Epilogue
Former Proconsul Tomalak stood staring out the small window at the frozen vista of a planet he despised. He was betrayed. His lips twisted in furious disgust. Taeg was both a coward and a liar. He worked from within the Proconsul's office to exact his own agenda. The former aide had created alliances of his own. Tomalak was most disgusted to learn that his trusted second was also a member of the Tal Shiar.
It was disheartening to know that he had so misplaced his confidence.
For now the usurper Tal'Aura had secured her place as Praetor. It would not last long, Tomalak knew. He still had a few loyal Commanders within the Imperial Fleet. It was one of those trusted friend who had helped to extract him from Romulus when news that he had ordered the attack on the Federation ships had reached the Praetor. Tal'Aura had no love of the Federation, but to openly provoke them was not in the best interests of the Empire. She would not abide the betrayal.
Tomalak had known that, too, which was why he had not ordered the attack either. No, it was Taeg, whose true occupation had consolidated his own power among a few Imperial Commanders. Fear of the Tal Shiar was far reaching, but it would not last forever.
His dark eyes narrowed as he stared at the ice-covered landscape. In the aftermath he was whisked away, brought to this planet in the farthest reaches of Imperial space, near the vast emptiness of the Beta Quadrant. Here he would have to wait, bide his time while those loyal to him exacted his revenge.
He could be patient.
Taeg would pay for his betrayal. Tal'Aura would not sit long in the Praetor's seat, and Commander Donatra would know the punishment of siding with the Federation over her own people, and one day Starfleet would pay dearly for meddling in the affairs of his people.
This was his vow.
The End.
I want to thank everyone for the response, and for letting me play in this sandbox again. This was an absolute pleasure to write. I can only hope you enjoyed it too.