Chapter II
[Q'ronos the Klingon home world. We rush through the clouds. A continent bathed in the dusk. We glide to a long penisula. A strong red from the sinking sun floods the world beneath us. The steam coming from the heavy industry is lit in shining orange red light. The gigantic metallic buildings appear rather dark green in contrast to it. Numerous vessels rush back and forth, up and down through the sky like bees around their nest, a huge outstretched building in the center of the city is surrounded by busy streets. The Great Hall, the heart of the Klingon empire. We fly through two gigantic outer columns in an area of the complex, where there are no walls, and land on a huge and broad corridor lit by torches attached to the columns, which support the enormous ceiling above.]
[We walk towards a great iron gate closed with two heavy wings. Loud mumbled talking from within can be heard. Suddenly the gate bangs open. Several pompously clothed Klingons march out still talking or rather cursing loudly as they approach us. We recognize Kurdar and Ken'targh at the front of the group.]
[Ken'targh outrageous to Kurdar] : Damned! Are you out of your wits?! How could you comply to his proposal!?
[Kurdar trying to sound convinced of himself] : The chancellor knows what he is doing as he has done so through the whole war. And that's enough reason for me to follow him once more.
[Ken'targh to the other Klingons] : Leave us alone!
[Then turns back to Kurdar] : Do you mean he's right to deny us our honor? Do you know what these new laws will mean for our society? The elders should no more die honorably in combat!? Instead they should fight holograms or duel each other in organized funeral processions?! That's ridiculous! How are they supposed to enter Stovokor this way?
[Kurdar] : The holy elders and the Emperor have agreed to Martok that the new amendments comply with the funeral regulations. The old people will die honorably.
[Ken'targh in disbelief] : The holy elders have come to their spiritual positions with Martok's help. The Emperor is a powerless clone of Kahless which adapts to every new ruler. Don't you see that everything would just become a simulation if we don't make and end to it! The victims of these damned new law would cheat their way through our traditions. I tell you, Martok may outwit the council but the spirits on the barge of the dead cannot be outwitted! Our fathers and grand fathers will die a treacherous death without any honor and all end up in G'rethor! Martok is manipulated by the Federation and their treacherous ambassador Worf.
[Kurdar defiant] : The Federation has proven itself as a faithful and honorable ally in the war! They would never betray us!
[Ken'targh] : No! Then explain me one thing. We could have pulverized Cardassia Prime as we had the chance. But instead of punishing those P'targhs the way they have deserved Martok has apologized to them at the Federation request for the Klingon invasion 6 years ago! Don't you see that our chancellor has become a puppet of humans and Vulcans! [Kurdar turns around to face his companion] : How dare you speak about our chancellor like that!
[Ken'targh defiant] : At least Gowron had enough courage to stand up to Starfleet when they tried to ensnare us with their naïve believe in constant peace!
[Kurdar loses his temper] : My father was an selfish idiot, putting his personal hunger for power over the welfare of the empire!
[Ken'targh] : But Martok will turn us all into Ferengis! We are Klingons! Our destiny is battle. The Federation is turning the whole quadrant into apathetic pacifists! And we are actually helping them!
[In a reasonable tone] : Vice Chancellor, you can't let our people break apart like this. I have been your friend every since we could pick up a b'athlet. I know you are a strong leader. And no matter how bravely Martok has fought against the Dominion, we have to stop his insanity! You must duel him!
[Kurdar] : Shut up! I won't betray the empire's national hero!
[He turns his back on Ken'targh and wants to leave.]
[Ken'targh doesn't give up and seizes Kurdar's shoulder] : You have to. It is your right and your responsibility to take his post! There are enough members in the council who would support you! You only have to.
[Kurdar turns wildly around and smashes hard across Ken'targh's face with his gauntlet. Despite Ken'targh's size, he is knocked of his feet and lands heavily on the ground, spitting blood.]
[Kurdar breathes heavily] : Regarding our friendship I warn you. If you ever talk about this topic again, I will kill you no matter how well you have served me or the empire! The celebration of the third victory year over the Dominion lies ahead. The Federation is invited. Watch your tongue!
[Kurdar turns on his feet and stomps away.]
[Ken'targh still lying on the floor, watching Kurdar leave. He whispers sneeringly] : Yes, Vice Chancellor!
[Two Federation starships are orbiting a planet. The Enterprise E and an Akira class vessel.]
