Captain Serala: Jigsaw Puzzles are Easier with Help
Serala
Serala was astute enough to recognize prevarication when she heard it. On the surface, Seleya wasn’t lying, but Serala could tell that there was much more to that story. But it was Seleya’s story and Serala wasn’t going to press. She had her own family issues that she didn’t want to discuss.
Seleya: There are of course those among my people that believe that joining the Federation was done too quickly, or the wrong decision. A minority, but not an insignificant one. Much was lost when our homeworld was rendered uninhabitable, and there are concerns that by joining the Federation so soon after a 200 year search for a new home, that we risk losing our identity as a people.
Serala: I can understand that, Lieutenant. I was born and raised on Earth, but the Romulans are very much going through what your people are going through.
Seleya: You present yourself as a proud Romulan, Captain. What are your concerns and fears about your people with the loss of Romulus?
It was a good question, and one she’d given a lot of thought to over the last several years.
Serala: Recent events are a good example of what I fear. Even with the rise of the Romulan Republic, the Romulan Free State is gaining support and strength, and my biggest fear is that the Republic will cave to the pressure and join the Free State. It would essentially mean the return of the Empire. I don’t like that we’re scattered and homeless - well, except the Romulan Republic, but even then Mol’Rihan ((New Romulus)) is not Rihan. Not Romulus.
Seleya: My people are divided too. During ‘The Sundering’ the Klingons had offered refuge on a planet we could call home, in exchange for fealty to the Empire. Many of our people choose to accept, I am from those that did not. Soon after finding Taithros, there were talks of reunification, but after centuries of different hardships, it seems like we had become different people and those efforts failed.
Serala: So similar to the Romulans, and yet different. We came from the Vulcans, but after millennia apart, we are not the same. There are even slight physiological differences, not to mention the loss of our telepathic abilities. And my people are, by nature, xenophobic. At least those in the Republic are more open to the idea of an alliance with the Federation. It helps that both my mother and my husband are their ambassadors to the Federation.
Seleya: I am sure, and hopefully the Republic does start to make those changes for the better. I know for my people it took our world being sundered for us to put aside our differences. I hope the Republic is able to make similar changes.
Seleya gave her a brief smile and raised her cup before taking a sip.
Serala: We’ve seen a growing resurgence of the Romulans in the region. I don’t know if you’re aware, but the entire Expanse, especially the area that is now the Valcarian Empire, was under the control of the Romulan Empire until about eighty years ago. But with the destruction of Romulus, they are scrambling for resources and the Expanse seems to offer one they want.
Seleya: I have familiarized myself with the regional reports. But it would explain their more brazen and desperate actions.
Serala: Indeed it would, Lieutenant.
There was a long pause while Seleya seemed to be pondering something. Finally, she asked a question.
Seleya: Do you think that the Romulans may try to escalate things to war with the Federation?
Now that was an excellent question, and one Serala had to give good consideration to.
Serala: You know, Seleya, it’s not very likely. :: pause :: Oh, don’t get me wrong, they may try to start something. But the Romulans are notorious for trying to force their enemies into making the first move. They may try to provoke us. Our job is to ensure we don’t take the bait.
Seleya: From what I understand of the previous teams the Romulans did feel like they were trying to provoke us. It would be a bold move given the Free State is in recovery, and is in need of resources. So a drawn out conflict wouldn’t be to their advantage, unless they have some plan or secret weapon.
Serala: I agree, which is why I don’t think they’d try anything just yet. But they are desperate, and desperate people do desperate things. I’m not sure of the details, but I heard rumor that there was some kind of standoff a couple years ago that could have turned bad quickly. We need to be vigilant, but not overreact.
Seleya: Response
Serala thought about it for a few minutes.
Serala: You know, Seleya, you are thinking like a tactical officer, and I really respect that. But you’re doing more than thinking like a tactical officer. You’re trying to see the bigger picture, to strategize and plan. Wouldn’t you agree?
Seleya: Response
She sat back and smiled, nodding.
Serala: You should probably trade notes with Commander V’Nille. She’s trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle out of a myriad of pieces. This seems like something you might be good at, based on the questions you’ve asked in just the last few minutes.
Seleya: Response
Serala shook her head and leaned forward.
Serala: I don’t want to lose any tactical officers, Seleya. Far from it. We have one of the more dangerous assignments in the region and you and Lieutenant Is’Kah are critical to ensuring we’re capable of carrying out that assignment. But good strategy and planning is just as crucial, and I happen to know that V’Nille would probably appreciate the help.
Seleya: Response