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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:38:12 GMT -5
Sorrow and love are two sides of the same coin - Rihannsu Proverb
Risa July 2423
Niaev i’Sahan t’Lena stood at the shuttle pad looking over the risian shuttle waiting for Shay to arrive. It wasn't that the young gynoid was late, it was the Niaev had been three hours early. She was wearing a more traditional romulan vest and pants, her black hair was pulled back, just the way she wore it fifteen years ago. Fifteen years, she thought to herself sighing, fifteen years because of an argument since she had seen her husband. Fvadt, all this time. She looked at the name of the shuttle again, the universe continued to have a sense of humor. Dreamchaser. Fitting, for it was a dream that had started her down this path. The search was years late, and she honestly did not know why she started it, nor had she ever expected it to bear fruit. But there it was, a message waiting for her when she arrived on Risa. A message verified by Shay. Introspection gave way to the sound of small footsteps on the shuttle pad surface.
Lieutenant Saiv Shay Daly had arrived exactly at the specified departure time. Niaev suppressed a small laugh, the diminutive gynoid had radically altered her look for the occasion, looking more like a smuggler from a holovid than a starfleet officer. She wore heavy knee high boots, a brown cargo pocketed jumpsuit, and a long coat with deep green accents. Her hair had changed to black instead of its usual shade of Pink and she wore a black headband and small dark sunglasses.
“Planning to rob a bank a’rhea?” Niaev was finally betrayed into laughter at the sight of her friend.
The gynoid responded in her very matter of fact manner “No. But last night you reminded me of all the things about me that would stand out in a romulan community. I wished to be certain that I was not a distraction from you.” Of course, the conversation on why so many had taken interest in the little humanoid. Niaev had pointed out that not many beings had pink hair. She reached out and touched the gynoid’s cheek.
“You look like a pocket sized nausicaan raider, but I think I like it.” She smiled, glad that Shay was joining her on this expedition. Truthfully she did not know what awaited. Her mind thought to Marcus Blaine the chief of security on her ship, maybe she should have asked him to come just in case this was a trap. She banished the thought. He would just complicate things further.
Shay’s irish brogue responded “Very Well, If you wish me to adjust my appearance, I will do so. I do not know what to expect.” Niaev moved to the shuttle door and opened the hatch, entering.
“All right a’rhea let’s get inside.” The inside of the shuttle betrayed its normal use as a pleasure craft. It was four compartments. A pilot compartment that was rather small, a large living compartment with a water bath on open to the floor plan, a small fresher and an engineering compartment in the aft. The living compartment only had one large bed, and a few storage trunks. “I guess they did not expect me to bring a friend.”
"Probably better if we are not both sleeping at once anyway. The fields within the shuttle are quite sufficient, I do not feel any power loss." That was interesting, Shay had never mentioned her artificial nature as openly before not even in private. Niaev smiled as she moved through the quarters placing her hand on the bed, the fabric was Orion silk, cool to the touch.
“Yeah probably not, however depending on how this goes, one bed could get a little awkward.” Yeah if Darok joined them on the way back to Risa Niaev did not expect to leave this bed. “Anyway let’s get underway” She placed her bag on the bed and headed to the cockpit of the Risian craft.
Shay followed, “I wouldn't worry about it being awkward. Unless you are planning on bringing him back to Risa with you. Then... I'll just make use of the co-pilot seat and work on my software upgrade for Protector.” Niaev sat in the pilot’s seat and started the pre-launch sequence, the control of the shuttle were not that different than those on small shuttles of the Mitte’Temar. She let her mind drift to a past time.
Mitte’Temar January 2391
“No Niaev, you have to watch your attitude,” the voice of rihannsu male betrayed some frustration.
“Watch my attitude, you like my attitude.” She sent the cargo shuttle into a dive and then turned it as it flew from the station towards the converted passenger ship.
She felt the strong hand on her shoulder as he braced against the sudden change. “Fvadt, Niaev I just fixed the stabilizers on this thing and they weren’t exactly the right parts. Take it easy! I knew I should have never taught you to fly.”
She smirked and brought the ship to a stop pressing the comm panel, “ Mitte’Temar, it seems we are having a problem with the stabilizers, Darok thinks it will take about an hour to fix.” She stood up and looked at him he was large for a romulan, strong betraying his worker class roots, he wore his hair short his dark brown eyes had an intensity to them that made her melt, he gave an incredulous look.
“There is nothing wrong with the….” She interrupted him with a kiss and pushed him back towards the cargo pallet, rapidly entering a state of undress.
Risa July 2423 Shay brought her from her memory, “The system seems to be rather standard. Autopilot and pilot assists. I think I should be able to handle this without help unless there is a serious problem. Good.” Shay sat next to her in the co pilot’s chair. Niaev opened communications.
“ Risa Control this is Doctor T’lena and Lieutenant Shay Daly of the USS Protector aboard the Dreamchaser, requesting permission to depart.“ Niaev broadcasted the flight plan and the message response came through.
“This is Risa Control, you are cleared for departure Dreamchaser, we have updated your flight information with the additional passenger, Fair Journeys and Safe Travels.” Niaev initiated the auto-take off procedures. The Shuttle left the atmosphere and started a flight path at impulse towards a safe warp distance from the risian orbital zone. Niaev sat back in the chair. Her mind was racing. “I could still turn around… What if he doesn’t want to see me?” she exhaled.
"Then you will make your peace, and know. End the pain of not knowing. Mother always said imagination is more intense than truth. Both in causing fear and creativity." Shay synced her padd with the ship. The little one was right of course.
“Your mother is a smart woman.” Niaev closed her eyes as the shuttle impulse taxied.
