Proconsul's Office
Moagi City
New Romulus
─•~:~•─
Patience is only logical. In time, all things will work themselves out to your advantage. You must have patience, D'Tann. And Faith. I will return, my friend. Live Long and Prosper.
For a Vulcan renowned for his logic and wisdom, D'Tann had always felt that there was a distinctly Rihanh quality to the man.
For one thing, Spock never shied away from the compliments or endless questions of a young orphan constantly pestering this legendary man.
D'Tann had spent many long hours under Spock's tutelage, learning more about Vulcan and the history of the Rihannsu's lost cousins than most scholars had in decades of studies in the Imperial Library.
When the Reunification Movement went public, D'Tann stood proudly alongside his mentor, even as Pardeck's treachery revealed itself, and the dream of peace had nearly turned into the nightmare of war.
Together, Spock and D'Tann had preached one truth:
The Romulan and Vulcan races were one people, and always had been. It was only closed minds that kept them apart. At a genetic and spiritual level, they belonged together. Surak's Schism or what the Rihannsu called The Sundering was a tragic mistake that had to end.
And it was the dream that one day, the people of Mol Rhihann and the people of Thaes would once again journey the stars together as brothers and sisters.
The Old Vulcan and the Young Romulan kept the dream alive through any struggle.
The dream had survived the Dominion War, despite the war claiming the lives of millions of their followers and their Reman brothers and sisters.
The dream survived when the madman Shinzon seized Romulus for himself and slaughtered millions more, threatening to plunge the Romulan people into another war with the Federation.
And even to this day, D'Tann still believed in the dream.
"Are you feeling okay, Proconsul?" Asked his assistant Verix.
He turned to the young woman and smiled, "Lost in thought. Something my mentor always chastised me for."
Verix was one of the many Havranha who had joined the Rihannsu in their new home. The foolish and bitter old men left from the old Senate complained that Reman filth were fouling the purity of the Rihannsu.
D'Tann's first act after, reluctantly, taking the title of Proconsul was to have the loudest voices arrested and exiled from Mol Rhihann, while he reminded the people that the Remans had suffered just as much when Hobus, the brightest beacon of the old Star Empire, had exploded and brought down ten thousand years of history in white flame.
"I've heard stories about Spock," Verix said, looking out the window, "But like half of everything you hear about legends, you have to wonder at some point if it's all made-up. Supposedly, this Vulcan could lift mountains with a single thought."
D'Tann couldn't help but laugh, "I'd like to think I would have known about that."
He smiled at his Reman assistant, "One thing I learned was this. You can learn everything there is to know about someone from Thaes in a single conversation, but even after fifty years, they still find ways to surprise you."
"Like what?" Verix asked.
"He was a man of logic and wisdom, as you've likely heard. And yet, he had a fondness for a strange ritual from Terha called a sing-along. We would make a fire somewhere, us and his followers, and we would eat and drink. But after, he would lead us in song until we fell asleep. Moon over Rigel Seven, Pack out your troubles, The Laughing Vulcan and His Dog…"
"But there was one song that was his favourite. Row, row, row your boat. He would always end the night with that," D'Tann said, before he decided to demonstrate the song to Verix.
"Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily… life is but a dream," sang D'Tann, "And that's it. A rather simple tune, don't you think?"
"Very, I'm actually surprised," said Verix, "I'd have expected something more… logical."
D'Tann again smiled, "Yet another surprising thing you may learn about Thaes. They are, in fact, very emotional people, perhaps even more than us. They simply place logic ahead of emotion. Something we could learn to do."
"I think that song reminded him of… simpler times. Times he shared with good friends of his, particularly James Kirk. I don't think Spock ever really got past his death. But I suspect, if what I've heard of Kirk is true, just like you of Spock, 'Jim' would be proud of our dreams."
D'Tann again felt that heavy weight on his shoulders. But he kept his patience, and his faith.
Even through dark days like these, he would always have his dreams.
The door to his office opened, and Admiral Bragg stepped into the room, followed closely by his field commander, Rear Admiral Donatra.
They had both served together in the Imperial Navy, fighting the Dominion in the short but deadly war, and breaking away from the Tal Shiar and Tomalak to aid the Enterprise in her fight against Shinzon.
Bragg and Donatra were both respected officers in the old navy and had convinced several other officers to leave the twin butchers and join the Rihannsu on their new home.
They were both fierce warriors, but both understood the concepts of patience and faith.
It was something D'Tann was counting on to avoid disaster.
