A Romulan Point of View

Posted on Tue Mar 19th, 2019 @ 1:32pm by Nevala thu'S'Terion Ko-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor & Telhas thu'S'Terion Sa-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor & Candy Templeton

7,260 words; about a 36 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Romulan Embassy
Timeline: MD04 - 0700 Hours

Although the meeting with the Romulans last night had not gone as well as Candy had planned, it had went well enough for her to secure an interview with the Ambassador's wife this morning. One thing was certain, when dealing with Ambassadors, one should always plan on being early because while Ambassador's might set a time, the embassy might have a different idea of the security and time to get one to the Ambassador. Thus, it was no surprise that she arrived at the Romulan Embassy at 0630. Once there, she introduced herself, "My name is Candy Anise Templeton, FNS reporter. I have an appointment with Lady Nevala for breakfast at 0700."

The two Vulcan guards withdrew the lirpas which had been crossed to prevent her from passing them. "Enter the atrium and wait for an officer to pick you up. You may take a seat," one of them said with a smirk.

Vulcan guards? Now that's very interesting. I wonder exactly why they are guarding a Romulan Ambassador, let alone his wife. Candy wondered if these Vulcans had forsaken Surak's teachings but said nothing. "Very well," Candy replied pleasantly and moved into the atrium.

As she passed them, the guard who had spoken looked after her with a grin and whispered "Ish-veh skamauk." (She is attractive.) The other guard hissed "Pehkau tu glazhau po'ish-veh!" (Stop looking after her!)

But it was too late. "Quiet in the ranks!" a young, pale Romulan woman with long black hair and pale blue eyes shouted harshly, her voice echoing in the atrium. The two guards snapped back to attention and did not say a word. The young woman went to Candy, who was slightly taller than her. Now she spoke with a soft tone. "Miss Templeton, I am Lieutenant Timarik Saeihr cha'Havrannen, officer in command of the atrium. You are early." She smiled. "I like this. Please accompany to my office. Just a scan and a little information."

"I have always found it best to be early for important appointments and your Lady Nevala ranks among the most important appointments that I could ever keep," she said honestly. "I have always believed that if you are on time, you are late." She followed the Romulan woman to her office and patiently waited for instructions as to how the Romulan bureaucracy was going to next treat her. Anything for the story, she thought to herself.

Timarik took a tricorder and scanned Candy. "No weapons, explosives, or other dangerous goods. No surprise so far." She grinned for a second. "May I see your documents please? ID card and accreditation as a journalist."

Candy handed out all of her documents without argument. "May I inquire as to your name and position? I like making sure that I know who I am speaking with."

Although Timarik was sure that she had introduced herself she stayed calm and diplomatic. "Of course. Lieutenant Timarik Saeihr cha'Havrannen, Duchal Guards of S'Terion, Reman Batallion, Company B Executive Officer."

She looked at the documents and checked them at her terminal. With a smile she returned them to Candy. "Everything is fine. Now some information. Whatever happens, the orders of the guards are to be obeyed. Failure to do so may lead to a life-long ban from any Romulan installations, even from entering the Star Empire. We are responsible for the embassy's security, and we take this very serious. Should a fire break out, inform the closest guard and follow their instructions. Every guard knows the emergency plans and will help you to get out safely. Should the embassy be under attack, move to the nearest turbolift. A guard will lead you to the nearest safe location. Do not take any arms and try to help in the defense. We may accidentally consider you an attacker in that case. Please note that in principle we have the right to order you to assist in defense. In this case an officer, and only an officer, will give you the order and you will be assigned to that officer's troops. Note that in any case, Lord Telhas and Lady Nevala always count as officers. Any questions?"

Candy tried not to roll her eyes at the instructions. She was not about to jeopardize her credentials with the Romulans in their own Embassy. After all, this was their turf. On her turf, though, she would do as she pleased. "I think you have been quite thorough, Timarik."

