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Literary Challenge #33 : New Romulus
pwebranflakes
Member Posts: 7,741
Hello and welcome to another edition of our writers' challenges! :cool:
Today we start the two-week run of the thirty-third Literary Challenge: New Romulus
This is the writer's thread -- only entries should be made here.
The Discussion Thread can be found HERE.
We also have an Index of previous challenges HERE.
The rules may change from one challenge to another, but I'd like to remind everyone what the base rules are. These may grow as we move on, so also feel free to give feedback!
Today we start the two-week run of the thirty-third Literary Challenge: New Romulus
Much was unknown about New Romulus, but you and your crew have had some time to explore and learn more about it -- you've also been working with and aiding the Romulans in building their new homeworld. As a couple weeks have passed since your ship first took up orbit, a preliminary report is now due on your findings. Share it here.
This is the writer's thread -- only entries should be made here.
The Discussion Thread can be found HERE.
We also have an Index of previous challenges HERE.
The rules may change from one challenge to another, but I'd like to remind everyone what the base rules are. These may grow as we move on, so also feel free to give feedback!
- Each Challenge will run for two weeks. For 2 weeks we will sticky the challenge and let you make your entry.
- There are no right or wrong entry.
- The background story, questions I ask, and format requested are only to serve as a platform that you can start your writing from. Feel free to change up the back-story or the way you deliver, as long as the entry stays on topic of the original challenge.
- Write as little or as much as you would like.
- Please keep discussion about the entries in the appropriate Discussion Thread.
- In the Discussion Thread, feel free to write what inspired you and what your thoughts on the topic are.
- A few other important reminders:
- Please heed the rest of the forum's rules when submitting your entry! All of them apply to these posts.
- Each poster can have one entry. Feel free to edit your post to fix typos or add/ remove content as you see fit during the next two weeks.
- After two weeks time, the thread will be locked and unstickied, as we move on to the next challenge.
- We'll have two threads: One to post the entries in and one to discuss the entries. **Cross-linking between these two threads is acceptable for these challenges ONLY!!**
Post edited by pwebranflakes on
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New Romulus... what to say about New Romulus other than I am very pleased to be one of the Federation's first Away Teams to take part in exploring this strange but unusual planet. I am very proud of all of my officers especially my First Officer, Mirra, in taking upon herself the dauntless task of commanding my starship while I have been leading the ground detail here on New Romulus.
Who would have guessed that the Federation would actually be assisting ROMULANS! But, I guess that they are in need of help, and the Federation has promised to help those in need. Not to mention, these Romulans are not part of the empire but just simple men and women trying to make a honest life of themselves and get away from the war. I respect these men and women because creating a new home is not easy but being on a starship for the last two years has let me drift away from this challenging deed.
We have encountered strange water dwelling animals, which seem to live in the planets water sources. Scientists are dying to capture a live specimen and learn more about this being. Also, for the first time this has been a life changing experience to see Romulans and Remans coming together to focus on one thing... a HOME!
The Reluctant will be departing from New Romulus soon and as bad as I dread going duty calls elsewhere because the fight with the Borg has just begun.
As I look back on these people that have set aside their differences to achieve one common goal together, I wonder if we, the Federation, could do this with the Klingons to one day stop the war and focus on expanding our knowledge of our galaxy?
This is not my last report on New Romulus because the fun is just getting started. I will be back soon enough to see the grand walls open and the adventure begin. Adventure awaits, Admirals...
***Fleet third in command and acting XO Brian Mitchel Valot reporting***
All 1st Assault Fleet flag officers,
The crew of the USS Athena has been assisting with settling the Romulans on the planet "Mol'Rihan" (New Romulus). Our Personnel recently found an area outside the new capital that would work very well for planned wilderness survival training exercises. My crew and I believe this locale would work well for the following reasons:
A) We would have plenty of area to spread ourselves out to prevent groups from coming too close to one another
C) Varying terrain (forests, plains, mountains, etc...)
If you wish to discuss any of the above points further, contact me. Otherwise, I will discuss this further when our plans are more coordinated. In the meantime, please continue normal operations.
USS Athena, out.
Commanding officer: Odyssey class U.S.S. Athena
Admiral of the 1st Assault Fleet
Join date: Some time in Closed Beta
ir'Menae, A, Captain, C/O USS S'harien, C/O Relief Force Sierra
OEH-477, M, Captain, C/O USS Bethune, Relief Force Sierra
Philharmonica, O, Commander, C/O USS Allegrezza, Relief Force Sierra
To: Admiral Schmidt
Fleet Command, Tau Dewa Operations
Starbase 234
Overall Situtation
The situation at Mol'Rihan is stable, and, should continue to slowly improve. Additional forces may be required in the area in the future, but no further deployment is currently needed or wanted. Specific reports follow.
Diplomatic Situation
The initial reaction to the Relief Force's arrival was, naturally, wary. However, as Command no doubt intended, my presence as both a Reman and the relationship developed earlier with Obisek during the Hakeev incident allayed many of their fears, especially amongst the Reman population. Ambassador T'Pia's gift of a pre-Reformation S'harien sword was well considered, these weapons holding a special place in Romulan culture.
As further assistance was given, relations with the Mol'Rihannsu has improved.
Mol'Rihannsu relations with the Klingon Empire also proceed well, although the presence of rebel Klingon and Gorn forces in the sector has caused relations between the two to develop slower than they have with us.
