Chapter 8: Thunder, Lightning and the Remans
With a flash, Q and his guest were back in their regular clothing that was purple and gold. They were made invisible and no one could detect them walking around on the ship watching. Q even used blocking techniques as to not alarm Guinan. Q and his guest walked threw a few walls and into the Observation Lounge where they left off.
Shinzon eyed the room listening to Worf's thoughts of Ba'el's lovely eyes. He almost felt sick to his stomach thinking that he had similar thoughts of Allisa and had bedded Deanna. "Where to begin..." he had a slight smile on his face as he looked at each person again preparing to feel their reactions to what he was about to divulge. "When I took Remus and Romulas under my control, there were certain amounts of information that were passed to me. Other intel were obtained by my Viceroy's abilities. I also discovered a secret medical laboratory underground on Remus where experiments were being done on Remans. That was where my Viceroy, Vkruk..." Shinzon felt a tingle of pain at mentioning him and remembered his death, "...discovered records about me. That was when I set my sites on you, Captain." Shinzon and Picard arced their eyebrows at each other grimly then relaxed.
"A group of people were brought to me in my observation lounge. A few of you remember the room with stars for lighting?" A mental image of Deanna Troi flashed into his mind and Allisa almost giggled. "I was told if I did not get your blood Captain I would die shortly. I regret trying to kill you for my own life."
"My Reman warriors fought against various members of the Enterprise crew. One thing you did not know was there are casts within the Remans as well. The ones that fought the Enterprise were bread mainly for their intellect, after their growth age was obtained, not bronze. They were also not use to normal lighting that the Enterprise had. These were their certain disabilities, which caused them to be unsuccessful. I am glad of that because the course I was on was not the superlative choice. I see that now. And thanks to Geordi, Picard and your medical staff, I am alive and all seams to be well."
He turned his gaze from Picard to Worf. "A man will go to extreme lengths when he knows his life is at an end and promises are not accomplished. He will often hold out and prolong his life by his very will to not break his word. I vowed to my Reman brothers that I would have them free. They would be from the hatred and control of the Romulans and anyone else that may try and use them as slaves. At the time, I looked at everyone as the enemy." Looking at Worf he spoke to his mind only, 'honor demands no less then to hold to your vows...to do so at the expenditure of my own life.'
Shinzon started stalking around the room while he spoke. Permitting Allisa the pleasure her mind was pondering on. It was a feast at his leather pants again that she wanted. He heard her thoughts verging on the exotic while thinking of their mesmerizing kiss. Allisa sent him a message telepathically with seducing tones that made Shinzon turn to look into her eyes, 'When this meeting is over and you have spoken to the Remans. I want to see you in my counseling chamber.'
Shinzon understood what kind of counseling she was referring to. He used his telekinesis without anyone knowing in order to send a chill over her body. He circled around the room like a jungle panther drawing them all into his story. Picard looked at Allisa as she sank in her seat a few inches and closed her eyes for a moment. She could feel Shinzon's hand on her shoulder in a soft stroke. His hand moved over the front of her shirt and she felt the other hand graze her lips and caress her chin and neck. She was trying her best to not show the effect that the young clone had upon her. She felt his breath upon her face as his full lips delicately touched hers in a tempest wave that spread over her entire body.
She heard him whisper in her mind, 'Can you feel my hands? Are they real? Can you feel my lips?' Allisa let out an involuntary sigh and leaned her head back with her eyes closed at her pleasure from the secret encounter. She realized what she had done and girlishly stared at Shinzon. He flashed her a glair, as the understanding between them of their physical needs increased in heat.
Shinzon was surprised at himself for telling them the truth. Well, the parts he wanted and needed them to understand. "Kunak, and his female companion, Vernaka, are on their way here with Ba'el. Spock and Ba'el were brought to me along with a few leaders of the Unification. I had each one placed into a chamber with my Viceroy. I then entered and questioned them individually. I found Spock to be almost exactly how I read about him. I found Ba'el to be more Klingon than Romulan a few times in her demeanor. I had them both confined to a set of quarters that adjourned, so they could remain in each other's company and in safety. You see Worf, there was a dossier on her as well." With that he typed a few things into the computer on the wall. The screens flickered with her picture and medical information on it.
Worf started assimilating all the information into his being and memory. She was half Romulan and half Klingon. What he did not know was there was a gene of DNA in one sequence that should not be there. Doctor Berman started reviewing the information with the same intensity as Worf. The room became silent as they read background on Ba'el. There were entries that looked like regular yearly medical checkups, but the entries were every month. There were codes upon the information that were heavily encrypted.
