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Laehval tTemarr

STSF GM
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Everything posted by Laehval tTemarr

  1. One is the Loneliest Number - Three Dog Night
  2. "Any change?" "Na. Her vitals are stable. She is breathing on her own. Her body is processing food. From the readings, everything seems normal. The internal tissue damage was extensive, but it is healing well." "Her brain activity?" "Well within normal readings, though there are significant occasional spikes in the delta wave patterns. What it indicates, we do na know." "And still she does na wake." "Na, rekkhai... but..." "Ie?" "I had wondered... that is to say, I have observed this phenomenon in many patients. There is na physical cause for such a reaction, so it might be postulated that it is purely mental." "Au think that she does na wish to wake because she believes herself to be dead?" "Ie, exactly. From her actions, she has na will to live. Why would she fight to do so now?" "It is a theory that many have postulated. Au are na alone. We can do nothing about it, however. We have done all we can. She will die or she will na. In the end, it is her decision. Judging by her wounds, she may just succeed." √'v^---√`v^---√'v-^√'v-^-√'v^---√`v-- The world was void and without form. There was nothing but light, incandescent illumination with no source that never faltered nor wavered. There was no beginning or end. There was no up. There was no down. Time and space did not exist. There was only the void and the absence of the void. ...she may just succeed... The words echoed, filtered through in a single moment of bright clarity before they were muffled and lost, meaningless in the void. Within the void, something stirred. It was part of the void and yet unlike it. It had no discernible shape or form, though carried with it the hint of something familiar. If the void had a shadow, it was that shadow, but no shadows existed in the void. The light allowed none to exist. And so it did not. But the mass was different than the void. It changed and moved and then stilled, resting. ...she... ...? She? There was no she. There was only the void. It was not she. It was it. It did not exist beyond the void. It's life was the void. The absence of all. The absence of all save the light. It did not exist except in the light. It existed because of the light. It was the light. No. It was the void. No. It was... It used to be. No, there was nothing except the void. The void had no past and no future. It just was. But there was something else. No, nothing else. Only the void. There is nothing. But there was. Was. Was? No. Was not. No. A spark in the light, a spark with no flame or source. It was not discernible in the light. It was part of the light. But it was different. The not-shadow stirred. There was a moment of recognition, of memory, of life, of loss. Anger. And then there was pain. Agony. Emotional heartache. The flood was turned aside by the void, slamming against unseen barriers, and eventually swallowed. The blessed void returned, bringing wordless calm and contentment. There was only the light, glowing and filling, blinding and basking. There was nothing but the light. All else was lost in the swirling, shapelessness. It grew still and did not move. It would not move. It was the void. There was nothing in the void. Nothing...
  3. Heads up - I will probably not be in attendance for the sim tomorrow as I'll be busy celebrating St. Patrick's Day with family and some Corned Beef & Cabbage. See y'all next week. :D
  4. In different ways - 8 different times. Obi-Wan and Han Solo both say it 2 times. Harrison Ford says it in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
  5. "There has never been a child so brilliant. When au were born and I first set eyes on au, I knew that au were different. The maenak that placed au in my arms told me how special au were. He said he had never seen a Rihan child adapt so well and so quickly to birth. Au rarely cried, na even when au were hungry. We were worried, but the maenak said that au were simply patient and would need extra care. Au were trusting and loving and were content to gaze at the holo images above your crib, reaching for them as though au knew already what they were. Au seemed to always like the ships best and could spend hours tracking them as they flew over your bed." "When au grew a little older, au lost none of your curiosity. Au exasperated your mother ever day with your mischievous nature and your propensity to destroy things in your attempts to make them work better. I suppose it started then. She did na care for au as she should have. She was hurt by the loss of Jalen and did na have the capacity to jol au like she should. I saw her unwillingness to care for au and thought it would slowly fade as her grief also faded. But it did na, and I did na intervene for the sake of her feelings. Au were so unlike either of us that I did na know what to do with au. It was easier for your mother when Mornot was born and she could focus on him, using him to replace Jalen." Trilus lifted his daughter's hand to his lips and kissed the lifeless digits softly, gazing across the bed at her motionless face. He was oblivious to all of the machines and sensors surrounding her that monitored her biosigns for any changes. Rather, he only saw his daughter, pale and small, lying still and helpless on the bed. He pressed the back of her hand to his cheek as he bowed his head in grief. Tears of shame fell unhindered onto the bed. "I am sorry I failed au, Laehval," he whispered. "I … I should have done something." He lifted his head to gaze at her again, voice thick with emotion as he spoke. "Au were so content to be alone and play with your trinkets and machines. I thought that was how au wanted it. I should have asked au, talked to au more. I should have spent more time with au. I know that now. I can na help but think that if I had… things would have turned out differently." "I pray to the Elements that au will wake. I pray that the Fire you hold within au will burn away the doubt and the pain au have suffered. I pray that it will cleanse au with its healing flames. I pray that your Fire does na flicker and die." Holding her hand in both of his, he bent forward, closing his eyes to pray silently. He said every prayer he knew and sent them to all of the Elements, then repeated his prayers for the Fire that Laehval so willingly embraced. He prayed for what seemed like hours, stopping only when he was too weary to remember the words. Rising from his seat, he leaned over her and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Do na let the Fire die, Ullho." He gave her hand a squeeze as he straightened. Though he could not be certain, he almost swore he felt her fingers curl around his hand.
  6. That was all you. :( Thanks. I enjoyed it as well.
  7. "Her genetic scans came back. She has a Galae record." The doctor handed the medical file to the nurse as he entered the room and moved to examine the patient. He studied the display for some time, making minute adjustments to the medication being dispensed to the prone body that lay beneath the bed's sensor arm. The woman, nearing the end of her sixth decade, now looked to be much older. A dozen different tubes and sensor devices were affixed to various surfaces of her body, monitoring her lifesigns, transfusing blood, and aiding her strained organs. Though the blade's damage to her abdomen had been repaired, the woman had not yet gained consciousness. The blood loss she suffered was significant, fatal had the hotel's servant not happened to find her dying before her makeshift altar. Assumed to have been attacked, she had been rushed to the nearest medical facility and into surgery. Her heart had ceased to function twice while they worked to heal her and they'd had to shock it back to life. They had also placed her on a machine to assist her breathing, not trusting her shallow, ragged breaths to provide the oxygen she needed. Lifting her eyelid, the doctor shined a light into one eye, then the other. Straightening, he shook his head and sighed. "Still no response. Her body is healing, but she may have gone too long without oxygen to her brain. Let me know if her vitals shift. I'm keeping her on the respiratory aid until her saturation levels are a little higher." The nurse glanced up from the file. "There is no next of kin listed." "If there ever was, they have been wiped out of her records. I searched every database I have access to and she has no family listed. All I could find in the file was her service record and her current ship assignment. I do not have access to Galae, so I asked the medical authority to contact her ship. They can deal with the rest." "That is very odd. Did they ever find out who attacked her?" "No. They believe she was performing the ritual. They found a data file in the room with her and are reviewing it, but I have heard nothing further." The nurse stared, a bit shocked. "But... she twisted the blade. In her own stomach. Who would do such a thing?" "She must have been very determined to die." The doctor glanced over with pity in his eyes. "The Elements have spared her. I only hope she will appreciate the gift she had been given and accept her new life... if she ever wakes." "Elements be praised," the nurse breathed. "I will pray that she does."
