Star Trek: "Before Destruction!"* - An Original Novel By Michael Rossi (Please Read the File "README.TXT" before you begin this story.) Author's Note: The following story takes place immediately after the 'Vintage' Trek episode entitled "Requiem for Methuselah". It also ties into the entire Trek world, thankfully created by the late Gene Roddenberry. Specific episodes that are referenced prominently are: "Requiem for Methuselah", "Whom Gods Destroy", "Day *f the Dove" and "Errand of Mercy". As with all works in the Trek universe, this one takes a few liberties... but only a few, and maintains the "Character" and "Spirit" that has made Trek my favorite world of imagination. Although this story relies on past episodes, it is independent of any other "S.T. Novel" or the contents therein. I would like to take this time to thank the writer's of the aforementioned episodes, and all the others who have contributed to the world of Trek in a positive way. Specifically I wish to thank them for showing me that, although fictional, it reflects hope, truth, loyalty, justice, honor, faith, and love. Trek authors have boldly gone where others have feared to tread. Tackling delicate issues of morality and justice unflinchingly, from the very beginning. Episodic topics have ranged from the "Cold War" to the "Bible" and have always spoken to current issues with an underlying sense of the "right" and "wrong" of them, or the "good" and "evil". I attribute the success of the series not merely to the actors and crew, but to these writers who envisioned a hopeful future, but never left the wisdom of the past. Thank you. Mike --------------------------------------MORE-------------------------------------- And Now: Star Trek: "Before Destruction"* *Star Trek is a Registered Trademark of Paramount Pictures Copyright 1991 by Michael Rossi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** PROLOGUE *** Captain James Tiberius Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise, yielded finally to the merciful, if often elusive, hand of sleep. Dr. Lenard McCoy had helped him on his way. His cabin was darkened as he sat behind his desk with his head down atop folded arms. The sleeves of his gold and black Captain's uniform were still moist from the tears he was unable to hold back any longer. Though asleep, he was neither at rest nor at peace. Phantasms of his tormented heart were there to greet him as he entered the place of his dreams. Behind him, like a chiselled monolithic sentinel, stood the Vulcanian Science Officer, Spock. He looked upon his Captain, moved with a compassion he had never experienced before. Not expressed on his face, nor seen in the fathomless depths of his eyes, the emotion drove him, forcing him to a decision. His logical mind did what it could to prevent him from acting, but the force from his half-human heart was irresistible. The pain of his Captain was now inexplicably yet undeniably his own. And then the decision was made. Spock, the man, moved towards his Captain, and gently placed his fingers upon the troubled brow of his friend. He closed his own eyes and concentrated. "Forget," he spoke to the heart of his Captain, "Forget..." * * * "They will be coming..." the voice spoke out prophetically. "How many?" came a second voice with a strange sadness in it. "Two ships, one from either side. But only one of their 'landing parties' will descend," answered the first voice. "Should we prevent them from approaching?" came a third voice. "No," said the second, "It must be." "They are fearful. They believe we have answers to their fear," said the first. "Perhaps they are correct but they may not wish to hear what we have to say. For they have heard the truth from the beginning, and are still willingly ignorant of it. The pride of their vain imagination, their love of 'self', these are points of their blindness. Nevertheless, we are merely messengers of the truth, not creators of it... Let them come," spoke the second voice. "Let them come," agreed the third voice. "They shall come..." prophesied the first. PAGE A *** ONE *** Captain's personal log, Stardate: 5845.9. "It has been mere hours since we have left orbit around Holberg 917g, yet my memory of it seems to fade with our increasing distance. Holberg, was not on our intended agenda but a necessary break from our course, for on its surface in crude form was the vital mineral "Ryetalyn" which when refined was the main ingredient for a cure to Rigellian Fever. A landing party from the Enterprise had contracted Rigellian Fever weeks ago and the virus had swept the crew, which made our need one of desperation. Upon arrival at the out-of-the way planet, Myself, First Officer Spock and Dr. Leonard McCoy found the dwelling of a most amazing man." "We found that the man, Flint, living in isolation from the rest of the universe, had no record of ever existing on file in any Starfleet or Federation memory banks. That is, under the name of Flint. However, our observations of his personal possessions..." Captain James T. Kirk sat upright in his chair. To his astonishment, he could not recall any of his previous observations of Flint's personal possessions. In fact, he was losing most of the thoughts that he was sure he had only moments ago concerning the man. He remembered the floating M-4 robot that gathered the Ryetalyn. He remembered the end result; his crew whole again. But there was much missing... and something painful. Something that could burst his heart, were he able to recollect what that 'something' was. "Captain Kirk, this is Lieutenant Uhura, please respond." The communications speaker broke the dark silence of his cabin and snapped Kirk's head up. The Captain blinked twice, hard, to arouse himself out of his trance-like state of thought. He reached for the comm button and winced at a small pain in his side. "Kirk here; what is it, Lieutenant?" "I have picked up a weak distress signal, Sir. I couldn't make out anything vocally but they used the emergency frequency with a pulse wave." "Were you able to pin-point its origin?" "It came from quadrant eight seventy-one, Captain. No specific location as of yet, but I'm trying to narrow it down." Her voice was steady, yet expressed her concern. "Eight seventy-one? Then it hasn't reached Starbase Sixteen yet?" He understood her concern. It was very likely that they were the only ones who had heard the distress signal. "No Sir. If it makes it there at all, it won't be for another two hours. It is very weak, Captain." PAGE 1 "Two point one three hours, Captain," Spock added, obviously standing close to Uhura. "Thank you Mr. Spock. Lieutenant Uhura, contact Starfleet concerning the signal. Inform them that we are going in to locate its origin." Kirk switched off his log recorder. "Mister Sulu?" "Yes, Sir!" The deep voice spoke confidently. "Set course for quadrant eight seventy-one, warp seven." "Aye aye, Sir," replied Sulu. Captain Kirk changed the comm channel to the intra-ship setting. "This is Captain Kirk, all hands Yellow Alert, repeat, Yellow Alert!" * * * Captain Kirk strode onto the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Glancing across the spacious cabin, he noted all were at their stations doing what he knew, was their best. "What do we have in quadrant eight seventy-one, Mr. Spock?" The tall and lean Science Officer turned towards his Captain placing his arms behind his back in a "parade rest" fashion. His shiny black hair gleamed in the luminescence of the overhead lighting. Some time ago, he could state exactly when, Spock had committed to memory all Starbases and Federation outposts in all quadrants. "Science Station Copernicus, Elba II, six abandoned Dilithium mines, and the Golon Star System, Captain," he stated. "It is, however, heavily traversed by Federation cargo barges and privately owned freighters," he added in a formal, even tone. "Keptin, it is only vun sector avay from the Klingon Neutral Zone. Close enough to make a tribble squeal," said Ensign Checkov with a suppressed smile on his face. Sulu, his companion at the helm, didn't bother to suppress his. "So noted Mister Checkov. Uhura, try to make contact with Copernicus and Elba II." Kirk took the center seat, symbol of both a Captain's power and authority. He stared at the main view screen watching the stars unfold. He leaned forward and rested his right elbow on the arm of his chair, placing his chin in the palm of his hand. The bright starscape before him was breathtaking, but even so, his mind began to drift back to the Holberg expedition. 'Something painful?' He went over the events again in his mind; Rigellian fever, Holberg 917g, Ryetalyn, the M-4 robot, Flint, bruised ribs. 'Bruised ribs?' Jim Kirk put his hand to his side. He could feel the Flexi- truss under his shirt, and realized he did indeed have bruised ribs, but try as he might, he could not recall a single detail about how they came to be that way. PAGE 2 "Captain," Uhura spoke softly. Jim snapped his head up, realizing he was brooding in front of his crew. 'They all get paranoid when I brood.' He thought to himself, and spoke, "Yes, Lieutenant?" "Science Station Copernicus confirms their reception of the distress signal." "Did they locate the source?" He swiveled his chair to face the beautiful, dark skinned communications officer. "It's coming through now, Sir." She placed her hand to her ear to block out the various sounds emanating from the bridge. "There seems to be some kind of interference, Sir. I can't make out their message. Possibly they are experiencing a solar flare or something releasing a large amount of energy in their quad." "Mister Spock?" He turned to his First Officer. "Analyzing, Captain." The Vulcan bent over his science station's instrument panel. "Unsure, Captain. As the Lieutenant pointed out, there is a vast dispersal of energy between Copernicus and our present course heading. However, from the effect it is having on the subspace channel, I would hypothesize that it is an unnatural event." "I have it now, Sir," Uhura said. "Copernicus reports they have identified the source code of the distress call. It came from a space-vessel named the 'Fringe Ranger', in the immediate vicinity of Elba II." "The Fringe Ranger? Spock, search the records and let me know what information you can find on it." Kirk returned his chair to its foreword position. "Alter course for Elba II, Mister Sulu." "Aye, Sir." The turbo-lift opened with a 'swoosh'. Dr. McCoy in his blue medical uniform, stepped out silently. He looked down to the man in the center seat. McCoy had been and continued to be concerned with Jim's emotional state. Deep depression in anyone can hinder judgement and cause abnormal actions and reactions. In a Starship Captain, the consequences escalate exponentially. In worst cases, it could jeopardize the safety of the crew. But it was Jim Kirk, his friend, whom he worried about. "Sickbay is ready, Jim." The Doctor rested on the upperdeck's arm-rail. "How soon till we know any more?" "Soon. We are on course for Elba II, Doctor. I trust you are equally prepared to minister to their specific needs as well?" Elba II had been the only mental institution in the Federation for the criminally insane for nine years. "I'm prepared for every contingency. Which reminds me, I have PAGE 3 a special prescription prepared for you in my cabin when you can find the time." "One of your '100 Proof' remedies?" Jim said, hoping it wasn't a sneaky ploy to get him close enough to sickbay to give him a physical. "I'll have to pass until this is taken care of, Bones." Spock turned from his station's computer console, "Captain, the Fringe Ranger is a decommissioned Yeager-Class cruiser with a complement of thirty-seven officers and crew, now carrying supplies to frontier colonies and Starfleet outposts. It was apparently enroute to Elba II. I have also analyzed her distress signal with interesting results." Kirk nodded for him to continue. "The signal appears to have been sent prior to the phenomena causing the subspace disturbance, and I estimate a 97.43 probability that it was being jammed from close proximity." "Jammed?" Kirk rose from his chair and moved to the science station. He observed the readings indicating that it was so. The flattened waves and distorted peaks of the line image looked very much like a jammed signal. "Who would jam a distress call in Federation space?" the doctor asked no-one in particular. "As Mr. Checkov pointed out earlier, we are not far from the Klingon Neutral Zone, and pirates have been known to be operative in this sector. Mr. Sulu, precautionary Red Alert. Mr. Checkov, Screens up, charge phasers," the Captain ordered. The alert claxon sounded, causing the crew's adrenal glands to surge in preparation for the emergency tasks they so often were required to perform. Ignorance was the greatest cause of fear among the battle-ready members. Not knowing the situation causing the alert allowed their minds to race in all directions. The Captain had been on the other end of command, and understood his crew's need for information. "Kill the claxon, Mr. Sulu." Jim returned to his chair, standing next to it, and again pressed the intra-ship comm. "This is the Captain speaking. We are on a rescue mission, but have cause to believe there may be enemy involvement. It may be a false alarm, but stay sharp. Kirk out." The sensor panel by Spock crackled with electricity then exploded, to the surprise of everyone. Before Spock could ascertain the reason for this, the Enterprise was hit hard by some powerful but unseen force. The ship rocked and vibrated, pitching those standing to the floor and causing several more overloads on the sensor panel. Sparks flew and smoke billowed from the unit's side vents. "Mr Spock, what hit us?" Kirk asked, regaining his footing. Another jolt, less in severity, hit the ship. Spock, also gathering himself up from the deck replied, "A PAGE 4 concussion-energy wave of some magnitude. Sensor feedback shorted out any early warning we might have received," "Lieutenant Uhura?" The Captain did not have to make a complete request of the communications officer. The closeness of the bridge officers occasionally circumvented any need of formal query in events such as this. "Damage to shields 3 and 4, long and short range sensors are out, minor structural damage below C deck. Engineering reports," her report was interrupted by a voice over the bridge speaker. "Capt'n, we got a problem with the main energizers. How long are ya gonna keep ma engines goin at full tilt?" said the definitively Scottish voice of the Chief Engineer. "We will be going sublight in a matter of minutes, Mr. Scott. Keep us on line until then, please." "I'll try Sir, but the intermix reactor to me port nacelle just went into the yellow. I wouldn'a like you to have to jettison the whole unit." The doctor slipped off the bridge into the turbolift. No matter how little damage there was, you could count on 5 or 6 patients appearing in Sickbay with bloody noses and minor abrasions. With blood dripping from his left nostril, the doctor wanted to get in line before the "Coagul-aid" was used up. "Coming up on the Petroski solar system and Elba II, Captain," reported Sulu. "Slow to one quarter impulse power, with Mr. Scott's permission," Jim Kirk said, looking up at the bridge speaker. "Aye Sir, Scott out." "Slowing, Sir." "Keptin, we are peeking up debris on collision sensors. They appear to be asteroids directly in front of us vair there should be none," said Checkov. "Increase forward viewer magnification to 40. How are the shields holding Mr. Checkov?" "Shields at 78 percent, Sir." The stars were shining brightly in the distance, but in front of them, increasingly blotting out the pinpoints of light, were dark spinning rocks growing in size as the Enterprise neared them. "How much longer before we have short range sensors back?" the Captain directed toward Uhura. PAGE 5 "Tech crew says we may have short range back in 10 minutes. They haven't given me an estimate on the long range sensors as of yet, Sir." The Captain nodded in acknowledgement, "Mr. Sulu, all stop." With steady hands on the instruments, "Slowing," Sulu stated. "All stop, Sir," he reported. "Thrusters at station-keeping." Spock observed the forward view screen with arms folded across his chest. "Captain, the asteroids still appear to be advancing in our direction rapidly." Kirk examined the distant rocks on the screen as Spock continued. "By their angle of trajectory and dispersal, I would estimate they originated from some central point ahead of our present course. Possibly from the event point of the energy dispersal that has been disturbing our communications." "They are getting closer, aren't they." He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled noisily, as if he was about to do something that he wished he didn't have to. "Mr. Sulu, do you recall what regulations state about a Starship entering a field of asteroids?" The Oriental officer looked at his comrade sitting next to him, and answered in an uncertain voice. "Uh, I believe section 139, paragraph 62 or 63 states 'Stay the heck away from them unless it's an emergency'. Paraphrased, Sir." "Are you willing to make the attempt?" Kirk asked him. A wry smile appeared on the adventurous Lieutenant's face, still looking at Checkov, who gave him an uncomfortable nod. "I think so, Captain" "In that case, shields double front Mr. Checkov. Arm Photon torpedoes, we may need to blast our way through a few of them. Do not wait for my command to fire. That may take too long." He pressed the intra-ship communication switch. "This is the Captain; prepare for rough maneuvers. We will be piloting through a hazardous area so take all precautions accordingly. Captain out." Then to the lieutenant with whom he now entrusted his ship, "Take us through, Mr. Sulu, and try to save the paint job." "Aye, Sir, accelerating to point zero-four sub-light." The sleek giant of a Starship moved closer toward the oncoming space debris. The first tiny particles hit the shields, making sparks visible on the main viewer. Although the vacuum of space made it impossible, the bridge crew could almost hear the micro asteroids hiss, as they came in contact with the ship's protective energy barrier. The larger asteroids were now approaching. The collision alarm blasted through the silence on the bridge, then ceased as the Captain signaled its termination. The Enterprise suddenly pitched PAGE 6 starboard then to port as Sulu deftly navigated her through the deadly floating rocks. The crew was being pulled side to side, as the artificial gravity strained to adjust to the inertial force changes. Then their motion changed to up and down as the ship narrowly missed a large one cutting across her bow. It was as if they were on some mad man's ride in an amusement park, but amusement was not what the crew was experiencing. Without warning, spiraling in from the side, came a jagged asteroid that Sulu couldn't move around in time. Almost immediately upon seeing it, it exploded. It was destroyed by a torpedo that shot away from the ship like a fiery dart to obliterate the cold rock. And still the asteroids came. Dodging the larger ones was becoming easier, but the smaller ones could neither be avoided, nor targeted in time. They hit the ship in a unmerciful barrage, jolting and shaking the vessel until she felt as if she was going to come apart. Flashes of powerful energy lit up the viewer as torpedo after torpedo shot from the ship's underside and either intercepted, or missed their targets. The strain on the ship could be heard over the whine of her impulse engines, accelerating and decelerating. And then came... silence, as Enterprise sliced through the ebony sky on the other side of the asteroids. Sulu was the first to breathe a sigh of relief, before the rest of the bridge crew realized the danger had passed. He looked over to Checkov, who was shaking a little, then noticed that he, himself, could not remove his hands from the controls. The Captain, being just that, would not let his crew know the extent of his relief, but he stepped down behind Sulu and Checkov and rested his hands on their shoulders. "Next time we get to Aldebaron, I'm buying." Spock, apparently unruffled by their ordeal, noticed the green light on his science station's short range scanner and gave it his attention. "Captain, Short range sensors are now operational," he announced. "We are nearing Jirus, the fifth planet in the Petroski solar system... Fascinating," he stated, looking into the apparatus. "Captain, Jirus does not appear to be in its natural orbit." "This is... not good." He rubbed his chin slowly. "Uhura, have you been able to contact Elba II at all, or receive any of their transmissions?" "No contact yet, Sir." "Spock?" He turned to his first officer, who was still looking down into his station's scanning equipment. "One moment, Sir." Spock pressed two buttons without looking up from the equipment, pressed another, then straightened himself and turned toward Kirk. "Captain, " he said, "Elba II is not there." He waited for the full meaning of what he said to sink in. "I believe we may have just passed through the remains of the planet." PAGE 7 "My God, Spock, are you certain?" Kirk said in astonishment. "It would explain the orbital shift of its neighboring planet Jirus," said the Vulcan. "The mass loss of one planet would effect the gravitational pulls of the entire system." "Uhura," said the captain, "Contact Starfleet Command. Tight beam, and scrambled. I want it to penetrate that energy wave. Fill them in and inform them we will scan the area for debris. Then prepare a warning buoy directing all ships away from this area." Jim Kirk paused, thinking of Governor Cory, administrator of the Elba II colony. A good man, gone. "Launch buoy when ready," he said. "Aye, Sir," Uhura said while already beginning to carry out the order. "Klingon devils!" Checkov murmured bitterly to himself, though just loud enough to be heard. "Do you really think the Klingons would violate the Organian Peace Treaty, Sir?" Sulu asked his Captain. "Without a moment's remorse, if they had any reason to and thought they could get away with it. However the Organians, not us, are the enforcers of the treaty." "What if they have found a way to cloak themselves from Organia like the Romulans cloak their ships from us?" questioned Sulu. "Anything is possible, but I seriously doubt it," Kirk said as he glanced over to his First Officer who appeared completely engrossed with his scanner. "Opinion, Mr. Spock?" Spock, of course, had taken the conversation in. And while quite busy with his other duties, he had plenty of time to analyze the situation and formulate hypotheses. "It seems unlikely that the Klingons would have such technology to do so, Captain. I believe we may also rule out privateers, unless their ship was completely filled with anti-matter warheads, which I estimate as equally unlikely," said the First Officer, not looking up from his scanner. "There is one more possibility, which I find more probable than the previously stated hypothesis." Sudden remembrance flooded Kirk's mind. It had only been a few months ago, though their many adventures had made it seem like decades, that a once-great Starship Captain, driven mad, had battled Kirk and nearly killed him. His last memory of the great man was one of hope and respect born anew, for a cure to the man's insanity had been administered. Jim became angry with himself for letting recent events cloud his mind, keeping him from seeing what Spock clearly observed. "Captain Garth," Kirk said, almost allowing the sorrow of PAGE 8 losing a personal hero to become apparent in his voice. 'and something painful' the thought seemed to haunt him. Finally looking up from his station, Spock faced his Captain. "It is a logical conclusion, considering the potency of the explosive he created. However one could only guess as to the events that caused its detonation." "It was a very unstable material." Jim Kirk choked back the strange and sudden surge of emotion that had grabbed him a moment ago. His emotions seemed strangely 'raw' today. "He told me that it could be set off just by dropping it to the floor." "And tremendously powerful," Spock added. "Remember the level of destruction that one grain caused. It is little wonder Starfleet delayed moving the substance. With Elba II as isolated as it was, there was far less risk in storing it in Governor Cory's vaults than transporting it to another location." Jim stepped from his chair, "I don't like it Spock. Something doesn't fit." The Captain caught himself just as he was about to start pacing. Instead he leaned against his command chair. "Precautions had been taken in storing the explosive. It was held in the center of a stasis sphere by anti-gravitons, with its own power supply, much like we use to contain antimatter." "It is possible that some hostile attempt was made against the planet causing the containment field to fail and detonation to occur. However that would again indicate the Klingons on several counts." Spock placed his hands on the rail before him and nodded toward Checkov. "First, Elba II maintained a constant planetary force field around itself, making it virtually impenetrable to anything smaller than a military cruiser. Second, Elba II's scanning equipment would have detected any unauthorized traffic long before it reached the planet unless it had a cloaking device." Keeping in mind that this line of reasoning still lacked any cohesive evidence, not to mention the problem the Organian's posed in the equation, he relented. "There are actually many scenarios that could explain much of what happened. However, until we have more facts for our analysis, we can only speculate." "Keep scanning, Mr. Spock. Mr. Sulu, assemble a recon team to collect any debris floating out there. Maybe we can piece this mystery together before Starfleet Intelligence gets here." PAGE 9 *** TWO *** Light-years away, at the edge of Federation-occupied space, defense outposts guard a zone of space currently designated as 'off-limits' to all vessels, Federation or otherwise. This Neutral Zone separates the United Federation of Planets from the ruthless and powerful Klingon Empire. Both galactic powers were initially allowed by treaty to peacefully enter the Zone. But tensions between the two opposing forces had escalated to such a point that no contact between the two powers could be called peaceful or productive, by either government. The Zone had become a central point for espionage and counter-intelligence, making neither side confident that its military secrets remained secret. Each outpost skirting the Zone is a fully armed battle station, carrying the equivalent firepower of a light destroyer. The border is patrolled regularly by a rotating shift of Starfleet's finest cruisers and destroyers. These precautions are designed as a check and balance system, assuring total compliance with the pre-established Klingon/Federation treaty. The standing orders at each outpost are as follows: 1. Hail all vessels approaching Neutral Zone and warn them off. 2. If compliance is negative; fire one warning volley and advise Starfleet via designated patrol vessel. 3. If negative compliance continues; disable vessel if possible, destroy vessel if not. Outpost Delta Gamma 13 spotted the distant ship streaking towards the Neutral Zone. On the outpost's main battle bridge, night-watch was on duty. "Commander O'Hara, I have an outbound vessel at 038, warp 7!" Lieutenant Tomy announced. She was a bit excited, it being her first tour of duty and first day at this post. The tall, fair-haired Irish Commander, O'Hara, had almost finished his own tour of duty on DG-13. He had felt that this assignment was a form of punishment for the practical joke he played on his former Captain while aboard the USS Yorktown. It is an established fact, that few people enjoy transporting down to a planet, only to find that their underwear has materialized on the outside of their uniform. Though the Commander had not actually been caught in the act, everyone knew who had perpetrated it. Neither was he openly blamed for placing nitrous oxide cannisters in the emergency respirators just before the Yorktown went on "Environment Alert" drills. It was all true, what people said about him; O'Hara was a compulsive practical joker. Though he never meant any harm with his humorous escapades, he always seemed to over-do his pranks on PAGE 10 the very people who appreciated them the least. Usually they were the ones who also out-ranked him. And although he tried, O'Hara could not even force himself to stop. If there were humor in it, O'Hara would go out of his way to play or overplay the joke. "I'm right here, me darlin'. You don't have to shout," said Commander O'Hara to the young and nervous Lieutenant. He stood behind her and sipped a warm cup of coffee. "Sorry, Sir. I'm sending the standard transmission now." She touched her index finger lightly on the pressure sensitive switch and the high intensity warning signal was sent out, automatically placing the outpost on yellow alert. The slightly scaly alien Ensign at the weapons console turned sluggishly toward the Commander and announced, "Defense fields activated; station recorder is on; all 'feet' on yellow alert." The ensign was a Frillian from the planet Narn. His face looked more reptilian than anything else, and his ever-open green eyes were large, with long vertical pupil slits in his iris. His uniform was cut to suit his unique physiognomy. He had eight appendages in all, and a short stub of a tail. Frillians, not having hands to speak of, use their long digited feet to operate all equipment; One set of four to grasp and manipulate, the other set of four to walk with. Mr. Spitt did, however, know the difference between 'Hands', a ship's company and 'Hands',the things that make it easier to pick your nose, but it pleased him to constantly punctuate the physiological differences between their species. "That's gettin ta be old, Mr. Spitt. Why doncha try to be a wee less humorous and a bit more purple." Frillians were red in complexion when asleep and a bright lavender, when fully awake. This would normally make it easy for one Frillian to be able to tell if another Frillian was enjoying a conversation or dozing through it, if it wasn't for the fact that their race is color-blind, and do talk a great deal in their sleep. Lieutenant Tomy pressed a series of buttons which allowed her to bring up a visual of the incoming ship on the main viewscreen. She snapped a fingernail pressing the last button. That did not bother her though, for she had already bitten most of the others off over the past six hours. "Is that the best ya kin do. I kin hardly tell the ship from the stars," said the Commander, squinting his blue eyes. "Viewer is at maximum, Sir," she said as she tried to pull the fingernail out from under the viewscreen resolution button. "Any change in speed or course?" "No, Sir. But they seem to be trying to skirt our position." She succeeded in removing the nail and tossed it nonchalantly over PAGE 11 her shoulder. It landed in the Commander's coffee and sank to the bottom, but O'Hara's attention was elsewhere. "Don't eat that! It's my friend!" shouted the crimson Frillian. "Wake up, Mr. Spitt!" The Commander glared at the weapons officer. He swore to himself never to let the ensign work a triple shift again. Most of their small crew had been in and out of sickbay the two days past, with a curious form of 'intestinal disfunction of unknown origins'. Unknown to the crew, that is, but the outpost's doctor pulled Commander O'Hara aside and warned him that if he ever found any trace of laxatives in the food processors again, he would have to 'file a detailed report to Starfleet, that would be incriminating to someone on this outpost of command rank.' "Mr. Spitt!" said the Commander. The Frillian cocked his head, "Aye Sir, it does seem to be foaming at the mouths," still bearing dark red scales. "Mr. Tomy, send an advisory to Starfleet and our support ship. Tight-beam, you know the drill," spoke the Commander, still narrowly viewing the Frillian. "Place us on red alert while yer at it." "Aye Sir," she said as the Commander moved next to Mr. Spitt at the weapons console and readied it. The inbound ship was just far enough away to keep the targeting computer from getting a positive lock. But since the Commander was not going to blast the ship with the first volley, only fire a warning shot, he allowed the computer to continue the sequence with the inaccuracy variance, and fire. "Torpedo away," O'Hara said calmly, as this was a very routine procedure. At least twice a week they would get a stray ship with communications problems, or once and a while a contraband smuggler, never anything worth worrying about. Everyone knew the Neutral Zone Laws and the consequences of crossover. Klingons do not fire warning shots, and their patrol is two-fold the Federation's. "Sir, scans show the vessel is going sub-light," Lieutenant Tomy said. "Their scanners must have picked up our warning volley. I'll tell them to prepare to be boarded." "Do that, lassie. How far is our support ship?" "I have the Schwarzkopf's ETA at seven minutes," she said confidently. "Bring us back down to yellow then, and get another officer up here to replace Spitt, will ya?" The ruby lights around the station signalling red alert stopped flashing and were replaced by amber... for about a second PAGE 12 and a half... Then the red came on again. "Sir, we are being fired on!" she said with an understandable bit of excitement. "Shields up," the Commander said, maintaining his calm, "and don't worry, me darlin'. The Schwarzkopf is on its way. And remember our scanners are the best in the Federation and we couldn't achieve a weapons lock at this distance. I doubt they're likely ta come close enough ta hit the planet behind us." The torpedo sped towards them rapidly, closing the gap between the inbound craft and the outpost. True to the Commander's words, it was far from its target. Then it detonated. The brilliance rivaled, then overcame, that of their local sun and still grew in intensity. Before Delta Gamma 13's crew could know what was transpiring, they, like much of the planet behind them, were gone. PAGE 13 *** THREE *** The dark grey Klingon ship came about and joined the two D-7 cruisers, taking the point of their wing-formation. They headed for the ship coming out of the Federation Neutral Zone into Klingon space. No questions would be asked, no favors granted. The ship was to be destroyed. Kang sat in his command chair, no stranger to battle. Dark joy beat in his breast, as he awaited the confrontation before him. He was the hunter in search of his prey. His Klingon blood surged through him, heightening his senses, honing his awareness. He was lightning waiting to be unleashed. "Helmsman, increase speed to warp 8!" commanded Kang. "Increasing speed, Sir!" said the helmsman boldly, not revealing his nervousness at the order. He felt his ship subtly vibrate, as her velocity progressed and broke warp factor 8. The Klingonese ship's new engines were designed to exceed warp 9, but her hull structure had yet to be modified to withstand the incredible force of the forward thrust at that level. "Warp 8 achieved!" reported the helmsman. "Full power to the weapons," Kang ordered. His ship, the Fury, was the prototype of the D-8 Predator class battle cruisers. Slightly less armaments adorned her than the D-7's trailing her but she was swifter and more maneuverable. A formidable and lethal weapon in the hands of one with the experience of 'Kang: The Destructor'. "Commander Kang, I am receiving many Starfleet transmissions concerning a large explosion caused by an unidentified Starship. The sub-space transmissions are garbled and something is hindering reception, but the last report stated that the Starship headed into the neutral zone at approximately the same point we picked up the intruder ahead of us." Gor, the communications officer turned to look directly at his commander. "Sir, the explosion was described as 'force S.N. point 1', one tenth that of a Stellar Nova." "A Starfleet trick?" Kang queried. "I do not believe so, Sir. They are using the Federation Emergency channel, non-coded. Though they are clever, we have never known them to broadcast disinformation on the Federation Emergency channel," Gor stated. "Could it be one of ours, Sir?" the navigator asked. "That is probably what the Federation believes but until we PAGE 14 have found a path around the Organians, we have no way of engaging in open hostilities." Kang leaned forward in his chair. "It is more than likely that this is a result of some miscreant rebel insurrection, spilling out of their hands and into our laps." He cursed the Federation under his breath. "This should be an easy kill; nevertheless, you do not approach a Vorshadragon from the front. The ship's weaponry is an unknown. It may prove prudent to attack from all sides." He paused in thought, then, "Mr. Gor, raise the Terror and Dorgok, ship to ships." The communications officer quickly opened a comm channel to the flanking ships. "Done, Sir. Commanders Volte and Pakor on speakers," spoke Gor. "This is Kang. Prepare to execute battle maneuver Tychon 7-k. Split at my command." He rested confidently back into his chair. "Mark!" he commanded. All three battle cruisers turned as if joined together by some invisible cable, then suddenly broke formation, each making a wide arc to intersect the intruder's projected position. Like three graceful hawks they flew, awaiting the sight of prey to make the kill. Farther apart, then out of each other's sight. Knowing when next they meet, they will share victory and taste blood. Kang observed the stars, their patterns, their various colors and degrees of luminescence. They were a majestic back-drop, he thought, for the battle that was ahead. He rubbed his moustache with his forefinger and thumb and watched the light of the heavens before him... Watching and waiting. Kang was about average size for a Klingon. Although he was a strong man, he had always relied on his cunning in battle, whether it be in hand to hand combat or ship against ship. The dark eyes, under his bushy eyebrows, scanned the view ahead waiting for the moment that his enemy would come into view. He was a warlord in the truest sense, a worthy adversary for any opponent. But he did have a heart. A heart that he kept hid from most men and a tenderness that he would only share with his wife. He could be the truest of friends to those whom he deemed worthy of his friendship, but one would be hard pressed to find an enemy more fierce. "My lord, the vessel ahead has shields up and her torpedoes are armed. Scans indicate that their warheads are equipped with an unusually unstable material that our computers cannot yet identify." Her eyes expressed her concern to the commander. "I recommend caution, my lord," said Mara, science officer and wife to Kang. Before Kang could respond, Gor broke in. "Sir, we are being hailed by the intruder." He placed his hand to his ear. "Commander, the intruder wishes to discuss terms of surrender," he said. PAGE 15 "We are Klingons!" he reminded his Comm. officer harshly. "We take no prisoners." "But," Gor stammered. "Enough!" Kang ordered. Then to his helmsman, "Prepare to fire!" Kang could see the two other vessels of Klingon origin coming into view behind and to port of the intruder. Just as the faintest smile of satisfaction crossed Kang's face, the trespassing ship fired directly at the D-7 far to its rear. The Dorgok tried evasive maneuvers but the torpedo never needed to make contact and in an instant the Dorgok ceased to be. The resulting explosion was spectacular, albeit much smaller than the one fired on the Federation outpost. Nevertheless the concussive force rocked and shook both engaging cruisers and the intruder's vessel as well. On the Fury, alert claxons sounded and combustion sirens wailed. In the darkness of the temporarily blacked out bridge, smoke spewed from the overhead sensor array, sparks giving off the only light. The emergency lights flickered on, casting a red haze in the smoky command room. Backup power lit up the bridge systems bringing control back to the ship. "Never have I seen such a weapon," the helmsman spoke in awe. "Sir," Gor spoke as he clambered to his feet. "It is they who want 'us' to surrender." Kang glared at the communications officer with murder in his eyes. Gor averted his own. His commander had killed with less rage than this, but it was an anger born of frustration at the situation rather than toward the individual. Kang now knew that their military posture was that of the helpless. He also knew that for a Klingon there was no surrender. They were warriors, bred for conquest, not capitulation. 'This must not be,' he thought to himself. Kang assessed the field of battle. He assessed his ship and crew. Only forty seconds had passed since the force wave had hit them. If they must die they will at least wound their enemy. He noted that it would take several seconds to penetrate the shields of the Starship and destroy it. He also noted that in the first of those seconds they and the Terror could easily be taken out. Then a thought came to him and he regained his composure. "This weapon they have would bring power to the Empire. Enough power to destroy Organia and all who would stand in our way." He looked at each of the faces of his crew in turn and finally rested his eyes on his wife. Mara was the only one who could read the doubt on his face, but just looking at her gave him strength. PAGE 16 Kang turned to Gor, "We will play the diplomat until we either have the weapon or an opening, and then I swear, by the strength of the One God, we will crush the invader and scatter his ashes through the universe!" His fist crashed into the arm of his chair. "Open communications to our enemy!" Kang ordered. Gor rushed to his post, thankful for his life and heartened by the words of his commander. "Channel open, my lord!" Then "Audio only," he added. "This is Kang, Commander of the Imperial Cruiser Fury. With whom am I speaking?" He awaited the reply. After a few moments it came. "This is the Captain of the Starship with no name," the bridge speakers boomed. "Obey my command and you may yet live to serve your Emperor. Defy me on any count and your death will be immediate." There was a pause, long enough for the words to hit home. "You will contact the Imperial Throne World. Make clear to them what you have seen and let them know that it is only a fraction of the power I hold." The voice spoke eloquently, almost elegantly, but forcefully. Assured that the words which were spoken were weighed heavily by the Klingon and confident that nothing in the Empire could be called his 'rival', the voice continued. "Make it known to the ruling council that you and your sister ship are to escort me to a rendezvous with your Emperor, where we will discuss the future of the known universe." Kang heard a gasp from his wife. She was not the only one on the bridge who feared for the Empire. To lead this angel of destruction to the Throne World was Galactic suicide; no, genocide. "I come in peace," the voice said. "However, do not invite my wrath upon yourself, for as you have witnessed, my vengeance is irrevocable. No harm will come to anyone if my will is honored." The voice over the speaker ceased. Kang began to reply, barely able to control his anger. Before his lips could move in response, his communications officer announced, "Channel is closed, my lord." Rage hit Kang. Flames of anger began burning in his mind, yet he maintained command of himself. More than anything he wanted to lash out at his enemy. This faceless foe could not know of Klingons and believe they would surrender until their very breath had left them. 