Picard leaned back in his seat and felt satisfaction along with pain. Here before him was Shinzon, like the lost son he never had. On the other side there was the loss of Data. He remembered Data having asked him about the human ability to feel both such emotions at the same time and looked down at his hands thinking to himself, 'If Data were here, he could break the code in moments.' He looked back up at the group, "I want the information deciphered as soon as possible."
Shinzon looked at everyone's confusion and felt amused. He sat back in his chair and let the side of his leg brush against Allisa's. "That's not all." He stated matter of factually.
"Here Captain is a file on you and Renee." He punched in codes to have it transmitted to Picard's screen only. To that Picard stared reading everything and saved it to his personal files for later use. He also sent a copy to the Doctor's files for analysis. Shinzon, feeling like King for the day like he hadn't since he left the Scimitar, "Now there is the matter of the Remans."
Every person turned to him with inquisitive looks on their faces. "There is one main point you will not find on any documentation the Federation possesses. There are reasons as to why the Reman males were separated from the females. When a Reman male becomes of age, Growth Age, his body goes through a transformation. Kind of like human puberty, I suppose more like Klingon puberty. His body dramatically changes by increasing his muscle mass and intellect. Most of the Remans aboard the Scimitar were not at the period of growth age yet and were weaker in body and mind then Kunak and Vkruk."
Shinzon looked over at Allisa with a blank look knowing that she was told by Deanna a phrase he whispered in here ear about the old Reman ways. "The Reman can then be telepathically joined with a female. The Romulans know about the joining and selected the strongest males to mate with the strongest females before that period of coming of growth age as to stop any possible telepathic activity. In order for a joining to take place, they must mate and willingly allow each other's minds to merge as one."
"My old Viceroy, Vkruk, had been joined with a female after the time of Growth Age. He was able to do so by the help of another who had telepathic abilities deceiving the guards and acquired the telepathy with the help of his Reman female. He then learned who I was in the Romulan plan and set out to help me as one of his brothers in pain. Kunak has been joined with a female companion called Vernaka and those are the two Remans who are bringing Ba'el to us here on the Enterprise. There is nothing more to say." At that he leaned back in his seat and allowed the others to discuss what he disposed to them.
Allisa startled and got to her feet and looked around the room to everyone's dismay. "They are near by. I can hear them speaking to me. They are about an hour away." To that Picard dismissed everyone except one. "Shinzon, is there anything else you need to tell me?
Shinzon looked rather childlike with his expression, "Whatever are you referring to Jean-Luc?"
"You forget," Picard stated while leaning over the table closer to him. "I have a medallion on as well. Every day my abilities are increasing and I can sense you withholding intel."
Shinzon became his sinister self once again, "Oh, nothing for you to worry about Captain."
"We are not leaving here till you explain what is going on." Picard stood up and straightened his uniform as he usually does then sat down at the conference table once again.
Shinzon sat as well. "Very well, one thing is how the joining of the Remans takes place. In olden times a Reman female decides whom she wants first. If the male is accepting, then he will begin the mating rituals. To that the Reman female will bite him and drink some of his blood. Then and only then, will he do the same when they are mating. Their bodies will start to break down the blood and it feeds directly into their own blood causing a physical link between the two. After the physical, comes the mental link, which causes the joining. The combined power of their minds with the male at or after the Growth Age, is what causes both to experience telepathy."
Shinzon paused as Picard and himself pictured the Remans as vampires from Ancient Earth stories and both wondered in thought to each other's mind if Remans were ever stranded on Earth in the past. "Picard now that we think about it," Shinzon mused talking as if Picard and himself as one for amusement, "Remans look like Vampires. They don't like light and they do like drink blood. ha ha." Shinzon let out an almost inaudible laugh. Now it was Picard's turn to be amused at Shinzon.
"Some of the information I found was about the Federation. When I took over Romulus, there was a file of information that came to my attention about the Federation having Dominion operatives infiltrated in higher positions. These operatives were instructed to cause instability in the Federation and conflicts with the Romulans when the opportunity arrives. There was a mandate stating that one such shape shifter of the Dominion had seen the Remans as a threat. Since there is no way of knowing right off who has been replaced, I had determined to kill Earth and the Dominion first. There were other things behind that thought as well. I know it sounds appalling, but I believe you understand how my mind was working at that time."
Picard looked understandingly at Shinzon with the regard that reminded Shinzon of Deanna, "I can see how you came to that conclusion. I had only wished you would have been more honest with me and we could have worked through it. I am very thankful, as I have told you before that we have had this chance. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to protect the Remans and you from anyone who may try to take advantage of them or you. I hope you know that also includes protecting you from the Federation. We are family now as we have talked before. You understand that I also view some of the crew here to be family as well. I want you to be open with me and I will be open with you. We are Picards. You have a tie to the Remans and I respect that. I have a tie to the Federation and I believe you are respecting that."