  8. I think I'm in the wrong line of work! :/ Congrats, Ksa! If you walked into the ocean wearing all that metal, you'd sink.
  9. Tendrils of smoke wafted from the incense burning on the small brazier, filling the room with a smoky-sweet scent. The room, once a typical temporary living arrangement that anyone within the capital could rent, had been transformed into a miniature temple. The furnishings had been cleared away to the edges and draped in silks of red and orange, two of the most identifiable aspects of Fire. The floor was carpeted in yellows and deep umber. A single table, no taller than knee-height, had been situated at the center of the room, draped in red silk, and decorated with gleaming gold adornments. The naked flames burning at all four corners of the room made the room feel like the inferno it had been decorated to portray. Wearing only a light robe that fell to her knees, Laehval knelt before the short table and added a few more grains of the pungent herb to the golden brazier. The coals flared as it consumed the incense and burned brightly for a moment. With a steady hand, she held a thick quadrangular candle of orange wax over the flames until it lit and then sat it before her on the stand. It burned with flames of orange and red and deep purple, unwavering in the still air. A small piece of cord was engulfed in the fire as she held it over the candle, turning in her fingers as it burned until it threatened to burn her hand as well. She dropped it into a golden bowl and waited for it to extinguish before dipping her fingers inside. With the black soot, she drew a line down her forehead and nose and then swiped a line across her bared chest. Head bowed with the heat of the fire upon her cheeks, she prayed silently to the Elements and asked for their wisdom and guidance. After a few moments, she turned her attention to the other object on the table, lifting it with purpose with her left hand. The flames glinted off the polished gold surface, reflecting back on her olive skin. Laehval stared at the blade as she pressed it to the flesh of her arm, biting down on her lower lip as she cut a shallow gash on her right arm. Green blood began to flow, dark verdant spilling down the white robe she wore. "For Jalen," she whispered. Setting the blade against her skin once more, she cut a second slash parallel to the first. Another line of blood joined the first. "For Lilet." Staring down at the knife now green with her own blood, she took the hilt in both her hands. She wanted to cry, but she was beyond tears now. All she could feel was the coldness and despair that she'd brought upon herself, in the life of her own choosing. Though her family rejected her, she had taken the path as her own and held to it despite the signs that she should turn away. She formed an icy wall about herself and set herself apart to keep her from the pain of loss and betrayal, allowing herself to feel nothing. Nothing except the brief interlude she'd had with Lerak, but that had been a mistake. She had known it the moment it happened. And there was no going back. Not now. She had cut ties with everyone, said her farewells to her family, and would not be returning to the Talon. She had almost wished tr'Vatrix had killed her in his office. It would have made things so much easier. Turning the blade inward, she pressed it against her skin and paused, closing her eyes again. "For honor," she whispered. Then she plunged the golden knife into her stomach and, with a gasp, twisted it.
  10. The flitter stopped before a modest dwelling in the small village of Pril'in and the lone occupant climbed out, pausing only to remove her carryall. She slipped the bag over her shoulder as the flitter pulled away, traveling back through the village toward one of the bigger cities. This far north, the temperature had already begun to drop at night, blanketing the province to near freezing. Now that the sun had began to set, the village had grown quiet and still and there was no sign of movement from the house. Laehval stood and gazed at her childhood home, breath hanging in clouds of misty vapor before her face. She had not been back to visit in several years, but nothing had changed. The compound held only a few buildings. The house looked deceptively small as the majority of it ran underground. The outbuildings housed the power and communication arrays. The maintenance shed where she'd spent the majority of her childhood alone stood untouched and unused. The proximity sensors would silently alert them to her presence the moment she stepped over the proximity boundary. Taking a breath, she passed through the gate and walked slowly up the path to the front door. Not surprising, the doors slid open before she reached them, spilling light from the entryway onto the stones at her feet. Her chin rose a fraction as she recognized her father's silhouette. The lights outside activated as she reached him, bathing them both in soft blue illumination. "Father," she said simply. "She will not be pleased you are here," he replied almost automatically. "I know, but I felt it was my duty as your daughter to visit one last time." His features changed suddenly as he weighed her words, but he did not ask her to elaborate. Instead, he nodded and beckoned her inside. "She will not be pleased, nonetheless. I suggest you say what you have come to say and be brief about it." Laehval entered and sat her bag down in the foyer, continuing into the main living area where she knew her mother spent the evening hours. Her mother was reading from the panel in her hand, sipping tea from her favorite mug, and lost in her own thoughts. Laehval resembled her mother greatly, both in her features and her expressions, even more so than her sister Nalhven. The slight frown of concentration that Au'rial wore was one Laehval sported many times in Engineering while reviewing departmental reports. It made dealing with her mother that much more difficult. As Laehval stepped into the room, Au'rial glanced up. Her expression changed almost immediately from brooding to angry. She sat the mug down with more force than she intended and pushed herself up from the sofa. "How dare you come here!" she snarled. "First you embarrass your sister, then you assault your brother! How dare you enter my home!" "Jolan Tru, mother," Laehval replied evenly. "It is a pleasure to see you as well." "Get out!" Au'rial shouted, moving closer. "Or I will have you removed!" "Peace, Au'rial," her father interjected. "She is not staying. She only wished to see you one last time." "I do not wish to see her. Get her out of here." "I am not leaving until I say exactly what I came to say," Laehval replied lowly. "And it is time you listen." "You have no right to speak to me that way! Murderer! Coward!" Au'rial struck her full in the face, the flat of her hand impacting Laehval's cheek solidly. "Traitor!" Laehval's head snapped sideways, but she did not move away. Turning again to face her mother, she stared blankly into Au'rial's eyes and saw nothing there but hatred and loathing. Her mother was ranting still. "Would that you had died when you were born. Would that you were deformed so that we might have disposed of you before you could grow and do so much harm. It was your fault! They are all your fault! Jalen, Lilet... and now your Enarrain!" "I did not come here to debate," Laehval grated out, her anger rising despite her resolve to retain control, "but as ever, I am honored to be blamed for the death of the brother that died BEFORE I WAS BORN!" Her mother slapped her again and would have a third time had Laehval not intercepted her hand. Gripping her wrist, she squeezed and then shoved her mother backwards. "NO! YOU will listen to me! I came here to make peace with you and you will not have it and there is nothing I can do to release you from the poison you carry inside." She advanced on her mother, now seething. Caught off guard by the sudden change in her daughter's demeanor, Au'rial backed away. "I take responsibility for Lilet," Laehval continued, "but you cast me out of your heart long before she died. Her drowning only cemented your feelings of antipathy for me. But nothing you can say to me compared to the guilt I feel every time I think of how my negligence killed my baby sister." Laehval pounded on her own chest. "It has eaten away at me all these years and made me as cold to the world as you have always been to me. All I ever wanted was your love and you gave me nothing!" She would have backed her mother into a corner had her father not caught her around the waist and held her. Fists clenched, she continued to glare, every fiber of her being screaming for her mother's blood. She twisted out of her father's hold, but did not move forward. "You have poisoned them all against me," Laehval said darkly. "Nalhven is angry, Yilte is ashamed, and Mornot threatened to arrest me if I ever contacted him again. I am certain that even Pritus would shun me if I dared speak to him." "You are a blight on the name of Temarr," her mother spat. "They are right to cast you out. You do not deserve to hold the name!" "I am more than deserving," Laehval countered with just as much malice. "I am the personification of Temarr. I am everything of you and everything of him that you would bury! I am your anger and your rancor, your neglect and your disregard. I am everything about yourself that you hate. I am a glaring reminder of your failure and it eats at you that you can do nothing about it." "Get out!" Her mother yelled, unable to argue as she knew everything Laehval said was true. "I will." Laehval glanced briefly to her father, before returning her attention to her mother. "Remember this day, mother, for it is the day I finally please you. I have no intention of ever returning to this place or contacting any of you ever again. I shall be as dead to you as you have always wished me to be." Sparing one last glance for the room, she turned from her mother and walked past her father without saying anything more. Collecting her bag from the foyer, she walked steadily out into the night and did not look back. The night was cold against her skin, but Laehval felt it mostly keenly within her heart.
