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Arrenhe tr'Khev
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Everything posted by Arrenhe tr'Khev
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Another Explosive Ne'Arrain Arrenhe tr'Khev After herding the remaining people out of the section along with t'Ditsy, in the first second that thoughts could form, Arrenhe could only think: "This fvadt ship! A commanding officer with a crazy mechanical eye and a hook, the son of the most powerful senator, assassination attempts left and right, explosives everywhere au look, and if t'Jhinn and I were right planetside, more peril wherever we go from here!" As he headed back toward tr'Eksy's room to report in to t'Aejhae, he questioned himself for joining Galae. Na for the first time, either. Whether it would be the last depended on whether they could transport the bomb off the ship without it blowing them all straight to Areinnye. He was already fed up with it all, and matters were na getting better. If he managed na to be yy'a, the first time he saw Kerih he would tell him "au were right." To make matters worse, he had been kept so busy he had na been able to play his hrini since the first night here. Going this long without his music was painful. If they lived, he would go straight to his quarters after going off duty. First though, he would do what he had to do. Perhaps, though, he convince t'Aejhae to let him have that instrument. It would na hurt to ask. If they lived.
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Since I'm not on there, does that mean I don't have to come in on Thursday? :P
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Quick Reflections Ne'Arrain Arrenhe tr'Khev Nathing in Arrenhe's prior experience had really prepared him for the possibility of a gruesome death, though he had always considered that a likely probability after he joined Galae. Now that he'd had some time to reflect upon his experience down on the planet's surface, he was na amused in the slightest. He could only hope, however, that the crew of the Talon was good enough to get through this, whatever it was. As he studied the helm console on the oira, he wondered what on ch'Rihan was going on. Even in his somewhat sheltered life he knew that factions in the Empire were more than willing to cause mayhem to achieve their goals, and that Galae and the Tal'Shiar were usually at odds. This, however, seemed more personal, though Arrenhe could only guess at why he felt that. Thinking about the short amount of time he had spent aboard the vessel, he could only shake his head at how odd things have been. An assasination attempt on the Khre'Riov; the Daise Engineer in sickbay after being bitten by a poisonous lizard; apparently DErv tr'Psichore returning out of nawhere, as he had heard eating lunch the other day; the Talon or individuals on it being targeted. All in all, he thought, the Elements had thrown him quite a challenge. Indeed he did shake his head, though more to clear it of its suddenly reflective state. Whatever is going on, he vowed, he would survive it. He was na yet finished in his attempts to bolster his family name. While the Khevs haven't been fighters for generations, he would be sure he did na go down without io.
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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> <meta name="generator" content="HTML-Kit/EditPad Lite" /> <meta name="author" content="" /> <style type="text/css"> div#content {width:500px;min-width:500px;max-width:500px;margin:0 auto;padding:0px;background:transparent;color:#000; } div.para {width:100%;max-width:490px;margin:0px 0px 5px;padding-left:5px;padding-right:5px;font:normal normal normal 12pt/150% "Book Antiqua", Times, serif;text-indent:1em;text-align:justify; } div.info {width:100%;max-width:490px;margin:0px 0px 5px;padding-left:5px;padding-right:5px;font:normal normal bold 12pt/150% "Book Antiqua", Times, serif;text-align:center; } div.info2 {width:100%;max-width:490px;margin:25px 0px 5px;padding-left:5px;padding-right:5px;font:normal normal bold 8pt/100% "Arial Narrow", Arial, sans-serif;text-align:center; } h1#title {margin-left: 10px;margin-bottom:5px;text-align:left;font:normal normal bold 13pt Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;letter-spacing:0.1em; } h2#desc {margin-bottom:3px;margin-top:25px;text-align:left;font:italic normal normal 11pt Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; } h8#author {margin-left: 10px;margin-top:10px;text-align:left;font:normal normal bold 12pt "Arial Narrow", Arial, sans-serif; } </style> </head> <body> <div id="content"> <h1 id="title">Watson, I think our quiet rest in the country has been a distinct success and I shall certainly return, much invigorated, to Baker Street tomorrow</h1> <h8 id="author">Arrain Sar'vek and Ne'Arrain tr'Khev</h3> <h2 id="desc"></h2> <div class="info"> At the supply depot </div> <div class="para"> As Arrenhe began walking the second quadrant of the circuit around the depot, he looked back at the science officer and guaged her. Then, turning his attention back to his multicorder, which swept to and fro looking for clues, he cleared his throat and spoke. </div> <div class="para"> "I