An Opportunity - Part 2

Posted on 31 May 2011 @ 7:43pm by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal & Captain Reva Madhava

588 words; about a 3 minute read

"Hmm," she grunted in surprised response. "By yours. And they'd have had that death pinned on the Federation, leaving the way open for someone else to claim leadership. You said you found his body," she said, glancing at the younger male then back to his Mentor, "Perhaps I misheard, but isn't this the Eldest-heir-Ritt?"

Hezrk was both surprised and impressed this female had grasped the situation very clearly. ~So the stories were true...~ he thought to himself; that the human females were not to be underestimated. That was something to keep in mind.

"You heard correctly and are correct on all counts. The assassin failed to deliver a killing blow, but just barely. The future of my people is at stake, Admiral." Waving to the heir. "His father and forebearers were patient leaders planning our revenge for centuries. They watched and learned your people, developed trust and other...I say too much, Needless to say they held the more 'spirited' of our clans in check in order to prepare of the day of justice. Our High General, who had killed the former Patriarch for showing weakness, had declared himself Regent until my pupil came of age and earned his name. If the heir were to die in that attempt it would clear a path for him to declare himself Patriarch."

L'Berr nodded and cast a glance at the Commodore. "Now we know what changed," she commented, referring to the recent deadliness of the Kzinti attacks and why the Kzinti had not honored the Patriarch's deadline for the Federation to surrender the disputed territories without bloodshed. She remained seated; in this setting, as the only one seated, it denoted her power. "Gentlemen, this provides us with a unique opportunity that bears some thinking. Commodore, make arrangements for Fleet Commander Hezrk-Jal and Eldest-heir-Ritt to be housed as dignitaries in VIP Quarters." She knew that the words "under guard" would be unnecessary.

To the two Kzinti, she warned, "Do not mistake our hospitality. Pending a discussion and agreement between us, you are prisoners of the Federation. If you attempt escape, we'll have no choice but to place you in a maximum security brig cell. I hope that won't be necessary." She watched their reactions to her words.

Had he been in her place he would not have been as gracious, and he knew it. That they were prisoners of war he had no doubt, in fact he expected to be interrogated extensively about his knowledge of Kzinti operations. Together he and his pupil...he still thought of him as nameless child when in fact he was now a man and his rightful ruler. "Where would we escape to Admiral? As far as we know our people think us both dead, and for your sakes I hope that remains the case."

"I'm glad we agree on that point, for now," she nodded to the guards and the Commodore. "When you've made arrangements, Soran, please return here; we have a few things to discuss."

He bowed his head respectfully. No doubt she would have some kind of emotional outburst to the manner in which he had handled the arrival of their guests. But that was to be expected of a human, he was confident though that she would see the logic of keeping such a important asset as these two an extremely guarded secret.

As they were ushered out Hezrk looked down to the Vulcan. "Commodore, if you have any Caitian crewmembers here I would keep them under the most strictest of servailence."

RSS Feed