"Thank you, Verix. You can wait outside," D'Tann said to his assistant. Once the Reman had left, he then looked at the two hnahfviers.
"I assumed that both of you were watching this?" D'Tann asked, pointing to the holo display on his desk.
The launch of Red Ball Express had been broadcast across the Alpha Quadrant, and the Romulan people were nearly as excited as the Federation at the potential of the project.
And like the people of the Federation, D'Tann's heart had been shattered when the lattice was destroyed.
By a Romulan Warbird.
"We were, Proconsul," Bragg began, taking a moment to sit down.
He was simply dressed – as was Donatra – but even comfortable clothing couldn't hide his age.
The Republican Navy had no real uniform, only a small insignia of rank worn on the collar. It was yet another example of D'Tann's goals to turn the Rihannsu from the ways of the past and towards the future.
Old Bragg would be turning one hundred and twenty this year, well past the age of retirement in the old Imperial Navy.
But the Republic couldn't afford such luxuries.
"I can assure you that we had no hand in this. I personally issued orders to have our patrol groups away from the Federation border, today in particular. There was, however..." Bragg continued before trailing off.
"However what?" D'Tann asked, trying to keep his voice as even as possible.
Donatra, still standing, took over, "Irix, one of the D'Deridexs we had slated for salvage and parts distribution, was stolen from the yards on Mol Valdorian a few months ago. Our security personnel were killed in a firefight and the vessel was able to go to warp before a patrol group could intercept it."
"We had since lost contact with it, but based on what I've seen, I believe it was the same vessel that attacked the Federation's project."
D'Tann, just for a moment, was at a loss for words.
And despite what he knew his mentor would think of him, he lost his temper, "And this is the first I'm hearing about this?! Do either of you understand just how dangerous this situation is about to become?! The new Federation President is not a woman of patience. Who stole our ship?"
"At first, we believed them to be forces loyal to Sela," Donatra replied, refusing, as all Republican officers did, to even say the name of her supposed state, "But now we have suspicions of another group. Their identity isn't known to us yet sir, but we are investigating."
"However, there is a possibility one of our own aided them. Specifically, the Intelligence Service has confirmed Irix's Sub-Commander, Delon, has been in contact with Sela's minions for the same months now, and his whereabouts are currently unaccounted for."
D'Tann was about to speak again when Verix interrupted him over the comm, "Proconsul. Forgive the interruption, but I have the Federation President for you on an urgent Quantum Communications channel."
"There is no need to apologize Verix, I'll speak to her in a few moments," D'Tann said, motioning for Donatra to sit beside Bragg, "You two can remain. I'd like you to hear this, but please don't speak unless I ask you to do so."
He straightened out his robes and opened his terminal to receive the message.
He had met Anna McClair years ago when the then Councilwoman of Earth visited Mol Rhihann on an official outreach program.
Unlike most Humans he had met, D'Tann assessed her as a woman who did not suffer fools lightly.
It would take all his skill as a scholar and a diplomat to assuage her today.
He put a smile on his face and spoke softly, "Jolan Tru, Madam President. I thank you for speaking with me today. How may the Republic be of service to you?"
"Cut the shite, D'Tann," Anna replied harshly, "I don't have much time for this, so let's keep it simple. Did ye order the attack?"
Even over a screen, D'Tann could see she was beyond furious.
Sensing that charm and persuasion would be useless here, D'Tann let logic take over, "I did no such thing. We have no quarrel with the Federation and no desire to challenge you in battle."
"And yet, me lads found a Republic drone controller on the Warbird. Are ye goin to deny that?"
"I won't deny that it was our ship. I've just been informed by my chief military advisors that one of our ships was stolen from us, and there is evidence suggesting that the perpetrators may have been acting as agents of Sela and the Imperial Romulan State," D'Tann replied, again taking the effort to remain calm.
"My heart bleeds for Earth, Madam President. And we are prepared to offer any kind of medical or technical aid you may need."
"I was to understand that you had Sela and Tomalak contained. Shall I now add lying to the list of trespasses you've made of the Federation?" Anna asked, unimpressed.
"The Imperial Romulan State has many spies, in many places, Anna. You know this as well as anyone. We cannot predict when and where they may act. And though I am loathed to admit it, there is a possibility that disloyal officers within the Republican Security Services may have aided their agents."
"Proconsul, that suggests to me that you've lost control of your military and are now incapable of containing the IRS yer-selves, which deems both Romulan nations as a potential threat to the security of the Federation. And you know fuckin well I'm not Inyo. I deal with threats, to a permanent end. Do ye need to be dealt with?"
