| The Gamesters of Triskelion
no Klingon content Obsession no Klingon content DOH Treaty's Law by Dean Wesley Smith & Kristine Kathryn Rusch P1 Kerdoch, proud Klingon farmer, deep voice, black eyes, tired old bones. 60-70 years old. He and his family respected in the region. 17 adults, 31 children in the room his entire family His big chair in family room Twenty cycles ago [years] Farmers clothes also uniform of warrior Huge meal prepared and eaten earlier Tension of anticipation of wonderful storytelling As if Kahless himself were about to visit them Fields feed the warriors of the empire Kerdoch has repeated the story every year on the same day, everybody knows it by heart, never tire of it. Important story, about a day and a fight of honor that should be remembered by all Klingons When the Klingon Empire learned about the honor of its enemies P5 Kerdoch a farmer for almost 30 years, wife and five children Field of tIqKa SuD, blue-green stems Planet QuI' Tu, Paradise, on the edge of the Klingon Empire. K'Tuj - larger of two suns, K'mach - smaller of two yellow suns. Intense heat of day, short chilly night. Farming colony, standard colony construction dome buildings, made of 4 by 8 ft panels, 4 inches thick, weight about 20 pounds, much lighter than they looked, a nice piece of Klingon design, designed to hold against harsh weather and high winds on dozens of planets, not much appreciated, temporary during test period, one main door, hidden emergency exit, fireplaces. Established 5 years ago. Now planet's future ensured. Qut weed - black stalk He had again won the battle farmer vs. weed. The pride of a fight well fought filled him for a moment Struggle for the approaching harvest Feeding the Empire was a never-ending battle that must be fought every day or the war would be lost. Kerdoch proud of his place in the Empire Throughout the sector he was well respected for his work and his land's output. He enjoyed that respect and had every intention of gaining more. A celebration of a day's battle won Colony ships He would make sure the persons responsible would pay T'Klar - planet, site of great battle of T'Klar, involving aircraft, when Kerdoch was young Kerdoch's mother killed in strafing attack, cowardly method of attack, not willing to look prey in the eye. Kerdoch survived and saw his mother's murderer killed 2 years later. Revenge had tasted good that day Strange craft attack colony, fields and buildings P13 Commander Bracker, Starbase 11, receives distress call from agricultural planet Signi Beta, some 12 hours rushing at warp 5. Fed name for QI' tu', under attack and asking assistance from anyone nearby. Fed farmers had lost the planet to the Klingons in a fair and honest contest Losing to the Klingons galled Kirk Scotty wants to make sure the Enterprise is all ship shape as they're heading into Klingon space. P18 attack on QI' tu' colony damages most of the dome buildings, on fire but built to withstand most anything and won't burn down. meeting hall and tavern, newly built of wood, completely destroyed. Many people killed. Kerdoch's father KaDach, taught him to calm himself with deep breaths, also said A battle is won in the small details Kehma, colonist, friend of Kerdoch. If Kerdoch's family were still alive, they would be inside, door blocked, ready to defend their home as best they could. He would have to be careful going in or they'd fire on him. Main door doesn't lock from the outside. Emergency door does open from outside. Wife asks - Kerdoch? Son of whom? For ID. Her voice was full of courage. Solid, stout woman. P23 QI'tu'. Fed farming community on southern continent disbanded six months ago. Commander Vivian Rathbone was assistant and then chief agronomist. The Klingons beat us, pure and simple. She and the entire Fed colony had underestimated the Klingons. For a number of years the planet was disputed between Fed and the Klingons. Five years ago a test was set up. Two colonies would work the planet to see who could manage it in the best fashion, raise crops and plan the future of the planet's resources. The Klingons won under the terms of the Organian Treaty. Fair and square according to the judge, Amb. Ninties, a Sandpinian, picked as final judge by both sides and approved by Organians. The Fed Colonization Authority underestimated the Klingons' botanical expertise. They beat Fed soundly. Kirk - There is nothing simple about Klingons Humans and Klingons cause Organians mental distress Chekov - I do not believe Klingons could grow a turnip, let alone farm a colony. Have you seen their menus? Live worms, blood pies. This is not the food of a ciwilized people Rathbone- the Klingons can make barren land fertile in a shorter time than the Fed can. They sustain higher yields, lose less to insects and weather-related causes. They succeeded partly because Klingon agriculture is better suited to Signi Beta's environment and partly because they approach agriculture as they do war - succeed or die, there is no room for failure. Kirk - I've learned never to underestimate a Klingon, but it never crossed my mind that a warrior race could be so good at farming P30 Kerdoch and family have survived til morning. He and wife make good team. She knew him too well. Colony has four disrupter cannons around perimeter, did not hear any firing during attack. Six months since cannons had been tested, stupid thing to have done. The colonists should have been prepared Other colonists - KaHanb, Kolit His anger turned with focus to the task at hand Spock has never seen such damage to a Klingon colony They might have been Klingons, but they were farmers first. Planet protected by a treaty, they wouldn't have expected an attack All members of the Fed colony were angry and bitter about the decision A Klingon battle cruiser fires on Enterprise without registering on Spock's equipment Using a distress call as a trap wasn't the Klingon way, they tended to fight in a straightforward manner, in Kirk's experience A rogue Klingon ship was always a possibility The Klingon battle cruiser turned to make another run Federation ships will answer Klingon distress signals Kirk - Are you too much of a coward to face your enemy? If that didn't work, Kirk didn't know his Klingons. Stubborn pigheaded people. Talk to them forcefully, with a firmness they cannot dispute Sneering face of a very familiar Klingon. Kirk would have recognized that roundish face and those dark eyes anywhere. It was Kirk's old foe - Commander Kor. Kor did nothing to cover his sneering tone. We Klingons repay the loss of a life with a life Kirk has bluffed before with Klingons, and he had won The Federation is known for such trickery This calm planet could prove to be the end of the Organian Peace Treaty. Feds have a treaty to protect whether or not we like its terms Chekov - Klingons are well known for their deception P41 two colony cannons destroys, two survived, southwest and northeast Years since Kerdoch had been transported, Kerdoch on two battle cruisers before, recognized it instantly Kor was a famous commander, known for his fighting skills, one of the Empire's most famous warriors Kor nodded his respect to the farmer The humans in the Fed colony had been more than friendly during the years they shared QI'tu' with the Klingons Kirk, all humans, seem puny to Kerdoch, but Kirk moves with confidence, he was a warrior, just as the Klingons were It was obvious to Kerdoch that Kor and Kirk knew each other and didn't like each other, that he might have expected. This way, Kor snapped and turned and left the room without waiting for a response P46 the small hot stuffy room on the Klingon ship could have been the officer's mess or an emptied crewman's quarters, didn't seem like a meeting room. Lights dim. Klingons seemed to prefer dark colors as well. Large comfortable arm chair Pitcher of fluid on table but no cups Kirk not sure he should taste anything on a Klingon ship Kerdoch spoke in precise detail, memory astounding, ability to recall the trivial, like a good soldier, all details might be important Thank you - Kor nodding in respect as the farmer finished Kirk surprised at the respect Kor showed the colonist, it seemed even a warrior race like the Klingons, those who supplied the food and built the ships and weapons were highly regarded and respected. Eye-opening detail a Fed officer would normally never see Kor showed no respect for Kirk This attack from one of the Federation's mongrel races? Kirk - The Organian Treaty would mean nothing if I refused to enforce it Kor to Kirk - you are a strange human. Do not cross me, Captain Kerdoch - Commander, I would like to return to defend my family in case of another attack. Kor - I will be at your side to defend you and your family Pride filled his heart and made his blood surge though his veins Kerdoch had been given many honors over his years as a colonist, never one that pleased him as much as Kor and four warriors beaming down with him Center courtyard of the colony Kor, commander of the mighty battle cruiser Klothos of the Imperial Fleet At the mention of Kor's name there were several swift intakes of breath and one gasp, respected and much honored commander such as Kor Tension returned like a thick fur blanket tossed over the crowd Kerdoch stood straight under Kor's gaze Colonist - do you think the humans can be trusted? Kor looked down at the offending hand. The colonist removed it quickly When human farming colony was on the planet, the Klingon colony was instructed to keep them away from weapons and technology. Normally a good rule. Kor - I think I can handle Kirk Colonist - Katacq P54 Rathbone had visited the Klingon colony twice during her years on this planet. Both times she had been struck by the beauty of the waves of blue-green crops, lush and supple even at the hottest time of day. Planet, 800-900 years ago altered climate, second biologically different form of plant life appeared, Klingons have imported a third form, which is blending with the first two, more successfully than the Fed colony Systematic pattern of destruction targeting only Klingon crops, no natural vegetation touched Kor, Kerdoch and another colonist occasionally laugh at Kirk digging his bunker The Klingon doctor has everyone patched up. McCoy - the damn superior Klingon attitude is going to make me mad someday. He's working with patients who have constitutions like tree trunks. It would take a meteor strike to seriously damage these people. Several serious injuries. But the Klingon physique is built to withstand damage. I've ever seen anything like it. When one part breaks down, another kicks in. Klingon doctors lack the finesse of human ones. P61 Kirk had already had a skirmish with the Klingons, but had managed in pure James Kirk fashion to get them to work with him Klothos under command of Subcommander Korath Approaching wedge shaped ships, twice size of Enterprise, unknown to Fed or Klingon Empire Korath seemed to care nothing of his Commander on the planet. Dogfighting with two ships that had attacked him, taking more punishment than he was handling out. One alien craft damaged, but Klothos taking a beating. Clear that Subcommander Korath would not retreat. The Klingons needed help. Combined Enterprise and Klothos fire destroys one ship. The attack comes. Without another word he turned and walked off as if it were just another normal day instead of the day he would most likely die P73 Kerdoch's wife - I will guard the children and our homee, fight well, my husband If he died fighting he would have died well A tight formation was the flight of idiots Kor acknowledged the colonists courage. They were true Klingons. The disrupter cannon had been designed to defend against attacks from the air, not extremely accurate, but the force was powerful enough to knock almost any craft from the sky The ships' speed caught Kor by surprise, 10 times what he had been expecting, in all his years he had never felt such a force as the impact of the plasma beams Uniform jacket on fire Part of his warrior brain said that rolling was the right thing to do, the other part of his mind said he should stand and fight P81 McCoy - maybe we should find out who the Klingons have angered lately and who would like to attack them. Neither Kirk or Kor had expected a sustained attack Over a third of the colony burning rubble after two hour attack A dozen wells scattered through the colony, one in the center courtyard with wide concrete like pool Fever dream. Fight to see his family again. Klingons never give up. Klingons fought. Klingons did not surrender. He turned and snarled at the creeping blackness [death], warning it away. Cool, alluring blackness that he knew was not the right path Body covered with the salt of his sweat His wife knew of his duty to fight. She would either be alive or dead. There would be nothing he could do there. His duty was to the fight The Klingon doctor's makeshift medical building was nothing more than ashes and charred bodies. McCoy didn't know the fluid needs of a Klingon Kirk had never seen Klingons shuffle, only swagger. It was an odd sight Kor wasn't alive by much, badly burned with two shattered ribs. McCoy stabilizes him, damned Klingon blood systems. Ribs could puncture a lung. Kor to McCoy - You order well, Doctor Kor - Kirk, you are a strange one. Fighting for a planet you do not possess. Kor nodded to his men. Do as he says. His word is as mine. Kerdoch nodded and without a word headed off Kor - I will live to the day we fight, Kirk. it will be a glorious day P100 Subcommander Korath reports to Spock that his ship is repaired and standing by, two more Klingon battle cruisers have been dispatched but will not arrive for 12 hours The Fed does not know Klingons' allies. The Klingons wouldn't want the Fed to know who their enemies were. Thought of in Klingon terms, the Fed might ally itself with the enemies to wipe out the Klingon Empire Colonist - Katanin (male) Kerdoch's wife saw him coming and her face lit up, such a look he would always remember, such a look would keep him fighting for his home and family until he could no longer stand or even crawl to the battle. He is my right hand You are both my heart Kahaq, Kor's officer at disrupter cannon There was no way Kirk was going to let Kor get killed if he could help it Kor had to give his okay before the colonists would follow Kirk's orders Deep tone of Kor's communicator Kerdoch jumped into action without so much as a nod McCoy knew he should have studied the Fed's limited records on Klingon physiology on the way here instead of checking the medical supplies. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing by giving water to almost dead dehydrated large Klingon woman. What woke for a human might be deadly for a Klingon. It had never occurred to him to study the fluid needs of Klingons in high heat Cot-like bed P115 the Klothos is pinned between two of the big ships. P121 Sulu wants one of the Klingon disrupter cannons, even if it makes a lot of noise. Long range. Kirk amazed by ability of Klingon disrupter cannon. A very impressive weapon Kor - Kahaq, Kerdoch? Are you okay? We live. Kahaq's voice came back strong and defiant Kor - Kirk, you sometimes know us too well. The battle cruiser is heavily damaged but still weapons and warp capable. The family who lived in this dome had built a protective fort of furniture near one wall She took one large shuddering breath and died McCoy didn't even know why she died. He didn't know enough about Klingon physiology. He knew they could die but they were so strong that he thought it would take a lot to kill them. McCoy had always heard that family was very important to the Klingons, but the man's actions, taking in the children of the dead woman, as if it were expected, made McCoy feel good for the future of the woman's children. Kerdoch had always thought of humans as enemies, but today with Kirk and Sulu he had discovered they had honor, just like Klingons As with any day of battle, it was also a day of learning P134 Kor seemed to be sleeping, but it clearly wasn't a healthy sleep Long, hot, dry days with fairly short but intensely cold nights Heavy Heating unit in domes, emergency fuel This time there was no question form the Klingon that Kirk was in command The Klothos is making repairs. They claim to be ready to fight again. They'd make that claim with the ship exploding around them Two battle cruisers will arrive in 12 hours The colony had withstood almost 30 hours of siege P143 Kor's broken ribs healing fine. McCoy not specialist in burns and dehydration Rathbone impressed at the loyalty Kor received from Kahaq Colonist - Kablanti, killed in first attack, home near western cannon placement, on edge of field. Kablanti's essence was with this home still, Kerdoch could feel the man's presence. Far past the age restrictions, Kablanti managed to get on this planet simply because he had done a favor for one of the members of the High Council. Valued member of colony, good fighter, good singer. Old Kablanti had died with his weapon on his hand, outside defending his fields. A proud death. An honorable death. Cabinet filled with colony food supplies. Cot. Large steel dining table. Large chair. A stein engraved with Kablanti's family crest. Kerdoch held it up in a silent toast to his dead friend Kirk was a crafty one. He had clipped command style that was as close to Klingon as humans seemed to get Kirk held Kerdoch's gaze. Kirk did not back down or even look away. In the few humans that Kerdoch had met, this was not the case He had always thought of humans as enemies of the Empire. If humans were enemies, this enemy had much honor. Kerdoch wondered why all Klingons were not informed of such facts Kirk found it interesting that neither he nor McCoy were allowed to help carry Kor. Kerdoch and Kahaq dragged Kor out of the bunker, then picked him up and supported him as if he were walking between them. They ended up half dragging him, half carrying him. McCoy protested the unusual carrying position but he didn't know enough about Klingon physiology to be certain the lift would harm Kor, the Klingons had customs that were based on things he did not understand. Often such customs had more than a symbolic significance, often they were created with real physical reasons behind them. P153 farmers in any culture tended to be the strong sturdy reliable people proud of their work and their lifestyle. It had never occurred to Kirk before that Klingon farmers would also be skilled fearless fighters, not to be trifled with, a lesson the Fed might want to take to heart in the future P156 all the Klingon plants are just standard tIqKa SuD. It's a form of hybrid, a blend of the Klingon Doctor and the natural grain found growing here P159 its hard to tell the condition of the Klingon ship. They took a bad beating in the last fight, but they should be getting the repairs done by now. Two battle cruisers 9 hours away Extreme darkness on planet at night Kirk finds Kor a worthy adversary. The idea of facing the Klingon Empire without Kor simply wasn't as challenging. Kerdoch, being as blunt as most of the Klingons Kirk knew, looked as determined and as angry as he had when Kirk first met him P170 the Klothos jumped into battle, running a standard attack pass above the closest alien ship, firing with full disrupters. Spock noted that the Klothos was also standing off At this point the only hope the Enterprise and the Farragut had of survival was to wait for the Klingon reinforcement in six hours. Let's hope those Klingons can get here quickly P173 Klingon colonists were starting to gather near the disrupter cannon - men, women, young adults, even children around the age of 10. Al of them carried weapons of one sort or another, all ready and willing to fight for their homes. Kirk argues with Kerdoch that children did not belong on front line. Best way for survival was to be unarmed at home. At first Kerdoch argued that it was the Klingon way, but he argument had a token sound to it. After a short exchange Kerdoch agreed and shortly only adults and teenagers remained. The enemy ship had landed just before the sun K'Tuj touched the lower edge of the sky Today they would all die defending their homes. It was an honorable way to die Kerdoch had spent the night wondering about Kirk's willingness to fight and die for this planet Humans had always been described as cowards, butchers, animals with no honor The cannon fire will extend to the edge of the fields. It was a consideration on shaping our fields Kerdoch's wife and eldest son on line of defenders He could feel pride filling his chest Kirk stopped firing even though he could have shot many in the back. Kerdoch nodded in agreement. It took no honor to shoot an enemy in the back. Humans truly did have honor in battle. It was something he would always remember Mufflers? Kerdoch had never heard such a term Kerdoch felt the serge of revenge coursing through his blood. Only their death at his bare hands would have felt better Why do you worry about the dead? They fell in battle. They have their honor. P192 over the last century the Fed has heard rumors of a race called the Narr The two new Klingon battle cruisers are entering the system The two new Klingon battle cruisers dropped out of warp and instantly joined the Klothos facing the Narr ships. All three opened up on the big Narr ships almost simultaneously The Klingons have broken off their attack P199 a number of colonists stood near their shelters, pointing and laughing at Kirk, in his shorts, going to try to talk to the Narr Kerdoch - Talk? For what purpose? We are prepared to fight. It would be an honorable death to die defending our homes Klingons don't normally give up a planet they claim just by asking them to Captain Kelly Bogle of the Farragut - How is a Klingon convinced of anything? Spock - By fighting Kirk orders Spock to convey information that the Narr have a pervious claim to the planet, evidence of terraforming it to their needs. Relay the molecular information and the comparisons to the three Klingon battle cruisers, include a transcript of what Kirk said occurred in his conversation with the Narr Kahaq the only surviving member of Kor's landing party, besides Kor Kirk needed Kor awake and in command of the Klingons when the colonists were told the news about the Narr claim on the planet. There was no guarantee that Kor would react in any positive way, but at least it would be one reaction instead of six different options with the leaderless colonists I am having a nightmare, Kor said, looking at McCoy, and closed his eyes again I would like water. It was as close as a Klingon came to asking for help Kor kept his expression blank. There was no way to tell what the commander was thinking P213 seven Narr ships facing two Fed and three Klingon ships. All ships on both sides seemed to be fairly matched Spock plans for Fed and Klingon ships to attack after drawing two Narr ships off with decoy shuttles P217 we need to get the Klingons involved in rescue attempt. Kirk knows their battle cruisers carry at least one shuttle-sized craft. Have them launch at the same time, with weapons enclosed. That will pretty much guarantee that some of the shuttles make it to the planet. If you have trouble convincing them, have them talk to Kor The Fed plan has only one drawback that Kor can see. Kor had always annoyed Kirk in the past, and Kirk was doing his best not to let the Klingon commander do so now. The Narr transports, Kor said. The larger Narr transports could intercept the tiny Fed shuttles. Then we must have a plan to keep the Narr transports on the ground while our shuttles land Kerdoch thought for a moment, then, with a glance at Kor, he answered Kirk's question Even McCoy's brash manner couldn't stop the Klingon commander. McCoy had managed, to the amusement of Kirk, to get Kor to promise to return to the dome at once, and drink water every few minutes while out in the sun. so far the Klingon commander was willingly complying with the doctor's orders. Kor had to be sicker than he was admitting Kor orders - Disrupter shots to the support legs. Focus on only one spot. Kahaq - It shall be done Kedoch and Kahaq glanced at Kor, seemingly uneasy taking too many orders from Kirk Kor - at this time we fight beside our enemy against another enemy. It is the nature of war. At this time Captain Kirk's orders are mine. Kerdoch and Kahaq said nothing but they both understood Kor lets pass the fact that Kirk didn't know some details about his away team members - like Rathbone being a master-level marksman She slung the Klingon disrupter rifle over her shoulder P225 batlh Daqawlu'taH There was no shade, only small scrub brush, ankle high blue weeds, small rolling hills The hills were the height of twenty warriors Kahaq had fallen behind, but a colonist could not tell a warrior he would fail Kerdoch has come to respect Sulu - he was a human with strength and honor, much like his captain Kerdoch turned and set his pace. He did not look back This heat can fell the strongest tree Kor frowns but says nothing when Kirk says Kahaq had a problem with the heat Kirk willing to sacrifice unmanned shuttles, but no more lives to this fight Kor laughed and smacked his hand down flat on the table. Kirk, in your position, I would do the same thing. You are smarter than I gave you credit for. Kirk had expected Kor to call him a coward. You surprise me, Kor Again Kor laughed. Clearly his strength was returning as his voice and laugh were increasing in volume. This is a Klingon planet. Our duty is to defend it. Klingon shuttles will be manned to engage the Narr transports. The Fed unmanned shuttles will be used to confuse them and draw their fire. The ground team will confuse things more. It is a sound plan. Kor slapped the table again. Kirk, someday it will be glorious to fight you. But at the moment working together is also glorious It will take Kor's pilots five minutes to prepare Kirk surprises McCoy, he's more like the Klingons than he thinks The Klingons will launch their manned shuttles in exactly 26 seconds. All the details had been worked out almost an hour before between Spock and the Klingons The 3 Klingon shuttles were to take courses between the Fed shuttles and with luck, be near the colony when the Narr transports lifted to meet them At the same instant the Enterprise and the Klothos, also targeting the docking bays of the Narr ships. A moment later the remaining two battle cruisers joined in. The Farragut challenges the Narr blockade, the Enterprise follows them in, the Klingons are also attacking P243 Rathbone doubted the Klingon rifle would do much damage to that heavy ship armor Kerdoch knows a cave in the area, the children found it The three Klingon battle cruisers continued to run attack passes at the Narr craft, hitting them as they flashed past, then turning and making another run. No ship seemed to have suffered serious damage. 3 Narr corner the 2 Fed ships, the 4 other Narr ships form a shield against the marauding Klingon battle cruisers. The 3 Klingon battle cruisers pulled away and also took up their previous positions Kor had rounded up 8 colonists and they were standing by to unload the weapons from the shuttles and distribute them The three manned Klingon shuttles swooped in and took up positions on tree sides of the colony, hovering silently A slight comfort, having the shuttles, Kor agrees With the help of a colonist Kor would man the disrupter cannon Two of the Klingon colonists already had the Galileo door open and were climbing inside Kirk took the Galileo up to the same height as the hovering Klingon shuttles The blood coursing through Kerdoch's veins during the attack had calmed. Never had he felt so alive. The very truth of being Klingon had faced him, and he had met the challenge. He had avenged the burning of his fields, the killing of his neighbors. If the Narr attacked again, he would avenge again. The humans had fought beside him and shown great courage and honor. Today he had learned a great lesson. Enemies have honor, also. It was a fact he had never considered before. Kerdoch - Kirk is a man of great common sense P255 Kahaq had died while lying out in the open in the heat, without water, in full Klingon warrior dress. Kerdoch, Sulu and Rathbone left the body there. You deeds this day will be remembered Kerdoch only nodded, but Kirk could tell he was pleased at Kor's words Talk, Kor said, sitting down at the table and placing his hands flat on the surface in front of him Kor slapped the tabletop with the palm of his hand. Kirk, you have gone soft. Has the heat turned you into a coward? 