guess we have the usual questions here. Who, what, where, why, when and how. And considering the who tried to yy'a us, with the what of mines, I'm more inclined to try and answer those questions. What about au, rekkhai?" </div> <div class="para"> Sar'vek inclined her head slightly, still, well, paranoid about where she was placing weight. "Ie, I agree." She smirked slightly. "I do na care for mysteries, especially those of the lethal nature." </div> <div class="para"> "Ie, so," Arrene began after a nod, "the who. Daise Erei'Riov N'Dak mentioned something about the Tal'Shiar soon after we were... immobilized. I am na that familiar with their mode of operation, but he seemed most confident in that analysis, and likely knows more about this situation than we do. So, in that area, at least," he made sure to preface that, "I am inclined to trust him." </div> <div class="para"> The edges of the scientist's mouth curved upwards slightly. "As am I." She paused a moment. "I have na had much dealing with the Tal'Shiar, either. I'm afraid that I'm as in the dark as au in such matters." </div> <div class="para"> "Tal'Shiar, then, on N'Dak's word. So that leads us to the what. Galae grain depots raided, then mined. That would certainly lead io to believe that the grain is of na importance to the raiders save as bait." He paused, not just in conversation, but physcially also as he looked over the readings on his multicorder. "If io is thieving, one doesn't try to yy'a the investigators. That only leads to more pressure to find the suspect. Therefore, they are trying to yy'a someio." He then resumed the slow, plodding pace around the depot. </div> <div class="para"> "It's possible that it was na directed at us, personally, or any of the Talon crew, for that matter. Perhaps they did na even expect the Galae to be involved?" she offered, lifting an eyebrow. </div> <div class="para"> Arrenhe pursed his lips for a moment, contemplating. "Since the grain belongs to Galae, they must have known that we would investigate and not merely leave it to local authorities. I would say at the very least, Galae is a target. To target the Talon, or anyio on it, they would have to know in advance that we would be the ship charged with the investigation. Certainly I know enough about the Tal'Shiar to know that nothing much in the way of information gets by them without notice... The other questions may shed light on that." </div> <div class="para"> As they completed the second quadrant, it was his turn to take a rest against the wall. Standing in one place for hours is na difficult; however, standing in one place for an extended period without being able to move io's legs to avoid pain and death is very tiring. </div> <div class="para"> "Where and when are obvious. This sector at this time. How: stealth, certainly in space. But the operations at these depots... That would indicate some bribery and/or coercion, na? To pull this off without alarm." </div> <div class="para"> "Which would point to someone at one of these facilities knowing something about the incidents. I assume tr'Psichore and tr'N'Dak will attend to their questionings." </div> <div class="para"> "Ie. Both seem much more suited to that task than au or I. That leads to an important point, though. That is a lot of effort and expense of time and resources. It seems like a waste to do that without having a specific target, to me." </div> <div class="para"> "Perhaps even io of them...." Her voice trailed off. "But a circular argument; it would require prescience that Talon was the vessel to investigate." </div> <div class="para"> With a sigh, Arrenhe pushed himself off the wall and resumed the circuit. "True. But that leads back to Galae, doesn't it? Who else could assure the Talon was assigned?" </div> <div class="para"> "An informant in the Galae's upper echelon, perhaps na the Galae in general. Someio in league with the Tal'Shiar?" </div> <div class="para"> "That does na bode well for Galae, if that is the case. That leaves re major options, then: the Tal'Shiar does na have a specific target, or they do, someio on the Talon. It does na seem like they would have much to gain from a generic attack on Galae, performed in this manner. Plus, there are names on this ship worth a good deal of attention," Arrenhe said, thinking of N'Dak, and the prominence of that family. </div> <div class="para"> "Quite a few names, really," she said, glancing at him. "Even aur family name is na entirely unknown, is it na?" Sar'vek asked, na malice in her tone. </div> <div class="para"> With a snort, he nodded. "True, my father is ne'Deihu, and is garnering some support. Though, if I were a target, they could have yy'a me as I traveled to meet the Talon. Which is another reason that I believe that there is a specific target on board. I had to travel from ch'Rihan to meet the Talon at ch'Davron. Though, once I arrived, I had to wait a week before au arrived. From what I garnered in the navigation log, that was na the most... efficient of options. Therefore, somio knew the Talon would be heading there very early on." </div> <div class="para"> "I am tending to agree that whoever it was did have a victim in mind. I'd be curious to see if any of our