Serok Thaelus

> *"I am a Warrior. A warrior may retreat; he does not flee. He may lie in ambush; he does not hide. He may experience victory, or defeat; he does not, cease to serve."*
>
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## Thaelus, Serok

Image Provided by the Romulan Star Navy personnel office

Rank: Riov( Commander)

### Assignment:

Commanding Officer: R.R.W. Rei'Karanha / Task Wing Alpha Field Commander

## AWARDS AND CITATIONS

* Triumph: Outback Campaigns
* Triumph: Ganmadan Campaign
* Certification: "Legion of the Raptor" Special Forces Training Completion
* Named a Legionary Prefect of the *Order of the Romulan Star Empire* by Praetor Neral
* Praetorian Cross (for bravery in the face of the enemy)
* Cross of S'Task (For bravery in the face of the enemy, and destroying I.S.S. Robespierre)
* Senatorial Medal for Valor
* Khazara Order of Tactics (for tactical excellence against the Jem'Hadar and Cardassians at Benzar)
* Intelligent Services Medal (for his role in tracking and destroying Chimaera strongholds and forces)
* Soltarek Citation (2 Times) for actions against the Klingon Empire and the Dominion
* Dominion War Service Citation
* Klingon Front Service Citation
* Federation Neutral Zone Service Citation
* Broken Mirror Campaign Ribbon
* Chimaera Cluster Campaign Ribbon

## POSITIONS AND COMMANDS

IRW V'Terak, Broadwing-Class, Pilot

IRW Khazan, V'milak-Class, Tactical Officer and Security Chief

IRW Terix, D'Deridex-Class, Executive Officer

IRW Rei'Karanha, D'Deridex-Class, Commanding Officer

RRW Dhuil ch'S'harien, Ha'apax-Class, Commanding Officer

Legion of The Raptor Special Forces Operative (Reserve)

RRW Rei'Karanha, Mogai-Class, Commanding Officer

## BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Born on Romulus in 2317 to a military family, Serok Thaelus completed his schooling at 18 and entered the military to begin his mandatory service in 2335, beginning a long career in service to the Romulan Empire. Graduating the Academy with focuses in tactical operations, his first posting as pilot on the IRW V'Terak, he showed an early aptitude for cunning combat tactics, and precision maneuvering.

Serving on the Klingon border for much of his early career, he saw many actions raiding Klingon colonies and repelling Klingon raiders on both the V'Terak, and later as Tactical Officer on the IRW Khazan. During one of these actions, then Centurion Thaelus personally slew the head of a Klingon house in battle while leading a boarding party on a Klingon vessel. earning a blood oath cast on him by the Klingon's family. This boarding action would earn him his first Soltarek Citation for meritorious conduct in seizing a Klingon Battle-cruiser for analysis and personally slaying the ship's captain in single combat. This "warrior" streak would define his career, marking Thaelus as one of the most respected combat officers in the Imperial Star Navy.

In 2355 he received a promotion to Subcommander and assumed the Executive officer position on the I.R.W. Terix, one of the first of the new D'Deridex-Class Warbird Battlecruisers to enter service with the Imperial Star Navy. Serving with distinction for a number of years, the Terix would explore and conquer several new territories for the Romulan Empire. In 2363, the Terix would be dispatched to investigate why several colonies along the Federation Neutral Zone had gone silent. Several years later it would be revealed by the Federation that these colonies were the victims of early Borg attacks. The Terix would later be involved in several confrontations with the Federation both along the border and in deep space, not all of them ending peacefully, but the warbird would be on the winning end of several skirmishes with Starfleet vessels. In 2368 Thaelus was recalled to Romulus in order to oversee the construction of I.R.W. Rei'Karanha, and accept command of it as a newly minted Commander.

