Em’Rlakun was discussing trade issues when Vall came in. “Ah, Emperor Vall. Thank you for joining us. If you’ll just sit over there,” she said, indicating the chair that had been brought for him and placed in a corner. The rest of them sat on cushions arranged in a large circle. Several padds and some bowls of fish sat in the center. “Your first order of business will be to officially make re’Trenat the new minister of defense. He’ll be supervising the military.”
Vall nodded. “That makes good sense. I will take care of that, but—”
“Thank you, Vall.”
“I believe that should be ‘Your Eminence,’ should it not? That is how you address your emperors, correct?”
Unable to contain a laugh, re’Trenat said, “He has a point. Although, by that logic, we should rename him me’Grmat XX, shouldn’t we?”
“That would not send the message that we are still part of the Klingon Empire,” one of the other ministers said. “I’d just as soon not draw attention to ourselves now.”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to call him ‘Your Eminence,’” em’Rlakun said coldly.
“What about ‘Your Majesty,’ then?” Vall said. “I like the sound of that.”
“We will take it under advisement.” Em’Rlakun was beginning to sound impatient. “Now we have several other issues to get through, so if you don’t mind—”
“I do not mind at all.” Vall flipped through his padds, looking for one. “In fact, I wanted to mention a couple of other issues, myself.”
Eyes widening, em’Rlakun said, “You wanted—?”
“Yes, I did.”
He got up and moved his chair into the circle, discommoding two other ministers, who growled in the backs of their throats.
Now this is interesting, re’Trenat thought with no small amusement. So much for our “ceremonial”emperor.
“I’m glad you are all here, actually,” Vall was saying. “I have been looking over the specs for your on-planet transportation system. It is not bad, but I feel there are many obstacles that need to be overcome. I have some ideas for how to defeat this particular foe. . . .”
Worf packed his belongings into his duffels. Yet again I move on, he thought. This time, he would go to the Federation embassy on Qo’noS, where he would probably, finally, settle down—for the first time, really, since the Enterprise-D on which he’d served for over seven years was destroyed. Even his tenure on Deep Space Nine was not constant, as he spent so much time on the Defiant, and then constantly moving around during the war.
Wu was presently in engineering, sending Worf’s final report on the taD mission to Minister T’Latrek. He was sure the Vulcan woman would be pleased. Against all odds, he’d managed to find a solution that satisfied both governments, not to mention the al’Hmatti.
It was not a glorious battle. It was not a mission that would ever be enshrined in song. Indeed, the very solution meant that the details would need to remain shrouded in mystery. Even the battles that were fought—by the Gorkon and by Worf himself—were hardly the stuff of legends. Captain Klag had fought only Kreel, and Worf merely saw combat with a ragtag group of rebellious jeghpu’wI’. In the end, he had won the day with his mind, not with his physical prowess.
Still, the day was won. The mission was accomplished. Duty was fulfilled.
Worf picked up his and Jadzia’s wedding picture from its place beside the bed.
Over a decade earlier, Lieutenant Tasha Yar, the Enterprise’s security chief, had been killed doing her duty. Yar had been an honored comrade, and Worf had been glad that she died as well as she did. He had no doubt that she went to Sto-Vo-Kor and more than held her own amongst the honored dead. Captain Picard made Worf the acting chief of security, and eventually made the position permanent. He had remained in that capacity until the ship’s destruction. He had always viewed what he did as security chief as a way of honoring Yar’s memory.
When she died, K’Ehleyr had been the Federation ambassador to the Klingon Empire. For that matter, Curzon, the host of the Dax symbiont prior to Jadzia, had served as a diplomat on behalf of the Federation, including to the empire.
Once again, Worf was able to honor the memory of someone he cared about by taking over their work. Only this time it meant a great deal more.
As he packed away the picture, the door chime rang. “Enter.”
To Worf’s surprise, it was Klag. “Captain,” Worf said neutrally.
