Next Steps

Posted on Friday, 29 December 2023 - 5:44pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Lobes & Liberties
Location: New Romulan Ship
Timeline: Shortly After Soral Left the Bear

ON:


As a child, a child of two worlds, balance had been… elusive. Quick to anger, fragile self control and a tendency to act based on instinct and not logic. All observations frequently spoken of during frequent summons to meet her teachers as Belladonna grew up. Yet, in time, the rebellious teenager found balance. Such as now, as she sat in quiet meditation ahead of the journey to New Romulus.

Accompanying Soral had never been in doubt. Just as she had never doubted he would extend to her an invitation to work with him. Finally he could achieve his potential away from Federation interference. He would accomplish great things and she would ensure it. It was her purpose, the entire reason so much time and effort had gone into placing her aboard the Standing Bear at just the right time.

Of course she had imagined ending his relationship with his now ex wife would require considerable effort yet it seemed she had been fortunate in that regard. A hint of a smile played at her lips. How well the chess pieces had fallen into place, in some cases events had taken unexpected yet undeniably helpful ways.


Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes and leaned in to extinguish the candle. Her new quarters were sparsely decorated but luxurious, the décor heavily influenced by Vulcan tradition. State of the art, the ship itself would be the envy of any captain in any part of the galaxy and she had yet to fully access the full specifications.

Rising she prepared breakfast to take to Soral, something which had become habit. It ensured he ate and often she found him in a contemplative mood so early in the day. While he was undoubtedly still troubled, she was going to do everything in her power to watch over him.

Stillwater joining them had been unexpected but he had kept largely to himself, still recovering. And so she instead walked to the suite which served as his quarters and pressed the door chime.


=/\= Soral's quarters =/\]=

Soral unwound his form from the floor. He could tell he was getting older by the way his body protested but his mediations were not up for debate. Every morning it was the same routine, up, tea, meditate, shower, tea review schedule and most recently Belladonna had taken ensuring he was fed and didn't waste away. Her attention was...interesting. She was interesting but his mind still strayed to Alex.

When they'd parted there had been panic but having Stillwater there...felt more balancing. He would go see him again. Being with his old Captain and now friend had made him feel hopeful for the future.

He did his stretches and headed to take a quick sonic shower. While water was available he had slept in a little and time was of the essence. Seti had left his schedule on the table and his mind flitted to the day's to do. He was taking a bit chance and much work had to be done but he was ready to embrace his Romulan side, at least in part.

Picking out a new crisp pair of black slacks and a black turtleneck he dressed and combed his hair. He'd taken to allowing his facial hair to grow. Perhaps the mirror part of him missed it and he found it more... in keeping with Romulan esthetic.


So, having finished his morning meditation, showered and changed Soral took to reviewing his schedule for the day. Tea in hand he looked up at the chime. "Enter."

Upon his signal, the doors parted to permit her entry. Walking with a calm confidence, Bella swept into the room wearing a figure hugging black ensemble. “Good morning. I prepared you breakfast, you have much to do today and good nutrition is vital.”

He allowed a smile. "I do have a tendency to forget to eat. You do know that you do not need to do this daily." He said it but part of him liked having her here.

She tilted her head as she laid out the food, “a small gesture to show my gratitude for your guidance and offer for me to join you in your new endeavors. And you must take care of yourself, not only for your aspirations on New Romulus but for your children. They are your legacy after all.”

"You are always welcome. New Romulus needs all the help we can muster. I guess I am not very good at taking care of myself. I do tend to skip meals."

“Yes, you do,” she concurred, holding out a seat as if showing him to the finest table in a restaurant. “However, I am happy to assist with that small bad habit amongst whatever other duties you require of me. Now, please, sit. Eat.”

Soral sat and waited until she joined him. "This will not be easy, raising New Romulus to former glory."

“I believe there is a Human expression… something akin to ‘nothing worthwhile is ever easy’?” His companion reminded him. She watched him eat, pleased to note he seemed to find the food appetising at least. “However, I do not believe we could have anyone better on our side to guide us. It will be challenging but you are more than capable.”

He raised an eyebrow. "I think you have more faith in me then I have in myself. I have questioned my abilities since I made the decision."

“Most illogical. May I query… why?” Bella asked curiously.

"I am but one man. I ask how I can make a difference. I could not even be a good husband or father. What makes me think I can lead?"

“Ability as a father or husband aside, neither are a prerequisite to success,” Bella reasoned. “And, from what I have witnessed you did not fail as either a parent or a husband. Your children are safe, cared for, are they not? Did you not indeed make provisions to ensure their safety and upbringing? That is hardly the act of a bad father, for want of a better term.

As for your marriage, I do not presume to know all that happened but from what I understand the failings were not your own. Humans - even half humans - are illogical, volatile and rarely understand the depth of emotion we are capable of. You did not fail. As I understand it, she severed the bond. If anything the failure is her own. Either in commitment to her vows or in understanding how painful it is for a bond to be broken. All of which is to say, Soral, that I do not doubt your ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

He pondered her words. "Still the children need their father and hopefully this will give me the opportunity to be there for them. He took a sip of his coffee. I think that in the breakup of a marriage both parties are at fault. Neither of us...took the time to open ourselves fully to one another and each of us fought our demons alone." He looked up at her. "But on your assessment of the Human ability to comprehend our emptions you are correct, very few can." He looked down at the plate. "I was not aware that your skillset was chef quality but these breakfasts are getting more and more elaborate. I am... enjoying them very much."

“I find the preparation almost as relaxing as meditation, and it was always my preference for fresh food rather than the poor imitation a replicator can provide,” Bella confided.

"It is very good. If I have failed to thank you for what you are doing please know I am grateful."

“Thank you but unnecessary,” she assured him. “Now, how may I assist you today? I understand you have the family dinner this evening but I am able to aide you with other duties should you wish to spend more time with them?”

"Actually there is something. My children will be arriving here shortly, both those of this world and the mirror verse. I trust you. Can you assist with them getting settled. I need to visit the crew, many of which are Reman...what's left of them. I will not have them feel less then. They are brothers and sisters as well."

“Of course, I will see to it. Do the younger children require someone to care for them during the trip? I believe there is a baby and three young boys?”

"A baby, and two boys, even my daughter has decided to join us. No I will care for them. They will be traveling with a governess for now. Also a Qowat Milat member or five will be joining us. I am ... a lost cause they are willing to get behind so we shall have help."

“Consider it taken care of,” she assured him.

He studied Belladonna. "May I ask you a question?"

“Proceed,” she nodded.

"There are few I trust but there is no denying I trust you. Will you head my guards?"

It took much to render her speechless but in that moment she certainly was. “I… it would be an honour, Soral.”

He gave a nod. "I um...have a favour to as well. Oriana will not take her place as my personal assistant for another day would you...double as that for the next 24 hours?"

“I would be happy to assist,” Bella assured him. “I trust all is well and she is joining us?”

"Indeed. She is saying goodbye to a life in Starfleet." He sighed. "A life I said goodbye to a long time ago. It is not easy but necessary." He turned to Bella. "Now then." He finished the last of his breakfast. "Shall we start our day. Tomorrow we shall sail the stars and head home." It surprised him how much he thought of New Romulus as home. All else fell away.

“I do like the sound of home,” Bella conceded.


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