Negotiations between the Romulan Republic and the people of Rhijun have been very productive and going in what seemed like the right direction. The last day of the diplomatic conference was held on the planet below so anyone in the colony could attend and voice their concerns about possibly joining the Republic. Captain Azras Dex and a few trusted members of her team were there as neutral parties overseeing as well as making sure there were no incidents.

Things were beginning to wrap up, and now they were turning things over for questions. Azras sat there watching, wondering how the residents would respond. They have been through a lot over the years and she knew what their fears would be. She didn’t have to be a telepath to know what they could be thinking and feeling.

“How can we be sure that we won’t just end up where we were before?” One resident asked looking at the representatives. Knowing very little about the Republic, the Star Empire had always painted a very bad picture of the Republic or any other faction for that matter.

R’Vek looked at the young Reman with a reassuring smile, “we value everyone including our Reman brothers and sisters who share our world in peace.” R’Vek replied as he continued to answer his question.

“Any other questions?” Latana asked looking around the room.

“What about trade routes? We have minerals here on Rhijun that we would like to continue trade,” Javik asked as he spoke up from his seat. That was one lingering question that had been brought up well before the meeting by some residents who didn’t feel comfortable asking questions.

“We would help establish trade with other regions,” Latana replied. They both looked around the room and when no one else had anything Latana turned toward Javik. “We have come to the end of this conference,” she began. “We will be in the next room until you need us again,” Latana said as both Republic and Starfleet stood up and headed out of the room.

Now they waited while they deliberate amongst each other, in the adjoining room just south of the large meeting room was lined with chairs for them to sit and wait. Azras had been quiet for most of the time, only chiming in when she felt it was necessary. She pondered everything that has happened over the last few weeks. 

Looking around she noticed that Ritru was off near the corner talking with R’Vek, while Mezril was having a little chat with Latana. T’Prel had chosen to stand next to where Azras was sitting just observing everything with her hands behind her back.

“What are you thinking about?” T’Prel asked as she stood there looking at her.

Looking over at T’Prel letting out a soft sigh, “just thinking about everything that has happened during our time here.” Azras replied as she stood up from the chair that she was sitting in. Pressing her lips together, “it makes me wonder how these negotiations will end. Will they join the Republic or decide to remain independent.” Azras said as she turned to look back at T’Prel.

T’Prel had opened her mouth to speak when their attention was drawn towards the doors opening. Turning their heads to see the colonists begin to leave, which indicated that deliberations and voting had finished. The others in their group had joined the two officers that were standing there waiting for those to leave.

Once everyone had left Javik motioned for them to enter, Azras had turned her head towards the others for a brief moment to exchange looks before they all headed back into the room and took their seats. Thoughts began to run through her mind wondering what they had decided, though whatever they did decide they would be supportive either way.

Javik looked at the Republic representatives before turning his attention to the rest of the group. “We have made a decision,” Javik began as there was a pause which caused some anticipation of what that decision was with the others. “While being independent was our goal, we feel that the benefits of joining the Republic outweigh that.” He began as he sat there. “What I am saying is, that we have decided to join the Republic.” Javik replied as Navik and Ovisek nodded in agreement.

“Wonderful,” R’Vek replied with Latana nodding in agreement.

Latana was hoping that they would choose to join the Republic so she already had everything drawn up on a padd. “I got everything ready,” Latana said as she placed the padd on the table. “I would need signatures from each of you,” she began before looking at Azras. “I would also need a signature from you and Commander Zelar as witnesses,” she said.

Azras nodded as everyone began to sign the document, once that was finished Azras looked at Javik. “Looks like our work here is done, we will be departing tomorrow morning.” She said looking at them.

“Captain, I have a request that I would like to ask.” Javik replied.

Azras raised an eyebrow, “what’s that?” She asked as she adjusted in her chair.

Javik passed Azras a padd with the majority of the information, “we believe that our captors poisoned our fields. We are unable to figure out how to fix it or even have the capabilities for that matter.” Javik said looking at her, “I know you already helped us a lot over the last few weeks and we appreciate that assistance.” Javik added before he finished.