"Very good." Timarik smiled politely. "Before I bring you to the Ambassador's suite, I want you something to know. Lord Telhas is Romulan royalty and his House promoted equal rights for Remans for centuries now. The Remans hold him in high regards, so you should not mess up with him. We make take this personal." She grinned. "Yes, I said we. I am half Reman and half Romulan. My father is Knight Commander R'serk cha'Havrannen, commanding officer of the Reman Batallion. My mother is Romulan. He could only marry her due to the high reputation of a House Guard unit. He's considered lower nobility in Romulan society. The House Guards of S'Terion are the only House Guards hiring Remans. You may be inquisitive, but if you embarrass the Lady or the Lord, we may take it personal. I have been clear?"

In short, you do not want me to report anything that you do not want me to report. You wish to control the press. Well, that will not work. I will play the game for now, but we will see if I am told anything other than the party lines. Candy bubbled pleasantly, "Oh, as water!" God, I hate playing the ditz, regardless of how well it works. "And when shall the Lady be coming to join me?"

"Please follow me," Timarik said and led her to the turbolift. It went to the uppermost deck.

When the doors opened, Telhas just left the Ambassador's suite and approached the turbolift. "Good morning, Miss Templeton," he said with a warm smile. "You are early." He signalled Timarik that she could leave and just went the steps back to the doors of his suite and opened them. "Please, enter." Making a step into the room behind the doors, he called "My Dearest, your guest has arrived." The voice was friendly. He returned to Candy. "Unfortunately I cannot accompany you, maybe later, but that depends. Enjoy your breakfast." With that, he went to the turbolift again.

Candy acknowledged Telhas politely and with a bow. "I am on time, nothing more, Ambassador," she told Telhas. Candy was pretty sure that she did not like him; however, liking people was not a requirement for her profession. She just had to get along enough to get whatever information was required to get the story, whatever that might be. When Telhas explained that he could not join breakfast, Candy was not surprised. This had been prearranged. Likely Nevala was going to feel her out and if she was "trustworthy," then he would come later. Again, Candy responded understandingly, "Thank you, Ambassador. If you can join us at any time, I would be honored. If not, it is perfectly understandable. I know you are very busy."

"Thank you for understanding," Telhas said with a brief smile before he left.

Nevala, dressed in a green tee, black sweatpants and grey socks, came out of a room to the right where Candy stood. She smiled charmingly. "Good morning, Miss Templeton. Or may I call you Candy? Please, call me Nevala as long as we are here in private. Yesterday I just... I do not like being called 'madam'. It sounds so... old, does it not? In such an official environment like yesterday I insist on my title, at least that of 'Lady', but everywhere else I prefer to be just Nevala."

Candy raised her eyebrows slightly when she saw Nevala. The Romulan woman was not kidding when she indicated that she would be extremely casual. Candy, on the other hand, had dressed business casual in a tan pencil skirt that hugged her hips and stretched nearly to her knees along with a wine-colored blouse and modest black high heels. "Candy is just fine, Nevala," Candy replied, quickly becoming acclimated to Nevala's casualness. "Perhaps it was a poor choice of words but there was no offense intended, I hope that you were aware."

"No offense taken," Nevala replied with a bright smile. "Now, let us have breakfast, shall we?" Her smile stayed as she led the way to the dining room where she came from. A long table was filled with various foods of Vulcan, Romulan and Terran origin. "I was not sure what you prefer, so I have replicated a little bit of everything. A selection of Terran, Vulcan and Romulan jams, Romulan and Terran cereals, chicken eggs, hlai eggs, Terran ham, because the Romulan one is really bad compared to the Terran one," she giggled. "Romulan mollusk sausages, which I can really recommend. Bread from Earth, Vulcan and, the blue one, from Romulus. Oh, and some Plomek Soup. Juices, teas... this is all." She reconsidered for a moment. "I have no idea why I tell you what you can see. I mean you... it is all visible and you can distinguish... better than me maybe... even... uhm..." She took a moment to think. "If you prefer something else, do not hesitate to ask and I will replicate it for you." She had placed the dishes at the same end of the table so that they could sit opposite to each other, but close enough for an easy conversation. "Please, whatever seat you prefer."

"You are quite generous to have thought of such a fine selection of foods," Candy told Nevala. "I am not a finicky eater. Any or all of this will be more than pleasant. I think, however, my eyes may be larger than my appetite. I could not possibly eat all of it," Candy said with a chuckle. Briefly considering the seats, Candy chose to place her seat closer to Nevala rather than directly across from her. Often times sitting directly across from another person could be construed as setting up a confrontation. I do not need that. A little closer to show an openness, a friendliness, while also keeping a respectful distance so as not to encroach on personal space should do the trick.

