New alliances are formed as old

enemies fight side by side against

an enemy that threatens both the

the Klingon Empire and the United

Federation of Planets ... from

inside as well as outside. Will love

and honour triumph over

treachery and deceit?

Charlotte Kebbell is a mainstay

of The Federation / Klingon Rapid

Response Fleet, a large and

active Role Play Gaming forum

and fan fiction community.

THE FEDEATION / KLINGON RAPID

RESPONSE FLEET PRESENTS

STAR TREK:

DOMINION

CHARLOTTE

KEBBELL

A Star Trek, fan written workThe copyrights & trademarks of Star Trek are owned by Paramount

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Produced in eBook format as part of Day Eleven ofThe Twelve Trek Days of Christmas for 2008 by Kirok ofL’Stok. For more information see our homepage atwww.twerponline.net/12days2008

2

STAR TREK:DOMINION

Adapted from the Logs and journals of Krang epetaiInigan

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3

Chapter 1

Frontera, February 2375

Krang son of Marek of the House of Inigan wasenjoying a rare off duty moment with his youngestchildren when the message came through. Wearing aheavy leather tunic and a pair of Terran jeans, he wassitting on the floor with his little son on his knee. Theboy, Meren, named for Krang’s dead brother, had hisfavourite toy in his tiny fist – a miniature wooden batleththat Krang had carved for him. He was almost three yearsold now. Two little girls were sitting with him, listeningraptly as their father finished the story he was telling.

“Now, Kehlan” he asked the younger girl, “Why didKahless fight his brother?”

The child, just five years old, concentrated, thinkingabout it. “Because he told a lie” she said finally.

“And that’s bad?”

She nodded solemnly, “That’s very bad.”

4

“It’s more than bad” Kara, the elder at six years old,added, “It’s dis – honour – able”

Krang smiled at her careful pronunciation of the word.“So, what should Morath have done?” He looked up, hissmile becoming broader as his Terragnan wife came intothe room, interrupting the lesson.

“There’s a message for you from Starfleet Command”Chrissie said, “Admiral Portway wants to talk to you. Ithink it’s important.”

“I’ll take it in the office” Krang said, handing the littleboy to his mother and getting to his feet. Heading towardsthe small room he used when working from home, hementally reviewed what he knew of the admiral. IsisPortway was Terran, from a small island named England.Promoted to the Admiralty several years ago, there hadrecently been some trouble. She had been accused ofhaving Maquis sympathies but there hadn’t been enoughhard evidence to convict her. Personally Krang suspectedthe rumours were true. Of course, with the outbreak of theDominion war, that was water under the bridge – Starfleetcouldn’t afford to lose any more of its officers, especiallynot one so competent.

Sitting down at his desk, he activated the viewscreen,and touching a few keys, signalled acceptance of theincoming transmission.

The Federation logo flickered and was replaced by theimage of a human woman wearing the uniform of aStarfleet Admiral. She looked to be in her late forties withshort sandy red hair.

“NuqneH?” Krang greeted her, “You must be AdmiralPortway”

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5

She inclined her head, “That’s right. And you areCommander Krang. You’re out of uniform.”

“I am off duty at present” Krang informed her, a littlestiffly.

“As am I.” The admiral sighed, suddenly lookingtired. “At least I would be if the situation allowed. I’ll behonest with you Commander, things aren’t looking good.”

“What can I do for you?” the Klingon asked gruffly.

“We need you here on Earth” Admiral Portway toldhim, “I want you to attend a conference with theFederation Council – try to convince them of the need toimplement stricter security protocols.”

“What makes you so sure they’ll take any notice?”Krang said, frowning, “If they won’t listen to you thenwhy should they listen to a mere commander?”

“We both know you’re not just a commander” theadmiral snapped, “That may be your Federation rank, but Iknow, you know and they know, exactly what a KlingonCaptain of Security really is.” She paused. “If anyonecan persuade them, you can. Will you do it?”

“It would be my honour” Krang responded.

“Good.” The admiral said, a look of relief crossing herface, I’ve already sent Captain Kay’vin of the Hegh’Ta foryou. He should reach Frontera some time tomorrow. Beready to leave immediately he arrives.”

“Very well” the Klingon said, “Krang out.” Hereached out and cut the connection. He was still sittingstaring at the blank screen, mentally making plans, whenhe heard a commotion in the hallway.

6

“TONI, FINA!” he yelled, “Cut down that noise!”Getting up he went to greet his two older children. Hewas not their natural father. Antonio and Josefina werefull Terran, the result of Chrissie’s first marriage, but hewas the only father they knew and he loved them as hisown. “What are you doing home from school this early?”he asked sternly.

“Come on Father” Fina said giggling, “It’s 16:00,we’re always home at this time.”

“Except when you have dance class, or sports orbatleth practice” Krang retorted, “or any one of a hundreddifferent activities.”

“Football got cancelled” Toni informed him, “So wethought we’d come home and be a nuisance.”

“That’s nothing new” Krang said, laughing. “Nowlet’s go and find your mother. I need to talk to you all.”

“I’m in the kitchen” Chrissie called and they troopedin to join her, seating themselves around the table, stilllaughing and joking. “What did the Admiralty want?”Chrissie asked, handing drinks to her children.

“Christa, my love,” Krang said to his wife, holdingout a hand to her, “Come and sit down.”

She did so, a flicker of concern crossing her face –Krang almost never called her by her full name and whenhe did it usually meant trouble. “You sound serious.What is it?

Krang took a deep breath before saying “I leave forEarth in the morning.” There was a stunned silence as hetold his family about his conversation with AdmiralPortway.

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“Cool!” Typically it was Toni who broke the silence.“Are we coming with you?”

Krang shook his head. “You’d miss too much school.”

“Oh that’s not fair” the boy protested, “I’ll be thirteenin two weeks, you’ll never be back by then.”

“And I’ll be eleven soon” Fina added hopefully.“Please let us come.”

“I’ll bring you back something special” the bigKlingon promised. “And we can have a celebration when Ireturn.”

Chrissie looked at her husband gravely. “Maybe weshould come with you” she said, her voice quiet.

“No!” Krang insisted, “My decision is final.” Seeingthe looks on their faces, he softened a little but did notchange his mind. “Earth is at risk from the Jem’Hadar. Iwant you here on Frontera where it’s safe.”

~~~<>~~~

Kissing his wife one last time, Krang stepped up ontothe transporter pad and indicated to the operator that hewas ready and moments later he materialised in thetransporter room of the IKC Hegh’Ta.

Hegh’Ta, the second ship to bear that name, was thefirst of the new Hunter class of birds-of-prey, developedespecially for the Dominion war. At 250m in length itwas larger and more powerful than the older classes,although still smaller and more manoeuvrable than thegreat battle cruisers. It had a crew complement of sixty aswell as a detachment of one hundred marines.

The ship’s captain, a grizzled warrior named Kay’vin,was waiting for him.

8

“Security Captain!” Kay’vin said with a grin,approaching Krang and clapping him on the shoulder,“It’s good to see you again. Welcome on board.”

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that” Krang said,frowning, “I’m just a commander – and a Starfleet one atthat.” Then, returning Kay’vin’s grin, he continued, “Butit’s good to see you too, you old reprobate!”

Hitting his combadge, Kay’vin snapped an order to thebridge crew, telling them to get the ship under way, beforesaying to his guest, “Come on, I’ll show you to yourquarters – you can dump your bags there.” And with a slyglance at his old friend, said, “Then, if you haven’t gonesoft, I have a barrel of blood-wine waiting in the messhall.”

“If that first officer of yours hasn’t drunk it all yet.”Krang replied, laughing. “Come on then, lead the way.”

“Oh, of course. You wouldn’t have heard” Kay’vinsaid as they walked down the corridor, “Kovak isn’t withus any more. I have a new first officer.”

“Tell me about it” Krang invited.

“He got into a fight on the Homeworld” Kay’vin toldhim, “In a brothel, I believe. So, Imperial Command sentme Ch’vok instead, arrogant targ that he is – some HighFamily brat who thinks he knows it all. I guarantee hewon’t be drinking blood-wine – I’m not convinced heeven likes gagh!” He snorted his disgust. “If I get lucky,Kargan will try for promotion, and I hope he succeeds!”

Turning into another corridor, they came to a haltoutside an open door. The guards, one on either side of thedoor, came stiffly to attention. “At ease!” Kay’vin said,but otherwise ignored them. “Well, this is it” the Klingon

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9

captain said, standing back to allow Krang to enter hissleeping quarters and then followed him inside.

Krang dumped his kit bag on the floor and surveyedthe room. It was bare of furnishings other than a clotheslocker, a desk containing a computer console, a chair anda hard metal slab for sleeping on. There was no insulthere though; this room was no different to those used bythe senior officers of the ship. Only the captain’s roomwould be bigger, and even that would be sparselyfurnished.

“Well?” The Klingon captain couldn’t resist anotherdig at his old friend, “Think you can handle it? Or shall Iorder a feather mattress and some soft cushions?”

“That would be nice” Krang said, carefully keeping astraight face. He pulled out his d’k’tahg and inspected itbefore growling, “But if you insult me again, I’ll kill youwhere you stand.”

“You probably could at that!” Kay’vin said with aburst of laughter, waving back the concerned securityguards, who had just come rushing in, believing theircaptain to be in danger. “I don’t kid myself I could beatyou in a fight. Now, how about we go and get that blood-wine!” And arm in arm the two men headed off towardsthe mess hall, bickering all the way.

The senior crew were already in the hall, and from thelook of things, the captain’s barrel of blood-wine wasalready half empty. Krang looked around the hall, hopingto see Kay’vin’s science officer there. Kehlan had been afriend of his family for a long time, ever since she hadattended a scientific conference on Frontera. His wife,heavily pregnant at the time, had been kidnapped andKehlan, along with Kay’vin, had been instrumental in

10

helping him find and rescue her. As a result they hadnamed their daughter for her. Seeing her, he gave a broadsmile and rushed over to her, enveloping her in a bear-hugand swinging her off her feet, before kissing her cheek andputting her down again. It was a distinctly un-Klingongreeting but Kehlan was half Terragnan and he knew shewould understand. His arm draped companionably acrossher shoulders, he turned to greet the other officers, most ofwhom he had met before, although he didn’t know themwell.

As they returned his greeting, he became aware ofsomeone who could only be the new first officer, and sureenough as the captain had suggested, he was not drinkingthe blood-wine. The stranger was staring at Krang andKehlan in a way that Krang found slightly offensive. “Ican see that you two at least, know each other” the mansaid, a note of sly enjoyment in his voice.

Sensing Kehlan’s anger at the first officer’sinsinuations, he tightened his grip on her shoulder. Shewas more than capable of knocking the smile off Ch’vok’sface, Krang knew, but the arrogant first officer reallywasn’t worth the effort.

“Ignore him, Kehlan” he muttered to her in a quickaside, “Don’t soil your d’k’tahg on the likes of him.”Then addressing the first officer, he said coolly “You mustbe Ch’vok. The captain has told me about you.”

Sensing the unspoken warning in Krang’s tone,Ch’vok gave an ingratiating smile, “Pleased to meet youCommander, let me get you some blood-wine.”

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Chapter 2

The flight to Earth would take the Hegh’Ta twelvedays at warp six. Two days into the voyage, seated in theCaptain’s ready room, Krang and Kay’vin were discussingthe mission. Krang was unsurprised to find that Kay’vinbelieved it was a waste of time. “We are Klingon warriors- we should be out fighting the Dominion” Kay’vin said,his voice rising to a roar, “Not sitting around a desk,talking and doing nothing like some cowardly petaQ!”

“You’ll get your chance” Krang said, his tone showinghis certainty, “There’s still plenty of fighting for us to do.”

“You’re an optimist” Kay’vin snorted, “We could bein glorious battle, but instead, what do we get? Moreuseless meetings.”

“This meeting is important” Krang said, “TheFederation Council must be made to understand theseriousness of the situation. There are some good warriorsin Starfleet if only the Council would allow them to actappropriately.”

Kay’vin scowled, suddenly serious, “I hope you canmake a difference.”

“So do I” Krang said quietly, “So do I!”

~~~<>~~~

Captain Kay’vin and his guest were once again sittingin the Captain’s ready room, sharing a bottle of warnog asthey talked. “Damn Kovak for getting himself killed”Kay’vin swore, taking a mouthful of his drink as he spoke.“If he weren’t already dead, I’d kill him for deserting melike that.”

12

“He was a good officer” Krang commented, “Even ifhe did drink a bit too much. What in Kahless’ name madeyou pick Ch’vok as his successor?”

“Pick Ch’vok?” Kay’vin said, staring at his friendincredulously. “Is that what you think? I didn’t pick him,he got foisted on me by Imperial Command. I wanted topromote Kargan but they said he was too young andordered me to take Ch’vok instead.”

“Do you think he’s an I.I. agent?” Krang askedthoughtfully. Most Klingon ships did have one on boardand the captains rarely knew for definite who it was. TheKlingon Empire ran on paranoia and unlike theFederation, kept its officers under routine surveillance. Asa former Captain of Security however, Krang knew whatto look for and had already found and disabled themonitoring device in Kay’vin’s ready room as well as theone in his own quarters although those in public placessuch as the bridge and the mess hall, he had left intact.

“Ch’vok working for Imperial Intelligence?” Kay’vinreplied, actually laughing at the idea, “I doubt it. I mean,when you were in charge, would you have employedhim?”

“Not a chance” Krang said, shaking his head, “Butthen, there’s been a lot of changes since my time, and notall of them for the better.”

“The man’s useless” Kay’vin said with a frustratedgrowl.

“Then why do you put up with him?”

“What’s that saying the Terragnans have?” Kay’vinsaid, “About giving someone enough rope and they’llhang themselves. Well so far, he hasn’t quite given me

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13

enough reason to kill him. He’s still young andinexperienced. He’ll either learn or die.”

“He’s no younger than any of your other officers”Krang retorted. “I’d get rid of him if I were you.”

“I’m not like you Krang” Kay’vin said, “I’m not fromone of the great Houses. Ch’vok comes from one of themost powerful families in the Empire. I can’t afford tostart a blood feud that could wipe out my Housecompletely. Until he steps out of line, I’m stuck withhim.”

Krang nodded, sympathising with the Klingoncaptain’s dilemma. It was a problem he had come acrossmany times in his career although his own family hadbeen powerful enough that it had never affected himpersonally. Many good officers had been held backthrough lack of family connections, while others, lesscompetent, but from powerful families, were promoted toranks they did not deserve.

Kargan reached under his desk and opening a drawer,he pulled out a personal access display device – or padd asit was more commonly called and activated it. “Here, readthis” he said, handing it to Krang, “You’ll see what Imean.”

Krang carefully read the report Kay’vin had handedhim. It had been written some time ago by the first officerand dealt with a minor incident between two lowerranking officers. “I do see what you mean” Krang saideventually, “It’s adequate and no more.”

“Exactly” Kay’vin said, “And that’s the problem.He’s adequate and no more.” Seeing the empty glass inthe other man’s hand, he indicated the bottle. “Haveanother drink.”

14

~~~<>~~~

Krang entered the mess hall and moved over to thetables, looking to see what was on offer that evening. Hewas hungry. He had just spent the afternoon reviewingtraining records with the Hegh’Ta’s security chief andmaking recommendations for drills and exercises. Itwasn’t really his job. Technically he was only a passengeron the ship and had no authority, but Kay’vin, mindful ofhis vast experience in this area, had been quick to put himto work. The Captain might be a joker at times, but hewas good at his job and cared about his crew. Not that thecrew would be so happy with all the extra gunnery andtargeting drills they had planned. The practice would begood for them though, and might just help to keep themalive when the ship next went into battle. Dominion shipswere incredibly powerful and they needed everyadvantage they could get if they were going to survive, letalone stand a chance of actually winning this war.

After a few moments thought, he helped himself tosome Bregit lung and a generous portion of gagh beforeseating himself at the table with the senior officers of theHegh’Ta. The lower ranks would not eat until later, so theofficers had the spacious hall to themselves.

This was the life, he thought contentedly as he took aswig of his blood-wine, it had been a long time since hehad eaten fresh gagh - Klingon food was hard to obtain onFrontera. It was a pity that it was such a short journey totheir destination; they were a week into the voyage now -only a few more days and they would arrive, and thenthere would be all the protocol and meetings – long drearymeetings which would accomplish nothing. Despite theseriousness of the war, the Federation politicians wereunlikely to listen to anything the Klingons or the

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15

Romulans – or for that matter, Starfleet, had to say. Notthat he trusted the Romulans himself, but something hadto be done to make the politicians listen to the peopleinvolved in the fighting or the war would be lost.

A burst of uproarious laughter interrupted Krang’smomentary introspection and he shook himself mentally,turning his attention back to the present.

Captain Kay’vin started to sing – a comic song about awarrior who wanted to fight but couldn’t find a battle, andtaking another mouthful of blood-wine, Krang joined theother officers in the chorus.

They were on their third repetition when the comm.system was activated and the duty officer on the bridgereported an emergency transmission. A transport freighteridentifying itself as the Orinoco, carrying refugees fromthe war was under attack by a squadron of Jem’Hadarattack ships and was in need of assistance.

The Captain immediately gave the order to changecourse and increase speed to maximum. Krang sensed thealmost subliminal change in intensity of the Hegh’Ta’swarp drive as the vessel began to streak across space atenormous speed, taking them towards the endangeredfreighter and battle with the Jem’Hadar.

~~~<>~~~

It took the Hegh’Ta a little over an hour at maximumwarp to reach the stricken ship. Neatly inserting his shipbetween the Jem’Hadar and their target, Kay’vin orderedthe gunner to begin firing and the battle commenced.

“Take over the helm, Kargan” Kay’vin yelled,“Science officer Kehlan, keep track of those ships.” No-one seeing the Klingon captain now, would call him ajoker – his good humour completely gone, he was deadly

16

serious. And yet, there was a light in his eyes, that spokeof the fierce joy he felt in battle.

The Klingon bird-of-prey was just one ship againstfour Jem’Hadar vessels and the fighting was intense. Theenemy ships were small, only about the size of a B’relclass bird-of-prey, but they were fast, manoeuvrable andheavily armed. Their phased polaron beam weapons wereincredibly powerful and a match for even the mostadvanced shielding technology. Back in 2370, aFederation ship, the USS Odyssey, had encountered a fleetof three Jem’Hadar attack ships. Despite its greater size,the Galaxy class ship had been destroyed. Kay’vin waswell aware of this as he formulated his battle plan.

Krang joined the gunnery officer at the tacticalconsoles, expertly operating Hegh’Ta’s huge disruptorcanons and sending volley after volley of emerald greenfire at the Jem’Hadar ships. The young officer, glad of theassistance, turned his attention to the torpedo launchers,swiftly bringing them on line and firing them at the enemyships. He was a good shot and all the torpedoes foundtheir targets.

“Incoming fire” Kehlan called, “Diverting auxiliarypower to the shields.”

“Initiating evasive manoeuvres” Kargan responded.

“Keep us between the freighter and the Jem’Hadar”Kay’vin shouted. “Protect Orinoco at all costs.”

In its efforts to protect the damaged freighter, theKlingon ship was unable to manoeuvre well enough tocompletely avoid the enemy fire and the polaron beamcaught Hegh’Ta across the upper port side of the hull. Itwas only a glancing blow but it was enough to weaken theshields.

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“Shields down to fifty percent” Kehlan reported,frantically trying to bring them back up to full strength.

The Hegh’Ta lurched violently as it was struck by abarrage of torpedoes from the nearest enemy ship andKrang was thrown to the ground. As the ship steadied, hegot to his feet, looking around him to survey the damage.It was severe. Sparks arose from the consoles and theacrid smell of smoke filled the air. Captain Kay’vin layon the deck, a jagged piece of metal protruding from hischest. Instantly Krang was at his side, checking for apulse, but there was nothing he could do to help thestricken captain, he was already dead. There was no timeeven for the death ritual – that would have to wait untillater. Kay’vin would have to cross the river of bloodunannounced. Sto-Vo-Kor would receive no warning ofthis warrior’s arrival.

18

Chapter 3

As the ship lurched again, another console exploded,causing the unlucky officer leaning over it, to scream withpain as his face was burned. The fire suppression systemcut in, putting out the flames before they could take holdand spread but several of the control panels on the bridgewere now completely unusable.

The first officer seemed to be missing and Krangrealised that the crew were close to panic with nobody totell them what to do. Immediately he took control,yelling, “Helm, attack pattern gamma.” And then“Gunner, continue firing.” Pointing towards the nearestenemy ship, he added, “Aim at the upper wing joints, theyare vulnerable there.” Moving over to an undamagedconsole, he began to re-route power, attempting to bringthe shields back up to full strength, at the same timecontinuing to give orders to the crew.

Then unexpectedly, Kehlan looked up from thecommunications console, “Sir, we have an incomingmessage.”

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“From Orinoco?” Krang asked as a lucky shot hit theJem’Hadar ship, causing it to explode.

“No sir” Kehlan said, a note of surprise in her voice,“It’s from a Federation ship.”

Krang barked an order to the helmsman, telling him tochange course, then, “Put it through on audio only. I wantthe enemy kept on screen.”

A voice came crackling over the comm. system,speaking Federation standard English, “This is CaptainJames Mackenzie of the Federation Starship Endeavour.Do you require assistance?”

Krang gave a harsh laugh. “There are plenty of enemyships here for both of us, Captain. You are welcome tojoin the battle.” Quickly and efficiently changing hisbattle plan to take advantage of the unexpected ally, hecontinued “Take an attack vector on heading one-one-two,mark six. Target the ship to starboard and fire on mycommand.”

With the assistance of the Federation starship the battlewas quickly over. When a second Jem’Hadar vessel blewup, the remaining ships, realising that they could not win,changed course and retreated. Regretfully, Krang gave theorder not to pursue them. They were badly damaged andthere was a freighter full of refugees in need of medicaland technical help, not to mention protection on the rest ofits journey.

Bringing the Hegh’Ta to a stop, Krang moved aroundthe bridge, congratulating each of the crew on theirperformance. They had fought well. But his gaze turnedcold as he looked at the first officer’s empty station andasked, “Where is Ch’vok?”

20

The officers stared at each other, realising that theyhad not seen the missing officer for some time. At last,the gunner spoke, admitting he thought he had seen himleaving the bridge just after the captain was killed.

“I want him found and arrested” Krang said angrily.“In the meantime, the Freighter has sustained someserious damage. I want an engineering team over there tohelp them. Endeavour can supply the medics. Kehlan,you speak fluent English - go with them.”

~~~<>~~~

The Federation captain did indeed supply a medicalteam to the freighter and even sent his head of sickbay, aVulcan healer named T’lia to assist the Hegh’Ta’s medicalofficer in the treatment of those Klingons injured in thebattle. Captain Mackenzie himself came on board theKlingon ship to meet Krang and discuss the situation.

Their meeting was interrupted by the security officer.Koreq called to inform Krang that the missing Ch’vok hadbeen found, hiding in his quarters.

“Bring him to the bridge.” Krang decided afterthinking for a moment, “Summon the officers. I wanteveryone assembled there in ten minutes, including thoseon the away team.”

Turning to the Federation officer, he said, “Captain,you are welcome to stay and witness to this if you wish,but you should be warned. I may wear a Starfleetuniform, but this is not the Federation.”

Captain Mackenzie shrugged, saying calmly “I knowwhat to expect from Klingon justice.”

The two men, Klingon and Terran walked togetheronto the bridge where the Klingon crew waited. Two

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21

security men had hold of the disgraced First Officer. At anod from Krang they released him.

Well, Ch’vok” Krang asked harshly, “Have you noexplanation for the crew you let down with yourcowardice?”

“I’m no coward” Ch’vok insisted, “You’re just apassenger on this ship. I’m in charge now the captain’sdead.”

“Why did you desert your post?” Krang snapped.

“The captain was killed and the bridge was destroyed”Ch’vok said, suddenly afraid. “We were losing the battle.I was going to launch an escape pod and send out a callfor help.”

There was a murmuring, growing in volume as theassembled officers listened in disbelief to Ch’vok’sexcuses. Krang held up a hand to silence them and theroom quietened again, waiting for Krang to givejudgement. “Ch’vok, you have admitted that you left yourpost during battle and that you intended to abandon theship. Have you no excuses at all?”

Ch’vok gave no answer. There was nothing he couldsay without condemning himself further. Desperately helooked around him, hoping for some sign of support fromhis fellow officers, but there was none forthcoming.Everyone present knew that the first officer’s actions hadendangered the ship and almost cost them the battle. Andto admit like that that he’d been going to abandon theship. This time, Ch’vok had finally and irrevocably gonetoo far. Klingon justice was swift and harsh - there wasonly one penalty.

“Nothing to say, Ch’vok?” Krang asked again. “Thisis your last chance to redeem yourself.”

22

The disgraced Klingon stared at Krang, sayingnothing, but the fear showed in his face as he saw the lackof mercy in Krang’s eyes.

Krang realised he had no choice. It was now his dutyto kill Ch’vok. Noticing that the Klingon had beendisarmed, he said harshly, “Someone give him a knife.”

There was hesitation. The Klingon d’k’tahg was asymbol of honour and no-one wanted to lend their blade toa proven coward.

“I said, someone give him a knife” Krang repeated.

Still no-one moved. Then, slowly and with obviousreluctance, Kehlan removed her knife from its sheath andhanded it, hilt first, to Ch’vok. The first officer took theweapon from her, then with a trace of his old arrogance,pushed her out of his way. She gave a low growl, but didnot otherwise react. Unlike the others, she had knownKrang for a long time and had fought at his side. Sheknew his abilities and knew that in a few minutes, Ch’vokwould be dead. He had been dead in fact, from themoment he had deserted the bridge, but by allowing himto fight rather than just executing him, Krang was givinghim the dignity of an honourable death.

Pulling his d’k’tahg from the belt of his Federationuniform, Krang activated the triple blade and took a stepforward. Ch’vok swung at him and he countered easily.The dishonoured first officer feinted to one side beforestriking again. Krang countered for a second time,watching his opponent carefully and judging his skills.Ch’vok lunged for a third time, and Krang was remindedof the dead captain’s words – adequate and no more.Even now, in a fight to the death, those words perfectlysummed up Ch’vok’s abilities. This time Ch’vok had left

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23

himself wide open to attack and Krang was quick to takeadvantage. With one swift motion, he thrust his knifestraight into the other man’s chest. Krang twisted theblade before removing it and Ch’vok’s eyes widened inshock and pain, then slowly dulled as the life drained fromthem. As the dying man slumped to the floor, Krangshoved the knife, still wet with blood, back into his beltbefore proclaiming “I am Krang son of Marek of theHouse of Inigan. I now take formal command of thisvessel. Do any of you wish to challenge my right to doso?”

The crew were silent for a moment, then Kargan, thesecond officer stepped forward. Krang tensed but relaxedagain when he heard Kargan’s words. “You got usthrough that battle. I for one will follow you – to Gre’thorand beyond if that’s what it takes.”

“So will I!” called out the helmsman, and a third voiceshouted, “Me too.” Suddenly the crew were chanting hisname, “Krang! Krang! Krang!” amidst the tumultuouscheering.

Krang held up a hand, quietening them. “Good. Thenthat’s settled.” He looked around, appraising his officers,then continued, “Kargan, you’re promoted to commander.You’ll take over the duties of the first officer. And you,gunnery officer… Vareq isn’t it?”

The gunner nodded.

“How long ago did you graduate?”

The young Klingon looked embarrassed, “Actually sir,I didn’t” he told the captain. “I should have finished myacademy training next year.”

“I was in the last class to graduate” Kargan informedthe captain, explaining, “Vareq and the others were pulled

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out early because of the war – there weren’t enoughqualified officers to man the fleet.”

Kahless, Krang thought, surprised. No wonder they alllooked so young, half of them were still cadets. Well ifthis was the calibre of the officers the Klingon militaryacademy was turning out, then he was glad to have them.

“Well Vareq, you’ll take over as second officer, with apromotion to lieutenant commander. You can start byselecting one of your men to take over as gunneryofficer.”

Kehlan stirred. She was senior to Vareq, but he hadbeen promoted over her and she didn’t like it.Unknowingly, her hand strayed to the knife she had justretrieved from Ch’vok’s lifeless body.

Krang saw the motion and growled. “Take your handoff your knife, Kehlan” he said. “I have other plans foryou.”

Kehlan’s hand tightened on the d’k’tahg, but after amoment, she did as she was told. “And what plans mightthose be?” she asked coolly.

“Captain Mackenzie needs a new first officer” Krangsaid, enjoying her surprised reaction to his words.“You’re ideally suited for the role, so I’m sending youover to the Endeavour. You will remain a Defence Forceofficer, but answer to Starfleet. Oh, and you’ll hold therank of commander.”

Turning away from Kehlan he addressed the chiefengineer, telling him to get the repairs finished. “Nobodygoes off duty until the ship is back in fighting condition”he finished. “Now, any questions?”

There was silence.

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Krang gave a satisfied nod. “Then go about yourduties.” And gesturing towards the corpse at his feet,“One last thing, someone get this useless petaQ off mybridge.” With that he stepped across the bridge and seatedhimself in the captain’s chair.

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Chapter 4

Captain James Mackenzie had been in command of theEndeavour for several years now and he knew his shipinside out. A Nebula class ship, Endeavour was a littleover 440m long and 130m high with a crew capacity of750. She carried the new style of equipment pod, givingher an impressive array of weapons and sensors. Since theDominion war though, all the civilians and families hadbeen off-loaded, leaving the ship seriously under-crewed.Until today’s battle there had been 220 people on board,now he had just lost another three, including his actingfirst officer, killed instantly when a plasma valve hadexploded in his face.

Captain Mackenzie’s orders were to remain out inDominion controlled space for as long as possible andcause as much trouble as he possibly could. The missionwas a dangerous one. The constant fighting was taking itstoll and Captain Mackenzie had lost his original firstofficer just over a month ago. He still felt regret for his

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loss, he had served with the man for a long time and hadknown him well.

The Klingon captain’s offer of a new first officer hadcaught him by surprise but he had been pleased to accept.He needed the help and from her personnel file, itappeared that the newly promoted Commander Kehlanwas good at her job. With her science background shewould be doubly useful. She had studied science and aftergraduation, had won a scholarship to study at a Terranuniversity after which she had completed a further year’spostgraduate study at the Vulcan Science Academy. Fiveyears ago she had been one of those chosen to representthe Klingon Empire at a major science conference onFrontera. Immediately afterwards she had joined theDefence Force and since then had been serving as CaptainKay’vin’s science officer, firstly on the IKS Ro’kar andthen on Hegh’Ta. She was now twenty nine years old. Hemade a mental note to organise a training programme forher, to allow her to become more familiar with Starfleetmethods and procedures. He knew that she would findserving on Endeavour very different from the Klingonships she was used to.

He found himself wondering about Hegh’Ta’s newcaptain. From his age and bearing, Krang was obviouslyan experienced officer, used to being in command. Hewore a Starfleet security uniform with commander’s rankpins but his attitude, even allowing for the typical Klingonarrogance, was one of seniority. Interested he accessedthe other man’s personnel record and was surprised to findit was very brief. Six years ago Krang epetai Inigan hadbeen assigned to the USS Enterprise as assistant securitychief with the rank of lieutenant. At about the same time,he had been hailed a ‘Hero of the Klingon Empire’ byChancellor Gowron, an accolade that was not given out

28

lightly. Yet there were no reasons given for the award.After the Enterprise was destroyed Krang had beenpromoted and reassigned as security chief on Frontera,which was listed as his current assignment. Just six years.

Getting more interested, Captain Mackenzie began toinvestigate but there was nothing in either the Federationor Klingon databases, not even a date of birth. It was asthough six years ago, the Klingon had not existed.Reading the record again, something else caught hisattention. Krang epetai Inigan. The honorific ‘epetai’was one given only to the very highest ranking Klingonofficers. Then he remembered hearing one of the Klingonsaddressing Krang as Security Captain. What did thatmean?

“Computer”, he said, “check the database for the term‘Klingon Security Captain’ and define it.”

“That information is classified” the computeranswered.

Captain Mackenzie sighed. This was proving moredifficult than he had imagined. “Computer, acceptauthorisation Captain James Mackenzie, sigma six foursix, level ten alpha.”

“Clearance code accepted. Accessing requiredinformation. Please stand by.” After a moment, thecomputer continued, “The term ‘Captain of Security’ is atitle given to the six most senior officers of the KlingonImperial Intelligence Bureau, a rank which answers onlyto the Imperial Operations Master and the Chancellor ofthe Klingon Empire.”

Captain Mackenzie whistled. Powerful indeed, hethought. “Computer, list current officers holding thisrank.”

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“Unable to comply” the computer responded, “Thatinformation is unavailable.”

Was Krang one of those six Captains of Security?And if he was, then why was a senior member of whatwas essentially the Klingon secret police serving as aStarfleet officer? There was a mystery here, CaptainMackenzie knew. He wondered if he would ever manageto solve it.

~~~<>~~~

The freighter had been badly damaged in the attackand it took the Federation and Klingon engineers threedays to get it space-worthy again. Even then, the strickenship wasn’t going anywhere under its own power. Assoon as the engineers agreed that it could withstand warpspeed, Endeavour engaged its tractor beam, taking thevessel under tow and began to head back towardsFederation space with Hegh’Ta taking up a defensiveposition at the rear.

Krang had been surprised that he had lost only sixcrew members in the battle, including Hegh’Ta’s captainand the executed first officer. The final body count wouldhave been higher but the Vulcan T’lia had workedwonders and several men that had been expected to die oftheir injuries, owed their lives to her dedication. Theirrecovery would be slow, but it was expected that theywould eventually be able to return to active duty.

T’lia had been horrified at the conditions in Hegh’Ta’ssickbay and had insisted on having the casualties beamedover to her own facility on the Endeavour. Krang hadagreed. He knew just how primitive Klingon medicinewas, in part due to the cultural bias that the sick should dieand only the strong should live. In fact, Hegh’Ta did not

30

even have a qualified doctor on board, only a nurse.While he did not condone weakness, Krang believed thatthe Empire was losing too many good warriors in this warand that treating their wounds and returning them wholeand uninjured to the field of battle, could only be a goodthing. Of course, he was well aware that his thinking wasinfluenced by the many years he had spent with access toproper medicine while living in the Federation.

Progress back to Federation space was painfully slow.Despite all the repairs, the freighter’s structural integrityfield could withstand no more than warp two and thejourney that had taken Hegh’Ta only an hour at maximumwarp, would now take them almost four weeks.

Both Krang and Captain Mackenzie would be veryglad when the journey was over. Merchant and Starfleetofficers did not tend to get on very well, each believingthey were superior to the other and the Orinoco’s captain,a short, portly man named Mansfield, was no exception.

The man had been very relieved that the two ships hadcome to his rescue, but even as he thanked them, he hadbeen unable to resist adding a few complaints, wanting toknow what had taken them so long, and what was Starfleetplaying at anyway, leaving a defenceless freighter totravel without protection?

Actually, Captain Mackenzie hated to admit it, but thefreighter captain had a point. The war with the Dominionwas not going well and this was a dangerous part of space.A ship loaded with refugees as the Orinoco was, shouldhave had a Starfleet escort. It was now his duty to providethat escort and ensure that the refugees arrived safely attheir destination.

~~~<>~~~

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Kehlan packed her belongings into her kitbag and tookone last look around the tiny cabin she had called homefor the past few years. She was excited about herpromotion and looking forward to her new duties, but alittle apprehensive as well. She had never even been onboard a Starfleet vessel and now she was supposed to takeover as first officer. Even if it was only for a short time, itwas still a massive responsibility. Krang obviouslythought she was capable or he would not haverecommended her for the role; she hoped she could live upto his faith in her. She was Klingon, she reminded herself,she could do this. With that optimistic thought in hermind, she turned and headed towards the transporter room.Reaching the transporter room she was surprised to findCaptain Krang there waiting for her. No longer wearinghis Starfleet uniform, he had changed into Klingonarmour, although he wore no sash or insignia to denote hisrank. Not that he needed it, she thought, whatever hewore, no-one would ever mistake him for anything but asenior officer. He had been speaking with the transporteroperator when she came in, but seeing her, he looked upwith a smile. “Ah, there you are, Kehlan. Ready to go?”

“Yes sir” she said, taking a deep breath and steppingup onto the transporter pad, “I’m ready.”

With a curt gesture, Krang dismissed the transporteroperator and the officer left, the door shutting behind him,leaving Krang and Kehlan alone in the transporter room.“You’re a good officer, Kehlan” Krang said, intuitivelysensing her nervousness. “You’ll do fine on Endeavour.”As he spoke, he moved over to the console, checking thecontrols and programming in the coordinates.

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Kehlan stared at him in surprise. How had he known?But she made no comment, saying only “Qapla’!” andoffering him the Klingon salute.

With a nod of acknowledgement, he activated thecontrols and Kehlan felt the transporter beam take her.The room faded around her and after a moment ofnothingness, the transporter room of the USS Endeavourbegan to solidify around her. She blinked several times asher eyes adjusted to the brightness of the light and theroom came fully into focus. Two uniformed officers stoodthere. One, in a yellow uniform, was obviously theEndeavour’s transporter operator, the other wore amarines uniform with rank pins, that if she was readingthem correctly, denoted him as being a major. Her guesswas confirmed when he spoke. “Welcome on board. I’mMajor Philip Speares, the marines commander and secondofficer.”

His tone was warm and friendly and Kehlan foundherself smiling in response. “I am Commander Kehlan”she told him with a grin, “I’d ask permission to comeaboard but as I’m already here, it’s a little after the fact.”

“Well, since you outrank me” he said cheerfully, “I’monly going to get to say this once, so I might as well enjoyit. Permission granted.”

Kehlan stepped down from the transporter pad. Thatwas a good start. If all the officers made her as welcomeas this one had, she would get on fine here.

“The captain wants to see you” Major Speares told her,“I’ll show you to his ready room.” Seeing her start to lifther kitbag, he continued, “You can leave that here. One ofthe yeomen will take it to your quarters.”

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Acknowledging, she followed him from the room andalong the corridor to the turbolift. Several crewmemberspassed them, going about their duties, and Kehlan wasaware of their stares, but she saw no animosity in theirexpressions, only curiosity. They were obviouslywondering who this Klingon newcomer was. Well, theywould find out soon enough, she thought.

The Endeavour was a big ship and even with the aid ofthe turbolift it took them several minutes to reach thebridge, but eventually they did reach their destination andthe turbolift door slid open with a slight swishing sound,to reveal the bridge. It was a large, roughly circular roomand like the rest of the ship, brightly lit.

The captain’s ready room was located on the same sideof the bridge as the turbolift. With only a few steps, theycrossed the bridge and Major Speares pressed the chime.

A voice from within called “Come in” and the doorswished open, revealing the Captain’s private office.

With a quick glance at Major Speares, Kehlan walkedinto the room and the doors closed behind her.“Commander Kehlan reporting for duty, sir” she saidformally. This was actually her third meeting with theFederation captain – she had encountered him on boardthe Orinoco while she was working with the damagecontrol teams and then later he had been present on theHegh’Ta when Captain Krang had officially takencommand of the ship. But now, for the first time she wasmeeting him as his subordinate, a member of his crew.

The captain looked up and smiled at his new firstofficer. “Welcome to the Endeavour” he said, “Take aseat, there are a few things we need to discuss and then I’llgive you a tour of the ship”

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Chapter 5

The Klingon captain watched as the transportershimmered and soundlessly dematerialised the newlypromoted Commander Kehlan, sending her to her newduties on board the Federation vessel. He himself hadspent several years serving on such a vessel, an experiencethat had been both interesting and challenging. He hadevery confidence in Kehlan and he knew that once she gotpast the initial culture shock, she would thrive in Starfleet.

He turned and left the transporter room, heading backto his new quarters. For the few weeks that he was likelyto be in command of the Hegh’Ta, it hadn’t seemed worthmoving into the captain’s quarters, but it had provednecessary. The crew expected it. There was littledifference between this room and the guest quarters, butthe computer facilities were better and he was surprised tofind that Captain Kay’vin had had an old-fashioned watershower installed as well as the more usual sonic shower.That was one luxury that he would be glad to takeadvantage of. But that would have to wait until later.

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Right now, he had work to do and he might as well get onwith it.

~~~<>~~~

Finally left alone in her luxurious new quarters,Kehlan unpacked the few items she had brought with herand put them away. She glanced at the time. 16:00, midafternoon. She was not due to begin her new duties untilthe following morning which meant she had the rest of theday with nothing to do. Her tour of the ship had beeninteresting and nothing had been held back, including themore restricted parts of the ship. But there was still a lotto learn about the Endeavour. Deciding to put her sparetime to good use, she sat down at the computer consoleand activated it.

“Computer, display internal schematics of the USSEndeavour” she requested.

“Access denied.”

Kehlan frowned. “Computer, display ship’s operationsmanual.”

“Access denied.”

Her frown deepened. How could she do her job ifeven the most basic computer files were denied her?Suppressing the urge to kick the computer she decidedthat the best course of action was to simply ask the captainfor authorisation. She touched the combadge she had beengiven earlier that day. “Kehlan to Captain Mackenzie”

“Captain Mackenzie here. What can I do for you,Commander?”

“I require access to the computer system” she told thecaptain. “I wish to study the ship’s systems before I beginmy duties, but I do not have the necessary clearance.”

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“No problem” the reply came back, “For now you canuse one of my codes - Gamma four six four Epsilon. I’llget your own clearance sorted out by the start of your shifttomorrow morning.”

“Thank you Captain.” Cutting the connection sheturned back to the computer console.

“Computer, display internal schematics of the USSEndeavour. Clearance code Gamma Four six fourEpsilon.”

“Working.” The computer made a chirping noise andthe required information appeared on her screen.Satisfied, Kehlan settled herself down and began to read.She had finished with the schematics and operationsmanual and was studying the personnel files when herstomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eatensince breakfast and that she was hungry. Checking thetime again, she was surprised to find that it was now 20:30and that she had been engrossed in her reading for severalhours. She considered her options and decided to go andget something to eat from Ten Forward. Some of her newcolleagues were bound to be in there at this time and shemight as well start getting to know them.

Ten Forward was at least easy to find. Ratherobviously, it was on deck ten in the forward part of theship. It didn’t seem worth taking the turbolift just to godown two decks so she took the stairs. It took only aminute for her to reach the lounge. As she approached thedoors, they swished open and a pair of junior officers,dressed in yellow engineering uniforms, stepped throughand headed towards the turbolift, giving Kehlan friendlynods as they passed her.

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Kehlan stood for a moment in the open doorway,taking a good look around her before going inside. Shehesitated, a little unsure of the procedure for orderingfood.

The bar tender must have seen her hesitation becausehe came over and gave her a friendly smile. “Hi, I’mBart” the man said, “I’m the holographic bar tender and Irun this place. What can I get you?”

A holographic bar tender? Kehlan had heard of theFederation’s use of Emergency Medical Holograms, butthis was something new. Deciding not to query it for themoment, Kehlan considered the more important issue –what did she want to eat? There didn’t seem much pointin ordering Klingon food, it wouldn’t taste very good outof a replicator and anyway, she could get the real thingany time she wanted on board the Hegh’Ta. She had gotused to Terran ideas about cooking during her year onEarth although she hoped that the Endeavour’s replicatorswere better than the ones at the university she hadattended. The food there had been truly awful and eventhe Terran students had complained about it. There hadbeen a good selection of cafés and restaurants though, andthey had eaten out whenever possible.

“What do you recommend?” prejudiced

The bar tender thought for a moment. “How aboutroast chicken?”

Kehlan shook her head. Klingon food was eaten veryfresh and in some cases, live. The thought of eating areplicated dead burned bird did not appeal at all. “Therewas something I tried on Earth once” she saidthoughtfully, “I can’t remember what it was called. It had

38

layers of meat or vegetable with pasta and a sort of whitesauce on top.”

“I think you mean lasagne” Bart said, “Would you likethe meat or vegetable version?”

“Vegetable” Kehlan said, knowing she had surprisedhim with that decision. Everyone expected Klingons to becarnivorous. But at least vegetables were meant to becooked. “And I’d like a glass of chilled prune juice.”

“No problem” Bart said cheerfully, “Find yourself atable and I’ll bring it over in a minute.”

Kehlan acknowledged and moved away from the bar,trying to decide where to go. While the lounge was notover full and there were plenty of empty tables, most ofthose occupied were full and she did not want to eat alone.

Sitting at a crowded table with other senior officers,Major Speares caught sight of Kehlan and waved to her,inviting her to join them. She hesitated as there did notseem to be any space, but he nudged his colleagues andthey obligingly shuffled their chairs over a bit to makeroom for the newcomer and one of them moved over to anempty table to grab an extra chair.

Accepting the invitation, Kehlan went over to thegroup and took the offered chair. As she did so, Bartarrived with her food and placed it in front of her. Tastingit cautiously she was pleasantly surprised to find that itwas actually very good. Endeavour’s replicators weredefinitely better than those at her old university.

The Vulcan healer T’lia was engaged in a game of tri-dimensional chess with the head of engineering, ChiefArgyle. It was a game that Kehlan enjoyed and shestudied the board with interest. As she watched, Argylepicked up the gold bishop and moved it to the upper level.

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T’lia frowned very slightly and Kehlan thought sheunderstood why. In moving the bishop, Argyle had lefthis queen dangerously exposed to attack from T’lia’scastle. Sure enough, T’lia had seen the opportunity but asthe Vulcan prepared to make her move, Kehlan realisedwhat Argyle was planning. His move had been risky, butclever. If T’lia took the bait she would lose the game.

“That was not a logical move” T’lia accused, pickingup the gold queen and replacing it with her silver castle asshe spoke. “Check.”

“Maybe not logical” Kehlan said, unable to resistbutting in. “But it was a damn good move all the same”

Argyle looked up then. “Do ye play, lass?” At hernod, he gestured to the board, “What do you think?”

Kehlan took a good look at the board. “Gold tocheckmate in three moves” she said confidently

T’lia’s frown deepened “I admit that I am not anexpert at this game” the Vulcan woman said, “but I cannotenvision the result you are predicting.”

Argyle grinned at Kehlan. “You want to show her”

Kehlan did so and a moment later, the Vulcan stared inconsternation at the trap she had fallen into, “I maintainthat it was a highly illogical move” T’lia said ruefully,“Nevertheless, it was a very effective one.” She sighed.“As you can see, there is a good reason why I do not oftenplay this game.”

“She’s the only one who’s crazy enough to take himon” Major Speares said, “The rest of us gave up longago.”

Putting back the pieces she had altered, Kehlan said,“Now, if you had ignored the trap and tried this…”

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Picking up the silver bishop, she moved it two spaces andwaited expectantly for the engineer’s reaction.

“Damn” Argyle swore, forced to move his kingbackwards out of danger.

About to continue the attack, Kehlan stiffened as analmost subliminal shudder seemed to run through the ship.She glanced at the other officers, but they seemed unawareof it. “Did anyone else feel that?” Kehlan enquired.

“Feel what?” the communications officer asked.

Argyle gestured back towards the board. “Get on withit and stop trying to distract me.”

Kehlan gave a low growl. “I do not need to resort tosuch tactics” she told him, bringing in the knight to furtherthe attack on the gold king. “I felt a shudder.”

It was the engineer’s turn to stare at the board inconsternation. “Damn” he swore again, forced to retreat asecond time.”

Bringing the silver queen sweeping down the board,Kehlan made the final killing move. “I believe that ischeckmate.”

Leaving the two combatants to mull over the game,Kehlan returned to her now rapidly cooling lasagne. Shehad barely taken a bite when she felt another slightshudder. “Can’t anyone else feel that?” she demanded.Receiving nothing but blank looks she said, “Eitherthere’s an engine malfunction or we’re approaching an ionstorm.”

“There’s no malfunction in my engines.” Argyle’sgrowl was almost Klingon in his indignation.

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The ship shuddered again and this time it was strongenough for the other officers to feel. Argyle got up. “I’mgoing down to engineering.”

The ship’s comm. system shrilled as another shudderracked the ship and Captain Mackenzie’s voice called,“Senior officers to the bridge.”

Putting down her fork, Kehlan joined the other officersheading towards the turbolift. Technically, she was notdue to take over her duties until the following morningand she was unsure whether the summons included her.But she was to be Endeavour’s first officer and she couldnot, would not, sit around and do nothing while the shipwent into danger. It was time for her to do her duty.

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Chapter 6

The doors of the turbolift opened and the group ofsenior officers spilled out onto the bridge. Withouthesitation, Kehlan headed straight for the science console.That was where she could do the most good right now.Her knowledge of Endeavour’s systems was still limitedbut there were only so many ways to present scientificdata. Fingers flying over the panel, she began to pull upinformation from the ship’s sensors. As she worked, sheobserved the easy way the crew worked together andlistened carefully to the ebb and flow of informationbetween the captain and his officers. It was evident thatthey had been working together for a long time.

She scanned the data on her console. It was not goodenough, she decided, focusing all her concentration on thetask at hand. She was aware that the sensor system shewas using was more advanced than Klingon sensors, butwhoever had programmed them had not made the fullestuse of their capabilities.

“Commander Kehlan?”

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With a start, she realised the captain was addressingher and she did not yet have all the information he needed.“I’ll have the information in a moment, Captain” sheanswered, not looking up as she continued to re-programme the computer. Kehlan did not know that thesystem was not designed to do what she was asking andwould not have cared much if she had known. Thecaptain needed results and it was her job to get them forhim. Entering the final command, she slipped around theblockage and found what she needed.

“It is a low to medium intensity ion storm” shereported, sending the technical data to the captain’sconsole as she spoke. “It should not last more than a fewhours and is no danger to the Endeavour.”

“What about the freighter?”

“The Orinoco’s shields are in poor condition” Kehlansaid, “They are not strong enough to protect the ship. Iwould suggest that we move closer and extend our shieldsaround it.”

“Very well” Captain Mackenzie said, “Do it.”

“Aye sir” the helm officer acknowledged as he obeyedthe captain’s order, bringing the Endeavour closer to thedamaged freighter. “We are now in position”

“Extending shields, sir.” The officer at the operationsconsole said, “The Orinoco is now fully shielded.”

The communications officer looked up from hisconsole. “Captain, a message is coming through from theOrinoco. The engineering team are requesting permissionto beam back on board.”

Reading through the technical data that was continuingto come through to her console, Kehlan frowned. “Sir, it

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would not be a good idea to use the transporters during thestorm” she told the captain,

Captain Mackenzie gave a nod of agreement. “Send amessage to the away team” he said, “Tell them they’llhave to stay on the Orinoco until the storm is over.”

Outside the ship, the intensity of the ion storm wasincreasing and the shuddering was almost constant.Occasionally a stronger gust hit the ship, causing it toshake more violently.

Endeavour’s bridge crew were quiet now. They wouldall remain on duty until the storm was over and the dangerwas past. There was nothing to do now, but wait it out.

The ion storm raged for several hours before dyingdown in the early hours of the morning. Finally CaptainMackenzie was able to send his tired bridge officers offduty to get some rest. The juniors had had an easy nightof it, they could hold the fort for a while.

~~~<>~~~

Almost a week after the ion storm, Kehlan was sittingin the captain’s chair on the bridge of the Endeavour. Ithad been a very busy week, each day filled with intensivetraining. But today was different. Today she had takenher first duty shift on the bridge without the captain’spresence. It seemed strange to be sitting in his chair. Ona Klingon ship, the captain’s chair would remain empty ifthe commanding officer were not present, no-one elsewould ever use it. But there were many things Kehlanfound strange about serving on a Federation ship. TheEndeavour was cooler and much more brightly lit than theHegh’Ta, in fact the whole feel of the ship was different.Her red and black commander’s uniform was ridiculouslycomfortable compared to the armour she was accustomed

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to, but she felt naked without her d’k’tahg. It hadn’tseemed appropriate though, to wear it with her Federationuniform. Not that she really needed it, she consoledherself, she could defend herself without it and it wasn’tas if anyone on this ship was any threat to her.

She glanced at her chronograph. Nothing of interesthad happened in the last few hours. Only ten moreminutes and the gamma shift would come on duty, shewould hand over to Major Speares, the marine commanderand acting second officer and her first solo shift would beover.

“Commander Kehlan.” One of the officers, anAndorian, named if she remembered correctly, LieutenantCh’Pesh, attracted her attention, “I’m detecting somethingon long range scanners.”

“What is it, Ch’Pesh?”

“I’m not sure, sir” the lieutenant responded, “It’s toofar out to show up clearly, but I think it may be a ship.”

“Magnify the image.”

“It’s already at full magnification” the Andorian toldher.

Kehlan got up and moved over to the tactical station,looking over Ch’Pesh’s shoulder at the display. “Trytightening the focal array… ah, that’s a little better.” Thepicture sharpened, but it still wasn’t quite enough tointerpret the image on the screen. The Andorian officermoved out of the way, allowing Kehlan access as shemade further adjustments to the system. She watched,satisfied as the image became clearer and finally cameinto focus.

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“It’s Jem’Hadar” she said, “Not really surprising outhere, I suppose.”

Turning to the Terran lieutenant seated at thecommunications panel, she was about to address himwhen she realised she had forgotten his name. Pale… nothat wasn’t quite right. She tried again. Palin. That wasit, Samuel Palin. Relieved, she instructed him,“Lieutenant Palin, open a channel to the captain”

~~~<>~~~

Both Krang and Captain Mackenzie were on board thedamaged freighter when the signal from Endeavour camethrough. The Terran captain was deliberately keepinghimself busy to take his mind off his new first officer.Kehlan was settling in well and adapting to life on aFederation starship, but knowing it was her first shiftalone, he had to restrain himself from calling to see howshe was getting on – that would send a message to hiscrew that he did not trust her. And he did trust her - shehad proved herself to be a good officer. If somethinghappened that required his attention, she would call him.Nevertheless, he found himself continuing to think abouther as he inspected the repairs the engineers were stillcarrying out. The Orinoco was fit for towing and theships were once again under way, but there was still a lotof work left to be done while they were travelling. Hiscombadge bleeped and he touched it, inacknowledgement.

“Sir, we have picked up signs of a Jem’Hadar attackship on long range scanners” Kehlan informed her captain.

“Have they detected us?” Captain Mackenzie asked.

“Not yet, sir.” Kehlan replied, “We are still at extremesensor range.”

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“Well done Commander” the Captain said. “I’ll beamback in a few minutes. Let me know if there’s anychange.” Closing the comm. link, he looked at his fellowcaptain. “A single Jem’Hadar ship. I doubt it’ll comeclose enough for us to take it though. Pity.”

“A damaged freighter and lone starship should lure itin closer” Krang said thoughtfully, “Make it look asthough Endeavour is in trouble. I’ll cloak Hegh’Ta anddrop back a little. It’s something the Rotarran and theDefiant tried. Let’s see if it proves equally successful forus.”

“Understood.” The Terran captain said, “We’d betterget back to our ships.”

Beaming back to Endeavour, Captain Mackenzieheaded straight to the bridge. Switching the main screento the aft view, he watched in satisfaction as the Hegh’Tabegan to drop back and then as the cloaking device tookeffect, the image flickered and disappeared, leaving onlythe stars visible on the screen.

Sending the ship to yellow alert Captain Mackenziebegan to give orders, putting his part of the plan intomotion. “Weaken the tractor beam” he instructed, “anddrop the power supply to half. I want us to appearvulnerable.”

Kehlan glanced at her panel. “The Jem’Hadar vesselhas detected us, Captain” she reported. It’s moving closer.At current velocity it should reach us in thirty twominutes.”

“So far so good” Captain Mackenzie said, “Be ready tobring the power and weapons systems back on line on mycommand.”

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The next thirty minutes crawled by, seemingimpossibly slow. Both alpha and gamma shift officershad made an appearance by now – as the ship prepared forcombat nobody remained off duty. Inexorably the enemyvessel grew larger and larger on the viewscreen as itapproached the seemingly helpless starship and thecaptain gave the order to go from yellow to red alert.

“Enemy ship is charging weapons” Ch’Pesh said, hisvoice tense. “They are preparing to fire.”

“Just a little longer” Captain Mackenzie said, holdingup a hand, “Wait for it…”

Where was Hegh’Ta, the captain wondered as theenemy gun-ports opened. He couldn’t afford to wait anylonger. Dropping his hand, he gave the signal his crewwere waiting for. “NOW!”

Instantly there was a flurry of activity as the powereddown systems came back on line. “Full power to shields”Kehlan growled, “Opening fire”

Glancing at the viewscreen, Captain Mackenzie sawthe Hegh’Ta decloak directly above the Jem’Hadarcruiser, wings lowered into the attack position, itsdisrupter cannons spitting green death at the enemy ship.

The massive cruiser shook violently, soundlessexplosions blooming along its flank as both Federationand Klingon weapons tore into it. But the Jem’Hadarwere no cowards and the ship kept coming. Momentslater, it was Endeavour’s turn to shake as a volley oftorpedoes crashed into it.

“Initiating evasive manoeuvres” Kehlan said, knowingas she spoke, that any such manoeuvres must by necessity,be limited. There was still the damaged freighter to

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protect – the Jem’Hadar could not be allowed to get nearit.

Another volley smashed into the saucer section andthis time, the ship lurched heavily, throwing themviolently to the floor, alarms sounding as consolesexploded in a shower of sparks.

Captain Mackenzie got to his feet, and looking aroundto survey the damage, he saw Kehlan doing the same. Shewas cradling one arm to her body.

“I think I’ve broken my wrist” she said tersely, seeingthe captain’s look of enquiry. “I’m all right” Seatingherself at a damaged console, she began, with only her lefthand, to re-route power, trying to bring the systems backup to full strength.

The communications officer hadn’t been so lucky. Helay motionless on the floor where he had fallen. Checkingon the stricken lieutenant, Captain Mackenzie was pleasedto find that the man was still breathing. Touching hiscombadge, he called, “Bridge to sickbay. We need amedical team up here.”

“We’ll have someone with you as soon as possible.”T’lia’s voice, calm and reassuring came over the intercom.

Captain Mackenzie felt something warm tricklingdown the side of his face. Reaching up, he touched it andwas surprised to see blood on his fingers. He must havehit his head when he fell, he thought, funny that he hadn’teven felt it. Wiping the blood out of his eyes, he checkedthe tactical display on screen, and saw Hegh’Ta comeswooping gracefully between Endeavour and the enemycruiser, its disruptors firing again and again. Every shothit its mark. The Jem’Hadar ship was in trouble now,although still dangerous. Giving orders, he sent

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Endeavour in a tight turn, simultaneously firing bothphasers and photon torpedoes at the enemy vessel. Theweapons of the two ships found their target and thecruiser’s shields flickered heavily before going downcompletely. Vulnerable now, the enemy ship turned toflee. Too late. Sending one last volley, the crew gave aragged cheer as the Jem’Hadar vessel exploded.

~~~<>~~~

“Sir, we have a message from Captain Mansfield ofthe Orinoco” Lieutenant Ch’Pesh informed CaptainMackenzie, “He is demanding an immediate meeting withyou and Captain Krang.”

“Tell him to beam aboard in one hour” the captainsaid, “and send a message to the Hegh’Ta, requesting thatCaptain Krang joins us.”

The Klingon captain beamed over immediately he gotthe message and joined Captain Mackenzie onEndeavour’s bridge. When the transporter room contactedthe bridge to say that the Freighter captain had arrived,Krang quietly suggested, “He has no right to makedemands. Make him wait for you.”

Captain Mackenzie nodded, “I agree completely. Thatman needs to learn some manners.” Then, answering thetransporter operator, he instructed, “Have someone showCaptain Mansfield to the observation lounge. We willjoin him shortly.” When half an hour had passed, the twocaptains left the bridge and headed to the observationlounge where the now irate freighter captain was waitingfor them.

“How dare you put my ship in danger like that?” thefreighter captain said, immediately starting to shout,

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“You’re supposed to be here to protect Orinoco, not bringmore enemy ships down on us. How dare you…”

“Captain Mansfield” Krang interrupted him, his voiceicy, “You are on board a Federation starship. You willtreat Captain Mackenzie with the respect he is due or Iwill personally throw you straight out the nearest airlockand you can walk back to your ship. Do I make myselfclear?”

Somehow Captain Mackenzie managed to keep astraight face as he heard this threat. His Klingoncolleague had no authority to do any such thing, not on aFederation ship anyway, but he had no intention of tellingthe freighter captain that. “Now, I understand why youare angry, but your ship was in no danger at any timeduring the fight” Captain Mackenzie said patiently, “Hadwe not lured the enemy cruiser in and taken it down, itwould have seen us and returned with reinforcements.And that would have put you in even more danger.”

“We have done everything possible to protect you andyour passengers. Not only that but our engineers havebeen working round the clock for several days to repairthe Orinoco” Krang said, “You should be safely back inFederation space in a few days.”

“Now if there’s nothing else you wish to discuss”Captain Mackenzie said, “Then I suggest you go back toyour ship and let us get on with our work.”

