[USS Charon] SD241101.02 - "The Desolate Queen" Part III - Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu

Several hours after the incident on the Vulcan station...

[USS Charon, Brig]

She stared at the wall but it would not move.  Shiarrael had calmed, slightly, after the initial shock had passed.  Now her mind was ablaze with questions- the primary one being: who?  Who was responsible for their deaths?  She had plenty of enemies but to move against such a house was quite brazen.  The agency?  The thought had occurred to her but it was not like them.  They would have killed her before her family.

The force field fizzled and Shiarrael looked through the frame to find the short statured Khiy Kanryth standing in front of her.  The thin framed Romulan-in-denial stepped into the cell and appeared to casually study her.  She was irritated enough to reach out and snap that twig like wrist of his but held the urge at bay.  He had done her a favor after all- killing that Ferengi would have certainly made short work of her Starfleet career- brought joy to many a fool and put her in some Federation prisoner camp.  Not that she found such a thought distressing.  They were a resort compared to even the most lightly secured Romulan and Klingon dungeons.  No, the distress would have been the separation from her children.  She sighed and frowned at him "what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You can keep your sarcasm to yourself."  Khiy stated bluntly and sat down on the bench across from her "your lack of self-control will do you in one day Captain.  Not that I should care.  Either way,  I was present during the interrogation- the Ferengi do not know who solicited them and an attempt to locate the source of transmissions between their employer has turned up nothing."  His stiff expression softened "from sources within the Empire we have learned that your parents were killed over a month ago- a week after the events over Vulcan.  It appears the culprits have yet to be located.  I am sorry Captain."

Shiarrael waved it off.  "On the day I accepted that Trill's proposition I knew that such a thing was a possibility...but I never believed they would have fallen.  We may have disagreed on the course of my life but they were strong people."  She sighed and threw her head back staring up at the ceiling lights "this is another burden I must carry for my sins" she looked down and stared at Khiy "but there will be revenge.  One way- I will have it."

"That is your business."   Khiy said "however- there is another reason why I have come here.  You have been recalled to face an inquiry headed by  Vice Admiral Ni'res Kauri.  I have been ordered to escort you there and act as a witness." 

"An inquiry?"  Shiarrael shook her head- these fools had such terrible timing.  She stood up "and what exactly is this inquiry about?"

"Your conduct."  Khiy stated bluntly "this is not the Imperial Navy- your behavior has been questionable.  Though you can feel a bit at ease.  I have insured that your latest incident will remain unknown.  We are to leave immediately."

"Wait- I must make arrangements for my children..."

"Their father is here.  They will be fine."  Khiy cut her off and stepped out of the cell turning around to face her "Captain.  This will be easier if you cooperate."

"Aiden?"  Shiarrael bit her lip and nodded at Khiy "very well."

[Earth, San Francisco]

The bay glowed a translucent blue as the moon's white reflected on its shimmering surface.  Framing the dark horizon the towering golden gate bridge's normal red was now a pale violet as the strobe lights flickered above its highest supports.  Admiral Ni'res Kauri stood on the edge of his terrace, his large paws gripped the wooding railing as he watched a shuttle pass over the bay towards the brightly illuminated Starfleet command building.  He let out a soft purr which amounted to a Caitian sigh "I have given the order to recall Rehu.  She is being escorted here as we speak."

"Good."  General Parker held out his glass causing the amber liquid that filled it to swish and tumble over the rocks of ice splashing a few droplets over the rim.  The old human grinned which caused a scar that ran the length of his face from his left temple down to the bottom right edge of chin to tighten "she's been allowed to run loose long enough.  Let's reel her in and get rid of her.  There's no place in Starfleet for a damn Romulan."

Kauri's grip tightened on the railing "while I agree with your sentiments General- when Enor finds out about this he will protest.  The Admiral has considerable clout.  He can easily undermine what we're trying to do."

"Enor, damn that Trill!"  Parker coughed and then cleared his throat "if it wasn't for him we wouldn't be in this position."  He grunted "don't worry about Enor.  I heard a rumor he has been sent to Romulus.  The president chose him as the military advisor.  As long as he is away cavorting with those slimy bastards we can deal with Rehu."

Ni'res nodded, still uncertain about the entire affair.  "I have already written the list of officers who will be presiding with us.  Captain Lamina Baker and Rear Admiral Jason Cartwright.  I have spoken to both of them- they also agree that having Rehu in the fleet is a problem.  If we are swift we can forward her to court martial- in either case her career will be over."

[To be continued]

[USS Charon] SD241101.02 - "The Desolate Queen" Part II - Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu

[USS Charon, Sickbay]

Shiarrael stared at the metallic canisters that sat on the biobed.  She let out a casual breath to prepare herself and then dipped her head in a half nod at the security officer standing next to them  "open them".  He acknowledged her request by nodding in return before reaching out and activating the unlocking mechanisms on both stasis canisters.  The outer frame slid upward releasing a thin stream of mist- her heart fluttered as the faces slowly became visible.  Those eyes...those faces...she knew them, ever since the first day she was born and opened her eyes, she knew them.  Shiarrael took a step back bracing herself against the biobed behind her as the wind escaped her lungs.

