I think Alexander is more human than Klingon, in his thinking at least. Hopefully he's got a trick for getting the team off the ship! As for Yaava, I have a feeling we'll see her again - soon.
A United Trek Tale - "For the Empire"
- Thread starter Dnoth
- Start date
As always, thanks for reading!
CHAPTER 19
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
Senior Guardian Pasho’s company of elite soldiers walked cautiously and in silence. They were hours too late to aid in the labor camp liberation. By the time they got there, all that was left were craters and bodies. They didn’t even encounter an invader. Moral was nearly non-existent as they traveled back to their ground transports in the wooded darkness.
This war of resistance had degenerated into a quest for mere survival. All the major cites were rubble. Luckily, the aliens were concentrating on the urban areas, though there were rumors of small bands of invaders “hunting” Hacharans in the wilderness.
Yet amidst all the destruction, something amazing had occurred. The three nations of the world, blood enemies for centuries, had begun to cooperate. All it took was their near annihilation.
Quite unexpectedly, Pasho found himself falling into the weeds. He had tripped over something. At first he thought it was a log…but this was softer than wood. Several of his troops paused and took covering positions, as they were trained to do. The sudden movement could cause unwanted attention.
A junior guardian squatted nearby, “Are you alright?”
Still on the ground, the senior guardian rolled over and got a closer look at the mass he stumbled over. It was…an orange, plastic fabric. He got to his knees and looked even closer. It was similar to a biological contamination suit. At first, he thought it might be a Hacharan scientist, so he brushed away the foliage covering the body and moved it onto its back. The face plate was transparent. He desperately wanted to activate a torch for more light, but knew he shouldn’t in a tactical situation. He had enough light to see, however, that what ever was in the suit wasn’t Hacharan.
*****
Supplemental
IKS Jev’Iw, Transporter Room
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
It only took a moment for Lieutenant Comander Carrick to act. She had to be convincing for it to work. An apology would have to come later. Without warning, the Destrier security chief violently backhanded Alexander. The force was enough to twist his entire torso. She yelled, “See how pathetic you now are, yIntagh!”
Three small lacerations etched his face from her gauntlet. A genuine look of fear and confusion could be seen on Alex’s face as he recovered.
The group reacquired Ursva’s attention.
She had to continue, lest he or the others didn’t catch on, “Is it clear to you now how truly helpless you are? No one will notice your absence!”
Bin Nadal picked up the queue. He walked over to Ursva and grinned most viscously, “We wanted to show him how powerless he was before we rid the KDF of this filth.”
The Son of Worf finally understood and began looking as lamentable as he could.
“You mean to kill the nuch?” surmised the female transporter operator.
Karim nodded slowly.
Carrick stepped forward and added, “We didn’t want his blood to taint an Imperial vessel. He will not be returning from the surface.”
Ursva looked at Karim, Kirce, Yitzhak, and finally Alexander. She sat up and manipulated the controls. “Put that creature out of its misery,” she commented.
Shalev grabbed Alexander roughly by the collar and moved him back onto the dais, “Come. Meet your fate.”
The other two Starfleet officers followed. Within a few seconds, they disappeared in the transporter effect.
*****
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
The com chatter was intense ever since the Hacharan had tumbled over Velen.
“We have to stun them,” advised Hatora.
The Independence tactical officer retorted, “There are over 25 armed soldiers here. We can’t stun them all.”
“At least not before they return fire,” added Commander Bolden. “Isolation suits or not, once they see phaser fire, they’ll likely saturate the whole area with projectiles and hit us.”
The Illyrian asked, “Then what can we do?”
Marcus watched as a Hacharan lifted the science officer on to his shoulders. Then the soldiers began to move off.
“Sir,” pleaded Hatora, “we can’t let them take him!”
The troops continued to walk away.
Bolden sighed, “It’s not up to us, now.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Lieutenant T’Pren looked up from her display, “Sir, one of the Hacharans is now in direct contact with one of the suits and is moving away from the beam up site.”
“And the others?” Captain Hobson inquired.
She consulted her console, “For the moment, they’re stationary.”
“Mister Miller,” ordered the Iceman, “is there anyway to determine whose suit that is?”
The operations officer indicated the negative, “Not at this range, Captain.”
The Deltan first officer leaned over, “Eight minutes until the window.”
The captain shook his head slightly and repeated under his breath, “Eight minutes.”
*****
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
The Destrier first officer made a decision. He spoke to the Andorian, “I’ll follow Velen and make sure they don’t abuse him. You and the chief stay here.”
