"It's not dying for faith that's so hard, it's living up to it." - William M. Thackeray
Note: This occurs approximately 4 hours after the events of Night Fall 3
[USS Charon, Captain's Quarters]
The light of the viewer gave the dim room a blue ambience. Behind Shiarrael, on the couch, her twins were sound asleep with Nohtho draping himself across the entire length of the couch's legs like a long soft carpet to catch the children should they fall. In front of her was the viewer dominated by a sleepless Trill president. The volume was low but it was certainly loud enough for Shiarrael to hear the president's frustrated sigh.
"Captain- I have put a lot of faith into you. You have to understand that with your position and the political dynamic of the Federation if you take a leave of absence now you may never be able to return. Do you know how much trouble Enor went through to play you into that position? Now he's dead and his detractors are relentless in trying to get rid of you. What about his murder? What about Spock? You assured me you would handle this Captain."
"I'm sorry madam President. However, I am of no use to you in my current state. It is a matter of Mnhei'Sahe and much of what needs to be done cannot be done while I wear the uniform of Starfleet. I will find Spock- I assure you. I still have allies in the Empire but it cannot be done if I am bounded by your rules and regulations." Shiarrael took in a deep breath "this is the only way Madam President."
Alazera frowned deeply "I won't pretend to understand the Romulan honor system- or the Klingon's for that matter. If you say this is the only way then I will have to trust what you say. Not that I don't find this all pretty damn ridiculous- however, Captain, even if you do not wear that uniform you still represent Starfleet. You will still represent the Federation. I hope you will consider that before you go off and do whatever it is you are about to go off and do. Also, this will leave me in a very big imposition. I'm not sure who they can replace you with that will have your level of knowledge of the Romulan inner system."
"I'm afraid this will be a very bloody affair madam President Starfleet representation aside. However, there is one other person with similar knowledge. Though I do not believe he will be pleased with such an assignment but he is not the kind to disregard an order." Shiarrael smiled slightly wondering what he would do when he heard she suggested him? At least she could have a little pleasure during this bitter moment.
"Captain- I'm not sure if you understand how things work but in the future save the details. Shed the blood and then tell me later so I can tell everyone else I had no idea what the fuck you were up to. Telling me ahead of time just makes it worse because now all I can say is I knew what you were up to but couldn't do a damn thing about it, and that makes me look bad." Prim grimaced and leaned back in her chair "I think I know who you're referencing. I'll pass the suggestion along to the commander in chief and Captain..." She looked at Shiarrael "there are many who do not but I trusted Enor in his decision and I share his faith in you. I hope you do not disappoint me."
"I understand madam president." Shiarrael said quietly just before the signal ended and was replaced by a rotating Federation emblem. She made her way to the kitchen and sat down across from a half finished bottle of Ale. It was uncommon for her to drink that poison but today she needed it. She requested and it was granted that the crew should not be informed of her departure until the replacement arrived. it would make things easier- perhaps even ease some suspicion but there was no avoiding informing once officer. No- she would have to tell Sakarra. She owed her that much at least.
Picking up the bottle she took an unhealthy swig and looked at the children sleeping on the couch. And my poor children, she thought. They will never know their grandparents as well as they should have. I must be careful or they will never know their mother as well as they should have. The morbid thought was sobering and she set the bottle down. She had contacted Maiek and he had agreed to care for the children for her- at least they would be in good hands while she was gone. Standing up she made her way to the bedroom to prepare for her journey into hell.
[End]
--
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
www.usscharon.com
Sunday, May 22, 2011
[USS Charon] SD241105.22 - Personal/Duty Log "Night Fall" Pt 3 - Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Note: This log occurs approximately 12 hours after the events of Night Fall Part 2
"It is not the errors of others, but our own miscalculations, on which we wreak our lasting vengeance. It is ourselves that we cannot forgive." William Hazlitt
[Romulus, Khre'Riov Taleirrh Residence]
The flitter had came with the first morning light as Taleirrh had assured her, not that Shiarrael found any comfort in the consistency. Taleirrh had always been a clever girl and it was always dangerous to enter a Thrai's nest. It seem the Khre'Riov's residence was located in the admiralty quarter of I'Ramnau- a section of apartments for the highest ranking military officials in the Galae. That she may run into a few old acquaintances irritated her. It was then the flitter slowed and lowered towards a side curb along the long broad roadway. The door slide open and Shiarrael stepped out- she immediate noticed several sharp gazes fall upon her but ignored them.
