Chapter 48: The Exams
A/N: Hi Alaya Karangalan, All the best with your classes and no worries about the late review :-D In fact, many thanks to you for taking time out of your day to submit such great comments!
Vreenak doesn't know German or any Earth language except for Federation Standard. He is not familiar with the very fine nuances of the English language. The universal translator has its limits :-) He simply took the risk of deducing that most German verbs end in "en" (not all do!).
No, Donatra, Shinzon, the supernova etc. won't be making an appearance, though Donatra will be mentioned. Neither will Sela. I am also unfamiliar with the Star Trek novels. I only read bits and pieces during my Romulan research for this story. The only one I've really read so far is Diane Duane and Peter Morwood's The Romulan Way.
In my timeline, the following Romulans occupy the following positions: current head of the Tal Shiar: Koval (whose ailments from Tuvan Syndrome are not doing him any favours among his own Tal Shiar colleagues). Praetor: Neral. Proconsul: Terik (from the novel Vulcan's Soul: Exodus by Josepha Sherman and Susan Shwartz, as it makes sense for the timeline). Vice-Proconsul: Hiren.
And yes, you're right about Letant :-)
Hi romulanlover, so glad you enjoyed the last chapter...and thank you so much for the 100th review! Yes, a love triangle plot can be very difficult and trope-y, and it can easily turn sappy. Which is why I want to make sure that Asha and Vreenak have their cactus-like moments :-D
Notes: Donatra and Toreth are canon. Letant's statement about Romulans not believing in luck is also canon, from "Tears of the Prophets" (DS9). In fandom, the two are allies during the Dominion War. I also added my own modification to the affix of Romulan last names. To refer to a female-male couple, I decided on "tir'" as an affix.
Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. Okay, that's it with the notes. Please read on!
Asha loved lying together with Vreenak on his chaise longue, their hands and feet touching.
Once, after an hour of studying, she hugged him from behind, and he leant gently against her and clasped her hands in his warm ones. Then he turned around and pressed his lips against her bare shoulder. Asha was wearing a simple boat neck blouse in quiet grey and matching trousers. The material consisted of Romulan silk. During her tour on Mirek, Asha had visited a silk manufacturing site and noticed how carefully the caterpillars, specially bred for the purpose, were treated and handled. Their silk was harvested in such a manner so they could go on to pupate and turn into butterflies. Once they reached the end of their lifespan, the powder from their wings was gathered and used in Romulan cosmetic products.
Vreenak had a particular affinity for Asha's boat neck tops, saying that they showcased her shoulders and neck. He was puzzled as to why it was called boat neck until Asha explained. Romulans, he stated, didn't have a particular term for that kind of cut, although they had many watercrafts navigating the seas and lakes of Romulus.
Now, as he kissed her shoulder, Asha felt gooseflesh break out all over her body.
"It surprises me that a Human was able to figure out the identity of those rathakir," he remarked, raising his head and looking into her eyes. "It should be unheard of, seeing that Humans and Romulans are on completely…different…levels."
"If this is your way of trying to flirt with me or tease me, then it's not working," Asha said, raising an unimpressed eyebrow.
Vreenak smiled. "Am I that predictable, a'rhea?"
"Yes, most dreadfully so, e'lev," she confirmed. They smiled at each other.
"Your written exam is next week?" he half asked, half stated.
"Yes. Please wish me luck."
"As Delon likes to say, we Romulans don't believe in luck. Luck is about preparation and being in control."
"Some things are beyond one's control. There's only so much one can prepare for."
"Not on Romulus."
"Even on Romulus," she disagreed with him. They smiled at each other again.
"Very well. Good luck, Asha Sen t'Darak." He kissed her tenderly on the forehead.
Although she and her book were getting increasing attention, Asha lived her life as usual. The proceeds she received from her book, however, went to Thorek, as she was a citizen with limited rights and could only place a limited amount per month in her account, unless her husband transferred the sums to her. Thorek was disgusted with the constraints Asha's prison rights placed on her. He would transfer the money as soon as he received it, and shower the Romulan government with scorn. He had come a long way from when he had been newly married, and he now understood how much more Asha had to struggle to live the kind of life on Romulus he had always taken for granted. Although his family had been wiped out, his citizen rights had not been removed, as he himself had never been caught criticising government authorities or the Tal Shiar in public.
Christine's behaviour was back to normal. Every now and then, she would slip back into her bossy role when studying with Asha, but Asha used humour to put her in her place. Christine was also very curious about Asha being in love with two people.