Shinzon spoke up, "Yes, we are Picards. You are my blood family, but the Remans were my family growing up. More so then you know. I will speak this to you, because I know your medical staff will find it out and I want you to hear it from me first. The DNA alteration in Ba'el is also present in me. One of the reasons you and I are not exactly identical." Shinzon touched his soft lips with his finger tips. "You can tell my lips are a little different then yours. Unless I receive some medical alterations, I will not be able to grow hair on top of my head." Shinzon placed his left hand on his temple then ran it backwards in a motion like a man brushing hair from his eyes.
"It is a very small change and only the most up to date technology can distinguish the alteration. It is a section of a gene the Romulans placed within Ba'el and me when we were created. Ba'el's father had her mother impregnated with an embryo that was made from both of them with the gene alteration during one of her medical checkups. I am still trying to find out what its function is. There are exceedingly fewer Romulans that know about it and the ones I sought for were already dead. When I told you on the Scimitar that I was not exactly human and we are a bread for war, there was some truth to that not just sarcasm." To that, both men smiled.
"Inorder for us to all work together and find out what is really going on I need Allisa and a few other members of Star Fleet to know of all of this." Picard said while lowering his head to some extent.
"Only to those you trust and have tested in some way to absolutely know they have not been killed by the Dominion and replaced by a shape shifter." Shinzon spoke unhurriedly and quietly. "Who did you have in mind?"
"Well for starters: Allisa, Riker, Troi, Geordi, Worf, Admiral Janeway, and Doctor Crusher." Picard stood taller in his stance at the thought of testing each person to make sure they were who he knew them to be.
"Captain Picard." A voice chimed into the conversation.
"Picard here." Jean-Luc answered.
"There is a communication for you from Captain Riker." A member from the bridge spoke.
"Very well, I'll receive it in my Ready Room." Picard heard Shinzon's thoughts telepathically, 'We can conclude our talk when the Remans and Ba'el reach our ship. It will not be long now.' Picard turned to the exit and stopped because Allisa walked into the chamber. "Ah, just the person I was about to locate. I need you to accompany me to my Ready Room. There is a communication from Captain Riker and Troi."
Allisa nodded in acceptance as Picard walked out the door. Allisa smiled at Shinzon and whispered to his mind, 'Remember I expect to see you in my counselor chambers after you are done welcoming the Remans. We need time for some counseling.' Shinzon nodded to her with lowered eyes and sent her a telepathic message of an image of when they were kissing previously. He could feel her heart start to beat faster at the image and his own heart for that matter. Allisa obeyed Picard and followed to his Ready Room.
While Shinzon was walking to his room, he found himself at a distance behind the exquisite Trill Paulera from Sick Bay. She was with a member of the Engineering Core, Sergio, who had tried to gain Allisa's attention the day Shinzon had met her. He could not prevent himself from reading their thoughts about each other. He then caught a flicker in Sergio's mind of the two of them locked in arms kissing fervently as he had with Paulera. Shinzon felt a quiver of jealousy at the thoughts Paulera had about Sergio being attractive and clever.
Shinzon felt both of them experience a little stunned emotion at the man who just rounded the corner. Paulera and Sergio felt immediate attraction to the tall strikingly muscular male Trill. Shinzon had a malevolent sneer on his face as he whispered, "Now that's interesting." Shinzon started eavesdropping to the tall Trills mind and he nodded at the couple and started toward him. 'So this is the Astronomer Damerin McClure reviewing the alien object. He also had all the female's attention aboard this ship,' Shinzon thought to himself. Shinzon was troubled at not being able to read his mind further then just conscious thought.
He followed Sergio and Paulera for a few minutes after Damerin left. He listened to them chatting over Sergio being asked to take over Beverly in the theatrical department for entertainment. Aparently Sergio was looking for officers to be certain parts in his reenactment of Ancient Earth Literature.
Shinzon turned the corner and could perceive Worf at the next turn and remembered the diminutive confrontation in the Observation Lounge. Shinzon looked up to see Worf's massive frame towering over him. "So it has come to this my Klingon friend."
Worf gleamed at him, "I am no friend of yours."
Shinzon walked to the holodeck door, "Computer, execute program Worf's failure."
Worf lets out a slight growl at his use of the words execute and failure, "I will not be the one failing here."