'Who is he?' The question reverberated in his mind. Kang needed a plan. Something unpredictable and quick; nothing elaborate. If he could only contact the Terror so they could act as one. But no, he dare not make any open gestures of deceit. He would have to act alone. "Gor, send a detailed recount of our predicament to Imperious Admiral Sorr. Request immediate advisory. Encode to him that by PAGE 17 the time he receives the message we may not be here anymore and that my crew was brave in facing their enemy." "Yes, Sir," said the Comm. officer. "Now we act," Kang decided. "Weapons officer, have torpedo bay send 6 torpedoes to the transporter room immediately." Kang turned to his wife. "Mara, keep scanning the intruder. If his shields drop for any reason, we open fire no matter what events are transpiring. Understood?" "Yes my lord," spoke Mara and the weapons officer in unison as they began their separate tasks. "Helmsman, when I give the command, I want full reverse, emergency speed!" The helmsman turned with a surprised look on his face. "We are going to flee, my lord?" Mara quickly rebuked him, "Have care what you say Torvak. I do not expect you to question his orders again! Your life at least will be at stake, perhaps all of ours." Kang looked to his wife. Long had they served together. Longer had they loved one another. She could give him no son, no heir, and he was the last of his proud line. He bore her no grudge for that. She had given him everything else. Her loyalty above all had earned her his love, even from the beginning. "Torpedoes are in position in the transporter room, sir!" "Transporter room. This is Kang." He spoke carefully so that no word would be misinterpreted. "Set torpedo detonation range for the proximity of zero. Set warheads to arm themselves by timer and set timers at ten seconds minus," he paused, waiting for them to carry out his command. The moments passed slowly. "Done, my lord," came a disembodied voice from the speaker. "When I give the command, I want the computer to trip the timers. We are then going to transport all six of the torpedoes simultaneously. Their destinations are to be calculated, handled and executed by computer. They have to materialize exactly when the timer's counter reads zero. Understand that I mean zero." "Yes, my lord," came the voice. "Encoded destinations are to be equidistant points against the enemy vessel's deflector shield perimeter. Am I understood on all points?" Kang demanded. "Yes, Sir." "Then repeat it!" said Kang, not trying to insinuate that his PAGE 18 transporter officer was incompetent, but wanting to stress the importance of his exact compliance. The officer repeated it to the last detail. "Good. Kang out." Kang turned to his weapons officer. "When the torpedoes have detonated you are to fire all weapons at the enemy vessel, but do not ready weapons until I give the order or the intruder will detect it on his scanners." "Yes, Sir," said the space veteran. He had total faith in his commander but still expected a glorious death. "Torvak, when the vessel's shields are down, she is our equal. As our first salvo hits her, she will explode due to the detonation of the very weapons she would use to destroy us. The Federation message we intercepted stated that this ship caused an explosion akin to a micro nova. Do you think it would not be prudent to be elsewhere when detonation occurs?" "Sir... I spoke from ignorance," the young officer said looking at the floor. Kang stood, prepared to strike back at the one who would challenge the Empire. His crew was also ready, once again having the hope of the glory of battle. They watched him for the signal that would start the offensive. He put his fist to his chest in salute of his crew, "Victory to the brave!" he shouted. "Victory to the Strong!" responded his crew. "Transporter room!" Kang commanded, "Prepare to," "MY LORD!" Mara cut in. "The Terror is charging disrupters and has armed her torpedoes. She is going to engage the enemy." "The fools! Forward viewer on Terror." The view-screen changed from a high resolution 2-D on the intruder, to a close-up of the Terror. All watching could see her forward torpedo tube go from dark to a glowing red. "Intruder firing on Terror!" came Mara again. "Brace yourselves!" spoke Kang. The screen in front of them glowed brilliantly white and the ship was again hit by the terrible blast, causing the backup power to fade. Fire broke out at the science station while Mara, and others who were standing, now lay sprawled across the aft section of the bridge. "Damage report!" ordered Kang, coughing for all the smoke. Mara pulled herself up and headed for her post. "Torvak, has the enemy's position changed?" PAGE 19 "I can't locate," Torvak paused, "Sir! He's astern," spoke the officer. "Commander," said Mara. "Damage to shields, 50 percent. On- board computer is down, now operating on station micros. Scanning equipment is damaged, extent not yet assessed." "My lord, we are being hailed by the vessel with no name," spoke Gor over the sound of the extinguishers. "On speakers," Kang commanded, though not desiring to face the one who had dishonored him on these terms. "Commander Kang, is it your intention to attack this ship like your previously 'living' comrades?" the voice asked almost pleasantly. "What the Terror did, she did of her own accord. Not by my command, which is sovereign here. Though I do not apologize for what she attempted." "You are a brave man, Commander. But remember, it is a small thing for me to destroy you so do not tempt me... I believe that I will give you a more definitive idea as to whom and what you are up against. I will demonstrate that not only could I be the Empire's greatest ally, but its deadliest enemy." Kang already knew this. "Much of which will be determined by the hospitality I receive from his Imperious Majesty's representative, who's ship I just happen to be targeting presently. Is my meaning plain enough for you?" "It is," Kang said flatly, already beaten. "Very well. A force of arms, as the expression goes, will be displayed before you. Do be good enough to make a recording of this demonstration, I shall do it but once, and it is significant that your Emperor understands the import of our meeting." Another voice was heard in the background, "All is in readiness your Highness," it said. "Excellent!" came the enemy again then back to Kang. "As well as yourselves, we are targeting the last planet in the nearest solar system. What do you call this planet?" "Skarr 18" Kang said. "Witness then that in a few moments, Skarr will have only 17 planets in orbit around her... Fire!" the voice commanded. PAGE 20 *** FOUR *** Enterprise shone like a pearl against a black velvet sky. She remained stationary as the smaller ship, dart-like in appearance, approached. Static electricity discharged with various degrees of intensity, arcing, almost dancing about them, in bright blue bolts. They were enfolded by the dark and dense cloud of particles that had once been Elba II. On the bridge of the Enterprise, damage control was completing repairs to the ship's injuries, sustained while reaching the Petroski solar system. "Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Scott, repairs are about done up here. How are things coming on your end?" spoke Jim Kirk to his chief engineer. "We have green across the board, Capt'n. Though there is still an energy flux in me port nacelle. I cann'a seem to fine tune it out, and it's gonna worra me till I do," said the Scottsman. "Well done, Mr. Scott. Keep me informed about that flux. If it gets worse, let me know," Kirk said. "Aye Sir, Scott out." The channel closed. "Mr. Spock, I believe it's time to go over to the Javelin for debriefing," the Captain said as he left his chair, "Mr. Sulu, you have the Con." Spock followed Jim to the turbo-lift. Sulu rose from his post and took the center seat as the lift's doors 'swooshed' closed. "Hanger deck," Jim instructed the lift. He rubbed his palms against his trousers, then folded his arms across his chest. "Mr. Spock," he began, "have you finished the detailed report on the landing expedition to Holberg?" "Yes, Captain, it is on file and ready to be transmitted to Starfleet Command." "I'd like to look at it before you have it sent. I want to compare it to my own log," said Jim. "Not that I mistrust your accuracy Spock, I just want to be sure I didn't leave anything important out," he continued, hoping his First Officer would not detect his uneasiness about the subject. He wanted to compare the two logs because his memory seemed to have lapsed and he did not wish it known to his friend. Embarrassment crept up inside him as he thought to himself of the way he was trying to conceal this fact from Spock, the very one whom he should confide in. His cheeks shone the barest hint of red and he could feel the flush of them. PAGE 21 So concerned with himself, Jim did not even notice the slightly greener cheeks of Spock. Spock was hardly pleased to hear Jim's request. It was not difficult to deduce that Kirk had discovered some missing time concerning Flint and the Holberg expedition, more to the truth, concerning Reena. It is considered not only immoral and illogical but quite dangerous for a Vulcan to interfere uninvitedly into another's thoughts. Spock's decision to alter his Captain's memory of the death of his love was not derived from logic, but one of "brotherly affection". An emotion alien to him before he knew the man James T. Kirk, but alien no longer. To all who did not know Spock well, he appeared to be typically, totally, Vulcan. A being devoted entirely to logic, suppressing or uprooting any inborn emotion, never discerning the turmoil inside him of being only half Vulcan. His human and Vulcan sides constantly strove with each other for supremacy in his heart. Unlike most humans and Vulcans, Jim Kirk had accepted him as is, and demonstrated the strength that could be found in the very emotions he struggled to suppress. There is a balance between the two opposing cultures that Spock was only recently becoming aware of. Once thought mutually exclusive, he now could see the harmony of the two working in him. This did not, however, make it any easier for him to arrive at an explanation as to why James had no memory of Reena Kapec. He would not lie to Jim. Perhaps he could 'exaggerate'? The lift doors opened to the face of Dr. Leonard McCoy holding two flat squares, one orange, one blue. "Bones, I was just wondering if you had the medical tapes for us," said Jim. "I thought I would deliver them personally, Jim. Governor Cory's staff and patient's files are all here though I'm not sure how much help they will be. They are only as current as the last time we were here." The doctor placed the squares in his Captain's hands. "We were ordered to gather all information pertaining to the disaster, regardless of how insignificant." "I know, I saw all of the equipment and space debris you are taking over to the Intelligence boys. Not much room for the two of you, is there?" Bones escorted the two down the corridor. "If we had another shuttle craft available, we would have distributed the material between the two. As it is, it will still be a couple of hours before our second recon team returns, and no ship will be able to use transporters for weeks in this area with all the electromagnetic energy around." PAGE 22 "'Months' is what Scotty said," added Bones. "Two point seven three months, to be more accurate," offered Spock, more to irritate the doctor than to assist. Dr. McCoy was, to Spock, the most emotionally fascinating person to observe. It seemed, paradoxically, that the good doctor was most happy when most irritated. As a friend, Spock felt obligated to keep Bones 'happy'. "That estimate is of course barring," "Can't you even say a complete sentence without a statistical exposition?" griped the doctor. Spock raised an eyebrow. "I find a curious satisfaction, if I understand the usage, in being as accurate as possible," he said. "Especially around you," he added. "Perhaps I am overcompensating for your consistant and general inaccuracy." "I can't take you two anywhere, can I?" Jim cut in. The corridor ended with the shuttle bay doors, which opened as Jim and company reached them. He led them into the airlock. After the first pair of doors closed behind them, the second, leading into the hanger, opened. A lone shuttlecraft sat on the turntable with the name 'Columbus NCC-1701/3', emblazoned on the side. The small interplanetary craft hummed softly as the prep- technician ran her through pre-warm and pre-flight procedures. Spock and McCoy followed the Captain as he walked the 20 meters to the central rotational platform, then to the open doors of the Columbus. Spock passed his Captain and entered the craft as Jim stopped, realizing McCoy was still tagging along, and turned to him. "I hope you aren't waiting around for a goodbye kiss, Doctor," the Captain stated, in good humor. "Very funny! I was just making sure you've got everything needed from medical, and what do I get for it?" came the Doctor. "I wonder if jokes like that are what made Vulcans turn into binary brains." "Calm yourself, Doctor. What's put you on edge this time?" "Nothing's put me on edge. I just thought you might have been able to work me into your schedule without me having to order you down to sickbay for a complete physical." "I'm sorry, Bones, is there something you need to discuss that I don't know about?" "I'm sure you are aware of it," he said, "Painfully aware." Jim wrinkled his brow. 'What the heck are you talking about Bones?', he thought to himself. Then an echo from his memory spoke 'bruised ribs'. Jim then connected that with "Painfully aware" and naturally assumed they were finally on the same wavelength. PAGE 23 He was wrong. "Oh, that! Well, when I get back I'll stop in and you can tell me how I'm doing," Jim said, tugging at his tunic which covered the flexi-truss. "It doesn't seem to be important, though. I hardly feel bruised at all." "My God, Jim, I thought you were crushed." Bones, on the other hand, was referring to Jim's heart, at the loss of the android / lifeform / love: Reena Kapec. "Crushed?" Jim could not remember being crushed. He could remembered nothing of how the injury came into being. "Perhaps it looked that way, but really, I'm fine," he said honestly. "I almost don't even feel it anymore." Spock, with his amazing Vulcan sense of hearing, naturally was in earshot of the entire conversation. His muscles were unconsciously tensed. His eyes were looking straight ahead. He was listening intently, waiting for McCoy to let the 'feline' out of the proverbial 'satchel'. Then he focused his eyes on the tip of his nose. It was the first time he could recall ever seeing nervous sweat on a Vulcan. "Fascinating," he whispered to no one. "Tell that to the Fleet Cadets, Jim, not me. I know what you've been through. I know it must hurt." This was really starting to confuse the Captain. The doctor never made this much fuss, unless it was more serious than he thought. 'What is it? A ruptured spleen? Punctured kidney? No, Bones would never have let me back on the bridge if there was that much damage.' Jim looked the doctor directly in the eyes. "Ok, Bones, I think it's time I told you the truth." He waited for a moment to muster his courage. It is not an easy thing for any Captain to admit to the ship's doctor that there is a possibility of mental failure. "Bones, I don't know 'how' I did it. OK?" He put his hand to his side indicating his ribs. "I know it aches, but I can't for the life of me think of how it could've happened. I," "Jim, matters of the 'heart' are always like that," Bones said, cutting in, "We never know how these things happen. You just have to take it easy. Now isn't the time to be under stress, so don't overdo it, alright? Doctor's orders!" 'That's it!' Jim thought. 'It's not my ribs, it's my heart! Cardiac arrest could account for my memory loss, and if CPR was administered, it would leave my ribs bruised.' Kirk now realized, at least he believed he understood, why the doctor was concerned, and became very concerned himself. He had no knowledge that his ribs became bruised while in hand to hand combat with Reena's creator / lover, Flint. Spock had seen to it that he did not remember, for the pain of her death was more than he thought Jim could bear. PAGE 24 Jim gulped. "I didn't know it was that bad. All I remember is," "Jim," Bones cut him off again. "It's better you try to forget. Let it heal, before you go out and it happens again." "Again!?! Bones, you really think it could happen again!?!" "If I know you, James T. Kirk, the next planet you set foot on, you'll meet some young filly or 'miraculously' out from a tree will pop a former sweetheart and, BLAMO!" Jim gulped again. 'BLAMO!?!' His eyes widened a bit. Spock could bear the conversation no longer. As he rose, he noticed the imprints his fingers had left on the navigational console where he had been sitting. "Remarkable," he stated, and calculated the amount of pressure in kilograms PSI that it would take to leave such impressions in the hyper-alloy aluminum 1 millimeter thick, as he stepped through the shuttle door. "Fascinating," again to himself. "Captain, the Javelin is awaiting us. Shall I signal them regarding a temporary delay?" "No, Spock, I'm ready." He looked at the doctor, a bit frightened by the 'BLAMO' comment. "Providing the Doctor thinks I'll survive." "You've got my approval." Bones smiled but noticed Jim's hesitation to take him at his word. "Seriously, Jim, clean bill of health," McCoy said, genuinely glad to have had the chat with Jim and been able to clear the air of this unfortunate incident. "Thanks, Bones. See you soon." the Captain said, feeling slightly better himself, after McCoy's last comment and finally satisfied that his mind was not unduly slipping. He stepped into the shuttle and the doors closed behind him. PAGE 25 *** FIVE *** The star was dark in comparison to those of similar size and mass. Like all stars, this one was shrinking as it burned. Though at a much slower than average rate of decline, entropy would still have the final word against it. Seven planets were held in its gravitational pull, orbiting in close proximity to the burning fiery giant. The first and closest planet was named Tuj Wa, or "Hot One", without much imagination. Its molten surface was not always so, but over thousands of years, as its orbit decayed, it was drawn closer to the star and would soon become fuel for it. The second planet, Ka Zsaholt, was named after a legendary hero, who led his people out of slavery into a land they could call their own. Its three moons were said to hold the wealth of the Empire. The Imperial Vaults were imbedded deep under each moon's surface. Each held a heavily armed, fully insulated battle fortress, in place on the magnetic poles, to protect these valuables from everything and everyone. The third and fourth planets in the system were Toc and Fi. They were sister worlds; gaseous giants revolving around each other, as well as their stellar host. An asteroid belt woven around and between the two was the only remnant of their once numerous moons, now pulverized as a result of impacting with each other. The fifth planet, if it could be called so, is the newest of the seven. Long ago it had been a tremendous comet. Though smaller than most standard moons by a third, it had been captured into an inescapable new orbit as it passed through the gas giant Fi's atmosphere, and slowed, narrowly escaping the gravity of the planet. A warmer sun would have turned it completely to gas by now, but shrouded in its own reflective vapor, the small frozen core of it still remained. The sixth and least remarkable planet was Bok Buul. It was crater filled and mildly volcanic, with just enough atmosphere, consisting mostly of hydrogen, to cause planet-wide fire clouds when eruptions occurred. These fires, though spectacular, only happened once every 30 to 40 standard years, which is why the expression, "We will show you mercy when Bok Buul glows", means you will not see mercy soon. The seventh and last planet was the pride of the Empire. She had many names and was often referred to in the female vernacular, for she was the Mother World. Throne world she was often called, but Klinzhai was her proper name and Home was what she was to every Klingon. She was the heart of the Empire; their first loyalty, their first love. It is said by all Klingons, "When the universe was created, PAGE 26 Klinzhai was the goal." This did contrast with what the Federation said, which was "When the universe was created Klinzhai was where God's sewer backed up." * * * The Emperor rarely left the planet. He did have the largest ship in the fleet and when he did travel, his ship was escorted by no less than four heavy cruisers. He had been Emperor for 12 standard years since the reign of his father ended with, of course, his father's life. Mocdar Jek Tromok was his name. He was a powerful man in authority and stature. He bore the royal marking on his forehead. The imperial crest that distinguished the highborn bloodline from the soft smooth brow of the common people. A resurgence of the line had been seen recently in the masses, giving all who bore the crest, military privileges above the others. The Emperor paced the long corridor decorated with tapestries, his cape trailing his heels, billowed with each thunderous stride. He stopped at the tall window overlooking the gates of the majestic palace's entrance. His gaze drifted upwards as he heard the rumble of his Imperial transport descending through the copper veil of clouds in the rusty sky. The landing platform, just outside the stone gates to the right, glowed blue with a red flashing perimeter as the beacon signaled the all clear code. No off-worlder had ever been allowed to approach Klinzhai, unless they came in magnetic bonds. This intruder, who single- handedly defeated his best defensive wing, was not about to be permitted to set foot on royal dirt. He was, however, not about to take the intruder lightly after viewing the destruction wrought by the lone ship. Nor was he going to arbitrarily strike a blood covenant with the dangerous and secretive man whose voice the Emperor had recognized from his past. But he could not remember to whom the voice belonged. A bell tolled, signalling that someone was approaching the door to the palace hall. "Enter," came the bass voice of the Emperor as he rested his hand on the hilt of his energy dagger. The door opened and the force barrier parted. Imperious Admiral Sorr entered with ten fully armed "Ramjep Avwi", the 'Midnight Guard', the Emperor's elite guard. The Admiral bowed. "Your Highness, your shuttle has arrived. If we are to rendezvous with the Fury on time, we must depart now." "Have your men been able to analyze the data on this new weapon with any favorable results?" questioned the Emperor. "I fear not, my lord. Against it we have no defense," the Admiral stated matter-of-factly. "If we were to try to oppose PAGE 27 the intruder, we would sacrifice most or all of the fleet with no guarantee of victory. The only positive point of view is that the Federation has no defense against it either." The Emperor looked again to the window. "The counsil has advised an alliance, with provision... The provision being that we trade for the weapons aboard his vessel in addition to the formula and dynamics of this weapon. In turn, he will receive the Tkomat solar system to rule under me with two new cruisers to command." He inhaled deeply the thick hot air of his world, savoring his last moments on the planet. "What is your opinion of this proposal?" The Admiral thought for a moment. It was a danger to speak to the Emperor without choosing carefully the correct words and considering the consequences should their meaning be misinterpreted. "My lord, this jeQ Ha'Dlbah is merely a terrorist from the Federation. Granted, a most powerful one as he has demonstrated. But, my liege, I see only one course of action apart from giving in to the treacherous villain." He waited for the Emperor to command him to speak, for only by command could he hope to say what he must and leave the palace alive. The Emperor turned his complete attention to the Admiral. His dark grey shoulder-length hair waved behind his back as a strong hot blast of wind entered the hall from the shuttle's touchdown. The ground shook momentarily, then steadied once again. Perceiving the reason for Sorr's delay, he responded, "So be it; you have my command." The guards behind the Admiral, knowing the risk he was taking, tensed their muscles, hoping their next mission would not be to bury him. "Your Majesty, by his own words, the intruder has put your life in jeopardy, as he is only allowing three armed guards to escort you aboard his ship. He has sworn to keep his shields lowered while you are on board and promises to have no more than three armed guards of his own present at the meeting. Scanners will verify all of this. But, Sire, if he should raise his shields," "Are you questioning my ability to defend myself? Do you think the Emperor of all Klinzhai's realm is afraid to face this invader at the cost of his life?" the Emperor fumed. His anger was explosive. "No, my liege. I am counting on it," he continued. "But if it is at all possible, face him alone. Leave all guards outside the meeting chamber. Agree to all his terms if you must, but make him swear the blood oath to it. If he allows his enemy, you my lord, to cut his palm, you can just as easily lacerate his throat," he said, trying to read his Emperor's reaction. "You have half a plan. Is there more?" the Emperor spoke coldly. PAGE 28 "I have a device here." He produced a small box with several buttons on it from inside his breastplate. "This will allow you to record the foe's voice by pressing the black button. Once he is dead, you simply speak into the box pressing the blue button, issue the command to transfer all weapons to your ship, and the machine will repattern your voice to that of our enemy's. Then while their shields are still lowered, we lock onto you, beam you back and destroy his vessel. No enemy, no concessions." The Emperor listened to the Admiral, considering his words and picturing himself carrying out the plan. If events transpired as predicted, he would single-handedly give victory to his empire and restore his pride with it. Both were of equal value to him. It was not without risk, but being willing to even board the most dangerous ship in the galaxy was a tremendous gamble within itself. While dwelling on these thoughts, his anger left him. "Why don't you use the voice from the recorded conversation with him. If I am seen pressing buttons, might it not be construed as suspicious?" the Emperor pondered. "My lord, we can not be sure the voice we heard is his actual voice. The acoustic enhancements of this device is not a new technology. There are many ways to deceive over any broadcast medium," the Admiral explained. "My prime fear is that a code or password may be required to command the enemy's crew to transfer the weapons to your ship. Regardless of that, we will be able to transport you back before they can react to our deception and beam over a boarding party. We may be able to attack more effectively from within." The Admiral could tell that his idea was being well received. His pulse rate began to drop to the normal level. "As for being observed operating the unit, my men are even now working on a micro remote that will fit inside your glove where you may control it unseen." "You have thought this well through, Sorr. I will take this plan you suggest under advisement on the way to my destination. Have your men continue as if I had accepted this avenue," spoke the Emperor. "Now let us depart. The sooner our invader is dealt with, the quicker we will be able to deal with the Federation." With that the Emperor passed through the ranks of his elite guard, who turned on their heels and escorted him to his launch. "One more thing Admiral," he said without turning. "I want the enemy's voice cross referenced with all transmissions intercepted from the Federation in the past 30 years. And I want the results before the rendezvous!" "As you command, my lord," he answered, trailing Emperor Tromok. 'I know that voice!' thought the Emperor to himself. PAGE 29 *** SIX *** "Permission to come aboard," requested Captain James T. Kirk, as he stepped down from the shuttlecraft, his First Officer behind him. "Permission granted, Captain," the young ensign stated. "If you will follow me, I'll escort you to the briefing room." The Captain followed, as did the Enterprise's Science Officer. A team of 'Intelligence Grey' clad officers filed aboard the Columbus with antigravs to carry the cargo to their specialized analysis chambers. "This way, Sirs," the junior officer said as they rounded the corner, leaving the Javelin's hanger bay behind. "It must be pretty dusty out there. Our bay crew will have your ship polished by the time you are ready to leave." "Thank you, Ensign," said Kirk as he observed various crewmen briskly walking through the corridors. "How much damage did you sustain passing through the concussion wave?" "Minimal, Sir. We shut down sensors before we neared the system, per your instructions. The initial force had time to diminish and the asteroids had spread out enough to permit safe passage. Though how you made it through must have been a miracle." "Very likely," smiled the Captain. He was proud of the performance of his crew. Always beating the odds. As crews went, he believed he had the best, but sometimes he could not help but think that it had to be more than human effort and chance that they had been so fortunate in their many times of trouble. "In here, Sirs." The door opened to a conference room. Jim and Spock entered, trailed by the ensign. They were greeted by a short and stocky man. Troy Hamill was his name, Captain of the USS Javelin. "Welcome aboard, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock. I'll make the introductions, then take my leave." Behind Captain Hamill, standing next to a broad table of rare black Diri wood, stood two men. The first, a tall silver-haired man with strong chiseled features, wearing Commodore's braids and insignia. Jim recognized this man as Commodore Stormcloud. Captain Hamill introduced him. He saluted in rigid military fashion. Jim and Spock responded accordingly. The second man was unknown to Jim. He was introduced as Lieutenant Reudolpho Grensk. Grensk was slightly shorter than the Commodore, but equally as formal in his military dress and mannerisms. Jim knew, on the spot, that the proceedings would adhere to stiff military form. Little or no informal pleasantries. Something told him that further-reaching ramifications had occurred PAGE 30 than just the loss of Elba II. "I'll be on the bridge, Commodore, gentlemen." he saluted then exited the room, followed by the ensign who had been escort to Kirk and Spock. "Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, be seated," ordered Commodore Stormcloud. He glanced down to the ebony table and spoke to the console embedded in it. "Computer on," he said, as both he and the lieutenant sat. "Recorder on," he added. "Recorder on," spoke the computer, whose digitized voice reminded Jim of the Enterprise's head nurse. "Let the record show that I, Nathanial P. Stormcloud, security clearance Alpha-Alpha-Beta, open this inquiry and temporarily extend the aforementioned clearance to all in this room. Proceed with scan verification." The center of the table showed no seam; it looked as if it had always been a single sheet of dark wood. A moment later a split appeared in the center, revealing a set of doors. The doors parted and out came a scanning armature that rose up to the Commodore's eye level. A beam of low intensity laser light emitted from the scanner, and began recording the retina pattern of his right eye, cross-referencing and verifying that it was indeed, Commodore Nathanial P. Stormcloud who issued the command. "Verification complete. 99.8 percent accuracy," it stated. The armature then scanned the entire room, noting only three other officers present. It followed the same procedures as before. Each officer stated his name and received the proper verification. "Security clearances altered according to command," it stated, then folded itself up and closed the doors behind it, becoming a seamless tabletop once again. "Captain Kirk," began Stormcloud, "recount for the record, the events from first receiving the distress signal, to our arrival. Include a summary of all communications to and from the USS Enterprise." Jim sighed to himself. This was the part of being the Captain of a Starship that he liked the least. Stormcloud stared at the Captain with a firm gaze throughout the entire debriefing, only looking down at his monitor to confirm the given times of messages passed and received. Spock noted his lack of emotion, as the Captain spoke, and inwardly paid his respects to the man. One hour and ten minutes later the Captain ended with, as requested, the arrival of Javelin. He was relieved to reach the end of the tale, not liking to speak for extended periods of time, and weary from consciously trying to omit unnecessary information, to expedite the monologue. PAGE 31 "Is there anything you wish to add, Captain Kirk?" asked Stormcloud. "Yes, an observation if I may." There was no response from the Commodore, so Jim took it as permission given. "By certain appearances, this incident would seem to go deeper than just a 'Grade 4' disaster, which by the evidence, a 4 is all it warrants." "Continue, Captain. Except for tight beam transmissions directly to you, you have been 'incommunicado' due to the disturbances caused by the disaster. What impresses you to think that it is more serious than your data states." "You do, Sir," spoke the Captain rather boldly. "You are the highest ranking intelligence officer in the fleet. Since our 'theft' of the Romulan Cloaking Device, Starfleet has been gearing up for imminent invasion. 'Taskforce Rihanshu', headed by you, if I remember correctly, is priority one." "I assume that your point is 'why wouldn't I send someone else in my place if this situation was less than a grade one priority.'" A nod from Jim and a raised eyebrow from Spock spoke the affirmative in place of words. Even the computer recorded it as a 'yes'. "Perhaps you consider me to be of more importance than, in reality, I am," Stormcloud offered the Captain. "Commodore Stormcloud," Spock entered the conversation, "you are next in line for the Admiralty. I estimate the odds are above 90 percent that you will attain that rank within the next six months." "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Mister Spock. You are probably correct, as are you, Captain." His tough Military facade lessened a bit. "Gentlemen, I intended for you to see this a little later, however, you are now cleared and your suspicions are well founded." He pressed a button on the console in front of him. The lights dimmed. "Computer, run tape 7773T on wall viewer." "Waiting," spoke the feminine voice of the computer. "Now, blast it!", responded the Commodore. "Password accepted; vocoder verified." Then the computer was silent. "Regular passwords can be forgotten and are less satisfying," Stormcloud commented as the viewer came to life displaying a tranquil starscape. Chronometer readings, spatial coordinates and ship's heading were computer superimposed in the lower left hand corner and the Starfleet insignia, bearing the ship's name 'Schwarzkopf' at the lower right. The blackness of space, speckled with white transformed instantly, completely, to a brilliant white, then faded slowly back to its original view. Then the star scene PAGE 32 began to shake violently, as if a cameraman had been taking pictures of the stars while riding a bucking bronco. "What you see is not a recording error gentlemen." The Commodore pressed the pause button on his console. "It is an explosion of like magnitude as the one that destroyed Elba II. This one took place nearly 5 standard hours later than Elba's, on the border of the Klingon Neutral Zone. The vessel that fired the weapon destroyed the outpost that was attempting to prevent it's crossover." "About the weapon," Jim began, "did it give the same energy readings as the ones we picked up?" "The very same, and I'll bet you have already deciphered the energy pattern and recognize its signature." "The Garth Explosive," Jim responded. "We determined that it was the cause, but we thought it had all been destroyed in the initial explosion. Was there any more of the substance at another location where it could have been stolen?" "With the exception of a few grams, it was stored in it's entirety on Elba, in Cory's vaults. The smallest of grains removed from the planet has been accounted for and it certainly was not common knowledge that the substance even existed." "If I may, Sir," Spock interposed, "espionage is the most effective weapon in any 'cold' war. It is illogical to assume any secret is completely secure." "Quite correct, Mr. Spock. It is highly possible that the Federation's security has been compromised and that our enemies are 'in the know'. But Elba was the only place where any significant quantity could be obtained. Although the components of the explosive had been determined, the proportional formula was never ascertained due to its complexity and instability. Two of our top scientists died in the first of attempts to replicate it. They were painstakingly careful in every stage of their work, but when they only had two thirds of the components in the mixture, it exploded, killing them both, destroying their notes." Stormcloud cleared his throat and continued. "In the second series of tests, remote transporters were used in hopes that a 'pad to pad' beam would give us the formula breakdown in the computer transit control. However, upon beaming, the substance's unstable properties caused a core skip in the first transporter pad. Thus after successfully transmitting the particle, the pad tried to beam itself, which it naturally could not quite do. It did manage to begin the beaming process, causing its own molecules to drift, unravel and most of it finally turned to dust. The second pad, in trying to reassemble the particle, simply shorted out and never gave us any information, other than to stop using transporters in the research." Jim refrained from smiling, though with some effort. He PAGE 33 momentarily thought of how Bones would enjoy seeing a transporter destroy itself without endangering human lives. "The hostile vessel headed into the neutral zone then?" he asked, letting the gravity of the situation sink back in. "Schwarzkopf's scanners could not penetrate the energy wave to confirm it, but we are certain that it did. Our sources have informed us of heavy Klingon activity across the border, immediately after the incident, and it is reported by our operatives across the 'zone' that the Klingonese Emperor and his royal armada are leaving Klinzhai for a quadrant very near the zone. I for one do not believe in coincidences. What I do believe is that the Klingons are preparing for a major offensive strike. There is one question that remains a complete mystery to us." "I, Sir, can think of several," Spock interjected. "Not the least of which is 'If there was Klingon involvement in these incidents of destruction, why has Organia remained silent?'" "Why indeed, Mr. Spock. Considering that it was they who forced both our Federation and the Klingon Empire to cease any form of aggression, or risk their unwanted intervention." The Commodore's voice intensified, making his feelings about the Organians plain. "We are now restricted by them from rightfully deploying a great amount of our defensive weaponry. We are barred from any first strike capability or retaliatory engagement. In short, we are at the mercy of a race of beings whom we know nothing about!" His anger toward the Organians took Kirk by surprise. "Commodore," the Captain spoke in defense of them, "mercy seems to be the very reason for their intervention. As you know, Sir, I was there when it happened." The Captain placed both hands on the table and rose, never breaking his eye contact with his superior. "If you remember, we were at war. It was our fault that Organia was stuck in the middle of it." Jim easily remembered the circumstances of their 'first contact' with the aliens in question. "For all the Federation's good intentions, we brought our conflict." Jim momentarily reflected, "I brought our conflict with the Klingons to their innocent planet, which would have been destroyed, along with countless other civilizations, and possibly brought the downfall of both Empire and Federation." The Commodore's brow furrowed in anger, but Jim did not let that stop him. "Had not the Organians proven their benevolence by the use of their power, we might not be alive to debate their intentions." "We are not here to debate their intentions Captain, and though you had been the first in the Federation to make official contact with them, I hardly see how you qualify as an expert on the subject of what motivates them and why!" the Commodore fumed. "With all due respect," spoke the Enterprise's only Vulcan, "the Captain is quite correct when pointing out the nobility evidenced by the Organians. Their act was one of complete impartiality. Their goal was peace." Spock bridged the tips of his fingers together. "In discerning the nature of anyone's motives, one must weigh the words spoken with the deeds performed, PAGE 34 and consider what is to be gained by the one being scrutinized. Their words were complemented by their actions and the only thing gained was an end to the conflict. The gain was ours." "Wrong, Mr. Spock," the large man narrowed his eyes at the science officer. "Control, not peace was achieved. Since the incident we have heard 'Peace!', 'Peace!', when there is no peace. We do not coexist with the Klingons by any mutual agreement of our own wishes. This peace you speak of is nothing of the kind. We and the Klingons are under control, by a race of beings whose power is thrust upon us, against our will!" he said, spitefully, to the Vulcan. "We do know this fact, Mr. Spock, that when the Klingons appeared on Organia, the inhabitants were quick to abide by all laws imposed on them and assured the enemy of complete cooperation. You and your Captain even tried to persuade them to resist Klingon rule and they ignored you. I do not hold with your opinion of their benevolence nor impartiality. I believe they merely used their power to postpone our conflict until it suited their purposes." Jim Kirk understood the Commodore's point of view. It was a valid argument in part, yet made no room for the gratitude that was due to Organia for preventing the largest war this galaxy had ever faced. His attention shifted from his superior, to the silent Lieutenant Grensk. Something about the lieutenant made Kirk uneasy. 