“My mother is a very smart woman, She is a leader in her field and holds several PhDs” Shay’s voice had a tone of pride to it subtle but there. Niaev took the shuttle to warp once the indicator released the drive lock. Warp six point five towards Je’Lana III.
“At this speed, we will reach our destination in twenty eight hours thirty-two minutes.” Niaev leaned back in the chair as Shay removed her coat and continued her work on her padd after her update.
“Computer music, Earth Folk Irish and Scottish mix.” She let the whistles, pipes and vocal lines work towards easing her mind. It was not effective. Her mind drifted again
Mitte’Temar July 7th 2405
Niaev paced in their quarters. She read the Padd again, and again. The FNS broadcast still burned in her mind. Lisa was gone. Dead. Space dust. The fucking klingons had killed a medical ship. Starfleet wasn’t ready to fight this war. Her friend was gone. And she had to do something about it. To make matters worse, it was her birthday. Darok entered, the table was set for dinner. But she did not have an appetite. She submitted the application.
Darok spoke, “Sorry my love but the Federation cargo ship had a problem and has to remain docked for a few days before it heads to Vega Colony.” He kissed her forehead and took the PADD from her. “ Come on, let's eat, it’s your birthday and I have a surprise for you.” She looked at him could she really leave? She sat down and ate some of the Vrinak. Darok had somehow tracked down her favorite food. They ate for awhile, talking about trivial things before Darok walked beside her and took her wrist pulling an ornate Rihannsu bonding bracelet from his pocket. It was real, the metal and stones looked like they could have come from a jeweler in Ki Baraten.
“Oh Darok, where did you find this!” She smiled and looked into his eyes.
He grinned, “ I promised you I’d get you one when we got married, it’s just 14 years late. What were you looking at anyway?” The previous elation fell to a sour note.
“I submitted my application to the Starfleet Medical Relief Corps.” Saying it out loud made it a reality. She braced for what was to come.
As tender as Darok could be he had the stereotypical Romulan temper. The glass that contained the Romulan ale they had saved felt the brunt of it as it crashed into the wall.” We talked about this Niaev! You are needed here, helping your own people not chasing a battlefield in a Federation war!”
“We owe everything to the Federation! Without them we wouldn’t have survived the first year. They taught me how to be a doctor! How many of our crew and other romulans live because of what they did for me.” Her voice was raised. “Lisa is dead! I have to go. I will go.”
Darok growled, “What does it matter if that Hevam is dead, You are not human. I forbid you to go as your husband.”
T’lena took the beautiful new bracelet off her wrist, “ That blind obedience died with Romulus. Keep the bracelet husband. I won’t need it on a battlefield.” Darok stormed out of the room.
“I’ll be on the bridge.” The bulkhead outside dented in his frustration. Niaev packed a bag and then went to the Federation Cargo ship captain and left the Mitte’Temar for Vega Colony and later the front lines.
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Reunion
Aug 2, 2019 10:40:33 GMT -5
Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:40:33 GMT -5
Dreamchaser In route to Je’lana III Fifteen Hours into transit
Niaev sat in the bath, the water was warm, relaxing. The hum of the warp engines was barely noticeable in the ship, Shay had been sitting quietly working in the cockpit. It was time to change that. “So why the headband a’rhea?
The irish voice called back from the cockpit. “The mark is hard to see when my hair is light colored, but it stands out quite a bit when it is darkened. It is easily identifiable.” The mark she referred to was a Nausicaan brand that marked her property. Though Shay’s file had revealed she was unaware of her origins. Niaev sighed, the little one was as close to a sister as she could be in the short time they had known each other but she was hampered by an adverse reaction to anything that could be considered sexual due to the nature of her programming. Niaev wanted to help her, and was trying to teach her how to operate normally around common adult conversations and situations.
“I could cover it with makeup?” She offered the gynoid to continue the conversation.
Shay responded, “ So can I, but it is part of who I am. So I don’t normally.” Niaev took her hand out of the water and watched the droplets return to the larger pool.
“Honestly little one I don’t think it will be an issue.” She smiled as a droplet created a small wave.
“It may not be, I just feel better covering it for this trip. I did not gain special permission to leave Risa like you did.” Was that concern in her voice? Niaev was not sure as Shay continued. “I am questioning if I am allowed on this trip. I am going because it is important to you, I do not believe it will be looked upon favorably though.”
“I am sure the admiral will be fine with it, a’rhea.” Niaev was not sure that was true, but she could probably spin it so Shay was protected either way.
“I was told to not go off on my own, But I suppose I am not on my own so it should be alright.” She was still speaking to Niaev with her gaze on her PADD.
Niaev laughed, “ Just tell them I kidnapped you as an emotional support friend.” she moved her hand over a button on a control console on the left side of the bath. “I wonder what this does.” She pushed the button. The water came alive dancing all over her skin, like billions of tiny vibrations caressing her. “Oh it’s like the water is vibrating, Shay come feel this.”
Shay approached the large bathtub, big enough for two people to fit in it, three if they share the smaller dimensions she held. Niaev looked at her as she averted her eyes from her form within the tub.
“Are you not worried about a possible loss of artificial gravity, that much water floating free could be quite hazardous. I think it is meant to be used on the ground. We should see if they have emergency breather masks.” Shay looked around.
Niaev sighed, “Sometimes it’s worth the risk… just come feel the water.” Shay approached the bathtub and dipped her fingers into the water. “Little one why are you looking away?”
“I was taught to respect the privacy of the individual. It does feel nice, a gentle stimulation, like a sonic shower under water.” She moved her hand in the pulsating water.
