Imperfect Memories - Blood

Posted on 23 May 2024 @ 6:57pm by Lieutenant JG Montgomery Vala

1,059 words; about a 5 minute read

Romulus - Romulan Academy for Science and Technology, Ra'tleihfi city
2361 - 56 years prior to current timeline.

The air was still. So still that nothing seemed to be able to penetrate the pervasive silence that filled the whole area. Eisn, the homesun, traced slowly across the sky, casting strange blue and green shadows as it played with the intricate glass ceiling of the space.

The place itself had the appearance of a courtyard. A plaza, seats, small manicured flowerbeds, trees and a water feature. It was, however, completely enclosed. One of many such spaces within the massive structure of the Academy for Science and Technology. Above, the view of the sky was unobstructed, a chute built into the grand complex, culminating in a dome that reflected light downwards into the space.

It had no official designation, but students called it Areinnye's Yard.

It was where Rh’vaurekorn came to study when he was not otherwise engaged in labwork.

He had arrived at the Academy as a child, moving from Dhaelthra IV to chi'Rihan when he was only 17. It had been everything of a culture shock. The cool, arboreal climbs of his homeworld had given way to the sweeping architecture and balmy evenings of Ra'tleihfi city. Quiet mornings hunting were now bustling canteen breakfasts, and evenings of contemplation lit by bioluminescent moss had transformed into seminars and society events. It had taken time, but bit by bit Rh’vaurekorn had been urbanised.

Now 20, he had become used to most facets of city living, but this courtyard had a certain tranquility that connected him back to his roots. Here, the cacophony of the city faded, leaving him alone with his thoughts and the gentle whisper of water. Plus it was a place he could usually avoid the other students.

Usually.

On this occasion the silence of the Yard was broken by a group of thick set, darkly dressed members of the Zorek clan, Ra'tleihfi's own scions. It was too much to hope they were simply intending on passing through, and sure enough as he looked up he could see them approaching, their mouths twisted in sardonic contempt he'd come to recognise so well.

“Well, if it isn’t the Academy’s pet half-breed,” sneered the leader, the broadest and most thuglike of them all, “What makes you think you belong here, Rh’vaurekorn?”

Rh’vaurekorn shifted uncomfortably. The questions never really changed, nor did his answer. "I am here to study, Merik, not partake in pointless quarrels," he responded, already tensing for what was surely to come.

"Study?" Merik responded with mocking laughter. "You think you're here because of your so-called 'talents'? Everyone knows you only got in because of your father's connections," he spat, eyes narrowing.

The words washed over him. He'd heard it all before. "I am here because I earned my place," he replied evenly, "Just as you did."

Another Zorek, a heavy set type named Kaevak, stepped forward, his expression twisted with scorn. "Earned your place? As if the son of a mongrel whore could ever achieve anything on his own." He bared his teeth, "Your mother must have spread her legs wide to tempt your father away from his true Romulan wife."

Rh’vaurekorn clenched his jaw and set his dataslate carefully aside, rising from his seat. "Say what you want about me," his voice grew colder, "but leave my mother out of this."

Kaevak's grin was vicious. "Why? It's the truth, isn't it? She was nothing more than a harlot, seducing a man above her station. And now here you are, a half-breed mistake, pretending to belong."

Before Rh’vaurekorn could react, Merik lunged, shoving him hard. He stumbled, his back hitting the edge of a fountain. Pain shot through his body as he fell back, the cold water splashing over him. Laughter erupted from the group, echoing all the way up through the courtyard.

"Maybe you should go back to Dhaelthra IV," Kaevak suggested, leaning over the edge of the fountain. "Where you belong. Among the other half-breeds and provincials."

Rh’vaurekorn struggled to his feet, his clothes soaked and clinging to him. There was a flash of anger in his green eyes, and he balled his fists. "I've had enough of your insults," he spat, stepping forward to confront the group.

"Trying to rise above your station, half-blood? Pathetic." Merik shouted, vindictive mirth in his tone.

Rh’vaurekorn lunged at him, his familiarity in martial arts guiding his movements. He landed a solid punch on Merik’s jaw, but the retaliation was swift. The group descended upon him, fists and feet striking from all directions. Pain exploded in his side as someone’s boot connected with his ribs, and he was driven to his knees.

Kaevak grabbed him by the hair, yanking his head back, and slammed his face into the edge of the fountain. Blood streamed from Rh’vaurekorn’s nose, mixing with the water at his feet.

“You’re weak,” Merik sneered, wiping blood from his lip. “Just like your mother.”

Summoning the last of his strength, Rh’vaurekorn tried to rise, but a powerful blow to his head sent him sprawling into the fountain at the courtyard’s center. Water splashed around him as he struggled to regain his footing, his vision blurred and his body aching.

“Enough,” a cold voice cut through the chaos, chilling in its precision. The group turned, quickly backing away as Dr. Ar’Vul approached, his dark eyes like chips of obsidian.

“Dr. Ar’Vul, we were just-” Kaevak began, but Ar’Vul silenced him with a look.

“Save your breath, Kaevak,” Ar’Vul’s voice was as cold as his gaze. “I saw everything. Disgraceful behavior, attacking one of your own.”

“But he-” Merik started, only to be silenced by Ar’Vul’s raised hand.

“No more excuses. Disperse at once,” Ar’Vul ordered. The group hesitated, but the authority in his voice brooked no argument. One by one, they slunk away, casting hateful glares back at Rh’vaurekorn.

Ar’Vul watched them go before turning his attention to Rh’vaurekorn, who was struggling to stand. “You need to be more cautious, Rh’vaurekorn,” he said, his tone not entirely unkind. “These walls have ears and eyes everywhere." He walked brisky forward and offered a hand, "Come, let’s get you to the medical bay.”

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