Command Decision ((See notes)) (15.12.1164)

[kendrall]

((Dramatis personae: M'riel, Shayna, L'ret, Ardalae, T'jas, Kolteya, N'nes, Lorina, D'verado, Eodira, all Wingleaders/Wingseconds/Wingthirds, Flight Leaders))

M'riel hadn't bothered changing out of his warmer clothes ever since he, R'en, and Shayna had privately conversed about what had gone on during the overnight candlemarks. The three of them discussed what the Weyrleader was thinking: Something was causing the dragons to grow restless, which invoked rule number thirty-six: If you think you were being played, you probably were. It was more of an instinct thing, really, but it stood to reason to never dismiss your "gut feelings". Especially this time. M'riel also referenced rule thirty-nine: There was never such a thing as coincidence. But he'd be Betweened to explain the unusual behavior in the dragons. Some of the reports he was receiving in the candlemarks just before daybreak indicated that the Whers and firelizards, too, were likewise exhibiting similar behavior.

Something was really, really wrong. Neither M'riel nor Oreath could put a finger (or claw) on it, which only served to annoy the man. Sipping at a mug of klah, he waited for Shayna to make herself presentable before escorting her into the council room just outside of her quarters. He made sure to instruct the drudges to have plenty of klah, sweet rolls, and fresh fruit on hand. He also had Oreath get the word out to have the entire Leadership - including Eodira; all of the Wingleaders, Wingseconds, and thirds; all Flight leaders - assemble in the council room within the candlemark.

He knew it would be crowded in there. But he also knew that everyone would be wondering the same thing: Why were the dragons so upset? And could their new Weyrleader and Weyrwoman lead them through this?

[sorra]

Shayna had been grateful that R'en and M'riel at been at her weyr when they had had the late night discussion as she wouldn't have been able to go too far. She was still feeling really shaky and weak and knew she wouldn't be much help to anyone. She just hoped that she would be able to do what needed done.

The Weyrwoman peeked in on her daughter who was thankfully still asleep before reaching for one of the dresses that she was actually able to wear at the moment. She carefully slipped out of the long shirt she had been wearing and pulled the long, wool dress on, needing the added warmth that it gave her. Lately she just couldn't stay warm. Although she figured that was probably from the blood loss from little Sanyara. She brushed out her long hair before carefully making her way out to where M'riel waited.

"Alright, I'm ready," she said softly, slowly walking over to him. It certainly wasn't easy to get around on her own and that bothered her a bit.

Josiath lay curled against Oreath, her tail still flicking. She knew there were big things happening and she didn't want to miss any of them.

[kendrall]

M'riel watched as Shayna slipped out of her long shirt, and he couldn't help but notice how different she looked now that she was no longer with child. She still looked just as beautiful as the day he first saw her, just as lovely nonetheless, noting every curve and inch of her body. He also knew just how physically demanding childbirth had been on the Weyrwoman, which was why he was content to just hold her close at night in his arms. M'riel had heard how a certain Bluerider was afraid to touch her, let alone cuddle, while she carried Sanyara in her womb. The new Weyrleader, on the other hand, wasn't. He knew how Shayna needed to be touched, to be loved, to be held; as long as she was the Weyrwoman and he the Weyrleader, M'riel would continue to romance the Goldrider, to show her love and affection. Yet when it came to duty and honor, that's where he would draw the line. He wouldn't let his feelings for Shayna get in the way of a sworn oath he took a long time ago, when he first became a new recruit in the Guards. To defend the lives of those he was charged to protect, to uphold and maintain law and order, to be willing to lay down his own life that others might live. His being the new Weyrleader wouldn't change any of that.

M'riel snapped out of his reverie as Shayna told him she was ready, and he offered her his arm for support. His other hand steadily held the mug of klah as he escorted the Weyrwoman into the council room, where (hopefully) everyone Oreath had notified were already gathered. M'riel set down his mug by his chair, then pulled back the chair next to him where Shayna would be seated as the new Weyrwoman. Once she was seated, M'riel would resume his place, but he would remain standing.

[sorra]

Shayna didn't notice M'riel watching her as she got changed. She was concentrating on not hurting herself by moving too much. Although, she had to admit, he had been a very considerate lover. Lately he had just been willing to hold her until she had fallen asleep and that's what she needed, just to be held and comforted. She knew she needed to have a proper talk with R'bao yet, but she hadn't felt well enough to have that discussion. She just hoped that he was doing alright. And she hoped that he would come by soon to see Sanyara is nothing.

Shayna gave him a gentle smile as she gratefully slipped her arm through his. She leaned against him heavily as she walked beside him, her dress swirling around her ankles and just covering her slippered feet. The Weyrwoman carefully sank into the chair, nodding at the others that had already assembled. It appeared M'riel had gotten everything sorted.

[kendrall]

M'riel took his time in escorting Shayna to the council chamber. When she was seated and he took his place, he chose to remain standing. It was his way of speaking with others, not out of his position as Weyrleader, but rather from his days as a Sergeant Major when addressing the troops. It also allowed him to look everyone in the eye, save for those to his immediate left and right. As he started to speak, his eyes met with everyone seated: Weyr Leadership, Wingleaders, Wingseconds, Wingthirds, Flight Leaders. Eodira, too, had been summoned; he couldn't quite see her yet, but trusted she was on her way (or at least already present, but seated in the room at least).

"The past several candlemarks have brought us some unexpected turn of events. Many of you have noticed your Dragons have acted strangely, for reasons we cannot yet explain nor understand. I've also been in communication with the WherHandlers and weyrfolk; they, too, have noticed unusual behavior in the Whers and almost every beast on the premises. What this means for us as a whole has yet to be determined, but we can ill afford to sit idly and do nothing."

"I'm aware that our numbers are still, by and large, relatively thin until the weyrlings are ready to graduate and receive their Riders' knots. I also know that some of you have some concerns about changing the Wing structure from three to four Wings, and also with whom you've been paired for individual Flight units. While it was no easy task for myself nor certain individuals to determine the units, it was based largely on just how well each of you worked together during the initial drills shortly after my people and I arrived. I am pleased to say, however, that each of you have adapted well for the most part, and I can only encourage all Wingleaders, Seconds, Thirds, and Flight Leaders to continue with your progress."

"Normally, I would ask that we carry on with the status quo." M'riel shook his head slowly. "But with the dragons and Whers acting strangely, even the firelizards...my own intuition is telling me that we step up and take whatever precautions necessary. Some of you," he continued to look around the room, "are familiar with the rules that I tend to abide by. One of my rules I have, number thirty-six, says that if you're being played, chances are you probably are. I can't say for certain whom or what is playing us, but I don't want to leave anything to chance."

"The Weyrwoman and I have had a private conversation earlier this morning, and we have agreed upon a plan of action to move things forward more quickly. Apart from stepping up the Flight drills, sweeps, and watches; we'll need to start branching out and look for any valuable resource necessary - raw petroleum, rare metals, gems - to use as an advantage when it comes to dealing with the Traders and the Holds. It's a simple position; we have the goods they want, we get the necessary supplies we need. I know some of you here have some ability in the art of negotiation, so we'll be looking to you to get the process started once we find the resources."

"I also would like to start training any able-bodied person, regardless of rank or status, in wielding a bow and arrow. I'm aware there's a confidence course established on one of the plateaus, I'd like to add to it and set up an archery range."

"Now, before we go over the finer details...I'd like to hear input from each of you."