"You want to own a bar?" Oallae's eyebrows raised to her hairline.
Havraha chuckled lightly and shook his head. Small sounds came from his lute as he picked at it. "Oh, it is merely a passing thought. A quite intriguing one, no? Would spark interest, wouldn't you say?"
"I'll say. A Romulan-owned bar on Earth?" T'Anahos snorted, bringing the glass of Havraha's newest experiment to his lips. It had a pleasant taste. Like a fruitier and less potent variant of kali-fal. No cocoa, couldn't get drunk off it.
But getting drunk wasn't the night's goal. Not now. Now was the time for friends to know each other again, before duty separated them once more.
"I think that would spark a little more than interest," Oallae mused, "Didn't you say your hiring caused a bit of drama?"
Havraha hummed, scratching behind Aensai's crest as she laid beside him. Finding a job had been rough. Not completely unfamiliar to him, being clanless. "My being allowed a home on Terra sparked drama. So did it for us all."
"Our presence in general caused quite a bit of drama." T'Anahos pointed out. An amused edged to an otherwise cold truth. "Still does - but," setting straighter, he raised his glass, "that didn't stop us. Never will. We faced all the resistance in the universe and more. We made it this far, we will continue to."
"Got that right!"
"As the Terrans say: here, here!"
They downed the drinks. Or Havraha tried. Aensai had chosen that time to wake and took a vestige interest the glass' shiny contents. "Hey! This is not for you! Come now, go down!"
"Aensai..."
Oallea shook her head lightly, "Always the demanding one."
Hav's glass secured on the side table, a mirthful hum escaped him, "Ah, but I know something you will prefer!" Aensai eyed the small packet he produced from his coat's many pockets. "They seem similar to what Set'leths eat. A type of rodent jerky meant for some Terran pet reptiles..." Aensai licked the meat. Blues rippled across her scale before she snatched the jerky and tore into it.
T'Anahos huffed a laugh, "Well, safe to say she likes it!" However, he couldn't help the minor worry to check on Aensai later. Havraha would not chose foods carelessly. But one never knew...
The sun lit the horizon by the time T'Anahos returned home. Relaxed and softly singing a Romulan tune. One normally heard in a tavern, but jovial. Aensai laid asleep in one arm while the other carried some of the jerky. She showed no ill effects, so T'Anahos accepted to take some of it.
Carpet barked at him from the sheep fields.
"My, yer back late! Have a nice time with yer friends, dear?" Xenia's eyes glittered cheerily. She was normally up the earliest. Henry and Abeny the other two.
"Leo back? He still up for breakfast?" Henry called from the kitchen.
The smell and sizzle of eggs made T'Anahos purr lightly. "I had a pleasant time with them, thank you. And breakfast sounds lovely."
"There'll be enough for you. Go get cleaned up before Donovan hogs the hot water again."
T'Anahos huffed a laugh and left to his room. He gently laid Aensai down then checked his PADD. Left that behind as to not worry about duties.
Some updates on the ship to look over... Crew reports most notably.
A reminder for the upcoming Change in Command.
A message from Spock about some science thing that excited him which made T'Ana smile.
And something that gave him pause and a raised brow: a message from James T. Kirk. Requesting to meet.
Not-so-subtle paranoia clawed at his mind. Misplaced, most likely. From what he had seen of James, the captain was merely curious. As one should be. Not just to be a captain but regarding their second officer. And T'Anahos remembered how Pike said that was the case.
Slow breathes eased the paranoid down. Simple courtesy. Nothing more. Besides, T'Anahos could not deny his own curiosity toward the new captain. He had already determined he liked him well enough. Though had not gotten the chance to speak with him one-on-one. This was a great opportunity.
It was just a matter of when.
He set the PADD down and took a shower. He could reply after breakfast and that morning's chores.
T'Anahos wasn't sure what all he had expected from meeting James that day. Horse back riding was not one of them.
They had rented two appaloosas for that evening.
"Didn't know you were the horse-type."
"Magnificent creatures like these, who can resist? Something about gaining their trust. Gentle but demanding respect. Besides, I wouldn't have taken Romulan as a horse person either." He lightly joked with an inquiring edge. "I guess the McCoys had an influence?"
"In part. Learned all I could about them when I first saw them." T'Anahos gave his mount an appreciative glance. Briefly admiring its coat. "I honestly believe they'd be quite popular on Romulus. A glorious beast capable of many talents? I'd think a Romulan a fool for not likin' them!"
"I think I might agree with you!"
"Do you own any horses?"