"Shiarrael, welcome." Taleirrh was standing at the doorway to her apartment wearing a casual shirt and a pair of colorless grey pants. "It seems they recognize you." She smiled, nodded at the gazes with apparent amusement and then turned beckoning Shiarrael to follow her in "I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable would you like a drink? Do you still favor rhennish or would you like something more terran? I have some of their sour citrus concoction called 'orange juice' strange stuff at that- but it does well mixed with a little ale."
"Mixed with ale?" Shiarrael chuckled feeling her tension ease slightly. She made her way around the rather colorful apartment picking up trinkets here and there to gaze at while she waited for her host. "You gave me a warning Taleirrh" Shiarrael said as she picked up a bronze pyramid shaped object that held an eye at its center. She set it down as Taleirrh reappeared with a bottle of rhennsih and two glasses and set them on a small table nearby. Shiarrael turned to face her "by distant blood were you referring to Ro'Wena t'Rehu?"
Taleirrh smiled and popped open the bottle of rhennish filling both glasses. "What did I mean? Ah yes, that bit of advice." She picked up one of the glasses and held it out for Shiarrael to take "I knew you were good Shiarrael. Very good. So you found out. I'm curious but it doesn't really matter how. Indeed your cousin is responsible and because it is a intra-clan feud there is no reason for others to involve themselves. She has built herself quite a powerbase you know. She is now an Ael'Riov but works under Argelian in the command infrastructure. Ever since your fall from grace she has been trying to push you out. Apparently she grew impatient with your parents' reluctance. After all- you're not officially a traitor but everyone knows otherwise."
Shiarrael sipped the rhennish ignoring the last comment and focusing her thoughts on the others "she works under Argelian?" Her teeth grinded as she began to squeeze the glass in her hands "are you telling me that this is the reason why he has tried so hard to dissuade me? Is he aware of this? I do not believe..."
"Believe what you will Shiarrael. You always have. I am just telling you what I know. Whether or not Argelian is aware of this is unimportant. Ro'Wena used news of you foiling Itsak's plan to cloak the true nature of what happened to your parents. It was not really about you- I'm sure you've figured this by now? She has wanted her family to lead S'Rehu (clan rehu) for quite some time. You simply offered her reason and opportunity. Though, I must admit, she is quite brazen." Taleirrh smirked and sipped the violet liquid swirling in her glass "there was a time when few would tempt your ire- a time when Riov Yhisu would just as easily as gut a fool on her bridge as she would sip a glass of rhennish. Though it appears quite true that time changes things."
"Things certainly do change." Shiarrael replied, her tone colder then space itself. She looked at Taleirrh less concerned and more agitated "you offered to assist me. I know you Taleirrh- and while time may change some things, it's very difficult to change someone's nature." Shiarrael released her tight grip on the glass and sipped her rhennish before finishing "and you have always been good when it comes to things that benefit you. So, you will assist me, but why? How does this aid you?"
"Simple politics." A third voice said from the backroom. Taleirrh wore a broad grin as the figure walked out. He was tall with broad shoulders- a clever expression on his face. His hair was pure iron save for a tiny speck of silver beginning to grace the edges of his sideburns and his eyes were black as night. His cheeks were high but thin and his chin only slightly protruded. There was a familiarity about him but Shiarrael couldn't quite place it. He wore a Galae uniform- EnRiov by the insignia. "I'm sorry- I should introduce myself. EnRiov Terrh tr'Radiak. Commander of the fourth Galae."
"I see some things never change." Shiarrael commented wearily at the sudden appearance of this new 'guest' who had heard everything already. "And what simple politics would this be? Forgive my ignorance but I'm sure you are already well aware I have been absent for awhile. I am not really familiar with current politics but I'm sure it still involves treachery and bloodshed."