'His eyes', Jim thought. His eyes remained open, unblinking for much longer than Jim would feel comfortable. Then a slower than normal blink, and open once again. If Grensk's attention was not constantly shifting from Spock and himself, he'd swear the man had been heavily sedated. "I submit that the argument is moot, Commodore," Spock stated evenly. "Regardless of Organia's rationale, there is nothing the Federation and Klingon Empire can do to alter the situation. As long as Organia enforces the treaty, we are able to do nothing but adhere to it." "Then why, Mr. Spock," Stormcloud's voice, still bitter, "does the Klingon Empire violate the treaty without Organian Reprisal? We have been lulled to sleep with words of peace, only to find, and possibly too late, the treacherous intentions of these so-called 'Angels of Mercy'!" "There is no conclusive evidence of that, and every one of us here knows it," cut in Kirk, trying to take the heat off his First Officer. "There are many possibilities. You above all should know how sketchy the details are. We're only working with bits and pieces of information and there are no witnesses to the events, save on the ship that headed into the neutral zone." "Granted, Captain Kirk," his voice slightly calmer. "However, I am officially putting all quadrants bordering the Neutral Zone on full alert. Martial law is now in effect in all systems within 10 parsecs of the zone. I have already mobilized one quarter of the fleet to form a defensive line until we decide how to proceed." Stormcloud pressed a button on his console and a PAGE 35 data storage square ejected from its slot into the Commodore's hand, who then passed it to Lt. Grensk. "If what I suspect about the Organians is true, these actions will make little difference. That is why I have a secondary phase to this strategy." The Commodore extended his hand out to his aide, who placed a sealed envelope bearing the Starfleet insignia with Kirk's name below, into it. "Our new orders?" Jim asked, used to receiving them via coded subspace transmission. "If it were up to me, Captain, these orders would be going to someone who had a different, shall I say, 'perspective', on the situation. But Starfleet seems to have more confidence in you than I do." He pushed the packet across the table to Jim. Kirk picked the packet up, examined the biomagnetic seal, making sure there were no tamper marks. Regulations require this before accepting any sealed classified document. "You may go over the specific details on the Enterprise at your leisure, but in essence, they are as follows: One; set course for Organia. Two; observe war-time regulation 24 section 12, no subspace communication until objective has been successfully engaged. Three; while exactly eight standard hours from your destination, set the Enterprise for self-destruct." Jim Kirk opened his mouth to object, and was immediately silenced by Stormcloud, who lifted a hand indicating that Jim had better shut his mouth and listen to his superior officer. Spock showed no sign that he cared that this could be the Enterprise's last mission. 'Vulcan inscrutability', Jim thought. Sometimes it really got on his nerves. "The computer-controlled countdown to destruction is to be modified for nine hours minus. Four; upon arrival, assume lowest possible orbit. Five; disembark via shuttlecraft, I stress, shuttlecraft. Contact this fellow, Ayelborne, with whom you dealt with on your last mission to Organia, and question him as to why there has been no effort on his part to enforce the treaty. Six; and this part you had better follow to the letter or I will personally dance at your court-martial, if Ayelborne has not explained himself satisfactorily, you will return to the Enterprise and command all hands to abandon ship. You will then allow Enterprise to self-destruct by antimatter intermix, not hull charges. I want Organia's surface wiped clean. Understood, Captain?" asked Stormcloud finally. "Understood!" answered the Captain, not attempting to conceal his contempt from his superior. "One question. What makes you think we have the ability to destroy the Organians? The Klingons used disrupters on them to no effect." "An anti-matter explosion is considerably different from a simple disrupter, Captain." He pointed to the packet Jim was holding. "Lieutenant Grensk will be accompanying you on this PAGE 36 mission as an observer and to document everything done on the mission. You will afford him every courtesy but ask nothing of him." "I am perfectly capable of carrying out a mission without being escorted by an intelligence watchdog. I'm a Starfleet Captain, and I am certain that my record speaks for itself." "Your record speaks many things, Kirk. We shall see just how accurate the record is. Nevertheless, you might say Mister Grensk is my personal insurance policy." Stormcloud pushed himself away from the table. "If there is no further comment, gentlemen, I will call this debriefing to a close." "Sir," Spock raised an eyebrow, "there is a great deal that has not been covered, and the evidence, as of yet, is circumstantial, to say the least." "I assure you, Mr. Spock, that the investigation is far from over, on our part. Is there anything specific you wish to ask or disclose?" "There is, Sir. Though all the relevant particles of debris have yet to be recovered, there has not been any substance analyzed that would indicate the destruction of a Starship. Not even the trace energy of the antimatter reactor has been detected. My question therefore is, what happened to the Fringe Ranger?" "Missing, Mr. Spock," was his only reply. "Lieutenant Grensk will meet you at your shuttlecraft in twenty minutes." He looked at Kirk, then Spock. Both were about to ask more questions. He held up his hand to stop them. "Dismissed!" he said. Jim looked at Spock, knowing the Vulcan could read the frustration on his face. "Let's go, Mr. Spock." He saluted the Commodore and left the room with his First Officer. They were greeted on the other side of the door by the young Ensign who had escorted them to the conference room. "If you will follow me, Sirs, I will lead you back to your craft," he said, almost cheerfully. "You may escort Mr. Spock to the shuttle, Ensign, and you can point me to the nearest head," said Jim. "Down corridor C, third door to the left." With that, Spock and the Ensign proceeded down the hall, opposite in direction to corridor C. Kirk followed the ensign's directions, but found the entrance blocked by a maintenance man unloading his tool box from a gurney. Looking up from his tools, the man in the maintenance jumpsuit raised his hand indicating for Jim to stop. "You probably don't want to go in there, Sir!" the man warned. "That's strange, Mister," PAGE 37 "Maintenance Chief Holtz, Sir." "That's strange, Chief Holtz, I was under the impression that 'that' was exactly the place I wanted to go." "Yes, Sir, I mean no, Sir. It's not that you aren't allowed, but we are installing a new fixture, specially designed for the Ambassador we're receiving next week," he spoke assuming the Captain was aware of whom he was talking about. "He's a 'Stelmeko', Sir," he added for clarity. Jim had made it a point to keep abreast of all the new races entering the Federation, but this was a new one on him. He shook his head admitting his ignorance. "They're built differently than we are. Very differently!" he emphasized. "I've never seen one, mind you, but by the design of the facility I'm installing, I'm not sure I want to," he said very seriously. "There are many races that look different than we do but when you get down to it, you'll find we are all pretty much the same." 'Besides,' he thought to himself, 'how strange can a toilet be?' "Gives me the willies," the maintenance chief stated as if he could read the Captain's thoughts. James gave him a half smile as he stepped around him, entered the restroom, and closed the door behind him. Reaching behind his lower back, he pulled out his communicator and snapped it back, thus opening it. He adjusted the frequency for tightest possible beam and aimed it towards Enterprise's relative position. Before he could speak, his eyes caught a glimpse of the alien waste disposal unit. His eyes widened as he tried to take in the view of the hideous, semi-organic, gurgling mass of, something? Then the smell hit his nostrils. His brain expanded to three times the diameter of his skull, or at least that's what it felt like to him. Then he heard a low moan coming from the unit and saw its plastic tubing, which seemed to be woven through the horrendously shaped mass, start to move. He put his free hand up to his throbbing forehead and did an about-face to relieve the strain on his eyes. Jim twisted a knob on his communicator. It beeped twice. "K- Kirk to Enterprise," he managed to breathe. "Uhura here, Sir." "Uhura, I need you to search Starfleet personnel records on a Lieutenant Reudolpho or Randolfo, I can't remember which, Grensk. G-R-E-N-S-K," he spelled for her. "Presently attached to S.I. Age about thirty. Get me everything you can on him and send it to my cabin." He wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "How's Mr. Scott coming with our propulsion unit?" "I don't know, Sir. He's climbed up into the access-way and we haven't heard from him since," she said. "Is there anything PAGE 38 else?" "Is there what?" His head was pounding and his stomach was beginning to knot. "Oh, no Lieutenant. Kirk out." He replaced his communicator and made a straight shot for the door, not wanting another look at the freakish monstrosity. As he stepped through the door, he quickly exhaled and gulped a breath of fresh air. The Maintenance Chief looked at him with a red face. "Sorry, Sir, I should have given you an odor screen. The ventilation isn't hooked up properly yet." "C-Carry on," he managed and made his way back down the corridor, trying to keep from staggering. PAGE 39 *** SEVEN *** The Klingon cruiser Fury defolded from hyperspace followed closely by the Intruder's ship. They were only on the rim of the territory claimed by the Klingonese, yet if traffic had not been diverted, they would have already encountered many spacefaring merchants, miners and trade vessels of all kinds. The Trinary System before them had been the agreed rendezvous site. Specifically, they were to meet in orbit around the ninth planet of the system. Kang stepped onto the bridge in full dress uniform. This consisted of black armor and cape with the red family crest of his House of Klinzhai, on his chest. His armor hid many weapons besides the disrupter that hung at his side. He was prepared to meet his Emperor, whether to fight by his side or die at his hand, he could not tell. "We have arrived, my lord," spoke the Science Officer. "Do we have full power yet?" "No, my lord. Power level is only at eighty percent," she responded. "Have repairs been completed on the cloaking device?" He took his chair of command and sat heavily in it. "No, lord Kang." "No?" He turned his head in anger towards Mara. He looked at her for a moment and regained his equanimity. "It was to be completed before we broke light." He could see her tremble slightly, trying to hide her concern for her husband. "The device failed incorporeality twice in simulation, Sir. At last report, its completion was near, but no definite timeframe was given. I will apprise you when it is operational." "I do not suppose it will matter until we have full power restored. Advise me when we have both." "Yes, my lord," 'and my love', she added in her thoughts. It had been two standard days since the enemy had entered Klingon space and every moment weighed heavily on Kang. In his crew, he could see a turmoil of emotions. Some were afraid of the Emperor's anger at their failure. Most were afraid of what the enemy had in store for the Empire, and all, including Kang himself, had a blind hatred for the foe. Many strategies on how to battle the intruder were discussed, planned and discarded, for by Imperial command, the Fury was ordered to make no further attempts of aggression, a directive any Klingon would find most difficult to obey. If not for his crew's fierce loyalty, he might have had mutiny in the ranks. The greatest advantage to being named a 'Hero PAGE 40 of the Empire', was being able to hand pick his ship's detail. They were more than a crew to him, they were a tempered force, a team. They would, he was certain, follow him to the ends of the universe, if need be. Just now, however, he did not feel worthy of their devotion. "Sir, long range scanners are registering five contacts. Distance, point eight, bearing seventy-two mark three. It is the Imperial Command Ship and escort." "Gor, open a channel and stand by to receive." "Channel open, Sir," replied the communications officer. "Standard orbit achieved around Tukom Tal nine, Sir. Intruder ensuing at eight kel's astern," said the helmsman. "Transmission coming in now sir," spoke Gor. "On screen," commanded Kang. The forward view of the planet they were now in orbit about, dissolved into the ominous presence of Klinzhai's greatest monarch. Kang rose from his command chair only to kneel before his Emperor. "Rise," spoke the Emperor to Kang, though strangely not quite in the form of a command. Kang stood in silence before the image of his lord. "Kang the Destructor, you return from your assignment without victory for your Emperor?" Kang remained silent. "Do you now await my wrath?" the Emperor inquired in his bass voice. "I expect it for myself and request my lord's mercy towards my crew." He now awaited the death command. "Do you believe that you will serve my purposes better alive or dead?" He spoke in an even tone. "I have failed you, my Emperor, whatever your purposes." "I see no failure in realizing the need not to throw your life and that of your crew away. Had Volte and Pakor not acted so rashly, they might have been able to share in our soon coming victory over the Federation." Kang held his peace, not knowing for sure if his life was to be spared or not. He did know that whatever was stated by Tromok at this moment, could by no means be construed as irrevocable. "Commander Kang, by using your intelligence, and restraint, you have not only brought me the weapon our best scientists could not have conceived of developing, but an ally to my realm." the Emperor tossed a bejeweled ceremonial dagger to the floor, by his own feet. "I give you back your life, and impart honors to you as well." Kang stood from the deck and with both hands to his side, he PAGE 41 bowed his head. "Thank you, my Emperor," he said stiffly, unaccustomed to gratitude, wary of flattery. Had he turned his head, he would have seen Mara wiping a tear from her eye. "You will now fall back while I approach the escorted vessel behind you," the Emperor commanded. Then Kang saw it. It was the truth behind the words he had heard. In the Emperor's eyes, rage. Rage at the terrible power Kang had loosed in his empire. It was the reaction that Kang had expected from him all along. Now it was confirmed. Kang inwardly began to prepare himself for his own death. "As you command, my lord," Kang said, and the screen went dark. "Torvak, move us out slowly, but do not exceed photon distance from the enemy." Kang walked back to his Science Officer. "We are not out of this yet, my wife," he whispered to her, confident of the fact. "He gave you your life, would he retreat from his word?" she asked under her breath. "Military men say many things they do not mean, while under enemy observation. We will see how forgiving he really is when I present myself before him, officially and in private." He rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand. "He is going to try something. I do not know what, but he is doing his best to play the gentleman for our enemy's benefit." He placed his hand behind her head and felt the softness of her hair. "It is I who fear for his life now. And that of the Empire." * * * The four ships leading the Emperor's massive battle cruiser slowed, allowing it to pass between them. Its size boasted of great power and its weaponry epitomized danger. The intruder's ship paled before its presence, as it moved within five hundred meters to its broadside, then stopped. The Emperor observed his opponent's vessel on his view screen, noting all was as Kang had reported. It was indeed an older class Starfleet ship, no longer bearing the markings of her commission. Only standard Federation registration numbers and running lights adorned her, with the name 'Fringe Ranger' lettered across her circular prow. "My liege, your guard awaits you in the main transporter room," the Captain of the Thunder announced. The Emperor donned his new pair of gloves and made sure his weapons belt. He glanced over to Admiral Sorr, who saluted him PAGE 42 with fist to chest, then arm extended. "You serve me well, Sorr. Let every ship know that when I return, we will bring news of our victory back to Klinzhai, that they may see how none challenge their Emperor and triumph!" With that, he turned on his heel and left for the transporter room. "Captain Kom, I want all sensors on that ship until the Emperor returns. If there is anything out of order, I want you to transport him back and reverse our course, at maximum warp. Understood?" "Understood, Admiral Sorr!" "Transporter room," the Admiral spoke into wall communicator. "Yes, Sir," responded the officer on duty. "The Emperor is on his way, take great care in what you do until he has safely returned!" "Yes, My lord!" "Now all we can do is sit." He spoke again to the Captain. "Our triumph is near, if only it were sure," he reflected. It was then that Sorr felt an irrational but powerful dread in his heart. He felt the deadly jaws of a trap close around his soul and he could do nothing but inwardly despair. PAGE 43 *** EIGHT **** Captain's log, Stardate: 5850.3. We are 8 hours, 15 minutes from the planet Organia. Our mission is contingent upon the answers I receive from the inhabitants of the planet. To be an ambassador of good will or the weapon of their destruction will be decided in just nine hours. My crew is only aware of our destination. I am sure that when I give the command for self-destruct, there will be questions that I am unable to answer, and fears I will be powerless to quell. Lieutenant Grensk, who is accompanying us on our voyage, is a puzzle I have yet to solve. Uhura could find no record of his existence when I gave her instructions to investigate his history. No prior service records, nor credit holdings, not even birth records were uncovered, until 5 hours ago, when I instructed her to search again. Then she found his complete file located where it clearly was not before. I have had a peculiar feeling about Grensk, that I would have passed off as asocial behavior due to the lack of trust his superior had in me. Notwithstanding, Spock noted a strangeness to him as well. 'As if he were Vulcanoid, masquerading as a human,' is how my First Officer put it. Spock made several attempts to 'apparently' accidentally make physical contact with Grensk, in order to make passive mental reception of his thoughts, but Grensk has always managed to keep distance between them. Ship status: Against Chief Engineer Scott's advisement, we are at warp seven. Mr Scott is still reporting a possibility of an uncontrolled antimatter implosion, if we keep up our present velocity. Under my current orders, I have little choice but to have our speed maintained, though it is against my own personal judgement. If we must, we can reduce speed to warp 5 and continue to use warp speed through the Organian solar system to the planet Organia. Warp speed is inadvisable within the proximity of any gravitational influences, but we could still meet our deadline should we have to slow. In four hours the last of the fleet should be arriving just beyond sensor range of the Klingon Side of the Neutral Zone. My greatest fear is not in the possibility of our destroying Organia under orders, for I do not believe we have the power to do so. But our very presence might either provoke them to anger or cause them to remove all restraints from both treaty sides, allowing an inter- galactic war, to which there would be no winner. The Federation is hanging off a ledge, and my actions may be the force that pushes it over the brink. End Log. * * * PAGE 44 James T. Kirk heard the cabin chime and allowed it to ring twice, in case, he hoped, it rang by mistake. On the second ring, he merely said, "Come." Both Spock and Dr. McCoy entered as Jim lifted himself from his desk to meet them. "Captain," Spock began, but was immediately cut off by McCoy. "Jim, we've got a problem." the Doctor corrected himself, "Make that a Big Problem!" "Not another one," Jim stated tiredly, sitting back down and turning his chair to face the two. "This isn't my week." "Jim, Spock told me of the suspicion you were having about that S.I. officer you have watching you. At first I thought you both were acting a bit paranoid, but Spock convinced me to follow him with my medi-scanner in hand and take a reading while Spock had him occupied." "So, what's the Verdict? Is he Vulcan, Romulan or just a flake?" "None of the above, Jim... He's an android." "An android? Bones, are you sure?" "Not merely an android, Captain." Spock found an opening in the conversation before McCoy could completely misinform him. "He is a modified R-D-I combat android from the planet Tolmera. During the Tolmerian wars, the automaton was considered an excellent killing machine. Supposedly, the last of them had been destroyed or dissassembled in accordance with the terms of the armistice pact. I suspect that not only is that an inaccurate fact, but it seems that certain members of Starfleet have taken it upon themselves to put at least one of them to use in a probable suicide mission." "Suicide mission? Spock, this isn't supposed to be a suicide mission!" Jim felt a cold needle-like jab in his stomach. Fear. "Perhaps not for us Captain," stated Spock, "albeit, I believe we have evidence that Commodore Stormcloud had an ulterior motive for sending it, rather than to observe you." "You mentioned suicide mission, Spock. What could the android do that we weren't already ordered to do? Make sure there are no witnesses to the extermination of the Organians?" Jim asked. "I do not know exactly what the android's mission entails. Suffice to say, he is completely capable of destroying the planet Organia by himself." "Tell him why, you pointed ear pixie, or are you waiting for PAGE 45 the movie to come out!" McCoy was full of old Earth expressions. "I believe that I was in the process of explaining myself, when you..." "Spock, just tell me!" Jim said impatiently. "Captain, do you recall the Commodore stating that he had accounted for every grain of the Garth explosive that was removed from Elba II for purposes of experimentation?" Spock queried. "Yes Spock, continue." "The Commodore neglected to mention the fact that 'every grain accounted for' had been placed in a detonation encasement lodged in the chest of our Mr. Grensk," Spock concluded. "This is definitely not my week," Jim said dejectedly. "The Commodore's 'insurance policy'," he said remembering the words of Stormcloud. "Apparently," agreed Spock. "So that's why we were to take the shuttlecraft down to the planet, instead of transporting down." Jim rubbed his chin. "The substance can't be transported." "Now that I know this much, would ya mind filling me in on what the heck we are going to Organia for?" the Doctor said. "I'm afraid I've said too much already, Bones." "That's great! We're headed for a planet that may or may not be destroyed by a walking time-bomb, which may or may not take us with it, and you still think you should keep your Chief Medical Officer in the dark about why!" McCoy said angrily. "Orders," Jim simply said, then added, "Sorry, Bones." "Well then, if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to sickbay. At least I know what's going on down there." He turned to leave. "Not so fast, Bones." Jim grabbed his arm, "I may not be able to tell you everything about our mission, but I might need your help in dealing with our mechanical Starfleet officer." "I'm a doctor, not the bomb-squad!" he countered, fidgeting with his uniform. "If I may, Captain," Spock broke in. "We are due on the bridge in four point eight minutes. Perhaps we could continue with Doctor McCoy's meaningless banter afterwards." "Why you copper blooded..." "Bones!" Jim interrupted, "Spock's right. We have to go. You PAGE 46 go on to sickbay and we'll join you in about 15 minutes and see if we can come up with something that will help." McCoy looked at Spock, opened his mouth to speak, closed it, rolled his eyes while shaking his head and walked out of Jim's cabin. * * * Uhura was sitting relaxed, at her station, monitoring blank channels. She had little to do since the communications blackout had been issued. She hummed softly to herself and rotated her chair to look at the forward viewscreen's depiction of the stars in front of them. She looked down at Sulu and Checkov, who were smiling as they quietly exchanged jokes. They were not unconcerned with the current events which had forced them toward their destination. They were aware that it was a priority mission and that the details could only be given on a 'need to know' basis, which caused even greater concern among them. On the surface, the bridge crew seemed to have its normal, though with no Captain on deck, more casual, "high" morale. Underneath, however, the tension escalated with every kilometer gained towards Organia. The turbo-lift doors opened and out of it stepped Lieutenant Grensk. He looked at the empty captain's chair and registered to himself that Sulu must have console command. "Mr. Sulu, where is Captain Kirk?" Sulu faced the lieutenant, "He is in his cabin, and left word that he is not to be disturbed..." he said, "By you," he added a little too cheerfully. "We are now 8 hours and 47 seconds from destination orbit, are we not?" questioned the android. Sulu looked at the chronometer and without showing his surprise at Grensk's accuracy, he said, "Eight hours, forty-one seconds, mark." "Lieutenant Uhura, please contact Captain Kirk and inform him that his presence is urgently required on the bridge," spoke Grensk, unemotionally. The lift opened again, as Captain Kirk and Spock entered, before Grensk completed his sentence. "Belay that, Uhura," Jim said as he and Spock walked over to PAGE 47 the ship's emergency console. "Computer, this is Captain James T. Kirk, engage auto-destruct program, version A7." "Working," spoke the familiar female voice. "Encoded Nine hours to destruct from final sequence." The lift doors parted once again, allowing Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott to exit it. He promptly joined the others at the console. The significance of the Captain's command caught everyone's attention and caused several worried looks to be exchanged. "Good of you to join us, Mr. Scott," the Captain greeted Scotty. "Good? I wouldna call riggin ma engines to blow 'good', Captain. In fact, I've been spendin the past two days tryin to keep em from doin just that." "Awaiting initiation code from Captain James T. Kirk," the computer prompted. "Understood, Mr. Scott, but you don't think we'd be here if I wasn't under orders or the situation didn't necessitate it?" "Does the Captain wish to cancel auto-destruct procedures?" the computer queried. "Negative," Jim lied to the computer as he rested his eyes on the Intelligence Officer across the room. Jim spoke his code into the console, without taking his eyes off the lieutenant. Spock identified himself and spoke his part to the computer, followed by Mr. Scott in turn. "Awaiting the final sequence for auto-destruct," it announced. "Computer, this is Captain James T. Kirk, initiate final sequence, code zero, zero, zero, destruct, A7, zero," he said. The computer beeped 3 times and stated, "Nine hours from destruct," and became silent, awaiting eight 60 minute intervals to announce the hourly countdown. It would give a count by minutes at the last hour and by seconds at T minus one minute to destruct. Jim straightened himself and turned from the lieutenant to Uhura. "Has communications silence been broken by anyone?" "No, Sir, all channels are clear," she responded professionally, not betraying her fear. Jim stepped down to his chair of command and snapped the intra-ship comm button to open. "This is the Captain. Though I am under orders not to disclose the details of our mission, it is my is my prerogative to inform you that the Enterprise is currently in PAGE 48 countdown for destruct. We have almost 9 hours to countermand the order, but in the event that I deem it necessary to allow it to complete, Uhura will give the evacuation code and all hands will report to their assigned shuttle craft for emergency disembarkation. You will have no less than twenty minutes to report and launch, so there will not be any need to worry, or stampede. I'll keep you posted if the situation changes. Captain out." He depressed the button again with the bottom of his fist and closed the comm. channel. Just as quickly as the flip of the switch, an idea came to him. "Mr. Scott, have your men finished cleaning and inspecting the propulsion units on all our shuttles yet?" Jim asked. "No sir, but we should ha them done by 0900." "That will give me two hours clear before I need one." He paused to glance at Grensk again. "Mr. Scott," he continued, "how long will it take to refuel, restock fresh supplies, emergency units, recalibrate all sensors and life support systems and check structural integrity of all shuttles? By the book!" he emphasized. "Well, Sir, with all ma men workin without breaks, I'd guess about three more hours added to the first estimate. 1200 hours. Just about the time Enterprise is set to blow, Sir," the Scotsman said. "According to regulations, we are required to have them in that state of readiness in the event of evacuation. Isn't that correct, Mr. Grensk?" Lieutenant Grensk was unaware that the Captain was speaking to him, until his name was mentioned. He snapped his head up to face the Captain and replayed the question to himself. "That is correct, Captain. However," "It appears we will have to, in the interest of adhering to Starfleet regs. concerning the safety of my crew, forego the Commodore's personal order to use the shuttle craft as transportation to the planet," Jim said, smiling inwardly but intoning his voice to express sadness at having to disobey the Commodore's order. "But Sir," the lieutenant stressed unemotionally, "the Commodore specifically," "Lieutenant," Spock interrupted. "You of all people would not insinuate that the Commodore would order a Starfleet Captain to violate standing Starfleet orders," he stated as if it were a foregone conclusion, not a question. "No, Sir," he responded to the First Officer. "Captain, I would like to offer my services to Mr. Scott to expedite the preparation of one craft, in time for planetfall." PAGE 49 "Request denied. That would keep you from the duties assigned you by the Commodore. Whatever they are." Kirk rested back into his chair, as if he intended to remain there. "Besides, I don't want you getting under foot of Mr. Scott's repair detail." "But Sir, I am fully rated on," "That will be all Lieutenant," Jim silenced him abruptly. "Aye, Sir," responded Grensk. "Permission to leave the bridge?" "Granted," said Kirk and all eyes, many quite curious, followed Grensk's exit. "Mr. Scott, get your men started and keep an eye out for anything suspicious." "Aye, Sir," Scotty said and exited the bridge. "Uhura, have Security post four guards around the shuttlebay, with instructions not to allow Lieutenant Grensk admittance," Jim said, then added, "Tell Security that phasers are not to be issued to the guards." "Right away, Sir," she said as she pondered the meaning of his command. "Mr. Spock," Kirk said as he lifted himself from the chair, "I believe we have a date to keep in sickbay. Mr. Checkov, the con is yours." "Aye, Keptin," Checkov said eagerly, unable to restrain the joy from his voice. To him it was a rare and precious thing to sit in the command chair of the Enterprise. Few would disagree. The lift doors closed behind the Captain and Spock. "What do you suppose that is all about?" queried Uhura. "I don't know," spoke Sulu, "but the plot's thickening." PAGE 50 *** NINE *** The Imperial Throneship Thunder dwarfed by far the brave vessel from Federation space. Blinking running lights were the only sign that these ships were under power and at the ready to enter battle on any given moment. The invisible deflector screens of both ships dropped simultaneously, on cue, as they reached the pre-arranged transfer point. Like two silent statues, they remained motionless, dispassionate to the rest of the universe. The Emperor stood on the dimly lit transporter platform with a guard on each side and a third directly behind, with his back towards the Emperor. All but the Klingon monarch had weapons drawn, as they prepared for the dissimilation of their atoms and their arrival on enemy's figurative soil. "rIH ,jol!", the Emperor commanded his transporter chief in their native tongue. The transporter field wave caught the four men, transferring them, body, soul and spirit, into the unknown. In literally 'no- time' for the Emperor, he found himself squinting in the bright transporter room of his enemy. Before him stood a tall, lean, blue- skinned Andorian, who bowed low to him and righted himself once again. The Andorian took one step towards the transporter platform. "Emperor Tromok of the Klingon Realm, my lord bids you greetings and welc... " The Emperor dove at the Andorian, knocking him to the floor and pinning him there. With a speed that belied his massiveness, he pulled a dagger from his wrist-band and held it to his opponent's azure throat. "What treachery is this?", Tromok spoke in a deep and deadly voice, "Where are my guards?". He and the Andorian were alone in the transporter room. "They are suspended in transit," the Andorian whispered as the pressure from the blade on his windpipe, would not allow volume. "They are well, I swear. My master sent me, unarmed, to escort you to him." "He betrays our agreement, and you will pay the price." "He does not, Sir," the Andorian whispered as boldly as possible. "He allowed you three escorts on board. You have three and they are on board... technically," he said as his antennae began to droop. "Now answer me this and choose your words with care, or you shall surely die. Why has 'your lord' practiced this deceit?" "He thought it prudent to keep," he took a shallow breath, PAGE 51 "to keep our guards separate to," another breath, "ensure that no hostile action might," The Emperor lessened the pressure to allow the Andorian to finish his speech before passing out. "might erupt between your guards and ours. He wanted control of the situation to be between you and him. 'At the top', so to speak." The Emperor understandably did not believe that this was the whole truth, an element of it perhaps, but he knew there was more. The stakes were too high for him to back out now. In the least, he would lose his life. At most he would lose his honor, an experience he never wanted to face again. The Emperor lifted himself off the Andorian and with his free hand, grabbed the man by the back of his shaggy white hair, pulling him to his feet. He forced him against the wall and replaced the dagger to its sheath hidden in his wristband. "You will instruct your Master to let me speak to my ship. They will detect that I am alone and attack at any moment." "The transporter has been modified to allow your guard's life signs to emanate from within the system. Your ship has not lost contact with them. They merely cannot get a direct fix on them," the Andorian said, still heaving air in and out of his lungs. Tromok checked his rage that was building up within him... for the moment. He was in a trap with every exit leading to destruction. All but one. The one he was being maneuvered into by his enemy. 'It is said,' he thought to himself, 'that sometimes the only way out is through. Very well. I am still the predator here. The trap will be my own!' He felt the mechanism inside his glove, giving him the confidence of one who is prepared for the worst. "Very well, lead me to your master," spoke the Emperor of Klinzhai. "Yes, Your Majesty." The Emperor released him and let him step away to catch his breath until he was able to comply. The Andorian calmly turned and proceeded to the exit. Tromok followed, keeping no further than a meter between himself and his escort. They made their way down the hall to a turbo-shaft, then up two decks and out to another hall, looking identical to the first. There were no other crewmen to be seen by the Klingon Monarch. No muffled voices, no other sounds than that of the ship itself and the footsteps the two made. He strained his ears to hear the rustle of clothing or the quiet breathing of an assassin possibly behind any door. He could detect nothing, but tensed himself against the unexpected anyway. The Andorain stopped short of a double door entrance marked 'Conference Room One' and stepped aside to allow the Emperor to pass. He bowed low again and extended his blue hand, indicating to PAGE 52 the Klingon that he may now enter. It would be a sign of weakness to force the Andorian to enter first but at the moment of Tromok's hesitation, the double doors parted. They revealed a long table with a massive chair at the far end. The figure seated in the chair rose to reveal his own impressive stature. His short light brown hair with streaks of grey, his posture and stance, his purple robe and even his eyes spoke of nobility and power embodied within. "Mocdar Jek Tromok, Emperor of all the realm of Klinzhai, welcome to my humble ship," he said with grace and a formal bow of his own. The Emperor stepped through the door which closed behind him. "And who is it that bids me welcome?" Tromok rumbled. "The man who offers a galaxy," he said and placed both hands on his hips. "I also offer you my hospitality. Please be seated." The Emperor remained standing. "Klingons do not sit with the enemy. Their Emperor makes no exception." He too placed his hands on his hips, facing his foe. His cape fanned out over his shoulders and spilled down to the ground. "Unless I am convinced otherwise, I will stand," his deep voice challenged. "Very well," the host smiled as if he regarded the Emperor as merely charming. "Might his Highness consider a truce until our positions are established?" The monarch considered this for a moment, knowing some semblance of progress must be made. "Agreed," he stated and eased himself into the chair designed for a smaller boned human. He pressed a button in his gloved hand and felt a tiny comforting click. "I assume that you have already decided on an offer for my weapon? Possibly several counteroffers, if the first is unacceptable to me?" the Host spoke, as he sat back in his own chair, draping his right leg over the cushioned arm. He looked thoroughly comfortable and nonchalant. "Before we bargain," the Emperor looked steadfastly into his host's hazel eyes, "I would know your name," he demanded. A smile that could charm a roaring volcano spread across the enemy's handsome face, "Of course you would," he said most amiably. "My name is well established throughout the known universe." "Enough!" the Emperor stood to his feet, toppling his chair behind him. With lightning speed he produced a small disrupter that was hidden in the small of his back. He aimed it at his opponent's midsection. "I will kill you without your name!" he bellowed. The smile never left the host's face, though he did raise an PAGE 53 eyebrow at the Emperor's speed and shortness of temper. "It is my race's custom, granted an out of date one, to allow a last word to be spoken by the one who is about to be... 