[IRW Aylhr] Penumbra - Matters of Security

A Mission Post by Riov Rhaego tr'Neyl
Mission: Penumbra
Location: Aylhr Library
Timeline: 12 days previous

[IRW Aylhr]

The transporter beam released Vaurek tr'Valdore onto the deck of the IRW Aylhr, the hum of its discharge fading into the steady rhythm of the ship. He adjusted his uniform and took in his surroundings with a practiced, critical eye. After gauging his surroundings, he left the transporter room to go meet with his new Riov.

Vaurek moved through the corridors at a quick pace, passing sealed access points, and engineering teams at work. The bridge was clearly unavailable, cordoned off for maintenance and refit, its activity shifted elsewhere for the time being. His route took him down to Deck 9, where the ship's library had been designated as the temporary command space. It was a practical decision with the ship in such disarray.

It had been a bit of a walk, but when he finally arrived the doors to the library opened smoothly, revealing rows of data archives and subdued lighting. Riov Rhae'go tr'Neyl stood waiting among the stacks. Vaurek stopped a respectful distance away and inclined his head in greeting, his expression composed as he prepared to formally meet his new commanding officer.

Rhae'go looked up from the ISD in his hands and regarded the officer who had just entered the library. A brief glance at the time displayed in the corner of the screen was enough to confirm his assumption that this would be his new security officer. "Arrain tr'Valdore, I presume?" he said, setting the device aside as he gestured toward one of the broad reading couches at the center of the library's research lounge. "I trust your arrival was without incident?"

Vaurek inclined his head in acknowledgment before speaking. "No difficulties, Riov," he replied evenly. "Transit was routine, and access aboard the Aylhr was efficient, despite the ongoing maintenance." Vaurek moved to the couch and seated himself. "I've reviewed the preliminary security reports and crew rosters. Once engineering clears the remaining restricted sections, I'd like to conduct a full internal assessment."

"Security reports?" Rhae'go smiled faintly, a trace of amusement crossing his features at the new officer's evident eagerness. "Given how recently the ship has come online, I doubt they offered you much of substance." He settled into the seat opposite Vaurek. "That said, a full internal assessment would be prudent before we get underway."

He paused, studying Vaurek with a more deliberate eye before continuing. "Since you are here, there is a matter I need to raise. What I am about to discuss is highly classified. You are not to speak of it with anyone, save myself, or the Aylhr's RS once she arrives. Is that understood?"

Vaurek met the Riov's gaze without hesitation and inclined his head once. "It is understood," he said calmly. "I will treat the matter with the appropriate level of discretion. You have my word, Riov."

"Good," Rhae'go said, though a trace of uncertainty lingered beneath the word. Entrusting such information to a newly arrived officer was not a habit he favored. Still, Vaurek had been selected personally by Khre'Riov t'Nanclus, and Rhae'go was prepared, for now, to defer to her judgment.

"A Senator, tr'Parneas, traveled to Alpha Eridani in secret," he continued. "While on Eternity, he was apparently murdered. The Praetor and the Galae'EnRiov have tasked the Aylhr with investigating the incident. His death has not been made public, for obvious reasons." Rhae'go watched Vaurek closely as he spoke, then went on. "I will need your assistance in determining why he was truly there. His wife claims he went to visit his sons' graves. Command believes there may be more to it."

Vaurek listened without interruption, his expression unchanged. When Rhae'go finished, he gave a slight nod. "If the visit was conducted in secrecy, then the stated reason is likely incomplete. I will begin examining his movements, contacts, and any security gaps on Eternity. If there is more to uncover, we will find it."

Rhae'go nodded. "Discretion is essential. Command wants a complete understanding of the events before anything is made public." He rose from his seat. "We have also been authorized to access his private study on Ch'Rihan. The Tal'Diann has already examined it, but since the Aylhr is leading the investigation, I've been granted permission to conduct a follow-up and to speak with his wife again. I will accompany you, but defer to your expertise."

Vaurek stood and adjusted his uniform, then met Rhae'go's gaze. "Understood, Riov. I will accompany you and treat the study as an unresolved site. If something was missed, or deliberately concealed, we will identify it."

Rhae'go doubted it would be so straightforward. The Tal'Diann were rarely anything less than meticulous, and there was no telling how deeply the Tal'Shiar might already be involved. The thought drew a faint frown. They had a habit of appearing at the worst possible moment and complicating matters.

Even so, he inclined his head. "Your confidence is noted, Arrain. Go and settle into your quarters on Deck 7. Let me know when you are ready. I will contact tr'Parneas's wife and inform her that we will be arriving shortly."

Vaurek inclined his head once. "Understood, Riov. I will inform you when I am ready."
With that, he turned and left the library, the doors sliding shut behind him as he made his way toward Deck 7 and his new quarters, already shifting his focus to the task ahead.

[End]

Riov Rhae'go tr'Neyl
Commanding Officer (Leih)
IRW Aylhr

Arrain Vaurek tr'Valdore
Chief of Security (Daise'Dheno'Saehne)
IRW Aylhr

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