"Ah, is that the infamous sarcasm I've heard so much about?" Terrh looked at Taleirrh with a smirk "but indeed" he returned his gaze to Shiarrael "what is politics without a little fire to make it interesting?" He chuckled briefly "But now I will get to the point. Argelian is set to retire. Not many know this but he has given the rest of the high command notice of his intentions. He has suggested EnRiov Joalin t'Verenik as his replacement. Odd no? One would have thought he would have suggested tr'Shiarkek who has been serving him as deputy for the past few years. Joalin is close to the gilgamma- we cannot have that. The next Galae'EnRiov must be a zorek or a zorek ally. Your cousin supports this as do some others- it will be very close on who is decided upon depending on minor influences. If she becomes hru'hfirh (lord) of S'Rehu it will tip things in their favor. We cannot allow that."
"Simple politics I see." As if there was anything simple about all that tripe. Shiarrael sighed and considered it for a moment "so you will help me?" She looked at the pair "you will help me kill Ro'Wena and the allies that aided her in murdering my parents? You will also help me move the seat of S'Rehu from this hellhole to ch'Ahuian?"
The answer was a long silence. So they didn't expect this from me? Shiarrael wondered. Did they think I had changed that much? That my anger could be quenched so easily without a rightful vengeance? Simple politics was it? There is more to this I know, but what I do not.
Finally Taleirrh spoke up as Terrh seemed to be still considering what Shiarrael said "it will be nasty affair Shiarrael. Killing Ro'Wena will be very dirty. Very bloody. Argelian will not be pleased either. However," she smirked "if that is what you want then I will aid you as best I can. Forgive what I said earlier- I was wrong. You still have that bloodlust in you. Though, I do have one question. How will you reconcile so much bloodshed with suit you are wearing? Certainly Starfleet doesn't have stomach for this kind of work."
"No, they don't." Shiarrael pulled off her commbadge and set it on the table next to the bottle of rhennish "from this moment I will not be involved with Starfleet until this matter is settled."
"Hmm." Terrh looked up interested "so you will leave Starfleet to do this." He grinned "you know- there is still a place for you in the Galae t'Rehu. If you give us information on their border security- their contingency plans...certainly such a wealth of information could see you given a wing- or maybe even a fleet if the right person were to become Galae'EnRiov. You would have the power to seek vengeance on the people who murdered your parents yourself and your support..."
"Please do not tease me with such vileness. Perhaps most of the empire has forgotten the meaning of Mnhei'Sahe but I have not." Shiarrael threw the glass of rhennish onto the flood letting it shatter around Radiak's feet "I will not betray my crew. Not even to avenge my parents. Now if you both will excuse me. I have some planning to do." She turned around and walked away.
[End]
--
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
www.usscharon.com
"It is not the errors of others, but our own miscalculations, on which we wreak our lasting vengeance. It is ourselves that we cannot forgive." William Hazlitt
[Romulus, Khre'Riov Taleirrh Residence]
The flitter had came with the first morning light as Taleirrh had assured her, not that Shiarrael found any comfort in the consistency. Taleirrh had always been a clever girl and it was always dangerous to enter a Thrai's nest. It seem the Khre'Riov's residence was located in the admiralty quarter of I'Ramnau- a section of apartments for the highest ranking military officials in the Galae. That she may run into a few old acquaintances irritated her. It was then the flitter slowed and lowered towards a side curb along the long broad roadway. The door slide open and Shiarrael stepped out- she immediate noticed several sharp gazes fall upon her but ignored them.
"Shiarrael, welcome." Taleirrh was standing at the doorway to her apartment wearing a casual shirt and a pair of colorless grey pants. "It seems they recognize you." She smiled, nodded at the gazes with apparent amusement and then turned beckoning Shiarrael to follow her in "I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable would you like a drink? Do you still favor rhennish or would you like something more terran? I have some of their sour citrus concoction called 'orange juice' strange stuff at that- but it does well mixed with a little ale."
"Mixed with ale?" Shiarrael chuckled feeling her tension ease slightly. She made her way around the rather colorful apartment picking up trinkets here and there to gaze at while she waited for her host. "You gave me a warning Taleirrh" Shiarrael said as she picked up a bronze pyramid shaped object that held an eye at its center. She set it down as Taleirrh reappeared with a bottle of rhennsih and two glasses and set them on a small table nearby. Shiarrael turned to face her "by distant blood were you referring to Ro'Wena t'Rehu?"