'I'll fight,' Kirk said, making his voice as cold and as hard as he could. So why talk? Kor asked. Humans always want to talk before fighting. It is your worst trait Possession is the only right Klingons recognize Klingons do not surrender. We fight. The Fed agreed this was to be a Klingon planet, and we left. Kerdoch and the colonists won this planet in a fair and honorable fight, which they fought without weapons. They fought using advanced agricultural methods Klingons are superior in many ways. We have won this planet, and now we defend it. The Narr may honor an agreement, given the chance to make one. Kor and Kerdoch must come with Kirk to talk This is stupidity, Kor said, half spitting the word onto the floor. Come. We will talk to the Narr. Then we will fight. Commander Kor, one of the most honored of all Klingon warriors They faced the Narr camp, without weapons The smoke pleased Kerdoch. The Narr had burned his fields, attacked his home. He had burned their camp, destroyed their ships. It gave him a feeling of closure. For the moment the circle of revenge was complete. Would you kill unarmed soldiers facing you? No, said Kor. It would be dishonorable Kerdoch did not believe Narr were honorable. He stood because he was willing to die beside Commander Kor and because he had come to trust the honor of the human captain. But he did not believe the Narr had honor. Then he realized he had thought the same of the humans two days ago. Enemies having honor was a difficult concept to understand Kerdoch did as Kirk said because Commander Kor did also Kerdoch could not believe what he was hearing. Kirk was surrendering for the Klingons. How could Commander Kor stand and listen? We are warriors, the Narr said. We are not farmers. The Klingons are also warriors. But they are also farmers. They work the land and grow the crops as if fighting a great war every season. They are great farmers. Kerdoch marveled at Kirk's understanding of Klingon nature, but puzzled at his failure to understand that Klingons never surrendered Kirk proposes to the Narr that the Klingons could grow their own crops and the Narr's crops, as they are already established on the planet Kerdoch almost stepped forward, his anger was so strong at Kirk giving his hard work away Kor raised a hand to stop him, raised it higher signaling Kerdoch to say nothing Kerdoch turned to listen to the treachery going on in front of him. He could not tell who he was most angry at, Kirk, or Kor for allowing Kirk to speak such words Kerdoch squeezed his fists tight, why had Kor allowed Kirk to betray him Kerdoch desperately wanted to smash the smile from Kirk's sickly human face Kor - you are a crafty one, Kirk. you knew we would never surrender Kerdoch, his voice almost shaking with his anger - you gave away our planet Kirk is aware that the location of Qu'tu' is of important strategic advantage to the Empire Kor bowed slightly but said nothing Kerdoch felt his anger drain as if it were nothing more than air escaping a child's balloon pricked by a needle [which is usually quiet explosive] Finally Kerdoch understood what Kor had understood all along - the Klingons would have a strategic advantage over the Narr; control part of their food supply and learn location of their home worlds It was why Kor was such a great warrior and Kerdoch was only a farmer His respect for the commander increased, as did his respect for Kirk Kirk understood Klingons well enough to make such a deal Kerdoch gave the Narr a hard stare in return but said nothing Narr withdraw their claim, and send representative to talk, in 20 days Kor agrees to talk, send a representative Commander, Kerdoch said, still slightly confused, what exactly occurred? This human has given us a glorious victory, one that will be talked about and written about for generations You trust the honor of the Narr? I have learned this day that my enemies may have honor. It seems humans have honor. A warrior race surely must have. Ah Kirk, Kor said, clapping the human on the back. It is the nature of our relationship for me to insult you Kirk smiled. And for me to insult you. Kor - on that we are agreed Kirk- I'm glad to know this relationship won't change They were laughing together, something enemies rarely did The three Klingon ships were grouped in a small triangle between the two Fed ships and the Narr ships Enterprise Ensign Chop's grave, buried on the planet in one of the bunkers near the colony next to the other dead from the attacks, The colonists have promised to maintain the site with honor and respect The colonists would keep their word, Kirk had learned that about those people As far as Kirk was concerned he hoped never to visit the place again, the Klingons could have it Kor hails the Enterprise, his voice back to the full, loud, brassy sound Kirk remembered. Kor - Kirk, you have taught us much. We will remember this day for generations Kirk- I only honored our treaty, as you would have done Kor bowed slightly, in what Kirk took to mean agreement Kor - Kirk, someday our battle will come Kirk -Kor, I'm looking forward to it Kor laughed - as am I. It will be a glorious day. And a glorious fight. With that the screen cut off P275 the revenge cycle, the fear of losing his family, the hardships of battle His old bones were tired, deep down tired. Every year he held their attention with the story, many knew it by heart This year he had mesmerized them again, not with his telling, but with the importance of the message of the story Commander Kor and the Narr representative met 20 days later. Their agreement has stood for all these years Agreements come and go, but lessons remain always Kerdoch young grandson K'Ber, age 5. The lesson - the enemy has honor. We learned that day to celebrate the honor of the enemy as well as the honor of the warrior That day he had been more than just a farmer or a colonist, he had been a Klingon warrior. The retelling brought back the pride he had felt then. As Klingons we have always given honor to those among us who fight Dying in battle has always been our most honorable death It must be remembered that to our enemies, we are the enemy They were words to be remembered by them all He stood and held up his arms over his family Today I tell this story to remind us al to honor those who fight and those who die in battle. Let this Day of Honor be remembered always Around him his family stood, cheering, all talking at once He had done his duty. For another year the story would be remembered, and so would the important lesson that went with it The Rings of Tautee by D.W. Smith & K. K. Rusch P8 the 15 planets of the Tautee system have broken apart. Adm., Hoffman believes the Klingons might be involved in the destruction. the Tautee system falls under the area covered by the Organian Peace Treaty, and the Klingons are looking for almost any reason to move into the disputed area. Also rumors of Klingons developing a new superweapon Enterprise ordered to investigate ASAP, to nip any problems with the Klingons. P33 four Klingon cruisers floated there as if they owned the space. Surround the Enterprise. The Klingons and the Enterprise are at full alert. The Farrgut moves in behind the Enterprise, to let the Klingons know they're there. That special Klingon weapon he'd heard about must have been a doozy The Klingons had been there first. They would have to deal with the Klingons first in return Not at all the smiling relaxed Kirk Captain Bogle of the Farragut was used to. Was it the Klingons? The Klingons hail the Enterprise Kirk rose so he would face the Klingons head-on. He would let the Klingons only see his very deep anger at the destruction of the entire section Klingon Supreme Commander KerDaq. The lines and ridges in KerDaq's face were more pronounced than those of most Klingons Kirk had met. For a Klingon, KerDaq was reasonable. If he belonged to any other species he would be considered truculent. Unfortunately KerDaq was as good as Klingons got. His speech slow and slightly accented, also tinged with sarcasm. Standard Klingon military uniform, with two insignias near his right shoulder Kirk had never seen before. Kirk and KerDaq had crossed paths only once before, without problems, at a Fed/Klingon conference. Captain Kirk, I should have known you'd be involved with this Kirk knew Klingons. They always came on strong and didn't respect weakness of any kind. Save your pleasantries. I do not discuss small things with people who would destroy an entire star system A ploy Kirk counters - is this a ploy on your part to cover your use of the secret weapon we've heard so much about? KerDaq looked stunned for a moment, then his face colored KerDaq stumbled as the subspace wave hit, then grab on to one of the huge support pillars running through the Klingon bridge. He held on there, sneering at Kirk KerDaq moved a step closer to the camera so that his face filled the screen If you and your Federation destroyed this system, you will pay. I will be watching. With that the screen went blank The Klingons moved a short distance away P52 Kirk jokes with Bogle - the Klingons always love my charm Rodriguez on the Farragut was monitoring the Klingon ships on his navigational computer. Bogle - maybe we should see if we can verify the distress signal. It might be a Klingon trap of some sort Bogle would rather face Klingons than lose the Farragut to some unknown weapons system The Klingons were probably listening in on Kirk and Bogle The Enterprise will go in, leaving the Farragut out here alone with the Klingons. Bogle - I can handle the Klingons Kirk - I'll tell the Klingons what we're going to do, and ask them to help in the rescue The joke around Starfleet command was that the word 'help' wasn't even in the Klingon lexicon - at least when it came to non-Klingons who needed help Kirk to Bogle - you'll be out here with four Klingons Bogle to Kirk - don't worry about us. We can hold our own just fine Kirk to Bogle - I know, I've played cards with you. I'll link you into the conversation with the Klingons P56 the circular bridge of the Klingon cruiser was filled with activity. No one spoke. The green walls and dim lights made the bridge seem wartime dark. War was as close as the tip of an enemy's dagger KerDaq's second in command, and his closest ally on the ship, KobtaH, searched for the center of the rift. KerDaq could trust none of his other officers to find it and report the result to him in a timely fashion. Several of his bridge crew had recently arrived, and all needed to prove themselves before he trusted them His commander's chair was too precious to lose to a zealous young Klingon with a name to make The other bridge officers were monitoring the situation as well. They all knew this was the kind of encounter that could go very badly for all of them or extremely well KerDaq intended to make it go well But they had done nothing except talk to the Fed ships since they arrived, and they could do nothing else, yet They had to wait. This was not the time to fight KerDaq hated waiting. He was a warrior, not someone who sat and waited. But he knew every warrior had to have patience. Every warrior had to know when to fight and when not to fight The Fed ships first have to show where their secret superweapon was hidden KerDaq and his officers had studied the subspace waves emanating from a rift in space. Their ship could go into the waves and survive if they moved with the waves as they passed. It would be risky, but it would be worthwhile When the Fed ships had the weapon he would take it from them KerDaq would personally take the weapon to the High Council. Then he would be a hero P58 KjaH, science officer High-backed command chair, swivels Yes, sir, KjaH said, snapping his heels smartly on the floor. He turned back to his panel. the science officer knew when to back down and when to fight. That was the sign of a good warrior. KerDaq would have to keep a sharp eye on him. KerDaq tugged at the edge of his gloves, making certain their steel points rested across his knuckles KenIqu - communications officer Sir, the Enterprise hails us Let us see what kind of treachery they are up to now Kirk's sneering face filled the screen KerDaq growled to himself. This Kirk was quickly becoming one of the most hated and feared officers in the Fed. KerDaq could see no reason for the fear at the moment. Kirk had no more strength than any other Fed weakling. Commander. Kirk said, nodding slightly At least he knows how to show respect Kirk's request for help so surprised KerDaq that he laughed, a full belly laugh as if a warrior had just told a humorous story over a strong drink KerDaq leaned forward so Kirk could see his insignias, the badges of his house and his honor. This Kirk thought him an idiot, easily tricked. KerDaq would prove that wrong immediately KerDaq knew he had caught Kirk in a lie at his shocked look at mention of Fed superweapon. Human captains hid their emotions, unsuccessfully, but valiantly. This wide-eyed shock, this obvious reaction, was part of the trick, inexpertly done KerDaq - you are quite inventive, but we have done our own scans of your waves. Any ship that ventures into that system would be destroyed. Unless, of course, it understood the weapon, and had a way to shield itself from the effect. KerDaq - Enough, Kirk. KerDaq swept his arm in the general direction of the ruined system. Do as you please. We will be watching and waiting. Do not think you can leave this area with that weapon KerDaq pounded the button on his chair and cut Kirk's answer off. There was no use listening to any more lies. He would not let Kirk lead one single Klingon warrior to his death. Inform the QuaQa that we will be following the Enterprise. The other two ships are to remain close to the second Federation vessel The weapon that could do this destruction would be where it belonged: in the hands of the Empire P62 two Klingon ships follow Enterprise. Yellow alert. The Klingons stay safely above the debris field P77 both Klingon vessels are still following us, Chekov said, almost sneering in disgust The main screen displayed the Farragut and four Klingon cruisers. Even if the Klingons deigned to help them, there wouldn't be enough room on the ships for thousands of survivors. To beam up thousands from this pre-warp culture would mean they would suddenly learn about starships and warp drive and humans and Vulcans and Klingons and would violate the Prime Directive. P90 maybe the Klingons were the key to solving the survivors' problem. P96 the Klingons cannot tell what the Enterprise beamed aboard KerDaq glared across the war-darkened bridge at KobtaH Bits of smoke still filled the air from the ruined control panel near the door. One of his officers had fallen into it during subspace wave. Although KerDaq's back had been turned at the time, he doubted the damaged panel was an accident. He suspected that the officer had been pushed. He had been rising too quickly, and KerDaq had been favoring him of late Such favoritism always set the officer up for attack. The officer who could defend himself was the only officer who rose beyond his station KerDaq scowled. He should cut the man into pieces like the planets of this system. How could such incompetence exist? Especially on his ship. He deliberately let his voice fill with sarcasm. KobtaH bared his teeth. He knew that KerDaq was questioning his competence. If KerDaq continued to do so, the man's position would soon be available to someone more competent The rest of the bridge crew turned to watch the interchange Fingers tight against the palm of his hand, the spikes on his gloves catching the dim light KobtaH's incompetence had cost them knowledge You had better ask the protection of Kahless in case you are wrong KobtaH was shorter than KerDaq, his ridges smoother, but he had real power and connections. KerDaq was not ready to discard him yet. KerDaq believed KobtaH was correct KerDaq grunted and returned to his command chair. He was glad it was raised, made him seem more powerful than he really was Supreme commander KobtaH only used his official title when he was worried about KerDaq's reaction. They had served a long time together and KerDaq had seen the pattern before The others were watching, waiting to see how KerDaq would punish him for such disastrous errors KobtaH stood alone. No one came to his rescue, and no one would. He straightened his shoulders, accepting his potential fate like a good Klingon, and took a deep breath. KobtaH had found that the subspace waves are still increasing in power Kirk had probably not beamed aboard the weapon, but the data. Brilliant. KerDaq said to himself. this was Fed trickery on an unparalleled scale. If they could destroy a remote star system like Tautee in less than a week, then they could do the same to the Klingon Empire - or any other system that offended them The Klingons needed the information on this weapon. They needed to know how to defend themselves, how to prevent any more destruction of this kind Inform the other commanders to follow my lead The officers growled their approval P100 the Klingons