“Little one if I cared about privacy I would not have called you over. Nudity does not have to be sexual or hidden. We are friends.” Smiling Niaev continued. “But yes I have a feeling that is how they are doing it, either way this is amazing at relieving stress, perhaps I will have Bore build one on the Protector.”
Shay smiled slightly, “He would build one big enough for a party. I think he would have to build it at least enough for two or three, V’Tira would likely be in it quite a lot. So it would have to be large enough to share.” Ah yes, V’Tira. That Thaesha was problematic. Competent at her job but hypersexual and it had an effect on most of the crew.
“This one is big enough. You should get in. It is still a long flight.” Niaev made a circle in the water with her hand.
“Shouldn’t one of us be at the controls though, there is much to keep watch for,” She kept her eyes averted from Niaev as she sat up in the bath.
Niaev laughed slightly, Shay was so precious, so innocent. Unfortunately the galaxy was not kind to precious or innocent things. “We are on autopilot in a Risian shuttle, not much we can do either way if something were to attack us and you don’t need clothing to pilot a ship.”
Shay removed her garments, “ I suppose you are right, Though I don’t often submerge myself. It is possibly less uncomfortable with someone else.” She then entered the tub while attempting to keep her gaze from falling on Niaev her small frame easily fitting within the confines of the large basin the water came up to near chin level while Niaev only sat mid chest.
Niaev mused “See Relaxing, Besides it can be good to have someone to wash your back. You normally don’t like being in water?” From what she could tell Shay was able to generate buoyancy which would mean she would not sink.
The irishwoman replied, “I never took baths at home, and the ocean was too cold. I don’t think I ever walked in above my ankles. I waded in the holodeck to my waist. A sonic shower is a quite adequate way of cleaning.” Shay’s eyes were closed and she seemed to be concentrating on something. Niaev wondered what it could be as she moved her hand under the water allowing the sonically inspired vibration to tickle the skin.
“Well Sonic showers don’t come close to this.” She made a water jet with her fist that shot a stream of water into Shay’s face, who reacted with a catlike wrinkling of her face and wiggle of her nose.
Shay continued, “No, water reminds me of a dream I had once. So I don’t submerge myself.”
“A dream, was it of electric sheep?” Niaev smilled scolding herself on the inside for the bad joke. “What was the dream little one?” She rubbed Shay’s leg at the calf in a caring manner.
“I was under water, the water was very blue with a red light above it making the many bubbles rising past me glow purple. I lifted my hand and looked at it and I had no skin.” Her voice was the same as it had been however Niaev could almost feel the unease. It sounded like a nightmare, not a dream.
“When you were made most likely.” She offered her friend an explanation. Shay spoke again, still through closed eyes, “I do not know or remember, It is a dream I remember.
“Dreams are often our minds way of processing things, In your case little one it might be a memory.” Niaev continued to rub her friends leg almost instinctively to provide the touch of a caring hand as she spoke.
“If it is a memory. It is one of them that I do not understand. Perhaps you are correct and it had something to do with my creation. But Mother and Father seemed certain that I should not have memories before my activation.” As Shay continued Niaev’s hand fell on the button control again.
“Perhaps it was an error?” she interjected, “Accidental Activation?”
“I do not know. I think of them as dreams. While I see and hear them from my own perspective, they do not have the quality of memory. There exists no me in them. No identity.” Shay paused, “No sense of self.”
Niaev though a moment, this little android was so real, so human. What is a dream other than your own mind different from what it should be. She thought back to the vision shared with her by the Guardian. The farmhouse that had seemed so real, her three children with Darok on some planet. The happiness she felt and yet there was constant feeling that it wasn’t real, wasn’t right. It was not herself. The fact that Jela was alive in it, so normal in the vision yet so wrong. “That makes sense, A’rhea.” She pushed the button again increasing the setting of the massage function to level two, she smiled as the water began to roll like a jacuzzi. “ Oops.” She feigned, “ That was a happy accident.” Shay responded by crossing her legs in the water and twisting her back as if to stretch muscles. Niaev sunk to her neck and made a small moan. “I guess my body has been carrying a lot of tension.”
“I know,” Shay's voice was quieter, like she usually got when she was embarrassed or saying something that might reveal her nature. “I hope that seeing him makes that better. Does he know you are coming?”
Niaev shook her head. No message she had sent had a reply since she reached the LMC. How could she even send a message now without a frequency to target on subspace? “I tried to send ahead, there doesn’t seem to be a way to contact him.” A small lie, but one that should set Shay at ease. “ We just have to trust whoever set this up will explain everything.”
The two women conversed on more trivial subjects for a while longer before exiting the bath and getting dressed again. After some time the shuttle dropped out of warp to find a small space station of Vulcan design with Romulan markings orbiting a blue-green planet below. The cloud cover patterns and visible deserts suggested an arid climate likely attributed to the binary central star system of a Yellow Main sequence star with tight orbiting white dwarf. Niaev brought the shuttle to a stop. Why would a Thaesha Station have Rihannsu markings on it? She mused in her mind. The console of the shuttle blinked with an incoming hail. “Shay could you open hailing frequencies love?” The little gynoid did so and the viewscreen came alive with a female vulcan.
“This is Watchtower Station of the Vulcan Science Directorate. Dreamchaser you are expected. Please proceed to dock with the station for processing before entering the control zone.” Niaev looked down at the received flight path as two patrol vessels took up escort position off their starboard and port nacelle struts.
Shay’s voice chimed in, “ I had expected a Romulan Outpost, not a vulcan one. Interesting.” It was interesting, out of all the potential places she thought she might find her husband. Darok was not the type to mix with vulcans.
“Control Zone? Watchtower Station, Control zone for what? Niaev looked at Shay worriedly.