  11. Rain poured unceasing from the sky, turning rich soil to thick mud and driving rivulets of water down the bank to the rushing river below. What started as a placid stream was now a roaring torrent of water that devoured everything in its path. It rose higher by the hour, creeping up the banks in hopes of flooding the grasslands about. Once several feet below the foot bridge that spanned its width, the hungry waters now lapped dangerously at the base of the stone construct. Laehval leaned on the bridge and gazed into the waters below, standing in the rain without seeming to realize it was pouring. Her sodden clothes clung to her like a second skin. Water ran in ever changing channels through her hair, plastering it to her skull and face. And yet her posture did not change. Her forearms rested on the capstones of the bridge railing, hands clasped before her, back hunched and shoulders drooping. She looked without seeing, too lost in her own thoughts to notice the approaching figure. "Laehval, it is not safe here," a voice to her right spoke. She knew his voice, though she had not spoken to him in several years. "I care not. Nor do you, save for yourself," she replied softly. "At least come inside where we might talk. Nalhven told me you might visit." "She is and ever will be the voice that you cannot find." "She should not have said those things to you." "Said or unsaid, they were in her heart." "Laehval, I do na wish to argue. Come inside and share a meal with us." "I will na share a meal where I am na wanted," she said firmly. Attention finally shifting, she turned her head to peer at her eldest brother. "I came to Nalhven first because she is the very image of our mother, both in looks and in deed. Though you are eldest, you have always bent to her will and shared her opinions." Yilte frowned but did not contradict her. His grip on the rain shade tightened as he shifted it to better block the downpour. Laehval turned and met his gaze evenly. "I am here to know if this holds true or if you have somehow found your own path and morality." "Laehval... I... you are in no condition to question my morality," Yilte began gruffly. "The happenings on the Talon have been spread far and wide and your name was among those that were cited for treason. Why they left you alive truly baffles me. Sister or no, I would have killed you where you stood." "Then I see nothing has changed. As ever, you are her puppet." Pushing off the wall, Laehval turned and began to walk across the bridge, wading through the ankle-deep water that now rushed over the stones. "Laehval! Do not walk way from me!" His anger rising, Yilte followed her, slogging through the water to catch her arm and swing her about. "You do not control me," Laehval said hotly, wrenching her arm from his grasp. "Go home, Yilte. Go home to your loving wife and children and think no more of the sister that shames you. You will never see me in this place again." When he tried to grab her once again, a shove from her sent him sprawling backwards. Ignoring his angry shouts, she waded across the flooded bridge and climbed the path on the other side.
  12. Laehval adjusted her bag as she waited for the door comm to be answered, turning her head to gaze at the flowers that grew on the nearby trellis. Flying insects flew lazily about, sipping nectar and pollinating in the process. The sweet scent of the purple blossoms hung heavily about the door. She touched one of the petals with her finger just as the door opened. She looked beyond the open door and then dropped her gaze to the occupant that stood before her, his stature shorter than hers by at least a foot. The slender Rihan boy stared at her. "Jolan tru, Makil. Do you remember me?" "Ie, you are mother's sister," he said without any obvious emotion or fondness for his aunt. "Laehval," she offered. "Is Nalhven home?" She knew very well that her sister had arrived home only a few minutes before. Laehval had been tracking her through the market for some time, watching her interact with her two children. Though her sister worked for the main port authority of ch'Havran, she preferred to live in one of the smaller outlying villages rather than within the crowded city itself. Her nephew gazed at her for a moment longer, then nodded to Laehval's question. "I will wait here," Laehval said simply. Makil nodded again and disappeared. The door closed after a few moments and Laehval stared at the dark lacquered surface. It was only shut for a minute or so before it opened again, revealing her older sister. The deep scowl and disapproving look on Nalhven's face would be instantly recognizable to anyone serving in Talon's engineering section. "How dare you come here!" Her sister peered out of the door, leaning out far enough to view the dwellings on either side of her own. "What if someone were to see you?" "So ashamed of your sister that you would not welcome her into your home?" Laehval asked, thought was not surprised by her sister's reaction. "We have all heard tales of your mutiny," Nalhven said icily, "and the treachery you instigated on the ship." "There is no truth to those tales," Laehval protested. "I did what was necessary to save the ship and its crew and had nothing but the best intentions." "You call murder the best intention?" she spat. "The murder of your Enarrain?" "She did not die," Laehval said flatly. "A near thing, Elements be praised, or we would suffer even more than we have already because of your foolish actions. Laehval, if you came here because you think we will shelter you from your own actions and keep you from those that want to punish you for what you have done, you have yet again made the wrong decision. I would no more have you in my own house than my greatest enemy and am not going to take responsi..." "Enough!" Laehval shouted, cutting off her sister. She took a step forward so quickly that Nalhven shrank back in fear. "I am here to see you, you because you are my sister, no matter what has been wedged between us in the past. If anyone should believe me and take my side, it should be you. I came to see if you had any shred of love for me in your heart and I see that it is not so. Our mother's poison spreads far and there seems to be no cure. You need not worry about your own standing, Nalhven. You will no longer be tainted by association." Without another word, she turned sharply on her heel and headed back the way she'd come, her anger spurring her on. Though she heard her sister step from the house and call her name, she did not look back.
