violent movements might result in a disruptor bolt in the middle of her chest. Instead she turned away from the scene and studied her cousin who was now smiling widely, apparently he was very amused by the impromptu entertainment provided by the Ambassador.

Lamont said nothing and simply stared at Rehu with haunted eyes. He was beyond caring anymore what she or anyone else did to him. Reality was slowly closing in around him like a giant python constricting its victim to a slow, excruciating death. He was just as guilty as the Riov before him and perhaps should share her eventual fate for her actions. He stepped backed his breathing now coming in short, rapid breaths. He turned only for an instant and glanced at Lt. Tyrax. His eyes searched for hers as if to call out for help, but just as they made contact he looked away too ashamed to retain the contact and terrified the Vulcan might somehow see the guilt and remorse swimming within his gaze.

“Since we are done here...” Itsak laughed, took a step back, pulled out a disruptor, and shot the Riov in the chest. She was barely able to widen her eyes in astonishment before going limp. He holstered the weapon and nodded to one of men “have the others execute the crew.” Twisting around he smiled towards his guests “Shiarrael it has been too long, I am glad to see you are in one piece, and what interesting friends you have.” He studied the others.

“Very sparing of you.” Shiarrael said, her eyes on the corpse now being dragged out of the room. She wasn’t surprised; her cousin always had a ruthless streak beneath his bright smile. No doubt he inherited that from his grandfather.

“I was quite gracious. She will now rest in peace instead of dying slowly for her crimes. Her crew will also be spared the fate of a slow death, but you, of all people Shiarrael, should understand this method well?” He looked at Lamont and Sakarra “did you know your Captain once held the title Riov Yhisu?” He chuckled “she was quite ruthless- how many fools did you execute? I have heard rumors and those numbers are quite high. No wonder you are so hated within the Galae, but, it would seem that Riov Yhisu is dead.” He smirked amusedly while looking at Lamont “I am surprised by your newfound level of patience with such ridicu-“

“What are you going to do Itsak?” Shiarrael’s eyes narrowed as she cut him off.

“I am going to have Governor Ulhri arrested and I am going to destroy his little research station.” His sharp smile held “you may tag along to observe if you wish but your help is unnecessary and unwanted.”

“Those scientists are Federation citizens. We should be given custody of them so they can be tried for their crimes in a Federation court.” Shiarrael said, her voice was shaky but she looked composed.

Itsak snorted “odd, to hear such drivel come from your mouth.” His expression darkened “but it brings me joy to see my young cousin again. I will give them to you. I have no interest in going through the trouble of executing such people.” He looked at Sakarra again, his gaze lingering for a moment “join me for dinner after we have dealt with this matter Shiarrael and bring your friend. It has been long since I have seen a thaessu.”

Sakarra’s hands had tightened behind her back when the man her Captain called Itsak had shot the Riov, but other than that she might as well have been a statue; for all that her eyes gleamed in a completely unmoved face.

Thaessu? Odd that a Galae Vaek’Riov should have any interest in a lone Vulcan far from home, but it was not unheard of for the Sundered to indulge their curiosity when it came to their distant cousins. And this curiosity might well have produced an echo and earned the man a tilted head or even a quirked brow, were it not for the pitch in the CO’s voice that spoke of silent distress and had the young Vulcan silently move just a minute distance closer to her Captain’s shoulder.

At long last the messy affair with the Romulans was at its conclusion. The captain and their Romulan host exchanged final parting words and the trio finally made their way back to the Romulan transporter room escorted by the same Gai’Shian who had led them in. Lamont merely followed the captain and Sakarra using every last atom of concentration to place one foot after the other on a march that seemed to last an eternity. Beads of perspiration ran down his face and neck. His heart pounded within his chest like a ticking bomb waiting to explode. His hands tingled as vital oxygen failed to reach his extremities. Stepping up on the transporter pad, Lamont purposefully bit his lip. The intense pain kept his consciousness alive for a few more moments as he used every last fiber of his being to remain standing and from becoming violently ill.

