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From One Golden Ghost to Another.

Posted on Sun Sep 29th, 2019 @ 1:24pm by Commander Rita Paris & Artan Pirate Helev t'Liun
Edited on on Mon Sep 30th, 2019 @ 12:49pm

Mission: Family Detention
Location: The ARW Golden Ghost
Timeline: 2396 - The Edge of the Romulan Neutral Zone

The flight deck of the ARW Isahj’ey Aehallh, the vintage Rihannsu Bird of Prey called in Federation Standard, ‘The Golden Ghost’, was already moderately full. Compared to the massive size of the Hera, the century and a half old T’liss class starship was tiny. Along one wall was a modern Charon-class shuttlecraft, roughly the same size as a Danube class Runabout. But in this space, it took up a third of the landing bay. Next to the shuttle were parked two black Flitters, closer in size and style to what one might think of a limousine on Earth.

But two-thirds of the remaining space was left clear for the needs of the oncoming crew of the U.S.S. Hera and their mission. As the ship's commander, Maenek Helev t’Liun, came striding into the bay, her head was buried in a dark green data PaDD, familiarizing herself with the oncoming Starfleet crewmembers. The Rihanna woman was taller than not, standing at a good one point seven meters and was wearing a modern black and gray Rihannsu military uniform with the rank markings of ‘Riov”, or commander, on her neck. A neck she tugged at uncomfortably as she tucked the PaDD into her rear pocket and rolled her wide-set, green eyes.

Standing at the ready, the bay doors opened as the green forcefield that kept them all from being blown into space shimmered slightly. T’Liun had made her way down from the bridge to meet with the first of the crewmembers of the Hera to transfer to her ship and her care: Commander Rita Paris, who required to fly over rather than beam in due to what was described to her as a ‘quantum transporter allergy’. It was a concept that t’Liun was admittedly curious about as a ‘Maenek’ or doctor.

The trio of Scorpion fighters flew in with computerized precision, right until they swung wide as if on pivots, with a slight correction at the end that made it clear the pilot was piloting manually. As the trio touched down in an economical amount of space, they tucked in even closer as they settled, clearly prepared for storage and not rapid deployment. Save if piloted by an accomplished officer at the stick.

As the trio of small craft snuggled together, the canopy of the lead Scorpion unsealed and rose, and out climbed a gold and black-clad figure in EVA armor that still could not hide the hourglass figure of the inhabitant. As she stepped out of the craft, the armor suit stopped and stood rigid for a few seconds as it powered down, giving the Rihannsu riov an opportunity to notice the distinctive non-standard coloration, and the antiquated delta on the breast, which she recognized from military history as Starfleet command insignia from the mid 23rd century, the time this starship was built.

Then the suit simply... vanished. Suddenly it just wasn't there, and in its stead was the former occupant of said rather unusual EVA armor. Who was dressed in, of all things, a mini-dress of what appeared to be a velour of some sort. That same antiquated insignia was borne on her breast on a raised version of that ancient delta, and the woman was tall- and wearing heels, the Commander noted, with what she surmised were amazingly comfortable boots that looked made for running and moving.

While the Rihannsu Doctor knew of Rita Paris from her involvement in the Artan Tribunal, she had never seen her in person before, and the woman looked oddly familiar, for some reason. It was probably the distinctive shock of blonde hair styled in the traditional Star Empire military cut, with delicately pointed ears that were somehow striking as the rest of her, with her bright blue eyes as well- traits very seldom, if ever, seen in Rihannsu.

The woman looked like if Sela had borne a very pretty daughter somehow. In a crowd of thousands, she would stand out. This would never do. Whatever she thought she was doing with that uniform, did she not know she was on a stealth mission? The woman might just be insane, given this 'quantum allergy' of hers. The Federation might have sent her a madwoman to conduct to the Hearthworld.

Taking the unconventional Starfleet officer in as discretely as possible, the Rihannsu Doctor and Ship Mistress stepped forward and offered a respectful now, her hands folded behind her back, as she spoke in Federation standard with a mild accent. "Greetings, and welcome to the Golden Ghost, Commander Paris. I am Maenek Helev t’Liun, the ships Commander and mission leader on behalf of Baroness Sienae Nei'rrh."

As she did, she waved over a crewmember and pointed to the three Cyclones as she returned to her native Rihan for a moment, "Arrein tr'Ranan. See to it that the visiting vessels are secured properly according to the specifications the Hera forwarded immediately."

The young crewmember nodded and replied, "Ie, Riov."

Still speaking in her native tongue, t'Liun snapped at the young equivalent of an Ensign and waved him away. "Don't call me that. It's Maenek. Dismissed."

As the crewmember took off towards the Cyclones, t'Liun straightened back up and switched back to Federation Standard. "Pardon me, Commander. If you would like, I can escort you to assigned quarters or give you a tour of the ship."

"Rita Paris, nice to make your acquaintance, Commander," Paris offered a handshake and an easy smile, as apparently, the Earthling saw nothing out of the ordinary in her dress and behavior. "A tour would be nice- seems we'll have a few days to get used to one another on the way there, and I've only been on board one of these one time before, and... well, that wasn't under the most optimal of conditions. So if you're offering, I'm taking. I'd love a tour of this beauty."