Shinzon walked into the deck and his leather pants changed into Ancient Earth Oriental fighting uniform Worf noted. Shinzon turned to face him taking a familiar stance, "Well you might be the one flailing." Shinzon finding himself amused at his own word choice. Shinzon understood if he concealed his telekinesis powers and fought fairly without getting killed that Worf might allow him into his circle.
"Ah, Captain Riker how good to see you again." Picard looked into the screen at Riker with Troi sitting in the background pretending to read. Picard had Allisa sit behind him and instructed her to connect with Troi telepathically during Riker and his conversation. He could not chance anyone overhearing anything. He thought that the telepathic transmission would not be translatable to any infiltrators who may be spying on their subspace communication.
Riker spoke to Picard concerning the talks with the Romulan and Reman council while both Betazoid women divulged everything they knew. Allisa spoke about what Shinzon told in the observation lounge to the group and personally to Picard. Deanna told about the Romulans and Remans trying to decipher the alien device they had. They ended the communication and the telepaths told their captains all they had heard.
Commander Maiden asked for a word with Picard. Commander Maiden told a strange story from Astronomics, "I went down there as you requested. Al you know Commander Sealt is in charge as Chief. His number one is Lieutenant Stupinshin who assists him in running things wherever he is needed. Then there are three people in charge of each of the specialists. Lieutenant Dortan is over the scientists. Lieutenant Kerst is over the engineers. While Lieutenant Se'tal is over the astronomers. Each group works together when needed to experement."
"I entered and seen Lieutenant Jack Dortan who is in charge of all the scientists in Astronomics doing sensor reading calibrations on the stars. I wondered why the person who is at his ranking for scientists is doing an ensign job for the astronomers. A few minutes later Ensign Curre came and took over for him."
"Lieutenant Stupinshin seen me entering another room there and came to speak to me. He informed me that Dortan was disrespectful to him and when asked to perform tasks said no and walked away. I asked him for an instance. He told me they needed someone to take over sensors for a few minutes just now and he said such a job was under him and slammed his fist on a table. Later I talked to Dortan and he confirmed he was training a new ensign and was pulled away to do sensors." Maiden paused and took a sip of the drink Picard offered him.
"When I told him of Stupinshin's accusations, he smiled and looked at the floor. He continued to explain to me that Stupinshin is responsible for the last 2 Chiefs leaving. He also said that he is trying to get Ensign Curre in his job. Dortan gave me examples of where following Stupinshin's orders cause him reprimands. I checked the records and Dortan was correct. I would also like to point out I told Dortan I seen him on the sensors and told him I would check into things."
"I would suggest finding a way of transferring Stupinshin off the Enterprise. I guess it is common knowledge that Stupinshin is manipulating things. Geordi told me that he is as tricky as a Ferengi. He also said he is as unhappy as a Klingon at a Betazoid wedding over not getting the Chief job for the third time." Maiden said with a rising voice.
Picard looked at his tea and sent a communication to Star Fleet concerning the matter of transferring the Stupinshins. "Number one, I would like for you to look farther into this and write a report for me and place one in Stupinshin's file for Star Fleet to consider as they place him somewhere else. I will not have this kind of activity on my ship. Stupinshin informed me he had complaints and will have a report to me in an hour. I will send a memo telling him to give you a copy. I want you to look into his claims, but I assume they are false. In three days, I would like your report finished. And by the way, don't let anyone know we are transferring him and his wife till the orders come in. I would like at that time for you to help the Chief find a replacement for his first officer."
Fifteen minutes later the Enterprise was hailed by a cloked Reman ship. The first officer turned pale when the ship decloked off the port side. "Captain Picard to the bridge."
"I will be there momentarily." Picard responded by calling Allisa and Shinzon to the bridge as well.
Shinzon entered the turbolift that was already occupied by Picard. "Shinzon, what happened?" Picard was startled and it showed in his voice.
Shinzon touched the cuts on his neck, "I had a run in with your Klingon."
Picard tried to control himself and remain steady, "What happened?"
Shinzon smiled a little and licked some of the blood from off of his lip, "I believe what happened is, I made a friend the hard way. I have to say I just loved the thought of fighting a Klingon to the death. But alas both of us are still alive and I did my best to fight in Klingon honor."
"Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept.
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream:
The Genius and the mortal instruments
Are then in council; and the state of man,
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection."
"You will have to tell me more later, after we talk with the Remans. I think it best if you go to Sick Bay and let the doctor check you over." Picard's expression turned from stony and unwavering to the amused one of Shinzon's. Picard thought of the Remans who would be waiting for them, "Sir, 'tis your brother Cassius at the door, Who doth desire to see you."