[Picard's voice] : Personal computer log, Captain Picard, star date 54495,3. The Enterprise has arrived at Romulus to support the peace talks between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. I am glad that Captain Riker and the Federation ambassadors have come so far with the negotiations that we are actually invited into the Romulan senate, speaking directly to the Praetor. I suppose that Admiral Donatra has done her part to this. The meeting digs out bad memories of my encounter with Shin'zon, the former Romulan Reman Praetor. I was fooled by his peace offer, I have to admit. You have to be careful with Romulans. Yet I am quite confident this time. Before I beam down to the surface, I still have some time for another matter.]
[Picard sits with the android B4 in the captain's ready room.]
[Picard to B4] : Now B4, have you read the story I gave you to last time?
[B4 in a simple childish voice] : Yes.
[Picard] : Can you tell me what happened in the end?
[B4 staring at Picard] : Yes.
[Picard smiling] : So, what happened?
[B4] : The EPS conduits lead all energy from the warp core to all systems on board .
[Picard] : No, not the technical handbook. I mean, the other book I lent you. Can you tell me what happened there in the end?
[B4] : Yes.
[Picard] : So, what happened?
[B4] : Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland.
[Picard] : Can you tell me what is tragic about Macbeth.
[B4] : No.
[Picard] : Perhaps it helps you when you reread the story.
[He hands over a pad to B4. B4 scans quickly through the content. 5 seconds later he looks up] : Done!
[Picard] : Did it help?
[B4] : No.
[Picard] : Well, Macbeth is a tragic character because he has been a good person before he turns bad. He had a strong conscience before the witches and his wife turn him on the wrong way, making him commit evil crimes, throwing his humanity away. The witches betray him by making prophecies that are unclear. He desperately longs for power, thus bringing himself nearer to his doom. And as he realizes the truth it is already too late. Do you understand now?
[B4] : No. The word tragic is not part of my database.
[Picard slightly embarrased] : Oh, I see! Well, tragic is when something disastrous happens, which can actually been easily avoided. In the case of Macbeth he should have listened to his conscience or studied the witches' contradictory prophecies more closely.
[B4] : Did my brother die tragically?
[Picard closes his eyes in grief. Then] : No. No, his death was more sad than tragic because he sacrificed himself to protect this ship.
[B4] : Why isn't it tragic? He could have easily prevented his death by staying on the Enterprise instead of rescuing you.
[Picard seems to be struggling with himself about something, then.] : No, this wouldn't be Data's nature. He would never have left his friends in a perilous situation.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because we were his friends.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because. we liked and respected each other.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Partly perhaps because he tried to be human and when we helped him discovering humanity we learned something about it ourselves by helping him.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because humans often have a sense for ethic and humanity which they apply on their life everyday without really being able to explain it.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard bit exhausted] : I don't really know. Ask me another question.
[B4] : Was the death of my brother tragic because he could have survived if he had not been your friend?
[Picard thoughtful] : Friendship cannot be tragic. It is something positive. It must be.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard thoughtful] : .
[B4 impatient, if you can say that of an android] : So what is tragic?
[Picard] : I . can't explain.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because.
[Voice over loudspeaker] : Bridge to Captain Picard!
[Picard] : Picard here!
[Voice] : Sir, the Romulans are ready to welcome you in the Senate.
[Picard] : Acknowledged! B4, we have to finish this topic another time.
[Picard strides thoughtfully out of the room.]
[We see the artistically designed Romulan senate from outside. Then we jump inside into a dimly lit narrow corridor where Captain Riker stands waiting. Picard materializes next to him.]
[Riker smiles, reaching out his hand.] : Good to see you Captain.
[Picard takes it] : Good to see you, too, number one. Oh, I mean. Captain.
[Riker amused] : Diana knew you would be prudent enough to call me like that.
[Picard] : How is she?
[Riker] : Fine, helped me quite a lot during the negotiations until the Praetor got pretty frightened of her telepathical abilities with the time and chucked her out the talks.
[Picard in a low voice] : Is Ambassador Spock still politically active?
[Riker in a whisper] : Yes. But the reunion topic is still unpleasant. Although, with the new government under Praetor Talaran and Admiral Donatra's influence things have become more easier for the Federation to negotiate. But he has great difficulties to convince the military that opening up the borders and soften up the neutral zone will be beneficial to the empire. Fortunately, the hardliners in the Romulan fleet have fallen into discredit after Admiral Donatra has made the Reman coup d'etat public. But it doesn't mean that the opinion of the military has become insignificant. The Tal'Shiar has even been strengthened to avoid anything like the Shin'zon incident from happening again. The praetor is actually constantly fearing for his power or for showing any weakness, supposing the military could exploit an unstable situation. He has recently granted the Tal'Shiar an own fleet as an opposite pole to the military, to protect him.
