When darkness gathers over all.
And the last tottering pillars fall,
Take the poor dust Thy mercy warms.
And mould it into heavenly forms.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
[Ch'Rihan]
Thunder rippled over the outstretched talons of one of the great bird monuments that littered Ki'Baratan's skyline. Romulan citizens were scurrying through the one of the side streets intent on making their destination before the storm arrived. From the end of the street a convoy of armored flitters passed a tall stone statue of former Praetor Hiren whose outstretched hands grasped towards Eisn, though the gesture on this day was futile as the sun was hidden by dark and ominous clouds. Many of the hurrying pedestrians stopped to stare. It wasn't unusual to see convoys. Ki'Baratan was the home of the Praetorate after all, but this had been at least the fifteenth convoy and by the largest of the day. At least of a dozen highly decorated flitters passed by- etched on the doors was the symbol of the Galae'EnRiov. Several whispers echoed through the crowd as they watched the flitters pass them. A second clamor of thunder, much closer then the last, caused the crowd to end their gossip and hurry away.
Inside the flitter Argelian was silent as he stared out the window; his eye was directed up at the darkening skyline. Next to him Shiarkek was quietly watching his boss with a curious gaze, what will you do? His eyes asked but he dare not speak the question. Ever since the Galae'EnRiov learned of the Praetor's collapse he had remained silent- not a word spoken, not even a question when the courier brought him the news. Shiarkek couldn't help but wonder about the thoughts of his commander. It was no secret that AAnikh was frail- three hundred and sixty years was a long life for any Romulan, let alone the Praetor of the Star Empire.
A slow tapping sound quickly turned into the sound of an avalanche of gravel as a thick rain burst through the clouds. Argelian's gaze shifted from the window, whose view was now obscured by the blanket of rain, to Shiarkek "I may not be a telepath but I can easily read your mannerism." The Galae'EnRiov was an intimidating character. Several scars littered his face including a large one that creased down his left eye and behind a black eye-patch, a left over injury from the Jurai war campaigns. His chin was sharp and his jaw-line well defined. A senator once said of him 'tr'Verelan is part wild thrai but the bitch half was a hnoiyoka.' It was quite true, he was fearsome and his temper renowned but in his growing age the sharpness of his bite was dulling- or perhaps it was more of AAnikh's influence. AAnikh who was more father then leader to Argelian was a pacifist. A pitiful fact it was that AAnikh himself had no living sons- all of which died in glory fighting for the Empire. Or perhaps even sadder- the murder of Argelian's wife might be responsible for the dulling of fangs. "We will continue as if nothing has occurred. Once the situation has been settled the senate will be informed and we will proceed depending on the Praetor's health."
Praetor's health? Shiarkek was stunned by that admission. So AAnikh was not dead as he had been lead to believe, but what? From Argelian's reaction and expression he has assumed AAnikh had died. If he is alive why is the Galae'EnRiov so somber? The flitter jostled them a bit as it came to stop. The door's lifted open and a driving rain poured into the cabin. Shiarkek winced but Argelian simply stood up and made his way through the downpour towards the hospital entrance. Several dozen Rei'Krannsu soldiers lined the streets and Shiarkek, not wanting to be left behind, decided not to wait for an aid to deliver him cover. Instead he slid over to the other side of the flitter facing the walkway and climbed out into the stinging rain.
It was certainly unusual. When Shiarkek finally made his way into the hospital he was surprised by how empty it was. Rivers of rain-water supplied by his dripping hair rushed down his face and puddle beneath him on the floor. Two Rei'Krannsu soldiers were leading the Galae'EnRiov down the long and narrow hallway. Shiarkek sprinted to them and then kept pace as they walked for a considerable distance. They finally reached a large room where at least a dozen people were gathered. Shiarkek easily recognized several of them. There was t'Charvanek, the speaker of the senate and a close confidant of AAnikh. T'Ahaefvthe was also there, the Galae'EnRiov's mother and a well known Havrannsu senator. Others there included several members of the Praetorate and members of the military. Shiarkek recognized EnRiov t'Knei, the commander of Galae forces in Eisn and the former aid to the now dead Galae'EnRiov t'Neyl, tr'Verelan's predecessor who was killed in a terrorist attack. At least that is what tr'Verelan fed the senate. The truth was far more sinister but far too common on ch'Rihan.
