Snakes in the Grass

Posted on Fri Jul 3rd, 2026 @ 7:33am by Princess Royal Giana Orsini & Richard Ramsay Ph.D & CJ Zajak & Crown Prince Paolo Orsini

Mission: Historiae Terrae Et Imperii
Location: Terra
Timeline: Date 2372-03-20 at 1200
9173 words - 18.3 OF Standard Post Measure

The size of the Secretariat Chambers completely dwarfed the people inside it, and light streamed, as always, through the glass wall which stood three standard stories tall. In the center was the racetrack shaped honey-wood table with the Imperial Secretaries sitting along the long outside edge. The surface was polished and minimal, containing only tablets, folders, glasses of water, and sleek pitchers. In the center of the table’s inside edge, before the crystal-clear glass emblem of the Empire, the sword through Terra, the Emperor’s chair stood empty. It wasn’t even occupied by the Empress, who was off performing some duty related to the opening of the season. The seat of the heir, smaller and to the Emperor’s left, was also empty as Prince Paolo was occupied by the very same event. The seat of the Imperial Chancellor, directly to the right of the Emperor, held its occupant, however. Camilla Zajak sat with a tablet in hand in a sleek cream business suit, every eye focussed on her.

“I thought the military’s quotes on the cost of fleet construction efforts were inflated to avoid this very situation.” she said, her tone neutral, but her eyes communicating a subtle annoyance at what she was seeing. They moved up to the Secretary for War, searching his elderly features. “You need more money.”

“Madam Chancellor, if we’re going to build ships as fast as His Imperial Majesty wished, we do.” Malik Ansley said, leaning back in his chair in a way he never would have addressed a royal. “Our internal audit says we’ve been spending the money we’ve been given exactly as we said. The Fleetyards Directorate underestimated the cost of restoring building facilities. It cost forty percent more.”

“What the military wants, the military gets.” Came the amused but sarcastic quip of young Ravi Kapoor, the Trade Secretary. “We all know that.”

“What the military needs, the military gets.” Ansley corrected dryly, his droopy eyes moving to the other side of the table.

“At this point, no one’s getting anything.” CJ cut in, her tone corrective but not aggressive. “The budget is razor thin as it is. We’ve been responsible spenders for the past seven years, avoiding debt. And making cuts to other programs is no small ask.”

“All I’m doing is presenting the problem to you, CJ. I understand there are other needs, but I also know that none of those are greater than total victory.”

“Who’s responsible for the miscalculation?” said the browned skin woman in the purple blouse, the Economic Development Secretary, “Maybe they should lose their job.”

“It’s already been handled, Evelyn. They’re already packed and gone.” Malik said. “But the problem still remains.”

“Our options are simple.” Contessa said, tapping her powder blue fingernails on the table. She was wearing a low-cut silver dress and her hair was organized into a fashionable tossed style. “We increase revenue, new taxes or borrowing, or we decrease spending.”

Several of the secretaries tightened up at the mention of their budgets shrinking. There were rolled eyes, grunts, and sighs from a few of them.

“My recommendation is that we either plunder the worlds we’ve conquered, a project that will take time, or we borrow from lenders.” the Imperial Treasurer continued. “There are dozens of Terran creditors who would buy up war bonds, and we can also borrow from the Ferengi or the Romulans.”

“Not the Romulans. Their loyalty is already in question.” Thomas O’Hara said, his typically diplomatic tone a bit sharper than usual.

“I didn’t say we’d borrow from their government, Thomas.”

“We shouldn’t trust any of them right now.” Camilla said, shaking her head. “Let’s lean toward borrowing for now. Put together a proposal and I’ll present it to the Empress.”

“Sure thing.” Contessa said, a half smile on her face.

“That’s a full lid.” CJ said, glancing at the agenda before looking around the table again. “Let’s continue to take this one step at a time. We’ll support the military while they reclaim our lost glory, and then we can all sit a bit more comfortable. That’ll be all.”

At that, the secretaries closed their folders, turned off their screens, and either turned to each other to talk or simply got up and left. CJ didn’t linger, however, and stood, making her way to the exit. It wasn’t until she was nearly there that she saw a familiar face standing in the corner.

“Richard. Welcome Home.” She said, offering a thin smile to her predecessor.

“It’s good to be back. I miss dealing with civilians..the military types are so…aggressive.” the Regent answered, offering a warmer smile himself. “I dropped by to see how things were going. Where’s the Empress and Prince?”

“The Imperial Palace. Today is the Opening Ceremony…the presentation of the flowers, or whatever it's called.” She answered, looking genuinely bored by the idea. The inner-workings of the social court never mattered to her, and she knew he felt the same way. It was politics that really mattered to them.

“Young ladies twirling in dresses, men trying to get a look up their skirts. It doesn’t sound too bad.”

CJ smiled more genuinely than before, and a short, almost feminine laugh escaped her lips.

“Why are you really here, Richard? Are you spying on me?” she asked, her eyebrows raising without any stress or signs of concern.

“No no..” he said, shaking his head. “Let’s call it an old habit. A former chancellor is used to keeping their eyes on every moving part. As a regent, it's almost worse. I would, however, like to hear your thoughts on this upcoming meeting with the SCAF.”

“Oh?” she asked, holding her elbows. “On whether or not we should throw all of our ships into one battle in a desperate hope to come out on top and end the war?”

