A short while ago, I was going over the Invasion! crossover for the first time in quite a while, and there's a question lingering in my mind. What do you think happened to General Kellen after the end of First Strike? He's basically turned himself over to Federation justice to stand trial murder -- it's not stated that he gave himself up, but given the state of things after the battle, I don't think Kirk could have taken him by force if he'd wanted to -- and he and Kirk basically joke that it's going to be an interesting few months for everyone. That's the last we hear of Kellen as the book ends a few pages later. They both seemed to think it would all work out, though. So, after the trial and the Federation is done with him, what happens? I'd normally expect repatriation, but we all know how Klingons feel about being taken prisoner. If Kellen returned to the Empire, he'd probably be facing execution, or discommendation, or at the very least, disgrace. Unless his "victory" over the Empire's ancient demons were considered mitigating circumstances, in which case, it might come out as a wash, though he would have lost a lot of favor... I really enjoyed the character, and his relationship with Kirk, but thinking about the options, I don't think the future would look that bright for him. Imprisonment followed by exile, or repatriation followed by disgrace and possibly death? Or is there a better outcome for him? What do you think?
Knowing the author, the character's fate may have been to serve time transporting goods back and forth on a sloop somewhere, finding it hard but ultimately enriching his life.
Fair point. If she was writing it, you're probably right. But I'm less interested in what Diane Carey would do than in how the situation would more reasonably play out with the Klingons as we know them to be.
I’ve literally just put another thread about invasion up. I hadn’t seen this one. Coincidence as I don’t think I’ve really seen them mentioned on here while I’ve been on