After two months of wedded bliss, Nyota listened to various subspace frequencies at her communications station aboard the Enterprise when a Vulcan distress signal came through a sea of chatter. Near the edge the Neutral Zone, an old passenger ship carrying fifty Vulcans from a remote outpost was attacked and attempted a landing on the planet of Enakra Seven, a just barely survivable M-class planet. From the distance the message traveled, she deduced the message was two days old. No further communication was received. She relayed the information to the captain who proceeded at warp four towards the planet.

A day later the crew anxiously awaited the order as they approached Enakra Seven. "Disengage warp drive, Mr. Sulu." A cloud of space debris awaited them.

Spock analyzed it. "It appears to be the remnants of three Gorn ships." He ran a spectral analysis of it. "Fascinating," he stated.

"What is it Mr. Spock?"

"Their hulls seem to have disintegrated from a powerful blast of energy, composition unknown and origin unknown."

Chekov intently looked at the screen. "I believe we have the origin of the blast," he stated in a thick Russian accent.

At the very edge of the Neutral Zone just inside Romulan space, a Romulan ship suddenly dropped out of warp: a Bird of Prey, so named for its looks and the painting decorating it. "Red Alert! Shields Up!" The red alarm screeched. "All hands to battle stations!"

Uhura heard a male voice in Romulan. "They're signaling us Captain!"

"On screen," Kirk bellowed.

A face that looked entirely Vulcan with black hair and tinged green pointed ears appeared on screen. His black eyes roved over the bridge in silence. "Identify," he commanded succinctly.

"This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise."

"This is Commander Zelipe of the RSE Blood Vengeance."

"We are on a peaceful mission to rescue survivors of a stranded ship on Enakra Seven."

"Verified," Zelipe replied. His eyes narrowed upon First Officer Spock. "We are on a patrol mission to ensure no vessels encroach into the Neutral Zone."

Kirk turned to Spock with a questioning look in his eyes. "From the scattering of the debris, it appears that you fired upon three Gorn ships that were outside the Neutral Zone."

"Indeed but they had ventured nine point two meters into it."

"But you fired after they left," Spock countered.

"That is still a violation of the treaty." Zelipe's eyebrows rose. "Any incursion is considered an act of war. At the very least, the violating ship or ship will suffer the consequences." The screen blinked out.

"Sir, they are inside their space but just outside the Neutral Zone by a meter." Sulu turned towards the captain. "They've lowered their weapons but not their shields."

"Follow suit. We'll have to rescue the survivors using shuttle craft."

Spock looked at his atmospheric sensors. "Sir, due to the ion storms on the planet, we couldn't beam up the survivors." He wondered how the Blood Vengeance knew that would be the course of action. Logically, they would have had to come near the planet for their sensors to determine it.

An hour later, all the survivors were on board, many in sick bay and many located to guest barracks. Commander T'Lin a rather tall young Vulcan woman with a minor cut on her forehead ushered the Captain and First Officer aside. "What I am about to tell you should remain in strict confidence. I could start a war and I can't verify it because our instruments were damaged."

"Go on," urged Captain Kirk.

"Our ship was under attack by the Gorn. Something pulled us, curving our trajectory slightly to just inside the Neutral Zone. The Gorn matched it. Then we were let go. Because of our ship's damage, we headed for the planet immediately. The Gorn followed. They were running in close formation without shields. The Romulan ship suddenly appeared just inside the Neutral Zone and waited a few seconds before firing. The blast of the weapon hit the Gorn full force. In a way the Gorn ships acted as a barrier to the blast and we gained just enough distance so the blast merely grazed us. "

"A tractor beam possibly pulled you into the Neutral Zone but the sensors didn't detect the ship. Therefore the ship had some sort of cloaking device. The Romulans halted their fire just long enough for you to be out of range," Spock deduced. "They plotted the course of the Gorn so they knew the ships would act as a physical shield."

"The Romulans violated the Neutral Zone in order to use their tractor beam and to fire their weapons: a clear violation of treaty and a war could erupt because of it; despite the fact that it was an errand of mercy." Kirk pondered it a moment. Maybe his offer to rescue Nero established goodwill.

Kirk drew Spock aside to where no one could hear them. "We can't put this in the report because it's a risk."

"Agreed," stated Spock flatly. "It's not a lie but an omission."

