Friends, Romans, Countrymen

[Cmdr Ba'alyo 0]

Commander Zen Ba'alyo found himself fretting as he moved down the corridor toward the transporter room. Consul Quintus had made a momentous announcement to the citizens of Magna Roma: they were not alone in the universe.

 

The announcement would be a defining moment in their history. Planets and cultures often surged forward or imploded on the stress of such paradigm shifts; they seldom remained static.

 

His own homeworld had only possessed this knowledge for a few decades. He had been only a youth when knowledge of the Federation had come to his world. The starship Intrepid, with its all-Vulcan crew, had visited Efros Delta IV during the second year of their ill-fated five-year mission. It was an historic visit, granting them awareness of the larger galactic community. It was a mark of that community's openness that his world had been granted admittance soon after. He had been joined its Starfleet Academy. One of his own race now governed this same Federation as its President.

 

But that visit had also shattered myths and worldviews - religions and individuals and psychologies and philosophies had to grapple with the realities. They weren't quite done with it, in fact.

 

The transporter room doors parted and Ba'alyo unfastened the shoulder clasp of his jacket. No sense looking overly militaristic, he reasoned, tossing it aside and wearing only the white turtleneck. Marcus Quintus had revealed to his fellow-citizens that there was a place "out there" where the Roman culture may have come from. But were they ready to accept alien races, foreign technologies, and challenges to their worldview? He stepped up on the pad, nodding to the chief. Their covert observation of the culture had been quite exposed. Kimiko had been captured and forced to fight in the arena. Teros had unwisely tried to subdue a Roman guard and been severely injured in the attempt. Savros had revealed himself and his mission to a group of native scientists. As Ba'alyo felt the now-familiar dematerialization begin, he wondered - How much change would the Romans accept at once?

 

* * * * *

 

The noticeable tension had taken over the archaelogical party. It seems Savros' sudden decision to remain at the ruins of the ancient city had created a stir. The Roman stood over by their vehicle and spoke softly amongst themselves.

 

Ensign Freeman wondered if they could share something in common. "Shall we light a fire?"

 

Lucius turned from his colleagues and looked inquisitively at the off worlders. "You don't find it too hot for a fire?"

 

Freeman started to speak then realized his mistake. He smiled inwardly remembering his survival course at Starfleet academy. It had never been his best subject, but the professor had complemented him on his solar oven. He didn't trust uncooked food.

 

"Actually, I find it rather comfortable," stated Savros, "My home planet is a desert."

 

"A desert world? How did your race evolve?" one of the Romans inquired.

 

"Much as any other. We evolved over millenia and adapted to our environment until we had developed traits well suited for the desert," he explained. "For example, my eyes can tolerate more intense light than that of humans."

 

One of the Romans moved to the ground vehicle and pulled out a tool box. He put it on the ground and took a seat. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I want to talk." He looked around at the others. One by one they found a seat, except for Lucius who seemed to prefer to stand. "I am Oxavius; this is Lucius, Publius, Gaius, and Spurius." He gestured to each of his colleages. "And Decima," remembering the female in their group. "As Lucius told you, we are researching in Antiquities and charged with the preservation of this ruin of a city," he waved his arms around. "Now, what brought you here?"

 

Having materialized a discreet distance away, Ba'alyo took the opening in the conversation to step into view. "I think I can answer that," he offered.

 

The Romans immediately took to their feet, staring at the white haired arrival. For a moment, Ba'alyo wondered if his reddish-copper skin and light hair would be considered as a possible human variant or yet another alien.

 

Lieutenant H.G. Reed got to her feet. "Commander... we were just discussing... uh..." she stopped herself unsure of what to say about what was surely a violation of regulations. The whole discussion was a bad idea. If she'd been in charge, they would have beamed back to the ship.

 

The executive officer raised his hand. Ba'alyo was uncomfortable with the situation, but knew he'd have to adapt to unforseen circumstances. Officers on the ground had to use their own judgment, he repeated from his command training. Turning back to the Romans, "We received a transmission that caught our attention. That's what brought us here." He specifically did not mention the ship in orbit, choosing to use caution in revealing too much about themselves at once.

 

"Of course, we have been sending transmissions into space for some 50 years!" interjected Lucius.

 

Ba'alyo glanced aside, not wanted to correct the misunderstanding. "As your Consul mentioned in the broadcasts, we share a mutual interest in your origins. We think there may be clues to that buried at this site." His voice grew quiet. "We thought we were being discreet in coming somewhere so remote. We haven't finished looking and we don't know if we're ready to share our theories just yet." He gestured with an outstretched hand. "Could you be convinced to wait until we've finished our research to make a report? Could you help us?"