With a flash, Q and his guest were back in their regular clothing that was purple and gold. They were made invisible and no one could detect them walking around on the ship watching. Q even used blocking techniques as to not alarm Guinan. Q and his guest walked threw a few walls and into the Observation Lounge where they left off.
Shinzon eyed the room listening to Worf's thoughts of Ba'el's lovely eyes. He almost felt sick to his stomach thinking that he had similar thoughts of Allisa and had bedded Deanna. "Where to begin..." he had a slight smile on his face as he looked at each person again preparing to feel their reactions to what he was about to divulge. "When I took Remus and Romulas under my control, there were certain amounts of information that were passed to me. Other intel were obtained by my Viceroy's abilities. I also discovered a secret medical laboratory underground on Remus where experiments were being done on Remans. That was where my Viceroy, Vkruk..." Shinzon felt a tingle of pain at mentioning him and remembered his death, "...discovered records about me. That was when I set my sites on you, Captain." Shinzon and Picard arced their eyebrows at each other grimly then relaxed.
"A group of people were brought to me in my observation lounge. A few of you remember the room with stars for lighting?" A mental image of Deanna Troi flashed into his mind and Allisa almost giggled. "I was told if I did not get your blood Captain I would die shortly. I regret trying to kill you for my own life."
"My Reman warriors fought against various members of the Enterprise crew. One thing you did not know was there are casts within the Remans as well. The ones that fought the Enterprise were bread mainly for their intellect, after their growth age was obtained, not bronze. They were also not use to normal lighting that the Enterprise had. These were their certain disabilities, which caused them to be unsuccessful. I am glad of that because the course I was on was not the superlative choice. I see that now. And thanks to Geordi, Picard and your medical staff, I am alive and all seams to be well."
He turned his gaze from Picard to Worf. "A man will go to extreme lengths when he knows his life is at an end and promises are not accomplished. He will often hold out and prolong his life by his very will to not break his word. I vowed to my Reman brothers that I would have them free. They would be from the hatred and control of the Romulans and anyone else that may try and use them as slaves. At the time, I looked at everyone as the enemy." Looking at Worf he spoke to his mind only, 'honor demands no less then to hold to your vows...to do so at the expenditure of my own life.'
Shinzon started stalking around the room while he spoke. Permitting Allisa the pleasure her mind was pondering on. It was a feast at his leather pants again that she wanted. He heard her thoughts verging on the exotic while thinking of their mesmerizing kiss. Allisa sent him a message telepathically with seducing tones that made Shinzon turn to look into her eyes, 'When this meeting is over and you have spoken to the Remans. I want to see you in my counseling chamber.'
Shinzon understood what kind of counseling she was referring to. He used his telekinesis without anyone knowing in order to send a chill over her body. He circled around the room like a jungle panther drawing them all into his story. Picard looked at Allisa as she sank in her seat a few inches and closed her eyes for a moment. She could feel Shinzon's hand on her shoulder in a soft stroke. His hand moved over the front of her shirt and she felt the other hand graze her lips and caress her chin and neck. She was trying her best to not show the effect that the young clone had upon her. She felt his breath upon her face as his full lips delicately touched hers in a tempest wave that spread over her entire body.
She heard him whisper in her mind, 'Can you feel my hands? Are they real? Can you feel my lips?' Allisa let out an involuntary sigh and leaned her head back with her eyes closed at her pleasure from the secret encounter. She realized what she had done and girlishly stared at Shinzon. He flashed her a glair, as the understanding between them of their physical needs increased in heat.
Shinzon was surprised at himself for telling them the truth. Well, the parts he wanted and needed them to understand. "Kunak, and his female companion, Vernaka, are on their way here with Ba'el. Spock and Ba'el were brought to me along with a few leaders of the Unification. I had each one placed into a chamber with my Viceroy. I then entered and questioned them individually. I found Spock to be almost exactly how I read about him. I found Ba'el to be more Klingon than Romulan a few times in her demeanor. I had them both confined to a set of quarters that adjourned, so they could remain in each other's company and in safety. You see Worf, there was a dossier on her as well." With that he typed a few things into the computer on the wall. The screens flickered with her picture and medical information on it.
Worf started assimilating all the information into his being and memory. She was half Romulan and half Klingon. What he did not know was there was a gene of DNA in one sequence that should not be there. Doctor Berman started reviewing the information with the same intensity as Worf. The room became silent as they read background on Ba'el. There were entries that looked like regular yearly medical checkups, but the entries were every month. There were codes upon the information that were heavily encrypted.
