Personal Logs; Sovum, Veneela

[Veneela]

It had been weeks…if not months since she had seen Salil much less invited to Nicks quarters on Deep Space Thirteen where she stayed while the Endeavour was docked, the last time they spoke conflicts decades old had been buried and let go, yet she couldn’t help feel a bit nervous

“Computer, put on klingon acid punk, fifty percent volume.” she states to which the computer beeps and loud obnoxious music begins playing.

Covering her elongated ears cringing the Romulan sighs as a stack of clothes teters precariously on the couch nearby.

“Computer, stop music.”

Once more the computer beeps as ven sighs “How does anybody listen to that garbage,” she states in a mildly frustrated tone as she picks up the clothes and carries them into the adjoining bedroom where her bag was upturned, makeup sprawled on the bed as if she had difficulty picking which colors to choose. Chucking the pile of clean laundry haphazardly on the bed the distinctive chirp of someone at door rings.

“Hnaaev,” the doctor states abandoning all fed standard. “Computer, put on Sovum playlist two, thirty percent volume.”
Mood Music

Ven rushes to the door and smoothes her tank top, frowning at her barefeet and workout shorts before exhaling “Enter,” she states.

As the door swings open Salil, who had been leaning on the threshold lofts an eyebrow as he gives a quick cursory glance at what he could see of the room “Hnnaev, this is what Starfleet Lieutenants get?” he asks in genuine shock, “This alone would have me join starfleet,” he replies chuckling while motioning around and stepping inside.

Standing five foot seven inches, Ven’s cousin was dressed in the typical Republic uniform clearly having left the Tebok as soon as the invitation had come through. Standing before Ven he opens his arms for a hug to which Ven accepts.
“Lieutenant Commanders more like, these are not my quarters, these are Nick’s.” she states having realized she had not yet introduced Loxton to her own cousin. “Ah erm, Commander Loxton,” she corrects herself.

“Ah is that why im here, to meet your human?” Salil asks releasing the embrace doing a quick circle around the living area giving an impressed look at the furniture.

Ven chuckles and shakes her head “No, Rian, you’re here for a topic far more sensitive, Family history.” she states.

Salil inhales deeply and takes a seat on the nearby couch where the clothes had been just moments prior to his arrival while pointing upwards. “Can you raise the volume of…whatever you have on in that case…can never been too careful Sorra,” he states.

Ven rolls her eyes and nods “Of course, computer, raise volume to sixty percent,” to which the computer dutifully chirips.

Salil smiles and nods “So, what about our family history?” he asks pleased with the volume while looking around as if there were refreshments.

“So uh, im not quite sure how to ease into it, so let me start with what happened a few days ago. I met a Romulan named Aurelia, and she mentioned she had a ‘house-cousin’ or cousin of the house? im getting confused with the terminology…”

“Sorra, just…ask?” Salil interjects

"Ven sighs as she goes to grab a pitcher of tea of two glasses, “Do we belong to a house? You know? our family? You were on Ch’Rhian…the records are spotty at best and i don’t trust Starfleet records to be accurate post the supernova.” she begins rambling again.

Salil Exhales and mutters under his breath as he watching the tea arrive at the end table “…Have you asked your mother this question yet?” he asks looking to the younger Romulan sitting opposite him.

Ven lofts an eyebrow at first and shakes her head “N…No? Why would i need to ask my mother this question?”

Salil takes a drink of tea and sets the glass down before rubbing his hands “Sorra…have you never wondered why your last name is…different even to some of the families you grew up around? the s’matekh’s or s’tanos?” he asks to which Ven shakes her head

“I just assumed our name was unique,” she replies leaning forward

“Oh its unique. Its unique because it didn’t exist before our home exploded,” he explains frowning. “Houses are matriarchal, as you likely uncovered in your research no? so when male marries in to a family it is not males name a female takes…it is reversed…” he states motioning to Ven “So if you married this Nick, you would not be taking his surname, if you went the traditional way. He would take your surname.”

“So Nick Sovum?” Ven asks

Salil laughs and nervously rubs his hands once more. “Did Mamek and Rokum really not teach you any of this?” he asks

Ven frowns and shakes her head “I had to learn Rhiannsu from classes Thalim, ‘We live with humans now you will speak their fedaration standard’ and ‘why are you concerned with this name nonsense, your name here is Sorra, to humans its Veneela’ is what i got growing up.” she replies huffing with a soft eyeroll as she takes a drink

“It wouldn’t have been different on Ch’Rhian Sorra, you surely know this now.” Salil states folding his left leg over his right.

