Settling In

Posted on Thu Jul 23rd, 2026 @ 5:48pm by Daise'Arrain Calin t'Rhenn & Riov Olmex Thikoho D'Grellon[Reece]

Mission: Interlude
Location: USS Elysium, VIP quarters
Timeline: MD 1 / 1432 hours
1193 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

"Computer, please give me...what did the Humans call it again...oh! A banana split." Olmex straightened up as the computer took a minuscule amount of inert carbon and replicated the desired dessert.

After picking it up, the Romulan warrior moved to sit next to Calin as he spoke, "I overheard a couple of the Starfleet crew stated that this was, quote, "the best dessert in the universe." He handed a spoon to Calin, then scooped a tiny bit of vanilla with his spoon, tasting it cautiously.

"Humans have weird tastebuds" Calin said with a smile, but she took her own scoop. "Hmm interesting."

Olmex nodded thoughtfully. "This one is rather bland," he said of the vanilla scoop. He then tried the strawberry on the other end, arching his right eyebrow as the sweet cream melted on his tongue. "This one is a little better, though still rather mild."

"Not surprising really. Not many can handle the flavours that we appreciate." Calin sat back in her chair. "I guess we should be grateful its not klingon food."

This elicited a sneer from Olmex. "Please. You have no idea. If I never see gagh again, it will be too soon! During the Dominion War, when things were nearing the end, our supplies had nearly run out, a Vor'cha crashed on the surface a few kilometers away. We had to eat the rations they had onboard just to survive!"

Calin shuddered. "I can think of nothing worse." She sighed. "I miss Kali-fal"

Olmex groaned in agreement. "And Hlai'vna cutlets in gravy!" He locked his lips as he thought about the strips of the large flightless bird that he used to devour as a young boy, covered in the homemade gravy that his grandmother made from scratch.

"I wonder if they can replicate it.." Calin said softly. "It might be too much for their replicators though."

He nodded as he replied. "We can try, though i have heard that some foods simply ate not the same from the replicator." He glanced over at the device set into the wall as he continued, "For one, any of the unhealthy aspects of the dish are left out, with artificial flavoring and ingredients added in their place, all to make the food attempt to taste good, without causing anyone to gain unwanted weight."

"I wonder if they have any herbs that we have in their arboretum." Calin suggested.

He considered this. "I'm sure we could figure something out, my love." Olmex gave Calin a gentle grin from his seat at the table. He was still amazed by the fact that this wonderful woman had entered his life. Seeing how she looked back at him, he swore to himself that he would do whatever it took to get her home safely. No matter the cost to himself.

"Have you spoken with the others?" She asked after a moment of comfortable silence.

He nodded. "They are all settling in as best as can be expected. In another time and place, we would be trying to take over the ship and discover all of its secrets for the glory of the Empire." He sighed softly, then continued. "However, now we must find a way to work past our cultural differences and become one unified crew. That is the only way that we will gave any chance of ever getting home again."

"And it should be noted" Calin said softly, "That our former Riov aside, the Elysium is noted to be very friendly towards the Empire. And they have always had good relations with our people." She paused. "There is a half breed aboard as well."

Olmex nodded thoughtfully as he responded. "Most of the Starfleet starships, and Starship commanders, have been honorable with our people. There are, of course, those who would rather the neutral zone remain in place, from both of our governments." He took a sip of his wine, then set it down, thoughts clearly running through his mind.

"Speaking for myself, I am just an old warrior, who has grown tired of the constant struggle with our neighbors. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure this fusion of crews is a successful endeavor. Who knows...if we do get home, we could be a shining example that finally starts to break down the walls between us."

"Maybe. Though I think you should make note of the half-breed." She repeated. "It could cause issues."

Olmex nodded in understanding. "Perhaps. Though, it is not an unknown circumstance. There have been hybrids before. Perhaps, this one could help in forging the bridge with both us and their Federation family."

"If you can catch them. They are elusive." Calin replied. She pushed a PADD across the table. "I looked them up."

Olmex gave her a quizzical look as he picked up the PADD. "What do you mean? They are on a starship. Where exactly can they run? And why would they run?"

"Because they are... what people would term, defective."

After reading through the personnel file, Olmex suddenly sat back, now understanding what Calin was referring to. "A hybrid, who is also deaf..." he let out a breath. "So long as she remains in the Federation, then she will be safe."

"Exactly. Not that they are much better about it." Calin finished her drink. "And from records, she is a distant cousin of mine."

This admission elicited a raised right eyebrow for Olmex as he looked over at the woman he loved. "How distant?" He was genuinely curious by this sudden news.

"She is of the Noramei family. They are on my Uncles side of the family, so very distant." Calin said softly.

Olmex nodded thoughtfully at this. "Then the Praetor might have known of her existence all along."

"Yes probably. He has a few contacts within the Federation. It is highly unlikely that my uncle was NOT unaware of Sindari's position on this ship."

"So," he asked as he continued to look over at Calin, "As she is you family, what are your thoughts about her?"

"Her father did the wrong thing. He knew that her being born outside the Empire would affect her prospects. And add to the fact that she has her disabilities... had she been born within our family, within the Empire then she would be well protected and possibly have those issues fixed."

Olmex nodded thoughtfully. "And now that you have discovered her? What will you do?"

Calin took a sip of her drink. "I am not sure. Monitor for now."

Olmex nodded in approval. "That is not only wise, but prudent, beloved. While we may be temporarily allied with the Starfleet crew, we must take care not to cause them any reason to doubt our motives or intentions.'

"Agreed. If we get back home, I will need to make a call on the situation. But by then I will have the family to support with it."

Olmex nodded in agreement. They then continued their meal in gentle conversation, the kind a loving couple has when they have a good deal of time on their hands. They then enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.

OFF