"I think that I will accept your recommendations of the Romulan mollusk sausages, the chicken eggs, and some orange juice for starters." Candy gathered the food on her plate and then sat politely down, waiting for her hose to eat first. She would not want to be considered rude in front of Nevala.

Nevala took a bowl with Romulan cereals with milk to her place and filled a cup with Vulcan spice tea. While doing this she grinned and said "I know that problem so well. It is such a pity that one cannot eat all the fine things you see at a banquet, is it not?" She then started to eat her cereals.

Subtle and testing. I like it. "I would dispute that. Perhaps one could not eat everything at one particular banquet. However, one can certainly sample as many dishes as one desires over time. That way, one can get one's fill of everything one desires."

Nevala chewed her bite of cereals and swallowed them before she replied. "I agree that this is also an option. You have been at many banquets?" She smiled with an expectant look on her face, then added "Because I am not too used to it yet. I have been pretty much middle class before my wedding. Of course, I have attended some banquets at foundation stone ceremonies for bigger projects. As architect in charge it was my duty and one of the pleasant duties actually. But I did not have that many projects of such dimensions to justify a banquet. Now as a Senator's wife, even more if the Senator is Patrician, you find yourself in all of these banquets and diplomacy and politics. It has been overwhelming in the beginning, but I am getting used to it. So back to my question. You have been at many banquets?" She smiled charmingly.

"I do not know what you would call a lot," Candy responded safely. "However, I would say that I have been to my share. It comes with the territory of my profession," she replied with a shrug and then cut a Romulan mollusk sausage and took a bite. The cut was not dainty, nor vicious. It was practiced and precise. "So," she continued after swallowing, "an architect, then? That would explain why you were with Commander M'Mira when you were kidnapped." Candy paused and put her hand over her mouth for effect, and then removed it. "I hope that is not too sensitive for you to talk about."

"Actually I had been with Lieutenant Commander M'Mira before I have been kidnapped," Nevala said and tried to recall everything correctly. "We were talking about available infrastructure for the Embassy. Energy and so on." She shrugged. "This is now obsolete as we are totally self-sustaining." She placed her empty bowl aside and took some mollusk sausage on her plate. "We have changed the concept. Top priority is no longer openness, but security. Yet, I still want to keep this place as open as possible." She took a bite of the sausage.

Candy ate while Nevala talked. All the while, she kept her eyes on the Romulan, trying to sense when there might be an opening or some tasty morsel worthy of the news to seize upon. So far, there was little that she did not know. "It seems a shame that you would make those priorities. Have you discovered a reason that you were kidnapped? An agenda other than the fact that you are the Romulan Ambassador's wife?"

"Yes, we have been able to discover the reason. It had to do with me being the Ambassador's wife, but the agenda behind was different. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you more. Maybe you could ask Governor Taga? If she talks to you at all." Nevala did not smile or show any other sign of politeness. And when she said the Governor's name she clearly showed disgust.

"Actually," Candy said interested, "I have a great deal of interest in talking to the Governor. I know that the Captain did not seem to have high hopes on me speaking with him but I feel that the Captain asking him also would be a problem. I wonder what the best method of reaching him might be...." She paused dramatically and then said, "I certainly do not expect that is someone that you would prefer to contact. It would just make my story much more complete."

"Governor Taga is a woman," Nevala corrected with a polite smile, "so if you want to get an interview, you should not call her 'him'." She winked. "But I agree that you should not ask the Captain or any Starfleet officer to ask the Governor for an interview. My husband had talked to the Governor recently, although I have no idea how he managed to get an appointment." She shrugged. "Maybe you can ask him later, if he finds the time to accompany us. But you should take care, there is a fair chance that you will be taken hostage to put pressure on Starfleet. It seems that all their actions serve the primary goal to get Starfleet off this planet. The previous Governor, a man interested in friendly relations with Starfleet, had been killed with a Starfleet phaser. The explosives used for the bombing of this Embassy were typical for Starfleet, and the troops who kidnapped me also used Starfleet phasers. This was a little bit too obvious pointing at Starfleet, was it not?"

