Romulan Free State
The Democratic Romulan Republic is a breakaway political entity from the Romulan Star Empire.
History
In the 24th century, a dissident movement began to gain momentum within the Empire, centered on Romulus. Based on the desire to learn about Vulcan ideals, their ultimate goal was the reunification of the Romulans and Vulcans. Ambassador Spock was deeply involved in this movement. It was eventually crushed on Romulus itself, and many of its followers took refuge on the remote colony world of Khatherae. Reformists secured political power in the colony's government in the early 25th century, and with the help of elements in the Imperial Land Army they forced the resignation of the Imperial governor in 2404, replacing him with one of their own supporters and renaming the planet Ecurai.
When Imperial ships were sent to retake control of the planet, several commanders who objected to the growing militarism of the s'Tei faction in the Senate, defected to the Reformists' side, forcing a stalemate. The Reformists proclaimed the Democratic Romulan Republic, and over the next two years, other nearby colony worlds requested their protection.
Ecurai soon became a safe haven for all types of Imperial dissidents, and the planet's population began to rapidly increase from an influx of political refugees. Soon, the Reformists found themselves in the minority, and more conservative elements took control of the government. An organized military fleet was assembled from vessels whose crews had defected, and trade was established with outside entities to help boost the Republic's economy.
Facing constant military antagonism from the Empire and the real threat of being reabsorbed within its borders once again, the Republic also requested help from the United Federation of Planets. Federation vessels USS Gettysburg and USS Comet visited Ecurai in 2405, and diplomatic recognition was granted along with the unofficial promise of military help.
Resenting the Federation's intrusion into what it considered an internal matter and considering it a territorial grab, the Empire responded by attacking the Federation at Starbase 157 in 2408. The Federation declared war on the Empire and signed a formal alliance with the Republic. The war ended in a stalemate.
Shortly after the war ended, a new government on Romulus issued an amnesty for those who had defected during the Tei era. Many chose to return, including several top military officers and civilian officials.