"I know it happens a lot more than we think, but I can't imagine what it's like," she admitted. "It's kind of scary, especially here on Romulus. I just hope you take care of yourself if you decide to seriously date Vreenak. Or are you already dating each other?"
Asha laughed. "Yes, we are. Dating doesn't describe it properly, though." She explained about wanting to be on a more equal footing with him, and that gaining full citizenship, while not solving everything, was a big step in that direction.
"It makes a lot of sense to me, and I hope all goes well for you," Christine said diplomatically. She disapproved of the fact that Asha was dating a politician who was known for his pro-isolationist views, but her views were tempered by the fact that Vreenak respected Asha and her wishes concerning their relationship.
As the two months of studying elapsed, Asha grew nervous. Finally, the day before the written exam arrived. Thorek distracted her as much as he could. Encrypted messages from her friends, including from Vreenak and Letant, arrived on her PADD.
Asha made sure to revise only little that day and take things calmly, strolling with her husband and Lilou in the woods. She went early to bed and rose early as well, taking time to eat her breakfast and go over her notes one last time. Thorek hugged her and Lilou snuggled against her knees as she left. Kihika drove their flitter to the Senate building. It was a comfort to have her faithful assistant accompanying her on the way. When the two women got out, Asha took a deep breath. They were standing in a large square with a statue in the middle.
"Okay, here goes," she said. Kihika patted her arm.
"You have studied so hard that you probably know our own history and culture better than we do," she said.
Asha laughed. "Kihika, my friend, I'm so glad you're here. Thank you."
Kihika's ears turned green, and she bowed her head to Asha. Then she looked up.
"They've sent two guards to escort you, my Lady. I will fetch you before noon."
She left, and Asha walked towards the two grim-looking Romulans, a woman and a man. They reminded her of the Tal Shiar prison guards. A scanning device was run over her, even over her head and bottom. She couldn't imagine anyone mincing their way into the Senate building with a cheat sheet stuck to their scalp or wedged up their posterior.
"This way, please," one of them said finally. Asha walked between them confidently, holding her head high. The building was huge, and during her tour, she had only seen a small part. She looked around. Although spartan and no-frills, the place was impressive precisely because of its plain style. High pillars and statues of prominent historical Romulans dominated the corridors. Paintings and carvings were on the walls. Asha spotted several images of the D'Deridex starship fleet and high-ranking Romulans, to judge from their outfits. One in particular caught her attention: a photograph of a proud and stern woman on the bridge of a starship, and a plaque behind her with Khazara written on it. She had heavy-lidded eyes and there was an arrestingly noble touch about her face. Asha slowed down her step for a closer look.
"Do not delay, please," one of the guards barked.
Asha obeyed. She was led to a small room with three chairs, a table and a PADD on it.
"Your exam questions are on this PADD. You have four hours. You can choose your beverage here, though if I remember correctly, water is the only option available for you," the female guard said, smiling rather unpleasantly. "If you need to use the bathroom, I will accompany you."
"Thank you," Asha said politely, longing to give her a kick.
The guards arranged their chairs so that they sat at either end of the room with Asha in front of them and in the middle. It was uncomfortable, but she decided to focus on the PADD. She breathed deeply, helped herself to some water and read the first question.
Describe Commander Toreth's role during the Dominion War.
Asha swallowed and wracked her brains. Then she remembered the picture she had seen on her way to the exam hall. Of course. Commander Toreth had been in charge of the Khazara and later on an ally of Commander Donatra during the Dominion War.
She began to write in fluent Kzhad.
The four hours passed quickly, during which she answered three questions as well as she could and also had to go through an interactive quiz which was very demanding and left her exhausted. She felt fairly confident after she was done, though her mind kept lingering on certain parts where she thought that she should have written more or less. Most of all, she was glad to have it behind her, and she hoped it would be sufficient to allow her to sit the oral exam. She underwent another scan after using the bathroom, much to her exasperation. She had to bite her tongue when the female Romulan guard said: "Please hold still" as if she were a badly behaved set'leth.
The guards escorted her back to the square and left her to her own devices next to the statue.
Kihika was already waiting. To her joy, Thorek and Lilou were with her. She hugged Kihika and flew into Thorek's arms.
"How was it, my ailhun?" he inquired tenderly.
"Exhausting," she said, burying her head against his shoulder. "But I think I did well."
"I don't see how you couldn't have done well," he said, stroking her hair. Asha bent and patted Lilou, who nuzzled her happily.
Then they went to have lunch together, and Lilou was taken to the pet corner to eat with the other patrons' set'leths.
Asha's oral exam would take place around three weeks later if the results from her written exam were accepted.
