I Will Not Fail

Posted on Mon Feb 24th, 2025 @ 9:30pm by S'Ranya & Undersecretary D'Darra

Mission: Episode 3: Conflicts of Interest
Location: S'Ranya's office, Department of Galactic Relations
Timeline: Mission Day 0 at 0000

[Directly Following 'Not My First Choice']

The building that housed the offices of the Romulan Department of the Galactic Relations loomed over the bustling cityscape of the Romulan capital, casting long shadows as the twin suns began to set. The structure exuded authority, its dark granite walls adorned with intricate carvings that told the story of Romulan power and history. Inside, S'Ranya sat alone in a spacious office, a room befitting someone of her rank. The floor was cold underfoot, the walls lined with statues of past diplomats, their faces stern and unyielding.

She sat behind a polished obsidian desk, fingers steepled, her mind turning over the recent meeting with Praetrix Donatra. The Praetrix had handed her the assignment to manage the Romulan embassy on Earth, a position meant to heal the damage done by Tiveren's assassination. A strategic move, no doubt—but S'Ranya didn’t intend to simply follow orders. She had her own way of handling the Federation, and she had no plans of becoming anyone’s pawn.

The door chimed softly, and D'Darra entered, her expression as unreadable as always. Despite the calm demeanor, there was a faint tension in the way she held herself. It was the kind of tension one developed when dealing with the unpredictable and often volatile Praetrix.

"Undersecretary," S'Ranya said, her voice a smooth, controlled murmur as she motioned for D'Darra to take a seat.

D'Darra moved silently into the room, her sharp eyes flicking briefly over the room's sleek, minimalist decor before settling on the Ambassador. "Ambassador," she replied, her voice clipped. "I trust your meeting with Praetrix Donatra went... as expected?"

S'Ranya exhaled slowly, leaning back in her chair. "It was necessary. And not unexpected. The Praetrix has decided I will take charge of the embassy on Earth. She believes that I am the only one who can manage the diplomatic relations in the wake of Tiveren’s death." S'Ranya's eyes narrowed slightly as she let out a low laugh. "She said I was a 'necessary compromise' in the current political climate. As if she had a choice."

D'Darra arched a brow but said nothing, clearly awaiting further clarification.

"I intend to make the best of it," S'Ranya continued. "Donatra has given me authority over the embassy. Though she made it clear that I will still be under her watchful eye, she will not interfere—unless she believes I am 'straying from the Romulan path.'"

"She has reservations," D'Darra observed, her voice low. "About your methods?"

S'Ranya’s lips curled slightly, a hint of defiance in her smile. "Of course. She prefers a more... subtle approach. But I know how to work with subtlety. I just prefer to apply it in my own way." She met D'Darra's gaze, unflinching. "The Federation needs to know that we are not weak. And that I, personally, will ensure they are held accountable for the tragedy that occurred."

D'Darra folded her hands in front of her, her eyes betraying a hint of concern. "You understand, Ambassador, that you will be walking a tightrope. The Federation has long harbored suspicions about Romulan motives. Your actions will be under close scrutiny, and the slightest misstep could cause an escalation we cannot afford."

"I know," S'Ranya replied, her voice hardening. "But it is precisely because of their suspicions that we must play this carefully. I will manage the embassy with absolute precision. They will never know what hit them." She paused, her tone shifting. "You’ve been with me long enough to understand that diplomacy is not about being liked. It's about being effective."

D'Darra regarded her silently for a moment before speaking again, her tone carefully neutral. "The Praetrix has trusted you with an important post—don't squander it."

"I won't," S'Ranya said firmly, her expression unyielding. "In fact, I plan to turn the embassy into a center of influence. The Federation might think they hold the upper hand, but they are underestimating the power of perception. If I can control how we are perceived on Earth, we will be in a much stronger position than they realize."

D'Darra nodded slowly, though her gaze remained thoughtful. "The stakes are high. You will be negotiating not just with the Federation but also with our own people. Your success is not just about maintaining peace—it’s about securing our future in the galaxy. And you cannot afford any more missteps."

S'Ranya leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "I never make missteps, D'Darra. Not when it matters. And this matters."

D'Darra met her gaze, and for a moment, there was a flicker of understanding between them. The Undersecretary gave a slight nod, as if in quiet approval. "I trust you will make it work. But remember, the Praetrix is watching. And so am I."

S'Ranya gave a small, knowing smile. "I’m aware. But rest assured, D'Darra, I will not fail."