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CHAPTER 29
Supplemental
Chancellor’s Office, The Great Hall
CapitolCity, Q’noS
Captain Hobson, T’Pren and Alexander found themselves immediately in the mist of Chancellor Martok and Ambassador Worf. There were no guards and the doors to the chamber were closed.
The battle scarred Martok rose from his desk. “You are brave to come here. If you venture outside of these walls, I cannot guarantee you safety.”
The young Klingon stepped forward, “I come on behalf of the Hacharan people.”
“Have you not caused enough trouble for my house?” bellowed the chancellor.
He was undeterred, “Chancellor, you must reconsider…”
Before Alexander could utter another word, Martok’s heavy, gloved hand rose up; prepared to strike the boy with a backhanded slap.
With a glance, Hobson restrained T’Pren from intervening. It was their way…and a necessary step.
Worf took a step, but didn’t move to protect his son.
Alexander flinched in anticipation of the blow. It was minor, but a flinch none the less.
Just as the chancellor’s hand was about to land, it stopped. It hovered centimeters away from Alex’s face. Alexander’s reaction was all the chancellor need to see. This boy looked Klingon, but he was not. He never should have allowed the boy into his house. Sirella attempted to warn him about this years ago, but he didn’t listen. It was a matter of honor, he told her. The Son of Worf must follow his father into his house. Now, he could see his mate was correct. He lowered his hand. “I see,” was all he said.
To Worf, it was a confirmation of his worst fears for his son.
Martok turned his back on Alexander, “You have nothing to say that I will hear.”
The ambassador addressed his former comrades, “Please, let us be with Alexander alone.”
“He is under my protection,” countered Hobson, “I’m sure you understand that, Ambassador.”
Worf rose to his full height, “You know I once served on the Enterprise.”
The mention of Picard’s ship stiffened his jaw…Picard and his android. The android he was forced to serve under. Hobson pushed down the emotions and returned to the present. “Yes, Ambassador.”
“Then,” began Worf, “as a Starfleet officer, I give you my word no harm will come to him here.”
T’Pren glanced at her captain for guidance. The Iceman silently checked with Alexander, whom seemed alright with the arrangement. Hobson nodded and said to his charge, “We’ll be just outside the door.”
Worf activated the controls and allowed the two officers to assume their post out of hear shot. With a clang, the hatch slid shut. He looked to his son, “It is not practical for us to withdraw our forces from Fu’puk II, Alexander.”
“Those people are suffering needlessly!” he proclaimed.
“There are other things you must consider,” countered Worf.
“What? Your own selfish political interests?”
“Enough!” blasted Martok. “Worf, get your son out of my sight!”
The Son of Mogh looked into his pleading son’s eyes. They were not the eyes of a boy; but eyes of a determined man, seeking justice. A distant memory came rushing up to the forefront. A discussion he once had with Ezri back on Deep Space Nine.
*****
August 2375
Quark’s Bar, Deep Space Nine
Bajoran System
Chancellor Gowron was employing a foolish strategy against the Dominion. He was attempting to make himself the hero of the war…and ruin General Martok’s growing reputation. After Martok refused to face Gowron, Worf asked Dax, “Tell me what you think.”
She took a sip of coffee, “Ok, but I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“Tell me,” he persisted.
The counselor was blunt, “I think that this situation with Gowron is a symptom of a bigger problem. I think the Empire is dying and I think it deserves to die.”
“You are right,” he replied as he crossed his arms, “I do not like it.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” she continued, “I’m very touched you still consider me a member of the House of Martok. But…I tend to look at the Empire with a bit more skepticism than Curzon or Jadzia did. I see a society that is in deep denial about itself. We’re talking about a warrior culture that prides itself on maintaining century’s old traditions of honor and integrity. But in reality it’s willing to accept corruption at the highest levels.
He remembered saying, “You are overstating your case.”
Her come back was quick, “Am I? Who was the last leader of the High Council that you respected? Has there even been one? And how many times have you had to cover up the crimes of Klingon leaders because it was for the good of the Empire? I…I know this sounds harsh but the truth is, you have been willing to accept a government that you know is corrupt. Gowron is just the latest example. Worf, you are the most honorable and decent man I have ever met, and if you are willing to tolerate men like Gowron, then what hope is there for the Empire?”
*****
Supplemental
Chancellor’s Office, The Great Hall
CapitolCity, Q’noS
Martok repeated, “Worf, remove your son.”
Slowly, Worf shook his head, “No.”
“No,” repeated the chancellor.
“No,” the Son of Mogh continued, “Alexander is correct. If we want to lead the Empire with wisdom and honor, we must find another way to gain support. Rallying the people by presenting them with an enemy to hate is not leadership, but the lack of it.”
Martok reached for his sheathed blade. He couldn’t believe his ears, “What are you saying, Worf?”
“Don’t you see?” he persisted, “We have allowed ourselves to be drawn into this…this system of underhanded politics. We have become apart of it, Chancellor.”
Martok began to understand. “The change you seek, Worf, would cause a civil war. I will not be the cause of that.”
He nodded, “I understand, Chancellor.” He stood tall and sighed deeply, “but it is not something I can participate in any longer. I will resign my post.”
“Think about this, Worf,” beseeched Martok. “With you gone, I’ll have one less ally. It will make my role all the more difficult.”
Resolute, he confirmed, “I am sorry, Chancellor. But I fear if I stay, I will become someone I cannot respect.”
In a low grumble the former general stated, “I did not seek this position. It was thrust upon me…by you, Worf.”
Worf readied himself, “I am prepared for whatever punishment you would set.”
The chancellor walked closer, “No Worf, I will not punish you. You have been a trusted companion. You may even bear my house’s mark.” He continued, “You helped install two Leaders of the High Council.” He planted himself right in front of Worf, “My greatest wish for you is that you kill me and assume the Cloak of Leadership one day…There is no greater curse I can put upon you.”
Alexander shared a guilty look with his father.
The one-eyed chancellor plopped in his chair, “Now, go.”
With intense mixed feelings, Worf and his son exited the chamber. Martok was left, alone.
END OF CHAPTER 29
I'll fix that. It appears I only did that once.