Picard leaned back in his seat and felt satisfaction along with pain. Here before him was Shinzon, like the lost son he never had. On the other side there was the loss of Data. He remembered Data having asked him about the human ability to feel both such emotions at the same time and looked down at his hands thinking to himself, 'If Data were here, he could break the code in moments.' He looked back up at the group, "I want the information deciphered as soon as possible."
Shinzon looked at everyone's confusion and felt amused. He sat back in his chair and let the side of his leg brush against Allisa's. "That's not all." He stated matter of factually.
"Here Captain is a file on you and Renee." He punched in codes to have it transmitted to Picard's screen only. To that Picard stared reading everything and saved it to his personal files for later use. He also sent a copy to the Doctor's files for analysis. Shinzon, feeling like King for the day like he hadn't since he left the Scimitar, "Now there is the matter of the Remans."
Every person turned to him with inquisitive looks on their faces. "There is one main point you will not find on any documentation the Federation possesses. There are reasons as to why the Reman males were separated from the females. When a Reman male becomes of age, Growth Age, his body goes through a transformation. Kind of like human puberty, I suppose more like Klingon puberty. His body dramatically changes by increasing his muscle mass and intellect. Most of the Remans aboard the Scimitar were not at the period of growth age yet and were weaker in body and mind then Kunak and Vkruk."
Shinzon looked over at Allisa with a blank look knowing that she was told by Deanna a phrase he whispered in here ear about the old Reman ways. "The Reman can then be telepathically joined with a female. The Romulans know about the joining and selected the strongest males to mate with the strongest females before that period of coming of growth age as to stop any possible telepathic activity. In order for a joining to take place, they must mate and willingly allow each other's minds to merge as one."
"My old Viceroy, Vkruk, had been joined with a female after the time of Growth Age. He was able to do so by the help of another who had telepathic abilities deceiving the guards and acquired the telepathy with the help of his Reman female. He then learned who I was in the Romulan plan and set out to help me as one of his brothers in pain. Kunak has been joined with a female companion called Vernaka and those are the two Remans who are bringing Ba'el to us here on the Enterprise. There is nothing more to say." At that he leaned back in his seat and allowed the others to discuss what he disposed to them.
Allisa startled and got to her feet and looked around the room to everyone's dismay. "They are near by. I can hear them speaking to me. They are about an hour away." To that Picard dismissed everyone except one. "Shinzon, is there anything else you need to tell me?
Shinzon looked rather childlike with his expression, "Whatever are you referring to Jean-Luc?"
"You forget," Picard stated while leaning over the table closer to him. "I have a medallion on as well. Every day my abilities are increasing and I can sense you withholding intel."
Shinzon became his sinister self once again, "Oh, nothing for you to worry about Captain."
"We are not leaving here till you explain what is going on." Picard stood up and straightened his uniform as he usually does then sat down at the conference table once again.
Shinzon sat as well. "Very well, one thing is how the joining of the Remans takes place. In olden times a Reman female decides whom she wants first. If the male is accepting, then he will begin the mating rituals. To that the Reman female will bite him and drink some of his blood. Then and only then, will he do the same when they are mating. Their bodies will start to break down the blood and it feeds directly into their own blood causing a physical link between the two. After the physical, comes the mental link, which causes the joining. The combined power of their minds with the male at or after the Growth Age, is what causes both to experience telepathy."
Shinzon paused as Picard and himself pictured the Remans as vampires from Ancient Earth stories and both wondered in thought to each other's mind if Remans were ever stranded on Earth in the past. "Picard now that we think about it," Shinzon mused talking as if Picard and himself as one for amusement, "Remans look like Vampires. They don't like light and they do like drink blood. ha ha." Shinzon let out an almost inaudible laugh. Now it was Picard's turn to be amused at Shinzon.
"Some of the information I found was about the Federation. When I took over Romulus, there was a file of information that came to my attention about the Federation having Dominion operatives infiltrated in higher positions. These operatives were instructed to cause instability in the Federation and conflicts with the Romulans when the opportunity arrives. There was a mandate stating that one such shape shifter of the Dominion had seen the Remans as a threat. Since there is no way of knowing right off who has been replaced, I had determined to kill Earth and the Dominion first. There were other things behind that thought as well. I know it sounds appalling, but I believe you understand how my mind was working at that time."
Picard looked understandingly at Shinzon with the regard that reminded Shinzon of Deanna, "I can see how you came to that conclusion. I had only wished you would have been more honest with me and we could have worked through it. I am very thankful, as I have told you before that we have had this chance. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to protect the Remans and you from anyone who may try to take advantage of them or you. I hope you know that also includes protecting you from the Federation. We are family now as we have talked before. You understand that I also view some of the crew here to be family as well. I want you to be open with me and I will be open with you. We are Picards. You have a tie to the Remans and I respect that. I have a tie to the Federation and I believe you are respecting that."