Faltyne felt he needed to point out, “Captain Hobson may not beam you up if you’re too close to the natives.”
“Well, Velen is really close,” was the retort. “And I’m not leaving without him.” Bolden began to pace to the soldiers. “Don’t follow me, either. Beam up and report the situation to Hobson.”
Faltyne’s sensors soon lost Bolden as he entered the thick brush. He looked at his chronometer. Less than two minutes until extraction.
END OF CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 19
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
Senior Guardian Pasho’s company of elite soldiers walked cautiously and in silence. They were hours too late to aid in the labor camp liberation. By the time they got there, all that was left were craters and bodies. They didn’t even encounter an invader. Moral was nearly non-existent as they traveled back to their ground transports in the wooded darkness.
This war of resistance had degenerated into a quest for mere survival. All the major cites were rubble. Luckily, the aliens were concentrating on the urban areas, though there were rumors of small bands of invaders “hunting” Hacharans in the wilderness.
Yet amidst all the destruction, something amazing had occurred. The three nations of the world, blood enemies for centuries, had begun to cooperate. All it took was their near annihilation.
Quite unexpectedly, Pasho found himself falling into the weeds. He had tripped over something. At first he thought it was a log…but this was softer than wood. Several of his troops paused and took covering positions, as they were trained to do. The sudden movement could cause unwanted attention.
A junior guardian squatted nearby, “Are you alright?”
Still on the ground, the senior guardian rolled over and got a closer look at the mass he stumbled over. It was…an orange, plastic fabric. He got to his knees and looked even closer. It was similar to a biological contamination suit. At first, he thought it might be a Hacharan scientist, so he brushed away the foliage covering the body and moved it onto its back. The face plate was transparent. He desperately wanted to activate a torch for more light, but knew he shouldn’t in a tactical situation. He had enough light to see, however, that what ever was in the suit wasn’t Hacharan.
*****
Supplemental
IKS Jev’Iw, Transporter Room
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
It only took a moment for Lieutenant Comander Carrick to act. She had to be convincing for it to work. An apology would have to come later. Without warning, the Destrier security chief violently backhanded Alexander. The force was enough to twist his entire torso. She yelled, “See how pathetic you now are, yIntagh!”
Three small lacerations etched his face from her gauntlet. A genuine look of fear and confusion could be seen on Alex’s face as he recovered.
The group reacquired Ursva’s attention.
She had to continue, lest he or the others didn’t catch on, “Is it clear to you now how truly helpless you are? No one will notice your absence!”
Bin Nadal picked up the queue. He walked over to Ursva and grinned most viscously, “We wanted to show him how powerless he was before we rid the KDF of this filth.”
The Son of Worf finally understood and began looking as lamentable as he could.
“You mean to kill the nuch?” surmised the female transporter operator.
Karim nodded slowly.
Carrick stepped forward and added, “We didn’t want his blood to taint an Imperial vessel. He will not be returning from the surface.”
Ursva looked at Karim, Kirce, Yitzhak, and finally Alexander. She sat up and manipulated the controls. “Put that creature out of its misery,” she commented.
Shalev grabbed Alexander roughly by the collar and moved him back onto the dais, “Come. Meet your fate.”
The other two Starfleet officers followed. Within a few seconds, they disappeared in the transporter effect.
*****
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
The com chatter was intense ever since the Hacharan had tumbled over Velen.
“We have to stun them,” advised Hatora.
The Independence tactical officer retorted, “There are over 25 armed soldiers here. We can’t stun them all.”
“At least not before they return fire,” added Commander Bolden. “Isolation suits or not, once they see phaser fire, they’ll likely saturate the whole area with projectiles and hit us.”
The Illyrian asked, “Then what can we do?”
Marcus watched as a Hacharan lifted the science officer on to his shoulders. Then the soldiers began to move off.
“Sir,” pleaded Hatora, “we can’t let them take him!”
The troops continued to walk away.
Bolden sighed, “It’s not up to us, now.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Lieutenant T’Pren looked up from her display, “Sir, one of the Hacharans is now in direct contact with one of the suits and is moving away from the beam up site.”
“And the others?” Captain Hobson inquired.
She consulted her console, “For the moment, they’re stationary.”
“Mister Miller,” ordered the Iceman, “is there anyway to determine whose suit that is?”
The operations officer indicated the negative, “Not at this range, Captain.”
The Deltan first officer leaned over, “Eight minutes until the window.”
