Romulans Rivals

The Romulans, as a highly strategic and politically driven species, have a few key enemies due to historical conflicts, differing ideologies, and territorial ambitions. Some of their main enemies include: 

Orions

Orions, a species known for their piracy, slavery, and lawless trade—were already making a name for themselves across the galaxy. The Orions controlled a number of strategic trading routes and had a strong presence in the sector of space around the Vulcan homeworld, which was in close proximity to Romulan space after the Sundering.

The rivalry between the Romulans and the Orions actually has deep historical roots, predating even the formation of the Romulan Empire, and it traces back to the period before the Romulan Exodus (often referred to as The Sundering) from the Vulcan homeworld.

The Romulan Exodus and the Early Romulan-Orion Rivalry

The Romulan people originally hailed from the planet Vulcan, where they shared a common ancestry with the Vulcans. However, after the Sundering, when a faction of the Vulcans rejected the philosophy of emotional control and logic and embraced a more militaristic, emotionally driven way of life, they eventually separated and became the Romulans.

When the Orions made first contact with the Vulcans, they abused of the Vulcans' good will and enslaves them. S'Task, one of Surak best accolyties was enslaved by the time he escaped he realized the Surak's peaceful ideology was inadequate to fight the Orions and to protect their people, so he became Surak's antagonist preaching more militaristic, emotionally driven and xenophobic way of life and leading a Vulcans rebellion against the Orions. After the Orions were expelt from the VUlcan homeworld, the population was divided between Surak and S'Task ideologies, which in the following years lead to the Romulan Exodus (The Sundering) from Vulcan.

When the Romulans split from the Vulcans, their society became increasingly militaristic, and they established themselves as an empire driven by control, order, and dominance. Their new identity as Romulans came with a strong sense of nationalism and territorial expansion, and they began to assert their influence over the regions surrounding their new homeworld, Romulus (ch'Rihan)

As the Romulans began to establish themselves, they encountered the Orions, who were still active in the area and engaging in criminal activities. The Romulans, as an ambitious and expansionist power, viewed the Orions as an obstacle to their control of the region and an embodiment of everything they despised about the lawless, chaotic underworld. This led to a growing tension between the two factions.

Romulan-Driven Expansion and Conflict

The Romulans had little patience for the Orions' anarchic way of life, especially when it came to trade routes, piracy, and the illegal slave trade. The Romulans were building an empire based on order, structure, and strategic military power. The Orions, by contrast, represented everything the Romulans sought to eliminate: disorganization, anarchy, and morally dubious practices.

For the Romulans, this conflict was not just about ideological differences but also about territorial control and political dominance in a rapidly expanding galaxy. The Orions were seen as a disruptive force, undermining Romulan interests in trade and military expansion.

The Romulans were able to use their military strength and intelligence networks to push back against Orion activities in the region. The growing Romulan Empire sought to bring order and eliminate the Orions from strategic areas, and as Romulans spread across the stars, they began systematically dismantling Orion smuggling rings, slave markets, and pirate fleets that were operating within Romulan influence.

Over time, the Romulans and Orions became locked in a cycle of tension, with the Romulans seeing the Orions as an unwelcome, chaotic presence in the galaxy, while the Orions viewed the Romulans as a cold, militaristic empire that sought to quash their way of life.

The Long-Term Rivalry

This rivalry continued throughout Romulan history. The Romulan Empire was an authoritarian state built on secrecy, control, and discipline, while the Orions thrived in the black markets, engaging in piracy, smuggling, and slave trading. Their differences in governance and their conflicting approaches to power made the two groups natural enemies.

The Romulans despised the Orions' criminal activities and their undermining of Romulan authority and interests, leading to a longstanding enmity between the two factions. This antagonism between the Romulans and the Orions shaped much of their interactions in the galaxy, with the Romulans using their military might to eliminate Orion influence from important regions. Even though both factions would continue to operate in separate spheres of influence, the hatred between the Romulans and Orions persisted, marking a deep divide in their cultures and political ambitions.