"Captain."  The security office looked at her with a curious expression "do you know them?"

"They are..."  Shiarrael's lips quivered as she stared at the cold lifeless eyes staring back at her- the horrifically contorted expressions frozen on their faces.  Her nails dug into the biobed's fabric "they are my... my... parents..." her voice trailed off as she took in a deep breath.  Anger began to ferment as she stared at the severed heads.  "Who did this?"  

"My apologies sir.  We don't quite know.  We are working with Vulcan security to locate the Ferengi who delivered the canisters and should get word soon."  All the security officers fidgeted nervously at her revelation.  "Maybe you should retire to your quarters sir...I can call the counselor for you..."

She turned her head and glared at the security officer- "I don't need the counselor Lieutenant.  What I need is to find the ones who did this!"  Shiarrael slammed her fist into a nearby medical tray knocking the contents all over the floor.  

The security officer's commbadge chirped suddenly "Lieutenant- Vulcan security has located the Ferengi.  They are currently in Docking Ring C.  Vulcan Security has informed us they will apprehend them and begin interrogating immediately.  They have informed me that we will be allowed one observer."

"Okay..."  The Security officer's reply trailed off as Shiarrael shoved him out of the way and stormed past.  He looked after her "Captain!  Wait- don't do anything rash!  Captain!  Captain!"  He hissed "damn-it, follow her!"

Shiarrael felt the world around her slow to a crawl as she sprinted down the corridor.  Behind her security personnel tried to keep pace.  Her fingers danced on the hilt of her honor blade as she ran- murder flickered in her eyes.  Her heart throbbed- revenge, retribution- she wanted it all.

 [Yel-nu'riko]

The commotion was loud enough that Khiy broke his attention away from the PADD in his hands to glance up.  What his saw piqued his curiosity.  Captain Rehu was running down the concourse followed by a crowd of yellow shirted security officers.  He cocked his head and then slipped his PADD into his pocket and stood up...

Meanwhile on the other side of the Vulcan station the two Ferengi were slowly making their way towards the airlock to their ship.  Their casual strides betraying the urgency they felt.  They needed to get off the station.  Seeg was quietly fermenting inside- he should have known better then to trust a Romulan!  A quick slap to his skull betrayed the feeling.  A commotion behind them caused the pair to stop- Seeg turned around to find  a Starfleet Captain running towards him.  He gasped but his legs froze and remained still in shock as her pace slowed.  He looked into her eyes and nearly fainted- her frightening glare burrowed into his chest.

"Are these the Ferengi?"  Shiarrael asked?  Behind her the security officers were slowing.  The Lieutenant step forward still panting from trying to keep pace.  It took him a few seconds to catch his breath and examine the pair of Ferengi.  

"Yes...yes sir.  They are."

"What is the meaning of this!"  Seeg found courage and hissed at the woman.  "How dare you...ah" he stared at her for a moment and then swallowed "run up to me so presumptuously!  I don't know who you are woman but this is an outrage!"  Indignation saturated his tone and expression.

Shiarrael reached out and wrapped her fingers around his collar lifting the vile creature off the deck and slamming him into an adjacent wall.  He squealed and the security personnel around her tried to calm their Captain- but their effort was to no avail as her grip tightened around the Ferengi's collar "who do you work for?  You see that bunch of fools behind me?  Do you think they will be able to stop me from popping your head off?"

"He was a Romulan!  That is all I know!"  Seeg felt the pressure around his neck tighten as the fabric dug into his flesh "he was Romulan..."  He struggled but she suddenly released her grip allowing him to fall to the floor.  He massaged his collar bone and neck "I will report you!"  He hissed but then fell back as her hand went to her belt and pulled out a long thin sword.  The sharp metal glinted in the corridor's lighting as she lifted it up.  "Wha..wha...what are you doing?!"  

"Captain!  Stop!"  One of the security officers shouted in vain.

"It would be inappropriate not to reciprocate such generosity.  In return I shall send them your head."  Shiarrael's eye's flared as she swung towards the Ferengi's neck.  

Seeg squinted and screamed but the sound of clashing metal echoed through the corridor.  When he opened his eyes he found the sharp edge of dagger nestled against his flesh.  He looked through the corner of his eyes to find a young man holding that dagger barely keeping the sharp end of the crazy woman's sword from lopping off his head.  "Who...who are you?"  

Khiy jerked his Kalen and pushed Shiarrael's blade away as he stood up.  He eyed the Romulan woman and sighed motioning to the security officer's flanking her "how can you let your Captain be so reckless?  Apprehend her and take her to your brig.  I will deal with the mess here."  He frowned at the shivering Ferengi hugging the deck.