prominents had any family enemies on this world that may have even willingly agreed to collusion without monetary recompensation." </div> <div class="para"> "Even more disturbing, but na without precedent, unfortunately," Arrenhe responded. "The motive remains in doubt, however, because the identity of the victim remains in doubt. The gain would be different based on the target." After remaining silent for a moment, in thought, he continued. "Are the mines one of the weapons, or is blowing up a security team merely more bait?" </div> <div class="para"> "Too imprecise to be the primary forms of destruction," she dismissed. "I suspect, as au put it, just an effort for more bait." </div> <div class="para"> As they completed the third quadrant and moved into the final section of the circuit, he let out a harsh laugh. "Ie. There was no way that anyio could have known who would be on this team. Any dheno could have come down, and as au said before, au do not come on away teams often. Also, there seems to be too much instability in the command staff to figure out who would lead that. Every time I go to the oira, there is someio different in command, so which would lead the team, if any, would be too variable." </div> <div class="para"> She chuckled. "I've all but ceased attempting to keep track of the command staff, for the time being. I assume they'll work it all out -- or fight it out -- eventually. Until then, I'm planning on doing whatever is currently assigned at the moment, by whomever assigns it. And from an outsider's perspective, it must seem like a terrible conundrum to decipher even moreso than to us. Na, the mines were definitely na Plan Io. Which makes me ask... what is?" </div> <div class="para"> "Hm," he said, after a chuckle of his own. "There was suppose to be yy'a here. If au'r crew were murdered in such a way, au would expect a bit of anger, na? Determination to catch the culprits? I would expect some sort of ruse to draw us in immediately... 'There is the kllhe! Get him!' Thas sort of thing. Though, assuming we make it off of this planet alive, that plan may change if they are notified. We will have to monitor communications, and block them. Our enemies must na know that their plan did na succeed." </div> <div class="para"> "Or perhaps," she paused to consider, tilting her head to io side. "Perhaps it should even appear as if it did, indeed, succeed." </div> <div class="para"> "Ie, rekkhai. They may get a reaction they did na expect, and that is to our advantage. The first step to avoiding a trap, my di'ranov always said, was to know it exists. If that was na clear before, it is now." He nodded. "I do na think their next step is the end game, which is good, but another way to draw us in. If we go in with our eyes open, perhaps we can turn the tables sufficiently to get enough data to solve this puzzle. Data is always good, na?" He said, smilling at the scientist. </div> <div class="para"> Offering him a slightly mischievous grin in return, she nodded. "Always. And I think, with proper care, data we will find." </div> <div class="para"> For Arrenhe, his music was a puzzle that he had too look at from multiple angles, fitting pieces together experimentally until they fit correctly. For the first time, his life and the events around him were his composition, and he could start to see the big picture, and he could hear it more clearly with each moment. Finishing up the circuit, he came to a stop where they had started some time before. </div> <div class="para"> "I did na find a single thing on my multicorder or with my eyes, rekkhai. Though I think we discovered a good deal on our walk, regardless. I suppose we should report in." </div> <div class="para"> "Ie, I concur. I'm sure that Psichore and N'Dak are wondering whether or na we are again frozen in place, just waiting for them to discover our second mishap..." She snickered quietly, winking. </div> <div class="info2"> Title from <cite>The Reigate Puzzle</cite> by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Text in the public domain </div> </div> </body> </html> -
So, I'm standing on a mine while N'Dak is being positive about our "little problem" Some thoughts from an organic statue Little problem? LITTLE problem? If I sneeze, I'll be lucky to survive! Even if I do, I'll be using cybernetic legs at the very least. I should have known something bad would happen. My first away mission, and I'm a twich away from pain and possibly death. He asked me specifically to come on this mission. Could he be trying to yy'a me? Why would he, though? And what about that science officer over there, what's her name? t'Jhinn or something? Two birds with one stone, or am I merely being paranoid? Paranoid? I'm standing on a MINE. I think I have a right to be paranoid. Elements! I must not move... easier said than done, though, isn't it? Apparently someone is on his way down. Hopefully he'll be experienced in explosives. If not... maybe the transporter. Or perhaps a tractor beam? Well, whatever it is, if it happens, I'll be the last to know about it and certainly can't do anything to help myself except emulate a statue. So, relax. That piece has been giving you fits, think about that. Hmm, maybe change to G major?