Shinzon spoke up, "Yes, we are Picards. You are my blood family, but the Remans were my family growing up. More so then you know. I will speak this to you, because I know your medical staff will find it out and I want you to hear it from me first. The DNA alteration in Ba'el is also present in me. One of the reasons you and I are not exactly identical." Shinzon touched his soft lips with his finger tips. "You can tell my lips are a little different then yours. Unless I receive some medical alterations, I will not be able to grow hair on top of my head." Shinzon placed his left hand on his temple then ran it backwards in a motion like a man brushing hair from his eyes.
"It is a very small change and only the most up to date technology can distinguish the alteration. It is a section of a gene the Romulans placed within Ba'el and me when we were created. Ba'el's father had her mother impregnated with an embryo that was made from both of them with the gene alteration during one of her medical checkups. I am still trying to find out what its function is. There are exceedingly fewer Romulans that know about it and the ones I sought for were already dead. When I told you on the Scimitar that I was not exactly human and we are a bread for war, there was some truth to that not just sarcasm." To that, both men smiled.
"Inorder for us to all work together and find out what is really going on I need Allisa and a few other members of Star Fleet to know of all of this." Picard said while lowering his head to some extent.
"Only to those you trust and have tested in some way to absolutely know they have not been killed by the Dominion and replaced by a shape shifter." Shinzon spoke unhurriedly and quietly. "Who did you have in mind?"
"Well for starters: Allisa, Riker, Troi, Geordi, Worf, Admiral Janeway, and Doctor Crusher." Picard stood taller in his stance at the thought of testing each person to make sure they were who he knew them to be.
"Captain Picard." A voice chimed into the conversation.
"Picard here." Jean-Luc answered.
"There is a communication for you from Captain Riker." A member from the bridge spoke.
"Very well, I'll receive it in my Ready Room." Picard heard Shinzon's thoughts telepathically, 'We can conclude our talk when the Remans and Ba'el reach our ship. It will not be long now.' Picard turned to the exit and stopped because Allisa walked into the chamber. "Ah, just the person I was about to locate. I need you to accompany me to my Ready Room. There is a communication from Captain Riker and Troi."
Allisa nodded in acceptance as Picard walked out the door. Allisa smiled at Shinzon and whispered to his mind, 'Remember I expect to see you in my counselor chambers after you are done welcoming the Remans. We need time for some counseling.' Shinzon nodded to her with lowered eyes and sent her a telepathic message of an image of when they were kissing previously. He could feel her heart start to beat faster at the image and his own heart for that matter. Allisa obeyed Picard and followed to his Ready Room.
While Shinzon was walking to his room, he found himself at a distance behind the exquisite Trill Paulera from Sick Bay. She was with a member of the Engineering Core, Sergio, who had tried to gain Allisa's attention the day Shinzon had met her. He could not prevent himself from reading their thoughts about each other. He then caught a flicker in Sergio's mind of the two of them locked in arms kissing fervently as he had with Paulera. Shinzon felt a quiver of jealousy at the thoughts Paulera had about Sergio being attractive and clever.
Shinzon felt both of them experience a little stunned emotion at the man who just rounded the corner. Paulera and Sergio felt immediate attraction to the tall strikingly muscular male Trill. Shinzon had a malevolent sneer on his face as he whispered, "Now that's interesting." Shinzon started eavesdropping to the tall Trills mind and he nodded at the couple and started toward him. 'So this is the Astronomer Damerin McClure reviewing the alien object. He also had all the female's attention aboard this ship,' Shinzon thought to himself. Shinzon was troubled at not being able to read his mind further then just conscious thought.
He followed Sergio and Paulera for a few minutes after Damerin left. He listened to them chatting over Sergio being asked to take over Beverly in the theatrical department for entertainment. Aparently Sergio was looking for officers to be certain parts in his reenactment of Ancient Earth Literature.
Shinzon turned the corner and could perceive Worf at the next turn and remembered the diminutive confrontation in the Observation Lounge. Shinzon looked up to see Worf's massive frame towering over him. "So it has come to this my Klingon friend."
Worf gleamed at him, "I am no friend of yours."
Shinzon walked to the holodeck door, "Computer, execute program Worf's failure."
Worf lets out a slight growl at his use of the words execute and failure, "I will not be the one failing here."