Military Situation
The Tau Dewa region as a whole is under frequent attack by numerous forces. Hirogen, Tholian, Nausicaan, Orion, Klingon and Gorn forces have been sighted, along with Romulan vessels under Tal Shiar control. According to KDF sources on Mol'Rihan, the Klingon, Gorn and Orion forces operating in the region are not acting with the support of the KDF.
New Romulus itself is under frequent attack by Tal Shiar, Tholian and Hirogen forces, although the Mol'Rihannsu and Reman forces are keeping their operation combined to outlying areas.
There is a lack of intelligence regarding the Tholian and Hirogen operations on the planet, although the motives of the Tal Shiar are understood and attached later.
The Mol'Rihan forces in the region are limited in size and resources, mostly concentrated around the colony. Their outlying patrols are frequently engaged by superior forces and take continual losses. The establishment of various bases around Mol'Rihan has been discussed, but the Mol'Rihannsu lack the resources to construct such facilities at this time.
- Cpt. ir'Menae
Scientific Situation
While not considered an important aspect to this mission, there have been several discoveries in this area, as well as several anomalies that warrant further investigation. New Romulus' wildlife as a whole is generally of interest to xenobiology, and the data gathered on these creatures' natural resistance to extreme radiation has suggested several new approaches that might, with further development, aid in other colonisation efforts. The local lifeforms called nanov in particular may significantly aid colonisation efforts on hazardous worlds.
Medical Situation
Fortunately, the Romulans have already establised medical and sanitation facilities needed for a colony of this size, and maintain these systems well. There appears to be no native illnesses that can affect vulcanoid physiologies, althought accidental and combat injuries are rising as the various hostile forces on the planet expand operations. The colony's population level is slowly rising, although a large increase in the population could easily strain the infrastructure currently in place.
While medical assistance is uneeded outside of post-combat injuries, the colony's facilities need to be expanded and enhanced to support a larger population.
- Cpt. OEH-477
Engineering Situation
Much of the colony on New Romulus is under construction or is simply temporary until proper structures can be established. Housing, sanitation and power facilities are the most developed, although there is a significant lack of infrastructure.
While suitable for now, medical facilities on the colony currently consist of temporary structures. We have been assisting the colonials with the construction of their first permament hospital, and, barring unforseen circumstances, the facility should open in two months and be capable of administering to a much larger population than the colony currently holds.
Outside of this, many of the colonial Romulans lack formal training and we have established various short courses in specific fields.
- Cmdr. Philharmonica
- Security Clearance Required
Intelligence Report
The New Romulus colony appears to be sincere in its peaceful intentions. Security recordings from colony leader D'Tan's office reveal that the Tal Shiar has attempted to influence the leader and has been refused. There are unconfirmed reports of a Tal Shiar bases in the mountains near to the colony which will be investigated. Politically, there appears to be two powers in the colony's leadership - D'Tan, who commands the respect of the Romulan population, and Obisek, who leads the Reman forces and supports D'Tan. There is currently a lack of public dissent, which appears to be due to widespread agreement with the colony's leaders rather than from any attempt by D'Tan to control the population. Several Tal Shiar agents have been found amongst the colonial population, but these operatives have so far refused to reveal any information concerning their activities. If the Tal Shiar base in the Vastaam Peaks exists as I think it does, it will be the best chance we have at obtaining solid data on their operations here.
Also of note, the KDF forces operating in this sector appear to hint at some form of instability in the Empire. We have observed Klingon, Gorn, Nausicaan and Orion vessels firing on New Romulus, Federation and other KDF forces. While the Orions and Nausicaans appear to merely be pirates, the Klingon and, especially, Gorn forces are ofinterest. The instability that a Gorn rebellion would cause to the Empire could provide Starfleet with significant opportunities.
- Cmdr. Philharmonica
*** Log accessed. ***
*** Commander Pel'auro, Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Peacebringer. ***
*** Location of creation: Starfleet embassy, New Romulus. ***
Still, it's a lot better than the last time I was in anything remotely resembling a Romulan colony. If only it didn't feel so... fragile. Perhaps even hopeless. D'tan's intentions are good, but unless Starfleet can seriously hamper the activities of the Tholians, the Hirogen, and the Tal Shiar, his intentions will be the only thing good about the colony. I'm considering using my old disruptor again, just for the aesthetics. Just like Vraun does with his polaron pistol.
From my point of view, New Romulus will be a turning point. But in what way?
If it succeeds, then perhaps the Iconians have failed after all and will be defeated. If it fails... I dread to think what might happen. But I've had a feeling I haven't had for a very long time... since I was forced to flee Romulus. As if I'm being watched by... but no, it can't be.
But what worries me most is the Remans. It will be very difficult to create a habitat suitable for their needs without putting both populations at risk. An underground city, while the most suitable option for them, would require devoting large resources towards building a second city away from the new capital, and constructing it under the capital would put both cities at risk should the structure be sabotaged, or worse yet - bombarded.
Interesting. Very interesting. Well done, Centurion. Monitor him closely, but do not engage.
Yes, Subcommander.
Infinite possibilities have implications that could not be completely understood if you turned this entire universe into a giant supercomputer.
The canopy of pine trees offered some respite to the wind and rain, but in clearings, the rain certainly qualified as what the Ferengi would consider glebbening, and Lambert knew that it was only the polymer and synthleather of his uniform which kept him from being soaked to the skin.
Kneeling behind an outcrop of rocks for some momentary respite from the rain, and slicking his dark hair back from his face, Lambert reached up and tabbed his comm-badge, holding his fingers down to engage low-audio mode.
"Lambert to Valkyrie," he murmered. "I'm nearly at the peak, can you give us a more precise heading."
