Laehval tTemarr

Fire and Ice A shore leave log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr “It is gorgeous.” “It is absolutely breathtaking.” “It is only lava.” The other members of Laehval’s tour group all turned to stare at her at the same time. Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced away from the volcanic spectacle and flushed as she stared back at the crowd. Not realizing she’d spoken aloud, she cleared her throat uneasily. “I mean, it is a true marvel of elemental engineering and … and the refraction of ultraviolet through the parabolic spray of magma is something rarely seen, but… it is still… just lava. It has no practical ship system application.” “Ignorant Galae engineers,” someone in the front muttered with contempt. Laehval clenched her jaw as the crowd turned away, dispersing in smaller groups to carefully explore the area and take holovids to remember their trip. A blast of super-heated air struck her in the face and she huffed in annoyance. The Firefalls were beautiful in their own way, but she could only stare at them for so long before growing bored. Somehow, she’d imagined them to be more impressive. She grew even more annoyed when she checked her wrist chronometer and realized she still had another hour before the tour was over and the transport left the area. “You know, most people consider touring the Firefalls of Gath Gal'thong a near-religious experience,” the male beside her commented. He arched a brow as she glanced sideways at him. “But to tell you the truth, I’ve seen them so much in the past few years that they’ve lost some of their appeal.” “Isn’t the tour guide supposed to be totally and completely enamored with his job?” Laehval asked wryly. “Oh, I have bigger aspirations than giving tours to the snobbishly wealthy that look down on me because my family house isn’t embroiled in imperial politics or scrambling for power like those in the Senate,” he replied with a wink. “Just don’t tell anyone.” “You could always change professions.” “There are few professions that do not involve some type of political struggle. I refuse to be drawn into the unceasing quest for importance.” “The Galae does not tempt you?” “Even the Galae is subject to the whims of the Praetor and Senate as they each pressure Galae Command to act in their respective betterment.” “That is true, I suppose. We have been on many foolish missions that have only served to bring power to one faction or another. As independent as they think themselves to be, even the Tal Shiar cannot escape influence.” “I am amazed that you feel the same, being a career officer.” “Is it really that obvious?” “Yes. You never seem to relax, even when you are relaxing. I’ve been watching you. You seem poised as though waiting to be berated or reprimanded for slacking in your duty.” “Perhaps I am,” she replied dryly. “Perhaps I cannot escape it.” “There is no one here to condemn you for shirking your duty,” he said as he waved a hand at the tourists. None of them seemed interested in their conversation. Laehval eyed the nearest group dubiously. “There is always someone.” “You really are paranoid,” he teased. “Perhaps a personal tour of the Firefalls would help you relax? The other guides can handle these self-important Rhians.” Laehval glanced back to him, considering. “A tour of the lava from an apathetic guide? I think I’ll wait on the transport for it to depart. I have holovids aplenty to remind me of this trip, and computations awaiting me on the ISDs I brought.” He shrugged, seemingly unaffected by her frosty attitude. “As you wish. I see I’ll be forced to handle yet another group of arrogant nobles. Enjoy your ISDs.” “I shall,” she said, watching briefly as he walked away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The transport was settled on one of the upper levels of the cliffs, situated a safe distance away from the lava flows where the intense heat could not damage its sensors or propulsion. As she climbed aboard, the pilot glanced up from the front cabin’s holo-viewer but he quickly lost interest when he saw