Seven
Stardate 59432.3, USS Aegis, Romulan Moon Lleiset
Captain's Log, supplemental;
After a brief engagement with what has been identified as the Free Romulan Republic Ship Revolt, we are currently in orbit of their home planet. A moon named Freedom of all things. While we have very little information to go on, we have been able to surmise that this system and moon were indeed a small support facility. But why they refer to themselves as an independent state is something that has yet to be determined. R'Navta has invited us to meet with the leaders of their world; me in particular, and though I remain skeptical, I believe it is best chance we have at moving forward.
"Eridos to Aegis, transport complete." Theus said into his comm badge.
"Acknowledged sir. We've taken up a high stationary orbit that will give us maximum coverage of the area. If you need any form of assistance, we will be able to provide support." zhNon said.
"Have Chief Bloss put a survey team on stand-by. If things work out, I want them down here the moment they're able to start fabricating items the Romulans need. Eridos out."
He closed the channel and took in his surroundings. The coordinates that were provided put them right on the outskirts of what was obviously a makeshift town center. The buildings had been converted from modular shelters, and most of the streets were made from metal deck plating.
Accompanying him was his own chief of security, Lieutenant Goritan, along with two security crewmen. Although Theus was satisfied with that as his protection, Major Bullock had insisted on some of her MACOs joining. Lieutenant Noor had beamed down with Corporal V'Riss, in addition to another two privates and Centurion Keln.
"How long are we supposed to wait again, sir?" Goritan asked.
"They said an escort detail would be here shortly. While we could've beamed directly to their front door at the municipal hall, I didn't think it would make the best impression. Federation personnel appearing suddenly in front of people who've already proven themselves as hostile isn't something I want to chance."
"You continue to call them hostile, Captain." Keln said. "Tell me, would you consider yourselves as hostile if Romulans were beaming down freely onto Earth? Or any Federation outpost for that matter?"
Theus was about to challenge him when he heard a deep growl. He looked around, only to see V'Riss scratching at his head.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"It's the weather here sir." V'Riss said, sounding very uncomfortable. "The amount of moisture in the air is distracting, and making it difficult to concentrate."
"Suck it up." Noor said sternly.
With the amount of security they had, Theus wanted to make a gesture of good will by not having them fully armored. Everyone still carried weapons, but the MACO's and Goritan's team wore less sophisticated energy dispersal uniforms. This exposed the fur covered Caitian to the elements, and he couldn't get away.
"It's not just you." Theus took out his tricorder and began scanning. "The atmosphere here has a higher moisture content than most M-Class planets. I wouldn't be surprised if breathers were required seasonally."
The moon they were on was a lush world. While the settlement had cleared away a majority of the local plants for buildings, behind it an overgrown forest was thriving. Large leaf trees the color of turquoise and aquamarine loomed, while the smaller grass and plants were deep hues of red and violet. Theus was intrigued at the possibility of being able to study it in depth, but a medium size land vehicle approached.
"You will come with us." The leader said once they reach the landing party.
Theus nodded politely and ordered the crew to mount the vehicle. It was an angular shaped troop carrier by the look of it, and it had a tarp that covered the back of the bed in which they rode. Most likely to sequester the knowledge of their arrival. In short time they had reached the municipal complex, and were brought in through a rear loading dock to a medium conference room.
"Was anyone able to see anything of note?" Theus asked his assembly.
"Just that these Romulans seem to be a bit more hospitable than most, it's almost alarming." Noor said, referring to the small table of refreshments his MACOs were already helping themselves to.
"Could be a show." Goritan offered.
"Oh I assure you, our intentions are most genuine, Starfleet. Can you say the same?"
They all turned to see a confident Romulan male entering the room with R'Navta, and two other elders. Theus could not help but to notice the almost identical resemblance of the one who had spoken to them and the Commander, but he was older. Perhaps a sibling. He gestured for them to sit at the long square table and did the same across from them.
"Commander Eridos, I am told you are the captain of the powerful warship in orbit. I am daise C'Ulos, leader of the free world of Lleiset."
Theus took a moment to gather his response. A daise was the title given to leaders or chiefs in Romulan society. That there were two older members apart of his delegation spoke volumes.