D'Tann replied in a measured but firm way, "We will attend to the matter, and these criminals will be brought to justice. But it will be Romulan justice. And though you again have my deepest sympathies for this tragedy, Anna, I caution you not to allow your grief to force you into rash decision-making."
"We will do everything we can to help you, but I will not allow our sovereignty to be challenged. The Republic is a friend of the Federation, but we are not your servants."
"I don't have the time or the patience to trade barbs with ye. Here's the deal. Ye've twenty-four hours to find the murderin fuckers behind this attack and extradite them to us, or we'll come and collect them ourselves, over your quaint little fleet if we must. Are we clear on that, Proconsul?"
"Clear, Madam President. I will speak with you again when we have these traitors in custody. You are, of course, invited to the trial, and I look forward to welcoming you to our home once more. But I will also end this… most pleasant conversation with… a friendly reminder that Federation personnel will only cross our borders by invitation. Anything else will be regarded as an unfriendly act, and we will respond accordingly."
With nothing left to say, Anna McClair closed the channel, and D'Tann let go of a long and deep breath.
He regarded the Federation as his closest allies, but the Rihannsu had suffered enough, and he would not allow anyone to threaten their safety.
He looked at the two Admirals and asked, "Opinions?"
"She's a very exacting woman, Proconsul. Much more than I expected of a Federation President. I believe she will carry out her threat if she feels she has no other choice," Bragg said.
D'Tann sighed as he contemplated the unthinkable, "Bragg, Let's assume for a moment that we cannot apprehend the criminals who stole our Warbird in the allotted time. Can we survive an assault from the Federation? And I'd appreciate an honest answer."
Bragg took a long time to think about the answer.
The old man had a long history in the stars. He'd fought battles against the Klingons, the Cardassians, the Federation and even the Kinshya.
He'd won most, lost few, and was the most qualified military man on Mol Rhihann to answer this question.
Finally daring to speak, he said, carefully "That depends on what Starfleet sends against us. We could, perhaps, repel a small assault force. We have fewer ships, but the ships we have are the technological superior to most Starfleet vessels, and our crews are experienced and trained for war."
"In most plans we have drafted for such possibilities, we assume that a Starfleet invasion force would pursue the most direct path between Terha and Mol Rhihann. Our strategy would not be to face them in open battle."
"Instead, we will trade space for time, harassing their forces during the journey and choosing the time and place of every engagement. With fortune and good timing, we can wear Starfleet out and force them to lose all taste for battle. By the time they reach our home, the odds will be even."
Bragg brought up a holodisplay of the plans to confirm the words.
Bragg continued, "I caution you however Proconsul, this is an extremely optimistic assessment, and it requires that every instance works to our favour. In war, the only certainty is the uncertain."
The image shifted to Starfleet's massive new warships, "For instance, we had no idea that the Federation had built battleships, let alone four such vessels. Only Courser could match one of those, judging by what I witnessed this morning."
"And if you recall my memorandum about this supposed Fast Carrier Task Force they have assembled, we can conclude that the Federation is much better prepared to fight an extended campaign than they were against the Dominion."
Bragg again sat down, his age betraying him, "Such a campaign does not work to our favour. If we are unable to repel them in the opening moments of the contest, we will be defeated in the war of attrition to follow. To be clear, I do not doubt the fighting spirit of the Navy. I doubt our logistics and our ability to replace damaged and destroyed ships."
Donatra stood up and spoke next, "If I may Proconsul, there are other elements to consider. I agree with Bragg that we would triumph in a short term and limited engagement in space and that we will be defeated in any extended war."
"And my friend, Alynna, provided me with footage of their new ground forces in action, the Federation Marine Corps. We are completely outmatched in that arena, and our fleet will do us little good if we cannot hold our worlds. And on a personal note, I too owe a great deal to the Federation, and I have no desire to fight them. I implore you not to consider battle as an option."
D'Tann nodded, his eyes and his voice kept even, "I appreciate your honesty, my friends. And I trust both of you, implicitly."
Both officers stood for a long moment while D'Tann weighed the heavy decision in his mind.
No Romulan wanted another war after Hobus, but he was determined to protect their new home.
D'Tann rose and placed his hand on Bragg's shoulder, "Our path seems clear then. We must solve this problem ourselves before the Federation solves it for us, with an unfavourable resolution. I entrust this task to you, Admiral Bragg. You may enlist any resources or personnel you feel you may need with my approval."
"You have twenty-four hours to carry out your task, and I suggest that you begin at once. I want this criminal Delon found and brought here, alive, to face justice."
