Star Trek: Eventide 777 - lt-jgs-t’lauk﹢torre’vnau

Remun had arrived and stored away his belongings. He was now dressed in his new uniform and as he caught the eyes of his reflection in the mirror, he saw that there wasn’t a hair out of place. Everything about him looked orderly. Everything — apart from his imperfections. He never really had been able to get rid of his freckles, not without the risk of skin damage; and so, they remained, splattered across his cheeks in sheer chaos, destroying the picture of perfection that he worked so hard for. He straightened his back, and turned to the door. He was going to tour the station, get to know every nook and cranny personally like the back of his hand (which, by the way, was also imperfectly freckled). It was his duty as ops officer, he found. And like that, he headed outside.

After delay after delay, his transport to Starbase 777 finally arrived. Thankfully he was on shore leave right before his reassignment and the delays only gave him more time to spend with his family. Renakir's family lived under the same roof, which was both a blessing and a curse. One half of the house was in complete darkness whilst the other had lights brighter than a supernova. Fitted with the latest version of his sunglasses, Renakir was ready to tackle anything. He entered his quarters and looked around the common area. His roommate was a man named 'Remun T'Lauk', a Vulcan? He didn't see any signs of the other, perhaps they would meet later. "Computer. Adjust temperature in this room. 10 Celcius." He said before heading into his private quarters. He knew he was definitely going to have to fight his new Vulcan roommate about this later. "Computer, turn off the lights, adjust temperature negative 10 Celcius," He commanded. He looked over at the space next to his desk where he had two large boxes, filled with way too many trinkets his Reman family had given him. It was mostly rocks and books. A kind gesture on their part, however Renakir found it a bit excessive.

1

[D] Remun was strained when he entered his quarters. The incident with the Borg had shaken him — physically, mentally and emotionally — more than he was comfortable with. Still, it didn’t show in the way he carried himself; he still moved like he was more neutral than Swiss in the World Wars. When he stepped into the room, however, an irritated frown came to his face. Cold air engulfed him. Having been trained on Vulcan, he was relatively apt to adjust to different temperatures; however, that took time and concentration and energy he didn’t have. “Computer, adjust temperature to 34 degrees Celsius,” he said; and if his tone was a little harsher than usual, nobody was here to hear it. As the temperature changed, he went over to the couch and sat down. He sat like he had a stick up his ass, like always. His eyes fixed on the door which was his roommate’s. A logical and most likely conclusion to this situation was that Remun’s roommate had finally arrived and he enjoyed cold temperatures. Remun did not. He didn’t enjoy anything, really. He pulled out his PADD, about to make a personal log. He liked to keep track of every crew member he met, keep files for everyone.

Renakir's sharp Reman hearing quickly picked up the sounds of movement in the common area. His roommate was here, the Vulcan. Or well, he assumed he was Vulcan. Renakir stepped out to the common area and was surprised to see... An Orion? "Jolan tru," He greeted in Romulan, wondering how his roommate would react. "When I saw the name Remun T'Lauk on the crew roster I imagined a Vulcan, you must have an interesting story," He said as he stepped into the (very brightly) lit room. Thankfully his sunglasses blocked out a lot of the light so he could still function without getting a headache.

Remun looked up as he neared the voice. Since Remun was fluent in Romulan, the UT didn’t translate it for him and he picked up on it immediately. There was a lack of reaction. His expression was void except for a sharp look in his eyes, as he looked his roommate up and down. A Romulan? He was in Ops as well, judging by the uniform. Tall and muscular. Remun’s gaze went back to his PADD. Since Renakir hadn’t really asked a question, he didn’t comment on the ‘interesting story’. Instead, he said, “You are Lt. JG. Renakir Torre’vnau, I suppose.” His voice was toneless.

"Correct," An Orion who was most likely raised on Vulcan judging from his tone. Vulcans and their purging of emotion. Renakir wasn't exactly one to openly express his emotions, but he was thankful he didn't grow up in a culture that made him suppress his emotions. He had a lot of feelings about the Romulan culture, but the one silver lining was emotions. "You speak Rihannsu," Renakir walked towards the thermostat on the wall. "I regret to say I do not know Vulcan, but I do know a bit about your planet," Renakir's crossed his arms. "As a Vulcan minded individual I assume you can see I am indeed not fully Romulan. I am from Remus and 34 Celsius is cooking me alive. I am willing to negotiate." Renakir's voice was stern and confident. He may have not been able to speak like a robot, but he new a thing or two about keeping a cool head in any type of situation.

Remun looked up from his PADD for a brief moment, taking a mental note about the Romulan/Reman situation. He then said, “10 degrees Celsius are unacceptable.”

08:00

He spoke in fluent Rihannsu. If only to show off, or because he assumed it was logical — nobody could tell.

1

"I am willing to go to 15 Celsius. You may have come from a desert planet, but I do not. If you are truly cold, you can put on more layers," Renakir said before manually setting the temperature to 15 C. He was not going to let this green guy cook him in his own quarters. Not only that, but he seemed a bit cocky. He noted the other's proficiency in Rihannsu. Good. He could be direct in his native language without relying on a translator. It was much easier to argue that way after all.

Remun didn’t let his irritation show on his face, he merely said, “Computer, adjust temperature to 20 degrees Celsius. Since you do not seem to have a pertinent reason to be in this room at the time being, Lieutenant JG, I suggest we settle on taking turns. Now being my turn.” With an air of unbelievable loftiness, he turned back to his PADD.

"It is settled. For now,"It was still unbearably hot, but at least it wasn't over 30 degrees anymore. Renakir could feel his skin warming up, he was probably blushing bright green. Well, at least his roommate was also green so at least he was in good company. "I am curious though, Remun. How did an Orion end up on Vulcan?"

Remun was satisfied with the temperature agreement, despite the fact that he still found it slightly cool. Tactlessly, his eyes remained fixed on the screen, when he answered, “I was adopted by a Vulcan couple.” There was really not much more to it — at least not anything he wanted to disclose; considering he wasn’t exactly in the mood for conversation anyways. Not that he was ever in the mood for conversation, but especially right how he just wanted to sit here and write his reports and then meditate. Perhaps he should just retreat to his quarters, he thought. But he was already here and it was only logical to at least try to form an opinion on his roommate. Though that opinion was already rather… cold.

1

"Interesting," Renakir was aware that Vulcans practiced adoption and were generally open minded to other races integrating into their society as long as they followed the teachings of Surak. Even the Romulans who decided to go forward with reunification were welcomed. "You seem to have integrated well. Infinite diversity in Infinite Combinations," Renakir recited the Vulcan philosophy. "What is life on Vulcan like? I am curious to know how my genetic cousins are doing."

Remun raised one eyebrow at his roommate. Seemed like Renakir was right and he’d really integrated, since he was really good at that. Remun had assumed this conversation to be over, but he responded, “It is warmer than these quarters.” A short pause, then he went on, “Since I have spent almost all my life on Vulcan, aside from my time at the Academy and in Starfleet, I am not able to compare it to life on Remus, if that is the information you are looking for. All I can enclose might be that Vulcan society is thriving, as usual.” Thriving, aside from the fact that they were still xenophobic when it came to little Orion boys. Remun didn’t think of that, nor let it get to him.

"I am sure it is, especially with an influx of Romulans after the reunification," Renakir said flatly and looked at Remun. "I have always wanted to live in a society like that, one that welcomes differences with open arms," Renakir said, hinting at the xenophobic views that still persisted in the Romulan culture, although he was also observing Remun's reaction. They had different preferences in room temperature, but perhaps that had similarities in other ways, he thought. "It must have been a calm childhood for you," Renakir had a feeling that was not the case and awaited to be corrected.

Remun strained very slightly, but it was near unnoticeable. Welcoming differences with open arms… well, as long as those differences fit into Vulcan norms, of course. “It must have been,” he said coldly, adding no more on the matter. Instead, he changed the subject. “We are in the same division. What is your focus, Lieutenant Junior Grade?”

He was right, but he couldn't really deduce anymore information than that from Remun's response. Perhaps they could come back to that topic later. "Transporters. It's fascinating and I can work in the dark if I want," He replied. "And you?"

“Computer engineering and inventory,” he replied. Finally, he stood up. The movement was smooth and oddly graceful, though calculated. “If you will excuse me. I have to write my work log and meditate.”

"That sounds interesting," Renakir nodded at the Orion. "Alright, I look forward to our future interactions," Renakir said before retreating back into his quarters. The one good thing about having a Vulcan roommate was the silence. Renakir enjoyed alone time in silence, which was quite the opposite to how he grew up. In fact if it was silent it meant something was wrong. He tossed his sunglasses onto his desk and flopped on his bed. This was going to be an interesting assignment.

Remun retreated into his room. He was not exactly looking forward to future interactions and since they had agreed on taking turns with the common room, he didn’t suppose they would run into each other all too often. The temperature in his room was 32 degrees and he was able to remove his jumpsuit uniform, replacing it with a black t-shirt and pants. He sat down on his floor in front of a meditation lamp. He meditated for exactly 20.3 minutes, until he was satisfied with the state of emotional suppression he had reached; until he felt ordered again. Then, he recorded a work log and a personal log.

After a brief nap, Renakir was feeling well enough to face the bright lights again. He had to get acquainted with the station, mainly the turbolifts and transporter room as those places he would spend the most time. He quickly cleaned up his sunglasses and combed his hair. He had to make sure his forehead ridges weren't showing, it was one of the features he was a bit uncomfortable with. He headed out of his quarters , making sure to be quiet so Remun wouldn't notice and take that as a sign to turn their common room into a sauna again.

Remun left after finishing his report. He had some business to attend to. Before he left, he ordered the computer to, “raise temperature to 32 degrees C.” After all, it couldn’t hurt as long as Renakir wasn’t here. He then left.

2

3

He came back to the pleasantly warm common room and sat down on the couch. He started typing out a message to the CSO of the station.

1

As soon as the door opened, Renakir was blasted with a full wave of hot air. His eyes narrows, 'Remun'. "Computer, set temperature to negative 10 degrees Celcius, turn off light." This would show that stupid Orion/Vulcan boy, he thought. He proceeded to his personal sleeping quarters.

1

Remun had sat there and then the door had opened, that damned Reman-Romulan had come in and then the temperature had dropped to something ungodly. He looked up, but Renakir had already vanished into his room — completely ignoring Remun who had trouble controlling himself and stopping himself from shivering. He stood up and went to the door of Renakir’s room. He knocked. He wasn’t going to let that illogical and altogether disrespectful behavior stand!

1

He knew his actions would illicit a response from the green boy and actually he was betting on it. He walked back over to the door and put his hands on his hips when he saw the Orion boy. He was standing there with his sunglasses off, bright silver eyes glowing in the darkness. He was in his element, cool and dark. "Yes, what can I help you with?" He said innocently, clearly just trying to ruffle some feathers.

Remun’s gaze caught on Renakir’s eyes for a second — silver. It was the first time Remun saw them. Quickly, he squared his shoulders. There was the slightest strain to his jaw. “You are aware of your actions, I should hope,” he said coolly, “What you did was utterly illogical.” The tone had the tiniest hint of ‘just letting you know’ and a lot of coldness. As if the temperature on the outside had slipped into his voice.

"Do you not own a jacket, Mr. T'Lauk?" Renakir said as if putting on a jacket would really help his green friend. "It was way too hot. 34 degrees really? And too bright too. From now on, we keep the lights at 20% brightness," He said in a tone as cold as Remun's. He was not going to lose. Not to this green boy.

“There is a 0.3% possibility that we will find an agreement to keep lights and temperature at a constant setting,” he replied tonelessly, “It is inevitable that we will be changing the settings. However, what you did was illogical. I was occupying the common room while you were merely passing through to your room.” There wasn’t an expression on Remun’s freckled face, but in his eyes was that ever-sharp look which made him so unapproachable. Well, amongst other things that made him unapproachable of course. “To changed the settings in this case was inefficient.”

07:46

He completely ignored the jacket question, since it was clearly that far beneath him.

2

3

"You may lock up your emotions, but I don't," Renakir was pretty reserved for a Romulan, but this time he let his emotions show in his voice. Perhaps it would remind his roommate he was dealing with both a Romulan and Reman at the same time who would not back down to an emotionally constipated Orion/Vulcan boy. "I was hot, so I turned down the heat. It was too bright so I turned the lights off. I am sleepy and my head hurts, I am not going to stand here and argue with you any longer."

“Very well, then. Perhaps you should start meditating.” That was his way of saying ‘this conversation is ended’ and he turned around to go back into the common room.

2

Renakir didn't say anything else to him and just closed his door so he could flop on his bed again. He didn't think it would be that hard to get along with his roommate. Well, he didn't expect his roommate to be such an asshole. He still wanted to ask about Remun's childhood on Vulcan, perhaps that would explain why he acted like he did. Anyway Renakir was not going to let their little cold war get to him. No, he was above that. Not ten minutes after he had closed his eyes the thought of Remun crept back into his mind. Was he thinking about their war as well? What were his motives? His goals? Renakir had already convinced himself that Remun was out to sabotage him.... This was too much, he would not let himself become obsessed with this stupid temperature war. Time for a sleep, no more green boys or 'logic', only slep.