~~~<>~~~

The two ships escorting the Orinoco got lucky. Twoweeks into their journey back to Federation space, theyencountered a convoy of freighters, heavily guarded by afleet of Klingon ships and were able to hand over

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responsibility for the damaged vessel to the commander ofthe leading attack-cruiser.

General Talak was a big, rather overweight man, hisappearance marred by years of overindulging in blood-wine and gagh. He was still however a formidablewarrior and a fine commander with an impressive battlerecord.

“We’re escorting this lot to Khitomer” Talak toldKrang, handing him a large mug of blood-wine. “Thenwe’re free to join the war again.”

“We need every ship out there we can get” Krang said,taking a mouthful of the wine. It tasted surprisingly good,sliding down his throat like liquid fire. “This is good” hecommented, “It tastes like the Opri vintner.”

“You know your blood-wine” Talak said, impressed.“Care to hazard a guess on the year?”

Krang stared at the wine in his mug and took anothermouthful. “I’m no expert” he said thoughtfully, “but it’sgot to be a reserve. I’d estimate about eight years old.”

“Nine actually” Talak corrected, picking up the bottleand topping up the mugs. “So, what are your plans?”

Krang thought about the question. He had sent amessage to Admiral Portway at Starfleet headquarters onEarth, but had been unable to contact her. Some arroganttoDSaH of a commander in a security uniform hadinformed him that Admiral Portway was unavailable buthad refused to divulge her location, despite the Klingon’sinsistence that the message was urgent. After someargument however he had agreed to forward on Krang’sreport. Krang had very much hoped to speak to theadmiral personally to discuss the conference with theFederation Council that he had missed. Unfortunately he

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was going to have to wait until the admiral received hisreport and contacted him.

There was no point now in Hegh’Ta heading towardsEarth but he had no other orders. Captain Mackenzie onthe other hand had pre-existing instructions to cause asmuch trouble as possible in Dominion controlled space.When he finally managed to break into Kay’vin’s personallog, he discovered that the dead captain’s orders, aftertransporting him to Earth, had been very similar toEndeavour’s. After considering all the options, Krang haddecided that until he heard otherwise he would join theEndeavour in its mission.

“Until I’m instructed otherwise” Krang told thegeneral, “I intend to find and destroy as many enemy shipsas I can. I’ve spent too long behind a desk, now it’s timeto fight.”

“Sounds like a good plan” Talak said, raising his mugand drinking down its contents in one long gulp. “It’s justa pity I’m stuck with this ghuy’cha convoy. Kill a fewJem’Hadar for me, Krang.”

Finishing off his own drink, Krang got to his feet,ready to return to his own ship. “It will be my pleasure.”

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Chapter 7

It was eight days before Krang and Captain Mackenzieheard from Starfleet again. By this time they were wellaway from the convoy and travelling at high warp backtowards enemy held space.

The two captains sat together at the table inEndeavour’s observation lounge as the image of AdmiralPortway appeared on the computer screen.

“Greetings Captain Mackenzie” the Terran admiralsaid, “Commander Krang, you’re still out of uniform Isee.”

“You already know that I have taken control ofHegh’Ta” Krang informed her stiffly, “Starfleet uniformwould be inappropriate under the circumstances.”

“I quite agree” the admiral said, surprising him,“Gentlemen, I must inform you that the captain of theOrinoco has put in a formal complaint against you” shetold the two officers, “He alleges that your actions

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recklessly endangered his vessel. He also claims,Commander Krang, that you threatened to kill him.”

“He showed disrespect” Krang told the admiral, “Imerely informed him that his attitude was unacceptable.”

“So I understand” Admiral Portway said, having to tryvery hard not to laugh. There had been more than oneoccasion in her career as a Starfleet officer that she wouldhave liked to respond in that way to arrogant merchantcaptains who thought they were better than their Starfleetcounterparts. Unfortunately, as an admiral, she had to notonly be impartial, but be seen to be so. That had meanttaking the freighter captain’s complaints seriously andcarrying out a full investigation.

“The whole incident is fully described in my report”Captain Mackenzie said, “I believe we acted in the bestinterests of the refugees on board the freighter.” Hehesitated for a moment, not liking to criticise hissuperiors. “If I may speak freely?”

“Go ahead” the admiral invited, “You usually do.”

“Why was the Orinoco not given an escort to startwith?” Captain Mackenzie queried, “He should never havebeen allowed to proceed without adequate protection.”

“I’m told that there were no vessels available for guardduty” Admiral Portway informed him, “Apparently he wasasked to wait a few days for an escort to arrive, butrefused. He denies it of course.”

“That doesn’t add up” Captain Mackenzie saidthoughtfully. “Captain Mansfield’s too cautious for that.If he denies it, I would tend to believe him.”

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“I don’t like Captain Mansfield - he’s a pain in theneck, but he’s not stupid.” Krang agreed, “I do not thinkhe would have put his passengers in danger in that way.”

Admiral Portway considered what the two men weretelling her. She had known Captain Mackenzie for years.The Klingon had come under her command only veryrecently, but he had a good reputation and she knewStarfleet thought highly of him. They were bothexperienced officers and she had no reason to distrust theirjudgement. It seemed to her that there was a cover-upsomewhere along the line. If someone had deliberatelyplaced the Orinoco and its cargo of refugees in danger...She stopped that thought there, not liking where it wasgoing. She would have to discreetly continue herinvestigations.

“You have both done very well in your handling of theOrinoco incident” Admiral Portway reassured the twocaptains, “Starfleet Command has read your reports andafter due consideration of Captain Mansfield’s complaints,we feel that there was nothing else you could have doneunder the circumstances. In fact, a commendation will beplaced on your records.”

“Thank you Admiral” Captain Mackenzie said.

“I understand you have new orders for us” Krangenquired. Uncomfortable with the unexpected praise, hechanged the subject to something he considered morerelevant.

“Your orders, Captain Mackenzie and CommanderKrang, are to return to Qo’noS.” Admiral Portwayinformed them, “I will meet you there at the First Cityspaceport to relay further instructions. I am en route therenow.”

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Then addressing the Klingon, she said, “It isregrettable that you missed the conference on Earth, but Ifully understand why Captain Kay’vin answered thedistress call. I can only hope that your absence from themeeting does not lead to more deaths in this war.” Shepaused for a moment, reading something on a data paddbefore continuing, “The Klingon Imperial Command willappoint a new captain for Hegh’Ta once you reach theHomeworld. In the meantime, Chancellor Gowron hasconfirmed your temporary appointment to the position.”

“I understand, Admiral” Krang said, “I will continue toserve both Starfleet and the Empire to the best of myability.”

“I would expect nothing less” Admiral Portwayresponded, “Captain Mackenzie, with regard to yoursenior officers, we understand and agree with the reasonsbehind your acceptance of Commander Kehlan as yourfirst officer. Chancellor Gowron wishes her to continue inthat role until you return to Qo’noS and StarfleetCommand is happy to concur. We’ll review the situationwhen you arrive.”

“Thank you Admiral” Captain Mackenzie said,pleased. He had hoped for this decision but had beenunsure as to whether Starfleet would allow a DefenceForce officer to continue serving on a Starship. He hadalready lost two first officers in the course of the war, andhe didn’t want to lose a third. This wasn’t quite thepermanent arrangement he wanted, but it was a start.

“I will expect to see both of you on Qo’noS” theadmiral told them, “You’re both dismissed.” And withthat, she cut the connection.

~~~<>~~~

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Returning to his own vessel, Krang gave the order toturn the ship around and lay in a course for Qo’noS. Hecouldn’t help feeling disappointed. He had always knownthat his command of the Hegh’Ta was temporary but hedidn’t want to give it up. He did miss his family and heknew that the work he had been doing on Frontera wasimportant to the war effort, but he was a Klingon warrior,born and bred to fight, not to sit behind a desk and sendothers out to battle.

He thought over the conversation with AdmiralPortway. She had made it clear that she was not satisfiedwith the problem of the Orinoco and he suspected that thematter was not yet closed. Had someone deliberately sentOrinoco into harm’s way? But who and why? This was aproblem he could definitely help with. He had spent yearsrunning the Klingon Intelligence network and this wasexactly the sort of thing he was trained for. His ownaccess codes were long out of date of course but he hadbeen involved in writing the Empire’s security protocolsand he would be very surprised if he could not eventuallyget into the system. But that would come later, once hehad checked through the information available in theStarfleet database.

After some consideration he started by pulling uppassenger and crew lists to see who had been on board thefreighter, cross referencing the lists with details such asplanet of origin, race and security clearance. He foundnothing unusual, everything checked out as it wassupposed to. What about cargo, he wondered. Examiningthe cargo manifests and comparing it with the bills oflading he found that again, everything checked out.

So far he had been able to find absolutely no reasonwhy someone might have wanted the Orinoco destroyed.

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He had to be missing something. Krang frowned andbegan the search again, this time digging deeper. One byone he went through the names on the lists, this timebringing up a full personnel file on each person and crosschecking against planetary records and other classifiedfiles. Three quarters of the way down the list, he finallyfound what he was looking for. A Bajoran woman namedJen Maran had been among the refugees onboard thefreighter. Bajoran records were admittedly sketchy but adate of birth had been given as 2335, making her 40 yearsold. In itself there was nothing strange about the data, butthe village listed as her place of birth had been destroyedby the Cardassians six months later with no knownsurvivors. Now it was possible that Jen Maran had notbeen in the village at the time and had escaped themassacre. But it was equally possible that the womanknown as Jen Maran was not the original. It wouldn’t bethe first time that a false ID had been created in this way.

The question Krang now had to ask was, if the womanwas a fake, who was she? He seriously doubted that shewas a criminal or a freelancer, the cover up had been welldone and bore all the hallmarks of a professional job. Itwas his guess that Jen Maran was probably an intelligenceoperative trying to get back with sensitive information.And if that was the case, who could have known about it?

If he were to continue guessing, he would put his betson someone on the Starbase command staff. It wouldhave to be someone in a senior position, with access toclassified information. Even with all his experience inintelligence work it had taken him several hours to findout this much and there was still no proof of anything. Itwas all supposition and he would need a lot more evidencebefore any accusations could be made.

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Deciding to pass on what he had learned so far, Krangrecorded a message and encrypted it, sending it on amaximum security frequency to the Federation embassy atQo’noS, for the personal attention of Admiral Portway.That done, he continued with his investigation.

This time he turned his attention to the personnel onboard the starbase. Reading through their files, it occurredto him that I.I. were almost guaranteed to have an agent onboard themselves. It would be sensible, he decided, tofind out what information they held on the starbase.Activating the computer again, he entered the I.I. system,carefully navigating his way through the layers ofclassification to find the information he needed.

~~~<>~~~

Located not too far from the Council Hall of the FirstCity on Qo’noS, was a tall imposing building thatdominated the city skyline. The badges carved into theside of the building marked it as the headquarters ofKlingon Imperial Intelligence. Somewhere on one of theupper floors, the Klingon Captain of Security namedMoragh sutai Khamran stood looking out of the greathexagonal window of his office. The view wasspectacular and he could see all the way across the FirstCity. He turned as the door chimed and his aide came inwithout waiting for permission.

“What is it, Traig?” he asked in annoyance, “I told youI didn’t want to be disturbed.”

The newcomer growled. “Sir, we’ve picked upunauthorised activity in the computer system. Someone’sgot into the classified files and whatever codes they’reusing, we can’t lock them out.”

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“What?” Moragh exploded, “How is that possible?Have you traced the intrusion?”

“Yes sir” Traig answered, “It’s coming from the IKCHegh’Ta.”

“Do we have an agent on the Hegh’Ta?”

“We did, sir” Traig informed him, “Unfortunately hewas killed in battle a few days ago.”

Moragh frowned and moved to his desk, quicklypulling up information about the Hegh’Ta, its mission andcrew. Looking up and realising that his assistant was stillwaiting for instructions, he said “Thank you Traig. I willtake it from here. Dismissed.” He didn’t even notice asthe aide quietly left, shutting the door behind him, he wasalready engrossed in the problem before him. His handsflew over the computer console, quickly and efficientlyentering commands, but whoever the infiltrator was, heknew his way around the system as well as Moragh didand it was proving incredibly difficult to shut him out. Hesucceeded eventually, mostly because the intrudersuddenly ceased his activity. Whether that was because hehad been detected or because he had found what he waslooking for, Moragh didn’t know. Tiredly, he ordered acomplete shutdown and reboot of the I.I computernetwork. It was a contingency that had been put in placeby a previous Captain of Security many years ago, butuntil now had never been needed. Several hours later,with the computers up and running again, on a limitedbasis at least, Moragh turned his attention to identifyingthe intruder.

The I.I. operative on the Hegh’Ta was dead, and evenif someone had found his transceiver, which was unlikely,the agent had been a relatively junior one and his

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clearance codes would not have allowed access this deepinto classified files. There should be no-one on board theIKC Hegh’Ta with the skills necessary to get that far.

Seeing that the bird-of-prey was travelling with aFederation ship, the USS Endeavour, Moragh pulled upthe crew manifest for that ship was well. The intruder wasunlikely to be a non-Klingon, but it was worth checking.Some Vulcans were known to have almost uncannycomputer skills. But there was nothing abnormal abouteither ship. Other than the Hegh’Ta’s new captain, theonly unknown factor was Commander Kehlan. All theother officers checked out, but the Endeavour’s new firstofficer was Houseless and that meant there were noguarantees of her loyalty. Reading her file, he saw thatshe had spent two years in the Federation as a student.Who knew what influences she had come under duringthat time. He noted also that it was after coming intocontact with Captain Krang that she had finally joined theDefence Force and he wondered what had prompted her tomake that decision. He sent a memo to his aide to haveher brought in for routine questioning once the two shipsarrived back at Qo’noS.

Moragh had already noted Hegh’Ta’s recent change ofcommand, and now he pulled up the new captain’spersonnel file and cross checked it against the intelligencedatabase. There was almost no information availableabout Krang epetai Inigan and Moragh was surprised tofind that what little there was, went back only six years.Digging deeper into the files however proved fruitless andwhen the computer steadfastly refused him access to thehidden files, he swore in frustration and placed a call tothe Operations Master, the ultimate head of KlingonImperial Intelligence. He was lucky. The OperationsMaster had complete faith in his Captains of Security and

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as soon as Moragh had explained the problem he releasedthe files to him instantly. He also suggested that Moraghcontact Krang and give him whatever help was needed.Such a suggestion from the Operations Master was not tobe taken lightly, it was in fact a thinly veiled order.Initially Moragh did not comprehend his superior officer’sattitude but reading the information in the hidden file, theorder began to make sense. He also understood why thefile was wrapped in so many layers of classification.There were actually seven Captains of Security, not six ashe had always believed, the seventh being Krang epetaiInigan. It was immediately evident that Krang was indeedthe intruder in the computer system. He not only had theskills and clearance, but he had been the person who hadput all the protocols and systems in place to begin with,although there had been several updates since then.

Despite the charge of treason and the death sentencethat had been passed in Krang’s absence, his rank hadnever actually been revoked although he no longerclaimed it. For someone so high in Imperial Intelligenceto have betrayed the Empire as Krang had, wasunthinkable to Moragh. And yet, reading further, he sawthat Gowron had not only pardoned him, but declared hima ‘Hero of the Empire’ for his actions and Moragh foundthat he could not disagree with the chancellor’sassessment of the situation. Had Krang acted differentlythen it was very possible that the Klingon Empire mightnot now exist.

Now he had to find out what the ex Captain ofSecurity was looking for in the computer system and theeasiest way to do that was to ask. Shutting down the file,he activated the comm. system and placed a call to theIKC Hegh’Ta.

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Chapter 8

Seated in his office, just off Hegh’Ta’s bridge, Krangwas reading through the data he had recovered when hiscomm. panel bleeped. It was Vareq, his second officer.“Captain, there’s a private transmission from theHomeworld for you. It’s on a maximum securityfrequency.”

“Who is it from?” Krang queried, although he had agood idea that it would be from Imperial Intelligence. Hewould have been very surprised, and a little disappointedin them if they had not picked up his activity in theircomputer system. Even an operative as experienced as hewas should not have been able to get in unnoticed.

Vareq hesitated as he checked the identification on themessage. “It’s marked from Captain of Security Moraghsutai Khamran” he said finally, wondering what a topranking I.I. officer wanted with Captain Krang. He hadheard Captain Kay’vin addressing Krang as Captain ofSecurity, but had put it down to his captain’s strange senseof humour. Now he wasn’t so sure.

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“Very well, Vareq” Krang said, satisfied. “Put itthrough to my office.”

There was a bleep as Vareq signed off and transferredthe message across to the captain. A moment later, thecomputer screen was filled with the image of a Klingon, alittle younger than Krang but with the same air ofauthority, wearing the insignia that denoted his rank inImperial Intelligence. It was a badge that Krang had oncebeen proud to wear.

“NuqneH Captain Moragh” Krang said, “I am CaptainKrang. What can I do for you?”

“I suspect it’s more what I can do for you” Moraghsaid dryly. “You’ve been digging around for informationin my computer network. If you wanted something youonly had to ask, you know.”

Krang found himself laughing. “The truth is, Moragh”he said ruefully, “It never occurred to me to just ask.”

“My orders are to give you every assistance” Moraghsaid seriously, “So if you tell me what you’re looking for,I’ll do my best to help. ”

“Actually, I need information from one of your agents”Krang told him. Quickly he explained the situation,telling the other Klingon about the attack on the Orinocoand how he had come to believe that there was a traitor onStarbase 62.

A skilled operative, Moragh had not risen to hiscurrent rank for nothing and he immediately grasped theseriousness of the problem. The presence of a traitor highup in Starfleet had ramifications for the Klingons as wellas the Federation and he would do everything possible tohelp, despite his initial unhappiness with the OperationsMaster’s order to cooperate with Captain Krang. He

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considered for a moment before saying finally, “Leave itwith me for a while. I’ll see what I can find out. Moraghout.”

Content for now to leave the investigation in thecapable hands of his Imperial Intelligence colleague,Krang finally got round to reading through the reportsfrom Starfleet that Admiral Portway had given him. Newsecurity protocols had been put in place by the FederationCouncil but the Klingon did not feel that they wereadequate. They seemed inconsistent to him, almostparanoid in some aspects, yet over simplified in others.He wondered, not for the first time, if his presence at theconference he had missed would have made anydifference. Reading these reports, he rather suspected thatit would not. Looking through the padds one final time,Krang decided to consult his fellow captain about some ofhis ideas. He was about to open a comm. link to hisfellow captain when the panel buzzed, indicating anincoming message. It was from Moragh again.

“I have made contact with my field operatives in thatsector” the Security Captain informed Krang withoutpreamble, “As soon as I hear anything worth reporting, Iwill contact you again.”

Krang acknowledged, saying, “I am in your debt.”

“I serve the Empire” Moragh said, “I am always gladto render assistance to a fellow officer. However, shouldthe time come when I need your help, I will expect toreceive it with the same willingness that I have aidedyou.” With that, he signed off and was gone.

Krang remained still for a few moments, then, gettingup, he opened a comm. link to the Endeavour. “We need

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to talk” Krang told his Federation counterpart. “There aresome security issues we need to discuss.”

“I’m free now, if you want to join me for a raktajino”Captain Mackenzie invited him, “I’ll be in my readyroom.” He laughed, “I won’t bother sending an escort,you know your way around.”

“On my way” Krang responded, “I’ll be with you in afew minutes.”

There was a lot to be discussed. Apart from therequirements laid down in the memos resulting from theconference, Krang had some ideas of his own. In fact, thetwo captains found they were thinking along very similarlines. As the two ships were travelling together they hadagreed on an ‘open ship’ policy allowing the crew of bothships to make use of each others’ facilities. This being thecase, it had become important to keep track of who was onwhich ship. After some thought, it was decided that asimple logging in procedure was needed. The transporterlogs partially fulfilled their requirements, recording timeand destination of transport but not who had used thetransporter. This would be remedied by having the crewsign in and out at each end.

The issue of possible shapeshifter infiltration was alittle more difficult to tackle. New guidelinesrecommended – no, insisted – that starship crews beregularly tested. Captain Mackenzie felt however thatconstant tests would leave the crew feeling that they wereunder suspicion and would be damaging to morale. Thewar wasn’t going well for the Federation and morale wasalready low enough without making things worse. Krangsuggested that sensor sweeps be carried out and all crewmembers be tested, including the captains. He felthowever that once it was determined that there were no

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shapeshifters on board, then no further testing wasnecessary unless they came into contact with crew fromother ships or space stations. Any newcomers would betested rigorously, regardless of any previous testing theymight have undergone.

He also had to tell Captain Mackenzie about hisconversation with Moragh. The Captain of Security hadbeen cooperative and helpful, far more so than Krang felthe had any right to expect. If Imperial Intelligence wasoperating with its usual efficiency, Krang had no doubtthat Moragh would find answers. He did not however,plan to sit and wait for Moragh to do all the work. Withthe information he had been given, he would continue toinvestigate from this end and between them, they wouldfind out who had endangered the Orinoco and why.

Business having been attended to, Krang had time tolook around and he surveyed Captain Mackenzie’s readyroom with interest. It was the first time he had been in theroom. So far all their meetings had been either on thebridge or in the observation lounge. Several weaponshung on the wall, including to the Klingon’s surprise, amek’leth. But it was the sword that caught his attention –a long slender weapon that gleamed with age.

The other captain, seeing his interest, said, “It’s aSamurai sword called a katana, from a part of Earthnamed Japan.” He stepped across the room and lifted thesword down, handing it to the Klingon. “Here, try it.”

Krang accepted the weapon and stepping back to givehimself room, swung it experimentally. “It’s beautifullybalanced” he commented, “A little lighter than I’m used tothough.” Carefully he ran his finger across the blade,testing the weapon’s sharpness before swinging it again.“I could get used to it.” Handing the sword back to its

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owner, he moved back to the wall and without waiting forpermission, removed the mek’leth. Examining itcarefully, he ran through a quick series of moves beforeshaking his head and putting the weapon back where hehad got it from. “It looks nice but the balance is off and itis not a good quality alloy.” Krang explained his reaction,“I wouldn’t like to have to fight with it.”

“I get on all right with it” the Federation captain said, alittle defensively.

“Oh for training purposes it’s fine, but I wouldn’t trustmy life to it” Krang told him. “Try my own mek’lethsometime and you’ll understand the difference.”

“I’ll do that.”

“That sword though, I’d like to try it properly.” Krangsaid “Are you trained in its use or is it just an ornament?”

Captain Mackenzie shook his head. “No, I know howto use it.” Going back to his desk, he brought up theholodeck schedule on the screen and checked it. “Whydon’t you get your weapons and then you can try thekatana. If you have the time, there’s a holodeck free.”

Krang gave a fierce smile, “For a weapon such as thatone, I’ll make time.” He hit his combadge contacting hisship. “Captain Krang to Kargan.”

When the first officer answered, Krang asked him tosend someone to his quarters and have his batleth andmek’leth beamed over to Endeavour. Kargan agreedcheerfully and a few minutes later the Endeavour’stransporter room called to report their arrival.

Smiling in anticipation of the match, the two menheaded off to the holodeck.

~~~<>~~~

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Krang stretched himself out on the hard metal slab thatKlingons euphemistically called a bed. His muscles achedand he half wished he had accepted the pillow thatKay’vin had jokingly offered him. The Terran captain hadturned out to be a worthy opponent and the two men hadspent most of the afternoon in the holodeck. After an houror so learning the basics of the katana, Krang hadsuggested trying it out against both the batleth and themek’leth. The katana had proved to be a match for theKlingon’s weapons and Captain Mackenzie really didknow how to fight although he had conceded Krang’spoint about the quality of his mek’leth. They had startedoff using their own weapons but after a while, tocomplicate things, they had swapped swords, each usingthe other’s weapon. It had been a particularly strenuousand very satisfying session. Each of them had learnedfrom the encounter and they were looking forward to thenext match.

Kay’vin hadn’t been so far wrong - he had grown soft,he reflected. He had been too long in the Federation andhad become accustomed to the softness and ease ofFederation life. He smiled, imagining his Terragnanwife’s reaction if she were asked to sleep on a metal slabeach night instead of the comfortable bed they shared.And if he were honest, he had come to enjoy that comfort.

It had been several weeks since he had taken over thecaptaincy of the IKC Hegh’Ta and it felt good to be livingas a Klingon warrior again. It felt good to wear theKlingon uniform again, to live among Klingon warriors,to eat Klingon food – and especially to go into gloriousbattle against the enemies of the Klingon Empire. Finally,he felt, he was where he belonged.

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Shocked, he sat bolt upright – where had thattreacherous thought come from? It had been his choice toleave the Empire and serve with the Federation. And hehad a wife and children, whom he loved deeply. He couldnot even begin to imagine living without them. So whywas he feeling like this? Annoyed with himself, hestretched out again and attempted to sleep.

Any chance of sleep however, was disrupted by theshrill whistle of the communications panel on the wall andKargan’s voice calling his name. “Captain, there is a callfor you from Captain Mackenzie of the Endeavour.”

“Are we under attack? Krang asked grumpily.

“No, sir.”

“Then it can wait until morning.”

To Krang’s surprise, his first officer did not backdown, but insisted, “Captain, I really think you shouldtake this call.”

Krang sighed. “Very well. I’m on my way.”

~~~<>~~~

On board the Endeavour, a communiqué had arrivedfrom Starfleet headquarters. Kehlan, who had remainedon duty that night, noticed the priority one coding andimmediately opened the message. What she read left hershocked and disturbed. Captain Mackenzie was not goingto like this – and Captain Krang would be devastated.Deciding it could not wait until morning, she immediatelywent into the ready room and called the captain,awakening him from sleep. Hearing the tension inKehlan’s voice, he asked no questions and only a fewminutes later he had joined her in his office. Quietly shehanded him the message.

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Captain Mackenzie read the communiqué. For amoment he remained silent, digesting its contents. Thenhe turned to his half Klingon first officer, saying “Isn’tthat where Captain Krang comes from?” At Kehlan’s nod,he asked, “Are there any casualty lists yet?

Kehlan handed him the lists, wordlessly pointing to agroup of names about a third of the way down the list.

“INIGAN – HOUSE OF: Christa Martinez, AntonioMartinez, Josefina Martinez, Kara, Kehlan, Meren.”

The captain looked at her enquiringly. Seeing theunspoken question, she answered dully, “Captain Krang’swife and children.”

Captain Mackenzie was shocked. “Oh God!”

Suddenly shaking, Kehlan turned her back on thecaptain, and covering her face with her hands in a vainattempt to stop the tears, she said in a low voice, “Chrissiewas my friend.”

He stepped towards Kehlan, putting a sympathetichand on her shoulder, not knowing what to say. Gratefulfor his strength, she leaned back against him. Turning herto face him, he wrapped his arms around her and held herfor a moment, letting her grieve before gently releasingher. With a visible effort, Kehlan pulled herself together,saying, “I should tell Krang.”

“I’ll do it” the captain said, “You should go and getsome rest. That’s an order!” He watched as Kehlannodded and left the bridge, then activated thecommunications system and hailed the Hegh’Ta.

~~~<>~~~

Back on the Hegh’Ta, Krang pulled on his uniformand headed to the bridge. As the bridge doors opened, he

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could see on the viewscreen the image of CaptainMackenzie, waiting patiently for him. This must beimportant he realised, the other captain looked dishevelledand had obviously been recently aroused from sleephimself.

”NuqneH?” Krang asked brusquely, “What do youwant, James?

“I’m sorry to wake you, Krang” the other captain saidgravely, “But I’m afraid this can’t wait.” He hesitated,“There’s no easy way to tell you this, but…”

“But what? What’s happened?” Krang exploded,suddenly very worried. The words “sorry…”, “I’mafraid…”, “no easy way…” echoed in his ears. It was notlike Captain Mackenzie to beat around the bush –something had to be seriously wrong, “In Kahless’ name,James, whatever it is, just tell me!”

The Terran captain took a deep breath beforeanswering, “There has been a Jem’Hadar incursion. Afleet got through our defences and attacked Frontera.We’ve lost a lot of lives.”

Krang’s face whitened. “My family are on Frontera!Do you know if…” He was unable to finish.

Captain Mackenzie nodded, “Krang my friend, I’m sosorry.”

“Dead?” Krang shook his head in shock and disbelief.“All of them? Chrissie? The children?” Looking at theother man, Krang could see the stark truth in his eyes. Hisfamily, his entire family were gone. They were dead, allof them and he was not. He had been off fighting battlesand enjoying himself; he had left his family unprotectedand they had paid the price. Unable to bear the sympathy

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of the Federation Captain, Krang swore and cut theconnection.

For long minutes, he stood motionless, unable to thinkor function, just staring unseeingly at the blank view-screen. The duty officers knew better than to say anythingand they waited silently for the storm. It was not long incoming.

Roaring his anger, Krang turned and banged hisgauntleted fists down on the console nearest to him,striking it again and again, until the console cracked andviolet blood dripped from his hands.

Turning to the now thoroughly nervous helm officer,he snarled, “Turn the ship around!”

“Sir?” Ensign Krell hesitated. He did not want toargue with the grief-stricken captain, but the ship wasunder orders to return to Qo’noS and he was unsure whatto do.

“I said, turn the ship around!” Krang shouted, taking athreatening step towards the helmsman.

Kargan intervened then, stepping between them anddistracting his captain from the luckless junior officer.Krang swung with his d’k’tahg at the first officer whodeftly avoided the blow. “If killing me will make you feelbetter, then do it” Kargan invited him, his voice calm,“But my death won’t bring your family back – and itwon’t avenge them.”

As the first officer’s words penetrated through thethick fog of pain and grief, the blood rage slowly drainedfrom Krang and he stared in surprise at the knife in hishand as though he had never seen it before.

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“Turn the ship around!” Krang repeated for the secondtime.

“We have orders to return to Qo’noS” Kargan stated,keeping his tone calm and reasonable.

Krang gestured towards the rear of the ship. “Theenemy is that way. I’m going after them.” He paused,“Are you with me?”

Kargan stared at the captain for a moment, then seeingthe enquiring look the helm officer was giving him, heconfirmed the captain’s order. “Turn the ship around.Today we go hunting!”

Krang returned to the captain’s chair and sat down.“Send a message to the Endeavour” he said, “Tell themwhat we are doing and order them to return to Federationspace.” The message sent, the bird-of-prey began to turnaround, its crew ready and eager to hunt Jem’Hadar.

Moments later a return message came from the captainof the Endeavour.

“nIteb Qob qwaD jup ‘e’ chaw’be’ SuvwI – A warriordoes not let a friend face danger alone!”

As Krang read out the message, the bridge erupted incheers and the two ships, Endeavour and Hegh’Ta, flewside by side, back into Dominion controlled space.

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Chapter 9

Not surprisingly, it was the Endeavour that first pickedup signs of the Cardassian Galor class cruiser coming intheir general direction. The Federation starship, especiallywith the modifications Kehlan had made to the system,had far better long range sensors than the Hegh’Ta.

Immediately the enemy ship was detected, CaptainMackenzie called for a meeting and the senior officers ofboth ships once again gathered around the table inEndeavour’s observation lounge. Endeavour was a muchbigger ship than Hegh’Ta, and under-crewed as she was,there was no shortage of space on board – something theKlingon officers had taken advantage of, regularly makinguse of the gymnasiums and holodecks for training andexercise whenever their off duty hours allowed.

As soon as he was informed of the Cardassian vessel,Krang ordered his ship to cloak and began to piecetogether the idea that was forming in his head. The enemyship had not yet detected them although it was now only amatter of time and to carry off his plan they needed to take

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the Cardassians by surprise. His idea was audacious andhighly dangerous but if it succeeded it would benefit themgreatly. He just had to persuade the Federation captain togo along with it.

“I propose that we send a boarding party” Krang said,“If we catch them by surprise I see no reason why wecouldn’t take the ship intact.”

“The Cardassians are good fighters” Major Spearessaid, liking the suggestion, “but it’s nothing my marinescan’t handle. In fact we’d be glad of a bit of action; I’mgetting bored of simulations.”

“This is crazy” Argyle, Endeavour’s chief engineer,protested, “We should just blow them out of the sky andbe done with it.”

“Maybe we should let Captain Krang explain” CaptainMackenzie said. His tone made it an order rather than asuggestion. “I assume he has good reasons for suggestingit and not just a desire for some hand to hand combat.”

“You already know I have a background inintelligence work” Krang responded, “If I can get onto thebridge I should be able to access their computer system.”

“The information would certainly be useful to us.”Captain Mackenzie agreed, “You’ll need to be incommand of the boarding party then.”

“Captain, your place is on Hegh’Ta’s bridge” Karganprotested, “I should be the one to lead the away team.”

Krang shook his head, “I’m sorry Kargan, not thistime. You’re not an I.I. agent. You don’t have the skillsor experience to complete this mission – and neither doesKoreq. It has to be me who goes. You will takecommand of Hegh’Ta while I’m gone.”

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“I still don’t approve” Kargan said stubbornly.

“You don’t have to approve” Krang snarled, “But youwill obey my orders or I will have you replaced.”

“Yes sir” Kargan said, subsiding. He knew that in hiscurrent mood, the captain was capable of carrying throughon his threat and he had no desire to die just yet.

Captain Mackenzie considered his own options. Hewould have very much liked to be part of the away team,but unlike his Klingon counterpart, he could not justifyleaving his ship during a battle. Krang had no choice,nobody else had the necessary security background tobreak into the Cardassian computer systems and accesstheir intelligence network. “Major Speares, you’ll lead theEndeavour’s team” he told the marine officer. “CaptainKrang will be in charge of the mission, you’ll answer tohim.”

“I’d like to borrow Kehlan” the Klingon captainrequested, “Her science skills will be useful to me.”

“Agreed” Captain Mackenzie said. Getting up hemoved over to the viewscreen on the wall and activated aschematic of a Galor class ship. “We need to concentrateour fire on the ship’s shield generator, located here.” Heindicated the appropriate spot on the diagram beforecontinuing, “Once the shields drop we’re going to have tolower our own shields momentarily to transport across. Isuggest that all troops depart from Hegh’Ta, it has a fastertransporter cycle than Endeavour. We’ll beam a partydirect to their bridge, and also one to engineering.”

Krang stood up and moved across to join theFederation captain. “I suggest we put teams here and hereas well” he said, pointing to several spots on theschematic. “Vareq, tell the troops to use mek’leths.

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There’s no room to swing a batleth properly in thosecorridors. I also want both Starfleet and Klingon marinesissued with personal oxygen supplies; they’re going toneed them.”

“I think that’s everything we need to cover” CaptainMackenzie said, bringing the meeting to a conclusion.“You all know your duties. Dismissed.”

~~~<>~~~

Captain Mackenzie was in the transporter room havinga last minute discussion with his marine commander asthey inspected the troops waiting to beam over toHegh’Ta. The doors swished open as his first officerstalked into the room. Kehlan had changed into herKlingon armour and carried a mek’leth in one hand and adisruptor in the other. As well as her d’k’tahg she alsohad a vicious looking qut’luch tucked into her belt. Theleather armour, unlike that worn by the male officers,clung to her curves and revealed plenty of cleavage, rathermore than he considered strictly appropriate. She carriedherself with all the pride and assurance of the Klingonwarrior she was and the captain found he couldn’t keep hiseyes off her. He frowned, forcing himself to look away.Kehlan was his first officer and he knew his reaction wasnot only inappropriate but ill timed, he didn’t need thissort of distraction just before a battle. He was annoyed tosee that the marines were reacting similarly.

“ATTENTION” he snapped, not liking the way theother men were staring at her “Eyes front.”

Major Speares raised an eyebrow at the captain’ssudden display of bad temper but didn’t comment, simplycarrying on with his inspection. “All present and correct,Sir” he reported finally, “Marine Corps ready for action.”

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Captain Mackenzie gave a curt acknowledgementbefore instructing the team to beam across to the Klingonship. He watched as the transporter beam took effect andthe troops vanished, before heading back to the bridge.

Everything seemed to happen very fast after that. Inno time at all the Cardassian cruiser was on them and theywere under attack. As Endeavour swept down on thecruiser, Hegh’Ta decloaked directly above it, the twoships coordinating their attack in an effort to bring downthe enemy’s shield generator. From the way the Hegh’Tawas manoeuvring, almost dancing in and out of the enemyfiring pattern, it was obvious that Kargan had to be at thehelm. Even so, it was going to take all Kargan’sconsiderable skill to keep the bird-of-prey out of range ofthe Cardassian weapons when the time came for theboarding party to transport.

It was almost time, Captain Mackenzie thought asCh’Pesh shouted, “Captain, Enemy shields are fluctuating.I’m reading a forty eight percent power drain.”

“Prepare to fire again” the captain ordered, “On mycommand, hit that ship with everything we’ve got.” Hewatched the tactical display carefully and as Hegh’Tacame round in a graceful turn, its disruptor cannons firing.The enemy shields flickered, the generators unable to copewith the combined fire power of the two shipsconcentrated in the one spot. “Ready…” he warned thecrew, “almost there. On my mark…”

There was just the faintest flicker as Hegh’Ta droppedits shields to allow transport.

“NOW!” Captain Mackenzie said, his voice almost ashout. Every weapon the Endeavour had, went tearinginto the Cardassian ship, this time aimed at the weapons

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ports. The cruiser lurched heavily as torpedoes explodedalong its length and deadly phaser beams cut into itsweapons array, preventing it from firing with anyaccuracy at the temporarily defenceless Hegh’Ta. A fullminute passed before the bird-of-prey was able to raise itsshields again and just as it did so, the Cardassian cruiserstopped firing, its crew suddenly too preoccupied with theinvaders to man the guns.

~~~<>~~~

Krang materialised on the bridge of the Cardassiancruiser, mek’leth in one hand, disruptor in the other.Raising his weapon, he fired it, taking down a Cardassianwho, reacting more quickly than his compatriots, wasalready firing his own disruptor. At the same time, barelyturning, he lashed out to one side with his mek’leth at asecond Cardassian, slicing open his abdomen. As thescreaming man fell, writhing on the floor, a second blowfinished him. Stepping over the fallen enemy, Krangheaded towards the nearest console.

Around him, he was aware of his fellow Klingonsspreading out and attacking the other bridge officers. Heknew also that all over the ship, other groups werematerialising, their aim to keep the enemy too busy tosend reinforcements to the bridge. Shoving his disruptorback in his belt he gave his full attention to the controlpanel in front of him. He had to trust his men now, to dotheir job and defend him. He was not here to fight,however much he wanted to, but to obtain the informationthey had come for and that would need all hisconcentration.

A Cardassian ran at him, firing his disruptor and aKlingon soldier screamed, falling to the ground as thedeadly energy beam burned a hole in his chest. Krang

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glanced up, ready to defend himself but it provedunnecessary. Kehlan stepped in front of him, lashing outwith her mek’leth, her blow cutting through theCardassian’s wrist. The man stared at his hand as it lay onthe floor still gripping the disruptor, too shocked even tocry out. Kehlan whirled, striking again and her secondblow sliced open his throat.

Krang’s work went surprisingly well in the end. Theyhad taken the Cardassians by surprise and they had had notime to lock down or booby trap the systems. They werepassword protected of course, but to an operative asexperienced as he was, slipping through the layers ofsecurity protocols was, while not exactly easy, certainlyachievable.

“Qapla!” he muttered as the system finally acceptedhis codes and opened for his inspection. Working quicklyhe began to download information onto his speciallymodified tricorder.

Peripherally aware that the sounds of fighting werebeginning to die down, Krang looked up, in time to seeVareq’s mek’leth dispatch the final defender. Histricorder bleeped then and he turned his attention back toit. “QI’yah Ha’DibaHmey” he swore, “They areattempting to re-route bridge controls to engineering”

“I’ll deal with it” Kehlan said, her voice calm as sheseated herself at the Cardassian science officer’s stationand began to work the controls.

“Captain” One of his men, standing at a panel on theother side of the bridge, attracted his attention, “I think theself destruct has been armed.”

Immediately Krang was at his side, reading theflowing Cardassian script illuminated on the panel. “I can

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fix that” he said confidently, his fingers manipulating thescreen even as he spoke. He swore again as the systemresisted his attempt to stop the countdown.

“Try cross connecting the auxiliary power line with themain engineering console” Kehlan told him, not evennoticing that she was giving orders to a senior officer.“Then, tie in the command system… That’s it, the one toyour left.”

Krang acknowledged, doing as she had said, “Got it”he said, satisfied as the panel went dark. Then turning tohis second officer, he instructed, “Vareq, take a squad toengineering and back up the Federation team. Once youget down there, I want the rest of the ship vented tovacuum.”

Vareq quickly organised his men, leaving enoughsoldiers to guard the bridge and taking the rest with him.Before long he had reported back. “Engineering is secure,Captain” he said, his voice crackling through the comm.system. The ship is ours. All non secured areas have beenvented as ordered.”

“Any prisoners?” Krang asked as he disconnected histricorder from the ship’s computer system and put it backon his belt.

“Yes sir, a few” Vareq said, sounding disgusted attheir cowardice. A Klingon of course, would die beforebeing taken prisoner. “One of them is a Vorta!”

“A Vorta?” Krang was surprised but pleased, “Welldone, Vareq. Have Koreq beam over and question them.Keep the Vorta alive afterwards – the others can bedisposed of.”

Kehlan stared at him, shocked at the ruthlessness ofthe order, which was in direct contravention of Starfleet

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directives regarding prisoners. And despite appearances,Krang was still a Starfleet officer. “Sir, CaptainMackenzie said…”

She was given no chance to finish. “I am in commandof this mission” Krang snarled. “You will obey me.” Alittle more gently, he continued, “Kehlan, we can’t takethem with us and we certainly can’t let them go. It’s bestto give them a quick death once we’ve finishedinterrogating them.”

“You know it’s against Starfleet regulations” Kehlanpersisted. “And even if it weren’t, there is no honour inexecuting prisoners.”

Krang gave an infuriated growl, but he knew she wascorrect. “Belay the last part of that order, Vareq” hesnapped, “Keep the prisoners alive – for now.”

~~~<>~~~

Immediately Kehlan rematerialised on Endeavour’stransporter pad, she went straight to the captain’s readyroom to make her report. A lot had happened on theCardassian cruiser and the captain needed to know about itstraight away. She was particularly concerned about thesituation regarding the prisoners. In his current mood, theKlingon captain was unlikely to show them any mercy,despite his promise to keep them alive. She knew Koreq’smethods of interrogation and knew also that Krang wouldauthorise the use of the agoniser and maybe even themind-sifter. While she was Klingon enough not to care,those devices were illegal in the Federation and shesuspected that Captain Mackenzie would have strongviews on the subject of torture. Maybe it was for the bestif she didn’t tell him, she thought, sensing that it couldcause trouble between the two captains. Finally she

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decided that she had to tell him everything. He was hercaptain and where there was a conflict between theDefence Force and Starfleet, her loyalty was, had to be, tohim.

Listening to her report, Captain Mackenzie stopped herseveral times, asking questions and clarifying points thatinterested him. “I will not allow the prisoners to beexecuted” he told her. “However, Hegh’Ta is a Klingonship and we are way outside Federation space. I have nojurisdiction there.”

“Then you condone torture?” Kehlan snarled, notcaring that she was allowing her anger and disappointmentto show. She had expected better of him.

“You will speak to me with respect” he snapped, “NoKehlan, I do not condone torture.” Pulling out a paddfrom the pile on his desk, he activated it and then threw itdown in front of her. “Read it.”

Kehlan stared at him, making no move to touch thepadd. She had never seen him so angry.

“I said read it” he demanded harshly.

Slowly she reached out and took the padd. It was acopy of a message sent only a few minutes before herarrival, to the Klingon captain, reminding Krang that hewas still a Starfleet officer and bound by Federation rulesof conduct. It listed the regulations concerning thetreatment of prisoners and asked the Klingon to abide bythem.

Kehlan put the padd down again and looked at him,not knowing what to say.

Seeing that she understood her error, he told her“Krang sent a message informing me about the prisoners.

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That was my response. I do not and will not condonetorture. But we do need whatever information thoseprisoners have and if Krang chooses to ignore my request,there is nothing I can do except file a complaint thatchanges nothing.”

“I was in error” she told him steadily, “I will acceptwhatever punishment you consider fitting.”

“You still don’t understand, do you Kehlan” he saidpassionately, “Do you really think so little of me? Whatsort of man do you believe me to be?”

With that last question, it suddenly became personal,no longer an argument between captain and first officer,but between man and woman. He was still angry with her,she realised, and with good reason. Yet it was acontrolled anger. There was a fire in him now and shefound it excited her. She hesitated before answering him,unsure of how best to put her feelings into words. “I knowthat you are a man I respect and trust” she said finally, “Iwill try harder to understand you as well.”

Suddenly restless, the Terran captain stood up andmoved round his desk, approaching his first officer. Hewas beginning to have problems concentrating on theirargument. All sorts of inappropriate ideas were goingthrough his mind. He shouldn’t be thinking like this, hetold himself, Kehlan had earned his respect, even if shedid not always understand him, and she deserved betterthan to be ogled in this way. At least there were nomarines here this time, he thought ruefully. He was goingto have to ban her from wearing her Klingon armour onboard Endeavour, it was just too distracting, and it wasn’tas if she could possibly return his interest. Could she?

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Kehlan stared at the captain, wondering if she wasimagining things. Was Captain Mackenzie actuallyattracted to her or was she reading something that wasn’tthere? She had little experience with Terran males – theyseemed to be far more subtle than their Klingoncounterparts. If he was interested though, he obviouslywasn’t going to make the first move. That was up to her.Abruptly she acted, hoping she hadn’t misread his interestin her. With a sudden motion, she pushed him backagainst the wall and pinned him there, the blade of herd’k’tahg at his throat.

She had caught him by surprise. For long moments hedid not move, and she wondered if he had understood herinvitation. His eyes darkened as he looked down at herand slowly his hand came up to touch her, his fingerscaressing the hand that held the knife at his throat. Ohyes, she thought, he understood, but what would he do?

She got her answer when, in a blur of motion, heneatly reversed their positions and it was her turn to findherself pinned against the wall. He was very close to hernow, his body pressed against hers, so close that the metaltrim on her armour was cutting into his uniform. He hadone hand on her wrist, pressing hard enough to make hergasp in pain and drop the knife. The other hand had astranglehold on her neck. Slowly, so slowly, he loweredhis head until his lips were almost touching hers.

There was a shrill whistle as the comm. systemactivated, “Krang to Captain Mackenzie”

“yIntagh!” With a muttered Klingon curse he hadlearned from his fellow captain, he released his firstofficer and stepped back. Touching his badge, he almostsnarled, “What do you want, Krang?”

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“We’ve recovered some very interesting data from theCardassian ship” Krang’s voice came over clearly on thecomm. system. “I think you should come over and take alook.”

“On my way” the Terran responded, “CaptainMackenzie out.” Turning back to his first officer he said,“Have dinner with me tonight. My quarters at 20:00.”With a mischievous grin, he added, “That’s an order” andwith that, he turned and left the room.

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Chapter 10

After a long discussion about the data they hadrecovered from the Cardassian cruiser, the two captainscalled a meeting of their senior officers. Once theKlingon officers had beamed across to the Endeavour andjoined their Federation counterparts in the Observationlounge, the meeting began in earnest.

“As you are already aware, we have been examiningthe intelligence gathered from the Cardassian ship”Captain Mackenzie began. “And we’ve found somethingthat interests us very much.”

“It appears” Krang continued, “that there is aJem’Hadar weapons production facility within easytravelling distance of our current coordinates.” He lookedaround the gathered officers before saying, “It is ourintention to find and destroy the base.”

“A base like that would be well defended” CaptainMackenzie said, “So it’s going to be difficult to get closeenough to do any damage. Hegh’Ta can cloak of course,

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but unless you engineers can find a way to cloak theEndeavour, that’s not much use to us.”

“Then we cloak the Endeavour” Kerrik, the Klingonengineer said. He picked up a padd and programming theschematics of the cloaking device, handed it to his Terrancounterpart, Chief Argyle.

The burly Scotsman read through the data andregretfully shook his head. “It won’t work” he said,“Fitting a Klingon cloaking device from scratch wouldmean a complete shutdown of the primary and secondarypower systems.”

“How long are we talking?” Captain Mackenziequeried.

“Without a dry dock, at least a week” Argyleanswered, “And before you ask, no that doesn’t mean ifyou hassle me I can do it in a day.”

“So we can’t install a cloak on Endeavour” Kehlansaid thoughtfully, “But what if we could make Hegh’Ta’scloak fit both ships? She was still wearing her Klingonarmour, having had no time to go back to her quarters andchange back into Starfleet uniform. Captain Mackenziefound himself wondering if she would actually come tohis quarters that evening and what he would do if she did.Forcibly he turned his thoughts away from his attractivefirst officer and back to the issues being discussed.

Both engineers turned to Kehlan in surprise. “Iwonder…” said Kerrik, reaching for the padd again andtapping in some fresh data. “We’d have to merge theshields first. Then that just may trick the cloak intothinking there’s only one ship.”

“That’s so crazy it might actually work” Argyle said,“Assuming of course that the shield technology is

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compatible.” He grinned at the Klingon engineer, “And ifit’s not, we’ll just have to make it compatible.”

“It will be.” Kehlan told them, “But it’s going to meanflying close together, well within recommended safetylimits.”

“How close is close?” Captain Mackenzie askedwarily.

“If my calculations are correct” Kehlan said calmly,“Hegh’Ta will need to be no more than ten metres abovethe Endeavour.”

There was a silence as the assembled officers took thisin. A ten metre distance between the ships wasn’t justdangerous, it was suicidal. Anything could go wrong andit would take only the slightest error on the part of thepilots for the two vessels to collide, causing massivedamage.

Then Kargan spoke for the first time. “I can do it.”The Klingon first officer said confidently, “I’ll take thehelm of Hegh’Ta. Ch’Pesh is pretty good, he should beable to handle the Endeavour.”

“Having two pilots isn’t going to work” Kehlan said,“We’ll have to slave the helm system of one ship to theother.”

Captain Mackenzie nodded, “I agree. Kargan, are yousure you can handle both ships?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Kargan is a good pilot” Krang said, “I trust him to dothis. I would suggest however, that you put a failsafe intothe system, so that if anything goes wrong Endeavour cantake back control.”

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“That sounds reasonable” Captain Mackenzie said.“Before I dismiss you, does anyone have any other pointsto raise?”

“There is one other thing” Vareq said, “What about theCardassian ship?”

The two captains looked at each other. They haddiscussed this issue in depth and were in agreement that itshould be sent back to allied space with a prize crew. Theenemy ship was a far greater prize than they could everhave realised when they began the attack. The Vorta hadbeen installing a Breen energy weapon on board, andwhile the installation was not complete, the Breen devicehad not been damaged in the fighting. If they could get itback to Starfleet it would be a major coup.

The disposition of the prisoners had not been so easyto resolve and the two captains had almost come to blows.Krang still believed that the most expedient solution wasto kill them. “We cannot keep them indefinitely in eitherEndeavour or Hegh’Ta’s brig” he had pointed out, “And ifwe’re sending the cruiser back to the Federation they can’tstay on board there either – if anything went wrong they’dseriously outnumber the prize crew.”

“There’s an uninhabited class M planet not far away”Captain Mackenzie told him, “I say we dump them there.”

“It’s too big a risk” Krang argued, “We might as welljust inform the Dominion ourselves of our battle plans.”

On this issue though, the Terran captain had refused tocompromise. “Well, we’re not going to leave them anycommunications devices, or any other technology for thatmatter” he said passionately, “Krang, can’t you see?What you’re suggesting is wrong. It’s immoral. It’sdishonourable. It diminishes us and brings us down to

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their level. And if we’re no better than the Dominion,what are we fighting for?”

Seeing that the Federation captain would not bemoved, Krang was forced to agree. In his time as Captainof Security, he had on more than one occasion givenorders for executions to be carried out, and sometimes hehad carried out those executions himself. Although it wasnot something he liked doing, it did not worry him. Hedid it because it was his job and it had to be done. He stillbelieved that releasing the prisoners was a mistake but hehad great respect for Captain Mackenzie and he did notwant to endanger their friendship.

Once all this was decided, the question had been whocould they put in charge of the cruiser? Under normalcircumstances, it would be the second officer’sresponsibility but neither captain could afford to lose moremembers of their senior crew. In the end, they haddecided to send a detachment of Klingon marines underthe command of Endeavour’s communications officer.

“Lieutenant Palin is the obvious choice to take it back”Captain Mackenzie said, “He speaks Cardassian andKlingon, as well as several Federation languages.”

Seeing the disappointment on the faces of some of thecrew who had been hoping that this would be their firstcommand, Krang said, “For obvious reasons it can’t beKehlan or Kargan. And, I’m sorry Vareq, but I can’tafford to let you go, much as you deserve it. I need youhere.”

“Well, if that’s settled and there’s nothing else todiscuss” Captain Mackenzie added, “I suggest we breakup this meeting and let our engineers get on with theirwork.”

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~~~<>~~~

It took several hours for Kerrik and Chief Argyle tomake the necessary alterations to the ships’ systems. Itwas a dangerous time for the two ships as the engineershad to take all the power systems off line and withoutpropulsion, sensors or weapons, they were vulnerable toattack. But eventually the work was done and the twovessels were moving again and heading towards the target.There were still some minor adjustments to make butthese could be done while the ships were under way.

As Krang sat in the captain’s chair, his mind began towander. Chrissie was dead, his children were dead and hewould never see them again. Would they be waiting forhim in Sto-Vo-Kor, he wondered? She had died in battlebut she was not Klingon – would the warriors of the BlackFleet allow her entrance? If she was not there, then heknew he would rather spend eternity riding the Barge ofthe Dead to Gre’thor with the dishonoured dead. HisChrissie had been a gentle soul, an unlikely partner for aKlingon warrior, but when aroused she had had aformidable temper. He couldn’t help smiling as heremembered the first time she had used a batleth.

It had happened almost four years ago, back on theUSS Enterprise. Krang had been in gymnasium numberthree with the two older children, giving them a lesson inthe use of the batleth. He had been engaged in a mockbattle with the boy, demonstrating a simple blockingmotion as Fina watched, when his wife had enteredlooking for them.

“What’s going on?” she had asked, approaching andgrabbing the weapon from her son. “You know I don’twant him learning violence.”

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Krang laughed. Our son is growing. He must learn tobe a warrior.”

“My son is not Klingon!” Chrissie yelled, beginning toget really angry.

At that point, Krang had demonstrated his completelack of understanding of Terran women. Trying to sootheher, he said in a reasonable tone, “You are a woman, youdon’t understand such things.”

Chrissie lost her temper, and only half aware of thebatleth still in her hand, she swung for him. Sheer instinctsaved Krang, for he was so surprised that he barelyreacted in time, flinching back as the blade whizzed pasthis head, missing by a hair’s breadth.

As the Klingon stared at her in total shock, Chrissierealised just how close she had come to decapitating him.Recovering, he grabbed hold of her and kissed hersoundly, saying, “Kahless! You’re magnificent!” ButChrissie was still angry. Pulling away, she slapped hisface, hard and was surprised when he just kissed heragain.

“Toni, Fina” Chrissie snapped, “Go back to yourrooms.”

“Oh, momma! Why?” the children protested,disappointed. They were enjoying the display.

“Because I’m going to kill your father” she snapped,“Now go!”

Krang, trying hard not to laugh himself as the childrenran out giggling, lifted his batleth and waited for his wifeto attack.

She swung her batleth clumsily, bringing it up andover, towards his head. He countered and the weapons

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clashed. Allowing her to attack again and again, hecontinued to effortlessly repel her onslaught. Anexperienced weapons master, Krang was in no dangerfrom a complete beginner like Chrissie, but he could seethat she was starting to enjoy herself and he could not helpbut react to her nearness. “You’re doing well for abeginner” he encouraged her, “but don’t hold your bladeso tightly.” Seeing her loosen her grip slightly, hecontinued to instruct her, “That’s good. Now, bring yourblade a little higher…”

As she began to slow, Krang switched from thedefensive and began to press home his own attack,pushing her slowly backwards. He kept his moves slowand deliberate, all the time ready to pull back should shefail to counter him. The batleths they were using werereal, not holodeck weapons and were capable of killing.He was aroused and excited, a Klingon warrior doingbattle with his mate, but he was conscious of herinexperience and did not want to hurt her.

Krang eventually moved in to end the fight andsuddenly Chrissie found herself pinned to the wall, thepoints of the batleth dangerously close to her throat. Shestared at him, finally beginning to understand why battleso often formed part of the Klingon mating ritual. Krangmoved closer until his body was pressed against hers – shewas breathing hard and he could feel her heart beating,like a startled bird, against his chest. He sniffed the air.Her scent was intoxicating, clouding his mind with desire.He almost missed the flicker in her eyes as with a laugh,she suddenly raised her knee, intending to catch him in thegroin, but he danced backwards and she missed.

“Chrissie-oy” he said huskily, “You’ll have to dobetter than that.” Taking hold of her he pulled her into his

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arms and they tumbled together to the ground, landing onthe padded mat. Rolling, he pinned her beneath him andkissed her again.

Chrissie responded ardently and for long momentsthey remained like that, but then she began to wriggle,managing to pull away from him enough to gasp, “Krang,the door. Anyone could walk in.”

Krang froze but did not release her. Looking up,towards the still open door, he said “Computer, lockdoor.”

“Unable to comply” the computer replied, itsmechanical voice sounding insufferably smug, “Lockingthe gymnasium door is in direct contravention of healthand safety regulations.”

“ghuy’cha’ regulations!” Krang swore. “Securityoverride, authorisation Krang delta six.”

“Locking gymnasium doors.”

Satisfied, Krang turned his attention back to his wife…

Kargan’s voice cut into his reverie. “Captain?Captain, are you all right?”

Krang felt a moment of confusion. The doors werelocked – how could Kargan be there?

“Captain?”

Coming back to the bitter present, Krang rememberedthat he was on the bridge of the Hegh’Ta, not in thegymnasium with Chrissie. With a pang of grief, he lookedup at the concerned face of his first officer. “I’m allright.” Krang said harshly, “What did you want?”

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“The engineers have finished their work” Kargan toldhim patiently. “It’s time to engage the cloak for the trialrun.”

“Very well” Krang responded, knowing he was luckyto have such a loyal first officer. But he would have topull himself together or Kargan would challenge him forthe captaincy, and rightly so – a distracted captain was adanger to the crew under his command. “Is the Endeavourready?”

“Yes, sir. Standing by.”

“Then get the ships into formation and activatecloaking device.”

Kargan did not point out that the ships were already information and were only awaiting the Captain’s order. Hesaid simply, “Aye sir.”

