#n'vek

Thanks to DS9 I do love the Cardassians, but in the early days they were shown quite consistently to be untrustworthy and it isn't until DS9 that we see sympathetic Cardassian charachters-Natima Lang, Tekeny Ghemor, Garak. Of course this is an issue with portrayals of "the enemy" as untrustworthy and brutal, but Romulans don't really have the same problem.

Sure, Romulans are constantly portrayed as back stabbing and sneaky (and it gets tiresome honestly), but we've seen sympathetic portrayals of Romulans since TOS. The Romulan captain defeated by Kirk admits they could have been friends in another life. Spock's Romulan love interest is portrayed as quite an admirable woman. They are enemies, but ones we can understand.

TNG does even better. We have Bochra, Admiral Jarok, N'Vek. We meet the Romulan underground. We have the moment of mutual acknowledgment and the hope for better relations at the end of The Chase. Romulans and Starfleet alike seem to want their conflict to end DS9 doesn't really have many Romulans, but those we do have are seen as potential allies, even if you do have to watch your back around them a bit. Voyager shows us a sympathetic Romulan scientist who tries to help the Voyager crew.

'Major. Welcome to our table.

I suggest you try the viinerine. It's quite good.' - toreth

'I realise that it's nothing compared to what you're accustomed to on Romulus, but you could at least try the viinerine.' - toreth

'I've smelled better viinerine on prison ships.' - troi

I think N'Vek is an interesting character, with many strong convictions and principles that I think Deanna would like and broadly agree with. She was willing to risk her life to help him and the Romulan Underground when he was a total stranger to her because she was convinced their cause was just.

But he also has an intensity and a ruthlessness in how he pursues his ideals and goals that, however noble, I think is something Deanna might have trouble adjusting to. Having been raised well off and in a Federation culture, Deanna hasn't really been faced with such decisions.

She also seems more even keeled than N'Vek, but that could be a good balance.

They would be an exciting couple, and in any case I think they would look attractive together!

'The men you helped rescue are safe. Proconsul M'ret is deeply grateful for your help.' - picard

'The thanks should go to N'Vek. He sacrificed himself to save them and me.' - troi

'Thanks to the two of you, the way has been paved for further rescue operations. N'Vek's efforts and his sacrifice were not in vain.' - picard

Councilor Deanna Troi to Romulan Sub-Commander N'Vek