LaSaille Shorts

[Innkeeper]

Interesting.

What is Clarke up to these days?

Also interesting that his Mom is Ansisi

It will come up. He ends up becoming the farm manager and marrying a girl named Alice.

Why wouldn't Jerry marry another telepath? Unlike most women Ansisi get the relationship between he and Aleilan.

[Innkeeper]

Audit

"Good morning Tara." Jerry walked passed his aide's desk. toward his own office.

"Morning Admiral. Captain Styles is waiting for you."

"Good. Are the orders in place."

"Yes sir."

"Tell everyone to move. I want it done in five minutes."

Levyson pressed a stud on her desk. "The word is given."

"Affirmative" said the voice from the speaker."

LaSaille nodded and entered the office. Styles was looking out the windows at the morning traffic on the bay. Jerry waited a moment, watching him watch. He walked to his desk, sat, then cleared his throat.

Styles started and turned quickly. "Admiral LaSaille, I didn't hear you come in."

"Captain Styles, sit down."

Styles took the indicated seat. "You left a message that I was to see you sir, as soon as possible."

"Yes. Why isn't the Excelsior ready for operational status."

"Well, ahem, we have been having some difficulties in the shake down. I don't think we have located all the damage done to the drives Admiral."

"You have had two months to repair ten minutes of work."

"Mr. Scott is a most thorough engineer sir...."

"I don't buy it. I don't buy the 'Scotty is an engineer beyond mortal hope.' line. I am calling some engineers in from outside the project, to audit it."

"Sir, I must object, the transwarp project is cutting edge. Most engineers will not understand it."

"I am of the opinion that if Starfleet engineers cannot understand something, if it is beyond their understanding, then it is not engineering. What might it be if it is not engineering?"

"Admiral LaSaille, I have the highest confidence that we can work these minor bugs out of the traswarp drives. We will have them working."

LaSaille noted the light winking on his desk. "We shall know shortly if your confidence is well founded. As of this moment the command codes have been changed on the Excelsior by my order. You are relieved of command Captain. The auditors have control of the Excelsior."

Styles sat gaping like a fish out of water.

"I strongly suggest you keep yourself handy should the audit team have any questions."

----

"On examining the USS Excelsior we have concluded that the transwarp system is unstable, and even if run within accepted tolerances would prove a danger to her crew." Captain Henderson sat down.

LaSaille looked over the figures in front of him. "In short Captain Henderson you are telling me the transwarp project is a crock of shit, and it stinks?"

Henderson leaned on the conference table. "Yes sir, it is my opinion and the opinion of my team that Starfleet was sold a bill of goods. The promised performance will never materialize."

"Your recommendation?"

"I recommend that the Excelsior be refit with a standard warp drive system before it is turned over to an operational crew."

LaSaille sat, arms crossed. "Just ducky."

Henderson blinked. "Sir?"

"An expression of frustration Captain Henderson, proceed with your recommendation. Excelsior is back into the design phase. Get the refit rolling at once, if not sooner. I'll file the report with Admiral Cartwright.

----

"Admiral LaSaille, this is unacceptable."

"What sir is unacceptable about the report?"

"We cannot have the Excelsior tied up for additional years waiting for a new warp system, we need her and ships like her out on patrol, now."

"I strongly disagree sir. If we have ships like her on patrol we will have less ships and fewer crews. Captain Henderson's report states the facts. Excelsior is not a safe ship. I will not certify her for duty."

"Do you have any safe ships Admiral LaSaille?"

"I have several thousand. I take it you are referring to the Enterprise A."

"I seem to recall asking for her specifically to deal with the Nimbus 3 situation."

"You did and you are changing the subject sir."

"Then I'm changing the subject. Why wasn't she sent?"

"The Enterprise A had not at the time been reported fit for duty by her Captain. An officer of long experience."

"Which is why I wanted him on the scene."

"Then why was transferring him to the Constellation for the mission not acceptable? I offered you the combination of any fit ship and Captain James T. Kirk, but you refused. It was Kirk and the Enterprise A, or nothing. I seem to recall that Captain Strak handled the matter without further loss of life, and saw the miscreants arrested for their crimes."