Waiting was the worst part, and she was completely distracted, constantly rearranging objects and decorations, and digging out her notes even in bed to double-check. She read up on her examiners' biographies and political stances several times. She kept running over possible errors in her answers and she was in too twitchy and jumpy to make love with Thorek, who began to view Asha's exam preparation PADDs as the death sentence to an exciting bedroom life.
"If I fail, at least I won't have to put up with those snooty guards again," she said, trying to sound jocular.
"Now, e'lev, let's wait and see what happens."
"Waiting is so bad."
"Sex is known to make time fly," he hinted heavily.
"After I get my results. Provided they're good. Until then, I'm forced to be abstinent."
"I'll keep you company," he remarked, smiling. Asha chuckled. Then she looked at him with wide eyes. Thorek was by now familiar with this phenomenon, and he waited patiently.
"I think I forgot to write how many Dominion starships Commander Toreth destroyed," she said. It was too much for Thorek. He burst out laughing. Asha glared at him. "It's not funny!"
He continued to laugh so hard that Lilou trotted upstairs to their bedroom and scratched at the door. Thorek reached out for the panel and pressed. The doors hissed open, and Lilou padded inside and lay down on the floor next to Asha's bedside. Thorek calmed down and turned towards Asha, who had also started to laugh. She fell asleep in his arms within five minutes.
It took a week for the exam results to arrive. Kihika solemnly carried the letter into the house.
"My Lady, post from the Senate," she announced.
Asha studied the letter grimly. She opened it and held the PADD in her hand. She was breathing fast, fighting against the trembling taking over her body as the adrenaline took over. Thorek put his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. She took a few deep breaths, activated the PADD with her thumbprint and retinal scan and closed her eyes for a moment. She read the PADD.
Then she began to laugh. "Second-highest score and distinction for my answer to question number 1. Signed by Senators Cretak and Tal'aura. Looks like Hiren wasn't roped in for the written part, and-" she was interrupted by Thorek hugging her so tightly that she was unable to speak.
"So much for Commander Toreth's number of downed Dominion ships," he whispered to her.
"I told you, my Lady, that you are more of an expert on our people than we ourselves are," Kihika said proudly. Asha threw her arms around Kihika as well. Lilou went rushing and barking around the house and finally outside into the garden.
She updated her friends about the news. Rhian, however, disapproved.
"You have to study for the oral part. I want only the highest score from you!" she said. "No student of mine is going to simply scrape through."
"But I didn't scrape through-"
"We are going over the weak parts of your exam answers."
"Rhian, no one can be perfect."
"You have to be perfect in order to get citizenship!" Rhian barked. Asha laughed and actually gave her a hug. Rhian blinked. "You are one of the most dedicated people I have ever known," she praised her. Rhian smiled, mollified.
Although Christine was delighted about Asha passing the written exam and passing it very well, her attitude was similar to Rhian's.
"We'll study for half an hour longer," she announced. "The oral exam is brutal and two hours! You can't dawdle and bask in the success of-"
"Christine, I know!" Asha almost howled.
Vreenak offered her his warmest congratulations per encrypted message, but he also shared Rhian and Christine's views on the upcoming oral exam. Asha tried to study even at night until Thorek gently removed the PADDs from her hands and told her that one sleepless night after the other was in fact setting her up for a rocky exam.
"While I agree that you have even more to offer during the oral exam, you need to be rested. Your friends mean well, but I mean better."
Asha laughed and snuggled into her husband's warmth. When she discovered that Vekal and Letant agreed with Thorek's stance, she compromised by studying with Christine and Rhian (who took an instant dislike to each other) at the same time.
"What a bossy person!" Christine burst out as soon as Rhian left.
"It takes one to know one," Asha said sweetly.
"Hey!" Christine exclaimed, glaring at her.
Asha grinned.
On the day of the oral exam, which was in the evening, Thorek, Kihika and Lilou accompanied her to the Senate building. She had worn one of her simple but elegant boat neck outfits and kept her jewellery to a minimum. Kihika had styled her hair carefully.
The same guards came to fetch her. They waited patiently while Thorek hugged her and whispered encouragements into her ear. As soon as they let go of each other, the guards stepped on either side of Asha, escorted her to the building, scanned her and guided her down the corridor with pillars and statues, but to a different room. It was large, with a huge raptor and lamps in the shape of raptors fastened to the walls and ceiling. The floor was of marble with green and grey flecks – the typical predominant Romulan colours. A lone chair with a small desk and a glass of water on it stood in front of a heavy-looking marble table with a glass top; and behind that table, three Romulans were seated.
The Romulan in the middle was unmistakably Senator Cretak with her austere angled face and keen assessing eyes.