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The Troubles of House Khev: Part III 4½ Years Ago Arrenhe landed in a heap at the feet of fellow eredh Viduus tr'Trask for the fourth time in two minutes. The much larger, stronger and more vicious Rihanha stooped over him, laughing. Nor was he the only io to display his mirth, as the two were now in the center circle being observed by the rest of the group. As the others laughed, Arrenhe took stock of his parts once again, to make sure that everything was still there and na broken. From the very start, the hand-to-hand combat exercises had been torture for the short, slender, and alltogether peaceful tr'Khev. Today was na exception. Afweirrea t'Loxa did na make it any easier on him, either: she constantly placed him in pairings where success was na likely. "Are au a Lloann'na coward? Get up, hwiiy hevam! Again!" She called out from her vantage point at the edge of the circle. Stifling a groan, Arrenhe rose and prepared for another round. Giving the short bow as tradition called for, he took his position. tr'Trask did na bother with the bow, but sauntered over to his spot. The re combatants faced each other once again for a few seconds before t'Loxa gave a short blast on her whistle. "Come on, get it over with" tr'Trask said, circling, with a cruel grin on his face. "I will be merciful this time." Na veruul, Arrenhe knew that the only chance he had to survive without serious injury was to keep his distance. Close, his opponent would be able to use his longer reach to his advantage; closer yet, tr'Trask would be able to use his weight. The best Arrenhe could hope for was to land a few shots before he was crushed. Therefore, he continued to circle, and keeping silent. Though it would na doubt earn him disapproval, he decided to prolong this as long as possible. His prior attempts at actually fighting had na been successful. Suddenly moving in, tr'Trask aimed a savage blow in the direction of Arrenhe's chest. After a quick, nimble leap, however, the large Rihanha's hand caught only air. As he passed, tr'Khev landed an elbow into tr'Trask's side. Though delivered swiftly, Arrenhe's lack of strength hurt him once again, and the blow was feeble. Positioning himself out of reach once again, he waited for the response. tr'Trask was na amused, though the hit was barely felt. Priding himself on finishing his opponents without delay, na drawing first contact was unacceptable. Too disciplined a fighter to blow his top, though, he decided to stop playing with his mouse and move in for the kill. Expecting that, Arrenhe was able to dodge once again. They went on like that for a while: tr'Trask attacking and tr'Khev dodging. Landing some hits, but na of consequence, Arrenhe managed to avoid everything that his opponent threw, save one hit that he managed to receive only on the shoulder. Stinging, already sore from the previous engagements, he wondered how long he'd be able to continue before fatigue slowed him enough that he'd leave himself open. "Hwiiy kllhe!" Fuming, tr'Trask snarled as he missed yet again. Never before had an opponent drawn things out like this, and he considered it cowardly. "Nohtho lhonae!" He would repay that cowardice accordingly. Reverting to the wild style of his youth, which was effective if undisciplined, he charged. Panting, Arrenhe did the only thing that came to mind: sliding to the ground as tr'Trask approached, he ended up between tr'Trask's legs. Grabbing a foot while it remained in reach, he held tight. With a new anchor attached to his leg, tr'Trask stumbled, then fell forward. Arrenhe released the leg as his opponent yelled opon impact. Quickly scampering up, he took two steps and then kicked tr'Trask in the head. Meanwhile, t'Loxa had seen what she'd needed to see. She blew her whistle. "Enough!" She stomped over and called again as tr'Trask got to his feet and glowered at tr'Khev. "I said enough!" Placing herself between them, she stared at the very angry Rihanha. "Dismissed! All of au." Breathing heavily with his nostrils flaring, tr'Trask didn't move for a few moments. But the powerful, unmoving gaze of t'Loxa finally outweighed his anger, and he moved off with the rest. "tr'Khev," t'Loxa shouted, "wait." Arrenhe stopped, turned, and then wiped the sweat from his brow as he waited for the woman, who was jogging over. After she arrived, she looked him over for a few minutes while the others filed by. Eventually, she spoke. "That was disgraceful," she pronounced. After a pause, however, she smiled. "Which is the only way au will ever be able to survive against any foe of consequence. Even then, it is unlikely. But... I would na have passed au without some indication that au would use whatever means necessary to survive. Au have shown me today that you are willing to do that." Nodding, she looked down at him directly. "It would be best, however, for au to use a disruptor. Dismissed." Arrenhe bowed, and then turned about. Heading for the locker room, he hoped that tr'Trask's temper had cooled. Though either way, he did na expect a warm welcome from his classmates. Na for the first of last time, he wondered if he had made a serious mistake joining Galae.
