Varlon

A log between Daise'Khre'Riov Var'lon tr'Vatrix and Fvillah Tricus tr'Salis (played by t'Rexan) The oira crew of the Teronix were still somewhat perplexed, some grinning to each other over the exploits of their commanders' bondmate and the Talon, others worried as to why they had na moved to intercept the ship sooner, and their commander's order to stand down. The Daise'Khre'Riov had told them to expect a communication from the office of the Fvillah, and it was na long before they received it. The communications officer acknowledged receipt and immediately contacted tr'Vatrix. Pressing the communications module to send the signal chime, "Rekkhai, orders have arrived for au from the Fvillah's office. Patching through to au etrehh at this siuren. tr'Garal ta'khoi," as he logged back out after sending the file along. Var'lon reached for the glass on his desk having just finished the conversation with his wife. It had been a very difficult day. Between being forced to send his bondmate on a near-impossible mission, having his honor and integrity called into question by essentially the only person in the Empire over him, and the conversation that was about to happen, this ranked up there among the worst and it was just minutes into the work day. Staring at the screen in front of him, Var'lon considered ignoring the message a while longer. The Fvillah was going to be at his finest, but the question was would waiting make him even more angry or allow him a few moments to cool off. He considered the situation a moment taking into account his past experience with the man. Na, it would be better to get the situation over with. Otherwise the Fvillah was likely to let it boil and fester inside of him to the point where he would become even more irrational than normal. Taking a deep breath, he reached to the console in front of him and activated the display. Proconsul Dicius tr'Merk frowned at the screen, growing impatient at having been made to wait for an authen. Normally, some aide would take care of this for the Fvillah, but as tr'Merk had been standing there to the side, he had stepped forwards and volunteered in part to show the Fvillah that he was there supporting him, but it also got him out of the room for a siuren, as well as the bonus of getting to set yet another barb against tr'Vatrix. Finally, he saw the screen activate before him, and the visage of the Daise'Khre'Riov before him. How he had detested him all these years, ever since the Retor, but there were other matters at hand to think about at this siuren. "Daise'Khre'Riov Var'lon tr'Vatrix, au are required to present yourself to the Fvillah immediately, to authen for the events that have transpired this very morning over the Capitol. If au refuse to attend, the Fvillah's personal dheno will be sent to escort au to his presence." So the Fvillah decided to have his stooge to handle the summoning. This might be even more interesting than first thought. He already had a strong disliking for the Proconsul and suspected him to be among those that were trying to poison his relationship with the Fvillah. tr'Vatrix found him to be a self-important man who was only interested in advancing his personal career no matter what the cost to the Empire or how it might hurt those under his command. "As always, I'm pleased to be of service to the Fvillah in any way I can. It is not necessary for au to need to summon guards to have me available to provide my counsel to him." Var'lon again kept a straight face as he addressed the man in front of him. If the fools in the Capitol could not shoot down a ship with as much time as they had, how could they be expected to apprehend him if he did not want to go? "Vriha menkha, I will inform the Fvillah that au are on your way. Au will be expected within the hour. Do understand that with what has transpired this morning, that the Fvillah's Dheno, have requested that au and any dheno traveling with au, leave all weapons at the front gate." "So am I to understand you and the Fvillah feel I was responsible for the incident that occurred earlier this morning, Proconsul?" This was an unusual move on their behalf as he had never had been required to be disarmed in the Fvillah's presence. "It does na matter what I believe at the siuren, the Fvillah has ordered au to be sent for, and this is what I am doing. I would suggest, that au be prompt," he sneered. "Then the Fvillah has not ordered for me to be disarmed and instead your own decision to do so?" "This is a request by the Fvillah, in light of this morning's assassination attempt. Au waste time bandying words, tr'Vatrix. I would suggest au make the arrangements to attend, or I will send for the dheno to ensure that au do," tr'Merk was truly enjoying this. Long had he wished a small measure of revenge upon this man and his friends, and finally now, it began to fall into place. "Again, you seem to be making an assumption that I was responsible for the incident this morning. I would be careful with such accusations, Proconsul. Such an accusation on your behalf could result in..." he paused for dramatic effect. "an unfortunate misunderstanding. I'm sure au would rather not have any sort of misunderstandings." "Au dare to threaten me!?" tr'Merk's face darkened in anger. "I threaten nothing, Proconsul. As I said, I simply wish to avoid any misunderstandings. "Au tread dangerous ground Daise'Khre'Riov, as I am acting rhae behalf of the Fvillah by summoning au to attend him. Any threat towards my person, is a threat to the Fvillah, and that would be considered outright as traitorous and will be dealt with!" tr'Merk sputtered out hrrau anger. "I have already stated I will attend as requested by him as well. Any threat that may or may not have been stated or implied has nothing to do with our own communications or understandings, Proconsul. You and I have a very different relationship than the Fvillah and I do. My loyalty is to him and anyone who would attempt to sabotage that relationship would find themselves regretting the indiscretion." "How dare au!! I have every intention of seeing that au and that abomination that au are bonded to are....," "I must prepare for my meeting with the Fvillah, Proconsul. As au said, it is not wise to keep him waiting and I would not like to inform him I was delayed due to your need to... overly communicate." tr'Vatrix smiled as he ended the transmission. tr'Merk watched as tr'Vatrix reaches over and cuts the connection. "Why that....!! How dare he cut me off!! Well, na matter, he will get his soon enough, the Fvillah will na let this insult pass lightly for either he or his little clone. Var'lon summoned his dheno to meet him in the transporter room. Regardless of what the sniveling man said, he had no intention of disarming himself before beaming