In 2370 the Rei'Karanha was launched and commissioned into the Imperial Navy and immediately sent to the Klingon border in response to renewed aggression in the aftermath of Romulan Involvement in the Klingon Civil War. She would earn her first kill in battle with a Vor'Cha-class attack cruiser. Thaelus and the crew of the Rei'Karanha would earn several more blood-marks in action against the "Klingon Barbarians." Thaelus would remain along the border for several more months until the appearance of the Dominion and the warbird was sent to reinforce the Federation Neutral Zone should the Dominion invade and overrun the Federation. Several confrontations with Starfleet assets and confrontations with the Tal Shiar officers using his ship for their clandestine assignments, would occur prior to the 'Karanha's first set of refits. During this time the Warbird would sucessfully engage and defeat a Galaxy-Class Starship in a confrontation in Neutral space. In preparation for a potential war with the Dominion Thaelus would oversee a series of refits to the 'Karanha. Commander Thaelus was part of the team of Romulan analysts and military strategists assigned to analyze the aftermath of the ill-fated Battle of the Omarion Nebula, and propose solutions to better prepare the Imperial fleet for a war with the Dominion. Many of the technical improvements for cloaking and tactical systems suggested were derived from Thaelus' suggested refits on the Rei'Karanha.

In 2372, the Romulan Star Empire officially signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion prior to the outbreak of hostilities between the Dominion and the Federation-Klingon Alliance. Recognizing the existential threat the Dominion posed to Romulan expansion, Thaelus joined a small core of Commanders who opposed this and secretly began conspiring a plot to enter the Empire into the war. The conspiracy ended when the Dominion assassinated Senator Vreenak after he had uncovered a secret plot by the Dominion to violate their treaty and invade Romulus. The Rei'Karanha was immediately sent to the border and struck one of 15 bases along the Cardassian border, opening up a second front in the war. Participating in several successful battles, including the key battle of Benzar, in which the Romulan Empire successfully liberated the system from the Dominion (and returned it to the Federation post-war), Thaelus was awarded the Khazara Order of Tactics for outwitting the enemy at Benzar, and the Praetorian Cross for Tactical excellence in aiding in the defense of several Vulcan colonies (a fact he found supremely ironic). After the Dominion was driven out of most of Federation and Klingon space, the Rei'Karanha found herself re-assigned to the Alliance command operating out of the Federation starbase Deep Space Nine, closest to the Cardassian border.

Serving in the Dominion War, Thaelus would distinguish himself in combat as a member of the Allied Ninth fleet in various engagements against the Dominion. The Re'Karanha would be part of the assembled invasion fleet that captured, held and later fell back from the Chin'Toka system. The ship and crew would earn several distinctions in battle prior to the full scale invasion of Cardassia which ended the War. After the Treaty of Bajor was signed the Rei'Karanha would serve a tour of duty in the occupation of Cardassia before being recalled to Romulus when the Alliance ceased and the Neutral Zone was once again enforced post-war.

In 2376 Commander Thaelus is offered a role in Donatra and Suran's conspiracy against the government, he offers her his support, however his current assignment on the border prevents any direct involvement. In 2379, in the aftermath of the coup, Thaelus and the '*Karanha* joins Donatra's side in breaking away from Tal'Aura's regime, and participates in the creation of the Imperial Romulan State as a supporter of Donatra's military regime. He takes part in several confrontations with Reman and Star Empire forces.

In 2383, the Imperial State begins plans to send out a lone warbird to scout out new territories and secure new resources for the State to add to their ongoing conflict with the Star Empire. In the aftermath of its key role in a major victory over the Star Empire's forces led by Tomalak, the '*Karanha* is recalled for this mission. The selection of Thaelus as mission Commander is considered elementary given his thus far illustrious record and reputation.

### The Outback "Campaigns"

In 2385 the ship encounters what is later known to be the Caspian Wormhole and is transported to the small pocket galaxy later known as "The Outback." Attempts to use the wormhole to return are deemed unwise; the ships new Singularity core having had a detrimental effect on the wormhole's integrity. Upon examination Thaelus orders that until a way can be devised to use the wormhole to return, or another avenue back is discovered, they are to carry on their initial mission of exploration and conquest on behalf of the Empire/Imperial State and carry on. Over the course of the next 35 years the Romulan ship continues their mission, acquiring new technologies, resources, making improvised improvements on their systems. Raw materials mined from asteroids, or taking them by force from less developed species.

