Time for a Chat

Posted on Fri Feb 28th, 2020 @ 7:26am by Candy Templeton & Nevala thu'S'Terion Ko-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor

4,685 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Mission 3: Diplomacy, what’s that?
Location: Romulan Embassy, Faltan

It had been awhile since Candy had visited the Romulan Embassy but she felt that a small chat was called for. Consequently, she headed there and decided to call on Telhas and his wife. She waited for the telepathic screening to confirm her identity.

Lieutenant Timarik, the young half-Reman/half-Romulan woman in charge of the atrium guards approached Candy. "Miss Templeton," she said with a polite smile, "Nice to see you again." When she was in handshake range she closed her eyes for a second, then gave a nod to the other guards. "How are you?"

Candy did not like the scan. She understood the rules and played the game, but that did not mean that she was happy about it. "I am well, and you?" She gave a self-satisfied and secured smile at Timarik. "Is your lady available? I believe that we might have some interesting matters to discuss."

Timarik felt that Candy did not like the scan. But who did? "I'm well, thank you." She thought for a moment before she replied to Candy's question. "I think Lady Nevala is available, but please let me check where she is." She communicated telepathically with the guards in the atrium. One guard went to a console and checked the entries. Timarik went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. The prevented him from saying anything. She nodded and signaled Candy to follow her.

They went into the turbolift. "Deck three," Timarik ordered. "This place became a fortress since your last visit," she said with a sigh, "What a pity. I liked it more when it was... when it was a more open place."

"I would not say a fortress. M'Mira would lose too much beauty sleep if she held to that sort of rigidity and she's not about to do that," Candy replied with a laugh. "But, morale is low. After all, why put effort into a place that you believe is going to be closing? And after the attack on the former Chief Engineer, Cat.... Well, it certainly is understandable. I'm quite certain that the Falteans must be enjoying themselves over it all."

"If I would be in charge, there would be no Falteans left on this planet," Timarik shrugged, "But I'm just a soldier, no diplomat."

The turbolift doors opened and Timarik led Candy three doors down the corridor. "Here we are, you are free to enter the holodeck. Lady Nevala wanted to finish her exercises, but you can accompany her if you want."

"I have no objection to exercise or accompanying the Lady." Without waiting for further permission, Candy opened the holodeck and strode inside.

Nevala was beating furiously at a punching back. But it was clear that each punch was technically well executed, she seemed to have a background in some kind of martial arts. Sweat could be seen on her forehead and also in her tank top. Nevala did not hear the holodeck doors open, as she was totally focused to her training. She had finished most of her exercises, like running and rings, already. A swimming pool showed what was still waiting for her. After finishing another series of punches she turned to the door, since she expected Candy.

Nevala smiled at the blonde. "Candy..." she breathed heavily, being exhausted from her exercises "What an unexpected... surprise... And a good one... I think."

Candy put her hand to her chest and said, "Why would I be anything other than a good surprise? Indeed, why should I be a surprise at all?"

"Honestly, I did not expect you today," Nevala replied, "Did I forget a scheduled visit?"

"No," Candy answered simply. "I dropped in unexpectedly. I hope that you do not mind."

Nevala smiled. "You would not be here if I would mind. However," her smile turned brighter, "since your visit is unexpected, you have to deal with a sweaty Romulan now." She shrugged. "I hope you don't mind."

Candy laughed in response. "There are far worse things that I have uncovered than a sweaty Romulan in my times as a reporter. I assure you that none of it bothers me."

Nevala looked at the holographic pool. "Normally I would finish my training with swimming. But I do not want to be impolite, you have no swimming clothes."

"That is easily remedied. I'm certain your computer could replicate some for me or, if you are not offended, I merely can swim in my birthday suit."

"Your what?" Nevala asked, then she understood. "Uh, well, although I do not care, but I think there may be some weird unwritten rule that a Patrician lady can not be in pool with someone nude." There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice before she continued. "Computer, replicator. Candy, you are free to choose." Nevala herself undressed her tank top, shorts and shoes just to reveal a green bikini.

Candy considered her options and finally chose a purple bikini with a blue colored outline of the edges. "I think this will do. Computer, please dress me in this and simultaneously transport the clothing I'm wearing to the chair on the side." A split second later, Candy was in her chosen swimwear. It emphasized her curves, flat abdomen, and nearly perfect hourglass figure. Her head looked at her bottom critically and said, "It will do."