are powering up their weapons and raising shields Red alert Bogle had been thinking about Kirk, not about the Klingons What are they up to? Knowing the Klingons, it could be anything. And their timing is typical too. Kirk has been hailing them but they're not responding Four gray Klingon battle cruisers split apart from each other, moved into attack formation. two of the cruisers peeled away and moved in a quick arching circle high above the two starships. Making a run at Farragut Bogle will wait for the Klingons to fire the first shot - he didn't want to be accused of starting a war between the Federation and the Klingons. Now that he knew what the Klingons were up to, he could counter. Bogle might not have spent much time with Klingons but he knew how to fight them. The Farragut rocked with the impact of the firing. The Farragut sends a volley of photon torpedoes streaking red toward the two battle cruisers. The battle was engaged and Bogle didn't even know what they were fighting about P106 the gray Klingon ships are shaped like Ne Lizards, native to the Tautee system. Large heads, sleek backs, and wings. These apparently were the enemy, the Cling-Ons. Prescott, a Tautee native, wondered at the name and hoped it wasn't some type of attack. It would make them even more like Ne Lizards; once they contacted the skin, the stuck The Enterprise fire exploded in orange balls near the Klingon vessels' sides, direct hit Kirk orders Enterprise to move directly at KerDaq's ship Enterprise plots a course to the ninth planet. The Klingons turn and follow. Both Klingon vessels sustain heavy damage when the next subspace wave hits. KerDaq's ship has the most amount of damage. The second ship has no power. The Farragut, and the wave, has inflicted heavy damage on the third ship. The remaining Klingon ship is moving to aid the other ship. All hostilities have stopped. KerDaq's ship will sustain a core breach in less than a minute Kirk orders emergency beam out of all personnel on the Klingon flagship, and security to the transporter room The two green vessels floated at odd angles, obviously damaged. Suddenly the one on the right seemed to collapse in on itself. Then it exploded in a bright flash of orange and red All personnel rescued by Enterprise. P117 KerDaq emerged from turbolift, flanked on both sides by Enterprise security men KerDaq abnormally pronounced brow ridges Klingons bullied anyone weaker and they respected strength. Kirk could play the game better than KerDaq would ever know. Why didn't you let us die in battle, like warriors? To a Tauteean, a Klingon must have looked like something out of a nightmare. Kirk kept his voice loud and firm and strong. I would have loved to blow your ship from space. The subspace wave destroyed your ship. KerDaq spat out the words - you lured us into a trap Kirk resisted the urge to wipe the saliva from his face. Kirk laughed. The laugh sounded forced and calculated to him, but KerDaq wouldn't know the difference. KerDaq glowered Kirk's laugh became real. He had never induced that disgruntled an expression in a Klingon before. Kirk pushed past KerDaq, brushing hard against KerDaq's shoulder. Kirk knew KerDaq wouldn't attack him, Klingons were brutal and fearless warriors, but they were also smart. KerDaq would listen KerDaq kept quiet and for the first time Kirk was thankful for a reasonable Klingon The Klingons created a fusion reaction in the center of their moon, contained by a magnetic shield and the moon's natural crust a thousand years ago. KerDaq recognizes, along with Kirk and Spock, that the Tauteean plan to project the energy via microwave carrier beam caused the destructive waves. Such stupidity should be rewarded with death P127 the remaining operational Klingon ship hung silent and deadly in front of the Farragut, green colored The Klingons had targeted the Farragut's shields, they had recognized that weakness and gone for it Bogle worried that the Klingons would attack again just as the next subspace wave hit, when Farragut would be most vulnerable The Klingon ship off our bow is powering up Kirk calls Bogle and introduces him to Commander KerDaq, who nods but says nothing KerDaq warns his ships to run with the coming subspace wave to reduce its impact Bogle sits totally not understanding seeing Kirk and the Klingons working together. How Kirk did it, Bogle would never know The Klingon ship turns and aims itself in the same direction as the Farragut Together they surfed a destructive wave P132 McCoy had time to help the Klingon doctor treat a serious injured Klingon who had been burned in the fight KerDaq snorted and rolled his eyes. McCoy never realized that the Klingons could be so expressive without saying a single word. Rather like human teenagers Scott tries to explain the problem to the Tauteeans - the universe is like a person - he glanced at KerDaq - well, a human at any rate, that has a heart as the main source of power within the body To the suggestion of suturing the tear, KerDaq - I will not participate in such a foolhardy mission with Klingon ships. Spock agrees the plan is faulty. KerDaq - at least the Vulcan has some sense. KerDaq no longer looked so disgruntled at the plan to cauterize the rip Two Fed vessels, and two Klingon vessels fire full phasers at the rift should work KerDaq, his voice full and firm as if the decision was now made - My ships will help with such a solution KerDaq to the Tauteean Prescott - your people created this problem. Such stupidity deserves death. Prescott spun and advanced on the Klingon. She was half his height and one-quarter his weight, but something in her eyes made the Klingon lean backward Prescott's tiny features contained a mountain of emotion. She made the Klingon look tame When Kirk plans to try to save more Tauteeans KerDaq - you're crazy, Kirk But he offers his three ships, a fourth will be operational within the hour. Kirk couldn't trust this, any more than KerDaq could trust him. KerDaq laughed - WE have to watch you, in case you pick up your superweapon. If we happen to pick up a few survivors in the process, so much the better. Then his eyes froze on Kirk, - no tricks, Kirk P152 three Klingon battle cruisers now grouped near the Enterprise P200 the Farragut and the Klingon ship QuaQa are in position, the Klingon ship SorDaq will arrive in one minute The third ship, Suqlaw, is waiting outside the system KerDaq glowered. Kirk could see survivors behind him. The unknown Klingon captain squinted at Kirk. Kirk squinted back. P201 I am Commander Kutpon, the new Klingon said, in what was obviously the most menacing tone he could manage Kirk will let KerDaq explain to Kutpon that relations with the Federation were cordial, for the moment Kirk - I hope the hunt went well for everyone Kutpon - we have gathered over two hundred survivors KerDaq - we also have two hundred crammed aboard Kirk - the Tauteean people will hold you in great honor for your bravery KerDaq snorted - Of course everyone is clear on plan. A single blast from each ship timed together will close the hole The Klingons and the Federation might be enemies, but that didn't stop them from respecting each other. KerDaq was an excellent captain. Kirk had no doubt that Kutpon was the same Starbase 11 is only a half day away. The ships can dock there with the survivors. Understood, KerDaq said. We will be there. His section of the screen went blank And so will we, Kutpon said. His section of the screen went dark as well P223 the Klingon ships drop out of warp and hail Bogle and the Farragut KerDaq - it seems your friend Kirk has gotten himself in trouble again Bogle - it seems that way KerDaq - are you foolish enough to try to return? Bogle - there is nothing we can do. We need to proceed to the Starbase and unload the survivors KerDaq - I agree. Then we shall return to help Kirk Bogle - We?! Bogle couldn't believe what he had just heard. But he was facing a Klingon who was temporally his ally. He should have been more tactful. KerDaq snorted - Kirk saved my life when the wave smashed my ship. Returning is the honorable thing to do It was, but Bogle hadn't realized the Klingons would feel that way. There was so little that he really knew about them. Bogle - We'll rendezvous after we drop off the survivors KerDaq - I shall leave you a time and place. His image winked off the screen Bogle - I was supposed to say that, he muttered. But it didn't matter. They had agreed. And if KerDaq understood the word 'honor' the way Bogle did, they would set up a rendezvous and return for the Enterprise P234 Kirk's log - Bogle tells me returning for the Enterprise was KerDaq's idea. If I had heard that from anyone but Bogle I would think it hyperbole. But Bogle does not exaggerate, especially when it comes to Klingons. I did not expect a friendly interaction with KerDaq, but I am surprised at the amount of courtesy the Klingons have shown so far. If this incident is any indication of the future, the Federation and the Klingons may well be able to work together someday. P235 KerDaq sat in his own command chair, arms crossed, steel bracelets glinting in the odd green light. Kirk, I see you have found a way to survive yet again. Kirk had to handle this next carefully. But he had to say it, even if he did not know the Klingon way. I am glad that you returned to help us. Thank you. KerDaq spit in disgust on the floor. You saved my crew when the subspace wave destroyed our ship. I did not return out of kindness. I owed you, Kirk. now the debt is paid. He smiled. Besides, I would not give you the honor of dying to save thousands. Only a Klingon deserves such honor Prescott stepped forward - KerDaq, my people thank you, too. Enouugh lives were saved for the Tautee race to continue KerDaq leaned forward until his face filled the screen. You are sentimental fools. You will fit in well with the Federation. It too is full of sentimental fools. Then the screen went dark The two Klingon cruisers turned and jumped to warp It was just the Klingon way of saying 'You're welcome.' The Immunity Syndrome no Klingon content A Piece of the Action no Klingon content By Any Other Name no Klingon content The Klingon Gambit by Robert E. Vardeman P14 the Klingons wouldn’t dare attack a Federation vessel. Starfleet Command believes that recent activities by the Klingons in this region indicate high probability that they were responsible. A dreadnought class Klingon vessel in orbit around Alnath II. More heavily armed than Enterprise, but Enterprise sensors still better. A heavy cruiser might not best a dreadnought but it was Kirk’s duty to try. McCoy - The Klingons are warlike, we know that. They would like nothing better than to destroy the Enterprise in battle. They live for war and the Organian Peace Treaty has robbed them of that for too many years. They were within the 750 parsec treaty zone imposed by the Organians. The Klingons couldn’t have attacked a Fed vessel without instant retaliation by the Organians, or could they? The Organians were peaceful, alien, powerful, but they weren’t infallible. They could make mistakes. If the new Klingon weapon operated in such a fashion that it was undetectable by whatever means the Organians used then the Klingon Empire would feel emboldened and attack with impunity. The Federation would have to deal with this threat. Swiftly. Decisively. The slightest subspace squeak would alert the Klingons. Attack the Klingon before the other craft could prepare for battle. Spock agreed this was the logical course of action. The Klingon ship was newer, more heavily armed, swifter. The Enterprise’s only advantage lay in surprise. If the Klingon warcraft could be damaged severely enough before their defenses stiffened, the Enterprise might survive the battle. Kirk wasn’t even sure his ship could outrun the enemy. P21 Andorian archaeologist Dr. Threllvon-da – Klingons are such a nasty folk, always bothersome. But amenable to persuasion. Even with the relatively insensitive sensor devices aboard the Klingon dreadnought they could not fail to detect the Enterprise. P25 the Klingons came down to Alnath II with heavy machinery. The Klingons made an inspection tour of Threllvon-da’s camp. A Klingon who listens to reason rather than killing outright? That isn’t like them. The Klingons have in orbit one of the most powerful vessels in this part of space, the Terror. Their detection equipment could have missed a ship as small as the Vulcan science vessel the T’pau. This is Captain Kirk of the United Starship Enterprise sending greetings to our Klingon compatriots. The viewscreen coalesced into the grim visage of a Klingon. The swarthy, saturnine face contorted into a sneer. The Klingon gestured to someone out of range of the viewscreen, then settled into his chair to glare at Kirk. Captain Kalan of the Empire Ship Terror. What do you want? Blunt, to the point. Never qualify for the diplomatic coups, muttered Spock. The Klingon Empire will never violate the treaty! Weaklings in the Federation might, but never in the Empire’s ranks will you find one such. Captain Kirk, eh? My information officer has finally supplied data on you and your starship. You realize that, in spite of your record, the Terror is the superior warcraft? The Alnath system is open to both signatories of the Organian Peace Treaty. We explore. We seek knowledge just as those on the surface of the planet do. An archaeological expedition is currently studying the ruins. Spock has never known the Klingons to be interested in archaeological ventures. Their energies have been devoted totally to the waging of war. The Terror seems heavily armed for the mere pursuit of knowledge. Again the sneer, a white gash in the darkly complected face. The matching of a dreadnought against a heavy cruiser would be interesting. Our tacticians have often wondered if the superior mobility of the smaller craft could be efficacious against a more heavily armed and armored dreadnought. An interesting problem for our computers, eh? Kalan’s face contorted into a mask of rage. The Klingon broke the connection before Kirk could. The Klingon appears eager for battle, but all Klingons are. If he truly thought his craft superior, he would attack without warning. That he hasn’t indicates uncertainty. The Klingons lived in a suspicious culture, paranoid and warlike. The Klingon commander’s behavior could be explained within those parameters. Kirk was certain Kalan wished the Klingons had been responsible for the Vulcan deaths. No love was lost between the Klingons and the Vulcans. Even if we showed them the bodies, they might think we murdered the Vulcans to have an excuse to attack them. The Klingons have begun to jam all subspace frequencies. Their jamming indicates some culpability on their part. Seldom have the Klingons been innocent bystanders. If the Klingons did have a secret weapon, they would continue using it unless stopped here. Even then, the respite was momentary. If the Klingon leaders felt the balance of power had shifted significantly in their direction, they would press their supposed advantage into full-scale warfare. Opinion in unaligned worlds would be against the aggressor in a Fed – Klingon war. P55 the Klingon commander is charging Enterprise with violation of the