The controllers voice responded coldly, “You will be briefed when you comply.” Niaev looked at shay again.
“You might want to look less Pirate-y.” She moved the ship into formation with the two ships. “You think I should change into uniform?” Niaev thought a moment on the question, a starfleet officer might make things go smoother.
“Maybe, probably can’t hurt. They were expecting us and they are Vulcan.” She continued the course of the vessel toward the docking ring.
“Understood.” Shay left the cockpit to change into her starfleet uniform but kept her makeup the same.
The shuttle docked in the docking ring of the small station. Once seals were in place Niaev stood up from the pilots seat and moved towards the hatch grabbing the bag with ten of her hand-written journals, a PADD, medical supplies and a small recording crystal. She was joined by Shay who had slipped a large padd into the jacket over her uniform. “Are there any instructions?” She queried.
Niaev shook her head, “Don’t know yet A’rhea.” The hatch opened to reveal a romulan woman flanked by a vulcan man and romulan man. Her uniform was that of the Romulan Republic Military. Both men were wearing the uniform of the Vulcan Science Directorate. The woman spoke.
“Jolan Tru, I am Commander t’Selana, greetings Sublieutenant. Lieutenant.” She nodded to both Niaev and Shay.
“Commander. “ Niaev was stiff in her response. The romulans knew where her husband was all along and kept it from her. She did not know what changed. Maybe it had been the inquiry by Admiral Kalevek, or maybe the medal the federation had pinned on her chest. She fought her instinct to lash out and demand immediate answers.
“If you would follow me to processing,You will not be able to take outside technology to the planet below unless it is cleared.” Shay returned her jacket to the shuttle and her wrist PADD then rejoined them.
Niaev cleared the anger that was welling within her throat, “Why not it is a colony isn’t it?”
“As you wish Commander.” Shay said as she rejoined Niaev and the other romulan. Commander t’Selana walked them out of the room into the docking ring primary.
The romulan woman addressed the air, “ To be honest, I fought you even being allowed down, but someone within the Republic overruled me. Any outside contact has the potential to jeopardize what we are doing here.” She stopped after she lead them to the entrance to a room with a table and a scanner wall. “If you would place your possessions on the table and then step through the scanner.” They did as instructed and were then greeted by a Vulcan man, his hair greying. “What work exactly?” Niaev asked the commander.
“Work of the most importance to the Reunification of our species. My name is Director Suvok, the commander has played her role. You may leave us Commander.” He motioned for Shay to step through the scanner. As the Commander left the scanner set alerts. “Curious are you attempting to smuggle a device through our security?”
“What? Shay?, no she is an artificial and a Starfleet officer.” No, they couldn’t take Shay from her right now, not right now this was already shaping up to be bad. Niaev could not do this without her.
“My Name is Saiv Daly, Lieutenant in Starfleet assigned as Communication Specialist for the USS Protector.” The vulcan man looked at the wall behind her which now showed an orange light.
“Well it would seem that the basis of her technology is as yet unreplicatable on the planet below. Therefore the risk to her visit is minimal.” He motioned them to the next room.
“Risk what risk?” Niaev let out a sigh of relief as she walked into the room.
The vulcan did not answer her, “ Your PADDS will have to remain, they will be returned to you when you leave.”
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Reunion
Aug 2, 2019 10:41:23 GMT -5
Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:41:23 GMT -5
“Niaev,” The gynoid addressed her in a low voice before shifting to a more official cadence, “Doctor t’Lena are you certain you wish me with you? If this is so sensitive, perhaps I should wait here. I have not been granted clearance for special projects. Not even my own.” Oh like hell she was letting Shay stay here.
“No I want you with me.” She touched her shoulder and smiled to her friend eliciting a more formal confirmation from the little gynoid.
The vulcan man in a very vulcan way, “This project does not fall under starfleet purview.” He moved with a vulcan dispassion to the next room. Niaev followed turning to beckon shay to do so as well. “ What I am about to tell you is secret information, you are not to breach the confidence. Shortly after the attack on New Romulus by the Iconians a project was put in place by the Romulan government and the Vulcan Science Directorate to ensure the continuation of our collective species in a way that would draw little attention. This is one of many such Reunification Colonies. Everyone volunteered to be here, this colony in particular is living in the absence of advanced technologies. The goal is to create an environment not all dissimilar to the original one that lead to the schism of our two peoples.”
Shay was first to answer,” Interesting, I will endeavor to remain silent about anything Technological then.” So that was why none of her messages got through, these Thaesha were blocking their delivery to preserve an experiment. She felt her hands clinch instinctively.
“So none of my messages were delivered.” The vulcan turned to her and quirked his head in a stereotypical fashion. Before addressing Shay first.
“There is no need for that lieutenant, everyone on the planet is well aware of advanced technologies. They merely eschew them. It is Illogical to pretend otherwise.” Then he turned to her, for a moment, she wondered if she saw real sympathy in his eyes. “All messages were intercepted. We thought it best not to correct the error.”
“What fucking error?” If her eyes were disruptors, he would have been a pile of smoking ash.
He raised an eyebrow, “That is perhaps best to be revealed in conversation with your husband. The Interaction bears curious observation.” She moved toward him, her fist slightly raising. Only to be met by the small hand of Shay, the touch diffusing it and anger gave to tears.
“They knew!” her voice raised and her cheeks flushed green, “And they said nothing!”
“Anger is illogical, you are here now and by the time error was known it would have changed nothing. If you are ready, we can send you to the planet with device for recall.” He was still cold and removed, she hated everything about him.
