Part I "The Thrai of Tomika
15 years ago, Tomika System
[IRW Saeihr’llaiir]
Shiarraels nail’s dug into the soft leather pads that rested on the top of her armrests. On the view screen several smaller Romulan warbirds were chasing down a larger Galaxy class ship “target their warp drive!” She shouted, her violet irises intently studying the view screen. Like a pack of wolves the smaller Romulan ships soon overtook the larger galaxy class. She watched silently as several explosions rippled through the ship’s hull until only the molten framework was visible. “Pull back and rejoin the rest of the wing.” She let the tension leave her muscles and eased her clawing grip on the armrests.
Her new RS (XO), tr’Shiarkek, smiled smugly at the molten smattering displayed on the view screen “they were easily defeated. It was wise for the Khre’Riov to heed your advice. I am honored to serve under such a wise Riov.” In the corner of her vision Shiarrael could see him dip his head in a half bow but she ignored it and pretended to keep her focus on the view screen.
“Too easy.” Shiarrael stated bluntly “they were no match for us. The bulk of the Federation fleet consists of large ships created mainly for long scientific deployment. Their ships may have teeth but they are the teeth of a baby thrai- brittle and only dangerous to those who do not know how to handle them.” There was no glory in this fight. I might as well have suffocated an infant. “And smaller ships can easily pick at them until they’re dead.”
“Even so, because of your strategy we were able to easily route the Federation forces. The Khre’Riov will be pleased at this result.” Shiarkek bowed again. If he wasn’t so damn useful at organization she would have had him tossed out an airlock. Why don’t you just staple your lips to my ass? She shook her head.
“We are receiving a message from the Khre’Riov.” The communications officer announced and Shiarrael ordered it onscreen immediately.
Khre’Riov tr’Faikaru was tall and boney. His chin was square, his nose ridge thin, and slicing across his forehead was the classic V shaped ridge of the mongrel breeds. He was known as a tough disciplinarian and that was the only trait that Shiarrael respected. Otherwise he was overly arrogant and a self divined idiot. That he had actually listened to her plan was a shock, though now he probably would claim credit for it entirely. She didn’t mind though. Let fools drink a fool’s drink. His eyes set on her and she stood up and bowed her head at him “Khre’Riov.”
“Riov.” Faikaru spoke and she could almost feel the spittle fly through the screen “it seems our plan has worked perfectly.” Our? That’s a surprise. At least he saw fit to give me some credit. “The Federation forces are in full retreat and the Gai’Shian have captured Starbase 220, well, most of it anyways.” His last words seemed to linger in the air as he paused for a moment. “After speaking to Ael’Riov t’Loen I have decided to hold our pursuit for the moment so we can reorganize our lines.”
What? She wanted to shout at the image of the Khre’Riov but she knew it would be useless and that she would likely end up in jail somewhere for insubordination. The Federation was much more disorganized then they were. The best tactic would be to keep up the pursuit and crush the remnants of the Federation fleet assigned to this sector. Letting them get away would only give the Federation an estimate on the Romulan vessel count and likely render her original strategy obsolete. Instead of telling him that however she knew her place and just nodded her head. He was doing her a favor anyways by informing her of this impending blunder “thank you Khre’Riov.” It took a great deal of effort for her to smile. I will bear witness when they slit your throat for our future failure.
“Jolan’tru.” The image abruptly cut out and was replaced by the Romulan eagle. Next to her Shiarkek muttered something under his breath.
“Do you have something to say?” Shiarrael asked him.
“No, it was just a thought. I should not have spoken out loud. Forgiv-” He started to bow his head but Shiarrael reached up and grabbed a fist full of his hair and jerked his head up.
“I am tiring of your fawning. Speak your mind or I’ll have your tongue cut out since you obviously have no use for it.” Shiarrael glared at Shiarkek who pulled himself out of her grasp and readjusted the collar of his uniform. The stupid expression on his face soured into a more rigid look. At least you don’t look like a fool now.
“Very well Riov. I do not understand why we will not continue our pursuit. The Federation lines are in shambles. Their strategic infrastructure in this region was devastated the instant we took Starbase 220. If we wait here they will undoubtedly reorganize, at least enough to stop our advance.”
Perhaps you are not as useless as I originally thought. “It is not your place to wonder it is only your place to follow the Khre’Riov’s orders.” Shiarrael pretended to dismiss his comments absently and returned her attention to the view screen. Sliding back into her command throne she quietly watched the scene. They were coming up on Starbase 220 and over a hundred warbirds were now moving into range of the massive facility. Broken bits of starships tumbled past the view. Shiarrael held a sigh. Surprise, mobility, audacity, and timing win wars. She thought of the ancient Rihannsu General tr’Naga whose writings on war and combat she cherished. We have lost all four.