Naruto: Infinity Divide
Shadows of the Empire
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter we get a peek at the Romulan side of things. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
Last time:
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin
T'Lyra was laying in her bunk thinking as her friend Brea slept in her own bunk in their shared quarters. "I can practically feel my mate's brain working at warp speed. What is he up to?" she whispered aloud. 'Ever since my telepathy has been expanded, I can feel him all the way out here on Mars. This is quite intriguing.'
Late that night she called Naruto on her tablet to see what her blonde mate was up to. Naruto picked up and said in a pleased tone, "T'Lyra, how are you?"
"I am well." said T'Lyra with happiness in her eyes. "Do you have time to talk?"
Naruto gave a tiny smile and said, "For you, always. How are things on the Darwin?"
"Things are well here." said T'Lyra. "I was more curious as to how things are with you. Since my telepathy has grown, I can sense intense moods from you all the way out here in orbit of Mars."
Naruto raised his eyebrows in shock. "How fascinating." he said. "I was having a meeting with Admiral Tolm of the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair earlier. You probably sensed my heightened stress levels."
"Is it anything you can discuss?" asked T'Lyra.
The blonde shook his head. "Not on an open frequency. Perhaps we should see if we can transmit our thoughts to each other instead."
The young couple enjoyed each other's company for the next hour or so before they both decided to turn in for the night.
Naruto went to sleep once again dreaming of his Vulcan Wildflower Princess…
…
Chapter 21
Stardate 2272.240, Romulan Starbase 1, Planet Romulus, Eisn System, Tarod Sector, Romulan Star Empire
Romulan Admiral Vrex looked out the transparent aluminum window of his office at the newly refitted Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar, a K5R Frigate*①. It was a sleek little ship, but it was of Klingon origin. The frigate was refitted with Romulan plasma torpedoes and of course, a cloaking device. As the Klingon type ships were few and far between it was considered prestigious to command one of these ships. He turned to his female secretary and said, "Send for Subcommander Kurenai*②. I have made my decision Liviana."
His secretary Liviana saluted and said, "As you command sir."
Kurenai was very young to have attained her rank. At 22 years of age, she was already a Subcommander. She was considered a rising star in the Empire with her meteoric climb through the ranks. Kurenai wore her curly black hair long and had very unusual red eyes. She was blessed with a brilliant strategic and tactical mind and was very beautiful to boot. One of her previous superiors had offered her advancements in exchange for sexual favors but he mysteriously disappeared while on shore leave. Coincidentally Kurenai was promoted to take his place shortly thereafter.
Now Kurenai was very nervous though she was doing her best to hide it. Admiral Vrex had summoned her. She had been serving aboard the War Eagle*③ RIS Acheron as first officer and had just finished a border patrol. Why the Admiral had called upon her was unknown to the young Romulan woman. It was highly unusual for a staff officer of her rank to even speak to an Admiral. Squaring her shoulders Kurenai followed Admiral Vrex's secretary Liviana into the man's office where she stood at attention and saluted crisply. She said, "Subcommander Kurenai reporting as ordered sir."
The gray-haired Admiral was still looking out the window seemingly ignoring Kurenai. After a pregnant pause Admiral Vrex said, "At ease Subcommander. Liviana, leave us. The secretary saluted and left. When the door slid shut the Admiral said, "Subcommander Kurenai, stand beside me and look out the window. Speak freely and tell me what you see."
Kurenai stepped forward and said, "I see a sea of stars waiting for the Romulan Star Empire to conquer it."
The Admiral raised an eyebrow at her almost poetic answer. He gave a slight smile and said, "And what do you think of these new Klingon ships like the Scimitar?" He pointed at the K5R docked nearby.
"I believe they are the most powerful ships we have…for now." said Kurenai. "Within a decade our own new designs will overtake and eclipse the ships the Klingons have provided us. It is only a matter of time."
"You have a unique outlook Subcommander Kurenai." said Admiral Vrex. "I know many Commanders and Subcommanders that would gladly give up a limb to command a newly rebuilt Klingon ship."
Kurenai nodded. "As do I sir. They are concerned with personal prestige rather than serving the Emperor."
