My dearest K’Rell, daughter of Ulrath, of House Korvath,

I hope this message finds you well. Much has happened since our last correspondence. By the way, I do wish to thank you for your advice regarding my latest dissertation. I had not expected the Table of Roads to take such an interest in my work, but I am flattered. But I digress. The primary reason for this particular correspondence is that I require not only your assistance, but your discretion. I believe you will recall our discussion regarding my study of the cognitive capabilities of one of the most enigmatic reptilian species here on Colludia IV, Grandiscolludia monitor.  Regarding the discrepancy in their brain activity compared to the size of their brains, I widened the sample size to other species here. The results were not the same. When you arrive, we shall discuss this in greater detail. I am not certain of whom I may trust here. Give your family my best – and tell your brother he needs to lighten up, he is always so serious.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Izek Trumin

K’Rell poured over the message several times, dissecting Izek’s words. She had originally met the Romulan scientist almost a decade ago at a xenobiological conference. His writing is still just as flowery as it was then. However, his hunger for knowledge does rival my own. It will be good to see him after all these years. It is fortuitous, I did not want to visit Colludia II. I detest the thought of fruity drinks with puny umbrellas in them.

She placed the PADD back in her bag, stowed it in one of the bins, and made her way to the front of the shuttle. The sleek Type-17 class cargo shuttle had been designed specifically for planetary missions – twenty-five meters long; a cockpit with two stations and a jumpseat, a small rest area for the crew in the middle, and a cargo hold in the aft. K’Rell had specifically requested this craft due to its specialized nature and Argo ground vehicle, a four-wheeled planetary rover. While many would peg Izek as purely an academic, the wiry Romulan scientist loved to dirty his hands in the field, and if he were asking for help (which he was), K’Rell knew that meant to plan ahead. Within the cargo bay, she had specifically packed enough gear for three.

“How soon?” K’Rell asked with her usual intensity.

Lieutenant Commander Valerius, Solvang’s Chief of Security and Tactical Officer turned to her and replied. “We’re on approach now. We should reach the landing pad in a few minutes. Tell me, what did Dr. Trumin say in his correspondence regarding his distrust of the other researchers?”

“This time, very little. But previously, he confided that his colleague was discredited when he deviated from the work provided to him. The man was ruined, professionally. Izek knew him well outside of work. The man started asking questions about the dominant species on the planet. Heavier questions. Deeply rooted, philosophical questions about the megafauna. Then there were papers published in the man’s name that were not his, and the scandal of their extremism brought him much dishonor. Izek fears this may happen to him. However, he is given a wide berth, as he was already a respected scientist before working there.”

“So he is harder for them to control, and to discredit. However, he must tread carefully. I trust he has kept quiet regarding his latest discovery?”

“He has. Despite being talkative, he is also clever and not foolish. You will like him.” K’Rell stated as she eased into the copilot’s seat.

“I will like him? The way you said that sounds like an order.” He teased.

“An order? Ha! If I wished to give you an order, Valerius, you would not mistake it for anything else.”

A smirk spread across his face as he let out a soft chuckle. He made several adjustments at the helm controls. The view of the domed research station loomed before them, amidst a vast expanse of lush jungle.  “Did the Colludians really name their research station ‘The Dome’? That is…rather unimaginative, is it not?”

“I could not tell you. I have not met any Colludians before. But if their personality matches their ability to name things, then…” her words trailed off as she shuddered.
Valerius did not miss a beat, continuing where her words trailed off. “Then drive a bat’leth through my chest and end it, please.”

“Ha! You are fortunate, I packed my bat’leth. I expect you to return the favor, I hope you know how to wield a mek’leth, for I brought but one bat’leth, and I will not share.”

They both grinned and shared a hearty laugh before the computer interrupted them.

Landing sequence initiated.

The shuttle continued its descent, and Colludia IV unfurled beneath them. The shuttlepad appeared before them in the viewport as they neared. The three landing struts deployed automatically, accompanied by a low mechanical hum. The RCS thrusters and anti-grav stabilizers controlled the shuttles descent, slow and deliberate. The Santa Ynes touched down on the shuttlepad, and their departure was announced by the opening of the side personnel hatch.

K’Rell and Valerius exited the shuttle, the hot humid air enveloping them like a warm blanket. They were immediately met with the sounds and smells of the tropics. The jungle’s canopy loomed around them, held back by only a modest clearing.

A voice called out from the edge of the gangway that connected the circular shuttlepad to the great domed research station.

“K’Rell!” Dr. Izek Trumin approached them from the path. The Romulan scientist looked just as K’Rell had remembered – tall, wiry, with sharp features. His Romulan heritage was unmistakable, with his long dark hair pulled back neatly. His lab coat fluttered behind him as he walked. His greeting was warm and welcoming, with an enthusiastic wave.

“Izek! It is good to see you again! It has been a few years, but you look stronger than when I last saw you.” K’Rell teased.

“Please no!” he whispered urgently, as if her words triggered a trauma response. “Don’t say that! I can’t afford any more broken bones. It still squeaks when I turn!” Izek pleaded.

Valerius blinked. “What?”

K’Rell twitched. “I merely paid a compliment.”

“Yes, well…your compliments tend to come with…structural integrity failures…”

“This is Lieutenant Commander Valerius; we serve together aboard Solvang. He runs Security and Tactical.”

“Jolan tru, Izek.”

“Jolan tru, Valerius. Well met. I was pleased to hear that K’Rell was bringing a friend, but she was very brief in her message. I must say, I am indeed pleased you have come to visit. Your background is also most advantageous to what we are about to undertake.”

“I am pleased that I may be of assistance. I shall certainly enjoy this far more than simply loafing about on a beach.”

“Oh then I am sure we shan’t disappoint you. Please, follow me inside, I have much to show you both.”