Organian Peace Treaty. The swarthy face of the Klingon commander filled the viewscreen. Kalan – Don’t attempt to bandy words, Kirk. I knew you would violate the treaty at the first opportunity. We are jamming your communications. Nothing will be sent out, murderous swine! You send armed teams to the planet’s surface to conquer my peaceful scientists. The Klingons are armed with the latest Klingon sidearms. Many have weapons vastly more powerful than our ray guns. Kalan – Pah. We watch you carefully, Kirk, and one single indication of hostility will spell the end for that rusty space tug of yours. The Terror will blow the Enterprise to atoms! The Klingon commander’s finger stabbed down at an invisible button, and the screen powered down. The Klingons would take Spock on the surface as a strategic move against his ground forces. While Spock is a first-rate science officer, the Klingons tend to think of him as a military tactician. P63 the Klingons send a transmission using a microburst on a tight subspace beam. The coding is the most complex ever used by the Klingons. it is a variant of an earlier, less complicated one. The Klingon message – Harken, High Lord Admiral Kolloden, from Kalan, commander of the dreadnought Terror! Equipment functions at eighty percent optimal efficiency on the surface of Alnath II. Results within three planetary rotations. Disciplinary action has been instituted against members of the crew, pursuant to Standing Order One. All twelve of the mutineers have been charged, tried and found guilty. Executions occurred at dawn equivalent, Zero Base Time. The left hands of the mutineers have been preserved; the reminder of their corpses have been dishonored and fed into the plasma torch. The Klingon transmission further notes the mutineers’ names. One of them was Kalan’s own daughter. Klingon electronics aren’t as sophisticated as Feds. The Klingons know that. Unlikely Klingons wanted Enterprise to intercept message. Why should Kalan suffer personal shame if it wasn’t a true report. Kalan had disciplinary problems aboard his ship. While the Klingon familial ties weren’t as strong as those on most Fed worlds, they were potent. Offspring were groomed to shed nothing but glory on the parents. If Kalan had actually executed his daughter for mutiny, the Klingon commander had been faced with an extreme dilemma. Kalan might object to Spock’s presence on the planet, but he will not attempt to use that as the reason for breaking the Organian Peace Treaty. Probability is point nine eight that he will do nothing but verbally protest. Sending Spock down to the planet tossed Kalan into the horns of a dilemma. He had to worry about Kirk’s motives in sending Spock while tending to the unrest aboard the Terror. P69 the Klingons continue to roar and gouge and unsettle everything. The Klingons have land-moving equipment, heavy construction equipment of a non-military nature. It appears the Klingons are indeed intent on scientific exploration. No heavy energy weapons, no explosives except those required for blasting out small amounts of the planetary surface. Kalan – This is an outrage, Kirk! It means war! Kalan pounded his fist hard enough for sound to reach Kirk, even though no one saw what the Klingon captain hit. If Kalan meant what he said, he would have used his phasers rather than the intership communicators. Kalan wanted to negotiate rather than fight. Kirk guessed that even the infamous iron rule aboard the Klingon vessels had failed to maintain adequate control. Could Kalan fight a successful battle with his crew fomenting mutiny? If even his own daughter plotted against him, Kalan might be in no position to force the issue of Spock’s presence on Alnath II. Storm clouds of anger gathered and were pushed away. Kalan leaned back and pressed a strong fist under his chin as he appraised Kirk. Kalan – Why would we believe you, Kirk? All know of your treachery. You plot against the security of the Klingon Empire. Kirk watched Kalan stew at the implied insult. No single entity can destroy the pride of the Klingon battle fleet. Kirk allowed the proper amount of steel to enter his tones. He had to show Kalan that the Enterprise was no paper tiger. The speech had the desired effect. Kalan began to bristle visibly at the implied lack of control the Klingons had over the Enterprise. Kalan, fighting to keep his towering anger under control – You prepare for war even now. The Klingon was instantly suspicious. He scowled, trying to think through the possible traps Kirk set. Kalan accepts Kirk’s invitation to visit Enterprise. I personally will board with my first officer. Kirk – We will accord you full honors due an equal. The columns of energy solidified into two Klingons, both with hands resting on the butts of their sidearms. Kirk eyed the Klingon’s service uniform with obvious distaste. Kirk – Do you not wish to die in full dress uniform? Kalan – I am in full dress. We have no need for your decadent frippery. Lt. Kislath. The youth sneered openly at both Kirk and McCoy. Kalan snapped – The inspection tour. We would see what devil weapons you have hidden. Kislath – You think this space gas means anything, Captain Kalan? He deceives you. He makes a fool of you. Kirk – No one can make a fool of such a renowned Klingon. I’m surprised that your junior officers entertain such thoughts at all, Kalan. Kirk smiled broadly, and Kalan almost drew his weapon. Execution is the least punishment that can be given in the Klingon fleet. On a vessel of this size you must have mutineers constantly plotting. He watched the Klingon’s swarthy face cloud over again. Kalan has the best ship in the Klingon fleet. P78 Kalan has found more mutineers and executed them. Sends another subspace communication. P83 the Klingons are performing certain mining operations at the exact weakest, least thick spot of the cavern roof. They will break through shortly. McCoy – I can’t believe it. The Klingons aren’t interested in archaeology. Spock – Unless they hope to learn something of great value. The Klingon vessel poised just above the horizon, bright and ominous. Chekov must be the first to discover if the Klingons sought treachery and death, or peace. He didn’t kid himself for an instant. Klingons were incapable of desiring peace. They were warlike, mercenary, cold-blooded. Dealing with them was only a little safer than playing Russian roulette. Kill or be killed. That was the only credo the Klingons believed in. Klingon report tagged with highest priority. It is sent to their home base. It says that efficiency is dwindling, that they are resisting, more executions, many in the brig. The Klingons request permission to attack Enterprise. Unless the Klingons have a relay placed in a location as yet undetected at the edge of this solar system the message did not reach their home base. the Terror has been in the throes of constant mutiny since orbiting Alnath II. Spock believes this was sent by someone under Kalan desiring to take over command but attempting to do so in more orthodox and less mutinous ways. Someone is trying to get the approval of their base to attack Enterprise and oust Kalan in the process. The Klingons never tolerated being second best. Lt. Kislath did show a considerable amount of rebellious spirit. P95 the Klingons are attempting to seize the ground party by force. They landed in force. They seized Threllvon-da’s crew. They came in huge excavating machines. Any breach of the Organian Peace Treaty will be fully documented. The dour commander of the Klingon vessel appeared. Towering anger filled the alien captain. Kalan – I will not be taken prisoner by a devious, self-seeking pirate such as yourself. If there is a hint of treachery on your part, the Terror will blow you from the skies! The Klingon jamming of subspace communications will not adversely affect the laser com-link. A small knot of Klingons lounging arrogantly at the base of the ebony pyramid. Kalan – We now possess this planet. I claim it as part of the Klingon Empire. all the Empire chooses to acknowledge is our claim to this planet. We have done what is required. A settlement, thirty planetary rotations in residence, the formal claims – all done. Threllvon-da’s crew are merely imprisoned for violating Klingon space. This planet is ours! As long as Threllvon-da is here performing archaeological studies on a prior civilization, the planet is not fair game. Kirk didn’t give the Klingon a chance to think of new devilment. Kislath – Order an immediate barrage from the Terror and reduce his ship to rubble. let’s enjoy seeing him and all those intruders turned into cosmic dust. Kalan sneered – Cooperate? Impossible. Klingons are aggressive, while other forms of life, such as yourselves, are weaklings. We will crush you. Any caught inside our posted area will be executed without further notice. The Klingons are pragmatic. Whatever they wanted is obvious. Perhaps the Klingons just wanted to be the spoilers of Threllvon-da’s enthusiasm. The Klingon empire is not so well supplied with topaline. Klingons would rape it of the topaline and any other mineral found here they happened to need. Kirk had seen it on dozens of worlds. The topaline concentration in the rock, indications point to the Klingon’s poor instrumentation as a reason for not exploiting that area first. Primitive probes blocked by configuration of mountain range. While Klingon electronics might be primitive by Fed standards, they weren’t that unsophisticated. P104 the Klingons equipment is swallowed by the planet itself. The Klingons dug too deep and broke through the vault of the ceiling. The Terror’s main phaser banks have begun to glow a vivid blue from corona discharges, indicating a readiness for attack. McCoy resists patching up the injured Klingons. the Klingons have an internal structure even more scrambled up than Spock’s. One of the Klingon digging machines had turned on its huge spotlight. Kalan – Plundering this city will heap honor upon us. We care nothing about the civilization that constructed the city. They are dead. That means they were weaklings. Klingons are strong; we survive. We care nothing for the past, except our glories, our victories, our many conquests. Kislath’s phaser slid easily into the palm of his hand. His thumb closed on the firing contact. Kislath slid to the ground, knocked out by Chekov’s short jab to the chin. Kalan bellowed his command across the emptiness, not bothering with his communicator – Free them! Return to your duty posts. Kalan uses tractor beams from the Terror to get the machinery out of the hole. P111 Kirk jumped by Klingon. The Klingon who’d jumped him hadn’t recovered from the attack quite as fast. He struggled to get to his knees and fumbled to pull his ray gun from its holster. Kirk didn’t give the Klingon time to level the deadly energy weapon. His phaser sang, bathed the alien in shimmering magenta. The Klingon sank to the ground, stunned. A sizzling blast of energy burned away hair on the side of Kirk’s head. The hand phaser was hardly a match for the more powerful and deadly ray guns used against him. Kislath ordered his nine Klingons to kill Chekov and Lt. Avitts. He carried a portable rack of ray guns and passed them out to his crew. He said something like No more orders from a miserable coward. We do things right now. The Klingons relish conflict. They would follow the man who had just murdered their captain. Promotions are as often done by assassination as by merit. A clever assassination is a mark of merit. Even with their superior arms, the Klingons had been outmaneuvered. Kirk saw Kislath motioning for his men to regroup. Normal Klingon squads number twelve. Kirk smelled the telltale odor of a Klingon. Kirk punched a short, hard blow into an exposed chin, and the Klingon lay limp, knocked out. Kirk hefted the fallen ray gun, noting the unfamiliar feel. The powerful weapon could raze half this city. The barrel of a heavy ray gun held competently in Kislath’s hand. Kislath – You would use them as hostages? They mean nothing to me. if you kill them, all your leverage over me is gone. And if you are too weak to shoot, then you pose no threat at all to them. Either way, you are dead, space scum. Kislath’s cold eyes. Lt. Kislath exceeded his authority, said Kalan in measured tones. The Klingon captain’s thumb worked restlessly on the trigger, as if he debated about repeatedly stunning his fallen officer. Several quick bursts of even the stunning ray would paralyze the heart, killing Kislath. Kalan fielded the ray gun Kirk threw him easily and tucked it into his belt. Kalan – A squad loyal to me is picking up his men. They will be disciplined severely. I will interrogate Kislath first. That will give me great pleasure. This upstart is after honor and fame at my expense. I cannot allow that. It constitutes mutiny. Mutiny is the life of any in the Space Service of the Empire. I survive. I am the fittest, the strongest, the smartest, the quickest. When I fail, another will take my place better suited to command. Kislath is the spawn of a first secretary and thinks he is destined for Kalan’s position, and more. If Kalan hadn’t wanted Kislath for his own reasons he would have cheered him on against Kirk. Kalan turned and stalked off, head held arrogantly high. The unknown force from the planet causes Klingons to become more aggressive. P120 the Enterprise sustained minor damage from the Klingon attack. Kirk hesitant to return fire. The Organian Peace Treaty must be preserved at all costs or the resulting interstellar war will devastate uncountable planets. The Klingons must be stopped here at Alnath II. The Enterprise cannot withstand more than 10 minutes at this rate of Klingon fire. The Enterprise might outmaneuver the Klingon ship but it couldn’t outrun or outfight it. The Klingons have tunable phasers and have found the single frequency at which Enterprise deflector shield is weakest. You surrender? came the harsh tones of a Klingon. Kislath is the new captain of the Terror – I have disposed of the weakling who commanded this fine vessel before me. it will be a great coup for the Empire to display your struck colors in our Hall of Honor. Spock hooks the deflector screens into the Enterprise computer. A Klingon phaser blast will be analyzed and the computer will appropriately alter the frequency to present the maximum possible defense. He will write it up and give it to Starfleet Command to counter future Klingon attacks. Kislath – you surrender now or do you wish to hide like cowards for a short while longer? sanitation engineer. Kislath pounded his fists on a table in front of him as he half-rose. Kislath – You challenge, I accept! Any weapons! That backstabbing Klingon practices being sneaky. It’s part of his way of life. Kislath has mutinied. Kalan is still alive. Kislath’s position may shift for the worse. Kalan – Kislath, you lover of lorks. I’ll rip out your liver and devour it. Marooning me in this city is treason. Mutiny! Kirk had studied Klingon psychology for many hours trying to fathom the way they thought, how they acted and reacted. Kislath, you spawn of dishonored fools, do battle with me! His ray gun purring a deadly song. The intense beam of energy darted wildly as he changed