Azras began to read the information on the padd, they were scheduled to head towards the Thomar Expanse and Deep Space 47. That would have to wait as they needed to have a way to grow food. “I will get with my science team to figure out what’s exactly happening and if there is a way to repair the damage.” Azras finally spoke after a few minutes of silence looking up from the padd.

“Wonderful,” Javik replied with a smile before turning his attention to everyone else. “I believe this meeting has come to an end,” Javik added as everyone got up from their seats and headed out of the room.

Ritru walked up to the Captain, “Sir do you mind if I stay back for a while?” Ritru asked looking at the Captain.

“Of course,” Azras said with a smile as she knew that she wanted to spend some time with her father.

“Thank you, sir,” Ritru responded as she walked away to join R’Vek.

Azras and the others walked out of the palace without saying much of anything, tapping her commbadge, “three to beam up.” Azras said as a moment later they began to disappear from the planet and materialized on board the ship a few moments later.

Once they reached the bridge she looked at T’Prel, “you have the bridge I have some work to get caught up on before turning in for the night.” Azras replied as T’Prel just nodded before Azras made her way towards her ready room.

Rubbing her face letting out a sigh as it had been a long day and she was exhausted. Walking over to the replicator and ordered herself a strong cup of coffee as she still had about a couple of hours of work to finish before turning in for the night. After taking the cup from the replicator, she made her way over to her desk.

Taking a sip of her coffee, and closing her eyes thoughts ran through her mind over the events of the last few weeks. Letting out another sigh she opened her eyes, turning on the computer screen she made the call to Captain Imya Jori back on the USS Noble.

After a few moments the computer changed from the normal Federation symbol to the face of Captain Jori, “this is a surprise, is everything alright?” Jori asked as she was calling later on in the afternoon.

Azras nodded, “I am just calling to let you know that we will be delayed another week or so.” She said looking at Jori looking visibly tired.

“Oh, how come?” Jori asked as she could tell that she was exhausted.

“They have asked us for additional assistance in figuring out how to treat their fields, which they believe have been poisoned,” Azras said as she took another sip of her coffee.

Jori nodded, “understood.” Jori replied, “we will see you when you arrive.” Jori added with a soft smile.

“Thank you, Captain,” Azras replied before the comm channel had ended with the screen turning back to the normal view. Looking at the padds that were laying on her desk, letting out another sigh she began to work on catching up on many different reports before she would turn in for the night.

The morning had come quicker than anyone would have liked, Ritru tossed in her sleep as her alarm went off. After shutting off the alarm, she turned over to put her arm around T’Prel only to realize that she wasn’t there. Opening her eyes barely enough to see that T’Prel was indeed not in bed, sighing she decided to lay there for a few more minutes before sitting up and adjusting her eyes.

Rubbing her hands on her face and through her hair, she sighed as she got out of bed. Heading out of the bedroom Ritru noticed T’Prel had her back turned in the kitchen where she was making breakfast. The smell hit her like a ton of bricks, she smiled as she made her way into the kitchen. Walking up behind T’Prel, she wrapped her arms around her waist leaning onto her shoulder to kiss her cheek.

“Good morning,” Ritru said with a smile while looking up at her. “Breakfast sure smells good,” she added as she stood there.

“I decided to make your favorite,” T’Prel replied before returning her kiss.

“That is so sweet,” Ritru replied letting go of her backward hug and going towards the cabinets to get the dishes. After grabbing what she needed, she walked to the dining room table and set it up for breakfast for two.

“I was thinking,” she began as T’Prel walked over to the table holding a dish with hot pads in her hands. “That I could invite my father over for dinner, so you two can meet,” Ritru said as T’Prel placed the dish on the table.

“We have already met,” T’Prel said not knowing what Ritru meant.

Ritru couldn’t help but let out a laugh which caused T’Prel to raise an eyebrow, “I know you have met him but I haven’t introduced you as my partner yet.” She responded with a smile as T’Prel dished up the food on both of the plates while Ritru got the drinks.

“Oh,” T’Prel said looking at her as they both took their seats. “That would be agreeable,” T’Prel said as they began eating their food.