“Something like that.” he said, his chuckle coming out as little more than breathiness. “You haven’t seen the plan, but let’s say a victory would totally destroy the Cardassian military and potentially break the Alliance. A loss, however…”

“Could destroy us, yes..” She said, nodding, her mind working silently. “We’re considering making cuts in here and taking on debt…ruining your streak of fiscal responsibility. But it's better to owe a Ferengi a few pieces of gold we can pay back later than to be a slave.”

“So you think we shouldn’t take the chance?”

CJ’s eyebrow went up, slow and methodical, a sign of thought and intrigued wrapped up together.

“I think you should follow your instincts.” she said, “You and the other regents, that is.”

He smiled then, issuing bursts of air from his nostrils.

“That was no help at all, kiddo.” he said, giving her a light tap on her shoulder. “I’ll see you in the lion’s den in about an hour. I expect everyone with the clearance to be there.”

—-

The chamber of the supreme Council the armed forces was every bit as large as the secretariat chambers, except no windows presented themselves. Instead, the cylindrical room was made of a dark wood with black marble flooring. Beneath the pyramid, it stood as a fortress for the mite of the empire’s military. Add one side of the cynical room, a large circular table presented itself with chairs, already fall with admirals and generals. Beyond that table, Rose of additional semi circular tables allowed seating for other military and security spectators. The room was full, as it almost always was when the session was about to begin.

The news that a major attack that had a possibility of changing the entire direction of the war has circulated around the most elite in the court, and the idea that anyone with the clearance for it wouldn’t be there was unthinkable. Fresh from the ceremony, Crown Prince Paulo walked into the vast room without his entourage, not because he didn’t prefer them with him along with their courage and bravado, but because they were young lords and hardly had access.

“Dr. Ramsay.” He said to his tutor as he moved toward that some might consider the “head” of the table.

“Your Highness. I see you couldn’t resist the pull of military intrigue.” Ramsay said with a chuckle as he moved away from the Marine General who had clearly been taking his ear off.

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything. The future of the Terran Empire is at stake. History lessons are grand, but this is real and present.”

It wasn’t even a minute later that Giana walked into the room as well. She was wearing a dark maroon sheath dress with matching heels and simple gold accessories on her ears, neck, and delicate wrist. It was an outfit of understated elegance; no matter what season she was in her life, Giana had always been poised and put together in the public eye. As she moved, she offered short but respectful greetings to those who bothered to acknowledge her and eventually made her way to where her brother and Richard were.

“Gentlemen.”

“Your Highness. I thought you might come as well.” Ramsay said, stepping a bit closer to Giana and lowering her voice. “It may be best, if we can’t agree on a course of action, to conference as Regents later rather than…disagreeing in public. A United front is important.”

“Then let’s agree here to not seem inclined to any particular course of action and discuss during a recess.” Giana offered diplomatically. “That way we can avoid public disagreement as you said and keep the yelling behind closed doors.”

She offered a small smile, a weak joke, but one nonetheless.

Paolo lifted his brows comically.

“That’s no fun though, is it? Maybe you’ll change your mind at the last moment and spice up my afternoon.”

The next to enter was the Empress. And as she walked by, her room’s occupants, either bowed or gave the Terran salute as befit her status. Cosima made her way to the place where the other regents were standing with the crown prince.

“It’s a bit more crowded than normal, isn’t it?” she asked, looking between her daughter and son. She very rarely came to meetings of the council as she found them dull and, if she was honest, a bit intimidating.

“Well, with what is on the horizon, I can’t say I’m surprised.” Giana pointed out, her beautiful blue eyes moving slowly over her mother. This burden had been too much for her; she needed to return to her more suited role in society for her own health and wellbeing.

Ramsay’s watch beeped, telling him the time for the meeting had come. He always tried to be prompt, so he immediately turned around and sat in the tall-backed chair that truly belonged to Antonius. He picked up a large wooden gavel and smacked it once on its base. Immediately, Admirals, Generals, and civilian leaders stood and turned to the etched Emblem of the empire on the wall behind him. The anthem of the Empire played and no one spoke a word. When it was over, everyone found their seats.

Giana sat with the others and crossed her ankles to be more comfortable while she sat. Her eyes moved over the faces of the men and women at the table, then moved upward to the observation gallery. Despite there being so many faces there, she found Khalon easily and allowed only a moment of lingering gaze before bringing her attention back down to the present.

“This meeting is called to order.” Ramsay said, his voice amplified through the room by the microphone in front of him. “The council is called to discuss a proposed strike plan. Admiral Janeway, please enlighten us.”

Admiral Janeway stood before the council, her gaze sweeping across the room with a calm intensity. The three large displays behind her lit up. The central screen showed a holographic star map of the Bajoran sector, highlighting a small, inconspicuous icon labeled "Bajor." The other two screens remained dark.

“I know what you're thinking,” she began, her voice clear and resonant. “Another long, grinding campaign. But this isn't about that. This is about a single, decisive moment that can end this war. We are not just attacking Bajor; we are provoking the Cardassian fleet into a battle on our terms.”

She gestured to the star map. "Bajor is a strategic location, a known weak point in their defensive perimeter. They consider it low-priority, a place where they've grown comfortable and their ships are most vulnerable. We're going to use that complacency against them. We will feign an assault on Bajor itself, a move destined to prompt an over reaction from them."

The central screen shifted to a detailed tactical schematic. A small Imperial task force, marked in blue, appeared near the planet, while a large, menacing Cardassian fleet, marked in red, began to move towards it. On the left screen, a chart appeared showing the composition of the Cardassian fleet, highlighting their reliance on a few key command vessels.

