RD: Chapter 12

Personal Log, Ne'tal i-Tephon t'Lark, 3-2-Air
It's my Naming Day today.  I am 37 years old today.  I'm sure someone will have some sort of surprise for me, so I must be extra careful today.
As for Romulus, we are expecting an important visitor, the U.S.S. Enterprise, E, I believe it is.  That is an infamous ship.  But according to Donatra is merely a peaceful mission.  We shall see.   I know that the Federation where our allies in the recent conflict with the Dominion.  But I was a mere cadet then and not participating in the war.  It also unnerved me that Aendah Donatra was concerned about the Enterprise's arrival.  For the time being I must prepare our science section for a possible visit, no easy task.
On our planet the riots have currently ceased.  Tarven is now dealing with the aftermath.  He has been some what reclusive these days.  I think they are working him too hard, but then all of us are worked pretty hard.  
I'm beginning to ramble...Computer End Log.

I jump as one of the young Uhlans hands me a PADD.  Damn my Naming day!  Not only am I more easily startled because of the day but also for the task ahead of me.  To prepare the science labs for inspection is a complicated and highly annoying task.  As much as science is glamorized with thoughts of exciting experiments with no paper work, the reality is much different.  Yes, there are exciting experiments but that equates to about 20% of my job and the job of the other scientists.  The rest is used in creating hypothesizes and writing long often boring papers.  
However of course most people wanted to see those amazing experiments.  This meant coordinating between lots of bickering scientists whose experiments were the most important of course and whose work could not be moved to some of the less visible labs.  
I'm a physicist.   I can juggle numbers and formulas to spit out correct and desirable answers.  I'm not a politician who juggles lives and careers.  The disadvantages to being related to those in power.  Of course one good thing can come of this.  I can display my miniature cloaking device, a project that has taken me and many others years of work to create.  The advantages of power.
"Enarrain?" Asks the Uhlan tentatively.  I've already snapped at him once or twice today.  
"Yes?" I ask trying to sound pleasant again.
"You have a visitor."
"Bring them in."  Tarven pops his head in a second later.  I smile smugly at him.
"I heard it was your Naming Day." He says producing a small wrapped package.  
"You didn't have to do that." I answer taking the package.  
"And you females shouldn't say things like that.  Fortunately most males know not to believe you." He chuckles.  
Quickly I open the present.  "Regailian Chocolates, my favorite, thank you Tarven." I say embracing him.  
"I thought you would like them." He says staring at me for a moment.  "Can you take an early lunch?  I'm on brake now."
"I think the Enarrain can excuse herself." I answer teasingly.  We sneak out of the science department as quickly as possible.  It's not good for us to be seen together there.  Too many rumors will spread.  Romulans, especially Tal Shiar agents, are proficient gossipers.
I turn towards the mess hall when Tarven catches me by the arm.  "Where are you going?"
"To the mess hall of course." I answer confused.
"No, not today.  Today is more important.  Come," he says taking me by the hand and lead down the opposite way.  
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"It's a surprise."
I growl digging my heels into the floor plating.  "You didn't!"
"Tell a lot of people?  No, I didn't.  Now come." He insists giving my arm a stronger tug.  I roll my eyes and trot along behind him.  
"You quarters?" I ask as he stops before the door.  
"Yes, I'm afraid there was no where else to set my surprise up.  I didn't want to break into yours." He says somewhat apologetically.
"I doubt you could."
"You underestimate me.  I went though Lock Picking 101 just like you.  Now close your eyes." He says trying to hide a smile.
"Tarven," I growl.  
"You will like it, I assure you."  I sigh then comply with his wishes.  Tarven guides me inside.  Here him scurrying around.  "Okay, open your eyes."
I stare at the scene in front of me.  On Tarven's small table is laid out a beautiful meal with a freshly cooked Hail leg, saliten soup with oychri bread, and sweet kashli fruit arranged like a mauve flower.  On the table is a large vase with blue and white lagga flowers and floating candles.
"Oh Tarven!" I turn to him beaming.  "It's beautiful!"  
"I hoped you would find it pleasing." He says pulling out my chair.
"Pleasing?  It's amazing Tarven!  How long did this take you?" I ask noticing that the plates and glasses are the exact pattern I had once pointed out to Tarven at a market during one of our trips to Romulus.  But that was years ago!
"Less time than you would expect." He says pulling out a chilled bottle of sweet wine.
"But you have every detail perfect! Even down to pattern on the plates."  I answer still in awe.  "I pointed this out years ago."
"And I snuck back to the shop and snapped a photograph of them."  He says offering me the wine.
"I'm on duty." I answer sadly.
"I know, it's snythehol ."  I smile at him as he fills my glass with the rose colored liquid.
"I still can't get over that you saved your photograph for so long.  I haven't made this easy for you have I?"