Vrex nodded in agreement. "I have been reviewing your records Kurenai. I had seven candidates in mind to command the RIS Scimitar. Many are related to nobility in the ruling houses. Their relatives feel those candidates should have the Scimitar to bring glory to their families. After careful scrutiny of their records, I came to a decision. You are the officer I want in command of that ship."
Kurenai's red eyes widened, and she bowed low, "I would be deeply honored to command the RIS Scimitar sir."
"Then you have a ship and crew to work up on the Scimitar's post rebuild shakedown cruise Subcommander Kurenai." said Admiral Vrex. He handed her the orders that verified her promotion to command a starship for the first time. Also included was the itinerary for the ship's shakedown cruise…
…
Stardate 2272.241, Starfleet Academy, Starfleet Education Hall, Class: Survival I & II, San Francisco, Planet Earth, United Federation of Planets
The entire Think Tank was dreading Survival Class. Why? Their not-so-great instructor Lieutenant Franz who had an axe to grind with them. That was when a big, burly man in his fifties ambled into the room. He had full commander's bars on his lapels and a thick gray beard and mustache. He spoke in a gravelly voice that carried a great deal of authority, "Good afternoon, Class, I'm Commander Jonathan Carmichael and I'll be your instructor from now on." He walked across the front of the classroom like a big predator and said, "I've looked over your first semester of this class and I would call it a disaster."
The entire class cringed…
"The method of teaching the class last semester was a waste of your time and that of Starfleet's." said the big man. "You can't read a book and be thrown out in the field. This is about survival, realistic survival. We're going to be spending ten days in Antarctica camping. I will be there with you teaching about polar survival. Together we'll learn to live off the land and make do with the barest of materials. Let me give you an example. Let's say your nice, cozy survival tent is destroyed or damaged for some reason or other. What do you do for shelter, so you don't die of exposure? On old Earth the Inuit people built their homes out of snow called igloos. The same could be said of Andorians near the poles of Andor though they had other names for their homes depending on the region. There are numerous similar examples throughout the galaxy."
"I am a survivalist, and I will teach you how to be the same." said Carmichael. "Read your two chapters on Polar Survival I & II tonight and be ready for a trip to Antarctica in two days where we will put that knowledge to the test. Where that fails is when you will really start to learn. It's going to be rough, but this is to keep you alive so learn your lessons well. The rest of class is study hall so you can read your lesson's text. Your lives will depend on it someday." Carmichael then lumbered back to his seat at the instructor's desk and said, "If you have a question then speak up and I will answer you."
Rafi raised her hand and asked, "Why are we reading the chapters on Polar Survival I & II when there are two sessions?"
Carmichael said in a gruff tone, "The first reason is because I said so. The second reason is your first semester was wasted so we're making up for lost time. Trust me, you can handle both the basics and the advanced in one trip."
Numerous questions were raised but the grizzled instructor answered them all without missing a beat.
'This old guy is kind of cool.' thought Samui. The rest of the class felt the same…
…
Stardate 2272.248, Antarctica, Scott Base
A week later the Think Tank was halfway through their polar training and was working hard hunting seals, fish and penguins for food. The vegetarians in the group were rather disgusted with eating animal flesh but Carmichael assured them that eating whatever was available was what they would have to do in a real-life situation. They also dispensed with the survival tents and rations by this point. They still had their phasers and communicators but that was it.
Carmichael invited Shar to lecture a bit to the others about how they lived at the poles of Andor. It was hard, brutal living but the Think Tank soon adapted to their environs, and they were living in igloos for the time being. Shelly Wilson was in the same igloo as M'rella (who wished she had thicker fur), Samui Schrodinger and Rafi. Shelly said, "I have to say that Commander Carmichael really knows his stuff. I've learned more on this trip than I did the whole of last semester."
"I agree." said Rafi. "The old man is harsh, but I feel confident we could survive under these conditions. What do you suppose we'll do next?"
"The Commander didn't give us an itinerary so who knows?" said M'rella. "I just hope it's warmer."
After ten days the Think Tank was onboard a heavy shuttle on their way back to the Academy. Despite a bit of frostbite, they were in genuinely in high spirits and felt they'd really accomplished something. Antarctica had been a challenge, but they had overcome it.