  13. I forgot to mention this last sim - as I have family visiting over the long Labor Day weekend, I will not be at the sim Thursday night. Hope to see everyone again on the 9th! ;) ~ Laehval
  14. "El'Riov tr'Pexil, while the cloak is cycling, go see if any damage was done to the relays. If they were soured by the tetryons, they will need to be filtered or replaced." Laehval did not glance up from her console, too intent on her screen and the reports coming in. Engineering was a flurry of activity still, though the Talon had taken only minor damage in the skirmish. Under the baleful eye of their Enarrain, the crew was doubling their efforts to see that the repairs were done quickly and correctly. "Understood," he said with a nod, being careful not to make any more gaffs. Engineering contained a special display solely for the cloaking system on the upper level. Lerak made his way there via the ladder. When he arrived, he ran the basic diagnostics. All appears undama.. nope, two of the relays have overloaded trying to compensate for the hull structure repairs, he thought. "Relays Seventy-two and thirty-four need repairs," he reported back. "Moderate, but both require repairs under the circumstances." He assigned a repair team to one and took the other for himself, not waiting for t'Temarr to respond. Tools in hand, he left the mezzanine behind and entered one of the seldom used corridors that housed the primary relay units. Concentrating on replacing the faulty relay in the dark corridor, he didn't hear the footsteps until they were upon him. Laehval grabbed him by the back of his uniform and yanked him upright, shoving him into the darkness of a service alcove. Her arm dug into his throat as she pinned him to the wall, brown eyes blazing with fury. "Fvadting verrul," she hissed angrily. "Do au know what damage au may have done with that simple little question? 'How was your rest?'" she quoted mockingly. "In front of the Khre'Riov, na less!" "I did na see the harm in the question, but if au are so upset then I apologize," tr'Pexil managed to get out despite her choking grip. "I will speak with the Enarrain myself if au wish." His anger was growing. Several hateful things sprang to his mind, but he decided to hold his tongue. "Au will say nothing," she hissed quietly, "or I will cut out your tongue myself." A hand at his chest shoved him back into the wall again before she took a step back. Though there was no one else around to overhear them, she kept her voice low. "How many times have I told au to do your duty without constantly badgering me about my health, my thoughts, my feelings, or my sleep cycle? We are on duty! I am your superior! All that is required of au is to do the tasks I assign to the best of your ability." His anger grew more but there was little he could do about it now. Laehval was at her best when frustrated. Lerak would be no match. "Fine," he said sharply. He looked into a fury he'd not seen before. He should have been stabbed for this. He did not understand why he was still standing. Dinner appeared canceled. "Do na say 'fine' to me as if it will change everything. I grow weary of this, Lerak. This... this clinging nature of yours is why we never had a relationship. Au caught me in a moment of weakness and I gave in for the pleasures of the flesh, but that is forever at an end. Au have cemented my decision with your stupidity. Au will ask na questions of me that are na related to your duty. If I find another secret invitation hidden within io of your reports, I will shove my ISD down your throat and watch au choke on it." She was more than angry, she was furious. One hand was balled in a fist, the other clenched around her plasma torch. "Do it, t'Temarr! It's obvious my stupidity will only harm your department," Lerak said with as much fury he had inside. "It seems I have misjudged au. Here I thought au would perhaps open up to someone, but au are are cold as ever." He paused to catch his breath and continued. "I think au have two decisions now: hit me as hard as au are able to punish me, or let me transfer to the nearest garbage scowl where my stupidity won't get in the way." He was holding back tears, but hoping it only appeared to be anger. Conflict like this was not his strong suit by any stretch. Her clenched fist hit him squarely in the jaw before he had a chance to ask again. She stood over him, quaking with anger. "I may be cold and as emotionless as some say -- oh, ie, I hear the whispers behind my back -- but at least I am na a sniveling whiner. The last man that spoke to me in such a way was Destorie and I removed his ear for his insolence." Her plasma torch flared to life in the dark corridor, verdant light giving her features an eerie, demonic cast. "Consider yourself fortunate I do na do the same to au," she growled. "If I were au," she continued, "I would stop worrying about my feelings and start concentrating on your career. Au can run away like a coward, or au can be a true Rihan and do your duty." Her piercing gaze was relentless. "Funny," 'tr'Pexil started, green blood spitting out his mouth, "I was thinking something similar." He was now halfway to the floor, catching himself with his hand. He held up the other hand, expecting another blow that did not come. "I will go back to my duty. It is best we don't remain here longer or those whispers au hear could grow." tr'Pexil's mind was swimming with doubt and regret, but that would have to wait until this latest crisis was over. She looked down at him with loathing and disdain, fighting the urge to kick him. "Clean yourself up and find a job that does na require au to be in Main Engineering. I do na want to see your face the rest of this shift." Her plasma torched died and she turned sharply on her heel, stalking down the corridor. "As au wish, Daise'Engineer," tr'Pexil said with a nod of inferiority. He was done with this quadrant and of his future perhaps as well. He used his sleeve to wipe away the bulk of his blood, but the bleeding didn't seem to be stopping. He needed to have medical patch him up, but there would be questions. No matter if he lied about what happened or told the truth, he would be in even more trouble. He shook his head as he watched her retreating silhouette, wondering how it had come to this. Amazing how one simple badly timed gesture had ruined the bond he'd fought so hard to build between them.