In 2399 the Rei'Karanha encounter the Samnenti Imperium, an aggressive and technologically sophisticated race that prove to be a stubborn and lethal opponent for the Romulan ship. Substantive improvements to their ship's armor and tactical systems are implemented to better counter their technological advantage. An additional Disruptor array is installed on the ships interior space to act as a defensive measure against fighter attack. Additional heavy armor is added around the warp nacelles and critical areas. As well the main deflector is modified to hide a heavy disruptor cannon in the prow of the ship, on par with that of a lance weapon or planetary defense disruptor cannon. The weapon has a slow rate of fire, limited arc, and a heavy power cost. However, the firepower was enough that with two or three direct hits could outright destroy an enemy Battlecruiser. This improvised weapon was used by Thaelus to great aplomb as an effective trap against the Samnenti, and later on as an effective ambush weapon and battering ram against heavily shielded or armored targets.

While technologically superior, the Samnenti proved to be less tactically sophisticated than the more cunning Romulan Commander. After disabling one of their ships, Thaelus and his crew managed to learn a great deal of their technology, and adapted several unique technologies to better improve their tactical capabilities. With the intelligence coup provided by their computers, the '*Karanha* was better able to ward off Samnenti aggression and survive their trek through their space. Eventually manipulations of certain Samnenti ship commanders by Thaelus led them to conduct a coup against their government leading to an all out civil war that led to the total collapse of the Samnenti state as individual ships and colonies acted on their own. This eliminated the Imperium as a threat, and allowed the Romulans to continue with their mission and leave the Samnenti ripe for a hypothetical future conquest.

### Return to Romulan Space/Joining the Romulan Republic

In 2419, while investigating a supposedly deserted world for archaeological research, Thaelus and the '*Karanha crew* encounters the Federation Starship Axalon. In the process of this interaction Thaelus discovers the revelations surrounding the dissolution of the Romulan Empire, and the realization that the Wormhole has finally been stabilized sufficiently for them to return to Romulan space. After a brief stop over at the new joint Federation/Romulan Republic base in the "Outback" Thaelus and his crew are offered a place in the Republic Star Navy. Upon returning to Mol'Rihan they are given a worthy welcome, and honored with a Triumph. In recognition of their illustrious record (and for the benefit of crew morale) are allowed to maintain their Imperial uniform code and I.R.W. designation as part of the Republic Navy, due to a deal brokered within the senate regarding the technologies and data brought back by Thaelus and his crew.

As part of her duties to the Romulan Republic the Rei'Karanha has been assigned to Alliance Joint Task Force Bellerophon at the urging of Admiral Khylar Vex. Thaelus would spend some time acclimating to the current time as a Republic officer for Task Wing Charlie, and participating in several engagements against pirates and other nuisances in the JTFB's operational theater. After an in-depth investigation of True Way activity of the Maelstrom region, the Rei'Karanha was named command ship for JTFB's Task Wing Alpha, and Thaelus wing commander.

After successfully commanding JTFB assault forces for a number of missions, Thaelus was re-assigned from the command of the Rei'Karanha to the Ha'apax-Class Dhuil ch'S'Harien. Saying goodbye to his home of 50 years proved difficult, save for the retention of his crew. Assuming the command of a state of the art Ha'apax-Class Battlecruiser in her place, he has since commanded her as the Flagship of Task Wing Alpha at the forefront of JTFB's combat heavy operations.

As of stardate 100312.45 Commander Thaelus has completed his training certification for the Legion of the Raptor and has been inducted as a member of the prestigious organization.

During the Battle of Hades Station, the S'Harien's Rage suffered irreparable damage, and under the effect of a Borg Assimilation weapon deployed by the I.S.S. Charon, Commander Thaelus issued orders to abandon ship. Thaelus remained behind on the ship to cover the escape of his crew, much to the protests of his officers. Due to Borg-inspired Encryption programs developed by Intelligence officer Centurion Emni t'Ket and Tactical chief Lt. Mivena, the Rage still had primary control over most systems not disabled in battle. Thaelus would use the Rage in one last valiant action, by ramming the ship into the I.S.S. Robespierre, an action that would have nominally claimed the life of Serok Thaelus.

