Many different religions can be found within the borders of the Romulan Star Empire. Most common is worship of the four Elements, or Ajoi: Air (Jaeih), Earth (Avilh), Fire (Okhala) and Water (Ihhuein). The Elements are believed to have protective powers, and many Romulans will pray to them for help or guidance and thank them for their good fortune.
Fate, or Cradol, also plays an important role in Romulan religion. Many Romulans are fatalists and believe that the path of their lives is already laid out for them and that they have a destiny to fulfill. This belief often is related to the concept of mnhei'sahe.
Mnhei'sahe covers a broad range of concepts, including honor, loyalty and duty to family. It may seem contradictory at times, especially to humans, as it often required actions that may appear, to outsiders, as dishonorable. As stated in an ancient Romulan saying: "Mnhei'sahe may require you to give the last of your water to your greatest enemy, or that you kill your dearest friend."
The path of mnhei'sahe may be be taken by a Romulan for various reasons, such as to correct a dishonor done to themselves or their parents or to fulfill a promise to a parent or a respected teacher. Once a Romulan has committed themselves to that path, they will not stray, even if it means the loss of their life or the life of a loved one. Nothing can sway them from completing the task that mnhei'sahe demands, even if it requires one to make sacrifices.
Mnhei'sahe transcends love, chain of command and social barriers. It even transcends Empire. Mnhei'sahe though is not an excuse to break laws or social codes. No Romulan would claim the defense of mnhei'sahe to prevent punishment from the authorities. A Romulan who commits treason or another high crime to complete mnhei'sahe will not shrink from their deserved punishment if caught. Mnhei'sahe itself demands such.
Mnhei'sahe does not demand instant action. In fact, it discourages it, as action without thought may lead to errors that harm mnhei'sahe itself. Though mnhei'sahe dictates a course of action, a Romulan will be patient, thinking of the consequences that their actions may bring. They will wait until the time is right to act and plan for that moment.
Saehir stood on the command deck of the very old station. To Nicole, no to No’Bana it reminded her of Castle In The Sky, the old station used by Admiral Tim Veltkamp and the Omega Fleet to support King’s Fleet Operations around Camelot. Polly looked at Saehir, “So what now?”
Caitlin Wu came walking in. Polly turned. Saehir nodded to Caitlin. Caitlin looked at Polly and No’Bana, “Welcome to Cradol. Welcome to your fate.”
“What are you doing here?”, Polly looked at the Section 31 Operative.
“Section 31 has been monitoring the Double Q. We are comfortable with the progress made by Captain Warren and the crew.”, Agent Wu responded.
“Wait, you know where we were?”, Polly responded.
“Of course, Droid. We are Section 31. We know all.”, Caitlin mocked.
Saehir looked at Polly, “The Romulans knew too.”
“Geez. We thought we were so careful.”, Nicole frowned.
“You look good as a Romulan, Governor.”, Agent Wu mocked.
“I am here to offer you a deal.”, Agent Wu looked at No’Bana and then at Saehir.
“Section 31 is very happy that President LaBarbara is back in Paris. We are here to offer you joint operation of the Cradol.”, Caitlin looked at No’Bana.
“Joint Operation?”, Polly looked at Agent Wu.
“Section 31 is about the status quo. We are working with the Tal Shiar to maintain tension between the Romulan Star Empire and Starfleet. We would like you and the King’s Fleet command staff to occupy Cradol and help us keep the status quo alive. The station has been used for meetings between the Romulans and the Federation to negotiate warfare.”, Caitlin looked at No’Bana.
“You will be the figurehead as the Sister of Cradol but we would like Viceroy and Tan in charge.”, Caitlin looked at No’Bana.
“The Romulans will accept you given their faith and your last name. Saehir established the link with your last name,”, Caitlin gave a half smile.
“Will we get our ships back?”, No’Bana asked.
“If you perform well, Section 31 and the Tal Shiar will reward you with additional ships.”, Caitlin winked.
“What is well?”, No’Bana asked.
“Section 31 and the Tal Shiar will provide instruction.”, Caitlin announced.
“And John is supposed to link up with us?”, No’Bana asked.
“You will provide instruction and location and Captain Warren will proceed here.”, Caitlin ordered.
“And if we refuse?”, No’Bana asked.
“Commander Saehir Marrus will inform the Romulan Praetor of your treachery in the rescue of President LaBarbara.”, Caitlin looked firmly at Nicole.
“You will tried as spies and executed for your treachery.”, Caitlin informed Polly and Nicole.
“So this is what you do?”, No’Bana angrily responded.
“You back us into a corner so we have no option but to follow your expectations.”, No’Bana frowned.
“In a word, Yes.”, Caitlin spoke without emotion.
“Will you contact the Quest?”, Caitlin was back on the mission.
“We will.”, C810-P0 responded.
No’Bana looked at Polly. The droid looked back, “It is the only play.”
John looked at Saehir and No’Bana, “Vincent and Tan will have full military command of the Cradol?”
“It will largely be staffed by Romulans but command authority will be given to Viceroy and Tan.”, Caitlin responded.
“Admiral Wilson will arrive to brief the joint operation.”, Caitlin responded.
John looked at No’Bana, “We can work with this.”
Posted by
Agent Caitlin Wu
Section 31
Joint Romulan Operations
Cradol Station
Romulan Neutral Zone