“I know…but ive…been dying to have a connection…i know others shouldn’t look at me based on my name but the merits of what i do but…do you not get the same looks I get when someone says your name?”

Salil shakes his head “I don’t and part of it is because of the work i’ve spent with your mother and father building what Sovum is.” Salil states

Ven rubs her forehead for a brief moment and sighs “I don’t want to resort to a blood sample…” she replies setting the glass down which makes Salil uneasy.

“You are NOT taking my blood Sorra, and I’m being serious.” he states plainly

Ven blinks and shakes her head “No, of course not. Commander Davin has been helping me alot though im sure he would let me make use of the sickbay to run against his databanks.” she states

Salil frowns and remains quiet for a moment “In the interest of us not starting another fight that ends with neither of us speaking to each other for another decade or longer, if i tell you will you refrain from doing that?”

Ven leans forward and stares at Salil in a determined manner “Computer,” the computer beeps “Raise volume to on hundred percent.”

Salil lofts an eyebrow and leans forward as well. “It starts with how you say a formal surname…”

OOC: Inspired by a roleplay with @Aurelia and @Davin

[Veneela]

Mood Music

Ven and Nick had just sat down to dinner of replicated Pepperoni Pizza and the Romulans favorite treat of Buffalo wings and Osol twists. Idle chatter about the others day filled the spots in which the low music in the background did not. Each had their own view of what made the day worse, for one it was an ensign who couldn’t hit the broad side of a galaxy class in target practice. For the other, an engineer that hadn’t learned from getting burned on plasma conduits the first two times.

Dinner concluded and the traditional activity of playing a classic earth board game or watching one of the many holo tapes Nick had in his collection. In tonights case it was the former rather then the latter. Nick explaining the game of LIFE to the Romulan had its challenges but it was nothing compared to the great monopoly war of the previous year.

As the evening began to wear down, Nick decided on a shower, and Ven begas reading the most recent edition of Wings and Talons as she typically did before bed. That changed however as the ringer went off alerting the duo that someone was at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Ven states

Nick comes with one towel wrapped around his midsection with another in his hand running it through his hair to dry it “Who is it?” he questions

“I don’t know, I wasn’t aware we were having com-”

Ven cut her words short and eyes grew wide as Salil stood in the threshold, “Ah Sorra, perfect, I was hoping you were here…come with me.” he states plainly

“Who is it dear?” Nick calls out “And who’s Sorra?”

Salil lofts an eyebrow and looks at Ven who rubs her temples “You haven’t told him yet?” Salil inquires

Ven doesn’t answer and looks to Nick and bites the bottom corner of her lip for a moment “Its my cousin, Salil.” she answers

Nick’s eyes go wide and runs into the adjoining bedroom closing the door behind him. Letting out a sigh ven looks to Salil and lofts an eyebrow “Is something wrong?” she questions in a concerned manner

Salil lofts an eyebrow as Ven stops out of the threshold and lets it the older Romulan “Sorra, you haven’t told him your name yet?”

Ven sakes her head while placing a hand on her hip “I’ve been…wanting to.” she begins to explain as Nick steps back out.

Clearing his throat Nick steps forward in starfleet issued sweatpants and a plain black tshirt, Ven watches on for a moment before clearing her throat. "Salil, Lieutenant Commander Nick Loxton, Nick, Commander Salil Sovum, my cousin.

The two shake hands as Ven gives salil a ‘I don’t want a lecture’ look which Salil sees and nods “Its nice to meet you Commander Lox-erm Nick.” he corrects himself remembering none of them were on duty.

“The Honor is mine Sir,” Nick replies warmly inhaling deeply “So who’s Sorra?” he questions.

Ven rubs her temples as Salil smiles “I’ll let that conversation happen between you too privately, do you mind if I borrow the Lieutenant, erm well. Veneela?” he questions of nick while clutching a small box in his non shaking hand

“Well no, shes family, I can’t tell you no.” he replies looking to Ven “If you obviously wish to go with him.”

Ven nods and looks to Salil “Where are we going? Do i need my uniform?” she questions of her cousin.

Salil smiles and shakes his head. “No just off duty clothes and comfortable shoes.” he replies avoiding answering the question directly as most Romulans tend to do.

Ven looks to Nick and avoids eye contact as she gives Nick a small kiss on the check “I’ll be back.” she replies heading into the bedroom.

The silent, unspoken, awkward tension between the two men lingered for a moment before Nick motioned to the couch “So you’re on the Tebok correct?” he asks making small talk.