positions. I need no Federation weakling to aid me in dispensing justice. Kalan writhed in pain, a hole as large as a fist punched through his side. The energy beam cauterized the wound. No danger of bleeding to death. Systemic shock is setting in. Kislath must die. Kalan lost his command because of him. He won’t live to gloat. Drag me close enough so that I can strangle him with my own hands. I’ll shove my phaser against his heart and fire it until he dies. I care not how he dies, as long as he dies! Kirk marveled at the determination locked in the Klingon’s body. The pain had to be excruciating, yet he continued to move slowly toward his enemy. Promise me you will kill him if I die before I can reach him. I may go to my ancestors with honor now. P131 Amygdala in Klingon chest cavity, function unknown to McCoy. Aliphatic compounds being analyzed by the computer. First time McCoy’s got a look inside a Klingon. The Stellar Medical Association would be interested in Klingon organs Kalan – Why didn’t you return fire when Kislath attacked your ship? I’ve have fought. Kirk – We’re peaceful and cannot easily be provoked into breaking the peace treaty. As long as the treaty is force, we are not enemies. Kirk ignored the contemptuous snort. Kalan – We are not ones to allow weapons technology to languish. Such advances are field tested at the earliest possible time. Kalan – You could excoriate all Klingons, yet you choose to lay blame on only one. You have the reason for a just war in your grasp. Why do you not take it? Kirk – We fight only in self-defense. The provocation has to be great. Kalan – Weaklings. I do not want such weakness contaminating my mind. McCoy uses streamline to sedate Kalan for eight hours. P135 the Klingon doctors are torn between moving Kalan and having him die, and allowing him to remain aboard an enemy vessel. The need for their commander seems to have won out. Dour Klingon guards in McCoy’s sickbay, their hands on their phasers, suspicious of anyone passing near their convalescing captain. If the Klingon even suspected weakness, he would not compromise on any point. Kirk having an honor guard attend him was part of the trappings. If Kalan had been totally fit, he’d have shielded the envy of the sophisticated medical equipment and hurled back a scathing insult. Klingons need the topaline for their life-support systems. A few bones and leftover cities don’t impress us. Unless the Klingon Empire wishes to take the full blame for Kislath’s attack on a Fed vessel, Enterprise must hold him as an individual criminal. Kalan – He is scum, but he is our scum. We will deal with him as we see fit. No weakling Fed ship filled with half-breeds and fools can mete out justice to one of our soldiers. Kalan – Vulcan, you come close to realizing how we punish criminals. If it weren’t for the cowardly streak running through you, you’d make a fine Klingon. When we punish, we punish. Kislath has committed crimes against the Empire. the other charges are ridiculous and trivial. Kirk – Kislath will be brought to trial at Starbase 16 and probably spend the rest of his life on a prison asteroid. Kalan – Prison asteroid? That’s all? Weaklings! Kislath is a soldier of the Empire. punish him properly. Don’t put him away to molder like some animal. Give him a fitting death. Painful yes, he should pay for his crimes, but put him to death. For honor’s sake! Kalan truly shocked. The façade of superiority had cracked, and now the Klingon reacted honestly. Kalan – Your own foolish laws cannot allow this, and my honor demands that I not give in. Kalan wanted Kislath back. The former first officer had plotted mutiny, had tried to kill his commander, had disobeyed direct orders and was tied into the power structure back in the heart of the Klingon Empire. a triumph over Kislath gave a major political victory to Kalan. But to get him back Kalan had to admit to stealing artifacts form the ebony pyramid. Their worth paled next to admitting he had stolen the baubles. Kalan – What are pretty trinkets to a Klingon? Pain etched Kalan’s features, the pain caused by yielding to beings he considered inferior. Kalan to McCoy – Butcher of men. Kislath only sneered. Under the mask of bravado was clearly fear of his punishment back aboard the Terror. To his credit, he said nothing. Kalan pulled out a tiny communicator, flipped it open and spoke briskly into it. Kalan has had the green gem locked in his personal vault for safekeeping. Vaults are plentiful aboard Klingon ships. Kalan winced in pain but didn’t cry out. Kalan – May death come swiftly, Kirk. Fed working on a treaty with the Klingons that will put limitations on their activities mining planets P144 the Klingons beamed down to the planet after the Vulcans beamed up. The Klingons bulled their way into the pyramid chamber, nosed around disturbing things, then left. When they returned they brought huge diggers. Never went near the pyramid again because they were too busy trying to dig down through the vault of the city. P151 with the jewel from the pyramid inside a rodinium box, the Klingons are amenable to negotiation for the mining concessions on Alnath II. Klingons were warlike and would continue to agitate. That was their life. Long years of diplomatic work were needed before the underlying causes of the friction between the cultures eased to the point where war became unthinkable. Kirk hoped he’s live to see that day. We will destroy you, weakling. Kirk studied the swarthy face and decided that Kalan ranted only for effect. Kirk – There is no reason why both Fed and Empire can’t share this planet. We have no desire to mine here. Our quest is for knowledge. Kalan muttered – Cowards. We have the mining rights, you dig for bones, is that it? How do we insure that you won’t try a backstabbing attack on our miners? Kirk – a squadron of ships will orbit to provide insurance that the other side will live up to the terms of this agreement. An equal number, equal firepower. Also, both sides may maintain relay stations, any number, at the perimeter of the system to keep unimpaired contact with home base. Kalan mentally calculated the time of transit for an Empire dreadnought and then compared it with travel times for a similarly powerful Fed countermove. He smiled slightly and Kirk knew Kalan had arrived at a number satisfactory to the Empire. this mental exercise on Kalan’s part was simply second nature to the Klingon. Kalan – Our first load of ore will be lifted out of the gravity well in 50 hours. Kirk – We know your intentions are peaceful. Kalan snarled and terminated the transmission. P156 the Klingons mutinied because each wanted to be commander of that dreadnought. The stone produced whatever they wanted. Mutiny on the Enterprise by Robert E. Vardeman P12 the Enterprise has had a dangerous brush with the Klingons and heads for shore leave at Starbase One. Return to Tomorrow no Klingon content Patterns of Force no Klingon content Uhura's Song by Janet Kagan no Klingon content The Ultimate Computer no Klingon content The Omega Glory no Klingon content Assignment: Earth Blish - How Earth survived 1969 not just historically interesting. Possibly of military and political interest, and in a galaxy that contained the Klingon Empire as well as the Federation, that might be a good deal more than interesting. [Cold War applications] Trek to Madworld by Stephen Goldin P61 Klingon star cruiser mass equivalent to Enterprise, operates of matter-antimatter principle P62 the harsh, swarthy face with hick, bifurcated eyebrows and short-cut black hair of Captain Kolvor of the Klingon Star Cruiser Destructor. I demand an immediate explanation for this outrage Kirk – bad enough to be stuck here, but having to be stuck in here with a Klingon, and a belligerent one, at that. Although, he added quickly, there aren’t any other kinds Kolvor – my ship was peacefully pursuing its business, well within the confines of our borders I might add, when we were swooped down upon by this diabolical new weapon of the Federation’s, looks like transspatial rift, and imprisoned here against our will. This is a clear violation of the Organian Peace Treaty, and you can believe that full mention of it will be made upon our return to base. The Klingon’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. The thought of working with a member of the hated Federation did not sit well with him. Kolvor – all ship’s functions are performing normally Spock – Odds are he’s lying. The Klingons are much more prone to actions than words. if his ship were capable of moving it would be doing so by now, he is probably frozen the same as we are. The Klingon was reluctant to admit his ship’s disability to the Terran, and Kirk had to admit he was less than enthusiastic about telling the other that he was stuck, too. In the confrontations that often evolved between Fed and Klingon forces, it was not the best policy to expose your weaknesses to the other side. Kolvor’s smile held little mirth and less warmth. Fed. Rom and Klingon - three major powers in the galaxy Kirk- the problem is both Romulans and Klingons are Fed enemies, but we don’t know exactly how they feel about each other. We know there is some sort of trade agreement so that the Klingons supply the Romulans with ships, but whether they agreement is also a mutual defense pact remains to be seen. Spock- there is no record of any Klingon fighting on behalf of the Romulans or vice versa. P68 the Klingons fire on the Enterprise with photon torpedoes, at 148,000 kilometer range, impact in 15 seconds Former Organian Enowil – oh, those naughty Klingons. I must straighten them out. Enowil causes the torpedo to explode in fireworks in a rectangular design of green, red and white sparks, which Kirk recognized as a likeness of the Imperial Klingonese Flag Klingons are notably lacking in the sense of humor department P72 Kirk and Spock had been on Organia, when a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire was imminent. Since Organia occupied a strategic location between the two powers, each side naturally wanted to use it as a base. Growing at last annoyed by what seemed to the Organians the petty bickering of children, they intervened and stopped the Federation-Klingon war dead in its tracks. Using their superior abilities, they enforced a treaty upon the two sides wherein armed conflict would be replaced by peaceful competition. The Klingons had violated the spirit, if not the actual letter, of the treaty more times than Kirk would care to count, it had at lest brought a semblance of peace and order to the Galaxy. The Organians can’t be concerned over the actions of a few ships, they only take action when the entire her begins to stampede P79 Enowil promise to give whoever solves his problem whatever they wish. Can you imagine what a Klingon would ask for? Would you bet the safety of the Federation that it wouldn’t be the plans for some revolutionary new weapons system, so far advanced we would be powerless against it? If either the Klingons or the Romulans got their hands on an unstoppable weapon, they could cut through the Federation. Do you have any idea how the Klingons or Romulans treat the subject peoples living under their dominion? Do you think the Organians would sit idly by and let a war happen? They intervened once before to stop a war with even less destructive potential. They’d surely act to stop this one Organia intervened between the Federation and the Klingons because Organia is situated between the two powers and they did not wish their own peace disturbed. Organia is not located between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. Once the Romulans finished with the Federation, they’d naturally attack the Klingons next, ands Organia would be in the middle again. The terms of the Organian Peace Treaty – for each disputed planet to be developed, we and the Klingons must demonstrate which side can develop it most efficiently. A miraculous breakthrough in agriculture, or an economical and fast method of terraforming would literately let them outdistance us in the race for new territory. Even if the two sides never came to blows, they can eventually outgain us to the point where they’ll have an economic stranglehold over us. The potential for harm to the Federation is limited only by the imagination, and when it comes to underhanded tricks, neither the Romulans nor the Klingons have shown any lack of imagination P88 Captain Kolvor, in charge of the Klingon party, was obviously disapproving. Is this all there is to the wonderful planet you promised? This flat boring landscape without so much as a rock to mar its monotony? We Klingons like our worlds rugged and challenging. Your problem is obvious, you should have mountains and deserts and oceans and cliffs P92 look out, one of the Klingons cried, fearing the burning creature would come too close and endanger them all. P98 Kolvor – How? We’ll never get though that crushing mass of bodies. It’s impossible. Enowil – the man who claims something is impossible is invariably right, for he will never do it. Kirk was by nature suspicious of all Klingons; he’d had too many dealings with them to be anything else Kolvor smiles sardonically. Frustrating, isn’t it, dealing with a madman is most exasperating. As I’m sure you know, we Klingons prefer direct action to guessing games like these. Forfeiture is not the Klingon way. Kolvor is thinking along the lines of a partnership with Feds, doubling their chances against the Romulans. Kirk - What about the alliance between Romulans and Klingons? are you willing to betray them for us? Kolvor – Betray is such an unfair word. The Romulan and Klingon empires have a mutual trade agreement, nothing more. We owe no loyalty to them. The Klingon lowered his voice and became even more conspiratorial The Klingon gave a mirthless snort. That is the major difference between us, Kirk. You people think of talk, we Klingons think of more direct action. Consider for a moment a well placed bomb aboard the Romulan vessel would not only destroy it, but remove them from the competition as well. Kirk could well believe that Kolvor had first approached the Romulans with a similar offer against the Enterprise. Whether the pact between them was as loose as Kolvor describes or not, they made natural allies against the Federation. The fact that Kolvor was now offering Kirk a deal probably meant that the Romulans had turned him down. Kirk knows the Romulans, while ferocious antagonists, nevertheless maintained a rigid code of honor – something the Klingons themselves lacked completely. Even a Klingon imbecile can match wits with the best either the Romulans or the Fed has to offer. Kirk can almost count on treachery from the Klingon if he agreed to the deal. If Kolvor wax willing to betray the Romulans, his erstwhile allies, he would be equally willing to betray the Federation. P105 from his position a few meters away, Captain Kolvor could not help overhearing the exchange between Kirk and the girl. Perhaps something can be made of this, he smiled, and a Klingon’s smile is a sinister expression. P108 the Klingon captain, as was typical of his race, had been looking for some method of gaining an advantage over the other groups in this bizarre