"That would explain my confusion. The documents I read had a male governor. I was unaware, somehow, that he was dead." Candy visibly became disturbed that her information was dated. All of her features tightened. "But, yes, I would agree that this is all too convenient." Now her face became determined and her eyes gleamed. There was a story here and she wanted it. "I wonder who could be supplying all of these to Faltans and who is stoking these fires. I would be most interested in breaking this story."

"Not only you, Candy," Nevala said calmly. "Our current impression is that one of Faltan's militias went rogue and took the hate speeches against all foreigners a little too literal. But I think there is more to it. Much more. From my side, you can have all the support you want. Unfortunately..." She stopped talking and thought for a moment if she wanted to continue her sentence, but decided to better set up some agreement. "Candy, I will ask this once, and probably my husband will ask you the same question again. Are you willing to play a dangerous game, one that could take your life? Because this may be necessary to break this story."

Seriously Candy answered, "The story is all. Reporters die just like soldiers die. It is part of the territory, Nevala. We do what we must." Now, we are getting somewhere, she inwardly smiled to herself. Breaking this will be the story of my career! "Whatever support that you are willing to lend, I would be most appreciative."

Nevala bowed her head, a sign of respect for Candy's dedication to her job. "Let me start with my kidnapping. The attackers used Starfleet phasers, some had Starfleet uniforms. And, as had been found out, the explosives were Starfleet, although none were missing at Faltan Station. Of course, everyone with proper knowledge could replicate all this, yet these people are rare outside Starfleet. It may also be possible that someone stole this and changed Faltan Station's records. Regardless what was the case, the people who kidnapped me were hired thugs, uncivilized bastards with no manners. But soon after my abduction another group stopped my kidnappers and took me hostage. These people were dressed in crimson uniforms and brought me to an estate in Faltan's desert. They treated me well, like a lady should be treated. Honestly, there were hours when I felt more like on holidays than a prisoner." She smiled and shook her head. "Weird, isn't it? But it was really a beautiful place. The gardens, architecture and interior of that building showed me that the owner must be wealthy, so I would say it must also be an influential person. Wealth always gives influence, doesn't it? And we are looking for someone with a good sense of style."

Taking no notes, Candy nodded in the appropriate places and started thinking about the story that she was given. After a pregnant pause, she said, "There are possibilities here: 1) That whoever kidnapped you second, hired the first kidnappers or 2) We're dealing with competing groups. It does sound like the wealthier group is better organized. Did they either set say who they were working for? Mention any names? Any clues other than the desert estate?" She paused again and leaned in thoughtfully. "Even the smallest thing might matter."

Nevala thought for a while, trying to remember everything, but also keep those things secret where she was not sure if she should tell. "Both options are possible, although I had the impression that the second option is more correct. But I am not sure if I can trust my impression. There are so many things going on in your mind when you get kidnapped. The attack seemed to have been very professionally planned, but my husband may be the better address for results of the investigations. I never... I don't want to read those files. It's difficult. All too recent. But... what they told me before they released me... It's been a show of their power to tell us that we shall keep out of the entire Raeya Sector Block. Ha! We never had any interest in this sector!" She rubbed her forehead as she thought about what she had said. "This sounds a little like Governor Taga. She tells every major power to stay out of Faltan. But the entire sector? I am not sure if Taga is just a part of a bigger plan or if she has bigger plans herself." She smiled. "Hey, it seems that you make me analyze this entire situation. Better than I did before." Curiously she looked at Candy, keeping her smile as she waited for new questions. Actually it helped her to talk with someone about those strangest days of her life, someone who was not her husband.

"Well," Candy said with some certainty, "I should definitely want to speak with your husband." Breakfast had long been forgotten and Candy had not eaten or drank anything since the conversation began in earnest. "Show of power? How could this Taga have amassed such loyalty or weaponry so quickly if he is involved? Something does not add up."

"Yes, something is wrong with this." Nevala looked at their plates. "Do you want to continue breakfast or would you mind if we take some beverages and move to the living room?"

