13 years ago...
[IRW Mogai]
Living up to its name the massive D'Dherex class warbird decloaked mere feet off the station's docking ramp. Several Starfleet officers standing to meet the Romulans exhaled- they were clearly startled by the aggressive move but they remained nonchalant about the process. Approximatly one dozen Rihannsu surrounded Shiarrael- all were prisoners. Most were of minor ilk. They would randomly gaze at the captured Riov, both in wonder and curiosity. Those feeble men would most likely be reassigned in the fleet- they were nothing, but, what would become of this woman standing in front of them? A child and heir to the powerful clan S'Rehu?
The airlock hissed as the doors slid open. A thin stream of stale air rushed into the waiting area- Shiarrael shivered at the smell of home. Two Romulan soldiers exited first and behind them a third finally exited a few moments later- she recognized him clearly. Khre'Riov Drakor tr'Katrin.
The Khre'Riov let out a deep sigh. When he had been given the order to retrieve prisoners he had thought it was a joke. Surely anyone who would have been captured would have found the honor to kill themselves. Even he believed that under certain circumstances that should be permitted. Here she was. Someone with so much promise, so much talent. Wasting away in a prison. He kept his expression neutral after the sigh. It was enough.
He studied the others for a moment. Useless all of them. The Tal'Shiar would probably pick apart their brains neuron by neuron for their surrender. Trying to see if they gave away any secrets, and if they had... their families would share the traitors fate. The Ael'Riov however might be spared. Maybe if her family could swing it, offer the Tal'Shiar something they might want in return for allowing her to live, maybe even serve again... In a limited capacity. But that was not his issue. He finally spoke after a few moments. "Bring them onboard," he said and made a dismissive gesture towards the group of Romulans.
Like a pack of hlai the group of Romulans were prodded by the butts of disruptor rifles. The Starfleet officers turned their gazes towards other things quietly ignoring what was happening. Shiarrael moved quietly certain that she would soon find herself quite lifeless, not that such a prospect bothered her. Ever since her ship was captured she had prepared herself for the moment that her honor was saved.
The other Romulans were herded onto the ship and the bay doors began to close. Just as the doors were about to close one of the Gai'Shian knocked down one of the traitors who had surrendered before telling him to get going. The Khre'Riov paid no mind to it. "Put them in isolation. They will be dealt with soon enough." He motioned for three guards to follow him. He singled Shia out of the group and brought her over with his guards.
They took a separate path from the others. He maintained his silence for a few moments before they stepped into a lift with the guards. "I'm surprised. I would have never thought you would have been captured alive. And then of all the things you did you stayed alive," he said slowly before he finally asked. "Why?"
An incredulous look crossed Shiarrael's face- if she was going to die she wasn't going to let this man talk down to her before that date "do you think I chose to leave Khre'Riov? The self destruct mechanism on my ship was destroyed; they beamed aboard and stunned me as I slipped by honor blade towards my ribs. After that do you think they would have let such a prize kill itself?" She smirked wryly "but perhaps it would have been wise if they had. It would have saved them a Vulcan officer." She nodded towards his honor blade "permit me and I will take my life this minute."
"Alas. That was the first order I was given when I was told of this assignment. Nearly everyone above me insisted that I do not allow you to do just that. Several houses have even told me that if I do that I will be ruining my family for generations to come," he said quietly. "I still considered it. You deserve at least that much honor," he said as they moved towards one of the guest quarters that he had arranged for her.
Inside the quarters it was spartan even for a Romulan. Most everything had been disabled and removed. There was no way for her to kill herself.
"How generous of them." Shiarrael stated sarcastically. Either those houses truly wished to save her- something she doubted aside from political motivations or they wished to use her to further shame her house. She stepped into the room amused that her own people wanted to keep her alive after having complained that she lived.
"I have heard from my contacts in the Senate that they also insist that if you kill yourself now before being taken back to the homeworld that your family will bear the dishonor and shame for at least three generations. They really want you back for some reason," he said stepping back to the door. "Call the guards if you need anything," he said calmly before letting the door close behind him and lock tightly.
Left alone in the room Shiarrael smiled and peered down at the barren floor. She sighed and sat down on the cold metal. Crossing her legs she closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She could feel the gentle vibrations of the D'Dherex's singularity core; hear the sound of boot falls outside her door- she was back home. It was a refreshing feeling, the feeling of not being surrounded by aliens, trapped in an alien environment. If this journey led to her death, she was relieved that at least her spirit would wander the lands of her ancestors on its way to Vorta Vor.
[End]
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
Khre'Riov Drakor tr'Katrin (NPC apb Prescot)
Fleet Commander Galae'Tho
