Episode #36: The Klingon Overture

(Stardate 49377)

By

Jay P. Hailey

And

The Star Trek Players.

"Animal!" Bupos raged. "You seek to lure us into a trap!"

Miriah sighed. "Don't you want to contact the Homeworld?"

"If they didn't slaughter you on sight, then I'm not sure." Bupos sneered.

Kazak tapped on the table idly. "We might take the area of the Vortex in the first push but holding it will present a challenge."

"No one is talking about conquering the sector. If we could negotiate a fair use treaty with the Orions, then we'd all be better off." Captain Mitchell.

"Spineless patagh!" Bupos sneered.

"I want House Katasai to support this effort." Miriah told Kazak.

Kazak gave her a piercing look. "The Orions are not trustworthy. Any treaty with them will hold just until they can get a free shot at our backs."

"Everyone knows that you can't trust an Orion." Bupos said, also looking at Miriah.

She grinned back at him. "An if you had an advantage over the Orions?"

"Then we'd destroy them, and you." Bupos said.

"So the Orions would have the same problem. Nobody said that it had to be a friendly treaty." Miriah said.

Kazak smiled ruefully. "An armed stand off over the Vortex? Amusing."

"That or lots of blood spilled for no good reason." Mitchell said.

"Spilling blood is all the reason a Klingon needs." Bupos said.

"Then why aren't you out fighting Orions right now?" Mitchell asked.

"Watch your tone, Human!" Bupos half rose.

Miriah, Watabe and Patton bounced out of their seats ready to defend Mitchell.

Bupos struck a ready pose. "Go ahead!" He growled. "We'll see what Kazak's word of truce is worth."

Kazak breezed. "If you didn't want an honor duel, then you should not have asked for one, Bupos."

"Honor duel? With two humans and a half-breed? Where's the honor in that!?" Bupos sneered.

Kazak rose. "They are guests and allies of mine, Bupos. Their honor is mine."

Bupos straightened and bowed slightly at the waist. "Far be it from me to impugn your honor Kazak." His tone implied otherwise. He sat down glaring at the humans.

Kazak turned to Captain Mitchell. "How would you rate a current Klingon warship against your own ship, Captain Mitchell?"

Mitchell thought about it. "Because of technology exchanges between the Federation and the Empire, many systems on Klingon ships and the Endeavor would be compatible. If they weren't inherently compatible, then adapters would exist. Militarily the big Vor'Cha class attack cruisers would be the equal of the Endeavor. I've heard they've even built a couple of bigger ships. There are still many K'Vort and K't'inga class cruisers. Of course they've been systematically upgraded over time, just like our older Federation ships."

Bupos looked at Mitchell. "Could they send us upgrade kits for our ships?"

"Perhaps." Mitchell allowed. If the Empire didn't send through a battle group to conquer the area for themselves...

"Do you think that you could successfully negotiate the treaty with the Orions?"

Kazak asked.

"I believe that I could." Mitchell said. "They were on the verge of negotiating that last time we talked."

"On the verge of negotiating. Then they saw Miriah." Kazak said. "They insisted on her death as a precondition to the negotiation."

Perhaps we should oblige them. After all, the Federation wants peace at any cost." Sneered Bupos.

Miriah sighed. "Perhaps if I remain out of sight the negotiations can continue."

"No true Klingon Warlord would speak so! No true Klingon would allow such dishonor!"

"Hmmm..." Mitchell said. "What if we could bluff the Orions?"

"What do you mean?" Kazak asked.

"Make the Orions believe that the whole Klingon fleet has massed on their borders. It would give the Orions incentive to find a peaceful solution." Mitchell said.

"You seek to advance your plan without my cooperation." Bupos said slowly.

Kazak laughed. "And if it succeeds, contact with technologically superior Klingons rides with me alone."

"You're not even Real Klingons!" Bupos sneered. "Why would the home world help you?"

"Because we'll be the only Klingons they see." Kazak grinned.

Bupos shook his head angrily. "I will agree to back your attempt to negotiate with the Orions on one condition."

"What is that?" Kazak asked.

"You share access to the Vortex equally between the New Klingons and the Real Klingons." Bupos said.

Kazak thought about it. Would it be worth it? His greatest enemies in the sector were the Real Klingons. The Orions were close behind. "If there is a war between the Orions and the Klingons for the use of the Vortex, then that will be the proving grounds for our philosophies. If I share new technology, I must not be handing my enemy the knife he uses to kill me."

"You've been dealing with the Humans for too long. You want a peace treaty?" Bupos asked.

"Exactly. An agreement that Real Klingons and New Klingons will not kill each other until our other enemies in the area are dead." Kazak said.

"No Real Klingon would consider himself bound by such a peace treaty! I would be dishonored for suggesting it." Bupos yelled.

"What if it were not a peace treaty, but rather a stratagem?" Mitchell asked.

"What?" Bupos asked. "What do you mean?"

"We both know that you'd only uphold such an agreement while it was in your favor. Tell your people that it's a gambit to gain time until you can make your decisive move." Mitchell suggested.

"How dare you question my honor so!" Bupos screamed. Mitchell realized that Bupos didn't think that he would be so transparent.

"Explain to Bupos what it would benefit him to be cooperative." Kazak said.

"Silence dog! You speak like an Orion Lord always weighing cost and benefit! Where is the honor in this?!" Bupos yelled.

"The honor of being able to return to our home world. The honor of having the rest of the Klingon population know of us and our battles here! This is our chance to stop being castaways always improvising and making do! This is our chance to return to our true status and glory as Klingons!" Kazak yelled at him.