[Picard concerned] : Does he directly control the fleet?
[Riker] : No, an Admiral has recently been assigned to lead the agency. But I don't know yet who it is. Captain, I have to warn you not to mention anything about Vulcans or the Remans. This would give the skeptical senators the chance to go on a rampage!
[They proceed to a door while talking. Two guards open it as they approach and reveal a big round room with several dozens Romulan senators sitting in a half circle on the one side, all turning back and staring at them as they enter. A magnificent golden bird of pray is suspended on the wall opposite the door holding the two planets Romulus and Remus in its claws. Below it there are four tables. Praetor Talaran sits on a rather unspectacular seat for a man of his position between the four inner tables. He is flanked by Admiral Donatra in a senator's cape and an empty seat.]
[The Praetor greets the two captains politely but solemnly without offering them a chair as they step down the stairs onto the large disc on the floor in the center of the senate with star charts grafted into it. They face the head of the Romulan Empire like criminals.]
[Praetor] : Greetings! Welcome on Romulus Captain Picard. I think it has not often happened that . two . Starfleet captains stand in the Romulan senate, actually it must be the first time. But I think you deserve it as our guest and friend of Romulus. If you had not stopped Shin'zon and his Reman slugs there may be no senate today.
[Picard smiling politely] : I am happy that you appreciate it. And I hope we will deepen the relationship between our peoples.
[Senator 1 interrupting] : But what guarantee can you give us that the Federation most of all the Vulcans won't use your so deepened relationship to expand your influence in our territory.
[Picard turns around to face him] : Yes, indeed it will be a risk, for both of us. But after the generation long hostility and our common fight against the Dominion, which together with the Borg Collective still present a big threat to the Alpha Quadrant. I think it's worth the risk.
[Commander Donatra stands up] : Just think what possibilities would open up for us. Trade an transfer of civil technology. A new peace treaty would allow us to access new resources and to rebuild our Empire which has still not fully recovered from the war.
[Senator 2 to Picard] : I just hope, Captain, that the Federation will be able to hold its blood dogs, those Klingons, by the leash!
[Picard] : Our relationship with the Klingons is thoroughly based on mutual respect. But to ease your tension, I have already spoken with Chancellor Martok and he ascertains us that the Klingons will not interfere in Romulan business once the peace treaty is signed.
[In this moment the door bangs open and a female voice rings through the senate] : Do Federation captains always sound so flimsy?
[Everyone looks up at the door. A blonde very human looking woman steps down the stairs.]
[She continues] : Your peace declarations may work on freshly born warp civilizations to make them join your lovely Federation, but it won't work on Romulans, at least not all of them!
[Praetor annoyed] : Admiral Sela, I have asked you to stay away from this meeting.
[Sela taking the empty seat on the Praetor's left seat] : I know Praetor. But the Tal'Shiar has always been concerned about the security of our people and about their leader.
[She stands up again facing the senators] : Senators a peace treaty and a less strictly controlled if not to say an uncontrolled neutral zone will mean the end of our Empire. The Federation and the Klingons could easily sneak into our territory. And I don't have to remind you that after the decline of the Cardassian Union and of the Breen military capacity, the power constellation of this quadrant stands 2 to 1 against us! Not even our mighty fleet before the Dominion war could stand up to an allied strike force of Starfleet and Klingon vessels surprising our colonies! I know human treachery from my own flesh! My human mother betrayed her husband and tried to kidnap me as I was still a child.
[Picard facing her] : Admiral Sela, if you had known your mother as I did, you must know that she had good reasons to flee from her marriage in which she has been forced. And the case that she tried to take you with her, proves how much she must have loved you.
[Sela with wild eyes] : Silence human! You have little right to stand in this noble hall and even less right to spread your lies! Praetor out of concern for our safety, I beg you to reconsider your opinion!
[Several senators] : She's right!
[Others] : She may be right in some cases! But we can trust the Tal'Shiar and the military even less than this human!
[General confusion, shouting, accusations]
[The Praetor stands up annoyed] : Silence, silence!
[The noise ebbs.]
[Praetor] : We will discuss this issue in the afternoon session and vote about it in a month. Admiral Donatra, please accompany our guest outside!
