"For Your Approval"

[Kavek tr'Valdrin 0]

"For Your Approval"

Daise'Khre'Riov Var'lon tr'Vatrix, Khre'Riov L'haiy t'Rexan &

Daise'Erei'Riov Kavek tr'Valdrin

 

Var'lon sat alone in his darkened office, preferring the space around him to be dark when he wanted time to meditate or think. The light from his terminal cast a greenish hue over his features as he stared at the screen, contemplating a list of names. A plan was finally coming together as he tried to figure out what to do about the Talon and how he could best help L'haiy. He knew some changes in personnel would be needed. Even though he could not get away with a wholesale change replacing all of the traitors, he could start the wheel in motion with just a few. Slowly his fingers strummed across the desk. In order to do this, he needed to start from the top and work his way down until he could replace everyone with people loyal to him and that he could trust. All I have to do is set them up to fail and pick off the troublemakers one at a time. Why not keep L'haiy away for a while and let N'Dak take command? Then I could appoint an executive officer of my choosing. Who can I trust to be loyal and give me an unbiased report? With this being such a sensitive situation, it would take just the right person to do the job. He knew L'haiy would insist on meeting whatever person he tried to bring on board. Her approval would be necessary for someone to come aboard at that level.

 

A moment of inspiration finally came to him as he reached a particular name on the list of currently unassigned officers. He reached over to activate the communication system. L'haiy knows him and should have no objections, Var'lon thought. And since his last mission just wrapped up, I should be able to reach him before he is sent elsewhere. He will be perfect.

 

Sometime later, Var'lon received a message that his visitor had arrived and was being sent up. Without any further notice, a uniformed male stepped into his office. Though not immediately recognized in the darkness, the voice was undoubtedly familiar. "Rekkhai," came the greeting, directed to the glow of Var'lon's terminal. "I am pleased to hear from au."

 

As the newcomer neared his desk, his features took on an almost wicked cast in the dim lighting, though his smile was pleasant and easy. He took a seat without being invited and seemed completely at ease in the presence of the powerful man. "I was intrigued by your message. How may I serve au?"

 

"It's been far too long... in reality it's my fault for that as well, so my apologies for being somewhat distant." Var'lon smiled a moment as he reached across his desk and returned the lights to their normal illumination. "Your father always kept his ear open and was able to pick up a great deal of information. That was one reason I liked him as much as I did. He knew a great deal, but also knew when to keep that quiet as well."

 

"Ie, he hears much and says very little. Many have said I have inherited his discretion. However, he speaks to me often of au, considering au a great friend of House Valdrin. I have heard most interesting news of au from my father."

 

He paused briefly, studying the young (by his standards) Rihan before him. Kavek was the son of a most trusted friend. Var'lon had known him for nearly all of his life and considered himself an advisor of sorts to the boy. As a favor, he had even found a station for him in his own office when he first joined the ranks. Though Chavek tr'Valdrin was a powerful senator who had more than a little influence with the Praetor, he had remained a personal supporter of Var'lon's command within the Galae. Kavek was a mirror of his father in many ways: handsome, charismatic, tactical, and scheming. Var'lon had always made certain that the schemes of House Valdrin always worked in his favor.

 

One eyebrow lifted as he pondered Kavek's intimation. "The question ultimately becomes, what has he heard that has au so intrigued?"

 

"Ah, most interesting things. He has heard of a new alliance that au might be forging," Kavek paused, regarding Var'lon thoughtfully, "though the details are yours alone to keep."

 

Var'lon settled back into his chair, pleased with that answer. This was the right decision. Kavek would be perfect for the Talon. "It's part of why I wanted to speak with au. I understand au have completed your latest mission. The reports showed your performance was flawless, as is typical. If au are going to be free for a while, I have an opportunity I think could benefit us both."

 

Kavek inclined his head slightly, a half smile appearing. "I was to be assigned to Galae Command here for an administrative position while the Tricarion is under refit. I could easily be reassigned anywhere, as it suits au. I would very much like to hear your proposal."