D'Tann tensed his hand and words, "But if you should fail in this task, then we must prepare to defend our nation against the Federation. I will not allow them to tear their way through our new home, no matter how unevenly the odds are stacked against us."
Bragg stood to attention, "At once Proconsul, and as we say in the Navy, Daendelno favoursi na Varuul."
Fortune Favours The Fool, D'Tann thought to himself.
An amusing motto, but one spoken with confidence borne of experience.
The Old Admiral turned and left the office immediately. Donatra remained behind.
She hadn't been formally dismissed yet, and her leader seemed as though he had other matters on his mind.
"How difficult do you think it would be to contact your friend, The Angel?"
"Unless Alynna has been assigned command of whatever force the Federation is putting together, it shouldn't be too difficult, Sir. What would you have me say to her?" Donatra asked in turn.
Though everyone on the planet called her The Angel, Donatra knew that her old battle companion – and friend – Alynna Nechayev would have no part of being a legend, even among her own people.
It simply wasn't in her nature.
"A proverb my mentor Spock taught me, Dvaer Nixon araemna urru China. I would like you to speak to her, Officer to Officer. See if there is some accord we can reach between our two nations before the unthinkable happens."
"And further, if we do discover that the IRS is responsible for this travesty, I'd like us to fight alongside the Federation, as allies. I believe you are uniquely qualified for that command, Admiral Donatra," said D'Tann.
She was surprised by his words.
Donatra was respected, but not well trusted among the Republic's Admiralty.
A few men and women – even Bragg once, over several glasses of Ale – had suggested that she was little more than an opportunist, seeking prestige at the expense of her comrades and her nation's safety.
But like the rest of her people, Donatra had felt she had paid for her sins when Hobus consumed Romulus in white fire.
Her only goal now was redemption.
"You will take Courser and her escorts and journey to Earth. Speak with your friend and find a way to avert this crisis. And then volunteer yourself to join the effort against those who would seek to undo the friendship between the Republic and the Federation. I will make the orders official and in writing before you leave," D'Tann said as he returned to his desk to retrieve the PADD.
Donatra raised her eyebrow, "I would not presume to tell you how to manage affairs of the state, Sir, but do you believe that to be a wise choice? They may just decide to fire on us as soon as we cross the border, for either fear or vengeance."
D'Tann nodded, "It is a risk, but it's one I judge that we must take. I have observed over the years that the relationship and respect between officers in star navies, if you'll excuse the term, is at times simpler, and yet more effective than even the most experienced of diplomats."
"And that is why you will not travel under cloak, and you will keep your defensive systems at minimum power until you arrive. If they attack you, you may defend yourself as needed to safely withdraw, but you will take no provocative action. Can I trust you to carry out this task, Donatra?" He asked, staring hard into her eyes.
She nodded and spoke confidently, "By all the Elements, I will succeed Sir."
"Then be on your way, Rear Admiral. You have a dangerous journey ahead of you, and I don't wish to delay you with pointless platitudes. Jolan Tru."
As Donatra turned and left his office, D'Tann suddenly felt that great weight on his shoulders again.
He wondered what Spock would have had to say about all this.
He knew that his actions were not logical, and yet Spock himself had counselled a young D'Tann that he dare not show weakness to his enemies.
He again looked out the window at the large city.
Below, the people were carrying on with their daily lives, walking and working and visiting one another.
If nothing else, the Romulans were survivors.
And D'Tann had faith that they would continue to survive.
Proconsul- There has never been a canon listing of Romulan political rankings and structure. TNG featured Proconsul Neral, while Nemisis featured an unamed Preator. For this instance, I have chosen to give D'Tann Proconsul as the head of government, answerable to the Republican Senate.
Thaes- Vulcan (planet)
Rihanh - Romulan (noun)
Rihannsu - The Romulan People, when refered to as a society or a culture. Also the name for the Romulan Language.
Mol Rhihann- New Romulus
hnahfviers- Military Officers. The direct translation is simply "Officers"
Daendelno favoursi na Varuul - Rihannsu has no direct word for "fortune" as refered to for luck, therefore I chose an equivlant sounding word. Otherwise, this phrase translates as written.
Dvaer Nixon araemna urru China - Rihannsu grammar lacks the "to be" verb device. The direct translation of this phrase would be "Only Nixon went to China."
Jolan Tru - A common greeting or farewell among Romulans, can be used as both hello, and good bye. The phrase translates to "May you go in peace," or "Find peace." Originated with the Reunification Movement.