Salil waves a hand and remains near the door “Im fine thank you and yes, Executive Officer.” he replies, motioning to Nick. “Veneela tells me you are part of station security?”

Nick nods as he too remains standing in a respectful manner “Correct yes.” he replies nodding

Salil nods and begins to ask a second question as Ven steps back out wearing earthen toned pants and boots accompanied by a similarly plain black t-shirt though the lighting would catch the lettering ‘ENDVR’ scrawled across her chest in faint grey colored font

Nick looks to Ven and smiles warmly “All set?” he questions to which Ven nods “I am, though he still answered my question.” she replies in a teasing manner

Salil inhales and smiles “We’re going to the holodeck, to show you something.” he replies in typical vague fashion.

Ven huffs and nods “Fine, so we’re not leaving the station?” she questions

“Not unless you want to, we could go for full immersion for what I have planned and go to the Tebok…”

Ven hums and shakes her head “I don’t feetl like a shuttle ride.” she replies to which Salil chuckles.
“Then no, we aren’t leaving the station.” he replies before looking to Nick.
“It was nice to meet you Commander Loxton, I hope we can speak again.” he replies looking between the two before stepping out allowing them to talk

Ven sighs and embraces Nick “I’ll be back dear.”

Nick smiles into the embrace and nods “See you soon, enjoy your time.” Nick says before letting go.

Ven smiles and waves before stepping out and closing the door looking to Salil who was smiling.

“Why the smile?” Ven questions to which Salil shrugs.

“its nice to see you happy,” he replies motioning her to go first “So why haven’t you told him yet?” He follows up

Ven shrugs “I don’t know, nervous I suppose?”

“Do you love him?” Salil asks

“Deeply,” Ven replies

Salil exhales “Then you should tell him.” he replies “Don’t worry about your father. He was respectful, if you need i’ll talk to him.”

Ven nods at that “Thanks,” she replies warmly

“There is a reason we are going to the holodeck, but before we get to that, did you sign me up for the gift exchange?”

Ven chuckles softly and nods “I did yes, just thought it would be fun.” she replies motioning to the box “Is that your gift?”

Salil exhales and nods as they turn the corner and approach the holodecks “It is yes, but before anymore questions are answered, i need you to close your eyes.” He states cryptically.

Ven lofts an eyebrow and exhales “I better not end up on the Tebok.” she replies teasingly.

Salil chuckles as he loads a program. “You’re not I promise.” he replies stepping away from the display putting a guiding hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t open your eyes until I say so okay?”

Ven closes her eyes and nods “I promise I wont open my eyes.” She states outloud to alliveate her cousins concerns

Salil smiles and inhales as the holodeck doors swooshes open and Salil guides Ven through the threshold.

“So,” he states. “You asked where we were going and I was intentionally cryptic about it,”

“I noticed.” Ven states keeping her eyes closed.

“Good, thats because I didn’t want you to get certain expectations in your head on the way or for you to bombard me with questions.” he replies chuckling exhaling

“Open your eyes.” He states plainly.

Ven does as requested, and nearly fell to the ground a moment later. Covering her mouth tears threatened to spill forth as she looked upon the lush green field overlooking a sprawling city she instantly recognized.

Salil smiles at the reaction and inhales. “Welcome Sorra, to your ancestoral homeland, Ch’Rhian. Or as Starfleet calls it.” Salil pauses letting Ven finish

“Romulus.”

(To be Continued…)

Thank you to @Loxton for letting me write Nick and to whomever the secret Santa was for Salil for the inspiration for this story. This is only the first part for now but I can’t wait to expand on this soon

[Veneela]

(Continued from above)

Salil didn’t reply for several moments. He wanted to extend Ven the courtesy and respect of letting the moment run its course. A moment Salil himself was all too familiar though he would never openly admit it to anybody. Looking down to see his cousin wiping her eyes he smiles and motions around

“I got this from a Ferengi we were questioning last year.” he states “Legally, I may add.”

Ven half chuckles half sniffles. “I’m not going to detain you.” she replies.

Salil smiles at the snide remark but lets the subject die there. “So now, quiz time, do you know where you are?” He asks hoping to move the conversation to brighter topics.

Ven nods as she picks herself off the ground nodding “If the text with pictures in my history class was correct this is erm, was the capital, Ra’tleihfi.” she states looking to Salil for confirmation

Salil beams proudly and nods “Correct. while this is not where our family is from, there was a lot of…dealings in the city, and it eventually became our home.”
he states motioning around “This is where you would have been born, raised and perhaps pursued other paths in life had Hobus never occurred.”