"Me? Nah. Never had the chance. Starfleet and all… I live in space. Pretty much always have. Makes time for the outdoors precious to me."
T'Anahos understood that well. Being in space for so long - on ships and stations -, he occasionally longed for a bit of a fresher air now and then. The air of home, in particular.
The trail was quiet save for animals. A vast field of green, lightly populated with trees. They weren't long into their ride and had passed a few returning riders. T'Anahos watched in fondness as a bird passed by.
He cast a curious glance toward James not for the first time that day. "I heard you used to instruct?"
"Federation History." James said, matter-of-fact with a hint of pride. "Impressed my instructors enough to be assigned to teach it to some cadets. Gained a bit of a reputation among the students..."
An amused smirk slowly spread across T'Anahos' lips. "Didn't go easy on them, I'm guessin'?"
"Wanted to make sure they learned." James shrugged with a smile. "Have you ever gotten to instructed, Mr. Duvek?"
"I've done trainin' drills. Rundowns of tactics and security measures." T'Anahos paused, then sighed, "I admit I had wanted to teach somethin' science related. Chemistry, maybe biology. Never got that opportunity." He wasn't sure if he ever would have. He was luc- grateful to had enough respect as a Major that his status as half-Terran didn't get much in the way of training Uhlans. There were moments, yes, but any snark remarks he assumed was kept behind his back.
"A bit surprising hearing that, given you decided to go into security."
"I thought about the science division. Had interest in medical, if you can believe it. Healin' people..." Memories of watching M'Benga and Chapel treat injured crew came to the front of his mind. The brief conversations with M'Benga and Chapel about medicine... "But I didn't think I'd be a good doctor. 'Sides, I have more than a few concerns with Starfleet's security. Can still help keep people safe."
"I remember hearing my brother talk about your complaints," James raised an amuse brow at T'Ana's snort. Now there was a reputation he was aware of. "Just speaks to your care, I think. And head of one's department is no easy feat. Must be quite skilled at your duties."
T'Anahos felt a bit of pride swell. He hoped as much. Adjusting to Starfleet's methodology was not easy. Admittedly, he had softened some in his time under Pike. Still didn't agree with Starfleet a lot. Likely never would. But he could adapt. So long as his crewmates felt safe and were safe. "I do what I can. Last thing we need is the ship gettin' hacked or an impersonator runnin' amok."
"I heard you liked to stay on top of personnel files, as well?"
"Not an easy feat. It's, ah," T'Anahos rubbed the back of his neck, "I'll admit it's a habit from my Tal'Shiar days. Although, I'm not as strict about it now. It gets tirin', tryin' to remember everyone."
"Even us captain don't know everyone in our crew. 300 people, several of them rotating out, would be too much to remember."
That was true. All of it. Hell, most Romulan commanders didn't know everyone. It was days like this T'Anahos questioned how those in Tal'Shiar did, including himself. Then again, the Tal'Shiar was its own beast. He was particularly glad to not worry about that anymore. Only check to verify certain crew if need be.
"This "Tal'Shiar", was it a family thing?"
"What? Oh, no." But the idea of that...how would his life have gone? The thought of Fveikey being forced into it...after all the effort of them hiding her psychic abilities... He quickly pushed the thought aside. "My uncles, father, and sister were all regular military. Though one of my great-aunts was Tal'Shiar. Otherwise, it was just me." And had been since he began training for service. He did not remember exactly why he was recruited. But it did not matter. If the Tal wanted you to join, you had no choice. And there was little way out once in.
Tal'Shiar service...the memories of it - of the things seen and done - always threatened to dry his throat. James noticed the way he bristled, so he changed the topic. "You have a sister?"
That hour saw them talking about their siblings and families. What they were willing to share. T'Anahos finally hearing James' perspective of the stories Sam had told. How they both missed their siblings. Envy gripped at T'Anahos, knowing James could contact Sam at any time. Without fear for either's life. But there wasn't anything James could do about it. He was not at fault. T'Anahos knew who was...
But to talk about family again was freeing in a strange way. Despite all his worries for them.
At some point, they ended up on the topic of their careers. More specifically, their experiences with Starfleet. James' fast climb up the ranks, and the Romulan trio's eventual encounter with Pike.
The sun had nearly disappeared by the time they returned. Much to the handler's annoyance. They apologized for accidentally taking longer than the allotted time, though didn't let it sour the mood and returned to discussing the differences in Romulan and Terran literature.
tr'Duvek exhaled. Time seemed to pass too quickly at home. He finished putting his stuff away and gave the familiar quarters a once over. Aensai laid asleep on the bed. Several times did he question if it was wise to keep her on the ship. Even the McCoys expressed concern. Furthermore, there were those who discouraged bringing beloved pets, but the overall thoughts on it were mixed.