Kirk pondered everything in detail but he realized that he assigned motives based on human nature but the Romulans were very different but then again very much the same much like his first officer. "Spock, do you think Romulans did this out of compassion or to show they're not afraid of us by violating the Neutral Zone or to show their might with their cloaking device and a weapon that pulverized three ships with one blast?"

While Vulcans showed no emotions, Spock knew the inner turmoil of his race and how just how calculating they could be. "Probably all," he replied.

Kirk accepted Spock's assessment and appreciated and accepted the military aspects of it. "Maybe we can assess one aspect of their intentions." If the humanitarian reason held true as well, Romulan inclusion into the Federation could be a reality. "Official communication records reside in the computer if the universal translator is used. However, simple purely verbal transmissions are easy to erase by computer experts."

"Or expert," Spock corrected.

"Those transmissions should be in a language that only a select target could understand."

"Agreed," Spock stated.

Guiding the shuttle through one last and final sweep to be extra thorough, Kirk, Spock and Uhura flew from the planet towards the Enterprise. With a low powered frequency using channels the Enterprise currently didn't scan thanks to a slight communications array error, Uhura used the shuttles communication's board to transmit one message in High Romulan. "Thank you," she said.

"Oh my," she whispered in astonishment.

"What is it Lieutenant?"

"They used the same frequency to reply. They said 'You're welcome."

Despite their errand of mercy, many months later the Romulans still ignored all diplomatic overtures. To everyone's surprise, the artist and galactic hermit Rishley blasted a message through subspace, verbal but no visual.

Dear Praetor,

I'm trying to promote peace with the Romulan Star Empire while maintaining my own personal neutrality. If you attend a peace conference with the Federation on Starbase seven-one-eight, I will attend and present you with a unique piece of artwork that will reveal your heart's desire. As the Federation's honored guest, thrills and delights await you. Honored Praetor, won't you come out and play?

Sincerely,

Rishley

Intergalactic Artist of Mystery,

Panic spread throughout the Federation for fear that such humor would be considered an insult and start a war. At best, most hoped the Romulans would simply ignore the message. However, they did not. A few weeks later an encrypted message came back from the Romulan Star Empire directed towards the Enterprise. Since it had no encryption key, Kirk directed Spock to decrypt it, top priority. After several hours, Spock use the parabolic equation from the curvature of the path the Blood Vengeance created when it pulled the Vulcan ship into the Neutral Zone. That encryption key unlocked the message. In a private room, Uhura translated the message from High Romulan.

Dear Federation and Impartial Artists,

After reviewing the unique and entertaining invitation, I couldn't resist visiting my neighbors. I will negotiate if ALL of the following conditions are met.

First, negotiations will take place on board the Enterprise with its current crew.

Second, Rishley will attend and fulfill his promise.

Third, I will only negotiate with one and only one Federation Ambassador who is of superior intelligence and honest because I am NOT tolerant of idiots or liars.

Fourth, during the negotiations the Enterprise along with a Romulan ship will navigate at the center of the Neutral Zone starting at Starbase 23 and heading towards Vorta Vor Qui' Tu.

Fifth, at these stardates and times, no negotiations or any entertainment will take place. A list followed.

Sixth, I and my guards will stay aboard the Enterprise to get to know your crew since they represent the Federation.

Seventh, I require an adroit translator. I will NOT use a mechanical translator of any sort.

Eight, no Enterprise crew member may approach my person with any weapons of any sort.

Nine, Dr. M'Benga must be a guest aboard the Enterprise during my stay.

Ten, no listening or any type of spy devices will be placed in my or my guards quarters which must be adjacent to my own.

Last but not least, the food should be delicious because I have superlative tastes.

As a show good faith, on the stardate and coordinates noted at the end of this message, a gift awaits you. Your medical officer should accompany the landing party.

Peace and prosperity to you.

Sen Hiro-Ang

Praetor Extraordinaire in service of the Romulan Star Empire

"Well I'm honored that he wants the negotiations to take place here." Then he punched in the coordinates. "It seems we have four days to get to Devron in the Neutral Zone for our gift. I'll send Mr. Chekov the coordinates." Kirk burst out laughing. "His third request eliminates ninety-percent of the Federation diplomats."

Spock knew of only one ambassador who met the demanded criteria. "My father is the best choice considering his intelligence, honesty, skill, experience and the shared ancestry between the Vulcans and the Romulans."