[Q'ronos the Klingon home world. We rush through the clouds. A continent bathed in the dusk. We glide to a long penisula. A strong red from the sinking sun floods the world beneath us. The steam coming from the heavy industry is lit in shining orange red light. The gigantic metallic buildings appear rather dark green in contrast to it. Numerous vessels rush back and forth, up and down through the sky like bees around their nest, a huge outstretched building in the center of the city is surrounded by busy streets. The Great Hall, the heart of the Klingon empire. We fly through two gigantic outer columns in an area of the complex, where there are no walls, and land on a huge and broad corridor lit by torches attached to the columns, which support the enormous ceiling above.]
[We walk towards a great iron gate closed with two heavy wings. Loud mumbled talking from within can be heard. Suddenly the gate bangs open. Several pompously clothed Klingons march out still talking or rather cursing loudly as they approach us. We recognize Kurdar and Ken'targh at the front of the group.]
[Ken'targh outrageous to Kurdar] : Damned! Are you out of your wits?! How could you comply to his proposal!?
[Kurdar trying to sound convinced of himself] : The chancellor knows what he is doing as he has done so through the whole war. And that's enough reason for me to follow him once more.
[Ken'targh to the other Klingons] : Leave us alone!
[Then turns back to Kurdar] : Do you mean he's right to deny us our honor? Do you know what these new laws will mean for our society? The elders should no more die honorably in combat!? Instead they should fight holograms or duel each other in organized funeral processions?! That's ridiculous! How are they supposed to enter Stovokor this way?
[Kurdar] : The holy elders and the Emperor have agreed to Martok that the new amendments comply with the funeral regulations. The old people will die honorably.
[Ken'targh in disbelief] : The holy elders have come to their spiritual positions with Martok's help. The Emperor is a powerless clone of Kahless which adapts to every new ruler. Don't you see that everything would just become a simulation if we don't make and end to it! The victims of these damned new law would cheat their way through our traditions. I tell you, Martok may outwit the council but the spirits on the barge of the dead cannot be outwitted! Our fathers and grand fathers will die a treacherous death without any honor and all end up in G'rethor! Martok is manipulated by the Federation and their treacherous ambassador Worf.
[Kurdar defiant] : The Federation has proven itself as a faithful and honorable ally in the war! They would never betray us!
[Ken'targh] : No! Then explain me one thing. We could have pulverized Cardassia Prime as we had the chance. But instead of punishing those P'targhs the way they have deserved Martok has apologized to them at the Federation request for the Klingon invasion 6 years ago! Don't you see that our chancellor has become a puppet of humans and Vulcans! [Kurdar turns around to face his companion] : How dare you speak about our chancellor like that!
[Ken'targh defiant] : At least Gowron had enough courage to stand up to Starfleet when they tried to ensnare us with their naïve believe in constant peace!
[Kurdar loses his temper] : My father was an selfish idiot, putting his personal hunger for power over the welfare of the empire!
[Ken'targh] : But Martok will turn us all into Ferengis! We are Klingons! Our destiny is battle. The Federation is turning the whole quadrant into apathetic pacifists! And we are actually helping them!
[In a reasonable tone] : Vice Chancellor, you can't let our people break apart like this. I have been your friend every since we could pick up a b'athlet. I know you are a strong leader. And no matter how bravely Martok has fought against the Dominion, we have to stop his insanity! You must duel him!
[Kurdar] : Shut up! I won't betray the empire's national hero!
[He turns his back on Ken'targh and wants to leave.]
[Ken'targh doesn't give up and seizes Kurdar's shoulder] : You have to. It is your right and your responsibility to take his post! There are enough members in the council who would support you! You only have to.
[Kurdar turns wildly around and smashes hard across Ken'targh's face with his gauntlet. Despite Ken'targh's size, he is knocked of his feet and lands heavily on the ground, spitting blood.]
[Kurdar breathes heavily] : Regarding our friendship I warn you. If you ever talk about this topic again, I will kill you no matter how well you have served me or the empire! The celebration of the third victory year over the Dominion lies ahead. The Federation is invited. Watch your tongue!
[Kurdar turns on his feet and stomps away.]
[Ken'targh still lying on the floor, watching Kurdar leave. He whispers sneeringly] : Yes, Vice Chancellor!
[Two Federation starships are orbiting a planet. The Enterprise E and an Akira class vessel.]