her heading for the back. She settled in the rear seat that she’d previously claimed and dug an ISD out of her bag, making herself comfortable as she waited for the others to return. She lost herself so completely in departmental planning and propulsion upgrade specifications that she didn’t even realize the flitter had lifted off until someone plucked the ISD from her hands. Indignant, she glared at the male guide as he took the empty seat next to her, studying the string of programming characters on the screen. He turned the display sideways and then upside down as if changing positions would help him understand it. Finally giving up, he smacked the device into her waiting hand with a sigh. “A bit dry for personal leave, don’t you think? Are you not supposed to be enjoying yourself?” “This is what I do for enjoyment.” “Then you really need to escape your ship more often.” Laehval sighed. “Why, exactly, are you bothering?” “Because,” he replied with a grin, “You have potential.” “Potential?” “Potential for enjoyment. It is there, lurking just beneath the prickly exterior that you seem content to wear.” “I assure you… you are gravely mistaken. I can give you professional references if you’d like, all of whom would testify that the prickly exterior is my only personality trait.” “Subordinates, no doubt, who do not know any better… or perhaps you keep everyone at a distance just to prove how detached you can be,” he guessed. “But you have no reason to maintain the façade here. No one here knows you.” “Which is exactly why I am here,” she shot back. Activating her ISD with her thumb, she went back to reading the screen and totally ignoring him. “Nice try,” he commented, plucking the ISD out of her fingers once again. He saved the file, switched the device off, and tossed it into her bag, pulling the case out of her reach. “Do I need to contact the authorities about a harassment suit?” Annoyed, Laehval crossed her arms over her chest and glared. “I would prefer that you didn’t. I’m sure I could wrangle my way out of any penalties, but that would waste valuable time that I could be spending to crack your overly-steely exterior.” “Do you not have better things to do with your time?” “Frankly, no. This was my last tour of the season and so I have all the time in the world to wear down your resolve.” “You cannot possible imagine how stubborn I can be.” Turning away to the window, she stared out at the passing landscape. “And you have no idea how much I love a challenge, Laehval t’Temarr.” Her attention snapped back to him. Her eyes narrowed. “How do you know my name?” “It is on your bag,” he chuckled, pointing. “That and I have access to the tour registry.” “Oh,” she muttered as she turned back to the window, feeling foolish. “Don’t you want to know my name?” “I already know it. D’elon irMalhmenti tr’Rehu” “You asked someone?” “No. I have higher clearance than you do. I know the background profile of every person on this tour.” “Amazing. You are that concerned about the company you keep?” “Not really. I was looking for someone that owned a high-altitude flyer.” “I own a high-altitude flyer!” he exclaimed. “I know,” she grumbled. “Ah, so in truth, you are stalking me,” he grinned wolfishly. “You intend to seduce me to get to my high-altitude flyer. Do I need to contact the authorities about a harassment suit?” “You are insufferable.” “And you are obstinate, but I’ll try to ignore that when you seduce me.” “You are also delusional,” she retorted, glancing sidelong at him. “Don’t tease me, t’Temarr. I am in an extremely fragile state.” He arched a brow as he studied her face. “Wait… was that a smirk? Did you just smile?” “No, it was a grimace of pain. Your melodramatic behavior causes physical damage,” she replied as she turned away. “I can see your reflection in the window. You are smiling!” “Shut up before someone overhears,” she hissed. “Overhears, sees, or takes a holo for evidence. Surely the universe would come to an abrupt end if anyone ever discovered you actually smiled.” “I wish for that abrupt ending even now," she sighed.