"Whose true honor and status, Kazak? Miriah Katasai's? The Warrior Patton? The rest of your half-breeds and would be Klingons? They HAVE no honor! They AREN'T Klingon! You're getting ready to declare this question over and go right back to Qo'noS with this mess still unresolved. They'll laugh themselves sick! The only high technology we'll see is when they send a battle fleet to install a politically reliable Over Lord over the Empire we've built! All because of your soft heart and soft head. These people AREN'T Klingons!" Bupos was on his feet shouting. "I'll tell you how it will be. We'll declare all out war on you! Leave your data where we can get it. We'll capture and enslave the human scientists and make our way back to the Home world like true Klingons. Like REAL Klingons!"

Mitchell growled. "Try it and you won't see the home world in your life time. I'll destroy the data, hide the scientists and do enough damage to your fleet to make you an easy target for the Orions. All out war is a losing proposition for you, Bupos. I guarantee it."

Miriah hid a smirk. She really wanted to jump up and cheer for the Captain.

Bupos looked at Mitchell. The Klingon's lips were pulled back in an involuntary sneer. He looked like he was about to scream and leap on the Federation starship captain. Watabe and the Warrior Patton readied themselves. Mitchell held the Klingon's glare. He was crippled by an assassination attempt. There was no way he could physically match Bupos. He had to convince Bupos that he was serious without raising a hand.

The Real Klingon Commander locked eyes with the Human and realized that Mitchell wasn't bluffing. He grinned and then laughed out loud. "Well done, Captain! I

suppose that it really is in my interest to support your crazy scheme."

Kazak looked at Bupos dubiously. "You agree?"

"Yes, until the moment it suits me to attack you." Bupos grinned.

"Honesty is the best policy." Mitchell sighed.

-*-

Miriah was heading back for the Endeavor when Patton caught up with her.

"Lady Miriah." Patton said.

Miriah turned, puzzled. Lady Miriah? Oh, Patton was addressing her as the leader of House Katasai. "Yes, Patton?" She liked Patton. He was physically Human but he acted as Klingon as anyone she had ever met.

"I wish..." Patton seemed to stumble. "I wish to offer you my services."

"What?" Miriah was confused. What services?

"I want to serve you and House Katasai." Patton said.

"But, you serve Kazak." Miriah said. "Wouldn't he be upset if you left his service?"

"Well, Kazak said that he would miss me as his personal assistant, but he realizes that If I stay here and serve House Katasai, I'd be working closely with Kazak anyway." Patton explained.

"Okay. Why me? Why House Katasai?" Miriah asked.

"Because in House Katasai, race is not as important an issue. My heart and my performance are the important things. I want to see such a thing succeed. I know many Humans, Orions and even Klingons who feel the same way." Patton was excited. "Without realizing it, you have given us a chance to show our real value."

"Hmmm." Miriah said. "Okay, Warrior. You're in."

Patton grinned widely, "Thank you, lady! I swear my life to you!"

"I swear to be worthy of your service, Patton." Miriah said. "Your first assignment is to take over the administration of our holdings. Start getting these people you mentioned together, and see what you can do about buying ships from Kazak."

"Yes, Lady." Patton said. He bowed and waited.

"Okay, Dismissed." Miriah said.

Patton hurried off to be about his tasks. Miriah smiled to herself. Patton had secured quite a promotion. From personal assistant to chief officer of a Klingon House. She should have given him a suitable title like Colonel or General or something, but she didn't feel comfortable promoting Patton to a higher rank than she herself held. Oh, well.

-*-

The Endeavor, the Ascension and many Klingon ships rolled up to the disputed zone between the Orion Empire and the Klingon Empire. "Hail the nearest Orion Patrol ship." Mitchell said. He didn't realize how much he would miss Miriah being on the bridge. He comforted himself that she was in the second best possible position.

"Hailing frequencies open, Sir." Watabe said.

"This is the Federation starship Endeavor, Captain Kevin Mitchell commanding. We wish to speak with the Orion Empire to negotiate rights access to the Vortex. We are peaceful and wish to negotiate in good faith." He finished and signaled Watabe to send the message.

-*-

NeBan carefully gauged the fleet assembling on the border. There were over thirty Klingon ships massed on the border. He knew that sheer numbers would carry the day if a battle started. He had no doubt that his cousin, the Orion Emperor would respond with the full weight of the Empire. The Klingons would have to be very good to win against that, but it would be an academic point to him.

He considered the message that the big Federation ship sent. Captain Mitchell evidently preferred to negotiate from a position of strength. NeBan shuddered with revulsion. If they didn't have a monster on board he could almost deal with him. On the other hand, NeBan didn't see much choice. He had to try to string the Klingons and their human allies along until reinforcements could arrive.

NeBan made his decision and sent two messages. One to his own high command warning them of the Klingon fleet and one to Captain Mitchell.

"This is Viscount NeBan of the Great Orion Empire. Captain Mitchell, you know our conditions for speaking to you. Destroy your genetically engineered monster and cease all such experimentation. Have you done this?" This was NeBan's message to Mitchell.

"Open frequencies." Mitchell told Watabe. NeBan appeared on the Endeavor's screen. Mitchell took a deep breath. "Viscount, I will not let you dictate to me the make up of my crew. Commander Katasai was a valued officer and a trusted friend. However the discussion is academic at this point. She fell in battle against the Klingon warlord Muk'Dok several weeks ago."

"The matter is hardly academic, Captain. What guarantee do we have that more monsters of this type are not running around on you ship or in your Federation?" NeBan said.

"There is no one else of mixed Orion heritage on this vessel, Viscount. As for the rest, well, I can tell you what you want to hear, or I can tell you the truth. It hardly makes a difference at this point, does it?" Mitchell breezed.

