Romel Vinaa

**Romel Vinaa** was an exomale Rigelian-Jelna Starfleet officer who served in the 24th century.

### Early life

Manaara Vinaa was serving as a science officer, and her husband Rosul Vinaa as an operations crewman, aboard the USS *Kyushu* when she gave birth to a son, whom the couple named Romel.

The young boy spent the next four years growing up aboard the vessel. In 2345, Rosul's enlistment was up and Manaara put in for a transfer to Rigel V to raise Romel and his soon-to-arrive siblings planet-side. Three years later, Romel's mother was offered an assignment on the USS *Raging Queen*and the family moved to quarters aboard the vessel. Rosul reenlisted and worked in the Operations department.

In 2355, the Vinaas moved to Starbase 4, where Manaara took a position leading a research team. His parents' service in Starfleet, and the many officers and personnel he met, inspired Romel to also seek a career in the service. The young Jelna was accepted to Starfleet Academy and began his first semester in 2359.

### At Starfleet Academy

Romel received the highest mark in his Tactical Analysis course, earning him the nickname "The Rigel Fox" from his classmates. He never cared for the moniker, but was assured it was out of respect for his tactical skills and not a perception of his beliefs.

Majoring in Security and Tactics at the Academy, Romel graduated with honors in 2363. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign and stationed aboard the USS *Endeavour* as a security officer.

### Aboard the *Endeavour*

The *Nebula*-class *Endeavour* was much larger than any of the starships the new ensign had lived on while growing up. It was hard for him to realize that he would not be able to closely associate with all of his fellow crew. However, he did become close friends with his squad mates on his security team. Romel, Toks sh'Eish, Victor "Vic" Morrell, and C'lahoo would spend their free time pitted against each other in Velocity, parrises squares, and Dom-jot.

In 2365, the *Endeavour* was on patrol near the disputed border with the Cardassian Union when it received a distress call from a Federation science team on Nivoch, a neutral planet in the area. The starship rushed to respond and arrived to find the planet under Cardassian attack. The *Endeavour* engaged the *Galor*-class vessel in orbit while multiple security teams, including Romel's, were dispatched via shuttlecraft to the surface to extract the scientists and assist in defending the colony.

Although Romel had been involved in some tense situations, this was his first taste of battle and his first engagement with Cardassians. His team, led by Vic, engaged the Cardassians and provided covering fire so that the civilian scientists could be extracted. Before they could retreat, a squad of soldiers flanked the security team and the fighting turned into chaos. Romel watched in horror as a photon grenade vaporized Victor and destroyed Toks' legs. C'lahoo pulled Toks to safety while Romel provided covering fire. Once he knew his surviving teammates were clear, the Jelna retreated to the extraction point to find that C'lahoo had brought Toks to safety, but had himself succumbed to a disruptor blast to the stomach.

Romel and his squad were all given commendations for their actions on Nivoch and promoted to lieutenant junior grade. Toks, who had survived her wounds, was honorably discharged from Starfleet and went to Earth to recover both physically and mentally from the ordeal. Put on extended leave, Romel returned to Rigel V and underwent regular counseling sessions to come to terms with the loss of his friends. He was also recommended for the Advanced Tactical Training course by the *Endeavour*'s security chief and Romel's counselor felt that it would be a good means for him to focus his energies.

### Assigned to the *Berlin*

After completing the course, with high marks, and being cleared for active duty, Romel was offered the position as deputy chief of security aboard the USS *Berlin*, a refitted *Excelsior*-class starship assigned to patrol the Romulan Neutral Zone. The Jelna jumped at the opportunity, both to get back into service and to spend time far away from the Cardassian conflict and the memories it carried.

Lieutenant Commander Soha Aurox, a Betazoid, served as the chief of security and as Romel's direct superior aboard the *Berlin*. The new deputy chief initially felt hesitant around Aurox due to her telepathy. However, as he continued to serve with her, Romel came to value her special insight and her respectful use of her abilities.

Part of the routine established by Aurox amongst the *Berlin*'s security staff was a weekly pentathlon. Five days each week, every security crew member was expected to complete and document their time or score in a different event. Aurox encouraged staff to use their personal exercise time, but did not prohibit those who instead chose to use their free time. The first month that Romel was aboard the *Berlin*, the security chief chose the events. When she felt that Romel had learned the basics of his responsibilities, Aurox tasked her deputy chief with designating the events every other week. Romel dutifully fulfilled the responsibility, but found it difficult to pick varying tasks so often.