"Their honor will demand they respond in force to protect what they perceive as their territory and to prevent us from securing a foothold so close to Cardassia Prime," Janeway continued, her eyes locked on the council. "They will arrive with the bulk of their military might, thinking they're walking into a straightforward battle with a weak but tenacious enemy. But what they'll find is the prepared, coordinated Imperial fleet ready for them. Our goal isn't to conquer Bajor; it's to destroy their fleet in a single, catastrophic engagement."

The simulation on the right screen began to play out. The Imperial task force acted as bait, drawing the Cardassian fleet into a pre-established kill zone. The two fleets clashed in a furious, simulated battle. The Imperial ships, positioned in a tight formation, unleashed a concentrated barrage on the unsuspecting Cardassian fleet.

“The risks are substantial,” she admitted, her tone turning somber. “If they see through our ruse or we fail to deliver a crippling blow, the bulk of the Imperial fleet could be destroyed. This is a gamble, but it's a calculated one. We have a unique opportunity to dictate the terms of this conflict. This attack will either be our greatest triumph or a necessary sacrifice. I, for one, am confident in our ability to deliver a swift and total victory.”

Giana was quiet and listened attentively to Janeway. While her dealings with the military had been brief, they had been effective in leading to the thorn that was Giuseppe finally being plucked from their sides. Now, this was under Richard’s control, but military faith in the man was tenuous after the seeming betrayal by the Romulans that had cost thousands of Terran lives. Her eyes moved to her brother, looking over his face and judging his reaction.

Paolo had listened attentively, but now that the Admiral had stopped speaking, there was an obvious curiosity in his expression, almost as if he was on the verge of asking a question.

Next to him, their mother pursed her lips. She was dressed splendidly, of course, but she seemed mostly not to have observed more than just the implications of the plan.

“A decisive victory would be a wonderful thing for the Empire.” She said, “An end to the war and a chance to reassert our dominance over the quadrant again is exactly what we need.”

“Of course, ma’am.” CJ said, sitting in the same cream pants suit she’d been wearing earlier. “But I’m more cautious about the potential cost of defeat. We would have nothing left.”

“Excuse me, ma’am, but we won’t be defeated.” Sounded the voice of an old man with white hair. He had the insignia of an Admiral and the plaque in front of him said: Adm. Paris, Starfleet Chief of Staff. “We have the element of surprise and Terran superiority on our side.”

Giana resisted rolling her eyes, but only barely. She noticed the excited tension on Paolo’s face, and leaned in closer to her brother. She spoke quietly to him. “What is it?”

Paolo leaned in as the older people in the room went back and forth. He didn’t hide the fact he was taking to her.

“There’s no reason, besides the element of surprise which would be greatly reduced by the fact that the Cardies will know we’re coming for a fight, would be enough to defeat the Cardassian Fleet. There would be a momentary advantage, and then a slog to the death.” He said, looking over at Richard who seemed equally as curious, and yet content to let debate occur without involving himself at this stage. “There must be something about this plan we aren’t being told. That, or these people are thicker than I thought.”

“I thought that too.” Giana nodded slowly. “That, and I think we are ignoring the glaring point that we still have no resolution to what potentially happened with the Romulans months ago. Who is to say we will have the element of surprise at all if there is still a traitor among us.” She looked to Paris, then back to Paolo. “But I also wouldn’t write the possibility of sheer stupidity off.”

“Patriotism is like a drug for the military brass.” He responded. “They can’t see past their own swords. Paris is a dickhead.”

It was a shocking thing to come out of his mouth, but he moved on from it.

“I’ve always liked Janeway though.”

Giana caught the laugh in her throat and managed to keep it restrained to a single amused sound in response to her brother’s candor regarding Paris. She glanced to Janeway briefly, then spoke again. “While I do like Janeway, she’s glossing over things too.”

“They must have a reason.” He said. “But I doubt asking outright is the proper answer. If they’ve got something up their sleeve, they won’t tell us anymore in this setting.”

“Right. I find these gatherings a waste of time and simply a stage for military blustering.” She shook her head slightly. “But sometimes we can identify who is worth speaking to. Who do you think it will be?”

“Father always told me this was a forum for military talk. They come…they feel heard. And it’s a great place to cycle information.” Paolo said. “What should we do?”

“We’ll listen and then let’s talk after. We both know this is no simple matter being proposed here, and we can’t be rushed into making a decision.” Giana offered.

“What of the Romulans?” Came a rather booming but gravelly voice. A gray haired man in an admiral’s uniform called out unusually loudly. He wore the gray of an Intel Officer. “I understand that many people are wary of our allies, but I remind you all again that we have no proof of their guilt. We should tell them and see what they can do to assist us in this battle. We would be undefeatable together.”

Giana frowned, but still held her tongue on the matter. While Sacha’s death was no longer an open wound, she was still acutely aware that there had been no real closure on what had happened - they were still working on it. She glanced briefly over toward CJ, and adjusted how she was sitting to simply cross her legs under the massive table.

CJ felt the glance if she had not seen it, and responded quite pointedly. The investigation had been in his hands and the Admiral himself had been a big part of it.

“Admiral Faraday, you’re the head of Starfleet Intelligence. You’re perfectly aware we have proof, even if the information hasn’t yet been released. Are you honestly advocating for risking ev-“

“We have proof there were bad actors. WERE.” The Admiral said, cutting the Chancellor off. “They’ve both been dealt with. There is no reason to suspect the Romulan Republic of being strategically involved. I ask you, what is the point of making partnerships if we’re too cowardly to use them when they count?”

