Taking Wing - Michael A. Martin [38]
“The debate regarding Vulcan-Romulan unification is not confined to Vulcan,” Akaar said, reasserting control over the proceedings. “Since the fall of the Romulan Senate, even the Federation Council has begun considering the issue very seriously. In the wake of the political instability within the Empire, some on the Security Council have even suggested withdrawing the official assistance the Federation recently offered to the Unificationists. That, in my view, would be an enormous mistake, since the Unification movement may well prove to be the only Federation-friendly political bloc able to wield power of any consequence—assuming we are there to assist them when they need us.”
“For what it’s worth, Admiral,” Will said, “I agree with you completely. We have to help the Unification movement gain enough political traction to become a major player in whatever power-sharing arrangements emerge on Romulus.”
“I hate to be the one to bring this up, Admiral,” said Science Officer Jaza, a Bajoran, “but we technically haven’t even been invited to Romulus yet. As far as I can tell from the background briefing material, the new praetor has agreed only to have her representatives meet us and the other ships in our task force at specific coordinates inside the Neutral Zone.”
Once again, Troi was tempted to ask Akaar whether any more ships were coming to join them, but she held her tongue as Jaza held his ground against Akaar’s stony stare.
“Fortunately, Commander,” the admiral said in measured tones, “I have access to somewhat more up-to-the-minute information than you do about the Romulan praetor and her willingness to do business with us—as well as the temperament of the other faction leaders. With the assistance of members of the Federation Council, I have already set up an introductory meeting on Romulus between Captain Riker, Praetor Tal’Aura’s faction, and the senior Reman leadership.”
Speaking directly to Will, Akaar added, “Your first task, Captain, will be to run that initial meeting and see to it that everyone is still willing to negotiate and compromise at the end of it. You will carry the negotiations forward from there, with the full support of me and my staff.”
And make sure the Romulans and Remans don’t immediately start killing each other, Troi thought, swallowing hard.
“I’m looking forward to it, sir,” Will said without hesitation. Then he turned slightly to his left and cast an almost pleading glance directly at Troi, who could feel apprehension radiating from him in waves. She had to admit that she was producing a goodly quantity of that same emotion herself. I’m going to need you like I’ve never needed you before, Imzadi, he seemed to be saying, though he hadn’t spoken aloud.
“I’m curious, Admiral,” said Vale. “Why isn’t Ambassador Spock’s group being represented at this ‘pre-meeting’?”
Troi immediately felt herself responding to a surge of renewed hope coming from Will. Surely the former Federation ambassador’s vast experience would be an asset at any Romulan power-sharing meeting, however preliminary it might be.
But Will’s newfound sense of optimism began receding like the tide as Akaar sadly shook his head. “Ambassador Spock’s communications with the Federation have been sporadic at best since his most recent sojourn across the Neutral Zone more than two standard years ago. And we appear to have lost contact with him altogether some six weeks ago. He failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with President Bacco, but sent no messages to explain his absence.”
“Do you think he’s dead?” Will asked.
“Just prior to the slaying of the Senate, one of our on-site operatives confirmed that Ambassador Spock was alive and still in charge of the Unification movement. After President Bacco was sworn in, Spock once again contacted the Federation to schedule meetings with the president and the security council. But he never attended those meetings, and never