'deceased'." "I have no constraints to such a custom." "This 'is' my ship," the enemy simply offered. "So be it. I am not without honor, however, if I detect the slightest flinch, you will be indistinguishable from the dust of your vaporized chair." "Understood." "Speak then, this 'last word'," the Emperor commanded. "Your disrupter is... empty." The Emperor depressed the firing button. Nothing happened. "I ordered the Andorian who escorted you, to lock on to all close proximity power sources, which might be used in a weapon, and transport them to me." With his left hand he produced two small power cells of differing size from his breast pocket and set them on the table before him. "I know that this first energy pack is the one you assumed to be powering your disrupter. I am, however, at a loss as to what 'this' power cell was used for," he said, indicating the smaller of the two." The Emperor felt an intense pang in his stomach, realizing the sonic synthesizer hidden in his glove, was as useless as the weapon that was still pointed at his host. "No matter," said the Host, obviously in complete control of the situation. To stress the fact, he casually drew a weapon of his own, not aiming it but merely letting his guest understand that there may be a limit to his hospitality. "Please sit now, and you may yet find the answers to your many questions." "I will sit." He dropped his weapon to the floor and slowly righted his chair, "but I am weary of the games you play." He was in a mild state of shock at being so easily outwitted by the man. "You demanded my presence. Very well, I am here. All I need now is to know your price." He sat and faced his host, concealing his fury and his shame. "I have a price... and it is high, but I will not yet name it. And though I will not compromise, I am still curious as to what you intended to offer me." "I offer you first, your life. Make no mistake, that will be the first thing you will lose if I do not return to my ship. Whatever else it costs us." "No doubt, but continue," he said. His patience seemed to have no end, but the Emperor was not deceived. He knew a fellow PAGE 54 warrior, and was feeling nothing but danger from the man across from him. "I offer you second, a planet to rule under me. You will preside over all affairs that you deem worthy, and you may establish any laws of your choice, as long as you remain loyal to the Klingon Empire. Which is the third part to my offer. In so swearing your loyalty, an oath not to be taken lightly, I will provide two fully armed battle cruisers for your personal protection. You may use them as planetary defense against any intruder who is not also loyal to me." "That is, indeed, a grand offer," said the host with a nod of his head. "If I were, per chance, a less ambitious man, I would consider accepting it." He stroked his grey temple with his middle finger. "It is good but it is not my price." The Emperor's face shone red and his jaw muscles flexed visibly through his cheeks as he clenched his teeth. He knew his own patience was required, but to expect a Klingon, and not just any Klingon, to endure the arrogance of this man was requiring too much. "What is your price?" he asked between his teeth, debating if he actually wanted to know. If nothing else, he would agree to all concessions, make and receive payment, and then obliterate this pompous 'targ', if he had to destroy a planet from beneath his feet to do it. "I, lord Tromok, am a ruler without an empire of my own. They say 'a king, less his kingdom rules an imbecile.'" His countenance grew suddenly cold as he forced himself to remember his past and likewise prepare for the revelation that he would now bestow upon the Klingon Emperor. "I had recently launched a campaign against the Federation, the very first stage mind you, only to have it thwarted by a man I would rather have fought beside than against." His own anger began to emerge as he spoke of his past. "I am hardly finished with Starfleet, but there is an old Klingon proverb that seems to be quite appropriate: 'If you cannot lead your own camp... lead your enemy's'." He stopped for a moment to see if his meaning was comprehended. The Emperor barely heard the words spoken to him. "If you have mentioned your demand, I have not heard it," he said darkly. "My price is the Klingon Empire!" "Then you do rule an imbecile," the Emperor spat hotly. "I am supreme here, and you... you are merely an inconvenience." Tromok restrained himself from reaching for his dagger. "You are mad if you think you could wrest my throne from me. And if you intend to kill me to get it, you are welcome to try. My ships will destroy you, and many more are on the way." He looked at the weapon now aimed at him. "As hostage I am no good to you either. My men will follow my orders and consider me dead. My brother will of course, inherit my title. The end result will be the same for you... death." PAGE 55 "There are more ways to gain the Empire than you have named, and that is my riddle. Nevertheless, even that is not my final goal." He slowly raised himself from the chair, eyes and weapon never wavering. "You still do not know with whom you are dealing." "Not for lack of effort, though I am sure it is a strain for one so boastful, to keep it a secret as long as you have." The Host chuckled briefly at that. "I did not know the Klingon Emperor had a sense of humor," he said with a smile. "Do you also have a sense of irony?" he posed. The Emperor said nothing. He wished to stall but never to play the fool. "No answer?" he asked, holstering his weapon and leaning towards the Emperor with both hands on the table. "Then let me explain myself with a brief tale." His smile faded. "Years ago... no," he started again. "A lifetime ago, there was a brave Starship Captain. The first Starship Captain." It seemed painful for him to speak but he continued. "Long before we had the Neutral Zone, Organian Peace Treaties or cloaking devices to complicate life, this lone Captain and a hand-picked crew set out in their new Starship on a brave mission: The Exploration of Space. It was given to him to extend the hand of friendship to other spacefaring races and invite them to take their place of honor in a United Federation of Planets." "With nothing but a faithful crew and the shining Prime Directive, this Captain guided his noble vessel farther than any ship in the Federation had ever ventured. After weeks of exploration in this distant part of the galaxy, the Captain encountered, for the first time since the Hundred Years War, a race of beings who were as proficient in their technology as they were in their ruthlessness." His eyes narrowed as they penetrated the Emperor. "But now I am getting ahead of myself," he interrupted, then continued the tale. "The Starship first had made contact with intelligent life on a planet not far from where we are now. The Captain spent weeks in peaceful negotiations and in the exchange of cultural information with the new-found alien friends who called themselves the Bak'i. When it became time to depart from the planet, the Captain bid them farewell and began his return to the Earth, with a promising new addition to the Federation." "However, while the Starship was leaving, they detected three spacecraft approaching their new friend's solar system. Motivated by curiosity, the Starship turned around, back to the world they had just visited. Upon arrival, they found that the entire surface of the planet had been laid waste. Not one Bak'i had survived the terrible holocaust. Three armed warships had made short work of their entire world." "When the Captain of the Starship attempted to hail the three PAGE 56 invading warships, in order to understand the action that had been taken, the warships opened fire. They were Klingon warships." The Emperor's face seemed to hint of recognition of the story, from a memory long forgotten, or perhaps one he wished had been so. "It was a time when our shields had been stronger than our weapons. The battle raged for hours, particle-static beams and focused radiation, inflicting more damage on men than on machinery. The Captain was on the verge of hopelessness, when he managed to destroy one of the Klingon warships." The Host erected himself. His countenance became cold in remembrance of the lives lost afterward by slow radiation poisoning, during the long dark voyage home. "With one ship lost to the void, and no outward sign of damage to the Federation Starship, the second Klingon vessel turned tail and fled. The odds were then even. "Yes," the Emperor whispered, transfixed by his own images of the long ago battle. Though seeing it from another perspective than that of his enemy. "Again the ships clashed, until the Federation ship's weaponry became useless, drained of energy and damaged beyond any hope of repair. The Captain ordered all power to his foreword shields, said a prayer, and began one final charge at his opponent. The Starfleet Captain expected to die in the collision of the two ships, but before the impact could be consummated, the ship from the Empire gave her ground and took flight to parts unknown." He folded his arms across his chest. "But not unknown to you, Emperor Tromok," he spoke in anger. "Do you still remember the words spoken from your own boastful lips, when the Starfleet Captain attempted to explain his peaceful intentions?" He let his guest search his memory for a moment. "Do you recall the vow I made to you, as you ordered your ship's retreat?" "You?" Tromok said in astonishment. "Then, you were merely the eldest 'son' of the Emperor of Klinzhai, now the Empire is yours, and I will finally make good on my vow." A cold smile slowly crept upon his lips, from the corners of his mouth. "Do you remember me now, Emperor of Klinzhai?" "I remember," he rumbled and slowly rose to his feet. "I had not known defeat but for you." His voice became a growl, his muscles tensed, "You are the secret shame I have kept hidden, even from myself, for these many years." The man reproduced his weapon, leisurely but with purpose. He slowly aimed it at the Klingon. "Then my name still has meaning in the Klingon Empire?" Strangely, the man lowered the weapon and placed it on the long table before him, as if to challenge the Klingon. "I told you that you would fear the day when next our swords would cross, that you would ever fear the name of Garth of Izar!" PAGE 57 With a roar from the depths of his soul, the Emperor toppled the long heavy table on to its side, sending Garth's phaser clattering across the floor. Deciding in an instant that the weapon was too far to reach, the Emperor threw himself the distance between his enemy and himself. He hit Garth in his midsection, like a projectile, taking him to the floor. Garth was at the ready when the Emperor lunged at him and rolled with the momentum and mass thrust upon him, tossing the Klingon off and into the wall behind him. Garth was to his feet first but allowed his guest to also rise, savoring the confrontation he had long awaited, not desiring too soon an end to it. "It is good to see the Emperor is still a warrior," Garth said, paying tribute to his foe. "To the death," Tromok said as he lifted his bulk off the polished deck. "Not so, your Majesty," he said mockingly. "I do not intend to kill you, and I am certain that you shall not kill me." Garth squared himself off from his opponent, now ready to continue the battle. The Emperor feigned left, then right and jabbed quickly with his left fist, connecting only with air. Garth dodged the second blow as well, and responded with a hard chop to the Emperor's neck, bringing him to his knees. The Klingon, partly dazed by the chop that would have knocked an ordinary man out, looked up at Garth in rage. Tromok pondered to himself for a moment why his enemy took no advantage at a downed foe. He lifted himself again, growling like an animal gone mad. Garth moved first, with a punch to the Emperor's heavy jaw, then one to his stomach, when, with remarkable speed, the Emperor caught Garth's wrist and placed a strong hand to his throat. The Emperor slowly, powerfully, squeezed his enemy's neck with a wolfish grin, and drew Garth close. "Now, you are mine!" he whispered. Garth grabbed the hand at his throat and centimeter by centimeter, pulled it away, his muscles straining against Emperor Tromok's for control. Both with feet firmly planted on the deck, the struggle became one of brute force. 'Victory to the strong', as a Klingon would say. They stood face to face. Both red with the exertion of their strength, neither giving in. One force irresistible, the other immovable and both committed to the defeat of the other. "You will lose!" said the Klingon Emperor through clenched teeth. "Not at your hand," promised Garth. PAGE 58 The seconds that they spent in battle were years of desired revenge nearing fulfillment. Neither would admit the thought of defeat into their minds, though clearly, only one would stand when they were done. "Now," Garth strained, "the tide turns." And with his final effort, he forced Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok to his physical limit, then pulled him with all that was in him. The might of the Klingon was used against himself as Garth yanked backwards with all his strength, fairly throwing the Emperor against the bulkhead, a full fifteen feet behind him. The Klingonese monarch sank to the floor unconscious, as Garth slowly walked towards his downed enemy, gulping breaths as he came. He kneeled beside this fallen warrior, and pressed two fingers against the Emperor's pulmonary artery to be sure he still lived. Satisfied, he rose, gathered his phaser and depressed a button on his belt. The only doors to the room parted and the Andorian, carrying a medical bag, entered through them. "Revive him," commanded Garth, "And place the stasis cuffs on him or he may accidentally kill you as he regains his wits." "Yes, lord Garth," the blue man replied. He reached into his medical bag and produced a Doctor's spray hypo. He placed a small yellow canister into the instrument, set the dosage to 20 milliliters, and injected the substance into the Klingon's neck. Grasping both wrists, the acting physician placed the energy bonds around them as the Emperor's eyes began to flutter. The Emperor, not feeling at all well, opened his eyes for a moment, then realizing that they were not focusing, blinked several times to clear them. Immediately he became aware of his surroundings and of the fact that he was temporarily immobilized. He looked up to see the man standing across the room from him, to his astonishment. Tromok closed his eyes again at the man he saw. 'Surely,' he thought, 'my mind plays tricks!' He opened them once again and saw that the vision had not changed. Directly across from him, standing majestically in royal robes, was the Emperor of all Klinzhai. The vision smiled. "You see," Garth said in the voice of the Klingon monarch, "I never had the need to strike any bargain, never needed anything from you, but 'you'." "You can not do this!" spoke the Emperor, almost breaking before his enemy, as his heart sank, for he knew that if there was anyone in the universe who could wrest the Empire from him, it was this man. The man that wore his face. "It is already done!" boasted Garth. "But be of good cheer, for I am not finished with you nor the galaxy yet!" He strode over to his double. "You see," he spoke, kneeling beside the former Emperor, "there is something I know about the Organian Peace Treaty PAGE 59 that neither you nor my Federation seem to be aware of." He smiled a dangerous smile. "But that is another riddle," he said. Rising from Tromok and turning towards the exit, he began to laugh. He left the room, his laughter echoing down the corridors, silenced only when the doors shut behind him. PAGE 60 *** TEN *** The white streak that was Enterprise blazed like a stray bolt of lightning through the vacuum of space. She was on a heading that would bring her into a still-disputed area of the galaxy. The Federation claimed it. The Klingon Empire claimed it, but the Organians controlled it and named it the Neutral Zone. Hence, ownership of any tract of space or any planet within that region must be acquired by peaceful, productive occupation. This was in accordance with the treaty signed by both claimants. Violent aggression by either party was forbidden, and would, by the self- appointed arbitrators / enforcers, be stopped. Since the initiation of the treaty, both camps had made attempts to stretch the limits of the contract, to no effect. The Treaty was ironclad. Adherence to it was not an option. In addition, it was agreed that Organia, as a planet and a people, was to be left alone... until now. James T. Kirk occupied the center seat. He waited for the inevitable. The weight of the Captaincy was never heavier on his shoulders than at this moment. His orders to approach the planet in the solar-system ahead of him was a violation of Treaty. His orders to set his ship for self-destruct was a violation of his conscience. And yet he still waited for the inevitable. The meeting Jim had called in sickbay with McCoy and Spock was an exercise in futility. The danger still roamed his ship. To attempt to incapacitate the Grensk android would be difficult even if it was not conducive to exploding. The android had far superior strength to that of even a Vulcan. Every plan that they discussed or formulated put all aboard in jeopardy. To leave Grensk to his own devices placed the ship in no less a perilous position, but it did give them a timeframe within which to work. They used to call his predicament a 'catch twenty-two, Jim recalled. Jim looked at the chronometer in the arm of his chair. "Mr. Sulu, shouldn't we be reaching the system perimeter soon?" "Aye, Sir, coming up on it in about eight minutes." Sulu spoke calmly. "Prepare to power down to impulse, point 9, in about eight min..." Jim shut his mouth and grabbed both sides of his chair. He could feel something vibrating subtly for just a moment. It stopped. He sat still to see if it would happen again. Then the whole ship began to shudder violently. Jim hit his comm button. "Kirk to Engineering, Scotty, what's the problem?" he asked urgently. The shudder became more pronounced. "Mr. Scott!" No answer. Spock quickly moved over to the engineer's console. "Captain," Spock announced, "the port nacelle is beginning to PAGE 61 buckle, all readings are peaking in the red." "Sulu!" Jim started, but before he could finish his sentence, the ship pitched to port, and the Enterprise began to maneuver in an irregular, large spiral, her inertia dampeners and starboard engine began to whine. Holding onto the corner of the console, the helmsman tried to reach for the controls, fighting like the rest of the crew against the powerful centrifugal force. Straining, he managed to get a finger on the correct button, and pressed the emergency shut-off switch. The starboard engine went silent and Sulu was able to engage braking thrusters. "All stop, Sulu." Perspiration beaded on the Captain's forehead. "Slowing, Sir," spoke Sulu, equally sweaty. Uhura turned from her station. "Captain, damage control is reporting a fire in engineering, and something about an explosion!" Jim punched the communication button again, "Kirk to Engineering," static was all he received. "Engineering, report!" "Hanson here," the din of extinguishers, and the crackle of electricity obscured his voice. "Mr. Hanson, report Engineering's status." "We've had an explosion in the Jeffries Tube. Commander Scott is being taken to sickbay on antigravs. Fire's almost out but it looks bad down here." "How bad, Mr. Hanson?" "We won't be able to make repairs on outboard number one without dry-docking. I believe if we tried to engage it again, she'd blow in a matter of seconds, Sir." "Is there damage to the nacelle's main reactor?" he asked. "As far as I can determine, it's intact. We did lose the Starboard engine's fail-safe though. The automatic power shutdown to the engine was damaged in the feedback explosion." "We noticed." Jim swiveled his chair to the engineering station, manned by Spock, who was inspecting the console. Spock nodded to the Captain, in confirmation to what Lieutenant Hanson reported. "Do what you can down there and keep me posted. We may need at least warp 3 in two hours." "Aye, Sir. Hanson out." "Mr. Spock," Jim rose from his chair. "You have the con. I'll be in sickbay. Mr. Sulu, resume course for Organia, impulse, PAGE 62 point 9 warp." "Aye, Sir. Course locked in. Engaging now." * * * Sickbay was lined up with no small number of crewmen suffering from minor abrasions to motion sickness. Nurses Evans and Downey distributed medicines and applied antiseptics with the deftness that earned them the privilege of their tour on the Enterprise. The doors to sickbay parted and in stepped the gold and black clad Captain, followed by Dr. M'Benga, who did not seem to be in good humor. "Not the best way to wake up, being thrown from my bed, Captain," spoke the doctor as Jim turned the corner, oblivious to the comment, lost in his own thoughts. The beds were mercifully empty, save one, on which Jim saw his unconscious Chief Engineer, with McCoy attending him. "How is he, Bones?" Jim concernedly asked. "I'll know as soon as I get this blasted shirt off him." He put his medi-scanner down on the tray next to him. "Nurse Chappell, will you hurry with that molecular separator!" He then loaded his hypo and injected a pink liquid into his patient. Jim went to the bedside and beheld the blackened arm of Commander Montgomery Scott. Though he had several facial lacerations, and bruises, his arm was by far the most serious. His uniform had melted and fused itself to his right arm and his hand looked like a badly toasted marshmallow. He could tell from the readings on the bed's monitor that his whole body had suffered some kind of trauma, probably a near-fatal jolt from the overload. Nurse Christine Chappell returned to McCoy with the requested instrument. The doctor checked the setting and wasted no time in putting it to use, after switching on the bed's sterilization field, a reflex action. The Captain watched as the uniform fairly unraveled at the touch of the instrument, losing its molecular cohesiveness. The dust that was once a sleeve, was ionically drawn to the receptors at the head and foot of the bed. What it revealed was not pleasant to look at. Scott's last two fingers were clearly broken, and his middle finger was completely gone. "My God, Jim, what was he into?" spoke the doctor, not taking his eyes off his task. "It looks like he's had his hand up a thruster." PAGE 63 "Security to the shuttle bay," came the First Officer's voice over the main speakers. "Repeat, security to the shuttle bay." Jim rushed over to the comm box and punched the sender. "Mr. Spock, what's the trouble?" he asked, already projecting the answer. "Uncertain Captain, we received a condition red alert from shuttle control, however, no one is responding to," his voice broke off. "One moment Captain." Jim heard Sulu's voice in the background but could not hear his words. "Captain, the tractor beam has been disabled. It is most probable that," "Sabotage, I know Spock," Jim cut in. "Meet me in shuttle bay with two phasers. Needle beam setting," he said, swiftly trying to think ahead of the situation. "Belay that, Mr. Spock. Have Sulu try to keep the Shuttle Bay doors closed, and meet me in the transporter room!" Spock paused in thought, for a split second, then, replied. "Captain, I believe I understand your line of reasoning, but I fail to see its effectiveness." Kirk rolled his eyes up in his lids and sighed. "In the least, it will avail nothing. But in the worst case it could," Spock continued. "Now Spock, that's an order!" Jim said, only slightly irritated. He was very used to His First Officer's willingness to offer more information than was often desired. "Aye, Sir, Spock out." Jim punched the sender switch again and the speaker went dead. He looked over his shoulder as he made for the exit. "Take care of him Bones, he's the only Chief Engineer I have." Then he exited sickbay. Dashing down the crowded corridor, he reached the turbo-lift. He heard the familiar voice of the computer, announcing the ship's destruction in 2 hours, just as the doors closed behind him. "Deck 7," Jim instructed the computer-controlled lift. * * * Lieutenant Kyle was listening to the intra-ship communications, trying to determine the reason he had been thrown to the floor and bounced around the room, a few minutes ago. He leaned over the transporter controls, one hand supporting his chin, the other, flattening down the back of his sandy colored hair. The PAGE 64 entry door slid open to admit the Captain. "Captain!" spoke Kyle, snapping immediately to attention. "At ease, Mr. Kyle." Jim walked over to the controls, and rubbed his hands together. "Is everything in its usual working order?" Jim asked, assuming it was, since no mention of it was on the damage report. "Yes, Sir, I just finished the level 1 diag's a minute ago. No damage was detected." He spoke with his usual English accent. "When was it last tuned?" "Just this morning, Sir. At the end of last shift. Saw em do it myself as I was coming on duty." "Very good, Lieutenant," he said, setting the board for manual location-sensor lock and overriding the safety features. The door slid open again, this time admitting the expected Mr. Spock, who quickly moved to the controls beside Jim. The overhead speaker came to life, "Sulu to transporter room. Mr. Kyle, is Captain Kirk there yet?" Kyle looked at the captain, who indicated that he himself would respond. "I'm here Sulu, what is it?" "Captain, Security reports that all guards and personnel stationed in the shuttle bay, have been phaser-stunned. And, Sir, Gallileo 2 is attempting to debark." "Are the bay doors still closed?" "My console says they are, but Security says," Sulu, being in contact with both the Captain and Security, had to speak to one party, while listening to the other. "Security reports the doors are opening!" The ship beneath them rumbled and vibrated as if she had run aground. "Captain, we have explosive decompression in the shuttle bay!" "Is everyone out of there?" asked the Captain with urgency. There was a pause of dead air space, then, "Security has them all in the airlock, Sir. No casualties to report other than that of the men being stunned," reported Sulu, then added, "Shuttle craft is launching now." "Thank you, Mr. Sulu. Pursue shuttle craft and find out if the tractor beam can be repaired soon and get those bay doors closed," Jim said, reverting to a calmer tone for Sulu's sake, only a little relieved at what he heard. "Kirk out." Jim turned to Spock, "Our Mr. Grensk has been busy." "It would seem," Spock commented with a nod. "Captain, if I may." Jim sighed and indicated to Spock that 'he may'. "I do not PAGE 65 see the logic in using the transporter to stop Lieutenant Grensk, considering the way the transporters react when in contact with the explosive. It seems equally futile to have ourselves transported to the shuttle. Grensk's mechanical strength would be more than sufficient to stop us." Jim knew Spock's line of reasoning was 'off track' with the Captain's intentions, but out of respect for his 'Number One', he heard him out. "Logic suggests that we use our weapons against the shuttle either to disable or destroy it, before it is able to near the planet Organia. This would put ourselves at grave risk, but will prevent the destruction of a planet." "Spock," Jim placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, "trust me. I have a plan, and while we execute it, I'll show you why a humble Starship Captain can beat his logical Vulcan First Officer consistently at chess." Jim moved aside. "Man the console," he said to Spock. Then looked to the Lieutenant standing away from his post. "Mr. Kyle?" "Yes, Sir?" he felt entirely left out of the conversation and was not just a little surprised by it. "What you are going to see is classified, dangerous and possibly a court-martial offense. So unless it goes before a board of inquiry, mum's the word." "Mum, Sir?", he asked, genuinely confused. "Not a word," Kirk placed his index finger to his lips. "Aye, Sir." "Spock, are you able to scan the shuttle?" Jim asked. "There was some interference, but I now have a positive sensor lock on the craft itself," he said while adjusting controls. "You mentioned Chess, Captain?" Jim restrained the look of amusement that he was inclined to facially display at the Vulcan's obvious curiosity. A quality that Jim enjoyed seeing in his friend. "Sometimes, the passion for winning, or the threat of losing, can be a 'well' of inspiration, Mr. Spock. Such is the urgency of this situation. Lock geographic sensors onto the explosive in Grensk's chest." He observed Spock's operation of the equipment, confident that his precision was equal to the task. "Nothing personal, Spock, but logic can even hinder the process that motivates, that drives us to decisions that must be made. Deep concern about the cost of failure is another driving factor." "Secondary lock confirmed," he said, glancing up to Jim with an inquisitive look. "Passion hardly seems a formidable strategy in a mathematically logical game such as Chess. The end result would seem to be chaos, rather than 'Check Mate'," he stated matter-of-factly, in defense of his Vulcan heritage and their PAGE 66 standing philosophy. "Sulu, to Captain Kirk. Sir, more bad news. All sub-space broadcasting equipment has been damaged beyond repair and estimates on tractor beam repair is 5 hours." Jim pressed the communications switch and responded, "Mr. Sulu, I'm not surprised. Continue Impulse pursuit. Kirk out." Then to Spock, "Locate the upper perimeter of the explosive, plus 10 centimeters." Spock raised an eyebrow, hinting of his understanding at what the Captain had planned. "You are correct in your comment comparing it to 'chaos' Mr. Spock, as that can often be the result. But it is the balance between the two: emotion used reasonably. We also have faith that the unproven or the untried, can be accomplished, though we have no evidence of it until it is tried. This 'faith' is the greatest evidence I know of, that separates us from the animals, Spock, for unlike them, we can believe in something that our 5 senses or previous experience cannot corroborate or conclusively prove." "Upper boundary from the Lieutenant's chest cavity, located and confirmed," spoke Spock, still continuing the difficult operation, while pondering his captain's insight. "Lock transporter beam terminator to those coordinates." "Transporter beam locked." Jim took a deep breath. "Mr. Spock, energize!" With controls in hand, Spock slowly moved the matter gain levers forward. Pad 'A' started to shimmer and the outline of something began to form. Then the base of the platform exploded with a loud 'crack'. "Cross circuit to 'B', Mr. Spock," spoke Mr. Kyle, as he shielded his eyes from the blast. Spock's hands worked to bypass the channel with a simplistic ease that moved Lt. Kyle to envy. No stress could be seen in him, every movement exactingly correct. Pad 'B' began to glow, in the now, smoky room. "I am reducing termination boundary by 5 centimeters," he said above the hum of the machinery. This time the shimmering on the pad began to solidify, and the disembodied head of Lieutenant Grensk, began to take shape, less than 2 meters above the platform. As more mass was added, the head slowly descended to the deck and came to rest, eyes open and mouth forming words without voice. "Check-and-mate, Mr. Spock," said the Captain, as he went to the platform and stooped to pick up the remains of the android. Lt. Kyle stood speechless at what he had just witnessed. He appeared to be an unwitting accomplice to murder. Jim looked over PAGE 67 his shoulder at the lieutenant and realized it might be wise to explain. Just a little. "It's OK, Mr. Kyle, that is an android, not a human. I don't think this qualifies as murder." "A-aye, Sir," he said, blinking his eyes and fighting his initial shock. "The shuttle is starting to drift off course, Captain," Spock said, looking at the equipment. "I am curious, sir, as to how you came to suspect the Grensk android from the beginning?" "As you did, you mean?" James said, sharing the credit. "It seemed odd to me, simply the way he looked at me. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Perhaps it was his lack of soul, that was the tip-off." He looked at Spock and could tell that the Vulcan was not buying it. In the past, they both had been deceived by androids who had as much soul as Grensk. "Alright, maybe when they removed the parts of his internal workings in his chest to make room for the explosive, they damaged the circuit that allowed him to blink his eyes normally. In the conference room, I noticed that he seemed to be a bit sluggish in the 'eye batting' department." "That could explain it," Spock conceded. "With your permission, it seems appropriate for one of us to retrieve the shuttle and Lieutenant Grensk's body. I volunteer." "Agreed, Mr. Spock. I'll have a security team with antigravs, meet you upon your return. Be careful," he stressed the last. "Mr. Kyle, you may return to your post and energize when ready," stated Spock as he made for the platform. "Aye, Sir." The Lieutenant reset the console and quickly but carefully set them for the First Officer's destination. "Captain?" Spock stated rather than questioned. "Yes, Spock?" Jim stepped back from the transporter, cradling the heavy android head in his arms. "I will consider your 'chess' strategy." "Ready to transport Mr. Spock," came Kyle. "Energize," Spock said with his arms behind his back in a formal stance, and with that he began to shimmer and disappear. PAGE 68 *** ELEVEN **** The new Emperor stood facing the vast expanse of space stretching forth from his window, to perhaps infinity. He allowed himself the luxury of a few moments alone to relax before he faced the Klingon Fleet commanders and revealed his plans for them to carry out. Though his authority was absolute in his empire, there would undoubtedly be questions toward his mental health if he proceeded on his intended course without sharing some details of his grand design with them. His gaze shifted from the ominous void, to the mighty Klingon armada coming into view. The smile of the wolf crossed his face as he saw the awesome might of the Klingon Empire bending to his every wish. He mused in reflection of the ease with which he acquired his throne and the power thereof. The Old Emperor, now imprisoned within the bowels of the Federation ship, was still a vital link in the chain of events that this New Emperor had set in motion. The real Tromok was an ace in the hole, to be used if Garth's charade was detected. But Garth had no great fear of this. Garth had devoted many hours to the mastery of Klingonese. The subtle grunts and guttural intonations, the syntax and colloquialisms, even the gesticulations accompanying some of the ancient words. And of course, the Emperor's voice was merely a physical alteration. But Garth was no fool. Little to nothing was known of the Emperor of Klinzhai within the confines of the Federation. Garth tried to distance himself from anyone close to the Emperor who would be able to detect the discrepancies in the Emperor's own mannerisms and personality. He would not have to encounter any members of the High Council. Tromok had seen to that by leaving them all behind on their Mother World. However, there were Military Men close at hand who would know him well. Admiral Sorr was not the least of them. The explosive of Garth's own ingenious creation, was still on- board the ship that he had entered the Neutral Zone in. He conceived of the formula for the destructive substance while imprisoned on the distant, now nonexistent, planet Elba II. Once he had developed the formula, the actual creation of the fulminant crystals was hardly a burdensome matter. Elba II, for all it's intended purposes, was just a scientific research station with bars. All the components of the explosive were in-store, easily appropriated and utilized, giving him the power to reshape the universe. Yes, there was a time of setback. He had failed, but only in his inability to enlighten the Starship captain 'Kirk', to his superior lordship. He and Kirk were of a kind. As Garth would bow to no other's rule, Kirk would not submit to his. It was much later that Garth realized how Captain Kirk had unwittingly saved his life when he prevented Garth from transporting up to the Enterprise with the weapon in hand. It was later that Garth had realized the explosive could not be beamed at all. But that was behind him. PAGE 69 Garth of Izar had proven victorious and escaped his place of exile. He recalled the perfect execution of his scheme to steal the cargo ship while it was transferring equipment, via jump-ship, down to the surface of Elba II. 'The fool Cory', Garth thought. The drug that was used to 'cure' Garth of his 'alleged' insanity was obviously not tested for duration. It had returned him to his former 'weakling' self, for a time. But the 'Garth' that was strong, was too much a part of him to be suppressed for long, though it had seemed to change him somewhat. He could think clearer now. Once he had permanently disposed of Cory he was able to assume, again, the guise of the Governor of the colony. Then it was simplicity itself, to take the orbiting ship and charge to the Neutral Zone. The captain of the cargo ship 'Fringe Ranger' had not been much of a challenge. Though he did manage to send out a distress signal before Garth was able to capture it, it availed him nothing. Proud Garth satisfied himself with these thoughts, and turned his attention to the future. A chime sounded in the Emperor's chamber, indicating that someone requested entry. Garth turned from the observation window and furrowed his brow. "Enter!" he commanded, quite accustomed to giving orders. The door slid upward, disappearing into the top of the frame. Commander Kang stood at the entrance, flanked on both sides by the Emperor's guard. He entered the large room, followed by the black clad warriors. "I ordered no disturbances!" the Emperor boomed, taking note that the man before him was of Commander grade, but not recognizing him. "State the reason for your intrusion," ordered the Emperor. The expression on Kang's face changed from wooden, to one of puzzlement. It was always mandatory for a Flag Officer to report to the highest superior possible, after a military defeat. Emperor Tromok had always taken great pleasure, whenever available, in dealing personally, with 'inferior Klingons', as he called them. "My lord, I await your decision," Kang voiced levelly, though at the ready to plea for the life of his wife and that of his crew. Taken aback, momentarily at a loss as to exactly what decision the officer might require, Garth finally recognized the voice, and placed it with the name of Kang. Though they had spoken to one another before, it had not been a visual communication. Pretending to contemplate his 'decision', Garth tried to remember the details of the intercepted transmission the former Emperor had with the Commander. It came to him that Tromok had already decided in favor of Kang, so what was this, he wondered. Reward? Promotion? Garth suddenly wished he knew more about the Klingonese customs, and specifically the Emperor's habit's. Finally he spoke, not wanting his hesitation to cause suspicion. "Leave us," he commanded his guards. Kang heard the door slide home, still facing his Emperor and PAGE 70 wondering. Something was different about him. He seemed, to Kang, not to have recognized him. "What would you have me say?" the Emperor, playing it safe, interrupted Kang's thoughts with the question. The swarthy Commander eyed his Emperor for a moment. He had never known the ruler of the Klingon Realm to be slow in executing judgement, and least of all to have the accused determine the punishment. Was this a test of sorts, or was Emperor Tromok merely baiting him for his own pleasure? The answer to these, he did not know. But if it was a game to humiliate him, Kang decided he would not play. He looked straight ahead, standing at full attention. "Say what you will, my lord." The Emperor turned toward the Commander. To Kang's surprise a partial smile adorned the Emperor's face. "This day I have acquired more power than anyone before me has imagined attaining. I hold the might to claim the galaxy, and you have played a prominent role in bringing this into being." He placed a hand to his chin. "In reward for such a feat, you have the gratitude of the Klingon People and myself. I give you command of the ship and crew of your choice and send you home on furlough, to give the Council personal word of my victory." Kang remained dispassionate at the Emperor's speech. He did not want to give expression to the feeling he had about the man before him. "My lord is most generous," is all he allowed himself to say. "I can afford generosity, Commander, what ship shall it be?" he asked, wanting to be rid of Kang before any more surprises occurred. "I will keep my own ship if you please, and my crew is the finest in all the realm, my lord." His pride in his comrades shone through his stoic exterior. But the foremost thought in his mind was the sensation that he had never met this man before. Could the enemy invader have done something to the Emperor? Is this man the Emperor? It did not seem to Kang that this was the one that he knew. "Then I give you your leave, and after the Command Assembly, your leave to go home." With a curt nod of his head, he dismissed the Commander. Kang bowed to the image of his Emperor but before turning to go, he needed to know for certain. Not for himself, but for the sake of the Empire. This might be his only chance to be sure, of the one who occupies the throne of Klinzhai. "Shall I also inform Chamberlain Jekrrez of your plans, my lord?" Garth looked deep into the eyes of the Commander, trying to read anything that might help him with the answer. 