"It makes a large difference if you wish to attempt to travel the Vortex, Captain." NeBan said. "The right to travel through Great Orion space depends on it."

Mitchell sighed. "Miriah was created on the Vulcan Colony world of Nissus. They have the most advanced genetic engineering facilities in our Federation. I don't know who else they might have created this way. The only way for you to stop such activity is to send a representative to our Federation to protest." Mitchell said.

"And of course, the only way for this to happen is for us to help you with your scheme, is that right?" NeBan said ironically.

"Yes, Sir. That is correct." Mitchell said.

"I'll have to think about this." NeBan said. "Do you suppose you could transmit the details of your scheme to me? My superiors will definitely want to know."

"I tell you what we can." Mitchell said. He signaled the channel closed. "He's waiting for reinforcements." Mitchell said. "Paul, transmit an outline of your plan to the Orions, will you?"

"Aye, Sir."

-*-

NeBan signaled back to his Empire. While the two fleets waited for the response, he read through the proposal for maneuvering the Vortex. He could see major technical problems with the scheme, but if they could be over come, then the Vortex could be captured and tamed.

It was far too dangerous to let the Klingons have.

-*-

Kazak called Mitchell. "The Orions have waited too long. They are calling for reinforcements."

"I agree. What can we do?" Mitchell said. He had an idea what Kazak was going to say. He was hoping that the Klingon leader would surprise him.

Kazak surprised him. "Well, either we attack or you re-negotiate quickly."

Mitchell nodded. "I'll call NeBan."

-*-

"Captain Mitchell, really. You must think me simple." NeBan said. He knew he should string the Klingon fleet along, but he really couldn't stand to have the human patronize him. "The other end of the Vortex empties into Klingon territory. If we allow them to have it they will have access to reinforcements and advanced technology. The only way for me to negotiate a usage treaty will be for you to assure that the Great Orion Empire can somehow maintain technological parity with the Klingons."

"You're asking for technological aid?" Mitchell asked.

"Yes. Your starship should serve nicely." NeBan said.

"Let me get this straight. Your price for access to the Vortex is the USS Endeavor." Mitchell almost couldn't believe his ears.

"That's correct."

"I'll have to get back to you about that." Mitchell temporized. There was no way he'd give the Orions his starship. "You know the Klingons are simply waiting for the excuse to attack you."

"If they attack now, then the battle will be fought on equal terms. That ought to be to the Klingon's liking." NeBan breezed.

"Is it to your liking?" Mitchell asked.

"I'm not the one threatening an invasion, Captain. We Orions are much more civilized than that." NeBan said primly.

"I'll consult with my allies and get back to you." Mitchell said.

"Take your time." NeBan encouraged.

-*-

"We have no choice. We must attack now." Kazak said. "Our long range sensors have detected large numbers of Orion vessels moving this way."

"Sir?" Paul Durango interrupted. "I may have an alternative."

"What is it, Paul?" Mitchell asked.

Snokel, the Vulcan astrophysicist tells me that it may be possible to herd the Vortex into Klingon territory. We'd have to use the same method that we will use to herd it into the Endeavor, but it might work."

"Are you suggesting that we steal the Vortex from the Orions and take it back to our space?" Kazak yelled.

"Yes, Sir." Paul said.

"Bwaaa Haaa Haaa! I love it!" Kazak howled.

"Get to work on it, Mr. Durango." Mitchell ordered. It would mean a shooting fight with the Orions, but there didn't seem to be any way to avoid it.

-*-

Three Klingon cruisers and the Ascension leapt into Orion territory at high warp speed.

"We're through the Orion Perimeter, Lady!" Patton said.

"Best speed for the Vortex." Miriah ordered. "Stand by for the download from the Endeavor."

"Aye, Lady."

"Let's try Commander." Miriah said.

"All due respect, Lady Miriah. The proper form of address is Lady Miriah or Lady." Patton said.

"I prefer Commander." Miriah said firmly.

"Yes, Commander." Patton said. He retrieved the scientific data from the Federation starship. Now, it was hoped that the Klingon ships could project warp energy at the Vortex without having their engines destroyed.

-*-

The Klingon ships closed with the mouth of the Vortex. They swooped around so that their angle of approach caused the weird phenomenon to skip towards the Klingon fleet.

As they got closer they increased power to their warp drives. The mouth of the wormhole drained their warp bubbles and sped off at a high rate of speed. The Klingon ships suffered for their close encounter with the wormhole. It was not kind to warp drive systems.

-*-

"The Vortex is moving at... warp eight!" Patton reported.

"What's our top speed?" Miriah asked.

"Warp seven. The Klamoth has lost warp drive temporarily. They report that they will be repaired in an hour."

Bring the other two ships into formation. Set course after the Wormhole." Miriah said.

-*-

"The Vortex is heading right for us!" NeBan's sensor technician yelled.

"Remain calm. Reduce warp speed and come to heading 080 mark 50." NeBan ordered

The Vortex swept into the Orion formation before it had time to absorb any energy and turn. It closely approached a patrol cruiser and only at the last minute absorbed enough of the Orion's warp energy to turn away. It was far too late. The patrol cruiser's outraged engines exploded, destroying the ship.

-*-

Alter course!" Miriah said. "We have to maintain possession of wormhole." The tactical situation reminded Miriah more of the Earth game Soccer than a battle.

More Klingon ships crossed the border to join the pursuit of the wormhole.

Bupos appeared on screen in a wide band broadcast. "This is Bupos. Real Klingons attack!"

Along the border most of the Klingon fleet cloaked and moved in.

-*-

"The Klingon vessels have cloaked!" NeBan's sensor officer yelled.