Cartwright fussed with the PADDs on his desk. "Yes, an acceptable outcome."

"But not the outcome you wanted."

Cartwright's head snapped up. "What makes you say that?"

"Because...it is most evident that it was not the outcome that was wanted." LaSaille looked him right in the eyes.

Sweat popped onto Cartwright's brow. "What outcome do you think was wanted, Admiral?"

LaSaille continued his level gaze. "I don't know, but displeasure at the the outcome we have is evident."

"Get your freaky powers out of my head!"

LaSaille kept his level gaze. "My, 'powers', as you quaintly put it are not in your head Admiral Cartwright. Telepathically probing a superior officer is not a permitted action under the uniform code if I recall correctly. Unless one believes and states sufficient cause to believe that one's superior officer's mind has been controlled by someone else, and have so logged that belief."

Cartwright broke the stare. "You seem to know a lot about the uniform code as pertains to telepaths Admiral."

"It is in my best interest to know these things. About Excelsior...."

Cartwright went back to his PADDs. "Do as you see fit. Dismissed."


Audit -- Garry Stahl, March 2005


I did this one some time back, but was holding it back to see if it developed into something more. What the heck, here it is. The timing of the story is fairly obvious.

I have been asked why I portrayed Admiral Cartwright in such a manner. My impression of him from the films he was in was of a man that formed and kept grudges and those influenced his behavior. The kind of treason we see in The Undiscovered Country is not a sudden or overnight behavior. Kirk was set up to fail in The Final Frontier . In Epiphany Trek canon Admiral LaSaille vetoed sending the E-A and sent a ship with a working transporter, so no idiot plot.

[Innkeeper]

Reflections

Rain hissed down in sheets outside the stable door. Jerry continued to brush down the big Tennessee Walker in the quiet gloom of the barn aisle. No sound but the rain and the horses muttering one to the other. A dusty haze filtered the wane light as he worked. This was simple work that hearkened back to a time before memory. A time when some forgotten genius decided that a horse was better to ride than to eat.

**I would love to meet him.**

**Yes Aleilan, so would I. Every time I touch a horse I think of the wonderful gift he gave us.**

Aleilan cocked her head at him. **Horses are a gift?**

**A gift, helpmate, companion, friend. For three thousand years we built our world on the backs of horses.**
The mare turned her head to look him in the eye. "Yes, girl, I'm thinking about you." He briskly brushed her withers. **Now we give the few that remain beautiful places to live, and a life of horsey ease.**

**Today's ride was ease?**

**You ask her. Is she happy?**

**Yes, but you knew that.**

**You asked me a question beautiful one. I know she likes running with you.**

**We like running with the horses. They are bright for animals.**

**So made by man. Horses and dogs are the animals we bred for intelligence. Someone to be our friends, not simply our servants.**

**You don't seem to have much affinity for dogs.**

**I never have.** Jerry led the mare into her box. He checked her hay and the water system.

Aleilan idly chewed at a bit of hay. **Better quality than usual.**

**Good crop this year. We have a goodly amount laid up as well.** He latched the stall door behind him. The mare continued to pay attention to her hay.

Jerry looked out again at the rain. The barn cat twined around his feet supplicating for any treats he might have. **Well, we might as well finish up in the barn before supper. That doesn't look like it is letting up soon.**

----

Miss Lily cocked her head at the slight "whump" upstairs, and the kitchen chandelier shook slightly. "Well. Mister Jerrod and Aleilan are finally in from the barn.

Clarke continued to mash the potatoes. "At least he has time to clean up before supper. Horse, ugh."

"Now young man, horses, including their smell, made this here farm all it is. You best be learning to like it."

Carol shifted the roast as she basted it. "Horses don't have as much odor as Ane. They are both pleasant."

Clarke shook his head. "I guess it's what you grow up with. I grew up with Ane. We don't have horses on Savanna."

Carol finished up with the roast. "You don't? I'm surprised someone didn't import them."

"Someone did after contact. They died. I understand it wasn't pretty. No one has tried since."