contest. His attempts at fueling the enmity between the Feds and the Roms had been thwarted when both captains proved to be too honorable to attempt to sabotage the other one. he has thus been forced to step back, temporarily. And await whatever chance fate might through him. he had not had to wait very long. Kolvor, Sidling casually up to young Metika Spyroukis – may I have a word with you, my lady? We both want this farce to end as quickly as possible. Kolvor looked around to make sure no one, particularly not Kirk, was watching him and lowered his voice still further – we Klingons do not want to participate in this insane game Enowil is playing. Our ship was on its way home after a long extended mission and our people are homesick. We don’t think there is anything to be gained by staying her, we would much rather be about our business. But we don’t dare leave – not as long as the Romulans and Enterprise party are here, because there is always the chance that Enowil actually may give what he has promised to one of the others. As a military man that’s a chance I simply can’t take. Mutual distrust keeps here against our wills. What a shame we can’t break down those barriers. Trust must begin someplace, you know. If only it could begin here, with us, who can tell where it might lead? Kolvor could tell that the girl was weakening slightly. Kolvor stroked his goatee thoughtfully – ah, yes, the Romulans. They are indeed a problem. I have already brought this up with Commander Probicol and his response was most disheartening. He was on routine patrol with no urgent business. He can afford to take the long gamble, where Enterprise and Klingons can not. Kolvor gave her a smile – I can see there’s no use trying to fool you., yes, I do have a plan, and I would like your help. The Roms are refusing to quit the game voluntarily, but it may be possible to force them to leave. Metika – now you’re starting to sound like a Klingon. Kolvor – you don’t mean that as a compliment, I’m sure, but I’ll ignore it. sending the photon torpedo was too obvious. It can be detected and intercepted. A bomb is another matter. It’s very secretive. A single charge, planted at the baffle between the matter and antimatter chambers is all it would take, the Romulans would be blown to a powder. Kolvor pretended to look hurt – it again boiled down to a question of trust. If we are to trust each other’s motive and dedication, we must operate in this venture together. How am I to know that you really want to leave? Maybe you just want me to destroy the Romulans myself and then go, while you pretend to go and actually stay here. I need some assurance that you are as eager to leave as we are – and what better proof than our helping us blow up the Romulan ship? I’m supplying the idea, I’ll even supply the bomb. You have to provide something. Technically a Fed-Rom truce at this time Kolvor – no war will start over this. Even if they learn who planted the bomb, and I certainly have no intention of telling them, the Romulans would not go to war over an incident like this. They can no more afford a war than can the Federation or the Klingon Empire. it would take a much more serious provocation, believe me. Granted, you Federation people are much softer about killing than we Klingons are – but the choice seems simple to me. A greater evil versus a lesser one. Kolvor could clearly see that he had her soul now, and he dared not allow Kirk to talk her out of it, which the Fed captain was certain to do. Kolvor – he refused to trust me, he said he’d rather sacrifice the entire colony than take a chance on a Klingon. There was a hard glint in Metika’s eyes that Kolvor approved of. P 114 inwardly, Captain Kolvor was bursting with triumph. He would have this foolish Federation girl blow up the Romulan ship for him, and then he would denounce the whole affair as a Federation plot. The Romulans would be destroyed, the Enterprise would be banished for not playing fair, leaving the Klingons as the winners in this crazy game. The Klingon leader was already contemplating the honors in store for him when his ship returned home with the prize – whatever he chose it to be, from the mad Organian. Or perhaps he should not return home at all, if he used his imagination well enough he could wind up with a weapon so powerful that he, Kolvor, could conquer the Federation, the Romulan Empire, and the Klingon Empire as well, and he would rule as the supreme power in the entire Galaxy. The thought was a warming one. He forced himself to cut short that line of speculation. Everything must be dealt with in its own time. He used his pocket communicator to call his ship and a few moments later both he and Metika were quietly beamed up to the Klingon vessel. An hour later Metika materialized near the engine room of the Romulan ship Talon. The bomb was a large box with a set of dials on one side, it was so large it filled both her arms as she carried it. lighter than it looked. Delicate task to flip five switches in precise order to arm the bomb, time activated, then pressed timer switch to set the entire process in motion, finally, failsafe button must be pressed, so that any further attempts to disarm the bomb would set it off immediately. Because the Klingons and Romulans used similar types of ships, Kolvor had been able to give her a brief orientation to direct her toward the crucial area. P117 door into power room. Kolvor had given her a special sonic key, aim at door and press tiny stud on one side P125 one Klingon asks what knight in shinning armor is doing kneeling and bowing his head Enowil – praying, of course The Klingon snorted his derision – it is not fair. If he’s not capable of fighting the menace on his own, he doesn’t deserve to win. Bravery is at best a fool’s virtue P133 smooth talking Captain Kolvor P137 Romulan Commander Probicol remembered only too well Captain Kolvor’s approach. The stench of that offer still insulted his nostrils. If there was attempted sabotage against him now, it was obviously a Klingon attempt at revenge for his refusal. But would Kolvor do such an act on his own? Probicol had had a few dealings with Klingons before, and had yet to find he thought had any honor or courage. Kolvor was too much of a coward to attack the Romulan vessel directly, he would find some way to induce others to perform his dirty work for him. After sending Metika off on her mission of destruction, Captain Kolvor returned to the party down on the planet, insinuating himself back into the group as though he’d never been away. He wanted to be here when the Romulan ship was destroyed, so that he could look as innocent and surprised as everyone else. Kolvor aware of the grueling interrogations the Romulans capable of Kolvor smiled inwardly as he congratulated himself on his foresight. Convincing the Terran woman to plant the bomb for him was a stroke of genius, even if he did have to admit it himself. When Probicol accused him, Kolvor would have his defense all ready. Of course the Terran woman would try to fasten the blame on him, Kolvor would say. One could hardly expect her to implicates her own captain. The Federation and the Klingons were enemies, everyone knew that. How likely was it that they had been working together? But how likely was it that she would try to drag one of her enemies down with her? Any rational being would have to conclude that she was naming Kolvor purely out of spite, in a feeble attempt to make herself look a little better. when the call came down for Probicol Kolvor was prepared for the worst. He studiously avoided watching the Romulan commander, while bracing himself for the inevitable denunciation. Kolvor was puzzled. Could the woman have been killed during her attempt to plant the bomb? Then the Feds would be the only ones implicated – even better for him. The only thing that might point a finger of suspicion in the Klingon direction would be the distinctive design of the bomb. But Kolvor prepared to argue the Federation knew perfectly well what Klingon bombs looked like. Kolvor was covered in all directions and felt very satisfied with himself. The satisfaction did not last long. This was serious and Kolvor devoted a good deal of thought to it over the next few hours Probicol and Kolvor watch Kirk with unreadable expressions on their faces, and look at each other with expressions of calculated cunning P150 Captain Kolvor’s confidence in the brilliance of his strategy had by now long since evaporated. After the attempt on the Romulan ship, an attack by Probicol against the Klingons and/or the Federation should have followed. To have the foray totally ignored was unsettling to say the least. To a Klingon like himself, waiting around for something to happen was an excruciating torture. Kolvor preferred to be taking direct action against his opponents, whatever the outcome might be. He dared not act against the Romulans again. the Enterprise would make a slightly easier target. Bigger ship, more places to hide. The plan depended entirely on the abilities of a member of one of the lesser races. It was obviously the Terran girl’s incompetence that had led to the failure of the first plan. Kolvor refused to make the same mistake twice. Never trust an inferior to get the job done properly – old Klingon motto Next time Kolvor would personally supervise the job, he called up his ship and ordered his engineer to prepare another bomb P160 when the Terran woman appeared in the area, Kolvor knew it was time for immediate action. When his plan was first put into action he had been confident of talking his way out of any difficulties, but doubts had arisen in the intervening hours. Nothing was going the way he had planned it so far, and now, with panic setting in, he felt the need to take more drastic steps. He contacted his ship and was beamed abroad and a plan was forming in his mind. His chief engineer had the second bomb all ready for him. The Klingon captain was able to pick it up and have his crew quickly beam him aboard the Federation vessel. Although like all Klingon officers he had been briefed on the general layout of Federation vessels, he was not as intimately acquainted with the design as he was with that of the Romulans. The latter were almost identical to Klingon cruisers, but this was strange and subtly different. It took him several minutes to orient himself properly and decide where he wanted to go. With all the stealth of a born sneak-thief he slinked along his chosen route. P165 in the pump room, engine coolant system. Kolvor stands beside a large box he had strapped to the side of one of the pumps. He had been in the process of making final adjustments when Kirk fired at the door. He turned and pulled his own weapon from its holster as Kirk entered. Kirk fired his phaser the instant he saw the Klingon captain turning toward him, Kirk and Kolvor discovered that their weapons do not work. With a snarl of rage Kolvor tossed his weapon aside and began to run out the door. Kirk tackled Kolvor. Kolvor tried to kick Kirk In the face to make him release his hold. Kirk used the Klingon’s body as a ladder to pull himself up. Managed to connect a solid blow to Kolvor’s jaw. The Klingon’s body went limp. The Klingon captain was still conscious but in no condition for further fighting. The security detail took him into custody without a struggle. You’re too late, Kolvor gasped, the bomb’s already set. Enowil made Kirk and Kolvor’s guns misfire. Captain Kolvor, you certainly have behaved in a moist unbecoming fashion, and I hardly think you deserve to play any further part in our festivities. Begone, sir, and take your ship with you. The Klingon captain opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything he had totally vanished. Gone too were the other members of the Klingon contingent. The entire Klingon vessel had vanished from Enowil’s bubble of nonreality. Spock Must Die! by James Blish P1 Enterprise recording a navigation grid for area not far from the Klingon Empire. In fact Klingons would claim that Enterprise is in Klingon space, mission uneventful so far in totally unexplored arm of the galaxy P6 The Klingon War has finally broken out. Organia seems to be destroyed and Enterprise cut off. No incidents with the Klingon Empire for over a year, but now it appears they have mounted a major attack on the Federation along a very broad front - without any prior declaration naturallly. Reports are that the Federation is holding. Such an attack supposedly impossible under the Organian Peace Treaty. No contact with Organia. The whole Klingon Empire is between the Enterprise and the Federation. The Klingons don't know the Enterprise is on their blind side. To send a message to Starfleet command would attract the Klingons' attention. In the time to circumnavigate the whole Klingon Empire the war would be over. On this side the Empire is hardly fortified at all - Enterprise could make a mess of supply bases, communications, whole rear echelon. The damage they could do might be worth their eventual destruction. Spock assumes the Klingons would not have started the war without feeling they outmatch the Federation in firepower and fire-control. No one but a berserker would start a war under any other circumstances, and the Klingons, while warlike in the extreme, are not berserkers. Spock also assumes the Klingons have new weapons, as well as what they believe is a preponderance of familiar ones. Also - the Klingons would not have started unless they knew the Organians were out of commission. There is a 40 per cent probability that the Klingons have used a new weapon which caused the destruction of Organia. A course from where the Enterprise is, to Organia would vastly disorganize the Klingons' rear echelon, though surprise and military weakness of this side of the Empire. The Klingons would naturally expect the Enterprise to head for Fleet or Starbase, Organian would probably be their third, fifth or sixth guess. At warp six, Enterprise would officially enter Klingon space in two months, four months further to Organia. The probability that the Klingons are patrolling beyond their own territory on this side of the Empire is low. P30 Enterprise slips out of warp for a split second. Risk of detection by the Klingons. Possible object following Enterprise. Possibility that Spock's long distance transport to Organia found the planet occupied by Klingons, or the transporter was intercepted by Klingons, and the Spock that returned is a Klingon agent. Sulu manages to shake the Klingon scout ship trailing them. The Klingons now know the Enterprise in the area. They would be searching, grimly, tenaciously and efficiently for her. P38 there are highly qualified Klingon science officers. Enterprise still trying to dodge the Klingon navy and make a run for Organia. Uhura intercepts a general Klingon subspace broadcast. They claim to have inflicted a major defeat on the Federation Fleet in the Great Nebula area of Orion. Awfully close to earth itself. The Klingons call the area New Suns Space, because fourth-generation stars are being born there. The Klingons are so confident of winning the war they are willing to expend men and ships to capture solar systems that, as yet, do not even exist. P40 Enterprise