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Episode 02: Cosmic Imperative / Re: Ch 5 S [ D02 | 0600 hrs.] Old Friends Die Hard
Last post by Ellen Fitz -As much as Hirek longed for the seas and the islands of his home just over the horizon, he kept his focus on the comings and goings of the myriad of people filtering through this area. Most were tried and true fishermen, coming into the cove or leaving depending on what they were hunting beneath the waves. Temporary booths had been set up along the main walkway where the fishermen could sell their fresh catch to vendors who had larger establishments deeper within the city. Though there was the guarantee that the Tal’Shiar was already aware of their presence on the planet and they were operating freely on a rapidly diminishing timer, the sights, sounds, and smells of this area touched on a part of his soul that couldn’t be soothed otherwise. For as well-done as his holodeck program was, it was not the same.
“This place is famed for its tea and fishcakes,” Hirek spoke in the Continental dialect, knowing that both Pierce and Nysari could understand him best in that dialect.
Once inside, there was a brief moment of trying to determine which shadowed booth they were to take a position in as they waited for tr’Rehu. However, the confusion of where melted away to a curiosity of why when Hirek spotted an old, familiar face. There was no such thing as coincidence on Romulus. Glancing over his shoulder at the disguised Starfleet officers, Hirek led them past the bar, signaling to the bartender for three orders of the special on his way. He gestured for Nysari to sit on the bench first, figuring the diplomat would need the most protection when things went sideways, then Pierce, and then he took his seat across a man he’d not seen in decades.
“We do not have much time.” tr’Rehu was the first to speak.
Hirek smiled. “When do anarchists ever have enough time?”
“We do not seek anarchy, young tr’Aimne. We seek a new order of things.” tr’Rehu looked between Hirek’s companions. “A more open order of things.”
“All tyrants promise the same thing, tr’Rehu, at the beginning. Even many of those in the Citadel believe they are preserving the peace and prosperity of their people through their actions.” Hirek moved his gaze from tr’Rehu to Dhiemm e’Jeiai tr’Ethien, his cousin. “Are you here for the legacy of your father or on your own merit?”
Dhiemm’s smile mirrored Hirek’s. “The same question could be asked of you, ei-Alth'Indor.”
Hirek fought to keep the surprise from taking root in his body when his cousin used the name Hirek had given himself and relayed to King soon after he’d taken up the baton the Madsen’s had effectively dropped in his lap. He’d made it clear to King that this name should only be known between the two of them as an added measure of guaranteeing the validity of reports and communique. That Dhiemm knew meant that either King had recruited his cousin or that his cousin had infiltrated King’s Intelligence. If it was the former, they had an ally sitting across from them. If it was the latter, they were all already dead.
“Enough.” tr’Rehu physically and verbally cut off the staredown between cousins when he leaned forward, once more catching the attention of the Starfleet officers. “The man I represent has a proposition for your handlers.”
The table fell silent when a server placed three orders of tea and fishcakes on the table. Though Dhiemm and Hirek worked together to space out the food and drinks, no one sought to eat or drink. Not merely for the gravity of the discussion but also for the high chance that the Tal’Shiar were already in place and just waiting to pounce.
“The divisions among our people have dug enough graves and stunted the growth of our Empire. The age of isolationism is long past, and yet the two who claim leadership would seek to prolong this isolationism and maintain the status quo. The one seeks absolute destruction of all who are seen as an obstacle, the other duplicitly forms temporary alliances with plans to betray the new allies the moment the tides turn in her favor.”
“But what your handler offers is not a temporary alliance and is free from all duplicity?” Hirek interjected.
His interruption surprised both Dhiemm and tr’Rehu, namely because it was a challenging question spoken openly instead of the roundabout method of discourse common amongst their people. Hirek looked at Pierce a moment before turning his gaze to the men across the table. Likely, his time with the Theurgy crew had already impacted him.
“We will not shy away from the past, young tr’Aimne. Yes, we once pledged loyalty to Shinzon and, to this day, uphold many of the statutes he promoted before his hubris destroyed him through the hands of Starfleet. Some of these statutes were labeled xenophobic and extremist by Federation leaders; however, we do not seek entrance into the Federation, merely an open agreement. Do not interfere in our bid for leadership, and neither support the others already vying for power. Let us solve Romulan problems using Romulan means, and when we are in power, we will open our borders for trade and exchange. Our planet will allow a Federation embassy, and we need no longer operate according to a Neutral Zone.”
Hirek looked at Dhiemm before he asked his next question. “What of the Tal’Shiar?”
“While he has stated no opinion in favor or against, from my understanding, it would be purged of corruption.”
“But still a tool in the hands of the leader?” Hirek kept his voice neutral, expression as well. “A weapon to be used to any who dare to differ?”
“You cannot remake a world in a day, tr’Aimne. Even broken systems can still be wielded for change until new systems can be cultivated.” tr’Rehu shook his head. “Your uncle knew this, and his death came from seeking to change too much too soon, bypassing systems that, though corrupt, can still be wielded strategically.”
Dhiemm didn’t say anything in response to the reference of his father’s execution, but neither did he signal disagreement with tr’Rehu’s words. Hirek found it curious how someone who’d lost his own father at the hands of the Tal’Shiar could be willing to support a would-be leader willing to keep the Tal’Shiar around, if even in a reduced and “purged” state.
“There is more information in the encrypting data chip,” tr’Rehu looked towards where Nysari was seated, “you should find it close by.” Subtly, his fingers tapped on the table. “We will leave first and await your reply.”
Hirek met Dhiemm’s gaze just briefly before the two men departed, leaving through a side entrance close by. Looking to his companions, Hirek resisted the urge to sigh but gave into the temptation to smile grimly.
“In case you missed it, that was my cousin, and his father was executed at the Citadel for aiding Starfleet Intelligence many years ago. One of the catalysts that marked my entrance into working with Starfleet and connected me to the operative Intelligence had here, Lieutenant Commander Ernan Madsen.” He jutted his chin toward the table near Nysari’s hands. “The chip is probably attached under the booth or table.”
The main entrance door opened, and, looking up, Hirek grimaced. There was no mistaking the cold look of a Tal’Shiar agent.
“We should leave. NOW. They have found us.”