 

"There is going to be a temporary change of command aboard the Talon. As au know, I've started a relationship with her Enarrain. What's na known yet is that we're becoming bonded. While we're celebrating our bonding, their First Officer will be assuming command of the ship. However the person that would normally assume the First Officer's duties is a maenak and na really in a position to take on those responsibilities."

 

Var'lon paused a moment attempting to gauge Kavek's reaction so far. "I want au to assume the role of First Officer on the Talon."

 

Though he only raised a single brow at the mention of the bonding (proof enough that he already knew or suspected), Kavek smiled at the proposed posting. "The Talon? I have seen that name on recent reports. All of its systems have been recently refitted, which seems appropriate considering the damage it received during its last mission. Though, was this na the ship that only just survived a crew mutiny? That is a risky posting, despite the upgrades the ship has received. The Talon's reputation is varied, depending on who one speaks to."

 

"The crew is somewhat unique, I'll give au that much. Ie, there was a mutiny aboard, but it was an isolated incident. Regardless of how small it was however, it has me concerned. It's part of why I want au there. I've known au for many years... your family even longer. I need someone with experience that can complete the duties, but more importantly, I need someone I can trust."

 

Var'lon kept a straight face as he responded. He hoped he would not have to do much of a selling job, but he should not have been surprised Kavek would bring him to task on it. "My goal is to see additional trustworthy people posted to the ship. I want to ensure my mate-to-be is protected. There are enough dangers in space without worrying about what those aboard the ship might be plotting when her back is turned."

 

"I understand. Au need someone au can trust, na doubt to report to au on any abnormal crew activities. I have na doubt that I would be able to accomplish this for au," Kavek said smoothly. "If I accept this position for au, where will I be assigned once the Enarrain resumes her post? I assume the current executive officer will na want to give up his position so easily. Of course, I would na be opposed to relieving him of his command entirely should au wish it."

 

"Your family has never been fond of House N'Dak," Var'lon pointed out. "But I hope his removal will na be necessary. If au find au like the ship and want to stay aboard, there is an opening in engineering, which I know was your primary focus before au started down the path to command. The Daise'Engineer is currently indisposed and the position will be temporarily filled while au serving in command. When the Enarrain returns, au would certainly have the option of assuming that posting for as long as au would like. If na, we could always find au a place here."

 

Kavek steepled his fingers in front of him, giving it some thought. "An interesting idea, especially if the Talon is as advanced as I hear. Au well know that I have served aboard the Tricarion for over seven years, three of those as her executive officer. I am na interested in taking another position in engineering on a permanent basis. However, I would na be opposed to assuming the station temporarily if it would aid au."

 

"It's something we can work out sometime later if the situation arises. I do na want au to feel obligated to remain somewhere au do na wish to be simply for my sake. We go too far back for that."

 

"Of course." Kavek paused. "Au mentioned the Talon's Commanding Officer. I assume that I would meet with her before being assigned to her ship during her absence?"

 

"If au agree to the position, I planned to have au meet her immediately since au are here."

 

"Na doubt au have her waiting somewhere for my concession," Kavek said wryly. "Au are too good at influencing others for me to refuse au. Very well. I would be happy to meet her, especially considering your relationship with her. L'haiy t'Rexan,correct? I have met her before at various Galae social functions, though have na had the pleasure to spend any significant amount of time in her presence."

 

"Ie, I am aware that au have met before. It was part of the reason I thought to ask au. She should have na objection to your family, else I would know. It is au alone that must meet her approval." He tapped the console a moment, asking if L'haiy could come by his office if she was available. "She should hopefully be here shortly."

 

They had not long to wait. After only a few minutes of brief conversation about other events and happenings, both of the men stood as the chimes sounded at the door. "Enter!" Var'lon said.