They found that Commander Carmichael was the real deal and learning from an expert was light years ahead of a rank amateur like Lieutenant Franz…
…
"Personal Log of Naruto M'Fau: Stardate 2272.253. We have returned to Starfleet Academy and though tired; we as a group feel we have made real progress. Cadet Daniel Simmons has been investigating the disappearance of Lieutenant Franz at the behest of the others in the Think Tank and it seems that he is no longer stationed at Starfleet Academy. Franz faced a board of inquiry and lost a grade in rank because of his actions last semester. As Cadets we do not he authority to delve any further into the subject but suffice it to say he will not be teaching here anymore. Regardless he was an inferior instructor anyway. Conversely Commander Carmichael is outstanding in both knowledge and teaching ability. I for one believe we are fortunate to have him."
…
Stardate 2272.259, Romulan Frigate RIS Scimitar, Nimbus Sector, Romulan Star Empire
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2272.259: Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar. Subcommander Kurenai reporting. My crew is performing well considering most of them are transfers from other vessels that are unfamiliar with the Klingon layout of the Scimitar. As we are only starting the third week of our shakedown cruise it is to be expected. I am generally pleased with my staff though there are rough edges that need to be worked out…"
The RIS Scimitar was on her shakedown cruise for the customary 90 days before joining the fleet proper in an assigned squadron. Subcommander Kurenai was whipping the contingent of 200 officers and crew aboard the Scimitar into shape to make sure her ship and crew were the best and most cohesive unit in the Romulan Navy. Kurenai's first officer was a Centurion named Vandus. He was much older than Kurenai and hadn't ever attempted for a command position. Vandus was quite happy to serve in the fleet as a first officer and had for decades under many commanders.
Kurenai was running her crew through combat drills daily and they were starting to become the unit that Kurenai wanted them to be. It was then that the Scimitar received an unusual set of orders. It was a coded audio only message from Romulan High Command: [RIS Scimitar; proceed to the Chaltok System to the planet Chaltok IV. The Research Outpost there is under attack by unknown forces.]
Centurion Vandus turned to Kurenai and said, "Subcommander Kurenai, this ship is still on its shakedown cruise; we aren't ready for real combat yet."
'It's no wonder Vandus has never been promoted with an attitude like that.' she thought with a smirk. "Fortune favors us. The forge of combat will serve to temper the Scimitar into a mighty blade for the Empire." she said with authority. Kurenai pivoted in her command chair and started giving out her orders rapid fire:
"Communications, inform High Command that the Scimitar acknowledges her orders."
"Navigation, plot a course for Chaltok IV."
"Helm, once the course is laid in make flank speed until we reach the edge of the Chaltok System where we will engage our cloaking device."
Kurenai got on the overhead and said with a hard tone on her voice, "This is Subcommander Kurenai speaking. Yellow alert. This is not a drill. All stations prepare for possible combat. That is all."
Vandus sweat dropped. The Centurion thought to himself, 'That is all…?'
…
An hour later Kurenai was rapidly reading over the information on Chaltok IV on her monitor. 'Chaltok IV, site of the polaric ion energy experiment nine years ago. It almost destroyed the planet. Who knows what doomsday device they are working on now? Scientists do foolish things at times…'
The Scimitar was under cloak with all weapons charged as it crested the blue-green world Chaltok IV. As they cleared the horizon they saw an Orion Pirate Cruiser. Kurenai ordered, "Sciences keep the sensors passive and try to identify that cruiser as we close the range."
Her sub lieutenant at the sensor station said, "Ship identified; it is the Orion Pirate Cruiser Death Sting which operates with the Pharaoh Pirate Cartel."
"What is the Death Sting's weapons status?" asked Kurenai.
The Sensor Tech answered, "They appear to be at condition blue. They are in geosynchronous orbit over the research outpost conducting landing operations via transporter. Their shields are down at present. Our current range 90,000 kilometers."
Kurenai ordered, "Close us to 50,000 kilometers and begin uncloaking. Activate fire control the moment that happens. Once we have a lock launch our two plasma torpedoes and fire the two forward phasers. Gunnery, aim for the engines. I want their power systems knocked out."