"Argelian, you're here." From a side room exited another familiar face. Doctor tr'Merrok was a well known physician on ch'Rihan. The middle aged man was also the Praetor's personal physician and the leader of S'Merrok, a powerful sub-house of clan AAnikh "please come in." The physician held up his hand as others stood up to follow "only Argelian."
Argelian followed Merrok "how bad is it?"
"You will see." Merrok said his voice clearly showing unease. Argelian could feel his muscles begin to tense as they neared the Praetor's room. The pair passed at least five heavily armed Rei'Krannsu on the way. When they finally reached the room a stone faced physician's aid nodded her head to Merrok and then gestured for Argelian to step inside.
The room was dim; a simple wall lamp was the sole source lighting in the room and seemed to be at half strength. The Praetor's bed was nestled carefully in the center of the room amidst a crowd of machinery. It was dark but Argelian could make out the Praetor's figure. "Lord AAnikh" Argelian moved to the bedside and fell to his knees kowtowing in deep reverence "I came as soon as I heard." He looked up and could see the Praetor's eyes shift towards him but AAnikh did not speak.
"The Lord Praetor has had a stroke." Merrok spoke from behind him "the damage to parts of his brain was significant. He can no longer speak or walk." Merrok's tone held neutral ground but even he was hard pressed to hide the enormity of the sadness in his words. Stepping forward the physician handed the Praetor an ISD. With slow and pained motions the Praetor typed on the key pad. When he finished he simply dropped the device onto his bed. Merrok picked it up and held it out for Argelian.
Argelian stared at the device in Merrok's hand. Part of him wanted to turn around and walk out- perhaps this was just a simple nightmare from which soon he would awaken. He hoped but knew such hope was futile and childish. His hand trembled slightly as he accepted the ISD. On it was the text "ekhesai vr' tivh ira damne. Reh s'tivh cupae'n." Argelian felt his heart shatter. Closing his eyes he turned away from AAnikh not wanting the Praetor to see his most pitiful expression. He simply walked out and was followed by Merrok- when the doors closed behind them Argelian cursed the elements "are you telling me he will die bed ridden and feeble?!"
"There is nothing that can be done Argelian; the damage is just too great." Merrok said while shaking his head.
"How long does he have?" Argelian asked- his teeth grinding after his words.
"Four months maybe six if he is lucky."
Argelian stormed down the hallway. Merrok, surprised by the Galae'EnRiov's sudden movement had to jog to catch up. When he exited into the main hall Argelian looked at everyone present "the Praetor is exhausted and will not have any further guests. However, he assures everyone that he is fine. He will be making a great announcement soon- until then." He looked at the Praetors present "he wishes for you to proceed and make the announcement that the Lyran Star Empire has been granted protectorate status." Argelian knew that he Klingons would likely move on the side of the Kzin, but it would be enough of a distraction. "Shiarkek" he called his subordinate over to him as the others began departing.
"You called Rekkhai?" Shiarkek asked.
"Bring Proconsul Riurren here; it is imperative that I speak with him."
Shiarkek found the request odd but he nodded his head "ie Rekkai, right away" and followed he others out.
Soon Argelian was standing alone with Merrok who glared at him "you cannot keep this hidden forever."
"No, but it will remain hidden until I am done." Argelian's eyes narrowed into slits "and should it be revealed before- I assure you Merrok that I will hold you entirely accountable. Not only will I have the Gai'Shian torch your practice, your estate, and your family. I will have every one of your associates dragged out and beheaded on the steps of the Senate. Do not doubt my fury should this matter escape anyone's breath too soon."
Merrok was stunned by the threat. He had never seen Argelian so cold- the Galae'EnRiov's seriousness shook him to the marrow. "You need not worry" he lowered his head and quickly returned to the Praetor's side.
Finally alone Argelian sat down in one of the waiting chairs. His limbs trembled. AAnikh was all but dead- perhaps it would have been best if you had died my Lord! Argelian hated the hideous thought but it would have been easier, but this, this would be much more difficult. His eyes closed and he lowered his head to weep dry tears. The era of tr'AAnikh was at an end.
[End]
"Forgiveness for this old fool. I have failed."