While many might be given to empty flattery, it was clear from the look in the anachronism's eye that she genuinely appreciated the old vessel, and when she spoke, there was no sarcasm, but a reverence for the dignified old dame of the line, the original Bird of Prey before the Klingons stole that name for their own oddly-shaped vessels.

For a long second, it seemed as if Maenek t’Liun was not going to return the offered handshake as her eyebrows went up slightly, showing Rita just how green the Rihannsu woman's eyes were. But then, she brought around her hand and met Rita’s with a firm handshake. One she didn’t let go of right away.

“A tour will be my pleasure, Commander. We are quite proud of our home here, and rarely have the opportunity to show her off. And while you may find many of us reluctant to return gestures like this, you should understand that it is not a personal affront, but rather a cultural affectation. We rarely touch casually.”

As she spoke, she held her grip for a moment longer to make a point. “However, for the sake of our upcoming mission, it would behoove you to note another, much more tactical reason to avoid physical contact. Rihannsu don’t quite have the same internal cooling mechanisms as our Vulcan cousins. Our skin often runs quite warm to the touch comparatively, and my heart rate is twice yours, commander. All of this, I can feel in this handshake.”

Releasing the handshake, Maenek t’Liun returned to her previous posture, hands folding again behind her back. “That said, I am quite curious as to the circumstances in which you have found yourself aboard a T’liss-Class Bird of Prey before.”

"It's... a long story," Paris explained somewhat hesitantly. "Back in 2267, were sent after a rogue faction that was trying to bring war to the galaxy, as there was a section of Starfleet that didn't believe in peace. While we were hunting down a rogue starship of ours, we encountered the IRW Raptor Star under the command of Commander Artorius of the Star Empire. He had rescued the crew of the USS Colombia and worked with us in a strategy to overcome the USS Conquest and end that threat to the galaxy once and for all. All of which, of course, never happened in this universe."

Watching the face of the Romulan commander as Paris explained how she'd been aboard one of these archaic vessels in another time and dimension, she knew how far-fetched her story seemed. But the life of Rita Paris was one of unbelievable encounters, and in this case she offered an honest answer to the question. Shrugging at the unconcealed skepticism over her explanation, the full-figured femme shrugged, and offered as way of explanation, "I've led a complex life."

"Clearly." Listening, Maenek t'Liun raised an eyebrow quizzically with a look that spoke more of curiosity than disbelief. "I have only access to your Medical profile, which is fascinating enough reading and this tale only serves to lend credence to some of the things I've read in that regarding your quantum instability issues. As a doctor, I'm looking forward to your medical check-in."

"Hmmm... Artorius. Interesting." The enigmatic Rihannsu commander muttered as she pulled the PaDD back out of her pocket and handed it to Rita. "Anyway, this PaDD has been loaded with a preliminary quarters assignment. Ours is a small ship, so crew quarters are shared. We have cleared enough space so that the transfers from the Hera will have room. I made basic pairings that were obvious such as yourself and the Lieutenant Commander as you are listed as spouses. You may wish to adjust the rest of the assignments as needed. And at least one Hera crewmemeber will need to bunk with one of my crewmembers for the time being."

“I think Mr. Varnok would be delighted to engage in some cross-cultural exchange. I’ll let you make that call. As for the rest, none of these seem disastrous pairings,” Paris observed as she studied the list. “And thank you, yes, I’ll have no issue rooming with Mr. Sonak- we’ve been doing so for years and we’re recently reunited, so your courtesy is most appreciated. As is your advice- I have a surprising understanding of Romulan physiology, but very little practical application as a spy. I’m a legendarily terrible liar, which tends to lend itself to being avoided for Intel work. So I appreciate the tip.” The gold-clad commander smiled, a genuinely warm smile meant to welcome and disarm.

Satisfied that that bit of organization was under-control, Maenek t'Liun lead the time-tossed transfer to her ship to the bay doors. "Very well, then we can begin the tour. If you would follow me." Leading Commander Paris into the corridor, the pair began to walk. Maenek's pace wasn't quite as brisk as Rita's usual martial stride, but it served. And with fewer curiously pointed ears about, the equally curious Rihannsu woman talked as they walked. "We can move on to the engine room first, though I admit that I have a number of questions."

Tugging slightly on the tight neck of her uniform as she spoke, t'Liun kept her gaze forward as she did, "If you consider yourself underqualified for undercover operations, cannot be safely beamed, and are a self-proclaimed terrible liar who... forgive my bluntness... does not exactly blend in amongst my people... why have you been assigned to this mission?  

“The kidnapped women in question are very dear to myself and the crew. They’ve both come a long ways while under our command, and I have rather a large personal stake in both their futures. In short, I’m here and I’m proceeding because it’s the right thing to do. I’d march into hell for those two, so catching a ride to Romulus to try to rescue them is easier than that,” Paris explained. “And for the record, please feel free to ask me anything, I don’t mind. Better to sate your curiosity than wonder if you have an enormous liability on your ship who is liable to get you betrayed and captured by the Tal Shiar.”