1

Remun sat back down in the common room, shivering only slightly. “Computer, adjust temperature to 25 degrees Celsius, lights at 50%.” He picked his PADD back up, suppressing the feelings of anger and … something else which he felt when he thought of that irritatingly illogical Reman-Romulan. He wouldn’t let this get to him. Of all the things that could emotionally compromise him here, it was not going to be his roommate! Not for the life of him! He concentrated on his work, on his security algorithms, and waiting on a reply from CSO Whidbey.

2

1

After a (very brief) nap, Renakir had given up all hope of sleeping. He needed to clear his mind and unfortunately with a roommate like Remun he would have to go somewhere else for that. He tossed on some civilian clothes, loose trousers with a long white shirt and black cardigan. He did not consider himself a man of high fashion, but he did care about his appearances. He put his sunglasses on and headed out of his quarters, completely ignoring Remun and marching past him.

Remun glanced up briefly as Renakir passed, unbothered by the fact that he was being ignored — on the contrary, at least his roommate didn’t disturb him in his work. Remun’s eyes swished over Renakir’s outfit — whether he was judging it or simply acknowledging was anyone’s guess — then, he returned his attention to his PADD. At least, he thought, Renakir hadn’t changed the temperature this time.

1

Renakir entered his quarters, completely ignoring Remun. "Negative 10 degrees Celsius, turn off the lights." And with that whoosh right into his frosty and dark quarters. He tossed his sungalsses off and began to do some light stretching. It was good to stretch a little before bed and he had to keep his body is peak shape after all.

Remun could not restrain himself from rolling his eyes. But frankly, he couldn’t come up with a logical excuse to go after Renakir and fight him about the room temperature. So, instead he stood up. “Computer, adjust temperature to 15 degrees Celsius, lights at 20%.” Then, he left into his own quarters which were much warmer and brighter. He did not sigh as he settled down, though he might have if he weren’t so Logical™️.

1

Remun left the next morning, dressed in his uniform, having meditated, ready for his shift. For once he didn’t meddle with the temperature.

1

Renakir popped out of his private sleeping space and entered the common area. The atmosphere wasn't too bad, in fact it was.... What him and Remun had agreed upon. Remun had clearly left for work already, why didn't he change the temperature? Maybe he wanted to make up? Well, Renakir was going to reward him for not changing the temperature by also not changing the temperature. Maybe there was some redemption ahead for his emotionless green roommate.

1

Remun entered and seeing as his roommate wasn’t here, he saw down on the couch and said, “Computer, put the lights at 60%, temperature to 30 C.” It didn’t take long until Remun found himself feeling a little more comfortable. He took out his PADD and wrote a quick report on his work of the day. Putting efficiency first, as always. He had a break of another 51.8 minutes, he knew that; and he was supposed to eat something. However, he wasn’t hungry, so he decided not to head to the mess hall. It really wasn’t very logical to fall asleep on the couch in the common room. It wasn’t very up-to-date with Surak or anything. However, it was very up-to-date with Remun’s tiredness. He hadn’t even noticed it, but the mission with the Borg, the bickering with his roommate and the endless programming had drained his energy reserves significantly. So, there he lay, half-curled-up on the couch. He wasn’t snoring, but his expression was significantly softer than usual; with his cheek pressed against the cushion and one hand hanging off the edge of the couch. The first time his black hair didn’t look absolutely impeccable.

2

After a long day at work, Renakir was looking forward to getting some sleep. As soon as his door opened he was greeted by a rush of hot air. Terrible. He was melting in the heat and immediately took off his uniform jacket and took a deep breath. This was unacceptable! He noticed Remun sleeping on the sofa and took a moment to study his features. He looked... Peaceful. No resting bitch face, no judgement, just at peace. Like that earth fairytale sleeping beauty-- Wait he wasn't beautiful! Man, this was GOLD, Remun looked like shit with his soft messy black hair and freckles that covered his cheeks. And his lips looked-- "What the hell-- Computer negative 10 degrees Celsius. Lights 10%," Renakir commanded in a strong tone, completely aware he could wake his roommate. He didn't care, man, fuck that guy. He then walked swiftly into his private bedroom.

3

There was sand and hot sun and the sweet smell of gespar. Somewhere above him was a bird and the red landscapes stretched out endlessly in front of his eyes. A soft breeze moved his Vulcan robes and he felt so small; like he was drowning in the fabric and in this world of red mountains. Somewhere in the distance was the city with its grand buildings, glittering in the sun. Remun wondered why he was here, so far away from it. And then, quite suddenly, the soft breeze of Vulcan turned ice cold. The dream slipped away from him like red sand running through his fingers. Remun’s face twisted against the cushion in dismay. He grumbled something in Vulcan, cracking one eye open. And then, with a start, he noticed where he was and what he was doing. At once, he sat up straight as an arrow. It was cold. Damn his roommate! Remun sent a glare at Renakir‘s door; for good measure and because he wasn‘t in full control of his emotions — being woken up by cold air in the middle of a confusing dream would do that to you. “Computer, temperature at 20 C, lights at 50%.” It was then that he saw the time. He was late for his second shift! Remun suppressed the panic in his guts, stood up quickly, ran a hand through his air to fix it and smoothed out his uniform. Well, being woken up had one good thing at least; otherwise he would have overslept. But that was what was bothering him! He shouldn’t have fallen asleep! It shouldn’t have happened! He was supposed to be in control of his sleep schedule! He tried not to feel unsettled by it and reminded himself of the fact that he was Remun T’Lauk and Remun T’Lauk never got cranky or angry! Remun T’Lauk was in full control of his emotions. Yes. Of course. He rushed out of the common room into the corridor.

1

Renakir had replicated two baguettes to snack on in his room when he heard rustling outside his door. So the green asshole was awake. If he wasn't dressed in only his underwear he would have gone out and made some snide remark, but no he was trying to relax. He heard the Orion boy order the computer to change the temperature, but waited until he heard the door open and close before making his move. When he was sure that Remun was gone, Renakir stood up from his desk, still holding his baguettes and went out into the common room. Damn it was hot as hell out here, and bright! Renakir's hands were preoccupied holding his baguettes that he forgot his glasses. "Tch, dha'rudh Faelirh ch'susse-thrai (Idiot, fucking piece of shit)" He swore and took a giant bite out of one of his baguettes. He was alone so he was free to chew loudly and make as many disgruntled noises as he wished. "Computer. Turn off the lights. Negative 10 degrees Celsius," He said before plopping down on the sofa and putting his legs up. The sofa was still warm from where Remun was sleeping. Renakir was asserting his dominance, sitting in the spot Remun was sleeping and eating his two baguettes.

1

Six hours later, returning to his quarters. Cold air and darkness welcomed him; very unwelcoming. It took a lot of concentration and discipline for Remun not to sneer as he stepped into the dark room. He couldn’t really see anything, even though he could guess what — or rather who — was going on here. “Computer, lights at 60%.” He could have just as well said 20%, but he was still an emotionless dick without empathy. (edited)

[D] Renakir had ended up falling asleep mid-baguette, both loaves of bread cuddled in his arms. He was awoken suddenly by a bright light and a rush of hot air. A waterfall of swears flew from his mouth as he dropped both baguettes so he could cover his eyes. His mouth was wide open in shock, showing off his pearly white shark teeth. "EHH??? What the fuck?!" He shrieked. Like a vampire in sunlight he felt like he was melting. After taking a couple seconds to rub his eyes he began to mumble in very broken Vulcan. Terrible accent but if he was gonna fight this guy he had to learn how to tell him off in his native language too. "I have a medicam condition you handsome son of a--" Renakir couldn't remember the right words, he just looked stupid, on the sofa, ass naked (except for underwear) and very very blind. (edited)

1

Remun blinked when a row of Romulan swear words assaulted his ears, followed by swearing in Standard and then swearing in terrible Vulcan. The scene in front of him was not only illogical, but also ridiculous. Remun saw a glimpse of a lot of greyish skin — more than he was comfortable with. He also spotted two baguettes for some reason and for a second there were tiny sharp teeth. It took a full moment for Remun to even process what the hell he had just walked into. “Computer, lights at 15%!” The room darkened again, but it was dim enough for Remun to look at Renakir quizzically. For a second, he forgot that he was shivering and hungry and he simply asked, “Are you naked?” It was pretty impossible to interpret his tone of voice. Maybe he was shocked, or confused, or upset, or simply endlessly done. It was only then that Remun actually realized Renakir had called him ‘handome’. What the hell? Whatever that made him feel, he quickly Surak’d it away. He didn’t comment on it either. One crisis at a time.

Make the light stop! Renakir thought right before the lights dimmed. Finally he could open his eyes and look at his roommate. Wide pupils with a glint of silver in his irises stared at the green Orion boy. Now that he could open his eyes he could find his two baguettes and pick them off the ground, holding them in his arms like a baby. "No! I got pants on," Renakir turned away from Remun, clearly embarrassed to be so exposed. He was right, he was wearing underpants. " "What the hell, man??"

“You can hardly blame me for entering our shared quarters,” said Remun smoothly and took a step inside. If his voice carried a hint of annoyance, it was hardly noticeable. “I had no way of knowing you were here, or that you were…” He looked Renakir up and down. “In this state.” Was it distaste in his gaze? Judgement? Or was he simply staring, because he could? “Computer, raise temperature to plus 10 degrees Celsius,” he said, remembering that he was cold and mad and hungry. He finally drew his eyes way from Renakir’s exposed skin and his glittering silver eyes. The guy looked ridiculous anyways, holding his two baguettes close to his chest. Illogical. Totally didn’t have a fascinating eye color at all. (edited)

Renakir hissed when he felt the blast of hot air. This guy just wouldn't quit! He sensed a tiny bit of annoyance in his voice though and caught Remun's gaze. Was he... looking at his body? Stupid Orion, he was probably judging Renakir's physical fitness, maybe he wanted to throw down?? Remun did have nice eyes and green lips that were so-- No no, he couldn't let himself fall for it. Remun was clearly playing a Vulcan mind trick on him, deception! Renakir was going to attempt Vulcan again, prepare for this one. "Too cold for you, your majesty?" He stood up, still holding his baguettes and smirked at the Orion. He wasn't going to let himself be beat by this loser!

“It is unpleasant,” he replied simply, “As is your accent. Perhaps we should switch to a language you can actually speak,” he added in Rihannsu. He saw no logic in trying to communicate in Vulcan when Renakir barely managed to pronounce the word ‘samek’ correctly which meant cold. “Besides, there is no such thing as royalty on Vulcan,” he noted, as if to educate Renakir. He then went over towards the replicator. The way he moved was graceful and calculated as always. Only his hair was slightly messy, but other than that, he looked impeccable and well put-together as always. His facade didn’t let any of his stress shine through. Just as he was about to order the replicator to make him some food, his stomach gave an audible grumble; destroying his graceful appearance slightly. Not that he cared. It was a logical, biological reaction of his body which made him look not as well-put together and okay, yes, maybe he did care a little bit. But he’d never feel embarrassed! Nuh-uh!

He had to admit his ego took a blow when Remun insulted his Vulcan accent. He thought it was good! Still, Remun was (unfortunately) right and they were better speaking his native Rihannsu. "I was trying, I'd like to see your sorry ass try to speak Reman," Renakir rebutted as he walked closer to Remun. Hmm? Was that a stomach growl he heard? Renakir raised and eyebrow and smirked at the other man. "Sounds like someone's hungry. If you hadn't made me drop my baguettes I'd offer you one," Renakir said before putting the two baguettes in the replicator to be recycled. In the process he ended up pushing Remun to the side, briefly touching hips. He didn't think much of it, he just wanted his food back. "Two baguettes, toasted."

Renakir was getting dangerously close to Remun’s tolerance limits. Remun was already upset with himself for falling asleep earlier; and now this guy had the audacity to not only push him away from the replicator before he could order and insult him, but he also touched him! Remun managed with significant effort not to flinch. “I assure you that my bottom is not apologetic. Your insults are illogical.” He was working so hard to keep the irritation out of his voice and the stoic look on his face. His cognac colored eyes betrayed him, though — they were sharp as they looked at Renakir. If looks could kill… “Pok Tar with Redspice,” he ordered the replicator. The machine put the order on the waiting list until the baguettes were done. Remun was awfully aware of how close they were standing to each other and he inched away a tiny bit; careful to keep a distance between their bodies. Especially seeing as Renakir was basically naked — another thing that was extremely illogical. Even though Remun wasn’t as bothered by it as you’d expect a someone to be who grew up in such a strict environment of closed up fashion.

1

When the baguettes were done Renakir reached in front of Reman to grab them, gently brushing his arm against his roommates for a split second. This time, Renakir did notice and he quickly moved away from the other as if he had just touched lava. They TOUCHED! shit shit, this was bad. A bright green blush crept across Renakir'd face and he quickly turned his back to the Orion. "Do I sense anger in that voice, Mr. No Feelings Vulcan minded Orion boy?" Renakir teased, trying to cover up the fact that he was going through a mental breakdown after that brief moment of contact. This was a trap, Remun knew that Romulans also did not engaged in physical contact outside of marriage. This was some sort of psychological warfare. No matter, Renakir would not let that handsome son of a b get away with it. Handsome? He meant fugly as a Cardassian Vole. Remun was not handsome, far from it. His stupid fluffy black hair, cognac eyes, graceful movements, they were all lies. This was next level warfare! He munched on his baguettes, keeping his back to the other.