### The new chief of security

In 2367, Aurox was offered a position as executive officer aboard the USS *Zhukov* and recommended Romel as her replacement as chief of security and tactical officer aboard the *Berlin*. Captain Hu'Haleii agreed and Romel joined the senior staff. One of the first, and only changes, the new security chief made to Aurox's practices was the regular rotation of events in the pentathlon. Romel chose five tasks that he felt were at the core of security work and established those as the events. Though crew members from throughout the *Berlin* were welcome to participate, only security personnel were expected to complete all five each week and record their times or scores in the security office. Romel then expected his staff to be improving on those each week. He also offered to assist anyone who felt behind or was struggling.

After the first three months of the program, Romel realized that there was a need for variety and began a rotation of events, although on a much longer schedule than Aurox had done. Instead, the chief of security had the events shift each month, with each series being completed every third month.

While installing subspace listening posts and gravitic sensor nets along the Romulan Neutral Zone in 2368, the *Berlin* received a garbled message from one of Federation outposts in the area. Treating any variance from the norm with caution, the starship set course for the outpost at high warp. The *Berlin* arrived to find the outpost in poor shape, having been struck by several small asteroids from the nearby belt. Captain Hu'Haleii was suspicious and ordered a deep scan of the system to search for any anomaly. Some aberrations were detected, but scans were inconclusive. Calling a meeting of his senior staff, Hu'Haleii sought their impressions and input on the situation.

Romel voiced his belief that a Romulan vessel was at fault for the asteroids hitting the outpost and the sensor readings. He cited the partially recovered sensor logs from the outpost that showed an unnaturally drastic change in the trajectory of the debris that struck the facility. The Jelna suggested that a similar ploy be used to flush out any potentially cloaked vessels in the asteroid field. *Berlin*'s executive officer was quick to point out that weapons fire that accidentally struck a cloaked vessel would be considered an act of war. Romel acknowledged this fact and instead suggested that a mining probe be modified to attach to an asteroid near the sensor anomalies. It could then deposit a small charge into the rock that, when detonated, would explode towards the cloaked vessels, showering them with debris. After a brief discussion, the captain gave his approval and Romel worked with the engineering team to modify a probe.

The plan went off without a hitch and the resulting detritus revealed a cloaked *T'varo*-class warbird in the asteroid field. The *Berlin* opened communications and advised that the vessel leave the area before a formal complaint was made to the Imperial Senate. The Romulan starship departed without any communication. Captain Hu'Haleii gave Romel a commendation in his formal report and acknowledged that the young man's idea had helped them to avoid violence and a potentially larger conflict.

### Aboard the *Galar*

*See also* *Chief of security's log, USS* Galar
When posted to the USS *Galar*, Romel chose to establish the *Berlin*'s pentathlon amongst the security staff aboard the cruiser. Each competition was held throughout the week. The security chief would review the results at the end of the week so that he knew where his staff needed some extra training or who was ready for more responsibilites.

Romel was reviewing a new security training program at Starfleet base outside Marseille, France, when three creatures were found aboard the *Galar* during its scheduled baryon sweep. The chief of security had assigned Jaro to lead the security personnel stationed on the ship. Shortly after McKinley Station had been notified, Romel was contacted regarding the situation and returned to the station to meet with Commander Kosach-Kvitka. He joined her in boarding the *Galar* to assist in clearing the vessel. After the incident, Romel suggested a commendation for both Jaro and Lieutenant junior grade Zanntos ch'Aroom, who both acted bravely and efficiently in their duty to the ship and her crew.

## Personality

Romel believed that rules were to be followed; that they were lifelines that kept the galaxy running. However, he did not view rules as limitations, but instead saw them as providing focus and encouraging ingenuity in how to obey them. Believing perfection an impossibility, Romel instead held that hard work and refining skills with practice would lead to precision and, in turn, success.

