A/N- Thank you as always for reading a reviewing! This is a long chapter so sit back and enjoy!
Chapter Eleven
The Secrets of Romulus Part One
M'ara awoke from her light slumber by a sharp noise of hissing and jerky movements of the transport that they had boarded the night before to take them to R'lyeh. The train like structure was all of the sudden very still.
"Have we arrived?" M'ara asked Serin, who was fully awake.
"Yes," Serin said but before he could say more everyone was being ushered off the transport.
When they exited they went into the shadows of the streets. They needed to find lodgings and food which would prove difficult. The only money they had was what they had taken from Tomack and it was not a lot. The elaborately decorated pants and jacket that she took from Tomack's guard were too loose on M'ara and did not exactly call out, 'Romulan female' to outside viewers. She would have to quickly find another change of clothes. M'ara looked at her surroundings and got an extensive view of the large city ahead of them.
The Romulan city was of course huge and elaborately decorated with all the most exquisite monuments and architecture that would honor the greatness of the empire. If felt like you were walking into an oversized museum instead of a functioning city. This is not what M'ara had envisioned Romulus to look like at all. Considering their brutality and the unstable nature she had thought that the city would reflect this. Instead the Romulan city was clean and tasteful even if a bit overindulgent in their structures by Vulcan standards.
"We need to find a map, something that will tell us where the main parts of the city are located and where we can find a place to stay," M'ara said after a few moments of silently standing in the shadows trying to stay out of sight. Serin was till deep in thought and M'ara had almost given up, thinking he had ignored her when he finally spoke.
"There is a place for us right across the street," Serin said with Vulcan equivalent of a smug look on is face. M'ara looked over and saw that there were indeed temporary lodgings available for a weekly price in a small building directly ahead of them. M'ara thought that the journey must have tired her more than she had realized since it had not occurred to her that there would be lodgings near a port of entry into the largest city on Romulus. It seemed that this was not the safest part of the city. While they made their way to the building that could possible become a home for them temporarily they observed many shady characters on every corner, selling or waiting for a buyer. However if they wanted to find the Brikar this was the appropriate place. Tomack had spoken of the slums, and this street quite obviously fit that description.
M'ara followed Serin inside the small shabby looking building compared to the rest of the city. Serin tossed a few coins on the table in front of him and said nothing to the old Romulan who sat at a table with a glass of blue liquid in his hand. His white hair stuck out in an unorganized fashion and he quite obviously not sober. The old man eyed Serin for a moment and then got up with a grunt and handed him an electronic key that had something brown dried on it, M'ara couldn't really tell what substance was. She only knew that she would wash her hands after touching it. Serin nodded and then followed the hallway to an elevator that made an ancient theme park look safe. Luckily the elevator was the one thing that seemed to get maintenance and it efficiently took them to their floor.
When they arrived Serin slid the decrepit key through the scanner and the door chimed and opened. The room was as M'ara had imagined it. There was dust and grim everywhere, the one small window was so covered with whatever it was, that it did not require a shade to keep out the bright afternoon light. There was no furniture aside from one bed that had a pair of sheets on it that looked like it had not been changed since the building had been constructed.
Serin turned to M'ara to explain the plan that has been brewing in his mind for the past hour.
"Tonight we are going to try to seek out the Brikar, and also see what information I can find out about my father from the streets. There was an establishment not to far from here that I looked like a possible contact link for the underground of Romulus. We will see what information can be gained there first. I want you to stay close but out of sight, the Brikar know who you are and if they see you things would get…complicated" Serin said taking a deep breath.
M'ara was glad that they were to start their investigation right away. The sooner this was resolved the better, Romulus was not a safe place for them and the longer they stayed the higher the probability that they would be captured or killed.
"Your logic is sound, I will strive to be inconspicuous," M'ara said too tired and hungry to banter. Serin nodded in acknowledgment and was silent for a few moments.
"It seems as if our lodgings are less than satisfactory," Serin said looking around the disgusting room.
"I will clean what I can, you should find us something to eat," M'ara suggested not really knowing how she was going to clean the room, but it was something to do until food was available. Serin tightened his lips and thought about what she said for a moment.
