=President Spock's private office=
=Paris, France, Earth=
The President of the United Federation of Planets had two offices he or she worked out of during their tenure. One was the main office in which the president performed much of his or her work and met with other dignitaries. There was also their private office in which he or she retreated to whenever they wanted ... well ... privacy. It was a place they could work, or do whatever without being disturbed and without having to go to their residence. Very rarely did the president have audience with anyone here.
So, it come to a bit of a surprise that President Spock asked Councilman Turan So to meet him here instead of his main office.
As Turan entered, the room was dark with the exception of candlelight flickering from candles lit around Spock, who was sitting in the floor in the middle of meditation. The Andorian was about to turn and leave.
"Councilman," Spock said, his eyes still closed.
Turan had known Spock for more than 30 years, back when the two men were ambassadors. The Andorian still revered the elder Vulcan. Spock was perhaps the only individual Turan held in such high regard even though they didn't always get along.
"My apologies, Mr. President. Your secretary said it was OK to enter," Turan said.
"It is. Please have a seat," Spock said, nodding to the sofa in front of the president. "Would you like anything to drink, councilman?"
"No, I am fine."
Spock finally opened his eyes as Turan took a seat.
"Do you still mediate?" Spock asked, not bothering to turn on the lights.
"I try, but I find myself unable to relax long enough."
The Vulcan nodded, "I understand. During the past year, I have found meditation somewhat difficult. But, I still endeavor to do so."
"I wish I had your discipline," Turan said.
"And I wish I had your talent in dealing with the council," Spock admitted.
Turan smiled, "Does that include me?"
"Sometimes it does," was Spock's response. "Tell me, councilman, how does the council stand in the current state of the war?"
'Finally, the reason for being here,' Turan thought as he leaned back more comfortably. Turan realized that there was nothing official about this meeting. No records would be kept. This was just two colleagues ... friends talking shop as the humans would say.
"There is still strong support for it, but only because the Romulans' use of Thalaron weapons still has the public furious. I feel that if it were not for that, we'd be suing for peace as we speak."
Spock nodded, understanding that each council member's decisions were made with the interest and will of their constituents in mind. The Romulans had given the Federation citizens a great resolve by using such a weapon instead of spreading fear, which was the enemy's intent. It was now working in the Federation's favor.
"How long do you believe the council will support this conflict?" the president asked.
"I am not for certain," Turan replied. "Many in the council want to punish the Romulans for their actions. For them, a simple peace will not do. They're demanding unconditional surrender."
Spock raised an eyebrow, "Unconditional surrender? We are just starting to force the enemy on the defensive and that is precarious as best. The Romulans could eventually be demanding for our surrender."
"I understand that. That is why there are others that may not be as set in these convictions. They are willing to pursue a peace that may be more agreeable to the Romulans. But they represent a very small minority. There's about 60, maybe 70 members who could go either way. It determines how we do in the upcoming months."
"So, you can not guarantee support for a long, drawn out war," Spock said.
"No, I can not."
Spock nodded, "Councilman, let me give you a hypothetical. What if, in the upcoming months, we have gained a few victories against the Romulans and we are in a position to invade the Romulus system. It may be the only way to assure an unconditional surrender, but the loss of Federation life would be high. How would the council react to that?"
"I'm not certain, Mr. President."
"Hypothetically, Turan."
"Hypothetically? As in the landing of troops on Romulus and having to fight our way to the capital?"
Spock nodded.
"Honestly, I doubt many of my colleagues would be very supportive of such a scenario."
"Could you keep the council in support of the war should such a scenario be forced upon us?" Spock asked.
"I do not know. Why are you asking me? I am not the council chairman."
"No, but you hold much more influence then she does. I always wondered why you are not the chairman."
"I prefer the view from my chair in the council," was Turan's response. "Much more comfortable."
This got another raised eyebrow from the president.
"If the situation presents itself, to garner a satisfactory conclusion to this war, I will likely need your help on the council. During next month's vote on the chairmanship, I would like it if you were to make yourself available on the ballot."
"To chair the council?"
Spock nodded.
There was a long pause as Turan considered Spock's words. The Andorian didn't like the idea of the president trying to sway this kind of influence in the council. Even so, Turan could understand Spock's reasoning. Turan knew, though, that as council chairman, along with his other positions on the council, the kind of power he would wield would be greater than any other council member in the history of the Federation. It was the kind of power that Turan had no interest in obtaining. Only the president should have such power within the government.
It was dangerous. Turan wondered if Spock understood that.
'Of course he understands,' Turan thought. 'He's Spock.'
"I will consider it, but I hope it will not be necessary," Turan finally said.
Spock nodded.
"How is your Earth history?" Spock asked.
"All right, I suppose."
"Toward the end of their second world war, the United States and her allies were considering the invasion of Japan to force their unconditional surrender. Fortunately, the allies were able to avoid an invasion. Perhaps we well be as fortunate," Spock said.
"Instead, the Americans dropped two atomic bombs on Japan," Turan replied. "Unless you have your own weapon that would be destructive enough force the Romulans to surrender, then I doubt we will be so lucky."
"And if we had such a weapon, would we be willing to use it?" Spock asked as if he were thinking out loud.
Turan shrugged with his antennae "I do know one thing. I doubt the Federation worlds and Romulans will ever be as friendly as Japan was with most of the allied nations following their war."
"Really? If I recall, our peoples, the Andorians and Vulcans, were bitter enemies. And now, you and I hold key positions in an alliance of these worlds," Spock said. "I know that, deep down, the Romulan people want such a friendship. It is just that certain factions within their government have always denied that to them."
"Then we need to eliminate those factions," Turan said.
"Perhaps. But there will always be others to take their place. No, there has to be another way."
"I hope that we are smart enough to figure what that way is," Turan said
"As do I," Spock said. "As do I."
President Spock (npc by Rick)
President of the United Federation of Planets
and
Councilman Turan So (npc by Rick)
Chairman of Security and Special Operations Committee
Co-chairman of Appropriations
Federation Council
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