Nevala could not help but compare her body to Candy's. Nevala was also slim, yet visibly more muscular than Candy. For Romulan standards this was not bad, since strength was very important in Romulan society. "You are hot," Nevala concluded. "The guys must be chasing you. How does it come you are not married?"

Laughing uproariously, Candy answered simply, "And get tied down? Have to deal with the expectations of someone else that might get in the way of my job? That really seems like a poor career decision." She shrugged. "But there are those who try. Though, I think my suitors in Starfleet have considerably dropped after my last couple of articles."

"I have been somewhat like you," Nevala said, "but then, you know, Telhas happened." She shrugged and laughed. "Many would say I got the jackpot. Maybe I have."

"Are you saying that you were a reporter?" Candy asked curiously. "Or are you saying that you had many suitors?" She grinned like a cat that ate the canary. "Or is it both? Please, do tell, Nevala."

"No reporter, but someone living for my job," Nevala replied. "I wanted to stay independent, ready to manage whatever building project I would win. But no reporter. A little bit of a journalist, writing articles on architecture. As for the suitors... well..." She shrugged and grinned.

"It is difficult being beautiful," Candy responded in a certain, matter of fact tone. It lacked arrogance but she accepted her beauty and that of Nevala's for what it was worth. "So, I thought you wanted to swim, m'lady," Candy replied with a tinge of humor. She sat down on the side of the pool and dangled her feet in it.

"Correct," Nevala said with a smile. "Pool or something more natural? Maybe a lake?" She did not wait long and decided. "Computer, change scenario to Lake Tovorek, Romulus."

The scenario changed from a swimming pool to a wide, almost completely round lake of about five miles in diameter, surrounded by mountain ridges with snowy summits. The water of the lake was crystal clear. The nearer surroundings were mostly alpine grassland with a few trees. The air was warm despite the apparent altitude of the place.

Nevala did not hesitate and went a few steps into the water, until it reached to her chest. The water was sufficiently warm. She looked at Candy. "Mind swimming to the opposite shore?"

Candy wondered aloud, "I wonder what people did before holodecks." She then looked at the surroundings, "Very nice. I approve. So, you wish me to swim to the opposite shore. Is that with or without you?" she asked curiously, rising up to her full height.

Nevala grinned. "This depends if you can keep up with me." Without waiting any further, she started to swim in front crawl style.

"Well, that was not very fair of her," she commented as she dove in and tried to make up some ground. Candy had many talents. She might be a decent swimmer, but she had never concentrated on distance or strength training. She was toned and catered towards being soft and alluring. Too much strength would, in her opinion, make her too masculine looking. So, she swam and while she caught up for awhile, her pace started to dwindle as she fell more and more behind the Romulan.

Nevala felt that Candy fell behind, but she continued to keep her speed until she reached the shore. She found ground under her feet, pushed her arms into the air and shouted "Winner!" She took a moment to breathe before she let herself fall backwards into the water again and swim backstroke towards Candy, who had meanwhile reduced a good part of the distance. "You are okay?" She asked, while turning into a breaststroke.

Laughing between stokes Candy simply said, "Yes.... Been...a...good...long...time...since...I've...had...such...a...work...out." Candy kept swimming, refusing to be deterred from making it to the other side on her own. Once she did, she collapsed onto the beach. "Dancing is easier," she concluded.

Nevala laughed. "No objection to this. But working out like this every few days helps to dance much longer. A looooot longer." She placed herself on the beach next to Candy. "Too bad that it's no longer appropriate for me to go to the clubs and dance all night. You know, Patrician dignity does not match partying."

"The golden handcuffs are not so golden, then?" Candy asked wryly. "In any case, I do quite well on the dance floor. I'm not usually there long enough to worry about running out of breath." She threw her hair back and giggled. "But, I have to dodge a lot of creeps too, except when business requires otherwise."

"Then I can be quite happy that my business will not require otherwise." Nevala smiled proudly. "One of the advantage of being Patrician. You are above anyone, so you don't need to deal with anyone you don't want to deal with." She put her right index finger on her mouth and thought for a moment. "Except other Patricians maybe. Although all I met were so nice and polite to me. Which does not necessarily mean that they are nice and polite persons. Hmmm." She shrugged. "Who knows? At least I am trying to fulfill my role as Patrician without changing too much. I won't forget my middle class upbringing. Middle class with noble background, but still middle class. I think that was much better than any upper class childhood. What do you think? Oh, and just because I'm curious, do you have nobility in the Federation?"