Remun pressed his lips into a thin line at the brief moment of contact, but otherwise he showed no reaction. He would assume that all of this accidental touching was actually in fact accidental; but as he heard the teasing tone in Renakir’s voice, he wasn’t so sure about it anymore. He clasped his hands behind his back, thankful for the fact that he was wearing uniform — unlike some people — which meant that there was no skin-to-skin contact. Technically, skin-to-skin contact is no biggie for Orions, but Remun picked up that particular dislike for it from his many years on Vulcan. It simply wasn’t done; and one would think that a half-Romulan would know this, since they shared similar opinions with Vulcans when it came to touching. However, Remun assumed that Renakir simply wasn’t well-versed or careful or well-mannered enough to respect the Laws Of No Touching™️. It was no use getting mad, so Remun tried to remain calm. “I am not angry.” He said it to himself as much as he said it to Renakir. He waited as the replicator made his Pok Tar. “It is pronounced ‘takov’, by the way,” he said relatively calmly. Takov. Pretty, or handsome. He glanced at Renakir for a second, catching a glimpse of his ears which were green at the tips.

Renakir was over here munching his baguettes and getting flustered for no reason. This stupid Orion, who the hell did he think he was? The next words out of his roommates mouth took him by surprise. "I'm not angry", a simple phrase delivered in the Orion's classic Vulcan Monotone™ but for some reason it made Renakir loosen up his tensed muscles and turn his head to look over his shoulder. "Takov," Renakir said softly, his silver eyes reflecting the lights for a split second when his eyes met Remun's. "There's no word in Reman, but we have zabe'lagge... passion flower," Renakir wasn't sure why he was saying this, but if Remun was going to be a smart ass and nitpick his Vulcan he might as well teach him some Reman so he could return the favour. Obviously! He couldn't let the other have the upper hand here.

Finally, his Pok Tar was done. And as Remun took it out of the replicator, he had to admit that Renakir’s pronunciation was perfect this time around. And the way he said ‘takov’ while looking at his eyes might have been emotionally compromising. But Remun chose to ignore it. Technically, Remun hadn’t any reason to stay in the common room any longer — since occupying it out of spite was illogical — but he found himself sitting down on the couch next to Renakir. He put a reasonable distance between them and he still sat like a robot, but he did sit down. “Zabe’lagge? Why would one call another person a flower?”, he asked as he started eating. His pronunciation was perfect, since he spoke many languages and that made it easy for him to learn. For the first time since he’d met his roommate, there wasn’t spite or judgement or loftiness in his voice — at least not only. There was genuine neutrality, almost openness. Why this sudden change of mood? Presumably because he finally got to sit down and eat. And the Redspice helped with emotional turmoil. (edited)

Renakir plopped down on the couch, moving away from Remun. He was just practicing social distancing, a common Romulan custom. "Mmm, that's right," Renakir said as he covered his face with his baguettes, but didn't eat them. It seemed like as soon as he was facing Remun again he kept his mouth shut. Like he was... embarrassed or something. Renakir never ate in front of people, not when they could see him. "It's a term of endearment, it is a gender neutral term for beauty." Renakir was blushing like mad, it was definitely the heat. He was burning up! He kept his face covered by the baguettes. "Your pronunciation is perfect, Takov," The Vulcan word sounded weird coming from his mouth, why did he even say it? He was just trying to show off that he could speak Vulcan just as good as Remun could speak his language of course!

“I see. A way to express that someone is aesthetically pleasing without using those words.” If Remun’s jaw twitched slightly as Renakir repeated the Vulcan word; well, who was here to stop him? He finished his chewing carefully and swallowed, before replying, “Your pronunciation is improving, Lieutenant Junior Grade.” oh, yeah, let’s drop a rank in there. Remun would never address someone by their first name, not if he didn’t have to. That was way too personal for his taste! Not that sitting next to your half-naked roommate on the couch wasn’t personal… He had kept his eyes on his plate, not wanting to stare unnecessarily at Renakir’s exposed skin. However, now he looked over for a moment. And he saw that Renakir wasn’t eating. In fact, he was still blushing. The skin of his cheeks was almost similar to Remun’s — except Renakir didn’t have those imperfections. His skin was clear and near perfect, and Remun quickly stopped thinking about it. “Are you not planning on eating your bread?” His eyes narrowed slightly. Actually, Remun would trust Renakir to have replicated the bread only to annoy Remun and keep him from the replicator. Not that it had worked, of course! Pffft! Remun hadn’t been annoyed! Illogical accusations. He looked at Renakir’s silver eyes.

Of course, calling him by his rank as if they weren't literally the same rank. "Uh huh, you really think so, Lieutenant Junior Grade?" If Remun was gonna play that game then Renakir might as well too. Renakir was still holding his baguettes in front of his face, trying to conceal his expression. Only his silver eyes were visible behind the bread. "N-No, actually I've decided I'm not hungry," There was a bit of hesitation in his voice, he was clearly uncomfortable eating in the presence of someone else. "What about you, how's the Pok Tar?" He said as if he were spewing an insult. There was something oddly domestic about the situation but Renakir pushed that out of his mind. He was still on green alert!

1

Remun raised one eyebrow at Renakir’s answer. He didn’t respond to the first questions, assuming that it was a rhetorical one. Why would Remun say something he doesn’t mean? His eyes linger for a moment on Renakir’s eyes and the baguette that he hid behind, before returning his attention to the Pok Tar. He took a few more bites out of it — maybe a little more hurriedly than what was his usual manner — and swallowed before he spoke. “It is to my liking. Albeit replicated Pok Tar never has the same taste as that my mother used to make back on Vulcan.” Why was he telling him this? He never spoke randomly about things like that, not usually. He pushed that question aside and focused on the other thing that Renakir has said. He frowned ever so slightly. “Why did you replicate the food if you do not intend to eat it? Were you merely trying to block my way to the replicator in order to elicit an emotional response?” Ah, there it was again, the coldness in his tone. Almost as cold as Renakir’s personal quarters.

"Must have been nice to have a mother--" His mother used to make him Pok Tar? There was a bit of sadness visible in Renakir's eyes when he thought about his own mother. Remun had two parents, he got to enjoy warm meals and a bed to sleep in. Those thoughts quickly disappeared once he heard the other ask him a question. "Yes, that's exactly the reason," Renakir was lying, but he was a Romulan so he was automatically good at lying, right? He hugged the two baguettes to his chest. "I'll eat them in my room, i was replicating them to save for later," There was still a bit of hesitation in his voice. It was definitely deeper than what he was saying. "You fell for my trap, you showed emotion. That's right, hate me, embrace your feelings, green boy."

Remun raised an eyebrow, but only briefly, before he continued eating. “I would prefer if you did not call me that,” he said calmly. ‘Green boy’. It reminded him too much of his skin color. It was emotional and illogical to take offense in it, of course; but it was only logical to correct Renakir. After all, ‘green boy’ wasn’t his name. Then, he said plainly, tonelessly, “You have not elicited an emotional response from me. And your actions were highly illogical; however, it is fruitless to question the logic of those who are prone to emotion.” He deliberately didn’t say whether he hated Renakir or not. Hate was an illogical emotion which he didn’t have, after all. And he was all too used to people trying to elicit an emotional response from him. Nothing new, really. Why everyone seemed to always want him to show his emotions was completely beyond him. He took it as a challenge to get in even better control of himself. The Pok Tar on his plate was vanishing bite by bite. Finally, the uncomfortable feeling of hunger left his stomach and was replaced by warm fullness. He sensed that there lay something more behind Renakir’s reason not to eat in front of him. And also behind the comment about having a mother. But he wasn’t going to get involved in family stories; not for the life of him. “Perhaps it is unacceptable in Reman culture to eat in front of another — something I would be unaware of,” he guessed, his tone remaining neutral, “If that is the case, feel free to retreat to your quarters to eat. I will not take offense in your taking your leave from this conversation.” Oddly enough, it didn’t have the connotation of ‘please leave’ that you would have expected. In fact, Remun was pretty indifferent to Renakir’s presence here. Well, the only thing that was a bother was the temperature; but he could compromise. (edited)

"Alrighty then, Takov," Renakir retorted as if he was spewing an insult and not just casually calling the other 'handsome'. He would get an emotional response out of him somehow. He was making some progress, he felt. "Sometimes there are things logic can't explain, but it seems like you wouldn't know passion if it hit you in your stupidly cute freckly face," Again spewing insults mixed with... Compliments? Renakir was just trying to throw Remun off his game, that's all. Nothing more. Renakir noticed the other was almost done with his food whilst he still say there with his baguettes. "No, it's not. I am just not hungry at this moment." Renakir lied again, actually he was hungry and the quiet rumbling of his stomach quickly called his bluff. "It's much too hot in here-- I'm leaving," Renakir said, standing up and quickly moving to his private quarters. He was done with this game of back and forth with his roommate. Remun was stupid, he fucking hated his guts. From his head to his toes, everything about that guy was irritating. Once he got into his quarters he sat at his desk and ate his baguettes quietly as not to tip Remun off that he was eating. He couldn't let that guy know anything else about him.

Remun had to admit he was slightly confused. Takov? Now, that was a compliment by definition, but quite odd in this context. Stupid? He ignored that. Cute? He was not cute! But that wouldn’t throw him off his game. Freckly? Actually that was the one that got to him more than anything else Renakir had said. Remun wouldn’t say he was insecure about his freckles — he couldn’t afford insecurity. However, he didn’t exactly like his freckles. ‘Dislike’ would be a bit of strong word for someone who was Not Emotional™️ but it was maybe fitting. He didn’t have a chance to reply before Renakir was already gone, vanished in his room with a last complaint about the temperature. How could he walk around with nothing but his underwear and still feel hot? The regular temperature on the ship wasn’t much lower than this room and then Renakir was in his uniform during work…? Remun decided that he was putting too much unnecessary thought into this. Why should he try to understand this guy? He was illogical. No use trying to comprehend him. Remun finished his food. Then, he disposed of the plate. He replicated himself a glass of water and then headed into his room. He didn’t change the temperature in the common area for once. He sat down at his desk to record his daily work log. Just before he clicked ‘start recording’, he thought about Renakir again. The way he’d sat on the couch, half-naked, covering himself with baguettes and babbling oxymorons. “Illogical,” he muttered. His mind added, ‘intriguing’, but he pushed that out of the way. Maybe Renakir was right. Maybe he wouldn’t know passion if it stared him in the face. But so what? He didn’t need to “know passion”. Whatever. He focused on his work log. (edited)

4

[D] Thankfully the rest of the evening was uneventful. Renakir finished his two baguettes and headed to bed. He awoke the next day, fully rested and ready for work. He put his uniform on and grabbed his sunglasses to leave. He considered changing the temperature in the common area, however it did crossed his mind that the poor environmental controls in their quarters could break if they kept changing it so much. Remun was safe. This time.

Hey. Two person fight club meeting over drinks? My treat. I've got Romulan Ale! And croissants, even if I have to eat them all myself. - Eshen

Sounds good, mon amie - Renakir

️

Where should we go? What's your favourite place on the station? -

How about the holodeck? I have a programme I created when I was on New Romulus. You may find it interesting. - Renakir

️

I'm sure I will! See you at holodeck 3 at 1900? -

That's right when my shift ends. I'll see you there. - Renakir

️

Remun had headed out of the quarters a while ago to start his shift, telling the computer to, “Put temperature at 23 C, lights off.” The lights off because he didn’t want to waste energy while they were both out of the quarters.

2

As soon as they reached their quarters, Renakir was blasted with hot air. He stayed at the entrance but did not go inside. "Yes, we had Romulan Ale, it was great," Renakir said with a toothy grin. "Why did you make it hot again? I'm gonna melt," If he wasn't intoxicated he would have gone inside and changed the temperature but at the moment he was feeling more whiny than usual. It was the alcohol, definitely.

Remun restrained himself from sighing. “Heat can not melt your body, merely burn it; only acid may liquify it. However, you may change the temperature as long as it remains above 0 degrees Celsius.” He wasn’t going to change the temperature for Renakir! He still had some dignity after all. A lot of it, in fact. “However, in your current state of intoxication, I advise that you go to sleep in your own quarters.” ’And no longer bother me’, he added mentally. But that would be emotional to say out loud. (edited)

10:49

Almost like he was fleeing, he stepped into the common room, putting a decent distance between them as they spoke.

"Okay, Takov," Renakir said before stepping into their quarters. "Computer, 0 degrees celsius," He commanded and went to sit on the sofa and began to munch on some grapes. "It's nice in here now, and I wanna get a good look at my Takov's exhausted face, for the books," Renakir was babbling nonsense, a mix of random Vulcan words and Rihannsu. It was clear he was more intoxicated than either of them had thought. "Man.... Do you always look so perfect? Doesn't it get tired?"

Remun strained and froze as he heard the row of compliments thrown at him. For a brief second, he closed his eyes as if to collect his thoughts. Then, he said, “You are drunk.” He had to come to that conclusion. There was no other reason for Renakir to say such nonsense. “Computer, lights at 30%.” This should work for both of them and now it was a little brighter at least. After all, Renakir did say he wanted to get ‘a good look at him’. Whatever that meant. Wait; why was Remun thinking about that?! (edited)

"Me? Drunk? No, Romulans don't get drunk. That's dangerous, sets us up for assassination," Renakir put the basket on the sofa and stood up, walking towards Remun now. "I think you just have a stick up your own arse and you want to get rid of me. That's it? Right? You have been trying to set me up sine the day we met, Mr. Lieutenant Junior Grade."