"Keep heading north, Ryan," came the voice of Captain Amanda Palmer. "And keep your eyes open, Number One, you're nearly upon the anomolies."
"Aye, Captain," Lambert acknowledged, as Lieutenant S'rR's Kane crouched down beside him. "Lambert out."
"Which way, Commander?" S'rR's asked quietly, her vibrant purple eyes constantly scanning the treeline as she reached back, deftly knotting her bolt straight ice-blonde hair into a functional warriors queue and out of her face.
"North," Lambert replied, reaching back, and drawing his great-grandfather's mek'leth from his ceremonial baldric. "Do you still think there's more than one?"
"I think so," S'rR's replied with a shrug. "It's hard to tell in the dark with all this rain. It's times like this, I wish I had inherited my mothers tapetum, rather than Marcus' ability to heal..."
Lambert remained silent. The fact that the Lieutenant and the Admiral were an item, was something of an open secret aboard the Valkyrie, and never spoken of. Lambert understood that like ancient Egyptian royalty, Pentaxian bonding and mating customs were somewhat different to what many societies considered decent, but it was not his place to comment, and the weapon in his hand and the sash across his powerful shoulders were reminders of that: Starfleet and the Federation tolerated his cultural values, and still afforded him the freedom to express that heritage, even though he was only one eighth QuchHa Klingon on his maternal line. Who was he to criticize who a woman fell in love with?*
Additionally, he felt a kind of kinship to the half-Human half-Pentaxian Lieutenant due to her own mixed heritage. She may have looked Human, but biologically, she was closer to Pentaxian than Human norms, and he knew she was as proud of her Pentaxian heritage, as he was of his own Klingon roots, which few observers would have ever suspected, were it not for the ceremonial baldric which he habitually wore over his Starfleet uniform.
"Commander, did you see that?" S'rR's whispered, returning Lambert's attention to their surroundings. "About a hundred meters ahead of us, some kind of disturbance in the rain."
Lambert squinted, trying to see what S'rR's meant. Then he saw it. A moving void in the rain. A void moving against the wind.
"You may not be able to see in the dark, Siri, but I think you're right," he muttered, before breaking cover and sprinting across the clearing in the forest. He had almost reached the treeline, when it, whatever it was, hit him, trapping his legs and bringing him down with a force which momentarily winded him as he hit the floor, and sent the mek'leth clattering away on the rain-slicked rocks, moonlight reflecting from the tines like shooting stars as it fell.
Rolling onto his back, Lambert automatically kicked out at whatever had tripped him, his boot encountered solid resistance, he pushed against it.
A phaser beam hissed viciously close to where Lambert lay, but in that illumination, for an instant, optical refraction meant he was able to perceive his assailant: A humanoid-shaped void in the rain, partially outlined by the phaser beam.
"They're using stealth suits!" he shouted, rolling into a seated crouch and diving forwards in a headlong tackle, his shoulder making contact with something which definitely felt like someone's midriff.
Landing in a kneeling position atop the invisible assailant, Lambert lashed out with a powerful blow, which he felt being partially absorbed and deflected by the head of the stealth suit.
Hearing the commander's shout, S'rR's stopped as she entered the clearing with her phaser drawn. Stealth suits would explain the sensor ghosts and mysterious occurrences around the developing capital, and having been in existence for over twenty years, they were hardly unknown technology.
The rain whipped mercilessly into S'rR's's face, reducing her visibility to mere meters, and she holstered the phaser, knowing that another miss-placed shot was as much danger to Lambert as his assailant. There was a change in the wind, and then she heard it: Running footsteps.
Turning slightly, she saw what looked almost like a waterspout circling her, but gradually drawing closer, spiraling through the driving rain like a spirit, and she felt the hair on her scalp raising in animalistic acknowledgement of the threat. The rain meant she couldn't trust her eyes, so she closed them.
Her eyes closed, her hearing became amplified, and she could clearly locate the approaching assailant. Not wanting to alert the assailant to her awareness of it, she continued to move towards the sound of where Lambert was grappling on the floor, her training allowing her to move as easily over the rugged terrain as if her eyes were open.
She could still hear it drawing closer, closing the gap rapidly, twenty meters, then ten, then five, when she heard a footfall at two meters, she knew the assailant was running for her on a direct collision course. Turning toward the assailant, and clenching her fists, S'rR's felt the momentary burn between her fingers as her claws extended, and she dropped into a crouch, slashing her left hand horizontally from left to right. The sound of ripping cloth and a guttural howl of pain reached her ears, and as she felt the resistance against the blade-like claws and a liquid warmth over her hand, she automatically tensed her wrist further, continuing the swing and opened her eyes.
The cloth of the stealth suit damaged, the cloaking technology deactivated, and the assailant became fully visible, automatically clutching at its disemboweled abdomen, just as S'rR's punched upwards with her right fist, driving the ten inch claws deep into its chest. As the assailant collapsed to the wet ground, S'rR's straightened out of her fighting crouch, her claws retracting back into her forearms as she relaxed her fists, and she saw Lambert delivering a knockout blow to his own assailant, slamming a forearm and elbow into the jaw, before pulling away the hood of the stealth suit.
Getting to his feet, Lambert moved to where his mek'leth had fallen. He stooped and picked up the heirloom, before returning it to his sash and tapping his comm-badge.
"Lambert to Valkyrie," he said somewhat breathlessly. "We found them, and I can confirm that the Tal Shiar are definitely operating on New Romulus."