"Nobility? Nothing more than figureheads anymore, and technically speaking that's really on each and every planet. The Federation is a democracy of sorts. Theoretically no one person makes all the decisions." She scoffed at her statement. "Of course, there's always someone somewhere trying to pull strings. My job, as a reporter, is to sniff out a great deal of that and let truth shine. It is almost universally why I am simultaneously loved, hated, and feared. Look at what Refellian did the moment that my report came out."

"He was not too pleased," Nevala said with a grin. "You know, in the Star Empire you would have been in serious trouble after such a report. Unless you would have had a powerful protector. It is... different." She thought for a moment if it was wise to tell Candy a little more about the Romulan view. "It is not actually illegal. It is just... we have our code of honour, and especially those who are contested defend their family's honour with full measure. Our history taught us to fight. If you push us, we push back twice as heavy. This has nothing to do with a kind of feudal system. We are not feudal at all. We are a republic. Yet we have nobility, but of a different kind. A family, a house, can be noble. It becomes noble because of the sum of achievement of its members. All members count, from foundation of the house until its present members. But achievement is important. Some achieved more, others less. My house," she shrugged, "well, my birth-house, has served the Star Empire as protectors, in law enforcement, intelligence and military. But we never made it into Senate. My husband's house, which is also mine now, has achieved much more. They have been leaders for our ancestors who had left Vulcan. Later, they were founding members of the Senate. And even before our ancestors left Vulcan, house thu'S'Terion were dukes and even kings on Vulcan. Being founding members of the Senate, they are a core house of the Patrician class. But it seems that most Patricians are much less... how do you say... they seem to see no need to expand their power or... how do you say?... brag with their influence or class. They see themselves much more as a kind of guardians of the republic. But that's probably a boring story." Nevala laughed.

"It seems stagnant," Candy observed. Of course, there were still lessons to be learned and questions to be asked. "That being said, how does a house fall? Or another ascend? You say that there are achievements to be had. But what would they be now? Is it not more likely that more powerful houses would have more resources and thus make it much more difficult for others to achieve. And then, where would someone like myself fit in? How does truth come out, even inconvenient ones?"

Nevala smiled. "So many questions. But let me start with the easy answers. A house falls easiest when they become selfish. If you only take and do not give, you will fall. If you demand being honoured and do not care for society's concerns, you fall. And when you do not allow others to shine and rise, you will fall as well. After Hobus, my husband built an entire city, including schools, hospitals, even a university, and all the others things you want in a city, for refugees. Nobody asked him for this, and he demands nothing of the city's inhabitants. Only mnhei'sahe, our concept of honour, made him do this. However, should he have not shared his wealth to give a new home to those who lost everything, the people could have thought that he might have become selfish. Also, when he held his speech in the Senate, where he accused his fellow senators of betraying the ideals of our ancestors, kept his mnhei'sahe. At the same time, he had risked his life with the speech and had to take posts as ambassador out of reach of his enemies. The principle is simple. The higher you get, the more difficult it is to keep your... how do you say... status? It is much easier to rise than to stay on top." She thought for a moment to give a different example. "As... as an officer during my military service, I served with a young soldier from a worker's family. She was a very intelligent, dutiful person. First, she was my assistant. Her ideas were excellent, and I recommended her for more. To make a long story short, she made it up the ranks and became a centurion in our Corps of Engineers. When she returned her commission, she went into politics and became a member of her city's council first, and now she became major of a small city. She improves the life of her fellow citizens. Her house is now considered noble. What I want to explain... there is an old Vulcan saying, 'nobility is in action, not in name'. This kind of thinking plays an essential role in our social concept. But we do not take it solely like this, we take into account what your ancestors did as well. But the more they achieved, the more we expect from you." She shrugged. "Probably this is not really fair for your children, but life isn't fair at all. And now, concerning someone like you." She gave her a friendly smile. "Yes, an inconvenient truth is a threat, especially to those in power. And yes, they may want you to stay silent, even try to kill you. To be honest, without a powerful supporter your only chance is the support of the masses. Even someone as powerful as Telhas had to get out of reach for a while. Our system has its flaws, but it also has its advantages. Like any other system. But I think Telhas is right, and we should allow more freedom. When you are powerful freedom is no threat. There is nothing we should be afraid of." Nevala paused for a moment. "When you write this, my cousin Sonara will probably regret that she made me marry Telhas. So it would be nice to keep this for yourself, at least for a while."