  15. Spanking? Who said spanking? Happy Birthday N'Dak. :D
  16. It had better not bite me again!
  17. Unexpected Ambivalence - Part IV A shoreleave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr Featuring El’Riov Lerak tr’Pexil Several things about that night surprised me. I was surprised to have been invited to Destorie’s country manor, mainly because of our inconsistent history. I was surprised to find myself pleased to have been invited though the troubles of the day still weighed heavily upon me. I was also surprised that he thought enough of me to introduce me to his new companion. I was not all that surprised to find that his companion was male. I had long suspected that his sensibilities were evolved in that respect and that he had no specific gender preferences. Perhaps it was because he never seemed fully committed to one sex or the other, but always found something equally attractive about each. I wondered if his broad acceptance also included inter-species relationships that many Rihans abhorred. The pang of jealousy that hit me upon seeing the two of them together was quite unexpected. Watching two people enjoying one another so soon after my own disappointment was too much for me to contemplate. There was also a small part of me that had always wondered what it would have been like to have a relationship with him. The fact that we were polar opposites made it that much more intriguing. I was also surprised when my communicator – which I thought I had deactivated – began to beep, signaling an incoming transmission. I had a fleeting thought that it might be D’elon, but knew the notion was ridiculous. Despite that, I was thankful to escape Destorie’s kitchen for a few moments, if only to give me time to compose myself. My ordeal with D’elon had brought many conflicting emotions to the surface and it would have been all too easy to let them escape if given an alternate outlet. As I excused myself and slipped out into the hallway, I activated the communicator. Though not completely unexpected, hearing Lerak’s voice was comforting. We did work closely together and I received dozens of reports from him on a daily basis. It was familiar, it grounded me, and it served as a reminder that there were some constants upon which one could always depend. “tr’Pexil to t’Temarr,” Lerak repeated patiently. “Lerak?” His voice was unmistakable, but I needed validation. “Yes, and I’m back from my long and lonely flight.” “I did not know that you had anything special planned.” Long and lonely? I mouthed the words to myself, pondering the unspoken meaning. “I went to pick up a package based on a message I received when we docked. I hope I’m not interrupting you. I have no idea where you are.” “No, you are not interrupting. I am just visiting friends.” I hesitated to share the details, only because I had no desire to answer the questions that would be certain to follow. “What type of message? What package?” “Hmm, coordinates and what seems to be a rock,” he answered after a moment of hesitation. “I would have asked you along, but I didn’t imagine that you would want to spend your leave in a starship.” “You assume correctly. I was anxious to get off of the Talon and spend time planet-side. However, I would have made an exception for a scavenger hunt with you. It sounds interesting.” “There is still time. Shall I meet you where you are? I can be there quickly.” He sounded eager. I wonder if he truly wanted my company or if he was simply excited about his recent find. Regardless, I would not be so rude as to abandon Destorie’s party. “I think it is a bit late for that. I have other obligations at the moment. However, if you are free tomorrow evening, we could meet somewhere then.” “Oh yes, I’ve lost track of time,” he said. I could hear the slight frown in his voice. “But I do not have any plans for the rest of my leave. I am free until we are all due back on board.” “Very well. Where would you like for us to go?” “How about a beach? I have not seen one in a long time.” “Nor I,” I answered. “That sounds lovely. I am staying in a small village in the lake country province. Would you be able to pick me up there?” “I have a ship at my command. Just give me a signal when you are ready,” he said confidently. I wondered if he had borrowed one of the Talon’s scouts or had contracted one of his own. I couldn’t imagine t’Rexan allowing someone to borrow a scout on personal business, but perhaps she would have made an exception for Lerak. He specialized in them after all, and may have taken the opportunity to run flight efficiency tests. “You are far too kind and accommodating,” I replied, meaning it wholeheartedly. “Until tomorrow then. I will be looking forward to it. tr’Pexil out,” he said happily before he severed the communication. I stepped out onto the landing of the stairs and leaned on the railing. Lerak had always been a difficult person to read. I had no true idea of his motivations or aspirations save that he was extremely loyal and had never tried to displace me as Daise’Engineer… unless, of course, he had been behind the faulty ceiling tile incident that knocked me unconscious. I highly doubted that. He was the one person on the Talon that I trusted implicitly. I did not think he would betray that trust. Marginally cheered by the prospect of spending the day with tr’Pexil – knowing full well that I could unburden myself to him as I could no other – I found it easier to smile. It was amazing to me how such a brief conversation could have so great an impact. Slipping the communicator back into my pocket, I pushed off the railing and turned back to the kitchen. Destorie and his friend were waiting and so I decided to make the best of the situation and enjoy myself as much as possible. Perhaps I might even make a new friend or two despite the lowly standing of house Temarr. After all, Destorie had invited me and not because he needed a replicator repaired or his power systems upgraded. Though, I asked myself, would it be rude to take a look at his power grid anyhow? The lighting needs a slight adjustment. It is at least point oh two eight three variables off prime illumination. I found it astonishing that I could detect that without any instrumentation. Astonishing and slightly depressing.
  18. Unexpected Ambivalence - Part III A shoreleave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr “D’elon… I know who you are. Ranos’imana … who you were. What you are hiding from,” I said softly once the two of us were in the privacy of our suite. As soon as the truth spilled out in a rush, I regretted my decision to tell him. I thought I had prepared myself, but I did not expect physical violence. Rage contorted his features as he flew at me and pushed me into the wall. Both of his hands wrapped around my neck as he yelled. “Who sent you?! Who else knows I am here?!” I would have replied, but the fact that he was restricting the flow of air to my lungs prevented that. He seemed to realize because his grip loosened slightly, though the anger still burned in his eyes. My fingers struggled pitifully to pry away his hands. “WHO SENT YOU?!” he repeated, yelling even louder. “N-no… one,” I rasped. Breathing was still difficult, but I no longer found myself on the verge of losing consciousness. “I don’t believe you! Who sent you?! Were you sent to kill me?” My head hit the wall as he jerked me forward and back again and I lost focus for a moment. I struggled to maintain control of my senses. His face was inches from my own and I could see the relentless war of emotion that played across his face. Fear and anger were feeding one another and taking control. Fascinated with his rage and the possibility of being consumed by it, I could not look away. As the moment passed, I suddenly realized that I was not a helpless victim. I was a Galae officer. I was a Galae Engineer. True, I had not the combat skills of a security crewman, but I was trained in self-defense just as any other officer would be. Though I could not remember the proper techniques, relentless training had ingrained the memory into my muscles. My body seemed to take over without direction. A few moments later, we had both collapsed to the floor. D’elon was writhing in pain and clutching his groin tenderly. I was simply happy to be free. Propping myself up on the wall, I placed one hand to my throat, wondering if I would soon be sporting bruises. My head throbbed unmercifully and the sound of my labored breathing was loud in my ears. I watched as he recovered from the knee I’d dealt. “I suppose I deserved that,” he said finally. “Yes,” I agreed. “If you had come to assassinate me you would have done it already. If you had come to deliver me back to the capital, you would have never revealed yourself. I wager you would have knocked me unconsciousness that first night.” “Yes,” I said again. “And your enjoyment of our trip in the glider was not feigned. I know for truth that it was not.” “No. It was a true delight,” I admitted wearily. “I should have revealed everything when we first met.” “I would not have believed you. I may have even killed you,” he answered truthfully. “You would not have killed me,” I said without hesitation. “I do not think you are capable of it.” “Do not be so certain. Sometimes I even surprise myself.” He rose to his feet with a slight wince and moved to where I sat on the floor, offering his hand to me. I took it carefully, still wary of what he might do, and let him assist me to my feet. He disengaged quickly and put some distance between us. I wondered if he was embarrassed by his violent outburst. I could not fault him for it, but had no way to tell him how I felt. He stood by the windows and gazed out over the lake. “There is no shame in it, D’elon. I find that what you did – how you gave up everything because of your beliefs – to be quite noble.” “Ranos’imana,” he said quietly. “Call me Ranos’imana. I have not heard my true name in so long.” “There is no shame in it, Ranos’imana,” I repeated, venturing slightly closer. “I was not sure if I could tell you how I discovered your true identity. However, after spending more time with you, I could not bear the idea of someone hurting you or forcing you back to reinstate your research.” “I would die before I started the program again.” “There will be no need for that.” “If you can find me, it will not be long before someone else does.” “That will not happen,” I assured him. “You cannot guarantee that.” “Actually, I can,” I replied truthfully, meeting his eyes as he turned to stare. “I have already corrected the errors in your record in such a way that no one will ever be able to trace your whereabouts again.” “Except you?” he asked. There was hope in his eyes, but I could tell that he was still suspicious of me. “No. Not even me. If you relocate, I would not be able to find you again. You are in control of your life.” He nodded slightly and turned to the windows, gazing out across the lake as twilight began to paint the water black. I studied him for several minutes, letting the silence grow and divide us. When he showed no inclination to move I turned away noiselessly. I did not know what to do with myself, so I moved to the replicator and began to browse through the database. I was not particularly hungry but was too embarrassed to interrupt his solitude with pointless talk and speculation. After a time, I heard him approach, but did not look in his direction. He leaned against the counter in the dining area and watched me pretend to ignore him. I did my best, but I could not stare at the replicator forever. “I am sorry,” he said when I finally glanced at him. “And I also,” I replied with all the sincerity I could muster. “Forgive me for not telling you sooner. It was selfish of me.” ‘You did not have to tell me at all. It was within your right to live your life without another thought for me.” “It did cross my mind,” I said with a slight sigh, “but I could not, in good conscience, leave you to that fate, especially not when resolution was within my scope of ability.” “You honor me,” he said quietly. I was at a loss on how to respond to that, so I said nothing. He seemed to understand. “Did you not mention something about a social gathering this evening?” he asked. His light tone aroused my suspicions. “Yes. A crewmate of mine invited me. You were included in the invitation as well. He said it would only be a small gathering of his friends to watch the upcoming S’Bien match. Will you come with me?” “Of course,” he assured me. “We only have a short time until we must leave. You should ready yourself while I arrange for transport.” “Thank you,” I said simply. I set my drink aside and walked toward the bathing area, but he caught my arm as I passed and pulled me close. I did not protest as he leaned to brush his lips against mine. The kiss was not rushed or fevered but still carried with it the undeclared passion we both felt. I lost myself to it and wrapped my arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss and molded his body against mine. It was foolish of me to wish for more, but I did. When we finally broke apart, I knew that this was his way of saying goodbye. The contact carried a sense of finality that I wanted to ignore. I pulled slowly away, my hand clasped with his for as long as possible until the space between us grew and we could no longer touch. I left him there as I went to shower and change into something suitable for Desotire’s party. I rushed through the preparations, anxious to discover if my predictions were true. When I finally emerged, D’elon was gone leaving no lasting signs to indicate that he had ever been there at all. Though I had expected this, I was still saddened that my propensity for pessimism was validated yet again. I did not cry. Instead, I whispered a prayer to the Elements to keep him safe and undiscovered. It was there that my brief association with Ranos’imana tr’Lleayyan ended.