To: Admiral T'nae, Combatant Commander, UFPROMCOM (T'nae@audioGoddess)
Subject: New Romulus Status Report
Jolan tru, Admiral! As instructed, I am sending you a preliminary report on the situation down here on Mol'Rihan. Admiral Valoth sends his regards and thanks you for sending him the uniform he left in your quarters. Commander Twimek, the Reman exchange officer aboard USS Lord English, is moving all his belongings into a new apartment in the Reman city, so we will remain here a while longer before returning to Captain Kurland and UFPCARCOM. As for the situation here on New Romulus...
DIPLOMATIC
Relations between the New Romulans and the Federation are touch and go, but on the whole, the Unificationists are receptive to our overtures. Curiously, they are also receptive to the overtures of the Klingon Empire as well. Barring the usual Klingon-Federation War tensions, cooperation between Starfleet and KDF personnel are also cordial. Recommend additional FDC personnel to staff the Federation embassy on New Romulus to facilitate diplomatic efforts.
SCIENCE
New Romulus is unusually rich in previously unknown lifeforms and specimens. The New Romulans would like us to collect as many samples as we can for further research. I will be including a few samples in this message for your scrutiny. Also, there is a small mammalian creature here known as the epohh which is popular with all the personnel here on New Romulus; recommend further investigation/potential to replace tribbles as decoration on fleet starbases.
ENGINEERING
Construction of the New Romulan city is proceeding apace. The Remans are also involved in the construction of their own separate yet adjacent section of the city. The equipment here is prone to breaking down however. Embassy construction is also going apace. Otherwise, nothing to say other than to keep construction supplies flowing.
MILITARY
Military situation on New Romulus is at threat level 3. Reports have come in of Tal Shiar at the Vastam Peaks, Hirogen hunters in the Paehhos Crater, and Tholian raiders at the Hwael Ruins. The New Romulans are increasingly relying on Starfleet and Imperial personnel to defend their citizens. Please forward this to Starfleet Command for a final decision, as without direct orders, the Starfleet personnel assigned to New Romulus keep exposing themselves to injury.
EXPLORATION
The Hwael Ruins on New Romulus are an archaeologist's dream, with artifacts from the Romulan Sundering, the vanished Dewan civilization, and something which the archaeologists describe as "Old as balls". Excavation of the ruins are being held up by Tholian raids, so progress is slow, and the situation will not be safe for anyone from the Archaeological Council or Ambassador Picard for quite some time.
ESPIONAGE
The Tal Shiar have concluded an agreement with the Hirogen concerning New Romulus, putting them on the track to become another True Way. This is even more dangerous as the Tal Shiar are skilled infiltrators; security forces have already caught Tal Shiar infiltrators outside the embassy. Federation vessels in the area should employ stringent security measures before receiving personnel.
MEDICAL
As stated above, Starfleet personnel are being subject to disruptor wounds, tetryon exposure, and radiation burns. Just as bad, though, are the wild animal attacks. Did you know there is an insect here called the virhranen with stingers long and fine enough to pierce through Mk. XI polyweave armor? Recommend more medical supplies.
COLONIAL
Starfleet officers are assisting the New Romulans with the colonial supplies they need out of pocket. The New Romulans are still wary of allowing outsiders from the Federation and the Empire settle permanently, however. No recommendations.
TRADE
Got an extremely good deal on Romulan ale. Will send a bottle your way for your next reception.
DEVELOPMENT
New Romulus is still too dangerous for field trips from Starfleet Academy. Please send Professor Meyer my apologies, as I know he was champing at the bit for cadets to scan radiation for their thesis papers.
RECRUITMENT
Several Romulan and Reman military personnel have shown willingness to assist Starfleet officers in battle, for a small price. Perhaps with the aid of the silvery tongued devils at the FDC, we can get these personnel to become a more permanent, or at least cheaper and more easily accessible, part of Starfleet tactics.
In the meantime, I will be returning to the Lord English and to DS9 to meet with Admiral D'Vak. Hopefully we will meet again at the next SB39 trade conference. In the meantime, take care.
Vice Admiral Remus Lee
Commanding Officer, USS Lord English
Remus@neuroticHospitaller
*Send*
Literary Challenges Entries- Star Trek Online: Lord English
Dramatis Personae of Star Trek Online: Lord English
Captain Jinx has been spending a lot of time on New Romulus recently. It seems she is a member of the Federation Diplomatic Corps as well as Omega Force and the Nightingale Development Project.
She tells us that the development of New Romulus proceeds faster than anticipated, with a lot of volunteers from Starfleet coming to assist the Romulans and Remans create their new home. Vranlek, a Reman scientist serving on board Nightingale, does not believe that all will be as peaceful as the FDC hope. Especially now since the Klingons are involved. Which idiot thought to invite them to the party? They will be raiding New Romulus within weeks. There have already been reports of Gorn activity in the area. The Klingon High Council claims they are not operating under their authority, but I don't believe them. Most people seem to forget that J'Mpok said, not too long ago, that the only good Romulan was a dead one. And now he sends his KDF here, to 'assist' with colonising the planet.
Ugh. At least this trip of hers is providing new duties for our Duty Officers... Cleaning up after Jinx's new pets. She calls them Epohhs, and gives them the run of the ship. I will say they do learn quickly. I almost never see one these days, and when I do, they are quick to get out of my way. They have also figured out that the red alert siren means they need to get back to Jinx's quarters. I'm just glad she didn't bring one of those Nanovs back, although I will admit they do look rather appetising.
I need to report back to the bridge now, but will finish my log later.
End recording.
Stardate: uhh... November 12th? I can't remember...