Remun instinctively took a step backwards as Renakir approached. “I have done no such thing. I simply see no need in excessive social interaction.” His tone was cool and emotionless, but his eyes glittered slightly in the artificial light.

"Takov you--" Renakir lowered his sunglasses and looked into Remun's eyes. The light was still a bit too bright, but he wanted to see the other without the tint of his sunglasses getting in the way. "You have the most beautiful eyes. Cognac colour, that's my favourite colour," Renakir was about to take another step closer until a sharp pain in his head caused him to recoil back. He fixed his sunglsses and turned away. 30% was definitely too bright, that mixed with the Romulan ale, it was too much.

This was definitely getting too illogical for him now. He swallowed; his throat felt dry. “You should not take off your sunglasses when the light is at 30%,” he said simply. Why was his voice so quiet? What was going on here? He took another step backwards, feeling that it was pertinent to put some distance between them. However, the back of his shoulder hit the wall. His brain was working like crazy to figure out this situation. It wasn’t easy though, not like one of his equations or algorithms. In the end, the best thing he came up with was, “Having a favorite color is illogical.” Way to break the tension for sure.

1

Renakir was still trying to come to his senses, the headache he felt was insane. Definitely not going to take off his sunglasses again. "HavING A Favourite COLour IS IlOogical," Renakir mocked Remun and laughed. "Takov, your face is illogical, it should be illegal to have such handsome features but be such a dick."

2

Ah. The insults were back. Somehow, that made him feel more at ease than the compliments. At least he knew how to react to insults; namely with indifference. “I have been told that sleep helps against intoxication of this kind.” He then vanished into his own room quickly, without another word, like a scared animal.

Renakir shook his head and huffed before taking off his jacket and sitting on the sofa with his basket of snacks. 0 celsius was still hot for him and if Remun was no longer here then he could strip without worry. Renakir tossed off his shoes, socks, and undershirt. Now he was shirtless in his work trousers and with a basket of bread in his lap. He was living the life, or well he thought so.

Inside of his quarters, he took a moment to collect himself. “I am in control of my emotions,” he muttered over and over again, “I will not disappoint. I am in control.” After a moment or so, he grabbed some thick Vulcan robes and put them on. He would need it if he were to go back into the common area. And he would go back into the common area. Why? Well, he wasn’t completely sure himself. He told himself it was because it would be his duty to inform sickbay if Renakir were to stay in this hazy state. He entered the common area, bundled up in his Vulcan robes, up to his chin. They were long and the heavy material was kind of luscious; fine copper embroidery glittered in the light, emphasizing Remun’s eyes. Mainly though, it was warm. That was what mattered to Remun. As he saw Renakir on the couch, his eyes narrowed slightly, but other than that he looked in fact in control of his emotions.

1

Renakir was munching on baguette when Remun finally entered the room again. When he saw the other, he quickly turned around and shoved the bread back into the basket. He may have been intoxicated, but he was not going to let anyone (besides Eshen) see him eat. "Takov, you're back, why?"

Remun looked at Renakir for a second. Why was this man always half-naked. Why was it so hard keeping his eyes fixed on his face? Remun pulled himself together. “I wanted to assess your state of mind and send you to sickbay if need be.” It was a simple statement. It would have sounded nice if there hadn’t been a hint of disappointment in Remun’s voice — like he couldn’t believe that someone would get drunk/intoxicated on purpose. How illogical.

"Did I hear... Disappointment? Am I upsetting you?" Renakir put his basket down and walked closer to Remun again. "Tell me, Takov, what are you feeling? Tell me everything, let's hear it. Let's hear what my Takov is feeling when I turn down the temperature, turn off the lights, talk loudly in our common area. Embrace your emotions, let yourself live."

Remun remained where he stood, hands clasped behind his back, shoulders and jaw squared. He looked at Renakir stoically. “I feel the urge to inform sickbay of the fact that you are intoxicated,” he said calmly. The look in his eyes was sharp.

"What are they gonna do about it!? Give me some meds and send me back here?" Renakir crossed his arms and took a deep breath. He took another step closer to Remun, closely checking over his robes, face, hair, everything. "What if I told you Romulans really don't get drunk and I just wanted to talk to you again?" This time he didn't slur his words, his facial expression changed back to neutral and he stood up straight.

He narrowed his eyes again. For the first time, he didn’t seem upset, but rather confused. He wondered why Renakir wanted to talk to him, after all the inefficient and unpleasant conversations they’d had. But he decided not to ask, since he had no particular interest in or reason to talk to Renakir. And so, all he said was, “I see you are not in need of being sent to sickbay. You are merely your illogical self.” Remun then gave Renakir the cold shoulder and simple went back to his quarters without another word. Bye, I guess.

Renakir smirked and grabbed his basket as well as his clothing and headed back to his room. He got the response he wanted, a slightly disappointed Remun. It was going to be a long battle, but he was going to get that stupid Orion boy to show his emotions. There was something else going on and he was going to find out. No Romulan would ever allow his enemy to know more than he did after all. Rules of deception: #3 never let your enemy know more about you than you know about them.

Remun removed his thick robes and replaced them with a t-shirt, leaving on his uniform pants. He sat down on the floor in front of a meditation lamp. It was nice and warm in his room. And quiet. Remun started meditating, forcing all feelings of upset, confusion and anything else into a tiny corner of his mind where he locked it all up. He focused on controlling his breathing and his thoughts as by Surak’s teachings. He meditated for 20.5 minutes longer than usual.

1

Remun left his quarters. The common room was empty and cold. “Computer, raise temperature to 15 C. Lights off.” He left.

1

Renakir woke up the next day. Hungover, of course. His head was driving him crazy, but he had to go to work. He threw on his uniform and combed his hair. He rubbed his cleaning cloth over his sunglasses once and headed out to the common area. It was hot... Hot as hell. "Computer. Lower temperature, 0 Celsius." And this boy was off!

It was the next day after Remun’s getting trapped in the lift. He hadn’t seen Renakir after his workout and he hadn’t seen Renakir in the morning, either, because Remun was usually the first one to wake up and leave. Early bird and all that, even though Remun probably didn’t know that saying. So, it was after his shift now. He hadn’t seen Renakir for a whole of 15.64 hours. Yes, he was keeping exact track. He now was coming back from his shift and he stepped into the common room. It took a lot of dedication to Surak for him not to shiver. But he actually managed not to shiver. He was just dignified like that! “Computer, temperature at 23 C, lights at 40%.” He removed his uniform jacket, leaving only his uniform pants and a tight black long sleeve undershirt. He went to the replicator. “T'mirak rice, warm, with Redspice.” The replicator took the order and a few moments later, Remun was settling down on the couch, carefully setting his plate down on the low couch table. He gave a small sneer as he saw that there were still crumbs on the couch — thanks to Renakir’s obsession with French bread. He wiped them off, onto the ground, for the time being. He would either clean them later, or have Renakir do it. After all, it was Renakir’s mess, so it would only be fair if he cleaned it up. With that in mind, he started eating.

1

When Renakir returned from his shift he noticed-- the lights were on, the air was hot. "Computer, 0 Celsius, lights 5%," He commanded, clearly seeing Remun right there on the couch. He just spent all day in the jefferies tubes trying to run a diagnostic on every turbolift in the station, he had a total of 0 fucks to give at that moment. And definitely not one for Remun, no, really fuck this guy, he thought. As if Remun was not literally right there, Renakir walked over to the replicator. "Coq au vin, French wine," He ordered, still completely ignoring Remun as he waited for the replicator.

As ice cold as the air, and as Renakir’s ignorance, Remun said, “Computer, temperature at 10 C, lights at 15%.” He wanted to see what he was eating, thank you very much. And he was not going to freeze in his own quarters! He looked over at Renakir who was replicating himself some kind of synthehol or maybe another alcoholic beverage. Remun didn’t want to know. “This is inefficient,” he said tonelessly, “We must at least attempt to find an agreement regarding the temperature and light.”

"Hey Takov," Renakir finally acknowledged his roommate's presence. He grabbed his plate of food and headed to the sofa to sit and enjoy his food. "Why are you making it so bright? My head has been killing me all day, I can't do the bright lights, I just wanna take off my glasses and eat-- Plus I can't see your face if it's so bright," Renakir complained before briefly taking his sunglasses off so he could rub his eyes. He put them back on soon after, but his head was really killing him. Maybe he should have went down to sickbay after all.

“If you are experiencing pain, you should perhaps report to sickbay,” said Remun with no empathy or concern whatsoever. Ice cold as ever. He took a spoonful of rice, but just before he ate, he did something that could be considered unusually nice for his standards. “Computer, lights at 5%.” He totally wasn’t thinking about the way Renakir said Takov. And if he was, well, he was judging Renakir’s pronunciation. Yes. That. Surely. He leant back, trying not to let the cool air get through his defenses and shake his facade of elegance. Then, he pushed the spoon of rice between his green lips.

1

"Thanks," Renakir said as he took his sunglasses off and rested them on the side. He glanced once at Remun and then at his own food, debating how to go about this. He couldn't show any signs of weakness, not in front of Remun. Rule number one of deception, never let your enemy see your weakness. He noticed his roommate had undressed a bit and had a feeling he would probably retreat into his private sleeping quarters soon. He just needed to stall for time until then. Renakir took off his uniform jacket and undershirt and placed them on the end of the sofa. He then picked up his glass of wine and sipped it slowly. 'Come on, leave,' he kept thinking to himself. He couldn't believe he made such a mistake, replicating food when someone else was in the room. What could he do? He was hangry af. He just prayed the temperature would scare Remun away and he could eat in peace. He wasn't about to retreat to his room, no way, that would be letting Remun win. The cold air was quickly making his Coq au vin cold..... It was only good when it was hot.... Come on, Remun, leave so I can eat!

Remun had no intention of leaving. Renakir wasn’t disturbing him at the moment and he had been here first, so it was illogical to leave. He reached over to where his jacket lay neatly folded on the couch cushion and he slipped into it with one smooth motion. He zipped it up and then continued eating. For a moment, he remained wordless. There was no logical reason to make conversation and Remun didn’t care about silences being awkward. However, then a thought came to his mind. He swallowed his mouthful of rice and asked, “Have you managed to repair the lift?” There was the slightest hint of emotion in his voice — doubt. Oh, great! He was judging and doubting Renakir again! Ah, yes, typical asshole.

Renakir was slowly sipping his wine, trying his best to pretend like he was just pacing himself. He was not going to show any weakness!! "It's fine now,"Renakir said as he finished off his glass of wine. He sat back on the sofa and eyed his roommate. "Do I sense some judgement in your voice, Vulcan boy? Sounds like my Takov is capable of getting emotional."

“I was merely asking out of professional interest,” he replied, forcing all emotion out of his voice and expression. He kept his eyes lowered, looking at his food, because it were always his eyes that gave away his feelings. And he wasn’t going to give anything away. “I do not understand your obsession with my… emotionality. Is it because I am Orion? Do you see me as some kind of interesting study subject?” Like a lab rat. Renakir wouldn’t be the first one to try and ‘solve the mystery of the unemotional green boy’, Remun was all too familiar with being seen as a ‘freak’, a ‘weirdo’ who never showed any social abilities and didn’t seem to care about it. When Vulcans behaved logical, nobody ever got suspicious or tried to actively annoy them just of the same of it, but when an Orion behaved logical? Trust people to turn their heads and poke him with a stick. Frankly, Remun had his reasons not to engage in social interactions.

"Alright, I heard you got stuck earlier. Sorry I was asleep when all that went down," For once Renakir sounded sincere, like he actually cared for Remun's wellbeing. He didn't, but it certainly came out that way. He picked up his bowl and stirred the meat and sauces around, not planning on eating at all in front of Remun. No way, he wasn't going to. "Because I know you have emotions somewhere. And no, I am not studying you, Takov," Renakir said, putting his (now cold) bowl of Coq au Vin down. "You always gotta have that smart-ass attitude, I really hate fake people. I've dealt with too many guys like you on Rator III," Renakir said as he stood up and went back to the replicator. "French wine." He ordered, not looking at Remun as he waited for the replicator.

“You believe that I am, as you say, ‘fake’?”, asked Remun with an arched eyebrow. He couldn’t believe he just said that, actually. “I have never lied to you. Vulcan culture does not commend lying. Nor have I done anything to conceive my heritage, profession, identity, or opinion. I do not understand your conclusion.” His tone turned slightly harsher, but it was almost unnoticeable, “The fact that I follow the teachings of Surak as an Orion does not make me a feigned Vulcan; and I have never claimed to be one.” His eyes were boring into Renakir’s back as his roommate stood in from of the replicator.

"It's not about what you say to me. Honestly I don't give a fuck what you say to me, Takov," He said, stressing the final word as if it was an insult and not a term of endearment. He grabbed his glass of wine and sat back on the sofa, sipping it slowly. "You're lying to yourself," Renakir said flatly, no emotion showing in his voice for once. "I'm not the first person to call you fake, am I?"

