Off the Bench

Posted on Sat Mar 28th, 2020 @ 3:31pm by Commander Areinnye t’Vraen

677 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Prologue: Before the Inferno
Location: IRW Dominus
Timeline: 238611.10

Commander Areinnye retreated to her personal quarters aboard the Dominus. The massive ship was returning from its exploration mission far beyond Romulan boundaries.

First Areinnye altered the report log she had prepared for the Praetor, exchanging the location of the lush, class M moon of Caridia V with the arid, methane polluted planet they had scouted previously.

The two systems were 7 weeks travel apart at high warp. And in the coming fallout of the Supernova, Areinnye was counting on no one looking into a useless backwater planet that would need major terraforming.

Next, she used a secure channel to contact Centurion Vrih Tal'Aura, the keystone to this scheme of hers.

“Vrih, this is Commander Areinnye. Are you available to speak?” She inquired.

Vrih was sitting on a landing pad near his home, the last few days had been terrible, first his parents were deemed nonessential due to their advanced age, he would only earn the essential status if he flew dignitaries off the planet, and the final straw was when his ship was commandeered to take those same dignitaries off the blasted planet. Staring at the red star, he felt for the first time helpless, but not hopeless.

Somehow he knew that he would get a chance to save his parents and get evacuated but it would take some luck. As he pondered the feeling, and debated what his next move would be he received a secure call on his comm unit, odd he thought, I told those bastards where they could go and they still call me.

“This is Vrih, make it it quick, I don’t have all day,” he said realizing his typical greeting held more solemnity than it had previously.

“Watch your tone, Centurion.” She cautioned. “I have a project I need assistance with. I’m assembling a team to help us find a new home. The forecast for Romulus is going to be very warm soon and I’d like to lead a group to someplace a bit cooler and more quiet. I need your piloting skills, but more importantly...I need your contacts.” she said.

“Centurion? I haven’t been called that in a while. I would be interested in helping but I have no ship, mine was commandeered because I wasn’t essential,” Vreh replied. “If this conversation is headed where I think it is, should we meet in person before continuing?”

Areinnye arched an eyebrow. At least the pilot hadn’t forgotten how dangerous these conversations could be “That would be more prudent. Unfortunately, I am several weeks away from the Empire. There isn’t much time left and we must act. Would you be able to procure us a transport and some additional help?” She inquired.

“We need to borrow some...equipment. Something the Empire would be reluctant to lend us. We need a team to help us borrow it unofficially.” Said the Commander.

“I can obtain transportation, it won’t be great but it will be functional. As far as help what kind are you looking for?” Vreh asked in order to clarify the request. “What kind of numbers? Will this be a quick grab and go or do we need more of an occupying force?”

“We have around eighty crew. I imagine a grab and go. Needless to say, the utmost discretion is required if we wish to avoid a gruesome death.” She warned her old friend.

“I think I know someone that may assist as well, let’s just say this group is experienced in what I believe you are thinking of. I don’t often ask someone to trust me, especially in this line of work but I believe the skill set will prove valuable,” Vreh responded.

“Very well. I’ll need you to meet us at Verelan-Hdrael in 3 weeks. We may need a swift exit, so make ready for any situation. Jolan Tru, Centurion.” she said.

“I will be ready Commander Jolan Tru,” Vreh replied as the immensity of the task ahead of him began to dawn as he watched the sun set.

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