Articles of the Federation - Keith R. A. DeCandido [48]
Nofia smiled. “I take that to mean that no progress is being made, which is pretty much the same story for the past two months. Is there any chance that President Bacco will intervene?”
“I’d say there’s a chance, but whether or not it happens today will depend on several other factors, most of them related to the once and future Romulan Star Empire.” He picked up his padds from the podium. “That’s all for now. I’ll have another briefing this afternoon after the session ends.”
The reporters all disappeared as the holocom was deactivated.
“I must say, I do love being able to just turn them off like that.”
Jorel’s assistant, Zhres, was standing nearby. “So you have said on several occasions.”
“And I’ll probably continue to say it as long as it’s true. Has anybody hammered us on Sorlak’s appearance yet?”
Zhres’s antennae quivered. “I’m sorry?”
Rolling his eyes, Jorel said, “Sorlak was on ICL a few days ago, and she went on at great length about the confidence the president had in Artrin. I deflected Kav, but I don’t think that’s going to slow anyone down. Keep on the feeds, see who pounces on that.”
“Right.” Zhres moved off to his office. Jorel headed for the turbolift. He needed to talk to Esperanza right away.
“This is a most impressive office, Madam President.”
Nan chuckled at the remark from Ambassador Spock. Resplendent as he was in his black robe of office with Vulcan lettering emblazoned down one of the folds, his hair was thinner than Nan thought it would be. But then even legends get old eventually. Look at me.
Spock was seated in one of the office’s chairs; Esperanza was seated opposite him, with Raisa next to her. T’Latrek, Molmaan, Jas, and Akaar hadn’t arrived yet.
“I’m surprised you haven’t been here before, Mr. Ambassador,” she said, leaning against the front of her desk.
“I have been in the president’s office, but not since your election-indeed, the last president I visited was President Amitra. All presidents supply their own unique stamp upon this room.”
Nan chuckled. “So it’s been three presidents since you’ve been back here.”
“My mission to Romulus was always expected to be a long-term one, Madam President.”
“Well, what Romulus has been through hasn’t been particularly long-term, Mr. Ambassador.”
“I am confused at the use of curtains over the window,” he said.
At that, Nan couldn’t help but laugh. “Too low-tech for you?”
“My own needs are of no consequence. I simply find it hard to believe that the windows are not capable of being polarized to keep harsh sunlight out of the room, while still affording you the panorama.”
Never knew you moonlighted as an interior decorator. Somehow, Nan managed not to say that out loud. “There are times when I don’t want the distraction of the view, and I hate the way the window looks when it’s opaqued-it’s like working in a damn obelisk. Hence, the curtains.” As she spoke, the door slid open to reveal the two councillors and the admiral. Still no Jas Abrik. I swear, I’m going to kill him.
Akaar walked over to Spock and gave him a Capellan salute. “You honor us all with your presence, Spock.”
“The honor is mine, Leonard.”
As Akaar took his seat, the door slid open to reveal Jas. “I’m sorry I’m late,” the elderly Trill said as he entered, “but I was in the Monet Room. Madam President, the Shirekral-class vessel that has been approaching our border has reached Outpost 22. It has identified itself as the Reman Free Vessel Vkruk, and its captain has requested asylum in the Federation for himself and his crew, which includes twenty-nine Remans of both sexes.”
“Fascinating,” Spock muttered. Louder, he said, “Vkruk was the name of Shinzon’s viceroy.”
Nan sighed. “I just love cheap symbolism.”
“These could be some of Shinzon’s people,” Esperanza said.
Jas took a seat on the