Fortunately for Commander Thaelus, his valiant sacrifice would be cut short by Captain Valerie Callahan, who would use her Spore Jumping abilities to pull him off the Bridge of the Rage at the last second.....just before the Rage's final attack run shattered the I.S.S. Robespierre before her dual Singularity cores imploded. True to his military professionalism, upon saluting the final moments of his ship, Thaelus would immediately check on his crew's safety before turning to Captain Callahan and offer his services as pilot. Thaelus would finish out the Battle of Hades Station behind the helm of the Icarus-Class Starship. During the final battle, when Cain's Tal Shiar allies turned on him and stole the dark matter weapon, Thaelus overheard a familiar voice on the com line speaking to Cain. A Tal Shiar officer with whom Serok Thaelus had carried on a decades long rivalry, Sienae t'Arrenhae. It would be weeks later that it would be discovered Sienae was in fact directly responsible for the murders of Thaelus's daughters, his wife and all but one of his grandchildren. The last living grad child, Arisa Vana'diel, would reunite with her grandfather, giving both of them some modicum of peace. However, the call of vengeance still echoed in Serok's ears, as he has sworn to take Sienae's head in retaliation for the murders of his family.

Some time after the Battle of Hades Station, Commander Thaelus was assigned to the command of the newly commissioned R.R.W. Rei'Karanha, a D-Type Mogai-Class Battlecruiser. The new Rei'Karanha has already distinguished herself both in battle and as a representative of the Romulan Republic, having uncovered and defeated a Tal Shiar plot to foment war between the Republic's allies. A later failed attempt by the Tal Shiar to derail to admission of the Garidians into the Romulan Republic by assassinating the Garidian head of state, would lead to a full and final escalation of the Romulan Civil War. This attempt was foiled by Commander Thaelus and his crew, who saved the life of the Garidian premier, as well as a visiting Admiral Kimberly Anne Possible. After this event, the Republic Senate voted unanimously to invade the Star Empire and end the threat of the Tal Shiar once and for all. Weeks later, the largest invasion armada in Romulan history crossed the border into Imperial space and began the final push to end the war.

As of 2423 Commander Thaelus has been recalled to serve in the Romulan Republic's invasion of the Tal Shiar led Star Empire Remnant. Assigned as Command ship of the 3rd Cohort of the RRF 4th Legion, the Rei'Karanha has claimed several key victories in the war. At the start of the invasion, Imperial mismanagement lead to stunning advances by the Republic forces, until the assassination of Tal Shiar Commander Talok, military dictator of the Star Empire Remnant. In his place, Sienae ascends to install herself the new military dictator of the Romulan Star Empire. With her brilliant leadership and resource management the Empire finds a new momentum and blunts the Republic offensive. Now forcing the war into a bloody stalemate, and handing her rival a notable defeat, or later forcing Thaelus to endure costly Pyrrhic victories during the latest Imperial counterattack. The arrival of a relief force of his closest JTFB allies gave a welcome sigh of relief during a dire pitched battle. With a new momentum, Commander Thaelus and his allies find a window to claim some desperately needed momentum to swing the balance of the war back in the Republic's favor.

Following a failed engagement against Federation forces, the IRW Mendek, a Ch'Khalagu-Class member of the Ganmadan Fleet, suffering from damage attempts to re-enter Romulan space under the cover of the Eridan Belt nebula. Having received a heads-up from JTFB Intel division, Thaelus organizes a task force to intercept her. Using the Aspida's tactical reports, Thaelus devises a plan of attack that successfully destroys the Ganmadan doomsday ship, swinging the momentum back in the Republic's favor. After a vigorous victory party, and a thoroughly devious prank played by the Commander on his tactical and intelligence officers, the Republic fleet went back on the offensive, invading the Atrius system. During a heated battle with the Imperial Navy defenders, the colonial militia and civilian population rose in rebellion. The militia ships, older refits of early 24th Century Warbirds attacked the Imperial Navy, as the civilians overthrew the Imperial governor, and declaring the colony independent. However, tragedy struck.

