=\/= RIS Aylhr =\/=

[Oira (Bridge)]

Shiarrael stepped onto the busy Oira, her eyes locking onto the crew members present.  “I know you have ten hours of leave remaining” she approached her throne methodically as she spoke “however; due to unforeseen circumstances it had been cancelled.  Hope none of you are too disappointed?”  No one answered which brought a smile to her face.  “Good.”

Sitting down she adjusted to a comfortable seating posture before looking at the communications officer “Contact all personnel not onboard and inform them to return immediately.  Anyone who does not arrive before departure will be arrested on Tomika and imprisoned until we return.”

“Yes Rekkhai [Sir].”  The communication officer nodded and went to work.

That was how she liked it, no lip, only work.  Shiarrael’s fingers danced on the armrest as she watched the bridge officers’ do menial tasks.  After a few minutes she became bored and stood up “I will return in thirty minutes.  If an emergency arises contact me.”

[Aylhr’s Senior Mess]

The Chief Cook, Nahiel tr’Sorjal, was picking through the supplies when he heard the heavy footsteps outside the mess in the adjacent corridor.  Turning his head, he watched as the doors slid open, revealing the slim frame of the new Leih, t’Rehu.  “What do I owe the pleasure Leih?”

“Pleasure?”  Shiarrael smiled at that comment “not many would say such things about my presence.”  Her eyes scanned the cluttered room “I hope you find the supplies adequate?”

“More then I am used to.” Tr’Sorjal smiled and ran his hands through his graying hair flattening the ruffled strands.  “Forgive me for such a disheveled appearance, I have been very busy, and I-“

“No excuses necessary, a cook’s only duty is to ensure the satisfaction of his Leih, and as long as I am satisfied you have nothing to apologize for.”  Shiarrael walked over to one of the free tables and sat down.

“I thought it was to ensure that the crew eats.”  The old Rihannsu smirked and walked through the kitchen door disappearing for a few minutes.  When he finally exited he brought a small steaming bowl to her table.  Setting the bowl in front of Shiarrael he sat across from her.

“After my heart are we?  How did you know what I preferred?”  Shiarrael unraveled a utensil from its paper towel and dipped it into the steaming bowl.  “It has been a long time since I have enjoyed this.”

“I make it a point to do research.” Tr’Sorjal grinned “I spoke to your old RS.”

“How is that fool doing?”  Shiarrael sipped the soup and closed her eyes as she savored the sweet flavor “when I was a child the cooks used to prepare this for me all the time.  I would eat it while watching the ships in the distance from our balcony.”

“Good memories, and tr’Keneche is good, he seems rather pleased with his new position.”

“He should be.  I left him a good ship and a good crew.”  Leaning back in the chair she sighed and stared at the soup “I envy him sometimes.”  Looking at tr’Sorjal she winced “and you old man, after spending a century in the Galae why did you retire only to return.”

“I never had family.” Sorjal frowned “serving the empire has always been my purpose.  Whether it is as soldier or a cook as I am now.  However, I must ask you something personal, will you be offended?”

“I guarantee nothing, but I will have an open mind.”  Shiarrael said as she picked at the soup.

“Do you regret accepting promotion to Aylhr?”

“Regret?”  Shiarrael let the word simmer in her mind for a moment before she answered “I regret nothing, but this crew is lazy, they are like an old dull Vrelnec, it will take some time to sharpen.”

“Always good to keep one’s blade sharpened.”  Sorjal chuckled

“And if I may ask something of you?”  Shiarrael looked at him with a malicious smile.

“Yes?”

“Are you familiar with how to prepare Kaa`hhz meat?”  She dipped a small bit of soup and sipped it from the utensil.

“Somewhat, why?”

“Good.” Shiarrael grinned.

=\/=

Ael’Riov Shiarrael t’Rehu

Leih, RIS Aylhr