Taleirrh smiled and popped open the bottle of rhennish filling both glasses. "What did I mean? Ah yes, that bit of advice." She picked up one of the glasses and held it out for Shiarrael to take "I knew you were good Shiarrael. Very good. So you found out. I'm curious but it doesn't really matter how. Indeed your cousin is responsible and because it is a intra-clan feud there is no reason for others to involve themselves. She has built herself quite a powerbase you know. She is now an Ael'Riov but works under Argelian in the command infrastructure. Ever since your fall from grace she has been trying to push you out. Apparently she grew impatient with your parents' reluctance. After all- you're not officially a traitor but everyone knows otherwise."
Shiarrael sipped the rhennish ignoring the last comment and focusing her thoughts on the others "she works under Argelian?" Her teeth grinded as she began to squeeze the glass in her hands "are you telling me that this is the reason why he has tried so hard to dissuade me? Is he aware of this? I do not believe..."
"Believe what you will Shiarrael. You always have. I am just telling you what I know. Whether or not Argelian is aware of this is unimportant. Ro'Wena used news of you foiling Itsak's plan to cloak the true nature of what happened to your parents. It was not really about you- I'm sure you've figured this by now? She has wanted her family to lead S'Rehu (clan rehu) for quite some time. You simply offered her reason and opportunity. Though, I must admit, she is quite brazen." Taleirrh smirked and sipped the violet liquid swirling in her glass "there was a time when few would tempt your ire- a time when Riov Yhisu would just as easily as gut a fool on her bridge as she would sip a glass of rhennish. Though it appears quite true that time changes things."
"Things certainly do change." Shiarrael replied, her tone colder then space itself. She looked at Taleirrh less concerned and more agitated "you offered to assist me. I know you Taleirrh- and while time may change some things, it's very difficult to change someone's nature." Shiarrael released her tight grip on the glass and sipped her rhennish before finishing "and you have always been good when it comes to things that benefit you. So, you will assist me, but why? How does this aid you?"
"Simple politics." A third voice said from the backroom. Taleirrh wore a broad grin as the figure walked out. He was tall with broad shoulders- a clever expression on his face. His hair was pure iron save for a tiny speck of silver beginning to grace the edges of his sideburns and his eyes were black as night. His cheeks were high but thin and his chin only slightly protruded. There was a familiarity about him but Shiarrael couldn't quite place it. He wore a Galae uniform- EnRiov by the insignia. "I'm sorry- I should introduce myself. EnRiov Terrh tr'Radiak. Commander of the fourth Galae."
"I see some things never change." Shiarrael commented wearily at the sudden appearance of this new 'guest' who had heard everything already. "And what simple politics would this be? Forgive my ignorance but I'm sure you are already well aware I have been absent for awhile. I am not really familiar with current politics but I'm sure it still involves treachery and bloodshed."
"Ah, is that the infamous sarcasm I've heard so much about?" Terrh looked at Taleirrh with a smirk "but indeed" he returned his gaze to Shiarrael "what is politics without a little fire to make it interesting?" He chuckled briefly "But now I will get to the point. Argelian is set to retire. Not many know this but he has given the rest of the high command notice of his intentions. He has suggested EnRiov Joalin t'Verenik as his replacement. Odd no? One would have thought he would have suggested tr'Shiarkek who has been serving him as deputy for the past few years. Joalin is close to the gilgamma- we cannot have that. The next Galae'EnRiov must be a zorek or a zorek ally. Your cousin supports this as do some others- it will be very close on who is decided upon depending on minor influences. If she becomes hru'hfirh (lord) of S'Rehu it will tip things in their favor. We cannot allow that."
"Simple politics I see." As if there was anything simple about all that tripe. Shiarrael sighed and considered it for a moment "so you will help me?" She looked at the pair "you will help me kill Ro'Wena and the allies that aided her in murdering my parents? You will also help me move the seat of S'Rehu from this hellhole to ch'Ahuian?"
The answer was a long silence. So they didn't expect this from me? Shiarrael wondered. Did they think I had changed that much? That my anger could be quenched so easily without a rightful vengeance? Simple politics was it? There is more to this I know, but what I do not.