“We will be arriving at Qo’noS shortly, Ambassador,” Klag said. Worf noticed that he had some kind of device attached to his right shoulder. Noticing Worf’s gaze falling on it, Klag said, “It is a neural stimulator. Dr. B’Oraq said it is to prepare the nerves that have been deadened for use again.” At Worf’s confused look, he added, “I am getting a new arm.”
Worf blinked. “That is a very—surprising decision, Captain.”
“You disapprove?”
“No. I applaud your courage. I’ve spent all my life with Federation medicine, and I have come to appreciate it—and what B’Oraq is doing. I can only hope your getting a prosthetic will not do more harm than good.”
Klag shook his head. “That is all that can ever be hoped. However, I am not getting a prosthetic—I am receiving a transplant.”
Worf frowned. “A transplant?”
“Yes. My father recently died, and I am receiving his good right arm. It is an arm that served in the Defense Force for three decades. Much more worthy of a warrior than a piece of machinery.”
“Perhaps,” Worf said, nodding. It was a peculiar attitude, but Worf found himself understanding it more than he expected to. “What is it that you want?”
Klag hesitated. “I wanted to wish you farewell, Ambassador. And to apologize.”
Worf blinked in surprise. Klingon warriors rarely apologized. “For what?”
“I forgot Kahless’s words: ‘a warrior’s heart is inside.’ It is not how you got your position that matters, it is what you do with it. And despite all the obstacles—including me—you accomplished your mission.”
Worf placed his mek’leth in his duffel, then closed it. “Not without help. Your support in the end was invaluable. And if you had not brought the situation to the High Council’s attention in the first place, things might have deteriorated further on taD.”
Klag nodded. “Perhaps.” He stood up straight. “Qapla’, Ambassador. I look forward to serving with you again. Perhaps we shall die together.”
“If so, then we will both die well. Qapla’.”
With that, Klag turned and left.
Wu arrived a moment later. “We’ve pulled into orbit around Qo’noS, sir. Are you all packed?”
“Yes. We are done here.”
Smiling, Wu said, “Excellent. It’s early evening on the surface, so you’ll be able to meet the staff over dinner at the embassy. They’ve prepared a full meal in your honor. Oh, and you’ll be happy to know that I had a large supply of prune juice ordered and sent to the embassy galley. I’m told it will be available tonight.”
Worf put his hand on Wu’s shoulder. “You have done fine work, Wu.”
“I endeavor to give satisfaction, sir.”
Leading the way out of their quarters, Worf headed toward the transporter room.
They passed Rodek in the corridor. “Ambassador,” the lieutenant said, inclining his head.
A fist of ice clenched Worf’s heart. He had been avoiding Rodek for most of this mission. Since the first battle against the Kreel, when Rodek had proved himself to be so much less Kurn . . .
But is he? Is it truly fair to compare them? They shared the same body, but Rodek was not Kurn—that was the whole point of the exercise, after all. And Kurn had wanted to die, and so, for all intents and purposes, Worf did kill him. If anything, he should have rejoiced that Rodek was so much different than his brother.
Rodek had stopped walking and was staring at Worf—and only then did Worf realize that he was staring also. “Ambassador, why do you constantly look
at me that way?” The question was one step short of a challenge. If Rodek did not like Worf’s answer, he would probably take that last step.
“My apologies.”
“I do not want the mewling apologies of a Federation lackey, Ambassador.” For the first time, there was a trace of Kurn’s old fire. “You of all people should know of my—condition. It has been difficult for me to be part of a society that I only know from educational tapes and half-remembered instincts. Most of my shipmates have learned to accept my—reticence as part of who I am. I would expect you, who were there when I lost my memories, to do the same, and not treat me like some kind of curiosity.”
“I do not think of you that way. You—you simply remind me of someone else.”
“Really?” Rodek did not sound convinced. “Who might that be?”
“Someone close to me who—who died. You and he share certain facial expressions. It is sometimes like looking at a warped reflection of him. It was not my intention to give offense.”
“Good. This time, I will not take any. If we ever meet again, Ambassador, do not look upon me as anything but a warrior.”
“Of that, Lieutenant, you can be sure.”
Rodek shook his head, and continued down the corridor.
Worf called out his name.