[Picard's voice] : Personal computer log, Captain Picard, star date 54495,3. The Enterprise has arrived at Romulus to support the peace talks between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. I am glad that Captain Riker and the Federation ambassadors have come so far with the negotiations that we are actually invited into the Romulan senate, speaking directly to the Praetor. I suppose that Admiral Donatra has done her part to this. The meeting digs out bad memories of my encounter with Shin'zon, the former Romulan Reman Praetor. I was fooled by his peace offer, I have to admit. You have to be careful with Romulans. Yet I am quite confident this time. Before I beam down to the surface, I still have some time for another matter.]
[Picard sits with the android B4 in the captain's ready room.]
[Picard to B4] : Now B4, have you read the story I gave you to last time?
[B4 in a simple childish voice] : Yes.
[Picard] : Can you tell me what happened in the end?
[B4 staring at Picard] : Yes.
[Picard smiling] : So, what happened?
[B4] : The EPS conduits lead all energy from the warp core to all systems on board .
[Picard] : No, not the technical handbook. I mean, the other book I lent you. Can you tell me what happened there in the end?
[B4] : Yes.
[Picard] : So, what happened?
[B4] : Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland.
[Picard] : Can you tell me what is tragic about Macbeth.
[B4] : No.
[Picard] : Perhaps it helps you when you reread the story.
[He hands over a pad to B4. B4 scans quickly through the content. 5 seconds later he looks up] : Done!
[Picard] : Did it help?
[B4] : No.
[Picard] : Well, Macbeth is a tragic character because he has been a good person before he turns bad. He had a strong conscience before the witches and his wife turn him on the wrong way, making him commit evil crimes, throwing his humanity away. The witches betray him by making prophecies that are unclear. He desperately longs for power, thus bringing himself nearer to his doom. And as he realizes the truth it is already too late. Do you understand now?
[B4] : No. The word tragic is not part of my database.
[Picard slightly embarrased] : Oh, I see! Well, tragic is when something disastrous happens, which can actually been easily avoided. In the case of Macbeth he should have listened to his conscience or studied the witches' contradictory prophecies more closely.
[B4] : Did my brother die tragically?
[Picard closes his eyes in grief. Then] : No. No, his death was more sad than tragic because he sacrificed himself to protect this ship.
[B4] : Why isn't it tragic? He could have easily prevented his death by staying on the Enterprise instead of rescuing you.
[Picard seems to be struggling with himself about something, then.] : No, this wouldn't be Data's nature. He would never have left his friends in a perilous situation.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because we were his friends.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because. we liked and respected each other.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Partly perhaps because he tried to be human and when we helped him discovering humanity we learned something about it ourselves by helping him.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because humans often have a sense for ethic and humanity which they apply on their life everyday without really being able to explain it.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard bit exhausted] : I don't really know. Ask me another question.
[B4] : Was the death of my brother tragic because he could have survived if he had not been your friend?
[Picard thoughtful] : Friendship cannot be tragic. It is something positive. It must be.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard thoughtful] : .
[B4 impatient, if you can say that of an android] : So what is tragic?
[Picard] : I . can't explain.
[B4] : Why?
[Picard] : Because.
[Voice over loudspeaker] : Bridge to Captain Picard!
[Picard] : Picard here!
[Voice] : Sir, the Romulans are ready to welcome you in the Senate.
[Picard] : Acknowledged! B4, we have to finish this topic another time.
[Picard strides thoughtfully out of the room.]
[We see the artistically designed Romulan senate from outside. Then we jump inside into a dimly lit narrow corridor where Captain Riker stands waiting. Picard materializes next to him.]
[Riker smiles, reaching out his hand.] : Good to see you Captain.
[Picard takes it] : Good to see you, too, number one. Oh, I mean. Captain.
[Riker amused] : Diana knew you would be prudent enough to call me like that.
[Picard] : How is she?
[Riker] : Fine, helped me quite a lot during the negotiations until the Praetor got pretty frightened of her telepathical abilities with the time and chucked her out the talks.
[Picard in a low voice] : Is Ambassador Spock still politically active?
[Riker in a whisper] : Yes. But the reunion topic is still unpleasant. Although, with the new government under Praetor Talaran and Admiral Donatra's influence things have become more easier for the Federation to negotiate. But he has great difficulties to convince the military that opening up the borders and soften up the neutral zone will be beneficial to the empire. Fortunately, the hardliners in the Romulan fleet have fallen into discredit after Admiral Donatra has made the Reman coup d'etat public. But it doesn't mean that the opinion of the military has become insignificant. The Tal'Shiar has even been strengthened to avoid anything like the Shin'zon incident from happening again. The praetor is actually constantly fearing for his power or for showing any weakness, supposing the military could exploit an unstable situation. He has recently granted the Tal'Shiar an own fleet as an opposite pole to the military, to protect him.