NeBan thought quickly. He was in a terrible position. If he abandoned the Vortex to protect Orion worlds, then the Klingons might bring advanced Klingon ships back through the Vortex. If NeBan concentrated on recovering the Vortex, then invading Klingon forces might make the question academic.

"Activate cloaks!" NeBan ordered. The Orion ships that could still cloak did. "At least they won't know which way I'm jumping until it's too late."

-*-

"We've lost a lot of the Orion ships now, too. They've cloaked." Paul Durango reported.

"I'm tracking subspace anomalies around us, Captain." Brekka Di reported. "They're moving off into Orion Space."

"Great." Mitchell growled. "Helm take us to a position away from the border and the fighting. That will be our staging area. Report the area to Miriah on coded subspace frequency."

"Aye, Sir." Brekka Di said.

-*-

"Commander. We're receiving information on a coded channel. It's the Endeavor. They're giving us our target for the Vortex." Patton said.

"Relay the phase variances to the other ships and engage." Miriah said.

-*-

The three Klingon cruisers caught up with the Vortex and began to carefully herd it back to the staging area. They were pestered by Orion Patrol ships but Kazak's ships would often appear and chase the harassing ships off.

Herding the wormhole was a touchy and delicate process. The Ascension and the

other Klingon ships were repeatedly damaged by the adverse effects of the

wormhole. They stuck with it though and were eventually in range of the

Endeavor.

-*-

"Engineering, report." Mitchell called.

"Engineering here, Sir." Genevieve Quest reported. "Everything with a subspace coil that it is possible to shut down has been shut down."

"Very good. Mr. Watabe signal to the rest of the Fleet that we are ready to begin."

"Aye, Sir."

-*-

The Orion Cruiser Helix hovered near the Federation ship. As the plan came together, NeBan cursed himself. It was so simple! Why had no one ever thought of it before? They were going to use the warp drives of the Klingon ships to herd the Vortex onto the Federation ship. The Endeavor shut down all subspace activity to avoid driving the Vortex away and hopefully to survive the ride through the Vortex without being damaged.

"Impulse power only. Bring us to with in weapons range of the Endeavor." NeBan ordered. He would refrain from using his subspace coils, too. At least until he had a good shot at the Endeavor.

-*-

The Worm hole was moving towards the Endeavor at a leisurely warp four.

"Take us out of formation." Miriah ordered. "Begin our rendezvous with the Endeavor."

The Ascension slid out of formation and made a high-speed circle around the Vortex. They were learning carefully how sensitive the phenomenon was, and at what distance they could pass without unduly affecting it.

-*-

The Vortex was closing. If NeBan didn't attack soon then the Vortex would be driven away from his warp drive destructively.

"Drop the cloak. Raise shields. Arm weapons." NeBan ordered. "All out attack as soon as we're ready.

-*-

Red alert sirens started screaming on the Endeavor.

"Report!" Mitchell ordered.

"A big Orion ship has just decloaked one hundred thousand kilometers away. They'll be in weapons range soon." Watabe sounded grim.

"Can we fight them?" Mitchell asked. He was sincerely hoping that Watabe would

surprise him.

"No, Sir. Our shields are weak without main power. Our photon torpedoes are nearly useless without the warp boosters. We can dish out some damage with our phaser banks, but we can't fight them." Watabe said.

"Call Miriah and General Kazak. Until reinforcements arrive, do your best." Mitchell said.

"Aye Sir."

-*-

"Commander! An Orion battle cruiser has just decloaked near the Endeavor! They are on an attack vector!" Patton said.

"The Endeavor's helpless without her warp drives!" Miriah said, "Helm, burn the impulse engines! I want to intercept that cruiser if it's the last thing we do! Patton, raise the other herding ships. Ask them to please increase their energy to hold the Vortex on course."

"Aye Sir! Message sent. The other ships respond Q'apla!"

"Make my compliments to them, Patton."

The Ascension roared towards her prey.

-*-

"Sire! A Klingon cruiser is coming up behind us!" The sensor officer warned.

"Will they be there in time to foil our attack?" NeBan asked.

"I cannot say, Sire."

"Well find out." NeBan snarled. "We've got to get the Endeavor before it attempts the Vortex!"

-*-

The Helix and the Ascension raced towards the Endeavor. They started losing power and shorting out systems as the Vortex closed. The Klingon herders had to dangerously increase their warp power out put to keep the phenomenon on course.

-*-

The Helix arrived in firing position. "Fire!" NeBan roared.

-*-

"The Orion ship is in firing position, Captain." Watabe said.

"Return fire with the phasers. Fire at will, Mr. Watabe." Mitchell ordered.

-*-

The Helix fired on the Federation starship. They exchanged brilliant beams of destructive energy. Force fields coruscated with the effect of redirected energy. The Helix swept past.

-*-

"Report!" NeBan shouted.

"Our forward shield is fifty percent collapsed. Minor damage to forward sections. Our hull is still intact. Our energy is still at full potential. All weapons are still available." NeBan's tactical officer reported.

"Come about to attack again!" NeBan said.

-*-

"Damage report!" Mitchell called.

"Shield number two is down. There is moderate damage to sections thirty five, thirty-six and thirty seven on decks six through eight. We have lost a reserve reactor. No word of casualties, yet." Brekka Di reported.

"Bring us about. Keep that side away from him." Mitchell said.

-*-

"The Orion cruiser has fired on the Endeavor. I'm reading hull damage and some atmosphere leakage." Patton reported.

"How long until we're in firing range?" Miriah asked.

"Twenty Seconds, Commander."

"Arm all weapons!" Miriah yelled.

-*-

As the Helix came around to begin another attack on the Endeavor, the Ascension tore into the Orion cruiser with a full barrage of weapons fire.