The captain shook his head slightly and repeated under his breath, “Eight minutes.”
*****
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
The Destrier first officer made a decision. He spoke to the Andorian, “I’ll follow Velen and make sure they don’t abuse him. You and the chief stay here.”
Faltyne felt he needed to point out, “Captain Hobson may not beam you up if you’re too close to the natives.”
“Well, Velen is really close,” was the retort. “And I’m not leaving without him.” Bolden began to pace to the soldiers. “Don’t follow me, either. Beam up and report the situation to Hobson.”
Faltyne’s sensors soon lost Bolden as he entered the thick brush. He looked at his chronometer. Less than two minutes until extraction.
END OF CHAPTER 19
They've managed to get Alex off the ship but can they get him to a Federation ship. I doubt things will go easy from here on in.
The duckblind team were in a bind and now matters have become even more complicated. very good stuff. And i imagine the different captains might react differently to the situation.
The duckblind team were in a bind and now matters have become even more complicated. very good stuff. And i imagine the different captains might react differently to the situation.
The duckblind team's mission is turning into a clusterfrak right now.
I'm looking forward to seeing how they salvage the operation
I'm looking forward to seeing how they salvage the operation
I'm also curious to see how things work out on the ground here. Alexander has definitely severed all of his ties to the Empire--political, cultural, social, and personal...
CHAPTER 20
Supplemental
IKS Jev’Iw, Captain’s Chamber
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
The toned J’pak entered. His thick, black hair was pulled back and tied with a strap of leather.
Captain Ch’Pogh looked up as he approached, “nuq”
“Alexander has left the ship with the Starfleet team,” he reported.
The captain grinned as he leaned back in the chair, “Good. Things are happening as I had hoped.” He stood, walked around the desk and offered an arm, “It seems you have been promoted, J’pak.”
The younger Klingon took it with his own, “My loyalty is yours, HoD.”
Ch’Pogh returned to his seat, “Now, be gone.”
J’pak sharply saluted and exited.
Waiting until the door clanged shut, Ch’Pogh activated his terminal. Soon General Lorath appeared on the screen. The captain stated, “Sa’Lorath…Qapla’ The Son of Worf has fled in disgrace. The House of Martok will be humiliated.”
“This is good news, indeed,” replied the elder Klingon. “But that is not enough. The entire mission at Fu’puk II must fail. If the chancellor is unable to keep such an insignificant planet, few in the Council will continue to have faith in his leadership.”
Ch’Pogh shook his head, “I do not believe General K’Vada will assist us in that. His reputation would be at stake.”
“You forget,” Lorath said, “Alexander set certain events in motion. Starfleet is now involved. Humans have a tendency to defend the oppressed.”
“True.”
“None the less, continue to do what you can to encourage the opposition.”
“I have redeployed troops in such a way to allow refuge to certain pockets of resistance. The Hacharans are making full use of them.” He grimaced, “But K’Vada is relentless. Eventually, he will find them.”
The ridgeless Klingon cautioned, “Do not overtly counter K’Vada. You can claim incompetence in some matters, but I need your position within the fleet intact. Do not give him enough reason to kill you.”
“Yes, Milord.”
The General sat back, “With any luck, others will do our work for us.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“We’re in the blind-spot,” Devon Miller reported from ops.
Hobson left his chair, “Status of the teams.”
The non-traditional Vulcan at tactical stated, “The boarding team plus one is on location.”
“Plus one?”
She nodded. Her silence told Hobson there was no more information she could give.
The window wouldn’t last long; less than one minute. There was no time to ask too many questions. “Alright, beam them up.” He looked at Anara, who was monitoring the duck-blind team from an aft science station. “Are two officers still near the Hacharans?”
“Yes sir,” rejoined the Deltan female.
According to the strict letter of the regulation, beaming those two up was a breach of protocol. In this case, however, the barn door on cultural contamination had been blown off its hinges. There was no point in keeping the officers in continued danger. “Beam up the entire duck-blind team, now.”
Anara hesitated for only a moment. If she were in his position, she’d make the same call, “Aye sir.”
He looked back at T’Pren, “Contact the Destrier and Independence. It’s time for a debriefing.”
*****
Stardate: 54372.5 (17 May 2377)
Chancellor’s Office
CapitolCity, Qo’noS
“You wanted to see me, Chancellor,” Worf began.
Martok rose from his seat, the Cloak of Leadership hung from his shoulders. He snapped up a data padd from the ancient, hardwood desk and nearly threw it at the Son of Mogh. “Do you know about this?”
