Old Wounds
Posted on Mon Jul 29th, 2024 @ 8:43am by Llaudh Drusilla Creon & Commander Rovak
665 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Startup Sequence [0]
Location: Senior Staff Briefing Room, DS13
Timeline: Immediately following 'Setting Expectations'
“I get the distinct impression Mr Rovak, that you are not pleased to see me. And yes, I know, you are a Vulcan, you are not pleased by anything. Spare me.” Creon said, adjusting her skirt to allow her to put one leg over the other.
“You stole part of a starship and defected. We spent six months looking for that saucer.” Rovak responded sharply.
“I had need of it, and I was after all, it’s Captain. When I got here, they only had a single phaser bank operating.”
“Why did you not simply ask for the rest of the ship to help?”
“Because I knew that as long as two of you were out there getting attention, I could hide away and get the station back to health.”
“You betrayed your uniform. My uniform.” Rovak accused, narrowing his gaze.
“Our mission was to secure the Aventine subsector and protect its people. This station is the tail end. All my efforts were in pursuit of that mission. When I told the Admiral I see the Free State becoming part of the Federation, I wasn’t blowing smoke up his arse. My mission with Starfleet became untenable when I saw the help I could give the people of this station instead. You have my word that I will do what I can to align our interests.”
“You were a Starfleet Captain. You gave your word to the Federation.”
“And I resigned when it became apparent that these people needed me a great deal more than the Federation did.”
“They had the station. What did you have to offer?” Rovak asked.
“When I got here an Imperialist SubCommander had taken control, he was treating the station as his personal fiefdom. After we dispatched him and his Lieutenants, the people here needed a leader.
Rovak considered continuing the argument but decided against it. “Do you have much sway over the people?”
“Personally, no. But some of my crew do. They still respect the galae or any other military service. Less so Starfleet and the Tal Shiar.”
“I do not approve of your methods, and I obviously do not trust you to put the Federation or Starfleet first.” Rovak said, after a moment. “But to hear your version of events, your story is logical, and your actions understandable. I apologise if I have been severe.”
“Quite alright, Mr Rovak. I do not intend to excuse my choices. I betrayed you, and the Federation, even if it was to further your respective interests. That they did not object to my appointment here is frankly, a surprise. Speaking of severe, I understand our old friend Captain Kovar is bringing Ambassador Velt and the rest of your crew.” Drusilla said, doing all she could to keep from rolling her eyes at the Vulcan’s name.
“That is my understanding.” Rovak nodded.
“If he tries to arrest me again, I will have to damage him.” Creon said.
“You have diplomatic immunity, but I would not encourage it.” Rovak couldn’t feel anything to react to, but he understood the concept of humorous amusement when he imagined the stern, stodgy arch-Vulcan Kovar surrounded by the garrulous personages of Alex Flynn and Oriath Velt, going out of their way to amuse themselves and as many others as they could band together in good company.
“I encourage you as ever to speak the plain truth to me, Rovak of Vulcan. I represent my people and the Senate hears my voice. I believe we have accord.”
“Indeed.” Rovak agreed.
“Well, if there’s anything else, I will call you. I recommend taking Irago with you if you plan to go door-knocking to let the residents know they're being shifted.” Drusilla left the table. “Jolan tru, Rovak.”
“Jolan Tru, Ambassador.” Rovak responded. He didn’t know why, but as she left, he was suddenly reminded of her father Lucius, who’d represented the Empire aboard Starbase 51. He was left wondering how she had killed him.
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