The old Klingon ship and the big Orion cruiser spun around each other like big cats fighting. Each searching for a weak point or some sort of advantage with which to kill the enemy.

The Helix was designed by the Orions specifically to fight the Klingons. It's weapons shields and drive were the toughest the Great Orion Empire could devise.

Even with the occasional phaser shot from the Endeavor, the Ascension's fate was sealed.

-*-

"Aft shields down, losing main power." Patton reported. "Heavy casualties reported in engineering."

"Have them abandon ship. Have every one but the bridge crew get out." Miriah ordered.

"But Lady! To leave a ship before the battle is over?" Patton sounded horrified.

"For us it is!" Miriah snarled. "Those people are more valuable to me and to Kazak alive than they are dead! It's their duty to go and fight well another day! We'll be right behind them."

"Yes, Commander." Patton said.

-*-

"Escape pods are firing from the Klingon ship, Sire!" NeBan's sensor officer reported.

"I didn't know that Klingon ships had escape pods." NeBan grinned. "Press the attack! Let's get them and then get the Endeavor before the Vortex gets here."

"Aye, sir!"

The Helix turned to attack again.

-*-

"Range to the wormhole?" Mitchell asked.

"One point two million kilometers, Captain. It will be here in seconds!" Durango said.

"Will Miriah be able to finish off the Orion ship and get back here in time?" Mitchell asked.

Watabe said. "No Sir. She'll be lucky to survive. The Ascension is crippled and the Orion ship is bearing down on her again."

"Reactivate transporters. We're not leaving anyone behind!" Mitchell ordered.

"Aye, Sir." Watabe said. "Reactivating transporters."

"Lieutenant Brekka, find me something to distract the Orion ship with until the wormhole arrives." Mitchell said.

Um...Okay!" Brekka Di said cheerfully. She didn't have any idea of what she was going to do, but she'd figure something out...

-*-

The Ascension came apart under the attack of the Helix. At the last second, the bridge crew jettisoned in the forward boom section of the ship. The explosion and general destruction hid them shortly from the Helix.

-*-

"Sensors being jammed, Sir!" The Sensor Officer shouted.

Activate counter measures!" NeBan ordered. "We almost have them!"

-*-

A shuttlecraft from the Endeavor shot through the space between the two ships. Piloting by remote control, Brekka Di flew the shuttle into a weak part in the shields of the Helix. The Helix shuddered as half a ton of metal struck it at full impulse speed.

-*-

"Impact with the wormhole in fifteen...Fourteen...Thirteen..." Paul Durango counted.

"Transporters! Do you have lock on?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Beam all the survivors off the Ascension's boom! Energize!" Mitchell yelled.

The Endeavor shuddered.

"The Orion ship is firing on us. Number four shield has collapsed." Watabe said. "Returning fire."

"Helm, full impulse. Take us into the Vortex." Mitchell ordered.

The Endeavor turned and ran into the swirling spatial phenomenon.

-*-

The Helix shuddered as the Vortex approached.

"Helm, get us out of here! Engineering, shut down all..."

NeBan never finished his order. The Vortex caught the Helix and its strange effects overloaded the already damaged engines. Driven by the Klingon herd ships, the Vortex crawled up to the Helix almost to the point where the Orion ship was forced through the Vortex. Its warp drive gave first and the Orion ship exploded in a fiery display.

-*-

The starship Endeavor tumbled out of the swirling wormhole.

"Damage report!" Captain Mitchell called. He was barely clinging to his chair.

Enrico Watabe clung to his station and read the reports. "Several auxiliary power generators have overloaded. We took moderate damage from the last attack. We're waiting on a casualty assessment now."

"Did we get the crew of the Ascension?" Mitchell asked. The Endeavor was starting to settle down now. Mitchell didn't have to hold on quite as hard.

Watabe consulted his board. "We got fifteen of them, Sir."

"Is Miriah one of them?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Now, what's the status of our warp drive?"

"Genevieve reports that all subspace systems that were locked down survived intact." Watabe reported.

"I ordered that all subspace coils be locked down. Which ones weren't?" Mitchell asked.

"The impulse engines, Captain. We needed those to move."

"Oh. What's the status of our impulse engines now?"

"Crippled. We can manage one quarter impulse speed."

"Then give me best speed away from the wormhole's mouth. When we're safely away, we'll report to Starfleet and The Klingons."

"Aye, Sir."

The Endeavor began to crawl away from the Wormhole.

-*-

"Thank you, Miriah. That was well done." Mitchell said. "The Endeavor might not have made it home without you."

"Thank you, Sir." Miriah said quietly.

"What's bothering you, Commander?" Mitchell asked.

"What about my crew, Sir? The survivors of the Ascension. They had no intention of coming through the wormhole with us." Miriah looked Captain Mitchell in the eye. "Now we're back where we belong and they're stranded thousands of light years away from home."

Mitchell looked at Miriah. "All right, Captain. Here's what I was thinking. The Klingons will probably send an expedition back through the wormhole. Your remaining crew can probably join them to act as guides and advisors. They'll end their work for the Klingon Empire back where they belong."

"If the Klingon Empire doesn't accept them on the expedition?" Miriah said.

"Don't buy trouble. We'll try the Klingon Empire first. If that doesn't work, then we'll try to figure something else out, Okay?" Mitchell answered.

"Okay." Miriah said. "Why Captain? The Ascension was destroyed."

"Well, Miriah, we arrived safely home, overcoming terrible odds. We solved a mystery that's been plaguing this area for centuries. We've even managed to arrange for lost Klingon and Vulcan colonies to contact their home worlds. However, your first question was about the welfare of your crew. You're real Captain material and that makes me happy."

