Now We Build Something New

Posted on Thu Mar 5th, 2026 @ 7:37pm by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Daise'Arrain Calin t'Rhenn & Captain Gary Taylor & Legate Andrinn Orin & Riov Olmex Thikoho D'Grellon[Reece]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: USS Elysium, Main Observation Room
Timeline: MD 08 / 1000 hrs
1442 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

At the scheduled time, Olmex and Calin were escorted to the Observation Lounge on deck one. It was time to discuss how the two crews were going to work together going forward.

Where the two Romulans reached the lounge, they found that the Commodore and her Executive Officer had not yet arrived. Olmex noted that there were some Romulan breakfast pastries and fruit juices set up on a side table.

Calin looked around the room. "Do you think they will agree with your suggestion?" Of their original crew 500 they were down to just under 200. The majority had died in the crossing. Then the remaining during the recent battle.

Orin was the first one to arrive into the conference room. He walked over and said, "Hey, the Commodore and Captain are just running a little behind. They should be down here before too long. Are you guys hungry or thirsty for anything?"

Before Olmex could reply to Calin, the Federation Ambassador had joined them and stepped over to greet them. He gave Calin a quick look, then addressed Orin. "That is completely understandable, Ambassador. Were the roles reversed, I would be just as busy taking care of my ship and crew." He paused, then said, "Allow me to introduce my First Officer, Daise'Arrain Calin t'Rhenn. She is also my Chief Medical Officer."

Calin gave a small bow. "Legate."

Orin gave a small bow of his head in return before saying, "It's nice to make your acquaintance, doctor. Hopefully, you guys have had the chance to look over everything we've sent back with you? I know that a lot has happened, but I know we were all eager to find a way out of this part of the universe and back home."

Calin nodded. "Its not my... area of expertise but I have reviewed it."

The door opened and Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson entered. She let her gaze sweep the group and she let her lips curve slightly. "Sorry about my tardiness." She said.

Olmex saluted Phoenix, out of respect both for her and her rank. "No apology needed, Ma'am. Please allow me to thank you again for your generous hospitality for my crew." He reached around to the small of his back and detached a vucious-looking dagger, along with its scabbard, and presented it to her. "As a token of our appreciation, please accept this blade. It has been in my family for seven generations, and it will indicate to all who see it, that I am in your debt and service." He bowed respectfully as he finished speaking

Gary was a step behind Phoenix as they entered the room. He glanced at Olmex and the at the Romulan dagger. It would make a lovely addition to Phoenix's already healthy collection of dagger and smaller knives.

"Nice blade. Solid looking design. Seven generations, you said?" Orin asked as he looked at the blade himself. He saw the markings, or what appeared to be markings, alongside the handle and the blade alike.

Olmex nodded to Orin, as he still held the blade out for Phoenix to accept. "It is. It was crafted by my seventh great-grandfather, nearly two thousand Earth years ago. The metal was made from ore found in the Raas'trek Moutains, forged by hand at the Firefalls of Gol'Gathong. The handle was hand carved from the branch of a dra'lta pine, from the Forest of Ath'reshaar." He then drew the blade to reveal the intricate markings that were etched into the shined metal. "Each of these markings represents the current owner of the blade."

Phoenix took the blade carefully. She knew how to handle such weapons. "I am honored to receive this. Thank you." The words were said carefully in the Romulan she had been taught by Jaeih.

Olmex smiled warmly at Phoenix's use of his language in accepting the ceremonial dagger. Per tradition, he responded using her native tongue, though, he wasn't as fluent in hers, as she was in his. "May this device sign our agreement ties."

Phoenix's diplomatic face didn't shift but she allowed a small smile as she appreciated the words. "So shall we begin? We have a lot to do."

Olmex nodded in response, then everyone moved to sit at the table, Phoenix and Gary in their regular seats, Olmex and Calin sitting with their backs towards the door, Orin sitting opposite them, his back to the large bank of viewports looking out over the aft section of the ship.

Olmex began first. "While I appreciate that there are things about your ship and technology that you'd rather my people do not see...we would rather pull our weight, as the Humans say. My surviving crew does possess skills that could be put to use on your ship. Of the 213 serving Romulans, there are only thirty-one officers...twenty are equal to your ensigns and the other eleven are junior lieutenants. The rest are enlisted. We have thirty NCOs, the highest being equivalent to your Senior Chief Petty Officer. The rest are all lower enlisted." He took a breath, then continued.

"The majority of the officers are the Talon starfighter pilots, though there are two marine officers, equal to your second lieutenant. Ten of the lower enlisted are as you privates." He took another breath, and resumed speaking. "We have science, maintenance and medical crewmen. There must be some way that we can contribute to your ship and crew, Commodore."

"I am sure there will be. If your crew is willing to work with my people I see no issue with it." Phoenix said.

Olmex nodded. "We are. We do recognize that this is your ship, and I give you my word that my people with comport themselves accordingly." He sighed softly as he continued. "It is early days yet. There is much distrust, on both of our sides, that needs to be worked through. We may never see our homes again, thus....we must learn how to no longer be two crews, two people...but one whole."

"You and I will need to meet regularly to make sure things go smoothly," Phoenix said.

Olmex nodded respectfully. "Agreed." Then he paused a beat before asking, "While the rest of our new Romulan addition should be able to work into the mix ...what of the Romulan Riov?" He chuckled a little dryly, then said, "Please forgive me for speaking of myself in the third person, however, the question is a good one. Elysium already has a commanding officer, and full senior staff...your Marine contingent already had a fully-experuenced commanding officer as well. I am unsure as to where I can do my part."

"I had considered that carefully," Phoenix said. And she had. "We have not had a Romulan diplomat on our vessel for several years, mainly because command kept us far from that border and didn't see the need. However, there are offices and quarters on this vessel for a Romulan Diplomat. You could assume that role, and still maintain order over your crew."

Hearing this, Olmex sat straighter in his seat. "It would be my honor to serve my people in this manner, Commodore. I humbly accept." He raised his closed fist over his left breath and dipped his head respectfully to her.

Phoenix smiled. "Very well. I will make sure your belongings are moved to it. And you and Legat Orin will be able to work closely together."

Looking over at the Federation ambassador, Olmex dipped his head again. "It will be an honor serving with you, Sir."

"Yeah, I'm actually looking forward to working with you over the foreseeable future. I'd like to eventually fill you in on a few things, just to make sure we're aligned on some things. But, nothing too major or crazy. Maybe we can set up a meeting sometime soon," Orin replied with a small smile.

Olmex nodded again. "At your earliest convenience, Sir. My meetings schedule is wide open." He grinned softly as he finished speaking.

"Well, we can set it up for the morning or something? Or a few hours from now? Whichever would be easier for you. I just need to make sure I have everything written down and organized before going over it with you. If that works? If we do it in a few hours, we might be able to get a late lunch or an early dinner? Maybe breakfast for the morning?" Orin asked Olmex.

Olmex considered the options for a few beats, then replied. "I'd suggest today. The sooner our mixed crew can start working towards becoming one, the better."

"Make it happen Legate" Phoenix said softly. "Lets get this started."