The shields of the two ships met and merged into one,allowing the Hegh’Ta’s cloak to form around both vessels.Flying together in close formation, the Hegh’Ta only afew metres above the Endeavour, the ships continuedtowards the Jem’Hadar weapons production facility thatwas their target.

~~~<>~~~

Captain Mackenzie went off duty a couple of hoursearly that evening leaving the bridge in the capable handsof Major Speares. Changing out of his uniform intosomething more comfortable, he went over to thereplicator and asked for several ingredients. Taking theminto the little galley he had had installed in his quarterswhen he first took command of Endeavour, he began topeel and chop, getting ready to prepare one of hisfavourite meals, a highly spiced curry that he was fairlysure his half Klingon first officer would enjoy. He swore

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as the juices from the replicated onions stung his eyes,sometimes the replicator could be a little too authentic.Why was he doing this anyway, he asked himself, goingto all this effort when he didn’t even know if she wouldturn up. Oh, he had jokingly made it an order, but thatwas meaningless. Then he remembered the look in hereyes as she had held her knife to his throat and he knew itwas worth the risk. As for the onions, well he’d chopevery last one in the damned quadrant if that’s what ittook to win her affection.

Once he had the curry simmering, he turned hisattention to the rest of the meal. Something to drink, hethought, considering his options. Champagne – or wasthat too obvious? No, it had to be the champagne,especially since he had a bottle of the real thing stashedaway, waiting for a special occasion. And what aboutdessert? That was a little easier, he had never yet met awoman who didn’t like chocolate. It would have to bereplicated of course, his culinary skills weren’t up topreparing a chocolate cake from scratch.

At exactly 20:00, his doorbell chimed and he went tothe door to greet his guest, suddenly feeling nervous. Thedoor opened and Kehlan entered his room. “Reporting asordered, sir” she said, with a mischievous grin; she hadknown his order was unenforceable and had chosen toobey it anyway. She had finally changed out of herarmour, he noticed, but she was still out of uniform. Shewas wearing a simple wraparound dress in the softest palebrown suede. It revealed nothing yet suggestedeverything and the captain reflected that his wish for hernot to wear the armour had backfired. He had never seenher looking so pretty. It wasn’t a word usually used todescribe a Klingon woman, but at this moment, it suitedher. In fact, he thought, she was more than just pretty, she

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was sexy and beautiful and he was very conscious of justhow easy it would be to remove that wrap and…

Kehlan looked around her, curious. The captain’squarters were bigger than hers and more homely, littlepersonal touches here and there giving them a relaxed,comfortable feel. Her own rooms, although equallycomfortable had little in the way of decoration. She hadalmost no personal possessions to call her own, just herweapons and her science books. Something smelt goodand seeing the pans simmering in the little galley, sheraised an eyebrow – that certainly wasn’t regulation issue.

“I’ve been cooking all afternoon” Captain Mackenziesaid, handing her a glass of champagne, “So I hope you’rehungry.”

She smiled up at him, “If that tastes as good as itsmells” she answered, “Then yes, I’m hungry.”

“It’ll be ready in just a few minutes” he told her.Indicating the table, laden with cutlery and a bunch offlowers stolen from the ship’s arboretum, he added, “Goand sit down and I’ll bring it over to you.”

He was as good as his word. After just a minute, hebrought over platefuls of food and put one in front of her.Then he sat down, joining her at the table.

Tasting the food and finding it to her liking, Kehlansaid appreciatively, “This is good, Captain”

“We’re off duty” he told her, “And in private. Willyou not call me James?”

“Very well” she said, “James. Tell me, what do youcall this dish?”

They took a long time over dinner, talking as they ate,getting to know each other and laughing and joking. They

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found they had a lot in common and slowly Kehlan beganto relax. The year she had spent on Earth had notprepared her for this and she was still unsure of what wasexpected of her. The Klingon way was much more direct.She decided that since they were doing this Terran styleshe would let him show her what he wanted – it was up tohim to make the first move this time. In the meantime,she was enjoying their evening together and hoped theywould repeat it.

Eventually he did make his move, but not until muchlater when Kehlan had finally got up to leave. PullingKehlan’s body against him, he bent his head to hers, andfor the first time, kissed her. It felt good and he wantedmore. Remembering their encounter in his office earlierthat morning he hoped fervently that this time no-onewould disturb them. His prayers were answered. Thistime there were no interruptions.

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Chapter 11

Kehlan awoke late the following morning. Her eyesstill closed, she stretched out, wondering why her bodyached all over. The bed felt so soft and comfortable andshe turned over, snuggling into its warmth. Soft?Comfortable? This wasn’t right – the first thing she haddone on being assigned quarters was to arrange for a muchfirmer mattress. Confused, she opened her eyes and satup, realising she was not even in her own quarters. Thenthe memories began to come back. She was still in thecaptain’s quarters, having spent the night with theFederation captain. She smiled at the memory – nowonder her body felt sore. She looked around for him, butshe was alone in the room. The captain had gone. But onthe pillow next to her he had left a red flower. It was arose if she could remember her botany, a Terran symbol ofromance.

But where was the captain? She knew from the dutyroster that he was not supposed to be on duty until lunchtime; it was her turn to take the early shift.

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Oh Kahless, she thought frantically, the early shift.“Computer, what time is it?”

“The time is 08:55” the computer told her.

Kehlan swore. She was going to be in so muchtrouble. Her shift had started almost three hours ago.Why had no-one called her? She distinctly remembered,just before falling asleep in the captain’s arms, instructingthe computer to awaken her at 05:30.

Jumping out of bed, she quickly pulled on her dressand went to the door. Cautiously she poked her headaround the door but luckily no-one was around. Shedidn’t want to be seen leaving the captain’s quarters, itwould lead to awkward questions that she wasn’t ready toanswer. This was not a Klingon vessel and she suspectedthat Starfleet would have regulations about this sort ofthing. Making a quick dash next door to her own quarters,she went inside and hurriedly changed into a cleanuniform. There was no time for washing – anyway, shehad spent plenty of time in the shower with the captainlast night. Stopping for a quick check in the mirror, shewas pleased to see she looked presentable. Any bruiseswere thankfully not visible; she could only hope she hadnot marked the captain too obviously.

On the bridge, Captain Mackenzie looked up as theturbolift doors opened and his first officer came in. Shelooked worried and he knew why. Carefully suppressing asmile, he stood up and gestured towards his ready room.“Ah, Commander Kehlan” he said coolly, “I’d like to talkto you in private.”

“Yes sir” she answered formally, following him intohis office. The moment the doors closed behind them shebegan to apologise “I’m sorry to be so late Captain” she

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said, wondering why he was smiling, “ It won’t happenagain. I was so sure I’d set an alarm.”

“I cancelled it” he told her, laughing at her expressionof surprise. “I thought you’d be tired and you looked sopeaceful sleeping in my bed that I didn’t want to disturbyou, so I took your shift.”

Kehlan growled in the back of her throat. “Captain…”

“Captain?” he said, his voice suddenly husky. “Youcalled me James last night.”

“We were both off duty last night” she told him, “Andanyway, you should have woken me.”

“Kehlan” he said gently, “If I’d woken you, neither ofus would have made it to the bridge this morning.”

There was nothing further she could say to that, but thethought made her smile.

~~~<>~~~

After Krang’s lapse of concentration on the bridge,Kargan began to keep a discreet watch on hiscommanding officer. He had enormous respect for thecaptain, who had proved himself to be a brave warrior anda brilliant tactician, having led them to victory in severalbattles in which the odds had been stacked heavily againstthem. But he had just suffered a devastating personal lossand it had affected him badly.

Over the next few days Kargan organised someintensive training exercises for the crew. It was vital thatthe crew did not notice the captain’s preoccupation – itwould leave them confused and worried and then hewould have to challenge for the captaincy. And that wassomething he did not want to do – he had serious doubtsabout his ability to defeat the captain in a fair fight, and

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any other way would be dishonourable. The extra drillsalso meant extra work for the captain, something Karganfelt could only be a good thing – Krang needed to be kepttoo busy to have time to brood.

Sitting at his desk, reading through the piles ofpaperwork the extra drills had generated, Krang began torealise that every time he had a quiet moment, Karganwould appear with some task or problem that could onlybe dealt with by the captain. When the first officer turnedup with yet another report requiring his attention, Krangfinally snapped.

“Enough!” he shouted, banging his fist on the desk.“This is unnecessary. I want no more of these uselessreports.”

“The data speaks for itself, sir” Kargan said stiffly,ignoring his captain’s bad temper. “Look at these figures,there’s been a seventeen percent increase in speed and atwenty four point five percent increase in accuracy.”

Krang sighed. “That’s well done.” He got up andstepped around his desk until he stood face to face withthe first officer. “That does not mean however, that Ihaven’t noticed what you are doing!”

“I have only done my duty in preparing the crew forbattle” Kargan said, a note of injured innocence in hisvoice, which did not fool the captain at all.

“I suppose you have yet more plans for me” Krangsaid resignedly.

“I thought maybe you could hold an advanced batlethclass for the senior officers” Kargan suggested, “And Ihave another gunnery drill planned for the crew thisafternoon”

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Krang gave in and started to laugh. “Never mind.You’re right of course. I do need to be busy at themoment. You might as well carry on. Oh, and you cantell the crew there’s a barrel of blood-wine for the bestteam.”

Turning back to his desk, Krang swept up the pile ofdata padds and dumped them into Kargan’s arms.“Schedule the batleth class to take place in one hour,” hesaid, “And invite Captain Mackenzie and Kehlan to attend– tell him to bring his katana. Until then, I’m going offduty.”

Kargan looked down in confusion at the pile of reportsin his arms. “What shall I do with this lot?”

“You are the first officer” Krang said mischievously,“I have every confidence in your ability. Deal with it.”Walking to the door, he stopped and looked back, “I’ll seeyou in an hour. Until then, feel free to use my office.”And with that he was gone, leaving the surprised firstofficer to deal with all the paperwork he had generated.

~~~<>~~~

Entering the training room, Krang removed hisuniform jacket and began a series of simple exercises.The ancient ritual movements of Mok’bara soothed himand cleared his mind, leaving him centred and ready forwhat was to come.

His students arrived exactly on time and Krang waspleased to see that Captain Mackenzie and Kehlan hadaccepted his invitation to join them.

He began by putting the class through a range of basictechniques, designed to assess their abilities, beforemoving on to more advanced methods.

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“Kargan, I want you to attack me.” Krang instructed,“Come at me with the Yi’Su qesH manoeuvre”

“The Yi’Su qesH manoeuvre?” Kargan queried,“That’s an illegal move – there’s no counter to it.”

“Enemies don’t always use legal moves” Krang toldhim, “Now, try it.”

Kargan nodded, “As you wish.” He swung his batlethacross his body, lifting it high and twisting it in a perfectrendition of the banned manoeuvre, bringing it back downtowards Krang’s neck.

But Krang was no longer there. Stepping neatly asidewith a quick twist of his body, his batleth caught Kargan’sweapon, tearing it out of his hands and sending it crashingto the floor. “That’s how you counter the Yi’Su qesHmanoeuvre.” He stepped back, indicating to Kargan thathe pick up his weapon. Addressing the surprised class, hesaid, “Now watch carefully, I’ll show you again. Try itagain Kargan, slowly this time.”

Kargan did so, and even knowing what to expect thistime, was unable to retain hold of his weapon as Krangonce again demonstrated the new counter move.

Instructing his students to pair off, Krang movedamongst them, occasionally correcting them or givingpraise or encouragement where appropriate.

“Good move Vareq, but don’t hold your weapon sotightly” Krang told the young second officer who wassparring with the security chief. “Koreq, you’re doing thesame, you should know better.”

Krang’s eyes narrowed as he watched CaptainMackenzie sparring with his half Klingon first officer. Heknew just how good the Terragnan was with a batleth, so

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why was Kehlan beating him so easily? Moving towardsthem, he used his own weapon to separate them. “Eitheryour skills have deteriorated badly in the last week,James” he said sarcastically, “or you’re holding back.Which is it?”

The Terran captain remained silent, embarrassed. Hehad indeed been holding back, not wanting to hurt Kehlan.While he did not claim to be an expert in the use of thebatleth, he was capable of more than he had been giving tothe fight.

“Let’s see you try again” Krang told him, “And thistime, give it all you’ve got.” He stepped back, givingthem room to fight. The Terran did better this time andsuddenly Kehlan was fighting for real. As she lifted herweapon high to block an attack, Kehlan made a growlingsound low in the back of her throat and CaptainMackenzie found himself giving a Klingon snarl as hepushed her back.

As Krang watched them, he found himself wonderingjust what there was between these two. Had his friend notbeen Terran, he would have thought he was witnessing thebeginnings of a mating fight. He smiled at the idea, butdismissed it as irrelevant and none of his business.Anyway, a mated captain and first officer on the sameship? What was perfectly acceptable, although unusual,on a Klingon vessel, Starfleet would never allow.

Kehlan attacked hard, slipping through her opponent’sguard. Captain Mackenzie countered, but Krang noticedthat he still seemed unable to really attack his female firstofficer and after a few more moments, Kehlan easilyended the match.

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Krang glanced around, seeing the looks of superioritysome of the Klingons were giving the Terragnan. Evennow, after all the two crews had been through together,some of them still thought the humans were inferior, buthe was about to teach them another lesson. Not one ofthem could beat him with a batleth – or any other weaponfor that matter, and they all knew it. “James, my friend,put down your batleth” Krang told him, “It’s time todemonstrate the katana. Show my officers what a Terransword can do.”

Captain Mackenzie obeyed, picking up the ancientSamurai sword and carefully unsheathing it. Turning toKrang he gave the ritual bow, ignoring the snickers ofsome of the watchers, and raising the sword, he waited.

Lifting his batleth, Krang moved in hard and fast andthe battle began. The two men were evenly matched, bothexperts in their chosen weapon and now neither of themwere holding back. Captain Mackenzie brought thekatana swinging upwards and Krang parried, twisting thebatleth and forcing the Terran back. Ducking down, theKlingon brought his blade upwards, under his opponent’sguard in a move that was very difficult to counter, but theTerragnan captain was ready for him. Using the long,slender sword to protect his body, he parried the batlethand with a quick thrust, forced the Klingon to giveground.

Sword clashed against sword and the blades lockedtogether momentarily. Captain Mackenzie shifted his gripand Krang realised immediately what he intended. With afierce grin he cooperated, shifting his own grip and beforeany of the watchers realised what was happening, the twocombatants had swapped weapons. The fight continued,not slowing for an instant, but now Krang was wielding

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the katana, and the Terran, the batleth. Krang wasenjoying having the Terran weapon in his hands. Ithandled very differently to the batleth and wassurprisingly versatile. His opponent’s fighting style wasvery different now, he noted, Captain Mackenzie wasfinally fighting at full capacity. Krang realised as the fightcontinued that he would have to be extra careful. A fightof this intensity usually ended when one of the combatantswas dead, but this was a demonstration fight, not a battleto the death and it was not his intention to either kill orpermanently maim the Terragnan captain.

Eventually, having made his point, Krang brought thefight to an end. No-one here today would ever againunderestimate the Terragnan captain. Bowing to hisopponent, he returned the katana to him and reclaimed hisbatleth.

He turned back to the spellbound audience. “Thinkabout what you have seen and learned today. Classdismissed.”

~~~<>~~~

The Jem’Hadar warrior raised his knife and with asavage growl he lashed out, the weapon tearing intoChrissie’s chest. She screamed as bright scarlet bloodspurted out, her agonised cry silenced as her attackerpulled the knife free and thrust forward, his blade layingopen her throat. She crumpled to the ground in a lifelessheap and the Jem’Hadar stepped over her body to attackthe frightened children she had been trying to protect.

“NO!” Krang sat bolt upright, his throat raw fromshouting before realising that he was dreaming again.Sometimes it was a knife that killed his mate, sometimes adisruptor and sometimes a bomb blast. Once he watched a

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Jem’Hadar kill her with his bare hands. Every night hewatched her die, helpless to save her.

Abruptly he got up, glancing at the chronograph -03:00, five more hours until he was due on the bridge.Pulling on some clothes, he left his quarters and headed tothe transporter room, beaming over the Endeavour. Oncethere, he went straight to sickbay, where the Vulcan T’liawas still on duty.

She looked up as the Klingon entered her sickbay.“How can I help you?” she enquired courteously.

Krang hesitated. “I wanted to see how my men aregetting on” he said. He knew that he needed help, butnow that he was actually here, he regretted it, not wantingto admit his weakness.

“Come into my office” T’lia said, “We can talkprivately there.” Leading the Klingon captain into heroffice and shutting the door behind him, she gestured forhim to sit down, saying, “You didn’t come here at thistime of the night to discuss your injured crewmen. Whatcan I do to help you?”

Krang took the chair she indicated, but for severalmoments, he did not speak. Then he asked, “This meetingwill remain confidential?”

T’lia nodded, “Provided what you tell me does notendanger the ship” she said, “Then, yes, it will becompletely confidential.”

The Klingon took a deep breath. “I’ve been havingnightmares” he said, “I want you to give me something tomake them stop.”

“How long has this been going on?” T’lia asked.

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Krang’s voice was harsh as he answered, “I do notwish to discuss it.”

T’lia had become accustomed to dealing with Klingonpatients since her assignment to Endeavour and she hadlearned quickly how to handle them. “Captain Krang” shesaid firmly “If you want me to help you then you’ll haveto give me something to work with. Now, I’ll ask youagain. How long has this been going on?”

Krang growled in the back of his throat, but answeredher question. “From the day I learned my family weredead” he said starkly, “Every night I watch them die and Ican’t do anything to save them.”

“I suppose there’s no point in suggesting counselling”T’lia said, “It would help you to talk about it.”

“And what can a counsellor tell me that I don’t alreadyknow?” Krang flared, “Your family are dead. It’s yourfault, get over it!”

“Is that what you think?” T’lia asked, beginning tounderstand his pain. “That it’s your fault?”

“They wanted to come with me” Krang told herbitterly, “I told them they would be safe on Frontera andwhen the Jem’Hadar attacked, I wasn’t there to protectthem.”

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Chapter 12

T’lia was silent for a moment, thinking over heroptions. She could give him the medication he wanted butthat would do nothing to resolve the deeper problems. Itwould stop the nightmares but not remove their cause. Orshe could use the mind-meld. Unfortunately the majorityof non-Vulcans were very wary of telepathic healingtechniques and she knew of very few humans, and noKlingons that would agree to such a thing. Nevertheless,she would give him the choice. “I can give you sometablets” she told him, “They will put you into a deepersleep cycle, avoiding REM so you won’t dream.”

“I get the impression that’s not your preferred option”Krang said, his perceptiveness catching T’lia by surprise.“What else do you have in mind?”

“If you would allow it” T’lia answered, “I can use theVulcan healing meld”

“You mean the mind-meld?” Krang said slowly,considering what she had told him, “I’ve seen it done. Iwon’t pretend I like the idea.” He paused, staring at the

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Vulcan for a moment. “T’lia, I am Hegh’Ta’s captain,my crew rely on me. I can’t afford to continue like this.We’ll be going into battle soon and any weakness on mypart could be fatal for them. If you think this mind-meldcan help me then go ahead. Do it.”

Once again, T’lia reflected, the Klingon captain hadcaught her by surprise. The healing meld might be thelogical course of action, but she really had not expectedhim to agree to it. “You should be aware” she told him,“that I will in no way invade your privacy. The privateparts of your mind will remain private.” At his nod, shecontinued, “Now, I want you to forget about me. Justclose your eyes and focus on the dreams.”

As the Klingon obeyed her, closing his eyes, shemoved closer to him, and raising her hand, she placed iton his face, her fingers reaching for the contact points.She felt him stiffen at her touch but he did not pull away.“My mind to your mind…” She murmured the traditionalwords and as they linked, she was barely aware of hisvoice joining hers “…My thoughts to your thoughts.”Despite the litany however, this was not a two way meld.Healers were taught at an early stage to shield their ownminds from their patients.

Krang was very tense as she entered his mind, and hisfirst instinct was to resist the intrusion but her mentaltouch was warm and gentle and he forced himself to relax,allowing her to proceed.

T’lia was surprised to find that his mind was welldisciplined. He had followed her instructions perfectly,shutting off everything that was irrelevant and focusingcompletely on the dreams. Following his thought patternsshe was led to the image of a Terran woman, a fairlyordinary looking woman, but in his eyes, something

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special. There were children with her. She could feelpowerful emotions connected with the images – love,pride, happiness, then as the Jem’Hadar appeared, fear andanger. She watched with Krang as the enemy soldierslaughtered his family. Slowly, carefully, she slippeddeeper into his mind, beginning to apply the healingtechniques that would put an end to his nightmares.

Finally, her work done, she began to withdraw, pullingback out of the meld until once again they were twoseparate people. Dropping her hand from his face, shereleased him and stepped back.

Released from the meld, Krang sat still for a moment,then slowly put his hand up to touch his face. He couldstill feel the imprint of her mind on his and the contactpoints where she had touched him seemed to burn. Butthat was just his imagination. He got to his feet. “Thankyou, T’lia” he said, suddenly fighting the urge to yawn.He glanced at the time, surprised to note that only half anhour had gone by. There was still plenty of time to getsome rest before he was due on the bridge. He was tiredand for the first time since his wife’s death, he knew hissleep would be undisturbed.

~~~<>~~~

On the bridge of the Endeavour, Lieutenant Ch’Peshdouble-checked the sensor reading on his console. If heunderstood the display properly then there was aFederation Starship out here somewhere, and thereshouldn’t be, not in this area of space. Something waswrong, he knew. This needed a science expert. “MajorSpeares, I have a problem with the sensor display” he said,making up his mind, “Permission to call CommanderKehlan to the bridge.”

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Major Speares glanced at the time, only 03:20 but hetrusted Ch’Pesh’s judgement. “I’ll call her” he said. Hehad a good idea that Kehlan would not be in her ownquarters. So far, the captain and first officer had managedto keep their romance private and he did not intend tobroadcast that information to the crew. Without any of theother bridge officers noticing, he opened a comm. link tothe Captain’s quarters. “Major Speares to CommanderKehlan.”

A moment later, he heard her sleepy voiceacknowledging. “Yes Major?”

So he had guessed right then. “We have someanomalous sensor readings” he explained, “Can you comeup to the bridge and take a look?”

“I’m on my way” she answered, “Give me fiveminutes and I’ll be with you.”

Four minutes and thirty seconds passed before thebridge doors swished open and both the captain and thefirst officer came onto the bridge. Immediately, Kehlanmade her way to the science console, where Ch’Peshquickly explained the problem as he got out of her way,allowing her to sit down. Reading through the data, shemade a few adjustments to the controls before saying,“Well done, Ch’Pesh. You were right to call me. There isdefinitely something wrong here. I don’t like this.”

“What is it, Kehlan?” Captain Mackenzie asked her,coming over to stand behind her chair. Resting his handon her shoulder, he leaned over her to see what she waslooking at.

“I’m not sure, Captain” she told him, continuing tomanipulate the controls as she spoke, bringing up more

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data. “I need some information that’s classified above myclearance level.”

“What do you need to know?” Captain Mackenzieasked immediately. Security clearance was somethingthat had caused an ongoing problem for Kehlan. Until herappointment to the Endeavour was formally ratified on apermanent basis by Starfleet she was still classed as avisiting Defence Force officer. Unfortunately, that meantthat she did not have the clearance that was normallygranted to a first officer and at times that severelyhampered her ability to do her job properly.

“Whatever you can tell me about the USS Poseidon.”

“The Poseidon?” he repeated, surprised. “Why do youneed to know that?”

“Please Captain” Kehlan said, “Trust me, it’simportant.”

“I do trust you, Commander.” he told her, “I’m justsurprised. I don’t need to look that information up. ThePoseidon is a Nebula class ship, like Endeavour, but withthe research module. She’s under the command ofCaptain Christopher Royce. I spoke to him a couple ofmonths ago via subspace. He was heading out to researchthe cats-eye nebula they found over in sector eight. Whydo you ask?”

“Because I’ve tracked down a Federation transpondersignal” Kehlan said starkly, “If the sensors are correct,then the USS Poseidon is currently located on a planet notvery far from here.”

“On a planet?” the Captain asked, frowning, “Nebulaclass ships don’t have landing capabilities.”

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“I know, sir. And that’s not all” Kehlan said, IfPoseidon were anywhere near here, we’d be picking upthe ship on sensors, not just its transponder. Sir, I thinkthat the Dominion have destroyed Poseidon and taken thetransponder.”

“That’s not supposed to be possible” Ch’Pesh said,“Surely Starfleet would know if a ship had been taken.”

“Under normal circumstance, yes” Kehlan said, “Butnot in a cats-eye nebula. The radiation they put out wouldhave left the Poseidon unable to communicate withanyone outside the nebula.”

“Damn!” the Captain exclaimed, immediately seeingthe implications of that idea. If the Dominion could installa Federation transponder from a vessel nobody even knewwas missing on one of their ships, it would allow them toinfiltrate deep into allied space without being detected.

“We can’t even send a message back to Starfleet towarn them” Major Speares said grimly, he had beenlistening carefully to the whole conversation. “We arewell out of communications range.”

“Then it’s up to us” Captain Mackenzie said, “Howlong will it take us to get there?”

“Three point five hours at current speed, sir.” Theanswer came from the ensign at the helm.

The captain was silent for a moment, working out aplan in his head. “Prepare to change course” he instructedthem, “Send a message to Hegh’Ta and wake CaptainKrang. We need to cloak the ships.”

A moment later, the communications officer looked upin surprise, “Sir, a message from Hegh’Ta. They are

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unable to locate the captain. He appears to already be onboard Endeavour”

Captain Mackenzie sent an enquiring look at hismarine commander. “Has he reported in?”

“No, sir.”

Captain Mackenzie hit his combadge, “Security, locateCaptain Krang and escort him to my ready room.” Thenturning to his first officer, he told her, “Kehlan, I want thetransporter operator disciplined for not followingprocedure. The bridge should have been informed of anyarrivals.”

“Aye sir” she answered, “I’ll see to it.”

The bridge doors opened again, revealing the Klingoncaptain, escorted by two security officers. Krang steppedonto the bridge, “Captain Mackenzie, I apologise for thebreach in protocol” he said immediately, “I realise Ishould have informed the bridge of my presence onEndeavour. It was an oversight and it won’t happenagain.”

The Terran captain gave a nod of acknowledgement.We’ll discuss it in my ready room” he said coolly. Assoon as they were in private, he continued, “Krang, youare my friend and I trust you completely, I have noproblem at all with you being on board my ship at anytime, but…”

Krang sighed, “I know” he said gravely, “Theseprotocols were my idea and I should have followed them.”

“True, but that’s not what I was about to say” CaptainMackenzie told him, picking his words carefully.Actually, he was concerned about his Klingon friend.Krang looked exhausted and there were shadows under his

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eyes. “You went off duty at 21:00 last night. I waswondering why you were even awake at this time, letalone on board my ship.”

Krang did not answer immediately, but eventually hesaid slowly, “I have been in the sickbay. I needed tospeak with your healer.”

Captain Mackenzie nodded, understanding. Klingonswere notoriously cagy about anything affecting theirhealth, seeing it as a sign of weakness and he knew therewould be no further explanation. At least Krang had hadthe sense to seek help for whatever was troubling him. Heknew that if it endangered the ship then T’lia would cometo him, and if not then he didn’t need to know. “I need totalk to you anyway” he said, “There’s been an unexpecteddevelopment.” Quickly he outlined the situation,explaining it as Kehlan had explained it to him.

The Klingon grasped the problem immediately. “Weneed to get in there and retrieve the transponder” he said,“Also, have you considered that some of Poseidon’s crewmay still be alive down there? The Jem’Hadar are knownto run prison camps – they use the prisoners to train theirtroops.”

“If there’s anyone alive, we’ll get them out” CaptainMackenzie said grimly. “In the meantime, we need tobegin the cloaking manoeuvre before we’re detected.”

Krang agreed at once. “I’ll get back to Hegh’Ta andset things in motion” he said, standing up and movingtowards the door, “I’ll inform you as soon as we’re readyto begin. Oh, one last thing – can I borrow Kehlanagain?”

“Kehlan will be remaining on board Endeavour”Captain Mackenzie said, “I will be taking command

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personally. This mission is mine. Anyone on the awayteam will answer to me – and that includes you.”

~~~<>~~~

Within ten minutes, Krang had returned to his ship,roused the senior officers, explained the situation and gotHegh’Ta into position ready to begin the cloakingmanoeuvre.

On his own bridge, Captain Mackenzie gave orders tomerge the shields and cede control of the helm toCommander Kargan. There was an almost subliminalflickering sensation as the cloak engaged, rendering thetwo ships invisible. It felt strange knowing that they werecloaked and that the great bird-of-prey was flying only tenmetres above them.

“Major Speares, you’re dismissed from bridge duty”Captain Mackenzie said, “I want a detachment of marinesready to beam down when we get to that planet.”

“Aye sir” the marine commander responded, gettingup and preparing to leave the bridge. “We’ll be ready.”

“Kehlan, you’ll be in command of the ship” thecaptain told his first officer, “I will be beaming down withMajor Speares and the marines.”

He was aware, as he said this, of the expressions on hisofficer’s faces. Major Speares, who had been about tostep into the turbolift, stopped and turned back towardshim in surprise. The major started to speak and thenchanged his mind, sensibly deciding to leave this battle tothe first officer, and continued on his way.

Kehlan gave a low growl of protest as she took in hiswords. “We’ll fight over this in private, Captain” shesnarled, turning her back on him and heading towards his

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office. He nodded, following her. He had known shewould protest and he might as well get the argument overwith.

“Captain Royce is my friend” he told her as soon asthe door shut behind them, “If there’s even the slightestchance that he or any of his crew are down there, stillalive, I owe it to them to get them out.”

“We will get them out” Kehlan answered him, “But Ishould be the one to lead the team, not you.”

“This is personal” he said insistently, “Whether youlike it or not, I will be leading that team”

“The captain’s place is on the bridge” Kehlan growled,“You shouldn’t be leaving your ship in a time of battle.”

“You are Endeavour’s first officer” he challenged her.“Are you telling me I made a mistake and that you’re notcapable of commanding the ship?”

In sheer fury, Kehlan picked up the heavy paperweightsitting on Captain Mackenzie’s desk and hurled it at him.He ducked, barely in time and it whizzed past his head,hitting the door to the bridge and shattering.

“I am a Klingon warrior and your mate.” she yelled,looking for something else to throw. “It’s my duty toprotect you. I should be down there, fighting at yourside.”

Captain Mackenzie grabbed hold of her by her wrists,preventing her from trying again. She struggled violently,but was unable to break free. “My honour demands that Ido this” he said, “You’re Klingon, you should understandthat.”

“I do understand” she said harshly, “But I should begoing with you. Don’t leave me here.”

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“Kehlan-oy” he said, his voice gentling as he heard thedesperation in that final plea. “I need to know that ifanything happens to me, you’ll take command ofEndeavour. I trust you to keep my ship safe.”

She went still, the unexpected endearment breakingthrough all her defences. When he spoke to her like that,she could deny him nothing. “I withdraw my objection”she said finally. She reached up and kissed him hard.“Fight well my captain, and come back to me.”

~~~<>~~~

On the bridge of the Klingon ship, the argumentbetween captain and first officer was much more public,almost ending in violence as Kargan actually went so faras to draw his d’k’tahg on his captain. “If you kill me”Krang reminded him grimly, “then you become captainand you’ll still be stuck on the bridge.”

Krang moved then, disarming the younger Klingonwithout even bothering to unsheathe his own knife.Before Kargan knew it, he was at the mercy of the captain.Krang however had no intention of killing his recalcitrantfirst officer, he respected him too much for that. Heneeded an officer who was not afraid to stand up to him.

“It’s my duty to go” Kargan yelled, not at allintimidated by the captain’s anger. “By leaving me hereyou insult my honour.”

“Entrusting you with the command of my ship can inno way be construed as an insult to your honour” Krangsnarled, a cold warning in his voice. “Take care, Kargan.I tolerate a lot from you but one day you will push me toofar.”

Kargan gave a wordless growl of anger but he wasloyal to his commanding officer, however much the

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captain might infuriate him at times. “You could leaveVareq in command” he said, making one last effort tochange his captain’s mind. “I’m not the only pilotonboard. Krell’s more than capable of handling thehelm.”

“You’re quite right” Krang said, enjoying the stunnedexpression on his first officer’s face. “And that is exactlywhat I have decided to do.” Handing the confiscated knifeback to Kargan, he said, “Choose four squads toaccompany us to the surface. The team needs to be multi-skilled. I want good hunters, but also a couple ofscientists and engineers.”

Klingon soldiers were divided into squads of five –four soldiers and a leader, so that gave him twentywarriors. With the Federation team, that would be aboutright for a swift strike into enemy territory.

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Chapter 13

Standing by an aerial map, Kehlan was briefing theteam leaders on the conditions they could expect to findon the enemy planet. Zooming in closer to an area thatappeared to be thick jungle, she pointed at a spot. “This isthe target” she told them, enlarging the image again.“Sensors are showing a small settlement and that’s wherethe Poseidon’s transponder is located. We are alsopicking up human life-signs in that area, so there aredefinitely prisoners. Now, there’s a lot of kellenite in thesoil. It’s a transporter inhibitor so you’re going to haveproblems. There are only certain areas clear enough totransport in and out. I’ve programmed the areas into yourtricorders so you’ll be able to find them.”

“Would pattern enhancers help?” Major Spearesqueried.

Kehlan nodded, “Yes, but in combat conditions youcan’t rely on having the time to set them up properly.”Indicating a spot on the map a short distance from thetarget, she continued “This is your beam-down site. It’s

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just under one kilometre north east of the encampment.We’re designating it as the rendezvous point, whichmeans we’ll be monitoring it. If anything goes wrong, getback to that site and you’ll be beamed up automatically.”

“What about the Jem’Hadar?” Krang asked, “Can yougive us an idea of how many are down there?”

“Not accurately” Kehlan responded, “The Jem’Hadarhave personal cloaking devices. The number picked up bythe sensors is fluctuating between fifty and seventy in afive kilometre radius around the encampment. We canassume there are more than that as you go further out.”

Captain Mackenzie spoke then. “We have twopriorities on this mission. The first and most important isto find and destroy the transponder. The second is torescue anyone being held prisoner on that planet.”Pausing, he looked at the other officers seated round thetable before beginning to explain his battle plan. “This ishow we’re going to do it…”

~~~<>~~~

Quietly and carefully the away team made their waythrough the thick jungle-like undergrowth. Dressed inbattle fatigues like the marines, Captain Mackenzie couldnot help being impressed. It was the first time he had triedthe newest style of camouflage gear. Like the chameleonit was named for, the suit changed to match itssurroundings and glancing at his companions, he could seethat it worked extremely well. He was heavily armed aswere the marines, a phaser rifle slung over his shoulder,but instead of the standard issue marine knife, the greatkatana hung at his side. Captain Krang and the otherKlingons were of course, dressed in their usual battle

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uniforms, most of them armed with disruptors and theinevitable batleth or mek’leth.

As well as the marines and the Klingons, CaptainMackenzie had two SCE officers on his team. TheStarfleet Corps of Engineers were unlike normal ship’sengineers in that they were highly trained to work undercombat conditions and with just about any form of alientechnology they came across in the course of a mission. Itwas only since the beginning of the Dominion war thatcombat engineers had become part of the standard crew ofa starship. Captain Mackenzie knew that on some shipsthere was resentment between the SCE officers andregular engineering staff, but he had tried his hardest toensure that there would be no such problem on Endeavour.With the war going so badly, Starfleet needed everyadvantage it could get and there was no room for pettysquabbles over rank and position on board his ship.

Stopping for a moment, Captain Mackenzie checkedtheir position. According to their tricorders, they werenow only half a kilometre from the Jem’Hadarencampment. Somewhere nearby a twig snapped,sounding disproportionately loud in the stillness and theteam froze, but it was just an animal going about itsbusiness. They were all aware though, that as they gotcloser to their target, they ran the risk of running into anenemy patrol, and with the personal cloaks the Jem’Hadarused, they might not even know until it was too late.

They were already aware that their communicatorswere useless. Immediately on beaming down, CaptainMackenzie had tried to contact the ship, only to getnothing but static. On testing, it had quickly becomeevident that not only could they not reach the ship, butthey would be unable to communicate with each other as

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well. Somewhere, not too far away, something was givingoff a jamming signal.

Getting closer, they could hear the sounds of battleemanating from the encampment. Obviously theJem’Hadar were indulging in another one of their littleentertainment matches with one of the prisoners.Reaching the edge of the jungle, the marines stopped,carefully looking out from the trees.

“QI’yaH” Captain Mackenzie cursed under his breath.The Klingon captain glanced him in amusement, hisTerran friend hadn’t even noticed he was swearing inKlingon. But despite his smile, he too was aware of thedeadly danger they were in.

The scene in front of them was not what the sensorsand tricorders had led them to expect. There was noencampment there in the field, but a huge Jem’Hadarwarship, hidden from space by some sort of holographictechnology. In space it would dwarf Endeavour and wasbigger even than the new Sovereign class starships. Fromthe look of things, it had crash landed, but it was equallyobvious that repairs were well under way and that itwouldn’t be long before it was space-worthy again. Thetransponder signal was, predictably enough, coming fromsomewhere inside the great vessel.

Suddenly everything had altered. Other than the twocombat engineers, they had only forty marines with themand if the ship in front of them was fully crewed, therecould be a couple of hundred Jem’Hadar, probably more,in the area. If they were to succeed in this mission, theirstrategy would have to be completely changed.

Silence was imperative now. If they could hear theenemy, then the enemy would be able to hear them.

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Krang caught the other captain’s attention and silentlyindicated that they should fall back. Captain Mackenzienodded, and after quietly passing on the order to themarines, the group disappeared back into the jungle. Theywent only far enough to ensure that they could talk quietlywithout any danger of their voices carrying back to theJem’Hadar. They had very little time. Every momentthey delayed increased the risk of running into a patrol andblowing the mission. Discussing their ideas, the twocaptains found that they were thinking along very similarlines. Quickly, the Terran captain passed on his orders tothe troops and set their plans into action.

As Major Speares and the marines went on their way,circling round to approach the Jem’Hadar ship fromanother angle, the two captains, the Klingons and theengineering team headed back to their earlier position atthe edge of the clearing, the one they had so recentlyabandoned. They would wait there until the marines hadcreated their diversion and then they would launch an allout assault on the enemy ship.

Getting closer to the edge of the jungle, the twocaptains moved ahead of their troops, scouting out theground. Suddenly Krang froze and held up a hand forsilence. Grabbing hold of the Federation captain, hepulled him back into the undergrowth and crouched down.Knowing that Klingons had superior hearing, CaptainMackenzie did not argue but kept very still, waiting. Thenhe too heard it. Footsteps, coming closer. TwoJem’Hadar soldiers came tramping right past theirposition, never realising that the two men were there. TheKlingon indicated to Captain Mackenzie that he shouldremain where he was and before the Terran could object,he had slipped from his position, coming up behind one ofthe soldiers. The Jem’Hadar never had a chance. Krang’s

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attack was lightning fast, one arm snaking around theenemy soldier’s neck, pulling his head back, while thed’k’tahg in his other hand swiftly slit his throat.Contemptuously tossing the body aside, Krang lashed outwith his knife at the second soldier, killing him before heeven realised what was happening. It was over in seconds,neither of the two soldiers even had a chance to cry out.

“That’s two less to worry about” Krang said calmly,wiping his knife and putting it back into his belt.

“Nice kill” Captain Mackenzie said appreciatively.

The noise level from the Jem’Hadar suddenlyincreased as a sentry spotted the marine intruders. Themarines could easily have killed the sentry without beingseen or heard, but the plan was for them to attract as muchattention as possible and lead the enemy soldiers awayfrom the ship.

One of the Jem’Hadar, obviously a leader, startedshouting orders and a large party of soldiers started tochase after the marines. Another smaller group hustledthe prisoners they had been fighting back into the ship,probably returning them to their cells to await either deathor further combat. Moments later they returned, some ofthem taking up guard positions around the ship whileothers headed out into the jungle to catch up with theothers. That was a good sign, Krang thought; it meant thatthe prison cells could not be too far away from the stillopen entrance to the ship. He indicated as much to theTerran captain, who nodded in acknowledgement.

Captain Mackenzie was very tense now. Just a fewmore minutes – they had to wait until the marines had ledthe enemy far enough away that they would be unable toreturn in time to assist their comrades. He glanced at the

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Klingons, knowing that they were itching for battle, butKrang had his men well under control and they did notmove. Finally, as the sounds of pursuit faded into thejungle, the Terran captain gave the signal and the teammoved out of their cover and towards the enemy ship.They had less than a hundred metres to cover and theymoved swiftly, taking the remaining Jem’Hadar bysurprise.

Boarding the enemy ship, Captain Mackenzie snappedorders to his engineers who immediately began tomanipulate a panel on the wall, trying to figure out how toget the doors to shut. His combat engineers were highlytrained, the best in the business, but very little was knownabout the interior of Jem’Hadar ships. A group ofJem’Hadar soldiers had followed them back to the shipand were attacking them, hoping to prevent their enemiesfrom taking their ship. The team was under attack fromboth sides now as Jem’Hadar warriors still on board theship appeared in the corridors, firing their weapons at theintruders. The Klingon soldiers took up a defensiveposition around the engineers, protecting them andallowing them to work unhindered. After a few minutesof fiddling with the panel, the doors finally closed with adeep clanging sound.

“That’s it, sir” the senior engineer, Lieutenant Davis,said with a satisfied grin, “The locks are engaged, and I’vejammed them. It won’t hold forever but it’ll do until wecan get the shields up.”

“Well done” Captain Mackenzie responded, “Now,find the control room and secure it. Once it’s ours, we cansecure the rest of the ship and do what we came here todo.”

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Swiftly the group moved through the corridors of theenemy ship, spreading out and attacking the Jem’Hadardefenders. The fighting was fierce but slowly, bit by bit,the attackers prevailed and the enemy soldiers were forcedto fall back. Firing his disruptor, one of the Klingonsducked into an open doorway and gave a triumphantshout. It was Kargan. “Captain, in here” he yelled. “I’vefound the control room.” His words were cut off by thesounds of clashing metal and disruptor fire. As he and therest of the team moved in to back up the Klingon firstofficer, Captain Mackenzie could hear him swearing underhis breath as he fought. The fire-fight was intense butshort and the bridge of the Jem’Hadar ship was soontheirs. In the manner that had become standard practicesince the advent of the Dominion, they swept the controlroom with phaser fire, checking for the presence ofshapeshifters. They could afford to take no chances – thelayout of the ship was unfamiliar to them and if aChangeling was present it could be disguised as almostanything.

“There’s nothing here, Captain” Kargan said insatisfaction as they finished the sweep, “Nobody here butus.”

“Then let’s get the job done” Captain Mackenzie saidimpatiently.

Krang held up a hand. “Wait” he said, his tonebetraying the tension he felt. He turned slowly, surveyingthe room with suspicious eyes, looking for something,anything out of the ordinary. “Something isn’t right.”

“What is it?” Captain Mackenzie asked, also lookinground, not sure what he was looking for, but the Klingoncaptain’s caution was contagious and he knew that heshould not ignore it.

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Krang did not respond immediately. He didn’t knowwhat was wrong but all his instincts were screaming athim now, warning him of imminent danger. But fromwhat? The phaser sweep had found nothing. The controlroom was secure now, so what was making him feel soedgy? “I wish I knew” he said eventually. Removing histricorder from his belt, he started to scan the room,stepping closer to the central column as he did so.“Absolutely nothing”, he muttered in disgust. He turnedback to face the Federation captain, bumping against thecolumn as he did so and the tricorder suddenly went wild,bleeping loudly as the central column seemed to explodeupwards and outwards. The polished titanium surfacerippled and changed colour as at incredible speed, itflowed like molten gold into a new shape. Its formfluctuating wildly as though it could not decide whatshape to take, it was attacking the Klingon captain, who,at such close quarters, had no way of defending himselffrom the thing that was intent on wrapping itself aroundhis body and choking the life out of him.

Several of the Klingons moved to attack it, but CaptainMackenzie, nearer than the others, got there first, throwinghimself at the monster that was killing his friend. Theshapeshifter, reacting with a speed and strength that wasinhuman, formed a tentacle that smashed into the Terranand sent him crashing to the floor. But while CaptainMackenzie’s attack had not harmed the Changeling,neither had it been completely ineffectual. With aterrifying ease, the Changeling violently threw Krangaway from it and solidifying into a form vaguelyresembling a man, turned to contemplate its new victim.That momentary respite was all the Klingons needed.They had been unable to open fire without killing theirown captain but now there was nothing to stop them. In

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its arrogance, or maybe it was desperation, the Changelinghad made a fatal mistake. Kargan, his disruptor set to fullpower, was the first to fire. Then a second and a thirdKlingon opened fire, then another. Lying on the floorwhere he had fallen, still coughing, Krang fired his ownweapon. The Changeling staggered but somehow, keptmoving toward its target. Only half conscious, CaptainMackenzie watched it come towards him. He raised hisphaser rifle, taking aim, but hesitated. His vision wasswimming and there seemed to be three of them. Whichone should he fire at? Hazily, hoping for the best, hechose the middle one and fired.

With so many weapons firing at it, the Changelingstopped moving and began to sway, emitting a thinwailing sound as its rippling golden body began todissolve, fading into darkness under the immense powerof the combined energies that were tearing it apart. Assuddenly as it had begun, it was over. The Changelingseemed to collapse in on itself until it was no more than agolden puddle on the deck. Then the glow was gone,leaving only a charred, blackened mess to show that theChangeling had ever existed.

Krang got to his feet. His throat felt as though it wason fire and unconsciously he rubbed it. The Changelinghad come very close to strangling him to death. Seeingthat his Terragnan friend was struggling to sit up, hemoved over and helped him. “Are you all right?” heasked hoarsely, finding it hurt to speak.

Captain Mackenzie nodded and wished he hadn’t. Hiseyesight was beginning to clear now, and there no longerseemed to be three of everyone, but the motion made hishead pound. Still sitting on the deck, he looked aroundhim, seeing that the engineers were already getting to

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work. “You were right about something being wrong” hesaid quietly, “There was a Founder on board.” Raising hisvoice to address the engineers, he said, “Lieutenant Davis,we need to get those shields up. Then see if you can pullup a schematic of this ship so we can locate the prisoners.”

“Already working on it, sir” the lieutenant said calmly.Pulling a tool out of the kitbag slung over his shoulder hebegan to take a panel apart. Kerrik, the Klingon engineermoved to assist him. While they worked on the ship’sshielding system, the younger Starfleet engineer, aBajoran woman named Marin went over to a panel on theother side of the bridge. It didn’t take her long to pull up aschematic diagram of the ship. she studied it for a fewminutes before looking up and saying “The brig is onedeck down from here, sir. Turn right out of here, and afew metres down the corridor, you’ll find a stairway. Godown it and turn left.” Consulting the screen in front ofher again for further information, she continued “You’llsee a panel on the wall – press the glyph shaped a bit likea star and it’ll lower the forcefield around the cells.”

“Have you got those shields up yet?” the Klingoncaptain snapped at the other two engineers.

The answer came from Kerrik, “just anothermoment…” Muttering under his breath in Klingon, theengineer reached over the open panel, his fingers seemingto dance over the controls. “Qapla! That’s it, shields areup now.”

“Good” Captain Mackenzie said, “Now let’s get therest of this ship secured and under our control.”

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Chapter 14

Captain Christopher Royce paced up and down thesmall cell that was confining him and his fellow officers.There were five of them locked in the tiny room. Just fiveof them left. There had been ten of them crowded into thecell when they were first captured. He knew there wereother crew members being held in other cells, he had seenthem during his occasional combat sessions with theJem’Hadar, but he didn’t know how many were left. Toofew, he thought, grieving for the wasted lives. There hadbeen a hundred and eighty souls on board Poseidon whenthey were attacked back in the cats-eye nebula. Now mostof them were dead. He gave a sigh of frustration andcarried on pacing. Six steps. That was all it took to crossthe room. Then turn, six steps back and turn again.

“Will you stop that pacing up and down!” Thecomplaint came from his security officer, CommanderElana Kal. An attractive dark haired woman, the brownmarkings on either side of her face and neck identified heras a Trill. The Kal symbiont was relatively young - Elana

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was its first host and if they didn’t manage to get out ofhere, was likely to be its last. Sitting on the floor in acorner of the cell, her yellow Starfleet uniform was astattered and bloodstained as his own. Some of the bloodwas fresh. It had been her turn to fight the Jem’Hadar andshe was lucky to be alive. The medical care in the prisonwasn’t exactly up to Federation standards and she stillwasn’t recovered from the last time she had been forced tofight. When they had come for her a short time ago anddragged her out of the cell, Captain Royce had intervened,trying to protect her, begging the soldiers to take himinstead, but they had simply laughed and pushed him outof the way.

“I just want to know what’s going on out there”Captain Royce said apologetically, somehow forcinghimself to stand still. It wasn’t easy.

“I already told you” Elana Kal said wearily, “I didn’tsee what happened. Someone attacked a sentry and thenext thing I knew, they were hustling me back in here.”

“Maybe it’s a rescue attempt” Lieutenant Baker saidhopefully. A tall, sandy haired Terran, Morgana wasanother one lucky to be alive. She had been Poseidon’scommunications officer but she had been studying karatefor years and it was her skill in that discipline that hadenabled her to hold her own in the contests with theJem’Hadar. Even so, like Elana Kal, she was in poorshape.

“Don’t be ridiculous” Elana snapped, “No-one evenknows Poseidon’s been taken.”

The other two men in the cell remained silent.Poseidon’s science officer, Lieutenant Michael Johannwas a big blond man, who despite his name, hailed from

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Austria. He rarely spoke anyway so his silence wasnothing unusual, but Captain Royce was worried about thefinal member of the group. Commander Hassan ibnAhmed was descended from the Bedouin tribes that stillroamed Earth’s deserts. His wanderlust had manifesteditself in a desire to explore the stars and life in Starfleethad suited him perfectly. But, accustomed to wide openspaces, Poseidon’s first officer was suffering the most inhis enforced confinement. He had fought savagelywhenever it was his turn to fight the Jem’Hadar, andCaptain Royce, while he was no doctor, suspected that hewas bleeding internally. In his current condition, it waslikely that he would not survive the next fight.

“It’s not ridiculous” Lieutenant Baker said defensively,getting up and moving closer to the forcefield. Theimmensely powerful field flickered slightly, as thoughwarning her not to get too close. “Someone’s attackingthe Jem’Hadar. That’s got to be a good sign.”

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Everyonestopped and turned in surprise. Those were the first wordsCommander Ahmed had said for three days. But he saidno more and after a moment the bickering continued.

“It’s probably just some internal scuffle” Elana Kalsaid.

“Elana, you really are…”

Captain Royce had finally had enough. “Stop thatsquabbling!” he roared. “Don’t you understand? We haveto stick together if we want to survive. We can’t give in tothis.”

Silence fell. And into the silence there came thefaintest of sounds from outside.

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Lieutenant Johann got up and joined Morgana Bakerby the forcefield. “Listen.”

The sounds got louder, coming closer. The distinctivesound of weapons clashing and disruptors firing filled theair. Then, footsteps running past. The prisoners looked ateach other, hope dawning, and with it fear. Who was outthere, what was happening? Was it Starfleet or just somesort of Jem’Hadar rebellion or exercise? Instinctively theyall knew that this was the end. Either they were about tobe rescued or they were about to die. Either option wouldbe an improvement on their current status. For a while itlooked as though their hopes were in vain as everythingwent quiet. Then they heard footsteps again, walking thistime, and it didn’t sound like Jem’Hadar. By now, all ofthem were on their feet, standing by the forcefield, quietlywaiting. The footsteps came closer, then stopped. Theyheard the low hissing sound that signalled the lowering ofthe outer forcefield, then more footsteps. In just a momentthey would be able to see who it was. But whoever orwhatever was approaching them, anything was better thanbeing left to rot in this prison, they were all in agreementon that.

~~~<>~~~

Out in the jungle, Major Speares and the marines werewaging guerrilla warfare on the Jem’Hadar troops. It wassomething they were expert at, and laying traps as theywent, they led the enemy soldiers deeper and deeper intothe jungle, taking them as far as possible from the downedship. Some of the marines pressed on noisily through thedense undergrowth, encouraging the Jem’Hadar to followthem, while the rest of the team faded back, allowing theenemy to pass them and then attacking from the sides and

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from behind, striking quickly and quietly before meltingback into the jungle as though they were ghosts.

Finally deciding they had gone far enough, MajorSpeares began to turn the team towards the east, bringingthem round in a great circle, that would eventually leadthem back towards the ship.

One of his marines tapped him on the shoulder,gaining his attention. Showing him the readings on thetricorder he held, the man said quietly, “Major, anothergroup of Jem’Hadar have appeared on sensors.”

“How many?” Major Speares asked, tensing.

“Thirty two” the marine answered, “”They’re onepoint two kilometres south east of our position, headingthis way. There’s also another large group headingtowards the ship.”

“Damn!” The major swore, envying his captain’sknowledge of Klingon curses. That language was just sowonderfully expressive when it came to swearing.

There was no time now for further cat and mousegames. The original group of Jem’Hadar following themwas much smaller than it had been when they set out andit was time to finish them off. Quietly, he gave the orderfor an all out attack and the fighting began in earnest.

~~~<>~~~

Back on board the Jem’Hadar ship, all areas were nowsecure and Captain Mackenzie was finally on his way tothe holding cells. Finding the panel on the wall, he saw itwas exactly as the engineer had described. He pressed thesymbol shaped like a star and watched with satisfaction aswith barely a flicker, the outer forcefield separating thecells from the rest of the ship collapsed. Entering the

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previously inaccessible corridor, he could see cells oneither side. They were standard cells, with three walls andthe fourth side open to the corridor, only the powerfulforcefields preventing the prisoners from escaping. Thenearest cells were empty but he could hear movementfurther down the corridor. At least someone was still alivedown there, Captain Mackenzie thought.

“Anybody there?” he called, hoping that they wereright and these prisoners would turn out to be survivors ofthe Poseidon, hoping his old friend was still alive.

The sounds of movement intensified and a voice, fullof both hope and suspicion called back, “Who’s there?”

Captain Mackenzie felt a sense of relief. That soundedlike Christopher Royce. “I’m Captain James Mackenzieof the USS Endeavour” he answered, “We’re here torescue you.” He continued moving down the corridoruntil he found the first occupied cell. “Chris, I’m glad toknow you’re still alive” he said, studying the control panelby the cell. Locating the star shaped glyph, he pressed itand the forcefield dropped. “Come on, let’s go.”

Nobody moved. “How do we know you’re really thecaptain of the Endeavour?” a Trill woman in a tatteredsecurity uniform asked, “You could be a Founder.”

“I could be, but I’m not” Captain Mackenzie answeredimpatiently, “Now do you want to get out of here or not?”

“Commander Kal is right” Captain Royce said quietly,“If you’re really my old friend, then prove it.”

“We were room-mates at the academy” CaptainMackenzie said, “I could mention the crush you had onthat Vulcan commander that taught advanced tactics, but Iwouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of your crew.”

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The other man laughed suddenly, remembering themischief they had got up to in their academy days.“That’s James Mackenzie” he said to his security officer,“I never told anyone else about that.”

Not bothering to wait for the prisoners to follow him,Captain Mackenzie was already moving the check theother cells. The next three held prisoners from thePoseidon and a further one, surprisingly held a smallgroup of Klingons. There were three men and a woman,all of them wearing the standard military uniforms andlooking the worse for wear. They had obviously beeninvolved in several fights with the Jem’Hadar soldiersalthough he had an idea that they had not been unwillingto fight their enemies. Evidently more vessels than justthe Poseidon had been destroyed by this massive warship.It was unusual though to find Klingon survivors. MostKlingon warriors would die before they would allowthemselves to be taken prisoner. He hesitated for amoment, wondering if he should call for one of his ownKlingons to talk to them and explain the situation, thendecided he could handle it.

“I am Captain Mackenzie of the USS Endeavour,allied with the IKC Hegh’Ta under the command ofCaptain Krang” he told them, as he prepared to lower theforcefield.

The woman, who from the insignia on her uniform wasthe ranking officer, stiffened. “I knew the captain of theHegh’Ta” she snarled, “His name was not Krang.”

Captain Mackenzie sighed. So much for being able tohandle it, he thought grimly, all it had taken was onesentence and he’d already managed to alienate them. Hehad never met the previous captain who had died in thesame battle that had brought Endeavour and Hegh’Ta

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together and could not remember the man’s name.Quickly he explained as much to the imprisoned Klingons.

The woman nodded, for the moment at least, acceptinghis explanation. “I’ll kill you later if you turn out to belying. I am Lieutenant Chadra of the IKS Pak’t Marr.”She gestured towards her companions, “These are all thatare left of the crew now. Now let us out so we can find anhonourable death in battle.”

“I’m hoping none of us will die” Captain Mackenziesaid wryly, dropping the forcefield as he spoke.

“I don’t expect you to understand, Terragnan” one ofthe Klingon males growled, his voice rising as he spoke,“Our capture dishonours us. Only death can redeem…”

His angry words were interrupted by the arrival of theKlingon captain. “Be silent, crewman” Krang snapped,his cold voice cutting through the tension. Pushingthrough the group of released prisoners until he stood byhis colleague’s side, he pulled out his knife and continued,“The war is by no means over yet. The empire needs livewarriors to fight for it, not dead fools. You’ll have plentyof opportunities to redeem yourselves, I can promise youthat.”

The crewman began to bluster and Chadra lost hertemper with him. Grabbing hold of his uniform collar, shepulled him forward and down, so that his face was levelwith hers. “Either shut up” she hissed, “Or I’ll kill youmyself.” She shoved him away from her again and turnedto face the newcomer. Despite the lack of decorations orinsignia on his uniform, she instinctively recognised himas a senior officer and addressed him as such. “He’s rightabout one thing, sir” she said, “We should not have

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allowed ourselves to be taken prisoner. Is there reallyhope for us?”

“If General Martok can retain his honour after twoyears as a Dominion prisoner, then there’s hope for all ofus” Krang responded, understanding her concern. Then headdressed his Terragnan friend. “Lieutenant Davis sentme with a message” he told him, “He says that MajorSpeares and the marines are returning and suggests, withall due respect of course, that we should take theopportunity to get the prisoners back to the rendezvouspoint.”

“Have they finished in the control room?”

“No, they are going to need a lot more time” Krangreplied.

Captain Mackenzie made a gesture of negation. “Idon’t like leaving them.”

“He told me you’d say that” Krang said, “He asked meto point out that with the shields up they are perfectly safehere until we can come back for them. He’s right James.The way is relatively clear at the moment, but it won’tstay that way for long. We need to get these people tosafety while we can.”

Unwillingly Captain Mackenzie agreed. “Okay. Letme finish checking these cells and then we’ll go.”

The remaining cells were all empty, except for thevery last one which had only one occupant, a Romulanwoman in a tattered Tal Shiar uniform. Unusually for aRomulan she was blonde, her hair cut into the typicalmilitary style favoured by Romulan officers. She was inpoor shape, with green tinged bruises visible on her face.Like all the other prisoners, she had been forced to fightfor her life over and over again.

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“Who are you?” Captain Mackenzie asked her.

“My name is Rhiana” she answered, “I am an officerof the Romulan Tal Shiar. More than that I am notrequired to tell you.

“ taHqeq Romulan” the belligerent Klingon malesnarled, “Leave her to rot”

“We leave no-one behind” Krang snapped back. “AndI remind you that we have an alliance with the Romulansnow. I will not allow your petty differences to endangerthis mission. It’s the Jem’Hadar we should be fighting,not each other.”

“Alliance?” It was the Romulan woman who spokebut Krang could see equally confused looks on the facesof the Klingon prisoners.

“There’s a Romulan/Federation/Klingon alliance ineffect” Captain Mackenzie said, releasing the forcefieldthat was holding the Romulan prisoner. “There’s no timeto explain in detail.”

She stepped out of her cell, eyeing the Klingonscautiously, but other than giving her filthy looks, theymade no move against her.

Signalling to the rescued prisoners to follow them, thetwo men joined up with their troops and began to lead theway back through the corridors to the entrance to the ship.They had no sooner got there when there was a buzzingsound as one of the engineers in the command centre, whohad been tracking their progress, released the controls thatwere holding the door closed and lowered the ship’sshields momentarily. Krang went through first, checkingit was safe. Seeing that there were no enemies in theimmediate vicinity and that the Starfleet marines wereindeed waiting for them, he called to the others to join

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him. One by one they all left the relative safety of thegreat ship, Captain Mackenzie taking up the rear to ensurethat everyone got out. As he passed through the door, itbegan to close behind him and he sensed rather than sawor heard the shields being raised again.

It felt good to be in the fresh air again Krang thought,taking a deep breath. Somehow, the air on that ship feltstale and dead. He expelled the breath from his lungs andtook another one. He could see the prisoners doing thesame. They had been on the ship for much longer than hehad and no doubt were glad to be free and breathing cleanair. Surveying the area for signs of trouble, he was caughtby surprise as suddenly the Klingon prisoners broke awayfrom the group. He started to shout after them, but allthey were doing was arming themselves, retrievingweapons from the Jem’Hadar bodies that lay strewnaround them. Some of the Starfleet prisoners, those whowere capable, seeing what they were doing, did likewise.Krang gave an approving nod. They were going to needevery available warrior if they were going to get out ofhere. He had no illusions that things were going to stay aspeaceful as they were at that moment – there had to be alot more Jem’Hadar on this planet and many of themwould be within striking distance of their ship. Theywould be wise to expect an attack at any time. Glancingback at his Federation colleague, he could see that CaptainMackenzie was thinking the same thing.

Actually, they got further than expected before theattack came. They were almost half way back to therendezvous point when a squadron of Jem’Hadar camebursting out of the undergrowth, firing their weapons asthey came.

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Chapter 15

On the bridge of the Endeavour, Kehlan saw theimpending crisis as more Jem’Hadar life-signs began toappear in the area surrounding the captain’s position. Theaway team would be outnumbered very soon and with theplanetary wide jamming signal the enemy wasbroadcasting, there was no way to warn them of theirdanger. It was obvious now, what was causing thejamming signal. The engineers on board the enemy shiphad managed to shut down the holographic cloak,rendering the enemy ship visible to Endeavour andHegh’Ta as they watched from their vantage point high inorbit above the planet.

“Have a squad of marines meet me in the transporterroom” Kehlan said to the ensign at the communicationsconsole as she stood up and headed towards the turbolift.“And I want a second squad to take a shuttle down asbackup. If we can’t re-establish communications wewon’t be able to call for beam-up. Lieutenant Ch’Pesh, assoon as the away team’s life-signs are far enough away,

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your orders are to destroy that ship. The bridge is yours.”She was gone before the Andorian officer had a chance toobject.