Diplomatic Relations: Because the Orions tend to operate outside of conventional diplomacy, often acting as mercenaries or pirates rather than formal state actors, they would be seen as dishonorable and untrustworthy in the eyes of the Romulans. The Romulans take great pride in their political maneuvers and often prefer to engage in covert operations and alliances rather than overt lawlessness.

The Orions' View of the Romulans

The Orions, on the other hand, probably view the Romulans as elitist and authoritarian. They may even have some disdain for the Romulans' rigid control and their tendency to engage in political intrigue. The Orions thrive in the chaos of the galaxy's underworld, and they likely see the Romulans as a threat to their freedom and illicit profits.

In essence, while the Romulans and Orions may not be in open warfare as frequently as other factions across the universe, their deep cultural, ideological, and operational differences make them natural adversaries. The Romulans value order, control, and strategic manipulation, while the Orions thrive in lawlessness and subversion—creating a classic clash between empire-building and underworld syndicates.

Borg

The rivalry between the Borg and the Romulans in *Star Trek* is not as prominently featured as other conflicts, such as those between the Borg and the Federation. However, their interactions do provide an intriguing glimpse into the dynamics between two powerful and secretive entities.

Nature of the Borg

• The Borg Collective: The Borg are a cybernetic race driven by a singular goal—to achieve perfection through the assimilation of other species and their technologies. They operate as a collective consciousness, erasing individuality and absorbing entire civilizations into their collective.

• Threat to All Species: The Borg are a universal threat. They are relentless and efficient, targeting any civilization they deem valuable for assimilation, including advanced species like the Romulans.

The Romulans' Perspective

• Romulan Secrecy and Paranoia: The Romulans are notoriously secretive and protective of their sovereignty and technology. The Borg's relentless assimilation and disregard for individual cultures make them a direct threat to everything the Romulans hold dear.

• Defensive Posture: The Romulans are likely to view the Borg as a significant existential threat. Their natural inclination toward secrecy and defense would make them particularly wary of Borg incursions into Romulan space.

Key Interactions

• Neutral Zone Incidents: Early signs of the Borg threat became visible when the Federation and Romulan outposts along the border are mysteriously destroyed (2365). While the Borg were not explicitly identified as the attacker, it was later implied that they were responsible, showcasing their reach into both Federation and Romulan territories.

• Romulan Captives and the Omega Particle: The Romulans, like many other species, have been targeted by the Borg. Additionally, the Romulans were mentioned in the context of the Omega Particle, a substance the Borg are deeply interested in due to its immense power. This highlights the extent of the Borg's threat and their impact on various civilizations, including the Romulans.

• The Romulan-Borg War (2412): The Romulans suffered huge losses of lifes and ships when the engaged the Borg. The destruction of a Borg Sphere was only possible due to stolen plans for a destrcutive artifact from a Vulcan Research center managed by one of the Empire's Agencies. It is said that operative that stole the plans had to live for seven years undercover before he could do it. There are rumours that this highly trained operative was known by a nickname... Thrai. 

Rivalry Dynamics

• Technological Threat: The Borg's desire to assimilate advanced technology makes the Romulans, with their sophisticated cloaking devices and military technology, an appealing target. The Romulans would likely go to great lengths to prevent their technology from falling into Borg hands.

• Survival and Resistance: While direct battles between the Romulans and the Borg are not frequently depicted, it is reasonable to assume that the Romulans would engage in significant defensive efforts to protect their territory from Borg incursions. Their intelligence network and military capabilities would be crucial in identifying and countering Borg threats.

• Alliances of Convenience: The Romulans have occasionally allied with other powers, including the Federation, when faced with existential threats like the Borg. Their pragmatic approach to survival might lead to temporary cooperation with former adversaries to combat the greater threat posed by the Borg.

The rivalry between the Romulans and the Borg stems from the Borg's existential threat to all advanced civilizations, including the secretive and technologically advanced Romulan Star Empire. While not as prominently featured as other conflicts, their interactions underscore the tension between two entities driven by vastly different goals: one seeking to assimilate and the other striving to protect its sovereignty and secrets. The Romulans' defensive posture and the Borg's relentless pursuit of perfection create a natural and inevitable rivalry.