down to the surface. If the Fvillah's dheno made issue of it, he would reassess the situation. It was the Proconsul who most likely added that request in himself while also confirming himself as being one of the individuals seeking to hurt his bondmade. Just one more thing he would need to handle in the coming days. Appearing on the surface just outside of the secured perimeter, Var'lon and his dheno approached the entrance. The area was not in its usual pristine condition. Broken glass scattered the ground, chunks of marble could be seen missing from the walls, and limbs could be found separated from the trees they were once attached to. A small army of workers apparently had been dispatched and were diligently working to return the estate to its normal state. The Fvillahan Dheno noted the Daise'Khre'Riov's arrival and saluted him, and noted that he had only brought the io personal dheno that he always had. Knowing that the Fvillah had requested to see the man immediately, they passed him through with their customary greeting, salute and stepped aside for him. They seemed a bit distracted still from the damage that the facility had taken that morning from the ship passing over so closely. "Dicius, were au able to contact tr'Vatrix?" Fvillah Tricus tr'Salis asked as the man re-entered the room, noting his face still flushed with anger. "Ie my Fvillah, I did as au commanded, and he claims to arrive shortly," tr'Merk answered the man before him, now having had time to calm his shaking, the Fvillah now appeared ready to call the man out for what was done to his person this very morning. The Fvillahan Dheno sent io of their men with tr'Vatrix and his man to announce them, and showed the escort to his usual spot by the outer door to await his charge while he want to speak with the Fvillah. "My Fvillah," the dheno saluted as he entered, "Daise'Khre'Riov tr'Vatrix has arrived to speak with au. May I show him hrrau?" the dheno asked. Tricus turned hearing the dheno, still livid from the attack this morning, "Ie, immediately." "Ie my Fvillah," the dheno responded and opened the door for tr'Vatrix to enter, nodding to the man in respect as he passed by. Tricus noted that even his own dheno, knowing the man was being brought in for questioning, still treated him with a measure of respect, he would have to keep that thought in mind. Either it could be a sign that he was reading the man wrong, or that he had somehow already infiltrated Tricus's own men? He would however later, have words with the Enarrain of the Dheno about this. Nodding silently while looking the dheno in the eye, tr'Vatrix entered the room turning his attention to the men in front of him. This situation had to change as Var'lon knew he would have to get into an informal discussion with the Fvillah. The Proconsul had to go. Not only would he be a hindrance to the conversation, it would frustrate the man to no end to be kicked out of the meeting. Var'lon stepped forward a few steps and stopped, bowing his head respectfully. "I have come as requested. How may I be of service, my Fvillah?" "Daise'Khre'Riov, I demand an explanation of the attack upon my compound this very morning, by forces of au Galae Fleet. Notably......by au bondmate rhae the Talon." Proconsul Dicius tr'Merk stood slightly behind and to the left of the Fvillah with a terribly smug look upon his face, knowing he stood with the Fvillah, and that this could very well be the end of tr'Vatrix's career. A matter which would please Dicius to na end. However as tr'Vatrix stopped before the Fvillah, he noted the weapon rhae his belt. "Fvillah, he dares bring a weapon to this meeting, even after I told him it had been forbidden!" tr'Merk exclaimed. "I come before the Fvillah as I always have, Proconsul. It is part of my uniform and part of my duty as an officer to keep it." "I told au that au were to forfeit all weaponry at the main gate of the manor. Someone being questioned for treason, should na be allowed a weapon in the Fvillah's presence. Fvillah, shall I have the dheno come detain him and remove any other potential threats to au person?" "I do na answer to you, Proconsul. I answer to and serve the Fvillah alone. It would be wise of you to remember your position." Var'lon faced the Fvillah and spoke directly to him. "I would request we be able to speak privately, Fvillah. My understanding was I was to be questioned regarding the incident this morning, not to be accused of treason once again." "Dicius, I will handle this rhae my own for h'nah. Au may wait hrrau the garden, and if I have need to speak with au further, I will send for au," tr'Salis turned and said to tr'Merk. "But my Fvillah! What he has done this day, what he could still do, is it wise to be left alone with him?" tr'Merk countered. "Proconsul, I have made my decision and this will be how it is. My line of questioning will be my own, and if I wish to question him on treasonous acts, I will do so if I so decide, but I do na need au making my decisions 'for' me. Au are dismissed," the Fvillah pointed towards the doorway. tr'Merk flustered once again, and then remembered his place before arguing with tr'Salis. "Ie my Fvillah, I will await hrrau the gardens if au find au need to speak with me further." He turned and walked past tr'Vatrix, glaring at him as he stepped past him knowing that perhaps he would have to speak with tr'Vren, about some way to dispose of this mutual problem they had, called Var'lon. As the heavy doors shut with tr'Merk's exit, Tricus turned back to tr'Vatrix, "I believed, that I asked au a question. I demand an explanation for the attack by au forces upon my compound this morning. And so that au know, that 'is' a treasonable offense. I just do na need tr'Merk telling me how I should conduct my own inquiries!" "I do na believe it was meant as an attack, Fvillah." tr'Vatrix replied. "How else could it be construed!? tr'Salis blurted out. A D'deridex class Warbird does na just ordinarily drop from the sky, and makes a very deliberate run upon my compound, nearly hitting the manor itself" "I believe the Khre'Riov was simply attempting to let you know she had arrived and assumed command of the ship as you requested." "And she could na just use the communications unit, like everyone else?" the man stood there incredulous. "I agree... it was not the usual method of communication, but as I mentioned before, she is not in the best state of mind to be returned to duty." "It was deliberate, a clear run upon my location and an attempt to injure my person. She is au bondmate and au direct command. I believe au either ordered her to this, or had suggested it to her after our conversation of last evening." Var'lon knew when he was being baited and wanted to try and turn the conversation slightly. "Would you care