But he could not bare leaving Aensai behind. She was too important to him. One of the beings who kept him sane growing up.
He gave her a quick gentle pet, careful not to wake her, before leaving to the cargo bay.
The Enterprise was to depart within that week. The crew was required to start settling in and do diagnostics in the days leading up to the ship's departure. Duvek particularly wanted to get familiar with the new crew and systems.
He wasn't quite sure if Pike wandering the decks was surprising. Or the new chief engineer talking with him.
Duvek was aware of Montgomery Scott. They had met years ago on a Gorn planet some UFP citizens unknowingly settled. A rather horrifying day. The slaughter...
Scotty was pleasant. Did not seem to care much about T'Anahos and Oallae being Romulans. Instead, he had asked if they could share a drink next time they met. Preferably with any Romulan Ale or Whiskey they had.
The Enterprise's departure would be a good time to take that invite. Duvek even kept what Ale he had left in his quarters.
"Rest assured, sir, she'll be in good hands." Scotty grinned, no doubt talking about the Enterprise.
"Wouldn't doubt it for a second." Pike said without hesitation. "I just wish I had the chance to see you care for her."
"Captain Pike, or do we say Fleet Captain Pike now? And Commander Scott, good to see you again." Duvek greeted with a nod.
"Commander Duvek, I was hoping to see you today!" Pike said, beaming, then chuckled, "And you don't have to say fleet captain. Captain is just fine."
Scotty pointed at Duvek, recognition dawning on him with what Duvek assumed was pleasant surprise. "I know you! I see Starfleet didn't run ya off after all!"
"They'd have to try harder."
Scotty snorted approvingly, "Well, it's good ta see ya again! Where's the lass?"
"Oallae? Chief Engineer of the Yorktown."
"Well, ye've both gotten far! Though, I admit I hopin' ta meet both of ya again."
Duvek bet Oallae would've liked to see Scotty again, too. Now that he thought about it, Havraha would have gotten along well with Scotty. "Another time, perhaps."
"Ah, well, I've gotta get back down to engineerin'. Those diagnostics aren't gonna run themselves! It was nice talkin' with you, gentlemen!" Scotty turned to leave but paused, addressing Duvek again, "Would you still be willin' to share a drink with me later?"
"That sounds lovely." Duvek grinned and Scott gave a satisfied nod before leaving.
"Thanks for the tour!" Pike called after him, getting a "My pleasure!" in return.
"Wanted to see the ship one last time, I'm guessin'?"
Sighing, Pike stared at the walls in longing. "Yeah... Wanted to see her one last time before she officially departs."
Strange it was, how one could become so attached to a ship. Memories of commanders with similar sentiments flitted through Duvek's mind. But he could not find himself disagreeing. Perhaps in the past. Back with his hectic bouncing from ship to ship, to finally station. But now, with the Enterprise his longest service on a ship, he doubted he could easily leave her either. Too many memories. Too much purpose gained. Too many friends and allies still there.
No, he didn't doubt, he knew. Starfleet would have to pry his corpse off this ship. Or give her a particularly insufferable captain.
An amusing thought of him becoming the Enterprise's captain swirled in his mind. A Romulan, commanding the Federation flagship? Laughable. He doubted they would want him in command of any ship, much less the flagship.
Brushing the musings aside, he returned to the conversation. "Can't say I blame you."
"But I know she's in good hands. Kirk's a promising captain and I know you, Spock, and Uhura will keep him in check." Pike smiled at Duvek's snort.
"We'll certainly try." Thinking back on his meeting with Kirk, he agreed with Pike's assessment. The man appeared responsible enough. Charismatic, charming. An adventurous air about him suited for space exploration. "But I think we'll be just fine." The worst that could happen was Kirk insisting to go on every away mission.
"Just don't get into too much trouble, you hear?" Pike said lightly joking. In space, trouble seemed to find them wherever they went, no matter how careful. Danger was part of the adventure. Pike sighed, "Well, I'm sure you got duties to attend to. I think I better get going. Don't want to start second guessing myself, do I?" There was a deeper pain in his eyes. One Duvek had seen before but never knew the reason for. There was something more than just giving up the Enterprise. Like an acceptance of fate...
Whatever it was, it was not for Duvek to know. Instead, he inclined his head and gave a bittersweet smile. "I suppose not. Take care, captain."
"Likewise, commander."