Candy put her hand to her chest, allowing her fingertips to touch her breasts and asked with mock offense, "What makes you think that I would report any of this?" Not allowing more than seconds pass, Candy shrugged and laughed, "Well, I might report some of this at some point but I'm afraid that not much of this information is terribly newsworthy at this moment."

The reporter sighed. "Ever since that Caitian took over, things have been too quiet. And quiet is not good for a reporter. One part of me says that I should leave and yet another says I should stay."

"I don't trust the Falteans. They must be planning something. Maybe that's the reason why everything is so quiet? There is a gut feeling I have that things will not stay quiet for long." Nevala looked at Candy for a moment. "So maybe your one part should give your other part a little more time."

"I just wonder if I'm delaying because of Connor," Candy replied in uncharacteristic candor. "I did it once before for him and it nearly cost me my career."

Nevala lay on her belly and put her head on her hands, looking at Candy. "It seems you like this Connor a lot. Who is he?" she asked curiously.

Shuffling uncomfortably, Candy sat cross-legged and bent her back down slightly, allowing her cleavage to display itself more prominently. "He was/is my boyfriend. He is an Engineering Officer here on Faltan. It is difficult to describe. I met him on an assignment back on Earth. I used him to get information. He knew me as Holly. That was the name that I gave during my investigation. Anyways, he was so delightfully uncomfortable around me that I had to get to know him and figure out what was going on in his head. He's so nervous and polite. He's much more at home with a computer than a person. But something about him kept me there. I stayed well past my assignment's end. It was starting to jeopardize my career. So, finally, I made up a story and left. I had no contact with him for years and I was doing just fine. But, I got assigned here and somehow he got the nerve to leave Earth and ended up here. He saw me and well, things got hairy from there. I had to fess up to my real name and job and he had been holding a candle for me, it turns out. Well, he does not necessarily approve of my lifestyle and I cannot settle down or give up stories for him, so.... We're stuck. Does this make any sense? He's also four years younger than I am. Perhaps he's just immature?"

Candy slapped the sand and stood up. "This is just silly, Nevala. I actually came here to give you some information."

"It's not silly," Nevala replied softly while she stood up as well, "but we may continue talking about Connor another day, if you want. What information do you have?"

"Much of this will not likely be a shock to you. As I cannot come out with proof yet, I cannot report it. However, seeing as you and your husband sponsored me and gave me a device to protect me, I will repay the kindness. Governor Taga officially claims that she has no interest in the affairs of the Federation or Romulans or anything outside this sector. However, she is very keenly aware of all the goings on. She also obviously denies any wrongdoing in the death of the preceding governor. She quashes all inquiries regarding investigation into it saying that Falteans value privacy and somehow that the planet's jamming system interferes with scans of Faltean biology. She also states that of course, such deaths are kept confidential. Also, while on one hand she says that everything is stable on Faltan, she admits to some unrest in other areas of the planet. As an obvious tactic to show me how Faltan is united, she sent me to the mining city of Jaifnard to one of their most loyal mayors. I believe Taga tries to use me and somehow desires my continued participation but on her terms. There's something she wants me to find. Perhaps it may have to do with the Crystal Fruits."

At the mention of that name, Candy put her hand innocently to her mouth. "Oops, I'm sorry. There is no such thing, of course."

Nevala winked. "Fruit dealers, sure, nothing of importance." She smiled for a second before she added "But this is not all you wanted to tell me, is it?"

"In any event, I have reason to believe that Taga fosters the unrest on the planet and outside. She is a master manipulator. Ultimately, I believe she has designs on becoming the ruler of this solar system. She does have concerns about Romulans and Klingons but says they are not important at this time. This seems to imply that she is waiting to strike at all here but she is biding her time. It is my personal belief that you were kidnapped by her for two reasons: 1) a show of power and 2) to keep everyone focused on something other than what her real goals are. But more disturbing is what I have witnessed in other cities, without Taga's consent. There are executions of the young, old, and sick, all in the name of the Sacred Bones. The Red Guard keep a hold of anyone politically important. It is a purge."