for a drink, Fvillah? The morning's events have most likely shaken everyone's nerves a bit." "Do na try to change the subject Daise'Khre'Riov," but Tricus did agree, he could use another drink, his throat sore from having lost the contents of his stomach earlier that morning already, and another would help ease the painful headache reverberating through his skull. Making his way to the bar on the side of the room, Var'lon could not help but notice how several bottles appeared to be missing from the wall that was normally filled. The well-stocked bar must have suffered losses as well from the morning's event. His suspicions were confirmed as he made his way behind the bar seeing the floor still damp. As he poured a pair of drinks for them, he could not help but notice how the cleaning crews had not been able to fully remove the smell of alcohol from the floor. It would most likely remain for several days before it finally dissipated. "Even now, there are those that whisper that au plan a coup, and that this mornings actions, were potentially a dry run of an upcoming assassination plot," tr'Salis blurted out in his anger. "I only tell au this now, to warn au na to try it, as my people are h'nah watching your people, to make sure this does na happen." "As I mentioned earlier this morning, I have loyally served au for over four decades. We have worked together a long time, and I have no wish to see any harm come to you. To be honest, I'm more concerned about the response... na the LACK of response from the ground forces dedicated to protect au. While I did not know or sanction the event this morning, there is clearly a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. The ship should have never been allowed to get that close without being intercepted or at least fired upon." Var'lon handed one of the drinks to the Fvillah as he took a seat across from the man. Tricus sat there furious still, he still wanted someone's head for this, and here was tr'Vatrix, being typical tr'Vatrix, turning the conversation once again to suit his needs, yet once again, bringing up a valid point. However, he did accept the drink that tr'Vatrix had poured for him, though he did carefully watch him do so, making sure that he had na the chance to slip any sort of poison into it. It concerned him that tr'Vatrix was making himself so comfortable in what should have been an interview to have had him worrying if he would be relieved na only of position but life. Perhaps, he truly had na fear of this man, before he had wounded him that is, but too late for that now, it had been done. He lifted the drink, and downed most of it in io large gulp, the liquid helping to calm his nerves. "Au still avoid the point, tr'Vatrix. It was a deliberate run 'at' me, a direct insult to na only myself but the office. Au say she is na hrrau her right mind, but there are others that tell me that she is na who she really claims to be anyway. How do we know that she is na here to devastate the Empire? If au are telling the truth, that au did na sanction this action, then answer me this. Why did au ships na shoot her down while she was making the run on the Capital? Why was she allowed to get so close to crushing the residence? Why did au ships na give chase?" "There are a few reasons for the lack of response, Fvillah. First, if I would have fired at the ship from orbit, there is a chance the residence would have been struck if the shot were to have missed. Even if we were to have hit the ship, the damage from the ship crashing to the surface would have been monumental. It was an unacceptable risk. Next, the Talon never raised its weapons or shields. The ship never was attempting to fire or attack the Capitol. And finally, I know my wife. While she may have a temper at times, she is not suicidal. I think she was simply choosing a unique way to carry out au's order while at the same time showing her dislike and frustration at leaving her newborn son despite being promised an extended leave." "Her frustration does na concern me, following my orders does however. She was out of line, and her blatant contempt for my position and office, puts me into a position that I 'must' make some sort of statement or action against her," tr'Salis stated, setting his empty glass down heavily on the wooden desk. "Her actions, make me appear weak before the Empire. Had that been any other ship, they'd have been detained, tossed in irons, possibly stripped of rank and command, even removed from Galae. Au show au favoritism for her tr'Vatrix." "You bring up a very valid point, Fvillah. She was out of line with her actions." Var'lon took a sip of the strong drink. He had consumed more in the last dozen hours than he normally did in a week and knew he had to be careful. "I will order the Talon back immediately and cancel the mission. Then I will strip the Khre'Riov of her rank, remove her from the Talon or even from Galae and place her under house arrest as au wish." "As always, au craft au words, to take my own arguments, and use them against me. Au now use my own words against me, to try and cancel the mission. Na, na, na, na na. I will na let au have your way on this matter. Au maneuver to manipulate me to release au both from this test of loyalty. However, I will say nice try," as he:handed the empty tumbler over to tr'Vatrix for him to refill for him. "She will continue with the mission, and when she returns, she is to be brought before me to explain her actions and why I should na have her thrown hrrau prison. If she had misjudged this morning, she very easily have yy'a na only myself, but she endangered a large part of the population hrrau the Capitol as well. Na to mention the monetary damages incurred, I'm sure au have seen the damages around my residence?" Var'lon stood and approached the bar once again. "Indeed, I've seen the damage as I came in. The ground crew has been doing a superb job of restoring the residence." He poured just a single drink this time as he still was working on his glass. Upon returning to his seat and setting the glass down in front of the Fvillah, he continued. "The tr'Vatrix house will obviously cover any costs incurred for the estate repairs as well. That is the least I can do. Also as au already know, Talon has only just recently underwent a refit in which it's engines and internal systems were upgraded. I do not believe the Khre'Riov was aware of the refit as she would not have had a chance to review the reports as she had just re-assumed command of the ship. She was most likely not aware of the power of the engines and most likely would not have done so if she knew the amount of damage that would have potentially been inflicted with the upgraded systems." The Fvillah picked up the glass and again downed it swiftly, the warm liquid