Instructing the computer to take her to deck eight, shewaited impatiently as the turbolift began to move. In ahurry as she was, the short journey seemed to take foreverbut eventually the doors opened again and she wentpelting down the corridor to her quarters. There was notime to change into armour so she just grabbed herweapons and was on her way again. Not bothering withthe turbolift this time, she ran up the two flights of stairsto deck six and made her way to the transporter room.Giving the transporter operator the required coordinates,she quickly explained to the marines what she neededthem to do.

The clearing where they materialised was full of thenoises and smells of battle. Kehlan looked around her,checking out the situation and beginning to move, evenbefore the transporter beam had fully released her.

The two captains were fighting back to back,surrounded by enemy soldiers. Major Speares and hismarines were a short distance away. Aided by theKlingons, they were surrounding the prisoners they hadrescued, trying to protect them from the Jem’Hadar andget them back to the rendezvous point.

Captain Mackenzie swung his katana at a Jem’Hadarwho had tried to approach the Klingon from behind,almost decapitating him, but another enemy warriorimmediately took his place. Turning, he ducked andparried, the motion saving his life as a third enemy took ashot at him with his pistol. The energy beam whichshould have hit him in the chest, caught him instead in theupper arm. He gave a gasp of pain and realising he could

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no longer use his arm properly, he shifted his grip on thesword in an effort to compensate as the nearest soldiertook advantage of his momentary hesitation and renewedhis attack.

The Klingon captain finished off his own opponentwith a savage sweep of his batleth and turned to assist hisfriend, but Kehlan got there first. Mek’leth in one handand d’k’tahg in the other, she threw herself at theJem’Hadar who was attacking her mate. Knocking himoff balance, they tumbled together to the ground, rolling inthe dirt as they struggled for supremacy. The Jem’Hadarwas very strong and almost managed to free himself,grabbing hold of her wrist as he did so. The bones in herwrist, already weakened from her previous injury, snappedwith an audible crack, forcing her to drop the mek’leth.She was unable to prevent herself from screaming as hesqueezed harder and the broken bones shattered.

He must have thought he had won then, but Kehlantook him by surprise. Instead of trying to push him away,she pulled him closer, sinking her teeth into his hand, atthe same time slashing open the tube of ketracel-whitewith her d’k’tahg. In confused shock the Jem’Hadarpulled back, and Kehlan struck again, thrusting upwards,the knife tearing open his chest. With a savage twist shepulled the blade free and stabbed him again. TheJem’Hadar fell forward, pinning her beneath him. Thepain in her wrist was agonising as she tried to push hislifeless body off her but she could not move. Gatheringher strength to try again, she was surprised when suddenlythe weight was gone and she was free. Looking up, shesaw the Terran captain. He bent and helped her to herfeet. “Thanks” she said tersely, shoving the bloodstainedd’k’tahg back in her belt and retrieving her mek’leth from

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where she had dropped it before stepping back and turningto attack another enemy.

Hearing the sound of an engine above her, Kehlanlooked upwards, to see one of Endeavour’s shuttlescoming in to land. Good, she thought, now they had thereinforcements they needed and a way off this planet. Shebegan to fight her way across to where Major Speares andthe marines were positioned. The prisoners were in amess, she noted, there couldn’t be more than about fifteenof them, all that was left of Poseidon’s crew. Most ofthem were in urgent need of medical attention. Kahlessonly knew what the Jem’Hadar had done to them.

One of them, in a torn, bloodstained uniform withcaptain’s rank pins, looked as though he was barely ableto stand up without assistance. That had to be ChristopherRoyce, Kehlan guessed, her captain’s old friend. Heappeared to have taken a disruptor shot to his thigh. Theenergy blast had cauterised the wound otherwise he wouldhave already bled to death. Despite his infirmity, the manheld an enemy disruptor in one hand and was using it togood effect, systematically firing it at any Jem’Hadar whocame close enough.

Kehlan was surprised to see that there were someKlingons and even a Romulan amongst the escapedprisoners. All of them appeared injured but were fightingsavagely. Seeing a Jem’Hadar soldier de-shroud directlybehind one of them, she shouted a warning, but too late.The enemy fired his weapon at point blank range and theKlingon gave an agonised cry as the disruption energiestore him apart. He was dead before he hit the ground.The Jem’Hadar aimed again but the female Klingon tookhim down before he could fire a second time.

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A stray shot hit one of the female prisoners and shegave a cry of pain, pressing one hand against the wound inher thigh in an attempt to stop the bleeding as shestaggered and struggled to regain her balance beforecollapsing in a heap on the ground. The other captainturned and seeing her fall, he gave a howl of fury andthrew himself at the Jem’Hadar soldier who had attackedher. The Jem’Hadar had dismissed the injured captain asbeing of no consequence and was caught by surprise byhis action. Knocked off balance, the enemy warriorstaggered and went down as the infuriated captain lashedout, using his stolen disruptor as a club. Crashing to theground the two combatants rolled over and over,struggling for supremacy until they came to a halt with theFederation captain on top, his hands around theJem’Hadar’s ridged neck. The Jem’Hadar fought to freehimself but the captain seemed to have been possessed bythe spirit of the old-time berserkers and was unstoppable.The ketracel-white tube dangling loosely from his throat,the Jem’Hadar’s struggles became weaker and finallystopped but the Federation Captain was too infuriated tonotice, or care, that his enemy was dead and he continuedto beat the fallen soldier about the head, over and overuntil one of his fellow officers, seeing what washappening, pulled him away from the body.

Worried, Kehlan glanced from the prisoners to theshuttle that was coming in to land. They had to get theinjured on board and out of harm’s way.

“Major Speares, get these people onboard the shuttleand back to Endeavour” she ordered, “Tell them to sendthe shuttle back for the rest of us.”

Seeing the sense in her instructions, the major agreedand as the shuttle came to a halt several metres away, its

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doors swinging open to disgorge more marines, he gave afew quick signals to his men and they began to headtowards it. The newcomers disembarked from the shuttle,weapons firing, quickly and efficiently clearing a path fortheir fellow marines. As Kehlan made her way back towhere her captain was fighting, she could see MajorSpeares relaying her orders to the shuttle pilot, whodisappeared back on board. It took only a few minutes forthe marines to load the rescued prisoners onto the shuttle.The doors began to close and the marines stepped awayfrom the vessel to rejoin the fight. The shuttle rose intothe air and a Jem’Hadar fired a weapon resembling arocket launcher. The shuttle lurched, swerving to one sideas a missile struck its undercarriage but it continued on itsway, carrying its precious load back to the safety of theEndeavour. The Jem’Hadar fired the weapon again buthis shot went wild as he was struck down from behind bya Klingon soldier.

The Starfleet marines, under the able command ofMajor Speares began to spread out, fighting theJem’Hadar who were appearing out of the jungle, chasedby a group of Klingon warriors. Trying to get back totheir ship, the Jem’Hadar found themselves caught in atrap with the Federation on one side and the Klingons onthe other.

“Captain, we need to get far away from that ship”Kehlan shouted, “I’ve ordered Endeavour to destroy it”

“We’ve got engineers on board” Captain Mackenzieshouted back, “We need to warn them. Kehlan, Krang,you’re with me”

The three officers started to run, fighting their waythrough the enemy troops, back towards the ship. In theJem’Hadar vessel’s control room, sensors informed the

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engineers that their senior officers were arriving and theyquickly dropped the shields just long enough to allowthem to board the ship.

“I’ll wait here” Krang said, taking up a guard positionat the entrance to the ship. “Don’t be long.”

The Terran captain acknowledged and signallingKehlan to follow him, he began to move quickly throughthe corridors. The control room was on the same level asthe entrance and it took the two officers only a fewmoments to reach it.

“Report!” the captain demanded, as he entered theroom and approached his officers.

“Captain, we haven’t been able to remove thetransponder yet, but we’re working on it” LieutenantDavis, the senior combat engineer told him, “We just needa little more time.”

“We’re running out of time” Captain Mackenziesnapped, “What about the jamming signal?”

Kerrik, poked his head out from underneath theconsole he was dismantling, “I’m working on it” hegrowled, “those Ha’DibaHmey have got it well protected.It’d be easier to just blow up the khest’n ship”

“That’s what we’re planning” Captain Mackenzie saiddryly. “Endeavour’s just waiting for us to get clear.

Suddenly the young Bajoran woman gave anexclamation from her position on the other side of theroom. “I think I’ve found it! Kerrik, Lieutenant Davis,come over here and look.”

Instantly the other two engineers were at theircolleague’s side. Kerrik gave a low growl as he examined

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her work. “Well done, Marin!” he said at last, leaningover her to make an adjustment. “I think we’ve got it.”

There was an audible popping sound as thetransponder was released from its protective housing.Lieutenant Davis picked it up and handed it to CaptainMackenzie. The Terran captain put it down and drew hisphaser. Changing the setting to maximum, he aimed andfired. The transponder glowed for a moment and thendisappeared.

“Mission accomplished” he said, “Now let’s get out ofhere.”

“Sir, we’re not going to be able to raise the shieldsfrom the outside” Lieutenant Davis said, “Someone’sgoing to have to stay here.”

“I will stay” Kerrik said calmly. There was no fear inhis eyes – he was a Klingon warrior and he knew his deathwould be honourable. Sto-Vo-Kor awaited him.

“I’m not leaving anyone behind” Captain Mackenziestated grimly, “We all go together or we all stay.”

“I’m afraid it’s necessary” Marin said quietly, “Unlesssomeone stays to raise the shields, we can’t stop theJem’Hadar getting back on board.”

“That cannot be allowed” Kerrik snarled, “The ship isdisabled but the Jem’Hadar could still use its weaponsagainst us if they regain access. I will prevent that fromhappening.”

Kehlan considered the problem. “There’s no need forsacrifices” she said after a moment, “Wire up a phaser tothe warp core and set it to overload with a short delay. Puta booby-trap in the system so it explodes if anyone tries todismantle it.”

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“That would work” Lieutenant Davis responded.“Consider it done, Commander.”

“Use this, it’ll give a better explosion” Kerrik said,tossing his disruptor to the two Starfleet engineers whocaught it and immediately got to work.

“Will you hurry up” Krang shouted from his positionat the entrance to the ship, his voice echoing through theempty corridors, “We need to get out of here.”

“Won’t be long” Captain Mackenzie shouted back,“We’re on our way.”

It took the engineers only a couple of minutes to finishtheir work and gathering their tools together, they quicklymade their way back out of the Jem’Hadar ship.Rejoining the Klingon captain, the group dashed awayfrom the ship, towards the relative safety of the nearbyjungle. Enemy soldiers were still appearing and despitethe reinforcements, they were still heavily outnumbered.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kehlan saw a Jem’Hadarabout to attack her captain. Already involved in a fightwith two enemy soldiers, he had not noticed and withouthesitation, she stepped in and engaged the newcomer. Hermek’leth clashed with the long serrated knife he wascarrying. Already injured as she was, Kehlan made astupid mistake, leaving her guard open as she swung at theenemy soldier and he was quick to take advantage. Shepulled back, just a little too slowly and the knife caughther across her ribs. Kehlan staggered, with a shriek ofpain and raised her sword to strike back, but the twocaptains got there first, Krang’s batleth embedding itselfin the Jem’Hadar’s heart, while from the other sideCaptain Mackenzie’s katana sliced through his neck,

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almost decapitating him. Both blows, struck at the samemoment, were fatal.

Captain Mackenzie was infuriated. That was thesecond time in this battle that Kehlan had taken a blowmeant for him and he didn’t like it at all. He lashed outagain with his sword, determined that no-one else wouldget close enough to his first officer to hurt her again. Hewas aware of his Klingon friend, once again at his back,defending both of them. Both men were fighting all outand the Terran could see the savage light in the otherman’s eyes. He did not know that the same light shone inhis own eyes. And yet, the blood-lust was not controllingthe Klingon in the same way as it seemed to control hismen. Fully aware of what was going on around him,Krang used the battle-rage as another weapon. TheKlingon captain fought with an economy of motion,wasting no energy and watching him, Captain Mackenzieunderstood what Krang had been trying to teach him intheir practice sessions back on Endeavour. If they got outof this alive, he resolved to be a better student.

~~~<>~~~

On Hegh’Ta’s bridge, Vareq had been listening toKehlan’s orders through the open comm. link between thetwo ships. Double checking the data and finding itcorrect, he immediately began to formulate his own plansto render assistance to his captain and the away team.

Disengaging the cloak, he sent notification toEndeavour of his intent to de-couple the ships and thenreleased control of the other ship’s helm. Then, with aquick order to Ensign Krell at the helm, he took Hegh’Talow into the planet’s atmosphere.

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Hegh’Ta’s great wings lowered into the firing positionas the ship swooped downwards, lower and lower until itwas flying below the level of the clouds. It was too soonto attack the Jem’Hadar warship, the away team was stillfar too close but there was still a lot that the bird-of-preycould do to help. Vareq was a crack shot and by far thebest and most accurate gunner on board. Still shoutingorders to the rest of the bridge crew, he seated himself atthe gunnery console and began to search for a target. Itdidn’t take him long to find one. A group of fortyJem’Hadar soldiers was rapidly approaching the captain’sposition.

Hegh’Ta swept around, and flying only a few hundredmetres above the jungle, sent a volley of deadly green fireinto the midst of the enemy soldiers, completelyobliterating them. The ship soared upwards, searching forand finding a second target. With another blast of itsweapons, the newly identified target shared the fate of thefirst, quickly becoming nothing more than a blackened,burning hole in the jungle.

The comm. link between the two ships crackled intolife just then, Ch’Pesh’s voice coming over clearly, “Theaway teams are moving away from the Jem’Hadar ship.We are preparing to open fire.”

“I hope your gunner is good” Vareq shouted “I don’twant you hitting us by mistake.”

“Then keep out of our way” the Andorian officerretorted with a laugh.

From high up in orbit, the Endeavour’s phaser banksfired, the deadly yellow beam arcing through theatmosphere and striking the enemy vessel. Hegh’Taturned again, firing its disruptor cannons as it sped back

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towards the Jem’Hadar warship. Stranded there on theground with its shields down, emptied of its crew, theonce mighty warship didn’t stand a chance against thecombined firepower of the two allied ships. Fires tookhold along its length, rapidly burning out of control and asthe flames reached the engine room, aided by furtherweapons blasts from Endeavour and Hegh’Ta, theJem’Hadar ship exploded.

With the death of the enemy ship, the jamming signalwas no longer transmitting and the away team found thattheir communications systems were once againfunctioning normally. Efficiently killing anotherJem’Hadar with a single sweep of his katana, CaptainMackenzie realised that their mission here was over. Theprisoners were safe and Poseidon’s transponder had beendestroyed. There was no longer any need for them to behere. Signalling to his team to group together, hecontacted his ship and called for beam-up. Moments later,the away team disappeared in a column of sparkling lightas Endeavour’s transporter beam brought them home.

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Chapter 16

Kehlan materialised on Endeavour’s transporter padand almost collapsed. As well as the shattered wrist, shehad taken several other injuries, her Federation uniformhaving given her no protection whatsoever. The waitingmedical team rushed to her side, but Klingon pride comingto the fore, she shrugged them off, determined she wouldnot be carried away like an invalid.

The scene in sickbay was one of organised chaos.Every doctor, nurse and paramedic on the ship had beencalled on duty to deal with the influx of casualties fromthe battle, even the Emergency Medical Hologram hadbeen activated. Some of the rescued prisoners were luckyto be alive after their ordeal at the hands of the Jem’Hadarand needed immediate medical attention. Several of themarines, both Klingon and Federation, had been woundedin the fighting and both the captains had been injured.The two captains though, were conspicuous by theirabsence, having gone directly to their posts. They would

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come down for treatment later when the ships were safelyback on course to their original target.

A nurse came over to check on Kehlan, but she sentthe woman away. “My injuries are not life-threatening”she said, somehow managing to hide the pain she was in.“There are people here who need treatment more urgentlythan me. I can wait.”

Kehlan was still sitting on a bio-bed waiting fortreatment when Captain Mackenzie finally came down tothe sickbay. He walked over to her, surveying hercritically. When he had seen her tackle the Jem’Hadarattacking him, he had thought his heart would stop. Shehad been magnificent in battle, fighting like a tigress andhe knew that she had saved his life, almost at the cost ofher own. And that was a price he was not willing to payfor his own survival. Seeing her now, covered in blood,mostly Jem’Hadar but too much of it her own, his reliefturned to a cold anger. “What did you think you weredoing?” he hissed, keeping his voice quiet but letting herknow he was absolutely furious. “I gave you an order.How dare you disobey me like that?”

Kehlan closed her eyes, not answering. She didn’thave the strength or the will to fight with him right now;she was in too much pain and it was taking all herconcentration not to show it.

“You didn’t even bother to don battle gear” he said,disgusted, “How could you be so stupid? Don’t you knowhow close you came to being killed?”

“I saved your life” she answered listlessly. “I did whatI had to do.” She tried to get up but sank back onto thebio-bed, gritting her teeth to suppress the groan of painthat threatened to escape.

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“You are relieved of duty” he told her harshly, hidinghis concern for her, “When you’re released from sickbayyou’re to confine yourself to quarters until further notice.”He was worried, knowing her well enough to see the painshe was hiding. Why was she still waiting for treatment?Turning away from her, he peremptorily called for adoctor.

The Emergency Medical Hologram, or Nathaniel as hewas known to the crew, approached him immediately. “Ifyou’ll sit down Captain” he said calmly, “I’ll treat thatwound.”

“Treat Commander Kehlan first” he demanded, “Herinjuries are more severe than mine. Why is she stillwaiting?”

“It’s not the doctor’s fault” Kehlan protested weakly,“Other people needed help more urgently”

At the other side of sickbay, T’lia finished treating thepatient she had been dealing with and came over toKehlan’s side. “I think you’ve waited long enough” shesaid to Kehlan, then addressing the hologram, “I’ll takeover here, Nathaniel. I’d like you to examine ourRomulan guest.”

Kehlan felt gentle hands pushing her back until she layprone on the bio-bed. A hypospray hissed against herneck and she began to lose consciousness. The last thingshe remembered was hearing the captain’s voice as hespoke with the two doctors, asking if she would be allright.

The Klingon captain turned up a little later. He hadtaken a rather nasty gash in his thigh and was limpingslightly. Looking around for the healer, he noticed hisTerragnan friend standing by a bio-bed. Moving over to

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join him, he saw that it was Kehlan lying on the bed. Shewas unconscious.

“You fought well, James” he said gruffly, then “Howis she?”

“She’s been badly hurt but T’lia assures me she’llmake a full recovery” the Terran captain answered.“Damn it Krang. Sometimes I really hate this job.”Seeing the Klingons look of enquiry, he continued, “Lookat all these injuries. And three good men dead.”

“Their deaths were honourable” Krang said, meaningonly to comfort his friend, but his words had the oppositeeffect.

“Honourable!” Captain Mackenzie spat the word asthough it was something obscene. “I have to write to theirfamilies. Smith got engaged last year to a girl back onEarth. Mannering had two young children and Edwardswas supporting his elderly mother. Do you think honouris going to bring them any comfort?”

Krang stared at his friend in surprise. Sometimes,despite all his years in the Federation, he really did notunderstand Terrans. “It should comfort them”

“Does it comfort you?” Captain Mackenzie asked,knowing his question was cruel and that he was beingunfair to his Klingon friend, but he was too upset to care.

Krang whitened. “No. No, it does not. Every night Iwatch them die in my dreams. And no matter how manyJem’Hadar I kill, it will never be enough to pay for theirdeaths.” He turned away from the Terran and began tomove away to find the healer.

Captain Mackenzie stared after his friend. “Krang, Ishouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry”

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Krang stopped but did not turn around. “I lost fivewarriors” he said, his voice cold and unforgiving,“Hegh’Ta has a much smaller crew than Endeavour. If wefight many more battles like that one, I won’t have enoughcrew left to run the ship. But we still do our duty.”

“I’m sorry” the Terran captain repeated. He didn’tknow what had got into him, why he was being so badtempered. His Klingon friend did not deserve his anger.

Krang did turn this time. “No commander worthfollowing finds it easy to send men out to die” he saidquietly. “The day it becomes easy is the day I will resignmy commission.” He hesitated for a moment beforeadding, “I have a bottle of Romulan ale in my quarters.Once I’ve got this wound seen to, maybe you would joinme for a drink – a toast to our crews.”

“May I remind you that Romulan ale is illegal in theFederation” T’lia said, approaching them, ready to begintreating the Klingon’s injuries, “And for good reason.”

“Hegh’Ta is a Klingon ship” Captain Mackenzie said.He was not about to refuse what amounted to a peace-offering from his friend. “And we are a long way fromFederation space. Thank you Captain Krang, I would beglad to accept your invitation.”

T’lia sighed. “You’ll both want these then.” Shehanded each of them a couple of pills.

“What are they?” Krang asked suspiciously.

“Anti-inebriants” she answered. “They’ll stop yougetting a hangover. Now, remove your trousers please.”

“What?”

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“I cannot examine that wound on your thigh while youare wearing your trousers” T’lia told him patiently. “Now,will you please do as I ask?”

With a long suffering look at his fellow captain, Krangobeyed.

~~~<>~~~

In the Hegh’Ta’s mess hall, the two captains wereleaning over the table, facing each other, grim expressionsof concentration on their faces as they each battled to gainsupremacy over the other. Hands clasped, each fought topush the other’s arm to the table. The watching officerswere laughing and calling out encouragement and Krangwas amused to note that it was the Terran they werecheering for. He had removed his gauntlets and spikedgloves to make it a fair contest and they lay on the table,next to the half empty bottle of Romulan ale. He washolding his own easily. Klingons were physically strongerthan Terrans and both men knew that Krang wouldeventually win this match. In the meantime, though, hewas having too much fun to allow the competition to endquickly.

Captain Mackenzie gave a very Klingon soundinggrowl as he struggled with his friend. He might not standa chance of actually winning this match but that didn’tmean he would just give up and allow himself to be easilydefeated. His muscles trembled as he put every bit ofstrength he had into trying to budge the other man’s hand.For a moment it looked as though he might succeed butthen Krang pushed back and with a crash, the Terran’shand hit the table.

Captain Mackenzie swore. “Hab SoSlI’ Quch!”

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The mess hall fell silent, waiting for the Klingoncaptain’s reaction. Krang’s eyes narrowed and hestiffened, his hand straying to the knife at his side. Theexpression the Terragnan had used was a particularly vileinsult. Had one of his own crew used it, he would havekilled them where they stood. The words translated intostandard English as ‘Your mother has a smooth forehead’and in that language it didn’t sound particularly insulting,in fact it was meaningless. But in TlhIngan Hol as theKlingon language was called, there was nothing worseyou could say to one of the imperial race. Looking at hisfriend though, Krang realised that the Terran had no ideajust how far that went beyond the friendly name-calling hehad intended it as. Even so, it was with conscious effortthat he was able to remain calm and leave the d’k’tahgsheathed in his belt.

“James, my friend” Krang said dangerously, “yourknowledge of my language improves every day, but that isnot something you say to a friend. In fact, if you want tolive, then I suggest you never say it to me again.” Hereached for the bottle on the table and pouring some of thebright sapphire blue liquid into a glass, he handed it to theTerran.

~~~<>~~~

Kehlan paced up and down her quarters restlessly. Shehad nothing to do and despite the ministrations of thehealer, her wrist still ached. The bone had been shatteredand T’lia had been forced to insert a metal pin to aidhealing. Even with all the advanced medical techniquesavailable to Federation doctors it would still be some timebefore she had the full use of her wrist again.

Her disobedience must have angered the captaingreatly she thought, for him to have ordered her confined

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to quarters. The problem was, she did not know whatStarfleet required of her. She was trained in the sciencesnot in command, yet they expected her to be able to run aFederation starship and she didn’t know how. And nowthat they had Poseidon’s bridge crew on board, she wasn’treally needed.

She remembered the conversation she had overheard insickbay. She had just been beginning to regainconsciousness after T’lia had operated on her when shehad heard someone, a man whose voice she did notrecognise, ask, “Who’s that over there?”

“That’s their first officer” another stranger, a womanthis time, answered, “I heard she’s actually a scienceofficer on temporary loan from the Klingon ship.”

“Well, Endeavour has been pretty short of seniorofficers” the man commented, But I’m sure the Klingonswill be glad to have her back now she’s no longer needed.There’s more than enough of us to fill the gaps.”

Kehlan opened her eyes, blinking a few times until hervision came back into focus. The people talking about herwere two of the rescued prisoners from the Poseidon.They were wearing clean uniforms now, both of them withinsignia marking them as having the rank of Commander.Realising that the object of their conversation was wakingup, the two officers walked over to her side.

“Hi there” the woman said, “I’m Elana Kal, and this ismy colleague Hassan ibn Ahmed.” Her tone was friendlyand Kehlan realised that the newcomers had not beenintentionally cruel. They could not have known that in thefew months she had been on board, she had come to lookon Endeavour as her home.

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That had been several hours ago. Shortly after thatconversation, T’lia had come over and examined her,agreeing to release her from sickbay on condition that sherested for a while and did nothing to strain her wrist. Thatwouldn’t be difficult she thought bitterly, confined toquarters, she had little choice but to take it easy.

It had come as a shock to hear the newcomers talkingabout replacing her, but it made sense. Unlike her, theywere experienced Starfleet officers who had spent yearsdoing this type of work. She remembered how Krang hadsaid to her the day he had promoted her, that although shewould answer to Starfleet, she would remain a DefenceForce officer.

The more she thought about everything that hadhappened, the more she began to feel that she was aliability to the captain and she could see only one solution.Going to her desk, she picked up a data padd and began torecord a message to Captain Krang. Finishing therecording, she read through her request, added hersignature and pressed the button that would transmit it tothe Klingon ship. The padd gave a bleep, telling her thatthe message was safely on its way. Now she had the moredifficult message to write, to Captain Mackenzie. It tooktime, but eventually she finished and saved the message.She would not transmit this message electronically, sheowed him the courtesy of delivering it personally, whichshe promised herself she would do as soon as she wasfreed from confinement.

~~~<>~~~

It was early afternoon ship’s time, when Krang finallyreturned to his office and began to wade through themountain of paperwork that had built up. The termpaperwork was out of date of course, he reflected,

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computers and data padds had long since replaced anyactual paper, but the name had stuck and whatever it wascalled, it seemed to take forever to deal with. Boggeddown in department records and damage reports, Krangtook no notice when the door chimed. When it chimedagain, he didn’t bother to look up. “Go away!” hegrowled, but the door swung open and his first officercame in.

“I thought I said go away” Krang said irritably. “Whatpart of that don’t you understand?” He sighed. “Well,since you’re here now, you might as well sit down andhelp me with these reports.”

“Kargan frowned but took the seat he was offered. “Icame to tell you that I’ve just heard from Endeavour.We’ve lost Kruge and T’lia thinks that Geran won’t livemuch longer.”

Krang swore. “I really thought he would pull through”he said regretfully. “We are losing far too many crewmembers in this war. That’s seven dead in this battlealone.”

“The newcomers look promising” Kargan saidthoughtfully, “I think Lieutenant Chadra’s going to be anasset. She’s trained primarily in helm, but she’s qualifiedin gunnery and communications as well.”

“And the others?” Krang queried.

“They’ll fill in gaps in the squads” Kargan told hiscaptain, “The older one may be worth promoting to squadleader though, he seems pretty experienced. The youngerone’s got an attitude problem. I suspect he’s going to be atrouble maker. I’d suggest keeping him in a very juniorposition for now until we see how he gets on.”

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Krang nodded. “I’ll leave you to make thearrangements. We’re going to have to take longer shiftsor there won’t be enough officers on duty. In themeantime I suggest you also have a look at the troops’personnel records and see if any of them have skills wecan use on the bridge.”

“I’ll get right onto it, sir” Kargan said, retrieving a datapadd from the pile on Krang’s desk and making notes on itbefore putting it aside again and picking up another padd.Accessing the crew rosters he studied them carefully. Hewas about to make some suggestions when a flashing redlight, emanating from the communications panel, caughthis attention. He pointed it out to the captain.

“It’s marked from Commander Kehlan on theEndeavour” Krang said, as he downloaded it onto hiscomputer console and opened it up. He was silent as heread the message. Reading the message a second time, hefinally looked up. “She has requested a transfer back tothe Hegh’Ta”

“What?” Kargan said, shocked, “I really thought shewas doing well on Endeavour.”

“So did I” Krang said grimly. “I take it she hasn’t saidanything to you about this then?”

Kargan shook his head. “No sir.” He was about tocontinue but changed his mind.

Krang saw his hesitation and understood why. Freespeech was always dangerous on a Klingon ship. “Youmay speak freely” he reassured the younger officer, “Youhave my word that this conversation is not being recorded.This room is not bugged.”

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Kargan raised his eyebrows at this but decided to takethe captain at his word. “Sir, she’d have to be crazy towant to come back to Hegh’Ta.”

Kargan’s statement very much agreed with Krang’sown opinion, but he wanted to know why his first officerthought so. “Go on” he invited.

“Well, Kehlan’s Houseless” Kargan said, thinkingcarefully about what he was trying to say. “And with alldue respect to the Defence Force, there’s no way they’llallow a Houseless female to progress past science officer;in fact she’s lucky she made it that far. There’s no futurefor her here.”

“I know” Krang said. “So you think I should refuseher request then?”

“Kahless, no” Kargan said, “If she really wants tocome back, we could use the help. I just think she’smaking a big mistake and she’ll end up regretting it.

“I’ll speak to her first” Krang told his first officer. “Iagree with you, she’s making a mistake. But if it’s whatshe really wants then I will arrange her return to duty.”

Kargan stood up, gathering a handful of data paddsinto his arms. “I’ll give you some privacy then” he said.“I’ll be in my quarters, going through these files if youneed me.”

“Very well” Krang said, “Dismissed.” He watched asKargan left his office and the door swished shut behindhim. Krang opened Kehlan’s message and read it onemore time before putting a call through to her. When herimage appeared on the view screen, he was concerned tosee that she appeared drawn and unhappy and she lookedas if she’d been crying. He knew better than to commenton that though. Klingons did not - could not - cry; they

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had no tear ducts and her ability to cry was one aspect ofher Terran heritage that Kehlan bitterly regretted, seeing itas a weakness.

“NuqneH?” She gave the traditional Klingongreeting.

“I’ve just read your request for a transfer” Krang said,“I’d like an explanation.”

“I am Klingon, and an officer of the Defence Force”she told him, “I wish to return to my duties on Hegh’Ta.”

He hesitated, knowing that there had to be more to itthat she was admitting. “Kehlan, you’ve been a friend ofmy family for years. Won’t you talk to me?”

She looked away. “There’s nothing to tell. CaptainMackenzie has enough senior Starfleet officers now. I amno longer needed here.”

“Let me come over to the Endeavour and we can talkabout it” Krang suggested, his concern growing. He hadjust returned from the mess hall after sharing lunch and abottle of Romulan ale with his Terragnan friend. It wastrue that with the rescue of the prisoners, CaptainMackenzie now had several more command officers onboard, all of them highly experienced, but he had given noindication of wanting to replace his Klingon first officer.So what had gone wrong?

Kehlan shook her head, still not looking at him. “I amconfined to quarters” she told him, “It would not beappropriate for you to come to my room.”

“Look at me, Kehlan” Krang insisted. Slowly,reluctantly she did so and what he saw in her eyes,alarmed him. The Klingon fire was gone and in its placehe saw defeat. He was silent for a moment, then finally,

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he said, “I will speak with Captain Mackenzie. And if youare sure that this is what you want, then I will expediteyour return to my ship.”

“Yes Captain” she said, “It is what I want.” With that,she cut the connection, leaving him staring at a blankscreen.

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Chapter 17

Returning from the Klingon ship, Captain Mackenziewent straight to his office. Romulan ale was potent stuffand even with the aid of the anti-inebriant that T’lia hadgiven him, he was already starting to feel hung-over.Combined with the alcohol, the generous portions of gaghand heart of targ he had eaten sat uneasily in his stomach.His head ached, pounded actually, but well aware of thelecture he would get, he had no intention of requesting apainkiller from sickbay. At least it was quiet in his office,he thought thankfully. He could hide away in there for awhile and get on with some work without anydisturbances.

His combadge chirped, sounding unnaturally loud inthe silence. Wincing, he touched the badge inacknowledgement.

“Captain, I thought you might like to know thatCaptain Royce has just regained consciousness” theVulcan healer informed him, “He is asking to see you.”

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“Thank you T’lia, that’s good to know” CaptainMackenzie said, “I’ll be down as soon as I can.” He gotup and leaving his office, headed towards the turbolift.Maybe while he was down in sickbay he could ‘obtain’ apainkiller without T’lia noticing, he thoughtoptimistically. Come to that, the way his head felt rightnow, it would almost be worth the lecture, just to get somerelief.

He was half way across the bridge when the turboliftdoors opened and the Klingon captain came storming ontothe bridge, obviously in a very bad mood.

“I want to talk to you” Krang demanded withoutpreamble. Glancing at the interested bridge officers whoseeing his expression, quickly looked away and becamevery busy with their appointed tasks, he added, “Inprivate.”

Captain Mackenzie sighed. Whatever Krang wanted,he really didn’t need it right now. “Very well” he said,resignedly, “In my ready room.” Turning, he headed backto the room he had just vacated, and Krang followed him.

“What can I do for you?” he asked, as the doors shutbehind them.

“Kehlan has requested a transfer back to the Hegh’Ta”Krang told the Federation captain starkly.

Captain Mackenzie stared at his Klingon friend indisbelief. “You’re not joking, are you?”

Krang shook his head. “I would not joke aboutsomething like that” he said, “I received the request halfan hour ago.” He flung the padd down on the desk in frontof the Terran captain. “Here, read it for yourself.”

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Captain Mackenzie said nothing, not quite taking it in.Kehlan wanted to leave the Endeavour? To leave him?The thought was unbearable. Slowly, he reached out andpicked up the padd, reading the message it contained. “Ihave received no notification of this” he said finally.

“Just what is going on with you two?” Krangexploded, “First I get this ridiculous request, then I findout you’ve got her confined to quarters. What inGre’thor’s name are you playing at, James?”

“How I discipline my officers is not your concern.”

“Kehlan is still a Defence Force officer” Krangreminded the Terragnan captain, “And I am in commandof a Klingon ship. That makes her my responsibility.Now give me one good reason why I should not accept herrequest.”

“Because I need her here” Captain Mackenzie saidsimply. “Krang, she’s done well on the Endeavour. She’sa good officer and she’ll go far in Starfleet if she’s giventhe chance. Can you guarantee her the same opportunitiesin the Defence Force?”

Krang shook his head. “No, I can’t” he answeredregretfully, “She’ll never progress past science officer inthe Klingon fleet. But it’s her choice to return, and I’ll behonest with you James, we’ve lost a lot of crew. It’s notas if we couldn’t use the extra officer.”

“I know” Captain Mackenzie said. “Look, give mesome time to talk to Kehlan. If she can convince me it’swhat she really wants I won’t stand in her way.”

~~~<>~~~

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Christopher Royce. He was worried about his old friend.Physically he was making a good recovery but mentally…well that was a different matter. The loss of his ship andthe deaths of so many of his crew had affected him badlyand it was going to take a long time for him to get over it.

The story that Captain Royce recounted was one thattragically was becoming all too common since thebeginning of this war. The USS Poseidon had beenassigned to investigate a cats-eye nebula and theJem’Hadar battle cruiser had appeared out of nowhere, allits weapons firing. The Poseidon was a science vessel,not a combat ship and it hadn’t stood a chance. And whenthe nebula class ship hung lifeless and burning in space,they had boarded the ship, taking all the survivors asprisoners.

The worst of it was, a science vessel shouldn’t evenhave been out there in a time of war without an escort, butStarfleet had needed the data from the nebula and noescort had been available. And so, the USS Poseidon hadbeen sent. Captain Royce had protested but to no avail – aNebula class ship was more than capable of defendingitself in case of attack, Starfleet Command had insisted.Well they had been wrong.

“The shields went down” Captain Royce told him, hisvoice filled with horror as he relived the events of thatterrible day. “They kept firing at us, over and over. Therewere fires everywhere, you could hear the ship groaningas it was torn apart. We had no weapons to fight back –tactical and propulsion systems were the first to go. Thenthey started appearing on the bridge, and all over the ship,just decloaking out of nowhere.” His voice trailed off andhe gave a convulsive shudder. “They started takingprisoners” he continued eventually, “All of us who were

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fit – the ones who were injured or not able to fight werejust killed. So many died – I’ll never forget the screamingor the smell of blood and fear.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Chris” Captain Mackenzie toldhis old friend gently, “There was nothing more you couldhave done.”

“I was their Captain. They trusted me and now they’redead!” Captain Royce said painfully, “I had a hundredand eighty people on board – there are fifteen of us left!”He stopped again and after a few moments of silence, heasked for a drink of water.

Captain Mackenzie immediately got up and poured aglass from the carafe that was sitting on the side table. Hehanded it to the other captain who took a long drink beforecontinuing his story. Fifty six of the crew had survived tobe taken prisoner. Crammed together into the tiny cells onthe Jem’Hadar ship, the constant fights with the enemysoldiers, combined with poor food, and hygiene and a lackof medical facilities, had taken its toll. As days turnedinto weeks and weeks into months, the number ofsurvivors had dwindled, until only a handful were left. Bythe time the Endeavour had found them, the remnants ofthe Poseidon’s crew had totally given up any hope ofsurvival, let alone rescue.

Captain Mackenzie knew he wasn’t the only oneworried about Chris Royce’s welfare. Before leavingsickbay, he had had a long talk with T’lia, who wasequally concerned.

The Vulcan healer believed that Captain Royce wouldneed extensive counselling before he would be able toreturn to duty. There was, not surprisingly a deep anger inthe captain, that had been evident in the way he had fought

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the Jem’Hadar after his escape from the prison cells.From all accounts, he had gone completely berserk andtorn one of the Jem’Hadar to pieces with his bare hands.

If he hadn’t seen it for himself, Captain Mackenziewould never have believed it of his old friend. ChrisRoyce had always been a little on the sensitive side. Hiscaptivity and the loss of his crew in such a brutal mannerhad left emotional scars that would take a very long timeto heal – if they ever did.

As for the crew of the Poseidon, well on a temporarybasis at least, those who were fit enough, would fill insome of the gaps in his crew. And there were a lot of gapsto fill in. Over the last year Captain Mackenzie had losttoo many brave men and women to the enemy andStarfleet had been too hard pressed to offer him anyreplacements.

Of the senior officers, Elana Kal and Morgana Bakerwould be the easiest to deal with. Both of them would slotstraight into the positions they were most accustomed to –security and communications respectively. CommanderAhmed however was a different matter. A highlyexperienced officer who was in fact overdue forpromotion, he had been the first officer on boardPoseidon. But Captain Mackenzie was no longer in themarket for a first officer, he was more than happy with theone he already had and was hoping to persuade StarfleetCommand to make the appointment permanent. Afterthinking about it for a while and reviewing thecommander’s personnel file, he decided to post him to thetactical station.

At least his headache had gone. When he enteredsickbay to visit Captain Royce, T’lia had taken one look athim and had silently handed him a painkiller. The

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expected lecture had never happened and to be honest,Captain Mackenzie thought, it hadn’t been necessary. Thehealer might be a Vulcan but she was very good at makingher opinions and feelings known. The expression on herface had said it all - Serves you right!

~~~<>~~~

By the time the captain finally summoned Kehlan, itwas late afternoon and she was an emotional mess.Entering the ready room she placed the data padd on thedesk in front of him.

“What’s this?” he asked, not looking up from thereport he was reading.

“My resignation” Kehlan told him, “I’ve requested atransfer back to Hegh’Ta.”

It was true then. Kehlan wanted to leave theEndeavour, to leave him. Thanks to his earlierconversation with Krang, he had at least known this wascoming, but even so, hearing her actually say it, struckhim like a knife in the gut. He picked up the padd andpretended to study it, anything to avoid looking at her. Hedidn’t want her to see the hurt in his eyes, the pain he feltat the thought of losing her, both on a professional and apersonal level. “Yes, Captain Krang told me he’d receiveda transfer request from you” he said coolly, finally raisinghis head to look at her. “So, are you going to tell me whatthis is all about?”

Kehlan turned away from him, looking out of thewindow, “You were right” she said, her voice quiet, “I’ma scientist, I’m not trained for this. I’m not fit tocommand a ship.”

Captain Mackenzie frowned, not understanding.Admittedly, she had a lot to learn but how could she even

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think she wasn’t good enough? “Commander Kehlan, youare one of the best officers I have ever had the privilege towork with” he said, “Endeavour needs you. I need you.”

“How can you say that?” she asked bitterly, “I lost mytemper with you, I’ve done everything wrong and I’vedisobeyed orders. I don’t deserve this posting.”

“You do need to learn to control and channel youranger” he agreed, “But at least when you lost your temper,you did it in private. Since you came on board, you’ve re-organised and streamlined the duty rosters, you’ve mademajor improvements to the ship’s sensors and you found away to cloak Endeavour. But most importantly you’vegained the respect of the crew.” Getting up, he movedacross the room and joined her at the window. “Youdisobeyed my orders and I will be entering a reprimand onyour file. I will also be entering a well deservedcommendation.”

Kehlan was genuinely confused now. She did notcomprehend how she could be both reprimanded andcommended for the same actions and she told him so.

“Kehlan, part of being a first officer, is the art ofknowing when an order should be disobeyed” heexplained, “You made a decision based on informationthat was not available when I gave that order and you tookthe appropriate course of action. Because of what you did,the mission was a success.”

He held out the padd to her. Kehlan said nothing butshe reached out and took it back from him. He breathed asigh of relief. For a few minutes there, he had reallythought he’d lost her.

“Then why did you relieve me of duty?” she askedhim.

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The captain sighed. “Because I was angry” he told herhonestly. “You got hurt protecting me and I didn’t like it.You need to rest for a while and recover from yourinjuries. If I hadn’t relieved you, then you’d have gonestraight back on duty, wouldn’t you?”

She nodded, acknowledging the truth of his statement.

“I’ll allow you to return to duty tomorrow” the captainsaid, “You’re dismissed”

“Aye sir”

Turning to leave, she was called back by his voice, andit was James who spoke now, not the captain. “Kehlan,will you have dinner with me tonight?”

~~~<>~~~

Two days later, Endeavour’s long range sensors pickedup signs of Jem’Hadar activity and the two captains gaveorders to begin the cloaking manoeuvre.

With Kargan at the joined helm, the two ships begantheir final approach to the planet that was their target. Asthey had anticipated it was heavily guarded with a fleet oftwelve Jem’Hadar cruisers in orbit. Slowing to onequarter impulse, Hegh’Ta and Endeavour slipped quietlypast the enemy fleet, down to a level just above the upperatmosphere and began to scan the planet, looking for theweapons production facility. In the end, it was relativelyeasy to find – the largest Jem’Hadar ship was ingeosynchronous orbit, directly above it.

A communications channel was being keptpermanently open between the two ships and Krang madeuse of it now, warning Endeavour to be prepared fordecloaking.

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As the Federation pilot acknowledged, Krang gave theorder to decloak and return helm control to the Endeavour.The moment the cloak dropped, Kargan took the Bird-of-Prey swooping gracefully away from the Federationstarship and into a strafing run over the enemy base.

On Endeavour’s bridge, Captain Mackenzie gave agrim smile as he watched the enemy ships begin to react,imagining the panic on board as the complacent crewsrealised they were under attack. Snapping orders, he sentEndeavour after the Klingon ship, firing a barrage ofphoton torpedoes at the large Jem’Hadar ship which wasnow moving to threaten the Hegh’Ta. Even as he gave theorder, he saw Hegh’Ta diving into the upper atmosphere,its disruptor canons firing volley after volley at theweapons facility, then as it shot past, turning and comingback for a second run. Multiple explosions bloomed likescarlet flowers on the planet’s surface and Hegh’Tarocked with the intensity of the shockwaves.

There were too many ships for them to keep the upperhand for long though, and the Jem’Hadar ships werefighting back. With a quick order to Major Speares whohad taken control of the helm, Captain Mackenzie sentEndeavour into a zigzagging flight pattern to avoid theenemy fire. Turning his ship back towards the Jem’Hadarfleet, he glanced at the view screen and froze. Flying atalmost suicidal speed, Hegh’Ta was coming straighttowards them, its disruptor cannons still firing. As theKlingon ship veered off at the last second, the torpedoesshot straight past Endeavour, barely missing it and toreinto a Jem’Hadar vessel that had come up behind them,causing it to explode.

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“I thought you’d changed sides for a moment there,Krang” Captain Mackenzie called to his fellow captain onthe other ship. “Don’t scare me like that!”

He heard laughter over the comm. link. “I’m insulted”Krang shouted, “If you’d been the target I wouldn’t havemissed.”

Swerving to aim at another target, Endeavour shookviolently as it was hit by several enemy weapons.“Shields down to sixty percent” Kehlan yelled, “Reroutingauxiliary systems to bring them back up to full strength.”

Captain Mackenzie grabbed hold of the back of hischair for support as the bridge shook again, but somehowmanaged to keep his feet. Damage reports were coming infrom all over the ship and he knew without asking that hisengineers were frantically working to not only hold theship together but also to provide power for the shields andweapons.

Endeavour turned again, firing at an enemy ship thatwas attacking Hegh’Ta and scoring a glancing blow.Looking again at his tactical screen Captain Mackenziesuddenly saw an opportunity and pointed it out to theKlingon captain. Together the two ships diveddangerously low into the atmosphere, and on Krang’smark, they fired simultaneously at the weak spot theFederation captain had identified, Jem’Hadar shipsstreaking after them. Immediately after firing both shipsturned and shot upwards and away from the devastation.But even as they gained height, Krang saw an enemymove in under the Endeavour and sent the Hegh’Taswooping to intercept.

On the bridge of the Endeavour Captain Mackenziewatched the weapons facility explode, a huge fireball

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shooting into space, taking out four of the Jem’Hadarcruisers. It was with shock that he saw the Klingon shipcaught in the blast as it tried to protect his own ship.

A massive hole in one wing, the Hegh’Ta spun out ofcontrol and went tumbling through the upper atmosphere,its remaining cannon still firing crazily at the enemy. Andthere were still plenty of ships to fire at. Six had beendestroyed now, but that still left six relatively undamagedand fully alert Jem’Hadar ships to contend with. His ownship had sustained damage and Hegh’Ta was in serioustrouble.

“Are you okay over there?” Captain Mackenziecalled.

“We’ve got a coolant leak in engineering” Kranganswered, “And no shields worth mentioning, but we’refine. We’ve done what we came to do, now get your shipout of here before it’s too late.”

“And leave you here?” Captain Mackenzie said,showing his contempt for that idea, “Don’t be a completeidiot!” Seeing two more enemy ships heading towards theBird-of-Prey, he gave orders to divert more power to theweapons system and began to fire again. It was with greatsatisfaction that he saw the shots find their target, and ashe watched, Hegh’Ta began to regain control of its helm,straightening up and beginning to gather speed as itheaded towards the nearest enemy vessel. Suddenly herealised what the Klingon was planning as he listened tothe orders being given on the Klingon bridge.

“Ramming speed!” Krang shouted, “Heghlu’meH QaQjajvam”

“It is a good day to die” Captain Mackenzie echoed.Turning to his crew for a moment, he said, “We are

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heavily outnumbered and cannot win this fight. We eithercut and run, having done our duty, or we can keepfighting. But every Jem’Hadar ship we destroy today isone less to attack the Federation.”

“I say we go down fighting!” Kehlan said.

Surveying his crew, the captain saw that she spoke forall of them. There was nothing but grim determination intheir faces. “Then we fight! Ch’Pesh, divert auxiliarypower to the weapons array and prepare…” He was givenno chance to finish.

“I’m detecting a spacial anomaly forming off the portbow, Captain” Kehlan called suddenly, interrupting him“Bearing zero nineteen, mark four.”

“What is it?” the captain asked tersely, never takinghis eyes from the viewscreen.

“I believe it is a cloaked vessel” Kehlan responded.

He watched with shock as the fabric of space itselfseemed to shimmer and a huge Klingon attack-cruiserdecloaked in front of him and blasted Hegh’Ta’s target outof the sky, capturing the damaged bird-of-prey in a tractorbeam as it did so. Moments later, two battle-cruisers andsix birds-of-prey decloaked in formation behind theattack-cruiser and engaged the enemy. The Klingon fleetopened fire and within minutes the battle was over, theremaining Jem’Hadar ships completely destroyed.

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Chapter 18

On the bridge of the Endeavour there was silence asthe crew stared in disbelief at the viewscreen. It was ascene of utter devastation. Down on the planet, theremains of the weapons facility continued to burn fiercely,while in space there was so much debris from thedestroyed Jem’Hadar ships that it would be years before astarship could approach that planet with its shields down.And in the midst of it all, the Klingon fleet hungmajestically

“Message coming through from the Klingon attackcruiser” Lieutenant Baker announced, looking up from herconsole.

“On screen” the captain ordered, then as the view ofthe planet was replaced with the bridge of the attack-cruiser, “I am Captain James Mackenzie of the Federationstarship Endeavour. Identify yourself.”

“This is Fleet Commander Kurn zantai Kazrel of theSeventh Imperial Fleet” the officer seated in the captain’s

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chair responded, “We were sent by Imperial Command tolook for you.”

“I’m surprised you found us” Captain Mackenzie said,“We are a long way from allied space.”

“We bumped into a Cardassian cruiser crewed bysome of your officers” the Klingon officer told him. “Wedebriefed them and they told us what you were planning.”

“They made it back safely then” the Terran captainsaid, pleased, “That’s good news.”

Kurn nodded, “Yes, they did well. Now, I would liketo invite you and the captain of the Hegh’Ta to come onboard my ship for an informal meeting.”

The invitation, coming as it did from a Klingon fleetcommander, was not really a request but an order andCaptain Mackenzie treated it as such. Ten minutes later,both he and Krang had materialised on the transporter padof the attack cruiser. The were met by a pair of armedguards who escorted them to the fleet commander’s officeand then took up station out side the door as the twoofficers went inside.

Fleet commander Kurn zantai Kazrel was not aparticularly tall man but what he lacked in height he morethan made up for in speed, agility and sheer resilience inbattle. A formidable and highly respected warrior, histroops followed him with unquestioning loyalty. Krangknew of him by reputation but until now, their paths hadnever crossed.

The brigadier handed the two captains a glass ofwarnog and gestured to them to take a seat. “I have beenordered to ensure that both of you return to Qo’noS” Kurninformed them dryly, “In fact, I believe the Starfleetadmiral’s exact words were ‘drag them back by the scruff

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of the neck if you have to.’ I hope that will not benecessary.”

“That sounds like Admiral Portway” CaptainMackenzie said ruefully. “Krang my friend, it looks as ifthe fun’s over for us.”

“The Hegh’Ta is badly damaged” Krang answered.,“We’d have had to go back anyway, we’re going to needsome extended time in space dock to make the ship battleworthy again.” He took a mouthful of his warnog. “As itis, it’ll be a long slow journey. We’ll be lucky if we canmake warp two.”

“Well, you’ll be getting a fleet escort” Kurn saidlaughing. “But you needn’t think I’m towing you back.I’ll have some of my engineers come over and give you ahand making repairs. In the meantime, however, haveanother drink. I want to hear everything that’s happened.”

~~~<>~~~

The two captains read through the report for StarfleetCommand they had just finished writing, explaining theiractions over the last few months. While they had done alot of damage to the enemy, they had acted in defiance ofa direct order to return to Qo’noS and had intentionallystayed out of communications range in order to preventStarfleet from contacting them. Both men knew that theywould face a board of enquiry on their return, if not a fullcourt martial.

“Oh well, that’s the final report written for now”Captain Mackenzie said yawning. He leaned back in hischair and stretched out, his feet resting on the polishedwood of his desk. Another few days and we’ll be back inKlingon space” “I’ll be glad to get Hegh’Ta into space

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dock” Krang told him, “We took some serious damage inthat last fight.”

“I know” Captain Mackenzie responded, “I’ll tell youKrang, I really didn’t think we were going to survive thatone. If the fleet hadn’t shown up when it did…” He lefthis sentence unfinished.

“It was a good day to die” Krang said, his voicesuddenly fierce, “But a better one to make our enemies dothe dying.”

“Argyle to Captain Mackenzie” The intercomactivated and the chief engineer’s voice hailed the captain.

“Go ahead Chief.”

“We’re almost set up down here” Argyle said, “Theshow will start in half an hour if I can just get thisinterface working properly. Thanks for the tapes Captain,they look great.”

“No problem” the captain said, “We’ll be there.Captain Mackenzie out.”

Krang raised his eyebrows in a silent question.

“We’ve got some copies of an old Klingon show”Captain Mackenzie explained, “It’s set on a battle cruiserduring the Federation/Klingon war. We’re setting up ascreen in the rec room if you’re interested.”

“Battle-Cruiser Vengeance?” Krang asked bemused,“You’ve got to be joking. How in Kahless’ name did youget hold of that?”

“I’ve had it for ages” Captain Mackenzie said, “I’vejust haven’t had a chance to watch it again until now. Itake it you’ve seen it then?

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“I was just a boy when it first showed” Krang said,laughing as he remembered. He had watched it faithfullyevery week and the ship’s captain, Koth, had been his idolfor years, until he realised it was just an actor playing apart.

Captain Mackenzie frowned. “Battle-CruiserVengeance first aired around a hundred and forty yearsago. There’s no way you’re old enough to remember it.”

“I am fifty four Terragnan years old” Krang told him,“However, I was born in 2221.”

The Terran captain’s frown deepened, as heremembered his failed attempt to investigate the Klingon’spast. “So, are you saying you travelled in time?”

Krang was silent for a moment, then said, “James, I’mgoing to tell you the truth, but it is classified and I mustask you to keep it confidential. You will never find anyrecords because officially none of it happened.”

Captain Mackenzie walked across to the replicator andordered two mugs of raktajino, one of which he handed tohis friend. “Go on” he said, sitting down again andgesturing to the Klingon to do the same.

“I grew up in the twenty third century” Krang began,“When I was old enough I joined the Defence Force andwas seconded into Imperial Intelligence, where Ieventually became a Captain of Security.” Reaching over,he picked up the mug of raktajino and took a mouthful.“The High Council came up with a plan to destroy theFederation by travelling back in time and preventing itfrom ever forming. We went back to 1992 and I wasstationed on Earth for four years. I had sole responsibilityfor Terran security during that time.”

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“You’re right about one thing” Captain Mackenziesaid thoughtfully, “That’s definitely not in the historybooks.”

“I’ll explain that in due course” Krang told him, “As Iwas saying, we had been on Earth for four years whenCaptain Kirk turned up. I think they had meant to arrivemuch earlier but they misjudged the time jump. If you’rerelying on the old ‘slingshot around the sun’ technique it’sdifficult to be accurate. That’s where our time dilator wasso useful, it was calibrated to plus or minus one day of therequired time period. Of course, once Kirk was on thescene, everything started going wrong and, partly becauseof Chrissie and partly because of new orders from theHigh Council that I considered dishonourable, I decided tochange sides and betray the Empire” He paused again,taking another mouthful of raktajino.

The Terran captain had realised a long time ago thathis Klingon friend considered himself dishonoured. Hehad never understood as Krang was one of the mosthonourable people he knew. Now however he wasbeginning to comprehend why Krang felt that way. Heknew that this was hard for Krang to talk about and heappreciated the Klingon’s trust in him. What he washearing explained a lot of small things, little anomaliesthat had been subconsciously niggling him about hisfriend and he understood now, why Krang’s personnelrecord was so sketchy. Anything involving time travelwas very heavily classified. One thing was puzzling himhowever. “Chrissie, your wife?” he queried, “Is she alsofrom the past then? Where does she fit into all this?”

Krang’s answer was slow in coming, the wordsseeming torn from him. He still found it very difficult tospeak of his dead wife. “My wife was born in Earth’s

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twentieth century. Her first husband was killed in theearly days of the invasion. I met her just after she gotinvolved with the crew of the Enterprise. She interestedme and I forced her to sleep with me.”

Captain Mackenzie was incredulous. Of all the thingshe had expected to hear, it wasn’t this. “You raped her?”

Krang shook his head. “No” he said defensively,“Even then I would not have hurt her, she was willing.Nevertheless I had put her in a position where she couldnot refuse and I took advantage of that.” He sighed, “Itwas not the most honourable thing I have ever done.”Finishing the now lukewarm raktajino in the mug, he putit down and continued his story. “Then I found evidenceof her involvement with the resistance and had herarrested and questioned. She was guilty, there was nodoubt about it, and she should have been executed but Ihad her sent forward in time to Qo’noS and sold as aslave. It was the only way I could protect her. My brotherbought her at my request.”

“It doesn’t sound like the most conventionalcourtship” Captain Mackenzie commented.

Krang laughed. “No it wasn’t” he said. “Anyway, Ihelped Captain Kirk to put things right and one of theresults of that was that no-one would remember theinvasion. It went down in the history books as justanother one of planet Earth’s many international conflicts.I returned to my own time where I discovered thatChrissie was pregnant. I had planned to send her back butthat became impossible.”

“Because she couldn’t have a Klingon child in thetwentieth century?”

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“Exactly” Krang said, “So I took her as my mate. Itwas the only honourable thing to do.”

“Did the Empire ever find out about yourinvolvement?”

Krang nodded, “Yes, I’d have been executed if I’dbeen caught on Qo’noS so my brother and I took Chrissieand her children to the Federation. We spent six monthson board Kirk’s Enterprise because they didn’t know whatelse to do with us. My brother still had the time dilator soeventually, after my daughter was born, we travelledforward in time one hundred years to late 2368. I wasoffered a place on Picard’s Enterprise and the rest youknow.”

“So Starfleet covered up the whole mess” CaptainMackenzie commented, “And all the records were sealedand classified.”

“Which means I can’t prove any of it” Krang said, histone suddenly teasing, “The question is, am I just a goodstory teller or did it really happen?”

Momentarily silent, Captain Mackenzie looked into theKlingon’s eyes. Then with complete certainty, heanswered Krang’s question. “It happened.”

For a long time, the two men stared at each other, thenKrang clasped the Terragnan on the shoulder, breakingthe sombre mood as he said, “Now, what about these re-runs of Battle-Cruiser Vengeance you promised me?”

“Good idea” Captain Mackenzie said, “Let’s go andsee if it’s ready.”

“Don’t you just love all the Orion slave girls” Krangsaid, chuckling at the memory. “They were just so…”

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Captain Mackenzie grinned, “I always liked the bit atthe end” he said, “the way it always ended with the sameline.”

Bursting into laughter, both men chorused, in dramaticvoices, “I am Captain Koth, Koth of the Vengeance, andthis ship is my prize!” Still laughing, they made their wayto the rec room, their previous conversation put aside butnot forgotten.

~~~<>~~~

The planet on the viewscreen appeared dark andformidable, its normally verdant landmass hidden by greatblack clouds. It was early morning in planetary time, inthe middle of a hot dry summer although with the currentweather conditions, that was hard to believe. Lightningflashed. A huge storm was raging over the First City ofthe Klingon homeworld.

As the heavily damaged Hegh’Ta approached theorbital space station, Krang gave the order to drop to onequarter impulse. The ship began to slow as it made itsfinal approach, its course a little unsteady. The Klingoncaptain got to his feet and began pacing the bridge. “Takethe helm Kargan” he instructed, “We don’t want anaccident in space-dock.”

Lieutenant Chadra hastened to get out of the way asthe first officer took over, moving across to an unmannedstation. The young woman, one of the survivors of theIKS Pak’t Marr, had turned out to be a useful addition toKrang’s bridge crew. She was multi skilled and good ather job, but Kargan had proved again and again that hewas a brilliant pilot and if anyone could bring the ship inwithout incident, he could.

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As the massive gantries of the space-dock loomedcloser, Krang ordered a further reduction in speed, then“Aft thrusters only.”

Aye sir” Chadra responded, “Firing aft thrusters.”

The ship lurched to one side, starting to spin, as Vareqcalled “Port side thrusters off-line, sir”

“Compensating” Kargan said calmly as his hands flewover the console, bringing the vessel back under control.Slowly the Hegh’Ta straightened up again, just in time aswith a gentle bump, the ship connected with thedesignated air lock on the space station.

“Activating docking clamps” Vareq reported, “Shipsuccessfully docked, Captain.”

“Well done all of you” Krang said. He glanced at theviewscreen just in time to see the Endeavour come glidinggracefully in to her own designated docking position. TheFederation starship had taken far less damage thanHegh’Ta, nevertheless it was an impressive piece offlying.

Altering the display on his console Krang sent thereports he had prepared through to the stationcommandant’s office and the Federation embassy.

A short time later, Vareq turned to the captain andannounced, “Sir, there is an incoming message fromAdmiral Portway of Starfleet”

“I’ll take it in my office” Krang told him. He had afeeling that this conversation was not one that he wasgoing to want his bridge crew to witness. Going into hisoffice, he sat down at the desk and activated the computerconsole. The Starfleet admiral’s face appeared on hisscreen.

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“Ah, Commander Krang” she said, her voiceexpressionless, “You’ve finally arrived.”

“Yes Admiral” Krang said, “My ship cannot travel athigh warp speed at the moment, it’s badly damaged.”

“I’m not surprised after the way you took on half theJem’Hadar fleet” the admiral commented, “That was welldone. However we do need to discuss your blatantdisobedience of direct orders. You were instructed toreturn to Qo’noS almost five months ago.”

“Yes, I was” Krang said honestly, “I chose not to obeythat order.”

“Commander Krang” she said, emphasising his rank,“While you are still a Starfleet officer, you do NOT get topick and choose what orders you obey.”

“I am aware of that, Admiral” Krang said matter-of-factly, “I have no excuses to offer.”

She sighed, “Chancellor Martok and I want you andCaptain Mackenzie in the Great Hall at 15:00 hours.“We’ll decide then what to do with you. In the meantime,I suggest you find a copy of the Uniform Code of StarfleetJustice and read it. You’ll find Article 90 particularlyrelevant. Admiral Portway out” She cut the connection,leaving him staring at a blank screen.

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Chapter 19

Krang looked up from his desk when his doorbellchimed. “Come in” he called, a little irritated at theinterruption. He had spent most of the morning catchingup with paperwork and filling in all the requisition formsand documentation that the Hegh’Ta’s repair schedule hadrendered necessary. He was surprised when CaptainMackenzie and his half Klingon first officer entered hisoffice. The Terran captain was carrying a box in his hands,which he placed on Krang’s desk. “We come bearinggifts” he said cheerfully, “We thought you might behungry.”

The Klingon glanced at the time, shocked to realise itwas already past 13:00. He hadn’t realised how late it wasand had forgotten that he had promised to join his fellowcaptain for lunch.

“I apologise for my rudeness” Krang said, “Hegh’Ta isin a complete mess at the moment. I lost track of time.”Gesturing towards the chairs, he continued, “Take a seat,make yourselves comfortable.”

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His guests sat themselves down and began to unpackthe food they had brought, handing a plate of sandwichesto the Klingon captain.

“So, where are you planning on staying?” theTerragnan captain asked his friend as he took a bite of hislunch, “It’s going to be bad enough on Endeavour but thestate your ship’s in, you won’t want to be on board whileit’s being repaired.”

“My family had a farming estate on the outskirts ofFirst City” Krang told him, “I don’t live on Qo’noS now,but I still own it. There are servants keeping the placerunning so I’ll stay there.” He hesitated for a moment.There was something important he needed to say,something he had been thinking about for several daysnow and this seemed like a good time. “James, you havebeen a true friend to me. We’ve fought back to back andsaved each other’s lives on more than one occasion. Iwould be honoured to welcome you into my House.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose” the Terran answered,“I shouldn’t have any trouble finding a hotel. Ouch!” heyelped as Kehlan’s booted foot kicked his shin, “Whatwas that for?”

“I don’t think you were just being offered a room forthe night” Kehlan informed him.

There was a pause as Captain Mackenzie mentallyreplayed the conversation they had just had. “Oh!”Suddenly he understood exactly what the Klingon wasoffering him. Embarrassed, he could only hope hisignorance had not caused offence. Putting down his plate,he stood up again, fighting the urge to pace up and downthe room. Looking at Krang, he was relieved to see thathis friend was not angry.

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“I’ll try to explain better this time” Krang said,laughing. “James, I am asking you to join my House. Iwould be honoured to call you brother.”

“Krang, my friend and brother” Captain Mackenziesaid, “the honour is mine.”

The Klingon removed his d’k’tahg from its sheath.He glanced down at the palm of his left hand – like that ofmany warriors of his generation, it was criss-crossed withfine white scars, each of them representing a promise orblood oath. Now he was about to add one more. Strangereally, he thought. Many of the younger, modern daywarriors disdained this ritual, calling it old fashioned andoutdated. They worried that drawing a little blood wouldmake them weak in battle. But he was a Klingon of theold school and followed the old traditions. The blood oathhad meaning to him. Opening the blades, he drew theknife swiftly across the palm of his hand. He clenched hisfist, encouraging the wound to bleed and violet blooddripped to the floor. Reversing the knife in his hand, heoffered it, hilt first to the Federation captain.

Captain Mackenzie took the proffered blade andwithout hesitation, cut open his own palm, wincing as theknife cut deeper than he had intended. Bright scarletblood welled up instantly from the cut.

The two men, Klingon and Terran, clasped hands,standing like that for several moments as they allowedtheir blood to mix together, until finally Krang steppedback breaking the contact. Retrieving his knife from hisfriend and wiping it on his sleeve, Krang placed it back inhis belt before turning back to his desk and opening thedrawer. He picked something up, wrapped in a leathercloth and handed it to the Terran. Captain Mackenzie

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opened the cloth, to find a gleaming d’k’tahg, withKrang’s family crest on the hilt.

“It belonged to my older brother” Krang said gruffly,“It is yours now, to wear with honour.”

Almost, Captain Mackenzie opened his mouth torefuse but stopped himself in time. This weapon was old,obviously a family heirloom. It was far too good for himto accept. It should have been handed down to Krang’sson when the boy was old enough. But Krang no longerhad a son to give it to. He could not remind him of that.Admiring the workmanship of the knife one last time, hedeactivated the triple blade and sheathing it, placed it inhis belt

“If I am part of your family” Captain Mackenzie saidslowly, “Then there’s something I want to tell you beforeit’s made public.”

“Go ahead” Krang invited, “I’m listening.”

Stepping closer to his first officer and taking her handin his, the Terran captain said, “Kehlan and I are planningto take the oath. We are going to get married.”

Krang looked at the couple, not completely surprisedby this. So, he’d been right to wonder about them.“Congratulations, I am pleased for you.”

“Actually, he hasn’t asked me yet” Kehlan saidgrinning, “I may not even accept.”

“You won’t refuse” Captain Mackenzie saidconfidently. “And as your captain, I can always make itan order.”

Krang smiled, “Be careful, brother” he said, a note ofmischief in his voice, “Kehlan is Klingon, she could still

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go for promotion.” Suddenly serious, he asked, “Haveyou informed Starfleet yet?”

Captain Mackenzie nodded, “Yes, this morning.” Hisexpression darkened as he remembered his conversationwith Admiral Portway. “They have refused us permissionto continue serving together. One of us will have toresign, assuming of course that I still have a commandwhen all this is over.”

“So what will you do?”

“I don’t know” the Terran said heavily, “I really don’tknow.”

~~~<>~~~

By the time Krang and Captain Mackenzie beameddown to the Council Chambers, the rain had stopped. Asthe transporter beam released them, the Terran captainlooked around him. This was his first visit to the KlingonHomeworld. They had materialised by the steps leadingup to the great hall. The building loomed over them, ahuge trefoil above the massive doors.

Going through the doors, they were stopped by heavilyarmed guards who demanded their names and business.Handing over their identification, they waited as theguards checked the details, confirming that they wereindeed expected by Chancellor Martok.

“You can go in now” one of the guards said finally,“Go straight through the double doors in the centre andwait there.” The two captains obeyed, finding themselvesin a small private waiting room. They must have beenthere about half an hour when the door opened andanother guard gestured to them to follow him into theGreat Hall. The Chancellor was seated in a big throne-like chair in the centre of the room, Admiral Portway

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standing at his right hand side. Several members of theHigh Council were also in the room, conducting theirbusiness, although they were not close enough to theChancellor to participate in the conversation.

Standing in front of the Chancellor, the two officerswere put through an intensive grilling as both Martok andAdmiral Portway asked question after question. They hadalready received and read a full report but wanted to knowthe details that would inevitably be missing from such areport. The two captains had after all disobeyed a directorder and exacerbated the offence by deliberately stayingout of contact for several months to prevent Starfleetcommunications from reaching them and recalling themback to Federation space.

Finally, having listened to everything that Krang andCaptain Mackenzie had to say, Chancellor Martokdismissed the two men, ordering them to return to theante-chamber and wait until they were summoned again.They were left to wait there for almost an hour before aguard appeared, instructing them to go back into the greathall.

Captain Mackenzie glanced at his Klingon friend asthey obeyed. He was apprehensive, wondering if hewould still have a commission by the end of the meeting.Starfleet was his life. Both his parents had been Starfleetofficers, and he had grown up on board various starshipsand starbases. He had never wanted to be anything but aStarfleet officer and he didn’t know what he would do ifthat was taken away from him. It would be his own faultthough. He knew that he had been wrong to disobey theadmiral’s orders but knew also that under the samecircumstances, he would do the same again.

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Krang saw his friend’s glance and understood. It wasdifferent for him though, he was already dishonoured andhad been for years. He had learned to live with it a longtime ago. Starfleet had given him a second chance, ahome and a new career after he had left the Empire indisgrace and he was sorry that he had let them down buteven if he could go back he knew he would not change hisactions. His biggest regret was that he had not managed tokill more of the enemy. There would be no rest for himuntil every last Jem’Hadar soldier was dead. Vengeancewas all he had left to live for now.

Standing once again before the Klingon Chancellorand Admiral Portway, the two captains waited to hear theverdict. It was not long in coming.

Chancellor Martok was the first to speak. “By yourown admission, both of you are guilty of wilfullydisobeying a direct order. While it is acknowledged thatyour disobedience did result in some good being done,you were both summoned here for a reason. Yourdisappearance meant that other ships had to be pulled offtheir own duties, leaving us vulnerable in other areas andwe have no way of knowing just what damage that did tothe war effort or how many lives were lost as a result.”

“I don’t have to remind you what Starfleet regulationssay about your actions” Admiral Portway said. “At thevery least I should be recommending an article 32 with aview to convening a full court martial.”

There was silence again in the Great Hall. For longmoments, nobody moved or spoke. The only sound wasthat of various officials going about their business in thebackground

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Then, when she felt that the two officers had hadenough time to contemplate the consequences of theiractions, Admiral Portway broke the silence, saying “Inyour favour, your actions led to the destruction of aJem’Hadar weapons production facility against all theodds. That was a great victory for the allied forces. Youalso recovered Poseidon’s transponder, preventing it frombeing used against the Federation and rescued severalprisoners from the Jem’Hadar. It is my judgementtherefore that at this time, a court martial does not servethe best interests of Starfleet or the United Federation ofPlanets, or for that matter the Klingon Empire.” Sheglanced at Martok and he nodded. “Make no mistakegentlemen” she continued, “this incident will not beforgotten. You will both receive an official reprimand onyour records and forfeit your pay for the time you weremissing. I also want promises from you that this will nothappen again. I need to know my captains are reliable andthat I can trust them.”

“I am sure” Martok added, “that neither of you wouldtolerate such disobedience from any of your own officers.I do not therefore expect it from you. Do I make myselfclear?”

“I have no excuses, Chancellor” Krang said, “Idisobeyed purely to claim my right of vengeance on theJem’Hadar.”

“I also have no excuses, just an explanation” CaptainMackenzie told his superiors, “I couldn’t let Hegh’Ta gointo battle alone. It wouldn’t have been right.”

Chancellor Martok nodded. As a Klingon warrior heunderstood those sentiments, although as chancellor hecould not openly condone them.

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“You should expect to receive new orders in the nextfew days. In the meantime, you should concentrate ongetting your ships repaired and ready for duty.” AdmiralPortway said, “Dismissed.”

Both captains saluted and turned to leave. As the twomen reached the door, Krang hesitated briefly beforeturning back to face the chancellor and the Starfleetadmiral. “One other thing” he said, “I realise that this isnot the best time to mention it, but it must be dealt with.If I may?”

Martok made a gesture of consent and Krangcontinued. “I wish to discuss the problem of CaptainMackenzie and his first officer.”

“There’s very little I can do about that, I’m afraid”Admiral Portway said with regret, “It’s completely againstStarfleet policy to allow Commander Kehlan to continueto serve with him on the same ship.”

“They have been serving together for some time”Martok said testily, “Why does it become a problemnow?”

It was Captain Mackenzie who answered, no longerable to remain silent, “The problem is that I intend tomarry my first officer. Starfleet doesn’t allow marriedsenior officers to serve together.”

“We have no such problem in the Empire” Martok saidthoughtfully. “You have been of great service to theKlingons, Captain Mackenzie. I will speak to theFederation Council on your behalf; let’s see if they willagree to make an exception.” He glanced at the Terranadmiral, “If not, then I still have a battle-cruiser in need ofa good captain.”

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“I would be proud to accept” Captain Mackenzie said,stunned. Such an offer of assistance from the chancellorof the Klingon Empire was more than he had expected.

“I very much suspect that the Council will listen”Admiral Portway said, unexpectedly smiling, “I thinkyou’ll be keeping the Endeavour for a bit longer, Captain.One way or another, the Klingons are not getting anotherone of my best officers.”

“So, who is she? Martok asked, his tone teasing,“What House is she from?”

Knowing just what a touchy subject this was likely tobe, Krang answered the question. His Terran friend wouldnot fully understand the care such an issue needed. In theFederation, everyone had the same opportunities,regardless of an accident of birth. Not so in the Empire.“Kehlan has no House or family name” he told thechancellor. “Nevertheless I am proud to accept her intoHouse Inigan”

Martok raised his eyebrows, surprised. “A Houselessfemale? This Kehlan must be something special to havecome so far. I’d like to meet her. Is she available?”

“Yes, Chancellor. She’s on board the Endeavour”Captain Mackenzie said, “Shall I have her beam down?”

Martok nodded, “You’ll have to go back out to theante-room” he said, indicating a door to the side of theroom. “The council chambers are shielded.”

The Terran captain left the chamber and a few minuteslater returned with his half Klingon first officer at his side,bringing her to stand in front of the chancellor.

~~~<>~~~

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Kehlan was in her quarters packing her belongingswhen Captain Mackenzie’s summons reached her. Nowthat she had agreed to marry the Terran captain everythinghad changed. Whatever they decided to do, these roomswould no longer be hers. She would either serve on adifferent ship or she would resign her commission andmove into the captain’s quarters as a civilian. The truthwas, neither option appealed. Deep in thought as she was,the sudden bleep of her combadge startled her.

“Commander Kehlan here” she acknowledged,swearing under her breath, it was probably Ch’Peshsummoning her to the bridge again.

“Kehlan, it’s James.” The familiar beloved voicecame over her badge, “And don’t swear like that, it’s notladylike.”

“In whose culture?” she challenged him, laughing, “Ithought you were in a meeting with the High Council.”

“I am” he told her, “But Chancellor Martok wants tomeet you. I need you to beam down immediately.”

“On my way” Kehlan said frowning as she wonderedwhat was going on. Why would the leader of the KlingonEmpire want to meet her? Oh well, she wasn’t going tofind out by dawdling up here. Sending a quick message tothe bridge to inform them that she was leaving the ship,she made her way to the transporter room and beameddown to the coordinates she had been given.

As soon as she materialised, Captain Mackenzie tookher arm to lead her to where Chancellor Martok waswaiting. But something had caught her attention. Awoman, obviously Terran but wearing Klingon clothing,stood in a corner of the waiting room. She had her back toKehlan but even so, the figure was familiar. Surely it

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couldn’t be, Kehlan thought, stunned, it wasn’t possible.Chrissie was dead, how could she be here on the Klingonhomeworld?

Kehlan hesitated. “James, I…”

“Kehlan, come on” Captain Mackenzie saidimpatiently, hustling her towards the entrance to thecouncil chambers. “You can’t keep the chancellorwaiting.”

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Chapter 20

Martok stared silently at the newcomer for a long time.Then, suddenly he got to his feet, shouting in Klingon forthe hall to be cleared. Seeing Admiral Portway stand up,he gestured to her to stay where she was, “Not you” hesaid, “Everyone else, OUT!

As soon as the remaining guards and councillors hadleft the room, Martok approached Kehlan until he stoodvery close, looking down at her. “Who are you?” heasked harshly, “Who sent you?”

“I don’t understand.” Suddenly Kehlan was scaredand that made her angry. Sensing her emotions, bothKrang and Captain Mackenzie instinctively moved closerto her, ready to defend her should it become necessary.

“Look in the mirror, girl” Martok growled, gesturingto her forehead. “Is that your natural crest or has it beenaltered?

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“I don’t understand” Kehlan repeated, genuinely notcomprehending the chancellor’s anger. “Why would I altermy appearance?”

Krang’s hand moved to his knife, not liking thethreatening tone in Martok’s voice. He could see CaptainMackenzie on her other side doing the same.

“Back off, gentlemen” Admiral Portway snapped,urgently trying to defuse the tension before it couldexplode into violence. “There’s no need for weapons.”

“You can put your knives away, I am not going to hurther” Martok said, stepping back slightly, “But I mustknow who she is.”

“I don’t know who my parents are” Kehlan saidangrily. She was not ashamed of her background but itwas not something she had wanted brought to the attentionof the chancellor of the Klingon Empire. “Why is it soimportant to you?”

“Because if that is your own crest” Martok saidheavily, “then you have to be related to me by blood.” Hesighed before continuing, “Sirella is really not going tolike this.”

There was a stunned silence following Martok’swords. Krang looked again at Kehlan’s features, for thefirst time noticing the resemblance. Although softenedconsiderably by her Terran ancestry, the ridges onKehlan’s head did indeed match Martok’s. CaptainMackenzie and Admiral Portway could see it too, henoted. They both looked surprised.

Kehlan was hit by a moment of pure panic as shebegan to realise the implications and it was all she coulddo not to just turn and run. Reaching out, she tookCaptain Mackenzie’s hand, needing his support and

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finding it offered in abundance, she turned to face thechancellor. “Are you saying” she asked, her words slowand hesitant, “that… you might be my… father?”

“I spent some time on Earth around thirty years ago”Martok admitted, “Yes, it’s entirely possible that I amyour father.”

Kehlan turned away. This was a little too much for herto handle at once. Five minutes ago she had been aHouseless orphan, then Krang had claimed responsibilityfor her. Now it appeared that she was not just related tothe head of the entire Empire but he might actually be herfather.

“We’ll have to have blood tests done to be sure”Martok said, “I would prefer that this be kept private fornow. Admiral Portway, would you arrange for one ofyour Starfleet physicians to do it?”

“Yes, of course” the admiral responded “I’ll have theembassy doctor come over and do the tests.”

“No!” Everyone present turned to face Kehlan insurprise as she repeated, “No. I do not want these bloodtests.”

Martok made a low growling sound in the back of histhroat as he heard her refusal, but it was the Terranadmiral who spoke first. “Commander Kehlan, it’simportant that we get to the truth of the matter.”

“This is a private matter and my reasons are personal”Kehlan insisted, “Neither Starfleet nor the Defence Forcehave any right to make me have these tests done.”

“If you are indeed my daughter, then you are amember of my House and I am responsible for you”Martok said carefully, “I am not ordering you as

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Chancellor, I am asking you as a man who may be yourfather.”

“It’s too late” Kehlan said, her anger spilling over, “Idon’t need you now. If you are my father then wherewere you when my mother died? Where were you when Iwas growing up in House Gensa, when no-one wouldadopt me because I was a nameless half-breed?”

“House Gensa?” Captain Mackenzie quietly asked hisKlingon friend, he had heard that name before but did notunderstand the reference.

“It’s the state orphanage” Krang responded in a lowvoice, “It’s where they send the children that nobodywants.”

“I cannot change the past, Kehlan” Martok said,sadness evident in his voice, “Had I known of your birth, Iswear I would have taken responsibility for you.”

“I don’t even know my mother’s name” Kehlan toldhim bitterly, “I was just three years old when they foundher body. She’d been killed with an assassin’s knife andwhoever killed her, took her ID. When they put me inHouse Gensa I couldn’t even speak Klingon.”

“Her name was Bradfield – Marilyn Bradfield” Martoksaid slowly, “She was a security guard at the Klingonembassy in Paris. We had a brief affair just before Ireturned to Qo’noS.”

Kehlan hesitated. If Martok was correct, he had justgiven her a great gift - her identity. She raised her eyes tohis, looking at him, “Very well” she conceded, “I willallow the blood tests.”

“Thank you” Martok said, giving a nod of satisfaction.“If the results are positive, as I believe they must be, then I

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will arrange for you to be formally acknowledged as mydaughter.”

“The results should be kept private” Kehlan said, astubborn note in her voice, “I believe that your becomingChancellor is the best thing that could happen to theEmpire. The last thing you need now is an illegitimatehalf Terragnan child turning up.”

It was Martok’s turn to be stubborn. “It would bedishonourable of me not to acknowledge you.”

“It would be more dishonourable to allow myexistence to endanger what you’ve achieved” Kehlananswered, “The Empire needs you to unite it, not tear itfurther apart.”

“Kehlan is right” Krang said suddenly, “Thisrevelation will cause division in the High Council. “I’msorry Martok, but you have to put the welfare of theEmpire first. You cannot acknowledge your daughter atthis time.”

Martok gave a frustrated snarl, his hand clenching onthe handle of his knife, but he knew in his heart that theywere right. He had more than just himself to think aboutnow. And the truth was, that he had been dreading havingto tell Sirella he had had an affair. It had been before theirmarriage of course – he would never have dared to cheaton her, but even so, he did not think she wouldunderstand. “Then it will remain secret for now. We candecide what to do later when we have the test results.”Martok said regretfully.

“Thank you Chancellor” Kehlan said, relieved.

“Well, I’m glad that’s settled” Admiral Portway said,“Does anyone have anything else to discuss?”

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“There is just one other thing. It occurs to me, CaptainKrang, that you have never been inducted into the Orderof the Batleth” Martok said, the change of topic catchingKrang by surprise. “I intend to rectify that at the nextpossible opportunity.”

“I am not worthy of such honour” Krang said indisbelief.

“I disagree” Martok said, “And since I am Chancellor,the decision is mine. I think you are worthy and the HighCouncil is in agreement with me. You will presentyourself at Ty’Gokor for the next ceremony. You’ll beinformed of the date in due course.”

“Yes Chancellor.” There was no other answer Krangcould give.

“You have served honourably, Captain Krang. Yourwife must be very proud of you.” Martok said, “I’m sureshe’ll be glad to have you home for a few days.”

Krang’s expression darkened at this. “My wife isdead” he said starkly, “She died in the attack on Frontera.”

Martok frowned. “But…”

“Krang, she’s…” Kehlan started to say at the sametime.

They were both interrupted by Admiral Portway. “I’llhandle this” she said, sending an apologetic look to thechancellor. Then, giving Krang her undivided attention,she moved forward, putting her hand on his arm. “I amaware that you received no messages from Starfleet.You’ve been out of communications range for a longtime.”

When Krang acknowledged this, she continued, “Theattack on Frontera was massive; we lost thousands of lives

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and many more injured. The city was almost completelydestroyed, including the area where you lived.”

“I already know that” Krang said harshly, not wantingto hear this. Even after almost five months, it was still tooraw, the pain too fresh for him to deal with. “I do notwish to discuss it.” Not really aware of what he wasdoing, he unsheathed his d’k’tahg, running his hand alongthe blade as though testing it.

“Let me finish, Krang” she said, her voice gentle butfirm. “You have no idea just how much chaos there wasafterwards. A lot of mistakes were made cataloguing thedead and injured.” She hesitated, “Krang, I’m trying totell you that your family survived. In fact they are here onQo’noS.”

Alive? Krang froze, his hand tighteninguncontrollably on the blade until it cut into him, sending arivulet of purple blood running to the floor. “They’realive?” The sudden pain in his hand helped him to focusand he looked up, “You’re saying that Chrissie and thechildren are alive? He was afraid now, in a way that hehad never been afraid before, afraid that he would awakento find that this was just another cruel dream and that hewas still alone.

“You’re not dreaming this time” Captain Mackenziesaid quietly, understanding what his friend was thinking.Krang had eventually confided in him so he knew aboutthe nightmares that had plagued his Klingon friend nightafter night. He put his hand on his own knife andunsheathed it, knowing that in a moment Krang’s fear anduncertainty would turn to anger.

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Martok too had sensed it and stepped forward, butCaptain Mackenzie waved him back. “This is my fight”he told the chancellor, “He’s my brother.”

Krang stared at them, unseeing. “It’s been four weekssince the fleet caught up with us and no-one saidanything” he said painfully, “You let me go on thinkingthey were dead. Why didn’t you tell me?”

As Krang’s temper finally snapped, CaptainMackenzie took a deep breath and attacked him. He hadnever beaten Krang in a knife fight, but he knewinstinctively that this time he could not afford to lose. Thebest tactic, he realised, was to simply keep fighting untilhis friend had got the anger out of his system and calmeddown. In the meantime, he was going to have toconcentrate on staying alive. The big Klingon wasenraged enough to kill anyone who came near him, and ifhe did, he would regret it later.

The knives clashed, metal against metal. Krang thrustforward and the Terran parried, forcing him back and thenpressing home his own attack. Krang twisted his bladeand countered, the sheer ferocity of his attack forcingCaptain Mackenzie to give ground. Their weaponsclashed again, blades tangling together, then the Klingon’sblade slid away from his and caught him on the arm.Unlike the heavy leather and metal armour the Klingonwore, his Starfleet uniform gave him no protection andCaptain Mackenzie swore at the sudden stingingsensation. He was aware of the blood staining his sleeveand of the treacherous weakness beginning in his arm.Renewing his attack, he began to force Krang to moveback. In the end it was the very savagery of the Klingon’sanger that was his undoing. As Krang raised his weaponhigh to strike again, Captain Mackenzie saw his

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opportunity and ironically, it was a move that the Klingonhad taught him. With a quick twist sideways that wouldleave him dangerously exposed if he was too slow, hestruck, down and across, straight under Krang’s guard, hisd’k’tahg burying itself in the Klingon’s abdomen.

Krang jerked back, giving a gasp of pain and droppinghis knife. As the blade clattered to the floor, his anger andblood lust died away and sanity returned. For a longmoment he stared at Captain Mackenzie in shockedsurprise.

“Kahless!” he swore, “I almost killed you.”

“If that’s the case” the Terran queried sarcastically,“Why are you the one with the knife stuck in his gut?”

Krang looked down, as though only now becomingaware of the wound, and taking hold of the knife’s hilt, hepulled it free, grunting with pain as the triple blades slidfree of his flesh. Wiping the blade clean on his uniformsleeve, he handed it back to Captain Mackenzie.

“Why did no-one tell me?” Krang asked hoarsely, “Allthis time, I thought she was dead. Why wasn’t I told?”

“You’ve been out of communications range for a longtime” Admiral Portway told him. “We did send messages,several of them, including one from your wife, but itappears you never received them.”

“She really is alive” Krang said wonderingly, finallybeginning to accept it was true. You said she’s here onQo’noS. Do you know where she is?

“I believe she is staying at your family estate” theTerran admiral said.

“Actually” Kehlan said, taking them all by surprise,“she’s outside in the ante-room. I saw her when I beamed

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down, but James hustled me in here so fast I never had achance to say anything.”

Krang turned and headed towards the door. Flinging itopen he strode into the ante-room and stopped dead. Itwas empty now, just one person remained, sitting therewaiting. Kehlan had been right. He stopped, simplystaring at her, taking in her presence, that she was not onlyalive but here, only a few metres away from him.

He looked at Chrissie, watching her face light up in awelcoming smile as she stood up to greet him. Slowly,not quite believing, he moved towards her until she wasright in front of him. Stopping again, he hesitated thenreached out and touched her face. “I thought you weredead” he said, his voice little more than a whisper.

“I sent messages” she told him, “You neveranswered.”

Roughly he pulled her into an embrace, bending hishead to kiss her as he savoured the feel of her bodypressing against his. He pulled back just enough toanswer her. “I never received them” he said, repeatingwhat he had already told the Starfleet admiral. Then heasked, “The children… are they all right?”

“They are fine” Chrissie reassured him, “You shouldbe proud of them. Toni killed a Jem’Hadar with yourspare batleth. I’m so glad now, that I let them learn –we’d be dead now if you hadn’t insisted on the lessons.”She laid her head on his chest with a little sigh. “It’s sogood to see you.” Feeling something warm and wet onher hands, Chrissie pulled back, her expression changingto one of concern. “You’re bleeding” she said, “Whathappened?”

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Krang shrugged, “It’s nothing” he said, a littleembarrassed, not wanting to tell his wife that not only hadhe had just tried to kill his best friend, but that he had beendefeated by the Terragnan. It was the first fight he hadlost in a very long time.

“You really need to get that treated.” CaptainMackenzie’s voice interrupted them.

Remembering suddenly that he and Chrissie were notalone, he released her and turned back to his friends. “It’snothing” he said again, “I do not need medical treatment.”

Chrissie looked at the Terran captain who had justspoken, seeing that he too was bleeding from a cut to theupper arm. She could see the still bloodstained d’k’tahgstuck in his belt and realised with surprise that the daggerbelonged to the House of Inigan. Why did this man haveone of her husband’s knives and why had they beenfighting? She knew who he was of course – everyone onQo’noS knew that. Pictures of Krang and CaptainMackenzie had been all over the news broadcasts sincetheir ships had arrived early that morning. They werebeing credited with single-handedly destroying a massiveDominion weapons facility.

“You know, Krang” Captain Mackenzie said, “I amthe senior captain. I’ve never yet pulled rank on you, but Iwill if I have to. Get that wound treated – that’s an order.”

“Actually, I outrank both of you” Admiral Portwaysaid dryly, “and I’m ordering both of you to see a doctor.”

Both men turned to stare at her, not moving.

“I did say that was an order” the admiral remindedthem, “You are going to obey it, aren’t you? CaptainMackenzie?”

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The Terran captain sighed. “Yes admiral.”

“Captain Krang?”

The big Klingon echoed the other man’s sigh. “Yesadmiral.”

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Chapter 21

T’lia was alone in Endeavour’s sickbay, having senther staff off duty for a well earned rest. It was with somerelief that she had discharged the last of her patients thatmorning. They had been recovering well from theirinjuries and there was really no point in trying to keep aKlingon in sickbay against his will.

Hearing the characteristic whine of a transporter beam,she looked up from the supplies she was cataloguing,wondering with resignation what the latest emergencywould be. Somehow she was unsurprised to see that itwas once again, the two captains who were in trouble, theTerran bleeding from a cut to his arm and the Klingonfrom a nasty looking wound in his abdomen, as well asone across the palm of his hand.

“What have you been up to this time?” T’lia enquired,her tone exasperated as she approached the two injuredmen. “On second thoughts, don’t bother to answer that.It’s rather obvious what you’ve been doing. I just wonder

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why I bother to keep patching you up when you just keepfighting.”

The Klingon captain seemed different she noticed, itwas as though a great weight had been lifted from him.The reason was immediately obvious. T’lia had never metKrang’s wife but the Terran woman standing at his sidewas the same woman whose image she had seen inKrang’s mind and who she had watched die in hisnightmares. Obviously his mate was still alive. T’liawondered what had happened but dismissed it for themoment as irrelevant. Her immediate concern was to treather patients. Her curiosity would have to wait.

Standing in front of the Vulcan healer, her sterndemeanour reminded the Klingon of the many times whenas a child, he had stood in front of his mother, awaitingpunishment after being caught in another act of mischief.Glancing surreptitiously at his friend, he suspected thatCaptain Mackenzie was thinking the same thing.

“Captain Krang, I need you to take off your uniformjacket and then lie on the bio-bed” T’lia told the Klingon.

While Krang was removing his armour, T’lia took aquick look at Captain Mackenzie’s arm, realisingimmediately that it was just a flesh wound. The Klingon’sinjuries were much more severe and had to take priority.

T’lia bent over the Klingon, the tissue regenerator inher hand and began to apply it to the wound. It gave off afaint humming sound as it worked, and Krang found thatthe noise grated on his nerves. He tried to sit up, twistinghis body round to face his wife.

“Captain Krang, this is a delicate piece of equipment”T’lia said, pushing him back down, her patience

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exhausted. “Unless you want your liver fused to yourstomach, I suggest you keep very still.”

Finally putting down the tissue regenerator andreplacing it with the auto-suture, she began to carefullyclose the wound. “It’ll be a bit tender for a few days, but Idon’t suppose that’ll bother you” T’lia told him, “Now, letme look at that hand.” Obediently he held out his handand she looked at it for a moment before saying “Make afist.” He did so, grimacing as he realised his fist wouldnot close properly.

“You’ve cut the tendon” T’lia said calmly, picking upthe tissue regenerator again and beginning to mend thewound. This time the Klingon kept still and she was ableto repair the damage very quickly. “Ok, that’s done, now.You can get dressed again.”

Moving over to where Captain Mackenzie was sittingon the other bio-bed, she began to cut the material awayfrom his wound so she could inspect it. The cut wasdeeper than she had thought and there was some minormuscle damage. It wouldn’t take her long to fix though.

Sitting up carefully, Krang swung his legs over theside of the bio-bed and stood up. He picked up themetallic shirt that went under his armour and put it on, butfrowned when he saw the damage to his leather uniform.Folding it over his arm, he looked for his wife.

Chrissie and Kehlan had made themselves comfortablein some chairs on the other side of the sick bay and weretalking animatedly. He wondered what they werediscussing and then decided he was better off notknowing. Moving across the room, he reached out andput his hand on his wife’s shoulder. She looked up at himwith a smile and he found himself smiling back at her.

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“I need to go back to Hegh’Ta and get anotheruniform” he said, indicating the ruined mass of leather inhis arms. “Why don’t you come with me and I’ll showyou my ship?”

Chrissie noted his use of the possessive - ‘my ship’ -but did not comment. Instead she stood up and placed herhand in his. “I’d like that” she said, suddenly elated as sherealised that Krang wanted to be alone with her.

She glanced at T’lia for permission and the Vulcanwoman was quick to respond. “Yes, Krang can go now.Captain Mackenzie, you can go now as well. I’m finishedwith you both. In fact…” she added dryly, “I would begrateful if you two could try to stay out of sickbay for awhile.”

About to leave the sickbay, Krang suddenlyremembered something. “Chrissie” he said urgently, “I’veinvited Captain Mackenzie and Kehlan to stay at theestate. I didn’t know…”

“Krang, I told you earlier, we could find a hotel”Captain Mackenzie protested, “You two need to spendsome time alone together.”

“No, honestly, you are both welcome” Chrissie saidwarmly, “There’s plenty of room, we’ll be glad to haveyou. We’re not going to get much privacy anyway with ahouse full of children.”

“We’ll come over about dinner time then” Kehlan said,“I’ve got the transporter codes.”

“In that case, see you later” Krang said, and slippingan arm around his wife, he pulled her towards the door.

~~~<>~~~

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Chrissie blinked at the unexpected darkness as shematerialised on Hegh’Ta’s transporter platform. She hadforgotten just how gloomy the interior of Klingon shipswere. She had seen the schematics for the new Hunterclass ships and knew that they were much bigger than thebirds-of-prey that she was used to. Hegh’Ta had six deckscompared to the older B’rel class which had only three.They were currently on B deck, just behind the bridge.Her husband’s quarters would be one deck up, on A deckin the main body of the ship.

Repairs were being carried out on the Hegh’Ta and theship was full of crewmen and Starbase engineers allcarrying out their assigned tasks. As he led her throughthe corridors and up the stairs to the next deck, Krang kepther very close to him. He still could not quite believe thatshe was actually alive and he was half afraid that if he letgo of her then she would disappear back into his dreams.Several of the crew greeted him as they passed and heacknowledged. Chrissie could see the curiosity in theireyes as they looked at her and found herself blushing.

As they walked together towards his quarters, theyheard a voice swearing loudly, somewhere above themand a Klingon officer dropped down from a hole in theceiling, still swearing. Reacting quickly, Krang pulledChrissie back, preventing the Klingon from knocking herover. “How many times do I have to tell you, Kargan”Krang exploded, “Watch where you’re going.”

The young officer was shocked into silence as herealised he had almost landed on his captain. “Sorry sir”he said finally, “I was just repairing a damaged powerconduit.” His eyes widened as he took in Krang’s state ofundress and realised that the captain had brought a womanon board. Then he looked again and realised that in spite

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of her Klingon clothing, the woman was actually aTerragnan.

Krang laughed at his first officer’s confusion.“Chrissie-oy” he said, “this useless petaQ is my firstofficer. Kargan, I would like you to meet my wife.”

If it were possible, Kargan’s eyes widened even furtherbut he quickly recovered. “I am honoured to meet you mylady” he said formally in heavily accented English, thenchanging back to Klingon again, he addressed hiscommanding officer, “Captain, I need to…”

He was given no chance to finish. “I am off duty”Krang said, a dangerous note in his voice, “and planningto stay that way for some time. You are my executiveofficer. Whatever the problem is, deal with it!”

“Captain, I…”

Again the captain interrupted him, “Dismissed.”

“Aye, sir.”

As the young officer went on his way, Krang bentclose to his wife, telling her quietly, “Actually, he’s agood officer. I’m lucky to have him. Just don’t tell him Isaid so.”

A few more paces and they turned a corner. Chrissiesaw two guards, who immediately snapped to attentionwhen they saw the captain. They were standing, one oneither side of a door, which could only be the captain’squarters.

Acknowledging their salutes, Krang dismissed them.It was not normal practice but Krang didn’t like the ideaof them standing there on the other side of the door whilehe made love to his wife for the first time in months.Actually, he thought, he probably should have left them

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there. The grapevine, as the Terrans called the gossipnetwork, functioned at well beyond warp nine on board aship. Give them five minutes and everyone on boardHegh’Ta would know what the captain was doing. Hedidn’t care.

As the door shut behind them, Krang threw his ruineduniform onto the floor and reached for his mate. Chrissiewent willingly into his arms and pulled his head down tohers to accept his kiss.

~~~<>~~~

The Lady Sirella, mistress of the House of Martok andwife to the chancellor of the Klingon Empire, made herway through the corridors of the Great Hall towards herhusband’s apartments. Sirella had had a lot to think aboutrecently. She was still coming to terms with the discoveryat Ty’Gokor that the man she lived with for the last twoyears had been a Changeling who had replaced the manshe had married. Suspicion had fallen on her after thatand in truth, she understood why. She still asked herselfthe same question every night – how was it possible thatshe had lived with him all that time and never noticed thechange? Martok had gone out on a hunting trip but it wasthe Changeling that had come back, not her husband.They had had a fight and after that, their marriage hadgone cold. Looking back, it was obvious that theChangeling had deliberately caused it, to prevent her fromgetting too close. He could never have continued thecharade, living with her as a normal loving husband. Butdespite their estrangement, it had still come as a shock tolearn that the man she lived with was a Changeling.

After Ty’Gokor, she had just been beginning to getused to life as a widow when she had learned that herhusband was still alive. At that point, she found herself

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alternating between happiness at his survival and anger athis dishonour. And the man who returned to her was sucha poor shadow of his former self that she grieved for him.It was not the loss of his eye that bothered her, but the lossof his confidence and self esteem.

On his return from captivity, Martok had notunderstood her coldness and in her heart she knew that itwas not Martok who had pushed her away, but hisreplacement. But things couldn’t just go back to the waythey were before his captivity, it was going to take time torebuild their marriage.

Sirella had to admit that at first she was not happyabout Martok bringing Worf into their House, but as withWorf’s help, Martok reclaimed his pride and honour, sherelented and made him welcome. Travelling to DeepSpace Nine for Worf’s marriage to Jadzia, Sirella was ableto spend some time with her husband and they began toget to know each other again. It was with pride that shefollowed his achievements. The news broadcasts werefull of glowing reports of Martok’s bravery and prowessin battle.

But then things had started going wrong again. Afteronly a year of marriage, Jadzia had been murdered.Sirella had clashed with the headstrong Trill but they hadeventually come to an understanding and she genuinelyregretted the younger woman’s death. It had been sopointless, a bright light extinguished for no good reason.To make things even worse, Chancellor Gowron hadbecome jealous of Martok’s successes and popularity withthe troops and had begun sending him on missions thatwere little short of suicidal. Several crushing defeatsfollowed and it appeared that Gowron would not be

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satisfied until Martok was either dead or completelydisgraced.

Now though, their fortunes had changed again, andMartok, a commoner from the Ketha Province, was thechancellor of the Klingon Empire. Worf had challengedand killed Gowron, something that Martok had been tooloyal to do, believing that to kill the chancellor in a timeof war, was treason. However treasonous it might havebeen, Sirella recognised that it had been necessary. TheEmpire needed a strong leader and with Martok in control,they just might stand a chance of winning this war.

Arriving at the doors to the chancellor’s private rooms,she shrugged off her introspective mood and prepared togreet her husband. The guards outside the door movedaside to allow her to pass, having already learned the hardway that the wife of Martok was not easily denied. Shestrode past them imperiously and entered his chambers.

Martok was not in the main room but she could hearvoices coming through an open door that she knew led toa smaller, more private room. Speaking in FederationStandard, Martok was talking via a secure comm. link to awoman, who from her accent, had to be Terran. Movingtowards the door intending only to announce herself, thevoices became clearer and Sirella was horrified to findherself eavesdropping on a very private conversation, thecontent of which, was like a knife in her heart.

“I need the results of these blood tests urgently”Martok was saying, “I must know if this woman is mydaughter”

“I’ll have the results for you by tomorrow at the latest,Chancellor” the woman on the vid-screen answered.

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Sirella could see the woman now, a Terragnan in aStarfleet medical uniform.

“Good” Martok said, “Make sure that the tests arecompletely confidential, I don’t want anyone finding outabout this. Martok out.” He shut down the comm. linkand turned to go back into the main office.

Seeing his wife standing in the doorway, Martok frozeand Sirella thought with a moment of bitter amusementthat the shock on his face probably mirrored theexpression on her own.

For a long time, neither of them spoke, then “Howlong have you been standing there?” Martok asked at last.

“Long enough” Sirella said coldly, “I never thoughtyou would betray me, Martok.”

“There was no betrayal” Martok said carefully. “Whathappened was long before we ever met.

Sirella turned her back on him in a deliberate insultand began to walk away. Losing his temper, Martok wentafter her and forcibly turned her to face him. “Damn it,Sirella” he yelled, “What do you want from me? I havebeen faithful to you since the day we first met. With youto come home to, how could I have wanted any otherwoman?”

“Then why do you have a daughter I know nothingabout?”

“How does any man get a child?” Martok askedsarcastically. “You weren’t my first woman, Sirella. I’venever lied to you about that. I had affairs, several in fact.Most young men do.”

Sirella scowled, but could not in fairness deny the truthof his words. Martok had indeed been honest with her

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from the beginning. But that didn’t mean she had to likeit. “So when were you going to tell me about this?” sheasked, “Or were you going to take the easy way out andlet me hear about it on the news?”

Martok shook his head. “It won’t be on the news” hetold his wife. “We have agreed to keep it private for now.

“Well at least you have some sense” she muttered.“So, when do I get to meet this new daughter of yours?”

“I don’t know yet if she is my daughter” Martok saiddefensively.

“Do you really have any doubts.?”

Martok considered the question for a moment. “No”he said, “I don’t.”

“Then I want to meet her.”

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Chapter 22

The transporter beam released Captain Mackenzie andKehlan and they found themselves standing at the entranceto a large house with an imposing entrance. The Terrancaptain looked around him, intrigued. This was his firstvisit to a Klingon private residence and it was nothing likehis expectations. The house was separated from the roadby a high stone wall with a pair of gates, made of somesort of decorative metal. A long driveway led from thegates, up to the house, extensive lawns and flower beds oneither side. Except for the unfamiliar nature of the plants,the scene could have been from any of the great estates onEarth. Everything glistened after the heavy rainstormearlier in the day and the evening sunlight cast a goldenglow over the gardens.

Fascinated, Captain Mackenzie took a step towards aparticularly lovely shrub covered with massive scarletflowers, almost the size of dinner plates.

“The gardens are beautiful aren’t they” a femininevoice intruded into his thoughts, and startled, he turned

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back to find that Krang’s wife had opened the door. “Iwish I could take the credit for them.”

“Chrissie loves gardening” Krang told his friends,coming up behind his wife and placing a hand on hershoulder. “She’ll talk about plants all day if you let her.Won’t you come inside?” With a gesture for them tofollow, he stepped back into the house.

Entering the house, Captain Mackenzie found that, likethe garden, it was not what he had expected. The roomshad thick carpets on the floors and the antique furnishingswere sturdy, but surprisingly comfortable. Hanging on thewall, was a large portrait of a family group, a man andwoman, with three children, two boys and a girl, aroundthem. The man in the picture wore an old style DefenceForce uniform and looked very like Krang but there weresubtle differences.

“That’s Krang’s parents” Chrissie told him, seeing theTerran captain’s interest. She pointed to the youngest ofthe three children in the picture, a boy, maybe ten yearsold. “And that’s Krang.”

“I hate that picture” Krang growled, embarrassed asboth Captain Mackenzie and Kehlan looked from him tothe portrait and back again.

“You haven’t changed much” Kehlan saidmischievously.

Krang was saved from answering by the sudden clatteras a horde of children came racing through the house andinto the living room. Seeing the visitors they skidded to ahalt, falling silent. They knew better than to misbehave infront of their parents when there were guests in the house.“James, I would like you to meet my children” Krang said,introducing them one by one.

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“Pleased to meet you, sir” the oldest boy, Toni, saidpolitely. He had seen the captain’s rank pips on thenewcomer’s collar and was very much in awe. It was hisdream to one day be the commander of a starship. Hecouldn’t believe he was meeting a real live Starfleetcaptain and a famous one as well. Captain Mackenzie hadactually been on the news broadcast that morning. So hadhis father, but he was family so that didn’t count.

Krang bent and scooped his youngest son into hisarms. “It’s time you were in bed, little one” he saidaffectionately, “It’s getting late.”

The excited child looked rebellious, bed was the lastthing on his mind, but he didn’t argue. Throwing his armsaround his father’s neck, he asked, “Will you take mevavoy?”

Tolerantly, Krang nodded, “Of course I will.” Thenaddressing his guests, he asked them to excuse him andheaded towards the door. “Kara, Kehlan” he said to hisdaughters, “come on, it’s your bedtime as well.” Shooingthe two little girls in front of him, he disappeared from theroom.

“Toni, don’t you and Fina have homework to finish?”Chrissie asked her older two children.

“I finished mine earlier” Toni said smugly.

“Then you can go and set the table instead” Chrissietold him. The smug look left the boy’s face and he sighedbut did as he was told without any argument.

“I’ve got some physics to do” Fina said, “AuntKehlan, will you help me with it? It’s really hard.”

Kehlan laughed, “I’ll be glad to help” she said, “Whatdo you have to do?”

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When Krang returned, he found that his wife haddisappeared into the kitchen and his son, having finishedhis task, was sitting with Captain Mackenzie, asking himquestion after question about the Endeavour. Fina andKehlan were sitting together, curled up on the sofa,discussing some obscure scientific principle that meantlittle to him.

Chrissie came in a moment later and placed a tray offood on the table. Toni and Fina had both eaten earlier andas the food arrived and the adults sat down to eat, they gotup and left, heading for the big lounge they hadappropriated for their playroom.

Seeing her husband look warily at the Rokeg blood pieshe had just placed on the table, Chrissie said, “Don’tworry Krang-oy, the housekeeper made it, not me.”

“My wife cooked a blood pie once” Krang told hisfriends, “Unfortunately she mistranslated the recipe. Itwas the worst Rokeg blood pie I’ve ever had.”

“What did you do?” Kehlan asked laughing, “Did youtell her?”

“I ate it” Krang said, shuddering at the memory “Everylast bit of it.”

It was Chrissie’s turn to laugh, “He never said a word,just ate it. The next day I found a properly translatedrecipe in the kitchen waiting for me.”

“Chrissie likes to cook, unfortunately.” Krang said,teasing his wife.

“What do you mean, unfortunately?” she saidindignantly, pretending anger as she removed her d’k’tahgfrom its sheath and threatened her husband with it. “Ihappen to be a good cook.”

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Staring into Chrissie’s mischief filled eyes, Krangreached up and gently pushed her knife hand away fromhis throat. “You can put that away” he said, his voice lowand husky. He would gladly play that game with her later,he thought, but not now, in front of their guests. Steppingaway from her, hoping his reaction to her nearness wasnot too obvious, he continued his teasing, saying “And asyou see, not only can she not cook, she has no sense ofhumour.”

“Oh, I have a sense of humour. In fact Toni told me agood joke this morning” Chrissie said wickedly. With agrin she glanced at her husband before asking him, “Howmany Klingons does it take to change a light bulb?”

Captain Mackenzie groaned. Updated versions of theold light bulb jokes had been going round the academy foryears, especially the Klingon ones. In fact he had told afair few of them himself in his time. He suspected thoughthat no-one had ever dared repeat them to the Klingoncaptain until now and he wondered how his friend wouldreact.

Krang hesitated, realising too late that he had been setup. “I do not know” he said finally, “But I have a badfeeling you are about to tell me.”

Deepening her voice and speaking with an exaggeratedKlingon accent, Chrissie proclaimed, “Klingons are notafraid of the dark!”

“What did they do the Klingon who changed the lightbulb?” Captain Mackenzie asked, joining in the fun.

Krang was laughing almost too hard to answer. Hehad never heard these particular jokes before, but manyyears ago as a cadet, he had told very similar ones, usuallyabout the Romulans and occasionally even the Terrans,

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and he had a good idea how they went. Tryingunsuccessfully to keep his tone serious, he growled, “Theyexecuted him for cowardice.”

In the midst of all the laughter, Toni came back intothe room and tapped his father’s arm to get his attention.Krang looked down at the boy. “What is it?”

“Vavoy, a shuttle-car has just pulled up outside” Tonitold him, “It’s marked with the chancellor’s insignia.”

Krang left the room immediately and went to the frontdoor, opening it. Toni was right, that was Martok’sprivate shuttle. What did the chancellor want, hewondered? Well he was about to find out. Gesturing tohis son to remain indoors out of the way, he went outsideand approached the shuttle. As he did so, the door openedand the chancellor stepped out, accompanied by his wife.

Krang had never met Chancellor Martok’s wife but heknew her at once. Tall, elegant and stately, this womancould be no other than the Lady Sirella. He approachedthem and saluted, right fist thumping against left breast ina typically Klingon gesture of respect.

“Be welcome in my home” Krang said in greeting andwith that he turned and walked back towards the house.His guests followed and at the door Krang stopped andgestured for them to enter.

Inside the hallway, the chancellor stopped to admirethe portrait on the wall, glancing from the picture to Krangand back again. Krang gave a low growl, daring Martokto comment – a challenge that the chancellor sensiblydecided not to accept although there was a distinct glint ofamusement in his single eye.

Martok sniffed as he turned away from the portrait.“Is that Rokeg blood pie I smell?”

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Krang nodded, glad that something had distracted thechancellor’s attention away from that awful picture. Hewould really have to do something about it if they were toremain in this house. “Yes it is. We were about to havedinner.”

“I should have called first” Martok said, “It was notmy intention to disturb your meal.”

“There’s plenty of food” Krang told his unexpectedguests. “I would consider it an honour if you would joinus.”

Martok glanced at his wife, knowing without askingthat she would not want to leave until she had got whatshe had come for. “Sirella?”

“We accept your invitation” the Lady Sirella said, hertone implying that they were doing their hosts a favour byaccepting.

Martok frowned at his wife’s attitude, but the aromawafting from the dining room was tantalising. “It doessmell good” he admitted. “We will be glad to join you.”Following his nose, he went into the dining room,followed by his wife.

Krang too followed and began to make the necessaryintroductions. “Chancellor, you already know my family”he said, “Lady Sirella, this is my wife Christa, my bloodbrother Captain James Mackenzie and CommanderKehlan, also a member of this House.”

Sirella’s gaze flickered past the two Terragnans andsettled on Kehlan. Looking at her she understoodimmediately why her husband was so sure that the resultswould be positive. The resemblance was striking. Shestared contemptuously at the young half Klingon womanthat Martok believed to be his illegitimate daughter. “And

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what makes you think you are good enough for the Houseof Martok?” she asked coldly.

“I make no claims to the House of Martok” Kehlansaid, starting to stand, but Chrissie pushed her back down.She had learned much in her stay on Qo’noS. As Krang’swife, she was the mistress of the House of Inigan and thiswas her battle. Getting up, she walked around the tableuntil she stood face to face with Sirella.

“Kehlan is a member of this House and this is herhome. She is under my protection” she said exhibiting anicy calm that she did not in reality feel. Her hand restinglightly on the d’k’tahg she had taken to wearing, shecontinued, “You, my lady Sirella, are a guest here, and assuch, I do not expect to be insulted by you.”

Sirella started to say something, but Chrissieinterrupted her, not giving the older woman a chance tospeak. “In fact, what makes you think you are goodenough to ally with such an old and honoured family asthe House of Inigan?”

Krang was very tense now, ready to intervene. Heknew it was Chrissie’s right to deal with this, but if itcame to a fight, there was no way that Chrissie couldpossibly hold her own in battle against Martok’s wife, andhe could not allow her to get hurt.

Again Sirella started to speak and again Chrissieinterrupted her. “Now, are you going to join us for dinneror are we going to fight?”

Unexpectedly Sirella smiled, finding that she respectedthe way the Terran woman was standing up for her family.“The pie does smell good” she conceded, “I would be gladto try some.”

~~~<>~~~

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An hour or so later all the pie had gone and severalbottles of vintage blood-wine from Krang’s private stockhad been opened and drunk. Fragments of the women’sconversation floated back to where Martok and Krangwere standing.

“… little boutique in the trading district…”

“…this year’s style…”

“Listen to them” Martok said in bemusement, “A fewminutes ago they were ready to kill each other, nowthey’re discussing shopping.”

Krang laughed. “I know” he said, “One thing is forcertain. As long as I live I will never understand women.”

“None of us will. It’s probably safer that way” Martoksaid, “but wouldn’t life be boring without them?” Thensobering, he changed the subject. “Actually, there’ssomething I need to discuss with you privately.”

Krang frowned, but said only, “Come through to mystudy then.” He opened a door off the main living areaand gestured to Martok to step through. Following thechancellor into the study, he closed the door behind himand waited for Martok to explain.

“I’ve finally had time to read your personnel file”Martok said, “The complete, classified version. It wasvery interesting.”

Krang stiffened, wondering what was coming, but saidnothing and after a moment, Martok continued, “I noticedthat you were previously convicted of treason in a Klingoncourt and sentenced to death. The sentence was nevercarried out but neither was it ever repealed.” He hesitatedfor a moment before continuing “The problem, Krang, isthat the sentence is still legal.”

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Krang was very tense now. “So, what do you want todo about it?”

“Gowron chose to ignore the issue in the light of whathappened on Praxis but it is my opinion that it must bedealt with” Martok said, “Therefore, I propose a retrial. Ibelieve it would be beneficial to both you and the KlingonEmpire to have this cleared up once and for all. Youshould be aware though, that it will be a real trial, not awhitewash. It could as easily go against you as for you,and if a guilty verdict is reached, I will have no choice butto uphold the original sentence.”

Krang was silent as he considered the chancellor’swords. It would mean reliving a part of his life that he didnot want to think about. For himself, he had long sincelearned to live with the dishonour but he had a family toconsider now. The invasion of Earth was highlyclassified, but if it were to become public at a later date,then his dishonour would be passed on to his children andone day, to their children. Maybe Martok was right. If hewon, then the stain on his honour would finally be gone.But if he lost… Slowly he came to a decision. “I will doit on one condition” he told Martok.

“And that condition is?”

“That if I am found guilty, you will extend yourprotection to my wife and children.”

Martok nodded. “Should it become necessary, I willensure your family are safe. You have my promise onthat.”

Krang’s expression was grim as he said, “Then it issettled.”

“I thought that would be your decision” Martok said,opening the study door as he spoke. “I’ll make

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arrangements for it to be done as soon as possible. It willbe a closed session of course as most of the events areclassified. But in the meantime, I suggest you think aboutlegal representation.” Stepping through the door, hecalled, rather peremptorily for his wife. “Come Sirella,it’s time we were leaving.”

~~~<>~~~

Seeing the chancellor and his wife leave, the twochildren ran outside to join their father. They werecurious and still a little overexcited after the day’s events– first their father had returned after months away fightingthe Jem’Hadar and there had been an emotional reunion.Then the starship captain and their aunt Kehlan hadarrived. And now they wanted to know why the leader ofthe Klingon Empire had come to visit them.

Krang however was in no mood to indulge them. Witha snarl he turned on them. “Go to bed!”

Toni and Fina glanced at each other, but said nothing.They had seen the grim expression on their father’s faceand knew at once that this was not a good time to argue.Silently they left and went back inside, heading up thestairs to their own rooms.

Slowly Krang followed them back into the house andwent to rejoin the other adults.

“What’s happened?” Captain Mackenzie asked. It wasobvious that something had badly upset his Klingon friendand he was concerned for him.

Krang hesitated. He did not want to talk about this buthe knew he had to. Slowly, carefully, he told his wife andfriends about his conversation with the Chancellor.

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“You’ll need me as Cha’DIch then” CaptainMackenzie said calmly when he had heard everything hisfriend had to say.

“You would stand at my side as Cha’DIch?” Krangasked in astonishment. “I thank you for the offer, myfriend, but I cannot accept.”

“Give me one good reason why not” the Terrandemanded.

“You have no idea what you’re getting into” Krangsaid, “I won’t endanger you like that.”

“I told you once before” Captain Mackenzie saidstubbornly, “I know what to expect from Klingon justice.”

“In this case, I don’t think you do” Krang argued, “If Iam found guilty, we would both be executed.”

“Then I will die at your side.”

Krang gave a growl of frustration. “Kehlan, you tellhim why this is not a good idea.”

Kehlan shook her head. “I’m sorry Krang, but I’mwith James on this one. It is his right as your friend andbrother.”

Chrissie stepped forward and placed her hand on hisarm. “Krang, please don’t shut us out” she said quietly,“We are your family. What affects you, affects us. LetJames stand with you.”

Krang sighed. He already knew he had lost thisargument. He could not fight with his wife but it seemedso wrong to him, to place his friend in danger. James andKehlan deserved a long and happy married life together.If this went against him, then Kehlan would be left awidow before she was ever a wife. But they were giving

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him no choice. “Chrissie mev Qoh, I believe that youTerrans have a saying” he said ironically, “Et tu bruté.”

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Chapter 23

The spaceport was as always, a frantic hive of activityas ships came and went, the great battle-cruisers andattack cruisers staying up at the orbital facilities and thesmaller, more versatile birds-of-prey coming downthrough the atmosphere to land at ground level.Everywhere, people went about their business, engineerscarrying out urgent repairs to damaged ships, crews goingon leave or returning to their ships, suppliers bringing infood, including to Krang’s amusement, an entire herd oflive targs destined for the kitchens of the IKS Klaa, theflagship of the Seventh Imperial Fleet under the commandof Kurn zantai Kazrel, the warrior who had come to theiraid at the Jem’Hadar weapons facility. Most of the targswould be slaughtered and put into frozen storage but a fewwould be kept alive to provide fresh meat for thecommand crew. In the meantime, their squeals could beheard half way across the city. And as for their smell…Krang was not particularly squeamish but those creaturesreeked!

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Only this morning, the Hegh’Ta had been broughtdown to the ground to make way for the much largerNegh’Var that had just come into port. The bigger vesselhad no landing capabilities and parking space up there inorbit was at a premium. Actually, Krang reflected, withso many of Hegh’Ta’s systems being off line, having hisship down here made it easier for him to come and gowithout having to either take up a shuttle or queue up forthe starbase transporter. He was on his way to his shipnow. Life for Krang had been insanely busy over the lastfew days as he tried to oversee the repairs to the ship,prepare for his upcoming trial and still somehow find thetime to be with his wife and children.

The day after Martok’s surprise visit, a courier hadarrived at the Inigan estate with a message for Krang. Notsurprisingly, it was from the chancellor, informing himthat the date for the trial had been set. Krang read throughthe missive silently and in a sudden fit of bad temper,threw it on the floor. Turning, he left the house, slammingthe door behind him and headed towards the space port.He knew that his reaction was illogical but he did not wantto think about the trial just yet. For now he had work todo.

He was walking across the landing strip towards hisship when he heard a voice calling his name. He knewthat voice. Looking around, he saw that he was right, itwas Fleet Commander Kurn zantai Kazrel. He sighed,wondering what the other officer wanted and waited forKurn to catch up with him.

“I heard about the trial” Kurn said, approaching Krangand falling into step beside him. “One of my captains is atrained lawyer. I’ve spoken with him and he’s willing to

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represent you. Qeyn is a good man, if anyone can get youacquitted, he will.”

“You’re that sure I’m innocent of these charges?”Krang asked, surprised by the younger man’s offer.

Kurn nodded. He had not risen to the rank of FleetCommander in the Klingon Defence Force without being agood judge of character. “Yes, I think so” he said, “Youhave honour. I do not think you are a traitor or a coward.”

Kurn would think differently once he knew the truth,Krang thought, but he said only “I am a stranger to you.You do not know me.”

“Actually, you’re not a stranger” Kurn said, “It didn’toccur to me the first time we met, but I believe we aredistantly related. My great grandmother was a member ofthe House of Inigan. She married into my family justbefore her House was dishonoured.”

Krang winced. Even now, he did not like to think ofthe damage his actions had caused to his House and familyname. but he was going to have to face it. The past hadfinally caught up with him and it was time for him to takeresponsibility for what he had done. He had a good ideaof the identity of Kurn’s great grandmother, but even so,he had to be sure. “What was her name?”

The answer came back just as he had expected. “Hername was Kaghren.”

Kaghren. His sister. She was two years older thanhim. He remembered how as a child, she had broken hisarm in a batleth fight. He remembered how she hadtaunted him the morning of his second Age of Ascensionritual. Nerves had been getting the better of him and hehad been afraid that he would fail, that he would not liveup to his family’s expectations, but she had made him

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angry enough to forget his nervousness and go out andsucceed.

She had joined the Defence Force and after severalyears honourable service she had returned home to take amate. The family had given her a big traditional Klingonwedding. Krang could still clearly remember the party –and the resulting hangover the following morning. He hadnever seen his sister looking quite so beautiful as she hadthe day she married Karg sutai Khemara. She had givenbirth to her first child, a son, just before he had beenassigned to the Earth project. The boy’s namingceremony had been the last time he had ever seen hissister.

House Khemara was a powerful one but even so it hadbarely been able to protect Kaghren and Karg afterKrang’s treason and disappearance. That the couple hadnot only survived, but managed to protect the familyestate, was little short of miraculous.

“How much do you know about what happened?”Krang asked.

“Not a lot” Kurn admitted, “Only what is written infamily journals. There was a big scandal after a failedcampaign and Kaghren’s brother was accused of treason.He and the head of the House vanished, leaving adocument that transferred ownership of the estate to Kargand Kaghren.”

“And after that?”

“The House was formally discommended by the HighCouncil” Kurn told him. “Nobody really knows whathappened to the traitor but most people assume he killedhis brother and defected to the Federation.”

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“Well, they’re half right” Krang said quietly, “He diddefect to the Federation. But he did not kill his brother.”

“You sound like you already know all this” Kurn saidaccusingly. He frowned as something else occurred tohim. “Come to think of it, you and the traitor have thesame name.”

Krang remained silent for a long time. He was sick ofall the lies, of having to hide the truth. The events of thattime would always remain classified and even if hesurvived the trial, he would never be able to speak openlyof his past. But Kurn was a relative, and the relationshipwas not as distant as the other man thought. This bravewarrior had offered his friendship and help and to not tellhim the truth would be a betrayal.

“I am not what you think I am, Kurn” he saideventually. “The House of Inigan did not go undergroundafter it was dishonoured. I was not named for the manyou call traitor. I am that man.” Seeing the look ofsurprise on Kurn’s face, he continued, a note of bitternessin his voice, “Yes. Your great grandmother Kaghren wasmy sister.”

It was Kurn’s turn to remain silent as he consideredwhat Krang had told him. He did not quite understandhow that was possible but he could see the conviction onthe other man’s eyes. It was obvious to him that Krangwas telling the truth. “I assume then, that this new trialrelates to what happened in the past” he said slowly. “Iwon’t ask if you are guilty – that is for the judge to decide.My offer of aid still stands. Qeyn will represent you incourt, and I will be there to watch the proceedings.”Before Krang could answer, he hit his comm. badge andcalled for beam up. Moments later he disappeared in acolumn of shimmering light.

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~~~<>~~~

“This is Koval of the United Qo’noS News Servicereporting from outside the Court of Justice where a fewminutes ago the trial of Commander Krang epetai Inigangot underway. The session is closed to civilians due to theclassified nature of some of the material being discussedand we can therefore only speculate on what is happeninginside. However, we understand from a leaked documentthat the Commander is accused of treason against theKlingon Empire. We do not at this time know the reasonfor the accusation. It is believed that his Federationcolleague Captain James Mackenzie is standing by hisside as Cha’DIch.

“As we previously reported, the IKC Hegh’Ta and theUSS Endeavour, under the command of these two officers,were credited with the single handed destruction of aJem’Hadar weapons production facility. In the fivemonths that the ships were missing, it is believed that theywere also instrumental in the capture of a Cardassian shipand Breen energy weapon and the destruction of aJem’Hadar warship. It is not yet known whether theseactions will affect the outcome of the trial.

“Two days ago the Empire hailed these two men asheroes, now it is putting one of them on trial for treason.A guilty verdict would certainly mean the death penaltyfor both the accused and his Cha’DIch.”

~~~<>~~~

Escorted by a pair of heavily armed Klingon warriors,Chrissie entered the courtroom and looked around hernervously. All around her, high above the floor where shestood were what looked like observation levels similar tothose balconies in old Earth theatres where at a normal

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trial, the general public could stand and watch theproceedings. It didn’t look as if there were seatingarrangements for spectators and she remembered with atouch of bitter humour that Klingons gave little, if any,consideration to physical comfort. But this trial was aclosed session and today the upper terraces were empty.At one end of the room was a raised platform containingthe only seat in the room – a great throne-like chair with asturdy table in front of it. Chrissie guessed that this waswhere the judge would sit.

The chamber itself was dimly lit and the fine smokebillowing from the torches fastened to the walls, gave areddish glow to the room, adding to the heat permeatingthe chamber like a blanket. Qo’noS was a hot planet at thebest of times and this was one of the hottest summers onrecord.

So far the hall was almost empty. Apart from Chrissieand the two guards, the only other living beings within thechamber were her husband and Captain Mackenzie,standing at Krang’s side in his role as Cha’DIch. Alsopresent were the defence lawyer - a middle-aged warriorwearing a Defence Force captain’s uniform named Qeynand the prosecutor, a tall heavyset Klingon called T’Bor,who looked a little older than Krang.

Qeyn stood quietly, waiting with remarkable patiencefor the judge and chancellor to arrive. T’Bor’s attitudehowever, was very different. Standing with his armscrossed, his fingers twitching, he looked as though he washaving to restrain himself from pacing impatiently up anddown.

Not knowing what to do or where to go, Chrissie tooka step towards her husband but one of the guards escortingher stepped in front of her, preventing her from

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approaching the defendant. Silently, he gestured towardsan empty area at ground level, separated from the mainhall by a waist high, heavy, ornately decorated railing.Obviously that was where the witnesses were supposed towait until they were called to the stand. Obediently shewent where she was directed and the two guards took upposition at either side of the gateway.

The silence of the courtroom was broken then, thesuddenness of the noise startling Chrissie and making herjump, as Chancellor Martok made his entrance. Theleader of the Klingon Empire pushed open the massivedoors with enough force to make the massive woodenconstructs thud against the opposing walls, the soundechoing throughout the room. The heavy cloak flappingregally about him, he strode across the chamber and tookhis place at the far end, almost directly opposite where thejudge would sit.

Behind him, those members of the High Council whohad chosen to attend, followed at a respectful distance,moving around the courtroom to take their places, wherethey turned to face the parties involved and stoodresolutely in varying positions, some with hands behindtheir backs, others with arms folded before them, all ofthem displaying that inner confidence, bordering onarrogance, that came with high rank.

As the last of the council members settled themselvesinto place, the doors to the second level, the judge’s level,opened, and a dignified, grey haired Klingon slowlyentered the room. The judge stood in the doorway for amoment, taking the opportunity to survey hissurroundings, his gaze stopping occasionally on people heknew, or those he did not know at all - as such, thechancellor, two or three of the council members, Krang

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and the two humans gained long individual looks from theold Klingon standing on the dais above them. Slowly andwith great dignity, he approached the throne-like chairthat was set aside for his use and seated himself.

The judge held a gavel in his hand, a gavel that toChrissie’s eyes, seemed sinister in its design, a symbol ofthe injustice that was being done here today. It lookedlike the clawed hand of a demon grasping a globe and thesight of this implement of law made the human womanfight the urge to shiver. After raising the gavel andholding it in mid air for a moment, the judge struck thetable top before him with unexpected strength, makingsparks fly from the bottom of the globe. Lifting the gavelagain he struck the table a second time, and then again, athird time.

Chrissie was unable to suppress the shudder that torethrough her. Krang had explained the proceedings to herand she knew what the banging of the gavel meant. Thetrial, her husband’s trial for treason, had begun.

As the judge began to speak, Chrissie watched herhusband, desperately wanting to approach him and takehis hand for their mutual comfort, but the ancienttraditions of this place would not allow it. This particularcourtroom was reserved for the more serious crimes, suchas treason and it was rarely used. Klingon justice wasnothing if not direct and criminals were not often takenalive, preferring death before capture. Of those who werebrought here, few ever left as free men. Forcing herself topay attention to the proceedings, Chrissie listened to whatthe judge was saying.

“Krang son of Marek of the House of Inigan, you standbefore us today, accused of treason against the KlingonEmpire. You have already been found guilty of this crime

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in your absence and sentence has been passed. Thatsentence was death. However, at the request of theChancellor..” He glanced across at Martok, his expressionmaking it clear that he did not appreciate the chancellor’sinterference in judicial affairs, “Today we begin a newtrial.” Again the judge looked around the courtroom,surveying those present, his gaze finally coming to rest onthe outworlder who stood by the side of the accused.“Captain James Mackenzie, this is an internal Klingonmatter and does not involve the Federation. What is yourpurpose here?”

The Terran captain stepped forward. He was wearingceremonial Klingon clothing rather than his Starfleetuniform, emphasizing his role in the proceedings. “I standhere as Cha’DIch to my brother Krang.”

The judge frowned. “You are a Terragnan, CaptainMackenzie. Are you sure that you understand thesignificance of what you are doing?”

“I understand that whatever the outcome of this trial, Iwill share his fate” Captain Mackenzie responded, hisvoice clear and firm.

The judge gave a nod of acknowledgement and liftinghis gavel again, he brought it down sharply against thedesk. “Very well. Court is in session. Prosecutor, youmay begin.”

The prosecuting lawyer. Colonel T’Bor, moved intothe centre of the room. “The prosecution contends thatKrang son of Marek is guilty of the charges laid againsthim and intends to prove that he did wilfully disobeyorders from the High Council, and that he did committreason by collaborating with the enemies of the Klingon

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Empire. We call our first witness, Christa Martinez to thestand”

“I object” Captain Qeyn interrupted. “Under Klingonlaw a wife cannot testify against her husband.”

“The prosecution acknowledges that this is correct”Colonel T’Bor said quickly. “However, this woman isone of the very few surviving witness to this period ofhistory. It is our intention, not to use her testimonyagainst the accused, but to explain much of thebackground of what actually happened. We believe thatthis will be of interest to all present, including thedefence.”

The judge nodded. “You are correct when you statethat there are very few living witnesses to these events. Infact there are only two available to us – Krang son ofMarek and his wife Christa Martinez. However,Chancellor Martok has authorised the release of classifieddocuments from the historical archives. StarfleetCommand has also sent us the appropriate mission logsfrom the USS Enterprise commanded by Captain Kirk. Itis my feeling that due to the unique circumstances of thiscase a different approach is necessary. If both theprosecution and the defence will agree, I believe that weshould begin by allowing those involved to simply telltheir story, uninterrupted and in their own words.”

The prosecutor and defence lawyer stared at each otherfor a moment in total surprise. This part of the trial, themek’ba, had strict rules for the presentation of evidenceand what the judge was suggesting was a completedeparture from standard trial procedure. Qeyn hesitated,considering his options. He had already heard Krang’sstory and although Kurn had succeeded in persuading himto take the case, he did not hold out much hope of actually

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winning. Certainly they had nothing to lose in trying thisnew strategy. Finally he nodded. “I agree.”

“I also agree” Colonel T’Bor said, turning to faceChrissie as he spoke. “Will you agree to testify underthese circumstances?”

Very pale, Chrissie stepped forward, glancingnervously over to her husband was standing. He gave aslight nod and reassured, she said “I will testify.” At thejudge’s signal, she moved across the room and took herplace in the witness stand.

“Will you confirm for the record, your name, date ofbirth and planet of origin.”

“I am Christa Martinez, wife to Krang son of Marek ofthe House of Inigan. I was born on Earth on June 20th

1968.” She hesitated before admitting. “I don’t know thestardate. We didn’t use them then.”

“Tell us about the invasion of Earth”

“It was 1992 and I had just celebrated my twentyfourth birthday” Chrissie said. She closed her eyesmomentarily as the memories came flooding back.Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she began to tell herpart of the story.

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Chapter 24

Madrid, Earth, 1992

The day Earth was invaded began just like any otherday. It was dull and cloudy, a little unusual Chrissiethought, considering that she lived in Madrid, the veryheart of Spain. Normally at this time of year, late June,the temperature would be at least 40°C. She didn’t knowthat the cloud formations were being caused by a fleet ofalien ships coming through the atmosphere, and was justgrateful for the slight drop in temperature. The heat hadbeen too much for her lately, after all, she was eightmonths pregnant with her second child. She had beenmarried to Diego for nearly four years now and had a twoyear old son, Antonio. Her husband never called herChrissie, of course, he had always insisted on calling herby her full name, Christa. He was the only one who did.

One of Chrissie’s closest friends, an English girlnamed Sarah had come to visit and she was glad to havecompany. Sarah was married to an American navalofficer who was currently stationed on the aircraft carrierUSS Enterprise. A successful businessman, Diego was

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away on yet another business trip so the two girls werespending a lot of time together. One of the Spanish TVchannels had decided to screen an old classic, War of theWorlds that afternoon and as they were both avid sci-fifans, they settled down to watch it. Before long, theywere both engrossed in the story and were taken bysurprise when the film was interrupted by an unschedulednews broadcast.

“This is a special news bulletin –We interrupt yourprogramme to inform you that a large group of people,claiming to be from another world, indicate that they havetaken control of all military facilities and territories on theface of Earth. Please keep calm, as these reports have notbeen confirmed. The terrorists, calling themselves“Klingons” claim they have arrested all world leaders andpolitical representatives. This cannot possibly be true andthere is no corroborating evidence but…wait amoment…wha-what are you doing in here!?! Who areyou!?” Even as the news presenter spoke, a terroristbackhanded the announcer out of the way, sending himstraight into the wall behind him. The terrorist came intofull view of the cameras, and several more of them couldbe seen in the background.

The two girls looked at each other and burst intolaughter. “Oh, come on” Sarah giggled, “That was funnythe first time, but it’s not exactly original now.”

“You’ve got to admit the makeup is pretty good”Chrissie said thoughtfully. She reached for the remotecontrol and changed the channel. To their surprisehowever, the view remained the same. Beginning towonder, she tried again, BBC Worldwide this time, butthe view did not change. She switched again, to CNN -still no change.

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The girls exchanged another look, no longer laughing.“I don’t like this” Chrissie said, “There’s definitelysomething wrong here.”

This time, Chrissie allowed the newsflash to continue,beginning to realise that the features of the invader werenot disguised by a mask or even makeup as they had firstassumed. These men weren’t just terrorists in a costumeand the weapons they carried weren’t just movie props.they had to be real, highly advanced aliens. The Klingonbegan to speak. “Attention citizens of Earth, I bring yougreetings from the Klingon Empire. Now that allpleasantries have been dispensed with, I will inform youthat your planet, and solar system are now a part of theEmpire. Your armies have been defeated and your leadersand politicians arrested. An imperial adjunct will beassigned to each of your major cities to ensure that youcomply with our words. We control everything anddemand nothing less than your immediate andunconditional surrender. Obey us and you will not beharmed, but resist and your cities will drown in blood!Glory to the Empire!”

Shaking, Sarah reached across and took the remotecontrol, turning off the television. The phone rang, thestrident noise tearing through the silence, startling themand making them jump. Chrissie was almost afraid toanswer it, but it was only her brother David, ringing fromAmerica where he practised medicine. “There’s just beena major all-channels newsflash” David said to his sister,“Did you see it? Are you all right?”

“Yes, I saw it. David, I think it’s genuine” Chrissiesaid, “I'm scared.”

“It is genuine” David told her and she could hear thehorror in his voice. “I’m still at the hospital, we've had

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casualties coming in all night, there’s so many dead andinjured we can't cope. And I’ve seen several of these...Klingons.” He was quiet for a moment as someone in thebackground called to him. “Chrissie, I’m sorry. I have togo, there’s another load of casualties coming in. I’llcontact you again as soon as I can.”

The phone went dead as he hung up and Chrissie wasleft listening to the dial tone.

~~~<>~~~

As the invasion progressed, Chrissie learned a wholenew definition of the word ‘apprehension’. Several daysafter her brother’s phone call, Diego had finally comehome, his normally immaculate business suit torn anddirty and his right arm covered in bandages. Chrissie wasso relieved that she burst into tears when she saw him.Hugging her with his uninjured arm, he kissed hertenderly, explaining that he had been caught up in thefighting.

Chrissie was used to her husband being away fromhome a lot on various business trips but she’d thought,hoped, that with the Klingon invasion, he would stay athome with her. But he continued to spend a lot of timeaway, sometimes being gone for days on end. Hewouldn’t tell her where he was going or what he wasdoing and she was getting more and more scared.

The news channels continued to broadcast the latestinformation. The Klingon invaders hadn’t beenexaggerating when they had announced that the planet hadbeen defeated. American and European forces had takenheavy casualties and a staggering number of planes andships had been destroyed in the initial efforts to repel theinvaders. Sarah had been devastated to learn that one of

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the ships lost, with all hands, was the aircraft carrier USSEnterprise. Since that first announcement things had gotsteadily worse. The best weapons and most elite forcesthat Earth had to offer didn’t stand a chance against theadvanced technology of the Klingon invaders. Guns andbullets could not prevail against disruptors, nor could themost up to date anti-aircraft systems take down even theleast of the Klingon fleet. The fighting was sporadic now,and mostly involved guerrilla action. There were noarmies left to fight but in every country of the world,people who had formerly been enemies, stood together inthe fight for freedom. Differences such as race, colour,religion or politics were no longer relevant. If only theybut knew it, the Klingons had succeeded where years oftalks and peace summits had failed. Earth had finallyunited.

Over the next few weeks, Chrissie saw less and less ofDiego and she spent most of her time in a state of almostcomplete panic, wondering when, or if, her husbandwould return. She was absolutely exhausted now, bothphysically and mentally. Summer had returned with avengeance and the heat was stifling. With a two year oldboy running around, getting into everything, a husbandwho was never at home and the baby almost due, Chrissiewas struggling badly and without Sarah’s help, she knewshe could never have coped.

During one of her husband’s brief visits home,Chrissie practically begged him to tell her what he wasdoing, only to find, once he had given in and told her thetruth - that he was working with the resistance movementthat had formed to fight the Klingon occupancy - that shereally didn’t want to know. She pleaded with him again tostay with her, to avoid the fighting, but Diego wasdetermined to rid the world of these invaders. He said he

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was doing this for her and their children, and with onefinal kiss, he left to return to his comrades. That was thelast time she saw him alive.

Neither Chrissie nor Sarah had any idea what the nextdays would bring. The two women had somehow settledinto a routine to keep their minds off their troubles –Chrissie worrying for her husband and Sarah grieving forthe loss of hers.

Two days had passed since Diego had returned to theresistance and Chrissie hadn’t heard a word from himsince. She was in the kitchen that morning, putting somedishes away when she heard it - a massive explosion sostrong it rattled the entire house. Suddenly afraid, shehurried outside. Far in the distance, she could see thickclouds of toxic black smoke rising from the central area ofthe city, obscuring the sun.

Around lunchtime she saw the news that a bomb hadexploded in the city centre, outside the Klingonheadquarters, killing not only several of the aliens but agood number of humans as well. Chrissie sat down innumb shock, knowing instinctively that this had been thework of the resistance. But despite this, she knew, sheprayed, that Diego hadn’t been part of it. It wasn’tpossible! He wouldn’t do something like that.

But still, there was a nagging doubt, a voice in hermind, telling her that he was involved, and it refused to besilenced, no matter how much Chrissie tried to distractherself.

They were running short of fresh food and the dayafter the bombing, Sarah went down to the local market tosee what she could find. She was gone for several hoursand Chrissie was alone in the house, with only her little

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son for company when late that afternoon, there was athunderous knocking on the door. As Chrissie got up toanswer it, the door burst open and two Klingons enteredthe house and approached her. Chrissie stood rooted tothe spot, terrified. The news reports were full of tales ofKlingon brutality. Heavily pregnant, and about as mobileas a beached whale, the baby now due in two weeks, sheknew all too well that she could not hope to defend herselfagainst these alien warriors.

One of them, the older and more senior of the two,spoke “You are the wife of Diego Martinez?”

Too scared to speak, Chrissie simply nodded, but asthe other one bent over and picked up the little boy, shefound her voice “Put him down, don't hurt him.”

The Klingon gave her a disgusted look as her little boygot hold of a lock of his hair and gave it a sharp tug. Sheheld her breath but nothing happened. The Klingonscowled, growling “Klingons do not hurt children.” Helooked at her, appraising the size of her bump, “Orpregnant women!”

Still apprehensive, Chrissie asked them, “What do youwant?”

The first Klingon spoke again, “Your mate, DiegoMartinez, took part in the bombing this afternoon. He isdead.”

Chrissie stared at him in shock and disbelief. “No!That… that can’t be right. I don’t believe you.”

The Klingon bristled at the insult but realised that ithad not been intentional. Humans were weak and soft anddid not understand the Klingon way of honour. Not onlythat but he had children of his own back on thehomeworld and had learned the hard way that pregnant

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women tended to be over emotional. Carefully schoolinghis voice so it wouldn’t seem too harsh, he said only, “Awarrior does not lie about such matters!” He then went onto describe Diego from the security footage taken from theKlingon headquarters and confronted with this, Chrissiehad to accept that not only had her husband been involved,but that he wasn’t coming back. The shock was too muchfor her and she swayed unsteadily on her feet.

One of the aliens put out an arm to steady her andhelped her to a seat. She was startled, not expecting that.Surely these were monsters – why were they being socourteous? “Can I see his body?” she asked desperately.Despite all the evidence, she could not quite bring herselfto believe - did not want to believe - it was true, that herhusband was dead.

“That’s not possible” one of them said, “He died in theexplosion, there's nothing left to bury.”

~~~<>~~~The Court of Justice, Qo’noS, 2375

There was silence in the court room as Chrissiepaused. She’d been happily married to Krang for severalyears now, but even so, reliving the death of her firsthusband in this way was not easy for her. Eventually shecontinued. “After that they asked me a lot of questionsabout my husband. I think they were trying to find outhow much I knew about his activities and whether I couldlead them to other members of the resistance. But Diegonever talked about what he was doing, he knew I didn’tlike it and he thought the less I knew the safer I wouldbe.”

Chrissie paused again, the events of that day vivid inher mind. She’d gone into labour that afternoon – thedoctors at the local hospital told her the shock had caused

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it, and a few hours later her child was born, a little girlwho would never know her father.

Numb with grief and alone with two small children,Chrissie hadn’t known what to do. In the end, true friendthat she was, Sarah had managed to get permission forthem to fly to America to be with Chrissie’s brother.Travel was extremely restricted, everything was controlledby the Klingons and Chrissie never did find out how Sarahmanaged to get the travel permit. But obtain it she did anda week later, Sarah, Chrissie and the two children arrivedin New York to find David waiting for them at the airport.

Aware of his wife’s distress, Krang was very tensenow. He knew how hard this was for her. Abruptly hedecided to act. There was a murmuring in the crowd asKrang moved forward, making it clear that he wished tospeak. The judge held up a hand for silence and thespectators unwillingly obeyed.

“You have something to say?” the judge asked Krang.

Krang nodded. “Yes, I do. We had been on Earth forfour years when the Federation got involved and I firstmet my wife. There is nothing more she can tell youabout the early days that is of any relevance to this trial. Ibelieve that now would be a good time for you to hearabout what the Klingons were doing during that time.”

Bowing his head, the judge acknowledged the truth ofthat. “Very well. Speak then.”

The courtroom fell silent again as Krang began to tellthem of the events leading up to the Klingon invasion ofEarth. As a Captain of Security he had not been directlyinvolved in the actual fighting. That had been the job ofthe Generals and high ranking military officers. Hisorders had been to run security on Earth and keep the

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people under control once the initial invasion was over.An experienced officer, he’d done a good job and duringthe four years he had spent on Earth there had been verylittle crime – any infringements of the law had been dealtwith swiftly and harshly. The resistance movementhowever had proved impossible to quell completely.Earth’s military forces might have been defeated butdespite the technological disadvantages, the Terrans weresurprisingly good at guerrilla style action and sporadicfighting continued throughout the four years that theKlingons ruled the planet. It had been in one such actionthat Chrissie’s husband had been killed.

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Chapter 25

First City, Qo’noS 2264

The Klingon captain of Security stood by the greathexagonal window in his office, staring out at the viewacross the city. He had just returned after a visit to RuraPenthe that had combined a routine inspection with theinterrogation of a political prisoner who it was believedhad held important classified information. Krang hatedRura Penthe with a passion. The Klingon Empire’s mostnotorious prison planet was a frozen, barren wasteland.All the facilities were deep underground, nothing couldsurvive for long on the surface. Just thinking about thathorrific place made him shiver. Feeling as though hewould never be warm again, he moved across to thereplicator and ordered a raktajino. That should drive someof the cold out of his bones, he reflected. He wouldn’tmind so much if the trip had proved to be worthwhile butit had been a complete waste of time. The inspection hadgone according to plan but the interrogation had been adifferent matter. The prisoner had broken quickly but they

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had learned nothing that was not already known fromother, more reliable sources.

As the beverage materialised, Krang picked it up andwent back to his desk. There was a lot of work for him tocatch up with. It didn’t look as though his subordinateshad done much work while he was away, everythingseemed to have been left to just pile up on his desk. Hesighed. It was about time his assistants took a bit moreresponsibility and used their initiative to get things done.Taking a mouthful of the scalding hot raktajino, he pickedup a padd and settled down to do some work.

One of the most important pieces of outstanding workon his desk was a report from a deep cover agent who hadsuccessfully infiltrated Starfleet and was now serving onone of the Federation’s starbases. He read the reportcarefully and began to formulate a response to be sent tothe agent at the next scheduled communication.

His comm. unit buzzed, indicating an incomingtransmission. Activating the unit, he was unsurprised tofind that it was his brother. Older than Krang by nearlyten years, Meren was the head of the House of Inigan. “Iheard your ship had docked this morning” Meren said,“How did the trip go?

“I shouldn’t have bothered going” Krang said, “I’llsend a deputy next time. So, what can I do for you – Iassume this isn’t just a social call”

“Can’t I call my little brother to say hello?” Merenasked, laughing.

Krang shook his head, he knew his brother better thanthat. “No” he said with certainty, “You want something.So, what is it?”

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Actually, I called to tell you they’ve finished installingthe prototype” Meren said, “We’re ready to take the shipout and test it. How soon can you be ready?”

“Give me a couple of hours” Krang answered, “I’vegot a lot of work to get through before I can leave again.”

Meren acknowledged and signed off.

Staring at the blank screen, Krang frowned. He didnot like the idea of this new mission. Somehow the wholeidea of using time travel to go back and defeat an enemywhen they were technologically disadvantaged did notseem honourable to him. He sighed. He had his ordersand he would obey them.

~~~<>~~~

The tiny bird-of-prey that Meren had named NightDagger flew across the Klingon border and intoFederation space. Not much larger than a shuttlecraft, itwas a private vessel belonging to the House of Inigan andapart from the two brothers, only three other people wereon board – an engineer, a navigator and the scientist whohad designed the prototype of the time dilator that hadbeen installed in the tiny ship.

Well aware of the danger involved in travelling so farinto enemy territory, Meren had ordered the ship cloakedas soon as it crossed the border. Much as he would enjoythe fight, Night Dagger was too small to be a match for aFederation starship and their mission was too importantfor them to risk detection.

Small Night Dagger might be, but it was also fast andmanoeuvrable and it did not take long to reach itsdestination – a quiet spot, well off the commercial spacelanes, where they could test out the prototype withoutbeing disturbed.

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As the tiny ship was pushed to its maximum speed, thecrew were making the final preparations to engage thetime dilation device. When the scientist, a rather small,portly Klingon named Gre’taq finally indicated thateverything was ready, Meren gave the order and thedevice was activated.

Still flying at incredible speed, Night Dagger began toshake violently as the time dilation field formed about it,forcing everyone on board to hang on tight to whateverconsole was nearest to them. The shaking increased untilit was almost unbearable and then with a suddenness thatseemed almost shocking, everything went still as with ashower of sparks the lights went out.

The bridge did not remain dark for long. Emergencylighting came on almost immediately, illuminatingeverything in a deep reddish glow which cast eerieshadows on the consoles.

“Damage report” Krang snapped.

The engineer was already fiddling about with thesystems in an attempt to find out what had gone wrong.“Minor engine damage” he reported after a moment. “Itlooks as though the conduits couldn’t handle the powerrequirements of the prototype.”

“Can you fix it?” The question came from Meren.

“Yes sir” the engineer answered confidently, “Weshould have no problem getting back to our own time butthe return journey will probably blow the conduits again.”

“But you’ll be able to fix them again?” At theengineer’s nod, Meren said thoughtfully, “So, that justleaves the question of when are we?”

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“It appears, sir, that we have gone forward in time,rather than back” the scientist reported, carefully studyingthe data in front of him as he spoke. “I believe theScience Institute have not calibrated the device as well asthey thought. It will be necessary to realign the…”

“Yes, yes!” Meren interrupted, impatient as alwayswith the little scientist’s rambling. “You can discuss thatwith the institute when we return.” He would have saidmore, but he was interrupted in his turn by his youngerbrother.

“Meren, we’re being hailed by a Federation starship.”Krang’s voice sounded strained. “You’d better look atthis.”

At Krang’s words, everyone on board the NightDagger turned to look, only to be stunned into silence. Allof them stared at the screen in shock and even a little awe.Since when had the Federation had anything evenremotely resembling that? The starship floating serenelyin front of them was far bigger than anything they hadever seen. Its shape was similar to that of the ships theywere familiar with but its lines were sleeker andeverything about it screamed speed, manoeuvrability andsheer power.

Meren was the first to recover. “What in Gre’thor’sname is that?” he snapped, his voice betraying the tensionhe felt. “Get me an ID on that ship.”

The order proved superfluous as a voice, speakingFederation Standard, came crackling over the radio.Gre’taq immediately went to the communications consoleand began to tweak the system, bringing it back to fullcapacity and clearing up the message.

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“… Captain Edward Hunter of the USS Ulysses.Identify yourself.”

“The Ulysses?” Krang was already pulling up data onhis console. “Klingon Intelligence has no record of anystarship with that name.” Even as he spoke, he wasalready initiating passive scans, designed to gain as muchinformation about the other vessel as possible, without thescan being detected.

“Interesting.” Meren commented. “Put this CaptainHunter on screen. I want a good look at the interior of thatship.”

The little scientist obeyed and the picture on the screenchanged, the exterior of the ship giving way to a view ofwhat had to be the bridge of the Ulysses. The manstanding in the front appeared to be a fairly ordinaryTerran in a red and black uniform that none of theKlingons had ever seen before. What was visible of thebridge behind him, was also unfamiliar – an enormousroom, brightly lit and with wide open spaces, a large semi-circular console in the centre with three chairs in front ofit. The centre of the three chairs, evidently the captain’swas unoccupied.

The Federation captain stared back at the Klingons.“Our scans show that you have sustained some damage toyour engines” he said, his tone polite and friendly. “Doyou require assistance?”

Meren hesitated for a moment before answering. Hewas well aware that should this ship decide to open firethere would be no contest. Just one well placed shotwould blow his little Night Dagger out of existence. Hewas surprised that the ship had not already opened fire –the Federation and the Klingons were enemies after all

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and this far into Federation space he could hardly claim itwas a navigational error. Nevertheless, he decided tobluff it out.

“The damage is minor” Meren said finally, “Myengineer will be able to carry out the repairs withoutassistance.”

Captain Hunter nodded. “Well we are on our way toStarbase 92” he said cheerfully, “You are welcome to putin there for some R&R if you have the time. There’s agood Klingon restaurant there. If you make it, give me acall and we’ll share a bottle of blood-wine.”

Somehow Meren was able to hide his surprise. AKlingon restaurant on a Federation base? He knew theyhad travelled into the future but even so… had thingsreally changed so much?

“I regret that will not be possible” he said evasively.“Maybe some other time. Night Dagger out.” Closingdown the communication, he turned and snapped at hisengineer. “Well, what are you waiting for. Get thoseengines back on line and get us back to Qo’noS - and toour own time period!”

~~~<>~~~

Three months after Night Dagger’s little excursion intothe future, everything was ready. The time dilation devicehad been recalibrated and the power drain was no longer aproblem. By unspoken consent, none of the Klingons onboard the little ship would ever speak of what they hadfound in the future, instinctively knowing that the thoughtof peace with the Federation would not please the HighCouncil. They wanted to conquer the Federation, notmake friends with them and any other result wasunacceptable.

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The initial stages of the invasion went according toplan. The time dilator had worked perfectly and the fleetof Klingon ships had come down through Earth’satmosphere, making short work of the planetary defencesystem. Ironically, the various governments had been sobusy watching their neighbours that it hadn’t occurred tothem to expect trouble from space.

The fighting over, the military had withdrawn leavingKrang and his security forces in charge of the planet. Hisorders? To keep a tight control on the planet and to ensurethat those people who might be involved in the scientificdiscoveries that had been the precursors of thedevelopment of warp flight, and hence the formation ofthe Federation, were arrested and prevented from fulfillingtheir role in history.

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Chapter 26

Earth, 1992

When the bomb exploded in Madrid it was 4 a.m. inNew York. Krang was still in his office where, after 48hours on duty he had finally given in to exhaustion andfallen asleep, his head resting on the paperwork piled onhis desk. When the comm. unit began to buzz he groanedand ignored it but the strident sound continued. Still halfsleeping, he reached out and activated the comm. link,“Captain Krang here” he growled, “NuqneH?”

“Sir, there’s an urgent call for help just come in fromMadrid.”

The Klingon Captain frowned, “Karaq is in chargethere. Can’t he deal with it?”

“There’s been an explosion, sir” the answer cameback, “Karaq is dead.”

Immediately wide awake, Krang left his office,snapping out a series of orders and minutes later, he and asecurity team materialised in Madrid. For a few moments

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Krang stood still, getting his bearings and taking in thescene of devastation. Realising immediately that thingswere worse than he had been told, he activated his comm.badge, calling for further back up and before long, moremen began to materialise. The security building had beentotally destroyed by the blast and several other nearbybuildings were also seriously damaged. Whoever thebombers were, they hadn’t cared who they killed. Not justKlingons had died. Plenty of Terrans lived and worked inthe buildings in this area and many of them had also beencaught in the blast.

Krang quickly got his team organised, sending someof his men to assist with fire control and the rest to beginthe search for survivors. Krang himself, still shouting outorders, joined one of the teams and set to work. He wasdistracted however by the sound of sirens coming evercloser until an Earth vehicle, blue lights flashing, cameround the corner and screeched to a halt. Several Terranmales jumped out and one of them called, “Who’s incharge here?”

Krang pulled his disruptor from his belt beforeanswering. “I am Captain Krang, head of Earth security, Iam in charge here. What do you want?”

“Hey, don’t shoot!” the Terran said, eyeing thedisruptor nervously, “I’m a doctor, we’re here to help.”

Krang nodded, brusquely waving the Terran and hisassistants through the security cordon. He was surprisedand suspicious that humans would help Klingons but forthe moment, was willing to give them the benefit of thedoubt.

The relief efforts seemed to go on for ever but only acouple of hours had passed before a Klingon sub-

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lieutenant approached him with the Terran doctor andreported that everyone, whether Klingon or Terran, wasaccounted for.

“How many Klingon casualties?” Krang asked harshly.

“Sixteen dead and twenty-eight injured” the Terrananswered, “Seven of them beyond our skill to heal.”

“Sir, they should be given Hegh-bat” the sub-lieutenant interjected, “Should I do it now”

Krang shook his head wearily, “No. I am responsiblefor them, I will do it.” Drawing his knife he knelt by theside of the nearest victim and with a surprising gentleness,said in Klingon, “Go warrior, in all honour, to Sto-Vo-Kor.” With that he plunged his dagger into the dyingman’s heart.

“What are you doing?” the human doctor yelled, butprevented by the Klingon officer from interfering, hecould only watch in horror as Krang repeated his actionsuntil one by one, all seven of the mortally wounded menlay dead. The Captain got to his feet and approached thedoctor. “You said there was nothing you could do” Krangtold him, “It’s better this way.”

By the time all the rest of the injured had been movedto a local hospital it was late evening, local time. Krangwas on the verge of sending some men to find food andshelter when his second in command appeared. “Sir, wehave found the Terragnan taHqeq’pu who did this”, theKlingon announced, “Three of them.

“Alive?” At the officer’s nod of confirmation, Krangsaid “Well done. Take them back to headquarters andhave them questioned.”

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On his own return to New York several hours later,Krang went straight down to the prison cells to inspect theprisoners and discuss their interrogation with the guards.Klingon techniques were efficient and by now the guardsknew more or less everything about their prisoners. As hereceived the report, Krang looked at the prisoners withcontempt and a cold anger. He understood the humans’desire to fight but to his mind, this sort of bombing wasboth cowardly and honourless. When the guard asked ifthe men should be executed, he slowly shook his head. “Idon’t think so. Continue questioning them. I want toknow everything – about them, about their families, abouttheir friends. Then I want them sent to Rura Penthe.”Seeing that the guard didn’t understand, he continued,“They are scum! I will not reward them with a quick,honourable death. Let them rot in the dilithium mines.Oh, and when you question their families, inform them oftheir deaths, it will be true soon enough!”

“But sir…”

“My decision is final” Krang snapped, “I’ll sign thepapers in the morning.” With that he turned and wentback to his office. It was not long before once again, theexhausted Klingon was asleep at his desk.

~~~<>~~~New York, Earth, 1996 - Four Years Later

Since Chrissie's arrival in New York, life settled downinto a pattern and she became used to living underKlingon domination although it took her a long time to getover the death of her husband. She had managed to get apart time job in a pharmaceutical laboratory and workedfor three or four hours a day. The job suited her very welland she knew it was good for her to get out of the house,but she still found it hard to mix with other people. Her

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friend Sarah had also been lucky enough to findemployment as a housekeeper at the local church.

As a doctor, David was among the privileged few whowere allowed to break the curfew that had been imposedby the aliens. One day however, everything changed.Sarah came home from the church dreadfully upset afterreceiving a phone call from the hospital where Davidworked. “David has been arrested” she gasped, “He wastreating a Klingon and he died so they've arrested him formurder!”

~~~<>~~~

Two days later, Chrissie took her children, Toni whowas now six and Fina, now four, to the lovely old churchwhere Sarah was working. She found her friend in thebeautifully kept garden at the back of the building. Sarahglanced up as she continued to pull up weeds. “Any newsof David?”

“He's still alive” Chrissie answered, “They've lockedhim up in a prison not far from here - on Saint Francis’Avenue.”

Sarah got to her feet and the two women went into thechurch, leaving the children playing safely in the garden.As they passed the sacristy door into the main buildingthey stopped dead. Two men stood talking by the altar.Sarah frowned, “How did they get in?” she whispered,“The main door is locked and they didn't pass us.”

But as they watched, something happened thatfrightened them. The air shimmered and a third manappeared. The newcomer was very tall, with a slightlygreen tint to his skin. He wore a large Humphrey Bogartstyle hat pulled down over his ears. He turned then and

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saw the two girls standing in the entrance. “Captain!” hesaid softly.

The other two men turned startled, but quickly movedto surround the girls. One of them spoke, “My name isJames Kirk, these are my friends, Scotty and Spock. Weare not here to hurt you. Is there somewhere safe we cantalk?”

It was Sarah who answered, “Come this way.” Andshe moved back into the sacristy. “Now I think you'dbetter explain that mysterious appearance” she demanded,trying to appear confident and in control of the situation.

The tall one, named Spock said, “We are here to help,that is all that matters.”

“You’re not local” Chrissie said, “Are you part of theresistance?.”

“No, we’re not part of the resistance” The man whohad identified himself as Kirk told them, “However, wehave come here to find a way of defeating the Klingons.”

There was a bleeping sound and Kirk held upsomething that looked like a miniature radio, “Kirk here.”

The voice came over the ‘radio’ saying “Klingons areapproaching your position, Captain. I suggest you returnto the ship.”

“Very well, Uhura, three to beam up.” He paused asthe church doors burst open and there was a sound ofbooted feet, many of them, crashing into the building,coming nearer and nearer. “No, on second thoughts makeit five to beam up.”

The air shimmered and both Sarah and Chrissie feltdizzy. Moments later they were no longer in the churchbut in a strange room. Kirk turned to them saying, “You

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are now on board the Starship Enterprise. If you willfollow me, I will explain everything.”

But Chrissie panicked as she realised her children werestill in the church garden, “My children are still downthere, I have to go back and find them.” She struggledwildly as the officers tried to restrain her but Spock put hishand on her shoulder and she sank to the ground,unconscious. The Vulcan bent and lifted the unconsciousgirl into his arms, saying calmly “I will take her tosickbay, Captain.”

When Chrissie woke, she was lying on some sort ofbed with somebody standing over her. Realising she wasawake, the man introduced himself, speaking in a softAmerican accent that somehow reassured her, as DoctorMcCoy.

Sarah however was on the bridge, talking to Kirk. Shewas amazed to find that this ship was from three hundredyears in her future, a future that would not exist if theKlingons could not be stopped from killing certainscientists who should go on to develop the beginnings ofwarp drive. Without that technology there would be nomeeting with the Vulcans who would not interfere withpre-warp cultures. The Terrans had been the driving forcebehind the formation of the United Federation of Planetsand without their influence it simply would not happen.This was the whole point of the invasion of course, toprevent the formation of the Federation, allowing theKlingon Empire to expand unchecked into what shouldhave been Federation space.

~~~<>~~~

A little later Sarah told Chrissie everything that Kirkhad told her and together they decided to do what they

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could to help the crew of the Enterprise. They discoveredthat the church had been destroyed and that Chrissie’schildren had totally disappeared. Chrissie was distraught,but realised she had to keep calm if a disaster was to beprevented. Panicking would help nobody.

After a command level meeting, it was decided thatChrissie was to beam down into her home and that shemust report the children missing, according to the law. Itwould look strange if she did not, and there was no pointin arousing the Klingons’ suspicions if it could possibly beavoided.

Sarah was also to beam down and try to discoverwhere the scientists were being held prisoner. Kirk gavethem both communicators, explaining how they workedand warning them not to let the Klingons discover them,before escorting them to the transporter room.

~~~<>~~~

The bored Klingon on duty at the reception desk in theKlingon Police Headquarters took little notice of theTerragnan woman who came in through the main door.When she asked to see the person in charge, he growledthat the chief was not to be disturbed. He was surprisedwhen she insisted, most Terragnans were easilyintimidated. Finally he snarled at her to wait and wentthrough a door into the chief’s office. Whatever the chiefsaid to him, when he came back, his tone seemed a littlepoliter, “The Security Captain will see you now.” And hepointed the way towards the office door.

Krang looked up as the Terragnan woman entered, hisfeatures harsh and unsmiling. She was obviously scared,he noted, but she was trying hard not to show it. Herespected that.

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“I am Captain Krang” he growled, “Head of Earthsecurity. What do you want?”

Nervously she explained that her children haddisappeared earlier that day when the church was raidedand begged him to help her find them.

Krang got to his feet, he was a big man and next to thehuman woman, his height made him seem tall andforbidding. “Tell me” he said thoughtfully, “Where wereyou when the children disappeared? Why were you notwith them?”

Chrissie hesitated, not knowing how to answer. Shecould not betray the crew of the Enterprise, but maybe aversion of the truth would work as well. “My friendworks at the church” she said eventually. “We wentinside and surprised a group of men. I don’t know whothey were, but when they heard the Klingons approachingthey grabbed us and ran. I tried to get back but theywouldn’t let me go until it was all over.”

Krang considered her story. It was possible that shewasn’t telling the whole truth but he thought it unlikelythat if she could identify the members of the resistance,that she would have risked coming to the Klingons forhelp. “I will need your identification and contact details”he told her. “If you can give me a picture of yourchildren, I will order my men to search.” As he saw thefear in her eyes, fear for her children, his expressionsoftened slightly. “We are not monsters. Klingons don’thurt children, they will be found safe and unharmed.”

After the woman left to continue her own search, theKlingon took some time to look at the picture she hadgiven him. Technology was so backwards here, hereflected, they didn't even have holographs. Well, he

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would do what he could. He had not yet received a fullreport on the raid and activating his computer, he sent amemo to his assistant asking for details.

The report arrived on Krang’s desk an hour or so laterand reading it, he realised that a search for the missingchildren would not be necessary. The Klingon officer incharge of the raid had found two children wanderingaround the ruins of the church, scared and confused, andhad brought them into headquarters.

They would need to be questioned of course. Theyhad been found in the middle of a raid and might haveseen or heard something that could be useful to theinvestigation. This interrogation was one he preferred todo himself however, as with such young children, it wouldrequire delicate handling. As he had promised theirmother though, they would not be harmed. It was true thatKlingons did not hurt children.

Speaking with the children, he learned that theirmother’s story was true, at least as far as the children wereaware. They confirmed that they did have an aunt whoworked there and that they played regularly in the churchgarden. Unfortunately they had not seen the men insidethe building but had been involved in their game until theKlingon soldiers had arrived and started destroyingeverything.

There was nothing more to be gained from holding thechildren, Krang decided. It was time to return them totheir mother. Checking her contact details, he activatedthe comm. unit and tied it in to the primitive telephonesystem that was the main method of communication onthis planet. He could hear the phone ringing at the otherend but after several minutes there was still no answer.

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Over the course of the afternoon he tried several moretimes, but with no luck.

Much later that evening, about to go off duty for theday, Krang found himself thinking about the two children.His expression was thoughtful as he remembered theboy’s bravado as he tried to protect his younger sister.They were very young and he did not like the idea of thembeing left overnight in the prison cells. Impulsively he lefthis office and headed back down to the prison cellsbeneath the building. He gave a sharp order and the dutyguard unlocked the door to the second cell. Momentslater, two dirty, frightened children were released into hiscustody.

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Chapter 27

A week passed with no news of the children. Chrissiewent back to the police station several times but wasrepeatedly told by the desk officer that the SecurityCaptain was unavailable and that there was still no news.When Sunday came, she met up with her friend and Sarahtold her that she had found the whereabouts of the missingscientists. Sarah had also heard a rumour that David andseveral other prisoners were due to be executed very soon.

Talking together the two women came up with a planthat, although risky, seemed workable. There was onlyone way that they would be able to get into the prison, andthat was using the transporter beam. They used theircommunicators to get in touch with the Enterprise andwere beamed up immediately.

That night, Chrissie lay awake in the quarters she hadbeen assigned, worrying about the whole situation.Finally she dozed off, only to be woken sometime around3 a.m. by her friend’s voice. “Chrissie, wake up. It’s timeto go” Sarah said in a loud whisper. As she brushed the

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sleep from her eyes, Chrissie realised her friend washolding two phasers in her hands. Sarah handed her one,quickly showing her how to use it.

“OK, let’s go and get David” Chrissie said grimly.

Sarah nodded and they quietly slipped out into thedarkened corridors. As they entered the transporter room,Sarah fired her phaser and the duty ensign fell to theground soundlessly. “Don't worry” she said, seeing theexpression on Chrissie's face, “He’s only stunned. He’llwake up again in a few minutes.”

With Chrissie’s help, Sarah was slowly and carefullyentering the required coordinates into the computer systemwhen Kirk and Spock entered the room, followed by ateam of heavily armed security guards. “I thought youmight try a stunt like this” Kirk said, “Now step awayfrom the console.”

Swearing under her breath Sarah did as she was toldand was replaced by Spock. The Vulcan examined thesystem carefully. He raised an eyebrow and the captainmoved over to join him, looking over his shoulder.

Kirk gave a low whistle as he saw the coordinates thewomen had entered. “You’d have scattered yourmolecules half way across the galaxy if you’d tried tobeam down” he told the two women.

Shocked, they both glanced at Spock who confirmedhis captain’s statement. “While that is an exaggeration, itis essentially correct. If you had attempted to transport tothese coordinates, you would been killed instantly”Fingers flying over the computer console, Spock began toreprogram the system. Finishing his task, Spock noddedto the captain who immediately stepped up onto thetransporter pad, followed by the security guards.

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Kirk looked at the two women. “Well?” he said dryly,“Are you coming or not?”

The two women glanced at each other in surprise andthen hastily joined the team waiting on the transporter pad.As soon as they were in position, Spock hit the controlsand the transporter beam began to form.

Within moments, they had materialised inside theprison where David was being held. Pandemoniumerupted as the bored Klingon guards realised they wereunder attack. Both women fired, Sarah’s phaser still set tostun. Chrissie however had changed the setting. As twoKlingons fell with gaping holes in their chests, Sarahglanced at her in shock, saying “That’s not on stun!”

Chrissie’s features appeared hard in the half light asshe said, “It wasn’t meant to be on stun. Every Klingon Ikill is one less for the resistance to deal with.”

Silently Sarah changed the setting of her own phaserand they got on with the business of rescuing Chrissie’sbrother. Somehow, they were successful. The guards hadgrown careless, not expecting to be attacked in the nightwith phaser weapons and were taken by surprise by theraiding party. With the last of the guards either dead orunconscious, retrieving the keys to the cells proved easyand moments later, all the captives in the prison had beenreleased.

Looking at her brother, Chrissie realised he neededimmediate medical attention. “Captain, please will youget him back to the Enterprise.”

Seeing how ill David looked, Kirk agreed. Pulling outhis communicator, he opened a channel, saying,“Enterprise, six to beam up”

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Chrissie shook her head. “Only five, Captain. I can’tgo with you. I still have to find my children.” Beforeanyone could say anything to stop her, she turned andbegan to move away, quietly disappearing into the night asthe air shimmered and rest of the party returned to theEnterprise.

Alone once again, Chrissie stood in the street for amoment, trying to decide what to do. The curfew wouldnot be lifted for a couple more hours and there would betrouble if she was caught on the street. Quickly andcautiously she made her way home, careful to ensure shewasn’t seen. Once inside she went upstairs and into thebathroom – there was blood on her clothes, Klingonblood, a bright purple in colour. She started to shake asdelayed reaction set in and she began to realise just howdangerous the whole thing was and how stupid they hadbeen to think they could do it without help. Pulling off thebloodstained clothes she shoved them in the wash basketbefore getting in the shower. Some of the blood hadsoaked through to her skin and she scrubbed and scrubbed,feeling as though she would never be clean.

Getting ready to leave the house again, Chrissieconsidered what to do with the Federation phaser andcommunicator. Eventually, deciding it wasn’t safe toleave them, and that they might be useful, she buried themin the bottom of her bag. As soon as morning cameChrissie went to the police headquarters and asked to seethe Klingon Captain. The officer in charge refused, tellingher that the Chief had been called away to deal with anemergency and wouldn’t be back for several hours.

~~~<>~~~

It took Krang all morning to sort out the fiasco of theraid on the Klingon prison. Several of his officers were

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dead and the investigation had shown that they had beenkilled by phaser fire – all but one of them, who appearedto have been stabbed with his own d’k’tahg. Krang wasdisturbed by the reports. This was the late 20th century onEarth and phasers didn’t exist. That implied someone elsefrom the future had got involved. He was also concernedby the way his men seemed to have been so easily takenby surprise. The prison was only a low security holdingcell but even so, it should have been impossible for raidersto get in. Anyway, why was this prison even a target?The prisoners being held there were all due to have beenreleased in only a few days time as soon as the paperworkwas in order. Krang decided that security at all prisonsites would have to be tightened immediately. Aftergiving the necessary orders, he headed back to his home tocheck on the two Terran children.

Krang was becoming increasingly concerned about thechildren. His decision to take them home with him hadbeen a good one, he enjoyed their company and they werealready learning to speak Klingon but they could notremain with him indefinitely. It would not be long nowuntil he was recalled to the Homeworld, the mission herewas almost over and he could not take them with him.Not only that, but they needed to be with their mother. Hewondered what had happened to her and when or if shewould return. He had tried the contact number he hadbeen given several times, but always with the same result– no answer. He resolved that if there was no contactwithin the next few days he would have an officer sent toher address to check it out.

~~~<>~~~

Chrissie went back to the Klingon headquarters atlunchtime and was told that the Chief still hadn’t returned.

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On her third visit, late that afternoon the young Klingonon desk duty admitted that the chief had finally returnedbut was far too busy to see anyone. Ignoring his protests,she pushed past him and went straight into the Captain'soffice. But although she had sensed that something waswrong, she was not prepared for what she saw. TheKlingon Captain sat behind his desk, writing a report. Onthe desk lay a battered teddy bear with a blue velvetribbon round its neck. Chrissie recognised it at once, herdaughter took that bear everywhere with her. What was itdoing on the Klingon captain’s desk?

The Captain glanced up to see who had disturbed himbut said nothing as he took in her presence.

“What have you done to them?” Chrissie demanded,suddenly afraid, “Where are my children?”

“Your children are unharmed. They are at my home”the Klingon told her. He picked up the bear and examinedit as though he had only just noticed its presence. “Yourdaughter left this here. She insisted on coming to theoffice with me yesterday. She is a very stubborn child anddifficult to refuse.”

Chrissie was unable to prevent herself from smiling atthe image his words conjured. Her daughter was indeedvery stubborn and was capable of throwing the mostterrible tantrums if she didn’t get her own way. But hersmile faded as she took in his earlier words. What wereher children doing in his home? Suddenly angry andafraid, she attacked him verbally, “You had no right totake my children. If you’ve hurt them…”

“Would you prefer that I had left them to sleep in theprison cells?” Krang interrupted her sarcastically. “I havealready told you that they are unharmed.”

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“I only have your word for that”

No longer aware of the teddy bear still in his hand, theKlingon got to his feet and moved round the desk,approaching her. He was a big man and he towered overher. “You question my word?” Krang snarled, his angershowing not just in his voice but in his stance. “Youinsult my honour.”

Chrissie realised that she had gone too far. Klingonshad been known to kill for less reason than an insult totheir honour. She stood her ground, knowing that to showcowardice now would be a fatal mistake. “I apologise”she said quietly, “No insult was intended.”

“Apology accepted” he said curtly. She had courage,he thought, and she was pretty for a Terragnan. He hadnever slept with a human and he found himself wonderingwhat it would be like. He stepped forward, closing theremaining distance between them until they were almosttouching. She didn’t move, just looked back at him.Krang made up his mind then, he wanted her. For somemoments they stood motionless, then Krang gave her anultimatum “If you want to see your children again, youwill spend tonight with me.”

Stunned, she gazed at him. Spend the night with him?Sleep with him? The idea terrified her. She had heardrumours about Klingon men and their sexual practices andthe last thing she wanted was to find out whether theywere true. Well it looked like she had no choice. Likeany mother, she would do anything to protect her children,and maybe it wouldn't be so bad. She would survive thisand her children would be returned to her. Slowly,wearily she gave a nod of agreement

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“Good!” the Klingon said, a slight smile softening hisface. He hadn’t expected her to agree so easily. “Let’sgo.”

Heading back to the reception area, Krang openedanother door which led into some sort of large open planoffice. Several guards were there. Krang beckoned to oneof them, a female. As the Klingon woman approachedChrissie couldn’t help staring at her. She had never seen aKlingon female before – she wore leather armour as themen did but on her it looked totally different – it was tightfitting and open at the chest, displaying an impressivecleavage. Krang had a brief conversation with the womanin their own language.

Aware that the Terragnan woman could not follow theconversation, Krang said to her, “My house servants gooff duty in half an hour. Marla will care for the childrenuntil I return home.” He handed the teddy bear to thewoman who took it from him, looking at the toy as thoughshe had never seen anything like it.

She probably hadn’t, Chrissie mused. Somehow shedoubted that Klingon children had much softness in theirlives and she said as much.

“You imply that we do not love our children” thewoman said critically in strongly accented English.

Chrissie cursed herself. For the second time in asmany minutes these Klingons had put her in the wrongand she found herself having to apologise again. “I amsure that all parents love their children, whatever speciesthey are” she said carefully, “I just think that you probablyhave very different ideas about child care.”

“You’re right actually” Krang said, “Our children donot play with such toys. They serve no purpose.”

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And yet, she thought, he had retrieved the toy to returnto her daughter. That was not the action of a cruel, evilman, rather it was one of a man who cared. Slowly herfear began to lessen.

He took her arm then, “Shall we go now?”

The Klingon captain proved to be surprisingly goodcompany. He was an intelligent, serious man but Chrissiequickly discovered that he had a dry sense of humour.Before long she had relaxed and was beginning to enjoyherself. Krang took her out to dinner at an expensiverestaurant, specialising in both Terran and Klingoncuisine, where he ordered a plate of wormlike things hecalled gagh. Chrissie stared at the dish with a sort ofhorrified fascination as the Klingon began to eat. Awareof her gaze, Krang picked up some of the still movingfood and held it out to her. Slowly she reached out andtook it from him, looking up at him as she did so. “It’s...it’s still alive” she said as the ‘worm’ continued towriggle.

“Of course it’s still alive” the Klingon said patiently,“Gagh is best served very fresh. Try it, it’s good.”

Chrissie’s gaze went back to the thing he had placed inher hand and she shuddered. Very slowly she raised it toher lips. Then with a suddenness that startled the Klingonshe dropped the ‘worm’ and attacked it with her knifeuntil it lay still on her plate. Glancing triumphantly atKrang she picked it up again and ate it. “Not bad” shesaid, smiling at him, sensing she had passed some sort oftest. “I prefer it dead though.”

A little later Chrissie got her revenge on Krang whenhe asked her to choose a Terran dish for him. She obliged,

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wondering mischievously how the Klingon would react tothe highly spiced vindaloo she had ordered for him.

As the unsuspecting Klingon tasted it his eyes widenedin surprise - never in his wildest dreams had he imaginedthat Terran food could taste like this. It was severalminutes before he was able to speak. “Fit for a warrior”he gasped, taking a drink of his blood-wine, “I'mimpressed!” And he took another mouthful.

After dinner they went to a club and danced together.Krang was unfamiliar with Terran dances, but despite hissize, he was light on his feet and proved to be a very gooddancer.

As they stood together at the bar, Krang draped acompanionable arm across her shoulders. He lookeddown at her thoughtfully, wondering how the eveningwould end. He had realised some hours ago that he wouldnot force her. Somehow, in the course of the evening, theidea of hurting her had become repugnant.

Chrissie sensed his change of mood and raised herhead to meet his gaze. Seeing something in her eyes,Krang realised that she wanted him to kiss her. Hehesitated, suddenly unsure of himself. Klingons did notkiss in quite the same way that Terrans did, but he hadseen other people kissing and it didn’t look too difficult.Slowly, giving her time to pull away, he lowered his headto hers. But she didn't pull away and as their lips touchedhe felt her response. Sensing his inexperience, she tookthe lead, showing him what to do. He quickly discoveredthat he liked the Terran way of kissing and he’d been right- it wasn’t difficult. It was with regret that he lifted hishead, breaking the kiss. He wanted her so much it hurt,but not like this. She had to be willing, to want him asmuch as he wanted her.

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“You don’t have to do this, you know” he told her.

Her smile faded as his words brought her back down toearth and she remembered why they were together in thefirst place. “But, you said…”

“I know what I said” he answered quietly, “It waswrong of me and I can only apologise for my lack ofhonour in even suggesting it.” He took a step away fromher and took a deep breath, fighting for control. Heglanced at the time. “It’s almost eleven, the children willbe sleeping now. I will return them to you in themorning.”

Chrissie moved closer to him, looking up into his eyes.“Krang, do you want me?”

Krang did not answer immediately, unable to believeshe was asking that. “Yes, I want you.”

She smiled again and reaching up, she kissed him.Long moments later he pulled back, trying to regain hisself control. He was aware that people were staring atthem. While this place catered to both species, Klingonsand Terrans did not generally mix and they were attractingattention. “We are still in public” he said a littleunsteadily.

Chrissie smiled, “Then maybe we should gosomewhere a little more private.”

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Chapter 28

Leaving the nightclub, they went out onto the streetand Krang led Chrissie to a waiting shuttle. The pilotsaluted when he saw Krang and opened the door for themto enter. Chrissie hesitated. She had seen the Klingonshuttlecrafts before but they were not available for Terranuse and she had never ridden in one. “Can’t we walk?”she asked him, “It’s a lovely night.”

He shook his head. “It’s too far” he told her, “I have aroom above the station, but I would prefer not to use it.I’d rather take you to my home. It’s in the countryside, afew kellcams outside the city.” He gave her a gentle pushtowards the shuttlecraft door and she stepped inside.Krang followed her and taking her arm, he guided her to aseat. She sat down and he seated himself beside her. Hewas very close to her and she was conscious of his leatherclad thigh pressing against hers. His arm resting acrossher shoulders, he pulled her even closer to him, his headbending towards hers. There was a clatter as the pilotboarded and Krang pulled back a little, frustrated. He

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wanted to be alone with Chrissie and was thankful thatdespite the distance, it was only a short journey byshuttlecraft. They would reach the place that passed forhome on this world, in less than ten minutes. Hesuspected that it would be the longest ten minutes of hislife. The pilot shut the door behind him before movingtowards the front of the craft and beginning to manipulatethe controls. The shuttle took to the air smoothly andbegan its journey.

Interested, Chrissie looked around her. She was awarethat she might never get another chance to see inside aKlingon shuttlecraft and the scientist in her was curious.She wondered how it worked. The engines gave off onlythe faintest hum and she had the sensation of incrediblespeed, yet the ride was smooth. The craft was short andsquat, conforming to none of the rules of aerodynamics, sowhat made it fly? She voiced the question and Krang triedhis best to explain, but after a minute she stopped him,realising that the science involved was so far beyond hercurrent level of knowledge that it might as well be magic.

Eight minutes into the flight, Chrissie realised that thecraft was descending and beginning to reduce its speed.The pilot spoke to someone over the radio before turningthe craft and bringing it in to land. Cutting the engines,the pilot got up and opened the door for his passengers.Krang spoke briefly with him and taking Chrissie’s hand,he led her out of the craft and towards his home. Shelooked questioningly at him and he translated theconversation for her, saying. “I have just asked him towait for Lieutenant Marla and take her back to NewYork.”

The house was big, but not oversized, and was set inspacious gardens, with a high wall around them. The

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nearest neighbour had to be several hundred metres away.A group of heavily armed Klingon males were at the doorof the shuttlecraft and Chrissie could see more by theentrance to the house. The Klingon captain’s home waswell guarded, she thought, not knowing the importance ofthe man she was with. She knew of course that Krang ranthe security department in New York, but she had no ideawhat the title Captain of Security actually meant, or thathe was the ultimate head of Earth security with the finalresponsibility for everything that happened on the planet.

The guards saluted as Krang passed them, in thetraditional Klingon salute, right fist thumping against leftbreast. He acknowledged with a nod, but otherwiseignored them.

Lieutenant Marla was in the hallway, waiting for them,having heard their arrival.

“Any problems?” Krang asked.

“None sir” the Klingon woman answered, “They areboth sleeping.”

“Very well” Krang said. “The shuttle is waiting foryou. Qapla!”

Marla saluted. Facing Chrissie, she gave her a longspeculative look before saying, “Your children are a creditto you. Qapla!” With that she turned and left, shuttingthe door behind her.

Krang and Chrissie stood together in the hallway.Finally they were completely alone. Neither spoke and anawkward silence developed before Krang broke it. Thespontaneity of earlier had gone and he was aware thatChrissie was once again feeling tense and nervous. Wellthere was no hurry, they had all night and maybe… Heshied away from thoughts of afterwards, there was time

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enough to worry about that later. “Can I get you a drink?”he asked her, “I’ve developed a liking for Terran wines. Ihave some rather fine vintages from Europe if you’d liketo try one.”

Chrissie nodded her agreement. “Something Spanishif you have it” she requested.

Gesturing for her to follow him, he headed into thekitchen. Once again, Chrissie found herself looking roundcuriously. So far, the house was not what she hadexpected. Other than the security guards outside, therewas nothing to indicate that an alien lived here. Thekitchen was pleasantly old fashioned, with solid pine unitsand even an aga.

Removing his gauntlets and spiked gloves, Krangtossed them onto the heavy pine table in the centre of theroom. He selected a bottle of wine and opening it, hepoured some into a glass and handed it to her. Pouring asecond glass for himself, he seated himself at the table andafter a moment, Chrissie joined him there. The wine hehad chosen was a good one, from one of Spain’s bestvineyards. A deep velvety red in colour, its flavour wassmooth and rich. She sipped it appreciatively.

For some time they simply sat together at the kitchentable, just talking. But there was a tension between themand they both knew it. It seemed to Chrissie that the veryair was filled with electricity and she wanted more thanjust to sit here with him and talk. Finally, Krang got to hisfeet, the suddenness of his motion startling Chrissie andmaking her jump. Holding out a hand to her, he said,“Come.”

Chrissie took his hand and together they left thekitchen and headed upstairs. On the upstairs landing,

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Krang stopped by a door and lifting a finger to his lips inthe universal gesture for silence, he opened it, steppingaside so that Chrissie could see into the room. It was abedroom and asleep in the nearest bed, with her thumb inher mouth and her arm around the battered teddy bear,was her daughter. The second bed contained her son, alsofast asleep. Chrissie found her eyes filling up as she gazedat them. They were safe. Krang had told her the truth, herchildren really were safe.

Carefully she reached out and closed the door again,not wanting to disturb the sleeping children. She lookedup at the big Klingon. “Thank you” she said quietly.

“They prefer to share a room” he told her. “My ownroom is a little further down the corridor.”

Chrissie slipped an arm around his waist. “Show me.”

Krang accepted her invitation with alacrity. Bendingto kiss her, he led her into his room. Removing hisuniform top, he flung it on the floor. The metallicundershirt quickly followed. Naked now from the waistup, Krang turned away from her slightly as he bent toremove his boots.

Chrissie gave a gasp as she saw the ridges on his spine.Somehow, more than anything else, they reminded herthat this man was not human. She should not be here withhim. But she no longer wanted to escape, in fact shewanted to touch him. There had been no-one in her lifesince the death of her husband four years ago and she waslonely.

Facing her again, he saw the expression on her face.“Is something wrong?” he asked gently, hoping that shehad not changed her mind about this encounter.

She shook her head. “No. Turn around.”

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Surprised, he obeyed and sensed her move closer. Hefelt her hand on his back, touching his spine. He smiled inrelief. So that was it, she was just curious about his body.Krang knew that he was built differently to Terran malesand he doubted that she had ever seen a Klingon out ofuniform. This was a whole new experience for him aswell. Chrissie was nothing like the Klingon women hewas accustomed to and he would have to be very carefulnot to hurt her. For a few moments he stood there,enjoying the feel of her hands on his skin, then he turnedback to face her again and lifting her in his arms, carriedher over to the bed.

~~~<>~~~

Much later, the Captain got out of bed and went to geta drink. He was relaxed and in a good mood, the humanwoman was stronger than she looked and it had been agood experience. As he gulped back the Warnog hepicked up Chrissie's clothes from the floor, intendingsimply to tidy up a little. There was a thud as somethingfell out of her little bag. Krang looked down, hisexpression changing as he took in the weapon. Slowly hebent to pick it up, his anger increasing as he examined it.This was no 20th century toy but a phaser - a 23rd centuryFederation phaser, still set to kill! As he looked across atthe bed, where she lay sleeping the Klingon realised shemust have been involved in the previous night’s prisonraid. She had seemed so ordinary, he thought bitterly, soharmless and now that it was too late, he realised howstupid he had been. How could he have been sonegligent? He hadn’t even bothered to run any securitychecks on her, something that even a raw recruit knewwas standard procedure. But it was hard to believe thatshe had killed anyone, much less a highly trained Klingonsecurity guard. With a sudden anger, he adjusted the

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phaser setting to heavy stun and pointing it at the sleepingwoman, he fired before calling for security.

~~~<>~~~

The prison cell where Chrissie woke was dark anddingy. She was hanging by her wrists from some sort ofequipment, still naked. Two Klingons were standingnearby. In panic, she realised that she was in real trouble,that the Klingon Captain had betrayed her. Probably hehad never meant to return her children.

Afterwards, Chrissie would remember very little ofwhat happened next - just agonising pain and constant,relentless questions. Frightened and in pain, she readilyconfessed to being involved in the prison raid and tokilling more than one Klingon, but she insisted that shedid not know the identity of anyone else in the resistance.Actually it was the truth, the crew of the Enterprise werenot part of the local resistance. But the guards did notbelieve her and the torture continued.

She must have lost consciousness because the nextthing she was aware of was being left alone as the KlingonCaptain entered the interrogation room and spoke with theguards briefly before ordering them out. He cut her downfrom the equipment and caught her as she fell. Wrappinghis cloak around her, he helped her into a chair. “Why?”he asked her, his voice hoarse, “Why did you betray me?When did you plan to kill me? While I slept?”

At her look of bewilderment he added, “Oh yes, Ifound your weapon, a Federation phaser!”

Chrissie was almost too ill to answer “I didn't betrayyou.” She paused, finding it hurt to talk. “I forgot aboutthe phaser. I forgot about everything last night, exceptyou.”

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The Klingon frowned, “Where did you get the phaser?What was your involvement with yesterday’s raid?”

She shook her head, not answering.

“Answer me!” Krang insisted. When she still didn’tanswer, he moved across the room and picked up a smalldevice. “You see this? It is called a mind sifter. It willtake the information straight from your mind.Unfortunately it will also leave you permanently braindamaged. If you don’t tell me the truth, I will have nochoice but to authorise its use.”

She shuddered but said in a low voice, “I can’t.”

“Damn it Christa!” the Klingon exploded, “After whathappened between us last night, do you really think I wantto hurt you? How can I help you if you won’t talk to me?”

“I won’t betray anyone.”

“Okay, fine” he responded impatiently, “Just tell mewhat you can.”

She took a deep breath, “My brother was wrongfullyarrested for murder and condemned to death. I had to gethim out before you killed him.”

“You think he was innocent?” Krang askedsarcastically.

“I know he was” she said, raising her head to look athim for the first time. “David is a doctor, a good doctor.He took an oath, “First do no harm” and that means hewould never, ever, harm a patient, even one who was anenemy.” She paused before continuing, “I had to rescuehim so I just took the weapon I was given and joined theraid. I killed two of your men, I don’t deny that. Theothers took David to safety. I couldn’t go with thembecause my children were still missing.” She paused

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again, then said, “I came straight here and they wouldn’tlet me in, they told me to come back later. I spent thewhole day searching for the children. I didn’t dare leavethe phaser anywhere so I shoved it in my bag and forgotabout it. That’s all.” She looked into his eyes. “Pleasebelieve me, I would never have tried to kill you.”

The Klingon was silent for several minutes,considering her words and reading between the lines. Itwas obvious to him that the friends she would not mentionmust be from the Federation, where else could she haveobtained the phaser and communicator? He said as muchto her and from the look on her face, he knew he wasright. He thought for a moment, then said, “I cannotcondone what you have done, but your actions were notdishonourable. Things have gone too far now for you tobe released, but I will do what I can to help you.” Gettingup he went to the door and opened it but impulsively heturned back, saying “You must not worry about yourchildren. I will ensure that they are kept safe.”

“Thank you Captain” she whispered.

The Klingon frowned, “You know my name. Will younot use it?”

Chrissie raised her eyes to meet his gaze. “Krang” shesaid slowly, “Thank you Krang.”

He gave a satisfied nod and then he was gone.

After that Chrissie did not see the Klingon Captainagain. The guards returned after a while but there was nomore torture. Instead, she was given food and clothingbefore being taken from her cell and put on a prison shipbound for the Klingon homeworld. Surprisingly they didnot take the Captain’s cloak from her. It was a heavycloak, of good quality, with some sort of insignia

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emblazoned on the fastening. Chrissie wondered why shehad been allowed to keep it but whatever the reason, shewas grateful for its warmth.

On arrival at Qo’noS, she and the other prisoners weretaken from the ship and escorted to the city market, wherethey were herded into pens. The Klingon who seemed tobe in charge of the pens tried to remove the cloak fromChrissie but she struggled with him, irrationallydetermined not to give up her one remaining possession.One of the guards from the prison ship, who had remainednearby, saw her struggling and intervened with a sharpcommand and she was left alone.

Several prospective buyers passed by the pens,inspecting the merchandise. One in particular, old and fat,with bad breath, seemed very interested in her. Chrissiewas barely able to contain her horror and revulsion as sherealised there was a very good chance she would soonbelong to him – or if not him then someone very similar.As the fat Klingon inspected her again she turned her headaway and her attention was immediately caught by a tall,imposing Klingon who was staring at her. As she staredback into the man’s eyes, for a split second she felt a wildhope that faded immediately as she saw that the man wasnot Krang, just someone who looked like him.Disappointed, and berating herself for stupidity, sheturned her attention back to her immediate problem – thefat Klingon. She did not see the man’s eyes drop to theinsignia on her cloak before he turned and left.

Eventually it was Chrissie’s turn to be sold and shewas led out to the stage. The bidding was fierce at firstbut after a few minutes, as the price rose steadily, the lessserious bidders began to drop out, leaving as she hadguessed the old fat Klingon as one of the main contenders.

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There was no sign of the tall man who looked like Krangand the hope that had sustained her since Krang’s promiseof help, began to fade. The bidding was down to twocontenders now and just when it seemed that the fat onehad won, a new voice called out a bid. Startled, Chrissielooked for the newcomer, her heart beginning to beatwildly. It was him! The auctioneer shouted down theexcited crowd and said something to the other twobidders, obviously asking if they wanted to continue butthey both shook their heads. After a moment of silencethe auctioneer banged his gavel and the two guardsremoved Chrissie from the stage and handed her over toher purchaser. As he led her through the crowd to hisprivate shuttle, Chrissie was able to get a good look athim. Once again she was struck by his resemblance toKrang – it was mostly the eyes, she realised, this man wastaller and a little thinner and there was more grey in hishair. She saw that he walked with a slight limp andnoticed as well, how the other Klingons kept out of hisway. Suddenly apprehensive, she wondered what sort ofperson this man was.

Sensing her scrutiny, he said in passable, but heavilyaccented English, “I am Meren, son of Marek. Youbelong to me now.” He did not speak again until theyreached the estate where he lived.

When Chrissie entered the estate house she stoppeddead as she stared in shocked surprise at the picturehanging on the wall. Suddenly everything made sense.No wonder this Klingon reminded her so much of Krang.The painting depicted a family group, one of them theKlingon called Meren. Next to him stood Krang, manyyears younger, still only a boy, but plainly the one whohad sent her here.

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Meren answered her unspoken question “Yes, he is myyounger brother. When he contacted me I agreed to buyyou. For some reason he feels responsible for you.”

“But how did you…” she stopped, unsure how tophrase her question, but he answered it anyway.

“How did I know?” Stepping closer to her, he reachedout and touched the embroidery on her cloak. “Thatbadge is our family crest” he explained, “It allowed me toidentify you.” He smiled slightly, “Besides, I think thatyou recognised me.” Moving away from her again herang a bell, summoning a servant. As the servant enteredthe room, Meren asked, “Krang tells me you are skilled atgrowing things. Is that true?”

Chrissie nodded.

“You will work on the farm then” Meren decided,“Work hard and you will be treated well.” Changing toKlingon he addressed the servant who answered himbefore taking hold of Chrissie’s arm and ushering her outof the room.

Chrissie was a little apprehensive as she followed theservant, but no longer afraid. The Klingon Captain hadkept his word and the promised help had appeared. Thiswas his home and she knew instinctively that she wouldbe safe here.

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Chapter 29

The Klingon Captain of Security sat in his officethinking about the events of the last few days. He haddone his best to help the human woman, Chrissie. By thetime he had intervened in her questioning, she had alreadyadmitted her involvement in the prison raid. There was noway he could have simply released her withoutjeopardising his own position. As he had told her, thingshad gone too far for that. Instead he had condemned herto slavery, sending her to the homeworld to be soldalongside other rebels and trouble-causers. Then he hadcontacted his brother, Meren, and asked him to buy her forthe farm. Meren had agreed, but was not happy about it,demanding an explanation.

Only yesterday he had been forced to kill his second incommand, a pity because he had been good at his job. ButKarg had become too ambitious and had attempted toassassinate him and Krang could not allow the officer tolive after such an attempt. Now he had to start training areplacement.

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Then this morning a message had come in from theHigh Council, demanding the execution of the scientiststhey were holding prisoner. But the execution would notgo ahead. Only an hour after the message’s arrival, he hadreceived a confused report from the prison guards, of thescientists simply disappearing from their cells. It had tobe a transporter beam of course, that was the only possibleexplanation. The High Council was not going to bepleased. But Krang found he was not sorry. These werepeaceful men of science, not even warriors and to simplymurder them would be dishonourable. There had to be abetter way to serve the Empire.

Slowly Krang picked up the communicator he hadtaken from Chrissie and examined it. The more hethought about things, the more obvious it became to himthat what they were doing here on Earth was a mistake.Such cowardice could not be the true path to honour for aKlingon warrior. To act on his belief though, would meanloss of his name, his family honour, but whatever anyonethought of him, he would retain his own personal honour.The High Council, the entire Empire, even his brother,would consider him a traitor for what he was about to do.But he must follow his conscience. Abruptly thrustingaside his doubts, Krang activated the Federationcommunicator.

~~~<>~~~

Aboard the Enterprise, Uhura suddenly turned in herseat, startled. “Captain, we are being hailed by theKlingons - they are using a Federation communicator, oneof ours.”

Kirk frowned as he heard the harsh Klingon voice“This is Captain Krang, head of Earth security. Come inFederation vessel.”

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Kirk activated his own communicator, “This is CaptainJames T Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Whatdo you want?”

The Klingon sighed, the sound audible through thecomm. system. “I might have known it would be yourship, Kirk.” Then there was silence for a moment beforethe Klingon spoke again, “I have contacted you because Ibelieve this war is senseless. It must be stopped.”

Kirk was incredulous but recovered himself quickly.“Then remove your men from this planet.”

“Only the High Council has that authority, Captain”the Klingon answered, and then "I suggest that we meetsomewhere to discuss this. We should keep radio contactto a minimum - if my men are doing their job properly thisconversation could be picked up at any time.”

Kirk thought for a moment before asking, “Would yoube prepared to come on board the Enterprise?”

When the Klingon responded in the affirmative, Kirksaid "Very well, prepare to beam up" and turning to hissecurity chief, said “Chekov, I want a fully armed securityteam waiting for our visitor in the transporter room.”

As the Klingon materialised on the transporterplatform, the security officers moved forwards, grabbinghold of him and roughly searching him. The Klingonmade no resistance, saying only “I came unarmed.”

“Just doing my job, sir” one of the men said. TheKlingon nodded, seeming amused by their diligence, hetoo was a security officer.

When the guard confirmed his lack of weapons, Krangwas escorted to the conference room where he found thesenior officers of the Enterprise awaiting him.

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Not unnaturally the crew were suspicious of the bigKlingon. "Why are you doing this?" Chekov asked,hostility in his voice. “After all, by helping us, you arebetraying your own people.”

“A fair question” Krang responded, "Yes, I ambetraying my own people. There’s no way you could haveknown this when you raided the prison this morning - atleast, I assume it was you - but only this morning Ireceived a message from the High Council, ordering theexecution of the prisoners.” He paused for a moment,thinking about what he wanted to say. “I believe thatthere is no honour in such an act. If we are to fight theFederation, it should be done openly, warrior to warrior.Such treachery cannot be the Klingon way to true honourand the glory of the Empire.”

“One more thing" Kirk said abruptly, "Thecommunicator you used to contact us was one of ours.Where did you get it from?”

Krang found himself unwilling to mention the humanwoman, despite knowing she must have come from thisship, and said only “One of my men took it off a prisonerwho was then sent to the Klingon homeworld. She wassold as a slave and is beyond your reach.”

There was silence for a moment as the Starfleetofficers grieved for the loss of the courageous youngwoman they had come to know and respect. Krang had ofcourse guessed correctly when he assumed that she wasinvolved with the crew of this ship. But there wasnothing they could do to help her. As Krang had said, shewas beyond their reach. The people of Earth however,still needed their help.

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Finally Kirk spoke again and the meeting began inearnest. Krang was able to give them much help, detailsof security arrangements, deployment of forces, strategicbases etc. But when Kirk mentioned the idea his scienceteam had come up with, the Klingon stiffened. There wasno honour to be found in biological warfare. The idea ofreleasing a toxin into the planet’s atmosphere did not seemto him to be an honourable way of fighting a battle.Nevertheless, he acknowledged grimly that releasing abio-engineered toxin, which was designed to target theKlingons and leave the humans alone, might lack honour,but was certainly an efficient way of solving the problem.

"This toxin you are developing" Krang asked, "Is itfatal?"

McCoy seemed uncomfortable as he answered theKlingon's question. "We have two possibilities but wehaven't decided yet which one to use. The problem is, ifwe just knock them out, we still have to get them off Earthbefore they regain consciousness.

Krang nodded, "With my help, that part is easier thanyou think. There is a cloaked battle cruiser in orbit, it'sunmanned at the moment. As Captain of Security, I havefull access to it. Have the resistance load the unconsciousKlingons onto the ship and I will pilot it back to thehomeworld."

The meeting continued, more ideas being raised andthe pros and cons of various strategies being discussed.

At the end of the meeting, Krang was surprised whenKirk thanked him, saying that he would always bewelcome in the Federation.

"No Captain" Krang said, "Someone has to pilot theship back home, and I must return to face the

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consequences of my actions. But I thank you for youroffer."

With the Klingon's help, work on the non-fatal toxinproceeded quickly and it was not long before it had beenloaded into the torpedoes and sent to the prearrangeddestinations.

Krang beamed over to the Klingon battle-cruiser andbegan to supervise the loading of its cargo of unconsciousKlingons. Soon there were no more Klingons left onEarth.

Before leaving orbit however, Krang quietly beamedback to Earth. Chrissie's children were still in his homeand he found he could not simply abandon them, althoughwhat they would do on the Homeworld, he refused toconsider. Beaming back on board the battle cruiser, hestarted the impulse engines, taking the ship out of orbit.Once in deep space he engaged the warp drive, pushingthe ship to its limits. The ship was vibrating as it reachedwarp eight, but he pushed the engines still further until thedial read warp nine, maximum speed. Reaching across theconsole, he pushed a red button and the ship began toshudder as the time warp formed around it. Minutes later,it emerged into the 23rd century and he powered down theengines to a safer level.

Engaging the cloaking device (they were after all, stillin the Federation, enemy space) he set course for Qo’noS.As the ship crossed the neutral zone, passing into Klingonspace, Krang reduced speed still further and locked in theautomatic pilot. The ship would remain on course until itapproached orbit of the homeworld, where it would bedetected by the spaceport authorities and brought in safelyto land.

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Krang had realised that there was no way he couldreturn to the homeworld with the ship - he would bearrested immediately. His only hope of eluding theauthorities long enough to reunite the children with theirmother and speak with his brother, was to take the smallshuttle and slip in unnoticed, well away from anyspaceport. He had no hope that his brother wouldunderstand or forgive his actions, but honour demandedthat he face Meren and tell him the truth. He did not allowhimself to think past that moment.

Krang headed for the shuttle-bay where the two wildlyexcited children were waiting for him. Despite his worries,he couldn't help smiling, it was obvious that they werehaving the time of their lives. They settled themselves inthe shuttle and Krang activated the computer, keying inthe command that would open the shuttle-bay doors. Thebig doors swung slowly open and Krang guided the littlevessel away from the battle-cruiser, out into open space.

It took them some days to reach the Klingonhomeworld, but as they approached, Krang tuned in to thecommunications network, listening to the newsbroadcasts. The battle cruiser had arrived some daysahead of them and press speculation was rife, much to thedismay and confusion of the High Council. And as he hadknown, he was being blamed for the fiasco and he wasalready being hunted.

It proved easier than he had thought to slip into orbitand from there, take the little craft down through theatmosphere and land unnoticed, not too far from hisbrother’s home. Immediately he set out for the farm,taking the children with him, avoiding the roads andmoving across country.

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When he entered the farmhouse, he found his brotherMeren in his study. Meren was absolutely furious with hisyounger brother, demanding an immediate explanation.The High Council had informed him of his brother'streason and disappearance, and that there was a warrantout for his arrest.

But Meren, on receiving the explanation, against all ofKrang's wildest expectations, not only understood, butagreed with his brother's actions. He was not so readyhowever, to forgive his brother regarding the humanwoman, and insisted that Krang return her to theFederation. He gave a slight smile as he looked down atthe two children, now quiet and apprehensive, and thendirected a querying glance at his brother.

Krang nodded, “Yes, they are hers.”

“And just what did you think they're going to do hereon Qo'noS?” He sighed, “No, don't bother answering that,you didn't think at all, did you?”

He picked up a bell and rang it, and when the servantappeared, ordered him to have his personal bird-of-preymade ready for a space flight, and to summon theTerragnan woman from the fields.

As the servant left to obey, Meren said “We must leaveimmediately if we wish our departure to be undetected.But first, I will leave you alone to talk to your woman.She has something important to tell you.” He headedtowards the adjoining room, opening the door, but wascalled back by his brother’s voice.

“What do you mean, we must leave? I don't expectyou to get involved in my dishonour.”

Meren gave a short laugh, “I am your brother, Krang.We will stay together. I’m not leaving you to face this

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alone.” And he passed through the door, closing it behindhim.

~~~<>~~~

Time had passed quickly for Chrissie and soon she hadbeen working on the farm for three months. It was hard,sometimes backbreaking work, and the language barriermade things more difficult, but her knowledge ofagriculture helped and she found the work interesting.She began to learn to speak Klingon and as her ability tospeak the language improved, she learned that she was theonly slave on the estate. All the other workers were freeservants; the House of Inigan did not believe in slavery.

The other servants were wary of her at first andChrissie discovered that there were years of distrustbetween the Federation and the Klingons. Living hereamongst Klingons, she found it strange to see the conflictfrom the other side. Some of their ideas about Terranswere as strange as her ideas about Klingons. But slowly,as they worked together and got to know each other,friendship and mutual respect began to form betweenthem.

But while out in the fields one day, she collapsed andthe Klingon doctor called to examine her, told her that shewas pregnant. He must have told her jailer as wellbecause she was summoned to Meren, who demanded toknow who was the baby’s father.

His arrogance made Chrissie angry and she lost hertemper, actually daring to shout back at him, “Who do youthink? There's only been one man since my husband diedand that’s your precious brother!”

Meren was furious with her. “I will learn the truth ofthis, so don’t lie to me.”

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“I’m not lying!” she insisted, “Why don’t you just askhim?”

Meren was so angry he almost hit her, but recoveredhimself in time, it would not be honourable to hit apregnant woman. “The Klingons are no longer on Earth.I do not know where my brother is, he has not returnedwith the fleet.”

Chrissie stared at him, stunned. What had happened?Klingons no longer on Earth, Krang missing? Had theyleft because they had succeeded and no longer neededEarth, or because the Federation had won? She started toask, but Meren was in no mood to explain and she wasdismissed with no answers.

Days later, Chrissie was summoned again to Meren'soffice. Apprehensively she knocked on his door. Butwhen she entered, it was not Meren waiting for her, butKrang and her children. The Klingon let go of thechildren and they ran into their mother’s outstretchedarms. Sobbing with joy, Chrissie hugged them. Theywere glad to see her but quickly got bored and began tofidget. Seeing their restlessness, and wanting to talk toChrissie in private, Krang crossed the study and openedthe patio door. The children went dashing outside, eagerto explore this new environment but a sharp word fromKrang stopped them in their tracks. Reluctantly they cameback and speaking to them in Klingon, Krang instructedthem to remain close to the house.

“HIja vav” Toni and Fina chorused cheerfully andruffling their hair, Krang sent them off to play beforeturning his attention to their mother. “Meren said youhave something important to tell me”

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Chrissie hesitated, suddenly nervous. If Krang didn’twant her and the child, what would happen to her? Shehad nowhere to go. She was out of her time and a longway from home in a universe that was much bigger andfar more dangerous than she could ever have imagined.And if he did want her, what sort of relationship couldthey have? The truth was, the Klingon captain frightenedher but he had proved himself honourable and her childrentrusted him. In fact, they had just called him vav, theKlingon word for father. And she could not deny thatthere was a chemistry between them. Even now, shecould feel the attraction and she sensed that he felt it too.

Abruptly she made up her mind. If she didn’t tell him,Meren certainly would and he deserved to know the truth.She raised her eyes to meet his and taking a deep breath,blurted it out. “I’m pregnant.”

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Chapter 30

Pregnant. Krang stared at Chrissie, not quite able totake it in. She was carrying a child. His child. The wordsechoed through his mind. He was going to be a father.How had… He stopped himself from asking that question- he wasn’t stupid, he knew where babies came from. Butit had never occurred to him that a cross species liaisoncould have resulted in a child, and it had only been onenight. He sighed, it was just another example of howcareless and irresponsible he had been where this womanwas concerned. But now he had to decide what to do.Klingons did not generally treat sex as a casual activity.Qo’noS was a patriarchal society and children bornoutside of wedlock were discriminated against and theirmothers cast out of society if they refused - or were unable- to wed the father. Krang had every intention of takingresponsibility for his child, but he felt very unsure ofhimself. Chrissie was not Klingon and she had beentreated badly because of him. He did not think that shewould want him. And even if she did, where would theygo? He was already being hunted as a traitor, there was

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nowhere in the Empire that they could go. That just leftthe Federation. But the Federation and the Empire wereenemies. Would the Terrans offer him asylum or wouldthey be forced to try to find some quiet non-aligned worlda long way away?

First things first, he told himself. He should deal withthe matter at hand before worrying about the future. Hewas going to be a father. Slowly he smiled, realising heliked the idea, that he wanted this child. In fact he wantedthe whole package - Chrissie, the two Terran children andthe new baby. A ready made family for a man who hadspent too much time alone.

Chrissie watched him, trying to read the emotions thatwere flitting across his face, to gauge how he felt aboutthe situation. She saw incredulity, then concern and evena touch of fear and her heart sank. But then she realisedhe was smiling. Looking up into his dark eyes and seeingthe emotion there, she held out her arms to him. For amoment, he hesitated and then moved into her embrace,pulling her roughly against him and kissing her deeply.He felt her response and revelled in it. She was his, hethought fiercely, he would allow nothing to come betweenthem now.

“Chrissie” he said, pulling back just enough to allowspeech, “will you take the oath with me, become mymate?”

“For the child’s sake?” she asked.

“Yes, for the baby” His answer was stark and for amoment she felt disappointed. Well what else had sheexpected, she asked herself, a declaration of undying love?But he continued. “Also for Antonio and Josefina. I have

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grown to care for them. They need both a father and amother.”

Chrissie nodded, acknowledging the truth of hiswords, but he still hadn’t finished. “And for us. There issomething between us, Chrissie. Many successfulmarriages have been built on less. I ask again, will youtake the oath with me?”

In the three months she had lived amongst Meren’sservants, Chrissie had learned much of the Klingon way oflife and she knew what would be expected of her if sheagreed. She was silent for a long time, considering hisproposal. Could they make this work? He was right,there was something between them but was it enough?Could she grow to love this Klingon and would he evercome to love her? She didn’t know the answers to thosequestions, but she realised that she wanted to find out.Her decision made, she said, “Yes, I will take the oathwith you.”

Krang gave a triumphant smile and removing thed’k’tahg from his belt, he activated the blades. With onequick motion, he slashed his palm open until bright violetblood dripped from the wound. He held out the dagger toChrissie. She looked at the bloodstained knife in his hand,making no effort to take it from him. She wanted to do it,but she was scared and she didn’t know if she couldactually cut herself. Eventually, she held out her hand,palm up. “Will you do it?”

Krang saw her tension and understanding her fear, hemoved closer to her and took her hand in his. Swiftly, hedrew the blade across the palm of her hand. The knifewas so sharp that she hardly felt it. He had not cut herdeeply, just barely enough to draw blood. She glanceddown at the scarlet life-giving fluid that was welling from

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her cut palm, acutely aware of the contrast between it andthe violet colour of his blood. No longer afraid, Chrissieplaced her palm against his and they stood there for amoment, hands clasped, their fingers entwined, allowingtheir blood to mix.

Krang spoke the words of the oath then. “jiH dok”

She answered him in carefully pronounced Klingon.“maj dok.”

Then they both said together “TlhIngan jiH”

As simply as that, it was done. They were mated.With a possessive growl, Krang drew her close againsthim, kissing her until they were both breathless.

They broke apart almost guiltily as the study dooropened and Meren entered. The older Klingon saw theblood still dripping from their hands and smiled tohimself. So he’d been right, it was like that betweenKrang and the Terran woman. His brother had finallyfound himself a mate. But there was no time now forcelebrations.

“I have received warning of government troopsmoving this way” Meren said. “My ship is ready andwaiting. Krang, if there’s anything you want to take withyou, you should go and get it. The same goes for youChrista, fetch anything you need and call your children.Hurry, we must leave immediately.”

Krang took off at a run, heading out the study door andup the main staircase towards the room that had been hissince childhood. Chrissie hesitated, she had nopossessions to call her own. Except… She suddenlyremembered the cloak Krang had given her. She still hadit, although she had been forbidden to wear it because ofthe House insignia embroidered on it. It was not an

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appropriate garment for a servant to wear. Slipping out ofthe patio doors she headed back towards the servant’sbarracks where she slept each night. Quickly she pickedup a few toiletries and a change of clothing and shovedthem into a bag. Throwing the heavy cloak over hershoulders, she hurried back towards the main house. Herchildren had kept their promise and had remained withinsight and she called them to her. Taking them by thehand, she led them back into the study, where she foundboth Meren and Krang waiting impatiently for her. Bothmen were carrying duffel bags over their shoulders andwere heavily armed.

“I’ve transferred ownership of the Estate to our sister,with the provisions that it not be sold outside the familyand that the servants remain in residence” Meren said,“That should stop the High Council confiscating it. Nowlet’s go.”

~~~<>~~~

On board the Enterprise, the crew watched as thebattle-cruiser headed away from the Earth. Moments later,as the Klingon ship went into warp, beginning its longjourney back to Qo’noS, the Enterprise too left orbit.

Their duty now was to check that Earth had recoveredcompletely from the invasion and ensure that the time-linethat led to the formation of the Federation had not beenirrevocably been damaged by the Klingon invaders.Engaging their warp drive, they moved a few yearsforward, using the highly dangerous method of travellingrounding the sun at enormous speed. Despite theinvention of the Klingon time dilator and the best effortsof Starfleet Intelligence to obtain the schematics to thedevice, the Federation remained unable to produce aprototype that actually worked and the slingshot

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manoeuvre, risky as it was, remained the only method oftime travel.

On sending down a landing party it became obviousthat the world had recovered from the four years of terrorcomparatively fast and thoroughly. Somehow, whatSpock could only speculate was some sort of temporalinertia had asserted itself and people had simply begun toforget that an alien invasion had ever happened. Khan andthe genetically engineered ‘supermen’ who had fought sohard against the Klingons had somehow become thevillains of the piece. Too cocky and sure of themselvesfor their own good, they had begun to turn against thepeople who created them. Coming to believe that theirgenetically enhanced abilities made them better thaneveryone else, they had quickly become the enemy and thepeople of Earth, who had once united against the Klingonthreat, rapidly went back to their old ways and oldalliances. Everyone knew after all, that there was no suchthing as aliens, just genetically enhanced super-soldiers(or monsters, depending on who you asked) in masks todisguise their identity.

Shaking his head in bemusement at the human race’sability to fool itself so thoroughly, Kirk gave the order forthe Enterprise to return to its own time in the 23rd century.

Once again the Enterprise headed round the sun, theofficers on the bridge hoping that their stream of time hadbeen re-established and the Federation as they knew it,actually existed. Everything seemed fine but they wouldnot know for certain until they arrived back where theybelonged. The entire bridge crew worked with the utmostconcentration, the tension tangible.

Finally the Enterprise turned into standard orbit aroundEarth again. On the viewscreen, everything looked

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normal and as it should be. Unaccountably nervous, Kirkgave the order to try contacting Starfleet Command.Uhura cautiously worked on her console, only reluctantlydaring to speak. For several moments, as they waited fora response, everyone stopped breathing. Even the coolVulcan seemed a little more pale than usual.

Then a formal voice came over the intercom,“Acknowledged Enterprise. Welcome back. Please fly toDock B, berth twelve. Captain, report to the admiralty assoon as possible.”

What a relief these words were! Obviously everythinghad worked out okay. Chekov was grinning from ear toear and Kirk was looking round, proudly surveying hiscrew. Only Spock showed no obvious reaction, but thosewho knew him well could see the relief under the outwardfaçade of Vulcan calm. Kirk let out the breath be hadn’teven realised he was holding. “Well done people” he said,“We’re home!”

~~~<>~~~

After Kirk's report, Starfleet expected trouble from theKlingons and the Enterprise was ordered to the borders ofthe Klingon neutral zone to monitor activity. TheEnterprise had been patrolling the neutral zone for almosta week, when Chekov announced, "Keptin, our scannershave picked up a Klingon ship heading towards us. Itappears to be a miniature bird-of-prey.”

One bird-of-prey was no danger to a ship the size ofthe Enterprise, but where there was one vessel, there couldbe others cloaked. As a precaution, Kirk ordered theshields up before instructing Uhura to hail the ship.

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Uhura did so but reported "They are notacknowledging Captain. Shall I keep trying?" At Kirk'snod, she turned back to her panel and continued her work.

"The wessel is continuing to approach us, Keptin"Chekov reported, "Scans indicate there are only five lifesigns on board, two Klingon and three human."

Kirk frowned, this latest taking him by surprise but hesaid only "What about its weapons capability?"

"Its disruptors are functional, but it looks as if the shiphas been in a fight, Keptin" Chekov responded, then amoment later "Sir, the wessel has just lowered its shieldsand taken its weapons off-line."

"Captain, the ship is now within range of our tractorbeams" Spock informed him, his voice calm as always.

Kirk glanced across at Uhura and she shook her head,"They're still not answering our hails, sir."

"Very well, Uhura. Sulu, engage the tractor beam."Kirk ordered.

The small Bird of Prey shuddered as the tractor beamtook hold of it but made no effort to resist as it was drawntowards the Enterprise.

"We'll bring it into shuttle-bay one" Kirk said, "I wanta full security team waiting there. Chekov, Spock, comewith me."

The officers entered the great shuttle-bay and stoodwatching as the alarm sounded and the doors began torise, until the whole of the shuttle-bay was exposed tospace. Only the powerful forcefield stood between themand the cold vastness of space. The tractor beam broughtthe Klingon vessel closer and closer until the bird-of-preyfilled their vision, almost completely blocking their view

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of the stars beyond. There was barely room for the ship toenter, but it cleared the shuttle-bay doors with whatseemed like only inches to spare and with a gentle bump,it came to rest on the deck. Slowly, the doors of theshuttle-bay began to close behind it until once again theview of space was gone and the warning siren wassilenced.

Moments later, the door to the bird-of-prey swungopen and a Klingon stepped out. The security teaminstantly pointed their phasers at the newcomer, but Kirkrelaxed, recognising the Klingon Captain of Security whohad helped them. As Krang descended from the vessel, heturned and motioned back to the ship. Immediately ahuman woman, Chrissie appeared with two children andbehind her, another Klingon who Kirk did not recognise.

The strange Klingon approached Kirk, taking no noticeof the phasers trained on him. “You must be the infamousCaptain Kirk" the Klingon said, "I am Meren, son ofMarek and older brother to Krang.”

Sarah, entering the shuttle-bay to look for the Captain,stopped dead in total disbelief as she saw the newcomers.“Chrissie!” Her voice cracked and she found she couldn'tspeak.

Chrissie turned as she heard her name and momentslater the two women were hugging, tears pouring downtheir faces, totally oblivious of the others in the room. “Ithought you were dead!” Sarah said finally, recovering hervoice.

Meren interrupted their reunion, saying brusquely, “Isuggest you get under way, Captain. There is a Klingonbattle fleet not far behind us. My brother is important tothem, they do not wish him to escape.” He glanced across

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at his brother, his concern obvious to them all. “However,they will not cross the neutral zone if we are not here. TheHigh Council is not yet ready for open war.”

Kirk found himself responding automatically to theKlingon's natural authority, and snapped out orders to getthe ship under way and back to Federation space.

Kirk dismissed the security team and the group left theshuttle-bay. “How did you escape the fleet?” Kirk askedas they walked down the corridor.

Meren gave a wolfish smile. “My vessel may besmall, but it's fast and manoeuvrable. Even so, theymanaged to get in a lucky hit and knocked out ourcommunications system. That’s why we were unable toanswer your hails.”

“So, what are you doing here?” Kirk asked, “We didn’texpect to see you again.”

It was Krang who answered this time. “You told meCaptain, that I would be welcome in the Federation. Ifthat is true then I request asylum for myself and myfamily.”

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Chapter 31

Personal log, Captain James T Kirk, USS Enterprise NCC 1701

Our mission to prevent the occupation of Earth by theKlingons has been completed. The timeline now recordsevents as they were originally meant to happen and thecrew have once again performed above and beyondexpectations during this difficult mission.

I find myself however at an impasse. Two Klingonofficers and their family have requested asylum.Unfortunately the situation is far from clear cut. Theofficers in question were both deeply involved with themission to invade Earth. To complicate things further,one of them is married to a human woman - from the 20thcentury no less and as such she is a stranger to this timeperiod.

Opinions among my senior staff remain divided and Ihave not yet come to a decision. Am I honourable? Do Ifollow the dictates of the Federation Council? Or do Ifollow my conscience and offer assistance to a person whois technically, an enemy of the state?

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Captains Log, Supplemental

As always, Starfleet has chosen to take the moral highground - after lengthy discussions, the diplomats havefinally agreed that the two Klingon brothers and theirfamily should be offered asylum. The problem is, nobodywants a Klingon on their doorstep – a viewpoint that untilvery recently I would have agreed with wholeheartedly.

Another factor to be considered is that Chrissie ispregnant. Since the father of her child is Klingon,Starfleet’s original intention of sending her back to herown time period would be a death sentence for bothmother and child. Due to the unique nature of Chrissie’spregnancy, I have decided that our ‘passengers’ shouldremain aboard the Enterprise until the pregnancy has cometo term.

~~~<>~~~

Krang grew more and more restless during the monthsof his wife’s pregnancy. It was increasingly obvious tohim that there was no place for him and his family in theFederation – and they could not remain on the Enterpriseforever. His skills and abilities as an intelligence officerwere useless here, wasted. Klingons were after all, theenemy, not to be trusted. He still believed he had done theright thing but he knew what they must be thinking – hewas a traitor to his own people, how long would it bebefore he turned on them as well?

He began to spend time in the gymnasium, trainingwith his brother, practicing and honing his skills in botharmed and unarmed combat and it was here that the twoKlingons eventually found a purpose. Their abilities werequickly noticed by other crew members using the gym andafter a while, first one, then another, asked the Klingon

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brothers to teach them. Before they knew it, both Krangand Meren were holding regular classes.

As for Chrissie, her time was filled with caring for herchildren, attempting to bring her education up to date andattending medical appointments. She was having a hardtime with the pregnancy, feeling constantly sick and tiredand as time went by, it only got worse. McCoy told herthat her immune system was fighting against the unbornchild because of its alien blood. Whatever the reason, themonths passed in a blur of constant sickness and misery asthere were no drugs to help her. While cross breeding wasnot unknown, Chrissie would be the first human woman inthe history of the Federation to give birth to a half Klingonchild, a fact she did not find reassuring.

By the time Chrissie finally went into labour, she hadbeen in sickbay for almost a month. Her health haddeteriorated to a point where Dr McCoy had insisted onadmitting her. Krang could do nothing to help her, onlywatch as she fought for her health and for the life of thechild she carried. And she was fighting. As the monthspassed, Krang came to respect her more and more, andslowly, inevitably, without his noticing it, his feelings forher turned to love.

No longer able to bear the waiting, Krang insisted onhelping with the birth. He stood in sickbay, his normalclothing covered by some flimsy piece of blue materialthat was deemed essential to the medical practices ofdelivering a baby aboard a Federation starship. On the bio-bed, with Nurse Chapel and the chief medical officerhovering around her, Chrissie lay back, breathing raggedlywith sweat dripping from her face.

Krang had a little knowledge of what happened duringchild birth but he had no first hand experience, and this led

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the proud Klingon to an uncomfortable situation he wouldnever admit to. He had no idea what to do. He was abattle hardened warrior, accustomed to the blood and thescreams – all the things that went along with being awarrior. But this was a hospital ward, not a battlefield,and this was not some unknown enemy but his mate lyingthere in pain, as she fought to bring his child into theworld.

For her part, Chrissie’s calmness was starting to giveway to fear. This was not her first baby and unlike hermate, she did know what to expect, or at least, until it hadactually begun, she’d thought she did. The young womanhad been in labour for about twelve hours so far andalthough with human childbirth this was not a long time,with a half Klingon baby the rules were different. DoctorMcCoy had told her that Klingon babies had stronger,more rigid skulls than human babies and hisrecommendation had been for surgical intervention. Shehad disagreed and after a long discussion with the doctor,she had decided to try for a natural birth, a decision shewas now beginning to regret. It hurt! She’d been throughthis twice before and somehow she’d managed to forgetjust how much it hurt. She felt like she was giving birth toa rhino instead of a baby!

Suddenly Chrissie screamed and Krang moved to herside, hoping to offer comfort as best he could. Obviouslythe contractions were getting worse. Chrissie’s hand shotout and caught Krang’s in a bruising grip that was strongenough to make the warrior suppress a wince “This is allyour fault Krang!” she shrieked “You did this to me! Ihate you, I hate you, I HATE YOU!”

Nurse Chapel noticed the look of shock and hurt on theKlingon’s face “That’s common with women during

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labour” she told the Klingon reassuringly, “They alwayssay that. Don’t worry.”

The contraction passed and Chrissie’s body relaxed alittle. Krang started to stand up. Despite the nurse’swords, he knew he could not blame Chrissie if she didmean it. She was right, he thought, this was his fault.“Maybe I should leave” he suggested.

“No!” Chrissie gasped, tightening her grip on his hand.“Don’t go. Don’t leave me. I don’t hate you…” Herwords were cut off by another contraction. They werecoming closer together and it would not be much longeruntil the baby arrived. She was quiet now, no longerhaving the strength to talk or even to scream.

For both Krang and Chrissie it seemed like a very longtime but in actual fact it was only another hour before thebaby finally made its arrival.

It took Dr McCoy only a few moments to cut the cord,check the child over and place the newborn baby girl intoher mother’s waiting arms.

Exhausted but radiantly happy, Chrissie looked up ather husband, who against all hospital regulations, wassitting on the edge of her bed. “Would you like to holdher?”

The look of panic on his face was almost comical.“She’s so small” he said, suddenly nervous, “I don’t wantto hurt her.”

“You won’t hurt her” Chrissie said. Not giving him achance to object, she carefully moved the baby, handingher to Krang. She watched as Krang cautiously held thetiny child in his arms, clutching her as though he wasafraid she would break. It was a moment she wouldtreasure for the rest of her life - the look of wonder and

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tenderness on his normally harsh features. That was whenshe really fell in love with her Klingon husband.

Klingon tradition demanded that the father name thechild, and Krang had chosen the name Kara, a name thathad meaning in both cultures to which the child belonged.

Carefully, he returned the baby to Chrissie and sittingon the edge of the bed, he bent and kissed his mate."Chrissie-oy. Be’naloywI, my beloved wife!"

~~~<>~~~

It was after a particularly gruelling session in the gymand the two brothers were sitting in the recreation room ofthe Enterprise, when the solution to their problems cameto them. Both Krang and Meren were worried. Enterprisewas not a family ship and now that the baby had arrived, itwas time for them to make a decision about their future.

“I wonder” Meren said thoughtfully, “whether therewill ever be peace between the Federation and theKlingons?”

“I doubt it” Krang responded, “Our people arewarriors. Peace is a word they are not ready – or willing –to understand. I do not think that will ever change.”

Meren nodded, “and yet… do you remember when wetested the time dilator?” At his brother’s look of enquiry,he continued, “That starship captain – what was hisname?”

“Hunter” Krang supplied, “Captain Hunter of the USSUlysses. What about him?”

“Hunter, that’s it” Meren said, “Well, he invited us tovisit him at Starbase 92 – said something about a Klingonrestaurant there”

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“I remember” Krang said, “That always struck me asstrange. I mean, with what I’ve seen of the Federation andthe way they burn everything, I really can’t imagineKlingon cuisine being very popular.”

Meren laughed at that. “True, but I was thinking moreabout the social aspect of it.

Krang frowned. “What of it?”

“Well, I was thinking” Meren said, carefully watchinghis brother’s reaction, “That it would be a good place…time…whatever… to bring up a family”

~~~<>~~~

When Krang broached the idea to his wife, she agreedreadily. Like her mate, Chrissie was uncomfortably awarethat their time on the Enterprise was temporary. She wasalready so far away from everything she had ever knownthat the thought of travelling another hundred years or sointo the future didn’t seem to matter very much. And if itmeant that she and Krang could bring up their children inpeace, then so much the better.

Chrissie’s brother however was not so enthusiastic.He had come to realise over the last few months that hismedical training was so outdated it would take him yearsof study to re-qualify. The thought of going further intothe future, where he would be even more of ananachronism, did not appeal at all. He had recently gotengaged to Sarah and after talking it through together thetwo came to the decision that they would much rather gohome to the twentieth century where they belonged.David was a doctor, a good one and in his own timeperiod he could be of use. Here he felt useless. If Krangand Meren were going to make one more time journey on

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Night Dagger, then surely they could make a detour backinto the past and take him home.

Going back to twentieth century Earth was risky. Ifthe planet was to continue its recovery unhindered, it wasvital that Night Dagger not be detected. As soon as thetiny bird-of-prey emerged into the past, Meren ordered thecloaking device engaged. Invisible to both the primitiveearly warning systems the Terrans had developed and tothe naked eye of any passers-by, Night Dagger slippeddown through the atmosphere, landing on the roof of theapartment block that had, until just a few days ago, bylocal time at least, been Chrissie’s and David’s home.

Leaving the ship under cover of darkness, the threeTerrans slipped down the main stairway, accompanied byKrang. David had argued that the Klingon should remainonboard the ship, but he had lost that argument. Krangdid not feel comfortable allowing his wife to leave thesafety of the ship without his protection. That he wasworried she would choose not to return, was something hewould never admit. Besides, he was curious to see theplace where his wife had once lived.

It didn’t take Chrissie long to collect the bits andpieces she wanted, just a few photos and some things forthe children. She’d been forced to leave most of herbelongings behind when she had left Spain after the deathof her first husband. All too soon it was time for her andKrang to leave. In an effort to delay the inevitable, Sarahand David walked back to the roof top with them.

The parting was emotional. David hugged Chrissieone last time, knowing that this time, their ‘goodbyes’were final. When Night Dagger departed, he would neversee his sister again. Finally, reluctantly, he released her,watching as she stepped back to take her place at her

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husband’s side. The two turned and started to walk backup the ramp and into the waiting bird-of-prey.

“Krang” David called out involuntarily. The Klingonturned, an enquiring look on his face. “Look after her”

Krang nodded. “Always!” He slipped an arm aroundChrissie’s waist, and together they disappeared into thedepths of the ship.

~~~<>~~~Personal Log, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, USS Enterprise NCC 1701D

The Enterprise has returned to Sector 001 at a positionhalf way between Earth and the moon to pick up a ratherunique crew member. Almost exactly one hundred yearsago, the Constitution class USS Enterprise under thecommand of Captain James T Kirk was involved with amission to stop an invasion of Earth by a battalion ofKlingon warriors.According to information uncovered via a time-delayed,sealed and highly classified file in Federation archives, theinvasion was successfully thwarted and the timeline wassuccessfully repaired.

The Klingon officer involved with the operation, oneKrang epetai Inigan, apparently chose to defect to theFederation and has utilised a prototype time travel deviceto bring his family forward in time to the twenty fourthcentury.

A second Klingon officer, who is believed to beKrang’s brother, also travelled in the time ship. However,while Krang and his family wish to remain in theFederation, his brother wishes to return to the KlingonEmpire to reclaim the family estate and will take the timeship with him.

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Starfleet Intelligence and the Bureau of TemporalInvestigations have both expressed their interest in theship. However, investigations into the device have shownthat it would not be compatible with Federationtechnology and under the circumstances it is the view ofStarfleet Command that the ship be allowed to return tothe Klingon Empire undisturbed. It has been agreed thatupon arrival at Qo’noS, the time device will be removedfrom the ship and decommissioned in order to prevent anyrisk of further contamination of the timeline.

After an extensive debriefing by the Intelligenceservices and several lengthy interviews with StarfleetCommand it has been decided that after a brief evaluationat Starfleet academy, Krang will serve on the Enterprise inthe security division under the supervision of LieutenantWorf. Since Enterprise already has a Klingon officer onboard, we are considered the most suitable vessel for thejob. It is not of course, the first time we have hostedofficers of the Klingon Defence Force under the officerexchange programme, and considering the difficultiesfaced by Kurn, Starfleet feel that the presence ofLieutenant Worf will make the transition easier for Krang.However, he will first undergo a brief evaluation atStarfleet Academy.

As for Krang’s wife, it has been determined that herskills are almost four hundred years out of date. She willremain with her husband during his tenure at the academy,and will transfer with him to the Enterprise where she willwork in the botanical science division under the directsupervision of our head of science who will devise anintensive training programme for her.

~~~<>~~~

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The morning after their final interview with StarfleetCommand, Chrissie and Krang were settling into theirnew quarters on board the starship Enterprise. Thechildren were wild with excitement but Chrissie could notbring herself to discipline them, she understood exactlyhow they felt.

Her husband, wearing his new uniform for the firsttime, was sitting in a chair as she attempted to tidy up hishair. She pulled the brush through his thick, wiry mane,ignoring his yells as she ruthlessly combed out the tangles.Finally the last stubborn knot had been removed and thebig Klingon attempted to escape. “Oh no you don’t!” shesaid laughing, pushing him back down again, “I haven'tfinished yet.”

He glowered at her but did as he was told. Runningher hands through his hair she pulled it back from his faceand tied it at the nape of his neck. She leaned over andkissed him, “Okay, now you can move.”

Getting up, Krang went over to the mirror and lookedcritically at his reflection. He looked totally different, hethought, was that really him? He felt strange, it didn'tseem right somehow, to be wearing a Federation uniform,he found it difficult to comprehend that he had beenaccepted so easily - only a short time ago (for him, atleast) he had been at war with the humans, and now hewas to serve on their most famous starship.

Chrissie smiled as she glanced across at her husband,she had a good idea what he was thinking, but he wouldsoon get used to it, and he looked great in that uniform.

Krang’s new combadge beeped and a little selfconsciously he pressed it, “Krang here.”

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The duty ensign’s voice came over the badge, “Sir,there is an incoming personal message for you fromQo’noS.”

Krang was startled, he no longer knew anyone on thehomeworld, but said only, “I'll take it down here.”

A few minutes later, Krang sat down, absolutelystunned. The message had been from Gowron, the leaderof the High Council, welcoming him to the 24th centuryand naming him a ‘Hero of the Klingon Empire.’ Gowronhad explained that without his intervention the homeworldwould have been destroyed when the moon, Praxis,exploded. Only the aid of the Federation had enabledthem to save their homeworld and therefore the Empire,and had the 23rd century Klingons succeeded in theirplans the Federation would not have existed. He hadended saying “It is my belief that these events mustremain classified. However, on behalf of the Klingonpeople who will never know just how close we came todestruction, I thank you for what you have done for us.”

~~~<>~~~The Court of Justice, Qo’noS, 2375

There was complete silence in the courtroom as thosepresent took in the details of the story pieced togetherfrom the accounts of Krang and his wife as well as fromhistorical accounts in the Klingon archives and the logs ofthe original USS Enterprise.

The story was told now, a story that, told by the peoplewho had participated in the events described, had caughtall listening by surprise. Slowly the silence was replacedby a murmuring that increased in volume as thecouncillors and court officials responded to what they hadheard.

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The judge allowed the noise to continue for a fewmoments before raising his gavel and bringing it crashingdown on his desk. Instantly silence reigned again as thejudge prepared to speak.

“It is my opinion that time travel is incrediblydangerous” the judge said thoughtfully. “As Klingons,the danger alone should not be enough to stop us. It wasGowron’s belief that changing history in this way wouldhave led to the downfall of the Klingon empire - or at thevery least, delayed its recovery - after the destruction ofPraxis. We are not here however to speculate on whatmight have been, but to make a judgement based onknown facts. And the fact is that the accused was givenorders which he chose, by his own admission, to disobey.Furthermore, he then collaborated with the enemies of theEmpire.”

The judge paused and looked over at Krang, a long,thoughtful look. “I have one final question for you,Krang. In your long career as a Captain of Security, youhave on more than one occasion been required to judge theguilt or innocence of prisoners brought before you. Tellme, son of Marek, what verdict would you deliver in thiscase?”

For several moments Krang was silent, considering thequestion put to him. From her place at the other side ofthe courtroom, Chrissie could only wait for him to speak.

Krang stared at his wife and the regret she saw in hiseyes told her what his answer would be even before hespoke. He was too honest, too honourable to say anythingother than that one terrible word that she was so afraid tohear. Desperately willing him to protest his innocence,even as she knew he would not, Chrissie reached out ahand to him, wordlessly offering him her love and

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support. The pain in her soul was unbearable as he turnedaway from her again to face the judge, the sound of herblood roaring through her veins almost drowning out hisvoice as he finally spoke.

“Guilty!”

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Chapter 32

There was uproar in the court. Nobody, exceptperhaps Chrissie, had expected Krang’s answer. CaptainMackenzie, standing not too far away from her, movedcloser and took her hand, squeezing it sympathetically.She looked up into his eyes, taking comfort from his calmdemeanour. As Krang’s Cha’DIch his own life hung inthe balance yet he did not seem concerned.

The noise in the courtroom almost completelydrowned out the sound of the gavel banging on the judge’sdesk as once again he called for silence. It took some timebut finally the great court was once again quiet. Satisfied,the judge put down his gavel and spoke. “Captain JamesMackenzie, you are the Cha’DIch of the accused. Stepforward”

Giving Chrissie’s hand one last reassuring squeeze,Captain Mackenzie did as he was bade, moving into thecentre of the room to stand next to his Klingon brother.

“At the beginning of this trial, I asked you if youunderstood the ramifications of your decision to act as

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Cha’DIch. I ask you one final time, do you stand by thechoice you made?”

The Starfleet captain stared appraisingly at the oldjudge. He was being given a chance to back out and hewondered why. But he had no intention of changing hismind, of leaving Krang to face the verdict alone. “I amhonoured to serve as Cha’DIch to my brother” he said, hisvoice clear and firm. “I stand by his side now andalways.”

The judge bowed his head in silent acknowledgementof the Terragnan Captain’s choice. Finally he spokeagain, addressing his words to the accused.

“Krang epetai Inigan, before pronouncing myjudgment I will speak of the facts as I see them. I haveheard many accusations and testimonies throughout theyears and in all that time, never has it been my misfortuneto hear such a difficult series of events.

“You joined Imperial Intelligence at the age of fifteenand gave twenty eight years of good service to the Empire,rising through the ranks to become a Captain of Security.That service ended of course with your assignment to theinvasion of Earth and your subsequent change ofallegiance.

“It should be noted that since your arrival in this timeperiod, your record with Starfleet has been exemplary. Ireceived a deposition from your former commandingofficer, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in which he describesyou as an honest, trustworthy and above all, honourableofficer and one he was proud to serve with. As for yourmore recent assignment as security chief at Starbase 24,your commanding officer also had nothing but the highestpraise for you.

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“I am also aware of your recent activities - yourcapture of a Cardassian cruiser, the recovery of the USSPoseidon and rescue of its surviving crew, as well as thedestruction of the Dominion ship yard. I note that on thisoccasion as well, you chose to ignore the orders given youby Starfleet. It would seem to me son of Marek that youare not good at obeying orders.

“It is in fact, that very inability to obey orders that hasbrought you here today. And by your own admission youare guilty of the charges levelled against you. There is nodoubt about it, Krang son of Marek, epetai of the House ofInigan, you are guilty of disobeying a direct order givenyou by the High Council.”

Chrissie could not take her eyes off Krang as the judgedelivered his verdict. She felt sick and at that moment,she wanted nothing more than to scream at the judge,shout at him, beg him for mercy. Anything to save herbeloved husband. But the venerable old judge had notfinished.

“However” he continued, “it must be said that I see nohonour in travelling back in time to attack and defeat ourenemies when they are not advanced enough to be worththe fight. It is my judgement that the High Council werein error when they formulated and implemented this plan.Krang son of Marek of the House of Inigan, it must havetaken a lot of courage and soul-searching to go againstyour orders in this way. You risked everything to do whatyou believed to be the right thing.”

“It is the decision of this court that you acted withhonour. The case against you is dismissed and thediscommendation of your House and family line is herebyrevoked. This court cannot however restore your honourto you as it was never lost in the first place.”

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Krang stepped down from the dais, realising withdisgust that his hands were shaking. It was over. Finallyover. He wished his brother had lived to see this day. Thediscommendation of the House had gone hard with Meren.Even the limited restoration by Gowron had done little toassuage his sense of honour. Surely Meren wascelebrating now in Sto-Vo-Kor. His children were tooyoung to comprehend what had happened here today, butat least they would grow up without the stain of theirfather’s dishonour.

He turned first to Captain Mackenzie, clasping theother man’s arm in a gesture of appreciation. “Thank youmy brother” he said roughly, “I will not forget yourloyalty to me”

Mackenzie nodded. “You’d have done the same forme” he said smiling, “Now go see your wife”

Chrissie was already running towards him, the guardshaving finally decided to let her through. He held hisarms out to her and she flung herself into them, tears ofjoy and relief streaming down her cheeks. “Oh Krang-oy!I thought…”

Holding her tightly against him, he raised a hand towipe away her tears. “I know… It’s alright” he told her,“It’s over.”

She pulled away from him slightly and reaching up,she slapped his face with all her strength. “Don’t youEVER scare me like that again!”

Krang gave a laugh born of pure happiness, “I loveyou, my Chrissie!” Bending his head he kissed her hardand not caring who might be watching she melted into hisembrace.

~~~<>~~~

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Once the judge had passed down his verdict and leftthe courtroom, it was not long before most of the HighCouncil members had also departed. and after a shorttime, almost the only ones left in the court were Krang,Chrissie who refused to be parted from her husband, andCaptain Mackenzie.

Chancellor Martok was also present. He stood a shortdistance away, talking with Admiral Portway who hadonly just arrived. Neither a witness to the events, or amember of the high Council, the Terran admiral had beenbarred from attending the proceedings, much to herdisgust. But having been informed by her aide that theverdict had been delivered, she had made her way asquickly as possible to the Court of Justice to check on herofficers. It had been with great relief that she had heard ofKrang’s acquittal. Slowly the two walked over to joinKrang.

“I swear I thought I was going to have a heart attackwhen you said ‘guilty’ brother” Captain Mackenzie said, abright smile lighting his face as the assembled groupshared a light chuckle.

“Well it seems as if this trial had more drama than asoap opera, too bad I missed it! ” chimed in AdmiralPortway. “I think I’m going to want a full report from you.But now it’s over, I need you two back on duty straightaway. As soon as your ships are fully repaired, I want youout there fighting the Dominion.”

Martok spoke then, his mirth evaporating with therestrictions of duty. “Now Krang, I understand fromAdmiral Portway that Starfleet is happy for you to remainin command of the Hegh’Ta for the duration of the war.We in the Empire however see things a little differently.”He shot a wicked look at the Starfleet admiral and then

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continued. “It is our decision that your previous rank ofCaptain of Security be reinstated. However, rather thanreturning to Imperial Intelligence, you will continue toserve with the Defence Force for the foreseeable future.”

“You will both receive official orders, of course”Admiral Portway continued, “but you might as well know,we’ve decided to send Endeavour and Hegh’Ta outtogether. We’re also giving you the Athena, a D7 cruiserand two B’rel class birds of prey. Krang, you willcommand the Klingon ships, but will continue to answerto Captain Mackenzie, who as senior captain, will haveoverall command of the fleet.”

Krang looked towards Chrissie, who had refused to letgo of his hand since the conclusion of the trial. He knewthat if he accepted this position that he would run the riskof dying in battle. He was a Klingon warrior and he didnot fear death. But while he had no objections to layingdown his life for the Empire and its allies, he knew thatChrissie might have a drastically different opinion, and thelast thing he wanted now was to cause her further pain.

However he couldn’t help the tender smile ghostingacross his face as he saw Chrissie nodding slightly andsmiling warmly up at him. What with everything that hadhappened, her husband being part of a fleet attacking theDominion was nothing compared to the trial they had justsurvived.

With an effort, he dragged his thoughts back to thediscussion as he realised with some embarrassment thatAdmiral Portway had continued speaking and that fromthe way everyone was looking at him, it had not only beenimportant but they were waiting for an answer. “Iapologise, Admiral” he said, giving himself a mental

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shake, “My mind wandered, would you mind repeatingthat?”

“I said” Admiral Portway told him, with exaggeratedpatience, that both you and Captain Mackenzie will beawarded with the Medal of Honour.”

“I don’t know what to say” Krang said, stunned. Hehad not expected to receive any reward, much less a medaland a promotion for simply doing his duty.

“Then just accept” Martok suggested with a large grin.

“I do accept” Krang said, “It is my duty and myhonour to serve the Empire. But I would like to speakwith you about promotion for my crew. Kargan inparticular deserves a ship of his own.”

“We’ve already spoken to your crew” Martok toldhim, laughing. “Your first officer had the unmitigated gallto inform me, on behalf of the entire crew that if we triedto promote them off the Hegh’Ta then they’d defect to theFederation, every last one of them.”

“And I have assured the Chancellor” Admiral Portwaysaid, her tone mock serious “that Starfleet will be glad toaccept them.” She smiled at Krang, “So it looks like yourcrew will be remaining under your command. We had asimilar reaction from your crew as well, CaptainMackenzie. None of them want to move off your ship.”

Captain Mackenzie blinked in surprise, feelingincredibly touched by the dedication his crew displayed.“Well I don’t think there’s going to be any trouble in thatregard.”

~~~<>~~~

The trial over, the preparations for Kehlan’s weddingto Captain Mackenzie began and in between duty shifts

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Kehlan somehow managed to find the time to go shoppingwith her Terran friend. Wandering companionablythrough the commercial district of First City, Kehlan andChrissie easily found the exclusive boutique that the LadySirella had recommended. The owner was standoffish atfirst but quickly became more friendly as soon as herealised that the two women were serious customers, notjust timewasters. On being told that Kehlan was lookingfor a wedding gown, he allocated them his bestsaleswoman, who took them through to another room andbrought several outfits for the bride-to-be to examine. Thegowns were ornate and very beautiful, some made ofleather, some suede and some of a heavy brocade. All ofthem were red, the traditional Klingon wedding colour.Kehlan tried them on but none of them seemed quite right.Both Kehlan and Chrissie were in agreement that the dressshould reflect both sides of Kehlan’s ancestry and shouldhave something of both Earth and Qo’noS.

Chrissie tried to explain this to the saleswoman, wholooked thoughtful. “Wait here” the woman instructed, “Ijust might have what you’re looking for.” She disappearedand came back a few minutes later with a dress over herarm. “This was a one-off design for a special occasion”she said, holding it up for their inspection. “The customerchanged her mind at the last minute. What do you think?”

Kehlan shook her head in disbelief as she stared at thedress. Misinterpreting the gesture, the saleswoman startedto put the dress away, disappointed and frustrated. “No,wait” Kehlan said softly, holding out her hand. “It’sperfect.” The gown was everything she could havedreamed of. Its beauty was in its simplicity; compared tothe other dresses it was almost plain. It had one other keydifference – although traditionally Klingon in style, thedress was not red but white, the colour most typically

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associated with weddings on Earth, or at least, the part ofEarth where Kehlan’s mother had come from.

Trying on the dress, Kehlan found that it could havebeen made for her with one major exception as she foundout to her cost. Whoever had ordered the gown was muchtaller than her. Turning to allow the saleswoman to fastenthe dress, she tripped over the hem. Seeing the look ofamusement on her friend’s face, she laughed, asking“How in the name of Gre’thor is a woman supposed tofight in this thing? I can’t even walk in it!”

“You’re not supposed to fight in it” Chrissie said,unable to resist teasing her friend.

“If you think that, you’ve never been to a Klingonwedding” Kehlan retorted.

“Hmm, it is a little long” the saleswoman saidcritically. It was not her place to contribute to the banterbetween two friends and she was careful to keep herreplies on a factual basis.

Chrissie looked at the excess material pooled aroundKehlan’s feet. “I’d say it’s a lot too long” she said, tryinghard to contain her laughter. “It should be easy enough toalter, though.” She glanced at the saleswoman forconfirmation.

The woman nodded. “Yes, of course. It could do withtaking in a little around the waist as well” Moving aroundKehlan, she placed some pins in the fabric aroundKehlan’s waist and then began to pin the dress to therequired length. Standing back to take another look, shemuttered, “and I think, a slight alteration to theneckline…” A few more pins were positioned in the dressand then she took hold of Kehlan and turned her to facethe mirror.

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Kehlan looked at her reflection in the mirror, not quitebelieving the transformation. She had never thought ofherself as beautiful; it was her experience that her featureswere too harsh to be attractive to Terran men, yet notpronounced enough for Klingon males. Was that womanin the mirror really her?

“You were right, Kehlan” Chrissie said, “the dressreally is perfect.”

Leaving her friend to get changed back into her normalclothes, Chrissie went back into the front room to discussbusiness with the owner. “The wedding is to take place inthree days time” she said, “Can you have the gown alteredby then?”

“I will need full payment in advance” the proprietorsaid, thinking that neither of the two women were trueKlingons. Suddenly suspicious, he wondered if theycould actually afford the gown.”

Chrissie handed over the credit chip that Krang hadgiven her. Knowing that the day’s shopping was likely toprove expensive, he had assured her that it would beadequate to their needs. Inevitably, Kehlan had protested,not wanting Krang to pay for everything, but he hadreminded her that if he was to give her away then he stoodin place of her father and that on Earth, it was traditionallythe bride’s parents who paid for the wedding. Of course,he had added wickedly, she could always send the bill tothe chancellor.

“Have the dress made ready and send it to the Iniganestate” Chrissie instructed, watching carefully as the chipregistered and processed the transaction. He handed thechip back to her, just as Kehlan came out from thechanging room.

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“I think that’s us finished for the day” Kehlan saidhappily, rejoining her friend. “Let’s go and get a drink.There’s a little café not far from here. It does a greatraktajino.”

Chrissie smiled. “Sounds good to me” she saidcheerfully, “Then we’ll have to get back to the Endeavour,you’re due on duty this evening in case you’d forgotten.”

Laughing and joking, the two friends left the shop andwent on their way.

~~~<>~~~

Captain Mackenzie was getting worried. Kehlan hadwanted to go shopping with Krang’s wife and he hadacceded to her request for leave. But she had promised tobe back on board the Endeavour in plenty of time to takethe evening shift and so far there was no sign of her. Shewasn’t actually late yet, the gamma shift wasn’t due tostart for another half hour but even so, he was concerned.He was worrying over nothing, he told himself. He hadseen Kehlan fight and knew she could look after herself.He and Kehlan would be married in a few days and he wassure that the women were probably too busy having funbuying things for the wedding to notice how late it was.

In an effort to distract himself he buried himself inwork. There was still a lot to be done before theEndeavour would be fit to leave space dock, although therepairs were coming on well. The Klingon engineers hadalmost finished fitting the cloaking device. Heremembered that Admiral Portway had expressed concernover the fitting of the cloak, reminding Martok that it wasagainst the Treaty of Algeron and that it could endangerthe current rapport with the Romulans, but the chancellorhad argued that while the Endeavour was serving with the

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Klingon fleet, it should be classed as a Klingon vessel andwas therefore exempt from the Treaty.

The time for change of shift came and went and thegamma shift crew arrived at their stations dead on time,relieving their beta shift colleagues from duty. While theywere in space dock there was only a skeleton crew onduty, apart from the engineers. All non essential personnelhad been given shore leave. But even so, a senior officerneeded to be available at all times and there was still nosign of his first officer. Other than that one time he hadcancelled her alarm call, he had never known Kehlan to belate for duty. Getting up and going into his ready room,he activated the comm. system and hailed the Hegh’Ta.Krang was not there, Kargan informed him, the Klingoncaptain was at his home, babysitting. If he hadn’t been soworried, he would have smiled at the thought. It stillsurprised him to see just how good the Klingon captainwas with his children. He thanked Kargan and put in acall to the Inigan estate, where he finally managed to gethold of his Klingon brother.

“I don’t know where they are” Krang told him, hisown expression turning to one of concern as he listened tohis friend’s words. “I had thought they were safely backon Endeavour. Chrissie said something about going therewith Kehlan once they had finished their shopping.”

“Kehlan should have been on duty ten minutes ago”Captain Mackenzie said, “There’s been no sign of her, nomessage, nothing. Krang, I’m worried.”

“So am I” the Klingon admitted. “Let me run a fewchecks and I’ll get back to you as soon as I find anything.”

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Chapter 33

Kehlan and Chrissie had enjoyed their afternoonshopping. It had been a successful day and they had spentplenty of money, arranging for their purchases to be sentdirectly to the Inigan estate. But Kehlan really did have togo on duty later that evening and it was time to call a haltto the trip. They were on their way now to the little caféthat Kehlan said was supposed to serve the best raktajinoon Qo’noS. It was to be their final stop before headingback to the Endeavour.

Kehlan frowned as she noticed a group of soldiersapproaching them. Touching Chrissie’s arm to gain herattention, she nodded towards the soldiers and pulled herfriend aside to let the men pass. But the soldiers did notcontinue on their way, instead moving to surround the twowomen.

“Who are you and what do you want?” Kehlandemanded, not liking this at all.

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“You are Commander Kehlan” one of the men said,not answering her questions, “You will come with us.”

Kehlan suddenly felt afraid. How did these men knowwho she was? “I’ll do no such thing” she snarled, drawingher d’k’tahg, ready to defend herself and Chrissie. Shesaw Chrissie unsheathe her own knife. She knew that herfriend was as frightened as she was, if not more so and shefelt proud of her friend’s courage. It was not the first timethe two women had stood back to back in combat, in avery similar situation, but then it had been Chrissie whohad been the target. This time it was her they wanted andshe was determined not to be taken.

One of the men, the one who had spoken, moved totake hold of Kehlan, but Chrissie moved quickly, gettingin the way and slashing at the soldier with her d’k’tahg.The blow was clumsy but it distracted the warrior, forcinghim to defend himself. At the same time, Kehlan tackledthe second man. Her use of the blade was much morecompetent than Chrissie’s but as the other men moved into assist their comrade, she found herself fighting three ofthem. Hearing Chrissie give a cry of pain, she redoubledher efforts to break free of them and assist her friend. Themen had not expected the two women to put up such afight and were taken by surprise. Chrissie had beentrained by Krang in self defence techniques and he hadtaught her well, but she was no warrior and did not havethe years of intensive training and battle experience thatKehlan had. For a while they were able to hold their ownagainst their attackers and almost succeeded in breakingfree. Kehlan didn’t know it, but their orders were to takeher alive and unharmed and it was hampering their abilityto fight. One of them managed to get hold of Kehlan’sarm, pulling her off balance. She staggered, thenrecovering, she thrust her d’k’tahg across and up, under

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his guard and into his chest. Her aim was true and theblade slid into his heart. As he stiffened in shock, the lifeimmediately beginning to fade away, she gave the blade avicious twist and removed it, turning to face the other menwho were attacking them. She was pleased to notice thatChrissie was all right and had managed to disable her ownopponent. But her friend was bleeding from a cut to hershoulder and it would slow her down. Despite that, theodds were more even now, two against two, and Kehlanbegan to hope that they might have a chance of escape.

The two remaining men did not give up however.They were determined to succeed in their mission.Ignoring the Terragnan woman for the moment, they bothconcentrated on Kehlan, the one they wanted, trying toback her into a corner. But while Chrissie was no expertwith a weapon, she had studied hard and it was a mistaketo ignore her. She threw herself at one of the attackers,trying to distract him. The soldier jumped back asChrissie’s knife sliced through the leather of his uniform,his reflexes only just saving him from beingdisembowelled. Infuriated he backhanded her across theface, the heavy leather gauntlet protecting his fist, layingopen her cheek. The force of the blow sent her reelingbackwards and she smashed into the wall, hitting her headwith a sickening crack.

Kehlan turned just in time to see Chrissie slump to theground, unconscious. In her concern for her friend, shenever saw the soldier pull out his disruptor and aim it ather. By the time she was aware of his action, it was toolate, the energies of the disruptor, set to heavy stun, hadtaken hold of her and after a moment of agonising pain,she too was unconscious.

~~~<>~~~

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Krang sat still for a few minutes, thinking, as he triedto determine the best course of action. Then, coming to adecision, he activated his computer and began toinvestigate. Using a highly illegal access code, he enteredthe banking system and tracked the women’s shoppingexpedition. He quickly ascertained that their last purchasehad been at 15:25, three hours ago. Since then, nothing.Contacting the shop, he found that the owner rememberedthe two women as they had spent a lot of money. Kranggroaned at this, but put it to the back of his mind for now.The man told him that the women had mentioned goingfor a raktajino before heading back to the Endeavour.Krang knew that they had never gone for that raktajino oreven got in a taxi. Actual money was rarely used onQo’noS, everything depended on the credit chip due to thetraceability and security it offered. And no furtherpurchases were recorded.

Now that he knew they were definitely missing, hetapped into the Homeworld Security network. Mostpublic areas of the First City were monitored. If there hadbeen any trouble then it would have been recorded.Accessing the camera outside the location of their lastpurchase, he scrolled back through the film until themonitor showed a blurred image of the two womenleaving the shop. As they moved out of range of thecamera, he tracked them to the next one and the next oneafter that. They were heading away from the mainshopping area in a south westerly direction and hesuspected they were heading towards a well known café.He already knew that they had never reached it.Continuing to track them, he finally found what he waslooking for. He could only watch in mounting horror as agroup of soldiers approached the women and attackedthem. The women fought well, taking down two of their

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assailants, he noted with pride, but not well enough tosave themselves. He watched as first Chrissie fell, thenKehlan and the two remaining men picked up Kehlan anddisappeared in a transporter beam, leaving Chrissie lyingwhere she had fallen. This was like the worst of hisnightmares, Krang thought bitterly, but this time it wasreal and it wasn’t the Jem’Hadar, but his own people. OhKahless, let her be alive!

Freezing and saving the images on the screen, hecalled the Endeavour. “James, get down here, now” hesaid tersely, when the Terran answered his hail. He signedoff again, glancing at the time as he did so. The oldfashioned clock on his desk read 21:10. It had taken himtwo hours to get this far and the women had now beenmissing for almost six hours. His wife at least should befairly easy to find now, he knew. If she had been killed inthat fight then her body would have been taken to the CityMorgue, to await identification and eventual disposal. Ifshe was still alive, then she would be in the City Hospital.As he had heard nothing from either source, it was safe toassume that her identification had been stolen. In amoment of pessimism, he decided to contact the morguefirst. He felt sick as the attendant put him on hold andwent to check. Several minutes went by, each minutefeeling like a lifetime to the anxious Klingon as he waitedto find out if his wife was alive or dead. Eventually, theattendant returned and informed him that no Terragnanwoman had been brought into the morgue that afternoonor evening. Krang expelled the breath that he hadn’t evenrealised he was holding. So she was alive then.

Captain Mackenzie materialised outside Krang’s houseand went straight in, not bothering to knock. He foundKrang in his study, talking, via the comm. system, to aKlingon woman in a nurse’s uniform. Finishing the call,

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Krang turned to his Terragnan friend. “There’s no sign ofKehlan yet, but I’ve found Chrissie” Krang told himtiredly, “She was admitted to the City Hospital at 16:10.It looks like her ID was stolen so they didn’t know whoshe was.”

Captain Mackenzie frowned. “Is she all right?”

Krang shook his head. “She hasn’t regainedconsciousness.” Quietly he told the Terran what he hadfound out and showed him the images on the camera. “Itvery much appears that Kehlan has been the victim of akidnapping” he finished.

~~~<>~~~

Kehlan awoke slowly. She had a stinking headacheand her entire body felt as though every nerve ending wason fire. They probably were, she thought groggily,Klingon disruptors were not like the phasers used in theFederation and worked on completely different principles.A disruptor set to stun, like the one that had caught her,was incredibly painful, as she was now finding out to hercost.

Slowly, cautiously, she opened her eyes, wonderingwhere she was. She found that she was lying on a hardmetal bunk in a room that appeared to be a fairly standardcell, square with three walls and the fourth side open tothe corridor. She could see the shimmering of theforcefield that was preventing her from trying to escape.It had to be a very powerful one if it was actually visibleand she wondered again where she was.

Kehlan sat up, groaning as every part of her bodyprotested against the movement. She was in no conditionto fight but in spite of her imprisonment, she was notready to simply give up. When they, whoever they were,

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came for her, she would be ready for them. With care, shegot to her feet and began to work through a series ofsimple mok’bara exercises. The cell was small but therewas just enough space. The ritual movements helped calmher and ease her fears and helped to work some of thestiffness out of her muscles, leaving her feeling more alertand ready for whatever was to come.

She had no idea how much time had passed when shefinally heard footsteps. From the heavy tramping soundthere were guards, several of them, approaching her cell.Stopping the exercise, she turned to the forcefield andwaited, forcing her expression to remain calm andunworried. She was determined that she would not showfear to these honourless petaq’pu who had taken herprisoner.

A uniformed male came to stand outside her cell, twoheavily armed guards behind him. Ignoring the guards forthe moment, Kehlan focused on the man who stood just onthe other side of the forcefield, knowing that he was thetrue threat. The insignia on his sash denoted him as beingan Imperial Intelligence officer of some importance. Herfear increased and she struggled to control it. What hadshe done to bring I.I. down on her? Whatever it was, shesuspected she was about to find out.

The officer ordered the forcefield lowered andbeckoned to her. “Come with me.”

She made no effort to move. “Who are you?”

He frowned. I.I. agents were not accustomed to beingquestioned by their prisoners but after a moment heanswered her question anyway. “I am Commander Traigof Klingon Imperial Intelligence. Now, come with me.”

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Still she remained where she was, unwilling to makethis too easy for them.

“Commander Kehlan” the officer said, his hand restingon the disruptor tucked into his belt, “Will you come withme willingly or do we have to stun you again?”

Kehlan did not answer immediately. She stared at herguards, assessing her chances but realised at once thatthere was no chance of escape. It would be better, shedecided, if she at least appeared to be cooperating withthem. “I will come with you” she said at last.

With a nod of acknowledgement he turned and walkedaway. She followed him, very conscious of the twoguards bringing up the rear. He led her down a longcorridor and into a turbolift. When the doors closedbehind them, he said, “Sub level three” and the lift beganto move in a downwards direction. It seemed to take along time and Kehlan’s uneasiness increased. By nowthey had to be fairly deep underground. She had heardrumours about the interrogation rooms deep under the I.I.buildings and she really did not want to know if they weretrue. Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t being given achoice. The turbolift door opened onto the lower leveland Commander Traig stepped out. Kehlan hesitated for amoment, but seeing the expressions on the guards’ facesshe took a deep breath and with great reluctance, followedhim. Within moments they had reached their destination,a dark windowless room, unfurnished except for a chair.

Traig gestured towards the chair. “Sit down.”

Seeing no alternative, Kehlan obeyed.

“Now, tell me your name”

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She stared at him in surprise, it was such a simplequestion that she had not expected it. “You already knowwho I am”

“Tell me your name” he repeated.

“My name is Kehlan.”

“Your full name” he prompted patiently.

“I have no other name” she told him.

“What House are you from?”

Kehlan hesitated. This was getting close to things shewanted kept secret. “I am a member of House Inigan” shesaid finally. It was not strictly true. She would notbecome a true member of that House until her marriage,but she knew that Krang would not deny her the protectionof his House for such a petty reason.

“House Inigan” he said, “That’s a powerful House.But it’s not your true House, is it Kehlan? What are yourorigins?”

Was that what this was all about, Kehlan wondered.How much did they already know? Was ImperialIntelligence arrogant enough to place listening devices inthe Great Hall and actually spy on the chancellor?

Standing over her, he wrapped his hand in her hair andpulled her head back, striking her across the face with hisother fist. “Answer my questions.”

“I grew up in House Gensa” she told him, “I do notknow what my origins are.” Actually, she thought, itwasn’t even a lie. Until she was told the results of theblood tests, she did not know for definite that Martok washer father. She still believed that she had been right ininsisting on secrecy. Martok was exactly what the

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Klingon Empire needed right now but, common born, hewas not popular with the great Houses and any hint ofimpropriety could cause enough dissention to bring himdown. She would not be part of that and if it took her life,then so be it.

But surprisingly, he changed track. “It’s a well knownfact” he said, “that the Houseless are easily bought. Whobought you, Houseless one? To whom is your loyalty?”

Kehlan was aware that Traig was deliberately baitingher, hoping to provoke her into a rash response. She wastoo slow in answering him and she felt pain in her scalp ashe tightened his grip on her hair. “My loyalty is to mymate” she said through gritted teeth, “And to the head ofthe House of Inigan”

“What of your loyalty to the Empire?” he demandedharshly.

“I have always been loyal to the Empire”

“Yet you serve the Federation. You are an officer on aStarfleet ship. Are you spying for them?”

“I was sent to the Endeavour” Kehlan told him, “Likeany Defence Force officer, I obey the orders of mysuperior officers and go where I am sent.”

Traig struck her again. “Let’s start again” he said, histone threatening, “Who are you? What are your origins?”

So they were back to that again. The interrogation wasgoing round in circles and Kehlan guessed that it wasdeliberate, that he hoped that if he asked the questionsoften enough, she would eventually give the answers hewanted. She was afraid that he just might be right. Traigwould have more tools available to him than just his fists.He would use the agoniser next and if that didn’t get

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results, then his superiors would authorise the use of themind-sifter. And that terrified her. She did not want tobetray Martok but she knew she could not hold out againsta device that would literally rip the information straightout of her brain. Maybe, she thought desperately, shecould find something to tell him that would allay hissuspicions. If not, then she would have to try to provokehim into killing her.

“I have nothing to tell you” she said defiantly.

Traig struck her a third time and letting go of her hair,he stepped away from her, removing something from apocket in his uniform. “I’ve already warned you about theconsequences of disobedience” he growled.

Kehlan tasted blood and putting up a hand to touch hermouth, realised that the last blow had split open her lip.The taste of her own blood infuriated her, and angermomentarily replacing fear, she got to her feet and facedher tormentor. “You had better kill me now” sheinformed him, “Because you will get no more answersfrom me and if you don’t kill me, I swear that you will bethe one to die.” She threw herself at him, attacking eventhough she knew it was hopeless. Even if she managed todefeat him, there were plenty more out there. She couldnot possibly get past all of them, but it would be worthwhatever punishment they inflicted on her if she could justtake down this one man.

Traig was too quick for her. Stepping aside, heallowed her momentum to carry her past him, then with aswift turn, he grabbed her arm, twisting it behind her backand yanking her back towards him until her body waspressed against his. She struggled violently but to noavail. His other arm came up and around her throat and hetouched something to the side of her neck. Instantly,

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Kehlan was filled with such agonising pain that she couldnot help screaming. The device stimulated her nerveendings, firing the pain receptors without ever actuallydoing any physical damage. Called an agoniser, it waswell named. It was not the first time Kehlan hadexperienced this type of punishment, but not for manyyears and not to this level. She had forgotten how bad itwas. Her body convulsed and then went limp as hedeactivated the device.

“Don’t cross me again, Kehlan” Traig warned her,shoving her back into the chair. “You will not like theresults. Now, let’s start again from the beginning.”

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Chapter 34

The interrogation went on and on, the same questionsbeing asked over and over again. Who are you? What areyour origins? What are your loyalties? Who is payingyou?

That last question suddenly struck a chord. Kehlanremembered Martok demanding to know the answers tovery similar questions – who was she and who had senther? She remembered as well how angry Sirella had been.Was it possible that the chancellor or his wife had orderedher interrogation? In her pain and confusion she no longerknew what was the right thing to do Maybe she shouldjust tell them everything, she thought, but that would bedishonourable, better to tell them nothing.

Again and again she gave the same answers. He usedthe agoniser on her several more times, increasing thelevel until she no longer had the strength to scream.Finally in disgust he put the agoniser back in his pocketand went to the door. For a moment, Kehlan thought it

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was finally over and she would be returned to her cell, butTraig merely spoke to one of the guards, giving him someinstructions. She heard the guard leave and return a fewminutes later. He handed something to Traig who cameback into the room. Whatever it was that the guard hadgiven him, he touched it to her neck. She winced as ittouched the same spot where he had applied the agoniserbut surprisingly it didn’t hurt her. There was a slightpressure against her skin and a hissing sound. Kehlan’svision began to blur and she felt dizzy. “Drugged” shesaid hazily, “You’ve drugged me.”

“That’s right” he said with a satisfied smile, “Maybenow, you’ll tell me what I want to know.”

It was an effort to even lift her head to look at him, butsomehow she managed it. “I don’t know what you want”she told him, beginning to succumb to the urge to sleep.“I’ve told you everything.” Her eyes closed and blacknessclaimed her.

Traig swore viciously. The dose had been too highand had put her to sleep. He had adjusted the amount ofthe drug to take into account her Terragnan heritage, butobviously he had got it wrong. Disgusted, he shouted forthe guards to take her back to her cell.

~~~<>~~~

Krang materialised outside the city hospital, withCaptain Mackenzie and the Vulcan healer T’lia at his side.Klingon medicine had improved since the alliance withthe Federation and the facilities at this particular hospitalwere very good, but Krang trusted T’lia and wanted her incharge of his wife’s treatment.

No sooner had the beam released them when Krangwas already striding through the glass doors and into the

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foyer of the hospital, Mackenzie and T’lia followingquickly in his footsteps. Approaching the main receptiondesk, he spoke briefly with the woman on duty and almostimmediately a doctor arrived to escort them to theintensive care unit. A few minutes later, Krang stood atthe door of the private room where his wife was beingtreated.

Chrissie lay on the bio bed, unnaturally pale and still.She was deeply unconscious, only the faint, rhythmic riseand fall of her chest and the steady beeping coming fromthe monitors attached to her giving any indication that shewas still alive.

Krang crossed the room and stood by her side, takingher limp hand in his. He looked back towards the Vulcanhealer. “T’lia?” He was unable to hide his anxiety. “Isshe… will she be all right?”

T’lia activated the padd the doctor had handed her andbegan to study the medical report, quickly and efficientlypicking out the important bits as she translated from thewritten Klingon into Federation Standard. “subduralhaematoma… blunt force trauma to the cranium… severeconcussion…”

Downloading the report to her tricorder, she carriedout a scan before comparing the results with the datagathered from the Klingon report. That done, she gave asatisfied nod. So far, she was happy with the treatment thepatient had received. “I believe she will make a fullrecovery” she reassured Krang. “However, it would beprudent to transfer her to the medical facilities aboard theUSS Endeavour, where we can better see to her needs."

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The Klingon doctor bristled at the perceived insult."Are you saying Klingon medicine is inferior toFederation medicine, Vulcan?"

"Far from it doctor, however Federation medicalscience is better suited to dealing with Terran injuries,whereas Klingon medical practices are more suited toKlingons. Do you understand?"

The Klingon doctor nodded. In actual fact he wasrelieved. He was not accustomed to treating aliens andwould be glad to hand over responsibility for treatment ofthe Security Captain’s wife to someone more experiencedin dealing with Terragnanpu. “I will make thearrangements at once”

~~~<>~~~

By the following morning all the necessaryarrangements were in place and Chrissie had been beameddirectly to the Endeavour’s sickbay, where Krang wasonce again at her side. His wife was still unconscious andKrang was becoming worried. As was CaptainMackenzie, although for different reasons. The womanlying motionless on the bio-bed, very possibly held thekey to the safe return of his own mate. At the very least,she might be able to tell hem something about theirattackers.

Krang glanced at his friend, having a very good idea ofwhat the Terran was thinking. Mackenzie was right, heknew. They needed the information she held.

He turned towards T’lia. “Can you wake her?”

“I do not recommend such a course of action” T’liasaid, “After a head injury of this type….”

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“I understand” Krang answered. “but I think we haveno choice. She is the only one who can tell us whathappened to Kehlan.”

T’lia nodded, accepting Krang’s decision, even if shedid not like it. Picking up a hypospray she adjusted it andapplied it to the unconscious woman.

A moment later, Chrissie gave a low moan and hereyelids fluttered open. “Krang?”

Krang moved to her side, reaching out and caressingher bloodstained hair. “I’m here Chrissie-love” he toldher reassuringly, “You’re safe now”

With an effort, Chrissie focussed on her husband.“Where am I?”

“You’re in the Endeavour’s sickbay” he told her,“Chrissie, can you tell me what happened? Who attackedyou?”

She was quiet for a moment as she relived the attack.“They knew who we were” she told them hesitantly. Shewas still a little groggy and the words did not come easily.“It was Kehlan they wanted. They just… came up to usand demanded she went with them. They… weren’tinterested in me, I just got in the way.” She paused,remembering the fear and the horror she had felt. “Wetried to defend ourselves but… they were too strong”

Captain Mackenzie moved closer, leaning overKrang’s shoulder, “Who were they, Chrissie? Can youidentity them”

She paused, thinking back and trying to remember thedetails. “It all happened so fast” she said, “they were inuniform but the insignia… it wasn’t Defence Force”

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“What did it look like?” Krang asked, “think Chrissie,it’s important”

She met her husband’s eyes. “It was like the one onyour old uniform, the one you used to wear on Earth”

Krang froze. The one on his uniform? But that was…“You mean the one that looks like a Terran letter I?”

Chrissie nodded, wincing as the motion set her headpounding. “Yes”

Imperial Intelligence. What did I.I. want with Kehlan?There was nothing particularly unusual, nothing out of theordinary about her. Was there? Krang went cold as heremembered exactly what it was that made Kehlan sospecial. She was the illegitimate daughter of thechancellor. He had not yet been told the results of theblood tests, but he had no doubt that they would bepositive. And he knew that neither Martok nor Sirella hadany doubts. If an II agent had learned of this then it wasno wonder that she had been arrested. But what were theirplans? Had they taken her to eliminate a threat to thechancellor – or to use against him? Either way, he wouldhave to move quickly.

~~~<>~~~

Captain Mackenzie stared at Krang in completedisbelief as, sitting in his ready room on he USSEndeavour, he listened to the crazy plan his Klingonfriend as expounding. “Just what do you think you’regoing to do?” he asked sarcastically, “Just walk in thereand demand her release?”

“Actually yes” Krang said, unperturbed by his friend’ssarcasm. “Regardless of what Martok said about restoringmy rank, my commission was never actually revoked.That makes me the senior ranking Security Captain.”

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“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

“You can’t come with me this time” Krang said, “Youwouldn’t even get through the door.”

“Why not?” the Terran captain demanded.

“Firstly because you’re a Terragnan” the Klingonexplained patiently “Secondly because you are not amember of Imperial Intelligence.”

“Krang, she’s my mate” Captain Mackenzie said, “Ican’t just sit here and wait. I have to do something.”

Krang put a comforting hand on the Terran’s shoulder.“I know” he said, understanding exactly how the otherman felt. He did not think he could have stood by andwaited if it had been his wife that was taken prisoner.“James, I need you to trust me. I promise you that I willget Kehlan out of there or die in the attempt.” He hesitatedbefore continuing, “If I do not return by this evening, goto Martok and tell him everything. Then get my wife andchildren to safety.”

Captain Mackenzie looked shocked by his friend’swords. “Surely you don’t think…”

“I do not believe that I will be in any danger” Krangsaid grimly, “but where my family are concerned, I amtaking no risks.”

~~~<>~~~

Lying on the floor of her cell, Kehlan began to swimback to consciousness once again. She fought itunsuccessfully, not wanting to wake up. Here in theblackness, she was safe, nothing could touch her or hurther, but in wakefulness lay only pain. She was becomingmore and more frightened. She had been removed fromher cell and questioned several times now and she knew

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that she was getting close to the limit of what she couldtake. Her nerves were still on fire from the extended useof the agoniser and her whole body ached from thebeatings Traig had given her. Traig was losing patienceand now that he knew the drug did not work on her, thatonly left the mind sifter. It would not be long before heused it.

Fully awake now, she began to make plans. She hadno idea how long she had been held captive, but the timehad come for her to either escape or die. Other than thatone abortive attempt to kill Traig, she had been a modelprisoner. The guards would not be expecting her to tryanything. If she could take them by surprise, she might beable to disarm one of them and if she could do that thenshe might stand a chance.

Finally her chance came. Two guards approached hercell and lowered the forcefield, and beckoned her. Shestepped towards them quietly, offering no resistance.They moved to either side of her, laughing and jokingwith each other, not paying much attention to the prisonerthey were escorting. It was a fatal mistake. Kehlanexploded into action, twisting around and lashing out atthe nearer of the two guards. The blow caught him on theside of the neck and he staggered, gasping for breath.Relieving him of his d’k’tahg, she brought the weaponacross his body in a deadly sweep. Pandemonium brokeout as an alarm was activated, but it was too late to savethe man she had attacked, the wound he had received wasmortal. Ignoring him, she turned her attention to thesecond guard, but he was ready for her and put up more ofa fight than his colleague. Even so, she dispatched himquickly. More guards appeared and Kehlan realised thatshe could not hope to escape. Well she would go down

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fighting. It was an honourable way to die and Sto-Vo-Korawaited her.

No longer underestimating her, the guards came at herin a group rather than one by one and the fight intensified.She fought savagely, but despite her skill, she wasweakened by the torture she had undergone and tookseveral wounds. They were shouting at her now, to putdown her weapon and surrender but she ignored them,continuing to fight.

Suddenly a cold voice cut through the bedlam.“mevyap!”

Instantly obeying the command to stop, the guardsbacked away from Kehlan, disengaging from the fight.Her back against the wall, Kehlan appraised thenewcomer. She had never seen him before. He was anolder man. Unprepossessing in build and without theheight and obvious physical strength of the typicalwarrior, nevertheless something about the way he carriedhimself warned her that he was a force to be reckonedwith. He held a disruptor in his hand. “CommanderKehlan, put down your weapons and come with me.”

Kehlan shook her head. She had no intention ofsurrendering. She knew she could not remain firmthrough another torture session. Let him shoot. Shestepped forward, raising her knife.

“I said, put your weapon down” he repeated. “Youhave my word you will not be harmed.”

Kehlan ignored his order. There was no reason for herto trust anyone from Imperial Intelligence. She movedtowards him again and as soon as she was close enough,she flung herself at him. Ready for her attack, he was far

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too quick for her. Levelling the disruptor at her, he firedand she collapsed, falling to the ground unconscious.

~~~<>~~~

This time when she woke, Kehlan realised she was in adifferent cell. She wondered where she was and why shehad been moved. She felt despair, she had succeededneither in escape nor dying. I’m sorry Martok, shethought, I won’t be able to keep your secret much longer.

Two guards, armed with disruptors, stood outside thecell. Realising that the prisoner was awake, one of themmoved away and spoke to someone over the intercom.When he returned, he lowered the forcefield and gesturedto her to leave the cell. They took her to the lift but thistime the lift went in an upwards direction. Kehlan smileda little, noting how the guards kept their disruptors pointedat her, and stayed as far away from her as possible. Whenthe lift finally came to a halt, they led her at disruptor-point through a twisting maze of corridors until they cameto a door. The nearest guard activated the chime and avoice from within called “Come.”

The door slid open with a slight hissing sound and theguards pushed Kehlan into the room. Contrary to herexpectations, it was not another interrogation room, ratherit appeared to be an office. Most of the rear wall wastaken up by a massive hexagonal window, offering aspectacular view across the First City. Seated at the desk,was the Klingon officer who had shot her. He looked upas they entered the room.

“We have brought the prisoner as ordered, Sir” one ofthe guards said, saluting.

“I can see that” the officer said dryly. “Guards,dismissed.”

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“But sir, the prisoner is…”

“I said, dismissed.”

With no further argument, the guards left. When thedoor closed behind them, the officer gestured to a nearbychair. “Take a seat”

Kehlan obeyed warily. The chair was surprisinglycomfortable and she found herself grateful for its support.She had very little strength left now and it had takeneverything she had just to walk here unaided. She was nolonger capable of fighting, but she was determined thatshe would not show her weakness.

He got up and moving over to a nearby cupboard,removed a bottle of blood-wine. Pouring two generousglasses, he handed one to her. She took it from him butmade no attempt to drink it. Who are you?” she saidsuspiciously, “Why are you doing this?”

“It’s a good vintage” he said conversationally, taking amouthful of the wine as he spoke. Then he gave her apartial answer to her question. “My name is Lorgh.”

Kehlan said nothing, not sure what this man wantedwith her. She had no reason to trust anyone in ImperialIntelligence.

“You’ve caused a lot of trouble, you know” Lorghsaid, “Two guards are dead and the rest don’t want to goanywhere near you.” He gave a harsh laugh. “That’llteach them to stay alert on duty.”

Kehlan remained silent. Cautiously she tasted thewine. He was right, it was a good vintage.

“I just have a few questions to ask” he said. “So tellme Commander Kehlan, are you a threat to the Empire?”

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“I have always been loyal to the Empire” she said.

“That’s not what I asked” he said. “I already knowyou are loyal. But are you a threat?”

How could she answer that question, knowing that ifthe truth about her parentage became public, then it couldbring down the chancellor? “I hope not” she answered, ashonestly as she could, “I am no traitor. I would choosedeath rather than do anything to harm the Empire.

“Good, that’s what I wanted to hear. Very well, you’refree to go.”

“Free?” Kehlan thought she must have misheard him.

He nodded. “Yes.” Activating his comm. system, hesnapped an order for Kehlan’s possessions to brought tohis office. Only a minute later, the door opened and aguard came in, carrying a box. Approaching Kehlanwarily, he handed it to her and left the room again.

She took the box from him and opened it, finding herd’k’tahg and communicator inside as well as the few otherbits and pieces that she had been carrying when she wasarrested. She stood up and removing the knife from thebox, she examined it carefully and sheathed it in her belt.It was nothing fancy, there was no House insignia on theblade, but it was a good, serviceable weapon and she wasglad to have it back. With the return of her d’k’tahg, shefinally began to believe that he really was going free her.“I can really go?”

“That’s what I said” he responded patiently. “Onceyou are outside you will be able to beam back to yourship. You cannot do it from here, the building is shielded.Come, I will walk with you as far as the main entrance.”

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He stood up and walked towards the door, gesturing toKehlan to follow him. He did so, but when he steppedinto the waiting lift, Kehlan hesitated. She could not helpbeing afraid that it would take her back to her cell and tofurther torture and she did not want to get back into thatlift.

“You may use the stairs if you wish” Lorgh said, atouch of sarcasm in his voice, “but we are thirty floors up.Are you sure you would not prefer use the lift?”

Stung by his scorn, Kehlan entered the lift. The doorsclosed behind her and there was a slight sensation offalling as the lift began to plummet towards the groundfloor. It was very quick and only a few seconds passedbefore the lift arrived at its destination and the doorsopened again.

Surveying her surroundings. Kehlan realised that theOperations Master had spoken the truth. They really wereon the ground floor. She could see what appeared to be areception area and beyond, heavily guarded, was a greatglass door, leading to the outside world.

The doors swished open as they approached and Lorghgestured to Kehlan to precede him. She stepped throughthe doors and stopped for a moment, savouring the feel ofthe breeze and the smell of fresh air. She had no idea howlong she had been imprisoned, but it felt as though it hadbeen a lifetime, instead of the few days she knew it mustbe. It was hard to believe she was actually free to go.

Lorgh followed her out of the building and allowed thedoors to close behind him, waving back the guards whohad started to follow. He took Kehlan’s arm, turning herto face him. “Before you go” he said to her, “I am awareof your relationship to Chancellor Martok. You have

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assured me that you are no threat to the Empire. If youever give me reason to believe that has changed, then Iwill have you eliminated.” Releasing his grip on her armhe turned and walked back into the building, leavingKehlan standing alone in the street.

Kehlan did not move immediately, but remained still,looking around her. Then, slowly, she raised her hand totouch her combadge, opening a channel to her ship.“Kehlan to Endeavour. One to beam up.”

Almost immediately she felt the familiar tinglingsensation as the energy beam formed around her,dissolving her molecule by molecule and instantly re-materialising her on the Endeavour’s transporter pad.

Standing in the lobby of the Imperial Intelligencebuilding, Lorgh watched through the glass doors asKehlan disappeared and then, with a satisfied smile, heturned and went back to his office. Now he just hadKrang to deal with. His operative at the Inigan estate hadalready called to inform him that the Captain of Securitywas in transit to I.I. headquarters. Obviously he hadfigured out where Kehlan was being held and was on hisway to demand her release. Well that at least had beenpre-empted, Lorgh thought. His smile faded. Thisoperation had been a fiasco from beginning to end.

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Chapter 35

Moragh entered the Imperial Intelligence building andwent straight to his office. He was tired and irritablehaving only just returned from a fruitless mission toKhitomer. Engrossed in the reports that had piled up onhis desk during his absence, he barely noticed when thedoor to his office opened.

“I’m busy” he said, not bothering to look up.

“I’ll come back later then, shall I?” Lorgh saidsarcastically, “Or do you think you could find the time todiscuss the mess your department got into while you’vebeen away?”

Instantly Moragh was on his feet and saluting the manwho was the supreme head of Imperial Intelligence.

Coming further into the office, Lorgh threw a reportonto Moragh’s desk. “Read this.”

Picking up the padd, Moragh began to study it. Hecouldn’t believe what he was reading. Traig was a fullytrained and highly experienced operative, one whom

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Moragh had been grooming for eventual promotion toCaptain of Security. Either Traig was an idiot to havemade a mistake like this, or it wasn’t a mistake and theman was getting too ambitious. Whatever the reason, ithad caused a major problem for Moragh to deal with.

“I’ll get this sorted out, sir” Moragh said, “I’ll haveCommander Kehlan released immediately.”

“That won’t be necessary” Lorgh told him. “I havealready done it myself.”

Qu’vatlh! Moragh swore to himself that Traig wouldpay for this mess. There should never have been any needfor the Operations Master to get involved in what shouldhave been a simple routine questioning. He had intendednothing more than to bring the commander in, ask her afew questions and let her go again. Instead it hadescalated out of all control and become a majorembarrassment for the department.

~~~<>~~~

Ten minutes later, Traig was standing to attention infront of Moragh’s desk as the angry Captain of Securitytore into him mercilessly.

“You ordered me to have the commander brought infor questioning” Traig said defensively, finally given anopportunity to speak. “I obeyed that order.”

“You exceeded your orders” Moragh snapped, “Youwere told to bring her in for routine questioning, nothingmore. Instead, what do I find? Your men attacked twodefenceless women in the street, left one seriously injuredand kidnapped the other.”

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“They were hardly defenceless” Traig said, “Theymanaged to disable two of our agents. And what doessome Terragnan woman matter anyway?”

“Be silent!” Moragh was furious as he surveyed thenow thoroughly nervous officer standing in front of him.“The Terragnan woman your agents left for dead is thewife of a fellow Captain of Security” he informed Traigangrily, “and not just any Captain of Security, but the onlyone who is actually senior to me. I then discover thatyou’ve gone ahead with the questioning without botheringto wait for my instructions and not only that but you’vecarried out a full blown interrogation, which this wasnever supposed to be, and used excessive force.”

“She was uncooperative and refused to answerquestions” Traig said, “I had to…” He was given nochance to finish what he was saying.

“I said, be silent!” Moragh snarled and intimidated byhis superior, Traig obeyed. He was beginning to realisethat he was unlikely to get out of this alive. He could tryto kill Moragh, but even if he was lucky enough tosucceed, it would give him only a short reprieve.Imperial Intelligence was the only department in theEmpire where promotion could not be obtained viaassassination of a senior officer. The last time a Captainof Security had been killed by someone inside thedepartment, the other five had hunted down and executedthe assassin before choosing a replacement for theirmurdered colleague. No dissention was tolerated.

“You have put me in an embarrassing position”Moragh said, his voice cold as ice, “And you have broughtdisgrace on the department. I cannot and will not allowthat to go unpunished.”

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“I am, and have always been, a loyal servant of theEmpire” Traig said stoically, knowing he was about to dieand accepting his fate.

Moragh raised the disruptor in his hand and fired. Theweapon was set to maximum and at point blank rangethere was no chance of his missing. The beam hit Traig inthe centre of his chest and his scream was cut short as theenergy bathed him, disintegrating his body from the insideout until there was nothing left to show that Traig had everexisted.

~~~<>~~~

Kehlan materialised on the transporter pad of the USSEndeavour and as the beam released her from its grip andthe world came back into focus, she took a stepbackwards, putting out a hand until she could feel the wallbehind her. She leaned against the wall for severalmoments, ignoring the concerned questions of thetransporter operator. Then, her strength finally giving outshe allowed herself to slide down the wall until she wassitting on the floor of the transporter pad, knees againsther chest. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breathsbefore trying to get up again. She failed in her attempt;somehow she just didn’t have the energy to move.

She must have blacked out because the next thing shewas aware of was the captain kneeling by her side, MajorSpeares and T’lia close behind him.

“Kehlan?” He was calling her name. Seeing her openher eyes he reached out and touched her, caressing herface. “Are you all right?”

Kehlan flinched at his touch. Her skin was oversensitive, her nerves still on fire from the effects of theextensive punishment she had taken from Traig’s

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agoniser. Was she all right? She considered the questionmomentarily. Well, she was still alive which was a bonus,she thought groggily, “I…I don’t know” she saideventually, “I… think so.” She hesitated. “How long wasI imprisoned?”

“Four days”

She stared at him, suddenly miserable. “I missed ourwedding”

Captain Mackenzie gave her a tender smile. “We canget married any time you like” he told her lovingly, “Howdoes tomorrow sound?”

Placing her hand in his, Kehlan returned his smile.“Tomorrow sounds perfect”

~~~<>~~~

Endeavour’s Ten Forward lounge was full to bursting.The room had been redecorated Klingon style and theofficers of both Endeavour and Hegh’Ta were there, aswell as several honoured guests, including AdmiralPortway, Krang’s wife Chrissie and even ChancellorMartok and his wife. Only Captain Krang and Kehlanwere missing. Music was playing in the background –several of Endeavour’s crew were gifted musicians andhad got together to form a band.

Captain Mackenzie stood talking quietly with hismarine commander and acting second officer, MajorPhilip Speares. The collar of his dress uniform waschafing his neck and he felt edgy as he waited for his halfKlingon first officer to arrive. There was nothing to benervous about he chided himself. He glanced at the time.She was late and his nervousness increased.

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The turbolift doors opened and everyone turned tolook as Kehlan stepped out, the Klingon captain at herside. She looked absolutely beautiful, Captain Mackenziethought, in a full length dress of softest white leather thatreflected both her Klingon and Terran heritage. Shecarried no bouquet, but uncharacteristically she had tuckeda white flower into the long dark hair that cascaded downher back. The music changed as the band began to playthe wedding march and her hand on Krang’s arm shestepped out of the lift and into the room.

Suddenly Captain Mackenzie’s nervousness was gone.Staring at his bride, he had never been more sure that hewas doing the right thing, that marriage to Kehlan was thebest thing that could ever happen to him.

As Krang escorted Kehlan to Captain Mackenzie’sside, Admiral Portway stepped forward, gesturing forsilence in the room. “You all know why we are gatheredhere today” she began. “It is my privilege as the seniorranking officer, to join together these two people, CaptainJames Mackenzie and Commander Kehlan.

Martok took over then, telling the story of the twoKlingon hearts, accompanied by the beating of Klingondrums. The audience listened, spellbound. They all knewthe story but it was traditionally told at Klingon weddingsand Martok told it well. The drum beat increased itstempo as Martok told how the two hearts fought oneanother before pausing dramatically.

The couple stepped apart and Captain Mackenzieaccepted the batleth that Kargan offered him. To hissurprise, the weapon that Vareq was handing Kehlan wasnot a batleth, but his katana. How had they managed toobtain the sword without his knowledge? Pushing thequestion aside for the moment, he took a deep breath and

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began the ritual combat. Kehlan responded. To theStarfleet captain, her attack seemed lightning fast and hewas barely able to raise his batleth in time to counter her.This wasn’t going the way they had practiced it. The fightwas only supposed to be a ritual, he thought, what was sheplaying at? Then he saw the look of mischief in her eyes.Even now, in the middle of their wedding ceremony, shewas able to keep him guessing. Well, two could play atthat game. He struck back hard and the blades clashed. Ifthey were to follow the ritual strictly, he should now giveway and allow her to defeat him, but he was enjoyinghimself now and wasn’t quite ready for that. Moving tothe attack, it was his turn to catch her by surprise.Knowing she was hampered by her long skirts, he pressedhis advantage, wielding the batleth as Krang had taughthim. Kehlan stepped back to avoid the swing of hisweapon and almost tripped. Recovering herself quicklyshe intensified her attack. She was breathing hard now,excited and aware only of the man in front of her. Shewas in battle, fighting her potential mate, testing hisstrength and courage – testing his worthiness to claim her.Nothing else mattered.

Like his mate, Captain Mackenzie was breathing hard.Recognising that it was time for him to end the fight andlet the ceremony continue, he countered one last time.Then, as Kehlan twisted the sword and swung at him, hedeliberately dropped his guard and in a gesture ofcomplete trust, left himself open to her attack. Reactinginstantly, Kehlan adjusted the trajectory of the blade sothat it never quite touched him. Bringing it back roundshe brought the point of the katana to his throat and heldthe weapon there motionless, before stepping back andallowing Kargan and Vareq to relieve them of theirweapons.

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“If you two are quite finished?” Martok mutteredunder his breath, trying to hide his smile as he continuedwith the story of how the two hearts had stopped theirfight, realising they were stronger united than they werealone. Finally the chancellor brought the story to aconclusion. “No-one can withstand the beating of twoKlingon hearts.”

Krang took Kehlan’s hand and placed it in CaptainMackenzie’s. The Terran captain stared into Kehlan’seyes before saying “jiH dok”

Kehlan’s smile was radiant as she gave the traditionalreply. “maj dok”

Then they both said together “TlhIngan jiH”

The Klingon part of the ceremony was over. Inreflection of both their cultures, the rest of the weddingwould follow the Terran way. Admiral Portway took overagain, asking first Captain Mackenzie and then Kehlan tomake their vows. As they did, Major Speares handed thewedding rings to the admiral. The Klingon captain tookKehlan’s hand and placed it in that of her mate. Jameshad hoped to have Krang as his best man but Kehlan hadknown him longer and had already asked him to give heraway, a request that the Klingon had been honoured toaccept. And so Philip Speares, Endeavour’s marinecommander, stood by his side.

One by one, Admiral Portway placed the rings on theirfingers and then said “By the powers invested in me asStarfleet Admiral, in the presence of these witnesses, Ihereby proclaim you both husband and wife.”

The room erupted in cheers as Captain Mackenziepulled his new wife into his arms and kissed her.

~~~<>~~~

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Epilogue

The shuttle-cab drove away, leaving Krang andChrissie standing alone on the landing strip. CaptainMackenzie and Kehlan had already gone on ahead.Endeavour and the rest of the squadron were in orbit andonly the newly repaired Hegh’Ta remained on the ground,waiting for its captain to come aboard.

Krang was back in his Klingon uniform again and forthe first time in years, he wore his honour sash with hismedals and the badge of his House proudly displayed onit. He had never known that Chrissie had kept it safe forhim since he had discarded it so many years ago believinghis honour lost.

Chrissie smiled as she looked at her husband. His timeon Hegh’Ta had changed him, giving him back somethinghe had lost in the years he had lived in the Federation.The man standing by her side was still her husband andfather to her children, but now he was the captain of aKlingon bird-of-prey and commander of a fleet of war

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ships. He was the proud Klingon warrior she had met andfallen in love with. She knew that even now, he wouldput her first, that he would give it up and walk away if sheasked it. And if she did, then something inside him woulddie. Krang was doing what he was born to do and she hadto let him go.

“They’re waiting for you” Chrissie said. “It’s timeyou left.”

“I’m short of a science officer now Kehlan’s gone overto the Endeavour” Krang said to her, only half joking,“You could come with me.”

Chrissie stared at him regretfully. Even knowing theimpossibility of it, she was wildly tempted. Slowly sheshook her head. “You know I can’t” she told him.“Someone has to stay with the children. And I can’t readKlingon well enough, I’d be a liability.”

“You’ve never been a liability to me” he said gently,“And never will be. But you’re right, you don’t belong ona battle ship.”

“I know” she said, “And you do. But Krang, please,be…” She stopped. She wanted desperately for him to besafe, but he was Klingon – how could she ask him to becareful?

But Krang understood what she left unsaid. “I am awarrior, Chrissie” he said, his tone full of love andreassurance, “I am going into battle. I have trained mywhole life for this, you shouldn’t worry about me.”Reaching out, he caressed her hair, then pulled herroughly into his arms. “I must go in a moment” he said,“But I will come back to you. I promise it.”

Taking her face between his hands, he kissed herfiercely. Then, releasing her, he turned and walked away.

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Chrissie watched as he strode across the landing strip andup the ramp of the waiting bird-of-prey. Reaching the top,he looked back towards her for a moment. Her visionblurring with unshed tears, she blew him one last kiss andsmiled as he acknowledged, raising his arm in the Klingonsalute. Then he was gone, disappeared into the darkinterior of the great ship as the ramp began to rise. With aclang, the door shut and Chrissie could feel the vibrationsin the ground as the engines began to thrum, rising inintensity as the ship prepared for take-off. Slowly,majestically, the bird-of-prey began to rise into the airuntil it was a few hundred metres above her. It hoveredfor a few moments, then the wings dipped gracefully intothe cruising position. The ship circled once in a finalsalute, then shot skywards.

Chrissie stood watching as the ship disappeared abovethe clouds. “Krang-oywI” she murmured, “Fight well.”

Almost, she could hear his voice echoing on the breezein answer. “Qapla’!”

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Klingon vocabulary

Batleth Klingon two handed sword of honour

Blood-wine Klingon alcoholic drink, probably madewith fermented blood.

Bregit Klingon animal, its lungs are a delicacy

Cha’dich Title, literally, “Second” – the person whostands at your back in a fight

D’k’tahg Triple bladed knife, carried by mostKlingons

Gagh Serpent worms – a delicacy best eaten live.

Ghuy’cha Klingon curse

Gre’thor Klingon mythological equivalent of Hell

Ha’DibaH insult, usually heard as Verengan Ha’DibaH– literally “Ferengi Dog”

Mek’leth Klingon sword

Mev Qoh Klingon endearment, used by the man to thewoman.

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Mey suffix attached to a word to make it plural,e.g. Ha’dibaHmey

Mok’bara Klingon martial arts discipline, similar toTerran Tai Chi

Nuq NeH Klingon greeting, literally, “What do youwant?”

Oy suffix attached to a man’s name as anendearment

PetaQ insult

Pu suffix attached to a word to make it plural,e.g. petaq’pu

Qapla ritual greeting, means literally “Success”

QI’yaH very strong curse

Qo’noS the Klingon homeworld, pronouncedKronos

Qut’luch Klingon assassin’s knife

Qu’vatlh curse used when very angry

Raktajino Klingon coffee-like beverage, has becomevery popular in the Federation.

Sto-Vo-Kor Klingon mythological equivalent of Heaven

Targ Klingon pet, roughly resembling a Terranwild boar, its heart is a delicacy.

Terragnan Klingon word for a human.

Warnog Klingon ale

YIntagh Klingon curse

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If you liked this fan-written novel then you’ll enjoy the officiallylicensed eBooks now available. Checkout the following eBooks onSimon & Schuster website, www.simonsays.com …

2

Star Trek: Destiny

Gods of Night

by David Mack

Half a decade after the Dominion War and morethan a year after the rise and fall of Praetor Shinzon,the galaxy's greatest scourge returns to wreak havocupon the Federation -- and this time its goal is nothingless than total annihilation.

Elsewhere, deep in the Gamma Quadrant, anancient mystery is solved. One of Earth's first

generation of starships, lost for centuries, has been found dead and empty ona desolate planet. But its discovery so far from home has raised disturbingquestions, and the answers harken back to a struggle for survival that oncetested a captain and her crew to the limits of their humanity.

From that terrifying flashpoint begins an apocalyptic odyssey that willreach across time and space to reveal the past, define the future, and showthree captains -- Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise, TM William Rikerof the U.S.S. Titan, and Ezri Dax of the U.S.S Aventine -- that some destiniesare inescapable.

Star Trek: Destiny

Mere Mortals

By David Mack

On Earth, Federation President Nanietta Baccogathers allies and adversaries to form a desperate lastline of defense against an impending Borg invasion. Indeep space, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Captain EzriDax join together to cut off the Collective's route to theAlpha Quadrant.

Half a galaxy away, Captain William Riker andthe crew of the Starship Titan have made contact with the reclusive Caeliar --survivors of a stellar cataclysm that, two hundred years ago, drove fissuresthrough the structure of space and time, creating a loop of inevitability andconsigning another captain and crew to a purgatory from which they couldnever escape.

Now the supremely advanced Caeliar will brook no further intrusionupon their isolation, or against the sanctity of their Great Work....For thesmall, finite lives of mere mortals carry little weight in the calculations ofgods.

But even gods may come to understand that they underestimate humansat their peril.