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A Verification Letter Arrenhe tr'Khev to Kerih tr'Khev Kerih, My first few days aboard the Talon have been most... unusual. Though I can na say, exactly, what I was expecting, the reality still doesn't mesh with what I was figuring on. Of course, I can na give au any details, Galae is most picky about what can be transmitted over unencrypted frequencies. What I can say, however, is that my survival may be somewhat more difficult than even some of my most pessimistic expectations. I have na made any friends, yet. Things are quite tense at the moment, and I have either been on duty or asleep as of yet. My direct superior does na seem too harsh; she has yet to show a complete disregard for my well-being, and indeed has given me a task with a great deal of responsibility. As such, there's a great deal of pressure associated with it, but at least I can switch to my other duties and am na tied to it. Otherwise, the ship is as io would expect it. I have met the io au spoke of, and I agree completely. I have yet to make any definitive opinion of the deeper issues involved, however. Hanny'yo for the information. My first impression otherwise might have been entirely too favorable. Well, I must try to sleep now. It is for certain that the next days will na be any better than the last. I will write again when I can, and I hope that au can write me as well. Greatest Regards, Arrenhe
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The Troubles of House Khev: Part II 5 Years Ago As Arrenhe packed his bags in his bedroom, he looked around the spacious, well-appointed area and wondered if he would ever see it again. Though often lost in the music in his head, he was not stupid or naïve, and knew that entering the Galae Phi'lasasam during this time of war was not a recipe for long life or healthy living, not that in time of “peace” matters were much better. His resolve was absolute, however, and he could not be moved off his course. His parents had at first strongly objected, so set were they that he should attend the prominent Mandak Music Academy. Elements! What a row that discussion had been. His ears rang for a week afterward. Only Kerih's presence and cool head had maintained peace; he had counseled that no firm decisions should be made by anyone until some time had passed and everyone had an opportunity to think the matter through a second time. Months passed, and Arrenhe was still set on his course, mnhei'sahe demanding that he serve his parents and the Empire by defending them before entertaining them. Aetthon and Nalah had eventually accepted the decision and gave their consent, but not without the occasional subtle attempt to test his resolve. Somehow his di'ranov had managed to arrange a performance during a party dinner for his Senate colleagues. He played well, as always, and had greatly impressed the Senators; however, the attempt backfired on Aetthon. When asked if he was going to attend Mandak, they were amazed to discover his intentions to join Galae. “What an admirable young man!” Exclaimed a Senator from a nearby province. As the knot of politicians broke apart with word that the tr'Khev boy was choosing Imperial service over his own musical talent, much lauding went to Aetthon for it, as they all knew that Kerih already had ascended at a young age to be the chief assistant for Prelate tr'Vorn. Thus, Arrenhe scored his first minor victory in his campaign to strengthen his family's image. With his Senatorial support strengthened, Aetthon grudgingly accepted that Arrenhe had chosen a proper path. His chief worries, however, were that his gentle, slender offspring would not make it through the Phi'lasasam, let alone survive Galae service. Arrenhe, meanwhile, enjoyed his last months before he had to report. Maintaining a close correspondence with Kerih, who gave as much advice as he thought prudent to his younger dinam, Arrenhe busily finished a few compositions and performed in his final recitals. Now, the time for his departure came, and he packed his final set of belongings. The strict limits on what a cadet could bring were irksome, and much that he would bring he was forced to leave behind, because he would not, of course, leave without his hrini. The next morning, he ate a somber breakfast with his parents in the cozy nook just off of their kitchen. Little was said until they finished and his bags were stowed in the cargo hold of their personal atmospheric shuttle. “Faelirh,” began Nalah. “Au must be careful. I do na want to receive any fvakh news, ie?” She said as she hugged him fiercely. “Ie, ri'nanov,” Arrenhe replied, hugging her back. “Since when do I get in trouble?” “Now is na the time to start, then,” she said, releasing him. “Call when you can, ie?” Arrenhe boarded the small craft and strapped into the pilot's seat, with his father beside him. Taking off, they were well on their way to the Phi'lasasam before Aetthon spoke. “You still have 100 km to change your mind, Arrenhe.” “Na. I have 100 km of freedom left before I must start jumping through hoops on command.” Double checking the auto-pilot settings, Arrenhe leaned back into the seat and studied his di'ranov. “Do na worry about me, di'ra. I can na help our house if I am yy'a.” “Ie, but au are na...” Aetthon sighed. “I can na help au where au are going. I do na yet have that much influence in Galae.” “Na, di'ra. I do na want any help in that regard. I must do it the hard way, otherwise why would anyio care what I do?” He took the shuttle off of autopilot and began the approach to the Phi'lasasam's landing area after contacting the control facility. “I will be fine, trust me.” “I trust au, Arrenhe... it is the others that I worry about. Ah, well, there is na that I can do now. Be well, faelirh.” They spoke no more as the small shuttle circled its way down and landed. Arrenhe extracted his belongings from the cargo hold and made his way to his assigned quarters, his new life beginning amid the roar of the shuttle returning to the skies.