Finally Taleirrh spoke up as Terrh seemed to be still considering what Shiarrael said "it will be nasty affair Shiarrael. Killing Ro'Wena will be very dirty. Very bloody. Argelian will not be pleased either. However," she smirked "if that is what you want then I will aid you as best I can. Forgive what I said earlier- I was wrong. You still have that bloodlust in you. Though, I do have one question. How will you reconcile so much bloodshed with suit you are wearing? Certainly Starfleet doesn't have stomach for this kind of work."
"No, they don't." Shiarrael pulled off her commbadge and set it on the table next to the bottle of rhennish "from this moment I will not be involved with Starfleet until this matter is settled."
"Hmm." Terrh looked up interested "so you will leave Starfleet to do this." He grinned "you know- there is still a place for you in the Galae t'Rehu. If you give us information on their border security- their contingency plans...certainly such a wealth of information could see you given a wing- or maybe even a fleet if the right person were to become Galae'EnRiov. You would have the power to seek vengeance on the people who murdered your parents yourself and your support..."
"Please do not tease me with such vileness. Perhaps most of the empire has forgotten the meaning of Mnhei'Sahe but I have not." Shiarrael threw the glass of rhennish onto the flood letting it shatter around Radiak's feet "I will not betray my crew. Not even to avenge my parents. Now if you both will excuse me. I have some planning to do." She turned around and walked away.
[End]
--
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
www.usscharon.com
[USS Charon] SD241105.21 - Personal Log "Night Fall" Pt 2 - Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Publius Cornelius Tacitus - "The hatred of relatives is the most violent."
[Romulus, rural edge of Nn'Verih]
Night had fallen since Shiarrael left her family's estate. She had ordered the driver to take her to the rural outskirts of Nn'Verih- an hour later the flitter was still lofting above a now fog strewn landscape. The rural street lamps appeared to be merely bright globs of misty light in the haze. She stared dreamily through the window at the dark landscape feeling as if reality had betrayed her. The gentle hum of the flitters engine caused her exhaustion to flirt with slumber but sheer will kept the weight of her eyelids at bay. It had been a long day and she feared it would be an even longer night.
"We have arrived." The driver stated in a raspy baritone that lifted Shiarrael's mind back into the present.
"Good." She stated, her voice tinged with the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her. The globs of light in the mist began to grow as the flitter descended. She could hardly discern the ground from the blackness that surrounded them until the flitter jerked suddenly as it touched the surface. The side doors opened and Shiarrael stepped out. She could barely make out the structure ahead of her through the dense fog but a familiar voice called out to her.
"Shia...?" The voice was age-worn and hoarse but it was filled with a warmth she had almost forgotten. Making her way through the fog towards the structure she could see the arched glow of an open door. When she neared it she could see the slightly hunched silhouette of Maiek tr'Vaelet, her family's old hru'hfe. When he saw her his head lowered "I am truly pleased to see you Shiarrael. It has been so long."
Shiarrael smiled and nodded her head as she reached out and patted the old Rihannsu on the shoulder "I have missed you greatly hru'hfe." She then sighed and stopped "I believe you know why I have come."
He looked up and her and nodded his head somewhat taken aback by her action. She had changed- being with the humans and the others had definitely changed this girl. Maiek looked into her eyes and then nodded gravely "yes, I know, I can see it in your eyes Shiarrael. " He took a slow step back and beckoned her in with a welcoming swoop of his arm towards the interior. "It is not much but it is warm and my home."
"It is very quaint Maiek but lovely nonetheless." Shiarrael stepped inside. The interior was dim save for the flicker of firelight from a stone fireplace that dominated the center of the main room. He motioned to a plush couch to one side of the fireplace and she accepted his invitation by sitting down. The old Rihannsu disappeared into the darkness only to return moments later with a tray of glasses. He handed her a glass and then took the chair opposite of her setting the tray down between them.
"Rhennish- I heard from your mother, many years ago, how you have grown to like this stuff while you were in the Galae. I hope it still holds true. I have kept a small amount- in the case you visited me one day." He held up his glass towards her.
Shiarrael had started to sip the liquid but then stopped with her lip hovering just above the glass's edge. She looked at the old man whose figure was mostly obscured by the dimness and felt an aching for her grandfather. The two had been so similar- but then as she recalled it Maiek became the Rehu hru'hfe because he had served with her grandfather over a century ago. "I am sorry I have been so late in this gesture."