The former Starfleet officer read the report. His heart sank. He was disappointed, but not terribly surprised. He straightened his back before responding. “No, Chancellor. This is the first I have heard of it.”
The one-eyed leader grumbled as he paced, “Your son has dishonored my entire House.”
Worf looked around at nothing in particular, “My son has never truly embraced his Klingon heritage.”
“Yet, he joined the Defense Force,” replied Martok, “Yet, I allowed him into my House.” He stepped closer, “Yet, I made him an officer.”
The chancellor was now very close to Worf. It was not threatening, but it sent a message, none the less.
Worf relented and asked, “Do you intend to discommendate him?”
“Ah,” he grimly laughed, “that would be a more preferable fate to his present status.”
The Ambassador blankly examined the stone floor, knowing his words to be true.
Martok continued, “Henceforth, he is no longer a member of the House of Martok.” He added per custom, “He will be stricken from Klingon records. His name will no longer be spoken.”
Worf slowly nodded, “I understand. As his father, I bear responsibility for his actions as well. I shall share his fate.”
The chancellor corrected him, “No, Worf. You will not.”
“I…do not understand.”
Martok placed a hand on his shoulder, “You are too important an ally, Worf. Your son will have to live in exile, but you need not.” He removed his hand, “And to be fair, I believe this will be better for Alexander.”
The ambassador looked up from under his brow, “Perhaps.” He found his leader, “But word will spread. My presence will only serve to weaken your standing with the Council.”
“It’s possible, but I want to have you at my side, Worf,” retorted the chancellor. “I need all the loyal allies I can get. Will you continue to serve?”
Worf’s jaw locked. He breathed heavily. He fidgeted slightly. Finally, he answered, “Of course, Chancellor.”
CHAPTER 20
Supplemental
IKS Jev’Iw, Captain’s Chamber
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
The toned J’pak entered. His thick, black hair was pulled back and tied with a strap of leather.
Captain Ch’Pogh looked up as he approached, “nuq”
“Alexander has left the ship with the Starfleet team,” he reported.
The captain grinned as he leaned back in the chair, “Good. Things are happening as I had hoped.” He stood, walked around the desk and offered an arm, “It seems you have been promoted, J’pak.”
The younger Klingon took it with his own, “My loyalty is yours, HoD.”
Ch’Pogh returned to his seat, “Now, be gone.”
J’pak sharply saluted and exited.
Waiting until the door clanged shut, Ch’Pogh activated his terminal. Soon General Lorath appeared on the screen. The captain stated, “Sa’Lorath…Qapla’ The Son of Worf has fled in disgrace. The House of Martok will be humiliated.”
“This is good news, indeed,” replied the elder Klingon. “But that is not enough. The entire mission at Fu’puk II must fail. If the chancellor is unable to keep such an insignificant planet, few in the Council will continue to have faith in his leadership.”
Ch’Pogh shook his head, “I do not believe General K’Vada will assist us in that. His reputation would be at stake.”
“You forget,” Lorath said, “Alexander set certain events in motion. Starfleet is now involved. Humans have a tendency to defend the oppressed.”
“True.”
“None the less, continue to do what you can to encourage the opposition.”
“I have redeployed troops in such a way to allow refuge to certain pockets of resistance. The Hacharans are making full use of them.” He grimaced, “But K’Vada is relentless. Eventually, he will find them.”
The ridgeless Klingon cautioned, “Do not overtly counter K’Vada. You can claim incompetence in some matters, but I need your position within the fleet intact. Do not give him enough reason to kill you.”
“Yes, Milord.”
The General sat back, “With any luck, others will do our work for us.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, MainBridge
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
“We’re in the blind-spot,” Devon Miller reported from ops.
Hobson left his chair, “Status of the teams.”
The non-traditional Vulcan at tactical stated, “The boarding team plus one is on location.”
“Plus one?”
She nodded. Her silence told Hobson there was no more information she could give.
The window wouldn’t last long; less than one minute. There was no time to ask too many questions. “Alright, beam them up.” He looked at Anara, who was monitoring the duck-blind team from an aft science station. “Are two officers still near the Hacharans?”
“Yes sir,” rejoined the Deltan female.
According to the strict letter of the regulation, beaming those two up was a breach of protocol. In this case, however, the barn door on cultural contamination had been blown off its hinges. There was no point in keeping the officers in continued danger. “Beam up the entire duck-blind team, now.”