…
Orion Pirate Cruiser Death Sting, Bridge
"Boarding parties have landed Captain. There is no sign of resistance other than them barricading the research outpost and sending out distress calls which we have jammed." said the first officer.
The Captain grunted, "Without any Romulan ships in the Nimbus Sector targets like these are easy pickings. I'm going to the galley to grab some chow. Page me if anything interesting happens."
"Aye sir." answered the first officer as the Captain took the turbolift down.
…
RIS Scimitar, Bridge
Kurenai said calmly, "You all have your orders. Begin dropping cloaking device in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Execute!
…
Orion Pirate Cruiser Death Sting, Bridge
"A Romulan vessel just appeared aft of us! RAISE THE SHIELDS BEFORE-"
The bridge crew died in an instant. Two plasma torpedoes followed by two phasers from the Scimitar's bow demolished the Orion Pirate ship and sent it spinning out of control and out of orbit of Chaltok IV.
…
RIS Scimitar, Bridge
The crew cheered as the hulk of the Orion ship spun away from them and detonated. First officer Vandus said, "A textbook ambush Subcommander."
Kurenai smiled in victory and said, "Yellow alert. That was the first of many victories for the Scimitar, Centurion Vandus. Mark my words. Now let's get the research outpost clear of any remaining Orions."
…
"Ship's Log Suplemental: Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar. Subcommander Kurenai reporting. Today the RIS Scimitar was blooded, and my crew is in high spirits. We are currently in orbit of Chaltok IV under cloak in case of more pirate activity. We managed to capture seven Orion personnel from the surface and the rest were eliminated without any casualties to my crew or the outpost scientists. The pirates seemed to be aware that no regular fleet units were in the Nimbus Sector and were shocked at our sudden appearance. I am concerned that we have a security leak and have informed Romulan High Command of my suspicions. There is no other reason the pirates would have been so lax. Had they been on alert and had their weapons and shields on standby the battle would not have been so easy…"
…
Stardate 2272.262, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin, United Federation of Planets
T'Lyra watched as the new warp core was installed via work bees into the warp shaft of the Darwin that she helped build. Technicians were all over making sure that everything was aligned to the last micrometer. It was very interesting to her and once the core was seated the hundreds of attachment points were locked into place. The construction crew cheered when it was announced that the fitting of the warp core was a success.
Brea said, "That was awesome Chief Rodney!"
He chuckled and said, "These outside warp core techs are really something. That's how to do it right."
T'Lyra asked, "How long will it be before the core is hooked into the main and subsystems? We already have the pylons installed for the engines."
The old Chief said, "There will be two to four weeks of testing before the core is certified for service and hooked into the warp power shafts to the engines. If the tiniest thing is wrong with it, then it could spell disaster for the ship. There was once I saw a refitted core go so bad that they had to eject it during the test phase. The whole Fleet repair Dock and the old light cruiser U.S.S. Macedonia shook like an earthquake when the core exploded several kilometers away. It was scary."
"I've never heard of such a thing happening sir." said another Engineer's Mate.
Rodney simply said, "Starfleet doesn't like to talk about failures like that. It makes us look bad when trillions of credits go up in smoke. –Looks like they are lighting it up for the first time."
The warp core slowly began to glow as the technicians made adjustments. Soon it was humming at a steady pace and the glowing leveled out in a light blue color.
"The dilithium crystals are in place but there is no antimatter involved yet." said Chief Rodney.
"It sounds like a long and drawn-out process." said Brea Mathuin.
The old Chief replied, "It has to be."
…
Stardate 2272.270, Romulan Starbase 1, Planet Romulus, Eisn System, Tarod Sector, Romulan Star Empire
Admiral Vrex saw the RIS Scimitar cruise gracefully into dock with the Starbase from his office window. The frigate had been out on its shakedown cruise for a month and was there to resupply. The Admiral was concerned about a possible leak in the Empire regarding Fleet Movements. The first person to pick up on this was Subcommander Kurenai and the Orion prisoners she brought back confirmed her suspicions. Vrex wanted to keep the investigation in Navy hands and had assigned Commander Charvenek*④ to start an inquiry. She had already started but unfortunately the Tal Shiar*⑤ dispatched a full Colonel to 'help' with the investigation.