Several murmurs and nods in the room, indicated that there were a large minority of other officers who seem to agree with Admiral Faraday. While many people remained incredibly skeptical of Romulus, others suspected that things were exactly as he said; a small network of people who had already been rooted out.

“This is, of course, a matter of deepest classification.” Ramsay says, his dark eyes scanning between the two of them. “This isn’t an appropriate forum for that kind of talk.”

“Curiouser and curiouser.” Giana commented quietly to Paolo, then turned her attention back outward.

“Failure is a very real possible outcome from such a mission.” Giana stated as a fact that was not open to argument. She then looked to the Admirals who had spoken for the plan. “What happens if we fail? Speak the words; speak the truth.”

Silence followed the Princess-Regent’s question as the Admirals who had spoken in favor all seemed to look to Janeway. It was her grenade to lie down on.

“Total destruction, Highness.” The Grand Admiral said, her hands clasped in front of her. “The Alliance would pick off the rest of our ships, fall into to Terra, kill the strong, and enslave the rest.”

“Which is precisely why we should deal from strength.” Faraday said. “Our partners in this war reduce the chances that we fail by orders of magnitude.”

“I would have to agree.” said a general on the other side of the table. “It doesn’t make sense for us to take such a big chance alone.”

Paolo leaned in toward Giana.

“I don’t think any of this is real.”

“Tell me what you’re thinking, little brother.” Giana prompted him quietly, leaving the sides to argue amongst themselves again.

“I would think Ramsay was behind it, but he seems as curious as us.” Paolo said in a whisper as his brown eyes moved from person to person on the table. “I think someone is using this high stakes plan as a wedge issue to ferret out the traitors.. Martin Faraday is acting particularly suspicious.”

“It does seem that way.” Giana agreed, then looked toward CJ again. Was this something concocted by her and Nolan? She would have preferred to have been told, considering she had been the one who had enabled them in the first place. She licked her lips, then spoke to her brother again. “Say that it is… is there anything we can do to help the cause?”

Paolo thought about the question for several long seconds before finally smiling slightly and nodding.

“I say we help them conclude by making the plot sound promising at the least. Whoever is the spy will undoubtedly be passing information along soon.”

“Then speak your mind, let them hear you.” She encouraged, even giving a small gesture with her hand.

Paolo hesitated for only a moment before accepting the challenge and standing up. He rarely spoke at the meetings he attended, but he understood the policy and, often, the politics as well. He wasn’t an imposing figure, but the movement involved in his standing got attention. Had he been Emperor, everyone in the room would have been expected to stand as well. Instead, they sat as silence came to the room.

“In the absence of my father, I must speak..to remind you all of the call of the Terran heart and the steady March of our destiny.” He said, looking around, his voice lower than it was the last time he spoke in this room. “No one has had the guts to propose a plan this bold..a plan this strong. It is solutions like this that will win us the Galaxy, and this Council has a responsibility to pursue this kind of glory.”

He hadn’t really said much, but the general sense that he was in support of the plan and the words he had chosen prompted “here here”s and rounds of applause from the brass.

“Yes, your Imperial Highness.” Admiral Paris said, clapping himself and seeming very pleased. As Paolo took his seat again, the man continued. “Our Crown Prince sees the brilliance of this plan. Let us proceed then.”

“The Regents will need to discuss this.” Cosima said, not loud or insistent, but more like a mother warning a teenage child. “We will meet an-“

“But what about our allies?!" Admiral Faraday interrupted, his gravely voice booming over the weakness of the Empress. Despite looks of cutting disapproval from many, he went on. “This plan is madness alone. We have a responsibility to-“

“No, we don’t interrupt the Empress, Admiral!” Ramsay said, his tone angry but his voice lacking the boom Faraday’s had. “You forget yourself, sir. Do that again, and we’ll pull your stars and make you head of Starfleet waste reclamation.”

Ramsay banged the gavel loudly three times and then took a deep breath.

“Twenty minute recess.”

“Well said, brother.” Giana complimented, though didn’t look over at him. Instead, she looked toward Faraday, then eventually over toward her mother. Things were still tense between them, and between her and Paolo, but she was still their mother and the Empress.

It was only a few seconds into the recess when CJ approached the regents and Paolo.

“Thank you for the recess, Richard.” She said, then looked at each of them. “I understand this is unusual, but I have a teleconference suite set aside for us. Please come with me and everything will be made clear.”

“You have me at a disadvantage. It seems you know more about this entire situation than I do.” Richard commented, trying to read her.

“Only for the next few minutes. Please, follow me.” CJ said, then started off quickly toward the exit.

“Come with us, Paolo.” Giana gestured with her head. The other regents still seemed less than inclined to truly involve Paolo in anything, much less something akin to whatever CJ was about to explain to them. She was still not, however, overly thrilled she was finding out with everyone else given her relationship with CJ.

Paolo had every intention of doing so, but the invitation certainly helped. They made their way to a wooden door which a Marine opened as they approached. Inside was a large conference table. At one end sat Nolan Nazar, cold and silent. He stood when he saw who it was, his cool eyes moving between the faces. Grand Admiral Janeway and the foreign secretary joined them in the room, as did the heads of marine and army intelligence. The head of Starfleet Intelligence, however, was conspicuously absent.

“Success?” CJ asked, stepping in and standing behind one of the chairs.

