[IRW Aylhr] Penumbra - SD242105.23 - Past Imperfect Pt 3 - Argelian tr'Verelan

A Mission Post by Riov Rhaego tr'Neyl
Mission: Penumbra
Location: Various
Timeline: 15 Years Ago

[Romulus, Ki'Bahrytyhn, Praetorate Complex]

Thunder shook the old stonework of the ancient Praetorate complex as Argelian made his through the tall archway into the Continuing Committee's meeting chamber. Above, on the stained glass that dotted the ceiling, heavy drops of rain made a rhythmic tapping sound. He briefly glanced up before turning his attention to the long curved table that centered the room. Most of the committee, save for his sister, the Praetor, and a few others, were already seated and he quickly found his place. Across from him, T'Mas tr'Leyon smirked. He had long since come to realize that the irritating expression on the Tal'Shiar director's face meant he had something to say.
"Something on your mind T'Mas?" Argelian asked.
"Hmm." The smirk grew "quite an interesting display in the Senate no? There you were, Proconsul, thinking you were doing poor t'Rehu a favor- and then she bites you like a nasty little hnoiyoka for everyone to see." T'Mas bared his teeth at Argelian, who wasn't the slightest amused.
"Does the appointment of a Galae'EnRiov with a little bite threaten you T'Mas?" Argelian said "not that you should be worried. What is it you even do for the agency? All I see is a man who grows fatter with each passing season." He nodded his head towards the agent whose smirk seemed to even out a bit.
"How dare you-"
"Stop it. Both of you. If you wish to squabble like children, do so on your own time." Jhu t'Pardek spoke as she entered, her voice echoing in the chamber like grinding gravel. The tall lanky silver-haired Senator and chairman of the committee took her seat next to Argelian. In her hands was an ISD which she laid in front of her on the table. Across from her T'Mas tapped his hand against the table and pointed at Argelian.
"Will you sit there and just allow him to insult me, Chairman?"
She looked up at T'Mas "do you dress yourself tr'Leyon? You look like an overstuffed feiiha in that uniform."
T'Mas sat back and lifted his hand but stopped mid-motion and just clenched his fist while fidgeting uneasily in his chair. Argelian smiled slightly but kept the expression hidden from t'Pardek and dared not comment. Her sharp tongue was an equal opportunity offender and she would just as easily turn on him. He would just have to enjoy T'Mas' frustration in silence.
"All of you are quite animated today." He looked up at the archway to find his sister walking in briskly. Behind her, to his surprise, was her deputy tr'Vreenak. The old man shuffled a few paces behind her, his cane tapping against the floor as he walked. When Arrenhe took her seat in the Praetor's chair, Vreenak slid into the seat next to her. Argelian looked across the table at Arrenhe, who gave him a short nod.
"As all of you are aware. Earlier today the Senate voted to appoint Shiarrael t'Rehu as Galae'EnRiov. The appointment comes with greater autonomy than has previously been afforded her predecessors." She glanced across the long table at everyone present "on the condition that she is able to oust the Klingons from the Derex system." Argelian simply nodded at the statement as Arrenhe continued "the Praetorate just approved the Senate's appointment with the added condition requested. However, this body will have a final say in the matter. Are there any objections to the appointment? If so, speak them now."
"The Tal'Shiar has no objections" T'Mas smirked, "should loyalty become an issue- we are quite versed at rectifying that problem."
"Are you?" Jhu looked at T'Mas, her old eyes studying him "I don't recall you rectifying the issue of tr'Mandak or preventing Ael t'Kazon from taking her throne. So what is it you call 'rectifying' a problem? Or is such an issue not a problem to you?" When he started to protest she lifted her hand "No. She is a Rehu. Do not underestimate her ambition. After all, was it not your ancestors" she looked between Argelian and his sister "who rose up to drive the Ruling Queen from her throne by slaughtering her on the plains of Ahai two thousand years past?"
Argelian frowned slightly. He was well versed in history and many of his ancestors did rise up on ch'Havran to overthrow the Ruling Queen many ages ago. So long ago that the history had become legend and myth. The reference was far disconnected from the present "Shiarrael is one of our most talented Generals. The matter on the border with the Klingons is quickly getting out of hand. If we cannot repel them it may mean a prolonged conflict with the Klingon Empire. Our people cannot afford another extended conflict. It has barely been a year since we subjugated the Tholian and Cardassians- with forces under t'Rehu's leadership."
"Yes, she is a very effective commander. I will not deny that Argelian." Jhu looked at him and he could see the concern etched with tension along her eyes "but when she finishes slaughtering the Klingons, much like she slaughtered the Tholians, and turns her eyes towards the Senate. Do you think you will be any match for her? Or you?" Her eyes drifted towards the other two military commanders at the table "most of the Senate body is either old, decrepit, or fat on power. Do you know how we will fare against her? We will fare like hlai to the slaughter." She sighed "the Zorek will not protest this decision. But a clever commander makes for a dangerous politician. I just hope we do not regret this moment on the sharp end of a sword."
"Such a gruesome imagination you have Jhu. We will see how little Rehu fares against the Klingons. They are not the Tholians." Vreenak spoke up, his empty eyes seem to gaze at Argelian which caused him to internally shiver. "Such a tenacious child- she has become quite the villain to some here."
The intimacy of the comments caused Argelian to lean forward slightly "Praetor Vreenak. Are you very familiar with Shiarrael t'Rehu?"
"Of course." Tr'Vreenak grinned "she is my brother's granddaughter. How would I not know her? The Zorek will not protest this appointment because she is kin to our clan. We will see if she can deal with the Klingon's as effectively as she dealt with the Tholians."
Kin? Argelian wondered how he ever missed that bit of information. He glanced at his sister who appeared dispassionate about the revelation. On the other hand, Jhu t'Pardek frowned at tr'Vreenak. He couldn't help but feel that he was missing a deeper dynamic here between the Zorek clansmen.
"Very well. Then it is decided. We will officially announce Shiarrel t'Rehu as Galae'EnRiov. Dismissed." Arrenhe announced and everyone stood up and started to leave. As the committee members slowly filtered out Argelian remained in his seat. Across from him, his sister did the same. When the last committee member disappeared beyond the periphery of the door, she looked at him "is something bothering you Argelian?"
"Maybe." He said, his mind lingering on tr'Vreenak's last words about t'Rehu. "Were you aware of tr'Vreenak's relationship to Shiarrael?"
"Is there truly a relationship?" Arrenhe frowned "they might be Kin- we will have to look at the birth records but I have never heard the Zorek speak of this previously. In fact, the first time I heard mention of this was in the Praetorate when we discussed the matter of Galae En'Riov. Jhu t'Pardek didn't seem convinced either. No, perhaps they are related. I don't know. What I do know is that an actual relationship most likely doesn't exist. Tr'Vreenak is one for exaggeration. I wouldn't be concerned."
Argelian nodded his head in agreement. "You are right. That issue aside, there does seem to be some division within the Zorek ranks. Jhu is not very fond of tr'Vreenak." He stood. "Perhaps we can use their seeming rivalry to our advantage…"

[To be continued]

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