"I am content to move to the living room." Candy's appetite was satiated now that she was going to get news. Nothing could excite her more. "Please, lead us on, Nevala."

Nevala smiled and took a mug of tea with her as she left the dining room and went to the living room, which was the large room where Candy had entered the apartment. There were sideboards and shelves at the walls, containing many books, some plants and holo-pictures showing Romulan people in different places. Almost in the middle was a big, L-shaped sofa with a coffee table and not far away was a chair at a harp.

Nevala placed her mug on the coffee table and settled cross-legged on the couch. "Please, take a seat."

The buxom blonde sat on a cushion near the intersection of the "L" waiting for Nevala to tantalizingly lead her onto the next step.

"If you should get your interview with Taga," Nevala said calmly, "I would appreciate if you could ask her a question. Ask her if she is aware of the fact that my husband had planned a full-scale attack on this planet when he believed me killed. And even after he learned that I had been kidnapped and not killed, he would have destroyed one or two cities on Faltan. The only things keeping him from launching an attack were that he values the peace with the Federation, and that I would never approve the death of innocents in retaliation for any injustice against me. He would not want to upset me. And with the Federation," she shrugged, "you should ask him why he restrained himself from starting a conflict, if not a war, with your government."

Candy considered the requests carefully. She was not a Romulan envoy. She was a reporter. Of course, she would want to know some of these answers herself. More notable was that Nevala now admitted what she suspected and that her husband had denied in public, the Romulans would have attacked the Faltans and not left her behind as "just one citizen." She crossed her legs buying for some time as she sorted the details out. "I will find out the answers but I do not believe that it is wise to ask your questions in the way that you have phrased them," Candy finally concluded.

Nevala shrugged. "Maybe you are right." She thought for a moment. "You are going to tell me the answers when you have them?"

Everyone will know. "But of course, Nevala. Why would I not?"

Yes, why should she not? Nevala smiled gently. "Maybe it gives you an advantage?" She took a sip of her tea and looked at Candy for a moment. "I am not used to the press being that free as it is here. Honestly, I am not sure if I totally like it. It may enforce honesty of those in power, yet it may also just lead to more secrecy of the powerful. And one could abuse it. A couple of well-placed fake stories could easily erode any government, could it not?" She took another sip. "I don't think you are one who publishes fake stories. Maybe you write stories a little bit too... how do you say?... too... sensational? Is this the correct word? But in the end, your stories seem to have at least a true... uhm... core. Do you say core?"

"And there is no secrecy when the press isn't free?" Candy countered. "When it is government controlled, there is no check on it. The people only know what they want it to know and so corruption is easily bred. Certainly, you could make the argument that a fake story could bring down a government but more often than not, the truth comes out." She gave a small sigh when Nevala hinted that Candy purposefully sensationalized stories. "What I publish is true. I am careful to note when I make a conjecture or form an opinion. Everything, however, is based on fact. If it is what some would call, 'sensational,' then you must remember that if the news were dull, nobody would have interest in reading it or watching it. People are little better than sheep. They will follow whomever or whatever and nod their heads until something shakes them up, like a thunderstorm. When things are not calm, they react."

"Please don't take me wrong, I like your style of writing." Nevala smiled, and she was totally honest. "Not only me, also Telhas likes your style, although he would never admit." Looking at a chronometer in a shelf she frowned. "I wonder where he is. Normally his training takes less time. If you don't mind staying a little longer, we can wait for him. I guess you want to talk with him as well?"

"I am happy to wait for your husband and speak with him, as well."

"I think it's fair when I can ask you a few questions myself as long as we are waiting," Nevala said smiling, "I am a curious person and all this here, foreign places, foreign cultures... it is so rare for Romulans to see all this. There are so many questions. Maybe, if I may ask, why did you become a journalist?"

Candy answered simply. "Because I have to know the truth. I don't accept the stories that people tell on face value. Too many times I find out that people try to do things 'to protect others,' without thinking that people want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

Nevala tilted her head as she listened. "You could have become a police officer, or a judge to find the truth. My entire family is one of judges, police officers, attorneys, and... other... law enforcement. I am rather the... how do you say... black sheep?" She giggled. "But. I value my relatives. I have an uncle, Tevorak, who is a judge in a colony world. He has a reputation of finding the truth, regardless how long it takes. Even against all odds. When he reads the reasons for his judgements, he is radically honest. Some people say too honest, but that way everybody knows the truth. So back to you, why a journalist, not a judge? Allow me to make a guess."

