The high Romulan council had nothing to say to the sinister man who stood before them. The dark room was as silent as the space outside, but inside the minds of the council, a war was raging. That was what the man wanted. The smallest of smiles glided over his lips.
"My friends," he spoke smoothly. "What do you have to say about my proposal?"
The high councilor's ancient bones creaked as he stood. Idly, the man wondered how old he was; Romulans led long and eventful lives.
"Your proposal is most interesting." he said. "However, I alone am not the council." He surveyed the solemn faces at the table. "Therefore, I need to know the other members' thoughts."
Despite his placid face, the man could not help but lean forward, as if to lap up the doubts of the council.
"Rel'Gath," Finally a councilor spoke. "I believe that your idea could be of great help to our people. The Federation has been a thorn in Romulus' side for far to long. I will support you." Around the table Romulan heads nodded in agreement. Rel'Gath noticed one, however who did not, his eyebrows forming a deep V in his forehead. He was worried by this. He did not expect all the council to share the same ideas, but Skarak was a young and important addition to the council. He would have to be taken care of.
"I am glad you agree, Sa'Kral," Rel'Gath said, respectfully lowering his head.
"Fe'Dar," Skarak now spoke up to the high councilor. "I must point out, on behalf of the Federation, that they have never openly attacked us. If relations were to be established, they could become a powerful ally. Otherwise, they are a formidable enemy."
"Your point is taken, Skarak," Fe'Dar answered.
"You are right in saying that the Federation is formidable," Sa'Kral, the Romulan who agreed with the proposal said. "But if we go with Rel'Gath's idea, the Federation would be easily destroyed and we would conquer all of its planets."
"That is assuming it works," Skarak countered.
"Enough!" Fe'Dar stood again. "Since it seems there are different views on this matter, we shall vote. All in favor of Rel'Gath's proposal, stand."
Wonderful, Rel'Gath saw all of the council, except Skarak, rise. Skarak is not long to the council. When he is gone, my plan will be put to action. The Federation and the Enterprise will face their destruction.
"Fools!" Skarak stood, slamming his hands on the table, his eyes wild with uncovered rage. "His plan is flawed!"
Rel'Gath suppressed the urge to leap at his throat. Keep calm! Skarak continued his rant. "You can't listen to him! He's a human himself! He knows nothing-"
"Stop Skarak!" Fe'Dar demanded. "You cannot control yourself. You are dismissed!"
No one moved. The room was as tight as a wound thruster coil. Skarak closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He turned and almost ran out the door, but not before scorching Rel'Gath with red-hot anger.
"Forgive him," the high councilor said. "He is young." Rel'Gath nodded and Fe'Dar continued. " The council will meet again tomorrow, at 1400 hours. We will discuss this again then."
The council stood as one and walked out of the room. Rel'Gath sat back in his chair and sighed. Another day of Romulan ethics. He didn't have unlimited time! He did have to deal with the upstart, however.
From his pocket he drew a communicator. It bleeped cheerily as he flipped it open.
"Sterick, meet me in my quarters. We have some work to do."