'This one is sharp. He suspects my deception,' thought he to himself, 'But how? And to what degree?' Garth had to respond to the obviously loaded PAGE 71 question. "You will tell ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS! IS THAT CLEAR?" He let himself vent his anger and frustration. After all, he was questioning the Emperor of the Realm. Kang bowed again, "Yes, lord Tromok.", he said, but carefully and deliberately not, 'My lord'. The Commander left the room. He could not hear the scream of rage that burst forth from the Emperor, as the thick door closed behind him. But he did know, with a surety now, that the man who ruled the Empire was not Mocdar Jek Tromok. Behind the thick doors, Garth reached a state of composure. He consoled himself with the knowledge that regardless of Kang's suspicion, Garth would soon be rid of him and free to fulfill his glorious destiny. He moved to his desk and sat behind it, resting in the solid comfortable chair. Pressing a button on the desk, he sealed the door from intruders and allowed his physically altered body to revert back to it's original form. The strain of maintaining the shape of another was not easy to bear. Garth had told his incarcerator, Cory, that he had learned cellular metamorphosis from the Antosians. Not quite the truth, he mused. When the people of Antos IV found his broken and burned body, they did their best to patch him together. It was not good enough. His condition rapidly worsened. With his death imminent, and his ship unable to locate him, it was decided by the Doctor whose care he was in to share a coveted secret of their race. The Antosians had an organ within them which allowed them to control their own cellular arrangement and influence complex molecules within a few centimeters of their epidermis. The tiny organ called a 'Dunia', located behind the heart, was directly connected to the spinal column, and from there, the brain. Before the Antosians learned that they could control the operation of this organ, it naturally caused their body to be able to regenerate damaged tissue, much like certain lizards being able to regenerate their tails. This gave them increased longevity and with time, complete control over their entire physical structure, without altering mental patterns within the brain in the least. The attending Doctor concluded that if they were to save Captain Garth, he would need the organ, too. The organ had been cloned for him, grown in a hyper-progression chamber and placed within the dying Captain. Without conscious will on Garth's part, the organ began it's intended task of cellular reconstruction immediately. Within three days, he was physically whole again. In time Garth learned to manipulate the organ's operation, first, to alter his facial features, later, the rest of his body. Lastly he learned to exude and control the aggressive endoplasmic variance agents that could alter exterior molecules such as his clothing. His body was again healthy, but the Antosians could do nothing about his growing madness. The pain he had endured as he lay dying drove sanity from his grasp. After he had mastered PAGE 72 metamorphosis, he turned violently on the Antosians. They would not follow his plans of conquest and galactic war, so he sought to destroy them. His plan was thwarted by his own crew and he was dispatched to the last colony for the incurably insane. Like Napoleon, Garth was exiled to his Elba, and returned from thence, to make war and to conquer. Garth, pulled his chair forward to more easily use the Emperor's computer console. He entered several commands into the terminal, but to no avail. The password protected files he requested remained beyond his reach. His second recourse was to merely find out exactly what files were not password protected and glean the information he needed from them. He scanned several pages of file listings in the memory banks until he located what he desired. The common library, with it's wealth of information, held vast amounts of data on every conceivable subject. It was a difficult task, to keep from straying from his purpose. Suddenly he found what he was looking for in the history section. He commanded the machine to search for the most current references to the title of Chamberlain. After only a nano-second, his screen was filled with the names and accomplishments of the Klingonese High Council members. He quickly scanned the names of the current members but found no Jekrrez among them. He then paged through the list of former council members until he found what he sought after. It read: Record Number 7-18:8.55-14-4-4-5 Jekrrez, Holzah - Found guilty of treason and executed 678193 - 678341 by command of his Imperial Highness, Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok [678241.1] Anger swept Garth's soul, as he realized that Kang now possessed knowledge which could jeopardize his newly acquired throne. He smashed his fist onto the computer controls, crushing the terminal, making it useless. He watched the smoke rise from the console and sat back in his chair. 'At least', he reflected, 'there are ways to deal with insurrection, before the fact.' He soothed his temper with that in mind and plotted to rid himself of this thorn. * * * At the heart of the Imperial Throneship Thunder, protected by energy barriers and thick blast-proof walls, was the war council chamber. Although seating one-hundred and one, it was nearly filled. The senior officers of each Klingon Warship in the immediate vicinity, were in attendance before the Emperor's mighty seat of power. They were joined by three Romulans of command grade who had been late in arriving. The Emperor's elite Ramjep Avwi were guarding all exits and four of them stood behind the PAGE 73 Emperor's chair, facing the congregation. The briefing of previous events, conducted by Admiral Sorr, had just been completed. Now all in attendance awaited Emperor Tromok's arrival to the chamber. Murmurs of the great power, now in their control, resounded throughout the spacious room. They were silenced as Admiral Sorr seated himself in front with the other Admirals, Captains and Commanders. The Midnight Guard moved from their parade-rest stance, to attention, as Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok entered the room with a recorded orchestra flourish proceeding him. The fleet commanders rose from their seats and saluted in unison, while their monarch established himself in his lone chair. Facing them, he motioned his approval for the company to reseat themselves. Silence again, had reign over the room as his Imperial Highness looked over the many faces that sat before him. The Emperor placed both hands on the armrests of his chair, gripping them tightly. "Who among you can deliver me a galaxy?" he asked calmly in his deep bass voice. The company looked to each other in surprise at the question. When no answer was forthcoming, he continued. "What is it that stands between us and our rightful place among the stars?" he posed. "What powers vex our mighty Empire at every turn?" Admiral Sorr stood confidently before his master, "Organia, my lord," he answered. "Incorrect, Admiral," Garth stated flatly, to the astonishment of all present. "Organia is merely an excuse we have been deluding ourselves with, for far too long. A treaty that has made the Empire slumber in the same bed as that of our enemy." He stood and let the assembly see the fire in his eyes. "Fear and ignorance, are what obstructs our path to glory! Together they are more devastating than a thousand Organia's, more deadly than a million Federations." He folded his arms across his chest. "And they are infinitely more powerful than this new 'Super Weapon', that you have, no doubt, placed some hope in." He looked narrowly upon the company. "You," he pointed to the assembly of men, "have permitted a fold of sheep to dictate the boundaries of my Empire and pretended it was because of the power they wielded. Power beyond ours, that bound us to this section of space. When, infact, it was fear of the extents of their power, and ignorance of how to use that power against them, that halted you from delivering me the galaxy," he boomed. The Emperor placed his fists on his hips. He could see the large group was impressed by his words, yet were confused that the speech, though characteristically bold, lacked the solution to the 'Organian-forged' chains that shackled them. He would soon give them the key, but first he would rid himself of the Commander who had been given cause to suspect the Emperor. "Admiral Sorr has informed you of the weapon that is now mine PAGE 74 to use in reshaping the galaxy, a weapon of such destructive power that no other force has ever been conceived since the beginning of creation. Yet I tell you this... we have never needed the weapon to take Klingon rule across the Neutral Zone!" He continued to keep them in expectation of an answer to the Peace Treaty dilemma, relishing the power he held over them. "And what, I am sure you are wondering, can be done while the watchdogs of peace threaten to intervene at any moment of conflict between the Federation and our majestic Empire? It is a good question, one that has been avoided and side-stepped too many times before!" The Emperor paused, changing the tone of his voice from 'forceful' to 'mild'. "My subjects... my comrades, the solution can be found in the very treaty that binds us. It can be clearly seen, not in what is written on the parchment, but what remains unwritten." Garth almost began to smile at that, enjoying, loving every moment of their prolonged desire to see what they had been blind to. "Commander Kang!" Garth abruptly changed the direction of his speech, to the unexpressed consternation of the men before him. "Here," he said, rising from his seat, "lord Tromok." 'Or the image of Tromok', he spoke to himself. Kang too was inspired by the speech of the man who wore his Emperor's face. He caught himself wishing that this man was his lord, leading them to victory. But no, this was not him and the prime enemy was not the Federation now. That made Kang a traitor to the Realm, for he would have to stand against his Emperor, if not now, soon. "I presume that you are versed in the specifics of the treaty to which I refer?" he asked, knowing all men of command grade had it committed to memory, by Imperial Proclamation. "I am, as all present are, Emperor Tromok." Kang did not know the game being played this time either, only that he was being maneuvered into something. How many conditions are in effect on the document as written?" he asked the Commander as a teacher would test a student. "Six conditions exist," Kang stated. He wondered if he would have another opportunity to face the imposter alone. He was certain that he would not be able to use his ship against the Thunder. He was not only outgunned, but his crew would surely mutiny. "Recite the essence of each condition for us all Commander Kang," he commanded. Kang grit his teeth, feeling as if he would next have to recite their alphabet. "First condition: the treaty imposed, forces the Federation and Klingon Empire to cease hostilities or both parties will be rendered militarily harmless. Second: a Neutral Zone will separate both parties where no aggression will be tolerated within zone boundaries. Third: any future aggression PAGE 75 between the two parties will be summarily stopped by the Organians. Fourth: no party will deny peaceful access to planetary bases within said zone. Fifth: Organia is to be left alone, until a time of their choosing, then they will reveal their intentions for both parties. Sixth: planets may be peacefully developed within the zone. Exclusive rights to any zone planet belong to the party who most efficiently develops the planet," he concluded, thankful to be finished. "Very adequate, 'Captain' Kang, of the Imperial Battle Cruiser, Fury. I now release you from my presence so that you may formally appraise my council of the events that have transpired," Garth said, looking into Kang's eyes from across the distance. "Your promotion is now on record and your ship has been notified of your new rank." Kang stood silently for a moment, realizing he was not going to be present to hear the rest of the imposter's plan for the Empire. Then he bowed low to the Emperor, "Thank you, lord Tromok," he said, bowing low enough to be partially hidden from the Emperor. Quickly he opened a channel to his ship's log recorder on his communicator and placed it under the seat in front of him. As he completed his slightly extended bow, the Emperor displayed in his hand, the rank insignia pin of the captaincy. "I almost forgot, Captain Kang, approach me now and receive your honors." Kang slowly advanced between the rows of chairs, to the aisle. His peers and superiors gave him questioning looks. It was a rare thing indeed for the Emperor to personally promote anyone in the admiralty, and never a Commander. He stepped up to the platform where the Emperor and his guard stood awaiting him. Ever so slowly he moved his hand towards his disrupter, then halted the motion. He reasoned that the Ramjep Avwi would have him dead on the floor before he completed his draw. He stopped in front of the Emperor and faced him at attention. The Emperor took a step towards Kang and now was inches from his face. He reached out and placed the symbol of Kang's new rank on him. He then leaned over to the Captain, almost nose to nose and whispered, "Give my personal regards to Chamberlain Jekrrez," he said poisonously. Then placed a firm hand on Kang's shoulder, turning him around for the assembly. "I present you, 'Captain' Kang! Salute!" he ordered. The company rose and saluted as required. The firm hand indicated that it was time for Kang to be gone. Kang, stepped down from the platform and headed up the aisle to the exit. His thoughts were of murder. "Commander S'takal of the Romulan Fleet... stand!" Garth commanded as the heavy door closed behind the new Captain. S'takal rose and saluted the Klingon Emperor in Romulan fashion. "You have all the data on the new weapon, including projected power curves. You may now transmit this information to your superiors. Your PAGE 76 ships will flank our cruisers when we approach the Neutral Zone." The Romulan acknowledged his command and he and his company also exited the room. "Now, it is time," he addressed his troops, "that I shared with you the keys to the galaxy!" PAGE 77 *** TWELVE *** Kang left the war room behind him and walked the corridors of the Throneship alone. 'Alone', he thought to himself, he had never been so alone before. He had faced the terror and the glory of the void beyond. He had braved the vast expanses of space and seen the wonders that they held, but always with his wife and crew beside him. Now he would return to his ship, outcast in his heart, alienated from his wife and ship because of the knowledge that he now carried with him, the knowledge that he dared not share. He prepared himself for the dishonor of the 'lie' that he would have to tell his crew, for he was not returning to Klinzhai as ordered. He was unsure of where he was going, but certain it would be on the heels of the 'false' Emperor. There were several plans of attack that had crossed his mind, one of which was gaining access to the ship labelled 'Fringe Ranger', but even if he could get himself aboard the intruder's vessel, he was unsure that he would find his deposed Ruler. If he yet lived, he would be hidden and well guarded. If dead, he would be dust. Without the body, he would have no evidence which would unmask the face of the villain, and he was certain that the way to the enemy ship was blocked at all avenues. Kang rounded the corner of the long hall, and strode towards the transporter room. He looked down at the floor in shame for what he was about to involve his crew in, when his eye was caught by the gleaming symbol of his new commission. He pulled it from his chest and held it in his hand, examining it while he walked. It was a false commission. Another lie, but one that he would not bear. He closed his fist around the small ornament, squeezing it in his anger. Commander Kang, 'Captain' to all but himself, entered the transporter room of the Throneship. He was saluted by the transporter officer on duty. "What is your destination, Sir?" he asked as Kang stepped up to the platform. Kang looked at the officer before him. "Do you have any children?" he asked him. The lieutenant glanced up in surprise of the question. Then with the pride of a father said, "Yes, Sir, a strong son." Kang stepped from the transporter platform to the controls of the machine the lieutenant stood behind. He placed the symbol of Captaincy that he held, on the hood of the machine. "Give this to your son as a present from me, who has none." "Thank you, my lord. It will be my honor," he said, grateful to the man, though slightly bewildered. PAGE 78 Kang again stepped up to the platform and faced the operator. "To the battle cruiser Fury, Lieutenant," he said mildly, bearing the heaviness of his solitude. "Yes, sir," responded the officer. The coordinates were laid in quickly and efficiently. "Energizing," he said and the Commander began to fade from view. Kang never knew that the ornament he had just given away contained a small crystal of the Garth explosive, rendered safe from impact but not from transportation, and was meant to be the death of him. * * * Kang stepped onto his own bridge that had once felt like home to him. The bridge crew rose from their stations and saluted proudly, the 'Captain' of the Fury. Kang nodded in recognition of their gesture. "Ship's status?" he directed toward his own Mara. "Full power is restored, computer and scanning apparatus have also been repaired. All is well, my lord," she said. Kang wished it were true. "I will be in my quarters, briefly, to review our new orders. What is the status of our Romulan-made, cloaking device?" "It is functioning and can be operational upon your command," she said unquestioningly. Several of the Klingon warships had received the cloaking devices some time ago. None had yet used the camouflaging device. It was a cultural point that had hindered use of the equipment. Klingons believed that when engaging an enemy, the enemy must see whom it is that has brought death to their door. It was considered cowardice to hide from an enemy. Better to do battle in full view, for the glory of the Empire. "See that it is tested in simulation before I return to the bridge," he ordered. His confidence in his wife was unwavering. She would obey his every command even unto death, without doubt. His confidence in himself was the sore point. He did not want to dishonor her this way, any way. Kang turned and walked off the bridge, heading for his private chamber. The door to his cabin opened to his voice command, and closed and locked itself when he was inside. He sighed heavily as he sat behind his desk. He pressed several buttons on the computer console before him, issued a command and two passwords, and was allowed access to the 'Captain's' log records. Kang played the voice log transmission that he sent to his recorder, while aboard the Thunder. He sat back and listened. "Now, it is time that I shared with you the keys to the galaxy!" the voice of the Emperor came over the speaker. "The PAGE 79 treaty, as written, is between two opposing governments, two 'Galactic Powers', is it not? The solution to our plight is not to clash with the enemy, until we first join with our enemy!" With that announcement, there was no small sound of turmoil coming from all in attendance. Kang himself was astonished anew with the boldness of this imposter. The Emperor obviously gestured that the company be silent so that he may continue and clarify his meaning. "We must first sue for peace! Officially become part of the United Federation of Planets, then do what is completely within the rights of all Federation members. Revolt! There is no provision, no condition, forbidding revolution within either governing power." With that there was silence. A few moments for contemplation of what their Emperor proposed, was allowed. Then he spoke again. "I, and I alone, offer you the keys to deliver me the galaxy! Now what hinders you? Ignorance has now been defeated before your eyes! The only thing blocking your path is what has always been in your way!" he paused for them to realize this. "Who will stand with me and conquer the fear that holds back the might of my Realm? Who will follow me as I claim my galaxy?" Cheers burst forth from the congregation. A clamor of such tumultuous noise that Kang turned the volume switch down, for fear of it penetrating the doors of his cabin. He sat back, shocked to hear the depth of this imposter's deceit. This man who had single- handedly captured the throne of Klinzhai was about to start the most dreaded war in the galaxy. He now wondered if it was too late to stop it. Kang did know that he was in no position to halt this madman alone. "Are there any questions that I may address concerning our next course of action?" Garth asked. "When do we begin, my lord?" spoke Admiral Sorr, in admiration of his master. He did not know the Emperor could be so inspiring. "Very soon. We will move closer to the Neutral Zone and make our peaceful intentions known to the shining Federation. I will take this ship, alone, to the Federation's seat of power and proclaim a new era of peace. We will become, temporarily, a part of the Union, which will immediately erase any Neutral Zone boundary and nullify the hated Organian Peace Treaty. All of you will smile at our enemy, until I have commanded you otherwise." Enthusiastic noise was again heard in the background. "My lord," spoke a captain in the back, "What if they do not believe us, and do not allow us to join?" The sounds of the encouraged, went silent. "First, my astute Captain, they have Federation directives mandating that PAGE 80 any planet or government that desires to petition the Council for peace may freely come and present their case. By their own laws, they can not refuse us. Second, we will convince them of our good will towards them by demonstration. We will break all ties with the Romulans, severing our alliance." This announcement caused some division in the fleet commanders. Some looked at the Romulans as much needed allies, while others looked upon them as a necessary evil, that had brought shame to the Empire by the mere admission of needing allies. "SILENCE!" commanded the Emperor. "This is not a debate! This is the WAY! He who does not have the belly for victory, you who can not stomach the glory of our ultimate battle, step before me and I will put you out of the misery of my service!" There was no sound to be heard among them. They were in awe; some, of his majesty, others, of his fierce wrath, but all, of his command of the Klingon Empire. "WARRIORS!" he shouted as a battle cry, "LET THIS BE THE FINAL EMPIRE!" The roar of cheers he received this day were the likes of which no Emperor in the Realm had ever received before. Kang stopped the recording. The Emperor, the 'real' Emperor, was right, when Kang saw him in the last moments of their communication. Before Tromok had boarded the enemy's vessel, he had said to him with his eyes, 'what evil have you loosed in the galaxy?' It was Kang the Destructor who had allowed the Empire to fall into the flames. It was Kang who now had to find a way to stop the fire from spreading. He thought long and hard about his next move. He would have to do what neither he nor anyone else was permitted to even attempt. He arose from his seat and departed his cabin for the bridge. As Kang seated himself in his command chair, and opened intra- ship communications. "This is Kang. We have received our new orders and will be maintaining a communications blackout for the duration of our mission. We will be testing the cloaking device in the Neutral Zone. I am under orders to reveal our ultimate destination to no one. I am not, however, restricted from telling you that we may see several close-up views of the Federation Fleet," he said, knowing that they would be encouraged by it. To come face to face with a Federation vessel, knowing that they held the power in their hands to destroy it before it was aware of the peril, then doing nothing, would give them a sense of power. He depressed a button on his command chair which changed the security code of the navigational station's coordinates. This allowed him the ability to tell his navigator/helmsman speed, distance and bearing but would prohibit the navigator from being able to read the destination code. He would, in essence, be flying the ship blindly. "Torvak, set course 8-3-12 mark 4, parabolic, 32 degrees Y axis! Warp 7", Kang commanded. PAGE 81 "Yes sir, laying course in." "Engage," he ordered. The Battlecruiser Fury turned about and headed away from the rest of the Imperial fleet. It proceeded on a wide arc that would make it appear, at first, to be heading for Klinzhai. It was, in fact, on course for the forbidden planet Organia. Once out of sensor range from the fleet, the interstellar craft began to shimmer. Light reflecting from the vessel began to distort, and in a matter of moments the ship vanished. The Romulan 'Cloaking Device' engaged and enveloped the Klingon cruiser, making it undetectable by sight or sensors. The ship stealthily approached the Neutral Zone and increased speed, dangerously, to warp 9. PAGE 82 *** THIRTEEN *** The Starship Enterprise slowed, approaching a low-altitudinal orbit around the world below. It was within one kilometer of touching the blue planet's atmosphere; a caress that would be far from gentle if she were to come closer. James Kirk, Spock and Dr. McCoy, walked together down the hall leading to the transporter room. Jim, in his formal dress- green uniform, held a copy of the Peace Treaty and the Starfleet Order sending him to Organia. They walked abreast down the long corridor, each in his own thoughts; Kirk about what he would say to the powerful beings they were about to revisit; McCoy about his patient, Montgomery Scott; and Spock concerned himself with gathering as much information on the Organians as possible. The first time they had come here they were welcome. This time, they knew, they were not. The door to the transporter room opened to them, and the company of three walked over to the platform. Lieutenant Patterson stood behind the control unit and readied it, expecting the men. He had relieved Mr. Kyle from his post for his lunch break. Dr. McCoy stood on the broken pad that shorted out when attempting to beam back the android. Spock gently moved him aside to an operational one beside it. "This one is non-operational," he offered the Doctor. "My luck it would be partially operational," the ship's Doctor responded unenthusiastically. The three of them facing Lt. Patterson were a grim trio indeed. "Energize, Mister Patterson," the Captain said. "Aye sir," the transporter operator responded and the three began to shimmer and were gone. * * * The surface of the planet Organia, was green with lush vegetation. The air was a clean light blue, the water was pure and the land seemed to be well cared for. It seemed to be late spring, on Organia. Puffy white clouds drifted peacefully across the warm sky. A gentle breeze caused the grass to ripple as if it were waves on a green sea. It was in the midst of this green land that the Captain, First Officer and Chief Physician of the Starship Enterprise appeared. The company looked round about them. Spock scanned with his tri-corder, Jim and Bones used their own vision. Not a structure of any sort could be seen in any direction. Not a person could be found. The castle that should have been upon the hill was gone. PAGE 83 The community that should have been all around them was not there. There were animals in abundance, but nothing to indicate anyone of intelligence. Jim pulled out his communicator from behind his back and flipped it open. He adjusted the frequency and pressed the sender. "Kirk to Enterprise," he said. "Enterprise here, Captain," came Uhura's voice. "Transfer this communication to the transporter room, Uhura," he ordered her, politely. "Yes, Captain," she said. "This is Lieutenant Patterson," came the male voice. "Lieutenant Patterson, confirm our present location, and compare it to the first beamdown location recorded on this planet." "Aye, Sir," the air went dead as the lieutenant proceeded as ordered. "Captain, You are within a few centimeters of the last beamdown location," he said. "Thank you Mr. Patterson. Kirk out," Jim replaced his communicator and turned to the other two men. "Well, where is everybody?" he said to them. Spock let his tri-corder hang back down at his side. "I believe it is highly probable that the Organians, after revealing their true selves to us, had no need of the castle or any structures and merely removed them," the First Officer commented. "There is no evidence of civilization that I am able to register on my tri-corder, Captain. Its field is, of course, limited," he said. "There does seem to be an abundance of 'woodland creatures'; animals, insects, fowl of great variety, even micro-biological organisms. But I have been able to detect no higher life forms." He looked up at Jim, "Other than us," he added for additional accuracy. "Maybe we should have called first," offered the Doctor flippantly, to no one in particular. "Funny," Jim commented to Bones' humor. "It's probable that we are not able to register the Organians with our equipment." He looked around and came to the decision that they might as well pick a direction to venture out and try to find 'someone'. "Well, let's start walking. Maybe we'll stumble onto something." "Which direction?" asked the Doctor. "It looks uninhabited in every direction." "Mr. Spock, what do you suggest is the logical way to go?" Jim asked. PAGE 84 Spock cocked his head. "Captain, I hear what appears to be the sound of a large animal. It is getting closer." "From which direction, Spock?" questioned Jim. Spock pointed, his finger behind Bones, "Somewhere in that general direction," he said, indicating a forest of small trees some onehundred meters away. "By the sound of it, it is either quite large or quite close." "Or both! Let's go that way!" Bones suggested eagerly, pointing in the opposite direction. They had no weapons, although Jim did reflexively move his hand down to his side where the phaser wasn't. All three turned to see, what a moment ago, only Spock was able to hear, but now all heard. They started to back-step just in case it was something that might be dangerous. Out from behind the front group of trees lumbered a large bear-like creature, lazily coming toward them. It walked on all fours, breathing heavily and dangling its lolling tongue out of its gaping mouth. The three men ceased their retreat and stood there unmoving, hoping that they would be unnoticed. The animal stopped, put its nose up in the air, sniffed deeply, then looked straight at them. Out from behind the animal a large tail started to swing from side to side. It began immediately to head directly for the trio. Bones nervously fumbled for his medical bag, in hopes of loading his spray hypo with a strong sedative for the giant animal and perhaps, he thought, for himself. Instead, he dropped the contents of the bag in the thick tall grass. The bear-thing seemed to increase in speed as it neared them. "Nobody move," ordered Jim, who had spent several summers long ago, in Yosemite National Park: Earth. The bears there were known to occasionally attack a careless tourist or two. He had been told to play dead if a bear had him cornered. Lie flat on his stomach, just in case the bear decided to rake his claws across him, protecting his vital organs from the often lethal blows. As the bear creature closed the gap, Spock noticed that instead of the pointy long teeth of a carnivore, its teeth were blunt, even where the canines should have been. He could also detect no claws on the creature's big shaggy paws, but it was coming awfully fast, and it was Spock's experience that some of the most gentle-looking animals could eat Vulcans. "Asher, stop!" a voice commanded in the distance, as the furry giant was almost upon them. It obeyed the voice, turned around to see its master coming out of the trees, and sat, thumping its heavy tail on the ground. It was Ayelborne. The robed man walked towards the three men. "Don't worry about Asher," he spoke, loud enough for them to hear him. "He cannot hurt you." "Ayelborne," the Captain addressed him and started towards PAGE 85 him. "I am glad to see you again." "Why have you come, knowing that we do not wish you here?" he questioned. The tone of his voice was one of deep disappointment. "You have broken the treaty and brought back the evil to our world," he said as he stopped to pet Asher. "I was ordered here by my superiors, Ayelborne," the Captain said as he walked up to the man and the animal. The animal sniffed the Captain, and licked his hand like a gentle faithful pet. "Don't you know why we are here?" McCoy jumped in, "Aren't you guys supposed to be omniscient?" "Bones!" Jim sharply rebuked him. "In answer to your question, Mr. 'Bones'... no," Ayelborne said mildly. "We have never claimed to be. We know many things that you do not and we are certainly different from you, but there is only One who is 'omniscient'." "Ayelborne," Jim began, realizing that he was running out of precious time, "I need to ask you... I have to ask you some questions as a representative of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet," he said, none too comfortably. "The reason we are here is because somehow the Klingon Empire has a weapon that was taken from the Federation. I have been sent by my government to ask you why you didn't intervene when the planet Elba II and outpost Delta Gamma 13 were attacked and destroyed by the Klingons?" "Captain, I assure you, the Klingon Empire has not been involved aggressively in Federation Space," he answered in all sincerity. "We have been watching, as we promised, both sides of the Zone of Neutrality. There has been no aggression, Captain." "Ayelborne, I would like to believe you," he began, but then decided to be completely truthful with the man. "I do believe you, Ayelborne, but I need some kind of explanation to take back with me to my superiors. If I do not, I will be forced to do something terrible." "Captain, I can not explain what I have no knowledge of," he said honestly. "We have never concerned ourselves with 'police' matters on either side. Our involvement with you is limited to holding back the evil of the two governing powers. The fact that we have to do this is most disturbing to us," he spoke in earnest. "Overexposure to men such as you is not only painful to us but there is the danger of, you might say, 'loosing the serpent in Eden' again." Jim reflected on the last, for a moment. So little was known of this gentle and powerful people. Virtually nothing about their history, or even their present civilization. And this peaceful place was very much like the description of the 'Eden' he had mentioned. He held many questions about them, but he had to return back to the matters at hand. "Then you must at least know of the PAGE 86 spaceship that crossed the Neutral Zone boundary three days ago." "Yes, we did see a privately owned ship enter from your side and exit on the Klingonese side," he confirmed. "But it was neither owned by nor represented either governing body, in any official capacity." This was true, for when Captain Garth of Izar had been institutionalized, he was stripped of all powers of diplomacy or Federation representation. "Can you tell me about this ship? Did it have a name, or registration number? Anything about its design, external markings, anything?" "It did have a title written on the top of it. 'Fringe Ranger' is what it read," he said in a mellow voice. "If that is any help to you." "Indeed," Spock stated. "It adds an important piece to the puzzle." Spock worked silently on how the piece could fit. "Captain, I have a hypothesis. I will need to have access to the ship's computer to corroborate it. If I may contact the ship and have myself beamed aboard, it should only take a few minutes to gather and process the information I require." "Go, Spock," Jim said, finally hearing the first encouraging word of the day. "And, Captain," Spock said, "I believe, in light of this information, you may cancel our 'Noon' appointment." "Good, Spock. It will give me great pleasure to countermand the, uhm, appointment," he said with relief. "Excuse me for a moment, please." he said to his host and stepped a few yards away. He pulled out his communicator, and opened a channel directly tied in to the ship's computer. "Computer," he said quietly, "This is Captain James T. Kirk." "Working... identification confirmed," the Enterprise's computer said to its Captain. "Cancel auto-destruct sequence," Jim instructed the machine. "Auto destruct sequence has been canceled." Jim Kirk closed the communicator and he replaced it behind his back and pulled his shirt over it. Turning around he saw Spock begin to shimmer and disappear. Ayelborne was standing strangely, with his eyes closed, as if he was engaged in deep concentration. McCoy had finished picking up his medical equipment and now stood beside the bear-thing, scanning it with his medical tool. "Jim," he said, "this is amazing," he indicated the animal in front of him. "This 'Asher' is very similar to a Grizzly bear of Earth, but it is a vegetarian. It contains no harmful bacteria in PAGE 87 its body, and it seems to be utilizing nearly 100 percent of its brain." "That is amazing, Bones," Jim agreed, feeling a great weight off his shoulders. "That's not all Jim, It seems to also be able to consume 100 percent of his dietary intake. It has a small stomach and in its intestine, there's a naturally enlarged appendix that seems to store excess food and processes it only when necessary. But that's still not all," he said excitedly, "The animal's intestine has no exit. There is no waste." "Yes," Ayelborne said, opening his eyes, "on this world, all the animals are semi-intelligent, plant eaters, and there is no disease here." He turned to the Captain, with a serious look on his face. "Captain Kirk," he began, "your Mr. Spock believes I have given him the answer to your problem... I have not," he stated somberly. "I have given him, perhaps, a solution to the immediate predicament, but the problem runs far deeper than any of you realize." "What do you mean, Ayelborne?" Jim responded, truly interested in whatever information this man could offer. "First, Captain, I have been informed that you are on the brink of war. A war that 'we' will not, by treaty, stop. We do not know the details, but it is clear to my friend Claymare that 'you' will figure prominently in an attempt to halt it. We are unsure that you will be able to, but this time we cannot assist." "A war that you won't stop?" Jim asked the man. "We are bound by the Treaty as are you and the Klingons. But we will go no further than the treaty indicates." He looked at the Captain and saw that the man still did not understand. "We connot allow your two opposing cultures to destroy each other and countless trillions of innocents with them... But there is a limit we have placed on ourselves, even for our own sakes. We have not wanted to have contact with any being who embraces evil so easily as you." He spoke to Jim, not condescendingly but matter-of-factly. "But for your sakes we have committed ourselves to the protection of both your races. However, as I mentioned before, we will not be responsible for any 'police action'. We will not interfere with your internal governments or anything outside of treaty bonds." Jim Kirk, felt that he comprehended the reason as to 'why' they had placed these restraints on themselves. He likened it to the Federation's Prime Directive of non-interference. But he could not understand the grounds for continually being referred to as 'evil'? "Ayelborne, I know we are not perfect," Jim began, in defense of his humanity, "but we are not without values. We prize honor, justice, life, and most of all love. Surely you can't call us evil with these noble qualities in us." PAGE 88 "They are noble indeed, just as you say... But Captain," sorrow became evident in his voice, "with them you harbor malice, self-centeredness and pride. You lust for what you do not have, and when you attain it, it does not satisfy your greed. You call good, evil and evil, good; ethics that are dependant only upon the situation and personal opinion, not founded on basic truths... Captain, do you not yet understand that it takes but a little poison to destroy the whole banquet?" Ayelborne spoke to the Captain, not as some 'Superior Being' smug with self-righteousness, nor as an accuser, but he spoke to Jim as one friend trying to help another. "Your race has advanced into outer space and found others to wage war against. All the while you claim that you have changed, but what you mean is that socially and technologically you have advanced, but you remain the same within yourselves, lacking the ability to change your very nature." Jim listened intently to the man, not liking to see the truth about himself, not liking someone else to reveal it to him. He knew this was what Ayelborne would call 'pride'. "You said, once you were like us. What enabled you to attain this 'peace' that you have, and the power to change?" "Once, we were like you, and with further contact it is conceivable that we could again be seduced into that way of thinking. That is the danger we fear most," he added in all seriousness. "I will give you our secret... that has never been secret:" With that announcement, Bones stood up and gave the being his full attention too. "You, as all beings everywhere, have heard the message of peace. Now as ever, it is up to you to accept or reject it." His voice sounded hopeful, for the first time this day. Ayelborne continued. "Press on into space, Captain... Advance; find new worlds; search the stars and attain what was once thought unattainable. But do not forget the Creator who caused it all to be. Do not leave His truth behind you as you go. Do not allow the One who made you and gave you purpose to become hated, or worse... ignored." Dr. McCoy looked at Jim, who seemed thoughtful of the saying, and then to Ayelborne, "That's it?" asked Bones incredulously, dis- liking what he would call 'being preached to'. "That's the Big secret?" "Do not mistake its simplicity with folly, Doctor. If the solution were not so easy, only the intelligent and educated would find peace. If it were difficult, no child, no unlearned, no simple in mind would be able to take hold of this peace. It is 'mercifully' easy and is the only true way of peace in this creation we call the universe. But it first starts with the believing, before you can receive it. It begins with the simple faith that 'God is'." PAGE 89 Spock suddenly appeared behind Bones. As a shimmer at first, then whole and complete. Ayelborne pointed to the Vulcan. "Ask your companion who is schooled in logic. Ask him if there be a God, as is consistently believed in on all worlds, is it not logical that wise men still seek Him? Is it not equally logical that He provide a way to be found?" Spock looked momentarily uncomfortable; as if he had walked into the middle of a discussion... which he had. He was able to hear Ayelborne's words and felt compelled to comment. "The argument that you offer, Ayelborne, appears to be 'quite' logical. I might ask however, to which God is it that you refer, and what 'way' to him are you suggesting?" Ayelborne smiled for the first time. "I know that there are many beliefs. In times past, even to this day, people worshipped stone and wood images, they worshipped the trees and animals, even other people. They worshipped the planets and the stars. I refer to the One who made all that is; seen and unseen. It is the Creator we know and glorify, not the creation," the gentle man said. "The 'way' is the one way that was provided by Him. All have heard of it, though most still disregard it." He turned to Jim. "Your word for him is 'The Christ'. Mr. Spock's is 'The Ancient T'alal'." "Interesting..." Spock stated thoughtfully. "I have often reflected upon the many parallels of the words and deeds of T'alal, in comparison to that of Christ. The only substantial differences are cultural in nature, the fundamentals are identical. Even the stories of Eden, compare to that of Sha Ka Ree and there are many other similarities. It is indeed something to consider." Jim's thoughts were of how much the worlds, and peoples of the universe had in common, but have failed to see a common design. He realized then that, though he wanted to hear more, he had serious worries about this 'war', Ayelborne mentioned. "Spock," he said, knowing that he was breaking the spirit of the moment, "what have you come up with?" "Captain, I have two hypotheses," Spock stated, "both of which implicate not the Klingon Empire, but Commodore Stormcloud. I searched the Commodore's recent travel history to help corroborate my suspicion. It seems that he personally visited Elba II, 2.3 months ago, and had spent an entire week there. His stay was almost exclusively devoted to visiting former Captain Garth. Upon leaving the planet, he made a direct trip to the planet Tolmera. The justification for the trip was filed as 'classified'. My conclusion is this; that either A: Commodore Stormcloud is the primary person responsible for engineering the destruction of Elba II and outpost Delta Gamma 13. This being done in order to implicate the Klingons with the Organian people, giving him excuse to start a war... and end Organia's ability to prevent it." "And hypothesis 'B'?" Jim asked. PAGE 90 "That Commodore Stormcloud is merely a pawn in a much greater game. That Garth, the Izarian, was possibly 'not' cured of his madness as we had thought, and that he escaped his imprisonment with Stormcloud's direct or indirect assistance and has fled to the Klingon Empire to wreak destruction and perhaps fulfill his intentions of galactic conquest," Spock concluded. "You are certain about Stormcloud?" Jim questioned, inwardly hoping that hypothesis 'A' was the correct one. "We have motive: His expressed views while in conference on the Javelin, coupled with our orders for the destruction of Organia. We have opportunity: His stay on Elba II and voyage to Tolmera. We have the intended weapons: The Enterprise, the Tolmerian android and the Fringe Ranger. I believe we have enough evidence to initiate a general court-martial." "Good work, Spock. Now maybe we can do something to stop this insanity before it begins." he said, forgetting the words of war prophesied to him. But only for a moment. He turned to Ayelborne, "It's not going to be stopped in time, is it?" he asked solemnly. Ayelborne responded, equally as solemn, "No, Captain. I am afraid it will not." "Is there anything you can tell us that will help?" Jim asked. "Yes, though I do not know the significance of it." he remembered the words of days past, when Claymare foretold the Captain's coming. "A Klingon battleship is on its way here. It will arrive in a matter of minutes." "A Klingon Cruiser? Why?" Jim questioned. "I can only assume that it is here for the same reasons as you. The need for answers to questions of happenings in their part of the galaxy. You may find that you can supply them with as many answers as they can supply you with." he offered, on a hopeful note. Then, "Gentlemen, it is time that you return to your ship. Please," he said. Jim looked at the alien man, whose face seemed to be made for smiling, not for sadness. They had come to this planet twice now, neither time had it been under peaceful circumstances. Captain James T. Kirk regretted this. He would have liked to demonstrate the virtuous ideals held by the Federation, the friendship that it offered and the brotherhood that he enjoyed in it. But the Captain thought that, perhaps even their very best paled against what the Organians had offered them. "Ayelborne," Jim said, wanting to express his sorrow for all that had been brought to this peaceful world. He wanted to apologize for every angry thought that he and others in the Federation had harbored towards them. He wanted to tell him of how he wished he could stay longer and become friends with the people of this world. All he could manage in the end was, "I wish PAGE 91 things were different." Ayelborne looked him in the eye, "Captain, my friend... things will be. Don't forget." he said, as he began to glow and change into a being of pure light. "Don't forget." He vanished, but was not gone. Asher looked up as if he knew exactly where his master was, and began to wag his tail. The huge animal got up off of the ground and seemed to follow the invisible man back the way they had come. He stopped, looked back at the strangers, smiled pleasantly at them and entered the forest. "The more I know about this place," the Doctor stated, "the less I understand." "Gentlemen," Jim said, "let's get back to the ship." PAGE 92 *** FOURTEEN *** The Starship Javelin slowed as it neared the Neutral Zone, where it took its place ahead of the other cruisers. The Federation Fleet had arrived at the border of the Zone mere hours earlier. Large and small craft alike faced the invisible boundary that had been established as a buffer to prevent war. Small armored fighter craft swarmed and darted about the perimeter of the fleet in battle formation, ready to engage the enemy at a moment's notice. Six Constitution-Class Starships were there with twenty- two destroyers in protective formation around them. The cruiser Javelin readied its weapons and with the rest of the Fleet, it waited. On the bridge of the Javelin, Commodore Stormcloud stood behind the captain's chair, rehearsing in his mind the plans of Garth's war. He knew his part well. He would play himself, 'Stormcloud the Klingon hater'. The idea was his to send the android to destroy Organia, one he was singularly proud of. Garth had said that it was unnecessary. 