LOL. Nice one, Ksa. :D tr'Paine should know better.

Someone mailed me a Jayne hat today! Okay, so it isn't orange... And it doesn't have ear flaps... And it doesn't really look like Jayne's hat... And it is actually blue with a big pink pom pom on the top... But in my heart - it is my Jayne hat. So shuddup.

Imperial Reflections Praetor Laehval t'Temarr Mirror Universe “Still na communication from the station?” “Na as of yet, Praetor. They are still receiving, but their outgoing array must be damaged. We’ve less than a day to reach them at our present speed.” “Increase speed as much as possible without tearing this ship apart. I’ll not have my flagship arrive looking like the garbage heap in which t’Ksa is traveling.” “At once, Praetor.” The commander pressed his fist to his chest and bowed. “Menkha. Hna, send for J’stal.” Leaning back in the chair, Laehval turned to gaze out of the window at the stars rushing past. She had claimed the observation lounge as her own the moment she had come on board the Talon. It was larger than the Enarrain’s chambers and proved to be far more intimidating to those that she summoned. Despite the immense speed they were traveling and the fact that the engines were being overtaxed, the room was almost deathly quiet. Few dared to bother her even though she had not given any such orders. Koga was an exception. She had given him leave to come and go at will provided that he pleased her. Thus far, she had been very pleased. Several times, in fact. Her only dilemma with Koga was that he often let his vanity rule him. It was a trait that she could use to control him, but it also made him more likely to stray when others flattered his ego. It was for this reason that she handled him very carefully, playing the jealous lover at times to keep him focused on her. His need for attention might easily be a well-maintained façade, but she had yet to delve that deeply. His perfect physique was enough to keep her interested… for now. She had plenty of time later to dissect his inner workings and determine how best to use them to her advantage. Lerak was also another that showed no fear of her. She allowed him entrance into her domain on most occasions for she enjoyed his company as much as she did tr’S’Bien’s. Replacing Destorie with Lerak had been a brilliant decision. Destorie had been far too pleased with himself and entirely too conniving for her liking. tr’Pexil was compliant and malleable and utterly devoted to her, especially now that he had the Talon at his command. She still watched him carefully for any signs of rebellion, but he had not yet given her any reason to distrust him. If this small taste of power awakened a greater thirst in him, she would deal with him just as she had dealt with Destorie. Chimes rang at the door to alert her of a new arrival. She turned her chair away from the windows and faced the door just as it opened to admit J’stal. She watched silently as the other female paused at the end of the long conference table and bowed in respect. “Au wished to see me, Praetor?” “Ie.” Laehval smiled slowly, her cold gaze fixed on the Rihan. “I assume that au are aware of the incident that occurred on the oira earlier?” “If au refer to the attempted assassination, ie. I was informed of it shortly after it happened.” “I see. Au were informed after it happened. Are au certain au wish to take that stance?” One eyebrow lifted marginally. “I do na understand…” “Do na be coy, J’stal. Au had prior knowledge that there was an assassin on board this ship and yet au did nothing. There are only two conclusions that I can draw from that and one of them ends with aur execution.” “Preator! I would never put aur life in danger. Ie, it is true that we had some information about a possible assassin, but it is far more complicated than that.” “Oh? Enlighten me.” “We had na real evidence on the assassins identity, only speculation.” “Since when has mere speculation na been enough to interrogate someone for questioning?” “Under normal circumstances, ie, but we also received information that the alleged assassin was working with another of his kind. To catch both of them, we needed to wait.” “And if the first assassin had actually succeeded?” “He did na, Praetor. We took no chances that he would. He was secretly drugged before his duty shift began and na in total control. Well-trained assassins do na miss.” “I see. And did au apprehend the second assassin?” “We did. Shortly after the first attempt was thwarted, the second assassin tried to send a hidden communication. We traced the signal and seized him before he could kill himself. He is being interrogated even hna.” “Au were fortunate, I believe.” Laehval rose from her chair and approached her intelligence officer, secretly amused as the other woman took several steps backward. “Aur gamble could have had tragic circumstances. I expect to be informed of every rumor and every uncovered plot, na matter the how insignificant they may seem. Au are my Senior Intelligence Officer, J’stal. If I can na trust au to do aur duty, who can I trust?” “Ie, Praetor. It will na happen again.” She bowed her head in shame. “It is only that I did na wish to trouble au with this situation when I knew we could handle it ourselves. Au have too much weighing upon au already. Surely I could spare au this small thing.” Laehval pressed her fingers to J’stal’s chin and raised it slowly, forcing the younger Rihan to meet her gaze. “An admirable notion, but au hna see that aur logic was at fault.” She caressed her cheek almost lovingly before sliding her fingers through J’stal’s short locks. Then, her hand tightened into a fist and she yanked the other woman down forcibly by her hair. “If au fail me again, J’stal, au and the house of t’Ditsy shall be eradicated from existence,” she snarled. “Au, of all people, know the measures I can take. Do na make the same mistake again.” She released her and sneered as J’stal fell to a heap on the floor, sobbing and begging for forgiveness. After a few moments of groveling, Laehval nudged her with the toe of her shoe. “Get up and compose yourself. Au have a prisoner to torture and I expect answers. If he is one of t’Ksa’s agents, I will wish to know all the details.” Laehval turned and walked away, moving for the windows where she could observe the passing stars once more. Once she heard the doors close and she knew she was alone, she let her mind drift to the plans she’d already set in motion. Somewhere in the black waited the Sheliak and an alien force large enough to wipe out t’Ksa and her loyal group of followers. The Galae would once more be united behind its Praetor and the Senate would be purged of all those that opposed her. She would rule the Romulan Empire totally and completely and be able to turn her attention and the might of her people against the Klingon invaders. With the help of the Sheliak, they too would be utterly destroyed and crushed beneath her heel. It was time the Empire regained its former glory. It was time for the era of Temarr.

Bumped! Someone want to give it a shot in place of LoAmi?

I have to agree with the others. :) That was a good one, especially because I love to make fun of the IT guys in our building. (Not too much, though, because they'll revoke my computer access. LOL) Go LoAmi!

Sorry for the delay. Just got back from vacation (sorta). :D Here's some of what I saw when I went back home:

I'd forgotten all about this day. Though I don't consider myself an administrative professional, I guess the sales people I babysit on a daily basis do. :) When I arrived at work I had a gift basket waiting. The highlights were a back issue of Star Trek Magazine that I didn't have and a Worf Holodeck Series figurine. Now everyone knows how big of a nerd I am... :D

"I'm too sexy for this perch... too sexy for this perch... so sexy it huuuuuuuuuuuuuuurts."

