Divided

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"Challenging Khrein". She was purposely cautious in her answer. It was a simple question but when it was a Tal Shiar officer who posed it, you could never be certain what the intent was in asking or how your answer would be interpreted.

[Salissa t'Vlack]

"Challenging, is that all you see this as?"

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

" I do not know why I was chosen for this command. I can only assume that those in Galae believed that I would be able to represent the Empire in the manner they wished. I do my best then to uphold their conviction in that appointment."

[Salissa t'Vlack]

"I see. would not say it is also an opportunity to learn more about them on a more personal level?"

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"It is always desirable to know as much as possible. To work with them it is necessary to understand them. I may even find that in some things we share an understanding, but I have no desire for a relationship that extends beyond that."

[Salissa t'Vlack]

She looked at her and a hint of agreement was seen for a split second. So fleeting that it may not have been seen.

"We will speak again Riov."

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She stood and nodded formally.

"As you wish, Lhhei."

As she exited, Liordra waited until she was well away from the Khrein's monitor before adopting a a more relaxed demeanor.

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She could not have expected anything else and yet she was still deeply disappointed. It had never been hers and still it felt that it had been taken from her. She could not even speak with the Daise' Paectum about it as that had been forbidden as well.
As she entered the Oira Liordra knew she had not managed to erase all traces of the foul mood from her expression. Before it could raise unwanted questions, she crossed to her ready room again and hearing the swish of the door behind her, gratefully sank into her chair, finally able to give vent to the deep frown she had been holding at bay.

Taking a calming breath, she commed Zareth. "Subcommander, please report to my ready room." Despite the circumstances, there were still those who should be recognized for their achievements

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

His eyes snapped open when he heard the communication from the Riov

After giving his report, he went straight to his quarters to eat a meal and contemplated what the Ferengi officer talked about with the Borg drive. If the indications are present, this could be a whole new way of Navigation across the quadrant(s)

Sleep was beginning to claim him when he received the summons from the Riov. He began to wonder what reason she had to summon him? Perhaps she had found something important and wanted to share it's information

Whatever the reason, when she summoned, he would answer it. He rose out of bed, straightened his uniform and exited his quarters

A minute later, he stepped onto the Oria. His eyes would glace around for a moment and he would see some back stiffen in some saehne-a stances

He continued on to the Riov's Ready room and rang the chime to announce his presence

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She stood as she admitted Zareth and choosing to forego the usual formalities, spoke first.

"I hope you will excuse the lack of ceremony, Subcommander." She walked forward slowly until she stood directly in front on him "I would not desire to withhold from you the rituals and observances due to one who has earned them. I would also not desire that your achievements continue to go unrecognized. Therefore, I wish to honor you now with this promotion". She removed his current insignia. "However, when circumstances improve and the crew may assemble properly, I still wish for you to make your pledge to the Elements." She put the new insignia in place and stepped back.

"erei'Riov Zareth Saren, may your new rank bring great deeds and glory to yourself and to the Empire."

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He entered then admitted and stood in a formal stance and before he could inquire as to the nature of the summons, The Riov stood and slowly came around her desk until she stood before him, eye to eye

"I would not desire to withhold from you the rituals and observances due to one who has earned them. I would also not desire that your achievements continue to go unrecognized. Therefore, I wish to honor you now with this promotion." He heard her tell him and surprise flickered in his eyes as she removed his old rank insignia. Apromotion was the last thing he expected. After all, it was he that got lost of the Borg vessel with the Federation Vulcan commander and the Chief Engineer. However, this promotion brings him one step closer to obtaining his own vessel. Perhaps with this new Borg transwarp technology, by the time he obtains the rank of Riov, there will be a Romulan ship, or fleet, with Transwarp capabilities, replacing the quantum singularity drives of old.

The Riov then replaced his old insignia with the insignia of erei'Riov before stepping back "I shall make my pledge to the Elements whenever you shall desire it, Lhhei"

He allowed himself a small smile as he bowed to the Riov "I am honored by this promotion, Riov. May my future deeds and successes bring Glory to yourself, this ship, the Empire and the Elements themselves"

[Salissa t'Vlack]

She watched as the Riov left her office. She caught the look of disappointment in her eyes. Who would blame her for that, no one. We all at one time or another felt cheated or that something one held in their gasp was taken from them. But life does such things. The Riov is ambitious, hungry for more. A desirable trait, but one that must be watch before it out grows you. She had seen that happen before.

Before sending out her report she made sure the mention of the Riov-a name was prominent. Ah, I too would love to explore this, but it is better left in the hands of those can work with it. She stopped her thoughts and went back to the more mundane task at hand.

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

Observing his obvious pleasure, Liordra allowed herself a small smile before continuing.

"There is one other who should be recognized. For having successfully led the away team mission to the Borg sphere and for having retrieved the disc, I wish Erein t'Stellam be promoted and also that you perform the ceremony. As with you, her pledge to the Elements may take place at a later time. If you have no questions, Subcommander, you are dismissed."

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He was further honored as he was graced to see the Riov smile a bit. It was not often that she smiled and he thought it was a rare, and beautiful, sight to behold

His thoughts returned to business as the Riov asked him to do something for her, claiming another should be recognized for their deeds. Erein t'Stellum, for her leading the Away Team and the retrieval of the disk "The Daise'Dheno is still yet a Erein"? He questioned. He thought she was of higher rank

That was a rhetorical question. "I have no further questions, Lhhei. I shall proceed to the task of promotion the Daise'Dheno right away"

With another bow, he turned on his heel and left the Riov's Ready Room. He crossed the bridge and entered his own RR. He tapped his comm badge, contacting t'Stellum

"Erein t'Stellum, report to my Ready Room"

[Lyretha t'Stellam]

Lyretha received the comm and considered. Had he called her to discuss the disc? She had hoped that summons would have come from the Riov directly.

"Acknowledged, Rekkhai." She examined her uniform and appearance for flaws, glanced at the other officers to gage their interest or lack thereof and then made her way to the Subcommander's ready room. His was adjacent to the conference room and it took a moment only to reach it and activate the alert.