'Perhaps', thought the Commodore, 'but it would be a shame to have the new empire of the elite delayed or halted by underestimating their place in the equation'. Stormcloud had not always been a man bent on the destruction of the 'Romulan' and 'Klingon' Empires. Once he would have even been pleased to have participated in friendly relations with both empires. That was before the Romulans invaded Federation space three years ago and murdered his wife. Andrea Stormcloud was stationed on Outpost 4 bordering the Romulan Neutral Zone. This particular Zone was established eight decades ago at the end of the 'Hundred Years War', the war between the Romulans and Interplanetary Coalition now known as the UFP. The Outposts there were older battle stations, the forerunners of the ones now guarding the Klingon Zone. They were buried deep within asteroids, moons and planets along the perimeter of Federation space. The Romulans had been silent and had not even come near the Federation for nearly a century, until they decided to test their newly developed weapons on their former adversaries. Stormcloud's wife never saw the enemy who had come to destroy the Outpost. It was the first recorded time that the cloaking device, 'invisibility screen', and Photon Torpedoes had ever been tactically used against the Federation. The Outpost was woefully unprepared for the level of destruction that was wrought upon it. The Romulan ship mercilessly attacked and annihilated his wife's base of operations. None survived. Commodore Stormcloud had died with his wife that day. The man who now stood on the bridge of the Javelin was a dark and angry dark and angry reflection of the man he once was. The only joy he had now was the joy of the enemy's death at hand. Commodore Nathaniel Stormcloud looked down at the Captain of PAGE 93 the Space Cruiser. He did not know if anyone on board the ship would survive the weeks that were in store for them. He almost wished that he could share with Captain Hamill the secret he kept. He had grown to respect the man, but he would not allow himself to form a friendship with him or anyone. He would never again give a hostage to fortune. Not in this universe. Perhaps in the next. "Please establish ship to ships communication, Captain Hamill," Stormcloud requested. The Captain did not turn from the viewscreen. He pointed his thumb over his shoulder and the communications officer understood it as a command. "Channel open, scramble code 3, Sir," the Junior Officer said. "This is Stormcloud. Operation Barrier Reef is now under my command. Our present complement of Starships and Destroyers deployed here are merely the Vanguard of this defensive strategy. More are either on the way, or have already taken positions out of sensor range behind us. We are in the process of recommissioning and rearming much of the old Fleet, but they will not be operational for several weeks." Stormcloud paused to clear his throat. "Although we expect a full frontal assault, the Federation President has ordered me to bridle our forces until invasion is confirmed. Our last intelligence report has Klingon forces amassing directly ahead of our position. In the event of attack, there remains the possibility of them employing the explosive that was used against Outpost DG-13. Lateral warp maneuvers with angular convergence on the enemy will be our safest recourse should the weapon be used." "All communications are to be code-3, scrambled and only essential messages sent. Further detailed briefing will be held at 01:00 hours, this ship. Any questions will be addressed then. Stormcloud out." Stormcloud watched the images of the space fleet on the forward viewer. He watched and waited for a message that was sure to come at any moment. The message would be from a Starbase or spacecraft reporting subspace disturbances caused by an explosion, on or quite near the planet Organia. He did not doubt that the message would come, for time had expired on the little planet. The Enterprise and her crew were a necessary sacrifice for freeing the Federation from the bondage of this imposed benevolence of the Organians. He would not allow himself even the barest regret at the loss of the famous Starship. The Commodore directed his thoughts backwards to the day that lord Garth invited him to join the ranks of the elitist group. Together, with the others who would surely flock to their call, they would purge the galaxy of its factions of anarchy. They would bring the universe out of the hands of the legislators of morality, to the proper rule of lord Garth and the New Masters of the Galaxy. Garth had shown great strength of will and the PAGE 94 singleness of purpose which Stormcloud admired deeply. The man's vision of the future, coupled with the designs and means to achieve it, had been embraced gladly by the Commodore. Now the fulfillment of this vision neared glorious realization. "Captain, I am reading the arrival of a dreadnought at the Klingon boundary." The Javelin's Science Officer cut into the Commodore's meditation. He then immediately updated his report. "I now have seventy-nine targets on the scanner!" he continued. "Three of them are Romulan ships." "This is it," spoke Stormcloud, grimly. "Sound general quarters!" The alarm was ship-wide, and when detected by the other Federation vessels, it instantly went fleet-wide. The Fleet formation was presently defensive, but it was now making preparation to go on the offensive at the Commodore's command. "Have any of the detected targets crossed over the Zone boundary?" Captain Hamill asked the Science Officer. "No, Sir, they are positioned as we are, still holding." "Captain," the communications officer cut in, "I am receiving a message from the Imperial Throneship, the dreadnought, Sir. They wish to approach us. Alone!" "Ask them for their terms, Captain." Stormcloud ordered. "On bridge speakers, Lieutenant," he commanded his Comm Officer. "This is Captain Hamill, of the Star Cruiser Javelin. Who are you and what are the terms you request in order to make your approach?" "This is Imperious Admiral Sorr of the Klingon Empire and we request no terms. We will approach, unarmed and by ourselves. We will make no aggressive moves," the voice responded over the ship's speakers. "His Imperial Highness, lord Mocdar Jek Tromok, wishes to speak to your highest in command. Would that be you, Captain Hamill?" "That would be Commodore Nathanial Stormcloud, representing the United Federation of Planets. He is here and can hear you," the Captain offered the Commodore his seat. Stormcloud sat his large frame in the command seat and waited for the 'new' Emperor, to address him. "This is Emperor Tromok. Do we have your permission for our lone ship to approach the mighty Federation fleet?" "Emperor Tromok, I am Commodore Stormcloud, you have our permission to temporarily enter Federation Space. You may approach our fleet," he stated with authority. "Be aware that we will be intensely scanning your ship as you do so. We will also be watching your own 'mighty fleet', for any movement or aggressive behavior." PAGE 95 "Understood. We are coming now," the Emperor announced. The Thunder broke the Klingonese boundary of the Zone and slowly increased speed to meet the Federation Fleet. Scans from all Federation ships penetrated the lone behemoth as it neared them. No detection of the explosive of Garth's creation, nor any other weapon in active status, could be found. Nevertheless, this knowledge offered little comfort on the bridge of the Javelin. The situation could become explosive at any instant. "Has your scanning equipment given you acceptable readings?" the Emperor queried. The Thunder, still coming, breached the vast distance of the Zone. Stormcloud looked at the science station. The officer there gave him a nod and said, "I detect no active weapons, Sir. Not even the 'one in question'." "They are acceptable," Stormcloud stated, "if not satis- factory. Let us be honest with one another, Emperor Tromok. You could be holding an arsenal aboard your ship, but if it is in an inactive state, it remains undetectable. Therefore I ask you, what is your purpose here? What is so important that you should leave your world, to face us alone and on 'our' side of the Zone?" "Peace, Commodore," the Emperor offered simply. "I am here to extend the hand of peace to all in the Federation." The bridge crew of the Javelin, including Captain Hamill, expressed their astonishment at the announcement. Never before had the Klingon Empire, of its own free will, extended anything but the business end of a disruptor to the Federation. Stormcloud remained unmoved by the declaration. "You offer what you cannot deliver, Emperor Tromok," the Commodore stated flatly. "Is there anything else that you would like to announce before we escort you back to your Empire?" "Yes, Commodore," Tromok announced grandly, "we wish to formally petition the United Federation of Planets for the Klingon Empire's Official entry into the coalition. I request that council be held between the two governing bodies to establish peaceful relations to that end. I believe that according to your Federation regulations, I may not be refused." he said confidently as if reading the directive directly from the Starfleet Manual. The Commodore gave indication of his rage before the ship's crew. He did not want to overplay his role, but if it were not Garth leading the Empire, he would have more than just 'indicated' his rage. "Mr. Land," Captain Hamill addressed his Comm Officer, "break Subspace silence. Advise Starfleet that we are guaranteeing safe passage to the Klingon Emperor to UFP headquarters, Earth, on flight corridor .401 to .402." PAGE 96 "Belay that order!" Stormcloud interrupted and squared himself off against the Captain. "We are not letting this Klingon remain in Federation space for another minute." "Commodore, we are bound by our most fundamental regulations to aid all beings who desire admittance to the Federation. I don't know what the Emperor is up to, but he knows our rules, and we have no choice but to honor them," Captain Hamill said. He was not pleased with his duty, at the moment, but he would not let Stormcloud force him into any corner that would place his 'command' in jeopardy. Stormcloud remained silent for a moment, looking angrily at the unbudging, unflinching Captain. If there was any hesitation about allowing the Klingons into Federation Territory, Stormcloud had effectively driven it out of the Captain. All according to plan. "Emperor Tromok," the Commodore said, "you appear to be quite correct in your interpretation of our regulations. We will provide you with a protected flight corridor and escort to UFP headquarters, as requested." He shot another angry look at the Captain. "We request a demonstration of good faith by making some token gesture, say, having your fleet fall back with all weapons powered down." "I will do that and more," the Emperor boasted. "Does your equipment allow you to distinguish between Klingon and Romulan ship designs?" "It does," spoke Stormcloud. "Then you are able to detect the three Romulan vessels that are currently flanking my fleet?" he asked. "We are aware of them." "Commodore Stormcloud, in a gesture of our promising new friendship, I would like to announce that the Klingon Empire is publicly sanctioning the breaking of ties with the Romulan Empire. We hereby annul all treaties of our former alliance," Tromok stated. The Romulan Birds of Prey broke formation upon hearing the Emperor's proclamation. The ships turned from the fleet and headed away as evasively as their speed would allow. They were closely pursued by nine Klingon battle cruisers. The Romulan warships quickly sent their Empire subspace messages of their betrayal as they attempted their escape. They powered up their aft weaponry but upon seeing the mighty ships behind them, they decided stealth was a better option. However, before the Vulcanoid warships could cloak themselves from their former allies, they were fired upon. Massive blasts of photon energy came at them from behind and they were quickly and mercilessly destroyed. Stormcloud relished the brief taste of revenge at seeing the PAGE 97 three ships vaporize before his eyes. It did not satisfy him, but served well to whet his appetite for more to come. He could imagine seeing Garth smile with another man's face on the bridge of the Thunder. The 'way' was being paved without flaw. With the Romulan Empire insulted and injured by the Klingon Empire, they would surely be preparing for war. The Federation would see this as a distinct threat to themselves and help expedite the alliance with the Klingons. Soon all would be searching for the one who would be able to deliver them from war, and lead them to a 'new age' of peace. Garth was ready to step in and offer the way to all who would hear. His way, his plan. Any opposition would be crushed, not just by Garth himself, but by the fearful and ignorant masses. By the ones who would rather kill than be leaderless, hopeless. The ones who would rather murder for a vision, any vision, than perish without one. Fear and ignorance. The greatest weapons in the Galaxy. Weapons that would, of a surety, be used. "You have an interesting way of cutting through the 'Red Tape' of diplomacy, Emperor Tromok. I hope, for your sake, that this policy does not extend into Federation relations." Stormcloud warned. "My Fleet will stay here to keep yours company," Stormcloud said to the Klingon Ruler. "You will follow this ship to the planet Earth. I will have myself transferred to the Starship Republic. Captain Hamill will be your host and your guide." "We await your ship's lead. Tromok out." The Javelin turned about and set a direct course for the small blue planet in the Sol system. It was followed closely, ominously, by the Klingon juggernaut, Thunder. They were on their way to Earth. Nothing stood in the way. PAGE 98 *** FIFTEEN *** The Enterprise pulled herself higher above the planet that she orbited. Her shiny hull lifted upwards and away from the strong gravitational pull of the blue world she very nearly embraced. Up into the star-spangled sky, where she was placed into a safer, standard orbit. The damage that she had sustained within her tubular- shaped propulsion unit was unnoticeable from the exterior. She still looked as if she could fight with the best of them, for, by most accounts, she was the best of them. In sickbay, Dr. M'Benga stood over Commander Montgomery Scott's bed and continued to argue with the Chief Engineer about not getting out of it. Nurse Chapel had been avoiding the Commander to delay getting herself involved in the same conversation with him. His hand looked much better, and the lacerations on his face were closed and covered with synthetic skin. The missing finger would be replaced with a micro-bionic prosthetic digit which he could choose to wear or detach at his leisure. Mr. Scott did not like the idea of having a finger that could leap tall buildings in a single bound and determined within himself that he would only wear it to his sister's wedding, while playing the pipes, and to church. In his own quarters, Commander Spock was preparing an edited version of his log concerning the events on the planet Holberg 917g. Spock had promised his captain that he would be provided with a copy to compare with his own. Had it not been edited, it would cause Jim no small amount of confusion. Spock had not considered all the problems that locking away the Captain's memories would present, not that it would have prevented him from doing so. He finished with his work and retrieved the flat memory square from the console. Rising from his desk, he exited his quarters and headed for the Main Bridge. Any time now, they were expecting a visitor from the Klingon Empire. Spock wanted to be present for this interesting event foretold by Ayelborne. As the doors parted, allowing Spock entry to the bridge, he became immediately aware that his captain and Dr. McCoy were listening intently to a subspace message over the bridge speakers. Spock listened as well. Starfleet was announcing that the Klingonese Emperor was on his way to Earth to join the United Federation of Planets. While this process of peace was taking place, all Starfleet vessels were ordered to maintain a low profile and refrain from even giving the appearance of hostility towards the Empire. It also mentioned the grave danger the Federation was now in with regards to the Romulan Empire. Spock walked over to his science station and recalibrated his instrument panel as he listened. While Sulu and Checkov listened, they exchanged glances of surprise and disbelief. "This is getting weirder all the time," Sulu remarked to his partner at arms. "That is the end of the message, Sir," Uhura stated. PAGE 99 Jim Kirk turned to Commander Spock. "Did you catch the message, Spock?" he asked. "I did, Captain. It would seem that we are not far from the war Ayelborne spoke of." That little word 'war' was very effective in getting the attention of the bridge crew. It seemed to instantly dash all hope of the peace they had just heard of into the abyss. Not trusting the Klingons anyway, their hopes of peace with them had not been extremely high in the first place. "But the Klingons as allies? The Romulans entering the picture? That's not what I understood him to mean. He mentioned specifically 'police action'." Spock pondered the meaning from every angle. "I can think of no explanation, with the information we have currently obtained, that would connect all elements of the puzzle. We must assume that there are still several missing pieces." "Well, sounds like we're doomed, ta me," McCoy said, only half jokingly. "The Klingons are famous liars and the Romulans seldom bluff. Maybe we should beam back down to Organia and go native." "Spock," Kirk said, ignoring the Doctor's comment, "analyze the Starfleet transmission. Maybe it was a counterfeit engineered by the Klingon ship we are expecting." "Doubtful, Captain, but I shall examine it," Spock responded. "Captain?" Sulu asked. "May I ask about what you meant about us 'expecting' Klingons?" The sentence did not sound quite right to Sulu either. "I'm not sure myself, Sulu. But yes, we have been informed by the Organians that we should expect a Klingon warship soon," Jim stated. "It is presumed that this will not be a hostile encounter. That's all we know." Checkov turned to his friend, "Do not try to figure eet out, or you'll go crazy... Like de time ve ver in orbit around Psi 2000 ven you tought you ver de vorld's greatest swordsman, and you had to rescue Uhura." "That wasn't my fault!" Sulu said, not too angrily. It had been a sensitive point, but one that was, with time, gaining its calluses. "Besides, Riley was the one who really went nuts on us." "That's ancient history," Jim said to the two, "gentlemen," In hopes that they did not bring to mind the fact that Kirk had lost control of himself during the incident being discussed. "Captain," Spock reported, "I have completed my analysis of the Starfleet transmission. It is genuine." PAGE 100 "That's what I was afraid of," he said. "Spock, it has been quite a while since Ayelborne said the Klingon ship was coming. At the time, he said it would only be a matter of minutes." "That is what he indicated. I do not think that they would either misinform us or make an error about the point. The logical alternative is," "The logical alternative is that they are already here." "Quite logical, Captain," Spock concurred. Jim had to stop himself from signalling a call to general quarters. The message they had just received forbade that unless there was no other option. "Uhura, open a wide band, short range channel and uncoded." The use of subspace as a broadcast medium was still impossible, but reception and local broadcast was undamaged. "Channel open now sir," the pretty, dark woman said. "Klingon vessel, this is Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. We know you are out there. Show yourself and we may be able to help each other," spoke Kirk. There was no response. The stars in front of them revealed nothing but the vacuous blackness between them. "Klingon vessel," Jim continued, "we have been down to the surface of Organia. We now know that you are an innocent party concerning the destruction of Outpost Delta Gamma 13 and that our suspicion of your invading our space is untrue. We also have information involving the ship that did invade Klingon space. If you are interested then show yourself, or we will be on our way." Jim said, hoping to be able to spur an exchange of information with them. "Captain, look!" Uhura said, pointing at the viewer. The Imperial Cruiser, Fury, became visible, not more than 1000 meters in front of them. The Predator class cruiser looked, to Kirk, like the deadly weapon that she was intended to be. "Captain Kirk," the familiar voice coming from the Klingon ship greeted Jim, "this is Command," he caught himself "This is Captain Kang. It seems that the hand of providence would have us meet again." "It would seem," Jim agreed. "It would also seem that Starbase 16 was able to return you to your people safely." Jim referred to the last time they had met: A time they had almost killed each other, more than once, and perhaps for all eternity. When Kirk and Kang had been forced to work together, to purge an enemy 'entity' from the Enterprise, an entity that forced them to fight, then healed their wounds that they might fight again and again. Kang's ship had been destroyed, so in the end the Enterprise had ferried the Klingon crew to Starbase 16, where they were processed and returned home. PAGE 101 "I am here with them," Kang stated. "Enough with the obvious, Captain. You mentioned that you had information on the ship that has entered Klingon space? I would hear this news you offer." "Why don't we meet? Face to face. You could beam aboard and perhaps enlighten us to the event as well. We too have some questions that you may be able to provide answers to." "Kirk, my one-time enemy, what makes you think that I would enjoy being aboard your ship again?" he posed to the Starship Captain. "I will give you the same offer. In addition, I will guarantee that this ship is free from 'Hate Consuming Entities' and that you will not be harmed in any way." "You seem gracious today, Kang," Jim said, in partial jest. "My First Officer and I will take you up on the offer. We'll be there shortly. Kirk out." he announced. "Lieutenant Uhura..." "Yes, Sir, channel closed." she said in anticipation of his command. "Lieutenant Uhura," Jim continued, "you have the Con." "Me, Sir?" she questioned. "I mean, Aye, Sir!" she said, rising from her station and removing her ear-peace. Her first duty would be ordering her replacement for communications. "Let's go, Spock. We have to stop a war that has yet to begin," the Captain reminded the one person who never needed reminding. Dr. McCoy decided that it was time he returned to sickbay, and followed Spock and Jim to the turbo-lift. Uhura set herself down in the seat of command. She placed an arm on each rest and felt the comfort of the chair. "Oh boys?" she said to Checkov and Sulu, as the lift doors closed. They both slowly turned to her, wary of her tone of voice. "If you are going to continue exchanging any more jokes... they had all better be in good taste," she said sternly but with a partial smile on her face. "That is an order," she purposely added. The two looked at each other for a moment, resigning themselves to her authority. "Yes, ma'am," They said at the same time and dejectedly turned back to their stations. She rested back into the chair, sorry that her orders were only temporary. In the lift, Spock handed his captain the small flat square, that was his altered log entry. The Captain placed it in his pocket with a "Thanks, Spock," and the doors opened to let the Doctor off at sickbay. "Be careful Jim," Bones said as they parted company. "Have you ever known me to be otherwise, Doctor?" Jim asked and quickly added, "Don't answer that! G'bye, Bones." The doors closed again. When next they opened, both Jim and PAGE 102 Spock exited the lift and headed for the transporter room. Jim noted to himself that he had been down here more times than usual in the past few days. The maintenance crew was working diligently on repairing the broken unit. Kyle was again on duty, and entreated the two officers to choose a pad. "Coordinates are coming through now, Sir," Kyle spoke to his captain. "Ready to transport." "Energize, Mr. Kyle." The two men faded into oblivion, hopefully to be restored to completeness on board the Klingon warship that faced the Enterprise. PAGE 103 *** SIXTEEN *** The Imperial Cruiser Fury had intercepted the uncoded Starfleet message declaring the possibility of 'peace' between the two opposing powers. It caused a great amount of controversy among Kang's crew. They, much like their Federation counterparts, were first struck by unbelief. Kang had told them that it did in fact appear to be true, but alluded to the fact that there might be something strangely wrong with the Emperor. He said it in such a way as to avoid any suspicion of treason. It came out the way Kang had intended, as concern for his Emperor's well-being. Wanting to inform them all along of the treacherous evil who now walked the Throneship Thunder, he satisfied himself with the fact that he was able to instill an amount of doubt on His Majesty. Kang could not allow his crew to know that he was actually 'glad' to see the Enterprise. Perhaps this was the ally he had needed so desperately. He let himself hope that it was so. Though it would be difficult attempting any co-operative venture with Captain Kirk, at least the meeting with him would raise no questions. It had been scheduled with credibility. They would value any information on the invading ship and the deadly cargo she cradled. "Mara, Gor, I will meet with Kirk and his First Officer alone. You both will stand outside my personal chambers and await my summons," Kang commanded. The two affirmed his order and followed him off the bridge to the transporter room. Two images began to take shape in the dimly lit, strangely hazy room. Captain Kirk became recognizable with his Number One Officer beside him, then they were complete. "Captain Kirk, if pleasantries suit the day, welcome," Kang said. "I will lead you to a place of privacy, where we may discuss the matters of invasion and matters of peace." "Thank you, Captain," Jim said. He and Spock stepped off the platform and stood beside the Klingon. "I trust you remember my First Officer, Mara?" Kang asked the two from the Federation. "I remember her bravery that rivaled her beauty," the Captain said, nodding to her. He was tempted to take her hand and kiss it, just to add an element of finesse to the greeting. She remained unmoved by the complement, though recognizing the effort on Kirk's behalf of being cordial. "This is Gor, my Communications Officer," Kang stated, wanting to be done with the awkwardness of the introductions. "Gor," Jim acknowledged. "This is my First Officer, Spock." The Vulcan gave a slight bow to their Hosts. "Follow me," Kang stated, ushering them along. He led them PAGE 104 down a short hall and into a room that looked more like a private study than a conference room. "That will be all until I notify you further," Kang spoke to his officers and led Jim and Spock into the room. The heavy door closed behind them and Kang stood behind his desk and eyed the two men for a moment. Debating with himself on how the discussion should begin, he bid them to be seated as he took his own. Kang reminded himself of the importance of gaining Kirk's confidence. One Klingon was no match for the task of halting the Emperor's crusade. One Klingon was not enough, he admitted to himself, bruising the famous 'Klingon Pride' he had been bred to bear. "Kirk, I am in a position that I am unaccustomed to," Kang began in all honesty. "I am committing treason with what I am about to confide in you." He closed his eyes for a moment and pursed his lips as if he were about to eat something bitter. "I do not find it easy to give my trust to anyone. I do not give it lightly to any in the Empire and never to an enemy... until this day." Kang stopped. He looked deep into Kirk's eyes. He remembered their ordeal on the Enterprise, months ago. He remembered the Captain's honor and bravery and came back believing that this man would keep the trust. "There is a devil, Captain," Kang stated assuredly. "I had been told that Klingons have no devil, Kang." "We have yours now, Kirk," the swarthy Captain said. "He controls my Empire and he wears the face of my Emperor. He is now on his way to Earth with words of peace and the weapons of destruction behind him. He is going to pull this universe and all in it into war, and then into the hell that only he will rule over." Jim looked gravely at Spock for confirmation of his own thoughts. Spock gave him the silent, serious nod of the affirmative. "Kang, I believe that you have given us the last piece to a puzzle that has been stumping us for days." If the day called for honesty, Jim decided that it would be for the best if he shared the truth with this Klingon. "The devil you call Emperor, is a dangerous man that has escaped from a Federation mental institution. His name is Garth of Izar, a former Starfleet Captain. Once he was an honorable man, but he has been driven insane by the torment of injuries he had previously sustained. He is the inventor of a terrible weapon that could be used to destroy the galaxy." "I have seen this weapon in use, but the one I speak of is no ordinary man, Captain Kirk. He is able to 'become' my Emperor. No mere man could accomplish that," Kang stressed. "Garth is able to change his form and his voice to that of anyone. I do not completely understand it but I am telling you the truth. If he has your Empire, then we all are in grave danger." Jim placed both hands on the desk before him. Jim did not know the PAGE 105 extent of the 'truth' that he should share with Kang, but he felt compelled to give him anything that might help. "Kang, we also have a powerful man in authority who wants to start this war. We believe that both he, Garth, and perhaps others of high rank in the Federation, had arranged this from the beginning. His name is Commodore Stormcloud." Jim said, knowing he too was committing treason. "He sent us here, on the surface, to question the Organians about the destruction of two Federation Outposts. Underneath and without our knowledge, he had a bomb prepared to blow up Organia and remove their hand from stopping the war." "I trust that you have dealt with this bomb. But regardless of that fact, I do not believe that the Organians will be able to prevent the war." Kang recalled the recorded speech of the 'Emperor's' plans. He would let the two hear it if necessary. "That's what the Organians told us! How did you know?" "I believe that I may be able to provide you with an answer, Captain." Spock stated confidently. "With the initiation of the Klingon Empire to the United Federation of Planets, the treaty would be annulled by the unification of both document signers. If war was to break out, it would be a 'civil war', a police action, as Ayelborne pointed out. It would therefore fall under the heading of internal affairs," Spock concluded. "Garth had all the angles figured from the start, while we have been wasting our time chasing our tails!" Jim was enraged at himself, that it had taken so much time to see this truth, precious time that may cost the universe dearly. "Not all the angles, Captain," Spock responded. "He did not foresee the three of us. We now have the knowledge that he has tried to keep secret. There is still time to act." "Not without a plan, Spock, and boy, do we need a good one. Garth has certainly prepared for this. We haven't." He looked at his long-time friend. "The time that we do have is precious little." "Precious little," Kang agreed. "This Garth is already headed for your home planet, Kirk. He has a head start and certainly will not be an easy target, and he now has both Federation and Klingon protection." Kang warned. "The war may start immediately after the treaty is signed." "Then we must make sure that he does not sign," Spock stated, as if it were a solution within itself. "Captain Kang, the Enterprise is presently unable to transmit on subspace frequencies. If we were to use your equipment, we might be able to send enough information to Starfleet Headquarters, apprising them of the situation and perhaps persuading them to take action." "If we transmit anything in subspace, my government will know that it came from this ship. We will be hunted down and killed by our own countrymen." Kang stated with a surety. "I will, of PAGE 106 course, accept that fate, but only if you can guarantee that the war will be halted and leadership of my government returns to its rightful Emperor." Jim looked down to his own hands on the table, the hands of a Starship Captain, too often powerless, too often chained. "I can't guarantee anything, Kang. I have been told by the Organians that there will be war." Jim said. "It may not be preventable, but it might be able to be stopped before it escalates to the point of no return." "That is not good enough, Kirk." Kang sat forward in his chair. "The throne of the Klingon Empire must be restored. This Garth must be destroyed. Nothing short of that will turn my Empire from the 'Glory' they have been promised by him." "I believe that Kang is correct," Spock said to his captain. "If we are to stop Garth, we will need Garth himself as evidence of the deception. Our proof of his involvement is largely based on conjecture. It may be enough to persuade some, but not all. If we transmit what facts we do have, we will, in essence, 'tip our hand' to the enemy." "Then we've got to get to Earth. We must try to stop him there." Jim said with resolve. "Captain, with the damage to our ship, warp 4 is our maximum emergency speed. Garth could be back to the Klingon side of the Neutral Zone long before we could reach Earth," Spock pointed out the fact. "My ship has been strained, but is undamaged. It might be able to reach your Earth on time," Kang offered as a ray of hope to the dim future before them. "It could at least give them a good race." "Kang, until the treaty is signed, your ship would not be allowed to cross our side of the Zone by the Organians. It would still be a violation of the Treaty." Jim paused in thought. "...Unless you were to surrender your vessel to me." Kang was shocked at the mere mention of such a thing. He knew that the suggestion was not a surrender under threat of fire, and it was more of a formality than anything, but it had never been an option in the past. It was their code to die rather than surrender. "My crew would never accept it, Kirk. I find it difficult to stomach, myself." "If we are worthy of your trust, is not your crew also?" stated Spock as though it were not a question. "My crew would not be as easily swayed to deny their loyalty to the Emperor. We would be hard-pressed to convince them all." Spock was aware that loyalty would be a difficult hurdle but knew the attempt must be made. "We have some proof of the deception that could be made available to them. We have files on Garth, PAGE 107 explaining his condition, his explosive and his metamorphosis capabilities. You could present these facts and lead them to the truthful conclusion." Spock stood from his chair. "I could have the information compiled and copied in a short amount of time." "Well, Kang, what do you say?" Jim asked. "All or nothing, seems to be the 'order of the day'." Kang became silent. He thought long about all that had transpired since the day the Fringe Ranger crossed over the Neutral Zone. He had to do something to stop the flames that were consuming the very throne of Klinzhai. He could think of no other options than to fall in with his enemy, to trust Captain James T. Kirk with the future of the Empire. "I see no alternative. I will take your evidence and present it to my crew, but it will be their decision whether or not to mutiny and kill their Commander." "I'll be there to help." Kirk extended his hand in friendship. "Let me collect some things of mine and I will return to make the journey with you." Kang took his hand and shook it in the 'Earther's' tradition. He pressed a button and summoned Mara and Gor. "These must be the first to know the truth. May they assist your First Officer in gathering the information?" The two Klingon officers stood before Kang, not having the vaguest idea as to what their Captain proposed. They could tell, whatever it was, it was of great import to him. "They will be welcome," Jim said as he pulled out his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise. Four to beam up." "Keep our trust, Captain. That is all I have left." Kang said as they were caught by the field wave of the transporter and disappeared. * * * Captain Kirk returned to his cabin aboard the Enterprise. Time was less a friend than his Klingon counterpart. Jim sat on his bed and faced the half-wall next to it. There, imbedded within, was his personal safe. He pressed the proper sequence of buttons to allow admittance into the small cubbyhole safe. He had not been in it for weeks and it looked, well, different to him. The contents seemed to have been altered upon his first glance. Then he noticed, there in the back, something new to the private locker. There was a vellum manuscript, some 40 pages thick, on top of his medallion case. He removed it carefully, knowing the age-worn volume was delicate. Gingerly, he opened the cover and saw the PAGE 108 Latin words on the animal-skin page. Unnoticed by Jim as it fell to the floor, was a note written in English to the Captain. Jim looked at the Roman style type on the manuscript, examining the impressions of each letter with the tips of his fingers. Though his knowledge of the language was rusty, he recognized the passages that were before him. He turned it over in his hand, amazed at what he found. 