Sk’vra’s illicit and brief bugging of llhaesa and Jahrae at Nenseru gained him immediate favour with Lajxa.

Lajxa asked his aid to send for the young N’rellia graduate, for he had additional plans for Sk’vra. He might prove most useful in a discard when no longer useful sort of way.

Sk’vra had literally walked into their hands; Lajxa had yet to meet him, but word had come to him quickly from below. Sk’vra’s handling had been managed by Commander Kherhakesa, who reported that Sk’vra was very intelligent, but more than a bit off base mentally in the moment – completely consumed by an irrational hatred for t’yaeli.

Such a person would prove useful if managed correctly. He would do about anything, and if something went awry, he could be blamed and held out as a lone psychopath driven by hatred.

Sk’vra promptly showed for the meeting with Lajxa; he was now reaching into the upper echelon of Arrhazonan government, and as such felt his own sense of self-importance climb simply by way of this contact and this meeting. His mindset going in: would likely do about anything asked of him.

After exchanging greetings with Lajxa, the Minister quickly got down to business. He motioned with his left hand, suggesting to Sk’vra that he be seated in one of the three seats facing the Minister’s expansive desk. Sk’vra readily complied, choosing the right hand seat.

“We see a fine future for you with this agency, Sk’vra. I’d like to bring you on board as an operative, tasked to special projects. At some point you would be placed in an extensive training programme, but for now… for now we have a special need for your services. You would watch that t’yaeli woman, harassing her whenever possible, perhaps even striking in some way at her… partner.

She is a grave threat to this government, and as such, a grave threat to Arrhazon. This is a patriotic thing you do, Sk’vra, and one day you shall be openly recognised for your contributions to the preservation of our way of life.

You shall be paid on the grade of our regular operatives, effective immediately. Is this something you wish to do?” Lajxa had laid out the bait perfectly.

And Sk’vra wasted no time jumping on it. “I would be honoured to serve, Minister.” he predictably answered, not adding that he was consumed by hatred for what he thought of as ‘the bitch.’

Lajxa continued reeling in his new charge. “Most excellent. You will report to Commander Kherhakesa on the first of the week, though your compensation begins now. And Sk’vra… your government is counting on you. Please do not disappoint us.” Lajxa rose as he finished his statement, stretching out his arm and pointing toward the door, signalling the meeting had come to a close.

On his way downward in the lift, Sk’vra pondered his incredible and newfound good fortune. He was far from the career in music he had once dreamed of having, but his mind and body would no longer co-operate, thanks to that… bitch. Now the game would be played on his terms, and t’yaeli would find her career lost, or worse.

“…strike at her partner.” Lajxa’s words crawled back into Sk’vra’s scheming mind. He found this idea growing inside of him, looking for possible ways that he might follow this tack.

Jahrae – Sk’vra well knew her name – was a student at Arrhazon College. She travelled by public transit. He was uncertain of when she attended, when she rode the transit system, when she returned home. He resolved to watch over the last days of the week, learning her schedule. Once he knew this, he could devise a plan and seek approval.

With the couple living right on the park in Old City, Sk’vra had a ready made place with which to observe their comings and goings, easily able to shift position and yet still see. He would have to arrive early, but that was no problem: he was an early riser. And in since Arrhazon was in the warmer months of its temperate climate, he might even spend a night or two in the park – this was a pretty regular occurrence in the extensive park.

Jahrae was his target, because striking at Jahrae would vicariously strike at… the bitch.