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Kirk lightly slapped him on the back. "We are thinking more and more alike." Then he turned to Nyota who still went by Uhura despite her marriage. "Not only am I appointing you as the official translator but I also want you to act as cultural attaché."

"I would be delighted sir." For Nyota, golden couldn't begin to describe this opportunity.

Later Nyota began her preparations and one name she found some chefs who specialized in intergalactic cuisine. She reviewed the candidates with Captain Kirk. Immediately, he made his choice. "Chef Autumn Beaumont won an award for intergalactic cuisine. Let's see if we can get her to cater this negotiation."

Four days later, the Enterprise approached planet Devron to find a Romulan Warbird awaiting them, shields up and weapons powered down. The warbird hailed them. A lovely Romulan woman slightly darker skinned than most filled the screen. "This is Captain Abella of the RSE Sovereign Star. I'm sending the beam down coordinates."

"This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise."

She glanced somewhere off screen. "On behalf of the Romulan Star Empire, welcome."

Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Uhura beamed to the coordinates given. On a sparse desert area, two uniformed Romulan guards stood next to a ten foot cubic storage container. One guard placed his palms up to show he was unarmed and spoke in a lower Romulan dialect which the universal translator translated and Uhura ensured it did correctly to avoid any misunderstanding for such a momentous occasion.

"Greetings, I am medical officer Vavrin."

"I'm Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise. This is my First Officer Commander Spock, my Chief Medical Officer Dr. Leonard McCoy and my Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura.

Vavrin nodded and addressed the group but more so Spock. "We send our condolences to the Vulcan people." Then he turned towards Dr. McCoy. "These are vaccines to inoculate them against many of the diseases common to Romulans. Hopefully, it will ensure better health to them."

Everyone looked at the crate skeptically. Dr. McCoy pressed a button which opened the crated and verified the contents to be vaccines by scanning it with his tricorder. From the basic ingredients, he concluded them to be for individuals with copper based blood. "May I ask why the Praetor asked for Dr. M'Benga specifically?"

"That is a personal request from the Praetor." Vavrin held out his arm. "I'm sure there is mistrust. You may test."

McCoy pointed to the other guard. "How about I test on him?" Immediately, the other guard held out his arm which McCoy injected.

Then Spock held out his arm. "Doctor," he said. "This will begin the trust between our factions."

McCoy looked to Kirk who nodded before he proceeded. "Since we have the same concerns for the Empire's visiting dignitaries, may we extend the same courtesy?"

"Please," replied Vavrin.

Dr. McCoy then ordered ten vials of standard Vulcan vaccines. "To good health," he said.

Vavrin and the other guard accepted the vials and beamed away.

To ready for the Romulans' diplomatic visit, Uhura reviewed several smuggled videos featuring various Romulan social functions. This would help her revisit the language and note various social customs for the crew as well. Once Spock finished with some business concerning New Vulcan, he joined her. When he saw the popcorn, his eyebrows raised. She patted the couch next to her so he sat down and put his arm around her shoulders while she took notes. After being in a relationship for a few years, Spock had been trained well in cuddling.

"Those robes are similar to ones worn by Vulcan dignitaries," she commented.

"Yes, they are and those symbols on the robes of these two men are nearly alike. The symbols indicate their family line." Spock used a pointer to show the various symbols that went down the robes of the various senators as well. "Freeze and enlarge," he commanded with the pointer on the Praetor's robes. Spock retrieved a computer disk containing historical information on Vulcan which Starfleet computers didn't have access to. Using his near eidetic memory, he recalled that those symbols from ancient times. "Show footage of those opposed to Surak's teachings during his time." Various ancient photos and portraits of that time flashed on a split screen next to the modern picture of the Praetor and senators; some matched. Spock stopped it on the most prominent of the opposition who happened to where silver and black robes that seemed to be of high nobility. "Name the gentleman in this one."

"That is Xanti-hiro Ang."

"Interesting," Spock muttered. "That line has continued after all this time."

The party continued. Nyota noted the look on the young Praetor's face every time he shook hands. "Vulcans have an inkling of that uncomfortable look when they touch anyone."

"Indeed we do for some people." Spock referred to his touch telepathy. "We could be looking at a genetic throw back to their Vulcan heritage."

