Disciplined Discord Over Durotta (Part Two)
Posted on Wed Oct 4th, 2023 @ 2:47pm by Lieutenant JG Ghemora & Lieutenant JG Montgomery Vala
Mission:
Repairs and Retribution
Location: Main Lounge - Deck 5
Timeline: Post Kanar Rescue
Previously On…
"But I'm sure you seeking your freedom and coming to join Starfleet was no simple undertaking. The Romulans' reach spreads far, and they aren't known for letting citizens leave quietly." The Intel Chief was eluding to something, guiding Vala towards a deeper explanation of how he came to be what he was within the galaxy…
Now…
Vala blinked and fixed his eyes on the board. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Talk of Rihanssu never failed to cause him some agitation. "Seeking freedom is not how I would put it. My journey to the Federation was far from pleasant. I was fortunate to have expertise that the Federation desired, otherwise, I may not have been so lucky." He mulled over the remaining pieces, feeling deep down that he may have already lost. "Leaving the Star Empire was a choice made by others for me. Circumstances made remaining untenable." He betrayed a momentary look of discomfort at the topic. "And yes, I still live in the shadow of all of it. I imagine organizations within the Star Empire are very interested in my movements."
Watching him, waiting for him to make another move since she'd been the last to set a piece, Ghemora focused on the aspect of their interaction that interested her more. "So you came to the Federation like German Scientists did in Earth's ancient history: because of use, not need.
"While I can empathize in some way given my own reasons for turning my back on my homeworld and species, history has an interesting way of changing circumstances. If I'd been younger, I may still be on Cardassia, whether in service to the Union or as one of the countless dead."
Picking up another piece to roll between her fingertips as the Cardassian's ridged eyes focused on the Romulan, Ghemora added, "At least we can both claim to still be breathing the air of freedom if that is any consolation for what we had to endure to arrive here in this moment aboard this ship."
Pondering a moment as she studied him as if trying to ascertain the memories her question had surfaced within him, Ghemora advised, "You should not devote any time to the worrisome thoughts of such organizations. No matter how skilled the Romulans may be, they have more pressing concerns than one defector serving aboard a small Starfleet vessel."
It was less the words she said but the calm confidence in them that seemed to reveal just how much the Intelligence Officer kept herself informed of the potential threats and nefarious factions in the galaxy. Ghemora seemed almost dismissive of the idea that the Star Empire had the resources to devote to keeping a constant eye on the Science officer.
"I would say my privileged position in academic circles and as a Starfleet officer certainly would not have been possible without my... 'utility' to the Federation." He selected a piece but did not yet place it. "That is not to say I do not have loyalty and am only here out of convenience. The Federation is my home. I am on board a Starfleet vessel because I wish to protect that home, and further its interests." He glanced from the board to Ghemora.
"There was a time I was pursued. Agents caught up with me when I was a junior officer on the USS Antares. I was lucky to have fierce defenders. I owe my life to them and their ideals." He carefully placed the piece, blocking at least an easy path to defeat. "But indeed, the turmoil of my homeland probably ensures my safety here. I imagine only a chance encounter would put me at any risk at this stage."
He sighed a little. "How have you found being... I'm not sure what I'd call us... an 'other' within the Federation? I heard the remarks on the bridge before we departed on the rescue..."
Placing the piece she'd been holding, committing to her earlier, aggressive gambit but luring the Romulan into her jaws as a result, Ghemora seemed to nod in agreement to the man's sentiments, but commented, "I doubt such a 'chance' encounter would happen now," as if it were impossible for the Empire to surprise the Sunfire and its crew.
Taking notice of his reaction, the Cardassian slightly rolled her eyes at his question to her. "That was mild. While the Romulans may have been a long rival of the Federation, the Union's more recent history tends to bring out the worst in others when they come face to face with one that reminds them so easily of their former enemy, especially Bajorans," Ghemora answered almost dismissively.
Watching Vala to see what piece he would select next, she continued, "By comparison to the Academy, where youthful ignorance commonly drives others, I've encountered fewer issues since the end of the War and gaining my Commission. While there will always be those who can't look beyond their feelings and the discrimination caused by them, I've long come to terms with what it meant to sacrifice my Cardassian ties to bind myself to the Federation. The quality of my Service in Starfleet is how I show my allegiance to the values I honor and will be what matters most when my history is written."
"And, you, Sir? I imagine you don't envy my ridges or 'spoon' as a Junior Starfleet Officer?" Ghemora insinuated, eluding to her thoughts on the subtlety of his heritage in the half-Romulan's appearance.
"I find it perplexing." Vala mulled over the differences between him and Ghemora - her heritage was indeed more evident than his own. "Many Cardassians gave their lives to end the Dominion War as I understand it. Millions. I don't see why this is conveniently forgotten by so many." In some ways he had been lucky in his timing - Romulan entry into the Dominion War coincided with his early years in the Federation. "I have had my fair share of insults but, as you say, recent actions are often the freshest in people's minds." He picked up another piece, considering where to place it. "People in the Federation should be above such discrimination." He placed the piece, unsure of a path to victory.
"Agreed," Ghemora stated confidently. Picking up the same piece as the Romulan, while it didn't fit her immediate need to secure a sudden victory, the game was starting to turn in her favor. Vala still had one or two ways to force a draw, but the Cardassian would do whatever she could to compel him down the route she'd laid since her first move. "But the situations between our biological peoples were different, which no doubt contributes to such biased opinions."