"Please do," Candy leaned forward interested.

"A judge, a lawyer, whatever kind of these jobs, is not really free. You are obliged to the place where you serve. To the people of that specific place. But I think you are nobody who wants to be fixed to one place. You prefer to keep your maximal freedom." Nevala looked expectantly at Candy, watching her expression to see if she found a truth about her.

"Judges, lawyers, or whomever works for someone. A judge does not seek the truth. He or she rules on what the law is and applies those facts. A lawyer is an advocate. Regardless of the truth the lawyer must argue a point of view to get his client what his client desires. Me? I have only one thing that is my goal, to find and expose the truth, whatever it may be."

"And wherever you find it." Nevala smiled. "Nonetheless, I..." She was interrupted by opening doors when Telhas entered the room.

"Ah, you are still here, Miss Templeton. I hope your breakfast was informative?" Telhas asked, but continued just a second later "You have any questions left for me?"

Before Candy could answer, Nevala took over. "I am sure she has some questions left for you, my Love. Get yourself a mug and join us." Telhas nodded and went to the dining room. Nevala used the moment to finish her sentence. "What I wanted to say when he entered was, that I still believe that you are a person who values freedom more than even most Federation citizens. Let me tell you this, I also enjoy freedom, but my position... I have my obligations, and they are rather strict. Yet, I am more free than before. Finally, I am in a position where I can move things forward."

Telhas entered the living room again, this time with a mug with tea and settled next to Nevala. He looked at her smiling for moment, and his eyes showed his love for her, before he turned to Candy. "So, Miss Templeton, or may I call you Candy? You have open questions?"

"Of course you may call me Candy," she replied, crossing her legs and watching the interaction between Nevala and Telhas. "It is a shame that your positions make you feel more constrained than need be. However, I suspect that is why someone like me is required for your ends. However, they seem to coincide for the time. But, I would like to know why you're so interested in the Faltans aside from the fact that they kidnapped your wife."

"Actually there is no interest in Faltan." Telhas talked conversationally, but his tone changed into to disgust when he continued. "Faltan is a disgrace for any civilization, ruled by a bunch of arrogant bastards." He noticed Nevala's shocked look. He took a deep breath, then continued conversationally again. "Neither the planet nor its inhabitants interest me or the Star Empire. What interests us, however, is that it is only a couple of light years away from the area of operations of the so-called Free Romulan Movement, and in similar distance to territories of the so-called Sovereignty of Kahless. There we are most interested. Plus, as a kind of bonus, I could not reject the invitation of Secretary Temple to build an embassy here. We both served together on Deep Space Twelve, he as Federation Ambassador, I as Romulan Ambassador. He left quite an impression and I value this man as someone who wants to make this galaxy a better place for everyone."

"So," Candy started to ask, very curious, "you suspect that the Faltans are sponsoring these groups?"

Telhas shook his head, but grinned. "No, I do not suspect them. I am very sure that they do. Let me say that I have very reliable intelligence on that topic. But unfortunately, I cannot tell you details. You can believe me or not, but I cannot present you the evidence without sharing top secret information."

"Of course not," Candy replied sighing. "However, if some anonymously happened to end up in my quarters, perhaps...?"

Telhas grinned. "This will not happen, Candy. And if it happens, it was neither me nor anyone else in this Embassy."

"My cousin would not be too happy if some of these details get into hands without proper clearance," Nevala added. She shrugged. "But I tend to be at odds with my cousin."

"We would not want to displease your cousin, now would we?" Candy asked knowing that the documents would find their way to her quarters.

"At least not that specific one. You know which of my cousins I mean?" It was a good opportunity to check how much information Candy had on them.

While the women talked, Telhas leaned back, but kept an eye on them.

"Would that be Khoren i-Mhiessan thu'S'Terion, by chance?" Candy responded with a twinkle in her eye. "I do not want to name names. That would be rather clumsy of both of us, do you not think?"