The irish voice of her current angel answered him first. “I understand the implications.” And now so did Niaev. What could be so bad to disrupt on a small colony. He had another wife, a family? The possibilities were becoming very slim that this would be a happy reunion. “Just take me to my husband.” She felt the gynoids hand tighten around her own as they moved to the transporter room in silence. After the release of the grip of molecular reintegration she was greeted with the smell of livestock and fertilizer. An automated harvester was patrolling the fields rending grain from the stalk. Before them was a cut pathway of loose stone leading to a house in the Mnaenan style. Like the one she and Darok had once wanted. Like the one from her vision at the Guardian. A part of her wanted to walk through the door and be transported again to that dream. Another wanted to believe that she was still on that planet, and this was just yet another dream. Reality was not fair. In the midafternoon suns, she felt cold, her body shivering. Shay stood close beside her, holding on to her hand and willing her to walk when her feet would not. Slowly the house drew closer and closer. The feeling in her stomach turned tight. Her body acting as if it had been poisoned.
Niaev approached the door, as she approached she could hear the sound of laughter in the house. A man's voice, one she had not heard for a long time. And that of a small child, a girl between the ages of three and five. She closed her eyes, the realization that this would not end happy was real, her stomach turned. “No..” she whispered almost to herself and then knocked on the door. Shortly after she was faced with perhaps her worst outcome short of him being dead. Before her stood a Thaesha woman, her hair was short, an IDIC necklace was around her neck and on her arm was a Rihannsu betrothal bracelet.
She spoke, the words were hard to hear over Niaev’s own thoughts. “ Jolan Tru, How may I assist you?” Niaev felt her stomach enter full revolt, she turned quickly and vomited to the side of the porch railing. As she felt her hopes and dreams exit her in a violent fashion she heard shay responding. “Are you ill miss?”
Shay stepped in to speak for her. “Jolan Tru, we come to bring news which may be very difficult but is necessary. May we see you and your household adults in a private counsel.” Niaev finished retrieving something to wipe her mouth from her bag. She looked again on the woman, a river starting to breach from her eyes.
“My husband is currently tending to our daughter, if you need to speak with him I can retrieve him.” She stood stoic looking on both of them. Dispassionate, proper. Vulcan.
Shay again spoke, Niaev could not find her voice. “My name is Lt Saiv Shay Daly of Starfleet, my companion,” the gynoid paused as if trying to find words that Niaev herself did not have. “Is family to your husband.” Family, perhaps once, now she had no family.
“Please come in, we do not often receive visitors from offworld. In truth we never have. I was unaware Darok had any family remaining.” Niaev’s cheeks were rivers but she made no sound.
“That ma’am is the difficult news we bear. It is best if you and he are together and seated.” Niaev walked into the house, the atmosphere felt as if she were descending into the underworld, towards her own personal hell. “If I may ask how old is your daughter?”
The vulcan woman answered, “She is three years of age.”
Shay returned, “If you would like I can take her into another room or outside to play.”
A Rihan male entered from the opening around the corner. He was large, almost 2 meters tall, fit with his arms showing the signs of hard labor in the farms. When Nieav looked upon him he had the limited signs of aging, but the same jawline, the same ridgeline, the symmetrical face and deep brown eyes she had fallen in love with. He spoke with the same voice that had wooed her and comforted her in the dark days following the destruction of ch’Rihan.
“V’Lira was someone at the door?” His eyes finally caught hers. “Niaev!” She tilted her head, her throat sealed with grief. The voice that answered was small, from the room he just left.
“Yes Father?” Shay’s hand which had not left hers but for the moments outside squeezed then released. Niaev did not let it leave hers. Niaev stared at him as a small romulan-vulcan girl joined them standing tall only up to his knee, she reached up and grabbed his hand. “Who is this father?” The girl shielded herself slightly behind Darok.
“V’Lira please leave me to this.” Niaev gripped shay’s hand as if letting it go would cause her to buckle.
“May I go explain to the lady of the house?” Shay spoke but Niaev could not let her go. She needed her she shook her head in the negative, unable to speak.
The vulcan woman collected her daughter, “ Come along Niaev, your father has guests.” And took her into the room she just left.
Darok looked at her, his face was a mix of surprise, elation, and shock. “Niaev, You are alive?”
She growled back at him, “No I am the fucking ghost of Romulus! Of course I am alive. And I don’t know whether to kiss you or hit you!” she squeezed Shays hand very hard and felt Shay restraining her.
He sighed, then in an almost Vulcan way said, “I think there is something you need to see.” He moved past both of them and motioned for them to follow up the stairwell. Niaev followed though her feet seemed to move with a will of their own. As they moved through the house her eyes remained fixed on him. The love of her life now lead what felt like a funeral march. Her heart beat heavy, her blood chilled, and she saw green in her vision. They reached a room and he opened the door. Inside the room was a Rihannsu family shrine, the named of his family adorned the walls along with the names of her mother, father and sister. In the center of the shrine was a statue of the old Rihannsu pantheon, and next to it was a picture of her. She could see the cluttered cabin of the Mitte’Terma behind her, her jumpsuit pulled down, she was smiling she remembered that it was taken after the first time they kissed. She covered her mouth as she saw the bracelet she had so callously through back at him below it and a fresh flower placed upon it. His voice was low, broken. “I still remember the day I received this,” he retrieved a Padd from a cabinet it was old, slightly discolored, “”The Communication came in the morning, just after I had done the routine rounds on the Mitte. It was stardate 92136.66, I felt my heart leave me that day. When I read you had been reported KIA and they transferred your will. Shortly after a Ferengi trader offered to purchase the ship. The ship I had only kept running because it was our home. I sold it. After nights of searching for you in the bottle of every bottle my latinum could buy the Reunificationist found me. I met V’Lira a year later and Niaev...” she loosed her grip on shay and hugged him, her silent tear turned into full cries on his chest. “It’s my fault, it was always my fault… you were right!” she cried muffled into his chest as she felt his arms wrap around her.