While the fleets engaged each other, the second still active vessel in the Ganmadan fleet dropped out of warp near the planet. Firing their main weapon, the final version of Chimaera's dark matter based Gravitic Disruptor lance, into the planet's surface, tearing the planet apart from the inside and killing over 14 million Romulan civilians, before cloaking and escaping the system. The shock of the event causing the warring fleets to cease fire, as Thaelus hailed the Imperials demanding an explanation, and "ordering" then to aid in the rescue and evacuations of as many civilian lives as possible. Miraculously, the Imperial Navy Legion did just that with no hesitation, eventually choosing to mutiny against the Star Empire. After the relief efforts, the Imperials, now rebels, leave in peace swearing their support to take down the Tal'Shiar once and for all. The Rei'Karanha returns to the forward base at Irixion to unload the civilian survivors and prepare for their next mission.

In the wake of Atrius V, with news spreading through the Empire like wildfire despite the Tal'Shiar's best efforts, uprisings begin to break out across multiple Imperial colonies.  Tal Shiar forces are sent to suppress the rebellions. However, the Tal'Shiar's efforts are largely unsuccessful due to the intervention of Romulan Imperial Star Navy forces who intervene to defend the civilians on said colonies.  When Republic Navy units also arrive to defend said colonies, they find themselves targets of Tal'Shiar fire.  The Imperial Navy units, albiet somewhat reluctantly, move to support their Republic counterparts who come to their aid.  Imperial and Republic Admirals later meet, declaring a tentative cessation of hostilities between the Imperial and Republic Navy forces, and begin discussions on cooperating to bring down the Tal'Shiar led government.  While trust between them is limited at first, the threat of a common enemy keeps them on the same page. Leading to the planning of the next battle, invading the Rator system and seizing the capital. The Rei'Karanha is to serve at the tip of the spear, leading the attack on the Tal'Shiar Legion defending the planet.

A massive Invasion Armada of Republic and Imperial Navy Warbirds launches a full-scale invasion of the Rator system, initially arrayed against a massive enemy force, the revelatons of Atrius V finally reach the soldiers defending Rator mid-battle. At this point, the Imperial Navy and Imperial Army Legions guarding Rator change sides, wiping out the Tal'Shiar defenders. Republic Marines of the 501st Legion from the Rei'Karanha join the Imperial Army in their assault on the Capital city, beating back the Praetorian defenders and seizing the Hall of State. The Imperial Senate captured, the reigning Praetor, announces the surrender of Rator and the Imperial government following the Republic invasion and Imperial military's uprising. Leaving just one target left for the Rei'Karana's commander.

His hated rival, the killer of his wife and children, Sienae t'Arrenhae, still commanding the Tal'Shiar from the Ganmadan fleet yards. Following a pitched battle between the remaining fleet of the Tal'Shiar against a combined fleet of Republic and Imperial Navy ships, with aid from a JTFB volunteer force, Thaelus led an assault on the Ganmadan yards within the remains of Romulus which resulted in the final destruction of the Tal'Shiar and the Ganmadan fleet. Thaelus himself would lead a boarding action to the yards themsevlves. While his team would engage Tal'Shiar legions guarding the facility, Thaelus would personally engage Sienae in a final duel in the dark. This final confrontation would end with the death of his hated rival in single combat, finally avenging the murder of his wife and daughters. With the war concluded Thaelus, and the ships of the 3rd Cohort would return home to Olympus.

At an award ceremony on Olympus after the war, many of his crew would receive their just rewards for their conduct, as well as his allies. During this ceremony the assembled crowd would hail the victorious Commander as *Imperator* for his leadership in a victorious campaign of conquest against the Star Empire and Tal'Shiar, bringing Serok Thaelus the second Triumph of his illustrious career. A Triumph he actually earned from his military accomplishments over political necessity.