quelling the headache he had sported all morning and soothing the ringing he had hrrau his ears. "Hann'yyo, for the refill," he lifted the glass to tr'Vatrix. "I still have the problem that if I do na do anything, it will appear that I've been insulted and without response, I appear weak to the Empire." "Hummm..." Varlon took another sip of his drink and he pondered the problem. "If we say it was a test... say that you were wanting to see the response times of each of our forces, you would be able to avoid that perception. At the same time, we can both publicly take steps to improve training programs and use it as an opportunity and keep something similar from happening again in the future." Tricus looked at tr'Vatrix with puzzlement, "Why would au assist me with this? After au bondmate has been sent away on a mission? What is au motive, do au do this to try to hide the conspiracies that have been suggested? " "I've been loyal to you for four decades and I've promised to serve the Fvillah. This is no different. While I may not agree with au's decision to send my wife on the mission, it's your decision to make and I will follow au's orders. I believe some of your advisors are attempting to poison our relationship and cause us to distrust each other... but I believe that's something we can both handle." "And, au also ply me with my own drink, to make me more amenable," Tricus raised the empty glass. "I may be deep into my cups, but I am na veruul, tr'Vatrix." He stood and crossed to the bar himself this time, refilling the tumbler to the top this time. "However, I will accept au assistance hrrau correcting this situation, and we will issue a joint statement with regards to au test of our internal capabilities." "I'm most pleased to hear that and will see to the arrangements immediately." "I will also keep this in mind if Talon survives its mission, and may consider leniency for the Khre'Riov for her actions this day," tr'Salis took another drink. "If you don't mind, I'm going to say 'when' Talon returns rather than 'if'. The Khre'Riov has faced difficult assignments before, and I'm certain will be just as eager if not more so to return that before." tr'Vatrix raised the glass to his lips one last time as he finished the contents. "And any leniency you might be able to show her would be greatly appreciated." "I'm sure, the Proconsul will na be pleased with this development however. He will want to know how au have manipulated me," Tricus grinned as he took another pull of his drink. "However, au must understand, in light of what has occurred over the last two years, there are still many questions. Many do na trust that au bondmate is na compromised, and many believe that Galae itself, has been compromised. I must na allow myself to be caught unaware, else I am a veruul. This is why, I asked au to show me I could still trust au." Var'lon nodded. "I've made no efforts to hide my feelings regarding that to au, as that's how I've always been with you. My goal has been for you to always know where I stand, even if we disagree. I would be more worried about those that just always agree to au's face and work against you behind your back. Those individuals are more of the risk than my bondmate. As I've said before, she's wanted to retire from Galae to focus on raising our son. If she was interested in compromising Galae, there are certainly more effective ways of doing so." "However, her wishes have direct effect upon au decisions as well. There was a day, were au would na have let anyone influence your decisions, but now, now au seek her counsel more often as na." The Fvillah finally set his glass down, deciding he had best refrain from further drink as his stomach was once again beginning to feel sour. "Our talk has seldom been of work to be honest. Let me ask you... how much effect does au wife's decisions have upon how you run the Empire, if I might be so bold?" Varlon laughed softly at the question. "She has little interest other than the social events, and I doubt she could handle a kaleh, let alone a Warbird," tr'Salis frowned. "She is more concerned with au's family, au's social calendar, and how much au are loved by the people it sounds like. My wife is the same when it comes to our house as well. Our discussion has little to do with work. A great deal of my efforts have been to help her get over some of the emotional challenges she faced from her time in service. She's been trying to forget the rest, not pursue a personal agenda of changing how I do my work." "Perhaps, if Talon returns, then if her services are na immediately required, we can arrange a leave of absence, however, we can ill afford to lose a trained flag officer. Hence, why those of her rank are na afforded the option of quietly 'retiring'. Besides, outside of Galae, she would be a liability, as she knows too many confidential matters, it would be best if she remain under au purview. We will discuss this should the mission succeed. Now, I imagine au should prepare that statement so that we can calm those hrrau the Capitol, that there is na fear of an attack," the Fvillah motioned for tr'Vatrix to rise. Noting his time here was at an end, Var'lon made his way to his feet. "Do na make me regret na taking action this day Daise'Khre'Riov. Show me that my trust is given justly." Tricus rose and placed a hand on Var'lon's shoulder. "It shall be as it's been all these past years. If au have been pleased with how I have conducted myself and of how I have run my office, then nothing shall be changed from it. If you don't have anything else, I'll take my leave for now as I've had a few too many drinks this past day and it's not even lunchtime. It's not 'solved' any problems, but at least the edge has been taken off." "Very well, Daise'Khre'Riov, but make sure au issue that statement this morning before au take the rest of the day to sleep that off. Be sure to forward to my aide, and he will proofread it and publish it from our office," the Fvillah continued. "I'll see to the arrangements immediately." Varlon agreed as he made his way to the exit. "If au need anything else, please don't hesitate to call on me again." He exited the room, nodding to his dheno before making his way out of the estate. The conversation went as well as he hoped it could given the circumstances. One problem done, only a dozen more to go. As he made his way out, he made a snap decision to take another route. tr'Vatrix headed for the gardens knowing the Proconsul would be there most likely pacing around like an expectant father. Keeping his head high and a slight smile on his face, he passed the man without saying a word to him. Saying nothing at all would drive him all the further up the wall, and that's exactly what Var'lon intended to do. Tricus tr'Salis watches as