The Dominion

The relationship between the Romulans and the Dominion is complex and evolved over time, primarily during the Dominion War.

Initial Relations

• Cautious Neutrality: Initially, the Romulans and the Dominion were not openly hostile. The Romulans, known for their cautious and secretive nature, maintain a wary neutrality as the Dominion expanded its influence in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. They were fully aware of the Dominion's potential threat but chose to avoid direct confrontation at first.

The Dominion War

• The Romulans' Entry into the War: The turning point came in when Captain Benjamin Sisko and Elim Garak orchestrate a plan to trick the Romulans into believing that the Dominion was planning an attack on them. Using falsified evidence, they convince Senator Vreenak to bring the Romulan Star Empire into the war against the Dominion.

• Allied Powers: After being deceived into believing the Dominion posed an immediate threat, the Romulans formally joined the Federation-Klingon Alliance against the Dominion. This alliance significantly shifted the balance of power in the war, as the Romulan fleet added considerable strength to the allied forces.

• Underlying Tensions: Despite the alliance, there was deep mistrust between the Romulans and their allies. The Romulans have their own agenda and are always on guard against potential betrayal or manipulation. Their participation in the war was driven more by strategic necessity than any genuine camaraderie.

• End of the War: The alliance held until the end of the Dominion War. Following the defeat of the Dominion, the Romulans, as expected, revert to their typical isolationist and cautious stance, wary of both their former allies and enemies.

Post-War Relations: 

• A Fragile Peace: After the war, relations between the Romulans and the Dominion (or remnants of it) were not prominently explored, but it is implied that any peace was fragile. The Romulans remain vigilant against any future threats, including potential resurgence from the Dominion or other powers.

In summary, the Romulans and the Dominion were not natural allies and were more accurately described as cautious adversaries. Their enmity becomes pronounced during the Dominion War when the Romulans joint the Federation and Klingons against the Dominion. However, their alliance with the Federation was one of convenience, marked by mutual suspicion rather than genuine partnership.

The Cardassian Union

While not as intense as their relationships with other species, there are times when the Romulans and Cardassians have clashed over borders and political interests. This is especially true when the Cardassian Union sought to exert influence over the same regions of space the Romulans considered important. Despite this, the Romulans sometimes find common ground with the Cardassians, especially during the Dominion War when both sides had to navigate complex alliances.

The Klingon Empire

Historically, the Romulans and Klingons have had a complex and often antagonistic relationship. The two empires fought each other during the 23rd century, with both sides competing for power and control in the galaxy. However, over time, the Romulans and Klingons do establish a shaky alliance, particularly during the Klingon War against the Federation in the 24th century, though they still maintain mutual distrust. Romulans see the Klingons as brutish and undiplomatic, whereas the Klingons view the Romulans as deceptive and manipulative.

The Tholians

While not as frequently depicted, the Romulans have had a tense relationship with the Tholians. The Tholians are an isolationist and highly territorial species, and they often come into conflict with the Romulans over matters of space territory and resources. In the past, Tholians and Romulans are shown to have hostile encounters, particularly regarding control of strategic star systems.

NOT RIVALS, BUT NOT FRIENDS EITHER...

United Federation of Planets - UFP (Starfleet)

The Romulans have a long history of tension and conflict with the United Federation of Planets, primarily because of their expansionist nature and the Federation's ideals of peaceful exploration and diplomacy. The Romulans see the Federation as a political threat, especially as they view the Federation's influence as potentially destabilizing for their own empire. During the Cold War-like tension with the Federation, the Romulans were known for their espionage and covert operations.

A notable point of conflict is the Romulan Neutral Zone (RNZ), a buffer zone between the Federation and Romulan space that was established after the Earth-Romulan War in the 22nd century. Despite the zone's existence, tensions continue to run high, and Romulans frequently engage in espionage against the Federation, and vice-versa.

Delta Freedom Allliance - DFA

The Romulans see the DFA as another UFP/SF, since DFA was founded by rebel Starfleet officers. Some Romulans even call DFA Officers by Feddies ina derrogatory way, insinuating that UFP/Starfleet ad DFA are the same thing with different names. 