The Tal Shiar Colonel's name was Thei and he didn't trust anybody including Admiral Vrex. Likewise, Vrex didn't trust Colonel Thei a bit either. When Kurenai arrived with the prisoners she was greeted by Commander Charvenek. The two exchanged salutes and Charvenek smiled. "Welcome Kurenai; back when you served under me you were just a Centurion helmsman. Now you are a Subcommander and have your own ship. Very nicely done."
Kurenai bowed. "Thank you for your praise, Commander; I am honored."
"Are the prisoners with you?" asked the Commander.
The red eyed beauty shook her head. "They are still in the brig of the Scimitar pending the transfer orders from Starbase security."
'Always by the book.' thought Charvenek. She said, "Walk with me Kurenai. There is much to discuss." As the two women walked along Charvenek lowered her voice so only Kurenai could hear. She said, "The Admiral agrees with your assessment that there is a security leak. I was assigned to the investigation, but the Tal Shiar got involved. A Colonel named Thei will probably be breathing down your neck so be prepared."
Kurenai nodded and said, "I will be ready."
Hours later the prisoners had been transferred and Kurenai had the distinct displeasure of meeting Colonel Thei. He was very average looking, but his beady eyes were hard and constantly moving. Kurenai suspected the man was paranoid from his demeanor. Thei was questioning her and asked. "How did you know to be near the Chaltok System to begin with? It seems awfully convenient that you were in the right place at the right time."
Kurenai bristled slightly and said to Thei, "The course we plotted was between Starbase 1 and Base Station 15 where we were to resupply. It cuts right through the Nimbus Sector's dead center and Chaltok IV was easily reached from our flightpath."
Thei said, "Then why did you go to the Chaltok System to begin with?"
The Subcommander leaned back a bit and she said, "We received a coded message from Romulan High Command that ordered us to go to Chaltok IV because they were under attack from unknown forces."
The Tal Shiar officer smiled coldly. "Romulan High Command never sent out such a message Subcommander. This could look very bad for you."
Kurenai's red eyes flashed with anger. "It was in High Command's code and frequency. The ship's computer can verify that. You are lying Colonel."
Colonel Thei looked like he'd been slapped, "How dare you accuse me! I am with the Tal Shiar!"
"Retrieve the records from the Scimitar and you'll see that I'm right." said Kurenai smugly.
…
Communications room, Romulan Starbase 1
Colonel Thei, Kurenai, Admiral Vrex and Commander Charvenek were listening to the message sent to the Scimitar. A Tal Shiar Major named Rul and Starbase 1's top communications specialist Centurion Taris was examining the audio playback from the Scimitar's computers.
[RIS Scimitar; proceed to the Chaltok System to the planet Chaltok IV. The Research Outpost there is under attack by unknown forces.]
Major Rul said, "This message is 100% authentic. Romulan High Command must have sent it from the Capitol."
Thei looked constipated and said, "That's impossible! High Command's records show no such message was transmitted."
The communications specialist Taris turned to the Major Rul and said, "The message was piggybacked onto High Command's frequency. There is a three-millisecond delay that you missed Major."
Major Rul blushed in embarrassment and Colonel Thei looked triumphant. "There is the proof I needed."
Centurion Taris said, "The only reason I could detect it was because our equipment is tied in with special sensors. There is no way a frigate like the Scimitar could have detected this anomaly. I would wager that only a command ship or scout ship would have the equipment to do so."
Colonel Thei looked peeved at his Major and said, "Verify what he's saying idiot!"
After the communications specialist Taris explained to Major Rul what to do it was confirmed. The Major said, "The evidence is conclusive that the orders did not come from Romulan High Command at the Capital. It is also conclusive that Subcommander Kurenai and the crew of the Scimitar had no way of knowing. They were just following orders."
Kurenai said, "Then there is someone in there that is aware of the pirate situation and is trying to remedy it. The question is who." She glared at Thei and said, "You owe me a big apology mister."