"I do not care.  You are my greatest treasure and it is correct that should work hard for you.  As I have said before I was attracted to you ever since I saw you in that gym years ago now.  Ne'tal-jol-ao au." He says brushing my hand and locking those deep azure eyes with mine.  In the candle light they remind me of pools at midnight.  My hand begins to tingle some what and I pull it back instinctively.  "Is something wrong?" asks Tarven concerned.
"No," I answer back quickly not wanting him to be offended.  "Nothing, Tarven-jol." I insist locking eyes with him and smiling to re-enforce that point.  
"Well, I hope you enjoy the meal." He says carving the bird leg.  While he is preoccupied, I check my hand.  It feels find now and doesn't look any different.  Odd.  I dip a bit of my bead in my bowl of soup.  There are small flakes of fuchsia cheese baked right into the bread.  Just the way I like it.  
"This is amazing Tarven!" I tell him smile at him.
"I'm glad it is to your liking." He says.
"Liking Tarven?  It's amazing!  How have you remembered all of these details?  No one has ever cared about my naming day so much.  I really appreciate it."
"I figured you would need a break from your preparations.  And I know what it is like to be forgotten on this day.  Naming Days are very important and should be calibrated.  I want it to be special for you."  He says smiling at me as I take a bite of the delicious Hail bird.
"I can't thank you enough Tarven.  You are so caring, and I respect you for that."  I can just see the tips of his ears turn a darker shade of olive.  That means he is pleased, but probably won't admit it.  His self- confidence is so low.  "How has your department been preparing for the Enterprise's arrival?"
"We have been preparing for human, Vulcan or other Federation species which could require treatment.  Since I have had training by Federation doctors in their medicine I have played a central role."
"Why would they need to be treated?"
"Accidents and possible aggressions on our part have been the reasons I have been told."
"What is different about federation medicine?" I ask savoring a piece of the fruit.
"Federation medicine is all about regenerators and artificial means of healing.  Romulan medicine uses the body's natural healing mechanisms and helps accelerate them or make them stronger.  Where a Romulan dermal regenerator accelerates the Romulan's metabolism in a small area to heal a wound; a Federation one uses specialized lights and chemicals to heal the wound.  They claim there medicine is better because it can always heal.  This is true, but there medicine is not better, just different.  In fact it can cause allerical reactions.  If someone is allergic to Federation medicine, then they can not be treated.  A Romulan does not become allergic to our treatments.  However the disadvantage is that in the elderly or the mortally wounded these types of treatments are not as effective because it relies on the body as the base for healing."
This is a very interesting part of our relationship.  We don't understand each other's jobs very well.  Tarven's speech was completely lost on me.  I don't know much about medicine except about a female's needs and requirements.  Ironically Tarven doesn't know much more than required about that sort of thing.  Makes him somewhat uncomfortable.  I simply set here smiling and nodding at the right times.  Now when I chatter about my work Tarven does the same thing.  Surprisingly this arrangement, for the most part, works quite well.
"Sounds very fascinating." I answer.  Tarven simply nods lost in his own thoughts for awhile.  
"Enough about me, What about you, e'lev?  Are you having a good Naming Day?" He asks curious.
"It just got a lot better." I answer smiling at him.  "Donatra has not called for me yet.  That surprises me.  But I'm sure she is busy with preparations.  I'm concerned about this Enterprise business."
"Why?"
"When the Aendah told me about it, she seemed very concerned almost annoyed, like someone had given her the assignment against her will."
"You think our Praetor is not being completely honest."
"That was the impression, yes."
"It would not be the first time," sighs Tarven.  "But then it's not exactly the most peaceful times we are living in are they?"  
I shake my head.  "I just can't help wonder what my life would be like with out the Tal Shiar involved."
"I know what you mean." He says stopping and thinking for a moment.  "But then I would not be here without them."
"And they hang that over your head." Tarven nods.  "But I did not have a loyalty to them or a debt.  I was a little girl with my whole future in front of me.  My House was not wealthy, but we were well to do.   Could have easily gone to university.  Possibly even the Astrophysics Academy if I had worked hard enough.  I never wanted a life of secrets and mystery.  I miss my House."
"I'm sorry I can not comfort you.  I do not know how without having had a house of my own." He says reaching for my hand again.  
"It's alright Tarven; just listening to me is a comfort." I answer taking his other hand.  He meets my eyes for a moment and leans forward.  I follow his lead as he slips a hand into my hair.  I feel him brush my lips with his.  I close my eyes blissfully lost in the kiss.  My lips separate from his slowly.  He reaches a hand behind my head gently pressing my forehead ridges to mine.  Again I feel a prickling sensaon but this time I do not pull back.  
Suddenly though Tarven lets go of me quickly with a slight ouch! "Tarven?" I ask think maybe he felt the same sensation.  His hand goes to his cheek and his ears turn a much darker shade of olive.
"I got too close to the candles." He says embarrassed.  
