The USS Warlord and the IRW Devoras flew, side by side, towards the neutral zone. It was still almost three weeks away, even at warp seven. It still seemed odd to many of the crew to see something that had been designated a 'hostile' vessel for so long so close. At one point, the B-type D'deridex class warbird was considered the most powerful ship in the Alpha Quadrant. It was nearly twice as large as the largest Federation starship, the Galaxy class. That was before the advent of the USS Warlord. To see the two ships side by side, it was easy to tell the Warlord was almost two hundred meters longer.
Although visitations from each ship's crew had been discouraged, the few exchanges had always been cordial. Two days into the journey, Commander Kolvash of the Romulan vessel invited the senior officers to his ship for dinner. Captain Bolerov, Liutenant Commander T'Nia and Lieutenant Kelly had been allowed to go over. The experience had been 'interesting', as T'Nia noted upon their return. Her exact statement had been, "The Romulans may, indeed, be similar to Vulcans in appearance, but most assuredly not in dining preferences." Commander Stephen Kirk wasn't upset at all at not being invited to the dinner. First of all, someone had to stay behind in the remote chance there would be trouble and second, he wasn't much of a social-type.
All of that was about to change. Four days into their twenty day trip home, Captain Bolerov decided to repay the favor. Once again, the 'fine linens' were brought out in the officer's mess hall. Commander Kolvash, Ambassador Donatra, Subcommander Tolkaan, and Centurian T'osa beamed aboard in their formal attire. Once again, Stephen and the rest of the senior officers were required to wear their formal uniforms as well, much to Stephen's chagrin. Commander Kirk and T'Nia had been called to meet the Romulan foursome in the main transporter room.
Ambassador Donatra was a tall, attractive Romulan woman with short dark brown hair and traditional brown eyes. Her face was rounded and a bit wide. Even with the oversized, silver-checkered dress uniform the thinness of her frame could be deduced. By her speech at the award ceremony, Stephen could tell she was intelligent and cunning. From what Captain Picard had told him, Donatra had been instrumental in helping him defeat the Scimitar. Stephen decided it would be in his best interests to stay on her good side.
Commander Kolvash was the captain of the Devoras. Captain Bolerov had warned his crew to guard their every word around him. He was tall, even for a Romulan, and powerfully built. His brown eyes were deeply recessed, giving him what looked like a permanent scowl. The tight mesh sash across his dress uniform was filled with colored jewels; presumably decorations for outstanding service. As soon as he arrived, his eyes began taking in everything he saw. The captain described him as intelligent and manipulative. Kirk had already picked what he thought was a good answer to any question Kolvash would ask... "I'll have to check with my captain about that."
Subcommander Tolkaan was shorter than his commander and not nearly as well-built. His uniform appeared to hang off his shoulders. He actually looked slimy. His short brown hair was matted close to his head. While Kolvash was looking over all the equipment, Tolkaan appeared to be intently studying all the people. What added to his 'sliminess' was the fact he kept fidgeting with his hands. Tolkaan seemed to embody the stereotypical Romulan. It would do his crew well not to let him wander off by himself.
Centurian T'osa was completely different from the others. She was a little shorter than Donatra, with much gentler features. Her hair was a lighter brown than the others and her large eyes were the color of amber. Unlike the others, she almost seemed demure when she spoke. She also spoke with an accent, unlike the other three, who spoke perfect English. There was also something different about her checkerboard dress uniform. While Donatra's uniform was just like the males' uniforms, squared at the top and tapering to the hip, T'osa's was more form-fitting. The curves of her body were gently visible. The male part of Kirk wanted to get to know her better. The Starfleet part of Kirk thought she was probably part of the Tal'Shiar, the Romulan government's secret police.
Captain Bolerov spoke with an air of authority. "Welcome aboard the Warlord, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to our first officer, Commander Stephen Kirk." He gestured to Stephen.
Donatra extended her hand. "We met at the award ceremony two weeks ago, did we not?"
Stephen took her hand and bowed slightly. "Yes, we did, Ma'am."
Kolvash took Stephen's hand and shook it tightly. Kirk returned the favor with a visible look of acceptance from the Romulan commander. "A pleasure, Commander." Kolvash's eyes squinted for a moment as he stared at Stephen. "Kirk... by any chance, you wouldn't be related to..."
Stephen smirked. Here we go again, he thought. "Captain James T. Kirk, yes. He was my great grandfather."
Commander Kolvash laughed out loud. "Ha! That va'rool tormented us for years!" He turned to Ambassador Donatra, whose facial expressions were obviously trying to tell him to calm down. He apparently didn't get the hint. "Now, Donatra, I am convinced... if a descendent of Kirk's is back in space, we need to make peace with the Federation." The four Romulans laughed, Donatra's laugh being more from discomfort.
The Starfleet officers chuckled too, except for Kirk. His smirk got bigger. "And I thought my name was only good for getting passing grades at the Academy," He replied sarcastically. That comment brought the room from laughter to a rather uncomfortable quiet. Captain Bolerov shot Stephen a quick glance, then chuckled back at the ambassador.
Subcommander Tolkaan presented his hand. Kirk was surprised at the strength of his handshake. He wouldn't have expected such strength from someone who looked so thin. "Commander Kirk, an honor." His voice was quiet and melodic. It reminded him of a salesman.
Finally, Stephen approached Centurian T'osa. She held out her hand, but barely looked up at him. She looked into his eyes for just a moment. She smiled sweetly. "Greetings, Commander," she finally said quietly. "Thank you for saving my people." With that statement, the other three also voiced their gratitude. T'osa continued. "I understand you were commanding this ship during the battle."
"Well..." Kirk started.
"Yes," Bolerov interrupted. "He was. And he was exemplary as was the entire crew. I'm proud to have him at my side." Andrei stared directly at Kirk with a 'mind your speech' look.
After the outburst in the captain's quarters almost two weeks ago, Stephen could barely tolerate the empty compliment Bolerov had just paid him. "Thank you, Sir," was his only reply.
"I imagine we're all grateful you're here, Commander," T'osa concluded. She looked up at him again with a warm smile.
"Well," Captain Bolerov began, rubbing his hands together, "why don't we head over to the officer's dining hall? I can show you some of the ship on the way." As he approached the door to the transporter room, it slid open with a hiss. Everyone filed in behind. Kirk motioned for the Romulan delegation to go ahead of him, leaving T'Nia and him lagging behind.
Quietly, T'Nia leaned in closer to Stephen and commented, "I think Centurian T'osa has taken a liking to you."
Subtly turning his head to her, he replied, "I think she's trying to get into my head and learn some things about this ship." He added a wry smile.
"Perhaps..." she admitted, "but she may be trying to get into more than just your head." Her expressionless face turned back forward and she started for the door.
Kirk was shocked that T'Nia would make such a comment. He almost laughed out loud. He gave her a gentle shove from behind. "Where have you been learning that kind of stuff?" He asked with a grin.
Partly out the door, she turned her head back in. "Tony."