KI BARAT SYSTEM — ROMULAN STAR EMPIRE – In a rare public holotransmission, Praetor Vokath ir’Selah of the Romulan Star Empire sharply criticized the Ferengi Alliance following last week’s photon strike on Romulan orbital research facilities — an attack he claimed occurred “during a period of delicate subspace negotiations with the United Federation of Planets.”
The targeted facilities, located in the Ki Barat system, were central to Romulan isotopic refinement processes. According to Vokath, emissaries of the Empire were deep in backchannel diplomacy with Federation representatives concerning the civilian repurposing of the controversial Theta-92 isotope, when Ferengi vessels launched their sudden barrage.
Initially, the Federation signaled disapproval of the Ferengi’s move, with President Trask issuing a communique urging restraint. Federation Secretary of Interstellar Affairs, Marcus Rubinek, labeled the attack “unilateral and provocative.” However, within days, senior Federation Command operatives hinted at “understanding the strategic calculus” behind the Ferengi action — a shift interpreted by Romulan analysts as veiled endorsement.
“The involvement of their Federation patrons only reveals the Ferengi’s own frailty,” Vokath stated. “This desperate lashing out betrays their fear — not of our warbirds, but of the strength of our diplomatic resolve.”
The Praetor concluded by assuring citizens that retaliatory actions were “already underway,” asserting, “The Ferengi shall learn that diplomacy disrupted bears consequences beyond commerce.”
