There, surrounded by shimmering panels of energy, were two uniformed Romulan males. One was a thin Romulan lying on the ground half-conscious with a rather large burn mark on the left side of his midsection. The other was kneeling beside the first was a little larger. He was attempting to awaken the other. Two disruptor pistols lay on the ground beside them. Each group of Romulans seemed absolutely shocked at the presence of the other group.
Commander Kolvash, his face turning an ashen green color, was the first to speak. "What, in the five rings of Ered, ARE you doing here?" His voice seemed genuinely livid.
Still in shock, the larger one stumbled trying to find the right words. "Um..."
Kolvash's eyes and nostrils flared. "On your feet!" He yelled. The centurian looked terrified. He jumped to his feet, letting the other one's head fall back to the floor.
"Ow," the fallen centurian whined.
The Romulan commander's eyes never left the larger centurian. "Speak... now!"
"Commander!" he began with a somewhat shakey voice, "This Federation ship has static fields throughout several areas. Our sensors can't penetrate them. We were sent to attempt an internal scan..."
Kolvash hissed his words in a slow, deep voice. "Under who's authority?"
Realizing this mission was a grave mistake, the centurian's eyes grew as did his panic level. "Subcommander Cardek, Sir!"
Kolvash's eyes narrowed. His eyes shifted to Captain Bolerov. "Opportunistic, little worm."
Bolerov, curious as to how Kolvash was able to put the fear of death in his crew, merely smirked a bit. "I see. The Federation has a share of those as well."
Kolvash's eyes shifted back to his renegade crewmembers. He nodded towards the one on the floor. "What's wrong with him?"
"Sir... he tried to shoot us out. The shot ricocheted back and struck him."
The Romulan commander regarding the two with great disdain. "Serves him right." He turned away to face the group. "Captain," he started, finally starting to calm down, "I sincerely apologize for this. You have my word, I left strict instructions that no one was to be on this ship without my knowledge and approval." Kolvash pulled a communicator from his uniform.
Captain Bolerov leaned in close to Lieutenant Kelly. "I thought the isolation protocol was supposed to drain the energy from weapons," he whispered.
Tom shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"I really am truly sorry about this, Captain." Donatra offered.
"Kolvash to Devoras."
A female voice came through the speaker. "Devoras... Lindra here, Commander."
In a stern, but finally calmed voice, Tolvash continued, "Put me through to security."
There was a slight, momentary hiss in his communicator. "Security, Subcommander Thol here, Sir."
Kolvash nodded to Tolkaan. "We are beaming back. Meet us at the transport room with a security detachment."
"Understood, Sir."
"That is all. Glory to the Empire."
"Glory to the Empire!"
Kolvash took a deep breath, then looked back to Captain Bolerov. "Again, I am very sorry for this intrusion. Rest assured, Cardek will be punished most generously for his actions." He smiled evilly.
Bolerov considered all the options of words he had available. Personally, he would have preferred it if the Romulans had been wiped out by the Remans. Romulans could never be trusted. History has proven that statement true time after time. In reality, Cardek was probably going to get a promotion out of this. Still, something diplomatic had to be said. If this truce was going to fall apart, which seemed likely, it wouldn't be his fault. "Commander," he said finally, "in the interest of peace between our peoples, I consider the matter closed. I trust you will handle this." He pointed to the two in the force field. "What about those two?"
Kolvash regarded them nonchalantly. "They are intruders on your ship, Captain. Deal with them as you wish. I will make no requests to have them remanded to my custody." The two captured Romulans' eyes bulged.
"Ah..." Andrei began, "we really don't have the facilities to keep them. Our brig is still under construction."
"You'd keep them alive?" Kolvash looked perplexed. He shrugged. "Very well. Lower your force field and I'll return them to the Devoras for discipline."
The look of amazement lasted for only a moment on Bolerov's face. He looked up at the ceiling. "Computer, disengage force field in section twelve four, authorization Bolerov, alpha one three five zeta."
The shimmering panels of energy dispersed from around the Romulan intruders. "Force field disengaged," the disembodied female computer voice replied.
Kolvash quickly scooped up the disruptors and tucked them into his tunic. He then grabbed the two by the neck and picked them up. The wounded Romulan grunted as he slowly came to his feet.
Ambassador Donatra extended her hand. "Captain, thank you for your hospitality and stimulating conversation. I am sorry it had to end this way. Perhaps we can continue our discussions some other time."
Bolerov shook her hand. "I am certain that can be arranged. I think we would enjoy the opportunity to talk some more."
"I, for one, am very curious to know about this interior shielding technology." Tolkaan commented. Donatra rolled her eyes.
T'osa extended her hand to Stephen. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Commander Kirk. Perhaps we can find some time during this trip to discuss religion some more?"
He shook her hand. Although he was still fairly certain she was a spy, she seemed like a really nice spy. "I'll ask my captain, but I don't see why not. It was a pleasure to meet you, too, Centurian T'osa."
They all said their good-byes. Kolvash dragged the two toward the main hallway as the other Romulans gathered. Tolkaan pulled out his communicator, and after a brief exchange, the group transported out in a flash of green sparks.
The group let out a collective sigh of relief. Tony smiled. "So that's what it's like having the Romulans as neighbors, huh?"