RRW Tebok - Commander's Star Log

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 99657

The redeployment of military forces to Tri’Vokil has, unfortunately, left many frontier worlds vulnerable to threats from within. RRF Command relayed to the Tebok this morning about a criminal cartel seizing control of New Raltok, an isolated Republic colony.

The RRW Tebok is en route to deal with these upstarts and restore order. It will also be the first mission the crew of the Tebok is truly put through its paces.

Commander’s Star Log, Supplemental

The eccentric leader of this criminal cartel holding the colony hostage, apparently, is confident whatever he possesses is enough to defeat the RRF. Commander Salil, Lieutenant Shea, and myself are preparing to prove otherwise. Further, I am rather keen on knowing about the strange energy reading identified by Lieutenant Shea. I have a sordid feeling about it.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 99717.2

The recent internment of a Romulan merchant vessel by Breen forces is causing a significant stir in the Senate. Many are calling for the Military to take direct, decisive action.

The RRW Tebok is being deployed near Breen territory to remedy the situation. Something feels… off about the whole situation, though. I will be informing my staff to keep careful eyes on the situation. I do not like how much pressure the Senate is placing on the RRF. Further, I am puzzled as to why the Breen would suddenly feel the need to intern a merchant vessel.

I suppose we will find out soon enough.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100155.2

We have arrived in the Ka’shir system, a planet with a toxic atmosphere poisonous to most forms of animal-life. Its populace lives on a large facility in orbit of the world. Curiously, the planet does not seem to harm plant or fungal life. RRF Command sent us here after a supply freighter disappeared.

I opened contact with the vice-governor of the colony. He is a serious man. And as such, I made certain not to waste his valuable time. He was forthcoming with all of my questions. While he is perhaps temperamental, I see no reason to question his loyalty to the Nation.

The colony’s orbital facility provided us with sensor logs. They indicated a large object entered the atmosphere, consistent with a freighter. Centurion Thirteen confirmed it was the freighter. Lieutenant Shea, meanwhile, located the crash-site on the surface. The Freighter crashed beside what appears to be an old ruin.

Centurion Thirteen is under the impression the freighter’s crash was not an accident. While she ruled out the colony’s involvement, she could provide no further information. Both her and Lieutenant Shea believe the answers to this mystery lie on the surface. The crew is currently preparing an expedition onto the surface. I, meanwhile, will be speaking face to face with the governor. He so happens to be Lieutenant Shea’s father.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100188.5

The conversation with the vice-governor went rather well. He is primarily interested in keeping potential conflict with Rator III away from his world. I believe that is more than agreeable.

Further, Mol’Rihan has agreed to send another shipment of supplies. This time, it will be well defended by ships from the 12th Flotilla.

Rator III’s fingerprints appear to be all over the destruction of the freighter. Further, despite the planet’s toxic atmosphere, there appears to have been a survivor from the wreckage. Preliminary evidence suggests the culprit of the freighter’s destruction was the one who survived. Footprints indicate he fled to a nearby ruin.

At this point, I suspect this culprit to be dead. However, Command will want confirmation on Rator III’s involvement. That confirmation will likely cause chaos throughout Command. But… perhaps it will get them to realize the grave threat posed to us.

In the meantime, we will also be utilizing this opportunity to learn about the ancient ruins themselves. I cannot help but wonder if these ruins somehow tie to why the atmosphere is toxic. I’ve also requested Professor Ahnar tr’Veras’ assistance in this matter. That should give my chief of sciences, Lieutenant Shea, some extra people to coordinate with once we return to the surface.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100322.7

Rator III seeks to prosecute war against the Republic.

It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Starfleet has proved to be supportive in these times. So much so that we have one of their intelligence officers working frequently alongside us.

But rather than sending us to watch the frontier, RRF Command is instead sending us to Vulcan. The Vulcans claim to have an urgent mission that pertains to our duties.

I respect our cousins, but I am dubious of these claims. But, we serve the Nation. We shall see what the Vulcans want…

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, 100380.5

The Romulan Republican Force is deploying all available warships to the frontier. Command believes an attack is coming. And given what I have learned, well… Kererek has this one right.

The Tebok, along with a few other vessels, is tasked with resupplying a facility just outside the Beta Reticuli system. Hopefully we do not spend too long here. I pity the officers that have to work on this facility.

Commander’s Star Log, 100380.5, Supplemental

We resupplied the facility. Right as that occurred, an unknown fleet disembarked. I made a decision once I knew what and who they were. Enemies. Invaders.

We managed to rescue those on Facility Saemna. Salil and I utilized the auxiliary plasma vent. Shea saved the people on the station. Asyr unleashed wrath.

