Commodore Taybrim - What else?
Jamie LeBlanc
(( Taybrim's Office - Starbase 118 ))
Sal leaned in to his love of all things complex and slightly bitter and mixed them a pair of exquisite negroni’s using Kalifashan Campari, which was renowned for its bright citrusy undertones which cut the bitterness and lingered with orange and spice on the tongue.
Taybrim: Yes, I heard all about Capricalia. Their communication to the Federation representatives is now being routed through Raskor. So if anyone tries to re-route that, or intercept it we’ll be alerted well before it becomes a crisis.
McLaren: Thats good... the Free State got far too close to making things a true disaster there.
He offered Sol a glass. The drink had come out a deep red color, and it coated the walls of the glass with a thick unctuousness that beckoned one to drink.
His mind turned towards the Free State and the ongoing headaches in the Romulan empire before he shook his head and settled.
Taybrim: I have thoughts on the Romulan incursion, but before we turn to that… ::he lifted his glass in a toast:: cheers! Congratulations on another successful mission!
McLaren: Was very nearly not. But we got there in the end.
That was the way of things. Always had, always would be.
Taybrim: Success is always a good thing to celebrate. I think Commander Fairhug and his crew will have a lot to celebrate this leave.
McLaren: That we do. :: She grinned. :: Saved the planet and a giant space creature...
Sal didn’t seem surprised to hear that in the slightest.
Taybrim: Right fine heroes you were.
He said with a proud firmness.
McLaren: I'm still curious how that station had been built. Those Romulans we rescued aren't too keen on talking. :: She paused. :: They're afraid of something.
Sal wuld be lying if he said he wasn’t curious on how the station was built. He didn’t like how quickly things were moving in the Romulan Empire. And Sol was perhaps the only person he could truly talk to about it. Sal was no longer on the ground. He had taken a step back to play the chess match of sending ships, giving orders and keeping his finger on the pulse of things.
Worse, he was surprisingly good at it. He thought he would lament the loss of a primary command and hate his role, but he traveled a lot, did a lot of diplomacy, and now all that intelligence that used to get dumped on him was a vital stream of information for a bigger strategy.
Taybrim: Despite their proclamations of freedom there seems to be an endless string of things to be afraid of in the new Romulan Republic and Free State. What would you say spooked them?
McLaren: If I had to hazard a guess? It's the Tal'Shiar. This reads a lot like what I learned about the old Star Empire from back before Hobus. I think perhaps the Praetor knows not what goes on in the dark corners of his 'free' state.
Taybrim: They’re already tried to murder him five times – twice publicly and once on StarBase 118 itself. Taron holds the hearts of his people, and yet I think now he knows what a thin wire he stands on.
The Free State retained much of the tradition and culture of the Romulan Empire that the Republic abandoned. The Republic stated it was free of the past, including the Tal Shiar. The Free State had disbanded the Tal Shiar. And yet they remained, rooted like poisonous weeds, ready to strike at any opportunity that would get them back the power they so craved.
McLaren: What ever it is... its becoming a 'thing'. We've run into them pretty often in recent history.
Taybrim: I know. The Republic is in turmoil, and the Free State, while outwardly stable has a disturbing pattern of seeing its most progressive voices silenced. Both factions are desperate for resources and alliances. It makes them both very open to corruption.
McLaren: ?
Sal leaned back, looking at the stars and the freighter that was docking.
Taybrim: The Federation rebounded faster from Frontier Day than the Romulans would have liked. It showed that we are resilient despite hardship. This means they have been growing restless. Those within the Republic and the Free State who would seek to expand into disputed or borderland territories of the Federation feel like they missed their window and soon Starfleet will not only be back to full strength, but perhaps back stronger. They are restless and rash.
McLaren: ?
Taybrim: For I all know there may be a changeling in the Romulan Senate. We can’t have been the only ones infiltrated.
Which was not only dangerous for the Romulans internally, but dangerous for those they might aggress against.
McLaren: ?
He swirled the liquid in his glass and enjoyed another sip.
Taybrim: It really is too dour for such a nice night. What else should we talk about?
McLaren: ?
~*~
tags/tbc
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Commodore Sal Taybrim
Sector Commander
Raskor II
~Julian Beck
E239010ST0