A Test of the Mind

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

Feeling disoriented, Liordra took the multicorder from her side and performed a scan. They had been following a signal that she felt would lead them to where they needed to be. She remembered having walked for some way but there had been nothing yet but the endless farms. There had not even been someone tending them as would have been expected. The scan indicated that the central city, Ei'krih-eri, was still some twenty kilometers away. Puzzled by why they had been sent to such a place, she had started to ask for the science officer's assessment, when she felt the familiar tingle of dematerialization.

All three reappeared within the inner courtyard of a building complex. The central building's architecture was clearly of a classic Rihannsu style, with the graceful symmetry of spires, columns and domes, but it radiated a coldness that brought a shiver to both body and mind.

[***Dhivael Action***]

{The following was submitted by erei'Arrain Jerrod Renn}

Khrien Galan tr'Kraep was having last meal. The Tal'Shiar General had a family and could have it with them but last meal was the ending of his day. He was having vinerine along with some very good and freshly baked bread. The simplicity of the meal went along with the music to which he was listening. It was Klevamsu opera. He took each portion slowly and deliberately. He hadn't eaten any of the bread yet. He was saving it for when he finished. His aid Haid had entered the room. He noticed the man's ear twitch at the sound of the music he was playing

"Klevamsu Opera," He smiled. "It's reprehensible isn't it?"

"Rekkhai," Haid stumbled. "It is not for me to say."

"Well it is for me and I say it is," He wiped his hands and put the cloth down. He touched a button and turned off the music. "I don't listen for its entertainment value, quite the contrary. I listen to it because it gives me an inner perspective on my enemy. He took a drink of ale. You see, as one gifted with inner sight I have learned that you cannot know you enemy just by what is on the surface. I am able to best those around me because I see their desires. Desires betray one more than anything else because your desires very often exceed your reach. Desire makes us do all sorts of things we never thought we would. In this Klevamsu opera, they betray their honor and eventually die for their desires."

"I see Rekkhai," Haid had no words for this explanation. "How is your vinerine?"

"It tastes as well as it can." He stirred the contents of the bowl" Do you know what makes a good vinerine?"

"Dhat, I do not."

Despite himself, he like Haid. He called him by his first name because he had known him since childhood. He had always been his aid. He didn't have Galan gift or education but he learned what Galan needed him to learn. He was also the only person the Tal'Shiar General trusted. "Vinerine uses the same basic ingredients, one can vary a few things but for the most part it's the same. What makes the difference is the details. Its how you spice it and the portions you use. It is for the most part considered peasants food until you spice it right, then its a delicacy. So tell me, what news from Dhivael?"

"I have word that they have found the compound. "Haid answered.

"Who is the commander of that facility?"

"erei'Ssiebh Deletham, He's already sent a message that they have arrived."

"Mnekha," He said pleased with this words. "Riov t'Takar and her team have had a trying day. Send the message back that I want them to have a suitable meal and that I want citrus served at that meal. I shouldn't have to say it, but some Rihanh have seemed to have lost the art being an honorable host. I do not wish any excuses that he was not told. Dismissed."

"Ie Rekkhai,"He saluted. "It shall be done."

As soon as he left Galan turned the music back on and began to make another attempt to finish his last meal.

[jerrodrenn]

Jerrod enjoyed the meal given to them by the Tal'Shiar representative. At least he learned one thing new about the Tal'Shiar, they took proper hosting seriously. He knew there was an agenda at work here; it was just a matter of figuring out what it was. He didn't remember anything before they arrived, but he did have a lingering hunger in his belly. Not one for food, that had been taken care of. He had a hunger for knowledge. He felt as if there was something to be weary of and it wasn't his Tal'Shiar host.

Since Riov t'Takar was in with the erei'Sbehn, he was given permission to look around. He noticed right away that this man must have some influence in the Tal'Shiar. This building was well constructed and made to keep its inhabitants very comfortable. Anyone would wonder why a colony would have all these resources. It didn't seemed to be built for independent living as most colonies are. It even begged the question: 'What resource were they getting from this place'. It all smelled of a covert purpose but what it was Jerrod could not fathom.

[***Dhivael Action***]

{The following is a dual post}

The Tal'Shiar facility was much newer and fresher than the one on the home world, but Morlas missed the cold dank place. He had sent for the Dhivael Riov so that he could make arrangements quickly as possible when she entered the room he saluted her as was custom with Galae officer. The Tal'Shiar did not trifle with such distractions. "Riov, welcome to the Colony. I hope you didn't have too much trouble finding us?"

Liordra paused before answering, returning the salute. "No difficulty at all, Rekkhai." It was the truth, though she did not choose to elaborate on the details. She still had no memory of how they had come to be here. It was if her memories were being fed to her in pieces.

He offered her a glass of citrus and sat down. So, now that the pleasantries are done, vah is your timetable for extractions?

She accepted the glass."Extractions, Rekkhai? We have only just arrived and have not yet had the opportunity to speak with anyone or assess the situation as we were ordered to do."

Apparently our orders are different that yours. We were told your ship would arrive to affect a mass extraction of the Colony. the Tal'Shiar has discontinued the program.]

"We were told nothing about the Tal'Shiar's involvement here, not about any program, only that there was civil unrest. We were told we were to study and assess the situation and report our findings and recommendations. " Liordra was cautious. Though her memory now seemed fully restored, she wondered if it was possible she could have forgotten or misinterpreted the information they had been given.

He handed her and ISD with the order he had received. I understand that au are confuses or maybe even misled, but the orders here are quite clear.

She took the ISD and read it, confirming what he had said. "I have no doubts Rekkhai, that your orders are valid as were mine. What I do not understand is why they are different. What purpose could it serve?"