“Success. Mission accomplished.” Nolan answered.

“Okay, so what the hells is this all about then?” Ramsay said, clearly a bit grumpy. As Cosima sat down, the rest of the table was quick to follow suit.

“I was tasked by the regents to put together a team to get to the bottom of the Romulan betrayal.” CJ began. “I did just that, and our investigation involved probing deep into the Romulan Military as well as our own. Through our connection with a high-profile contact in the Republican Navy, we began to suspect that a certain key member of our team was involved. That member was immediately isolated from the information and decision-making process while we looked into it.”

“Please take a look at screen two.” Nolan said pointing to a lighted screen behind the head of the table. As soon as he had spoken, a teleconference began to display between two powerful figures. “Admiral Martin Faraday, head of Starfleet Intelligence, and Olin Rh’Londak, the Second Consul of the Romulan Republic, leader of their opposition party.”

“Bajor you say?” Olin said, his thick eyebrows furrowed. “What else do you have? Dates? Fleet numbers?”

“I have only what I’ve given you so far. There isn’t exactly a lot of good will for the Republic here on Terra after the..incident.” Faraday said. “There’s only so much spin I can do. I don’t want to be suspected.”

The video paused and Paolo was the first to speak up.

“So this entire military plan..”

“A red herring to give Martin a reason to immediately contact his handler.” Janeway answered the half asked question. “It’s really a terrible plan, but it was the perfect opportunity for him to show his true colors.”

“I was beginning to question your soundness of mind, Admiral.” Giana joked dryly from where she sat. “I’m glad so many minds were involved in this little scheme. I applaud your success in the matter. Well done all of you.”

The words were encouraging, but displeasure almost radiated off of her.

“I agree. It’s all really very impressive.” Cosima said with a slightly uncomfortable smile.

“Why didn’t you bother to tell us?” Richard asked cutting straight tk the quick. His tone was clipped and short.

“I prevailed upon the Imperial Chancellor to keep the cone of silence narrow until we knew who we were dealing with. After all, the more people who are involved in an investigation like this, the more likely it is that the guilty party is actively participating in the search.” Nolan said as if it were obvious. “‘Need to know’ is really the cornerstone of clandestine operations.”

“The truth is I wanted to bring you certain proof, and now we have it. The collusion of multiple high-level government and military officials in a conspiracy of murder thousands of marines…” CJ said, looking at Giana meaningfully. “I wonder how the First Consul will respond when she finds out.”

Giana met CJ’s gaze, and the Emperor’s cold blue eyes bore into her. CJ’s faith and support had bought a lot of good will from the Princess, and to her credit it seemed perhaps she would not abandon that now. Yes, they had done what she had asked and allowed them to do, but they clearly hadn’t kept her in the loop as had been stipulated.

“Find everyone involved - Terran and Romulan alike. Anyone who had a hand in even the slightest way.”

“Our information indicates that there was always a three-part ring..Faraday, the late Ambassador, and the Klingon. Two of them are gone.” Nolan said, lifting his head. “But it seems the opposition party at least was using the Ambassador as a proxy of sorts.”

“We’ve uncovered wire transfers to Faraday’s daughter. Millions worth.” Thomas O’Hara said. “This is a very delicate situation diplomatically. It’s very possible the government isn’t even aware.”

“And how would they respond if we made them aware?” Paolo asked, leaning forward.

“Perhaps by denying..in which case we would know they are guilty.” CJ said. “But hopefully, they would respond by meeting our demands…whatever those might be, of course.”

“Well then, we shall decide what those demands will be.” Giana said then paused, her brows raising. “Unless someone would care to inform the regents that has been decided as well and we simply didn’t ‘need to know’?”

The passive aggression certainly wasn't lost on the Civil Servants who mostly just paused awkwardly, not knowing exactly what was expected of them at that moment. Nolan, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content.

“The Foreign Secretary had a few ideas, Highness.” He said. “But that is outside the scope of this sanctioned investigation. We only did what we were asked to do, and quite well at that.”

CJ said nothing, only looking back-and-forth between the two. Whether she was bothered or not, couldn’t easily be told by looking at her. She didn’t seem uncomfortable, but then again she never did.

“We came up with some ideas if the regents would like to hear them, but they’re just that..ideas.” Thomas said.

“By all means.” Giana gestured, offering the man the floor to speak.

The Imperial Secretary for Foreign Affairs leaned forward, his eyes going down to the tablet in front of him.

“First, the Romulan Republic attacks a major military installation of the KC Alliance within fourteen days of the communication.

“Second, that a flight of Romulan Warbirds, that's fifteen ships, be put directly under the command of the Terran Military for use against our common enemy. They will be radio silent to ensure loyalty.

“Third, the government will remove all dissidents and partisans of the opposition party from their establishments, reestablishing order on Romulus.

“Fourth, a direct representative of our Emperor shall be sent to observe military planning sessions and processes and report back to us any signs of disloyalty, including any individual or group who is actively or passively, trying to use our partnership to do harm to the empire.

“The Foreign Affairs Department believes that all of these things, easily done, will make Romulus a useful, reliable, and powerful asset in the war effort..” Thomas finished, looking up at the rest of the rooms occupants with a neutral expression.

“And if they don’t accept?” Paolo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We topple their government like a house of cards.” Nolan answered, his voice a classical echo in the room.

At that comment, everyone in the room, including CJ and the rest of her team seemed at a loss. There was a swell of silence that went on for a few seconds.

