=\/= Tomika =\/=

[Rhi’Galae Command Fortress]

“We lost contact with our listening outpost in the Tegalash system, a massive ion storm in the system is the main culprit.  The RIS Hlai'hwy was sent to investigate but has...” t’Hnea paused looking at the painting of her young son on the far wall “has also disappeared.”

“I see.”  Shiarrael appeared all too disinterested as she fiddled with a rubik’s cube while sprawled out on the large couch in t’Hnea’s office “humans create such annoying things.”  She finally looked up at the fellow Ael’Riov “I assume you are telling me this because you want the Aylhr to investigate both disappearances?”

“Disappearance?”  The Tal’Diann legate who sat in a char adjacent to Shiarrael frowned at her “they have not disappeared Ael’Riov t’Rehu, they are somewhere within that ion storm.”

“Are you certain of that tr’Keneck?”  Sitting up Shiarrael set the rubik’s cube back onto t’Hnea’s desk and stared at the legate.  “For all we know the outpost could have been destroyed and the RIS Hlai'hwy along with it.  You don’t know where they are at, by all true purposes, they have disappeared.  Unless you can give me an exact location of either to make this mission simpler, then do not attempt to correct me.”

“By all respects t’Rehu, you should consider the-“

“Enough, tr’Keneck you may leave.  I believe we have been briefed on the intricacies well enough.”  T’Hnea motioned to the door.

“Very well Ael’Riov.”  Standing up tr’Keneck bowed to both woman and departed the room.

“Your act is as abrasive as usual Shia.”  T’Hnea massaged her temples “my son serves on the RIS Hlai'hwy, did you know that?  This distresses me more then it should, the Aylhr is the only ship in the region that has the communication system necessary to remain in contact through the storm.”

Shiarrael’s coy smile softened into a sympathetic one “Do not fret Lyna, we will find your son and the ship he serves.  Tegalash is located on the Klingon border is it not?”

“It is.” She sighed “The Klingons have their own issues; I do not believe they will bother with this.”

“But…”  Shiarrael picked up the ISD containing the strategic map of the system her fingers tracing the intricate border on the screen “the Ion storm will pass into Klingon space within the hour.  Are you certain they will not attempt to investigate?”

“I am not.”

=\/=

Ael’Riov Shiarrael t’Rehu

Leih, RIS Aylhr