'Time for this mystery later,' he thought to himself, and with care, he placed the pages back into his safe. He removed what he had come in for in the first place. He looked at the phaser, now in his hand. Remembering the setup of the Federation Auditorium, he knew there were many stationary weapons detectors maintaining the Council Member's security. He would have to modify his phaser setting for an invisible beam, and 'illegally' place his weapon on silent discharge. His aim needed to be extremely accurate to hit the weapons detectors from a greater distance than their detection range. At least he would be granted access to the Council Room by his rank, and then would be within range of Garth. It was his intention not to be seen by the man, but merely hit him with a heavy stun beam and let the audience see who wore the 'Emperor's New Clothes'. When unconscious, as Spock had proven months ago, Garth would revert back to his own form. The chime to his cabin rang. Before he could say 'come in,' Bones barged into the room. "Jim, what the heck do you think you are doing!" he said to 'Jim Kirk', his friend, not to 'Captain James T. Kirk'. "Let me guess," Kirk said, knowing he would be having this argument with the Doctor sooner or later. "You badgered Spock into telling you what I had already planned to tell you later?" "So what if I did? You're about to do one of the most foolhardy things I can think of in recent history. What makes you think Kang won't kill you in your sleep, or take you hostage and hide you somewhere in the Empire?" The Doctor spoke with deep concern and anger at the very idea. "Because he needs me, Bones, as much as we need him. If we don't try this, we will be at war with the Klingons and the Romulans in a matter of weeks, maybe days." Jim looked at McCoy, knowing his friend was deeply worried for his sake. "If Garth isn't stopped now, Bones, we may never get a second chance." Doctor McCoy looked at him hard and set his jaw. "Why does it always have to be us who has the weight of the Federation on our shoulders?" The Doctor asked bitterly. "Why is it always James T. Kirk who has to put his life on the line for an enemy who would just as soon kill you as look at you?" Jim looked at the Doctor, with a compassion that did not diminish his resolve. "The same reason a Starship's doctor would risk his own life to save the wife and unborn child of the High Teer of Capella, or take the place of his friends, allowing himself PAGE 109 to be tortured by the Vians on Minara. Because, Bones, deep down we both know that there is nothing in this universe worth living for... if it is not also worth dying for." McCoy knew he was as guilty as his Captain when it came to putting his life on the line. The knowledge didn't help much. Klingons were too dangerous and untrustworthy to safely deal with from across the Neutral Zone, not to mention, while among them. "Jim, you know full well..." "I'm going Bones," Captain Kirk said. "If you don't have anything that will help me, then just wish me luck." Dr. McCoy knew at that moment that he would not be able to change his friend's mind. He was fairly certain before, but that did not stop him from trying. McCoy removed the tri-corder from around his neck and set it on Jim's desk. He also removed a medi- scanner from his bag, and set it next to the tri-corder. "I've found something that might help," he stated, somewhat dejectedly. "What is it, Bones?" "I was helping Spock gather his information on Garth for those... those Klingons," he said with disdain. "While I was, I discovered something that I hadn't noticed before. Garth has a very small 'spinal anomaly' for lack of a better word for it. It was on file in his medical records from Elba II. It was thought to be a piece of vertebral cartilage that had been fractionated from its host, during his accident on Antos IV." "Ok, Bones, I'll take your word for it," the Captain said. "What about it?" "The very first time Garth altered his shape to that of Governor Cory, the guard and attending Doctor who found him in his cell let him out. The Doctor scanned him for injuries and released him, thinking it was the Governor. After he was found out to be Garth in disguise, he was returned to his cell but the medical record of the doctor's scan was placed in the Governor's file, not Garth's." "I'm with you so far. Go on." "In addition to Garth's file, I have a file on everyone who was on Elba II, including Governor Cory. While Spock was concentrating on Garth's file, I was killing time and browsed through Cory's file. They all appeared to be normal, with the exception of one entry, where his medical record showed that he had the exact same 'spinal anomaly' as Garth." McCoy looked at Jim, who was trying to piece the information together. "Jim, Garth can alter his shape, internally and externally, even his clothing. But this little anomaly never changes, no matter who he looks like." "You mean we can trace him by scanning for this 'anomaly,' PAGE 110 if we need to?" "Yes, Jim. With this medical scanner, if you are close enough. You can see the reading on the tri-corder and be able to identify him if he changes shape to hide or get away." "That is helpful, Bones. What is the range on this thing?" Jim asked. "Without the tri-corder, about one meter. But with it, I have been able to stretch the sensor output to 15 meters with accuracy," the doctor said with a small amount of pride. "Very good. I just hope I get a chance to be that close to him." "That's not all, Jim," the Doctor said. "I believe what the other doctor's thought was cartilage on Garth's spine, is really the 'organ' that allows Garth to change shape. If it is, then once Garth is captive the organ can be removed." "There are a lot of if's, Doctor, but if things work out, I'll make sure the attending physician is aware of that fact," Jim said, placing the phaser to his hip. "It's about time to go," he announced, none too eagerly. "Jim," the Doctor said as the Captain picked up the medical equipment. "For God's sake, be careful." "For my own sake as well, Bones. I'll see you in two weeks or so," he said to his friend. And they both left the cabin, each heading in the opposite direction, down the corridor. Spock met Jim in the transporter room with the two Klingon guests. They had their hands full of information that would, with any luck, prove to the crew of the Fury that their Emperor was not from the Klingon Realm. "They are ready, Captain," Spock stated. "Both are now convinced, themselves, and ready for the task at hand." "It will not be easy," Jim said to the two, "but now you realize the cost of failure." They both looked at the Captain with all seriousness. The gravity of the situation had been instilled within them and they seemed to be prepared to face the day. "Captain," Spock began, "I request that I take your place aboard the Klingon vessel. I am quite capable of carrying out the mission, and am not indispensable. Logically the Captain should not be displaced from his ship for any prolonged length of time, and certainly not placed at such risk." "I will neither order, nor allow any Officer to take part in, what we both agree is a 'treasonous activity' when I am perfectly PAGE 111 capable of doing it myself." The statement did not come out as the Captain had intended it, but Spock understood what was meant by it. "Besides," Jim said, "you have a mission of your own. Stormcloud must be arrested, and the evidence of Garth's deception must be taken to the Neutral Zone. Since you are limited to warp 4, it doesn't give you any time to stand around arguing with your Captain." "Agreed, Captain." He stepped back from the transporter platform. "And, Spock, you might see what you can 'make' out of Lieutenant Grensk," Jim hinted, "His 'heart' may not be in it, but he'd make a good 'Weapon's Officer' in a pinch." "Understood, Captain." Spock raised his right hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper, Jim." "Good bye, Spock," Jim said. Then to Lieutenant Kyle, "Energize," and the Captain and his company, were no more. PAGE 112 *** SEVENTEEN *** Earth was in its mid 23rd century, as counted from the approximate birth date, of their Christ. The inhabitants of this beautiful planet had nearly destroyed themselves numerous times throughout their bloody 6000 year history. Most recently their greatest planetary dilemma was tackling the fear of a gradual 'Global Warming'. They had spent nearly one-hundred years of effort in an attempt to replenish the Ozone layer, only to find that there was no real 'warming' taking place. The genuine problem was that increasing amounts of deadly multi-spectrum radiation had been entering the atmosphere, slowly irradiating the planet. The primary cause was found to be in the Earth's sphere of Magnetism. With a magnetic half-life of just 1,400 years (that is; every 1,400 years the magnetism, or Magnetic Moment of the Earth decreases in potency by one half) neither the Magnetosphere nor Thermosphere could effectively hinder cosmic radiation bombardment. There were many heated debates on how to handle this. It had come just short of dividing the United Nations Council, but that was nothing new. Many civilizations had arisen and fallen, since man had begun to govern himself on this small world. But few had envisioned the latest form that now had authority over the globe. The United Nations Council, permanent member of the United Federation of Planets was now that authority. The Official Base of Operations of the United Federation of Planets now resided on the human's world. It had, in the past, been aboard an enormous space station, that was capable of holding tens of thousands of people. It later became more effective, logistically, to establish the base on a world, central to all members. Earth was an ideal choice, though it was not unilaterally thought so at first. Debates for the location lasted nine months before concessions were made. It now resided on Earth, in the city of San Francisco. As reflected by Starfleet's Prime Directive, all worlds allied with the Federation have rights to their own form of planetary government. The Federation was an authoritative bridge between these governments. Its primary purpose was to maintain interplanetary peace and security between all races of beings within, and provide protection from hostile beings from without. Starfleet was the instrument of this security within Federation bounds. The sprawling complex, that was Federation Headquarters, now sits on some 1400 square acres. It boasts many atmospheric/ gravitational controlled domes, that may be filled with whatever gas or liquid, any particular visiting dignitary would require, for respiration. It contains housing that would suit representatives of all members and their aides, attending conference sessions. It intentionally was designed to accommodate all known species that were candidates for membership, and was prepared, at a moment's notice, to adjust to unknown 'future' memberships. PAGE 113 This day, all over the UFP complex, frenzied activity was evident. To actually have the Klingon Emperor present on the planet was something that had surprised and astounded all. For them to express the desire for admittance to the Federation was nothing short of incredible. This was now seen as the most important event in galactic history, since the end of the Hundred Years War. Preparation for the Emperor's arrival, on such short notice, caused near chaos. All UFP Supreme Assembly members had been called to Earth. All Federation Council members, temporary or otherwise, were requested to attend. Every party who could cast their vote was either on Earth now, or enroute to the planet. Excitement and fear were mingling in the minds and hearts of all beings throughout the Federation. For Peace with the Klingons, they knew, could mean immediate War with the Romulans. To some, this idea was a godsend. Finally a way to be rid of the ever present danger of invasion, from the Vulcanoid empire. To others, reconciliation with the Klingons was inconceivable. The evil that had been perpetrated by them was not forgivable by many. Notwithstanding, the Emperor was on his way, and he would be given full honors. His admittance to the United Federation of planets, on the other hand, would be dealt with in its proper forum. A two-thirds vote would be required to pass the request for entry to the Federation. With the import of the request, and the urgency of it, deliberations would be held to a two day time limit after the Emperor's speech/request for admission. There were 3 possibilities, that would be an immediate outcome of this historic event. One, the Empire would become part of the Federation. Two, the Empire would not become part of the Federation. Or three, massive political turmoil would ensue from either vote and the result would split the Federation, plunging it into multiple wars and galactic chaos. This was truly an event that could change the Federation forever. One which could easily spell the end of it. But that had been the plan all along. * * * It had taken days, at high warp, to reach the Sol system. The massive Klingonese Dreadnought took its place in orbit around the blue world below. Many, many others shared the sky with the behemoth. The firmament fairly teemed with strange and various craft of both familiar and alien design. The Throneship had been allowed to raise its shields, just as a precaution, in self- defense against any who would take opportunity against it. There are many who would joyfully promote the erasure of the Klingon Empire's most prominent citizen. There were a great deal more who would like to see it happen, without being directly involved. Garth stood at his massive observation window, looking on the world below. His arms were folded behind his back and his stance PAGE 114 was one belonging to the victorious. He would own this planet soon, he thought. One of many that would bear his name. Garth Prime he would call it. The others would have numbers beside his name. He continued to meditate on the future. There would be attempts on his life at every corner, once he took his throne over the galaxy. He would be prepared for attack, be it by a fleet of ships or on a personal scale. There were many levels of plans that he had devised, many twists and turns that he prepared for. Though he was certain all the while, that nothing could stop what he had set in motion. Someone requested entry into his private chamber. Garth quickly, easily, regained the form of Mocdar Jek Tromok, and allowed the door to unlock and open for the caller. Sorr entered the large room that was adorned with weapons, strange animal skins and objects of antiquity from a thousand systems. He walked over to his emperor and kneeled before the man at the window. "Rise and state your purpose, Admiral," spoke Garth. He wished to be kneeled to, but not as the Klingon Emperor. "I wanted to inform you that your new warp-shuttle, will be quite difficult to engineer, but it is technologically feasible. It will be time consuming with all your specifications, but modifications of your current shuttle should not take more than 9 days if we have our technicians working on it around the clock. Your new armor should take about as long," he concluded. The Admiral was beginning to wonder about the man before whom he had been kneeling. Tromok had given him a design to a powerful, armored battle suit, and shuttle craft that was nearly beyond their present level of technology. The Emperor had been schooled well, but he was never considered to hold more than a general knowledge of sub-micro circuitry, dyna-physics and Alpha wave hyper- processors. It was as if the man on the throne had changed into some one different. "Good," spoke Emperor Garth, quite aware of the Admiral's slowly growing suspicion of himself. Garth had further secluded himself from all aboard the Thunder, these past days. It had helped to the degree that he had desired. Soon it would not matter. "When does the Federation's Supreme Assembly expect me?" "In two of their Earth hours, my lord. The last of their delegates are just now arriving. They have had very little time to prepare for this day." Garth knew full well the paces he was running the Federation through. 'Keep them busy with their bureaucratic details,' he thought to himself. 'Let them engross themselves with policy and hastily choreographed procedure, then, when they are feeling the swell of false euphoria for a job well done, I will have them by the throat'. "Is there anything else, Admiral?" the image of Tromok questioned. "Nothing more to report, lord Tromok," The Admiral stated. "I, PAGE 115 however, was wondering what will become of the intruder and his ship? Did you concede to bargain with him?" "I will personally deal with the intruder, immediately upon our return to the Klingon Realm. As to the bargain, his price was too high for the Empire. I have postponed payment until our return. For now, his ship has our protection. That is all you need know." "Understood, lord Tromok. Our plan must not have been effective," Sorr said with a solemn certainty. "I blame myself for its failure." "There is still time for victory, Sorr. And plenty of glory to share," the Emperor stated. The Admiral nodded his head in agreement. "Lord, I must know, did my glove unit not work?" Garth had no idea. He really didn't care and he would not be trapped into making a guess on how to answer the question again. "I have a galaxy to claim, Admiral. We will discuss this later if I deem it important enough. You are dismissed." "Yes, my lord," the Admiral bowed and exited the large room. Garth relaxed his control over his form and returned to the visage of his own. He would need every bit of strength to maintain the Emperor guise on Earth. And he did not know how long he would need to look the part. It was made slightly easier, now that he had Tromok's actual wardrobe to wear. Thus he only needed to force his flesh to look the part. He walked over to the giant view-port again, taking in the spectacular sunrise on the planet below. This would be his morning, his day and when night fell it would be his darkness. He leaned his face against the clear barrier, between himself and the hard vacuum beyond. He stretched his arms out and closed his eyes, letting the first rays of the dawn enfold him. He smiled at the warmth of it and he began to chuckle to himself. * * * First Officer's Log, Stardate: 5854.7. "I am now the 'Acting' Captain of the Starship Enterprise. Captain James T. Kirk is currently aboard, and in command of, the Klingon vessel Fury, on a direct heading for Earth. We are presently heading for the rendezvous point of the Federation Fleet at the Klingon Neutral Zone. It is my intention, upon arrival, to place Commodore Nathaniel Stormcloud under arrest for attempted murder, treason, and conspiracy charges. The evidence for this action is on file in main computer memory location: SO193622." PAGE 116 "We are traveling at warp 3.779, which is our maximum safe speed due to the previously logged accident in engineering. With this limit on our rate of travel, I have serious doubts that we will arrive in time at the rendezvous site before war breaks out. It is hoped, nevertheless, that we will be able to stop it before it reaches an irreversible state." "In the interim, I have been working on arming a photon torpedo with the majority of the Garth explosive that was removed from the Android, formerly know as Lieutenant Grensk. If needed, it will make an impressive display of power on behalf of the Federation. With Stormcloud under guard, the knowledge that 'the torpedo is the only one we have', may be secure. Thus spurring the Klingons into believing that we have more in our arsenal." "Commander Montgomery Scott is now back on the active duty roster, but it is clear that there is no hope of repairing the damage to Enterprise's port warp propulsion unit. We are, in essence, crippled for the duration." "As a Vulcan, it is difficult to determine what level of morale the crew is enjoying. It is my estimate that it has lowered considerably with the absence of Captain Kirk. I am personally unskilled at dealing with problems of this nature, as it is one derived from emotion. I have placed Mr. Sulu in charge of organizing various off-duty activities for the crew. I suggested to him that a seminar on gravitational and radiation fluctuations within a trinary star system, could both occupy and enlighten the crew. He did not seem to agree. I have, therefore, given him my permission to engage the crew in an Earth ritual known as a Masked Ball. I will attend this 'Ball', but I have allowed Mr. Sulu to make the decision as to what costume I should wear." "End log." Spock sat in the Captain's chair, examining the duty roster that Yeoman Rand had given him. He saw that all was in order, placed his mark on it and returned it to the Yeoman. "Thank you," he said to her, conscious that humans needed to hear this verbal expression of gratitude, even when doing what was required of them. Spock meditated on how he would handle the arrest of Commodore Stormcloud. It was a danger to even approach the fleet, for in doing so, Stormcloud would be able to assess the failure of Enterprise's mission and perhaps turn the fleet against her. They were not able to alert the fleet of their intentions in advance, with Sub-space communications, so they would have to use the short range comm. system. In essence, this would mean that they would be within firing distance, before they would have the ability to voice the act of the Commodore's imminent detention. Spock had given Lt. Checkov the task of repositioning the Enterprise's aft, port and starboard shield-nodes to the front of the ship. He assigned him an engineering detail to assist him for that purpose. Spock had hopes that the quadrupled shield barrier to the fore-section would protect them from a possible frontal assault PAGE 117 by their own comrades. It could buy them enough time to make the arrest, but would leave them open to lateral and rear attack from any comers. Spock was not certain that Captain Kirk would approve of this tactic. It was not completely logical, to be sure, but Spock's desire to see Stormcloud brought to justice and a war stopped, had motivated him. It was very much like a chess strategy he had recently learned. He wished he had a guarantee that it would work. "Checkov to Bridge. Mr Spock, ve are ready to test da shield integrity," the voice from the overhead speaker said. "Acknowledged," spoke the Acting-Captain. "Mr. Sulu, raise shields." "Aye, Sir, raising shields," he said and executed the procedures that brought the energy barriers up. The bridge lights dimmed for a moment, then regained their brilliance. "Shields are up, Sir, Quadruple front. Should I test them at maximum power?" the Oriental officer questioned. "Yes, Mister Sulu, channel full power to the shields." Sulu increased the shield energy-strength with the controls before him. The bridge lights dimmed again, and then completely went out. "Uhmmm, Mr. Spock? I think I've overloaded the circuits." "That is all too obvious, Mr. Sulu," Spock stated, as the much dimmer emergency lighting kicked in. "Mr. Checkov? Are you still there?" "Yes, Sir," the ensign said sheepishly. "It appears that the power cable split at the main junction is not the most advantageous solution. I suggest that you start the engineering crew in hooking up three more junctions directly from the master panel." "Aye, Sir. Ve vere just tinking about doing dat," the ensign said. "Proceed, Mr. Checkov. Spock out." First Officer's log, supplemental. "It is my hope that the Captain will return to the Enterprise as rapidly as possible." End supplemental log. * * * PAGE 118 Captain Kirk sat in Kang's private quarters, behind his desk and glanced over the information on the tri-corder, given to him by Dr. McCoy. He contemplated the procedure that both Mara and Kang had devised, in order to transport him down to the planet, when they arrived at Earth. If they uncloaked, they would be shot from the sky as 'hostile' enemies to both parties. The transporters would not have enough power to beam him down, with the cloaking device engaged. Therefore, it was decided to channel the Warp engine power through the transporter and beam the Captain down at warp speed. It had never been done before. James T. Kirk was now the Captain of the Klingon cruiser. A fact that had not been widely spread throughout the crew. The ship was now divided in its loyalty, among the members who had been enlightened to their Emperor's identity. A mere handful gave their continued loyalty to Kang. It was a very dangerous situation for the vessel. Jim, Kang, Mara and Gor had held several sessions with crew members, illustrating the danger that both Empire and Federation were facing. Only a dozen had believed. The rest were now in direct opposition to Kang, and were preparing to take the ship. They were lead by the officer, Torvak. The opposition held two of the lower decks but were, for the moment, sealed in and temporarily contained. It was thought prudent by all to keep Jim's status as Commander of the Fury, a secret, to avoid further division among the crew. Jim pressed the medical scanner's 'on' switch and looked at the readings on the tri-corder. They displayed typical human readings for a brief period, then jumped to radically different readings as the cabin's doors unbolted and parted, admitting both Kang and Mara. Jim looked at the readings, then up to the two. He shut the medical equipment off and rose to meet the two. "Captain," Kang began, "there is no hope of arriving at your home planet in time. We shall be lucky if we reach Earth before the Thunder breaks orbit." "We must, Kang. Our plan will only work if we catch him in the open, with as many witnesses around him as possible." "There is the increasing danger that we may not reach your Earth at all," Mara spoke bluntly. "Our comrades are taking measures that may cripple our engines. It is possible that they will break through our barriers and storm this deck." "I have never doubted that possibility, Lieutenant," Jim said, giving credit to his formidable enemy; his new crew. "Kang, have you distributed arms to our men?" "Yes, Captain, but I caution you that it is unwise to limit our disrupter's fire power, to stun-force. If the 'others' have found a way to arm themselves, they will intend to kill us with their weapons." PAGE 119 "You suggest we use deadly force against your own crewmen?" Jim spoke his astonishment. "I have no desire to shed Klingon blood, Captain," Kang stated in stern sincerity, "but we risk failure and perhaps death at their hands if we show weakness of any kind. They are honored and valiant brothers and they fight as I do, for the sake of the Empire. Yet I will sacrifice them all with a clean conscience, if needs be, to save my Empire. They would do no less. That makes them all the more dangerous." "I don't want any needless deaths, Kang. All we need is to contain them for a few more hours." The thought was cut short as an explosion from the deck below rocked the ship from under them, casting all to the floor. Shouts of battle were heard in the distance as Jim regained his ground. "They're through the barricade!" he said drawing his phaser from behind his back. "They'll head straight for the bridge!" shouted Kang, as he lifted his wife to her feet and dashed out of the room. Jim followed closely, running down the dim, and now, smoke filled hall. Both held their weapons tight in hand and slowed, as they neared the bend in the corridor. Shadows of movement could be seen through the smoke, but Jim could not tell who it was that made them. Suddenly a disrupter blast sliced through the haze and burned itself into the wall behind them. The heat of the beam was felt on Kirk's face. Jim dropped low and fired three times, with the silent, invisible discharge of his weapon. Kang turned, knowing by the disturbance in the smoke, that Jim had returned fire. "You use a coward's weapon, Kirk. Where is the honor in felling an enemy, when he cannot even detect the threat?" "I suppose the 'honor' comes from knowing that my weapon won't kill, but their's will. The honor of the outgunned." Jim said clicking off two more shots into the thick, dark clouds. Kang acquiesced with a nod, and pressed his back against the corridor's smooth wall. He peered around the bend, then quickly pulled back, as several bursts of the deadly light beams streaked past him. "I can't see who it is we fight! It could be our side." "Switch to wide spread. We can take them all down, and sort through them afterwards!" The two men adjusted their weapons and rounded the corner, Jim down low on one knee and Kang, standing beside him. They blanketed the hall with the stunning energy beams, knowing that some would be missed by ducking into an entry-way or by shielding themselves with fallen bodies. Both Captains slowly moved down the hall, finding several un-conscious crewmen, lying still, on the deck. Kang looked at their faces as they made their way past the crewmen. "These are of the opposition. We were fortunate thus PAGE 120 far," Kang said. Another deadly blue disrupter bolt shot between the two. They raised their weapons again, and fired, hugging the walls of the corridor as they slowly advanced. The din of muffled voices and distant shouts did not seem to be getting any nearer. Kang was, however, able to hear the battle cry of his Communications Officer Gor, holding the bridge from the opposition. Kang began to hasten their advance, for he knew that the odds would be at least 3 to 1 against Gor and the others on the bridge. More downed crewmen were found in the murky darkness as they neared the main access-way to the bridge. Thick dark smoke billowed out of the once-barricaded companionway. The air handlers were blowing the black clouds away from the bridge, making visibility much better once they were past the travel chute. It also made both Kirk and Kang visible to the rear of the mutinous crewmen. Gor, seeing them in the distance, behind the opposition forces, howled another battle cry, drawing attention to himself. Before Jim and Kang were seen, they fired on the crowd, and continued to fire until all were downed. Quickly, the two checked the crewmen for wounds and made certain that none were merely 'playing' dead. Gor came towards them, unsteadily, leaving a trail of thick Klingon blood behind him. "Captain Kang," Gor managed weakly, "we... have prevailed." "You are wounded." Kang looked at his friend of years. The side of the Officer's head was scorched by the intense heat of a narrow miss, but Kang saw the dark purple-red blood spilling out from under his breastplate. He could tell in an instant that the wound was fatal. "Sit, my friend." Kang grabbed Gor's shoulders and eased him to the deck. Jim looked at Kang. This man had once been a hated enemy. It was not long ago that Jim had thought Klingons were incapable of the compassion he was now a witness to. His eyes met Kang's. Jim silently expressed the look of hopefulness towards his ally, but Kang shook his head in a solemn response. Jim nodded to Kang that he understood, and would offer his condolences later, but the bridge was still open to attack, and not all crewmen were accounted for. Jim stepped over another body and headed for the bridge entrance, disappearing inside. "Die well, my friend," Kang whispered to Gor, cradling his comrade's head in steady hands. "You will not do the same!" spat a familiar voice, from behind Kang. "You have lost, Torvak," Kang stated without turning from the dying man. "Our brother has paid the price for your mutiny. There is no need for further payment from either side." "I think you are mad, my former Captain, but in the least, you are incorrect." PAGE 121 Kang looked up at his once eager, once innocent helmsman. He saw Mara being held to Torvak's chest, a barbed razor sharp blade at her throat. Kang's heart froze in that instant. Ejhak poison dripped from the jagged edges of the knife. "Mara will die, slowly, horribly, before your eyes," Torvak promised the man before him. "Unless I have my victory for the people of Klinzhai!" There was only one person who could be held against Kang, who could make him choose defeat over his Empire's salvation. He had lived with the fact that she could lose her life in battle, a brave death that they would share, but not like this. He had once been able to lie to Jim Kirk about that point. Long ago he had convinced Kirk that Mara was not a bargaining chip to be considered. His ploy bore fruit on that day, but Torvak would know better. Kang looked at his wife and took a deep breath. "I... yield," he said, dropping his weapon to the deck and lowering his head slowly in grudging defeat. "The only Klingon who yields, is a dead one, my Captain!" Torvak spoke with victorious pride. "You may take your own life now, and die as a coward, or you may follow your beloved Mara." "Torvak," Mara tried to turn towards her captor, but was held fast by his powerful arm, "I beg you, do not do this." She held back most of her tears with great resolve. "I will do anything for his life, but spare him this, this indignity!" "Silence, my wife!" Kang commanded her, then to the man who held her. "I will slay myself as you will, Torvak. But not before you swear to me that Mara will neither be harmed, nor even touched by you again!" "I should not even consider making a bargain with one such as you." He looked at his former Captain with hate at what he had become, a traitor to the Glorious Empire. "But I give you my honor bound word that it shall be as you require. NOW TAKE YOUR LIFE!" Kang looked to his wife as he removed his own dagger from the thigh scabbard he wore. Mara could not restrain herself and struggled, futilely against Torvak. Kang placed the hilt of the dagger on the deck, holding it with both hands and aiming the tip skyward. Klingon suicide was usually done in this fashion. The ritual was simple. Kang would drop his head forcefully down upon the blade, driving it far into his skull. Kang closed his eyes, keeping the image of his wife in his mind. He erected himself, preparing to thrust his head downward, when he heard a heavy thud. Opening his eyes, he saw Mara standing alone, Torvak sprawled on the floor behind her. Kang rose in anger, throwing the blade into the corridor's nearest bulkhead and turned around to see Kirk, still holding the phaser, standing in the doorway to the bridge. "You certainly took your time!" Kang said in a fury that he had been unable to direct PAGE 122 at Torvak. "I was nearly upon my blade!" "Sorry, Kang," Jim said in earnest. "I never saw a Klingon suicide before and didn't realize that I was seeing one until a moment before I fired." Mara fell to the floor in a faint, distracting Kang's anger and drawing him to her. Jim stepped over and looked at the bodies lying on the deck, then rubbed his hands together. "Well we'd better be getting these men tied up soon, or we will have to go through this all over again." "Is the bridge secured?" Kang asked over his shoulder. "Yes," Jim said. "We are nearing the innermost systems of the Federation. We should reach Earth in forty hours." Jim looked down at the fallen warriors, both the living and the lifeless, and was instantly filled with a sense of dread. 'The first men to fall, perhaps of many,' he thought to himself. 'And the galaxy may never be the same.' PAGE 123 *** EIGHTEEN *** Earth: UFP Headquarters, Supreme Assembly Hall. Stardate: 5857.4 Ambassadors from a multitude of worlds were present in the largest room of the stadium sized building. Alien races, both rare and familiar, filled their delegated seats of Federation member representation. They waited in silence as the President of the Assembly entered the stage and walked purposefully to his podium. The expression on his face betrayed the gravity of the circumstances which the Federation was about to face. His eyes looked heavy, and all knew that with the intense effort in preparation for this meeting, sleeplessness was one thing they all had in common. The President of the Assembly came to a stop behind the dais with the presidential emblem on it. He faced his audience with grace, as if addressing old friends. "Welcome, all races of the Federation," greeted the President, "to this, the most critical hour of our time. We have been forced into a position which could bring either galactic peace or unparalleled chaos to all worlds represented here." He looked upon the multitude of faces, seeing old friends and acquaintances, beings to whom his respect had been given and some of whom his respect had been strained. Sarek of Vulcan was seated in the front row. It gave great comfort to the President, seeing his friend, knowing the Ambassador would promote stability in all decision making. "Unfortunately, there is not much time for a formal deliberation of all factors concerned in this matter. Neither is there time to determine what consequences our decision here today will result in. The future ramifications of this day cannot be foretold, and I find myself feeling that we are caught between the hammer and the anvil, by our own directives." "Though I am aware of the danger of hasty judgements, I do not believe that we have the ability to hold off this vote of admittance to the Federation. We must bear that in mind as the Royal Emperor of the Klingon Realm speaks. I therefore admonish you all, hear his words, remember who he is and what he represents. Weigh everything you know about him with all he says and decide within yourselves the answer to the question; do we allow the Klingon people admittance into the Federation? Yes or no?" A bright blue light on the podium flashed, indicating that the Emperor was preparing to transport. "This is perhaps the most important vote that will ever be held in this Assembly. I do not have any advice to offer as to the direction that your vote should go, I merely ask you this; We desire peace for all worlds, with all worlds, but what price are we willing to pay for it? We hold friendship with all civilized races in the highest esteem, but are there races that, by their own actions, demonstrate that they are PAGE 124 not yet worthy of our trust?" He looked out over the silent crowd. They respected the man who spoke these historic words. The President was certain that they would do what was not merely in their various world's best interest, but equitable to all. The President pressed the yellow button next to the flashing blue button on his podium's console. "It is now my honor to introduce and also greet for the first time in history, the Emperor of the Klingon Empire." Behind him and to the left, a transporter wave began to shimmer and hum. It took the form of the man who all believed was the Klingon Emperor. With him were Admiral Sorr and his Imperial Guard. "I present to the Supreme Assembly Delegates, His Highness, Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok, of The Klingon Empire." The President turned to the Emperor and bowed low, with his hand extended towards the dais, indicating to His Highness that he may now address the Assembly. After the President erected himself he indicated that the Assembly may now stand and salute their guest in the fashion of their own home worlds. This caused much clamor as the delegates rose to salute, or bow, or spit, or honk, or wheeze or whatever salutation was called for from their planet. The President saw the Emperor smile upon the crowd indicating friendliness, or was it one of mockery? He was uncertain, never having met this Monarch before. His intellect told him Tromok was being cordial. His gut feeling, however, was to brace himself for attack. In the end he wrote it off as a hormonal reaction to another rival male, one which had physical, intellectual and legislative power that was at least equal to himself. The Emperor offered a Klingon salute to the Assembly, then turned towards the President and saluted him as well. He stepped over to the podium, flanked on both sides by the Ramjep Avwi and trailed by Sorr. The eyes were Tromok's, but it was Garth who looked at the vast number of beings facing him. The tribute they paid the Emperor was nothing to Garth, nothing but a taste of what he would soon receive when it was Lord Garth they saluted. He took the last step to the dais and rested his large hands on each side, gripping it, and feeling the firmness of it. "Fellow beings of the known Galaxy," The Emperor's powerful voice echoed throughout the room, "I come to you, not in mere friendship, but as one of you who now understands the true meaning of what you stand for. I speak as one who sees the wisdom and honor of this galactic brotherhood you collectively have forged and now share." He suppressed the smile of the wolf, and expressed the false face of an earnest man. "We, as a people, are guilty of many things. Things that may not be easy to forgive. But it is in the spirit of forgiveness that I address you today. And it is forgiveness that I am compelled to request from you and extend to you in return." Garth allowed the Emperor to eat his crow before all to see. It was the most difficult obstacle he had foreseen himself facing, but he consoled himself with the knowledge that all actors must sometime play the PAGE 125 fool. It did not alter who he was; it did not lessen him. "We have been holding fast to traditions that have spanned several millennia. Traditions that had purposes of self- preservation, self-reliance and, unfortunately, self-righteousness. But this is all we knew. This was all we were given by our progenitors. Pride unparalleled in ourselves, and a dim view at best, towards all others," he said, making allowances for the Klingons that he both ruled and hated. "Peace was nothing but an outdated religion to us and for good reason; we had no living example of peace, apart from merciless domination to obtain it. Peace at the point of a sword, not by reciprocal accordance." He looked up at the ceiling, and closed his eyes, pretending that the admission of his guilt had personally effected him. He opened his eyes once more and again regarded the audience. "We have seen the example of peace in your Federation for some time now. We had thought that we could eventually dominate you," he stated with fraudulent regret at the notion, "or that through this 'peace', you would become weak and that the Federation would crumble out from beneath you. My father had said as much. I myself have been known to speak the saying... But not so!" He spoke more boldly now, and with not just a hint of conviction expressed for his listener's benefit. "It is a breach in custom that I and my people should come to you this glorious day. But if a custom is all that hinders peace, it is a custom far too long observed! My fellow beings, I am not my father, who was a great and noble man, but a man who would not see farther than the bounds of tradition. The relationship between our peoples must change, in the name of peace! And I have seen that it must start with us! I do not petition you to join my Empire. I, as First Ruler of all Klinzhai, request to be joined with you. To establish a New Age of Peace, a New United Federation of Planets!" Most of the crowd was astounded at what they saw and heard. They had not thought it possible that the Klingon monarch could even speak these words, and certainly not with such conviction. Many were completely beguiled by his apparent sincerity, deeply moved by his personal realization of the shortcomings that his people's traditional view held. Most were stirred by his vision of joining, of uniting the galaxy as one brotherhood under the flag of the Federation. Sarek of Vulcan, was not one of them. Sarek was among a minority of men who could not be swayed by lofty words that spoke almost solely to the emotions of men. On the other hand, he could not discount the Emperor's efforts towards peace either. He merely would not be swayed into voting for the admission of the Klingon Empire based upon one man's speech or by a crowd that most probably would. The President was of a similar mind. "I will not lie to you," The Emperor continued. "We had the inclination to declare war on you when we found that you had PAGE 126 created a weapon of incredible destructive power. We had first thought that you were testing it on an outpost bordering the Federation Neutral Zone. But when the ship crossed over and we encountered it, it became apparent that this was a rogue ship with intentions of its own. We disposed of this ship, but not without casualties of our own." Garth was pridefully, masterfully maneuvering his audience into believing that the Federation should be indebted to the Empire, not only for destroying an enemy to both governments and paying for it in Klingon blood, but for giving the Federation the benefit of the doubt, assuming, that the Federation was innocent of the aggression, while allowing them to feel the guilt within themselves for their suspicion of the Empire. "I do not believe that I am able to demonstrate the sincerity of my words in any greater fashion than to offer to you the people of my Empire as members of the Federation. It is my hope that you are in agreement to this, but if you are not... we shall keep to ourselves, and not continue to be a burden to you any further in galactic matters. My Empire will expand! But if it is not hand-in-hand with you, it will be away from you, and certainly either away from, or against the Romulan Empire! I will await your decision from my ship. I thank you!" A cheer arose from all corners of the auditorium, swelling to nearly deafening levels. The Emperor turned to a somewhat bewildered President, and extended his large hand in a gesture of friendship. The President took his hand in his and shook it, feeling the strength of it and hearing the cheers become even louder. The President cocked his head, ever so slightly. He looked into the eyes of the Klingon and saw something disturbing. He was not sure what he saw that moment, but it worried him. Then his attention was drawn away from the Emperor to the Assembly delegates. He was able to hear, deep within the cheering masses, many angry cries of dissension. 