Despite the dislike of Romulans by DFA, they had worked together in several occasions as:

• Construction of RSS Visak'a Space Station (2418)

• Rescue Mission of khre'Riov Kaol tr'Erik from Pangeare (2422-2423)

Minshara (Vulcan)

The Romulans' historical relationship with the Vulcans is rooted in their shared ancestry. After the Vulcan-Romulan split thousands of years ago, the Romulans rejected the Vulcan philosophy of logic and emotional control, choosing instead to embrace their emotions and forge a more militaristic and hierarchical society. This ideological divide has led to deep-seated animosity between the two races. The Romulans resent the Vulcans' pacifism and their more diplomatic approach to galactic politics, while the Vulcans often view the Romulans as a dangerous, unpredictable force.

Bajor

The Romulans and Bajorans keep minimal direct interaction, but there’s clear tension and political maneuvering when they do cross paths. The Bajorans are cautious of the Romulans, who often act unilaterally and with hidden motives, while the Romulans likely see Bajor as a useful but expendable strategic location.

In 2420’s, the Bajorans keep diplomatic relationship with the RSE. They avoid contact but are friendly when needed.

In 2370’s, during the Dominion War, Romulan activity in the Bajoran sector almost brought the two nations to war. When the The Romulans joined the Federation-Klingon Alliance against the Dominion, Admiral Ross (SF)  and Kira Nerys agreed (with some discomfort) to allow Romulan hospitals on one of Bajor’s moons (Derna) for the war effort. This cooperation caused tension, especially because the Romulans begin militarizing the moon—installing weapons without Bajoran permission, violating their sovereignty. Kira and the Bajoran government push back hard against this intrusion, nearly risking conflict.

Points of View

• The Romulans view the Bajorans as a small, strategically located species, particularly due to the Wormhole near DS9, which connects the Alpha Quadrant to the Gamma Quadrant.

• The Bajorans, newly independent from Cardassian rule (since 2369) and seeking Federation membership, are wary of large powers—and the Romulans, known for their secretive and expansionist tendencies, aren’t trusted.

• The Bajorans prefer the Federation as an ally, due to shared values and long-standing support during their recovery post-Occupation. The Romulans likely see Bajor as a pawn or buffer zone more than a true partner. 

BAJORAN VIPs

• • Bajoran Prime Minister: Bareil Leeta

  • Kai: Mira (female, late 50s)

  • Bajoran Flagship: BRS Celestial Sentinel, BSS-00001 (BRS = Bajoran Republic Ship)

    • Commanding Officer: Verkan (Colonel) Shaxs Nerys 

    • About the Celestial Sentinel

A attack cruiser (medium-sized battleship) with smooth lines and elegant, a reminder of a time when Bajorans sailed across the stars. The solar panels sails have an extra function beyond aesthetically honor the Bajorans cultural heritage. It could give the ship an extra edge in battle, making the ship faster to maneuver and, thus, changing the outcome of the fight.

The Celestial Sentinel is an example of Bajor's resourcefulness and worth in earlier alpha quadrant space naval exercises (2420’s) where speed, mobility, and resilience in battle were important for success, even though they didn't have the warp capabilities of a Sovereign-class Starship. On the other hand, the ship was more agile, which allowed the Bajorans to use counter-offensive tactics with surgical precision.

During the Dominion War, the Federation, the Klingons, and the Romulans worked together on research and development. When Bajor joined the UFP back in 2375, Bajoran scientists had access to these shared R&D notes which lead to innovative and disruptive ideas. Over the next couple of decades, the Bajoran engineers managed to develop an unique cloaking device.

However, contrary to the Romulans and the Klingons that always traveled with their cloaking device on, the Bajorans prefer to use it only when needed, and, if needed.

The Celestial Sentinel is an attack cruiser made to hit and run. Its triple duranium alloy hull that the Bajoran techs added to the Celestial Sentinel made it more resistant to direct hits if the shields fail and abrasive armor plating was also added to the ship's hull as an extra layer of defense.

That ‘tiny little ship’ was like a flyweight pugilist. It was light, moved across the fighting venue as if it were teleported, and could take a lot of hits before it got hurt.