“And just what does that mean?” CJ asked.

“Very simply, we will assassinate the First Consul and replace her with someone competent and loyal to us.”

Unlike the rest in the room, Giana didn’t seem particularly perturbed or surprised by what Nolan had said. It made sense to her; what that meant for her as a person, she wasn’t sure, but she was quite aware she was in a vast minority as she looked around. She hesitated for a beat, but steeled herself to press on.

“Who?” She asked simply, her voice clear and carrying easily on the shocked silence of the room.

“The Commander of their flagship. They man has been an unwitting pawn already. Not only is he a patriot, he’s a war hero and pro-Empire.” Nolan answered. “He would be a respectable ruler for their people, and we already have enough information to keep him under our thumb.”

Giana pursed her lips and then nodded slowly. “Well then, it sounds like there’s much for us to discuss in the coming days.”

“It seems we do.” Ramsay said. “For now, I suggest we place Admiral Faraday under arrest and take him for immediate interrogation.”

“Is that the wisest course?” Giana posed with a decent amount of gentleness behind the firm question as she looked at Richard then to Nolan. “Do we have all the information and connections we will be able to get from him allowing him his freedom?”

“The Admiral has been very careful, but we’ve been keeping track of him for a month and he’s had no irregular communication.” CJ answered. “Besides, we can’t move on to communicating with the First Consul while he’s free.”

“Very well, then. I agree.” Giana then looked down the table to where Cosima sat and looked at her mother expectantly. She wanted to get out of here sooner rather than later; obviously there needed to be some re-evaluations of her relationships.

“Internal Security is your responsibility, Giana. You should be the one to order the arrest.” Cosima said, meeting her daughter’s gaze with a concerned expression.

“Imperial Intelligence wants him.” Nolan said boldly. “We mean to get as much information out of him as possible.”

“Internal Security is capable of interrogation, Director Nazar. Faraday is a Terran citizen and is under their jurisdiction.” The Empress insisted.

“I for one think he forfeited that status when he decided to trade the Empire for the Republic.” Ramsay said with a weighty sigh. “He’s Starfleet Intelligence, so Intelligence should have him.”

“Princess Giana will have to break the gridlock. CJ said, looking at Giana from across the table. “Your Highness?”

There was an immediate urge to enact some small amount of retribution for keeping her in the dark about this entire thing, but instead Giana displayed a moment of thoughtful maturity - something that had been rare for her once, but was becoming much more common. Her blue eyes moved to CJ and rested there while she sat wordlessly for a few beats, and in her gaze she communicated her thorough disappointment.

“Intelligence will take him.”

“Very well.” Ramsay said, before standing up. “Let’s return to the meeting and conclude it. At which point your men can take the Admiral into custody. Just don’t make a spectacle.”

“Understood, Regent.” Nolan said, his cold eyes locked on Richard.

With that, people stood and started making their way to the exit.

“What do you think about all of this, little brother?” Giana asked, delaying walking out in favor of talking to Paolo for a moment.

“I think the Regency Council’s structure prevents its members from properly holding civil servants accountable.” Paolo said with a frown. “The tail is beginning to wag the dog.” He turned to her and gave a small grin. “The tail is Nolan Nazar.”

“I’m not completely convinced it hasn’t been doing that for a while.” Giana commented and ran her fingers over the back of the other hand. “Tails can be docked, however.”

“Not always very easily.” Paolo said. “Father always seemed..careful..when dealing with him. He wouldn’t talk about why.”

“Nolan probably knows some life ending secret or something.” Giana waved a hand almost dismissively as if it were obvious, but at the same time didn’t really seem to buy into the thought in the slightest. “You’re very right though, brother, in saying this structure has… difficulties.”

“It’s better if you have people you can trust.” He said, nodding toward CJ who hadn’t left the room, but instead lingered, her eyes on the pair of them. “You and CJ seem close.”

“It's hard to say, really.” Giana shrugged and smiled. “Relationships change after all. Aren’t we proof of that ourselves?”

“Yeah, I used to like you.” He said to her, his hand coming up as he gave her a gentle shove. “Im going to head back in and catch the meeting. I don’t want to miss the fireworks.”

Giana gave a gentle, playful swat to his shoulder and smiled still. “I’ll be right out. Let me know if I miss anything.”

Paolo gave a silent nod, his brown eyes moving between the rooms only other occupants at this point, Giana and CJ. Then he turned and walked out of the door.

As soon as Paolo was out of sight, Giana’s smile evaporated. She stood from her chair with grace, and stepped out from it and behind the Emperor’s seat which she placed a delicate hand on. Her blue eyes found CJ with brows raised slightly, but she said nothing.

“I’d say that was a success." CJ said, keeping her confidence, but with as much difference to Giana as ever. She walked toward the younger woman and stopped within arms reach. “I thought you’d be happy.”

“Is that what you thought?” Giana asked, her voice calm and her expression unchanged.

“I thought you’d be happy, yes.” CJ said with a nod. “And I thought you’d be frustrated with me for not consulting with you.”

“And yet you went ahead anyway, knowing I would be displeased.” She traced her hand down the side of her father’s seat slowly. “You and Nolan both.”

“That’s true, yes.” CJ said, folding her hands. “We got the result promised, though. And I tried to do what I thought you would want.”

“No, you didn’t. You knew I wanted to be kept in the loop - to be informed - especially given I was the one who sanctioned all of this in the first place.” Giana stepped closer to CJ, her eyes locked on the other woman’s. “So why did you make these choices, CJ?”