Location: U.S.S. Apollonius, low orbit around Mol'Rihan
Wow, my first assignment fresh out of boot, and I've almost been blown up four different times this month alone, and no thanks to the hull of the ship the last time.
The captain seems like one crazy guy: took us and two other ships against the Borg Queen herself, and suffice it to say, no one on this ship calls me 'greenhorn' anymore.
Now we are assisting the Romulans and Remans who want to set up a peaceful home here. Most of my time these last few days has been spent over on the Dendrobium, trying to fix up what was left of the Gespenst after our scuffle with the queen.
The captain has been mostly down on the surface doing I don't know what, despite the broken collarbone and new leg. That Ray is one stubborn TRIBBLE., I'll give him that, just wish he'd find out he has a crew here for the more sedate tasks. Some of the more 'challenging' assignments too, since we took on that squad of M.A.C.O's a month ago.
The XO has been seeming tense too, overseeing the repair and rebuild of the Gespenst. I just wish she'd let me get on with my job... Every day I try to work on the shuttlebay but she refuses to let anyone other than Captain Atha work on that section. Its as if there is a secret there that is above our clearance.
*knock knock*
"Computer: pause recording"
...
"Computer: resume recording"
Just got chewed out by the captain and XO again, why do they bother with Engineers when we can't get a look at the systems we're supposed to be maintaining?! Ray wants to speak to me later when he gets back from meeting with the leaders on the embassy and reports to Admiral Murphy, so some time in the next year or so I guess.
Computer, end recording.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
The lounge that Public Relations has selected is a small one, well-appointed, with soft furnishings in neutral colours; one wall is entirely transparent, offering a view over the city, out towards the grey-green bulk of the Vastam Heights in the distance.
The human journalist stands up as I come in. "Whoa!" he says, apparently startled. He's tall, rather heavily built; one of the dark-coloured human ethnic groups, with skin the hue of well-aged wood. "Vice Admiral Shohl? Um, I'm Thad Willison from Trans-stellar Independent News." He blinks a couple of times. "Um, I have my holo-recorder going," he says, indicating the device on the low table beside him. "I hope you don't mind."
"It's what Public Relations sent me for," I say. I pick a chair and sit down. He follows suit.
"I'm sorry about, um, the 'whoa'," he says. "It's just, well, you weren't quite what I was expecting...."
"Oh, the uniform." I look down. "It's for practical purposes, mostly. My new ship is a converted Tholian Recluse carrier, and we have the internal environmental controls set as high as possible, to minimize thermal stresses on the structure. The Vulcan crew are happy - the rest of us, well, we need to dress lightly. My old ship, the Sita, had historical files for Mirror Universe uniforms, and so...." So, the short skirt and the abbreviated top. "It does, sometimes, seem to bother our new Romulan friends, I admit."
"You don't look like my image of a Starfleet Admiral," says Thad. "Between the outfit, and the scar, and the..." he gestures at the Ferengi energy whip on my hip, "... well, you look like some kind of pirate."
"The whip, I admit, is mostly for effect," I say with a grin. "Though it does seem to have a psychological impact on the Hirogen."
"The Hirogen," says Thad, in a more serious tone. "Well, then. The official Starfleet line is that the Hirogen are being contained... are you saying different?"
"They're a problem," I say. "Not an insoluble one, though."
Though possibly more intractable than PR wants me to admit. Of all the chaotic blunders resulting from the breakup of the Romulan state, Sela's devil's bargain with the Hirogen has to be the biggest single mistake. "The thing that bothers me about the Hirogen," I say carefully, "is that, at the moment, we're engaging with them, culturally, on their terms."
"I'm sorry?" Thad blinks, apparently baffled.
"I mean that, as far as they're concerned, we're still... prey. Extremely dangerous prey, certainly - we may yet convince them completely that we're just too dangerous to hunt. But we need to get to deal with them on our terms, as sentient beings with a culture as valid as their own."
"Or, um, just... wipe them out?"
"That's not our way." Never mind whether or not it should be, sometimes... it isn't.
"Well, that's more like Starfleet," says Thad with a light laugh. "More the traditional image... 'we must respect the values of other cultures', all that. 'Tea, Earl Grey, hot'."
"Not entirely my style," I say. I turn to the replicator. "Dh'syara tunnel wine, Kidane Province, standard, two... please, join me. It's not intoxicating, and it's entirely safe for humans."
Thad eyes the glass of warm, milky liquid rather uncertainly, before tasting it. "Hey," he says, "not bad. Kind of, I don't know, citrus-y."
"Oh," I say, "an Earth fruit? Something like that." It's best not to discuss the origins of Dh'syara with humans, I've found, or at any rate not to tell them where the fungus is traditionally grown. It doesn't bother Vulcans, they think of it just as efficient organic recycling. But humans have this terrible tendency to spit it over the carpet when they hear about it.
"So," Thad says, "the Hirogen are... a problem. What else is there? I keep hearing rumours...."
"Haven't you been outside the city to look for yourself?"
"Like I say," says Thad, with a nervous little laugh, "I keep hearing rumours. The official line is all, like, 'see the beauties of New Romulus', and then people tell me stories about Hirogen, or Tholians, or bugs that will eat you alive...."
"You have bugs on Earth, don't you?" I say. "I've heard stories about a place called... L'weezyanabeiyuu... they make the virhranen swarms here sound mild. It's true, if you're venturing into some areas, you need to take insect repellent. But, well," I point to myself. "Am I dressed like I worry about biting insects?"