Thei just snorted dismissively and said, "Subcommander Kurenai and the crew of the Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar are cleared of blame."
The red eyed Subcommander said to the Centurion Taris, "If I were to give you the exact coordinates that the Scimitar was at when we received the false message could you account for the three-millisecond delay?"
"It might be possible." Taris responded.
Kurenai got on her communicator and said, "Kurenai to Scimitar, do you copy?"
Her communicator crackled. "This is RIS Scimitar. Centurion Vandus here Subcommander. How may I serve?"
"I need the exact coordinates of the Scimitar at the time we received the coded message." said Kurenai.
"Complying." said her first officer. "Stand by."
Five minutes later the Starbase 1 communications specialist had the data and was plotting out coordinates on the map that the message could have come from. It took nearly an hour but after using the process of elimination Taris came up with an answer. "Romulus' communications relay tower is one very obvious option. The other option is Listening Outpost 53 in the Japori System near the Federation Neutral Zone."
Colonel Thei gasped. "Outpost 53 is right in the center of the Pharaoh Pirate Clan zone of operations."
Admiral Vrex had them zoom the display on the Listening Outpost. He looked over at Thei and said. "For you to know that so readily you must have a spy there Thei."
Thei looked away and said, "I don't know what you are talking about."
"I'll bet." said the Admiral. He turned to Commander Charvenek and said, "Get your squadron ready to sortie to Listening Outpost 53 and clean it out. I believe there is a pirate infestation that needs to be dealt with."
…
RIS Praetorian, Bridge
Commander Charvenek had her squadron of three KR type heavy cruisers*⑥ ready to go within the hour. The RIS Praetorian was her flagship and with it were the RIS Patrician and RIS Kestrel which rounded out her squadron. Flying escort to this powerful cruiser group was the frigate RIS Scimitar with Kurenai in command. Colonel Thei was also on the Praetorian as an 'observer' and Major Rul was aboard the Scimitar.
Charvenek transmitted to the other ships, "This is Commander Charvenek to all vessels. We will be travelling to Romulan Listening Outpost 53 in the Japori System under cloak so as not to alert any pirates or Federation ships across the Neutral Zone. All ships fall into diamond formation and match speeds with the Praetorian. Ahead warp factor four."
…
Stardate 2272.271, Azure Sector, Japori System, Romulan Listening Outpost 53
Centurion Darit was making his rounds and thinking about the next shipment of iridium that would go to his family, the Noble House of Neral via the Orion Pirates of the Pharaoh Cartel. He'd been stuck wasting years of his career on this tiny outpost built into an asteroid in the Japori System and was sick to death of it. That is until recently. It wasn't hard to talk his 20 crewmembers into making a deal with the Orion Pharaoh Clan once they saw how much money there was to be made.
Generally, it was business as usual at the outpost watching and listening in case the Federation decided to try something. The most recent change was in the last two months when they started listening to Romulan High Command transmissions as well. It didn't take long to find out what the Imperial Fleet was doing and selling off that information to the Pharaoh Clan Cartel proved to be extremely lucrative.
Darit was making sure that the pirates weren't attacking anything of excessive military value, but the small independent operations were useless to the Empire in his opinion so as far as he was concerned the Orions could have a field day.
...
Stardate 2272.275, Azure Sector, Japori System
Four days later the Frigate RIS Scimitar knifed through space and dropped her cloak a mere 50,000 Kilometers away from Outpost 53 much to the shock of Centurion Darit and his crew. They were hailed by the Scimitar and after that the Outpost opened hailing frequencies. Darit then saw Kurenai's lovely face on the screen. She said, "This is Subcommander Kurenai of the Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar. I wish to speak to your commanding officer Centurion Darit."
Darit was sweating. 'Have they found me out?' Putting on his game face he said, "I am Centurion Darit; how may I be of service Subcommander Kurenai?"
"High Command picked up some suspicious pirate activity in this region and the Scimitar has been sent to evacuate you and your crew." said Kurenai. "We fear they may have broken some of our codes which puts you in real danger. Prepare to receive a landing party to help you evacuate."