  19. Unexpected Ambivalence - Part II A shoreleave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr The flight was everything I remembered it to be and more. D’elon was a far better pilot than my brother had been and I found myself surrendering to the experience within the first few moments of takeoff. The glider’s tiny engines whirred as it strained to take us to a high enough altitude so that we might hit the first wave of thermals. Instinctively, D’elon cut the power at the appropriate moment and we began to spiral upwards. The height was dizzying at first, but I soon grew accustomed to the tilting motion of the glider as he angled it into the heated air. The transparent capsule provided a full view of the surrounding land without any obstruction. Looking down, I could see the markets of the village and the people within them grow ever smaller. The skies were clear and conditions seemed perfect for this flight. I wondered if any day had ever been so perfect. Strapped into the seat in front of me, D’elon glanced back briefly and smiled at my expression. “Is it what you had expected?” “It is amazing,” I said, though words seemed inadequate. I hadn’t told him about the adventures with my brother because I knew it would lead to uncomfortable questions and stories that I did not wish to tell. Thus far, we had danced around our pasts and had only discussed the present or the immediate future. I knew that he did not press me because he could not reveal his own true past. Perhaps he felt guilty about deceiving me as I felt about deceiving him. I understood, but could not tell him why I understood. Not just yet. “This is only the beginning,” he promised. “Wait until we reach the mountain lifts.” Looking back to the landscape, I saw that he had angled the glider toward the mountains. He left one thermal to glide into another and used it to reach even further heights. I realized that if we could not reach a certain altitude before we passed over the ranges that we might not be able to clear the craggy rock faces. My grip tightened on padded armrests beside me. He must have sensed my unease because he laughed. “Relax. We will make it. This is my usual course.” I felt a momentary stab of jealousy that others had experienced this with him, but I quickly chastised myself over the ridiculous emotion. He was neither my bondmate nor my lover and I had no claim over him. Our previous encounters had not gone beyond mild flirtation despite my boldness on that first day. I was holding back for a reason and he sensed it and did not ask for more than I could give. I knew that when I finally revealed the truth to him – my discovery of who and what he was – he would resent any physical contact and question my motives. But that time had yet to come and so I put aside my unease, happy enough to revel in my procrastination for a while longer. He was correct, of course, in stating that we would gain sufficient altitude over the mountains. They were some distance below us as we reached the invisible waves of air that broke over them. My stomach dropped as we lurched upward suddenly and I laughed in delight at the sensation. Another sharp ascension followed the first and I could not contain myself. D’elon chuckled at my response. “Most females scream in terror and you are laughing. Are you certain that you are simply a boring starship engineer?” “I am not like most feeeEEEEEEE….” Another sudden rise cut me off as the glider bounced on the wave and sent my stomach bouncing along with it. It reminded me of gravity loss on the ship, though without any negative connotations in knowing that something was broken. “I thought not,” came his reply. He glanced back again, though only briefly as he would not risk losing control. “And because you are not like most females, I thought you might be agreeable to experience more than what I usually provide to my guests.” “Like?” “This, for instance…” He banked the glider suddenly and we were tumbling through the air. The plane had righted itself before I had a chance to react to what had just happened. I let out the breath of air that I’d instinctively been holding. “More!” I demanded, “But warn me first!” “Let this be your warning then,” he said with a chuckle. The sky tilted unnaturally and I found myself upside down. Sky was land and land was sky. I let out a small gasp and tightened my grip on the armrests again. I am certain that he took delight in sustaining the glider in that fashion just long enough to where I thought my head would explode. He tilted us back into proper position but used the momentum to plunge into another series of relentless acrobatics. The resulting gravitational forces pushed me back into my seat and I could not contain my laughter. When at last the gilder ceased to tumble and the world resumed its proper position, I had to take several deep breaths to clear my head. “Have you had enough?” “Not of gliding, but I perhaps you had better not attempt any further aerial displays. I think my stomach is beginning to revolt.” I felt both dizzy and euphoric, but I exaggerated about becoming sick. I was far tougher than he knew. “Then I will definitely cease. Let me show you the firefalls you so detest from a different perspective.” “If you insist,” I replied, though I was smiling. We flew this way for the better part of the day, making easy conversation. He showed me many of ch’Rihan’s features, none of which I would have ever seen from a typical shuttle. The firefalls took on an entirely different appearance from above. Looking down into an active volcano filled me with awe and nervousness in the same moment. Though D’elon assured me that the volcanic ranges were not due to erupt any time in the current decade, the menacing threat of being engulfed by hot magma still remained foremost in my mind. When the time came for D’elon to turn the glider back toward the village, I found that I was extremely disappointed. Though we had been flying for hours now, I did not want the experience to end. He was an excellent guide and an interesting conversationalist. Knowing his background, the depth and knowledge that he sometimes revealed did not surprise me, but I acted impressed that a simple guide would know such things. The glider’s engine initiated a second time to aid in landing and we touched down on the small runway with only the slightest of jolts. After we taxied into the holding facility and he deactivated the power, D’elon helped me out of the capsule. Climbing down was tricky without steps. I nearly slipped and fell, but he steadied me, and continued to steady me as he leaned in to kiss me. I felt my legs give way as our lips met and I was thankful for his strong hold. I was not, however, pleased with my impinged sense of morality. I broke away breathlessly and disengaged myself before the kiss could develop into something he would regret. “Laehval…,” he protested softly. I could see the pained look in his eyes and the confusion on his face. “I must apologize for my behavior. I let myself get carried away…” “Do not…,” I tried making excuses, but trailed off as I didn’t know where to begin. “D’elon… we must talk.” “Of course,” he said uneasily, unsure of what was to come. “I will take you back to the room and we will talk.” “Thank you,” I said calmly, but the sickening feeling in my stomach was beginning to grow now that the euphoria of flying was fading. I thought I had mentally prepared myself for his reaction, but I would soon discover that some situations could not be predicted.