Var'lon left the reception hall, and somehow; felt this would all come back to haunt him hrrau the end. There was too much deception, deceit and na real answer as to who was manipulating who. However, his approach with tr'Vatrix seemed to have calmed the man from the previous night, and tr'Salis felt a bit better about na waking with a kaleh planted hrrau his back. At least, for the siuren, as he still had two other advisors to deal wtih, and they would most likely show na approval for his plan to work with tr'Vatrix today. However, he was trying to flush out their own secrets as well, and find out which, if na all three of them, were moving against him. tr'Merk noted movement out of the corner of his eye, and saw tr'Vatrix striding past him, a small smirk upon his face, and moving as if he had little care in the world to deal with. The Proconsul could na believe his eyes, as he noted the man still retained rank and position. So the Fvillah did na have the nerve to remove the man rhae his own. This was another reason that for the good of the Empire, that the man would eventually need to be replaced. He was worried that the morning's attack made him look weak, but this lack of command, was the real danger, as nobody had confidence hrrau his ability to lead in a dire situation.

A log between Daise’Khre’Riov Var’lon tr’Vatrix and Fvillah Tricus tr’Salis (played by t’Rexan) Tricus tr'Salis sat hrrau his study thinking about the meeting he was about to have with another of the most powerful men in his Empire. The room was warm with the fire crackling behind him, and he decided he needed a drink; a strong drink. He stood and took a few steps to the left and grabbed the decanter of Saurian Brandy which he kept on the side table for occasions such as this and poured himself a tall glass full. Replacing the cap, he decided to just put the container on the desk where it would be within easy reach. He felt he was going to need it this night. He had known Var’lon tr’Vatrix for many years and the man had always been a trusted ally and considered somewhat of a friend. However, Tricus was now worried by the words and warnings of na only his advisor Proconsul tr’Merk, but that also of Krein tr’Vren, head of the Tal Shiar who was also a trusted confidante. The fact that both had come to him separately and shared the same concern now worried him greatly. Could tr’Vatrix really be building up his Galae forces to stage a coup against him? He commanded the military resources to do so, and the routes that he had just placed his fleet increase upon could be seen as a way of choking off any assistance or aid that Tricus or the Senate might call for; even bottling up the Fvillah’s own Praetorian Fleet. The sudden increase hrrau Galae forces noted by tr’Vren and tr’Merk caused the Fvillah to become increasingly fearful that tr’Vatrix might actually go too far, and end up starting some adverse course of action. Fears that had been whispered to him had ranged from a personal coup against the Tricus himself; or almost equally adverse, the man could begin a civil war with those hrrau the Othan Sector and some of the more frontier worlds that may support them. Tricus knew that he could na let this happen, as those sectors were extremely rich in natural resources and were the reason why their leadership in the Deihu was so strong of late. Those sectors had supported him and kept his coffers filled. They possessed wealth and resources that had been severely stressed hrrau other sectors of Rihannsu space, and most notably those closest around ch’Rihan. Na, he could little afford to spurn those leaders, as they would one day have an affect on the rest of the Empire, even io day, possibly trying to split from the Empire themselves. Na, he needed their support. A knock sounded upon the heavy wooden door, and Tricus watched as his dheno brought tr’Vatrix into his personal study, saluted and left. He noted while the Daise’Khre’Riov stood there at vae’drae, the personal sidearm that the man wore. Though it had been worn here on numerous occasions before, tonight it actually worried him more than usual. Perhaps tonight’s discussion, would be io to as require him to leave it by the door. Though, asking that in itself could signal issue between them prior to their discussion, and even prompt thoughts of using it. Better to let it remain as something ornamental and unremembered. Despite having known the man that sat in front of him for decades, Var’lon still found it difficult to read the face of the Fvillah when he was in his “work mode”. He had a feeling this was going to be one of those moments before even entering the room, but the look on the Fvillah’s face confirmed his suspicions. Whatever they were about to discuss was not going to be pleasant. “Daise’Khre’Riov, Aefvahd. I hope the late hour did na cause au too much difficulty?” the Fvillah stated as he took a seat behind the heavy desk, “What I wished to discuss with au, is a matter of some import.” “I’ve always been at your command, my Fvillah. And I’m happy to be of service, no matter the hour.” Var’lon held off on further council or pleasantries until the purpose of the conversation was revealed. This was not his show for now. “It pleases me to hear au say this, Daise’Khre’Riov. It is menkha to know who one can trust, and who one can na,” the Fvillah continued. “As I said, some matters have come to my attention of late, that I wish to discuss with au.” The formality used by the Fvillah was not lost on Var'lon as he continued to stand. He normally would have been asked to sit by now and his name used instead of just a title. It only further confirmed his earlier thoughts of how this was going to be a difficult conversation. “It has been brought to my attention, that au have asked to bring the Galae Fleet to a heightened state of readiness, and have already deployed many ships along primary shipping and tactical routes. I do na recall discussing this with au. This increase is io that would be expected along the Outmarches with our enemies; but it concerns me that this buildup au have instigated, is along so many of our internal strategic locations. It is as if au feared aur own people?” “Ie... I have indeed increased our state of readiness across a number of locations due to credible intelligence showing increased risks. I have not attempted to hide any of these actions either as those plans have already been submitted to the Senate as well. With your incredibly busy schedule, I did not want to disturb you with potentially trivial matters. As au known, I try to only bother you with issues of the utmost importance.” The Fvillah leaned back into the antiquated seat that he kept for his comfort, the old leather creaking as he shifted his weight and steepled his fingers together, “I also