Interlude 4
Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
Antilogic arrived at the Romulan Senate building promptly, but without rush - there was no reason to make it obvious to the Romulan leadership the nerves he felt. His suit was immaculate, his appearance well-kempt - he even managed a confident gait as he strode through the doors of the massive building. Being the leader of Federation foreign affairs was as much about appearance as it was about negotiation. He reminded himself to maintain this façade when leaving, regardless of what was about to happen in the meeting - for all he knew he would be leaving with a mission to inform the Federation president war had begun against the Romulans and the Dominion.
For that was how it appeared. Dominion intelligence were hitting the Federation. The Mercury tragedy. The discovery of the Dominion fleet. War was about to occur, and the Romulans were clearly ready to join the winning side. If they knew what Starfleet knew - and they surely did - Antilogic was in for a difficult meeting.
The Romulan Senate
The minister was ushered deep into the Senate Building, far beyond any part of the building he had seen before. He immediately took it to be a mistake, then, when he was guided into the senate chamber itself. A circular room, with rows of chairs surrounding a central speaking area, currently occupied by a single table filled with various food and drinks, and standing at one end was the Romulan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Mandukar. His counterpart in foreign affairs smiled - one of those welcoming, yet somehow sinister smiles Romulans were so good at - and waved a welcoming hand to sit with him.
As Antilogic walked down the steps to meet with the minister, he became aware of another presence in the room. Seated midway up, silent and staring intently at him, was another Romulan. For one moment Antilogic lost his cool and almost stumbled down the step in front of him - the third party was non other than the Praetor, leader of the Romulan Star Empire!
“Welcome, minister. May I pour you some of our ale?” the Romulan foreign minister said.
“Thank you,” Antilogic suppressed a grimace. He had drunk enough Romulan Ale at functions to last him a lifetime.
“Please sit, and try not to look so nervous.” Mandukar failed to suppress a knowing smile. “I realise bringing you in here without much information must be galling.”
“If I knew what romulans were thinking then, well,” Antilogic smiled, “I’d be a romulan myself.”
Minister Mandukar smiled at that. Antilogic took a long sip of the Romulan Ale, ignored the fire it ignited in his chest, and place the glass down. He pretended not to notice Mandukar smirking at him.
“The Dominion are the greatest power this galaxy has seen.” the Romulan minister said. “They control a vast region of space, wield fleets of powerful vessels and have an intelligence network far greater than any other power. Joining the Dominion means safety, power and influence.”
Antilogic said nothing. He made no movement. He hoped his tight grip wouldn’t shatter the glass. Mandukar stood up and put both hands on the table.
“The Romulan Star Empire will not join the Dominion.”
Antilogic was quiet. He matched the Romulan minister’s stare, and watched as his counterpart sat back down and took a deep drink of his own ale.
“You’ll excuse me for wanting to clarify, minister.” Antilogic said, feeling more confident than he felt, “But what exactly are you suggesting?”
To his right, Antilogic noticed the Praetor stir. Mandukar paused for a moment, then said, “My dear minister, isn’t it obvious? The Dominion must be stopped. It is obvious your Federation has been preparing itself for a war against them, so why fight alone?”
“You’re suggesting-”
“I am offering,” the minister interrupted. “A war pact. The Romulans and the Federation shall go to war against the Dominion. No tricks, no subterfuge. We shall sign it here, together, and destroy the Dominion threat, so the galaxy may have peace!”
Antilogic carefully lay back in his chair, and risked another sip of the ale…
Antilogic gets his Choose Your Own Adventure
1. The Federation accepts [War with the Dominion with a Romulan ally]
2. We cannot accept this. [No pact]
3. This is some Romulan trick! You shall pay! [War with the Romulans]