Some small measure A personal log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr "Au do realize that he is aur subordinate..." Her reflection ignored the unspoken. It just looked at her with that disapproving expression and continued to frown. Laehval stared at herself for a few moments and finally turned away, finding no answers to the questions she wouldn't ask. Yet again, she found herself on the brink of reverting to old habits. Her brush with death had changed her, but she still found her new feelings difficult to accept. She had struggled so long to repress them, to become the icy creature that everyone dubbed her. It had been easier to simply reject everyone outright rather than subject herself to tiresome social intricacies. Eventually, even the dimmest witted crewman got the point and left her to her own devices. But something within her had now reached a point of instability. She had come to terms with the trauma of her past and had decided to accept it, rather than simply ignore it. Also, she found that her solitary lifestyle was not enough to satisfy her any longer. Brooding alone in her quarters held no appeal, sulking alone in her office seemed depressing, but the idea of socializing with the common horde of Talon officers appalled her. Perhaps she feared the rejection that she knew was an inevitable result of her previously reclusive behavior. She wasn't popular and held no delusions on that matter. She was respected, perhaps, and some, she knew, feared her volatile temper. It was no surprise that she was no one's first choice as dinner companion. Perhaps there were some that would sense the change in her and gravitate. She needed a core group of friends. Would they bring with them the contentment that she was missing? No, friends would not be enough. She needed friends that she could trust. Implicitly. Lerak would be the first. She had decided that soon after she'd awoken from her coma, when she discovered him hovering worriedly at her bedside. Working with him for all those years, she knew he would never betray her or her feelings. She was certain that the others could be found on the Talon, but recognizing them would be a complicated process. In an environment where mistrust and doubt were commonplace, how did one know whom to trust? When espionage was a way of life, how could one find those that were genuine? Life had been so much easier when she simply hadn't cared.

Had she not been bruised from rough handling, or currently locked in the brig, J'stal t'Ditsy could have convinced herself that she was dreaming. She fainted on her way to interrogation, but not because she'd been frightened. Upon hearing t'Rexan's announcement to the entire ship, she'd fainted... from joy. DESTORIE N'DAK WAS THE NEW FIRST OFFICER! Only in her wildest dreams had he been in such a position of power. It was almost as though her dreams were coming true. He was first officer. With luck, he would become the Captain when t'Rexan relinquished the position. He was rising in the ranks of the Galae. From first officer to Captain to Admiral and Fleet Admiral. Perhaps he might even become a Senator or... Praetor! Her heart fluttered wildly at the very thought. She stared at the ceiling of her cell and daydreamed about being bonded to the Preator. She would have nothing but the very best and have everyone catering to her for the rest of her life. Other Rihans would garner favor with her in hopes that she might persuade her mate in one direction or another. Clothes, jewelry, rich and exotic foods - all hers for the taking. Life would be as she always dreamed it would be. There was one problem, however... She must attach herself to him now before he could grow in stature and power. BEFORE any of the other females could put their grabby little hands on him and yank him in their direction. There were several on board that she suspected of less-than-honorable intentions with regards to HER Destorie: Sar'vek most likely, Rhean possibly, and Laehval for certain. She must be vigilant and unswerving. No matter how long it might take or how many times he may reject her or how often she might be thrown into the brig for harassment, she could NOT give up! She would NOT give up! A soft sigh of contentment escaped her as she continued to daydream about being the mate of the Praetor. Soon, she told her self. Soon. First, she must win over the ruggedly handsome Destorie and make him yearn for her companionship. There were several drugs that she could employ that would give her the results she so desired, but she would rather have Destorie begging for her without any outside influence. Surely she could use her amazingly beautiful looks and bubbly personality to bewitch him. For a moment her thoughts lingered on poor, provincial Issaha. She once told him that such things as power and authority meant nothing to her and that she was not attracted to men of high rank simply because they commanded others. She lied. The quest to claim Destorie N'Dak was now her main priority. But... she'd hold on to her S'Bien shrine for a little while longer... just in case. A girl could never be too careful.

April Fools! :angry: Check out StarTrek.com for this year's April Fools page. They usually have something amusing. Like this: Word of the Day: Sanjaya san-JIE-ah - noun. Early 21st-century creature of unknown origin, but with mind-altering qualities. Lifespan unknown, possibly immortal.

It is obvious that I need to torture more people in order to strengthen my reputation as a cantankerous, anti-social Engineer. Laehvals don't have Happy Birthdays!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

Well... I already wished you a Happy Anniversary of the Day of your Birth yesterday, but it can't hurt to say it again... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! May your stasis chambers never be empty and your rusty needles never come clean. May you always have a bowl handy to throw at unlucky Senators. And may fresh scent of sizzling Ereins, courtesy of Ole Sparky, ever waft through medical.