find that there have been many times of late when I have wished to consult with au rhae matters of ‘utmost importance’, but have found too often, that au have been away from the homeworld, for io reason,” he paused a siuren for effect, “ or another.” Tricus did na feel he needed to say anything about tr’Vatrix’s extended mission to Dumok’azen as it was at least a Galae mission, but rather the long vacation he had been away with his bondmate, that was the matter to which his statement was implied. He shook his head and looked back up at tr’Vatrix, “There have been questions if au still take the office seriously, or even wish to continue serving aur people hrrau this capacity.” The Fvillah knew that until io normally retired from old age or yy’a hrrau battle, that io did na just leave the position tr’Vatrix held willingly, due to the number of secrets and confidential information known. There was really only io other way to leave the office, and he’d prefer na to use this option if tr’Vatrix truly was still loyal to him. It would be unfortunate to needlessly lose a fine officer, and someone he could actually sit down and have discourse with as almost an equal. He pointed a finger towards tr’Vatrix, “I need to know, that I can still trust au.” In reality, the Fvillah had been deeply jealous of tr’Vatrix for many years. Na only was he popular with the masses, he was also well liked amongst many of the Deihu, and that was na small feat. Then there was the Galae Fleet itself; which almost to a man or woman, were willing to lay their lives down for this man that they were so intensely loyal too. Would that he, Fvillah of the great Rihannsu Empire, be able to command such respect as this man did so easily without even trying. If tr’Vatrix were ever to truly challenge him, and possibly try to stage a coup as the others had whispered rumor of, Tricus would be hard pressed to stop tr’Vatrix. Though, there were those that were his detractors as well, the Tal Shiar, the N’Dak family and a small faction of very wealthy Deihu, many from the Othan Sector who believe his fleet limited their control of their own space. They were pretty much the same ones that warned of the man’s bondmate, blaming her for many of issues they were now citing to tr’Vatrix’s credit. Still, it must be nice to have a beautiful woman by one’s side, as he thought of his own somewhat dowdy bondmate and frowned. “I’ve always thought my duties have been carried out in such a way that you would never need to question my trust or loyalty,” Var’lon began. “It pleases me that you’ve trusted me enough to seek my council on the important matters you deal with on a daily basis. I don’t often take many trips away from the homeworld. However there are occasionally issues that require my presence elsewhere. In those situations, no matter what is happening... I am always available to you. The secure communication systems of the Empire are unmatched anywhere and you can reach me in but a moment’s notice.” “Be that as it may, I find that I require au presence fahd rhae ch’Rihan for the time being,” as he reached over to pickup the heavy crystal tumbler filled with the brandy he had poured earlier, turned the glass in his fingers a siuren, and took a deep drink from it before continuing. “I think I would also prefer to see more of our ships return to position around ch’Rihan, and na out rhae whatever chase au have sent them upon.” Var’lon frowned as he listened to the Fvillah. So far he seemed to have not countered any of the points Var’lon brought up. There had to be more going on here than meets the eye. To have him question his loyalty and actions like this meant something else must be going on. “I don’t see a problem with remaining here on the homeworld. There is nothing I can think of that would require me elsewhere. As au know, it is not often that I am actually away.” Var’lon paused a moment as he gathered his thoughts on how to respond to the next request. “Ie, I will give au that, it has been rare that we’ve seen au gone for so long a time as au have been of late, but as I said, I would prefer au remain rhae the homeworld for the time being. In part, as I wish to speak to au more on the issues of what occurred at Dumok’azen. Many of the Deihu and leaders of the Othan sector are seething over the events that recently took place there. I would na have them needlessly targeted further. Negotiations may involve many face to face meetings. A shipboard call could be deemed as insulting that au did na care enough to attend hrrau person. “ “Of course. I am at your disposal,” Var’lon replied, nodding his head in agreement before continuing. “Regarding repositioning our forces, I respectfully disagree with returning them to their original assignments. Doing so could potentially leave us vulnerable and unprotected. Is it not my responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the Empire? You’ve trusted me this long to act in our best interest, and I would ask that you continue to believe I’m acting strictly in the the interest of the Empire.” “But so many troops, hrrau just the last few days? Well, in addition to that small fleet that au left at Dumok’azen. I am still na sure why au have need for such a mobilization? Unless au are planning to begin a major offensive, that have na been apprised of? Is this why au reassigned the new Vereleus-class Dreadnought Azgalor to sit off of Dumok’azen, rather than it’s being assigned to my personal fleet, as had been expected. I know au were testing the Teronix auself, to assess it’s systems and safety, but I ‘had’ expected to take delivery of the new ship recently, and then I receive word, that au used it for your personal use, as a courier for au bondmate to join au?” Tricus tr’Salis took another drink before he continued. “For that matter, hadn’t au just prior to Azgalor being completed, completely upgraded the Talon, au bondmates’ ship? Could it na be sent on whatever mission it is that au have had to ramp up so many resources? It has the firepower of almost two ships, could it na take care of itself rhae a mission without support assigned to it? Or, have au come into more of the latinum that the Talon had previously brought back, to cover the cost of this increased military buildup? It strains the Empire’s resources without any prospect of gain from the action. There have also been several complaints filed against au and io of au officers, an Enarrain N’Dak, also of the Talon, but Deihu N’Dak’s son I believe, by the some of the Othan leadership.” He paused a siuren, and finished drink. “But au are right, I have trusted au hrrau the past and thus, this is why I ‘know’ that au will honor the request I am about to make of au.” A tightness began forming in Va’rlon’s stomach at the last comment. This was going to