three months into Klingon space, undetected, although they have overheard Klingon ships working out a search grid. Enterprise makes no attacks on Klingon installations. Continue to hear reports on Federation defeats. The strange places the Klingon navy turns up are highly probable, according to Spock's theory. The Klingons don't show any idea of thinking the Enterprise heading for Organia. p46 Screen around Organia, the place is swarming with Klingons! Six Klingon battlecraft lock on to Enterprise when she drops out of warp second pass at Organia. Enterprise disables two, only four follow on warp drive. With any other enemy Kirk would expect someone to stay behind as a reserve, out of ordinary tactical common sense, but no Klingon would avoid a fight unless physically pinned down in one way or another. None of the four surviving Klingon ships as large as the Enterprise. Phasers outranged. Enterprise deflectors easily sweep aside occasional Klingon torpedo. A standoff. Blasts of code being emitted steadily on subspace radio by the small Klingon vessels - three of them seem to be corvettes, the other was perhaps a large as a cruiser - were obviously urgent calls for more hhigh-powered help. Enterprise sends message now to Starfleet on their location at Organia and the Organian screen. The Klingons will have broken the years old codes by now. If Uhura uses Swahili, that ought to give the Klingons pause. The Klingons may be able to infer the message from technical terms. Uhura suggests Eurish, from James Joyce's last novel. Quark is a Eurish word. Nobody is ever exactly sure of what Eurish means, but Starfleet would be able to read more of it than the Klingons could. To them it'll be pure gibberish. There is still the problem of the Klingons on the tail of the Enterprise. Mines would be deflected by deflectors. Put a mine right under bow of cruiser with deflector and tractor beam. At distance, in subspace, Klingon cruiser looked like a wobbly shadow. The Klingons probably see the warp field distorting, but perhaps they won't know how to interpret it. Maybe the Klingons have never heard of this way of placing a mine. The Klingon peels off at full drive, he's detected something he doesn't like. Kirk fires the mine, the matter and anti-matter in the doomed Klingon's warp-drive pods fused and added their violence to the raging hydrogen explosion of the mine. The three surviving Klingon corvettes had taken several seconds to react to the destruction of their command cruiser and the disappearance of their quarry. They dropped out of warp and in a few seconds overshot their target by nearly a million miles, and the long separating arcs they were executing to retrace their steps were eloquent of caution and bafflement, and if Kirk knew his Klingons, of mindclouding fury. Klingons launch missiles; pure random desperation. Sulu fires at will. The Klingons were apparently stunned to see Enterprise bearing down on them. The corvettes could not have reformed in time to meet her, even had their commanders understood the situation instantly. Sulu's hands danced over the studs before him, and then there were no Klingon corvettes, only clouds of gas. P55 back at Organia no Klingon vessels on or near arc of orbit. Kirk considers the Klingons that were at Organia a trap because they knew the Enterprise was coming, or a force stationed as defense. How could the Klingons have known the Enterprise was coming, or why would the Klingons post five ships, a cruiser, three corvettes and a fifth ship of unknown size, so far from the main battle area? The Klingons are penetrating deeply and with great daring in to Fed space. Five ships in reserve posted at Organia a long way from any Klingon base big enough to supply them and too far from Fed territory to get into a battle fast enough to reinforce a Klingon fleet in trouble. That's utterly uncharacteristic of them. Doesn't make sense either way. Spock theorize the Klingons have invested Organia because they regard it as a sensitive area. They may not know what has happened to the planet, but should the Organians come back form where ever they have gone, the war would be over. And since the Klingons started the war their return would put Klingons in the soup. The Klingons know no navel force of theirs would prevent Organians taking action. Klingons would not want any Fed ship investigating what has happened to Organia. They would prefer the status quo, they would thus deploy valuable forces around the area. If the Klingons had a trap prepared for Enterprise, they would have blown the ship out of space within seconds; they are highly efficient in such matters. A garrison force would have been taken by surprise. The Enterprise, traveling in warp drive, is undetectable in normal space. P70 no new Klingons ships had shown up, but their arrival could not be long delayed, and Kirk expects at least one Star Class battleship to be among them. The Enterprise could fight such a force, but never win. Organia surrounded by something very like a deflector screen force field, tachyon reflector, repels sentient creatures emotionally. A thought-shield around Organia. The advantages to the Klingons are evident and considerable. Organians are nothing but thought fields. High probability the shield was erected by Klingon action, it is the Klingons' one and new weapon, discoverer of which encouraged them to start forbidden war. Klingon garrison because they do not want anyone else investigating the situation or even understanding why it is important to them. weapon not able to use around a ship etc. Klingons could throw a similar screen around Earth. Such an action would win them the war. The Enterprise has knocked out five Klingon warships, one a cruiser, there's still a lot of damage they can do in the rear echelons. The Klingons caught the Organians napping. Scotty might be able to locate Klingon device generating field and knock it out. P77 Starfleet sends orders to Enterprise to attempt to rejoin the fleet, causing as much damage to the Klingon Empire along the way as consistent with the survival of the Enterprise. Starfleet command discounts Spock's analysis of Klingon strategy. No new Klingon ships in the vicinity yet, harsh clacking calls on subspace radio, however, made it clear trey were on the way. P80 Kor and his Klingon occupation force had shown up on Organia, polite, mailclad and utterly ruthless. P87 a Klingon squadron has just this minute popped out at Enterprise. Two battleships, two cruisers and ten destroyers - very heavy stuff to sick on a single starship. They must be really worried. Its also an unwieldy force to have to maneuver this close to a planet. Kirk's orders to Sulu are to cut and run. Enterprise heads for Starbase 28 at warp 4, with whole Klingon pack howling behind them. The battleships could catch Enterprise easily at this speed, but they aren't trying, which leads Sulu to believe there is a trap ahead. Substantial percent of Klingon fire-power tied up in this operation. P91 duplicate Spock had gotten further data from the Klingons since leaving the Enterprise. P96 Sulu correct about trap - mass of heavy ships detected ahead, by the time the Klingons manage to destroy the Enterprise they are going to wish they had let us quietly through instead. Bosklave, Klingon base well within Kirk's reach if he wished to destroy it, unprepared for starship attack. Its destruction would have been a bad blow to the Empire. A Klingon year P116 the duplicate Spock did manage to get in touch with the Klingons. P105 no one will ever piece together exactly what happened on all battlefronts the moment the Organians freed. Enterprise had previously encountered the Klingon officers involved, and can guess how they reacted. Commander Koloth sat before the viewing screen of the Klingon battleship Destruction as silent and motionless as a stone image. In the navigation tank to his left points of green light show the deployment of the rest of his force, faithfully in formation. He leads the force chasing Enterprise from Organia. The thought that the squadron might not follow his orders never entered his head. All his attention on the quarry, the tiny red spot in the center of the viewscreen, the spot represents the mightiest machine ever conceived by Terran humanity and soon to be nothing but a cloud of radioactive gas. Days ago Koloth determined that the Ship was the Enterprise. The discovery transformed his feeling for the chase from ordinary military pleasure to one of almost savage joy. Koloth had encountered, and been defeated by Kirk on two previous occasions - the affair of the Xixobrax Jewelworm aand the dispute over the colonization of Sherman's Planet. The later had been the most serious defeat for the Empire, and therefore Commander Koloth, for the Empire most correctly was not forgiving of failure, but what rankled Koloth personally was not any diplomatic consideration or even the setback to his own career, but the last gesture of seeming contempt, the infestation of loathsome, incredibly fertile vermin tribbles inflicted on his vessel. It had taken the better part of a lunation to get them all cleaned out. Korax his first officer. The enemy has made no broadcasts, no course or speed changes. Koloth is looking for the log buoy to be dropped by the Enterprise before battle. He wants it. See to it that we detect the drop and pick up that buoy. Korax protests that they are at extreme sensor range for so small an object, Lord Commander. All the more reason to exercise extreme vigilance. Korax saluted and vanished. Koloth hopes that he will be the one to make the actual kill on the Enterprise. But it seems the admiral in charge of the much larger Empire force awaiting ahead would claim that privilege - Admiral Kor. Koloth knows Kor also cherished personal desire to rid the universe of Kirk and his ship, or at least had reason to. Koloth was wrong about Kor, that was one reason why Koloth was still a Commander. Kor was now an Admiral because he harbored no resentment for what happened at Organia originally. He did not regard that outcome as a defeat, simply a frustration. Both sides had been positioned for the final struggle when the Organians struck them all powerless and imposed their terms. Kor judged Kirk had been as offended as Kor himself had been. These Federation officers tend to strike one as milksops until fighting was inevitable, but they were formidable antagonists. The penetration of the Enterprise this far into Empire territory spoke for itself, an act of great daring, and worthy of a warrior's respect. Also foolhardy not a big deal to Kor. Only cowards avoid battle when odds against them. Kor also knows Fed starship captains had more freedom to act against orders, more discretionary powers than he would ever be allowed to exercise. Kor sure this would contribute to the downfall of the Federation in the long run, perhaps soon now. Kor appreciates Kirk's boldness, to say nothing of his ingenuity. Kor would like to know what Kirk had hoped for in his foray. Kor had been told there was no such place as Organia any more. The Organian system was no longer in a strategic quadrant. Yet the Enterprise had gone their and failed to do any damage to real military targets within the Empire which Kor would have obliterated en route as a matter of course, especially on a suicide mission. Kor admires Kirk's destruction of the Organian garrison. Kirk was setting himself up for the present trap without charging the Empire any real price for it. Wasteful, and more than wasteful, mysterious. But that is the trouble with democratic societies. They shared with the Empire all the disadvantages of bureaucracies, and none of the advantages of hierarchy and centralization. Brave but prudent Kirk, and multimillion stellor investment Enterprise will be lost to bad judgment, or whim. Kor thinks fighting the Federation has been interesting, but Kor glad the long war, the nonwar, was about to be over. Fighting the Romulans, the next society on the Empire's timetable of conquest, would be more fun. The Romulans were short on imagination but they were brave as eglons, and had military virtues. Possible to capture the Enterprise, valuable prize. Odds were hopeless against her. Kirk would not sacrifice 430 people, a third female, a most irrational Federation custom, in a suicide stand, few Fed captains would. But Kor's orders from the High Command were for complete destruction. Kor did not even thing of asking questions but no amount of loyalty or discipline can prevent a humanoid from speculating. Enterprise must have found some information so important High Command was willing to throw away a Class One starship to make certain it never reached the Federation. Kor would no doubt never find out what it was. Even before turning in his command chair Kor recognized Ayleborne and a sensation of anticipatory dismay began to build in him. Kor controlled his expression with the training of a lifetime. Ayelborne's well-remembered perpetual maddening smile. Ayleborne - The war is over admiral Kor. Your ships have power but your weapons do not. I advise planetfall with entire fleet as soon as possible. Kor - my orders are to destroy the Enterprise. If my weapons are inoperative, I can still ram, which will cause even greater loss of life. Ayleborne - Kor as courageous as stubborn. Within three standard days your ship will be inoperative too. In view of the Klingon breach of the treaty I am not obligated to give you this information but I do in the interest of minimizing subsequent violence. Kor knew with grey despair that regardless of his will, his mind had already given the Organian the information on the exact coordinates of his home system Kor the ruthless, Kor the efficient, Kor the brave, Kor the loyal, was a traitor to his Empire. The Grand Senate of the Klingon Empire, alarmed by the fragmentary reports of unprecedented disasters coming in from the field was in session when the Organians arrived. The barbaric, gorgeously caparisoned Senate hall, a relic of a recorded ten thousand years of internecine warfare before the Klingons had achieved space flight and planetary unity. The swarthy faces of the Grand Senate were pale in the glare from the Organians. You have broken the treaty and been the direct cause of much death, misery and destruction. In addition, you have committed violence against ourselves, which only the action of your adversaries stopped short of genocide. Untrue, the Senator in Chief said coldly, his voice shaky. Our planetary thought-shield was only a method of confinement, to prevent you melding in our Imperial affairs. Klingons did not understand their own weapon's nature or effects. Carelessness compounds your crime We defy you, the Senator in Chief said Organians interdict Klingon planets from space flight for a thousand years. After a millennium back in your playpen you may emerge as fit to share a civilized galaxy. Koloth and the Destruction caught forever in time. Farewell Klingons, and the Klingon Empire. Spock, Messiah! by Theodore Cogswell and Charles Spano no Klingon content Planet of Judgment by Joe Haldeman The Irapina want to meet with the Organians, as an interesting species |
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