"Thank you, daise-"
"C'Ulos, please."
"…Thank you, C'Ulos. I regret that we are meeting under these circumstances, or that it is almost immediately following an altercation between the Federation and your settlement. But I hope that through these talks, an amicable resolution can be reached."
"Yes well, I must apologize for my sister, though the fault is my own. I have given the Lleiset Guard explicit orders to repel all who would encroach upon our space. The blame lies with me for not clarifying that it should be for those that have shown a hostile intent."
The Starfleet officers all exchanged a silent glance with one another, not sure what to make of a Romulan apologizing.
"There was no serious damage done to our ship, however the Revolt did take quite a beating. We would be more than happy to help you with repairs." Goritan said.
"Is that how you plan to garner our favor?" One of the elder representatives asked. "You come in, destroy our means of protection, invade our space, and then suddenly offer the hand of friendship?"
"I would remind you sir, that you attacked us first. We only fired in self-defense, a policy Starfleet has had since its inception." Noor responded to the accusation.
"Yet there is no policy of respecting the borders of sovereign states." R'Navta said. "Or do you still claim that you are on a mission of relief?"
Theus held up his hand before anyone could answer her.
"I believe we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves." He said. "With the destruction of Romulus, The Federation is committed to providing any and all relief efforts that is within our ability to your people. We came to this system in the hopes of being able to provide assistance. Yet, before we go any further with these talks, I feel it necessary to ask the obvious. Who are you? And what is the Free Republic of Lleiset?"
C'Ulos jutted his chin up defiantly and smirked. The same look was on the face of his entire entourage.
"In the days following the destruction of our home, there was sheer chaos. As you can imagine, the news struck at the very soul of every Romulan. Emergency messages flooded our channels, as we struggled to make sense of what was happening. Ships from all across our space were recalled, our resources consolidated. And what should have been a time of great solidarity started to turn into a power grab!"
C'Ulos' last statement increased his breathing as his face took on a look of utter disgust. After letting out a hard breath, he continued.
"Being so close to the border, it took several khaidoa for any meaningful representation to reach us. When they did, our most valuable materials were taken. Orbital platforms, supply depots stripped barren. When the Empire was finished, they left us with barely a functioning kllhe'mnhe!"
Only they Romulans understood the expletive, and no one asked what it meant.
"It's been over a year; how did you survive?" Goritan asked.
"We are Romulans." R'Navta said. "If nothing, we know how to persevere."
"You may have noticed that our moon has an unusually high water content." C'Ulos picked up again. "It was a fortunate discovery, as we are able to mine deuterium and process anti-deuterium from the oceans in vast quantities."
"A valuable commodity indeed." Theus said.
"When the Empire returned not long ago seeking more 'tribute', we honored their request by commandeering their drop ships. We returned to space, and took over the Revolt as well. My sister, lead the charge." He said looking to her with pride in his eyes.
"And how many Romulans died for that honor?" Noor asked.
"How dare you!" The other representative finally spoke. "You have no idea what we have had to contend with. The struggles and sacrifice of trying to survive!"
"Gentlemen please." Theus said. When everyone had settled he said, "It's not our place to judge you or the actions you have taken since the loss of your planet. But the Federation does have strict laws and codes in regard to whom we interact. If I understand you correctly, you're saying that your world stands apart from the Romulan Empire. That you have declared yourselves an independent state?"
"It's more than a declaration, Commander."
"That much is obvious. And while I can understand the incredible predicament that you all faced, this new information does change the nature of our mission." He said, carefully.
"Ah yes, those regulations your Starfleet is so fond of." C'Ulos said, and nodded. "Very well, you have shown an interest in helping us, and I humbly accept; no, humbly submit to you an official request of your assistance in making us more self-reliant, Commander."
Theus once again looked to his officers. They both looked just as reserved as he, so he decided to buy himself some time.
"I will need to discuss this with my superiors." He said.
"The mantra of all who serve." R'Navta said, sarcastically.
"Take the time that you need, Commander." C'Ulos said. "We won't be going anywhere, seeing as how we have major repairs to make to our main battle ship."
Theus heard the bait but didn't take it. Instead he said, "daise, it would go a long way to helping your request get approved if we knew more about your society. The daily routine of your citizenry, vital statistics, recorded history."