  20. That is a tasty burger. On a Halo note: Dun wry, its k. Come see my roflcopter. soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi soi
  21. ::Huffs!:: No doh-nuts for you! Hope you like your sim, Ali! :)
  22. This is what happens when you let yourself be distracted by Road Worker's crack. (Not to be confused with Plumber's crack or Construction Worker's crack.)
  23. Unexpected Ambivalence - Part I A shoreleave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr I have always considered myself a sensible person. I do not have lofty goals or aspirations or dreams about the future as some do. The only true goal I have ever set for myself was to become a Galae engineer, which I accomplished as soon as I possibly could. I fix things – tangible, mechanical things. I am quite good at it. And that which I am unable to fix, like people and relationships, I try to ignore. My relationship with my mother is a prime example. I am practical, I am a realist, and I do not do things on a whim. I plan my day and list the tasks I need to complete, even if those plans are simplistic and those lists only consist of one or two items. I do not take risks unless those risks involve life and death situations in my engineering department. I am not adventurous or thrill-seeking. And I certainly do not take unplanned vacations to unvisited areas and take up with strange men I hardly know. Only… that is precisely what I have done. Or is it? The truth is, though this little jaunt seems spontaneous, it isn’t. Not completely. D’elon tr’Rehu was not always a guide of the famed Firefalls of Gath Gal'thong. He was once Ranos’imana tr’Lleayyan, a highly respected doctor from the capital city. He was noted for his revolutionary ideas in biometrics and genetic reconstruction as cures for disease, cellular regeneration, and the elimination of certain birth defects. However, as with many other things in the Empire, his ideas were taken and twisted to be utilized in military applications for abhorrent purposes. Angered by this, he destroyed his research and fled the city, changing his name, altering his appearance, and cutting himself off from any of his former contacts. I do not know why he remains on ch’Rihan. Perhaps he loves his native planet too much to leave. Amazingly, none of this matters to me. I stumbled onto his past while researching his present, though I am certain that no other could possibly do so. Firstly, who would ever need to delve into the background of a tour guide? When planning a trip to the Firefalls, most have little interest in their guides, only the information their guides can give them. Secondly, very few would ever search for references and background information for said tour guides. Fewer still would have the skill or clearance to access private information regarding the personal lives, hobbies, and vehicular registrations. That I discovered the discrepancies in his records and was able to cross-reference his vital statistics with his former identity was a fluke, attributed to my skills in programming and algorithms coupled with a large portion of sheer dumb luck. It all started with my search for a high-altitude glider. My brother Pritus had one when I was a child. I have fond memories of helping him work on the circuitry; my tiny fingers able to easily repair what his larger ones could not. When I helped him, he would repay me with short flights over the countryside, which was always an exciting event. It has been a long time since I have flown in one; since I have felt the utter exhilaration and freedom that they bestow. To ride as a passenger in one requires that you surrender yourself to the pilot’s skill and competence. They are not easily tamed and fatal accidents do occur. I have not allowed myself to experience that level of trust in another for longer than I care to remember. D’elon has a high-altitude glider registered in his name. The company he is with requires that he complete extensive training in its operation every year. Should he use it to take a client on an aerial tour, he must also log all flights and duration. In fifteen years of recorded flights, he has never had a single mishap. I wagered that he was competent enough to trust. When I discovered his background, it gave me pause, but only because his level of sacrifice surprised me. Some would have seen him as a fugitive or traitor. I saw him as someone courageous enough to relinquish everything, even his identity, to support his moral standards. The idea to warn him that he could be discovered, as I discovered him, did not even cross my mind… until our conversation on the transport. He was persistent and annoying, though in the most charming way possible. Although my normal inclination is to distance myself from people, I found myself liking him. He was intelligent and humorous and extremely affable, despite the pain I knew he had suffered and the sacrifices I knew he had made. I allowed him to think that I was beholden to him. He thought that it was his choice to accompany me, but I could have easily found another candidate if he had not been acceptable. I have decided to reveal to him what I know and to tell him how he can rectify the situation so that no one can ever find him again – not even me. But I am not saying a word until I get my tour in his high-altitude glider.
  24. You unintentionally use Trek words, especially those of an alien Trek language, during your normal every-day conversations and it takes you a minute to realize why people are looking at you strangely. Have I done this before? ... Ie.
