CHAPTER 10
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Captain’s Mess
In Orbit of Fu’puk II along with the Federation and Klingon Task Forces
Shortly after the initial contact with the Klingon Eighth Task Force, Captain Kojo called a conference. She wanted all the senior staff from all three ships to meet at once, to minimize any miscommunication. Hobson offered the Captain’s Mess on the Intrepid class ship as the meeting spot.
The tables in the dining hall were rearranged in a circle for the impromptu conference. As he looked around the room, Marcus Bolden, the Destrier’s XO, found it amusing how the crews tended to keep to their own groups. The helmsman of the Perseus glared at the Independence’s chief engineer for some reason. The engineer, and everyone else, pretended not to notice.
Kojo continued, “I am amazed at General K’Vada’s lack of outrage.”
“Or surprise,” added Commander Rysyl.
Captain Hobson chimed in, “According to my research, K’Vada is a pragmatist. He’s much more calculating than your typical Klingon.”
“So he won’t go in guns blazing without thinking about it first,” surmised bin Nadal.
“He’s still a Klingon,” corrected the Iceman in an even tone, “He won’t think twice about lashing out if he feels the need. We’re talking about the man that tamed the Crolsa System, after all.”
“Tamed,” repeated Aurelia, “That’s an interesting word for it. I’d say he kicked the snot out of ‘em.”
A few muffled and humorless chuckles dotted the room. The Independence’s new security chief, Faltyne, developed an evil smirk. He derived a twisted sense of satisfaction. Cardassians in the Crolsa System were responsible for his captivity and torture. He darkly mused, ‘Maybe I owe K’Vada one.’
Kojo struggled with the quote, “’Kicking the snot out of people’ is what he does best. No doubt, his actions in the Crolsa System were considered when he was assigned this mission.”
Counselor Kimula Soma spoke, “But that doesn’t answer why he was so…unresponsive to our showing up.”
“He threatened to shoot us,” remembered Kirce Carrick, the Destrier tactical officer, “I wouldn’t call that ‘unresponsive.’”
Lieutenant Commander Miller, of the Perseus, wondered aloud, “Since the son of Worf is involved, I have to believe there is something more going on here.”
“What does K’Vada think of Worf?” asked Sintina.
Captain Hobson replied, “I haven’t found any evidence that the general has any misgivings toward him.”
The Kriosian’s blonde hair swayed as she shook her head, “No, K’Vada isn’t prone to subversion. If he doubted his leaders, he would challenge them.”
After a short silence, the Iceman refocused the discussion, “Our first priority is to gather more information about the situation on the ground.”
“A preliminary scan of the surface,” began Tang Zian, the science officer on the Indy, “indicated the Hacharans have a global database that is still operational. We could download it.”
“That would be a good start, Lieutenant,” concurred Hobson.
Miller leaned in, “We should try to contact Alexander again.”
“We need boots on the ground,” inserted the Latina captain. She uncrossed her arms, “That’s the best first hand intelligence we can get.”
Hobson countered tactfully, “Captain, with respect that could lead to a whole new set of problems that could be avoided.” He saw her annoyance growing. The Perseus captain knew he had to walk a very, very fine line; mostly because of all the subordinates in the room. He continued, “Not the least of which is the Prime Directive.”
Kojo voiced Aurelia’s response, “The Prime Directive seems to be irrelevant, Captain Hobson.”
Hobson hesitated slightly. This debate shouldn’t be held in present company. “Captain Kojo,” he finally said, “perhaps we could discuss this in my ready room.”
“If you have a concern,” she persisted, “voice it. I do not fear a break down in ranks, here.”
The Iceman glanced at Anara and the rest of his crew. He wasn’t concerned about his crew’s reaction. He was embarrassed for his counterparts. They shouldn’t have to be reminded of one of the cardinal rules of Starfleet. He explained, “Just because the Klingons have invaded that planet doesn’t mean the Prime Directive is no longer valid. We have rules about contact with other species, the Klingons don’t. Yes, there has been a dramatic change to Hacharan society in recent weeks, but doesn’t mean we can add to it.”
For such a crowded room, there was an unusual still.
“Isolation suits,” said Windslow. Unexpectedly, everyone’s eyes fell on him. He continued a bit more subdued, “We could observe in isolation suits. The mission could be treated just like a duck-blind.”
Bolden commented first, “That would have the added benefit of hiding us from any Klingons on the surface as well.”
“Unfortunately, the suits won’t hide us from a scan,” observed Velen, the Denobulan science officer on the Perseus.
“Still,” started Kojo, “it seems our best option.”
“I’d like to gather more information through…other channels as well,” suggested bin Nadal.
“What did you have in mind?” questioned the Task Force Commander.
He gestured to all three vessel masters, “With the captains’ permission, I’d like to covertly board one of the Klingon vessels and hack into their records.”
Hobson began, “If the Klingons catch you, Commander…”
“He knows,” Aurelia interrupted. “It wouldn’t be the first time Karim has been behind enemy lines.”
Though his facial expression didn’t viably change, Hobson’s eyes betrayed a growing animosity toward Aurelia from her lack of courtesy. He was about to make a rebuke when the Destrier’s captain ended the debate.
“We’ll board the Jev’Iw. If the son of Worf is still alive, we’ll want to talk with him.”
It was obvious, several people disagreed with the decision; Hobson, Bolden, and Miller among them. To their credit, they remained silent.
The Chief Medical Officer of the Perseus, Helen Nor, ventured, “I hate to be the pessimist in the room, but if this goes sour, what are our chances against the Klingons?”
Jonin Faltyne fielded the query, “I ran five battle simulations. Our three ships against a Vorcha, a K’Vort, a Fek’lhr, and two CharghwI’ class troop transports.” He looked around the room as he revealed the results, “We win the battle, but the Independence or Perseus is either severely damaged or destroyed.”
“It’s a moot point,” declared Hobson, “we can’t afford to spark a war with the Klingons.”
The Kriosian captain took charge. The time for discussion was over. “Then we’ll need three teams: a research team, a duck-blind team, and a boarding team.”
Hobson offered, “I suggest we utilize the personnel we have according to their talents, regardless of whose command they’re under.”
“Agreed,” said Kojo.
Aurelia less enthusiastically confirmed, “Fine.”
“Commander Rysyl,” began Kojo.
“Sir?”
“Assemble and lead the researchers. Attempt to find Hacharan accounts regarding the invasion.” Then, the Destrier captain looked to her own first officer, “Commander Bolden, organize the duck-blind.” Her gaze then fell to bin Nadal, “Commander, as much as I would like to go with you on your mission, I believe it would be best if the captains stayed with their ships. Pick two others to accompany you.”
“Aye, sir.”
Kojo then stood, “Let it be done. Dismissed.”
END OF CHAPTER 10
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How could you even suggest that something appearing on Voyager not be considered canon!