Anara hesitated for only a moment. If she were in his position, she’d make the same call, “Aye sir.”
He looked back at T’Pren, “Contact the Destrier and Independence. It’s time for a debriefing.”
*****
Stardate: 54372.5 (17 May 2377)
Chancellor’s Office
CapitolCity, Qo’noS
“You wanted to see me, Chancellor,” Worf began.
Martok rose from his seat, the Cloak of Leadership hung from his shoulders. He snapped up a data padd from the ancient, hardwood desk and nearly threw it at the Son of Mogh. “Do you know about this?”
The former Starfleet officer read the report. His heart sank. He was disappointed, but not terribly surprised. He straightened his back before responding. “No, Chancellor. This is the first I have heard of it.”
The one-eyed leader grumbled as he paced, “Your son has dishonored my entire House.”
Worf looked around at nothing in particular, “My son has never truly embraced his Klingon heritage.”
“Yet, he joined the Defense Force,” replied Martok, “Yet, I allowed him into my House.” He stepped closer, “Yet, I made him an officer.”
The chancellor was now very close to Worf. It was not threatening, but it sent a message, none the less.
Worf relented and asked, “Do you intend to discommendate him?”
“Ah,” he grimly laughed, “that would be a more preferable fate to his present status.”
The Ambassador blankly examined the stone floor, knowing his words to be true.
Martok continued, “Henceforth, he is no longer a member of the House of Martok.” He added per custom, “He will be stricken from Klingon records. His name will no longer be spoken.”
Worf slowly nodded, “I understand. As his father, I bear responsibility for his actions as well. I shall share his fate.”
The chancellor corrected him, “No, Worf. You will not.”
“I…do not understand.”
Martok placed a hand on his shoulder, “You are too important an ally, Worf. Your son will have to live in exile, but you need not.” He removed his hand, “And to be fair, I believe this will be better for Alexander.”
The ambassador looked up from under his brow, “Perhaps.” He found his leader, “But word will spread. My presence will only serve to weaken your standing with the Council.”
“It’s possible, but I want to have you at my side, Worf,” retorted the chancellor. “I need all the loyal allies I can get. Will you continue to serve?”
Worf’s jaw locked. He breathed heavily. He fidgeted slightly. Finally, he answered, “Of course, Chancellor.”
CHAPTER 20
Alexander has put Worf and Martok on the spot here and he's set several forces in motion...
Agree, Martok and Worf's positions and influence are even more tenious now because of Alex. And considering that factions have a very clear plan to discredit the Chancellor and the operations on Fu'Puk things are even more precarious for all concerned - especially since Lorath forsees the Federation's inevitable involvement which means they might have plans for that eventuality. Though Klingon plans do tend to be 'cut the enemy up into tiny pieces!'
The Klingons have their own ways but I don't think that their intelligence services are worth the name in this instance.
The best laid plans...
The best laid plans...
CHAPTER 21
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
Senior Guardian Pasho continued his tale to the leaders of the world, such as they were. Elder Tahocha listened intently. Duke, now Lord, Nilu heard the story through a surviving military audio network. Ko’Hachar actually still had an orbital communications satellite. So General Vacham was there via a visual monitor. The two latter transmitted from their submersibles.
“The alien was not a Klingon,” he stated.
“Are you sure,” the female general pushed from the screen.
Pasho nodded, “I could see the face. It had head ridges, but they were different and on the sides of the face, not the forehead.” He made eye contact with them to bring home the point, “It was something else.” He added as if it were and afterthought, “Also, when the invaders appear, there is a red light. When this one disappeared, there was a blue light.”
The aged Hacharan rhetorically asked, “And if it were Klingon, why would it bother wearing a contamination suit?”
“Perhaps,” started Nilu, “these new aliens are vulnerable to some virus or bacteria on our planet.”
“My point,” continued Tahocha, “is they behave differently. The Klingons would have came, killed you, and retrieved their warrior. But these new ones did not.”
“They have another agenda,” concluded Vacham.
“The question becomes,” said the new Lord of Do’Hachar, “are they allies or enemies of the invaders?”
The question went unanswered and there was silence until Tahocha hopefully ventured, “Perhaps we have an ally we didn’t even know we had.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Captain’s Mess
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Again the combined command crews met. This time, however, there was a much larger degree of intermingling. The respective team leaders reported the events of their missions.
The first immediate question came from Captain Hobson. “What’s Velen’s status?”