  25. A Lukewarm Reception A shore leave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr “Do you even know where you’re going?” D’elon asked as he paced beside Laehval, matching his long stride to her shorter steps. “You have already passed three of the best inns and two respectable hostels.” “You are free to leave and head back to any one of them,” she replied dryly. Her eyes drifted to the shops and homes of the sprawling lakeside village, searching for one location in particular. “Conversely, there is still time for you to return to Gal Gath’thong and throw yourself into one of the lava pools.” “But then I would miss out on all the fun of harassing you for the rest of your trip,” he grinned and adjusted the pack on his shoulder. He was carrying her pack because he wouldn’t let her carry it herself, a point which irritated her to no end. However, as he was several inches taller and far more muscular, she could do little to force him to relinquish it. She huffed in response to his comment and fell silent deciding the most expedient way of making him leave would be to ignore him. She soon found that tactic useless as he was perfectly content to rambling on about himself without any verbal response on her part. “D’elon,” she said finally to stop his unceasing prattle. “I was wondering how long you would let me go,” he said in amusement. “Are you going to make conversation with me now?” “No. We are here.” Laehval turned sharply off the main village road and passed through an elegantly fashioned archway, moving up the path to what seemed to be a large residential dwelling. The grounds were immaculately kept and overflowing with flowering bushes and trees of all types. The front entrance opened to them as they approached and chimed softly as they crossed over the threshold. The interior of the home was as scrupulously clean as the exterior conveyed and was decorated in casual furnishings and colors that immediately exuded a comfortable atmosphere. Pleased with what she saw, Laehval waited patiently for the caretaker to appear. Only moments after they entered, a slender Rihan woman moved into the room from the hallway and slid behind the foyer counter. Though she attempted a smile, it seemed forced and more like a grimace than anything remotely friendly. Her eyes narrowed as she noted D’elon and she quickly glanced away. Activating the small terminal on the desk, she looked expectantly at Laehval. “Do you have a reservation?” “Yes. t’Temarr.” “One moment,” the woman said as she began to make inquiries into her computer. Almost immediately her eyebrows began to draw downward into a scowl. “I am afraid that your reservation was cancelled.” “I made no such cancellation.” “No. We were forced to do so. Your reserved room was damaged by an electrical malfunction and is currently undergoing repairs.” “I was not notified of any cancellation,” Laehval protested hotly, now wearing a scowl that matched the caretaker’s. “You were notified approximately seven hours after your reservation.” “I had already left the ship by that time and would have had no way to receive such a message.” “I am extremely apologetic, but that is an unfortunate circumstance over which we have no control.” “Very well. What of another room, then?” Laehval asked impatiently. “Our other rooms are already reserved and unavailable. Perhaps I might suggest one of the other inns in the village?” “I have no desire to find other lodging. I specifically selected this establishment based on several criteria. I expect you to find me other accommodations,” Laehval snapped. “That simply is not possible,” the woman snapped back, now glaring. “Ria’al,” D’elon scolded. “Stop pretending that you are far more important than you really are and give this woman a room” “Stay out of this D’elon!” Ria’al ordered. “All of our other rooms are full and we have nothing to spare.” “Now that is a bold lie,” D’elon said with a snort. “I know for a fact that you have the tower room available.” “That room is reserved for important personages only,” she said haughtily. “This is the off-season, Ria’al. No one is coming to visit. And the most important person you have ever had stay in that room was a minor noble with aspirations to the Senate. Give her the room. Do you not realize who she is?” “No one of import,” Ria’al replied, glancing warily back to Laehval. D’elon gasped and touched Laehval softly on the arm and half-bowed. “Lhhei! I must apologize for the behavior of this woman. She obviously does not know of your rank or position. Please do not take offense or send someone to punish her. I assure you that I will deal with this matter personally.” Laehval frowned at D’elon’s tactic, but could not fault his acting ability. “You know that forgiveness of such an unfortunate decision is impossible,” she said coldly, brown gaze boring through Ria’al. She pulled an ISD from the pack that D’elon carried and tapped in a quick sequence. “I could overlook the offense, but not the attitude. I shall have to note this in my write-up.” Ria’al glanced from Laehval to the now acquiescent D’elon and back again. Confusion and uncertainty crept into her expression. “What are you writing? Who are you?” “That is entirely my business,” she replied without looking up. D’elon grimaced at Laehval’s expression and leaned over the counter to murmur to Ria’al. After several minutes of intense conversation, Ria’al’s eyes widened in panic. She cleared her throat and pretended to check her terminal. “Ah, lhhei,” she started hesitantly, “I was previously mistaken. It seems that the tower room is available after all and I would be honored if you would occupy it for the entirety of your stay. Here is your personal code that will allow you access.” ---------------------- Sometime later Laehval and D’elon found themselves alone in an expansive and keenly furnished suite of rooms. Ria’al had gushed the entire way, giving them a brief history of the lodge along with a laundry list of the establishment’s most desirable amenities. Once she’d given them a tour of their room, she’d made an overly-hasty exit as quickly as possible. Laehval marveled at the change in their hostess, turning to D’elon for an answer to her unspoken question. “I told her that you were here to review her accommodations and would be writing up an article for the upcoming tourist season. When I mentioned that it would be broadcast to millions of Rihans on the planet, she came to the realization that it was probably not best to alienate you. It was the least I could do for nearly ruining your vacation. She was basing her prejudice of you on her dislike of me. Ria’al and I have somewhat of a… history.” “Of a romantic nature, I assume?” “Something akin to that,” he admitted bashfully. “I see. And when the article does not appear? I may never visit here again, but I would like to keep my options open.” “I have a friend in Ra'tleihfi that actually does this type of review. I will send him pertinent details and ask that he include them in his next write-up.” “Comforting how easily you are able to deceive people,” Laehval said as she lifted her pack off of the couch. “And yet you were quite convincing in your own play-acting.” “I have had recent practice,” she said wryly as she began to search through her things. “Oh? Who were you pretending to be?” “The Praetor.” D’elon burst with laughter. “I am glad to see you have a sense of humor!” She sighed and shook her head. Somehow she doubted he would believe the truth. Alternate realities were difficult enough to explain. Alternate selves were even more confusing. And surely anyone that knew her knew that she had no high aspirations, least of all to be Praetor. She pulled out her clothing storage unit and tucked it under her arm, taking both it and her pack into the bedroom. With the press of a button on the unit, her clothing unfolded neatly and wrinkle-free. The room’s closet was the literally the size of her crew quarters on the Talon. Her few articles of clothing seemed a paltry offering for such a large and luxurious space. She hung them slightly spaced to give the illusion of taking up more room than was actually needed. She also spent a few minutes browsing though the section of complimentary robes and slippers and sleepwear. The material was very exotic and soft. She threw a robe over her arm and turned to exit, but found the way blocked by her companion. His hands rested on the top of the door frame and he leaned inside slightly to stretch and examine the space. “Not bad, but it looks as though you need more clothing to fill it. Perhaps I should take you to some of the shops in town to buy you some pretty things to wear.” Laehval scowled. “Let us get one thing straight, D’elon tr’Rehu. I am allowing you to stay here only because you amuse me and I thought you might be good company. I am not and never will be your female to do with as you please. I do not accept gifts from near-strangers and am suddenly having reservations about this situation. You could be a deranged lunatic for all I know.” “But you looked through my file before you came here,” he said with a grin. “So you already know my background. Plus, if you insist I leave, you will not have the pleasure of driving my high-altitude flyer.” “Some experiences are not worth the sacrifice,” she stated. “But this one is,” he argued. “We have plenty of room here and you will want for nothing. And I promise not to be greedy with the bed covers.” “On that count, I know you speak the truth for you will be spending your nights on the sitting room couch while I take the bed,” she smirked and threw a robe at him. “I sincerely hope not,” he teased as he caught the robe. “I am curious, though. Why exactly did you select this place above all the others?” “Several reasons,” she explained, selecting one of the smaller robes for her own use. She pushed her way past him and moved back into the sitting room where the broad windows opened to a grand view of the valley, the lakes, and several noble estates in the distance. “The view is incomparable, the restaurant is rated one of the most excellent dining experiences in this area, and their natural mineral baths are perfectly calibrated to the right temperature.” “Wait… how could you possibly know the calibrations of their equipment?” “I personally know the technician that installed and programmed them and he does amazing work.” “You chose to stay here based on the temperature calibrations of their bath water?” “Partly, yes,” she said honestly. “I am very particular about that.” “You…” he paused, speechless, “… you are such a typical engineer, Laehval t’Temarr.” He chuckled at her expression. “I thank you for the compliment.” That sent him into a fit of maniacal laughter, which intensified every time he caught a glimpse of her staring at him. Her frown deepened in annoyance as his episode continued, so she simply left him and headed for the room’s private bathing pool. Not surprisingly, his laughter stopped as he realized she was shedding clothing along the way.