I typed up at least two arguments against this. I'm watching season 3 over right now. But, after looking over some of the episodes, even after encountering the Founders Starfleet continues to send ships into the quadrant.
SS Unbowed, a Groumall-type freighter. From the House Martell words: Unbent, unbowed, unbroken. My character's an unhappy Bajoran with a crazy ex-resistance old man.
Go for it. I wouldn't look to examples of Romulans from the shows and let it hold you back. Star Trek has a great way of making all representations of a people appear stereotypical. Not every Romulan would be the sneaky sort, or a bubbling cauldron of emotion. Section 31 is (now, apparently, sanctioned) but still operates…