Insult and Parry!

Posted on Thu Apr 24th, 2025 @ 6:31pm by Cadet Freshman Grade Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Cadet Freshman Grade Raye Crosby-Triannth

Mission: Season 6: Echoes of the Zynari
Location: Deck 19, Cadet Annex
Timeline: Late evening MD2
668 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

???? Miran Lalor’s POV – Erisian Shadows

The flower sat on the console like a quiet insult.

Miran stared at it, jaw tight. A snow lily. Erisian. White. Clean. Silent.

It was not a flower of peace. On Erisia, white lilies were placed at the tombs of dishonored nobles. Those who fell from grace, who brought shame to their name.

This wasn’t just a message. It was a slap.

She didn’t even need to check the handwriting. The graceful swoop of her name, the pristine envelope—it reeked of Clary Henderson’s ego.

“What is it?” Raye asked from behind, her voice low and cautious. She had emerged from the bedroom, still in her Academy-issue sweats.

Miran held up the flower in response, her fingers trembling not from fear—but fury.

“Snow lily,” she said quietly. “From the Northern Ridges of Erisia. Traditional symbol of family disgrace.”

Raye frowned. “So, she’s going for psychological warfare now.”

Miran nodded once, stiffly. She sat down on the edge of her bunk, still holding the envelope. “She’s mocking our customs. She knows the meaning.”

“Of course she does,” Raye replied, sitting beside her. “It’s Clary. She studies people like they’re specimens under a microscope.”

“But she doesn’t understand the weight of it,” Miran whispered. “This... this is personal. And it should never be. She's not Erisian. She has no right.” A bitter smile touched her lips. “This is the move before the duel, you know. A public shame offering.”

“You’re not dueling her,” Raye said immediately. “You’re not even eighteen, and we’re in Starfleet, not a House war council.”

Miran didn’t reply. Her thoughts swirled in ancient protocol and blood-bound fury.

Her people had rules for feuds. And Clary had broken them in every way that mattered—except with a blade.

???? Raye Crosby-Triannth’s POV – The Long Game

Raye watched Miran closely that evening as they studied in the lounge. The flower lay between the pages of her textbook like a hidden wound. Miran hadn’t thrown it out. She hadn’t burned it either. She just… kept it there.

Raye took a long sip of her tea, letting the quiet settle before she spoke.

“She wants you to snap.”

Miran looked up, brow furrowed.

“Clary,” Raye clarified. “The rug was bold, sure. But this? The chat post? The flower? The comment to Gérard? It’s not random.”

“I know.”

“She’s laying groundwork. Playing mind games, like she’s testing how much rope you’ll give her before you hang yourself with it.”

Miran exhaled slowly. “I was raised for court politics. I know when I’m being baited.”

“And you’re still considering taking it,” Raye said gently.

Miran looked away. “She dishonored our House.”

“She dishonored herself,” Raye replied. “Loudly. Publicly. She’s threatened by you, and you’ve done nothing but exist. That’s not your problem—that’s hers.”

“But—”

“No,” Raye interrupted, her voice low and sure. “Listen to me. You want to win this? Don’t react. Make her unravel herself. Let her keep digging that hole while we sit here calmly with the shovel.”

Miran blinked at her. “You want to play her game?”

“No,” Raye said with a half-smile. “I want to beat her at it.”

She tapped her PADD and swiped to a private group message.

“I’ve already started reaching out. Some of the third-year cadets Clary burned in the past owe me favors. And Gérard? He’s not as immune to guilt as he thinks. You just need to keep your head.”

Miran stared. “You’re building a counter-offensive.”

“I’m building a network,” Raye said, leaning back with a satisfied sip. “Clary thinks we’re just kids with tempers. Let her believe it. Let her think she’s winning.”

A pause. Then: “When the time comes... we won’t need a dagger at her door. We’ll have everyone knocking on hers.”