-*-

The Endeavor crawled away from the wormhole. When it was safe, she activated warp drives and subspace radio. The news of what lurked in the Delta Sector and ate starships caused quite a stir.

The Endeavor warped into starbase Twenty-Four and docked. Repairs were made and reports filed. Starfleet sent an Admiral to over see the investigation. The Klingons sent a General.

-*-

"Do you know who might have survived the trip through the wormhole?" General Martok asked. "Their families will want to know."

Miriah shook her head. "We didn't have the time to take a census, Sir. I thought the Empire would do that when they initiated contact with them."

"If we do. Tell me of the two factions." General Martok said.

"There are two distinct ones. The Real Klingons are survivors and descendants of earlier Klingons. They see other races either as enemies to be slaughtered or enslaved. They won't ally with anyone else. They denied my honor and standing and would have killed me out of hand because I'm not a true Klingon. Muk'Dok was their leader until I killed him in honorable combat. By Klingon customs his house and holdings reverted to me. Now Bupos is the leader of the Real Klingons." Miriah explained.

"You killed the Leader of a Klingon house in an Honor duel?" Admiral Picard asked.

Miriah flushed. "Yes, Sir. He tried to have Captain Mitchell assassinated."

Picard nodded slightly. "Go ahead."

"The other faction is the New Klingons. General Kazak allows non-Klingon civilians to work his holdings. He allows half Klingons and even Patton who is a Human raised as a Klingon to serve with honor in his fleet."

"I had an uncle named Kazak. He was junior lieutenant aboard a cruiser when it was lost thirty years ago." Martok said thoughtfully.

"He did say that I was his cousin." Miriah said.

"Your report said that this racial bias was the basis for war between the factions?" Picard asked.

"Yes, Sir." Miriah said. "Between the Great Orion Empire and the Real Klingons, Kazak is in a tough position. Accepting non-Klingons gives him a manpower advantage that he otherwise wouldn't have."

"You have put me in an interesting position, Miriah." General Martok said. "Gowron isn't sure that he wants to open contact with these Klingons. Yet, you have asked me to assign a regent to your holdings there. Family duty may wind up conflicting with the orders Gowron gives me."

Miriah shot him a look. "I know how that will go. That's fine with me. I'm certain that Kazak has it all under control. What about Snokel of Last Chance Colony? What about the survivors of the Ascension?"

"The Vulcan is not my problem." Martok said. "As for the survivors of your Klingon ship, bring them with you."

"Bring them with me?" Miriah asked.

"I want you to command one of my ships, Miriah." Martok said.

"Don't make any irrevocable decisions yet, Commander." Admiral Picard put in.

"Starfleet wants to offer me a command?" Miriah said.

"Nothing is settled yet, but we're leaning that way, yes." Picard smiled.

"Bah! Picard you sneak thief. Perhaps I should challenge you for her.." Martok growled in mock anger.

"Only if I can name Worf as my champion." Picard said. "Commander. We'll let you know more as soon as the issue is decided."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Don't thank me, you've earned it." Picard said.

"Indeed. Enjoy your moment in the sun, Miriah." Martok said.

-*-

"They've offered me a command." Miriah said to Mitchell. She worried what would become of him without her to take care of him and the Endeavor.

"I know. I've recommended you for command of Endeavor." Mitchell said.

"You're moving on?" Miriah said. She couldn't picture Mitchell anywhere but the Bridge of a starship.

"I realized during this last trip that I'm not really doing what comes natural for me." Mitchell explained. "I joined Starfleet because my family had that as a tradition. I ignored what Selak gave me. I suppose I was a little upset at him for being killed."

"Selak, wasn't he..."

"He was the captain of the Ranger. He accepted me as a ward of the ship when he really didn't have to. He adopted me in ways I wasn't clearly aware of until the Vulcans rubbed my nose in it." Mitchell said.

"But to leave Starfleet?" Miriah was shocked. In the culture of Starfleet leaving the service was tantamount to the end of living.

"Who said I'm leaving Starfleet?" Mitchell asked. "Not at all. I just wanted to give back some of what Selak gave me. I'm taking a teaching post at the Academy."

Miriah shook her head. To leave a starship command to go teach at the Academy? Mitchell did look comfortable with the decision. "What will you be teaching there?"

"I will command the Excelsior." Mitchell said, proudly.

Miriah nodded. Who better but a Captain just in from the field to command the Academy's traditional training vessel? "Good luck," she smiled.

"You, too, Miriah. The center seat is what we all aim for, but sometimes it's no fun at all." Mitchell rubbed his neck where the Klingon assassin cut it.

"You've been a good Captain, Kevin. I am honored to have served with you." Miriah said.

"Get out of here before you start me crying." Mitchell grinned. His eyes did look a little glassy.

-*-

"Miriah, there is something we must discuss." Kevas said. He was the Endeavor's half Betazoid counselor.

"What is that, Kevas?" Miriah didn't want to discuss anything important. She was waiting for the other shoe to drop with her proposed command of the Endeavor.

"I am leaving the Endeavor." Kevas said.

Miriah rolled over and looked at him. Sadness welled up in her. "Why?" She asked.

"I will go to Earth to serve with Captain Mitchell on the Excelsior. When I return I will be qualified to be your second in command." Kevas said.

Miriah sniffed a little. "Oh. You really want to serve with me? You want to be my First Officer?"

"Nothing less important would draw me away." Kevas said looking into her eyes.

Miriah stared back. "I'm going to miss you."

"And I you."

Miriah thought about it. "Let's make our relationship official."

Kevas said. "All right. How?"

"Well there's the Klingon style, the Orion style and the Betazoid style." Miriah counted off.

"How do the Orions become mates?" Kevas asked.

"They don't officially. How do Betazoids do it?"