The Ktarian hybrid leaned in, “He’s stable. I could wake him at anytime, but for now, I recommend letting his body rest.”
The Perseus captain nodded in satisfaction.
After a few tense seconds, the elephant in the room was addressed. Sintina asked plainly, “So what do we do with Alexander?”
Kojo was silent. Her arms were crossed. She huffed slightly at the mention of the name.
Bin Nadal, now appearing naturally, chimed in, “I recommend allowing his asylum.”
“How can we not?” questioned Yitzhak, “His father is our ambassador to Qo’noS.”
“Its not a matter of allowing it,” rejoined Hobson, “He and his father hold dual citizenship with the Federation and the Empire. He will be granted protection by the Federation.”
The conversation again stalled. The next step was obvious to all. The reports were in. The information gathering mission was a success. Eyes began to drift toward Kojo.
Finally, the blonde haired captain began, “Very well. I will send our findings to…”
“Bridge to Captain Hobson.”
If anyone was annoyed with the interruption, it didn’t show. The Perseus captain tiled his head upwards slightly, “Go ahead.”
“Sir, we’ve been monitoring the Fed newscasts. I highly recommend you access the Council’s most recent public announcement.”
Treasure happened to be closest to the display in the bulkhead. The engineer got up and called up the broadcast. It began as she sat back down.
The Speaker of the Federation Council, a Vulcan female, stood from a podium and began:
“Greetings. As many of you are aware, the Imperial Klingon Fleet has annexed a pre-warp capable world, which they designate: Fu’puk II. The Council has debated at length on this subject and we have passed the following resolution.
In summary, it states: The Klingon Empire has the right to expand its borders in territory unclaimed by other regional powers.
I understand how emotion might run high at this action by the Empire. However, this star system is in unclaimed space, no treaty has been broken, and the Council does not believe there is any threat to the United Federation of Planets or its protectorates.
This concludes the announcement. Thank you.”
The screen reverted to the emblem of the UFP.
The collective room began to boil, even the Iceman could feel it. It was Captain Aurelia that popped first, “Son of a bitch!”
Marcus added, “They didn’t even get our evidence.”
“Our entire mission was for nothing,” said the Destrier tactical officer.
T’Pren shook her head, “A classic example of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing.”
“They probably never had any interest in seeing our evidence,” commented Karim.
Zo’Kama, the reptilian doctor, surmised, “That’s right. If they got proof of what they’re doing here, it’d be politically harder to pass that resolution.”
“Enough!” blasted the Destrier captain. The conversation and grumbling stopped. She continued, “What’s done is done.” She began to pace, “I will contact Command for further instruction. Dismissed.” She strode to the exit.
Everyone else lingered for a moment. Hobson then, stood and encouraged the others, “You heard her. Return to your posts.” The Perseus crew got motivated.
The Independence crew began to stand as well, but they looked at Aurelia, who remained seated. The side of her head rested on her fingers. To say she looked annoyed was an understatement. Only her eyes moved as she addressed her people, “Let’s get out of here.” She finally got up, “Away team members, you’re on light duty for 48 hours.”
A few “Aye ma’ams,” followed.
*****
Bolden caught up to Kojo in the corridor. He discreetly asked, “Captain, is there something bothering you?”
She walked on, “Nothing about the mission. In war, there are sometimes objectives that later prove to be useless.”
“Then what, sir?”
The Kriosian stopped and spun around, “What has happened to Klingons?”
The commander didn’t have a response.
She continued, “I am glad my mate is not alive to see this day. Some Klingons treat their vassals without respect. Other Klingons have become cowards. Both are allowed to escape their just punishment.”
Bolden searched vainly for an appropriate comment. He could find none.
Kojo didn’t wait. She moved on to the transporter room.
*****
Faltyne walked abreast of his executive officer. The Andorian security chief commented, “I guess we’ll always know where Captain Aurelia stands, huh?”
The Persian looked over with a smirk, “Yeah, she pretty much wears her feelings on her sleeve.”
“What do you think of the Council’s decision, sir?” Jonin tempted.
Karim considered keeping his feelings to himself, but decided to be at truthful, if vague. “I think the Federation has lost its way, Lieutenant.”
END OF CHAPTER 21
Supplemental
Go'hachar, Southern Continent
Fu’puk II
Senior Guardian Pasho continued his tale to the leaders of the world, such as they were. Elder Tahocha listened intently. Duke, now Lord, Nilu heard the story through a surviving military audio network. Ko’Hachar actually still had an orbital communications satellite. So General Vacham was there via a visual monitor. The two latter transmitted from their submersibles.
