A House Divided - MD01, 1220

Posted on Fri Mar 12th, 2010 @ 7:27am by Vice Admiral Iluvar

Begin Log:

It has been less than twenty minutes since we departed Starbase 386, but I feel as if the crew has become more accustomed to our new home in that short time than in the four days since I first received orders to transfer my command to the USS Pandora. We are currently en route for the Romulan Neutral Zone, a two week's journey at warp eight, where we are to rendezvous with a representative from the Romulan Senate.

In light of recent events in the relations between the Federation and the Elyshan Empire, I can understand the growing concern shared by many of the admiralty at Starfleet Command. While I still hold hope that we might find a peaceful solution to our conflict, I cannot ignore the effects of the Battle of Altorus or the standoff during the Taevon Conference. Misunderstanding and fear of the unknown have set our peoples on a path that many had hoped to avoid.

At the behest of the Romulan Senate, the Pandora has been ordered to conduct a survey and review of Romulan defenses along their border with the Elyshan Empire. Some of the crew have shown concern at such an open gesture of cooperation from the Romulans, especially when the empire is in such turmoil. Deep division has steadily been growing since the upheaval caused by the coup of Praetor Shinzon. Starfleet has tried to remain neutral, considering that the Romulans have determined this to be an internal affair. I cannot help but wonder if there isn't something more we could be doing...should be doing...to help them.

It's this instability that has given so many at Starfleet Command and within the empire itself cause for concern. The Romulan Senate controls a large region of space very near to the Elyshan border. Were this conflict to continue to escalate, we could see increased incursions into Romulan space by Elyshan factions or even the Elyshan Guard. The internal strife that the Romulans now suffer is strategically very dangerous for them and for the Federation. If the Elyshans were to take advantage of the situation...

That is why it is important that we extend the hand of friendship and aid to our allies, whether they be Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian...it makes no difference. Divided, we have no hope of surviving what could very well turn out to be a devastating war. United, we have a chance at solidarity and, just maybe...peace.

Pause

Two weeks...two weeks to brush up on my Romulan and maybe gain a deeper understanding into their current situation. I will have to speak with Commander McNeil to see what information he may be able to provide us regarding the political and military standing of the empire and that region in particular. After all, it is important to be prepared for what may come.

End Log