A handsome woman with violet highlights in her hair and lipstick of a similar shade was seated to Cretak's left. Her dark eyes were boldly rimmed with black kohl. She cocked her head on one side and scanned Asha coolly, as if she, Asha, were an interesting object in a museum. On Cretak's other side sat a distinguished-looking man with grey hair and blue eyes. It was Vice-Proconsul Hiren. His gaze was shrewd and calculating as he locked eyes with Asha for a few seconds. One of the guards approached him and whispered into his ear. He nodded curtly. The guard left the room with her companion and locked the door behind them.
Asha looked closely at her examiners. They presented a stern front to her. There was not a smile or the slightest trace of softness gracing any of the three faces. She inclined her head gracefully with her hand on her heart. They bowed their heads in return. Senator Cretak gestured at the chair.
"I am Senator Kimara Cretak. Please take a seat." Cretak's tone was more gentle than her appearance.
Asha obeyed. The other two introduced themselves as well.
Romulans didn't indulge in small talk to lighten the atmosphere and set the candidate more at ease. They started at once.
Senator Cretak grilled her on her book. It was like what Christine had described to her while defending her PhD thesis during the viva.
"It has also come to my attention that you held a recital at a poetry reading hosted by my colleague Deihu tr'Vreenak last year," Cretak remarked.
Asha had been prepared for this observation. "Yes, that is correct."
"Are you in touch with the Senator?" Cretak inquired.
"No," she lied through her teeth. "Only with some of the participants who attended the reading."
"This is strange. I am…confused…" Vice-Proconsul Hiren paused delicately, "why one of my colleagues would invite a complete…stranger…to one of the most exclusive events hosted among senatorial circles."
Asha had thought of this, too. "I spoke with Deihu tr'Vreenak after he held a speech during the Spring Festival. Ihhai Vekal tr'Jo'rek and his wife received an invitation to attend the invent, and they in turn invited my husband and me. Deihu tr'Vreenak was interested in my attempts at learning more about Romulan poetry. In addition, my editor and publisher, Rhian t'Merek, is acquainted with members of some of the most distinguished circles."
"Ah, yes, she is one of those who vouched for you," Hiren said, scanning the PADD before him. "She has described you as a 'gifted xenolinguist and poet'. High praise indeed."
"You know several Earth languages," Tal'aura said, "and you correct children's essays written in Federation Standard. Still, our universal translator is very advanced, as is all our Romulan technology. Please explain the necessity of a Human translator on Romulus to us."
Asha offered some examples which only those intensely familiar with the language could know. Tal'aura had activated the universal translator lying before her on the table. It spat out gibberish when Asha gave it some Old and Middle English to process.
"We are hardly going to require Old and Middle English in these modern times," Hiren remarked. Asha noted that Cretak was silent, listening to her and her colleagues.
"What is language without its history? If I may be so bold, what is Rihan without the ancient High Vulcan from which it originates?" Asha asked.
Hiren frowned, Tal'aura raised an eyebrow, and Cretak smiled.
"Topics related to Vulcan are not popular hereabouts," Hiren said finally.
"Can the omission of unsavoury facts wipe out their existence?" Asha asked in return.
"That's enough, Ihhei t'Darak," Hiren said sternly. Asha's heart raced. She was doing what Christine had told not to do: getting into an argument with one of her examiners. She opened her mouth to apologise, but Cretak was faster.
"As I am responsible for Romulan literature, I have to admit that you have a point, Ihhei t'Darak," she said, and a faint smile touched her lips as she looked at Asha. "Vulcans and their language are related to us and our history. However, I also agree with the Vice-Proconsul. Old and Middle English are hardly going to be required on Romulus."
"That is true. Allow me to offer another example. And I'll have to ask you besides the universal translator to be my translators, if you are willing."
The three of them stared at her, then nodded. Asha noticed that her hands were starting to tremble slightly. All her friends had told her that confidence was paramount and she couldn't afford to show signs of nervousness.
She recited a short poem by 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson and asked each of them to translate it. They complied. When they were done, they looked at her. "We are waiting for the next step," Hiren said, sounding impatient.
"Please read them out to me."
They obeyed, and the universal translator said its own version.
Asha smiled. "Now, what did you notice?"
"Each translation is different," Tal'aura said finally.
"Exactly. Language is not language without the context and setting. Translation is about the tiniest nuances. Now, it is true that everyday language does not consist of poetry. But in educational and political circles, how language is used can be crucial. It can be like a weapon," Asha said.
"True. You have given us to understand that the universal translator has its limits," Tal'aura commented.