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Quick Thoughts Erein Arrenhe tr'Khev "She's rather frightening," Arrenhe thought as t'Rexan turned her attention to him to ask his name. After answering, she returned to concentrating on that injured woman and Daise Maenak t'Ksa. They spoke of posion and antidotes, and he surmised that the Khre Riov had also been the target of a posining attempt. That heartened him a little, for his chief fear was of a blazing disruptor fight, and his marksmanship was only average and his frame was equal that of hers so that he would provide poor cover, or, as the more sensible part of thought: she would provide poor cover for him. After informing t'Aejae as cryptically as possible over the open comms that he, and therefore t'Rexan would be moving out, his short-termed moment of heartening disappeared entirely. It was one thing to guard a stationary target in her room, or even wandering about the heavily guarded and easily defended Maenak Bay, but to wander the corridors of the ship invited trouble. Thinking thus, he looked at her once again. Frightening people often make enemies, he knew, and based on the appearance of the woman, she's survived quite a bit. The mechanical eye, the stump of an arm, the scar on the left side of her face, and not to mention the missing left ear-tip. He was sure there were some fascinating stories to go with th Khre Riov, but certainly no one would dare ask for her side of the story. Obviously she had undergone some sort of difficulty, having been stashed in that room in Medical, but Arrenhe couldn't determine if it had anything to do with the assasination attempts t'Aejae had spoken of when he had queried her. While he fully expected to be placed in situations where his "need to know" would include absolutely no information, his complete lack of knowledge about the ship and its past didn't seem helpful for the current situation, and he was glad that t'Aejae had told him what she did. Though it did raise a lot more questions that he doubted would be answered. As he accompanied her out of the Maenak Bay, he found himself in that dreaded position: the junior officer's feedback loop. All he could say was "ie, rekkhai." Should she ask a question of him that would require a negative response, he'd be lucky if he could actually say na. They arrived at t'Rexans quarters, and she ordered him to stay put, so of course he responded: "ie, rekkhai." Standing outside the door, he tried to assess his situation. Guarding a woman that has had multiple assasination attempts targeted at her, and at least one recently, never bodes well for the live body that's placed in front of her. Especially when another on the ship seems to be well on her way to the afterlife of the very same poison. All he could hope is that her status as a target has diminished sufficiently, since the assasin died, or so Arrenhe assumed by the way t'Ksa spoke. At least until he got her to the oira. After that the great ship would hopefully be ready to travel and he could sit at the helm and let someone else watch her back.