be the purpose of the late-night summoning and what he was sure he was going to dislike. “I have read the reports that were sent about the attacks upon some of the Talon’s crew, both rhae the ship, as well as rhae planet fahd. I also agree that until the incident against Enarrain N’Dak, that it seemed related to the incident concerning au bondmate, the Daise Maenak and one other crew member that I’m na even sure has survived. It would appear to me, that someone other than Galae, may be interested hrrau gathering data upon those involved either by the nanogenes, or having had to work with them.” Tricus reached over and grabbed the half-filled crystal decanter, refilling his drink and taking another deep pull on it. “This is why I have made my decision as to how to handle this situation. As a result of Enarrain N’Dak’s unfortunate incident and subsequent inability to take command of the Talon, the acting XO also missing and presumed abducted, and the next ranking officer listed as out on ‘special assignment’, I find na senior officers of note to take command of the Talon.” Tricus tr'Salis needed another drink to get this io out, and was debating if he really should call his dheno to have tr’Vatrix’s sidearm removed, but decided he would show at least a bit of trust. “Therefore, I at this time, require that Khre’Riov t’Rexan, I suppose that she is t’Vatrix hna’h, that she report to the RES Talon to resume command of her ship until such time that the missing officer is recovered, and those responsible are identified.” “Fvillah, the Khre’Riov has tended her resignation in order to spend time at home raising her... OUR newborn son! It has only been about two months since she has given birth. However; there are a number of more-than-capable officers in the Empire. I can have any one assigned immediately to fill the role until such time that Enarrain N’Dak is able to resume his duties.” “If I remember correctly, she had taken a leave of absence and has been away from duty for well over a year hna’h. It is time she got back to work, other officers have had children too, and either return or retire. However, Galae has put in too much investment, time and resources to train her, to let her just quit. It was part of the price of accepting her rank, she should know this. Besides, she has first hand knowledge of what these nanogenes do, and well, face it, they’ve already made an attempt upon her once. She will be the perfect bait to draw them in, so that we may try to follow them to their base of operations.” “Absolutely not!” Var'lon exclaimed as he lost the cool demeanor he managed to maintain thus far in their conversation. “Use her as BAIT?! That is out of the question!” “Au refuse my request? And telling ‘me’ what is out of the question? After standing there and professing that au live to serve the Empire and the Fvillah? And then the very next words from au mouth are NA!?” Tricus half rose from his seat, face dark with anger and anticipating trouble, his hand near the switch that would summon his dheno to enter the room. “I have vowed to serve both you and the Empire,” Var’lon began. He took a deep breath and attempted to get his temper back under control. “However there are better ways to achieve what you seek to accomplish than to do that. If you want to get to the bottom of what happened, I will support you. I want to see the situation resolved as well. Just give me a little bit of time and I’ll see that it’s handled and that you have a full report as to the outcome.” “Au say au serve myself and the Empire, yet when I ask this of au, au refuse. I was told I should expect this from au if I were to ask it of au," he paused and shook his head. "As for better ways, how so? How many more of au galae crewmen have to die for this folly? How many rhae the Talon have already died due to the attempts on the Maenak and Khre’Riov? I can remember at least three so far. How many more should be sacrificed so that au bondmate may live at home hrrau comfort? She already has received the benefit of renewed youth and looks, a matter I noticed au were quick to take advantage of and claim her for au own?” The Fvillah’s last comment made clear to Var’lon this was the result of at least a few others trying to discredit him and remove him from his position. He made a mental note of it to deal with it later. First he had to protect his family. “You have a family yourself Fvillah... what would you do if someone came along asking you to use your wife as bait? I have loyally served you and the Empire for over 40 years. I have given greatly of myself in order to serve. Surely you can understand my interest in wanting to protect my family while still serving you and the Empire?” “I can see au point tr’Vatrix, however my bondmate, is na a Galae officer, a Khre’Riov at that. Au knew the consequences of bonding with another flag officer, especially io that reported directly to au. Surely she should na receive special favor hrrau her position, just because au have chosen to take her to au bed? Were my bondmate to be hrrau the same situation, I would expect na less of her to do her duty. I’m sure au bondmate, will remember her place once informed of my decision. If au will na put an end to this, I will see that it is done, and doing so, that t’Rexan be used to draw them out. How could they pass up the prize they are clearly after? Surely they went after the Daise Maenak, as au bondmate was too difficult to obtain with her dheno detail and yours as well. Na, this is the perfect opportunity to draw these veruuls out, that wish to use this information for their own use, and na that for the good of the Empire. We will send her out, with a ‘single’ ship, na fleet, na escort, and hopefully she’ll find information rhae the missing officer as well, but if they make attempt to capture her, her crew will be ordered to make little move to prevent this. How can this na tempt them, if she truly is the target of their intent? Then, if she were somehow to be captured during the mission, the crew will just need to track her movement after she’s been taken.” This was not going as Var'lon had hoped. It was unlikely he would be able to win an argument with the Fvillah once his mind was made up. He had been able to help influence the decisions made previously so that he could simply just agree with the Fvillah, but this was not working out like past instances had. This was going from bad to worse. Not only was this a risky plan, it was foolish as well. Worse yet, it involved his bondmate! “How can you expect to potentially get to the bottom of this and catch those responsible with such a ridiculous plan? It not only unnecessarily jeopardizes the lives those those involved, but jeopardizes the overall chances of succeeding in finding and stopping those