Sorok chose that moment to make it clear that he did not share T’Rel’s apparent approval of the Unificationists. “Ambassador Spock’s faction claims to seek the cultural, political, and philosophical reunion of the sundered worlds of Vulcan and Romulus. It is Spock’s stated belief that this development represents the onlyviable path toward a permanent peace between the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation.”

“I take it you don’t exactly agree with Spock’s appraisal of Romulan-Vulcan relations, Sorok,” said Commander Ra-Havreii, a wry smile crossing the Efrosian’s usually melancholy countenance.

After exchanging cryptic yet clearly significant looks with both T’Sevek and T’Rel, Sorok turned to face the starship designer. “Proponents of Ambassador Spock’s Unificationist viewpoint see remolding Romulus in Vulcan’s image as necessary and desirable—”

“As well as inevitable,” T’Sevek said, interrupting.

Troi noted that Sorok’s composure remained unassailable—but only on the outside. “That inevitability is open to debate, T’Sevek. In truth, any effort at reuniting Vulcan and Romulus may just as ‘inevitably’ lead to Vulcan’s transformation into a second Romulus. In fact, a poll taken only days ago reveals that a majority of Vulcans stands with me on this issue. That is to say, most Vulcans believe that Spock’s endeavors on Romulus are far too risky.”

“A political majority can be transitory,” T’Sevek said coolly. “Particularly such a narrow one.”

T’Rel remained silent, though the cold glare she was casting at Sorok betrayed a deep belief in Vulcan logic—a belief that wouldn’t yield to Sorok’s obvious apprehensions about Romulan conquest, however well justified they might be.

Vulcan must be split right down the middle on this,Troi thought. And she wondered, not for the first time, why her first official mission as Titan’s diplomatic officer had to be such a damned tough one.

“The debate regarding Vulcan-Romulan unification is not confined to Vulcan,” Akaar said, reasserting control over the proceedings. “Since the fall of the Romulan Senate, even the Federation Council has begun considering the issue very seriously. In the wake of the political instability within the Empire, some on the Security Council have even suggested withdrawing the official assistance the Federation recently offered to the Unificationists. That, in my view, would be an enormousmistake, since the Unification movement may well prove to be the only Federation-friendly political bloc able to wield power of any consequence—assuming we are there to assist them when they need us.”

“For what it’s worth, Admiral,” Will said, “I agree with you completely. We have to help the Unification movement gain enough political traction to become a major player in whatever power-sharing arrangements emerge on Romulus.”

“I hate to be the one to bring this up, Admiral,” said Science Officer Jaza, a Bajoran, “but we technically haven’t even been invitedto Romulus yet. As far as I can tell from the background briefing material, the new praetor has agreed only to have her representatives meet us and the other ships in our task force at specific coordinates inside the Neutral Zone.”

Once again, Troi was tempted to ask Akaar whether any more ships were coming to join them, but she held her tongue as Jaza held his ground against Akaar’s stony stare.

“Fortunately, Commander,” the admiral said in measured tones, “I have access to somewhat more up-to-the-minute information than you do about the Romulan praetor and her willingness to do business with us—as well as the temperament of the other faction leaders. With the assistance of members of the Federation Council, I have already set up an introductory meeting on Romulus between Captain Riker, Praetor Tal’Aura’s faction, and the senior Reman leadership.”

Speaking directly to Will, Akaar added, “Your first task, Captain, will be to run that initial meeting and see to it that everyone is still willing to negotiate and compromise at the end of it. You will carry the negotiations forward from there, with the full support of me and my staff.”

And make sure the Romulans and Remans don’t immediately start killing each other,Troi thought, swallowing hard.

“I’m looking forward to it, sir,” Will said without hesitation. Then he turned slightly to his left and cast an almost pleading glance directly at Troi, who could feel apprehension radiating from him in waves. She had to admit that she was producing a goodly quantity of that same emotion herself. I’m going to need you like I’ve never needed you before,Imzadi, he seemed to be saying, though he hadn’t spoken aloud.

“I’m curious, Admiral,” said Vale. “Why isn’t Ambassador Spock’s group being represented at this ‘pre-meeting’?”

Troi immediately felt herself responding to a surge of renewed hope coming from Will. Surely the former Federation ambassador’s vast experience would be an asset at any Romulan power-sharing meeting, however preliminary it might be.

But Will’s newfound sense of optimism began receding like the tide as Akaar sadly shook his head. “Ambassador Spock’s communications with the Federation have been sporadic at best since his most recent sojourn across the Neutral Zone more than two standard years ago. And we appear to have lost contact with him altogether some six weeks ago. He failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with President Bacco, but sent no messages to explain his absence.”

“Do you think he’s dead?” Will asked.

“Just prior to the slaying of the Senate, one of our on-site operatives confirmed that Ambassador Spock was alive and still in charge of the Unification movement. After President Bacco was sworn in, Spock once again contacted the Federation to schedule meetings with the president and the security council. But he never attended those meetings, and never contacted anyone to explain why.

“What has become of him during the intervening seven weeks, we simply do not know. Every subsequent attempt to contact the ambassador, or to ascertain his condition, has met with failure. Even the operative who made the most recent face-to-face contact with him—a meeting confirmed by Spock himself shortly before his own disappearance—has vanished.”

“If I may, Admiral,” said Sorok, who patiently waited for Akaar’s nod before continuing. “Even if Ambassador Spock were a confirmed participant in the upcoming diplomatic meetings with the Romulans, I believe it would be a mistake to place too much reliance on his political influence.”

Troi couldn’t resist following up on this. “Why?”

“Because Ambassador Spock was merely a figurehead for a charismatic movement. Such causes tend to lose momentum in the absence of the strong influence of their founder-leaders.”

Do you mean charismatic, flash-in-the-pan “founder-leaders” likeSurak ?Troi wondered wryly. She was tempted to ask the question aloud, but saw no reason to go out of her way to bait Sorok or the other Vulcans. They seemed peevish enough without being needled deliberately. Though Vulcans generally worked hard to present a phlegmatic aspect to outsiders, Troi ranked them among the most emotional species she had ever encountered.

“Even if he still lives,” the male Vulcan continued, “Spock cannot lead the Unificationists forever. He will inevitably succumb to old age, or the frequently lethal intrigues of Romulan politics.”

Troi picked up an immediate and strong undercurrent of sadness coming from Akaar in response to Sorok’s words. That didn’t surprise her in the least; from what she’d read of his service record, the Capellan admiral had always maintained close ties not only to the Vulcan ambassador, but also to many of Spock’s closest friends and colleagues. It was a relationship that went all the way back to Akaar’s birth 112 years ago.