“Because there are some who don't want you to know…some who think I’m your puppet.” She answered, seeming quite comfortable with her choices. “Someone who think I only have this job to do your bidding.”

“I see… and you place their opinions above your relationship with me.” Giana looked CJ over slowly.

“Of course not.” CJ said evenly, shaking her head so that her short blonde hair danced around. “I was working closely with Nolan Nazar, and he has no confidence in you. There was no way for me to control events with him while seeming to take all of my marching orders exclusively from you. So I decided to keep the regents on equal footing until I had his confidence. It’s not ideal, ma’am, but it worked.”

Giana frowned slightly. “No confidence in me? Why? I’m the one you both trusted to assist you in your efforts.”

“No, ma’am. You’re the one I trusted.” CJ said clearly. “He doesn’t trust anyone. You were the one he made use of. To speak plainly, your mother was too weak to be of use and Ramsay is..a peacemaker at heart. But you have your father’s blood In your veins and your fiancé was just killed by the Romulan betrayal. He felt he could count on your support, but he never had any intention of keeping you informed.”

“I don’t like that, CJ.” There was a glint in her blue eyes as she said the words. “I am a regent of the Empire and the daughter of the Emperor. I am not a pawn to be used.”

“I agree, ma’am. But it rarely works that way.” CJ said. “One takes the throne to act and the throne acts on them. Nolan has been in his position for 39 years. Not a single employee at Imperial Intelligence remembers a time when he wasn’t director. He knows every secret there is to know about all of them and, to be honest, about most of us. It gives him power. I think, if you were Empress, he would be more respectful, but I don’t think he believes you’ll be around long enough to worry about.”

“I’m here now.” Giana retorted defiantly, anger starting to creep into her eyes. “And I could very well be here for years if my dear father doesn’t wake up. I am my father’s daughter, and I will not tolerate being toyed with.”

“Not to mention if, gods forbid, something happened to your brother. You would be heir…and Empress one day.” CJ said, agreeing with her. “Nolan Nazar is a problem to be solved, for sure..but my concern is more with you. Not to be a bother, ma’am, but a husband and children would strengthen your position considerably. You would start to look like an important part of the long term future of Rome..rather than a temporary political fact.”

“Well, if you’d like to reconstitute my fiance’s ashes into a living, breathing person, I would be happy to do that.” Giana snapped angrily, then after two beats let out a breath. “I’m… sorry. I know you’re right, it’s just…”

“I understand, ma’am.” CJ said. She didn’t seem offended, but that wasn’t a surprise. “You and Lord Khalon have gotten close. The tabloids think there’s a secret romance.”

“Yes, they have been enjoying that sister against sister vying for his attention, haven’t they?” Giana shook her head and sighed. “It wouldn’t exactly be a popular choice for me to ‘steal my sister’s man’ as many would believe, considering he decided to give the illusion he was pursuing her first.”

“Do you really care about what’s popular?” CJ asked, watching Giana closely. “You have power..a different kind than the common people liking everything about you.”

“I have to care about what’s popular, CJ.” Giana lifted her shoulders slightly. “That is what I was meant to do in this family - to be the peoples’ princess, to be popular and loved in all the superficial ways. I have power, yes, but as it has been pointed out it is quite temporary unless the worst happens, and I will not think that into existence. I have to have something to return to.”

“A family and a continent is a start, I would think.” CJ said with slightly raised eyebrows. “And a company. Bella Gia is performing well this month.”

“You’re assuming that continent won’t be taken from me if I marry. I’m glad Bella Gia is performing well, of course, but I’m not keen to just fade into the background. I’ve worked and fought too hard for that, so I’m not going to endanger my image by stealing Elana’s man. There is going to be enough pushback against me getting married already; you know there’s a percentage of people who think that I shouldn’t marry and should be faithful to the memory of my one true love.” Giana pointed out.

“It sounds like you want to be a man, ma’am.” CJ said with a cool smile. “Join the club. But running your life on opinion polls will make that hard. And..by the way, I think you should be sure the most eligible bachelor in the empire knows you’re unavailable. That way he can move on.”

“Of course I would have preferred to be a man; my father would have preferred me to be a boy as well, which I take as a compliment from him.” Giana gave a half smile. “As for Khalon, it isn’t that I’m unavailable, CJ, but we need to handle Elana first.”

CJ’s face didn't change, but instead she observed and read Giana in silence for several seconds. “What do you mean ‘handle’, exactly?”

“We need to find her another suitable man to pawn her off to; one without ambitions other than doing good. Someone who likes orphans or something. She’s big into playing saint to the unfortunate, find her a husband with some rank that does the same.” Giana paused and lifted a brow, wondering if CJ was thinking she meant doing away with Elana in some other way.

“Yes, well she used to have one of those, didn't she?” CJ asked, though she very well knew the answer. “I wonder if Elana would even consent to a marriage at this point. Would your mother be the one to force the issue?”

“She would have the choice of consenting or losing her position, those are about the only options when push comes to shove.” Giana shook her head. “Even I recognize our father has been very kind to us by not forcing the issue and trying to allow us to find love, but the reality is we have a fifteen year old boy who is heir and an incapacitated Emperor… and we are the last of the line. The issue is going to be forced. Besides, you know what the saying is, CJ: Wed and Bred.”