He felt the cold grip of the transporter and seconds later his vision of the Romulans was replaced by the lone transporter operator back on the Charon.

Shiarrael, who had remained intensely silent as they were returned to the Endless Sky’s transporter room broke her neutral expression and glared at Lamont as soon as they materialized on Charon. Her hands trembled with anger “what were you thinking? You fool! Bless the elements my cousin found your behavior more amusing than rude. What is NeoDyne?” Her glare switched to Sakarra “have you heard of this organization?”

The young Vulcan shifted her mildly concerned gaze from the ambassador who was emanating waves of distress that even a Vulcan could not fail to notice, and looked at her rightfully irritated CO. “Only what one may consider common knowledge, Captain. Assuming it is the NeoDyne Defense Corporation that this concerns, it is a rather large company, specialized in producing and supplying weapons technology. If I remember correctly, they were involved in somewhat of a scandal after the first Dominion War. The ship’s database, should it be repaired sufficiently by now, will be able to provide us with more details.”

He couldn’t hear a word they were saying. His mind was an exploding mass of intense stress, powerful emotions, and chemical agents as adrenaline surged through his blood stream. The assault of emotion, stress, and his body’s physiological responses were too much for even a man of his will to hold in check. With a gaze that was as blank as a soulless automaton, Lamont’s eyes rolled backwards into his head. His knees buckled and the ambassador suddenly collapsed to the floor of the transporter pad as lifeless as the Romulan Riov who had lost her life only moments before…

“Do you think passing out like some frightened hlai will get you out of this mess Ambassador?” Shiarrael crouched down and studied him; she immediately noticed his lips becoming a shade of blue. Sliding two fingers against his neck she closed her eyes “Lieutenant, his pulse is erratic, get sickbay here immediately!” She turned to the transporter operator “get the medical kit!”

The Vulcan swiftly dropped to her knees next to the ambassador and carefully placed her fingertips on his neck before tapping her comm badge. “Lieutenant Sakarra to sickbay. Medical emergency in the transporter room. Please prepare for human male, unconscious, vitals erratic, arrival immediately.” Logic dictated that since they were still on a transporter padd…

“My apologies, Captain.” she said mildly before her head snapped around to the operator “Engage emergency transport now, one directly to the main sickbay.” The startled operator hadn’t moved yet and blinked at the Vulcan, but he executed the transport within less than two seconds.

Standing up, Sakarra gave her CO a courteous half-bow as was right and proper after having offended like this. “I will of course accept disciplinary measures for countermanding your orders.”

“It’s fine.” Shiarrael felt winded by everything. What exactly did the Ambassador know? “Come with me to bridge. We must follow the Endless Sky to the Hirexa system.” She was lost and she knew it. Events were spinning out of control and she had no idea why.

Memento Mori - The End is only the Beginning

~I’Rak Prime, USS Charon~

Shiarrael sat quietly in her ready room. It no longer resembled the chaos that rendered it to a pile of debris a few days previous. It was now tidy and much more Spartan than she originally intended. Although she did not miss Enor’s plant gift that had been vaporized in the melee she felt some loss to see her old desk now replaced. However, that was not the issue that lingered in her thoughts. The scientists were now being interrogated by Commander Marcus- Shiarrael refused to be present. She did not know if she had the composure to face those monsters… and then there were the Marines.

It was a shocking find by Itsak’s Gai’Shian when they opened up the hideous NeoDyne laboratories. Most had been killed but a few were still alive. ‘How could I have known my actions would have led to their deaths?’ Shiarrael shook her head and sighed deeply. It had already been decided between her and Kanryth that the Commander would take the scientists back to the Federation aboard the Quantum Fury. They would face trial and be used to charge NeoDyne with the atrocities, but the marines were another question. A few wanted to stay on the Charon. After their mutiny and the marooning it was a hard dilemma compounded by their tragedy at the hands of NeoDyne.