"As do flesh-and-blood translators, which is why we specialise in a chosen area. On Romulus, I have chosen to specialise in correcting children's essays in Federation Standard. I wish to contribute to the outstanding level of education Romulans enjoy."
Hiren looked sceptical, but Tal'aura and Cretak smiled.
"Now, I would like to know about how you arrived on Romulus," Hiren said mildly. There was complete silence for a few seconds.
"It was very...spontaneous," Asha answered smoothly, imitating Hiren's style by inserting small deliberate pauses.
"Spontaneous?" Hiren prodded gently.
Asha briefed the panel on the holonovel André and she had been writing.
"Then the Romulan embassy on Earth...arranged...for my trip from the space station I visited, but I suspect there was an error somewhere and our correspondence was lost. I didn't receive a notification, you see. As a result, I had no idea that I was going to be whisked away to Romulus on a surprise voyage and sabbatical, which would be expanded indefinitely."
Tal'aura actually bent her head to hide a smirk. Cretak managed to remain deadpan.
"Your marriage was of a similarly spontaneous nature, I recall," Hiren said.
"Yes, it was," she confirmed.
"Your book is dedicated to your husband. Why?" Tal'aura asked.
"Because he is one of the most wonderful people in my life. I love him, and he loves me," she said. Tal'aura smiled slightly.
"One of the guards told me as much," Hiren said finally. There was another silence.
"Let's move on to the culture and traditions of our people," Cretak said. They asked her about the basics of Romulan law, politics, festivals, and finally about marriage and family.
"Now," Hiren said, "you have preferred not to procreate."
Asha raised a mental pair of eyebrows. They were getting rather personal. A bit too personal for her taste.
"That is correct," she replied neutrally.
"Why?" Tal'aura asked.
"I would be an unfit mother. As a Human, I am past the best years for childbearing. Someone who is not fit for parenthood might have a child where the risk of it being unfit for Romulan society is high. Why waste Romulan resources and effort? Besides, having a child also means thinking of the society, state and empire as a whole."
"So for you, procreating means benefitting the Romulan state?"
"Yes. Just like your technology is advanced," she looked into Tal'aura's eyes, "surely it makes sense to have children who are on par with modern times."
"Yes, yes, quite," Tal'aura agreed.
"But most of all, I believe a child should be loved. I regard poetry as my child and humble contribution to the Romulan Star Empire."
"That hardly constitutes a family," Tal'aura remarked.
"Thorek and my friends are my family, and family is very important to me."
"Your husband has vouched for you," Hiren stated, looking at his PADD. "As have Vekal and Christine tir'Jo'rek, Rhian t'Merek and your physician Doctor Ruvasa t'Metak. Now, of course, if you are a full Romulan citizen, you will automatically renounce your Terran citizenship. A sacrifice, no doubt. Your fellow Humans might consider it a...betrayal."
"Like Romulans, Humans have different and individual thoughts on the matter. I cannot possibly have the temerity to speak for all my fellow Human beings. But I do feel certain that my family on Earth would never consider it a betrayal. And I think they would be proud of me, as I will always be proud of them."
She looked right into Hiren's eyes. It took courage, but it was something she felt she had to do. Hiren gave her a slight nod and made some notes on his PADD.
"Why do you want to become a Romulan citizen with full rights?" Cretak asked. The three pairs of eyes stared at her probingly.
"Because you deemed me worthy enough of the honour to send me an invitation. Besides, I believe it is unwritten etiquette to never refuse a Senator's invitation or offer."
Cretak smiled, and Tal'aura actually laughed. Even Hiren looked amused.
"We would like to hear more specific reasons," he clarified. "You were almost killed in the woods not far from your residence, and those who assaulted you were sentenced to working in the Reman mines. Sure you must not think of us as particularly...endearing?"
"Vice-Proconsul, there's a saying I grew up with: it takes all kinds to make a world. I was almost killed, but I also learnt that your people are kind, vibrant, witty, dedicated, passionate and so many things Humans are and aren't. My poetry is not only my child, but also a confession of love to Romulus and my deyhhan. It's as simple as that. I love it over here. I can't imagine my life without the Apnex Sea."
Cretak smiled and actually inclined her head towards her.
"My colleagues," she said, turning to Tal'aura and Hiren, "the two hours are up. Let us retire and discuss. We ask you to wait for half an hour while we decide. Thank you."
They rose and left the room. Asha was left all alone. She was stiff with sitting, her leg muscles hurt from the tension, and she felt drained. She rose and walked around a little. There was a vase of lagga flowers at one end of the table, and she bent to breathe in their aroma.