While blocking the Science Officer's path to stalemate was at the forefront of her mind, she still sought to learn more about the Romulan's thoughts, if only to distract, "The Cardassian people suffered losses over eight hundred million all because they would not stand for the Dominion's treatment after it became clear we were just pawns in their plans. The Empire only required the belief that the Dominion was going to invade before they decided to join the War and, honestly, turn the tide that would eventually lead to the end."
Much like the words she spoke, Ghemora noticed a spot where she could place her held piece and perhaps draw the Romulan towards a false belief just as his former people had during the war. Setting the piece down, she took a sip of her Kanar before asking, "Do you find yourself in agreement with what has come since the end of the War? The overwhelming aid being given to Cardassia and the resumption of the Romulan Embargo by the Federation? It seems to be a curious decision from my point of view."
Vala cast his eyes over the board as he considered his response. The pieces mirrored his and Ghemora's conversation - her directness and conviction were giving her the upper hand. "The Federation's actions post-war have been... complicated, to put it mildly." He selected a piece, looking at it and then the board carefully, attempting to keep himself focused on both the conversation and the game. "Cardassia was devastated. It was only right for the Federation to offer aid and assistance. It reflects Federation ideals and values."
He paused for a moment, debating internally how much to reveal. "As for the Romulan Embargo... I have mixed feelings. I understand the Federation's caution. The Rihanssu are known for subterfuge and conspiracy. Regardless of being 'brothers-in-arms' or whatever we were during the war, I expect in peacetime they will be tempted to meddle with and weaken the Federation. Open borders make that easier."
Vala placed the piece, seemingly at random. "However, isolating an entire empire, especially in such tumultuous times, does not seem conducive to peace or understanding. It will only ensure that my people fall back into their position as long-term rivals, and risks further conflict."
Whether he realized it or not, Vala was exposing much more of his thoughts and views of his former Empire than he probably had expected. Not wanting to rush the conversation to a conclusion, Ghemora held her piece, as if studying the board given so few moves left, as she asked, "Is it really the Romulans' fault if they were to react that way given the fear by which the Federation seems to make their decisions?
"They only offer aid to Cardassia now because the Union is incapable of being a threat. The War showed the Federation their weaknesses, and they probably realized, once the Empire came in and turned things around, just how much power your people really have. Wouldn't it be wiser to try to foster continued strength with the Romulans, instead of pushing back against them? Do you think the Empire would continue to see the Federation as rivals had they not reinstated the embargo? We have made peace before, with the Klingons. Why not with the Romulans? Isn't that the goal the Federation claims?"
Ghemora, having posed her complex line of questions requiring a well-considered answer from Vala, watched and waited for him to look away to ponder before placing her piece. She'd only left him one possible avenue towards a draw, leaving herself on the precipice of victory. The Cardassian now only had to wait, hoping her tactics would seal their fates.
Vala raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm no expert on the geopolitics of it all." He gestured at the board. "Geopolitics is a complex game. Winning over the Cardassians is a substantial shift of power towards the Federation. I suppose they know they won't win over Romulus." He shrugged slightly. "The alliance with the Klingons is not as stable as it could be too - I doubt they'd care to see the Federation too friendly with my former compatriots."
He selected another piece. He could see that there was no longer a path to victory. He would have to place defensively to secure a draw. He played the piece carefully. "So I suppose ideals are not entirely the driving force behind these decisions. All I can say for certain is that the Rihanssu do not set much store in alliances. They look to improve their position at all times, and I suppose they would do so at the expense of the Federation if given the chance."
Ghemora made sure not to show the disappointment on her face that the Romulan had chosen the one placing that would result in a stalemate, regardless of what she played. "It is disappointing to hear you don't believe your former people and the Federation could not find a path towards harmony, as you seem to have."
Picking up the next to last of her pieces, the Cardassian placed it but then came to rest with her forearms on the table and her shoulders squared to Vala. "Much like our game here, it seems the relations between the Federation, Klingons, and Romulans have resulted in a stalemate with no clear entity holding the advantage over the other. If the War has taught us all anything, it is that we are stronger together when faced with a common threat. I do hope we can find harmony one day, though I'm sure that would leave me without the need for my position and department."
Leaning back in her chair and picking up her Kanar to drink the last of it, the Cardassian suggested as she set her empty glass down, "Perhaps we should have another game and continue this conversation another day. The night has grown long and I'm sure we both have responsibilities to tend to in the morning. Will you contact me the next time you wish to enjoy such a game and conversation in the future? I believe there is much we can learn from each other, given the similarities of our experiences in Starfleet?"
"Of course, the idealist in me wishes everyone could get along peacefully, but I am a pragmatist at heart and I cannot help but take a more cynical view. I hope it is not the case, but I expect there will be a lot of strife before peace can be truly found." He looked at the board. It would be a draw, but he had to admit Ghemora had the initiative throughout. That mirrored their conversation. "I would be very happy to play again." It had been an intense conversation but he enjoyed a challenge. "I think we are something approaching kindred spirits despite our different perspectives. I look forward to the next time." He finished his drink and made to leave. "Good evening, Ghemora."
"Evening, Vala," the Cardassian said as she raised her glass of Kanar to him to toast his exit properly. Looking down at the board in front of her, Ghemora pondered the outcome for only a moment before swiping her hand through it to reset the holo-program. She would need to practice before challenging the Romulan again...
Lieutenant JG Montgomery Vala
Chief Science Officer
Lieutenant JG Zara Ghemora
Chief Intelligence Officer