Remun looked down at his food again and passive aggressively ate another spoonful of rice, swallowed, before looking back up at Renakir. Renakir and his stupidly perfect abs. What? Remun returned his gaze to Renakir’s eyes. He wasn’t going to answer that, or comment on Renakir’s opinion. The guy believed that he was lying? Illogical. How would he know?! And what if he wasn’t the only person to call him fake, what if people kept comparing him, what if he’d put twice the effort into everything, just to get the same amount of recognition, all his life? It was none of Renakir’s business. On the contrary, Renakir’s attempts to make Remun open up only caused all of his defense mechanisms to kick in. His eyes glazed over with indifference, all emotion left his face, he looked like an expressionless emerald statue in the dim light. For a moment, he said nothing, then he asked, “Why do you call me by that word?” His tone of voice was completely void of expression, perfectly neutral as it should be.

Renakir studied Remun's expression closely. Of course the Orion boy embodied the calmness of a clear lake on a summer night. It frustrated him that he could never read Remun's emotions. Hiding your emotions was the same as lying in his eyes, something that gave him flashbacks to his time on Rator III when it felt like everyone was out to get him. Was Remun trying to sabotage him? Definitely. Remun was so obsessed with being perfect, Renakir could sense the other's judgement. Maybe it was all in his head but he couldn't take the chance that it wasn't, he was walking on eggshells with this guy. "Because," Renakir finished his glass of wine.. again. "It's the truth, your freckles sparkle in the dark, very cool," He said nonchalantly as he got up and went back to the replicator. "L'eau Minerale," He ordered, waiting for the replicator. He was still starving, his food was definitely ice cold by now. He tried not to think about it.

Remun would have made a doubtful noise, but his expression was totally shut off. Perhaps in different circumstances, he would have said something like ‘I see no appeal in the imperfections on my skin’, but he knew it would only lead to follow-up questions from Renakir and he really didn’t want to discuss his totally not insecurities with his totally not attractive roommate. It was better to let all that stuff about his freckles and him being takov be as it is. Why should he disagree or try to get to the bottom of it? He knew he wasn’t aesthetically unpleasant to look at; so it was semi-logical for Renakir to point it out, albeit he did it rather excessively. Remun was just going to accept the fact that he was a Sexy Bitch™️ and move on without mentioning his insecurities. He merely finished his food and said, “Perhaps you should stop drinking and start eating your food. Unless you prefer it as cold as you prefer the room temperature.” His voice was toneless. He just wanted to change the topic. (edited)

2

Renakir grabbed his bottle of mineral water and sat on the sofa again. He didn't look at Remun when he was speaking, he didn't want to fall for anymore Vulcan mind tricks. He was sure that Remun was out to get him. Or maybe he was the type of sick shit who enjoyed making others feel like trash to boost their own ego. Either way, he knew it wouldn't be easy to make him talk. "Not hungry anymore, your face makes me sick," He was lying, but he was quite proficient at it. "Aren't you gonna storm out of here to go meditate about how illogical I am, Takov?" Please go, I want to eat my food, Renakir thought. He was not going to be the first one to leave, no way.

“If you want me to leave the room, it is most efficient to simply ask me to do it,” stated Remun. Renakir hated him, he was pretty sure. Renakir was an illogical being of emotion and Remun had finally managed to make him despise Remun! He was very sure of that. It always went like this with anyone who wanted to “get to know” him. Remun’s cold attitude either turned them away right off the bat, or his consistency in being unemotional and staying true to the way he lived his life eventually made people get sick of him. He was close to believing that he could predict all of this. Renakir wanted him gone, because he disliked him and he was going to proceed to call him by ridiculous nicknames and lower the room temperature over and over again for the next weeks. And then, when Remun still wouldn’t react emotionally, Renakir would eventually give up. Yes. He was sure about this prediction. It dawned on him that maybe Renakir wasn’t so confusing after all. He was simply emotional. He wasn’t different from the others; he also compared Remun to Vulcans and questioned him and disliked him. Remun had no problem with leaving at this point. The conversation and his lunch was over and done with. He was just waiting for Renakir to give him the word.

No, he wants me to ask him to leave. That bastard is predicting my every move, I gotta do something to surprise him. I gotta one up his stupid green vulcan-minded ass, Renakir thought. Renakir picked up his now very cold bowl of meat, it was nearly frozen now and walked to the replicator. He put it inside to recycle it before asking for a glass of Romulan ale. "Nah, that's exactly what you want me to do and I'll be damned if I do anything that plays into your hand," Renakir walked back to the sofa and put his glass down. "If you want to leave, be my guest. I was gonna turn the temperature down soon so it may be wise to leave now before you get frostbite."

For the break of a second, Remun almost frowned. But just almost. “Play into my hand?”, he asked, his voice smooth and toneless. That phrasing of Renakir sounded like he was scheming something. What the hell was Renakir thinking? Remun decided that he was indeed going to leave soon and appear early for his next shift, but first he wanted to know whether Renakir genuinely thought that Remun was some kind of trickster. “What do you mean? Do you genuinely believe that I would put my time into making some kind of scheme against you, or calculating my behavior towards you?” Illogical. What kind of reason would Remun even have? Why was this guy so paranoid?!

"You are planning something," Renakir looked at Remun, narrowing his eyes. The silver of his irises reflected the light as he stared at the Orion boy. "There is always an ulterior motive. You planned this from day one. As soon a you saw what an 'illogical creature' I was you have been plotting against me," And this is why Renakir never made friends. Everyone was against him, or well he thought so. The only one who actually had no ulterior motives was Eshen. Although, Renakir was still a bit suspicious of him as well. "You wouldn't be out here talking to me if there wasn't some ulterior motive. You hate me and I hate you, why are we even in this room together?" Renakir sipped his Romulan ale., body turned away from Remun.

Now, finally, Remun actually frowned. “Torre’vnau,” he said quietly, but loud enough for it to be audible. For the first time, he was using his name. His last name, yes, but at least he wasn’t addressing him by his rank. “I am not planning anything. I did not plan to talk to you. I was sitting here and eating when you came in. I talked to you out of necessity and social rules.” There was no emotion in his voice, but there was unmistakable honesty. “I do not hate you,” he said simply. It carried the undertone of ‘hate is illogical’, but he found that — as he said it — he actually meant it. He did not hate this man, not even underneath his emotional control. Hate is illogical.

He suddenly turned to Remun when he heard his name. He was actually addressing him as something other than his rank or 'illogical creature'. And he was... Frowning? Renakir wasn't sure what this awakened in him, but he felt things. Maybe he was just hungry. Yes, he was still starving, that's what he was feeling. "Of course, because hate is illogical," Renakir's voice was soft now, no longer angry or frustrated. He put his glass of ale down and blinked. "Took you long enough to finally realise I actually had a name," He crossed his arms and looked away, trying to hide the light green blush that crossed over his cheeks. It was just warm in the room, that's all. Renakir's tough guy facade was interrupted by his stomach growling, yep, the ale and wine could not stop his hunger.

1

Remun smoothed out the frown on his face. He watched the tips of Renakir’s ears turning slightly green. Intriguing, he caught himself thinking. Renakir didn’t have completely Romulan ears — which usually were similar to Vulcan ears — but they were a little bigger and slightly floppy. Why was Remun spending so much thought on that? “You should eat,” he said and his voice was toneless, but because it also didn’t carry any loftiness or judgement, it almost sounded soft — for his standards. He stood up, smoothing out his uniform. “And drink less, perhaps. Though I presume that Ensign K’Tann is right. You are an adult and free to chose how much alcohol you want to consume.” He turned to the door and took a few steps. It was time of his next shift. (edited)

1

What was Remun staring at? Renakir was still convinced this guy was sizing him up for a fight or something. It seemed like whenever Remun stared at him he was focused on his chest or arms, clearly this guy was planning on challenging him in the future or something. No other reason why someone would stare so intensely. Well, Renakir was in fight club so he could definitely take this guy on if it came to that. Renakir got up and went to the replicator again. "Coq au vin,"He ordered. "Bye Takov, enjoy your meditation," He said in an equally soft tone. He meant to sound angry, but for some reason what his brain wanted and what his vocal chords did were complete opposites. He was just hangry, that was it.

Remun nodded briefly and went into his room. He took exactly 15 minutes of time for his meditation. His mind replayed the conversation — from disagreeing about the lights to talking about emotionality, about ‘takov’ and about Renakir’s suspicion. Suddenly, it made a lot of sense that he had been trying to elicit an emotional response from Remun. Remun came to the conclusion that if Renakir had truly believed him to have some kind of scheme, of course he would have tried to elicit an emotional response that might have caused Remun to reveal his hypothetical scheme! Yes. Everything was logical now. Only thing he didn’t understand were the origins of Renakir’s suspicion. Then again, he was an Orion who followed Surak. Often, people were prone to suspicion and prejudgements. Remun concentrated on suppressing any and all feelings or emotional that Renakir might have made him feel during that talk. Finally, he got up and walked back to the common area again in order to leave their quarters, expecting it to be colder than when he had left.

Despite his words about lowering the temperature, Renakir did no such thing. He was scarfing down his Coq au vin when he heard the door open. He nearly dropped his bowl when he saw his roommate come back out into the common area and quickly turned around so Remun couldn't see him. He chose to remain silent and hoped to Tenakruvek that Remun wouldn't engage in conversation again. He is definitely plotting something. Meditating for 15 minutes only? What does he even think about when he meditates? Romulans meditated too, but it typically had a goal. Like foiling your enemies or running fictional scenarios to try and test your power of deception and weave intricate lies.

Remun was pleasantly surprised by the unchanged temperature. He decided not to disturb Renakir in whatever he was doing and he left without another word.

As soon as Remun left, Renakir comfortably began eating again. That guy had some nerve, what a prick! Once Renakir was done with his food he put the empty plates into the replicator to recycle them. "Computer. Turn off the lights," He ordered before walking back to his bedroom. It was nice and cool there, no lights, just cool. He flopped on his bed and close his eyes. He was just about to drift to sleep when he remembered something. His uniform jacket and shirt and sunglasses were still in the common area. Well, he could get them later, he was much too tired to move now.

The next morning Renakir awoke for his shift. He put on his uniform and went over to his desk to grab his sunglasses that weren't there? He was going to be late without them, this was bad. Renakir began to turn his quarters upside down, trying to find them. He could not leave without them! That's when it occurred to him what happened the night before. He left them in the common area. He walked out of his private sleeping quarters and quickly found them along with his shirt from the previous night. He grabbed his clothes and tossed them in his quarters and put his sunglasses on. Thankfully Remun had not changed the environmental settings. He made sure to be quiet when he left.

[D] He’d gone to bed after his shift yesterday and today he had gotten up before Renakir (he’d heard him shuffling about in his room, but hadn’t paid it any attention). He had then gone to get breakfast and start his shift. Now, he was coming back from his shift. He wanted to write his work log and get a glass of water. As he walked over to the replicator, he said, “Computer, temperature at 20 C, lights at 50%.” After all, Renakir wasn’t here, so Remun took it that it was his own turn at the common room. “Glass of water, cold,” he ordered the replicator.

1

Remun trank his glass of water quickly and then put it back into the replicator to recycle it. As he let his gaze roam over the common room, he sighed internally. All of the pillows were squished in, there were breadcrumbs on the floor and the cushions and his own jacket was placed over the back of the couch. He put his jacket into his own room and stored it neatly before taking a hand vacuum cleaner and starting to clean the breadcrumbs off the couch and the floor. Beneath his stone-faced facade, he was a little irritated about the fact that Renakir hadn’t already clean his mess up. However, he loved his cleanliness way too much to wait for Renakir to swing his ass over here and take tidying matters into his own, grey hands. Remun frankly didn’t have the time to wait for the half-Remun boy; Surak knew when that guy would start tidying! With those grumbling thoughts buried deep underneath his very logical consciousness, Remun cleaned the room. He was dressed in his uniform pants and a tight black t-shirt, but he was barefoot, with his green feet against the white floor of the quarters.

1

As expected, it was hot af when he got to his quarters and he noticed Remun was there. In typical Renakir fashion he completely disregarded his roommate's presence. "Ordinateur, lumières 5%, faire la température 0 Celsius. (Computer, lights 5%, make the temperature 0 Celsius.)" He said in French this time, clearly trying to show off. If Remun could be fancy, so could he. Also he wanted to practice his French again for when he would see Eshen on another date.

Remun looked up and successfully managed to not let his irritation slip into his eyes. He turned off the vacuum cleaner so that he wouldn’t have to raise his voice over the noise of it. “I am assuming it is your turn to use the common room,” he said coolly, “In that case, you may continue what I have started and clean it.” He stretched out his arm to hand the vacuum to Renakir. If that guy was gonna come in and try to boast about his French skills, well he could just as well clean the room. Remun had no problem with that, nor was he at all impressed by the linguistic skills of his roommate.