## Relationships

### Manaara Vinaa

Manaara was intelligent and caring, but could became fixated on a project or problem and forget to eat and sleep. While growing up, Romel loved to stay up late and listen to his mother explain her work, even though he understood little of it. Her passion for it was intoxicating and taught him to find joy and fulfillment in his work. This practice continued through many of their communications long after Romel had left home, with him continuing to understand only portions of Manaara's side of the conversations.

### Rosul Vinaa

Rosul much preferred to work with his hands over intellectual pursuits. He was honest and hard-working, and Romel greatly respected his father for it. Romel valued his father's practicality and perspective and the two remained close throughout their lives.

### Victor Morrell

Vic, as he was known by his friends, was the leader of the security team that included Romel, Toks, and C'lahoo. He was brash and confident and liked to bend the rules, much to Romel's consternation. However, Romel looked up to his superior and hoped to one day act with the same confidence in his own command. Vic's flouting protocol on the mission to Nivoch resulted in his own demise, the death of C'lahoo, and the crippling of Toks. The experience left a cloud over Romel and further pushed him in the direction of sticking to the rules.

### Toks sh'Eish

Toks was the strong, silent type, except when it came to pulling pranks on her squadmates. Coming from a long line of Andorian Imperial Guard officers, Toks joined Starfleet to expand her horizons. Romel quickly bonded with the Andorian shen over their love of Velocity. After the disastrous events on Nivoch, Romel continued to keep in touch with Toks after her discharge. The Jelna was always sad that the two were never able to play another game of Velocity.

### C'lahoo

The Caitian C'lahoo was ambitious and hard-working, and Romel connected with him because of this strong work ethic. Romel never befriended C'lahoo in the same way he did Toks, but the two had respect for each other and often exercised together.

### Soha Aurox

Under the Betazoid Lieutenant Commander Soha Aurox, chief of security and tactical officer of the USS *Berlin*, Romel was able to find purpose and a focus in his work as her deputy chief. Initially wary of her telepathic abilities, Romel came to respect Aurox for her insight and sought to emulate her empathic leadership style.

## Gallery

The USS *Endeavour*, Romel's first assignmentThe USS *Berlin*, where Romel served as deputy chief security officer, then chief of security and tactical officerThe USS *Galar*, where Romel again served as chief of security and tactical officerAt his station on the *Galar's* bridgeLeading a combat exercise aboard the *Galar*
## Chronology

2341
Born aboard the USS *Kyushu*
2349
Moves aboard the USS *Raging Queen*
2355
Moves aboard Starbase 4
2359
Enters Starfleet Academy
2363
Graduates from the Academy; stationed aboard the USS *Endeavour* as a security officer
2365
Promoted to lieutenant junior grade; placed on extended medical leave; completed Advanced Tactical Training
2366
Returned to active duty; appointed deputy chief of security aboard the USS *Berlin*
2367
Appointed chief of security and tactical officer aboard the USS *Berlin*
2368
Promoted to lieutenant; transferred to serve as chief of security and tactical officer aboard the USS *Galar*
## Appendices

### Connections

**Leadership:** Commander-in-chief • Joint Chiefs • Chief of Starfleet External Affairs • Chief of Starfleet Operations • Chief of Starfleet Research and Exploration • Chief of Starfleet Tactical

**Agencies:** Operations (Engineering • Judicial • Materiel Supply • Mission Operations • Personnel Management • Records Service • Shipyards Operations • Starbase Operations) • Research & Exploration (Science • Medical) • External Affairs • Tactical (Intelligence • Security • MACO)

**Notable units:** Ktarn Fleet • Task Force 77

**Facilities:** Deep Space K-7 • Deep Space K-13 • Deep Space 9 • Masamichi Array • Starbase 45-Keepsake • Starbase 82-Maat • Starbase 234-Beskerm • Starbase 247-Vershina

**Agencies:** Starfleet • Diplomatic Corps • Department of Temporal Investigations • Federation Security Agency

**Facilities:** 40 Eridani A Starfleet Construction Yards • Antares Ship Yards • Beta Antares Ship Yards • Copernicus Ship Yards • Laikan Starfleet Shipyards • McKinley Station • Memory Project • New Aberdeen Shipyards • Proxima Maintenance Yards • Salazaar Shipyards • San Francisco Fleet Yards • TL-9139 Starfleet Maintenance Yards • Tranquility Base • Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards