Heresy 29

Valikra's quarters were bare, spartan. There was not a single personal ornament or decoration to be seen. Vorkov stood in the centre of the room, at an attitude of respectful attention, while Valikra paced restlessly up and down.

She turned to face the Tal Shiar defector. "You have been much in the company of T'Nir," she said.

"Yes, Hegemon." There was no trace of expression in Vorkov's tone.

"I imagine it is not a romantic intrigue?"

"Hardly, Hegemon. T'Nir is attempting to gather something of... a clique, around her. A group of people who have - in her view - a deeper understanding of the teachings of Bresar, and of her husband's ultimate goals."

Valikra nodded slowly. "Such informal social groups often wield influence in subtle yet effective ways. T'Nir shows some wisdom in creating this - network."

"Of course," said Vorkov, "it has the benefit of making T'Nir's thoughts better known to... other social groups."

"Quite. Hence, I do not ask you to break off from T'Nir's society. Quite the reverse, in fact." Valikra's gaze sharpened. "Is there a definitive list of the membership of this group?"

"Such things are naturally informal. People of influence, though, are amongst this inner circle. High Admiral D'Kalius is in T'Nir's company almost as much as I am; also, Economics Minister Vorram."

"And on the Vulcan side?"

"Silit, T'Nos, Vorruk. There are others, but those, I judge, are the most constant... and the most influential."

"Interesting.... T'Nir speaks of different strands of opinion within the Hegemony. You know her mind. What is her - strand?"

"I believe T'Nir's thinking tends towards a complete separatism. She feels that Romulans and Vulcans should not concern themselves with the activities of other species, that we should forge our own destiny."

"I see." Valikra's expression turned calculating. "It is... not untenable. We do not need the lesser species, after all. We need not come to open dissension with T'Nir over this issue. Dissension is to be avoided."

"This concept may be a product of T'Nir's study of Bresar," said Vorkov. "She has steeped herself in the historical records - and, of course, in Bresar's time, other species were not a factor in Vulcan politics. Warp travel was not yet possible - other races were known only by occasional signals from space, whose authenticity was debated. T'Nir may regard them as irrelevant now, because they were irrelevant to Bresar then."

"She has devoted much time and study to Bresar?"

"It is, after all, her original calling. She has explained some of the mental disciplines practiced in the time of Bresar... they are not without interest. One can see the rudiments of the later Kolinahr disciplines, but without the pacifistic accretions of Surak."

"That is well. Surak's weakness divided our people; that division must be undone." Valikra turned and resumed her pacing. "Find out what you can about these teachings. And continue to cultivate T'Nir in other respects, too... I cannot be part of her clique myself, my position does not permit it. I must have eyes and ears in that group, though." She turned sharply on her heel to stare at Vorkov. "You are to be my eyes and ears, General. D'Kalius is a soldier, Vorram is a bookkeeper - you have the political instincts that I need. Go, and do not fail me, Vorkov."

His long face expressionless, Vorkov bowed deeply, and left.