A Test of the Mind

[Arrain Quol]

I will assign a team to monitor the equipment. If you need me just send me a communication. He nods to the Romulan and moves off. After assigning a two-man team to stay with the stasis chamber Quol makes his way down to engineering.

As usual the trip is unpleasant as he passes by Romulan crewman after Romulan crewman who look down on him, both literally and figuratively. They make whispered comments to one another, laughing about the Ferengi who would sooner sell his dagger for latinum rather than use it to defend the ship. Quol could never decide if they whispered behind his back to try and hide their sentiments or if they knew he would be able to hear their words regardless and whispered just to make it seem more hurtful.

Regardless, Quol, finally reached engineering, where he had a modicum of reprieve. It is not that his own engineers were above taunting him behind his back or trying to make him look the fool, but at least among these familiar Romulans most of the jokes had become stale and they were told with less frequency now.

Upon his arrival in engineering his assistant engineer handed him a padd reporting on the progress of the upgrades. He would have nodded his approval but the other man turned away after handing him the padd, waiting for no response.

Quol looked over the information in his hand before reporting to the bridge's tactical officer. Sub-Centurion, those upgrades you want are on schedule and will be done within the next 3 hours time.

[nviedviaen]

Checking the stasis field once more he used his ssaith to tie in the vital signs and the brain wave activity into the medical computer.Satisfied he walked to the TL he was very intrigued by the reports Arrain Quol had sent to him.They would be one piece of the puzzle that would assist him in solving this mystery.

[Arrain Terrh Sahen]

He heard the Riov tell him to Urre, "Do it". He his it, tapping the engage key, implenting the neew course, direction and speed

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

As soon as he heard the Riov's change of course and the destination, his attentioned diverted quickly to the commanding officer. "Riov, Might I ask the reason for the change in course, especially to that particular location in space." He asked, attempting not to show the agitation/nervousness that he is now feeling

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"Our mission is to see to the colonists' safety. I have recently received information that confirms their interests are best served by diverting our course to this area. Do not be concerned." She smiled at him uncharacteristically "I am assured we will receive every possible assistance." Her attention turned to his arm. "Au are injured?"

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He listened to the Riov as she layed out the mission parameters to him, giving a slight nod of understanding "Understood... Riov" There is a pause in his comment as he saw something very odd as a reaction from the Riov. She smiled at him. He knew she is not one to smile, especially not while on the Oria

He looked down at his arm a moment then back to the Riov "I was involved with the incident with the Colonists and have recieved a broken arm. It is now healing since the maenek has saw to the injury."

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She touched the sling lightly with her hand in a gesture of compassion and smiled again. "I would like au to keep me informed of your condition." She seated herself. "If all remains quiet, perhaps we can share a meal together."


In the cargo bay, the leader of the colonists, though he has not moved, shows very strong and unusual brain wave patterns.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He almost flinched at her touch, thinking it highly odd that she would perform such a task, even more so that she would smile at him again. He gave a nod, as she asked if he would keep her appriased of his condition

When she mentioned sharing another meal together after seating herself, he began to wonder if this is the Riov he knew so well "I would indeed enjoy another meal together, Riov but I must ask are au feeling well?"

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"It is quite rare that my demeanor is so relaxed, so I understand your confusion. It is rare also that a mission goes smoothly enough to afford me the opportunity. There is no need to be concerned for my health, Saren but I do appreciate your solicitude."

Using the communications console she had arifv etrehafwe (Engineering) install next to her chair, Liordra typed out a brief message to the Khrein and informed her of the course change, assuring her as well that all was in order.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He started to agree that the mission is indeed going smoothly that one can have a relaxed demeanor when she performed another uncharacteristic fax paus, especially in public; She spoke his first name. This raised his awareness even further "Ie, you are correct, Lhhei." He said, a tone of hidden suspicion entering his tone

[Arrain Terrh Sahen]

As he navigated the ship toward it's new course, he thought the coordinates given to him by the Riov are highly unusual. He knew what is out there, and he dreaded even going near there

He also took note of the verbal exchange between the Sub Commander and the Commander. Her request for dinner did not escape his attention. That is quite odd, especially requested in such a public place such as the Oria

A soft itake of breath issues from him when he heard the Riov use the Sib Commander's name also on the Oria. He knew that she has the right to do so, but again it is also highly unusual

He began to suspect the Sub Commander suspects that her behavior is perhaps too relaxed, which is unusual for the Riov, and would bear further observation

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

Liordra addressed the normally quiet and reserved Diplomatic officer. "Arrain Khev, what is your opinion? Through my behaviour, have I caused au any concern or given you reason to question my ability to command?"

[jerrodrenn]

Renn looked at the readings and the brain activity of the leader caught his attention. He turned back to the Maenek. "Is there anything you can make of why this particular brain is working so hard."

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

While she waited for Khev's response, Liordra tapped her console and opened a private channel.

"This is the Riov. erei'Arrain Jerrod. What is the status of the colonists? Was the use of the sedative gas successful?

[Veralen Sahen]

She received the message from the Ceng, ordinarily she would only acknowledge it but remembering he was not Rihannsu, "Excellent work Arrain Quol. Please inform me when its completed."

The suddend change in the Riov-a behavior and mannerisms did not go unnoticed.