“The alien was not a Klingon,” he stated.
“Are you sure,” the female general pushed from the screen.
Pasho nodded, “I could see the face. It had head ridges, but they were different and on the sides of the face, not the forehead.” He made eye contact with them to bring home the point, “It was something else.” He added as if it were and afterthought, “Also, when the invaders appear, there is a red light. When this one disappeared, there was a blue light.”
The aged Hacharan rhetorically asked, “And if it were Klingon, why would it bother wearing a contamination suit?”
“Perhaps,” started Nilu, “these new aliens are vulnerable to some virus or bacteria on our planet.”
“My point,” continued Tahocha, “is they behave differently. The Klingons would have came, killed you, and retrieved their warrior. But these new ones did not.”
“They have another agenda,” concluded Vacham.
“The question becomes,” said the new Lord of Do’Hachar, “are they allies or enemies of the invaders?”
The question went unanswered and there was silence until Tahocha hopefully ventured, “Perhaps we have an ally we didn’t even know we had.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Perseus, Captain’s Mess
In Orbit of Fu’puk II
Again the combined command crews met. This time, however, there was a much larger degree of intermingling. The respective team leaders reported the events of their missions.
The first immediate question came from Captain Hobson. “What’s Velen’s status?”
The Ktarian hybrid leaned in, “He’s stable. I could wake him at anytime, but for now, I recommend letting his body rest.”
The Perseus captain nodded in satisfaction.
After a few tense seconds, the elephant in the room was addressed. Sintina asked plainly, “So what do we do with Alexander?”
Kojo was silent. Her arms were crossed. She huffed slightly at the mention of the name.
Bin Nadal, now appearing naturally, chimed in, “I recommend allowing his asylum.”
“How can we not?” questioned Yitzhak, “His father is our ambassador to Qo’noS.”
“Its not a matter of allowing it,” rejoined Hobson, “He and his father hold dual citizenship with the Federation and the Empire. He will be granted protection by the Federation.”
The conversation again stalled. The next step was obvious to all. The reports were in. The information gathering mission was a success. Eyes began to drift toward Kojo.
Finally, the blonde haired captain began, “Very well. I will send our findings to…”
“Bridge to Captain Hobson.”
If anyone was annoyed with the interruption, it didn’t show. The Perseus captain tiled his head upwards slightly, “Go ahead.”
“Sir, we’ve been monitoring the Fed newscasts. I highly recommend you access the Council’s most recent public announcement.”
Treasure happened to be closest to the display in the bulkhead. The engineer got up and called up the broadcast. It began as she sat back down.
The Speaker of the Federation Council, a Vulcan female, stood from a podium and began:
“Greetings. As many of you are aware, the Imperial Klingon Fleet has annexed a pre-warp capable world, which they designate: Fu’puk II. The Council has debated at length on this subject and we have passed the following resolution.
In summary, it states: The Klingon Empire has the right to expand its borders in territory unclaimed by other regional powers.
I understand how emotion might run high at this action by the Empire. However, this star system is in unclaimed space, no treaty has been broken, and the Council does not believe there is any threat to the United Federation of Planets or its protectorates.
This concludes the announcement. Thank you.”
The screen reverted to the emblem of the UFP.
The collective room began to boil, even the Iceman could feel it. It was Captain Aurelia that popped first, “Son of a bitch!”
Marcus added, “They didn’t even get our evidence.”
“Our entire mission was for nothing,” said the Destrier tactical officer.
T’Pren shook her head, “A classic example of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing.”
“They probably never had any interest in seeing our evidence,” commented Karim.
Zo’Kama, the reptilian doctor, surmised, “That’s right. If they got proof of what they’re doing here, it’d be politically harder to pass that resolution.”
“Enough!” blasted the Destrier captain. The conversation and grumbling stopped. She continued, “What’s done is done.” She began to pace, “I will contact Command for further instruction. Dismissed.” She strode to the exit.
Everyone else lingered for a moment. Hobson then, stood and encouraged the others, “You heard her. Return to your posts.” The Perseus crew got motivated.
The Independence crew began to stand as well, but they looked at Aurelia, who remained seated. The side of her head rested on her fingers. To say she looked annoyed was an understatement. Only her eyes moved as she addressed her people, “Let’s get out of here.” She finally got up, “Away team members, you’re on light duty for 48 hours.”
A few “Aye ma’ams,” followed.