“Yes?” Rodek said, stopping and turning around.
“Qapla’, Lieutenant. Continue to serve this vessel well.”
Sounding almost grudging, Rodek said, “Qapla’, Ambassador.”
Worf did not feel any better as he watched Rodek turn the corner.
Wu also watched the lieutenant walk off, then turned to Worf. “If I may ask, sir, who is it that the lieutenant reminds you of?”
“You may not ask.”
“Very good, sir.”
They continued to the transporter room. To Worf’s surprise, Krevor was waiting for them there.
“Bekk,” he said. “Your life is no longer mine—I have relinquished it to Captain Klag.”
“I know, sir,” she said respectfully. “I merely wished to see you off. I am glad I was able to help defend you, and I hope I have the opportunity to die for you again.” Unlike their first meeting, this time Krevor sounded like she actually meant it.
“If so, I would be honored,” Worf said. “Qapla’, Bekk.”
“Qapla’, Ambassador.”
Worf stepped onto the platform, Wu next to him. “Initiate transport.”
Then, in a red glow, he left the Gorkon, and went on to his next duty.
Glossary of Klingon Terms
Most of the language actually being spoken in this novel is the Klingon tongue, and has been translated into English for the reader’s ease. Some terms that don’t have direct translations into English have been left in the Klingon language. Since that language does not use Arabic characters, the transliterations of the Klingon terms vary, depending on preference. In many cases, a more Anglicized transliteration is used instead of the tlhIngan Hol transliterations preferred by linguists (e.g., the more Anglicized bat’leth is preferred over the tlhIngan Hol spelling betleH).
Below is a glossary of the Klingon terms used. Anglicized spellings are in boldface; tlhIngan Hol transliterations are in bold italics. Where applicable, episode or movie citations are given where the term first appeared. Episode citations are followed by an abbreviation indicating show: TNG=The Next Generation, DS9= Deep Space Nine.
bat’leth(betleH)
Curved, four-bladed, two-handed weapon. This is the most popular handheld, edged weapon used by Klingon warriors, due to its being favored by Kahless. The legendary Sword of Kahless was a bat’leth, and most Defense Force warriors are proficient with it. [First seen in “Reunion” (TNG).]
bekk(beq)
A rank given to enlisted personnel in the Defense Force. [First referenced in “Sons and Daughters” (DS9).]
bok-rat liver, stewed(boqrat chej)
Food made from the liver of a bok-rat, apparently cooked to some degree, making it unusual among Klingon foods. [First seen in “Soldiers of the Empire” (DS9).]
bregit lung(bIreQtagh)
Food made from the lung of an animal, presumably a bregit. [First seen in “A Matter of Honor” (TNG).]
cha’DIch
Literally, “second.” During a legal proceeding, the accused is denied combat, and so must have a second, called a cha’DIch, to defend him or her. [First referenced in “Sins of the Father” (TNG).]
chech’tluth(chechtlhutlh)
An alcoholic beverage best served heated and steaming. The word seems to derive from the verbs meaning “to drink” and “to get drunk.” [First seen in “Up the Long Ladder” (TNG).]
d’k tahg(Daqtagh)
Personal dagger. All Defense Force warriors carry their own d’k tahg, which is personalized with their name and House. [First seen in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.]
gagh(qagh)
Food made from live serpent worms. [First seen in “A Matter of Honor” (TNG).]
ghojmoHwI’
Teacher or mentor.
gladst(tlhatlh)
Food made from brown leaves, best served without sauce. [First seen in “Melora” (DS9).]
glob fly(ghIlab ghew)
Small, irritating insect with no sting, which makes a slight buzzing sound. [First referenced in “The Outrageous Okona” (TNG).]
grapok sauce(gha’poq)
Condiment, often used to bring out the flavor in gagh or racht. [First seen in “Sons and Daughters” (DS9).]
Gre’thor(ghe’tor)
The afterlife for the dishonored dead—the closest Klingon equivalent to hell. [First mentioned in “Devil’s Due” (TNG).]