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The Troubles of House Khev: Part I 5½ Years Ago Arrenhe tr'Khev milled about the market plaza in Es'Riel, the hood of his robe covering his head on a chilly fall day in ch'Kihai. He lazily moved from stall to stall, seeking a unique gift to give Kerih, his dinam, for his birthday. As he moved to the next stall, a well-formed model caught his eye. Identical to his family's shuttle, Arrenhe smiled delightedly, remembering his first time behind the controls, and Kerih's nervous laughter as he over flew their home in preparation to land. The shopkeeper, noticing the interest, piped up. "Good day, lhhai. That's a very fine replica, hand detailed." "It is indeed," Arrenhe responded as he pondered whether or not to purchase it. He noticed the plaz display cube protecting the model, and figured that it would survive a journey well, so that Kerih could take it back with him. He decided. "I'll take it." "Excellent, Ihhai," the shopkeeper said, then pondered a moment, trying to gauge Arrenhe's status so that he could make the proper offer. After a moment, he was forced to take his best guess. "One and a half slips," he said. Arrenhe nodded. It wasn't easy for a Rihan merchant sometimes to determine social status, especially in the plaza on a cool, windy day where the usual clothing clues were hidden under some form of outerwear. This merchant, however, must have plenty of experience and a knack, for he hit the offer right where Arrenhe would have expected it. Though, he wouldn't have been insulted if the offer had been higher. Arrenhe had already been contemplating the fair market value, and immediately returned his counter-offer. "4 slips," he said. They spent a few moments haggling up to the proper price before settling on 3 slips. The latinum changed hands, and Arrenhe was walking away with the wrapped up cube when voices to his right halted him. "ne'Deihu tr'Khev is a fool! He hasn't the authority to speak for us, as long the House of Khev remains hiding behind desks. Do au know, it's been four generations, FOUR, since a Khev has served in Galae? They're weak! They do not defend the Empire, they push paper and simper." The other voice agreed, and the continued to chatter away. Arrenhe glowered. He had heard before rumors of such derision toward his house, but never before had he heard it firsthand. And these two spoke in loud voices in a crowded plaza, not caring who heard, nor fearing any retribution. The fact that they were correct did not improve his mood any. Putting his head down, he made his way out of the plaza. *** Sitting in his bedroom astride his prized hrini, Arrenhe, for the first time in ages, could not concentrate on his music. He angrily strummed the instrument, sending an unpleasant discord throughout the room. The incident in the plaza still bothered him a great deal, and he pondered what to do about it. He loved his family a great deal, even though his parents had pushed and pulled him in so many different directions for many years. He loved his dinam best, though, and was eager for him to arrive so that they could discuss the situation. He stood and moved over to the small console in the corner of his room. He spent a few hours on it, first moving notes around on a score, then he began researching. Then, a head poked in his door and called out. "Arrenhe? There au are!" Kerih said as he entered. Though taller and more fit than his little dinam, they were eerily similar in appearance, though the twelve years that separated them were quite obvious. "Kerih!" Arrenhe cried as he whirled about in his seat, beaming. He popped out of his chair and then rushed over to his dinam and grasped him. "It's been too long," he said. Nodding, Kerih patted him on the back. "Indeed it has, Llurh. Au've grown a bit since I saw au last, it's about time." "Hah." "Hey, I'm au's dinam, if I can't needle au about being short, who can?" He looked to the hrini. "I'm surprised that I didn't find au plucking away at that." "Ie, I wasn't in the mood," Arrenhe said, and the shadow of his worries replaced the joy on his face. "How was au's trip?" "Menhka, hanny'yo." Kerih paused and looked at his dinam. "What is wrong, little Llurh? Au seem troubled. Has ri'nanov been pressuring you again?" "Na, it's na that," he replied before heading over to his bed and plopping on it. "So, what is it? Au's na io to mope around like this," Kerih asked as he moved over to sit in the chair by the console. Arrenhe sighed, then explained about the incident in the plaza. "It's na good, Kerih. Aur family can na survive much of that." "Ie," Kerih said, sighing as well. "But there is na much au can do about it. Do na let it worry au." Shaking his head, Arrenhe pounded the bed beside him with a fist. "Ie, I must! Na io else is! If it becomes bad enough, tr'Vorn will toss au right out of the door. And there is something I can do... I have been hearing of these things for some time, Kerih! Today only cemented the decision to act in my mind. I will na have au hurt by this when I can do something." Rising from the chair, Kerih came over and sat beside his dinam on the bed. He looked at the worry and stress on his face and shook his head. "Arrenhe, au is na made for this. Au is the least scheming Rihana that I have ever met, and au don't have the heart for it. Au have a beautiful gift with au's music, and au will do much for aur House and the Empire, bringing joy through au's playing and singing. Leave the politics to di'ranov and I, eh?" "Na," Arrenhe said after a lengthy pause where he contemplated Kerih's words.. "My music must wait, aur House is in danger so long as we are perceived as weak. I have already sent in a preliminary application to the Galae Phi'lasasam." "Au have done WHAT?" Kerih said, his voice loud and dripping with incredulity. "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard au say!" "Ie," Arrenhe agreed, nodding. "Ie, it is, but it must be done." Looking over to his dinam, he smiled. "Kerih, do na fight me, please. I will have battle enough with aur parents." Rising, and then agitatedly pacing around the room, Kerih remained silent for quite a few moments. Eventually, he stopped, and his arms fell limply to his side. "I will na fight au, Llurh." He shook his head, bewildered. "That au, of all of us, would do this... Au surprise me." Arrenhe smiled. "Na more than I surprised myself, dinam." ne’Deihu: Junior Senator Hrini: harp-like instrument Dinam: brother Llurh: Furry, cat-like animal (Kerih’s nickname for Arrenhe)
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As he continued to sing and play sweetly, his mind unfolded and entered that sacred place where there was no thought, no worries, just the ever changing language of notes, tones and beats. Flying over the strings, his fingers strummed and plucked expertly, sending sweet, angelic notes into the air. Intertwining his voice with the hrini, he let all of the fear, frustration and weariness of the day pass through him in the expression of his music. Finally, his voice trailed off and a chord echoed away as he finished. In the back of his mind, he was pleased by his composition but disgusted by the acoustics in his quarters. He packed up the hrini carefully, and then laid himself down on his rather uncomfortable bed and rested with his hands behind his head as he lingered in the quiet, peaceful state before sleep. As he slipped under, he was content once again, though the reasonable presence in his mind was more than aware that within an hour of wakefulness, he would once again feel stresses tearing him apart as he attempted to perform his duties: to the Empire, and to his family while denying his own wants and needs.