Centurion Darit was terrified. 'If they download the data of our transmissions then we'll all be executed!' "This is a real shock to me Subcommander." said the Centurion. "We haven't noticed a significant amount of any sort of activity, Orion or otherwise. There must be a mistake."
Kurenai's red eyes blazed angrily. "Are you questioning your superiors at Romulan High Command Centurion?"
"N-no, of course not!" Darit practically squealed. "Let us verify your orders and my crew and I will begin evacuation procedures. Please stand by." The minute the screen went blank Darit told his communications officer, "Contact the Pharoah Clan on a tight coded frequency. We need to get out of here. Do it at the same time that we transmit to Romulan High Command so it will appear to be one message."
...
RIS Scimitar, Bridge
"They just sent out two messages; one went to Romulan High Command and the other is in an unknown code." said communications.
Kurenai sighed, "Leave it up to Commander Charvenek on the Praetorian to figure it out. We are a distraction. The goal is to draw any pirates out if they are in the vicinity." She turned to the rather anxious looking Major Rul and said, "One of yours is in there and needs to be extracted, correct?"
Rul simply nodded and said, "We need to beam them out."
Kurenai said, "Helm, take us into transporter range so we can beam one out. Major, if you have some coded message to send then wait until we're within 10,000 kilometers."
Rul asked Kurenai quietly, "How did you know Subcommander?"
Kurenai raised an eyebrow and said, "I trust my instincts. Besides, there is no other reason you would be aboard the Scimitar. You Tal Shiar types are entirely too predictable."
"We are in range Subcommander." said the helmsman.
Kurenai nodded and said, "Centurion Vandus; take Major Rul to the transporter room to take care of his task."
Rul sighed. "I'll make this quick. Tal Shiar Major Maiell is on the station, and we need to get her out."
…
Romulan Listening Outpost 53
Derit was anxiously waiting to hear from the Pharaoh Clan Cartel when his head communications tech said, "A tight beam transmission was just sent from the Scimitar!"
"What does it say?" asked Centurion Derit in a panic.
"It's in an unknown code sir." said the tech. "I'm attempting to decode. -A transmission in the same code has been transmitted from within this outpost!"
"A spy…?" asked Derit in a hollow tone. "Locate the point of transmission. We have to-"
"The Scimitar has activated transporters sir." said the sensor tech.
"Damn it!" roared Derit. "We have to stop them!"
…
RIS Scimitar, transporter room
Centurion Vandus saw a pretty young woman in an enlisted uniform appear on the transporter platform with a pair of memory modules. She said, "Tal Shiar Major Maiell reporting."
Major Rul said, "Welcome aboard Major. I trust those memory modules are the evidence?"
Maiell nodded. "Take me to the bridge."
Vandus nodded and said, "Follow me."
…
Bridge
Kurenai pivoted in her chair and saw the turbolift open revealing the two Tal Shiar Majors and Vandus. She said, "Welcome aboard the Scimitar Major Maiell. Is anyone in the outpost innocent of treason?"
Maiell shook her head and said, "Everyone aboard the outpost is in on the double dealing with the Pharaoh Cartel. I'd advise destroying the outpost from here. They are calling the pirates for assistance."
Kurenai gave a cold smile and said, "We are counting on pirates appearing. Watch and learn Major."
…
Romulan Listening Outpost 53
"Who beamed out? Take a head count immediately!" ordered Centurion Derit. Within minutes they figured out it was Maiell. "Damn her, she tipped the Navy off somehow."
"Long range scans show two Orion Light Raiders heading for us. They appear to be silent running." said the Sensor Tech.
Derit said, "Thank the gods, we'll make it out of this yet. Two Light Raiders should be more than a match for the frigate. Start jamming so the Scimitar can't call for help."
A static filled transmission came in from the Scimitar. Kurenai's face had an angry look upon it. She said, "Your life is forfeit on grounds of treason traitors. Prepare to die."
…
RIS Praetorian, Bridge
"The two Light Raiders are closing at flank speed Commander Charvenek." said her sciences officer.
"Plot and intercept course helm. All ships red alert." said Charvenek. "Those pirates are solely focused on the Scimitar."
"The Scimitar is being jammed by the outpost." said the science officer.
