ch'-Leih nniehv rhe/hnahfvier (Ready Room/Office)

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"Peculiar, because I have been taking pleasure in your company as a man, not as the Subcommander? Is it irregular to enjoy a few comforts while in the privacy of one's own office? " She resumed her seat with the grace of a diplomat and smiled disarmingly at him. "Perhaps it is unusual because I am so rarely seen at ease, but it has not affected the efficiency of this ship or compromised our mission, has it?"

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He watched as she stood up fully, her expression.. unreadable. That was not good. He watched as she moved to a seat across from him, with only a small table between them. Her words bringing about a look of astonishment to his face. Very few things surprised him. Her words did. Little did he know that she could have such feelings for him. He slowly sat back down in his own chair

He shook his head slightly 'Dhat. It would not be peculiar to enjoy a few private moments in one's office nor would it be peculiar to spend a few moments with.." he paused a moment to think, but his mind was reeling "..me as a man rather then subcommander. I was unaware that you.. entertained such thoughts and feelings.. Liordra." He then gave a slight nod "Ie, It is rare to see you in such a relaxed manner, it is a pleasant surprise. As for the efficiency of this vessel, it has not been effect or compromised." yet "I wish to extend my apologies if I caused you any offense."

Feeling the damage is already done, he paused to let her comment

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"No apology needed Saren. You had a concern and expressed it respectfully." She leaned across the table and place her hands over his, smiling. "This mission is nearly over and when the colonists have been safely delivered and we return to ch'Rihan, perhaps you and I can enjoy some of the things we both miss, together."

She released his hand and began to speak calmly yet passionately. "These colonists are special. They represent the beginning of a new era in our history. We have always known that there were those among us who still carried the mental traits and disciplines of our ancestry, but with the development of new techniques, these abilities surpass anything our Vulcan predecessors, either as the primitives they once were or as the well disciplined people they now believe themselves to be, could have envisioned."

"Imagine knowing the mind of your enemy so completely that even from a distance of light years, you could influence his thoughts and actions. Imagine the power our fleet would wield with just one of these specially trained officers aboard. This colony, the first of it's kind, will usher in an unprecedented time of prosperity for us. Do you understand now why this mission is so important?" Her expression implored his understanding. "If I act from time to time in ways that you may not understand, it is only that I seek to protect this very great treasure we carry."

Though she had never been told any of this, it was as if the confusion that had been with her since they first visited Belak had lifted and all the bits and pieces of the puzzle simply settled into place with absolute clarity. She was acutely aware of herself and every detail of the room. Beyond this she sensed the ship and crew, perceiving them like a hive of insects, each busy with it's task. Reaching still further, Liordra was able to sense the power of the collective minds that waited their arrival.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He is relieved when she informed him there is no need for apology. He hadn't offended her, either professionally or privately and he thanked the Element of Air for that blessing.

He glanced down as she took his hand in hers then looked back into her smiling face. He blinked, thinking that she is very verelan when she smiled. She then took her hand back and he sensed a shift in her, as she began talking again about the mission "These colonists are special. They represent the beginning of a new era in our history. We have always known that there were those among us who still carried the mental traits and disciplines of our ancestry, but with the development of new techniques, these abilities surpass anything our Vulcan predecessors, either as the primitives they once were or as the well disciplined people they now believe themselves to be, could have envisioned."

He gave a bit of a nod, without much thought, knowing those with strong mental powers, His attention grew when she told him with new techniques, those with strong mental abilities grew even stronger. He couldn't help but register a little surprise by raising a brow

"Imagine knowing the mind of your enemy so completely that even from a distance of light years, you could influence his thoughts and actions. Imagine the power our fleet would wield with just one of these specially trained officers aboard. This colony, the first of it's kind, will usher in an unprecedented time of prosperity for us. Do you understand now why this mission is so important?" He saw her expression as if she is hoping that he understood. His own expression thoughtful as he thought of the possibilities and implications. He thought with such advanced mental training and techniques as she spoke of, the Romulan Empire could grow to cover the entire quadrant, if not more. "If I act from time to time in ways that you may not understand, it is only that I seek to protect this very great treasure we carry."

If he didn't know better, he thought she spoke from personal experience. As he looked at her, he thought she looked a little bit less reserved and more confidant in herself and her abilities. He gave another nod of understanding "I do understand that this 'treasure' needs to be protected at all costs. This could greatly strengthen and expand the honor of the Romulan Star Empire." He continued to look in her eyes. The safety of this ship and crew is also very important, he thought. I will not hesitate to question your ability to command should the safety of this ship is compromised

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"Mnekha." (Good, sup. to inf. mode) She stood and motioned for Zareth to accompany her. "We will arrive very soon. Contact erei'Arrain Jerrod and have him meet us in the area where the colonists are being held. Unless he has collected evidence to the contrary, I want the colonists released...now." She strode confidently from the office, the relaxed mood she had just exhibited, having disappeared like smoke.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He stood and walked with Liordra as she motioned for him too, moving toward the exit to the Ready Room. He paused to let her through first, listening as she spoke

He watched her as she told him thaat she wanted the colonists freed.. immediately. Her demeanor changed as she walked out of her office, back into the stern Riov he saw more of "Ie, Riov." he commented as he reached up to activate his communicator

"erei'Arrain Renn. Meet with myself and the Riov in the Colonists' containment chambers. We are currently en route." He paused to hear his response as he walked with Liodra toward the Turbolift