Shay spoke, “Niaev has been looking for any signs of you being alive for a long time.”
Darok spoke to Niaev directly ignoring Shay, “ Niaev, no you were right. I was being selfish, Bigoted. That argument that day. It changed me.” He rubbed her arms touching his lips to her forehead. She turned to Shay.
“Shay Can you give me a moment?” her friend left them and she turned back to look at Darok. “I have been so alone. At first I was angry, then ashamed. I have seen the worst of war, or so I thought. But all along I thought, I hoped that one day I would hold you again. That I could say I was sorry, and that we would have children. But that dream, that is what is enshrined here. That girl.” She looked at the bracelet and the picture, “She died long before you got that letter.”
He held her, his hand stroking her back as he had always done, “I don’t think she did Niaev. I have a family now. And they are what saved me from the grief of losing you. But I always kept you in my heart. I care for V’Lira but she is a vulcan. My heart could not love another as we loved. So it was only logical. And I named my daughter for you.” He turned taking the bracelet and handing it to her. “You should have this.” Niaev took the bracelet and then she kissed him, deeply, with passion and loss.
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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:44:19 GMT -5
Shay made her way back through the house. She knew her friend was hurting, knew that this was not the outcome she wished to find. But it was a possibility Niaev had discussed with her. She entered what was a main room to find the Vulcan woman watching the little girl as she played on the floor with a spatial puzzle. She moved to sit down in front of her and join her in her task.
“Are you a friend of my fathers?” Shay shook her head yes and smiled at the little child.
V’Lira then asked a soft voice, “That is his wife is it not.” She stood moving towards a tea kettle.
Shay moved a piece in front of the little girl, “ Yes, they thought each other dead for years. I have been assisting her in tracking information to find proof, one way or another.” She smiled at the child again before looking at the Vulcan.
“Then her reaction was logical to my presence, hers is a pain I understand. I lost my first husband to the Borg.” The little girl completed the puzzle which formed a solid object and played a pleasant sound before reforming into a more complicated puzzle. She looked at Shay.
“I am Niaev, What is your name? She grinned and flipped her hair.
Shay returned a friendly smile and responded, “ I am Sadhbh a'Sé NíDaleigh, but everyone just calls me Shay.” The little girl squinted for a moment, then smiled.
Responding with perfect pronunciation, “Sadhbh a'Sé NíDaleigh, it sounds like the song father likes to play.”
V’Lira interjected, “ Would you like some tea Shay?”
Shay her attention back to her host, “ I would very much like some tea. My Gratitude.” The vulcan woman handed her a cup of tea before the sound of a pleading child filled the room.
“Mother play me the song that father always plays.” She had now lost interest in the puzzle standing up.
“Very well my daughter.” V’Lira moved towards a crystal reading music device and activated it. The room was filled with the sound of whistles and earth pipes and strings. The tune was an air, a lament. And one Shay was familiar with. When the voice began she recognized her friends voice, Niaev was singing, this was a gift. A message for a husband to grieve a lost love.
V’Lira interjected, “ this was all she transferred to him as a will, a human song, I have never understood the meaning. But Darok plays it for our daughter.” The little girl began to sing in tune with the song, and soon after Shay joined her.
(( www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb8AGuD2uOI one line changed at the end)) By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomon'Where me and my true love will never meet again,On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'O ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low,An' I'll be in Scotland afore yeFor me and my true love will never meet againOn the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon''Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen,On the steep, steep side o' Ben Lomon'Where in the purple hue the Hieland hills we view,An' the moon comin' out in the gloamin'O ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low,An' I'll be in Scotland afore yeFor me and my true love will never meet againOn the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'The wee birdies sing and the wild flow'rs spring,And in sunshine the waters are sleepin'But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,Tho' the waefu' may cease frae their greetin'O ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low,An' I'll be in Scotland afore yeFor me and my true love will yet meet againOn the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'
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Reunion
Aug 2, 2019 10:46:39 GMT -5
Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:46:39 GMT -5
The little girl smiled as they finished the song together and Shay took her hand gently, “ That song comes from an island only a hundred kilometers from my home village, I heard it many times growing up.” She looked to V’lira and decided to explain Niaev’s meaning for her instead of the original meaning of the song as two soldiers awaiting pardon and execution. “ It is a beautiful sad song about parting from one you love, saying goodbye but that in the end you’ll be together again.”
“My father says the person who sings it is who I am named after, that she was someone very special who helped people but was gone.” Niaev and Darok had entered the room near the close of the song. Shay looked at the little girl and held her hand. “That is true in so many ways, but there is one error. Niaev, the woman you were named for while gone from his life is Alive. She is my friend and sometimes mentor, she still helps people. She is a doctor. She heals the sick and wounded. She spent time in my islands and felt a love for our music. It was something she took with her after her training, and keeps it near her. That is how we became friends I think. She understands me and knows I can understand her.” Shay spoke to the little girl directly and loud enough for V’Lira to hear.
Little Niaev responded, “ I would like to meet her, though sometimes,” she lowers her voice to an attempted whisper, “ Father leaves the door to his shrine open and I can hear him talking to her.” Niaev squeezed Darok’s hand and then released it.
Shay touched, looked up seeing her friend was standing there next to Darok, “ You know she talks to him too, writes him letters, and misses his special self too. You have a good father.”
Niaev turned her gaze upon V’Lira who offered her a deep bow which she returned. This woman was not her replacement. She was his stability. “They gave you the song.”
