Stardate 21313.2, Romulan Border Zone
"It appears," says Nash ka'Sharren as she lounges in her command chair, making a quick read of the display panels built into the arms. "That we are fashionably late to the party."
"Seems so, Captain," replies Commander Ajam, the first officer.
"Mister Zaardmani, Sensor report," orders ka'Sharren.
"The Romulan heavy warbird is continuing to hold station," reports the human science officer. "On the Federation side, the Kumari is here, as is the Sarek, the Challorn, two Centaurs and three Mirandas. That's the whole border fleet."
Ka'Sharren nods. "Thank you, Lieutenant-Comander." She turns to her first officer with a grin. "That warbird is a cool customer. Three Excelsiors in-system now and it's still just sitting there."
"I'd say that they know Starfleet won't throw the first punch, but I've found Romulans to normally be too paranoid to accept that," says Commander Ajam.
"Well, let's not keep them waiting. Helm, lets put on a display, close the distance and put us nose to nose with that bird," orders ka'Sharren.
"Aye, sir."
The great bulk of the Excelsior-class ship gives hardly a tremor as the impulse engines kick in and they leap out towards their target. The viewscreen image of the warbird keeps filling up and snapping back as they roll through the magnification levels as they approach at a reckless pace. Nash ka'Sharren wonders to herself if the other ship's captain will flinch. She needn't have worried, however. The great prow of the double-winged ship holds its place with precision as the Enterprise approaches. Unlike the slate grey colour of the Romulan ships Nash is familair with, this one is coloured a deep green shade. On either side of a central fuselage, a hollow double wing comes down to join in a warp nacelle wing tip. It has the hallmarks of new design ideas; rough-edges and unusual emissions.
Finally the approach rate begins to slow, and after a minute, stop.
"Relative velocities matched, Captain," announces the helm. "Final range, 103.2 meters."
"Fine flying, helm, just what I was looking for," announces ka'Sharren as she stands and straightens her uniform. "Hail them. On screen." A moment later a view of a Romulan officer appears.
She is a predatory looking woman, brows angled, dark hair sharply cut. Her eyes have a piercing quality, and ka'Sharren is made to work to keep her composure as they focus on her.
"I am Captain Nash ka'Sharren of the Starfleet vessel USS Enterprise," announces the Captain. "You have requested our presence. To whom do I speak?"
"I am Commander Velin of the Romulan Star Empire warbird Devoras," answers the vulcanoid. "I am ordered to have you accompany the Devoras to Romulus."
"What guarantee do we have that this is not a trap?" asks ka'Sharren.
"Our concepts of honour may be foreign to you, but they will stay our hand," replies Commander Velin. "I can give you no other guarantee."
"Then tell me, what will we find at Romulus?"
"Romulans, I imagine," answers the Commander with a tight smile. Nash blinks at that, caught just off-guard enough that she can't think of a response before the Commander continues. "Follow me."
The viewscreen reverts to an image of the Devoras as the channel is cut. The warbird begins to come about, moving carefully with the proximity between the two craft. It moves gracefully, for all it's bulk. For several long seconds, Nash just watches the warbird move, watches how it handles, gauging both the man and machine. It is a powerful ship, a match for an Excelsior, more powerful than anything in the Klingon arsenal. But you know that your crew would handle it in a fight. You have the utmost faith in that.
"Captain, they have sent us a course into the Neutral Zone," announces the helm. "Shall I follow it?"
"Do so."
Commander Ajam grins. "I guess we'll just have to see where this rabbit hole leads."
[ ] Any last minute instructions for the Enterprise? ("None" is a perfectly acceptable response)
(@AKuz only omake reward)