She looked across her new desk at Sakarra, the placid Vulcan looked serene. There were few times that Shiarrael would have openly admitted to envying such creatures but in this moment she was envious of her helmsman. In the past few days Shiarrael found herself increasingly agitated by the events. “With Commander Katris unconscious and Ian Lamont in questionable condition I am appointing you as Acting Executive Officer.” Shiarrael reached into her desk and pulled out a red velvet box lined with gold trimming “and giving you the rank of Lieutenant Commander.”

The young woman stood silently a few more heartbeats, hands loosely clasped behind her back. If there was any indication of her being slightly more thoughtful than usual, or even the smallest hint of concern, it was visible only in the slowness with which she finally exhaled. “As you wish, s’thora.” Her elegant half-bow perfectly hid the brief flicker of an expression in her black eyes. “We come to serve.” she murmured and then picked up the small box with a fluent movement before looking at her Captain again. “Your orders?”

“We will remain here until Calhoun completes repairs. They have been generous enough to provide us with their fleet facilities. However, the crew has been forbidden from leaving the Charon without proper authorization.” Shiarrael resisted the urge to sigh again “we have also been invited to join Vaek’Riov tr’Sahen for dinner tonight. He has asked that you attend as well.”

At last, a slanted brow rose by the fraction of a centimeter. “May I assume it would be seen as impolite to decline?” She would certainly have preferred to spend the evening in quiet meditation, possibly even tend to her still not fully healed injuries. And of course Charon required every bit of attention Sakarra currently had to spare, even more so now that the Captain had asked her to temporarily take over the duties of the injured Commander Katris.

As it was, they depended on the Vaek’Riov’s good will if there was to be any hope of repairing Charon in a reasonable amount of time. Exhaling in the equivalent of a Vulcan’s stoic sigh of acceptance, the raven haired young woman nodded once more. “If it is your wish, I will accompany you.”

“Since they are aiding us with repairs we will oblige the simple request.” Shiarrael wanted to frown, Itsak was like a brother- one that she never fully seemed to get along with. They fought consistently as children and although later in life their relationship had eased considerably there was still trouble between the two. “I am not looking forward to this meeting either- suffering is best shared.” She smirked at her helmsman. “Return to the bridge.”

“Indeed.” Sakarra’s contemplative gaze lingered on the Captain for another second before she briefly inclined her head and pivoted around, striding towards the doors. Whatever thoughts might have been hidden behind her calm, unmoved features, not even another Vulcan would have been able to say.

Shiarrael stood up as the doors closed and moved over to the large viewing windows that dotted the edge of her ready room. A large Romulan starbase dominated the view. She didn’t need to be a mind-reader to notice the unease that had slowly filtered its way through the crew. As a workbee lifted past her window she turned around. There was a lot to do. She would get started by paying Ambassador Lamont a visit.

~I’Rak Prime, Local Galae Fortress~

In his darkened room Itsak pulled on the bed sheets as N’Rala slid against his skin, her warm breath touching his ear “you must watch the Charon.”

Her sweet breath sliced his senses like a dagger- he clenched his fists into the sheets with pleasure “why?”

She pulled away from him and wrapped the sheets around her slender frame. Her dark silhouette stood up and moved to the small bar at the end of the room “the Vulcans are looking for something. They did not send the Charon here to merely peer at stars.” The agent laughed faintly and sipped the liquor she had just poured “Starfleet is naïve. Rehu is naïve. They don’t know the truth- what the Vulcans want is quite precious to them, and to us. The agency wants it and if you get it for us- we will ignore the gift you have taken without our permission.”

Naked but hidden by the darkness Itsak shifted in the bed displeased at the end to their exercise “gift?” He asked, pretending to lack understanding.

“You took the Memento Mori. Did you think we would not find out?” She laughed again, this time it was haughtier “and your stupid cousin believes you have destroyed it and all other NeoDyne research.”

“You are well informed, I admit that much.” He grimaced in the darkness “and what she believes I do not know- nor do I care. I will keep an eye on her as you have asked and get you whatever it is you seek.”

“There is one thing I do not understand. What does a Vaek’Riov in the eastern empire need with such a weapon?”

“Vengeance.” He answered simply “vengeance.”