"For Betazoid weddings, everyone is naked." Kevas said.

"Really?" Miriah pictured it.

"Yes. It's an old joke that at a Betazoid wedding everyone can see who the best man is."

Miriah guffawed.

Kevas stood up. He took a deep breath and shouted the Klingon marriage oath. Miriah rolled onto her knees on the bed in her quarters. Her replies were equally loud.

When they were finished, they made love again. Miriah lay in Kevas' arms for a long time. She was filled with joy at being officially mated. Fear for what it might mean for the future. Sadness at the fact that Kevas would be going away. Joy again at the certainty that he would return.

-*-

"Lady Miriah, may I ask a question?" Patton asked.

"Certainly, Patton." Miriah said.

"Will you stay here in the Federation or return to your holdings in the Sagittarius arm?"

Miriah sighed. "I'm not sure, yet.'

"I wish to stay with you." Patton said.

"You're needed back at New Klinzai, Patton." Miriah said.

"I gave my oath to serve you. It doesn't matter where you go. I am your first Warrior. I'll stay." Patton said firmly.

Miriah sighed. "All right."

Patton grinned. "You won't regret it, Lady."

"Maybe. Are you sure you won't?"

-*-

Alpha found Miriah. "May I ask your help?"

Miriah briefly ran though a mental checklist. The Green Orions who had been rescued from slavery in the Great Orion Empire were much fewer, now. Telos, Alpha's chief rival for power had taken a ship to Earth as soon as they docked at Starbase Twenty Four. Only a handful of Greens remained with the Endeavor, among them Alpha and Zorn.

Miriah thought that Alpha and the rest of the Greens would do very well on Nissus, the multiracial Vulcan Colony. It was Miriah's home world. She had great faith in the tolerance of the people of Nissus. "Certainly, Alpha. What can I help you with?"

Alpha placed a PADD in front of Miriah. "Please advise me."

Miriah picked up the PADD and read. It was a business proposal. Alpha wanted to take over the lounge of the USS Endeavor and run it. The idea wasn't unprecedented. Several of the bigger starships had privately run lounges. It gave the ship a better sense of identity and community. But a Green Orion running it? Miriah grinned ruefully to herself. She thought that the Admiralty would bust a gut and override her decision. Miriah altered a few of the details, while explaining to Alpha "I don't know what ship I'll be commanding, but whichever one it is, you're in."

"You will command a starship?" Alpha asked.

"That's the rumor." Miriah said. "Captain Mitchell has taken a post teaching cadets at Starfleet Academy."

"Hmmm. Thank you. I would like to go with you. But now I must go find Captain Mitchell and tell him good bye." Alpha rose.

"I think he would enjoy that." Miriah smirked.

Alpha sighed. "The damage the Klingon assassin did reduced his physical energy. But we appreciate what he did for us, and so I want to let him know that."

"I think he'll enjoy that." Miriah said more seriously.

-*-

Miriah's terminal rang with an incoming message. Miriah was already there working on the huge amount of record keeping that operating a starship required. Computers could handle most of it, but at critical points people had to review the process and make sure that no errors were cropping up.

Miriah keyed the new message. It was a notification from Starfleet Command that she was promoted to Captain. Miriah looked at the simple notification and shuddered briefly. The promotion to flag rank meant that she was now a potential policy maker and ambassador for the Federation. Whatever happened now, Miriah's life would never be the same.

Miriah wondered what she would do next.

-*-

Admiral Picard's transport was getting ready to leave for Earth. Miriah and the crew of the Endeavor were there saying good-bye to the people who would be leaving.

Captain Mitchell was getting the lion's share of the good-byes and affection. Paul Durango, the former Chief Science Officer of the Endeavor was retiring. He secretly felt that the last several years with the Endeavor had used up his life's supply of good luck and he didn't want to push his luck any further. Enrico Watabe was there, speaking with people and smiling, a strange habit that he'd picked up since having his mind altered by telepathic invasion.

You're leaving Mr. Watabe?" Miriah asked. She was sure that Watabe was one of the people they'd have to carry away from Starfleet in a bag.

"Yes." He said. "I too have agreed to take a teaching position on Earth."

"I thought you'd stay in space until they made you come home." Miriah said.

"Well, my outlook on matters has changed drastically. I no longer have anything to prove. It's time for me to move on with my personal life and relax a little." Watabe said thoughtfully.

"Well good luck to you." Miriah said. She didn't like Watabe, but oddly she was sorry to see him go.

"You know, I never really liked you before." Watabe said.

"Really?" Miriah said. It wasn't news.

"Now that I think about it, all the reasons that I had for not liking you actually make you very likable." Watabe grinned. "You were right about the Green Orions."

"Thank you, Enrico. That means a lot to me." Miriah said quietly. "We'll miss your touch as Tactical Officer."

"That's all right. You'll be able to find some other gung ho maniac, I'm sure. Soon I'll be training them and then everyone will benefit." Watabe said.

Admiral Picard broke in. "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen. It's time."

The last of the people stepped on the transporter pad. "Energize." Picard said. They sparkled away.

-*-

Miriah met General Martok in a secure meeting room on the Starbase.

"Captain Katasai reporting as ordered, Sir." Miriah said. She was still trying to get used to her new rank.

"I wanted to show you a new Klingon ship. This is all confidential and not to be discussed outside of this room. Starfleet Command already knows of this ship, so don't worry about that. Tell me you won't discuss this." Martok said.

"On my honor, I will not discuss it." Miriah said.

Martok nodded. "Fine. Computer, display file Martok One."

The computer replied. "That file is restricted. Please identify."

"Martok, Begagh Chu!" Martok yelled.