“Wonderful,” Ritru said with a smile. “I’ll cook as I would like to make some traditional Romulan food and what I remember being his favorite meal growing up,” Ritru said before taking a bite of her meal.

They continued to talk while they ate, there was something else that Ritru wanted to speak to T’Prel about but wasn’t sure how to even begin. T’Prel could pick up on it, “have something on your mind?” T’Prel asked looking at her after taking the last bit of her food, wiping her mouth off with the napkin she picked up from her lap.

Standing up from the chair, Ritru picked up both dishes and brought them to be recycled in the replicator. “Oh, I mean I do but it’s something that I want to discuss with you and the Captain,” Ritru said as she walked back over to where T’Prel was sitting and kissed her before heading into the bedroom to get changed into her workout clothes.

Moments later Ritru returned to the living area, “I am going to the arboretum for my morning run.” Ritru said as T’Prel nodded before going to get ready herself. Exiting their quarters she walked down the corridor towards the turbolift. She enjoyed her morning run in the arboretum and did so like clockwork, the only time she missed her run was when they were on a mission that required her assistance.

Finally arriving at the doors of the arboretum, Ritru walked in to see others either walking around or standing near objects and admiring their beauty. It was stunning how even the holographic can look so real, she took a few minutes to stretch out her muscles so they wouldn’t get cramped as she ran. After she finished stretching she began her daily run that would last at least thirty minutes.

After she finished her run she began to stretch again for a few more minutes. She was wiping off her face with the towel she had draped around her neck before taking a drink of water that she had sat by the bench where she had begun. Walking out of the arboretum she walked back to her quarters to take a sonic shower before getting ready for duty.

Ritru walked off the turbolift and onto the bridge where she saw both Azras Dex and T’Prel talking amongst each other about the situation on the planet. They looked her way when she approached them, “can I talk to both of you alone?” Ritru asked looking at them.

“Of course,” Azras replied as they headed for her ready room.

Azras moved around her desk to sit down as she gestured for the other two to have a seat in the two empty chairs that were in front of her desk. Azras looked at Ritru as the two sat down, “what is it that you want to talk about?” Azras asked looking at her with curiosity.

“My father is heading back home tomorrow,” Ritru began to speak as the two listened. “Since we are going to be here for a little while more, I was wondering if it would be alright if I can take some leave and borrow the USS Oneida to go spend some time with my father back on New Romulus?” Ritru asked looking at the two.

“Do you think that is a wise decision?” T’Prel asked looking at Ritru, this was her way of expressing her concern.

Ritru understood her concern, fifteen years had gone by since she thought her father had died. “If you’re concerned if I will decide to resign my commission and return to my people, there is nothing to be worried about,” Ritru said looking at T’Prel. “I am not going anywhere, this is where I belong and I will only be gone for a few days. I will be back by the time you finish up here.” She said as to try to elevate any more concerns that either of them might be having.

Azras sat there for a moment as she contemplated Ritru’s request, she didn’t have much of a concern and that they would be here for a little while longer. “I don’t see a problem with that,” Azras finally spoke up as she looked at Ritru. “I will request that you take the three that are assigned to the Oneida, they will remain on the ship while you are planetside,” Azras added to her statement.

Ritru nodded in agreement, “thank you, Captain.” Ritru said with a smile before she stood up from the chair.

“You have one week,” Azras replied looking at her.

“Understood,” Ritru replied before she turned to leave the ready room once Azras had dismissed her.

Azras rubbed her face with her hands before turning her attention to T’Prel who happened to still be sitting there. “If you want to accompany Ritru you may,” Azras said looking at her.

T’Prel shook her head, “no this is her time alone with her father. I rather not intervene,” T’Prel replied as she sat there for a few moments almost lost in thought. “I would like to ask for some advice,” T’Prel said looking back at Azras.

“Of course,” Azras replied with a smile.

T’Prel sat there for a moment trying to think of a way to word what she wanted to ask, “Ritru invited her father over for dinner tonight,” she began. “I want to ask Ritru to marry me before tonight, though I am unsure how to go about that,” T’Prel admitted looking at Azras.