"That would be my cousin." Telhas grinned. "Should you ever meet him, I am sure he would try to date you. Besides his economic skill, he has quite a reputation when it comes to attractive women."

Nevala glared at Telhas for a second when he mentioned that. Partly because he indirectly admitted that he found Candy attractive, and partly because his cousin had also tried to date her once. That day had been one of her worst dates and she doubted that Khoren's dates ever worked for him. Turning to Candy, she smiled politely. "You are right, Candy. The cousin I talk about, the one I do not want to displease, is Sonara T'Daran. More precise, General Sonara T'Daran. She chairs the Tal Shiar. I think none of us wants to displease her, even those who already did this before." She shot an icy glare at Telhas. "Am I right, my Love?"

"Sure, my Dearest," Telhas said with a wry smile. "Although, without my little... dispute, we would not be married. So, in the end, I would say, it paid off." He smiled radiantly.

There was no reaction from Candy when Telhas admitted that she was attractive. She heard that all of her life and she knew that she had used that to her advantage time and time again. More interesting to Candy was the interplay between the Ambassador and his wife and wondered at the story that was there. For now, it was of little import. Bigger stories awaited her and those involved the Faltans. She smiled pleasantly and finally said, "I must say that this has been a particularly pleasant morning. I appreciate your invitation and company."

Nevala smiled brightly. "We appreciate your visit. If it is possible, please be gentle and do not show us in a too bad light." She winked.

Candy replied. "If the light is bad, one of two things is possible: you must get out of the darkness or find a new bulb."

Nevala laughed. "Maybe. Although I fear that I am too much used of twilight and shadows."

"Oh, before I forget this," Telhas said as he took a small device out of his pocket. "Should you meet the Faltans, you may want to take this one with you. A passive beacon. Should you get missing, it gives me a good chance to locate you with my ship's scanners. Call it a safety option in case that you experience the same 'hospitality' as my wife. It is your decision if you want this or not."

Candy took the beacon. "Does it have an activation switch or is it always on?" There was hesitation in her voice as she accepted the beacon.

Telhas pointed at two Romulan glyphs. "This is the switch. Please note, to keep the energy profile very low, it has only energy for eight to twelve hours after activation. So, please, activate it only if you are really in danger. You need to press both glyphs at the same time, for at least three seconds."

"Let us hope that you will not need it." There was some sorrow in Nevala's eyes. She felt sympathy for Candy and she hoped that the journalist did not walk into a trap set up by the Faltans.

Thanking Telhas, Candy said, "I appreciate your assistance. I assure you that I would never use this unless absolutely necessary. Danger is part of my business and, as you probably noticed my hesitation, I do not like being tracked or followed. This will suit both of us well," she concluded.

"The next time we meet I will have more time for your questions," Telhas promised as he rose to his feet. "Until then, let us hope that you will get the story you are after, and that you will be able to tell it. I do not wish you luck, because if one needs to rely on luck the situation is out of control already. Instead, I wish you success. And I say goodbye as we did in the Diann. Watch your back." He bowed his head and left the room. He honestly hoped that Candy would not need the beacon. And he hoped even more that if she needed it, his forces would find her quickly.

"I plan on it. I do not think that my back would look good with unnecessary protrusions." She smiled easily at Telhas. "Thank you again for your time. I look forward to future conversations."

"As do I," Candy replied easily.

Nevala smiled at Candy. "I think he values your dedication to journalism. Just as I do. If you do not mind, I will guide you to the exit. It will give the guards the right impression that you are welcome."

"I do not mind at all and I appreciate your hospitality. Should I need to return, would I be required to go through the safe exhaustive waiting period?"

"Only if you want this." Nevala giggled. "No, seriously, it will be less… thorough. We could even get you much easier access if you would allow our Lieutenants N'Veyan and cha'Havrannen to make a quick scan of your mental signature so that they would remind you. They are both telepaths, and although I do not fully understand the procedure, what I understood is that every person has a very specific mental signature, like a fingerprint, which makes it easy to ensure that nobody impersonates as that person. You are no threat, and we just want to make sure that no hostile agent can enter these rooms appearing to be you." She led Candy to the turbolift as she talked. "But it is up to you. If you agree, you can get access as easy as saying hello to any of both Lieutenants. If not, we will need a full scan before allowing you to enter. Your decision."