We are redeploying to favorable positions.

The hour is here.

We are at war.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, 100396.8

New orders from RRF Command have reached us. We are to begin assisting in the evacuations of Beta Reticuli.

The enemy is relentless in its drive to the system. There is no feasible way for us to hold onto the system. Not without diverting forces from Tri’Vokil and Chaltok.

The crew, at least, is managing…well… as well as I would expect. Long hours, but I am making sure each duty rotation is afforded optimal time to rest. Plus, we are expected to receive some help in the form of more Guard Marines for this evacuation effort. A bit of good news I suppose.

I have also heard some disturbing reports from the 8th Flotilla out near the Terrh system. I have attempted establishing contact with their senior commanders. No response. I dread to discover what occurred out there.

Commander’s Star Log, Supplemental

A bit of success in an otherwise disastrous situation.

We managed to evacuated our assigned section of the capital city of Beta Reticuli… The other vessels within the RRF… varying success. Some better than others.

Countless people will be left behind. We do not have the time or ships to evacuate the planet. I… do not know what to say on this front. I will not hope for mercy from the enemy. They have never shown mercy. But…

I will perhaps take fortune in our success. We saved countless numbers of people. And further, we have prisoners from Rator III. Though I suspect they know little: One nurse and a low ranking Uhlan.

We are redeploying to favorable positions. Command is expecting Chaltok to be the next target. Hopefully we hold there.

Elements help anyone on the surface here in Beta Reticuli.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, 100437.8

Admiral Kererek’s counteroffensive is set to begin in a few hours. Several flotillas have already begun their redeployments. The 11th Expeditionary Flotilla and the 18th Flotilla, meanwhile, are tasked with holding Chaltok at all costs.

The enemy is expected to throw everything they have at us over the next few hours. They are under the impression we are preparing to withdraw.

These shitstains have no concept of regret. The only thing they understand is force. They will soon know it.

Commander’s Star Log, Supplemental

Admiral Kererek has his glory. All while the fight is unfinished.

Meanwhile, we held. With countless dead. Countless ships ravaged.

The enemy is surrounded now. But, the enemy is also close by. By the push of a button, they can glass Chaltok. And apparently, they have new toys at their disposal too.

I am taking a gamble. The prisoner I inherited has past experience. She is dangerous. But I do not see as having any alternatives.

And there’s still the matter of the Colonel. One thing at a time, I suppose.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100456.9

The offer made by the Colonel appears legitimate.

She has further accepted the reality that we will not tolerate beyond unconditional surrender after she and her allies enact their plan. There is also the matter of experimental weapons she mentioned. I plan to have Evoch approach that front.

Now comes the matter of ending this stalemate above Chaltok. The enemy has reduced my home’s cities to rubble. And they are committing unspeakable crimes on Beta Reticuli. I dread what they have in store for Chaltok.

But we still stop them. Chaltok belongs to the Romulan Republic. If the enemy has not grasped it yet, they will get the picture soon enough.

Commander’s Star Log, Supplemental

The Enemy Invasion Force at Chaltok has formally surrendered to the Romulan Republican Force. When the ships began powering down their weapons, I could hardly believe it.

But then, it came with a cost, did it not? Chaltok’s capital city and many surrounding communities are in ruins. Though the Romulan Senate has promised to help the world rebuild, that process will take years. And I suspect many parts of the world will never be the same.

There is the matter, too, of just how many of the enemy surrendered. Most of the surrendered personnel are exhausted. And many of them have not had a meal in weeks. I pity them. But I do not forgive them. And there are their officers to question as well. We will be here for another week I expect.

Beta Reticuli is next. There are specifics there I am concerned about. T’Kon experimental technology being one of them. And other matters as well. The Ancient Regime has shown they have no regard for Republic citizens.

I plan to pool together key people on the Tebok. That will involve convening with unorthodox individuals. Considerable work lies before the crew. But for the first time in weeks, I am confident in our chances.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100498

Taela, Shea, and I finished a conversation with some prisoners. The Rator-III Admiral and the Tal Shiar Captain offered nothing of substance. But the civilian we spoke to, apparently a doctor, spoke about T’Kon technology.

Whether Romulan Republic intelligence decides to offer any pardons to this man is for them to decide. But the information he provided should allow us to develop countermeasures to supposed T’Kon technology. Should we successfully devise them in time for our final push to Beta Reticuli, I intend to notify our allies in Starfleet as well. Anything to minimize loss of life in the coming weeks.

Beta Reticuli is our next target. Kererek is keen on ending this war. And for once, I agree with him. With the substantial gains our allies in Starfleet have made, I foresee this being the final flash point for this ‘Romulan Summer’.