*****
Bolden caught up to Kojo in the corridor. He discreetly asked, “Captain, is there something bothering you?”
She walked on, “Nothing about the mission. In war, there are sometimes objectives that later prove to be useless.”
“Then what, sir?”
The Kriosian stopped and spun around, “What has happened to Klingons?”
The commander didn’t have a response.
She continued, “I am glad my mate is not alive to see this day. Some Klingons treat their vassals without respect. Other Klingons have become cowards. Both are allowed to escape their just punishment.”
Bolden searched vainly for an appropriate comment. He could find none.
Kojo didn’t wait. She moved on to the transporter room.
*****
Faltyne walked abreast of his executive officer. The Andorian security chief commented, “I guess we’ll always know where Captain Aurelia stands, huh?”
The Persian looked over with a smirk, “Yeah, she pretty much wears her feelings on her sleeve.”
“What do you think of the Council’s decision, sir?” Jonin tempted.
Karim considered keeping his feelings to himself, but decided to be at truthful, if vague. “I think the Federation has lost its way, Lieutenant.”
END OF CHAPTER 21
I must say, even though I haven't read any United Trek stories besides this one yet, you've REALLY managed to suck me in with this.
I definitely like how you're dealing with the way the Klingon Empire continues to behave--I have felt for a long time like that was woefully under-addressed.
I think you've nailed the characterization of Alexander--even more than the show did. I like how (aside from his lack of combat skills) he's not the mere buffoon he was in the DS9 episodes he appeared in. Rather...he takes after his mother. I think that something had to break, as far as his time in the Klingon Empire and rough as it is on him, that was the only outcome that makes any sort of sense. Seeing what happens between him and Worf will be quite interesting...I really wonder whose side Worf will be on. Either he could realize he pushed his son into that, or he could cut him off entirely. Knowing Worf, it's hard to envision it being anything in between.
I also liked seeing the interplay not just between members of different species, but within species as well: the Andorians rubbing each other the wrong way, the Israeli and Arab man being able to have a religion discussion without sniping at each other, and so on...definitely some nice touches. I liked getting to see that even if these planets might be under one government, there ARE still different cultures in play within those overall cultures that we got to see on the show.
Keep up the good work!
I definitely like how you're dealing with the way the Klingon Empire continues to behave--I have felt for a long time like that was woefully under-addressed.
I think you've nailed the characterization of Alexander--even more than the show did. I like how (aside from his lack of combat skills) he's not the mere buffoon he was in the DS9 episodes he appeared in. Rather...he takes after his mother. I think that something had to break, as far as his time in the Klingon Empire and rough as it is on him, that was the only outcome that makes any sort of sense. Seeing what happens between him and Worf will be quite interesting...I really wonder whose side Worf will be on. Either he could realize he pushed his son into that, or he could cut him off entirely. Knowing Worf, it's hard to envision it being anything in between.
I also liked seeing the interplay not just between members of different species, but within species as well: the Andorians rubbing each other the wrong way, the Israeli and Arab man being able to have a religion discussion without sniping at each other, and so on...definitely some nice touches. I liked getting to see that even if these planets might be under one government, there ARE still different cultures in play within those overall cultures that we got to see on the show.
Keep up the good work!
Interesting, it seems the Federation doesn't want to get its hands dirty and as usual our brave people on the ground couln't disagree more.
The machinations of the Klingons are even more interesting. A Federation retreat here would not sit well with them but it seems they musn't worry ... not as long as Aureila is around that is.
The machinations of the Klingons are even more interesting. A Federation retreat here would not sit well with them but it seems they musn't worry ... not as long as Aureila is around that is.
And . . . the Council throws our brave starship crews under the bus.
Nice to see RealPolitik alive and well in the 24th century.
Very nice segment, by the way!
Nice to see RealPolitik alive and well in the 24th century.
Very nice segment, by the way!
The wheels on the bus go round and round...
As Redshirt said, some things never change.
A very good segment--you're doing a good job with the various characters.
As Redshirt said, some things never change.
A very good segment--you're doing a good job with the various characters.
Thank you very much. That was my goal from the beginning of this project. I think Alexander got a raw deal. However, I understand why he joined the KDF (to gain acceptance from his father). But I think most people tend to agree, it wasn't a good move on his part.
Thanks to everyone for reading. I am very pleased people are enjoying it. I'd say we're about 65-70% done.
...Also, there was a question several chapters back about what Hobson said: “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” It is from Shakespeare; Hamlet act 2, scene 2.
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