There was another pause to let that revelation process through her mind before he inhales and looks around triumphantly, as if it was a homecoming of sorts.
“Now, do you know when this is?” he questions looking at Ven once more

Ven smirks and shrugs “Well, its before the star exploded.” she replies before clearing her throat, Nathes dark humor was rubbing off on the doctor.

It was a humor Salil knew all too well as he merely rolls his eyes and sighs “Clever, do you have a real answer?”

Ven smirks some and shakes her head “A real answer would be sometime before Hobus and the collapse of the Romulan Star Empire as many knew it.” she replies “Past that I couldn’t tell you.”

Salil looks at her for a moment considering his words carefully. “This program was recorded almost a year before the news broke of the impending destruction of our home.” he states holding up the box.

“So now on to the reason we are,” he quickly continues before anymore questions can be asked.

“When I was younger, When our families were seperated by a few streets, myself and a group of friends would sneak off in the Warmer months and go play,” he begins smiling fondly

“Helmok, Myself, Sorele and Rerir used to love hanging out in a particular grove of trees, not just for the shade they offered but the delightful snack that hung from its branches.” he continues while walking down the hill.

Ven quietly listens to the story, her cousin rarely spoke of Romulus, and even rare still spoke of anybody he was fond of. Atleast with her anyway.
“What was it?” she asks curiously

Salil smiles as they enter a grove of treets, The trees themselves were not tall, about average to what one may find on earth baring Oranges or Applies. The stunted form splitting off in seperate directions of three or four seperate, but equally thick branches, all holding up the canopy of thick vegetation. Raising a hand up, the Romulan runs his digits across the simulated form and bark.
“Lots of days climbing these, going home with a multitude of scrapes, bruises and dirty clothing.”

Giving a rare smile he turns now to Ven and motions her over. “Come, touch it.” he states in a welcoming manner.

Ven looks at him in surprise and admiration. “I have never heard you speak so fondly of home.” she notes as she approaches.

“Well, its hard to speak of something you love and miss deeply Sorra. Some can but myself…” he pauses and smiles “I afford myself to activate this program occasionally, thinking of what may have been. What still could be. But here, in that moment in time we were feared, hated, loathed, and often killed each other for the chance at furthering our own aspirations.”

Shaking his head as Ven approaches he smiles as she reaches up and touches the tree just as he was doing.
“You will never know the joy the memories of these groves give me, and that saddens me more then I care to admit. But you mentioned you thought it would be fun, to get me a gift. But in so doing you gave me more then just a gift Ven, you gave me respect for someone I don’t even know, and likely would never talk to.”

Smiling he lowers his hand as does Ven with a lofted eyebrow. “How so?” she asks as Salil pops open the gift the counselor had given him and pulls out the note. Unfolding it he clears his throat and smiles as he looks at his cousin before beginning to read:

Salil Sovum,

For my people, this time of year is about family, tradition, and good memories. I can’t give those to you, but maybe this small token could help you to collect some new memories.

Finishing reading the note he clears his throat clearly a bit emotional and holds out the box.
“You may have meant a joke, Sorra, but whomever this person is literally gave me not just a piece of my home, our home. But a piece of my childhood back as well.”

Ven looks in the box and picks up the small piece of bark. Running in her hands and turning it on end over and over like a botanist would studying a new species, she looks between it and her cousin.
“So wait, this is real?” she questions.

Salil nods and clears his throat once more “As real as me and you are, I had the Tebok confirm its authenticity just to ensure my tricorder scans were accurate. You hold in your hand possibly one of the only remnants of our destroyed world, a piece of a fig tree.”

Ven’s eyes grow wide in wonder, excitement and intrigue as she continues to run her fingers over the piece of wood she held.
“Salil i don’t know what to say, im so sorry. I didn’t mean to give you any painful memories. I just, never see you smile and wanted something good to hapen.”

Salil chuckles and pulls Ven in for a hug. “Oh Sorra, they are not painful memories, the memories of what was is painful. I brought you here to thank you. Though I imagine your counseling office is likely displeased with you as I obviously had zero idea what they were delivering me.”

Ven inhales and nods “I will clear that up.” she replies looking up at her cousin “So uh, how far can we go?” she asks motioning to the city.

Salil smirks at the question “A question I knew you would ask. Come, I’d like to show you a place that serves great Osol twists…”

---

I want to thank this years secret santa, and im sorry this took nearly a month for me to write. But you not only made me smile with your gift to salil you are directly responsible and was an insirpation for this story.
@kermit @Loxton @nathes and @Master_Dex thank you for your help, permission for writing and extensive lore knowledge to help me further ven’s story.