Darok spoke low, “ Yes That is why I believed it.” Little Niaev ran to hug her father’s leg.
“Father, Shay can sing the song too!” She was excited. Niaev looked at her. All she could see was Darok reflected back. She dropped to a knee and the little girl continued, “ I am Niaev, What is your name?”
Niaev smiled trying to hide the lakes that must have formed under her eyes, “Me too, That’s my name too.” She was soon embraced by her namesake.
V’Lira broke the momentary silence, “ Will you be staying for dinner?”
Niaev stood and looked down at the little girl then to Darok, “ No, We need to be going.” She wiped her eyes. She wanted this over, this bittersweet pill of an ending to a tragedy of her own making.
“Are you sure, so quickly? The Tea is quite good” Shay sipped her tea, Niaev looked at her and laughed internally. What are you doing A’rhea?
Little Niaev reinforced the gynoid, “ Yes you should stay for dinner, Father is going to cook!” Now Niaev was curious. Darok had never cooked. Ever. This had to be something to see. She turned upon him with a coy smile.
“Since when?”
He laughed,” Since I married a Thaesha who believes that cooking is merely a means to gain nutrition.” The vulcan woman said nothing. Now laughing openly Niaev agreed.
“I will see to the table.” V’Lira stood.
Shay walked over to Niaev and then looked down at little Niaev, “ Little one is it your job to clean and set the table? When I was your age that was my job at home.”
“I am not tall enough yet. I Am father’s taste tester.” she smiled big.
“Oh that is just cruel Darok.” Niaev smirked at him chuckling slightly.
He sighed, “ I am not as bad as I was.”
V’Lira without missing a beat, “ You were worse?” She almost cracked what would be considered a vulcan smile. Niaev chuckled.
“Oh you are in trouble Darok I think I am beginning to like her, “ She lightly hit him on the arm and smiled at V’Lira.
Darok headed towards the kitchen followed by his little taste tester. Shay moved closer to Niaev. “It was a lovely recording, I can see why it was cherished by more than one.” Then she turned to V’Lira, “ Would you like assistance setting the table?”
V’Lira nodded, “That would be most efficient.” She turned to lead Shay towards the dining room, leaving Niaev alone in the room.
Niaev looked around the room, it was old in style, traditional ch’rihan furniture likely made by her husband, no former husbands hand. The music player was dominant, she looked at it and smiled that the interface would take her gift. She retrieved a small crystal from the bag and sat it on the player, it contained a recording of her last performance at the Blue Antennae. She then took the journals from her bag and sat them on the bookshelf, in case little Niaev ever wanted to learn about her namesake. Then she took the unfinished journal and sat down to write.
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Reunion
Aug 2, 2019 10:47:41 GMT -5
Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:47:41 GMT -5
Shay followed the Vulcan who moved to the location of the table and began setting out protectors for the hand crafted furnishing . The table looked rather vulcan in style, however the walls were adorned with romulan paintings. She moved with purpose but there was something subtly different about the way she was moving, remorse or maybe contemplation.
V’Lira directed her, “ A normal place setting. The eating utensils are in the drawer behind you.” She pulled up a hand made heightened chair for her daughter to the table. “I had never considered meeting her.”
“When someone is believed to be deceased,” Shay spoke while she did as instructed. “It is not logical to expect to meet.”
“Perhaps not, but illogically I had a, “ V’Lira paused in her speech, “feeling, that she may not be gone. Surely she has never left my husband’s heart.” V’Lira set glasses around the table. Shay continued with her tasks, “ No, nor has she a vacancy where he is concerned. She would not give up on him, but no one could give her definitive answers. I understand why he came to his conclusion on the presented evidence.”
V’Lira seemed to sigh, “ He blamed himself It was some time before he agreed to take a wife, content to merely repair equipment and work the land.” She looks at the table seemingly satisfied with the work Shay was doing. “ But we are so few here, it was only logical that he have a wife that would not feel emotions of jealousy when compared to the one he lost.”
“Niaev had considered that if he in fact survived he may have taken a new wife. She tried to prepare for that possibility. She said she would not blame him or her. “ Shay sets the last of the utensils. “ But I was still curious how such a situation could be resolved.”
V’Lira looked toward the kitchen, “ I wonder if it would not be logical to yield my place in my husbands bed for the night. She is his wife still in manners I can never be.”
Shay looked at her host attempting to discern a response, “ I do not know your custom in this, your world or his or this new colony which seems to be a forge for a new way all together. Has this come to light in another case since joining the project?”
The vulcan woman shook her head, “ No, great care was taken to avoid this very scenario. It would seem those efforts fell short.”
“Then the wisdom you and he apply to this situation will set precedent for those that follow. This is a heavy responsibility knowing that you decide not only for yourself but those who follow your example.” She rocked on her heels.
V’Lira raised an eyebrow in a very vulcan manner. “Logical, for where there is one error others often compound. The table is set. I should speak to Niaev. If she is agreeable to suggestions I will make second guest room for you to rest. If you wish you may check on my husband and daughter.”
Shay tilted her head, “Applying what I know of law on my world, the addition of a child gives weight to the new marriage over the old.”
V’Lira nodded, “As my old human captain would say, there is what is right, and what is right.” She leaves her with a bow.
Niaev wrote in her journal wishing little Niaev a future free of pain and strife. Telling her about her father and potentially how best to manipulate him. V’Lira entered the room and sat down beside her. “Niaev,” The vulcan’s voice was low, reserved. “I know that this cannot be easy for you, that closure is not something that will come in a day or a night. But if you wish it, You may take to bed with Darok tonight. I will not take offense or anger. You are invited. You do not need to give me an answer now but decide.” She left before Niaev could answer. And Niaev looked down at the journal then pulled her feet under her.