In the field, of course, I'm dressed in polyalloy weave armour, and even so the virhranen are nothing to mess with... but no need for Thad to know these details. "I've never applied for an exit visa to leave the embassy area," he admits. "I mean - we sort of feel it's down to, you know, the military to pacify the area fully...."
"There are plenty of Romulan civilians working outside the city." And not all of them are plants for the Tal Shiar, even. No need to trouble Thad with that detail either.... "Seriously, the main problems are not pacification, but simple logistics. There is an enormous amount of work to be done... both in building the city, and in investigating the planet's past." That last seems to be what the Tholians are here for, as far as I can see. But who knows what the Tholians' motives are? Sometimes I wonder if they know themselves. "The effort involved is vast, and just about everyone is pitching in. You're quite likely to see me out there myself, lending a hand with shuttle maintenance or geological surveys."
"That, well, it doesn't sound so much your thing, Vice Admiral. Um, if you don't mind me saying so." He gives another one of those nervous laughs. "You've got quite, um, a reputation. As something of a fire-eater, even. Is it true you've been sentenced in absentia for war crimes on Nukara Prime?"
"Tholian propaganda," I say firmly. "They've done these show trials for a lot of people who've been involved in the Nukara incursion. Believe me, it's just bluster. The last thing the Tholian Assembly wants," I add, in dark tones, "is people like me standing up in a court and testifying to some of the things that have happened on Nukara."
"Well," says Thad, "I guess we better not get into that now... we're supposed to be talking about New Romulus, right? And the deals... the neutrality deal with the Klingons, for example? The one they're breaking? How many actions has your King Est-may-ray seen already, against the KDF?"
"King Estmere," I correct him. "And, none - against the KDF. There are breakaway groups among the Klingons, the Gorn and the Nausicaans who aren't respecting the agreements. Just like there are still some die-hard fanatics among the Tal Shiar. They've been keeping us busy, I'll admit it. So far, though, the KDF has kept up its side of the bargain, here on the planet itself. Frankly, I think some of the Klingons are as sick of the war as we are ourselves."
"Are they, though? And are you, Vice Admiral? You Andorians are a warrior culture... I guess this 'King Estmere' must have been quite a fighter, right? Though I didn't know Andorians had kings."
"We've had most forms of governmental structures, in our history," I say. "But King Estmere isn't from Andorian history - it's a composition by a human musician I happen to admire. I've named all my ships that way."
That surprises him, I can see. What, does he seriously think Andorians are nothing but blinkered militarists, even today? Amazing. "The thing is," I continue, "there are fanatics on all sides - yes, even ours - but the overwhelming bulk of people are tired of fighting, tired of losing, tired of seeing what they've worked for and lived for destroyed. New Romulus is a chance for all of us to join together and build something. Even we... warrior cultures... understand the appeal of this. The Romulans, especially, have lost so much - the chance to make something new for themselves, well, it is one they have to take."
"That's certainly D'Tan's party line," says Thad with a dubious look. "Do you believe in it? In him?"
Oh, human cynicism. Of course, it's only wise to keep a weather eye on those who lead us, to make sure they remain fit to do so... but humans seem so ready to assume the worst of their leaders, to ascribe every sort of moral failing and squalid ulterior motive to them, and then they follow them anyway. "I've met D'Tan," I say. "To me, he seems genuine. But what would a simple warrior like me know?" Let's not get into the matter of the recordings, the ones that show D'Tan's relations with the Tal Shiar in a very definite light... wherever those recordings come from. "He's speaking for those Romulans who want to rebuild... and speaking, very effectively, to the people whose help they need. To us, to the KDF, to the Remans." I smile. "If we ever are to engage the Hirogen on our terms, D'Tan might be just the person to do it."
"Wow," says Thad. "You seem... kind of impressed."
"I am," I say. "Kind of."
"So," Thad says, "if D'Tan's genuine, and serious about wanting peace for reconstruction... what about the big question, then?"
"Which one?"
"You know," says Thad. "The big one... Reunification."
"Ah." It might be big, but it's not one I've thought about all that much. "I don't know," I say. "It's been talked about for a long time... but both the Romulans and the Vulcans have considered it, well, as welcoming their errant siblings back to the right path. I don't think it's possible under those terms... you can't just turn Romulans into Vulcans, or Vulcans into Romulans for that matter. Vulcan culture couldn't assimilate Romulan pride, Romulan passions, without changing in itself. And Romulans wouldn't take the baggage that comes with Vulcan attitudes... I think."
"So you think they're doomed to go on as two divergent cultures?"
"That's kind of a strong word, 'doomed'," I say. "I think... there might well be room for both of them, as part of a larger whole. An alliance between the Romulans and the Federation... it would have been unthinkable, even a few years ago. But times change, and if New Romulus works, it will prove our cultures can work together."
"And you seriously believe that? That different races can respect each others' cultures and stil work together?" Thad sounds almost amused.
"Of course I do," I say. "I'm an Andorian flying a Tholian ship with a mixed-species crew and a Terran name, remember? If there is one thing the Federation can do, it's take disparate cultures and bring together the best of all of them."
"Oh," says Thad. "Right on the party line, huh?"
His human cynicism is starting to annoy me; I hope I'm not letting it show. "If I didn't believe in the Federation's principles," I say, as mildly as I can manage, "I couldn't be a Starfleet officer."
"Why?" asks Thad. "I mean, for you guys, Starfleet is just a continuation of the military tradition, right? Just the successor to the old Imperial Guard?"