"Very well, I will return as soon as possible," Serin said and then left. M'ara looked around and decided that she may have gotten into something that was beyond her capabilities.
When Serin returned the sheets were washed and drying over a chair that had been scrubbed down. The window was clear once again and the surfaces seemed remarkably better. The smell of bleach filled the air.
"I am impressed," Serin said when he walked in carrying an arm full of assorted fruits and vegetables. M'ara took them from him and began preparing a salad
"I am a doctor, disinfecting is second nature to me," M'ara said with a teasing look in her eyes.
"Indeed" Serin replied as he took a piece of fruit and began to help peal the rough skin off.
After their salad was eaten, it was decided that showers and rest was badly needed if they were going to try and accomplish anything that evening. After they both had bathed M'ara remade the bed with the now clean sheets. M'ara collapsed on the far left side of the bed leaving Serin the right. She did not even remember completing the fall into bed.
The night air was refreshing to M'ara as they walked to the establishment that Serin had informed her about. It was a local drinking establishment, 'a bar' M'ara believed is what it was called on earth. M'ara's clothes were now more fitting since they traded some of the equipment for a female Romulan Skirt and shirt outfit. It was deep blue with wide shoulders, and a belt that withheld two small knives inside an oversized buckle. She hated the Romulan outfit, but wore it anyway. M'ara would have given anything for a comfortable Vulcan robe.
She waited patiently outside the building for Serin to return. She stayed out of sight as Serin instructed but remained close enough to be able to see inside. So far Serin was calmly talking to the bartender. M'ara gasped as she heard foot steps closing in behind her.
Before the hand could grasp her wrist M'ara quickly turned and punched the young Romulan man in the face. He fell backwards slightly but recovered quickly. He came towards her again, with fury in his eyes. M'ara limberly dodged his attacks, blocking the ones that were too fast. She knew she could not keep this up for long, he was too strong and she would end up with broken arms. The attacker got through her last block and caught her jaw with a strong hit. She could feel her lip split open and green blood began to drip down her chin. She remained conscious, she was some what surprised by this, so was her attacker. She took advantage of his surprised and slammed the side of her hand into his throat. While he struggled to begin breathing again, she put her hand to his neck and watched him fall to the dirt. She wiped the blood from her chin and began to watch the window again. Serin was not there.
"It seems I have underestimated your ability to defend your self, perhaps I was in error leaving you out of the battle earlier," Serin said with a concerned and bewildered look on his face.
"My adopted father was an ambassador, I was extensively taught two forms of martial arts available on Vulcan," M'ara said with a hint of pride in her voice.
"So it would appear, We should leave, I received the information I required," Serin said looking around for more assailants. M'ara nodded and followed Serin to their apartment.
"Serin, we have been here for approximately thirty nine minutes and three point four seconds. It would be logical for you to tell me what you know," M'ara said getting irritated by Serin's silence and pacing.
"It seems that the Brikar are planning something on a large scale your death was to cover up something that went on inside their group. He also mentioned that a Vulcan ambassador is being held by them. He could not tell me for what purpose, only that he is being held in an underground base they hold outside of town."
"Spock" M'ara said almost under her breath.
"Yes I believe that it is a possibility. We will have to go and see for certain. If it is him we may be able to get to the bottom of this in one efficient action." Serin said as he sat on the bed.
"You mean we are going to have to sneak in and rescue Spock and find out why they want me killed. We can not do this alone," M'ara said with a sigh as he sat down beside Serin. Serin looked at her for a moment
"We will not have to, there are those who are willing to help us. The man I spoke to tonight has friends who do not like the Brikar and would be willing to help us," Serin said his eyes looking at his knees.
"Serin, I can not believe I have to tell you of all people this, but you do realize that this is a trap. This man you talked to has been instructed to lead us like bait. The man who attacked me was watching for us, how else would he had known where I would be?" M'ara said, surprised that Serin had not considered this.
"Yes I know, but we have no choice. We have to get in there, and one positive is that my father will be there to help us,"
Serin said, he tried not to outwardly show it but M'ara could tell he was tense and concerned.
