Vashti - Senator's Offer

Posted on Sunday, 24 May 2020 - 2:22pm by Commander Soral & Warrant Officer Reza Jomiael

Mission: Operation: Recall
Location: Vashti - Romulan Cantina
Timeline: 2393 - MD07

{ON:}

Reza and Soral left the encampment. "Where are we going to feed the hungry?"

"Not far" replied Reza leading Soral only a short distance from the encampment. It only took a dozen minutes or so. When they arrived it was evident with the dilapidated buildings that these people were struggling. A few children gathered in the street emaciated. "Welcome to Vashti" the Fenris Ranger said shaking his head.

"The sisters do the best they can with what little they do have" he said reassuringly. "This is not there doing. If anything, these kids would have been long since dead without them. This, Commander, is politics at work."

"Indeed." He looked around. Again his heard broke. "Let us go get food and some clothing."

Reza nodded "Those children, their parents, many like them. Too many. They are victims of the Romulan Empire still at work on Vashti. They were evacuated from a smaller world in the Empire, one that was of little value. The citizens of little value. They ended up here on Vashti along with refugees who previously held 'higher status' and the political viciousness continues."

"There has to be a way to help." They walked and within the hour they came back with food and clothing. "Let us do what we can here and perhaps we can speak to the Federation. Make them listen."

"The Federation care about Romulan lives?" Reza scoffed. "Forgive me for being so blunt, but that would be a first" he added. "Not that I am unwilling to see there was some good done in the relocation efforts, but several Federation worlds turned Romulan refugees away."

"A shameful action." He looked at Reza. "Perhaps we can be a voice. It must start somewhere." He looked around. "Shall we distribute?"

Reza nodded and began to help the Vulcan distribute crucial items to the families in dire need. He looked at the Vulcan with more respect now than he had previously. "Thank you. This may be a small action, barely a dent, but it does make a huge difference to these people. Once we finish here, I'll head to the runabout you arrived in...don't worry I know the way there. The locals were very vocal about its arrival."

"I wish I could do more." He looked at Reza. "I do hope you stay with us. Starfleet needs good men and women if we are to be what we once were."



=/\= Some Time Later =/\=

Soral had sent Reza ahead to the shuttle. He still had some timme. Reza would get his things and head back to the shuttle while Soral was here. He was sitting across from his friend Rael-Tros. He spoke to him about a lot of things and was enjoying it when he was interrupted by a man he'd been trying to avoid. Sighing he turned. "Sentaor Emos. I had hoped to avoid you."

The Romulan laughed. "I know. I waited until I could get your undivided attention. I wish to speak."

"Obviously." He motioned. "Join us."

Rael-Tros excused himself not wanting any part of Emos.

"Your friend does not like me."

Soral raised an eyebrow. "Yes. He is a wise man. If I said that I did not like you would you leave?"

Emos laughed again. "Your sense of humour is improving. Just hear me out Hero of Vashti."

Soral stiffened. He hated that title. What he did was born out of desperation and an anger at Starfleet. He did what was proper what Starfleet failed to do. "I am no Hero."

"On the contrary. I know you are a man who values brevity so I shall be brief. Have you heard of the Rebirth Movement?"

Soral raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. The rebirth of Romulus to its former glory. A bit difficult with the people scattered"

"It is possible. Vashti could be that world. Think about it. The hunger, the illnesses, the waste all gone. We could rebuild. A new Praetor, there birth of the Senate and perhaps even Reconciliation with our Vulcan brothers and sisters." Emos knew the had Soral with that last bit. He pressed on.

"Think about it Soral. Let me ask you. What is the highest rank you can get. Commander. You are one spot away. Will you ever be given your own command? No. Your actions those years ago in Romulan space guaranteed it. I know about your records and that you were severely reprimanded for going against Starfleet orders to do what's right to save lives."

"You are well informed." It was all he could say.

"I have an offer for you."

Soral raised an inquisitive eye.

"Leave Starfleet. There is nothing there for you. Resign your commission. I offer you a seat on the new senate. Be the right had of the new Praetor. I will rebuild Romulus and who better at my side then a Hero of two worlds. A Vulcan brother who will champion Reconciliation."

What Emos was saying disturbed Soral. What disturbed him more was the momentary 'What if' That he asked himself. "I must.."

"Before you say no. Think about it. Take the time and really think about it. I strongly..." Emos stiffened slightly.

Soral noticed the chaos that might happen. He heard the scrapes of chairs on the floor saw the guards of the former senator tense and the woman in black who moved like lightening the tip of her blade on Emos' throat. "Choose to live former Senator. Choose to detain Soral no further."

Soral studied the beautiful Romulan. He'd seen her following him from the moment Reza and he left. Soral stood. "Let the senator go. He meant no harm."

The woman's eye narrowed. "Emos always means harm."

Soral calmly walked around and placed his hand on her wrist. "Too much green blood filled and still fills the sand. Sword down."

Reluctantly she lowered her sword. He looked at the former Senator. "I should get back. Thank you for a most interesting conversation."

Emos let out a sigh of relief. "So you'll think about it?"

Soral gave a non committal bow. He took the woman's harm and roughly pulled her long. "What were you thinking? Emos has a lot of power."

She huffed. "He is a menace."

"Nonetheless if Sister Lali knew you did this...what is your name?"

The woman sighed. She stopped and pulled her arm free. "I am Liviahnna."

He tilted his head. "You share the name of a great Romulan general. She was...the saviour of the people when she ensured Praetor Droleth's rain ended."

"And a distant relative."

"Fascinating." He studied her. There was something familiar about her but he could not place it.

They walked back to the runabout and he had a moment to tell Lali what had happened. She was none too pleased. After thanking her he headed back to the runabout. The time was drawing near for leaving. Their trip would be long and they would be late getting back but he'd deal with it then.

{OFF:}