While Vulcans didn't celebrate birthdays, she knew that because of their extended lifespan, their age of twenty-one compared to a human's age of eighteen and their age of thirty-five could compare to a human's age of twenty-one. Both Spock and Nyota noted the inferences to the Praetor's son's scholastic achievements. Spock noted it for the implications of a Vulcan's mental disciplines giving further credence to his idea of a genetic throwback. For Nyota, an idea for engaging him more socially formed. Then they brought out a gorgeous but uniquely colored young Orion female dressed elegantly. Nyota felt a pang of mourning for Gaila once more. Because of their bond, Spock felt it as well so he held her closer. Moments later he studied her curiously when he felt her excitement. "Don't you see what's happening?"

A tiny bit of disgust crossed his face. "I see a young Orion slave presented as a gift for his coming of age, most barbaric."

"Oh Spock, you're such a cynic." She elbowed him. "Look beyond that," she urged. "See how they're looking at each other. It's love at first sight. It's just like Romeo and Juliet. That's so wonderful."

"I fail to understand how wonderful it is. They both died."

Nyota glared at him and they continued to watch the videos. Then they saw one a few months old with the young Praetor who had long hair now standing next to a beautiful but icy looking Romulan woman introduced as his wife. Nyota's heart sank as she looked at him. The young Praetor's eyes revealed that part of his soul had died. "I think you're right about the Romeo and Juliet comment." Spock stared blankly ahead. While he showed his emotions only to her, Nyota recognized Spock's bad mood plus he had his shields up when it came to their bond. "What's wrong Spock?"

"Everything's been settled on New Vulcan. There are two hundred and forty-seven males of age who don't have bond-mates. They are sentenced to death by Pon Farr…. including my father."

"With your father's standing, I'm sure he'll find someone. I'm sure many women would be honored to accept his offer."

"I agree. However, he hasn't sought a mate."

Kirk, Spock and Uhura reviewed the itinerary of the upcoming diplomatic visit. First, Sarek and Chef Autumn Beaumont would arrive via shuttle craft which contained her recipe ingredients. "This is odd," commented Captain Kirk. "She stated that she won't need her own room. I guess it's true that chefs are very protective of their recipes and ingredients. She'll be staying on her shuttlecraft, I suppose with her two dogs."

"Then Rishley will be arriving." Spock pressed a button which showed his peculiar requests. "No one is to scan him with a tricorder or perform any medical exam on him. While we may have a guided tour of his ship, no one is allowed to inspect or scan it. Also, he has his own personal bodyguard: a Vulcan female of an unknown clan."

"That's odd," commented Kirk. "Then the Romulans will arrive. It's going to feel like a three ring circus."

"Speaking of which, I've arranged for some entertainment for the Praetor. Cirque de Soleil will perform." Uhura flashed a hologram of the troupe in the middle of the conference room table. "Based on the Praetor's intellectual pursuits, I think Spock can entertain him quite well. If not, we also have Safak who will be joining us from Space Station twenty-three. Not only has he inherited a position on the Vulcan's High Council but he also studies worm hole theory."

"Why does Safak want to join this conference?"

"He doesn't. He wishes to speak to the Vulcan woman travelling with Rishley. Under Federation order eighty-two concerning New Vulcan, we can deny him. His security clearance checks and its not likely we can hide the Praetor from him." After being married to Spock, Nyota understood the need for the males to bond and Safak was one of those un-bonded.

Kirk turned to Dr. McCoy. "How's Dr. M'Benga doing?" Dr. M'Benga arrived recently. Since he was part of Starfleet and the Enterprise was short-handed medically, they transferred him to the Enterprise without question.

"He's an excellent physician and he specializes in Vulcan physiology?"

"Do you think the Praetor requested him because he is ill?"

"I would think that the Praetor has his own doctor and access to the best specialists that Romulus has to offer. The only reason I can see him required an outside doctor is if he fears betrayal amongst his own ranks."

Spock understood the mechanizations of Vulcan mind. "Considering all that has happened with the war and then Nero, that is a possibility."

"We have to wait and see," McCoy drawled. "In the meantime, Spock is due for a physical and M'Benga just so happens to have a free hour tomorrow morning."

"You are most considerate Dr. McCoy. I shall remember this in the future."

A/N – This is combining the TOS and ST2009. The energy weapon is the same one that the Romulans used to attack the starbases with. Recognize Vavrin and Zelipe?

More to come on Sen/Alawa with some unique twists.