[Picard concerned] : Does he directly control the fleet?
[Riker] : No, an Admiral has recently been assigned to lead the agency. But I don't know yet who it is. Captain, I have to warn you not to mention anything about Vulcans or the Remans. This would give the skeptical senators the chance to go on a rampage!
[They proceed to a door while talking. Two guards open it as they approach and reveal a big round room with several dozens Romulan senators sitting in a half circle on the one side, all turning back and staring at them as they enter. A magnificent golden bird of pray is suspended on the wall opposite the door holding the two planets Romulus and Remus in its claws. Below it there are four tables. Praetor Talaran sits on a rather unspectacular seat for a man of his position between the four inner tables. He is flanked by Admiral Donatra in a senator's cape and an empty seat.]
[The Praetor greets the two captains politely but solemnly without offering them a chair as they step down the stairs onto the large disc on the floor in the center of the senate with star charts grafted into it. They face the head of the Romulan Empire like criminals.]
[Praetor] : Greetings! Welcome on Romulus Captain Picard. I think it has not often happened that . two . Starfleet captains stand in the Romulan senate, actually it must be the first time. But I think you deserve it as our guest and friend of Romulus. If you had not stopped Shin'zon and his Reman slugs there may be no senate today.
[Picard smiling politely] : I am happy that you appreciate it. And I hope we will deepen the relationship between our peoples.
[Senator 1 interrupting] : But what guarantee can you give us that the Federation most of all the Vulcans won't use your so deepened relationship to expand your influence in our territory.
[Picard turns around to face him] : Yes, indeed it will be a risk, for both of us. But after the generation long hostility and our common fight against the Dominion, which together with the Borg Collective still present a big threat to the Alpha Quadrant. I think it's worth the risk.
[Commander Donatra stands up] : Just think what possibilities would open up for us. Trade an transfer of civil technology. A new peace treaty would allow us to access new resources and to rebuild our Empire which has still not fully recovered from the war.
[Senator 2 to Picard] : I just hope, Captain, that the Federation will be able to hold its blood dogs, those Klingons, by the leash!
[Picard] : Our relationship with the Klingons is thoroughly based on mutual respect. But to ease your tension, I have already spoken with Chancellor Martok and he ascertains us that the Klingons will not interfere in Romulan business once the peace treaty is signed.
[In this moment the door bangs open and a female voice rings through the senate] : Do Federation captains always sound so flimsy?
[Everyone looks up at the door. A blonde very human looking woman steps down the stairs.]
[She continues] : Your peace declarations may work on freshly born warp civilizations to make them join your lovely Federation, but it won't work on Romulans, at least not all of them!
[Praetor annoyed] : Admiral Sela, I have asked you to stay away from this meeting.
[Sela taking the empty seat on the Praetor's left seat] : I know Praetor. But the Tal'Shiar has always been concerned about the security of our people and about their leader.
[She stands up again facing the senators] : Senators a peace treaty and a less strictly controlled if not to say an uncontrolled neutral zone will mean the end of our Empire. The Federation and the Klingons could easily sneak into our territory. And I don't have to remind you that after the decline of the Cardassian Union and of the Breen military capacity, the power constellation of this quadrant stands 2 to 1 against us! Not even our mighty fleet before the Dominion war could stand up to an allied strike force of Starfleet and Klingon vessels surprising our colonies! I know human treachery from my own flesh! My human mother betrayed her husband and tried to kidnap me as I was still a child.
[Picard facing her] : Admiral Sela, if you had known your mother as I did, you must know that she had good reasons to flee from her marriage in which she has been forced. And the case that she tried to take you with her, proves how much she must have loved you.
[Sela with wild eyes] : Silence human! You have little right to stand in this noble hall and even less right to spread your lies! Praetor out of concern for our safety, I beg you to reconsider your opinion!
[Several senators] : She's right!
[Others] : She may be right in some cases! But we can trust the Tal'Shiar and the military even less than this human!
[General confusion, shouting, accusations]
[The Praetor stands up annoyed] : Silence, silence!
[The noise ebbs.]
[Praetor] : We will discuss this issue in the afternoon session and vote about it in a month. Admiral Donatra, please accompany our guest outside!