"Looking for the tactical advantage?"
"Not at all, however when I report back to Starfleet Command, having a solid idea of the needs of your people will more than likely make them inclined to approve your request."
"Of course." C'Ulos said. "I will have the information sent to your ship immediately. In the meantime, I have a gift for you."
He walked them back to the loading docking in which they had entered. At one of the offload doors, were two large sealed flats. C'Ulos went to one, and pulled back a tarp to pull out a bottle filled with a pale blue liquid and handed it to Theus.
"Being so far away from the Empire had its advantages. While they didn't give us much, they ensured our stores of ale were kept overflowing. In retrospect, I supposed they wanted to keep us docile, but recently we have had more than enough occasion to celebrate."
"I-I couldn't." Theus said.
"Oh, but I insist." He said. "That particular bottle is a century vintage; 2288. We're also fortunate enough to have older citizens from a time when every Romulan made their own brew. It's become quite a popular time consuming, but worthwhile hobby with our emerging cultural district. And they each included their crafts."
"I'm sorry, did you just say that those cases are full of multiple artisan craft ales, created in small batches locally on your moon?" Theus asked while trying to not sound interested.
"Artisan Ales? I like the sound of that, Commander. That's exactly what's in there."
"Captain," Corporal V'Riss said while scanning the containers, "there's over six-hundred liters here." He said, while hungrily fawning over the cases with his other MACOs.
"The Federation still considers Romulan Ale illegal, sir." Goritan said.
"And despite not being within the borders of Federation space, we are still obligated to observe the law. What do regulation demand of us Lieutenant?" Theus asked.
"That all officers who confiscate contraband, transport it to the nearest star base for proper disposition at the earliest convenience of the ship. Without interfering with mission accomplishment. So long as the material is not classified a hazardous, radiological, or biological threat." Goritan said.
"All officers." Theus repeated. "Corporal V'Riss, please confiscate this contraband, and report to the quartermaster for proper stora-"
Theus cut himself short when he heard the distinct sound of his ships transporter sequence initiating. He turned to see the fading silhouette of V'Riss, and the containers disappearing and heard a pleased purr coming from him as he vanished.
Noor looked sheepish and said, "MACOs, what can I say, sir."
"Ahem." C'Ulos interrupted. "If I may Commander, I would like to offer you a tour of our city. We are proud of what we have accomplished in so little time, and are eager to show…"
C'Ulos stopped when a personal communicator on him chimed. He brought it to his mouth, and spoke hurried, angry words into it before putting it away.
"I'm afraid our tour will have to wait, please, come inside." He insisted.
"What's wrong?" Theus asked.
Just then, a loud siren began to sound in the distance. Theus couldn't tell what direction it was coming from, but soon another blared. And then another.
"What's going on?" Goritan demanded.
"I assure you that everything is under control, however we have a situation that needs to be dealt with. Now for your own safety, I suggest you come inside."
"We're not going anywhere until you explain what's happening." Theus said.
"Sir!" Noor said. "I'm detecting supersonic disruptions in the atmosphere. My gods! Incoming!"
Noor shouted as he dived onto Theus. No one had time to say anything as the other MACOs covered the Starfleet security crewman, and Goritan dove behind a stanchion with Keln as a large explosion impacted and the concussive blast threw them back.
Two more blasts rocked the compound, and Theus could only protect himself until a lull in the attack presented itself. When no more streaks were heard in the air, he pushed Noor off him, and looked around. There was a loud ringing in his ear, as he took in the sight of the massive structural damage that had been done.
In the distance, there were smoldering buildings that had also been attack. Sirens from emergency vehicles and first responders could be heard in the distance, and loud speakers blared what sounded like a repeating message in Romulan.
"R-Report." Theus choked out. He was covered in debris and soot. "Is everyone okay? Sound off."
Everyone on his team acknowledged they were uninjured except Noor. Theus looked to the ground and saw him laying limp.
"Lieutenant!" Theus shouted. He took out tricorder, and did a quick scan before touching his comm badge. "Eridos to Aegis, emergency beam out, send me and Lieutenant Noor directly to sickbay for a medical emergency."