Taking Wing - Michael A. Martin [36]
“These rival factions,” continued T’Rel, “had heretofore lived in fear of both the Romulan Senate and the late Praetor Hiren. Despite Tal’Aura’s emergence as the first praetor of the post-Shinzon era—she may have actually aided Shinzon in assassinating her Senate colleagues—these factions now seek to pick up the Empire’s pieces and seize the reins of power themselves.”
Sorok spoke next, as though the Vulcans had decided in advance to take turns during the presentation. “The most powerful of these factions is a breakaway party of former Senatorial backers. This group previously supported a ‘war hawk’ minority camp within the Senate, which endorsed preemptive attacks against both Vulcan and Earth. In the past, the Senate’s moderate majority kept them in check. I trust I needn’t explain how dangerous it would be to Federation security should this group gain any significant influence over the Romulan military. Pardek, a former Romulan senator, has emerged as the most visible advocate for these political hard-liners.”
“Pardek?” Will said, frowning. “I remember Captain Picard having some dealings with him. Pardek never struck me as a hawk, or as aggressive toward the Federation. I thought he was a peace activist, and a populist.”
“That may have been true at one time,” Sorok said with apparently strained patience. “Though he was always a loyal subject of the Romulan Star Empire, his participation in the Khitomer conferences of 2293 was instrumental in the creation of the initial peace accords between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. However, his attempt eleven years ago to disrupt the Vulcan Reunification movement on Romulus made plain that Pardek was far from incorruptible. And Starfleet Intelligence believes that he blames his daughter’s murder more than five years ago on alleged Federation–Tal Shiar intrigues. As a result, Pardek has become a staunch enemy both of the Federation and of his own Empire’s intelligence service.”
Stepping into Sorok’s brief pause, T’Sevek spoke next, apparently trying to keep the briefing moving along. “The Romulan military comprises the next faction. Intelligence reports that Commander Donatra and Commander Suran, both former followers of Shinzon, have emerged in co-leadership roles since the recent death of Admiral Braeg.”
Will allowed himself a grim smile. “Donatra. I’m glad there’s going to be at least one friendly face among the rival faction leaders.”
Troi recalled that Donatra had risked her own life—as well as the lives of her subordinates aboard the warbird Valdore—to help the crew of the Enterprise defeat Shinzon.
“Do not count on Commander Donatra’s easy cooperation, Captain,” T’Rel said with a deep scowl. “She appears to have had a…domestic relationship with Braeg. Since Romulans are notably vindictive people—blood feuds are quite common among them—Donatra may therefore continue the late admiral’s bitter opposition to Tal’Aura’s praetorship.”
One of T’Sevek’s silvered eyebrows shot skyward at this. “Or she may not. All we know for certain about the military faction represented by Donatra and Suran is that it has yet to throw its support behind either Tal’Aura’s praetorship or the so-called ‘war hawk’ contingent.”
“The military faction may merely be waiting for its own chance to seize power,” T’Rel said.
T’Sevek shook her head. “I believe we should regard the fact that Donatra turned against Shinzon in order to assist the Enterprise as a hopeful sign, an indication that the Romulan Empire—specifically its military—is capable of changing for the better.”
Obviously trying to dampen the rekindling of an old argument between his two colleagues, Sorok seized the conversation, speaking loudly. “The fourth most significant faction is also the least visible one: the Tal Shiar, the Romulan Star Empire’s elite intelligence bureau. For many years this covert, semi-independent organization has been the most feared bureau in the Romulan government. The Tal Shiar seems to have been thrown briefly into disarray by the fall of the Senate.