CHAPTER 34
Stardate: 54387.5 (22 May 2377)
The PortCity of Jato
Go’hachar
Elder Tahocha and Lord Nilu walked side by side among the rubble that was once one of the planet’s most modern cities. The skyscape was made of sharp points and jagged edges. Glass, stone, and blood littered the streets. Invader and Hacharan bodies had yet to be disposed of.
The young Nilu looked around, “My gods, how will we recover from this?”
The wise older man scanned the scene for a moment and rested his eyes on his former enemy. He said, “Together. We will recover from this together.”
A sudden grin emerged on Nilu’s face. He nodded, “Agreed.”
Some ran up franticly to Nilu, “Milord, I have news.” He obviously wanted to discuss it away from present company.
The Do’hachar head of state commented, “We no longer keep secrets from the Go’ha. Speak.”
He bowed and cautiously proceeded, “Milord, our facility in the Botham Desert has been discovered and raided. The ship, the remains, everything has been taken!”
Tahocha looked over, “Is there something you want to explain to me?”
*****
Supplemental
IKS Kang, Fleet Commander’s Chambers
En Route to Klingon Space
After his confrontation with Captain Ch’Pogh, the Jev’Iw broke formation and made for the Khemet Sector.
The general did not shy away from his responsibility. He looked at Martok over subspace, “I will accept any punishment you deem fit, Chancellor.” He added, “However, I must make you aware of the treachery I was forced to deal with, first.”
“Go on.”
K’Vada explained, “There are records indicating that Captain Ch’Pogh assisted the Hacharans by undermining my troop movements and patrols. He also allowed saboteurs to disable the fleet’s weapons and transporters. That is why I could offer no fight for the Gorn and was forced to abandon the planet.”
“Saboteurs,” the chancellor repeated, “Our own warriors did this!”
“It is possible the Gorn infiltrated our ranks,” offered the general. “Their…timely arrival is more than coincidence.”
“It seems my enemies are everywhere!” blasted Martok. He leaned into the screen, “However, it appears you are not one of them.”
K’Vada thought for a moment. He replied, “I live and die for the Empire.”
The words reminded Martok of something he once said to Gowron, ‘I will fight any battle, anywhere…for the Empire.’ He leaned back, “It is obvious to me, the blame for this failure is Captain Ch’Pogh’s, alone. He is a traitor.”
“I agree, Chancellor,” rejoined K’Vada.
A few minutes later, the fleet commander tapped the terminal off.
Captain H’ta, who had sat silently across the desk during the conversation, curiously observed, “Why did you not tell him about Lorath’s involvement?”
He leaned back in his seat, “It is too early for us to…as the humans say, tip our hand.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Captain’s Ready Room
At Rally Point with the Independence and Destrier (Near the Hacharan System)
Karim, appearing human again, entered the large, lounge-like office. He went up to Hobson’s desk, “Captain, I just wanted to give you the courtesy of…” He looked over at the book self, “Is that Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?” He examined it closer, “That’s real leather. When was this printed?”
The Iceman couldn’t help but smirk. He got up and joined bin Nadal, “Eighteen sixty-two.” He added, “There’s a 1905 copy of Augustine’s City of God next to it.”
The Independence commander thought for a moment and quoted, “As to those things which truly confer dignity upon mankind, namely, security and good morals, I entirely fail to see what difference it makes, aside from the most empty pride of human glory, that some men should be conquerors and others conquered.”
Hobson nodded, “An all too common trait in the galaxy, it seems.”
“You even have some of Ibn Rashid's works,” continued Karim.
Chris stood next to him, gently reminding his visitor that he came there for a reason.
Bin Nadal assumed a more professional posture, “Sorry, sir. I just wanted to relay how well Lieutenant Shalev conducted himself while he served with our team.”
“I knew he would,” replied Hobson, “but I appreciate the courtesy, none the less.” He returned to his seat, “And from all accounts, so did Commander Windslow.”
“I don’t know if I can take credit for that, sir,” he said, “but I’ll pass it along.” He moved to dismiss himself, “If you’ll excuse me, sir. I have a division meeting in a few minutes.”
He acknowledged with a nod, but said before Karim could leave, “Commander.”
“Yes sir?”
“Do you happen to know how to play bridge?”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Main Lounge - “Jinal’s”
At Rally Point with the Perseus and Destrier (Near the Hacharan System)
The large recreation lounge was the default place for members of the three ships to congregate. In the morning, the small fleet would disband.
Velen placed the miniature humanoid, which represented his character, on the table. He wasn’t yet back on active duty. So he and T’Pren decided to try a game that was all the rage on the Indy; an old Earth game. They called it, D&D.
Soma, Velen, T’Pren, Ensign Weston, and another Indy crewmember sat around the small, simulated landscape. Jonin Faltyne walked up to the table.
Kimula warmly offered, “Want to join in?”
The male Andorian raised a hand, “I’ll just watch for the moment.”
“Ok. Let me set the scene…” started Kimula. “You’re in a dark, damp chamber.”
T’Pren observed her Denobulan crewmate begin to shift in his chair. Ever since he was revived by Doctor Nor, he was…subdued, nervous. His normal light-heartedness had faded. She assumed it had to do with emerging from the induced hibernation, but now, she had her doubts.
The Indy’s Andorian counselor continued, “It’s totally dark and…”
Suddenly, Velen got up, “I’m sorry, excuse me. I’m…I’m afraid I can’t play right now. I’m sorry.” He left.
The others seemed to look to T’Pren for an explanation. She stood, “I’d better go see what’s wrong.”
Kimula began to join her, “Maybe I can help.”
“Thanks,” rejoined the Vulcan, “but I’ll talk to him. We’ve known each other since the academy.”
“Are you sure?”
The Perseus tactical officer waved her down, “I’m sure. Enjoy your game.”
Reluctantly, Soma sat back down. She looked at Jonin, “It seems we’re in need of a barbarian.”
Confused, he asked, “What?”
END OF CHAPTER 34