Grishnar cat(ghISnar)
Small animal, apparently not a very vicious one, though with perhaps a predilection for trying to sound fiercer than it actually is. [First referenced in “The Way of the Warrior” (DS9).]
Ha’DIbaH
Animal. Often used as an insult. [First used in “Sins of the Father” (TNG).]
HuDyuQ
A mountainous planet. The name derives from the words meaning “mountain” and “planet.”
jatyIn
According to legend, spirits of the dead that possess the living. [First mentioned in “Power Play” (TNG).]
jeghpu’wI’
Conquered people—more than slaves, less than citizens, this status is given to occupants of worlds conquered by the Klingon Empire.
krada legs(Qa’Da’)
Food made from the extremities of a krada. [First mentioned in “The Sound of Her Voice” (DS9).]
lingta(lIngta’)
Large game animal indigenous to Qo’noS. [First seen in “Looking for par’Mach in All the Wrong Places” (DS9).]
Mauk-to’Vor(ma’ to’vor)
A death ritual that allows one who has lost honor to die well and go to Sto-Vo-Kor by being honorably killed by a House-mate or someone equally close. [First seen in “Sons of Mogh” (DS9).]
mek’leth(meqleH)
A sword-like one- or two-handed weapon about half the size of a bat’leth. [First seen in “Sons of Mogh” (DS9).]
mong’emmaneuver
A parry where you thrust a sword or other edged weapon behind your neck in order to block an attack from the rear.
par’Mach(parmaq)
Love, Klingon style—with much more intense connotations than the English word. [First used in “Looking for par’Mach in All the Wrong Places” (DS9).]
petaQ
Insult with no direct translation. Sometimes Anglicized as pahtk. [First used in “The Defector” (TNG).]
pipius claw(pIpyuS pach)
Food made from the claw of an animal. [First seen in “A Matter of Honor” (TNG).]
Qam-Chee(qamchIy)
According to legend, an ancient village on Qo’noS where Kahless and Lukara fought a great battle, a major component of their courtship. [First mentioned in “Looking for par’Mach in All the Wrong Places” (DS9).]
&nb
sp; Qang
Chancellor. A new class of Defense Force ships, of which the I.K.S. Gorkon is one, is the Qang- class, and all are named after past chancellors of the empire (three of the others in the line are the I.K.S. Gowron, the I.K.S. Azetbur, and the I.K.S. K’mpec).
Qapla’
Ritual greeting that literally means “success.” [First used in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.]
qelI’qam
Unit of measurement roughly akin to two kilometers. Sometimes Anglicized as kellicam. [First used in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.]
QI’yaH
Interjection with no direct translation. [First used in “Sins of the Father” (TNG).]
Qo’noS
The Klingon Homeworld. Sometimes Anglicized as Kronos. [First referenced by that name in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.]
racht(raHta’)
Food made from live serpent worms (not to be confused with gagh). [First seen in “Melora” (DS9).]
raktajino(ra’taj)
Coffee, Klingon style. [First seen in “The Passenger” (DS9).]
ramjepbird
Avian life-form indigenous to Qo’noS that only comes out in the dark. Name literally means “midnight.”
rokeg blood pie(ro’qegh’Iwchab)
Food apparently made from or with the blood of an animal, possibly a rokeg. [First seen in “A Matter of Honor” (TNG).]
Rura Penthe(rura’ pente’)
Prison planet mostly covered in ice. [First seen in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.]
R’uustai (ruStay)
Literally, “the bonding,” this is a ritual that allows an orphan to join another House. [First seen in “The Bonding” (TNG).]
Sto-Vo-Kor(Suto’vo’qor)
The afterlife for the honored dead, where all true warriors go after they die to fight an eternal battle. The closest Klingon equivalent to heaven. [First mentioned by name in “Rightful Heir” (TNG).]
taD
An ice-covered colony planet. The word literally means “frozen.”
targ(targh)
Animal that is popular as a pet, but the heart of which is also considered a delicacy. [First seen as a pet in “Where No One Has Gone Before” (TNG) and as a food in “A Matter of Honor” (TNG).]
DIPLOMATIC IMPLAUSIBILITY Page 21