responsible!” tr'Salis angered at his plan being called ridiculous by the man standing before him, and slammed his glass down, spilling a good bit of it all over the desk. “Ridiculous? Ridiculous? I have na seen a better plan from au, and besides, with the proper use of a subdermal tracking device, it will tell us exactly where she is. Within a proscribed scanning area of course.” “If I was with the group responsible for this, the first thing I would be checking for would be tracking devices and disabling them. Without any kind of help or support, this is basically a suicide mission.” “Yet it is what I require of au. Au are to reassign her to the ship, and have it ready to leave hrrau the morning, this is non-negotiable.” tr’Salis stood fully, fists upon the black lacquered desk, the stone of his heavy ring of office gouging the wood beneath it as he leaned forward across the desk glaring a bit towards tr’Vatrix. “And if I refuse?” Var'lon surprised himself with that response. It was treasonous to even suggest such a thought. “Oh Elements!!” as he pounded a fist against the desk. “I had hoped I au would be reasonable, that au were still the man I could trust, and na question my orders. Na matter what, this will happen. I offer au io more chance to comply, I do this, as I had considered au an ally and friend, or else I’d have already called the dheno to have au removed. Do na prove me wrong. If au do na, the consequences will be dire indeed.” Var’lon starred at the man before him. He was forcing him to choose between his family and his country. The anger in his eyes was apparent as he remained silent staring intently at the Fvillah. “If au refuse, au will be removed from au office, and she will then be ordered to report by au replacement. Au will be tried for treason, and as your son will be alone, he will be fostered by Galae Medical where they will be able to study and test the boy to see if there are any long term affects upon his development by the nanogenes of his mother. If she were to also refuse, she would be arrested and the same result for the boy. I would recommend, based upon our relationship, that au consider my offer.” “I would say you’re not giving me much of a choice in the matter.” He was clutching his fists by this point. “And my son has already been tested by Galae Medical. He has absolutely no sign of the nanogenes in his system.” “Var’lon, fhaen, be reasonable. There are still many that feel that au bondmate, is the io still hrrau question. Where au na bonded with her, I doubt that we would na be having this conversation. However, many still whisper that she is actually a cloned entity, controlled by these aliens that created the nanogenes, and that she unduly influences au decisions. And ie, I know she’s been tested by Galae Medical, but they could have missed something with this new technology. She never held this type of sway over au before she was ‘brought back to life’, so why so suddenly now?” Releasing his clutched fists, Var’lon took a deep breath in an attempt to keep his temper in check. “She has always held that type of sway over me. I’ve always looked after her. We’ve simply taken the next step in our relationship. My decisions and council are my own. In fact, she is trying to step away from Galae in order to help ensure others don’t see her as trying to interfere. This is why she’s agreed to retire, and to stay home to raise our son.” “As I said, there are those that question her, and thus they question au. Hrrau questioning au, I find that I must have proof of au loyalty to show that ‘I’ am na the io being the veruul. If au send her, it will show those that question au, and question my trust hrrau au, that au will indeed obey and that au do na put auself and au family before the Empire. Var’lon, this is something required of au. Think of the consequences to au son. Na only would he lose both parents, but his house name would be tarnished, and his family assets seized. He would be left with nothing.” Var’lon remained unresponsive. After all of his work to get his family settled and to finally ease his wife’s pain, everything was being torn to shreds. In order to save his son, he was being forced to sacrifice his wife. “This is my order Daise’Khre’Riov, she is to be rhae the Talon hrrau the morning.” tr’Salis said in a cold, final tone, “I will na hear any argument to the contrary.” He sighed as he finally responded. “It will be done, Fvillah. I do na have to like the order, but I will comply.” “I am pleased that au have made the right decision. It relieves me that I do na have to take action against someone who has been steadfast in his dealings over these many years. It will show those that worry that au are being influenced by some sort of alien mind control, that there is na for them to worry about as well. Au loyalty is as menkha as always, and au will remain hrrau charge of Galae and io of my consultants.” “Is there anything else you require of me, Fvillah?” “Na, au had best be heading home, as au have less than eight hours to get her aboard that ship. Au are dismissed,” and with that, tr’Salis motioned towards the door. Var’lon turned without the normal salute and started walking towards the exit. As he reached it, he stopped and turned back to the Fvillah. “You showed concern for me earlier in suggesting I be concerned about the appearance of undue influence that might be being made over me. We’ve known each other a long time... so I’m going to do the same for you.” Var’lon looked upwards a moment as he gathered his thoughts not wanting this to come out the wrong way. “Whomever is providing council to you regarding my family is obviously out of touch with reality. I would caution you to take care with the advice they might be providing you on other matters if this is the type of recommendations they’re making regarding this matter.” Turning around once again and left the room without waiting for a reply. He barely noticed the trip home as his head swam with various thoughts on how he could break the news to his wife. It was hard for him to focus as he found himself jumping from feelings of anger to regret to worry. Glancing down, he noticed his weapon still at his side. It would have been oh so simple to have just used it to end the entire situation. It would have been easier to deal with the consequences of that than what he was about to have to do. This mission would be next to impossible. Even if she managed to defy the odds as she had done previously, it would still kill her emotionally. She had just started making decent progress recovering from the mental demons she faced and now they would be brought to life in an even bigger and more dangerous way. How was he to protect her this time, when she herself might be her own biggest danger?

The Pink Panther theme.