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After ambling into his quarters, Arrenhe slipped out of his duty uniform and into his favorite casual wear: a loose, flowing button-down shirt and matching pants, both made of very fine silk. He sat down at the panel, and began recording a personal log. --- Record On --- What a mess! I realize assasination isn't exactly unheard of in Galae, but it's absolutely ridiculous. While in my short time here I have already heard rumors about the command staff, and very little of it is flattering, I have also heard some of the exploits of this ship. I suppose results don't matter much when ambition calls. After I was relieved of duty, I headed to my quarters for the first time since dropping my bags off there earlier. Even after going through the Phi'lasasam, I'm still not accustomed to this type of quartering. I guess I am just spoiled, though that's also not unheard of in a Rihanha. My first opportunity to fly this behemoth went well while the we were in motion. After we stopped and the senior staff went to their meeting, I once again found myself in my head, working on Heis'he. While I'm pleased with how it's progressing, I shall have to finish it before it finishes my career. Elements, there will be trouble yet, I fear. So long as I don't get caught in the middle of it, that's all I can hope for. I guess I'll unwind a bit now. --- Record Off --- He went over and extracted from one of his bags a beautiful hrini: made of platinum with real mirhwen darhhan for the strings. He walked over to and then sat in the chair once again. With an experimental strum of the strings, he was delighted to discover that it was still in tune after all of the hustle and bustle of the last week. Closing his eyes for a moment, a small lopsided smile on his face, he then began to play. The music from the hrini wafted out of tr'Khev's quarters, a sweet, lilting melody that certainly didn't match the mood of the ship. Shortly thereafter his voice, a rich tenor, accompanied the instrument.
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Dinam, I am sorry we could not spend more time together while au were here. tr'Vorn and I were very busy preparing for the arrival of the Talon... Elements! Of all the Galae ships au could be assigned to it had to be that io at this time. Some of the things I've heard about that ship... na, that's na fair to say that when I can't say anything about it. Well, it's done. As au can guess, I know much about what au will be doing. I wish I could say more, but I can na. I fear au will find out the hard way soon enough. Elements! This is so difficult. I know au are in Galae because of me, dinam. Should something happen to au... Au must be careful! There is much danger ahead. And that N'Dak... With his di'ranov being who he is, I'm na sure if he can be trusted, so be wary and watch aur bearing around him. Even as much influence as our family has, we cannot hope to move the mountain that is N'Dak. I worry about au being in Galae, au've never been good at showing the proper respects, with au's head floating around in that music. Again, it is my fault. Hopefully, au will live through this so that I shall not live to regret it. Anyway, I hear au've been given a dual assignment, both as navigator and dheno. Hnaev! Au fly well enough that I do not fear that au will crash that monstrosity of a ship, but to also assign au as dheno... Elements! Au must be careful na to shoot au's own shipmates like au almost shot me years ago. Well, tr'Vorn will become impatient with me if I do not return to his side. Prelates! If they are na born impatient they learn it well enough by the time they receive their position. Kholairlh-a ssaed-asi, Arrenhe, au will na be yy'a and I will speak to au again. thei'khaiell ssuin hw'aenevha, Kerih