Shinzon walked into the deck and his leather pants changed into Ancient Earth Oriental fighting uniform Worf noted. Shinzon turned to face him taking a familiar stance, "Well you might be the one flailing." Shinzon finding himself amused at his own word choice. Shinzon understood if he concealed his telekinesis powers and fought fairly without getting killed that Worf might allow him into his circle.
"Ah, Captain Riker how good to see you again." Picard looked into the screen at Riker with Troi sitting in the background pretending to read. Picard had Allisa sit behind him and instructed her to connect with Troi telepathically during Riker and his conversation. He could not chance anyone overhearing anything. He thought that the telepathic transmission would not be translatable to any infiltrators who may be spying on their subspace communication.
Riker spoke to Picard concerning the talks with the Romulan and Reman council while both Betazoid women divulged everything they knew. Allisa spoke about what Shinzon told in the observation lounge to the group and personally to Picard. Deanna told about the Romulans and Remans trying to decipher the alien device they had. They ended the communication and the telepaths told their captains all they had heard.
Commander Maiden asked for a word with Picard. Commander Maiden told a strange story from Astronomics, "I went down there as you requested. Al you know Commander Sealt is in charge as Chief. His number one is Lieutenant Stupinshin who assists him in running things wherever he is needed. Then there are three people in charge of each of the specialists. Lieutenant Dortan is over the scientists. Lieutenant Kerst is over the engineers. While Lieutenant Se'tal is over the astronomers. Each group works together when needed to experement."
"I entered and seen Lieutenant Jack Dortan who is in charge of all the scientists in Astronomics doing sensor reading calibrations on the stars. I wondered why the person who is at his ranking for scientists is doing an ensign job for the astronomers. A few minutes later Ensign Curre came and took over for him."
"Lieutenant Stupinshin seen me entering another room there and came to speak to me. He informed me that Dortan was disrespectful to him and when asked to perform tasks said no and walked away. I asked him for an instance. He told me they needed someone to take over sensors for a few minutes just now and he said such a job was under him and slammed his fist on a table. Later I talked to Dortan and he confirmed he was training a new ensign and was pulled away to do sensors." Maiden paused and took a sip of the drink Picard offered him.
"When I told him of Stupinshin's accusations, he smiled and looked at the floor. He continued to explain to me that Stupinshin is responsible for the last 2 Chiefs leaving. He also said that he is trying to get Ensign Curre in his job. Dortan gave me examples of where following Stupinshin's orders cause him reprimands. I checked the records and Dortan was correct. I would also like to point out I told Dortan I seen him on the sensors and told him I would check into things."
"I would suggest finding a way of transferring Stupinshin off the Enterprise. I guess it is common knowledge that Stupinshin is manipulating things. Geordi told me that he is as tricky as a Ferengi. He also said he is as unhappy as a Klingon at a Betazoid wedding over not getting the Chief job for the third time." Maiden said with a rising voice.
Picard looked at his tea and sent a communication to Star Fleet concerning the matter of transferring the Stupinshins. "Number one, I would like for you to look farther into this and write a report for me and place one in Stupinshin's file for Star Fleet to consider as they place him somewhere else. I will not have this kind of activity on my ship. Stupinshin informed me he had complaints and will have a report to me in an hour. I will send a memo telling him to give you a copy. I want you to look into his claims, but I assume they are false. In three days, I would like your report finished. And by the way, don't let anyone know we are transferring him and his wife till the orders come in. I would like at that time for you to help the Chief find a replacement for his first officer."
Fifteen minutes later the Enterprise was hailed by a cloked Reman ship. The first officer turned pale when the ship decloked off the port side. "Captain Picard to the bridge."
"I will be there momentarily." Picard responded by calling Allisa and Shinzon to the bridge as well.
Shinzon entered the turbolift that was already occupied by Picard. "Shinzon, what happened?" Picard was startled and it showed in his voice.
Shinzon touched the cuts on his neck, "I had a run in with your Klingon."
Picard tried to control himself and remain steady, "What happened?"
Shinzon smiled a little and licked some of the blood from off of his lip, "I believe what happened is, I made a friend the hard way. I have to say I just loved the thought of fighting a Klingon to the death. But alas both of us are still alive and I did my best to fight in Klingon honor."
"Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept.
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream:
The Genius and the mortal instruments
Are then in council; and the state of man,
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection."
"You will have to tell me more later, after we talk with the Remans. I think it best if you go to Sick Bay and let the doctor check you over." Picard's expression turned from stony and unwavering to the amused one of Shinzon's. Picard thought of the Remans who would be waiting for them, "Sir, 'tis your brother Cassius at the door, Who doth desire to see you."