How could she do this? How could she even think to put this offer in front of her? Her eyes were wet again and she wondered if she would dehydrate from her eyes.
As Shay moved through the house looking for Niaev she could hear Darok singing poorly to his daughter in romulan. She passed through a shadowbox in the hallway. Pausing to look it contained a mid 2360’s federation dress uniform and retirement plaque, the plaque read “ Commander V’Lira, USS Forrester” The date of the retirement was three weeks after Wolf 359. She found Niaev sitting in the living room feet curled on the couch with a journal open, tears again wetting her cheeks.
Niaev felt the embrace of her friend around her. She leaned into the little gynoid’s arms. “What am I going to do A’rhea?” She placed her head on Shay’s shoulder and could feel the warmth of her body. So real, so much like a sister. Shay’s voice cooed, “ You are going to accept a situation you knew was a possibility. And you think about everyone involved before attempting to make decision concerning it. The future of four individuals is to be decided and I know you will not think only of yourself.
She sniffled in her friends embrace then wiped her eyes, “He is so happy here, it is everything he had always wanted.”
“You love him, so you want him to be happy. “ Shay paused to squeeze Niaev again. “I do not fully understand all the parts Niaev, but I can say that the logical and the emotional are rarely the same outcome. Which will result in the best possible outcome for most people? Can you wish him well and maintain contact with him knowing your marriage is dissolved? Could you live with him happily if you believed it would cause pain for the other females in his life now?”
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Reunion
Aug 2, 2019 10:49:30 GMT -5
Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Aug 2, 2019 10:49:30 GMT -5
Shay was right, the logical and the emotional were not the same. Though the end result seemed to collide in this place. The logical outcome for Niaev was to leave, now before she did something that would want to make her stay forever, but the emotional was to take Darok to bed then live as a sister wife to V’Lira. For V’Lira it seemed that the emotional outcome should have been to kick her out, but the logical was to share her husband with her. Two approaches, the same outcome. If they both acted as their races should this home would be broken, Darok would be hurt and it would be the end of her career. The only thing she had left. No if someone was going to hurt here it would be her. She could take it. She had too. “We need to leave little one before that damn Thaesha does some logical thing that will end up hurting him.” She stood up and walked out of the house. Shay called after her, asking if she could really leave without saying goodbye, asking if she was acting in her right mind. This was the only thing she could do. She had made it halfway up the path before she heard his voice. “NIAEV!” Darok called out leaving the house.
Shay stood next to him, “She wishes not to disrupt your happy home.”
“Oh Fvadt…” Darok left to take take off after Niaev. Shay stepped inside the house looking for the young Niaev. Making her way to the kitchen she found V’Lira holding her. “It would seem she has made her decision.” the vulcan was cold, but there was a subtle hint of relief upon her lips as she cradled her young daughter before she sat her down. Shay looked at the little girl and spoke to her, though she spoke more for V’Lira’s benefit.
“My friend as a need to be elsewhere, she truly wishes for you , your mother and your father to be happy in your lives together. I will try to see if I can get you more music in the style you like so much. As a way of saying we both wish you well, continued health and hearth.” Shay smiled a disarming smile.
“She is really nice then, Jolan Tru Shay.” She reached for Shay to embrace her, lifting her into a hug. “I am so glad to have met you.”
V’Lira spoke, “ Lieutenant.” She puts her hands behind her back as Shay stands.
“I am sorry that we have to take our leave, you are very gracious to have invited us in. We mean no disrespect.” Shay nodded in a very Vulcan bow.
“Sub band 6598.2808 Attenuation 898x8797 Cypher Alpha6Gama9TauMu3,” she spoke returning the nod, “ Received each month. As for replies, I will adapt.”
“Then I will see what I can do. I believe it is customary to wish you Peace and Long Life.” Shay performed the vulcan salute.
“Live long and prosper,” V’Lira returned it. Shay turned to find her friend.
Niaev found herself one again within Darok’s arms. He held her as if he could keep her from leaving. Wishing her to stay with his touch. She could tell that he still loved her deeply. Why did the universe have to make things so hard? “ I Can’t Darok, if I stay i won’t leave. I don’t know what will happen, but I won’t leave. I am needed out there, The galaxy I am in, what I am doing…” she touched her forehead to his chest,” I can’t leave it and want to with every fiber of my being to remain here.
“I just had you come back in my life,” he holds her in his arms tighter, “ Niaev…” her eyes were no longer the only ones wet.
“And now we can say Jolan Tru and mean it. I don’t know when, I don’t know how but I will see you again. But not as my husband.” She pushed away from him slightly.
He protested, “ But there is still so much to talk about.”
“I have left you journals, Ten volumes for ten years and also a recording of a Performance I have done. For her to read, when she is old enough. So that I may be remembered. I love you Darok.” She kissed him, pouring that love into every second knowing that this would be the last time she felt his lips. The last time she may ever feel love's embrace. She felt his tears on her cheeks, his heart beating faster, she could hear his blood pumping. Feel his warmth. And she held onto it and placed in the part of her heart she would lock forever. Where no Dark thing could take it from her.
“Jolan Tru my love, Now go back to your life and leave ghosts to the mists of the past.” Darok opened his mouth to speak, but she looked at him and he knew he did not have to. He held her a moment longer and then walked back towards the house, her eyes following him as he walked towards V’Lira and a’Niaev. She held out her hand for Shay to take. And then she looked on the house, on the setting twin suns behind it on the horizon. In her voice, low and clouded with tears she sang for the wind.
O ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low, An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye For me and my true love will ne’r meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'
And then the transporter beam took her away.
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