"No it is all right Shiarrael- I am now an old man with only his memories to cling to. I still remember you as this young bright eyed child always holding her mother's hand." He sipped his drink "but that was long ago. Things have changed." He sighed "I have lived a very long time Shiarrael. Not quite as long as the old Praetor AAnikh but long enough to see what my eyes can't tell me. When I looked into your eyes I saw that young girl but I could also feel the vengeance fomenting in your mind. If I asked you leave here- leave Romulus and continue with your current life without concern for what happened to your parents- you would not be able to would you?"
"How can you suggest such a thing?" Shiarrael set her glass of rhennish down on the tray "because of me they were..." her voice trailed off as she stared at the hru'hfe "I cannot leave without my right of blood. I will never be able to live with myself after what I have done. I must find out who did this and return to them tenfold what they have given me."
Maiek sighed "and even with all this time amongst those aliens you still haven't learned to keep your temper in check." He pointed at the tray "take a spoon full of that salt and pour it into the cup of water. Drink it, and tell me what it taste like."
Shiarrael stared at her hru'hfe a bit dumbfounded but complied and dipped a spoonful of salt into one of the other glasses. She lifted it and took a sip cringing as she did. Looking at the hru'hfe she frowned "it taste bitter."
"I once poured salt into a lake." Maiek said and pointed to another glass on the tray "and then I drew water from it. Taste it."
"I don't have time for-"
"Taste it!" Maiek slammed his foot into the wooden floor as he barked at her. A flash of her childhood slipped into her mind as she recalled the old hru'hfe disciplining her as child once for playing with her thrai in the kitchen. With a simple nod she complied and picked up the other glass and taking a small sip of it.
"It taste normal- like water." Shiarrael said wondering if the old man was senile.
"Bitterness is a part of life Shiarrael." Maiek said as he pointed to the tray again. His voice was hoarse as he continued "whether or not that bitterness overtakes you depends on the container you keep it in. Remember it well."
She simply nodded at him somewhat understanding the point he was trying to make. But her mind lingered on why. Why was he trying to do all this? Did he know who killed her parents? The tension in the fire lit room began to increase as she waited.
"I don't remember it as well as I should. What happened that night. But what I remember best is the loudness- the rudeness. The shouts and screams as those fools tore through the grand door. I was uncertain- was my old mind playing tricks on me? It cannot be?" He looked across at Shiarrael a flicker of a smile shown on his face "it was hard for me to imagine that anyone could be so bold. Your parents were always well known for their ferocity. Yet, it was true. They tore through the door and were met by the house guard who they killed simply by numbers. When I realized what was happening I made my way through the hall towards your parents bedchamber. Several of the other servants behind me were being butchered by this advancing hoard as well. It was truly like a dream however, when I neared the bedchamber the door burst open. Your parents emerged with their gleaming Kaleh. They rushed past me and began slaughtering the hoard."
Shiarrael stared at him, as her mind pieced together what he was telling her. She imagined the people that broke inter her family's estate: a rag tag group but a large number of them. They easily overcame the small number of guards her family kept in the house. The servants flurrying to find out what was going on became obstacles which the attackers simply cutting through them- and then her parents emerged to aid the house staff. No doubt they did. To allow them to be slaughtered would have stained the house. She sighed "and what then?"
"It was such a sight but there were simply too many. Your father told me 'leave, Maiek! Leave! She will come looking for you!' He had one of the other servants take me away, afraid my own legs wouldn't carry me far enough." He sipped his rhennish "we watched from a distance as the fire began- wondered if it would all burn down and through this all..." his voice trailed off as he stared into emptiness "not a single fire battalion not a single security commandant. Nothing. Except silence and flame."
"and do you know who did this?" Shiarrael asked. She studied the old man- his features were mostly hidden by the firelight but she could still discern the look of uncertainty on his face. He knew something. Something he was afraid to share. "You must tell me whatever it is you know."