I…find myself conflicted though. My homeworld, Chaltok, is in ruins. And Elements know what those shit-stains have done to Beta Reticuli. These people have facilitated so much destruction and death. And for what? A return to a mythic past that never was? I am disgusted, angry, and out of patience.

The architects of this conflict must be held accountable. No longer can Rator III refuse to recognize our sovereignty. And further, the architects must face a formal tribunal for crimes against Republic citizens.

But for now, Beta Reticuli. It ends there. How it ends… I do not know.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100517.1

CENT Shea, LCDR Aurelia (SF), S/CDR Taela, and I uncovered treachery. An entire cargo-bay of weaponry conveniently missing. And an honorable leader’s corpse stuff in a crate. It’s a miracle the 8th Flotilla managed to hold out given this treachery. Something tells me this is not an isolated incident either. It just… is baffling. No, it’s not baffling. It’s a fucking disgrace.

The butchers come in, slaughter our citizenry, and… despite it all… there were those who thought siding with the enemy was a wise-course of action. They should all be made to clean up the piles of corpses on Chaltok and Beta Reticuli when all this is over. THEY are just as much to blame for this conflict as our enemy on Rator III.

We are fortunate we discovered treachery in the 8th Flotilla when we did. It is just a damn shame it cost the life of a good officer like Wing-Commander Saiek. His family can at least find peace knowing that he did what he could to stop treachery.

Kererek has already found a replacement. And further, I was informed the 8th Flotilla defeated a last-bid Rator-III advance. Further, I have been informed the Second FLotilla has secured T’iokol. All roads now lead to Beta Reticuli.

But so help our Republic. So help our people. Even once this conflict is over, the monumental task of ridding ourselves of corruption, akin to what we saw… I…

No… it needs to be done. Win the war first. Then… justice for the enemies that inflicted so much pain. Be they without or within.

It has to have been for something. It must be. We can never go back.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100621.5

It all started with rescuing the crew of a Vulcan science ship. And now?

Smuggling of relics. Valuable relics. Ancient history. Shared history between Rihannsu, Havrannsu, and the Vulcans.

And unfortunately, I do not think the people running this operation. The people they hired certainly are. After securing permission from the KDF to enter their space, we located some hired smugglers at an old logistics center. They taunted us. We returned the favor by beaming them onto our ship and forcing them to wear fashionable orange jump suits. And now, they will be taking a nice vacation to Mol’Rihan. Little hnaevs.

Aurelia and Evoch, perhaps more importantly, learned about where this operation is centered. Some established, populated Orion world with ties to the Syndicate. Led by someone called the ‘Logician’. Some sort of bad joke? This individual did not waste any time abandoning the idiots they hired. I cannot say I blame them in that regard. The true confrontation will be less savory.

Shea is intent on studying what we recovered. And honestly, given the circumstances we endured, I am keen to see his desires fulfilled. His focus on archaeology might provide some insight on why these items in specific are so important. Plus, he seems to work well with the Vulcans.

Thirteen is understandably concerned about the security and welfare of the ship on account of all this. And honestly, I cannot blame her. The people we captured were idiots. The people that hired them, well, I suspect they are professionals. The Syndicate is not a joke. And their affiliations with the Klingon Empire could put us in a difficult spot depending on how large this smuggling operation is.

For now, Command wants us to return the items to Vulcan. They also want the Vulcans off our ship. I do as well. And given my conversation with their Captain, I think they are keen to return home as well. They are all lucky to be alive.

We’re meeting with a Vulcan science ship on the border of Republic and Federation space in a few days. I am curious to see how this plays out. And moreover, I’m expecting trouble. The Vulcans have been coy about this damn matter from the beginning.

I don’t like any of it.

[Garak234]

RRW Tebok
Commander’s Star Log

Commander’s Star Log, Stardate 100686.7

To say there would be a shift in thinking since the conflict’s end would be an understatement. Command wants to prevent an incursion like the one Beta Reticuli experienced from occurring ever again. I certainly share their goals.

What I am not so sure about is their approach. Pursuing Azedi technology feels suspiciously similar to the ‘wonder weapon’ bullshit Rator III was utilizing during the final weeks of the campaign. I feel as if we are a part of some Senator’s pet project. And said Senator is using the RRF as his or her damn errand service. Though I could easily be paranoid.

What I agree with, at least, is the need to update our star charts. The ones we are using are over fifty years old. And I am a bit wary of relying on Starfleet charts. Important as our allies are, I am not keen on becoming overly reliant on them. And further, I believe there ARE places in this region that are useful to the Republic.