1

"I'll clean it later," Renakir said, taking the vacuum from Remun and placing it on the sofa. He was hungry and he was not gonna let his stupid roommate tell him what to do. Honestly he had no problem with cleaning, but he wasn't gonna let Remun tell him when to do it. "Let me eat first, I swear to Tenakruvek, don't tell me what to do, Takov." Renakir walked over to the replicator and thought about what to ask for. He was not going to make the same mistake twice, he was going to get something he could eat without having to open his mouth just in case Remun decided to sit in the common area again. Soup was easy, he could drink it. French soup was the best, maybe some lobster? But he didn't want it to be too creamy, no butter. (edited)

08:51

"Ordinateur, lobster bisque sans bol (Computer, lobster bisque, no bowl)." Wait... the word for butter in french was Beurre... (edited)

“It is only logical for you to clean it, since you were the one to spread the crumbs in this area,” said Remun as if to explain or legitimize the fact that he’d bossed Renakir around. And then, just as the word ‘bol’ left Renakir’s mouth, his head snapped around. “Computer, cancel that!” He was quick. Damned quick. If there was one thing he was good at it was finding mistakes in other people’s work. And in his own, too. Either way, the little French that he did know was enough to catch Renakir’s mistake. Though he didn’t even need to know any French, since the UT gave him the words in Vulcan anyways. (edited)

Renakir was thankful that Remun caught his mistake just in time, the replicator nearly made him lobster bisque with no bowl! ".... Thanks, Takov," He said, stressing the last word as if it was an insult. " Lobster bisque sans Beurre," He ordered, making sure to pronounce the last word clearly. He did not want soup without a bowl! He was not going to clown himself in front of his stupid roommate, Tenakruvek guide him. "I will clean after I've had my soup. You are welcome to leave," Renakir said as he began to undo his uniform jacket and tossed it onto the sofa along with his undershirt. Even at 0 Celsius it was still hot, and if Remun had a problem with it he could leave.

“Perhaps you should use your native language when giving commands to the computer,” said Remun, know-it-all as always. Was he looking at Renakir’s bare upper body? Yes. Was he almost shivering in the cold? Also yes. He definitely needed to get back to his quarters. And he did so, leaving without another word. In his quarters, warm air welcomed him. He sat down on his bed. Only then did he notice that he had left his personal PADD in the common room. Ugh! It was illogical to dread his return to the common area, but he kind of did so anyways.

"Booo, Takov, that's no fun," Renakir shook his head and let Remun leave. He grabbed his soup from the replicator. "Computer, Baguette, extra crisp," He waited for a few seconds for the baguette and walked back to the sofa to eat his baguette and soup. As Renakir was enjoying his food he noticed Remun had left his PADD out in the common area. Should he bring it to him? No way, he wasn't that guy's maid. He already spent the first 5 years of his life as a slave, he was done with that shit. If Remun wanted it-- Wait. Rule two of deception; never turn away from a chance to gain the upper hand. Renakir put his food down and grabbed the PADD and hid it under his jacket.

Remun put on an oversized hoodie. Don’t ask how he even owned such a thing. It was clearly not very dignified, so it didn’t fit his image, but he had been given it by a crew member at the end of his last posting and it turned out to be very functional when it came to blocking out the cold. He straightened his back and finally entered the common room again, in search of his PADD. It shouldn’t take too long; just a quick in and out, grabbing the PADD on the couch— except, it wasn’t there anymore. He took a step into the room and looked around. When he still couldn’t spot it and his bare feet were getting increasingly cold, he lowered himself to talking to Renakir again, despite his dread. “Have you seen my PADD? I was under the impression that I had left it here.” His voice was void of emotion, though his eyes had a sharp look to them when he saw Renakir eating that stupid crumbly bread again! To be honest though, it was increasingly difficult to take him seriously when he was drowning in soft, golden fabric. (edited)

Renakir quickly stopped eating the moment Remun entered the room and an audible 'clank' from his bowl hitting the table reverberated throughout the room. He turned his head away so he could continue chewing without the other seeing him. He was looking for his PADD, perfect. Renakir swallowed the last bit of his bread and turned to Remun. "PADD? No I don't think so... Well, maybe I saw it. I don't give away information for free though, I am a Romulan after all," He said, narrowing his eyes. He was going to put an end to this cold war and find out what Remun was really planning.

Remun raised an eyebrow. Was his roommate playing some kind of game? Remun didn’t understand and didn’t have the time for that kind of nonsense! “Have you seen my PADD, or have you not, Lieutenant Junior Grade?”, he asked plainly. He could have made a comment about how Renakir wasn’t actually fully Romulan and all that, but he had more important things to think about. Like that curve of Renakir’s abs. Wait what? No! No, he was thinking about where he could have left his PADD. yes.

1

"What are you staring at? Actually, what are you planning? You're always staring, judging. If you're sizing me up for a fight, you're gonna lose, Lieutenant Junior Grade," If he was gonna address him by rank then Renakir would return the favour. He took his sunglasses off and looked at Remun, silver eyes sparkling under the dim light. "I may be illogical but I'm not stupid , I can see past your tricks, Takov."

“There are no tricks,” said Remun and maybe yes, now some of his irritation and confusion bled through. It barely showed, but his eyes gave it away. “I have told you that I am not planning anything. I have also informed you that I was raised in a society where lying is considered unacceptable. Why would you not believe me?” His eyes narrowed slightly, his tone turning a bit colder. “Your own past of living within a culture of deception has nothing to do with me.” He didn’t know an awful lot about Romulans or Remans, but he knew that lying was not as strictly prohibited in those cultures as it was within Vulcan culture. Renakir and him were so different in his experience that it seemed near impossible to have a decent talk with him. It was nerve wrecking! Not to mention the cold and Renakir’s illogical nicknames.

Renakir stood up and took a step closer to Remun. He studied the other's emotionless face, observing every detail about him. His stupid cognac eyes, the freckles that looked like the night stars that covered his cheeks, his lips that looked softer than white clouds on a summer day in Marseilles. "You have emotions but you're hiding them. Under all that Vulcan meditation," Renakir took a step back and grabbed Remun's PADD from under his jacket. "Here. Take it and go back to your mediation, T'Lauk," He handed the PADD from Remun and turned around to grab his half eaten food to return it to the replicator. "You win, you're emotionless and perfectly logical, congratulations."

Remun took the PADD, but for some reason, he didn’t leave. He agreed with Renakir, he was perfectly emotionless and logical, thank you very much. He should leave. He was pretty sure he wanted to leave. But Renakir was… why was Renakir so upset? Remun looked at the couch. It would be most logical to leave. He had nothing more to discuss with Renakir and he needed to write a work log. But then again, what good would it do to let this half-rivalry stand? Renakir and him would have to share these rooms for a considerable amount of time and constant disagreements would be inefficient. Remun sat down on the couch. “Why does this disrupt you so much?”, he asked and for once, he tone was not judgmental, only stoic and neutral. He was making a real effort here.

"I don't like sharing space with someone I can't read," Renakir said as he walked over to his small pile of clothes and moved them to the side. He picked up the vacuum and began to clean the area, not looking at Remun. If this guy was telling the truth and he really had no motives then they could just continue their roommate life in silence. He really hoped to get the Orion boy to be open, but if he was so adamant about keeping his feelings locked up-- wait why did Renakir care about what he did? No, Remun had been fighting him since day one! He didn't care, Remun could fall off a cliff and he wouldn't even bat an eye. Fuck him!

“If you wanted to know my thoughts or opinions on something, you need only ask.” His voice remained stoic and monotone. “You claim that you want to know my feelings, yet you have made no effort to try and understand my way of living.” He had to speak a little louder to be heard over the vacuum, but he didn’t have the nerve to tell Renakir to shut the thing off. After all, Renakir was finally cleaning! “If what you seek is a person who openly displays their feelings, I can not give it to you. You may want to request a different roommate.” His tone was bland, but somehow heavy with honesty. It was true. He could not give Renakir a person full of open emotional expression. “I will not change my entire life because it might make you feel more comfortable, Torre’vnau.” It was a firm statement, but not rude. Simply a fact.

Renakir shut off the vacuum so he could speak. "Then tell me, Takov, what are you feeling right now? You like bullying me and calling me illogical because it makes you feel superior," Renakir turned the vacuum back on and continued to clean until the floor was just as it was when they first arrived.

Remun shook his head very slightly. “On the contrary. Right now, I am wondering how you could believe that I would enjoy our disagreements. The reason I sat down was to settle this. I do not wish to live in constant disagreement with my roommate. It is inefficient.” He didn’t enclose that he was irritated, or confused. That was too emotional. As he said, if Renakir was looking for an open book of emotions, Remun could not offer that. However, he could offer a calm discussion of their differences.

"I can't go two minutes without thinking about you," Renakir admitted, speaking in a harsh tone. He sat down on the sofa and grabbed his jacket and shirt. He sat in his typical relaxed position, manspreading on half the sofa of course. "I guess I'm mad that even when we don't see each other, you're all I think about," Because I hate your guts!! Is what Renakir wanted to say, but no they had to be adults here. "I know you're Orion but I swear there are Vulcan mind tricks going on, or at least I feel like there is. I guess that's why I've been acting like this," His tone softened and he began to calm down when he thought back to his previous actions. Yes he was emotional but maybe he was letting the Romulan paranoia get to him. Maybe.

2

“I can not change what you think about,” said Remun plainly. “I act like I act, because I was raised to value logic. I do not mean to deceive you. The thought would not even occur to me, I assure you.” He paused. Time for an admission. “I have increased my meditation time in an attempt to understand why you are so suspicious of me, or why you try to elicit an emotional response from me. I believe I can understand that it is part of your character or of how you were raised. However, I can assure you that I do not have any ulterior motives or such.” He hoped that this would settle it.

"Then it is settled. I don't want to hurt you and you don't want to hurt me, we'll just go about our separate lives," Renakir said as he got up from the couch and walked towards the door to his quarters. "Anyway, good night, T'Lauk," He said before disappearing into his nice cool room. He tossed his clothes into his little laundry basket and sat at his desk to review his work log before submitting it. He was late, but oh well. It was then when he realised..... He left his sunglasses in the common area again. He'll get them in the morning, he thought. He wanted to focus on avoiding Remun for a while.

There was a knock on his door however.

Renakir took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes. He put his PADD down and walked to the door. ".... Yes, T'Lauk?"

Remun stood in the doorway, back-lit in the dimness, and he held out Renakir’s sunglasses. “Try not to litter,” he said. It seemed he was back to his asshole self after their Deep Talk™️.

11:08

But hey! At least he had brought the sunglasses. Even though he was just doing it because he wanted to keep the place tidy.

"Thanks," He said as he grabbed the sunglasses and retreated back into the darkness of his room. He put his sunglasses on his desk and went back to reviewing his work log. He was trying his best to focus on work, but he still couldn't get the thought of Remun out of his mind. He said he hated people he couldn't read, that's why he hated Remun! That dude was like a concrete wall! He hated him with every fiber of his being.... His freckles, his hair, his sparkling cognac eyes when he gave him that Vulcan look of judgement™️. Everything. From his head to his toes, that guy was the worst.

1

Remun headed back to his own quarters. He settled down and nearly had a little panic attack over the fact that this talk with Renakir had totally messed up his time management schedule! Stupid Reman-Romulan; now Remun was stressed again! He hurried to record his work log and a personal log as well in which he mentioned the fact that his roommate was paranoid and taking up too much of his free time. He then meditated and nearly stressed out over the fact that it took him 5 more minutes than usual to reach a state of total suppression. The guy was this close to a burn out when he already headed back out to start his next shift. “Computer, temperature at 10 C, lights off,” he said in the common area, before heading out. Woudn’t hurt to keep the temperature above freezing after all.

1

He was just finishing up his log when he heard Remun leave for work. Thankfully they had different shifts so they could avoid each other a bit during the day. He walked over to his bed and laid down, sleepy and exhausted. "Computer, play music, Dialogues des Carmélites: “Ave Maria”. Volume 10%." Time for sleep.

1

He entered. At least it wasn’t freezing. “Computer, temperature at 25 C, lights at 20%,” he said wearily. He made his way to the replicator. Despite the hours of sleep deprivation, he succeeded in walking rather dignifiedly. “Lirs,” he ordered, “And a glass of water.” He needed to sleep so badly, but his stomach already ached from how hungry he was. He would pull himself together, just for a few more minutes.

Being a light sleeper, hearing the door to their quarters open immediately woke Renakir up. He opened his eyes and yawned, was it already time to wake up? He looked at the small clock next to his bed, he still had some time before his shift, but he couldn't go back to sleep. Also.. He was hungry too. He got up from his bed and stretched before putting his sunglasses on and heading out into the common area. Just as he thought, it was bright as the sun. It was a good thing he had his sunglasses. He didn't even bother to put on clothing, dressed in only his underwear now, which was a smart move on his part, it was so warm. "Computer, 10 Celsius," He ordered as he walked over to the replicator. "Welcome home-- I mean hi," Renakir said, his mind still half asleep. Why did he phrase it like that? It sounded like he was a housewife welcoming home her husband after work-- No way, Renakir was no housewife. He was just being polite. They did agree to stop fighting after all.

Remun blinked a few times. His eyes were slightly bloodshot in green, displaying his lack of sleep. “Computer, 15 C.” He managed to keep his tiredness out of his voice for the most part as he grabbed his food from the replicator and then settled down on the couch. Man, he was a bit of a wreck. His eyes got caught on Renakir’s literal nudity before he managed to draw them away and focus on his food.

"Hey man you got food, you don't need to cook me too," Renakir said in a joking manner. He still wasn't letting his guard down despite their previous agreement, but he didn't want Remun to know that. "Romulan ale on the rocks," Renakir said as he waited for the replicator to make his ale. Replicated ale was very inferior, but it was a good morning drink. Plus with Remun in the room he wasn't going to bother trying to replicate food. "Computer, 5 Celsius, lights 5%."