"Identity confirmed." The Computer said. A hologram appeared over the conference table.

Miriah recognized the basic outline of a Klingon starship. It was a flat wedge shape, with the usual Klingon neck forward and main body aft. It was all in a single plane. Miriah looked closely. It was not nearly as large as the last two new Klingon ship types. It was about 300 meters long, and would weigh 220,000 metric tons. The new ship would carry approximately 300 crew people. It would be able to cruise as fast as the Endeavor. It had new engines based on the latest Federation technology. It's weapons and shields were similarly advanced. So were its research labs. It had extensive support capability.

The ship was not a battle cruiser, although it would serve well in that role. Miriah realized that she was looking at a Klingon exploration cruiser. She whistled with appreciation. It would be three or four times as expensive as a K'Vort class battle cruiser or a K't'inga class ship.

"This is the newest class of Klingon ship. He is a Dagger class cruiser." Martok said.

"Why are you showing me this?" Miriah asked suspiciously.

"The mission specifications for the Dagger class are closer to your Starfleet ships than a Bird of Prey. I have many fine commanders for Birds of Prey. How will they handle an exploration ship?" Martok said.

"Um, I'm sure you could find someone..." Miriah prompted.

"Probably, but I want you." Martok said. "Your training and background make you uniquely suited to command this ship."

"What would they say on Qo'noS?" Miriah asked.

Martok looked troubled. "There would be some controversy at first. The first of a new class of ship should go to a well regarded war hero. However, the Dagger is not solely a warship. Your battles have been recorded in our family archives. They will stand any scrutiny. Together we could force them to accept you."

"I am already accepted here in the Federation." Miriah said. "Not that I'm not tempted, General, truly. I've been fighting a long time. I'm up for a command of a starship. You're asking a lot to re-fight that battle again."

Martok grimaced. "I have offered you a great honor Miriah! You won't get a chance like this again!"

"I brought you the holdings of House Katasai with no questions asked! Don't talk down to me, General!" Miriah snapped.

Martok took a deep breath. "You're right. You are not a junior member of our family any more. You are the Senior Female. But don't overestimate your support in the Federation. Admiral Picard had to return to Earth to fight for your command assignment. They don't want you to command a starship Miriah."

"General you're promising me a lot, but you haven't even built the Dagger, yet have you?" Miriah asked.

Martok rolled his eyes. "No. The Dagger was begun last month. It will take at least another year to complete."

"Well, I'll tell you what. I'll take whatever assignment that Starfleet hands me. When the Dagger is finished, then you come back and talk to me then. If Starfleet has short changed me, then I'm yours." Miriah said.

"You speak like a Ferengi making deals and offering conditions!" Martok shouted.

"This is not about deals. It's about my honor!" Miriah yelled. "You wouldn't be interested in offering me the Dagger if I hadn't served on the Endeavor first. I would never have had the chance to join your service at all, except that Starfleet gave me the chance first! I owe it to them to give them first refusal for my services! Call it what you want!"

Martok glared. After a few moments he relented. "You're right. I'll give Starfleet their fair chance. After they put an Earther in command of the ship you have earned, then we'll speak again."

Miriah smiled. "Thank you, General." She sincerely hoped he wouldn't be proven right.

-*-

The Klingons gathered the survivors of the Ascension and Snokel of the Vulcan colony of Last Chance. They prepared and sent a large cruiser through the Delta Sector Wormhole. It was not heard from again. The Klingons next sent a battle group of five starships through the Vortex. None of these ships was ever heard from again.

In the end another Klingon ship was outfitted as a sleeper ship and given the fast Federation engines. With Vulcan advisors for Last Chance and a crew of Klingons in cold sleep the ship set out for the distant region. No one would know what happened for at least six years.

-*-

Miriah was still assigned as the executive officer for the Endeavor. For the next month she oversaw a refit of the ship.

Then one day, Admiral Grayson, the commander of the starbase came to see her.

"Captain Katasai, I have your new assignment." Green said.

"Sir." Miriah came to attention. "Ready for orders."

"You're to make the Endeavor ready and take her out on patrol. Congratulations, Miriah. You're a starship captain!" Green reached out and shook her hand.

"I'll need a First Officer." Miriah said.

"Your new First Officer and Chief of Security are on their way here, now. We'll promote Joe-The-Scan to be your Chief Science Officer if you think he's ready."

"Joe will do fine, Admiral. I already have a Chief of Security and Tactical."

"Really? I thought Mr. Watabe had returned to Earth." Green sounded puzzled.

"My new security Chief is a Klingon Exchange Officer. His name is Warrior Patton." Miriah said.

Grayson looked uncomfortable. "Uh, a Klingon national as a Chief of Security? Is that wise?"

"Patton has sworn loyalty to me. His honor is at stake. I don't know if you've dealt with Klingons enough to know what a powerful motivation that can be for them."

Grayson shook his head. "I know. But I'm not sure what Starfleet Command is going to say."

"We'll find out how much of a Captain they'll let me be." Miriah said.

"I'm going to soft soap this for a while. Admiral Picard had to work hard to get you into the center seat. I'm going to try and keep you quiet for a while." Grayson said.

"Well, you're the Admiral." Miriah said.

"Please don't make me regret it." Green asked.

-*-

"Captain Katasai?" The man was medium height, had a rugged face and brown hair.

"Yes Commander?"

"I'm William Stroud. I'm your new First officer." He introduced.

"Pleased to meet you, Commander Stroud." Miriah shook his hand. "Let's get going."

"Aye, Sir." Stroud said.

-*-

The Endeavor undocked from Starbase Twenty-Four and continued on her way.

-End-

Disclaimer: Paramount owns all things Trek. I claim original characters and situations in this story for me.