" I have no idea, but my orders come from one of the highest ranking officers in the Tal'Shiar. I would suggest you confirm your order. It may be the parameters of your mission have changed."

"Ie, Rekkhai." She responded. One does not argue a point with the Tal'Shiar. "Can you tell me however if there has been unrest between any factions here and if so, what is the current situation?"

"There is always unrest when you have a paradigm shift. There was e new group brought here less than a year ago and they have not settled well."

Something about this interested Liordra. "In what way. Rekkhai? I need to understand as well as I can, what needs to be done and how critical the situation is. We were unprepared for a full scale evacuation and until we can be, the situation must be kept under control."

" The situations 'is' being kept under control. He retorted feeling as if there was an accusation there somewhere. "We put lots of space between the factions."

"Of course, Rekkhai. I did not intend to imply otherwise. With your permission, I will confirm our orders as you requested and if there is any information about these factions that you can provide us in the interim, it would be greatly appreciated."

"By all means Riov t'Takar. Please keep me informed of your progress in the matter. Was there anything else you needed to ask me?"

"Dhat, Rekkhai." She recognized the tone of dismissal.

"Then you may leave to carry out what plans must be put in motion."

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

Liordra saluted and left the erei'Ssiebh's office, returning to the area where Jerrod and Khellian waited. She watched them for any sign that they might have been somewhere or done something other than remain in the room where they had been served their meal. Had they been briefed separately, been given conflicting information? Liordra still did not understand why her orders had differed so greatly from the ones Deletham had showed her. If this was some plan of the Tal'Shiar's, she could not fathom what the purpose of it was.

"Is everything well?" She asked as she approached the two. It was the most she would say or ask until they were well away from the compound. Once they had been escorted out, Liorda contacted Dhivael.

"This is the Riov. I want a status report immediately."

[erei'Arrain Delon Khellian]

He had looked around in the building and outside before going back in, he was checking his readings on his tricorder.

"It is strange my readings show these buildings are built out of Material the colony don't have" he looks around in the building "The Tal'Shiar must have delivered supplies, I'm getting nothing special in resource but am limited in my range"

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

His head snapped up when he heard the voice of the Riov asking for an immediate status report on communications

"Rekkai, The Riov is requesting a status report" he heard the Gonai'saenhe report

He would give him a nod "I heard, Arrain" He said simply, then tapped a key on the command seat, anwersing the Riov "erei'Riov here. I am pleased to report the ship is operating with peak efficiency. We are waiting for you and the Away team to return"

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"We are ready. As soon as we arrive, begin evacuation preparations. I estimate the need to accommodate at least two hundred colony evacuees." Liordra still hoped there had been some miscommunication but she dared not act in opposition to the erei'Ssiebh's orders.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

His brow lifted in surprise when the Riov mentioned the transporting of 200 Evacuees. he wanted to question the order, but he is wise enough not too "Ie, Riov. I shall prepare the transporters for the evacuation as soon as I transport you and the Away team aboard"

He tapped internal comm and intructed the transport operator to transport the Riov and the Away Team aboard

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She returned to the bridge directly, speaking to no one until she arrived.

"Our orders have been altered Subcommander. I must assume that in the time since our original orders were issued, that the situation has worsened and no compromise can be reached. Approximately two hundred of the colonists require immediate evacuation. Every department is placed on active alert. See to it that everyone does what is expected of them.

[jerrodrenn]

Lhhei, might I suggest that we requisition transport enhancers for the task. He said as he checked his own mulitcorder. I note some small interference. Besides, it will allow us to teleport in larger numbers which will expedite matters.

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

"Agreed. I am concerned in particular if the interference is sufficient to cause any disruption in operations. Place the requisition and see if you can determine the source of the interference." She was pleased that the Federation officer continued to show ambition.

[erei'Riov Saren Zareth]

He looked up from the command chair, then stood up, as The Riov had returned to the bridge. He was pleased to see her, but he kept his expression neutral, especially as he listened to her as she explained that orders have been altered, she presuming that the situation had worsened. He nodded slightly, thinking that would be the most logical conclusion

Two Hundred colonists needed immediate evacuation and all department to be placed on alert. He gave a nod and started to turn "I shall see to it personally, Riov. By your leave." He turned as soon as he was dismissed. As he headed for the Turbo lift, he tapped his comm badge "All transporter rooms, coordinate with those on the planet and start evacuation procedures." He paused just as he reached the Turbo lift and turned toward the Daise'Dheno. "Send Security teams to the transporter rooms to make sure no difficulties arise" He waited for her acknowledgement then stepped into the TL, on his way to put the ship on alert

[Riov Liordra t'Takar]

She did not expect to find anything, but to be certain, Liordra checked all recent communications for anything that might indicate a change in orders that might have been missed. There was nothing. There was only one possibility that she could think of and it was one that she could not openly question. Could the Khrein have received something and chosen not to provide her with the information? She put it from her mind for now.
They could accommodate the anticipated number but it would not be comfortable for either the colonists or the crew. Operations would have to work out the logistics of quartering them. It could not all be in a single section and security would have to see to it that no one left their assigned areas without prior authorization. The most secure way to bring all aboard was to transport them directly and using an enhancer would lessen the overall number of times it must be done. Engineering could see to that.
She could see by the activity on the boards that internal communications were increasing. A good indicator. She would wait a little longer before requesting a status report and estimate for completion. Liordra knew that the erei'Ssiebh was not a man who would be tolerant of delays.

[Lyretha t'Stellam]

"Ie, Rekkhai." Lyretha responded. She had already begun by recalling all off duty personnel. The transport would be the least of her concerns, she thought. Keeping their guests confined to their assigned areas would be the greater challenge.