Tribute
16 Mar 2018Prod Nero
"Prod Nero!" Ayel shouted from across the bridge. "A Federation convoy is approaching.""Show me."
Ayel projected the convoy in front of Nero. At the center was a large warship that somewhat resembled a Federal Corvette.
"The Federation are hailing."
Nero waved his hand in acceptance.
A bland, uninteresting Fleet Admiral appeared. "Admiral Nero, good to see you."
Nero remained silent.
"The Federation would again like to extend its congratulations to you on your promotion to the rank of Admiral. Truly a historic day! Not many Romulans can boast such a title."
Nero's face darkened ever so slightly at those words. What do you know of Romulans, old man?
"But nevermind that. The Admiralty has come to agreement on an additional honor, one which we hope will continue to show our willingness to work with the Romulans both now and in the future. Admiral Nero, we'd like to present, as a gift to you, the great Romulan warship, the Scimitar."
The projection shifted and changed to focus on the warship in the center of the fleet - an all-black, massive Romulan warbird.
"I'm sure you've heard of the Scimitar..." Nero's blank expression gave way ever so slightly to an imperceptible sneer at being treated like a Romulan child. Of course he knew of the famous warbird. "...previously commanded by the Romulan traitor Shinzon before the esteemed Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew supposedly destroyed it." Nero deliberately widened his sneer at the Fleet Admiral. Esteemed? His clone nearly destroyed him. Fool. Noticing the sneer, the Fleet Admiral stumbled over his next words. "Um, I...uh...say 'supposedly' because the Scimitar was actually just severely disabled. It has been repaired and readied for such a time as this. As I said before, we offer it..."
"I accept your tribute."
"T-tribute? No, you misunderstand. As I said before, this is meant to show our willingness to work with..."
"I misunderstand nothing!" Nero's fist slammed down on his chair. "The Federation need an alliance with the strong Empire to combat forces that threaten us both. In order to secure such alliances, tributes are traditionally required. This ship, the Scimitar, will do nicely. I will inform Romulus of your gift."
"That won't be necessary, as Ambassador Spock is already visiting Romulus and..."
Nero terminated the connection.
Ayel leaned toward Nero. "Sir?"
Nero barely moved, his expression hard yet thoughtful.
"Nothing more needed to be said. Send a boarding party to the Scimitar and transfer it to Wafer for retrofitting."
"Yes sir."
The Narada turned away from the fleet and engaged its FSD, leaving behind a very confused and rattled Fleet Admiral.