As much as I try to suppress it, a giggle slips out.  Tarven stares at me a second then begins laughing himself.  Both of use breakouts into hysterical laughter.  
Once we finally recover, I stare at Tarven a moment.  "Thank You." I tell him quietly.
"For what?" he asks.
"For giving me a break.  For being here with me.  For making me laugh." I smile at him.
"You are most welcome e'lev."  He says stroking my hand.  "Dessert?" He asks.
"Of course.  If it was a wonderful as the meal how could I refuse?" I ask smiling at him.
"You certainly couldn't," chuckles Tarven getting up and heading to another of his small rooms.  He returns with slices of micorth berry irriuf , the same deep sapphire blue of his eyes.  Micorth berries are my favorite too.
"Tarven!  My favorite!" I exclaim eagerly eyeing the delicious mousse.  To my astonishment there are fresh berries topping the creation.  "Where did you get fresh berries?"
"That, my dear, is classified." He says setting down.  I giggle at him before taking a bite of the mousse.  Just as expected, it is magnificent.  
"Amazing Tarven!" I coo happily.
"I'm glad you are pleased.  I hope I am able to please in the future as well."  He says meeting my eyes.
Again he brings up the future.  What is he thinking about?  His ordeal on the planet and his job, I'm sure constantly remind him of how precarious life is.  What is he planning though?  I turned his attentions away years ago.  If he wanted to move us to the next step would I be willing to go?  It was a question I was being asked by more than myself.  As a woman and a Tal Shiar agent at that, nearing childbearing age, I was expected to have children.  And that of course require a man, and in my mind, a mate.  As of today I was thirty-seven.  That only left three years before I was of child bearing age.  But was I ready?  Was I ready to become a mate and a mother?
"Are you alright?" Asks Tarven.
His question draws me back to the present.  "Yes, I'm fine, just thinking."
Tarven smiles reassuringly.  "I understand, I have often been lost in thought recently too."  
Slowly I finish the mousse.  Tarven clears the dishes and meets me at his door.  "I should be going.  There will be rumors spreading otherwise." I tell him smiling mischievously.  
"Yes, I'm sure there would be.  And in the medical bay as well.  The nurses are always searching for a new piece of gossip." Answers Tarven smugly.  "I enjoyed our lunch though."  He gently places a piece of my hair behind my ear fingering it softly.  "You always did have the most beautiful hair.  I am pleased that you have chosen to grow it out more."
I feel my cheeks blush emerald at the comment.  I stare up at Tarven then wrap my arms around his neck pulling him close and kissing him more deeply than I even had before.   Separate from him breathless.  Tarven kisses my chin and brushing his forehead with mine.
"Jol-ao au." He whispers to me sweetly.
"Tarven-jol-ao au." I whisper in answer finding the tingling of my forehead touching his pleasant this time.
Slowly, reluctantly, Tarven separates himself from me.  "We must be getting back to our posts; as much I will regret it." He says stroking my face again.  I nod quietly.  Quickly to decrease the feeling of his eyes on me, I dart out of the door.
Several hours later as I read the report of the prilinary tests on a new refining method of dilithium crystals I have another flash.
"Laser scalpel." Asks Tarven extending his hand to the nurse.  Again I feel as though I'm seeing though his eyes.  On the biobed is a young ulhan with a large chunk of what appears to be a ceremonial blade in his arm.  Carefully and precisely Tarven makes and incision extending the wound the shrapnel caused.  "Forceps." He asks extending his hand again.  "How did you get this?" Asks Tarven glancing at the man.
"I was practicing with erie'Lhaell Kovok for his bonding ceremony." Says the Ulhan.  I feel Tarven's heart flutter as the man mentions the bonding ceremony. "We hit a little too hard and one of the blades shattered.  Fortunately, they were only practice blades."
"Yes, that is fortunate." Says Tarven concentrating on the offending piece of metal.  Finally he extracts the piece. "Ah!" he says holding up the metal bit.  "Here it is."  He deposits it in a small container held by the nurse.  Without being asked the Nurse hands him a dermal regenerator.  Tarven passes it over the wound a few times and then places a small covering over the remaining cut.  "You may go back to your duties.  Just don't be terrible strenuous on the arm.  No practice for a day or so." </b>
"Thank you sir." Says the Uhlan before leaving.  I feel Tarven brush the crest hidden beneath his tunic.  To my surprise there are two crests attached to the chain not just one.
"Enarrain!  Enarrain Lark!" yells my aid frantically grabbing my arm.
"Yes?" I ask coming back to my own reality.  "What is it?"
"Are you alright, sir?" he asks concerned.  "You were not answering me and I could not rouse you."
"Thank you for your concern uhlan, but I am fine merely preoccupied." I answer trying to smile convincingly.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" he asks.
"No thank you, you may go back to your post." I answer.  After he is gone I sigh to myself.  This concerns me.  I'm not tried now and this… flash happens.  Also why does Tarven have two crests ?