 

"Daise Khre'Riov," L'haiy said as she entered, inclining her head first to Var'lon to acknowledge him. She then turned her attention to the other man, sizing him up in a glance. "Daise Erei'Riov tr'Valdrin, I do hope au father is well? I've na had the pleasure of sitting and speaking with him for some time now. I always enjoyed listening to some of his proposals. Very forward thinking man, there."

 

A brief moment of surprise registered on Kavek's face as he stepped forward to greet her. "Khre'Riov t'Rexan. Ie, my father is quite well, as I see au are. Much has been whispered of your recent transformation, but the rumors were significantly lacking, as usual. I find au much changed since we last met." He smiled handsomely as he took her hand in greeting, bowing over it without breaking her gaze. "It is a pleasure to see au once again."

 

"Au flatter me too much, tr'Valdrin, but hann'yyo." She smiled as she reclaimed her hand.

 

Var'lon circled around from behind the desk and wrapped his arm around his future wife. At the possessive gesture, Kavek took a respectful step backward. "As au might recall, I mentioned I had someone in mind to serve as First Officer while we were away," Var'lon said to L'haiy. "I know how protective au are of your ship, so I wanted au to meet him so that au might give him your blessing and consent."

 

She glanced briefly at Var'lon, inwardly surprised at his show of affection in front of another. That casual embrace told fathoms, showing her just how much he trusted Kavek. "As usual, au have made an excellent choice. I have followed Kavek's," turns back to tr'Valdrin, "if I may? I've followed your career due to the politics of your father. Au have done an excellent job in your last posting."

 

"I am pleased au believe so, rekkhai. My father is very proud and hopes to see me situated in Galae command here before too long," Kavek replied, his expression fading to a more neutral expression.

 

"I do have to ask," she continued, "why would au leave your last ship to take this temporary position? Is it just for the stay of its refit?"

 

"I understand it is only to be a temporary posting, but my current ship is under refit and will be out of commission for some months. The Talon is a far greater ship by comparison. It would be foolish of me to let such an opportunity pass. "

 

"A menkha answer. I do have to put another matter forward if au will excuse me for being forward. It is well known that there is no jol between your house and that of S'N'Dak. Destorie N'Dak will be serving as the acting Enarrain. How do au feel about having to work with him, as well as his younger brother who is stationed in sciences?"

 

"If I might be frank, Destorie can be somewhat difficult to manage," Kavek replied without hesitation. "I am certain that au know this above all people as he has been your executive officer. However, I pride myself on being a professional officer and would never let petty dislikes keep me from doing my duty. House N'Dak is a proud family, but they have no influence over S'Valdrin. It would be interesting to discover if my appointment influences his command style. I have na qualms about taking orders from an N'Dak so long as he does na let his prejudices interfere with his command decisions. The younger N'Dak is of na consequence."

 

She nodded. "A fine answer, io I would expect of your pedigree and previous station. If I may be so bold, where do au expect to see yourself in five years?"

 

"In five years, I shall either be assigned to a war ship as the executive officer or serving here in command where needed," he said confidently. "My primary background is in engineering and ship design with an emphasis in battle tactics and armament. I have already had several proposed ship designs accepted, one of which is in the preliminary stages of prototype fabrication. It would be pleasing to command a ship of my own design."

 

She smiled inwardly, pleased that he didn't say in command of 'her' ship. "A most worthy and well thought out career path. Var'lon, I find your choice a worthy io. I believe tr'Valdrin will perform his duty well while I am off ship. Have au told him what this mission entails?"

 

"Na yet. I was waiting for your approval. Now that introductions have been made and au find na fault with my recommendation, we should sit and discuss what lies in store for the Talon." Var'lon waved Kavek to his former chair and pulled the other out for L'haiy. Giving her shoulder a squeeze once she was seated, he rounded his desk to reclaim his chair. "Now… let me tell au what I know of the situation…"

 

 

[Lerak trPexil 0]

Very good log. Welcome aboard, well not quite yet.