"I am not finished here!"  Shiarrael lifted her blade again but several hands gripped her arm and ripped the sword from her grasp causing the blade to slam into the deck.  It loudly bounced a few feet before coming to a rest at Khiy's feet.  She bit her lip and closed her eyes as tears tried to escape.  

"Sorry Captain...come...let's go back to the ship"  The security officers slowly were able to pull her away and down the corridor.  

Kniy knelt down and leaned towards the Ferengi  whispering "nothing happened here.  Do you understand?  If anything happened here- your life may end up shorter then you would like."

Seeg nodded his head as several Vulcan security personnel filtered in.  The leader of the group studied the scene and then looked at Khiy "who will take responsibility for this commander?"

"I will."  Khiy responded standing up.

[To be continued]

[USS Charon] SD241101.01 - Character Log || Re-Forged Part III ||| Yyaio

tldr;: Last we saw, Yyaio had succumbed to the elements deep in Vulcan's Forge, only to be resurrected by the passing of a tempest of Forge-fire, a massive electrical storm that restored her functions while destroying swaths of her memory and abilities. However, without water in her system it was only a matter of time before the surge left her android body and left her inert and lifeless once more on the desert floor. As she collapsed once more, visions and hallucinations surrounding her, she was a black smear of a figure approaching her...

.....

Yyaio returned to her senses some time later with the sun occluded by shade and moisture on her cracked lips. Water diffused through her parched body as if soaking into a sponge. With that reintroduced conductor, dormant processors could return to work, muscles could move, and the thoughts that had tapered away to nothing could resume.

She didn't know how long she had been out. Her internal clock had been hopelessly corrupted, and could barely tell how long each cycle of time took. All she could do was measure the flick of pulses from her sundered sensors, those bloodshot eyes, and try to come up with a best guess scenario for when it was, and whether the cycle that just passed was a millisecond or an hour. The sun staggered and stumbled in its track beneath the translucent veil above her.

As the water spread through her she regained her limbs, and sat up slowly. A terrible twinge ran up her side as she moved, and the synthetic muscles in her abdomen spasmed. She hissed in reaction as her head rose to look about her.

She had been stretched out on the ground in a small white tent, the walls nearly transparent beneath the blaring light of the sun outside. The air was hot. The ground was hot. Still, not nearly so hot as it must have been outside. And at the opposite side of the tent from her, a Vulcan man sat cross-legged, watching her in return.

His hair was white, and his face lined with crags as deep as the Forges' ravines outside. Dark eyes watched her like shadowed pits within the cliff face of his hard visage. He looked as ancient as the rocks, and stubborn as the relentless sun outside.

They watched one another for a long moment, and Savant couldn't quite explain the transaction that had taken place. Something was clearly exchanging between them as their eyes held upon one another, but the frayed ends of her ruptured neural networks didn't seem to have the self awareness needed. Neither smiled, neither moved, and yet there was some sublimated conversation that took place in that space between them in the shelter of the tent.

Finally, Yyaio broke the voluminous silence, her ragged voice seeming unnaturally loud. "Thank you. You saved my life."

He didn't speak, not for a long moment. She could see that he was considering her, the mystery of who she was, and what kind of a creature she might be. One as acute as this man seemed no doubt realized she was no Vulcan - she hadn't the ghostly other-presence, the ensoulment that living creatures shared. What could she be, and why was she here of all places?

When he finally replied, his voice was gravel-rough, as hers. They had both become denizens of the desert. "Who are you?" No politeness to be expected from him.

"Yyaio," she replied as she pulled herself to a painful sitting position similar to his. Her broken hip would not allow it, however, so she simply leaned, the muscles in her abdomen twinging again. It looked agonizing. Neither of them commented on it.

"I came here to learn. The desert. It was the only teacher left to me." she finally assumed a seated position she could hold without trembling.

He was as unmoving as the cliff face he so resembled. "Did you learn what you came to learn?"

Yyaio could barely remember what she was trying to learn at all, she could hardly describe whether she had solved her puzzles. Her hands balled into fists as she thought of that terrible fact. All of this sacrifice - the sacrifice of her very being - and she didn't even know if it had been worth it. Why was she doing this to begin with? What divine plan had pushed her into the Forge? She stared at the baked-hard ground. "I don't know."

He inhaled, and let the breath out audibly - a Vulcan chastisement if there ever was one. His eyes didn't waver from her. "It is fortunate I found you. You would not have lasted the day."

Yyaio didn't think it would help to tell him that she could survive indefinitely, in suspended animation, until finally the scouring sands stripped her flesh away layer by layer. "Yes. I'm very fortunate. I am in your debt."

He cleared his throat and let the matter drop by putting a canteen to her lips - the same canteen, she surmised, that had given her a new license on life. "We might as well travel together. We are both here for the same purpose."

"You are here to learn as well?"

"No," the ancient Vulcan replied as he capped his water. "I came here to die."