While it was equally as blunt, the explanation was not at all far from the truth of the concerns at hand. “Our ship’s hairdresser already warned me that blonde Romulans are not only rare but generally expunged at birth for having variant genes. So I have a bottle of dye in hand for when we get there, just as I have one of those delightfully uncomfortable uniforms you are attempting to get used to wearing. All in time, Commander. As I said, we’ve a lot of space to cover yet.”

"If you would, please, Maenek or Doctor is my preferred title. While Baroness Nei'rrh has seen fit to place this ship under my command... if we are being straightforward... I find I dislike the title of 'Commander' or 'Riov'. I am a Doctor first and foremost... though I believe my crew gets some measure of glee out of making me correct them."

"And judging from the uniform you choose to wear, you will likely enjoy the boundless comfort of this uniform at least as much as I do." The last comment was said with the slightest of sarcastic smirks. "But Baroness Nei'rrh and myself respect your Baroness Dox and her mother. Few on this crew are quite old enough to have been among those freed by the Dox's, but the memory of the work that they did freeing Rihannsu from the Imperium lingers long in this service, Commander Paris. So it is a matter of... honor... that we are here to assist you and right this wrong. And I extend to you the same courtesy you did me. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask."

“That’s much appreciated, Doctor. My head will be jammed with information for the next few days, but I suspect that my pronunciation and dialect will likely need work, as well as enjoying that couch you’re currently wearing," Paris joked in return, then her mein turned to the serious once more. “The Dox’s… they are family to me. I don’t know that the concept of honor.. of… Mnhei’sahe? Is the same for me as it may be for you… but it is absolutely a matter of honor for me. For us. I… I could not live with myself if I did not do everything in my power to save them. She is my friend, my sister, and my protégé. I’ve been given a second chance to save them, and I am determined to succeed.”

While it might have sounded like just pretty words, that was iron determination behind them. The woman might claim to be a terrible liar, but she was certainly managing to be emotionally evocative in her expression of her motivation. Unless she was quite the liar, it was clear this meant everything to the fresh-faced young woman in the very old uniform, who spoke in odd riddles and allusions to mysteries that created more questions than answered.

Turning to look at Paris with a raised eyebrow, t'Liun took the woman in and processed her words. "Mnhei'sahe is a cutting word, commander. It's why very few of my people say it anymore. Too hard to live up to. It requires balance. And balance often requires blood."

“I don’t know much about honor, and I know less of Romulan culture,” Paris explained with minor irritation evident in her voice. So much for using a cultural touchstone you just learned to offend someone, Rita. . “But I know right and wrong, and this requires me to act if I’m ever to look myself in the mirror again. If I’ve used the word incorrectly or offensively, I apologize- I was only recently made aware the meaning of my officer’s first name, and clearly I don't understand the cultural relevance. But if balance requires blood, then so be it. I’d prefer to keep mine where it belongs, but if that’s what it takes, then that’s the price I’ll pay.”

There was the hint of a smile on t'Liun's lips as she stopped in the corridor and turned to Paris. "You have shown no offense, nor have you erred, Commander. Too many of my people think that the price must always be paid in the blood of another. But as you said, you would walk into hell for your sister. You understand mnhei'sahe quite well. It is too many Rihannsu people that do not."

Then the smile twisted slightly more mischievously. "But you do lean heavy on the middle syllable."

The smile that was returned was one of relief, and frank approval. “Please, Doctor. Just Paris will do, or Rita if it’s just us. I’m not much married to my rank, and on your ship that might get a bit confusing if people start calling out for the commander,” Paris offered gamely as she began walking again. “I’ll work on that pronunciation… as for the Rihannsu people, well, that seems like a rather large issue to consider. Again, I am…. ignorant of more than I am aware. In my day we’d just seen Romulans for the first time a year or so ago, and I had encountered them and found them to be remarkably honorable. But that was a hundred thirty years and a universe away, so it’s not exactly relevant today.”

Lowering her voice, Paris came clean with the alien commander. “Honestly, I’m worried sick. Dox has a tendency to blame herself for everything, and while her mother is quite the accomplished operative, I fear for both of their safety. I’ve got a shot at this, and while I still have no idea how I am going to pull this off…. I have to save them. I have to. They can’t have come so far, have gone through so much for me to fail them now.” Paris looked over and shrugged sheepishly. “Sorry… it’s… been weighing on me for a long time, and I have a second chance. I have to make this work.”

"You need not apologize, Paris." t'Liun said, walking next to the gold-clad Starfleet Commander. "I may not be fond of command, but I understand its burden. Your feelings, I am sure, rarely are given voice. So, you are free to feel however you need in the moment without judgment."

"As for ignorance, it is nothing to be ashamed of so long as you remain determined to extinguish it." Then as she spoke, the Doctor switched from Federation Standard to her own native Rihan with that same smirk, "And in service to my own mnhei'sahe, I commit myself to your service in this endeavor. We have a few days to plan this rescue... I'm sure I can help make you at least a reasonable facsimile of a Rihanna woman in that time."

At that, Paris smirked, obviously enjoying an inside joke. “A reasonable Romulan gal… Daddy would have been so proud.”

 

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