Remun squinted his eyes shut for a second. Was that annoyance? Yes. Yes, it was. He tried not to show it and looked back at Renakir. Between two spoonfuls of lirs, he said, “You should stop walking around like that, it is very distracting.” His mind was going wild places right now. Sleep loss will do that to you. “Computer, 10 C.” Fuck this guy, honestly. Remun just wanted to have his lirs and then go to bed.

"Well maybe if you kept the temperature at 5 Celsius or below I wouldn't have to walk around like this," Renakir was trying his best to keep his cool. He didn't want to admit it, but he did think he was too hard on Remun. Well, he was doing his best to try and show he wanted to coexist peacefully. He grabbed his glass of ale and sat on the sofa, opposite end of Remun, full manspreading in action.

Remun ignored Renakir’s comment, shoved some food into his mouth and swallowed before taking a sip of water. He caught himself thinking that he wouldn’t mind a sip of that Romulan ale, actually. What? No. That was illogical. What was he thinking? “I have been working on my security algorithm.” Hm, yes, very logical sentence. Well done, Remun. Maybe if he kept talking about work, he could keep up his Vulcanism. “Would you care to test it? I have need of an outsider’s opinion and trial.” Technically, he had no reason to ask Renakir. He should be asking some kind of computer engineer, not someone who fixed the turbolifts every second day. But whatever. It was a logical enough inquiry.

Renakir sipped his ale and gave Remun a curious look. Why was he asking him? He was nowhere near qualified to test a security algorithm. Sure he knew his way around the various sequences and algorithms needed for turbolifts and transports, but not something complex like security. Well, there was only one way to find out. "Huh? Uhh sure," He said as he placed his glass of ale on the table. "What do you need me to do? I don't really know much about cybersecurity so you may need to instruct me on what exactly I should be doing," His voice was friendly for once, almost like he was eager to help his roommate. Well, he was just being friendly. It wasn't because he suddenly liked Remun or anything. Nope, he still hated his guts.

Remun picked up his PADD from the table and tapped on it briefly to set the test program up. Then, he handed it to Renakir. “There is a file on this PADD, titled ‘Test 05’. It is encrypted and protected by my security algorithm. Try to find it and hack it.” He was pretty sure Renakir wasn’t going to be able to. But if he could, that would certainly reveal any loopholes and that was exactly what Remun needed. He proceeded eating. (edited)

Renakir took the PADD from Remun and began clicking random things. He had no idea what he was doing. He was really not a computer guy, this was too abstract for him. At least with turbolifts and transporters it was obvious when there was a problem. After a few minutes of clicking random things he looked back at Remun. "Yep, can't get to it. Guess you did it again, Mr. Perfect Vulcan man."*

2

“I see. I will ask some more adept people next.” Without looking up from his food, Remun stretched out his hand for Renakir to give him back the PADD.

Renakir was a bit distracted, trying to hand the PADD back to Remun with one hand whilst grabbing his glass of ale with the other. He barely even noticed that when he handed the PADD back his fingers briefly brushed against's Remun's. Renakir's face turned a bright shade of green as he almost dropped his glass of ale. Thankfully he was able to set it safely on the table before turning away and trying to pretend That Did Not Just Happen™️. "Why are his hands so soft? Maybe because he doesn't mess with wires in the walls of turbolifts-- Did I feel something? Maybe what they say is true, maybe Romulans are empaths that can feel emotions by touching others... I thought that was just a myth to make sure physical contact was reserved only for partners. Vulcans and Romulans have the same views about physical contact, it was an accident I swear! No way, I did not purposefully try to touch him! Like I would ever even want to touch him and his imperfectly cute freckly skin-- I wonder if those freckles are just on his hands and face? Wait no, fuck this guy!!

1

Remun was too tired to notice the short brush of their fingers against each other. He set the PADD down beside him and finished his food in silence; leaving Renakir to his ale. When he’d finished and his plate and glass were empty, he looked over. His eyes were hazy with weariness. He wondered briefly why Renakir was calling him ‘takov’ when it was clearly Renakir who deserved that term. His mind was too tired to worry about that particular thought, though. “Thank you. Good night,” he said as he stood up, even though it was technically morning for Renakir. He walked over to the replicator and deposited the plate and the glass.

2

Renakir was still having his inner crisis when he heard Remun say 'Thank you. Good night.' WAIT was he thanking him for helping him with his algorithm or thank you for something else.... Renakir picked up his ale and began sipping it slowly as he tried to decompress after that whirlwind of emotions. They brushed hands... Then Remun said 'Thank you' and 'Good night'. Why did that seem oddly intimate? Renakir had to keep reminding himself over and over that Remun did not notice anything and was in fact just being polite. They had their peace talk and now they were just being friendly. For some reason Renakir wished they were still at each other's throats. At least then if they accidentally made contact he could excuse it by saying they were in a fight. After he finished his ale, Renakir stood up and went o the replicator to put his glass back. He was still wondering if Remun felt anything. Remans were sometimes telepathic. Not his family, as far as he knew, but maybe his mother was? Maybe Renakir had some weak form of empathic abilities? Yes that was it, that was why he was feeling things. He had some hidden empathic abilities so when he brushed hands with Remun he felt his emotions which in turn threw off his inner Zen. Yep. Maybe it was time for some meditation after all. Renakir got up and headed to his private quarters.

Meanwhile, Remun was passed out in his bed like a fucking rag doll.

5

4

The next day, he didn’t have the time to sleep in. He got up as per his usual schedule; that meant that he only got about 4 hours of sleep, then meditation for 30 minutes and then he headed into the common room. “Computer, temperature to 20 C, lights at 70%.” His voice didn’t lack any of the usual loftiness and his exhaustion didn’t bleed through. “Gespar and a glass of water,” he ordered the replicator, took both, and sat down on the couch with it to eat. He didn’t know whether Renakir was still asleep or already out and about. Up until now, Remun hadn’t bothered memorising his roommate’s schedule. Though, he was considering doing that in the near future. It might prove useful, after all.

1

Renakir was awake, not because he had work but because he wanted to to get in some exercise. Thankfully he had the night shift that day so he had quite a bit of time to kill. He grabbed his sunglasses and headed out into the common room. Of course, the green asshole was there. No matter, he went to the replicator, completely ignoring Remun. "Romulan ale, on the rocks. Computer, temperature 5 Celsius," He said as he rubbed the back of his neck and began to stretch his arms. He was in only his underwear and it was a good thing he didn't get dressed because it was HOT. Remun was really out here trying to cook this hybrid boy alive.

As Renakir came in, Remun’s resting-bitch-face-eyes went up briefly to look at the other man. Renakir was basically naked again, of course. At this point, Remun was sure he was doing it on purpose to elicit some kind of emotional response! But Remun wasn’t going to respond. Well, he felt the heat rise into his cheeks, but he pushed away all embarrassment as he looked back down to his plate. Then, the cold air made the fine hairs in the back of his neck stand up. He didn’t say anything, though. As long as he didn’t have anything to talk about and as Renakir was ignoring him, he would return the favour. He ate his Gespar, somehow managing not to get fruit juice everywhere. Graceful™️. (edited)

Renakir grabbed his Romulan ale and sat on the sofa to drink it slowly with his back turned to Remun. He was fine drinking in front of the other if the lights were dim, but with the lights at 70% he didn't want to take risks! He was perfectly content not looking at Remun even if he did want to mention what had happened the previous night. Did Remun still remember? When they touched?? Should he tell him never to do it again??

Remun sensed that something was bothering Renakir, but he decided it was none of his business. He finished his glass of water. Finally, there was one thing he did want to ask. “Torre’vnau, do you experience the effects of alcohol intoxication, or is your hybrid metabolism immune to it?” The latter would explain why he kept drinking alcohol.

"No, Romulans don't get drunk," He said as he turned his head to look at Remun. "Or well, we would never drink to that point. It's dangerous, that's how people get murdered," He said before turning back around to finish his glass of Ale. He stood up and walked over to the replicator to recycle the glass. Renakir felt his cheeks getting warm, actually it was his whole body. Something about hearing the other say his name, even if it was just his surname. Blushing green was not a new thing, but somehow it felt different with the lights at 70%. Remun could SEE how much he was blushing. It was the heat, definitely the heat.

Remun did see Renakir’s blush, but he did in fact blame the comfortable warmth of the room. (Oblivious idiot.) “Who would have a motive to murder you?”, he asked, slightly unconvinced. He picked up his plate and glass and went over to stand next to Renakir, recycling both as well. He made carefully sure to put a distance between their bodies.

"More like who wouldn't have a motive to murder me, the only son of Senator Cerrub Torre'vnau," Renakir stepped to the side to avoid being too close to Remun. "That's the first rule of deception, never let your guard down," Renakir smiled at Remun, this time revealing all his sharp teeth.

Remun’s gaze went from the sunglasses to the white, pointed teeth. He didn’t look impressed or scared or intimidated. He didn’t look much like anything, actually. As always, his face remained expressionless with a hint of judgement or loftiness in his eyes. “I take it your father is in a high political position?” After having disposed of the plate and glass, he turned around and went back to the couch, picking up his PADD and sitting down. He had a few more minutes until his next shit began.

12:07

He didn’t comment on ‘letting one’s guard down’. In his eyes, that had nothing to do with deception. It had to do with logical protection.

"If he wasn't I wouldn't be here right now," Renakir said as he combed his fingers through his hair. He wanted to rub his eyes but with lights at 70% he would surely go blind if he lifted his sunglasses. "Did you know Romulan children are forced to fight to the death if they underperform? To prove to the state that they are worthy of contributing to society. A bunch of 5 year olds just brawling, ehh I think it's outlawed now, but it's a good thing Remans are naturally stronger warriors than Romulans," *Renakir yawned and stretched his arms up, still very sleepy. He had to get to fight club soon.

“Prior to the Time of the Awakening, Vulcans had a similar coming-of-age ritual. It included being left out in the Vulcan desert for several days. Those who survived would return as adults.” His voice was toneless, but it became a little firmer as he added, “This, alongside with what you have described, is now considered uncivilised by Vulcan philosophy.” He then inclined his head slightly and asked, “How did your father’s political position influence your presence here? Are you referring to you entering Starfleet?” He wasn’t 100% sure why he was asking. Maybe it was the sleep loss. Or he was just collecting data for document 4.

"Interesting, vulcans seem to have outlawed a lot of barbaric practices before the rest of the galaxy, I guess that is what happened when you become 'enlightened'," There was a bit of sarcasm in Renakir's voice as he spoke. "If I was born to anyone else I probably would have been euthenised, something practiced by the Romulan Free State. Not anymore, but Romulans felt it illogical to keep anyone alive who had disabilities or undesirable genetic conditions," Renakir orderd himself another glass of Romulan ale and drank it in a single shot, this man was thirsty ok.

Remun who was a stranger to sarcasm didn’t detect it and took it as a compliment to Vulcan culture. He didn’t frown, but he asked, “Disabilities or undesirable genetic conditions? How do you fall into this category?” It wasn’t like Remun was in the position to judge that, but looking at Renakir’s pretty much naked, muscly body, he thought that Renakir didn’t seem very genetically undesirable. “Does your hybrid being not enhance, rather than weaken you?” *

"Remans are the untouchables of Romulan society, not desireable," Renakir began. "And I need a cold and dark environment to function properly, clearly a disability, I did not have sunglasses. These are a fairly new addition," He explained. "But I don't think such a logical boy like you could ever understand us illogical Romulans. Don't think about it too much, you'll hurt that wrinkly brain of yours."

“I doubt it,” said Remun tonelessly, referring to the last sentence; but it was hard to tell what he was referring to actually. Either way, he stood up, his PADD under his arm. He thought that Romulans were pretty unethical and shitty for considering Remans undesirable. Of course, he could understand the logical reasoning behind it. And yet, Surak’s teachers were also about morality. He said none of these things, however. “I have to begin my shift.” He went out without a word of goodbye.

'I doubt it', wait did he mean the thing about Remans being undesirable or--? Renakir didn't have time to ask him because before he could say anything Remun was gone. "Computer, turn off lights. 0 degrees celsius," He said before going back into his private quarters so he could change into his gym clothes. He had a fight to get to.

When he returned to his quarters the room was empty. Remun was probabbly at work. It seems like his roommate hadn't played with the temperature or light settings either. Kind of him. Renakir went into his private bedroom and immediately took his sunglasses off and placed them on the desk. They were really not that comfortable, but it was better than suffering from splitting headaches every day. Renakir sat at his desk and grabbd his PADD to begin editing his work log. He noticed a blinking light next to his monitor to signal he had a message. Who could have left a message? Suspicious as always, his father rarely sent him communications as for his Reman family, they loved sending him letters, but he just saw them not even a month ago. "Computer, play message."

Solait, I am writing this letter to apologise for not being able to meet you when you were visiting Mol'Rihan. Things have gotten very busy here. My father had an accident so his duties have fallen on me a little earlier than expected. How is 777? Please send me photos when you get the chance. Perhaps if the Republic needs to send a representative to the station we can plan to meet up. I hope you're adjusting well and making alliances. If anyone gives you any trouble I know a guy. (kidding, silly). Jolan tru. Sender: Valleka i-Ch'eren T'Rylov

"Computer, begin reply."

Valleka, thank you for the news. I am safe. I met some people who have the potential to become trusted allies. As for our first meeting, if you do plan to visit I will certainly make time to see you. I trust that you will stay safe from any accidents until then. Jolan tru. - Renakir Solait ir-Biscae Torre'vnau

"Computer, send message. Encryption code Renakir alpha zero six."