'Regardless of the direction that the decision made today takes, the vote may split the Federation,' he thought to himself as he watched the Emperor step over to his beam-down location and disappear with the rest of his entourage. "Gentle beings," the President said, trying to regain order in the great hall, "gentle beings!" He put both hands in the air in order to quell the commotion. He walked over to the podium, where he could be more easily seen and heard. "We must not let the emotion of the moment force us to rush headlong into a vote without careful consideration. The Emperor's speech is now being sent to each delegate's terminal, for your further review. In addition, all preliminary information and data which should be taken into account is included in the transmission. Please review this documentation carefully over the next two hours. Deliberation will commence at 1300 hours. The vote will be held at 1200 hours two days hence, after all members have taken advantage of their 10 minute floor time. Until then, I thank you." The President's confidence in the delegates was greatly shaken by their uproarious outburst of a moment ago. Sensibility seemed PAGE 127 to be driven from them by the Emperor's speech, coupled with the tremendous fear of invasion from the Romulan Empire, fear that could cause much of the Federation members to gladly make a bargain with the Devil, completely disregarding the price of such a bargain. The President also detected the evidence of a 'willing blindness' to rationale as the Emperor offered them a hope, and an answer, to their fears of war. The confusion of the past few days was maddening. It was as if a dark tide was moving the Federation purposefully towards the center of a whirlpool, to be drawn down into an abyss. PAGE 128 Star Trek: "BEFORE DESTRUCTION!" A NOVEL BY MICHAEL D. ROSSI *Star Trek is a Registered Trademark of Paramount Pictures Copyright 1991, by Michael Rossi *** NINETEEN *** Stardate 5859.4 Captain James T. Kirk stood on the glowing transporter platform in the bowels of the still-cloaked Klingonese vessel. He pulled the flat, palm-sized 'Phaser 1' from the top of his 'Phaser 2' pistol grip, and slid it inside his tri-corder's pouch. He then placed the medi-scanner in his pocket, feeling the flat square already inside it that was Spock's still-unread log entry concerning Flint. He looked at Mara who was standing behind the transporter controls, then tossed the pistol grip to the deck. "Are we ready to energize?" Jim asked her. "Not yet, but we will be in range soon," she said to her commanding officer. She was still not used to following the orders of this human, but she now had great admiration for the man. "Your chances of making it down alive are still not favorable," she added firmly. Fear was there. Jim could feel it creeping up inside of him, the old enemy always lurking in the shadows wherever he faced danger. He was familiar with its bite, though he had never grown accustomed to it. He had never attempted to deny its existence, but it was not his master. It would not stop him. "My chances never seem to be, Lieutenant," he said as a matter of fact, remembering the many times that his First Officer had stated the same thing to him. He wished that it was Spock who was saying it to him now. He felt alone in the universe, a loneliness much like Mara's husband had experienced quite recently. He wiped the nervous sweat of his palms on his trousers. "If I don't make it, Kang will have to attempt it, so please, do your best," said the gold and black clad Captain. "You shall have my best because that is what 'you' deserve. Not because I wish to spare my husband the same fate," she stated hotly. "I am honor-bound to you, both as my Captain and as the one to whom my husband and I owe our lives." Jim realized that he had offended her, but did not wish to offend her further by apologizing. "That is all I needed to know, Mara. We still have many things to learn about our respective cultures. If we survive this, we may be able to show our governments that we are capable of cooperation and establish a 'real' peace between us." The moment those words escaped his lips, the words of Ayelborne returned to him. They spoke: 'You, as all people, have heard the message of peace...' 'Peace,' Jim echoed to himself. 'Perhaps there would be no PAGE 129 real peace, until we, as Christ had said, 'love our neighbors,' not merely co-exist with them. Base our relationship on 'truth', not just a document of tolerance, not merely by the observance of self-serving laws. He turned these thoughts over in his mind. They spoke to him now as never before, and it was true. He had heard the message before but gave it no more thought than just a collection of 'good ideas'. He had never truly believed, never truly placed his faith in them, nor in the One who spoke them. In times past, he had used the name of God in many ways, but he now recalled that it had not been since his childhood that it meant anything personal to him. The faith of a child, it was, trusting in the God that loved him enough to die for him. Now, as an adult, he had heard the philosophies of men and relied greatly on his own intellect to fill any place in his heart that once was held for the God of his youth, yet still there were times when he found himself asking the same question; 'God, are you really there?' the question all men, all beings ask. It is only now that Jim remembered the very name Jehovah, meant 'I am'. The saying, 'There are no Atheists in foxholes', was an old Earth expression that now came into Jim's thoughts. It is human nature, perhaps xeno nature, to turn one's thoughts to his deity in times of trouble. It is possible that there was nothing more to this 'searching of the heart' that Jim was now undergoing, than the normal searching one does in post-crisis situations. It is possible, but Jim was not certain that he could write it off that easily. James T. Kirk opened his eyes with the surprise of not having known they were closed. He looked upon the Klingon woman, that stood steadfastly behind the transporter controls. This co- operation between him and the Klingons may not be the end-all answer, but it was surely a start, a beginning at least for the future that could be, one day. "Are you all right, Captain?" Mara asked as she noticed that he had held his eyes closed for a time. Jim Kirk stood up straight and reigned in all stray thoughts. "I am fine Lieutenant," he said with confidence. "This is Kang." his voice erupted over the speaker. "We are slowing to warp 1.1 and will be in transporter range in 10 seconds, Mark!" "You have your communicator?" Mara asked. "Right here." He placed his hand on its location, behind his back. "Thanks, Lieutenant. You have treated me with honor. Keep monitoring the media broadcasts. I'm sure whatever happens below will be big news." "It is time. May the One True God protect you, Captain." She offered him the earnest salutation of old tradition. She moved PAGE 130 her hand skillfully upon the transporter controls and initiated engagement of the beam-down. Jim looked at her for a moment, wondering if she had read his previous thoughts, then dismissed the notion. "Thanks, I believe I'll need..." his voice trailed off, as he shimmered and disappeared. * * * Captain James T. Kirk began to take shape in the mall that was located behind the Supreme Assembly Hall building. Sparks popped within the transporter field, then a distorted flickering image of the Captain could be seen. The beam-down was failing and there was nothing Kirk could do but silently, helplessly, endure the waves of agony this was causing him. Charged particles were passing down the transporter beam, forced into it by the Fury's warp field as it passed within 60 kilometers of the Earth's surface. The grass under Kirk's immaterial feet was beginning to smoke and burn. On board the Fury, Mara was struggling with the controls. She had been able to detect the problem and begin a reversal of the transport... but it was too late. The wave had passed the point of retrieval. She now had no choice but to increase power to the beam. "Kang!" she called to her husband. "Kang, you must circle back, and remain in a loop pattern until I can complete the transport. Captain Kirk is dying!" Moments passed in silence as she tried to channel more energy into the system. Then she heard a voice speak from the metal box. "It is being done," Kang said. She felt the ship's gravity increase as the vessel looped in the tightest possible circle. 'I need more power to break through the cloaking device's distortion field,' she thought to herself. Then she had it. She set the control lock to its engaged position and stepped from the console. Quickly, she ran over to an engineering terminal across the room and tied into the ship's environmental system. Ordering the ship to shut down artificial gravity, she dashed back over to the console, unlocked it and found the precious extra energy she needed. Centrifugal force now held the crew to the deck. Mara pushed the matter gain levers to maximum and cleared all buffers, forcing the Captain out of the system. Back on Earth, in the Mall of the Supreme Assembly Hall, a man lay sprawled on a small patch of blackened lawn. He lay there on the smoldering grass, motionless for a moment, then his chest PAGE 131 heaved upwards, and Captain Kirk gulped a breath of fresh air. He awoke, smelling the scorched earth beneath him and something that reminded him of burning rubber. He closed his eyes against the brightness of the sun and lay still for a moment. Fresh in his memory was the pain that seemed unending, an agony the likes of which he had never experienced before. Nor could he describe it to another if he were asked. He lay there and realized suddenly that the pain had ended, and remembered the reason he had come. He opened his eyes again, and immediately a movement caught his attention. Standing to his left was a small boy wearing anti- grav skates and holding a small order of Pigeon McGiblets. The boy looked more curious than scared, but he had obviously seen the Captain beam down and was both surprised and a little shaken by it. "Hello," Jim spoke to the child, squinting for the sun. "You OK, mister?" the boy responded. "Fine... just resting," Jim said. "Your shoes are on fire," the boy commented. Kirk was on his feet in a moment. His body had no memory of the torment that was thrust upon it only seconds ago, and he seemed to have more freedom of movement, more limberness to his joints. 'I don't think I'll mention this to Bones,' he thought to himself as he stamped out his feet. 'He'll have me doing this as physical therapy.' Jim looked at the boy who could not be more than 8 years old. "Thanks, kid." "You're a Fleet Cap'in, aren't ya?" "Yes, and I am on a secret mission. So I gotta go." Jim smiled at the youth and turned towards the building behind him. "You goin in there?" the boy asked, pointing to the Federation Council Hall. "Yes, I am. goodbye now," Jim said and began to move towards the nearest entrance to the building. "My mom's in there already," the boy offered the Captain. He hovered behind the Captain, keeping up with him. "Uh huh," Jim said, acknowledging the boy's comment. "I'll see you later." "Can I come?" the boy asked. "I could help you." Jim could see that he was having no luck in shaking the boy loose from himself. "I'm sure you could, but I've got to go inside there and stop a very bad man from hurting lots of people." PAGE 132 The boy looked at the Captain with incredulous eyes. "My mom says that there aren't no bad men. Just people who have different valiums than we do." "That's values," Jim said and stopped walking. He gazed down upon the small innocent face that floated below him. "We all can be bad at times, kid. It's a choice we to make once we realize that there is 'Right' and 'Wrong', to choose from." "The police keep people from being bad, don't they?" "The police protect us and help punish the people who do not obey the laws. Obeying laws does not make us good. Laws don't even tell us what 'good'is, but they do show us what is 'bad'." "If I'm bad, are you gonna come after me, too?" "I don't know, son." Jim kneeled down to the boy's eye level. He was in a hurry, but the boy seemed important to him somehow. "But when we see badness, it is good to try to stop it. If we don't, we are helping the badness get worse and saying it's OK to be bad." "Then I got to help you," the boy said with conviction. Jim saw that he had backed himself in a corner again, and lacked the time to talk his way out of it. "Ok, son, you can do something that will help." Jim took the tri-corder from around his neck. Bones had intended that it be used to help track Garth, should he change into a different form. Jim knew that if he could not stop Garth with the first try, the second try could only be attempted with a Starship. Garth would not allow anyone to get close enough to make a second attempt. Jim removed his phaser from the pouch, slid it behind his back and handed the unit to the boy. "This has very important information that needs to go to the Vulcan Ambassador 'Sarek'. If I can't stop the bad man, he might be able to, with this. If you can't find him or get this to him, tell your mom that it must get to him or the Assembly President." He watched as the child's face lit up with the joy and enthusiasm of being trusted with such an important task. "Do you think you can do it?" Jim asked. "Wow!" the boy whispered, turning the tri-corder over in his hands. He then looked up at the Captain and nodded. "Off you go then," Jim said and mussed the child's hair with a gentle hand. The boy skated off towards the 'Visiting Dignitary's' housing compound and was gone from sight in a flash. Captain Kirk looked again at his surroundings. He had been here many times before, for many different reasons, but never like this. He felt like an assassin; a traitor to the Federation. If PAGE 133 he were to be caught, that is exactly what history would remember him as. Captain James T. Kirk, his name up in lights right next to Benedict Arnold and Colonel Green. Jim stopped himself from dwelling on the notion, and steeled himself against any further thoughts of failure. He moved around the huge building, seeing the mob of people that surrounded the North entrance of the complex: Galactic Press Reporters, hoping for any bit of information that might help them out-scoop their peers; Protesters and demonstrators from every conceivable viewpoint, some with signs, others singing and shouting their messages; Onlookers, simply wanting a peek at the political celebrities, thronging the steps to the building. Security teams guarded the entrance and held the mob harmlessly back with a static security web; an energy barricade similar to a Starship's deflector screen. There were three corridors open for authorized pedestrian traffic to and from the building, once they were cleared by security. Behind the security guards, mounted high on the marble pillars of the building, were the first of the weapons detectors. Jim drew his weapon and cupped his palm over it to conceal it from the crowd he was nearing. With his thumb, he adjusted the phaser's focus for the approximate distance. Jim looked around for a moment, searching for something. Then he found what he needed. Across the lawn were several public vending machines lined up in rows against the fusion-formed walkway wall. Jim aimed his weapon at the candy machine nearest the throng, and fired, causing it to harmlessly ignite and smoke profusely. It served as an ample distraction, as all were wanting to see either what was burning or what everyone else was looking at. Jim closed the distance from himself and the front entrance corridor to approximately 50 meters. He stealthily aimed his weapon at the right pillar and fired. He saw that his aim was too high by a meter, as a spot on the marble column began to glow red. Jim slowly dragged the beam downward until it made contact with the weapons detector. He hit it square in its sensor array, fusing the elements together silently, then pulled the beam over to the left pillar and connected with the other unit. 'One scanning station down,' Jim thought to himself, 'Now to get past these guards and into the building.' * * * The Supreme Assembly Hall was brimming to the rafters. Only select persons of the News media were allowed to attend the final session and multicast the event to all Worlds. They panned their multi-cams across the crowded tense room as the delegates argued PAGE 134 fervently while seating themselves and awaiting the President to announce the results of the decision made there this day. The President of the Assembly prepared to take the stage, as his aide gave him the sealed document that only he was authorized to open. He ascended the raised platform and took his place behind the podium. On top of the dais was the membership charter that was ready for the Emperor's signature in the event that the decision was in his favor. The President would be expected to contact the Klingonese Emperor in a moment, to allow him to be present for the vote of admission. The Emperor had stated his desire to hear the verdict with the rest of the Assembly. The President could feel the division among the beings he now faced. Throughout the deliberations of the past two days, tensions between the delegates had escalated exponentially, the "For's" versus the "Against's", both sides passionately opposed to the other. That in itself was nothing new, but it had never been so on an issue of this magnitude. Then again, in past deliberations, there had literally been more time to debate the issues and sift out the truth, or the proper course of action, time to determine the best course of action. Now the President could only see a stampede of cattle, rushing into oblivion and trampling each other in the drive. As a boy, raised on a ranch, he had seen lightning start his father's herd to running. And as he looked into the Emperor's eyes earlier, he was now certain that there was lightning in them. He had never been so afraid for the Federation. It was now, as ever, his responsibility to hold the delegates of the United Federation of Planets together no matter which side the vote would favor. With the eyes of all upon him, the President addressed the Assembly. "Gentle beings," the President spoke to the anxious masses. "Today we have reached a determination on a highly complex issue. It was a difficult decision to make for all parties concerned and we may find that it will not be easy for all present to accept. But this vote should bring us closer as a coalition, regardless of the outcome." "We represent many races, many worlds. We are an example to the rest of the galaxy, demonstrating the ability to set aside personal differences and pull together for the betterment of the whole. We have heard evidence of this, even from the mouth of the one whom we had known as our enemy." He looked to his friends, his guests, his allies. The division ran deep. The only thing that could preserve this United Federation of Planets was to remind them of what it was they stood for. 'It is easy to forget, when the test is upon us,' the President acknowledged to himself. "A new idea can be difficult to accept... It is hard to extend your trust to a stranger and even harder to turn away a friend in need. But we, as a body, must make decisions, good or ill, and PAGE 135 live with them. We do so with this ideal in mind: That we are not merely interplanetary members of an organization, but we are members, one of another. I am from Earth, but I am no less one of you, if you accept me. It is a marriage, both of necessity and convenience, for it is necessary to bear each other up in times of trouble, and convenient to rejoice together in times of happiness. Fellow beings... Let us continue in what our fathers started long ago... Let us test and prove that the United Federation of Planets was not created in vain!" The President's oration moved the audience, and cut to the heart of the delegates. They saw the issue in a slightly different, slightly broader perspective now, and though there would always be disagreements among them, it would take more than the events of this day to destroy the unity they shared. Sarek of Vulcan was the first to stand out of respect towards the President. One by one the others stood with him and affirmed the solidarity of the congregation. * * * Jim made his way towards the men in 'security red' guarding the front entrance to the Assembly complex. All told, there were fifteen security men in the front of the building, five at each corridor entrance, and this was only the first station. There were several other posts inside the building at evenly spaced intervals. Since his retina pattern was on file here, his status as a Starship Captain should guarantee his admission to the main auditorium. Then, it was just a matter of toasting the other sets of detection units that were scattered throughout the complex. He mounted the steps, only 10 meters from the men, when he saw the thing that he was hoping against. Each guard carried a hand- held scanner that would certainly alert them of his weapon. 'No turning back now,' Jim thought as he approached the men. He thumbed the adjustments on his phaser as quickly as possible, then raised his arm with his weapon extended. "Here you go, boys," Jim said as he handed the first man his phaser. "Guess I can't bring her with me, can I?" "No, Sir." the young man said. "Thank you, Captain." "Have you heard if the Assembly has come to a decision yet?" the Captain inquired as he allowed another guard to scan his right eye for identification. A third pointed his scanner at Jim and played it up and down to be sure there were no other weapons on his person. "They are announcing the results of the vote this minute," the second guard replied. "I think you've missed most of the PAGE 136 excitement... Captain Kirk," he said, reading Jim's name on the identification readout. The first guard handed Jim a receipt for his weapon. "Thank you; you're clear." "Thank you," Jim said while eyeing the sidearms on the men. He then turned toward the entrance of the building and considered his options. Silently he trod up the sloping walk between the two marble columns and into the building. The lobby was enormous, lavish, and reflected a myriad of cultures, Jim noted, as he saw the artwork that adorned the walls. Beings from all corners of the Federation hurriedly filed in and out of the restrooms, concessions stands, meeting rooms and hall- ways. Most seemed to be aliens to this world, taking care of the governmental business, which would not wait until their return to their respective homes. Jim spotted the hallway that would lead him, ultimately, to the Supreme Assembly Hall. He headed down it. Before he had made much headway, he came to the first of the internal security check- points. They allowed him to pass through as soon as the scanner had correctly identified him, and determined that he was no threat to security. 'This way, at least, I won't have to keep destroying Federation equipment,' he thought to himself. Jim hurried his pace, passing others, many of whom were pages or aides to their esteemed leaders. There were no windows in the halls; all the lighting was artificial. They were tunnel-like passageways, color coded in florescent pastels, the shade dependent upon which wing or auditorium you were heading for. Jim passed through four shades of blue hallway, and four different check- points before he reached the final one, and after that, the last (and lightest blue) corridor leading to the Supreme Assembly Hall. The Security team looked no less lax, this deep into the complex, than the first team did. The five men at this post were keeping a wary eye on all comers, regardless of rank or position. Jim approached the team and allowed them to do their duty. They approved his access to the Hall and let him pass. As he went by the last man, he smiled politely and nodded at him. While the man returned the smile, Jim swiftly gave a Karate chop to the muscular cords on the man's neck, bringing him down in an instant. As the others turned to see what had happened, Jim had the immobilized guard's weapon leveled at the four of them. He fired without a moment's hesitation. The security men fell as if they had been marionettes with their strings cut, and astonished cries from the other beings in the hall erupted. He was glad to see them run for help in the opposite direction that he was going. Jim ran full-tilt to the last corridor, knowing that there would be no shortage of armed guards on his tail any second. As he PAGE 137 rounded the corner, he saw in the distance another security detail standing outside the doors to the Hall. He stopped himself short of crashing into a slender young woman with her arms full of documents. In fact, there were several people walking the long corridor between the guards and himself. They saw him with his weapon and turned, shouting for the security team, while the young woman slowly backed away, frightened. Jim knelt and aimed his phaser down the hall. A blue stun blast raced down the hall after the frightened people. They dropped in their tracks, but the guards were shielded by the people and too far from the blast to be affected. He could hear the footfalls of many other guards coming from the corridor behind him. He was on his feet again and ran down the hall firing ahead of him at the security men now crouched by the doors. They returned fire. Tight and deadly beams of crimson and blue screamed past the Captain, but now the stun effect had better range as Kirk managed to get close enough to them that they became dazed, and then one final blast took them out. The security team trailing Jim rounded the corner far behind him. They reacted like a crack outfit, prepared for terrorists, assassins or worse. There were twenty men in all. Five of the men lay on the floor, aiming their phasers down the long corridor. Five knelt behind them, five stood, while five more, slowly advanced towards Jim who was only ten meters from the Supreme Assembly Hall's doors. Jim turned. Seeing them, he stopped. The guards were distant, but it did not matter. Jim was sure that if he turned his back for a split second, he would be shot. He was equally certain that if he just stood there at a standoff, he would be shot still. He did the only thing he could think of. Captain Kirk slowly raised his weapon above his head with both hands. The guards halted their advance for a moment, cautious of his every move. There was still at least 40 meters distance between them, only a little breathing room for the Captain. "Drop it!" the Lieutenant in charge shouted, and began to advance, ever so slowly. With his arms still raised, Jim gave the front end of his weapon a sharp clock-wise twist. The phaser gave a distinct whine that immediately began to increase in pitch and volume. The security team heard it, and understood its meaning. "It's on overload!" the Lieutenant shouted, and in a split second calculated that at his best running speed, he could reach the Captain just as the phaser exploded. "Fall back!" he ordered his men, while turning himself around and retreating with all of his might. Kirk held his weapon up until he was sure that they were no longer a threat to him. He quickly twisted the end of his phaser counterclockwise, cancelling the power build-up. He pointed it down at the ground before him and discharged the excess energy, PAGE 138 burning a large crater in the floor. James T. Kirk turned back towards the Assembly Hall, and looked at the closed doors that separated him from the most dangerous man in the Galaxy. He took a long deep breath and held it for a moment. Slowly he exhaled it and nodded to himself in silent affirmation. 'This is it,' he thought. "Once more unto the breach!" Kirk quoted aloud, just because he had always wanted to. He rushed at the doors to the great hall, bursting through them like a battering ram, and into the mammoth auditorium. * * * "I now ask you again," The President addressed the Assembly, "to welcome Emperor Tromok of the Klingon Realm, as we discover together the result of today's vote." The president pressed the appropriate button on his dais and turned towards the beam-down point. Several moments later the Klingonese monarch and his entourage took shape on the stage. Admiral Sorr stayed beside the Emperor as they approached the President of the Assembly. "Again, I welcome you, Emperor Tromok," the President spoke and offered his hand to the Klingon. "Again, I am honored," he said in formal response. The president turned toward the gathering of beings and broke the seal on the document in his hand. He looked at it and began to read its contents for all to hear. "On the planet Earth, stardate 5859.5, in the seventy-third gathering of the Supreme Assembly of the United Federation of Planets, the question of the admission of the Klingon Empire to the Federation was decided. The decision was 'for' admission." The President stopped for a moment, knowing what would happen next. As if on cue, sizable vociferation of joy arose from a great many members of the Assembly who were hoping for this announcement. The others remained silent, accepting the outcome, if not agreeing with the decision. The noise died down and the President continued his address. "In the act of acceptance of this new member as part of our alliance, we will now engage in the formality of signing the document of admission." The President turned to the Emperor. "Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok of the Klingon Realm, you have read the charter of the Federation during your journey to this world?" "I have," he stated PAGE 139 "Do you accept the responsibility for all contents therein and agree to uphold all directives pertaining to interplanetary peace and security?" "I do," he spoke deeply. "Then we all bear witness this day, that as Chief Spokesman for the Klingonese people, Emperor Mocdar Jek Tromok and all in his authority, are now full members of the United Federation of Planets, and recipients of all the benefits and privileges of that status." The President stepped back from his podium, and allowed the Emperor to stand behind it to place his signature on the document of admittance. The Emperor looked down at the Charter of the Federation, then he paused, lifting his head from the document and turning it towards Admiral Sorr. "Do you acknowledge me as Emperor of the Klingon Realm, Admiral? Do you recognize my authority as Supreme?" He spoke low enough that only Sorr and the President could hear him. Both Sorr and the President were taken aback by the question, but Sorr dared not hesitate in giving him an answer. "You are my Emperor. You are all I obey," spoke Sorr almost silently, apprehensive of the man he stood with. The Emperor smiled at Sorr through narrow eyes. It made the Admiral all the more fearful. Sorr, a Klingon who had faced dangers unflinchingly, now frightened by a glance, a mere facial expression. Sorr felt ashamed of himself, but nonetheless he was scared. It was Garth who smiled at Sorr. It was Garth who only now, received the full authority of the Klingon Empire from the highest ranking representative. He could now sign the document with the confidence of his signature's legitimacy. The Emperor of all the realm known as Klingon placed his signet ring on the base of the document and impressed the royal emblem on it. He then looked out upon the congregation and raised both his arms above the audience in a gesture of victory. They did not know the extent of his victory. "I must now take my leave of you," he spoke to the throng. "I will take this good news to my people. We will prepare for the new beginning that we will forge, together... Rest assured," he lowered his voice and discontinued his smile, "you will see my face again." There in that brief moment of silence, before a single being could respond to the Emperor's statement, before a single hand could strike another in applause, the doors to the immediate rear of the auditorium burst open with a thunder. And like the irrepressible backwash of a tide, all heads turned toward the sound. * * * PAGE 140 Captain James T. Kirk bolted through the main entryway in a blur of black and gold, and came to a halt atop the central, down- sloping isle. It took only a second for his eyes to adjust to the lighting and to single out his target on the distant stage. He was too far away. 'But not for long,' Jim silently promised the man on the stage. "Everybody DOWN!" Jim shouted, and an alarm sounded throughout the complex at that very moment. Many things happened at once, from that point on. Jim could see the Emperor's elite guards drawing weapons that only they and Starfleet security were allowed to bear. With his peripheral vision, he could see security running towards him from their posts at the emergency exits. The crowd whom he had just ordered to get down looked at him, dumb and unmoving, like a herd of deer caught in the illuminators of a land transport vehicle, but most important to him was the locked gaze that he shared with the man who wore the Emperor's face. All doubt that Jim might have had concerning the identity of the Emperor was stripped away when Jim saw the recognition, no, the visible shock, on the Emperor's face. He would never know how disturbing his presence was to Garth on that day, for in Garth's arrogance and pride, he had planned for every conceivable problem. He did not believe in the inconceivable... until he saw Kirk. Garth came close to losing control of his physical appearance, and he could feel his tenuous grip on it slipping away, moment by moment. With all his strength Garth silently battled for mastery of his flesh. The man, Kirk, moved with great speed down the aisle, abbreviating the distance between himself and the stage, then the floor exploded before him, as the Ramjep Avwi fired in defense of their Majesty. Jim dived over the blast, tucked and rolled, coming to a halt on one knee and aiming his weapon at the still too- distant enemy. Then all hell broke loose... The blast had shaken the frozen delegates from their shock, and beings were running, flying, and oozing in all directions. Screams and shouts made a deafening din. Both security and the Klingon guard had momentarily lost their target in the masses, and Jim was now being moved backwards away from his target by the press of the crowd. The President waved his arms at the edge of the stage, fruitlessly shouting for the crowd to remain seated for their own safety. Sarek and his aide climbed the stage in an effort to protect the President. They each grabbed an arm and pulled him to the back of the stage. It was the logical thing to do. Garth regained control over his body and lost control of his temper. No single person could be heard in the chaos, but Jim could see the Emperor shouting his name in fury and moving across the stage towards him. Garth, too, brandished a weapon now. Jim struggled to make headway in the stampede, and made some PAGE 141 progress until two beings directly in front of him exploded in a blaze of light. The Imperial guard would not let a little thing like killing innocents stop them from hitting their mark. If Kirk had a choice in dealing with this situation, it had just been ripped from his grasp. Jim held his phaser in front of himself and fired his weapon, point blank into the press. The group of delegates directly in front of him lit up in the blue stunning energy field, falling upon eachother. More came, stepping over and on their fallen peers. Jim fired again, mowing down a swath in the direction of the stage. He fired again and again, exposing himself to the fire of the Klingons, but gaining ground towards his target. Kirk was nearly in range when a reporter from the 'Galactic Press Association.' with multi-cam in hand, interposed himself between Jim and his goal. Jim punched him dead in the face and continued. Garth was now descending the steps of the platform, still shouting Kirk's name and coming for him like a powerful, deadly predator stalking his foe. He pointed his disrupter in Jim's general direction and pulled a barbed knife from his arm sheath. Jim was in range now. He straightened his arm towards the image of the Klingon Emperor. Looking upon his enemy's face through the sights on his phaser, he saw Garth swiftly react. The Emperor grabbed the nearest being, a Tellarite, by the back of the neck, pulling it to himself and blocking any clear shot Jim might have. It made no difference to Kirk. The stun effect would take them both down harmlessly. Then Garth pointed his disrupter at Jim. Smiling in smug defiance, he began to strangle his prisoner. "Not today, Garth," Jim shouted and began to depress his weapon's trigger. Suddenly the weight of four men pushed him to the floor with a crash, sending his phaser flying from his hand. The Starfleet security team had been able to reach Kirk by the same path that he made in the crowd to reach Garth. They pinned Jim to the carpet, as he struggled against them. The Emperor dropped his unconscious prisoner to the ground and slowly walked over to where the men held the Captain. He beamed in victory. He gloated with murder still in his eyes. Jim looked up to meet his gaze and he grit his teeth against the sight of his foe. "I win, my heir apparent," the Emperor spoke, but this time he spoke with the voice of Garth of Izar, for Jim's benefit alone. Lazily the Emperor pointed his weapon at the Captain, as if merely to put a poor injured animal out of his misery. Before he could pull the trigger, his Ramjep Avwi grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him backwards toward the beam-down location on the stage. Garth allowed them to do so, walking backwards for a moment, just smiling at the Captain as he moved away. "Garth!" Jim shouted in rage, in desperation, and in complete helplessness. He fought to rise from his captors, heaving upwards PAGE 142 with all his strength. He received a fist to the jaw for his efforts... and then he knew no more. As darkness now engulfed the Captain, so a darkness of another kind began to engulf the galaxy. And at it's center... a blackness that masqueraded as light. * * * End of Chapter #19 To potential "Acting" Agents/Trek Fans: You have now read enough to make a decision as to the quality of my novel. I now ask you for your assistance in representing both of our interests to the Star Trek Editor of Pocket Books. If you choose to boldly try what none have tried before... Please re-read the file called "README.TXT" and make sure you fully understand what I am requesting you to do. Then print the file called "ST-AGENT.TXT". Fill out both pages and send the first page to the "Star Trek Editor" of Pocket Books and the second page to myself. I hope to be hearing from you soon and I apologize that I am not able to let you know the ending of the story unless both Pocket Books and Paramount Pictures gives the go-ahead on publishing it. Thank you very much for reading this and considering representing me to Pocket. Your friend. Mike. Hailing frequencies closed.