Charvenek nodded. "Kurenai has her orders, it is of no consequence."
…
As the two Light Raiders screamed towards the (apparently) unprepared Scimitar; Commander Charvenek's squadron uncloaked in front of them. The Commander said, "All ships fire at will."
…The two Orion ships were vaporized seconds later in a mass of plasma torpedo and phaser fire from the three heavy cruisers.
…
Romulan Listening Outpost 53
The traitorous Centurion Derit saw his life flash before his eyes as the Scimitar unleashed her two plasma torpedoes. A second later the outpost went up like a miniature sun. The traitors didn't even have time to scream…
…
RIS Scimitar, Bridge
The viewscreen showed the smoldering crater where Outpost 53 head been. Nodding to herself that the scans showed no life was left; Kurenai said, "Helm bring us 120 degrees to port and set in a course to join up with the RIS Praetorian. Our job is done here."
"Ship's Log Stardate 2272,275: Romulan Imperial Ship Scimitar. Subcommander Kurenai reporting. We have been ordered to return to Starbase 1 where we will resupply and continue our shakedown cruise as per our original orders. The destruction of Listening Outpost 53 was a waste of materials but will keep other potential traitors against the Empire in line. The Pharaoh Pirate Cartel is anything but shut down in Romulan space, but the debacle cost them a cruiser and two frigates, so it is my opinion the operation was a success."
…
Stardate 2272.280, Romulan Starbase 1, Planet Romulus, Eisn System, Tarod Sector, Romulan Star Empire
The RIS Scimitar was docked at Starbase 1 once again. Kurenai and her crew were glad to have the two Tal Shiar officers off their ship. For this reason, it was a real shock when Colonel Thei nominated Subcommander Kurenai to receive Imperial Commendation Medal for 'a job well done.' Kurenai also was visited by a different Tal Shiar Colonel. Her name was Eviak. The red eyed beauty was less than thrilled to have another Tal Shiar Officer anywhere near her or aboard the Scimitar, but Kurenai remained cordial and invited Colonel Eviak into her office.
Kurenai sat down and said, "I welcome you aboard the RIS Scimitar Colonel Eviak. What brings an officer of your stature aboard a lowly frigate?"
Eviak smiled and said, "I'll get straight to the point Subcommander Kurenai. The Tal Shiar is interested in you and furthering your career."
The red eyed beauty really wanted a shot of Romulan Ale at this point. "Why would the Tal Shiar have interest in me personally?"
The Colonel smirked and said, "You've already proven to have a sharp mind and excellent instincts. Your intellect and planning abilities are far above average. You detected and deduced Major Rul's mission and aided him in executing it without any previous knowledge. Above all else you are utterly ruthless against enemies of the Empire; even if they are other Romulans." After letting that sink in a moment Colonel Eviak said, "The Tal Shiar could use an officer like you in the future Kurenai. It's just something to bear in mind."
"I'll remember that, Colonel." said Kurenai warily. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Eviak nodded. She said, "Once the Scimitar has completed her shakedown cruise a Tal Shiar liaison officer may be stationed aboard for covert missions. We believe you can carry them out without too much difficulty. I look forward to seeing your continued rise through the ranks Subcommander Kurenai. Good day, I'll show myself out."
Kurenai had a lot to think about…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*① Google: Klingon F5 Frigate A K5R is an imported Klingon ship used by the Romulans.
*② Yes, Kurenai is a Romulan in this one. With her features I found it was easy to see her with Romulan pointed ears and sharply upswept eyebrows.
*③ Google: Romulan War Eagle
*④ Commander Charvenek was the female commander of the three ship Romulan squadron in the TOS Episode 'The Enterprise Incident.'
*⑤ Tal Shiar: The Tal Shiar is the secretive intelligence agency of the Romulan Star Empire and was the most highly respected and feared organization within the Star Empire. Their main objecive is to protect the Empire's security from both external and internal threats using whatever covert (or overt) means necessary.
*⑥ Google: Klingon D6 A KR Cruiser is another imported Klingon ship used by the Romulans.
A lot of footnotes in this chapter about the Romulans. See you next time. Blue out. 9/22/23