When Candy mentioned the kidnapping, Nevala clenched her hands in her fists. She was not over it yet. As Candy continued to talk, Nevela struggled with her feelings. Concern, anger, mercy for the Falteans. They were all there. "The Red Guard has somehow been involved in my abduction, but we never found out. So what you are telling me is that Taga annihilates all opposition? That she terrorizes her people? That she has ambitions to become the dictator of this region of space? That she is dangerous?" She sighed. "Maybe I should have allowed Telhas to retaliate. Not at full extent. A limited action against Taga and her forces would have been the lesser evil compared to what that susse-thrai is doing to her people now." Anger started to take over, but she forced herself to calm down, although it was difficult. "Candy... I... I should not ask, but... we are blind on this planet. We have no agents here. We are lacking any useful intelligence. You gave us the best information we got since we are here. What I want to say... to ask... would you... would you continue to let Taga play her game with you? Find what she wants you to find and see what other information you can get? I know that I am asking for a lot. I know... I know this is a dangerous game. Maybe you should talk with Telhas about it. He has intelligence training. I don't want to be responsible if something happens to you. You're... I like you, Candy. You have treated me fair, you didn't play games with me. Maybe you should really ask Telhas for some advice. The Tal'Shiar training is said to be one of the best in the galaxy."

"I plan on continuing to investigate," Candy informed Nevala. "As I told you before, my sole desire is to get to the truth and I will get to that. You are not responsible for anything and you already have given me a measure of protection. I just need to hit a button."

Nevala nodded. "Okay. Just promise to be cautious. And... thank you." She smiled.

"I never make a promise that I cannot keep, Nevala," Candy replied seriously. "I will do as I must, just as you must do as you must. Nonetheless, I think I can consider you a friend and will take your urge for caution on that basis."

Nevala smiled. "I am your friend, and I am happy you are mine." After a brief pause she continued. "You know, at my days at university I often spent the weekends here, at this lake, with my friends. With good music, ale and fun. By the way, can I offer you ale?"

"Sure," Candy responded with a smile. "Who am I to deny myself some fine Romulan Ale?"

"Computer, a bottle of Krell's Reserve, wuth two glasses. Right next to me." A fine bottle with a light blue, slightly cloudy liquid, and two glasses of two ounces materialized. Nevala filled both glasses by half. "It's funny that my friends and me always preferred Krell's Reserve. And now, after my marriage to Telhas, I just learned that since his last assignment as an officer he is a friend of the hru'hfirh of house Krell." She handed one glass to Candy and raised hers. "To friendship!"

Candy took the proffered glass. "To friendship!" she happily toasted back and then drank some of the ale. It was not a ladylike sip that she took. She wholeheartedly indulged in a gulp of the ale. "I have to tell you, I'm not an expert on Romulan Ale, nor the intricacies thereof, but this is a lovely drink." She swished the ale around in the glass for a moment or two thoughtfully and gave a short, but delightful laugh. "Who would have figured upon this friendship? That being said, at least we're honest about having to do our jobs regardless of it. I think I appreciate that most about you, Nevala."

Nevala had emptied half her glass to the toast. "I appreciate that you accept me and treat me without prejudice. I do not need to prove that I am upper class now, or that I am loyal, or still Nevala, or whatever. I can be just myself, as I am. Thank you for this, Candy." She emptied her glass. Taking the bottle and refilling her glass she asked "You want a refill, too?"

Downing the last bit of her ale, Candy answered, "Why not?" She held out her glass for the refill. "The simple reality is that people, or in your case, Romulans, are just that. Regardless of the trappings, people do not change. They just put on airs. I suppose that is what is most satisfying when I expose truth. Showing that the Emperor truly is naked."

Nevala laughed. "True. And good to know." She filled Candy's glass.

Taking the proffered drink, Candy imbibed it quickly. "And what's worse, they're usually quite inadequate." She laughed again, enjoying her time with Nevala, and letting the time pass by. Later today or tomorrow, perhaps, she would have to interview all the people that were arriving on Faltan. It was a curious time for newcomers to arrive, especially since Faltan was rumored for shutdown.

 

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