"I was never part of that tradition," I say. "I was born on an Andorian colony world, I guess maybe something like New Romulus itself, in a smaller way." I raise my hand to the scars on my right cheek. "I got this the night it was destroyed. I lost my home, two of my parents and a chunk of my skull that night, and I learned that sometimes you can't just walk away from a war. So I've spent my career since then walking towards it, trying to fight it and win it. But, believe me, I'd rather be building. So would D'Tan and his people. If it's nothing else, New Romulus is a chance to do that."
"Well, I guess that answers my questions," says Thad. He stands up. "Thanks, Vice Admiral Shohl, for your time - and your frankness."
"You're welcome," I say, as I get to my feet too. "But I think you'd get more answers if you went out in the field. Get that exit visa - I'll countersign one for you myself, if you like. Come outside the city walls and see what they're trying to do, for yourself."
He looks out over the city. "I might just do that," he says. "From here, it does look kind of impressive...."
"Anyone can build a city," I say. "Just punch in the program and turn the industrial replicators on. What the Romulans are trying to build here, though, is a home. That's a lot more work, and they need our help. They deserve our help. And, if it's up to me, they're going to get it."
He laughs. "I'm sure as hell not going to argue with you! - Thanks, again, Vice Admiral Shohl."
It was still odd, aiding the Romulans. Rationally, Cates knew that an alliance with New Romulus could be a boon to Federation. But trust was hard to come by when it come to the Romulans. Now, that trust was about to be put to the test aboard the Stalwart.
The hangar bay was, by far, Captain Cates' favorite deck. He himself was rated as a fighter pilot, and he still used a Peregrine fighter as his personal shuttle. He'd considered it a tremendous blessing to be named captain of a carrier escort, and to get to work in close contact still with the pilots and engineers of Valiant Squadron, who had been stationed aboard his vessel. The fighters had performed exceptionally well, especially during the ambush by the Tal Shiar in Carraya, when they had scrambled into space quickly and helped defend the Stalwart under fire.
Now, however, the hangar bay was empty. Shortly after achieving orbit around New Romulus, orders had come from Starfleet that Valiant Squadron was to leave the Stalwart and descend to New Romulus to await further orders. Those orders were baffling enough, but it was the second part of Starfleet's directive that caused true concern: Valiant Squadron was being replaced aboard the Stalwart by a squadron of Romulan fighters, complete with Romulan pilots.
Romulans. Aboard his vessel. Under his command. It was difficult to believe. Starfleet had called it a "gesture of good faith" to work so closely with the military of the Romulan Star Empire, but even as open minded as Janson Cates was, doubts were difficult to stifle.
The first curved forms of the Scorpion fighters began maneuvering aboard the Stalwart through the hangar bay doors. Cates stood rigid while his engineers approached the Romulan craft for post-flight operations. In a moment, one of the Romulan pilots made his way toward Cates.
"Captain Cates, I presume," the Romulan said, raising one slanted eyebrow in an expression that contained something less than respect.
"Welcome," Cates said, extending his hand. "You are commander Suval?"
"Indeed."
"We are honored to have Romulan pilots aboard our ship. I am sure you will find --"
"Captain, please dispense with the pleasantries. We are no more pleased with this assignment than you are. We are soldiers; we do not need to pretend to be diplomats."
Cates considered informing Suval that he was, in fact, a diplomat as captain of a Federation vessel, but Suval never gave him the opportunity.
"I have two requests for you, Captain Cates, and then I will allow you to return to whatever it is you think needs doing. One, show my pilots to our quarters, and two, open the hangar bay doors when I request it. We will require no further orders from you or your officers."
With that, the Romulan commander turned and walked back toward the other Romulans exiting the fighters.
Cates exhaled, but the tension did not leave him. This was not going to be easy.
Now, the Odyssey is in Romulan space on an aid mission?and Section 31 is about to call.
Like any other good captain, Carter was a student of history. It seemed like 23rd century politics were replaying themselves right in front of him.
The destruction of Praxis almost tore the Klingon Empire apart. Slowly but surely, the Klingons turned to the Federation for help, which led to an era of peace (that unfortunately has ended). Now, the destruction of Romulus literally has town the Romulan Star Empire to shreds. The remnants have banded together and created New Romulus. Now the Federation has sent a fleet of beat up and outdated vessels to bring relief and supplies.
The Odyssey was due for a ten-year refit three years ago, but circumstances (and maybe an upset admiral or two?) had caused one delay after another. Now Captain Carter and his thirteen-year-old Luna-class science vessel were in orbit around Station Eleven, a staging point outside the New Romulus system.
Carter?s desk terminal chimed to remind him that his hour of afternoon solace was over. Commander sh?Raul had suggested that he adopt the practice four days a week in order to reduce stress levels. It hadn?t been necessary on this voyage since there isn?t much stress in watching subordinates transfer cargo, but Carter had kept his promise to implement the practice for a month before giving up on it.
"It?s good to see you, Captain. I have pleasant news for you. Thirty minutes from now would be an excellent time to take one of your runabouts out for a spin. How about the Pauling? Take it on a short trip to the coordinates I am sending you."
"Why should I trust the man who kidnapped my crew?"
"You have no reason to trust me. But here?s why you will do it?"
"Warning: self-destruct in 5 minutes. This is the last audio warning."
First officer T?Panna ran through the door. "Captain, are you out of your mind? What is going on?"
Carter took a deep breath and tried to not scream. "The friend we met at Terra Nova has asked me a favor, which I hesitated to agree to. It appears that he has rigged our ship for remote access. Turning back to the screen, he scowled at the Section 31 officer. Do I have to go alone, unarmed, and naked? What are your terms?"
"You have to go alone, and you really should bring the little something I left you with. Will go you?"