The thought of a scan was bothersome. There was the chance that they could just simply find out everything about her, not that she was any threat to the Romulans. Of course, they could have already done that. There really was no way to tell, was there? It was not as if they were bound by the Federation standards of telepaths. "They can take their scan," she decided. "Of course, depending on their standards, they may not like or may love the scan," Candy replied laughing.

Nevala laughed as well. "Funny idea to see the two being distracted by your mind, but this will not happen. They will not look at your thoughts or memories, just at the way you think... something like that... I am sorry, but I'm no telepath. I did not really understand when they tried to explain. But my husband holds them in high regard. I think he understands." She felt unsure on this topic, something she could not hide.

"More like a fingerprint? Just a matter of engrams?" Candy offered.

"Yes, something like that... I guess." Nevala smiled. "Telepaths are still scary," she whispered and stepped into the turbolift.

"I will not tell you that I find the potential invasion of my brain desirable but they are a reality and at some level we have to trust something, no?"

Nevala laughed. "Live almost five decades with Romulan indoctrination, then ask the same question again!" She shook her head. "A pity that we became so... paranoid. Maybe we always have been that way? I really cannot say for sure, we have no historical documents giving hints on that. Your species went a much different way, maybe we can learn from you."

"Me? Or my species?" Candy asked. "I think that you would find on either count that we still have a great deal of distrust."

"Maybe learn from both, you and your species," Nevala replied with a charming smile. "And I hope that you trust us a little more than before."

Evasively, Candy answered, "I trust all beings as much as the others. Everyone has an agenda, Nevala, no matter how well intentioned."

"Now you sound almost Romulan." Nevala giggled.

The turbolift doors opened. Nevala stepped into the atrium and addressed a guard. "Get me lieutenants cha'Havrannen and N'Veyan, please. We need to clear Miss Templeton for easy access. Move."

The guard bowed and went into an office. A moment later the young half-Reman/half-Romulan lieutenant who had checked Candy when she entered came out of the office and approached them. "Miss Templeton, you are informed that easy access makes a psionic surface scan necessary?"

"I am so informed," Candy answered. "I consent to the scan."

Timarik nodded, made a step towards Candy and closed her eyes. She did not need to touch Candy. Actually, touching would make it difficult to ignore the reporter's thoughts. It took her a moment, she sensed Candy's curiosity, the questions forming in the reporter's mind. "Please, try to keep your thoughts more below the surface, okay?" the half-Reman/half-Romulan asked, her eyes still closed. It became better, easier now. Now she found out how the questions were forming, yes, how thoughts were moving from the surface and to the surface of Candy's conscience. She sensed the patterns and got a feeling first, then an understanding how Candy's mind was forming thoughts. She did not care for the information in the thoughts. This was not useful for the exercise. Finally, when she was sure that she could distinguish Candy's mind from any other mind in the galaxy, she opened her eyes again and made a step back. She looked exhausted, but smiled. "Your mind is quite a challenge. Fast thinking, very observant. Thank you for your support."

Giving Timarik a smirk, Candy shot back, "Aren't challenges more fun? I wouldn't want you to think I was easy."

tag?

Turning to Nevala, Timarik bowed. "Lady Nevala, I have everything I need. We don't need to wait for Lieutenant N'Veyan, I can share this with her."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Nevala said with a gentle smile. "Dismissed." Turning to Candy, she spoke softly "You know, I had to get through this procedure as well. Security is very important to us. Thank you for your patience."

"I do what I must for what I need," Candy answered simply.

Nevala extended her hand. "I am so happy that you visited us, Candy. To me, your visit was the highlight of the day. You are always welcome at my home, wherever this may be. Hopefully the interview helped you with your story. Please send me a copy when it is published. And please take care of yourself. That Governor Taga cannot be trusted."

Candy took Nevala's hand in kind. "Thank you for time. I have found it quite enjoyable. As to Governor Taga, I shall see for myself what she is like and sort matters from there."

Nevala smiled. "I am sure you will. Jolan'tru, Candy, and please visit us again."

 

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