No, I'm not going all mushy, but I like this holiday. There is always plenty of candy around. ;) I found it truly amazing how many grown adults in my office giggled like young children when I presented them each with a cheesy Pirates of the Caribbean Valentine.

This Summer's Blockbuster Hit Coming to a Theatre Near You: Children of the Corn-dog

I got a fever! And the only prescription... is more cowbell! Well played, Mr. Kroells.

Stillness of the Broken A personal log by El'Riov Laehval t'Temarr There was only a finite amount of time that she could keep herself from her own thoughts. Conversation and duty were good diversions, but they could not be stretched beyond their limits. And so the silence descended and in the unnerving quiet, Laehval was left alone with nothing but her own mind to keep her company. She lay in bed, but could not sleep. The ISDs that had once captivated her interest had been tossed haphazardly onto her desk. Her eyes were tired and her body weary and she no longer seemed able to focus on the projects that needed her attention. The background noises of the medical bay that had been her companion for some weeks were no longer present. Though she had not noticed them while in medical, their absence was painfully obvious now. Her quarters seemed deathly silent. Deathly silent. Silent. Death. "Etrehh," she choked out before her thoughts continued to spiral in that direction. "Music. Soft. Soothing. Random." As the first notes floated down to fill the room, Laehval rolled on her side, one hand pressed against her sternum as the movement brought with it a stabbing pain. The ache had been there when she had awoken and had not yet passed. She didn't know if it was caused by the strain the poison had placed on her heart or if it was some psychological figment of her own devising. She was afraid to question herself for fear of the answer. In her mind, she deserved to suffer for the hurt she had caused others. Was still causing others. "Elements. Etrehh, cease music. Playback ship reports. Last two weeks in chronological order." Voices joined her own, some intimately familiar, others not at all. She listened to the words, but could not seem to process the meanings. Clutching her head as she rolled to her back, she pressed her palms against her eyes and tried to concentrate. But her thoughts were not cooperating. Over and over the scene played in her mind and she could not stop it. A piercing shriek. The desperate cry for help. The sight of her sister dragged beneath the water's surface. Her sister's lifeless body on the river bank beside her. Her mother's piercing accusation. "Cease playback. Etrehh, cease playback!" she screamed as the computer failed to respond quickly enough. As the silence enveloped her once again, she slid out of bed, wincing as she placed too much weight on her injured leg. Limping from her sleeping quarters to her desk, she dropped into the chair and activated her terminal. She needed to speak with someone from her family. No - she needed to speak with her mother. Her mother's scathing words echoed in her mind, but they were from long past. She needed to hear something pleasant from the woman that... loved her? Needed her? Or only birthed her? Regretted birthing her? Again, something Laehval would never really ask for fear of the answer. All Communication Privileges Denied - Authorized by Khre'Riov t'Rexan She stared unblinkingly at the message on the screen, mouth slightly open in disbelief. She had completely forgotten about the communication restrictions. Could she work around them? Probably, but any outgoing communication would be instantly discovered and reported. Her heart sinking, she shut down her terminal and sagged back in her chair. How was she going to survive the silence without going insane? Or was she already insane? The list of questions she didn't really want the answers to were piling up, but she couldn't stop herself from thinking them. Her body was healing, but her mind was still shattered. And her soul... that was something she'd given up hoping to mend a long time ago.

Funny - I was just thinking about Levar Burton, too. He played such a good dancing detective in the Cameo music video for "Word up".

Clark W. Griswold?

I helped a blind man to Sbarros today. His walking stick struck me in the back of my leg and when I turned around to lay the smack down, I realized that I couldn't hit him. It wasn't because he was slightly mentally challenged or because he was shorter than me (which is very short). No, I knew that since he was blind, he wouldn't see my hand hurtling toward his face at mach ten. When you can't see the fear in someone's eyes, it just takes all the fun out of it. So I took him by the arm and helped him to the end of the line. I mean, just because he was blind didn't mean he couldn't enjoy greasy, over-priced mall pizza just like the rest of those poor suckas. I stayed long enough to make sure they weren't going to scam him into taking a really small piece before I left to enjoy my Sbarros.

And yet another one of N'Dak's brilliant "alternative reality" sims goes down in flames.

::Huffs!::

I'm going to give this one to Dominic. :D Congrats! Post us something good!

The world was golden today. It was rainy and overcast on my drive home. I know the sun was behind those clouds somewhere, but it was as if the entire world had been wrapped in cotton and tucked away - forgotten in the back of someone's wardrobe. It was not gray or gloomy, however. The haze was golden, warm, and somehow comforting. I've never seen anything like it. I wonder if I ever will again...