"Do you promise to not destroy my ship? And leave a trail I can follow so I can hunt you down and kill you myself?"
"Oh captain, seriously? Last time I checked, investigating my little joy ride in your ship was a crime. Do you want me to report you to your superiors?"
"Point taken. I?m leaving for the docking bay. Turn off the self-destruct."
"Done."
The image on the screen disappeared. Carter reached under his desk for the gift from Section 31. Then he and T?Panna raced to the turbolift and headed to Docking Bay Two. In the lift, he called Chief Engineer Jarvis, who assigned a crew to scan the Pauling as fast as possible.
"You know, we should really talk about what happened two weeks ago."
T?Panna turned to face him and slowly replied. "Yes, we should, but now is not the time. I have two things to tell you. First, this is foolish, and you know it. Second, and I hope that you know this too?I love you."
"Stop talking about love. It?s not even finalized yet and we?re already in love?"
"I never said you were in love, but you just admitted it. And your divorce will be finalized any day now. No one knows about this except for the main computer." She gently kissed his cheek as the turbolift reached its destination.
Carter sat at the helm, searching the area for anything unusual as the auto pilot left the Odyssey and went into warp. Then he turned around. "Alice."
The ship?s librarian appeared over the briefcase sitting on the floor. "Captain, why are we alone in this runabout?"
"That?s a good question, and I figured you were the best one who could help me. Section 31 forced me to head out in the Pauling to a set of coordinates about 3 hours away at maximum warp. I was told to come alone, which I assume means that whoever I will meet will scan the ship for life signs. So I had to choose between you or the photonic security agents. Personally I like you better."
"Thank you Captain. Let?s get to work and see what we can learn."
The Pauling was hailed as soon as it left warp. Captain Carter, you have one minute to activate your device and confirm your identity. Otherwise you will be destroyed. Immediately a Mogai-class warbird de-cloaked and activated a tractor beam. Carter turned to Alice and nodded. She de-activated her holographic emitter.
The mystery gift turned out to be a simple one-time-use beacon, which satisfied the commander of the Mogai. About a minute later, Carter was beamed into a small conference room. Two Romulan guards escorted him to a seat at the round table.
"The Romulan seated appeared to be middle-age, which meant something between 85 and 200 years old. He had short gray hair and a completely out of fashion goatee. Allow me to introduce myself. My real name is not your concern, so I will call myself Absalom Jones. That is what your handlers also refer to me as."
Well you obviously know who I am, so what do you want?" Carter's scowl deepened.
The Romulan's face remained neutral. "Ah, so you are an impatient man. My sources said that you wouldn?t be the ideal candidate for your position, but I decided to trust my instincts. You don?t want politics, but just the straight truth. So here it is. First, Donatra is back, and she is silently running New Romulus. Yes, the one and only Donatra who also happens to be a Borg drone. So it is safe to assume that my government has embraced the Borg, or at least come to some sort of cease-fire.
"What will we do? My friend ? can I call you my friend? ? I am a man of means, and I happen to be connected to those who are running the telecommunications on New Romulus. I saw a situation like this coming, so I took initiative, which is clearly one of the Romulan virtues. I have embedded Thalaron emitters into the telecommunications satellites orbiting New Romulus."
"My plan is simple ? eliminate the current leadership, form a new government, and fight the Borg alongside the Federation. I am telling you this for one reason ? so that your newly-elected Federation President decides to send a less-favored delegate to attend the summit in 36 hours. I will strike as soon as the summit begins. If your President cancels entirely, the leadership will scatter and we will have lost our only chance to save the Romulan people."
"I will beam you to your ship now." With that, Carter found himself seated on the Pauling.
Back on the Odyssey, T?Panna tried to be thoughtful. Being raised by parents who were best described as pure hedonists, she found introspection and reflection to be impossible most of the time. The fact that her father was one-half Vulcan didn?t bring her much inner serenity, but it did help with her looks.
A text message appeared at her terminal. You two are a cute couple. Defend him when he gets back.
Immediately Glotz turned to face her. "You have an incoming transmission from Starfleet Security. It is marked as urgent but not classified."
"On screen." She sat up straight and wondered what is coming.
"Commander T?Panna, this is Admiral Leavenworth. Where is Captain Carter?"
"He is otherwise indisposed at the moment, admiral. What can I help you with?"
"Call him to the bridge immediately. I need to speak to both of you."
"I?m afraid that I cannot do that, sir."
"Why not?"
"Captain Carter is not on the Odyssey. He is on a fact-finding mission in one of our runabouts."
"Interesting. That sounds a bit outside of your mission parameters, does it not?"
"Actually, sir, I believe that it was Section 31 calling again. He received a ?"
"What? You did not report this immediately?"
"Sir, the Captain refused Section 31?s request and the self-destruct immediately started. They have compromised our computer. We were doing due diligence before contacting you. There?s no way to know for certain that the ship won?t explode if we report them."
"You are lying! I hereby place you and Captain Carter under arrest. You are charged with..."
The screen went blank. Glotz, the Denobulan operations officer, turned around and smiled at T?Panna. "We must have had some interference with the signal."
"Thank you...I mean, hail Starfleet Security at your earliest convenience. But that has to be after we check our communications array, and the main computer, and perform a series of short-range communications with a runabout ? how about the Pauling? Where is it anyway? I know the Captain asked for silence, but now?s a good time to warn him that he?s under arrest."
I'll be unsticking this as I prepare to post #34, but as always, feel free to still make a post if you would like to participate.
Cheers,
Brandon =/\=