[PADD] From: Cadet Sauk Tral To: Lieutenant Junior Grade Renakir Torrev'vnau

Hey, Renakir! I was wondering if you wanted to do something? There's a pretty good coffee shop on board, #gliqqigug′s-coffee-shop , if you've ever been. Interested? Tral

[D] Renakir was in the middle of a call with Valleka when he got the PADD message. "And that is why I think Remun is-- Wait a moment," Renakir knocked down a few things on his desk when trying to reach for his PADD. He usually kept his desk neat, but today he had a million things he was doing at once. The king of multitasking. "Dhaekav, I will call you back later," Renakir grabbed his PADD and began typing a response. [PADD]

To: Cadet Tral From: Lieutenant JG Renakir Torre'vnau Hello Cadet, I would be interested to check it out. I have never been. When do you want to meet? - Renakir

[PADD] From: Cadet Sauk Tral To: Lieutenant JG Renakir Torre'vnau

Umm, maybe in thirty minutes? I just got off shift. And you don't have to call me 'cadet' :) Tral

To: Cadet Tral From: Lieutenant JG Renakir Torre'vnau

I will see you in 30 minutes then, Tral. - Renakir

After typing the message, Renakir looked back at the screen. Valleka was still there, he thought she hung up by maybe not. "I need to get ready for a social encounter."

"Oh? Could this be romantic? Solait you need to introduce me when I visit,"

"A friend. Perhaps you will. Jolan tru," Renakir said before ending the transmission and getting ready. He decided to go with the casual vampire look today. Sim fit trousers, a tank top and a chiffon cardigan because it was hot on starbases. He was off duty and he wasn't going to be uncomfortable. For a hat he decided to wear a baret because he was very French.

Renakir walked into his shared common area. "Computer, turn off lights, -10 Celsius," His work here was done and he proceeded into his private sleeping room. "Computer, begin transmission: Mol'Rihan Valleka i-Ch'eren T'Rylov."

"Solait! How was lunch with your friend?"

"Relaxing. He is mixed, Bajoran and Vulcan. Not too dissimilar to myself," Renakir said flatly as he grabbed a bottle of Romulan Ale from beside his desk because of course Renakir just keeps alcohol in his room, this isn't a stereotype at all. "His name is... Senel Sauk Tral. A cadet. You would enjoy meeting him. He says he wants to learn Rihannsu."

"Oh he sounds interesting! He wants to learn our language? What a hardworking boy. Well he is always welcome to try speaking with me, I won't judge. And let him know if anyone gives him a hard time, especially vulcans that he has a friend on Mol'Rihan who has no problems sending his enemies on a long long holiday."

"Dhaekav, my trusted mate, we are on a Federation Starbase and although I plan on helping him learn our language and culture, I do not plan to pass on our old problem solving methods. We are all here for peace." Renakir's tone was firm but caring.

"It's peaceful if it's tasteless and odorless," Valleka winked, but clearly Renakir was not amused. He as not going to teach the cadet how to eliminate his enemies. Conflict was to be resolved diplomatically through talks.

"Inform me when you plan to visit. Jolan tru."

3

Solait, when you get this letter please respond immediately. I am meeting with the Reman senators today and I wanted to know basic greetings. Do they still say Jolan tru? Also why are Remans bald?

(edited)

You may say Yolan Zhu and hair is irrelevant when you are a slave species in the caves of Remus.

Typically Renakir would be nicer in his letters but he had to get to work. Plus, he had a feeling Valleka was just bored, why suddenly start messaging him now? It wasn't like he disliekd letters from family, but he would prefer if they kept communications to a minimum. Unless Valleka was planning something. She always was. Renakir got dressed in his uniform and put his sunglasses on. He grabbed his PADD and headed out to work.

Finally after what felt like the longest day of his life, Renakir arrived back in his quarters. He saw he had a message, it was probably Valleka. He wasn't going to reply to her, not now. He took his sunglasses off and flopped onto his bed. There were no tears, but he felt like crying. His whole body was aching, his mind was swirling with thoughts and self doubt. He joined Starfleet to get off of Mol'Rihan, but he had found himself surrounded by Romulans again. He drifted to sleep for only ten minutes before his anxiety got the best of him. Maybe he should read that message. "Computer. Read message." What stupid questions did Valleka have for him today? He understood his fiancee's eagerness to chat now that she had his COMMs code (which he totally did not remember giving to her), but he couldn't help but feel like she was doing this to purposefully annoy him.

4

Yolan Zhu, Renakir!

His floppy ears perked up as soon as he heard the computer read out the Reman words. With a heavy sigh he closed his eyes and let the message continue to play.

Vakekkix has been appointed as senator! When are you coming back to Mol'Rihan? You go gallivanting across the galaxy but you never send a single letter. Now you are stationed in our backyard but you still don't write? Tsk tsk! We're sending you some recipes as well, make sure to eat a lot and don't worry about your teeth so much. Cerrub said to tell you remember to practice Zhal Makh or you'll forget your truth. - Tiravurik & Onusuk of the house of Torre'vnau

Recipes? It was a not-so-subtle hint that his family thought he wasn't eating well. He was, he had baguettes and Romulan ale daily, what was bad about that? Renakir couldn't go back to sleep after this, but he wasn't in the right frame of mind to formulate a coherent reply in his mother tongue. If only the universal translators could translate to Reman, maybe he would write more.

3

01:30

Perhaps a good walk would help him think of a better reply. He got up from his bed and changed into a more comfortable outfit. He combed his hair and put his sunglasses on before heading out. The temperature in the common area had been at a steady 15 C for the past few days. Still very warm, but he decided to leave it.

[D] After that serendipitous meeting in the holodeck, Renakir was eager to get back to his quarters and do some private meditation. He still needed to think of a proper response to his aunt and uncle who were most likely waiting in front of their consoles with baited breath for his response. Whilst his Romulan family treated him like any other son, his Reman family on the other hand liked to paint him as some modern day celebrity. 'Our son, taking on the Iconians head on', 'Our son the first Reman in Starfleet, our hero', being a transporter officer was hardly a 'heroic' position. In fact, it was one of the most mundane jobs aside from maybe waste extraction. "Computer, begin letter. Recipient: Cerrub i-Ra'tleihfi tr'Torre'vnau. Mol'Rihan."

Thank you for your letter. I have no plans for shore leave at the moment, but I will notify you when I do. I will make sure to try the recipes your sent.

"Computer. Pause recording." Renakir was still pretty bad at Havrannsu, but he didn't want to send such a short letter. He sat on his bed as he tried to formulate sentences in his mind. "Resume."

I am not very good at Havrannsu yet, so apologies for keeping this brief. I miss you and I will send over some photos. - Renakir

"Computer, translate letter, Rihannsu high dialect. Send original and translation."

Hey, Rena-dear! (Can I call you that?) I have too much energy at the moment. #fitness-suite at 1900, bring your fists!

Rena-- what? If my Reman name is difficult you are free to call me Solait or Soleil. I will see you at 1900. - Renakir

He could never turn down an invitation for a fight. Renakir quickly got changed and put in his contacts. He was going to do some meditation that evening, but perhaps a friendly fight would help him more to release some steam. He put his sunglasses on and headed out!

Finally back in his room, Renakir headed over to the replicator in the common area to grab a baguette. "Computer. Baguette. Romulan ale." The replicator hummed before beeping twice. Great, the replicator is down, he thought. Well he had to get food from somewhere. Renakir grabbed his PADD and sent a maintenance request before heading back out of his quarters.

[COMMS]

To the most beautiful man in the galaxy, Mr Solait s'J---h T-- Guess who's coming

[COMMS]

Please refrain from using my true name in communications, I will block your comms code if you try that again.

01:24

[D] Honestly of all the things to wake up to, he didn't expect to get another message from Valleka. She was unpredictable and getting on his nerves. It was almost like she wanted to piss him off. No matter though, he had his emotions under control. He got up from his bed and combed his hair and washed his face. Hopefully today would be another uneventful work day, he thought.

Home. At last. Renakir didn't waste any time heading to his private sleeping quarters and throwing his sunglasses off. He clicked a few buttons on his PADD to send his request for the rest of the day off. It was his first time ever taking time off, hopefully it wouldn't be a problem. He couldn't do any more today though. He tossed his box of French toast onto his desk and flopped face first on his bed. He felt like a failure. An utter failure. As a Romulan. As a Reman. As a Starfleet officer. The paranoia, the Romulan 3d chess, it was taking a told on his mental health. Perhaps he should seek therapy again, he thought. Valleka. That was someone he was not expecting to run into. Hopefully they could avoid each other for the remainder of her visit, he was not ready to play 3d chess with her. In fact, he had enough of 3d chess for a while. No more Romulans.

1

[PADD] From: Cadet Sauk Tral To: Lt. JG. Renakir Torre’vnau

Hey, Renakir I was wondering if you had a free moment to chat? I’ve been processing a conversation I had with a Romulan woman on the promenade the other day, I was hoping you could help me decipher the interaction? Tral

[PADD] From: Lt. JG Renakir Torre'vnau To: Cadet Sauk Tral

A Romulan woman? Of course, I would be happy to. Where would you like to meet?

- Renakir

[PADD] FROM: Cadet Sauk Tral TO: Lt. JG. Renakir Torre’vnau

Maybe we could go to #parkland ? It will probably be quieter, less people than somewhere on the Utility Ring. -Tral

[PADD] From: Lt. JG Renakir Torre'vnau To: Cadet Sauk Tral

Sounds fine with me. I will be there. Wear something discrete, you never know.

- Renakir

1

[PADD] FROM: Cadet Sauk Tral TO: Lt. JG Renakir Torre’vnau

Oh…Kay? See you there! - Tral

He put down his PADD and proceeded to get dressed. Honestly, he was not in the mood to go out, but Sauk needed help-- with a Romulan no less. Renakir could only imagine what sort of psychological torture the boy must have endured. Romulan 3D chess was not for the faint of heart. He went full chav, wearing a black tracksuit, his sunglasses, and a beanie for some extra flare (also to cover his ears and forehead ridges).

[PADD]

Hey! Renakir! You want to come over for a charcuterie night? It's where we eat a charcuterie board and watch a movie or play a game or something. - Eshen

[PADD]

Sure. Now? - Renakir

Yes! The cheese and bread awaits... - Eshen

06:40

WAIT. Do you have any dietary needs or allergies? - Eshen

I shall be there shortly. And no dietary needs or allergies. - Renakir

Still not feeling his best, but determined to get out of his quarters, Renakir threw on his Chav tracksuit with his sunglasses and headed out the door.

After his rather eventful date night with Eshen, Renakir was glad to be back in his room. He had a few hours before his next shift, he wasn't tired but maybe sleep was a good idea. He plopped on his bed and grabbed his PADD to do some light reading before bed. He had a few books he had been meaning to finish, all French of course. He clicked a few buttons and scrolled through the titles, but he wasn't in the mood to read anything he had. It was the weight of all of that day's events that was distracting him. He rubbed his eyes and clicked a few buttons. [PADD] To: Valleka

Do not lie to my friends. I will be telling all of them the truth.

[PADD]

Sure, tell them whatever you want but you know they'll never trust you again. Not sure if you can really call them your friends if you were the one who hid this from them in the first place. But maybe I'm wrong and they'll be fine with it. Something tells me that handsome Eshen guy and the cute Tral boy wouldn't like a dirty blooded liar.

2

[PADD]

You are trying to make me doubt my friends, who have known from the start that I am half Reman. If you make one more spacist remark I will call off our engagement.

2

02:32

After all that of course he couldn't just go to sleep. He needed to do something else to clear his mind. Maybe take another walk. It was no Zhal Makh, but it was the next best thing. He made a mental note to rent out the holodeck later to do just that. He got up from his bed and grabbed his sunglasses before heading out.

[PADD] FROM: Ensign Saren Morvar TO: Lt. JG. Renakir Torre'vnau

Base turbolift 2, two people stuck inside, would appreciate if you came here as quickly as possible. Thanks.

[PADD] From: Lt. JG Renakir Torre'vnau To: Ensign Saren Morvar

I'm on my way, ensign. Who is stuck? Is it you and someone else? Please remain calm.

[PADD] FROM: Ensign Saren Morvar TO: Lt. JG. Renakir Torre'vnau

Oh, just me and the Romulan senator who was visiting this base. Nothing big. See you soon, sir.

From: Lt. JG Renakir Torre'vnau To: Ensign Saren Morvar

Is her name Valleka T'Rylov? She is my promised mate from birth. I will be there immediately, please do not engage with her, she is dangerous.

[PADD] FROM: Ensign Saren Morvar TO: Lt. JG. Renakir Torre'vnau

She's your WHAT.

(edited)

3

From: Lt. JG Renakir Torre'vnau To: Ensign Saren Morvar

Don't answer any of her questions.

13:46

Fixing turbolifts during his off-duty hours was definitely not on his to-do list, but it was the one Romulan scientist he met and his fiance. His reading would have to wait, he was a man on a mission. If it was literally anyone else he would have handed the problem over to one of the other OPS officers, but this was a special case. If there wasn't a chance it would be misunderstood, Renakir seriously considered amending his previous announcement about the lifts. 'Limit is two people, however if you are Romulan then the limit is one person'.

1