“I don’t mean to question the wisdom of the Emperor, of course..but your family’s line is precarious. There are other houses, old and great houses, who might imagine they are the future if they don’t see babies anytime soon. That is, unless Giuseppe Angelo’s sons are returned to the succession. That would secure things nicely as well.”

“You don’t return the line of a prince who attempted to assassinate his own father and assaulted his sister to the succession, CJ. Those children will be monsters just like their father, and the only reason they are alive is because it would have been too much for my mother and father to lose them with Giuseppe.” Giana kept her voice even, but she was obviously completely disgusted by the notion. “I won’t have the children of my rapist brother put above my own in succession. Find Elana another man, and I will see if Khalon is amenable to marriage.”

“Patricide and fratricide are normal behaviors in the line of our emperors. Butchers have ruled us since the foundation of the state. But I respect that the Orsini have been different.” CJ said, looking at Giana with what might be sympathy, unspoken and subtle. “I'm not sure I'm the best person to play matchmaker. I would think you or your mother would be up to the job.”

“My mother is useless right now, CJ, and she wouldn’t understand me wanting to ‘take Khalon’ from Elana any more than the peasants would. You may not be the best matchmaker, but I’m sure you have people who are.” Giana took a breath and let it out slowly. “I have faith you can figure it out.”

“If you wish it, ma’am, I’ll give it a try.” CJ said conclusively. “I can’t promise he’ll be anything close to Lord Price though in status, charm, or looks. A heart of gold though, perhaps.”

“A heart of gold is perfectly acceptable. She doesn’t have to marry the man, just have a public interest in him for a time.” Giana looked away toward the door finally. “Is there anything else?”

“We run an Empire, ma’am. There are a thousand other things. But for the time being, no.” CJ said. “I’m curious if the Admiral is in custody yet.”

“Given how much people like pageantry, I doubt it, but why don’t we go and find out.” Giana said and gestured toward the door, though preceded CJ in beginning to walk toward it.

CJ followed after, making no attempt to compete to go first, and the two women made their way back into the SCAF room. As soon as they entered, it would become clear that additional discussion had been had on the military plan and that a conclusion had been reached in the negative. There was now a sense that the plan was certainly not being pursued.

“Madam Chancellor.” Ramsay said, turning to CJ. “Would you care to conclude our meeting?”

It was an odd question, but CJ seemed to know exactly what was meant. She shook her head, however.

“No, sir. As the Regents have been fully briefed, I think it’s most appropriate it be one of you.” She said, looking to Giana as a way of suggesting she volunteer herself.

“I will conclude it.” Giana offered, needing no more prodding from CJ in the slightest. She looked at Richard, her perfect brows raising slightly to see if he would pose some sort of problem to her offer.

“Fine.” Ramsay said, giving his consent and waiting for the reveal. He didn’t want to do it and they both knew Cosima didn’t have the stuff for it. “The floor is yours, Your Highness.”

“We commend the ingenuity and forward thinking of those who were involved in the formulation of this plan; your desire and will to see the Empire expand and prosper is exemplary and a testament to your loyalty… at least the loyalty of some.” Giana clasped her hands in front of her. “While the plan to invade Bajor will not go ahead, it has given us greater insight. A traitor stands revealed to us.”

She paused, allowing the anxious murmur to rush through the crowd. “This outcome is the result of clever minds and careful hands, and for that credit is due. Our Empire’s strength comes from its unity and harmony. Unity does not thrive in shadow and secret, and when each part plays its role, the whole moves with greater harmony. I will not allow dissonance, and the threads of those who would seek to interfere with our great empire shall be pulled from the tapestry we weave.”

Her eyes moved slowly over to Faraday. “Arrest Admiral Faraday.”

“What?!” The Admiral shouted, trying to look confused but only really managing to look terrified. His hands shook as he shot to his feet, his voice coming out in low, loud croaks. “For what reason? What is the charge?”

“Treason.” Giana replied simply and watched as Imperial security moved in to take the Admiral. She almost looked bored by it all.

A wave of disquiet moved through the room as the admirals, generals, and other officials watched the man dragged away. They were much more accustomed to this sort of thing from the Emperor, and many of them frankly did not think the regents were capable of the kind of focused management this took. Nolan sat amongst the civil servants at the table, his eyes mostly resting on Giana, his face unreadable but certainly interested. CJ’s lips turned up in what could easily be interpreted as a smile.

“This is..an OUTRAGE! I am a loyal citizen of Terra! You dare arrest me, GIRL?” Faraday asked as he was being dragged from his seat. “The Emperor is dead, isn’t he? THEY’RE LYING TO US! The Empire is in the hands of a pack of incompetents and a child!”

The Empress looked angry but intimidated, Ramsay looked disinterested, but Paolo’s fists clenched on the table. His brown eyes burned with an uncharacteristic hatred.

“I could strangle him myself.” He said to Giana, more a statement of his feelings than an offer.

Giana reached in silence and placed a gentle hand on Paolo’s shoulder while Faraday was carried off in his screaming, spitting rage. Once he was gone, she picked up the gavel.

“This concludes the meeting. Glory to the Empire, go with the Gods.” She paused as the words “glory to the Empire” were echoed back to her, then she banged the gavel and put it back down again.

As soon as the gavel was struck, the meeting concluded, and the various functionaries in the room, all stood. Many of them, rather than leaving, simply spoke quietly to each other, their eyes going to the regents as they discussed. In particular, the Director of Imperial Intelligence eyed Giana. He didn’t stay to chat, however, and quickly made his way out the door. If she wanted to talk, she would know where to find him.

END