"Your father will be fine, we will get him out," M'ara said feeling a little awkward. Serin did not normally take well to someone trying to offer him comfort.
"That is the least of my worries M'ara," Serin said in almost a whisper.
"What is it?"
"It does not matter, we should get some rest. The next few days will be spent planning and trying to gather supplies. The sooner we are ready the sooner we can resolve this," Serin said tiredly.
M'ara thought about how much time they have been spending together and helping each other. There was a question that she wanted to ask. It was important to her to ask it before things became too hectic.
"Can I ask you a personal query?" M'ara whispered scooting closer to Serin.
"I believe that given that we are betrothed it would be illogical for me to refuse," Serin replied playfully.
M'ara had to wonder if Serin was what humans would call 'flirting' with her. Not having any experience in the matter however she decided to just ask the question.
"Did you ever want to…sever our marriage contract in order to pursue someone else of your choosing?"
M'ara wanted to know if there was anyone else in his life, someone that he cared for. She wanted to be prepared so as to not open up to him only to be humiliated in the end. Her feelings for Serin had grown over the last few days and she did not want to let herself become vulnerable. Even though by asking this question she knew that it might already be too late.
"My only thoughts had been getting in to Star Fleet and gaining command. So to answer your question, yes I had once thought of severing our marriage contract and no there has been no desire to pursue anyone else," Serin answered quietly with a brutal honesty that all Vulcan's seem to be talented with. Serin's hands were now in tight fist, the question had made him very tense.
M'ara was too stunned for a moment to reply. He did not want to go through with their marriage. A few days ago this would have been deemed as good news. Now however, the hurt that his statement caused began to slowly seep in like water in a cracked dam. The severity of the emotional reaction that his statement caused alarmed M'ara. It was not that long ago that she could hardly speak to Serin, how could it be that now his words could weaken her like this? She used her Vulcan training to keep her emotions reined in tightly.
"If that is what you want I will not protest in dissolving the marriage contract." M'ara said stiffly. She now regretted moving closer to Serin. Serin's eyes hardened as he looked at her, and his lips tightened as his anger began to seep through. He quickly regained his composure but not before M'ara notice his reaction.
"Very well, I am sure when we find my father you will be delighted to tell him of your new availability," Serin said icily. It was obvious by the look on his face that that he regretted saying what was on his mind without more consideration but it was too late to take it back now.
M'ara could not believe what she had heard. Serin knew that she had once had feelings for Spock. She was now more embarrassed than angry. M'ara realized that Serin believed that she did not want to go through the marriage. That was the only logical reason he could see for her asking such a question. He felt that his pride was being attacked.
"Serin I believe that you misinterpreted my words, I did not mean to imply that I wanted to break the marriage contract or our bonding."
"You have wanted nothing more since the ceremony took place when we were children!" Serin stated his voice slightly rose despite his efforts to control his anger. He was still hurt and lashed out because he was too stubborn to admit it.
The rising emotions caused serin to stand up from the bed and M'ara followed suit.
"What about you, so many times while I was visiting your home you never said one word, or even tried to connect in any way. You can not blame me totally. You are the most stubborn uncompromising---"
M'ara's rant was interrupted by Serin's lips passionately crashing into hers. Strong hands pulled her body closer to his. His tongue forcefully opened M'ara's lips not asking, but demanding entry. The human part of her gave in, melted and gave him what he wanted. M'ara had no more will to argue, all her anger and frustrations were being taken out in her first and most electric human kiss. The heat from Serin's toned body next hers made her tremble and she nearly lost her ability to stand. Serin's breathing became labored and then just as quickly as it had started he let M'ara go and backed away. M'ara could only stand there speechless and breathless.
"You have a gift for taking my logic from me. Forgive me, I should not have done that," Serin said not looking M'ara in the eyes. Serin then left the apartment. M'ara guessed to regain his control.
M'ara thought that perhaps the stress of their current situation was getting to him. M'ara walked into the bathroom and prepared to take a shower. The situation with Serin was more complicated than she thought. What had that kiss meant? They would have to talk, but she realized that perhaps now was not the right time after all.
A/N- Not sure how I feel about this chapter so let me know what you think.