"Watch your Back"

[STSF Seiben 0]

Galae Command, Romulus – Outside, it was another bright and sunny day on Romulus. The warm summer’s day brought out many looking to enjoy the favourable weather conditions. Inside the sprawling confines of the Galae Command, the mood was anything but.

 

The Federation attack of the Romulan Outpost stationed in the Neutral Zone had occurred more than a month ago, but emotions were still high. Perhaps the most outspoken person was that of Khre’Riov Radak tr’Malov. Seen by many as a heroic patriot for the Empire, and a highly distinguished career and veteran of countless skirmishes with the Federation and Klingon Empire.

 

tr’Malov earned a reputation for his tough stance and harsh actions on non-Romulan species, showing no mercy and being swift and deadly on all those, foolish enough to battle against him and the Empire. Seen as having the best interest for the Empire in mind, he earned the respect and praise of Command’s more conservative members.

 

Outside of the Romulan Empire, tr’Malov had a reputation of being a cunning, but ruthless individual, and mastermind of many brilliant attacks on neighbouring systems, who wouldn’t be above killing innocent civilians and children to advance the Preator’s power across the quadrant.

 

At the head of a long table, filled with his peers the inflamed Khre’Riov argued his case. “We cannot stand idly by and let those lloahn’nna fvai get away with this ostentatious and cowardly attack! They must pay for their actions. We must strike back with a swift and mighty force, and show them that we will not be trifled with!”

 

Loud cheers and hollering erupted from the table. “We are the Chosen! We are all-powerful and a force in the quadrant not to be taken lightly. Therefore, I suggest we quickly organize a counter-attack on their outposts and colonies. Swift, but brutal and sending a message to those cowardly Federation scum, the Romulan way”

 

More cheering from the crowd emanated. Looking on and listening intently, the Chief of Staff and Commander of the Galae fleet, Daise’Khre’Riov Koga S’Bien looked around the room. A highly decorated commander and veteran of countless battles himself, he was wise but firm. Wise beyond his years, S’Bien earned much respect from his peers for his fairness and impartiality, while being a highly intelligent tactician, who quickly rose to prominence.

 

“Hany’yyo for your passionate case, Khre’Riov. Before we vote for our next course of action, does anyone else have anything to say?” He asked. Another figure raised his hand. “Ie, Daise. I have something I’d like to say” all eyes turned on the man. “Very well, Khre’Riov tr’Kaye. Au may proceed” Koga responded.

 

“Han’yyo. While I respect the opinions of Khre’Riov tr’Malov I am telling au that attacking the Federation is an extremely bad idea. Such a senseless attack will bring nothing but conflict and once again bring war to the Empire and the senseless loss of countless of lives. I ask that au do not go ahead with this senseless plan”

 

tr’Malov looked at tr’Kaye. “Senseless? What are au talking about? The Lloahn’nna blatantly attacked our installation and destroyed several support ships and fighter craft. Have au gone soft, tr’Kaye? Au are suggesting we play nice and act all sugar and gum-drops after the Lloahn’nna Galae committed this brutal attack, which could be considered an act of war, in and of itself?”

 

“War is not the answer, tr’Malov. There are more peaceful ways we can act. We have already contacted the ambassador to Earth to demand an explanation. We can work out a more peaceful solution to work this out, without having to resort to violence!” tr’Kaye retorted.

 

The table shouted and yelled some more, until S’Bien silently raised a hand to quiet them down. “An interesting proposition, tr’Kaye. Please go on” Inwardly, Koga tended to agree with tr’Malov. But as mediator of the Council meeting, his role required him to remain impartial, and so he remained silent as he listened to tr’Kaye.

 

“I suggest we open a dialogue with the Lloahn’nna and work things out over talks to ensure such actions do not happen again” tr’Kaye continued. “Oh, yes. And I suppose we shall invite them over for tea and biscuits and hug while singing songs over the fire afterwards, hmm?” said tr’Malov sarcastically.

 

“Preposterous! If you can only hear yourself, tr’Kaye” interrupted tr’Malov. “Au sound as cowardly and ridiculous as those Lloahn’nna fvai that did this! Au always were soft. Lenient and caring for other’s feeling like some feeble old grandmother, honestly. Why must I listen to anymore of this drivel? Our choice is clear, people. We must act!”

 

Much of the others shouted and heckled tr’Kaye. Once again, S’Bien raised his hand to silence the crowd. “Alright. We have heard compelling cases both for and against initiating a revenge attack. I thank you both for stating your cases” S’Bien said, looking at both tr’Malov and tr’Kaye.

 

“We shall now take this to a vote. Those in favour for initiating a counter-offensive against the Lloahn’nna Galae, say ‘aye’. Those against, say ‘nay’” S’Bien looked around the room. As expected, the room resounded with a shout of “Aye!” Not one person voted against.

 

“Very well” said Koga. “The ‘ayes’ have it. Plans to begin a counter-attack against the Lloahn’nna is to begin immediately. Khre’Riov tr’Malov, I want au in charge.” Tr’Malov smiled and nodded. “Ie, rekkhai. With au’s permission, I would like to personally command the fleet that will wipe those bases off the map” S’Bien reflected briefly and nodded. “Agreed, Khre’Riov. Au will be in command of the Fleet. All resources will be made to your disposal to effectively carry it out. I wish you luck, Khre’Riov. This meeting is adjourned. I remind au all that none of what has transpired will leave this room”

 

S’Bien turned and stepped down from the podium. The other high-ranking officers also followed suit and left the conference hall. Tr’Kaye let out an audiable sigh and gathered his things. “Well, well Khre’Riov. It seems that au are alone in your opinions for… peace.” Tr’Malov sneered. “I don’t think au won any friends with au’s view of diplomacy, tr’Kaye. If I were au, I would watch my back”.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…