Azras smiled at what T’Prel had said, “I think I can give some ideas though everyone is different when it comes to marriage.” Azras said as they spent a good majority of the time talking. Azras was happy for T’Prel and hopefully, things would go well for the two of them.

Chief Communication Officers log Stardate 77536.54

 

What a whirlwind the last couple of days had been, sitting here on the Oneida heading to New Romulus within the Romulan Republic. Who would have thought I would be here, I long ago denounced my people, hoping never to step foot within the Empire again. With the Star Empire in shambles, worlds that had broken away to either being independent or joining the Republic. Learning that after fifteen years my father who I had believed was killed at the hands of my uncle, was still alive. 

 

We have so much to catch up on, and Captain Dex graciously granted me some leave to spend time with him while they finish their work on Rhijun. To say that I am nervous would be an understatement, I feel like I am an outsider even though I am a Romulan just like everyone else.

 

To make things crazier, T’Prel who I have been with for the last three years proposed to me yesterday. I wasn’t expecting that, don’t get me wrong I couldn’t see my life without her in it. It wasn’t something we ever really talked about, we just were happy with how things have been. One thing I was worried about was how my father would take our relationship, though he was happy for us which had made things less awkward.

Emily Sato was sitting on the bridge when the ship dropped out of warp, coming to a complete stop next to the R.R.W. Illaesa. “Sir, we have reached New Romulus,” Sato replied just as Ritru walked out of the ready room. “We have clearance for standard orbit,” Sato replied as she looked up from her screen to the Commander.

Taking a seat looking out the viewscreen at the planet below, mixed emotions filled her mind as Sato looked at her waiting orders. “Sir?” Sato asked as she waited for a response.

Shaking her head snapping back to reality, “begin standard orbit.” Ritru replied looking at Sato.

Sato nodded, tapping a few buttons on her console the Oneida began moving into standard orbit of the planet. The planet looked beautiful from the viewscreen point of view, beginning to wonder how it was planetside. “We have established standard orbit, you are free to depart at your leisure,” Sato replied as they knew that they would be staying onboard for this trip.

Ritru sat there for a moment, she had planned to beam aboard the Illaesa before beaming down to the planet. Anxiety started to set in at the prospect of being amongst her people again, as it had been over fifteen years. After a few more minutes, Ritru finally stood from the chair she was sitting in and looked at Sato. “You have the bridge until I return in a couple of days,” Ritru replied before heading off the bridge into the turbolift that would lead to the transporter room.

After a while, Ritru appeared onboard the Illaesa where she was greeted by her father. “welcome aboard,” R’Vek said. He could tell something was bothering her even though she was trying to hide it not to worry him. “Is everything alright?” He asked as he tilted his head.

Looking at him for a moment before looking at the other person in the room, the officer left so they could chat alone for a moment. “I am just nervous, it’s been fifteen years since I been amongst my people.” She replied looking at him with a sigh.

R’Vek nodded, “that is understandable and I’ll be right by your side.” He replied trying to be reassuring as possible. “I think you will find New Romulus just as beautiful,” R’Vek said before the officer who had previously walked out to give them some time alone returned.

Ritru nodded with a soft smile trying to be positive as they both stepped up on the transporter padd. R’Vek gave a nod and a few seconds later they begin to disappear from the transporter room of the Illaesa, before appearing on the surface. Taking a moment to look around getting her bearings.

People were walking about to and from the area around where they were, nodding and greeting them as they moved along their way. Things seemed different here compared to their home that was destroyed by the supernova. They were free to live their lives without worrying about the Star Empire or even the Tal Shiar interfering.

They began to make their way down the street toward where R’Vek’s home was located. “What do you think?” R’Vek asked as they walked.

“It is beautiful,” Ritru replied.

R’Vek smiled as they rounded the corner and arrived at their destination. “Well, this is home.” He replied as he opened the door before the two of them walked inside.

Looking around she couldn’t help but smile, finding pictures of them as a family had tears ran down her face. They would spend the next couple of days together catching up on lost time and exploring New Romulus together.