"I am not sure if what I know is helpful Shiarrael." Maiek said "it concerns me too much. You should not have come. It is too dangerous for you here." He paused "but then you knew that, yes, you would have known it. Very well." He stood up and slowly meandered to a large window in the corner of the room "I doubt it was one of your adversaries Shiarrael- do not blame yourself so much. To kill the heads of S'Rehu is truly a great scandal few could survive. Very few. The day before this happened I heard your parents in heated debate. It was about your cousin Ro'Wena- she wanted them to reject you. Remove your name from the house. They refused..."
"Ro'Wena?" That was a name Shiarrael had not heard for many years- decades even. The last time Shiarrael had seen her cousin, Ro'Wena was just a young girl and Shiarrael had just joined the Galae. Is this what Taleirrh meant about distant blood? Shiarrael was stunned by the revelation. If she was responsible it would be a very difficult affair.
[To be continued]
--
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
www.usscharon.com
[Romulus, rural edge of Nn'Verih]
Night had fallen since Shiarrael left her family's estate. She had ordered the driver to take her to the rural outskirts of Nn'Verih- an hour later the flitter was still lofting above a now fog strewn landscape. The rural street lamps appeared to be merely bright globs of misty light in the haze. She stared dreamily through the window at the dark landscape feeling as if reality had betrayed her. The gentle hum of the flitters engine caused her exhaustion to flirt with slumber but sheer will kept the weight of her eyelids at bay. It had been a long day and she feared it would be an even longer night.
"We have arrived." The driver stated in a raspy baritone that lifted Shiarrael's mind back into the present.
"Good." She stated, her voice tinged with the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her. The globs of light in the mist began to grow as the flitter descended. She could hardly discern the ground from the blackness that surrounded them until the flitter jerked suddenly as it touched the surface. The side doors opened and Shiarrael stepped out. She could barely make out the structure ahead of her through the dense fog but a familiar voice called out to her.
"Shia...?" The voice was age-worn and hoarse but it was filled with a warmth she had almost forgotten. Making her way through the fog towards the structure she could see the arched glow of an open door. When she neared it she could see the slightly hunched silhouette of Maiek tr'Vaelet, her family's old hru'hfe. When he saw her his head lowered "I am truly pleased to see you Shiarrael. It has been so long."
Shiarrael smiled and nodded her head as she reached out and patted the old Rihannsu on the shoulder "I have missed you greatly hru'hfe." She then sighed and stopped "I believe you know why I have come."
He looked up and her and nodded his head somewhat taken aback by her action. She had changed- being with the humans and the others had definitely changed this girl. Maiek looked into her eyes and then nodded gravely "yes, I know, I can see it in your eyes Shiarrael. " He took a slow step back and beckoned her in with a welcoming swoop of his arm towards the interior. "It is not much but it is warm and my home."
"It is very quaint Maiek but lovely nonetheless." Shiarrael stepped inside. The interior was dim save for the flicker of firelight from a stone fireplace that dominated the center of the main room. He motioned to a plush couch to one side of the fireplace and she accepted his invitation by sitting down. The old Rihannsu disappeared into the darkness only to return moments later with a tray of glasses. He handed her a glass and then took the chair opposite of her setting the tray down between them.
"Rhennish- I heard from your mother, many years ago, how you have grown to like this stuff while you were in the Galae. I hope it still holds true. I have kept a small amount- in the case you visited me one day." He held up his glass towards her.
Shiarrael had started to sip the liquid but then stopped with her lip hovering just above the glass's edge. She looked at the old man whose figure was mostly obscured by the dimness and felt an aching for her grandfather. The two had been so similar- but then as she recalled it Maiek became the Rehu hru'hfe because he had served with her grandfather over a century ago. "I am sorry I have been so late in this gesture."
"No it is all right Shiarrael- I am now an old man with only his memories to cling to. I still remember you as this young bright eyed child always holding her mother's hand." He sipped his drink "but that was long ago. Things have changed." He sighed "I have lived a very long time Shiarrael. Not quite as long as the old Praetor AAnikh but long enough to see what my eyes can't tell me. When I looked into your eyes I saw that young girl but I could also feel the vengeance fomenting in your mind. If I asked you leave here- leave Romulus and continue with your current life without concern for what happened to your parents- you would not be able to would you?"
"How can you suggest such a thing?" Shiarrael set her glass of rhennish down on the tray "because of me they were..." her voice trailed off as she stared at the hru'hfe "I cannot leave without my right of blood. I will never be able to live with myself after what I have done. I must find out who did this and return to them tenfold what they have given me."
Maiek sighed "and even with all this time amongst those aliens you still haven't learned to keep your temper in check." He pointed at the tray "take a spoon full of that salt and pour it into the cup of water. Drink it, and tell me what it taste like."
Shiarrael stared at her hru'hfe a bit dumbfounded but complied and dipped a spoonful of salt into one of the other glasses. She lifted it and took a sip cringing as she did. Looking at the hru'hfe she frowned "it taste bitter."
"I once poured salt into a lake." Maiek said and pointed to another glass on the tray "and then I drew water from it. Taste it."
"I don't have time for-"
"Taste it!" Maiek slammed his foot into the wooden floor as he barked at her. A flash of her childhood slipped into her mind as she recalled the old hru'hfe disciplining her as child once for playing with her thrai in the kitchen. With a simple nod she complied and picked up the other glass and taking a small sip of it.
"It taste normal- like water." Shiarrael said wondering if the old man was senile.
"Bitterness is a part of life Shiarrael." Maiek said as he pointed to the tray again. His voice was hoarse as he continued "whether or not that bitterness overtakes you depends on the container you keep it in. Remember it well."
She simply nodded at him somewhat understanding the point he was trying to make. But her mind lingered on why. Why was he trying to do all this? Did he know who killed her parents? The tension in the fire lit room began to increase as she waited.
"I don't remember it as well as I should. What happened that night. But what I remember best is the loudness- the rudeness. The shouts and screams as those fools tore through the grand door. I was uncertain- was my old mind playing tricks on me? It cannot be?" He looked across at Shiarrael a flicker of a smile shown on his face "it was hard for me to imagine that anyone could be so bold. Your parents were always well known for their ferocity. Yet, it was true. They tore through the door and were met by the house guard who they killed simply by numbers. When I realized what was happening I made my way through the hall towards your parents bedchamber. Several of the other servants behind me were being butchered by this advancing hoard as well. It was truly like a dream however, when I neared the bedchamber the door burst open. Your parents emerged with their gleaming Kaleh. They rushed past me and began slaughtering the hoard."
Shiarrael stared at him, as her mind pieced together what he was telling her. She imagined the people that broke inter her family's estate: a rag tag group but a large number of them. They easily overcame the small number of guards her family kept in the house. The servants flurrying to find out what was going on became obstacles which the attackers simply cutting through them- and then her parents emerged to aid the house staff. No doubt they did. To allow them to be slaughtered would have stained the house. She sighed "and what then?"
"It was such a sight but there were simply too many. Your father told me 'leave, Maiek! Leave! She will come looking for you!' He had one of the other servants take me away, afraid my own legs wouldn't carry me far enough." He sipped his rhennish "we watched from a distance as the fire began- wondered if it would all burn down and through this all..." his voice trailed off as he stared into emptiness "not a single fire battalion not a single security commandant. Nothing. Except silence and flame."
"and do you know who did this?" Shiarrael asked. She studied the old man- his features were mostly hidden by the firelight but she could still discern the look of uncertainty on his face. He knew something. Something he was afraid to share. "You must tell me whatever it is you know."
"I am not sure if what I know is helpful Shiarrael." Maiek said "it concerns me too much. You should not have come. It is too dangerous for you here." He paused "but then you knew that, yes, you would have known it. Very well." He stood up and slowly meandered to a large window in the corner of the room "I doubt it was one of your adversaries Shiarrael- do not blame yourself so much. To kill the heads of S'Rehu is truly a great scandal few could survive. Very few. The day before this happened I heard your parents in heated debate. It was about your cousin Ro'Wena- she wanted them to reject you. Remove your name from the house. They refused..."
"Ro'Wena?" That was a name Shiarrael had not heard for many years- decades even. The last time Shiarrael had seen her cousin, Ro'Wena was just a young girl and Shiarrael had just joined the Galae. Is this what Taleirrh meant about distant blood? Shiarrael was stunned by the revelation. If she was responsible it would be a very difficult affair.
[To be continued]
--
Captain Shiarrael t'Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
www.usscharon.com
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