Miss Lily continued forming biscuits and placing them in her pan. "More's the pity. I don't think a place is fit for man without horses."
"I remember Dad telling me stories about Bellicolone when I was a kid. It always seemed to be a magical place like Pern, or Middle Earth. Not a place where real people lived or worked. I always got Bellicolone and Benden Weyr mixed up in my dreams. Horses were dragons, dragons were horses. I guess my biggest surprise on seeing a real horse was that it was so small."

The kitchen door shook as Jacob came in from the farm. He stripped his slicker and boots. "Woh, that rain is coming down. Mr Jerrold in from the West Barn?"

Miss Lily nodded. "Yes, they popped in a few minutes ago. You still have plenty of time to clean up."

He smiled. "I'll take that hint." He departed for the upstairs.

Miss Lily continued with her biscuits: "Horses were small. Heh, I would never have thought it."

Clarke continued mashing. "I was disappointed they didn't fly too."

Carol set the roast back in the oven. "I thought you were born on Earth Clarke?"

"I was, but when Dad took command of the Kongo Mom took me back to Savanna. I was too young to remember then."

Miss Lily put her biscuits into the second oven. "I have never been off Earth. I cannot see why I should start."

Carol checked the green beans. "It is worth it if only once in your life. I can see why it draws the people it does. Space has a stark beauty."

"Dad said you and Jacob are from Deneva."

"That's right. Jacob answered Mr Jerold's ad for a horse farm manager. Deneva has plenty of horses."

Dad took me out once on the Kongo. I was still a kid and it was very exciting. Other than shuttles around the system, that and my trip to El Nanth in the first place it was my only Starship trip. I always wanted to take a trip on the Savanna."

Jerry entered the kitchen on that remark. "Sorry Clarke, that isn't likely to happen."

"Pity, she is a marvelous old ship."

"Marvelous old wreck. I don't want to think about what it would take to get her space worthy."

"You should consider it. It would aid in preserving her."

"Yes, that it would. I'll put it on the list of things to do."

Jacob looked into the kitchen. "Supper about ready? I'll chase down the boys."

"Soon as the biscuits are out and the table set." Said Miss Lily.

Jerry went to the cabinet. "I'll get those dishes."

----

After supper Jerry walked back among the barns with Aleilan. Water ran down the cobbled path in the aftermath of the rain. The clouds slowly parted to reveal the stars.

**I used to stand here as a kid and look at the stars with my brother. We had a telescope. The wonders that simple tube revealed. I never dreamed I would be here now, seeking the places I have visited.**

**The past we can know. The future is always a mystery.**

**Yes, but it's that mystery that keeps us going.**


Reflections -- Garry Stahl, April 2005


I have been working around this one for a while. It wasn't going anywhere. Well it never did, but it's too good a character piece to leave behind.

[Innkeeper]

This one is Christmas themed, as is the one after. Yea, but I'm not waiting more of the year to post them. Have a Merry Unchristimas and enjoy.

Ones I Used to Know

Snow fell gently on the bare trees. Big soft flanks drifted down on a nearly windless night. Jerry lifted the mug of hot coco to his lips and watched the snow fall. Magical, that was the word that always sprang to mind. Snow changed everything. The trees and fences became things of wonder in the diffuse moonlight and the falling snow.

The fire burned low. It's glowing logs were the only light in the parlor. Christmas Eve. The tree lent it's odor to the atmosphere. The speakers softly played the tunes from his childhood.

Jerry smiled, the old crooner never sounded better, and indeed it would be a white Christmas, a rare one. With half lidded eyes he could almost see his Mother in the rocking chair, her kinting on her lap. He and his brother by the old RCA putting the big 78 records on one by one. His sister as usual was shifting the presents beneath the tree, looking to see how many she had. Dad? But of course, he was in his Father's chair, and the presence of the old man was close beside him. Uncle Joe doubtless had all his corny old stories to tell again, and Aunt Marie would fuss about them as usual.

Susan was here with their young son, and Anne, it was good she could make it too. Connie sat by the fire with her warm smile, just for him. Hanee and Nia gathered into the circle. Sara was here too, Oh Sara, the things I never told you. Just then the kids came bursting in from some game. He reached out to hug them all.

"...Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow..."

The fire slowly died in the hearth as Jerry sank down into his chair. Aleilan, carefully not to wake him, licked the tears from his cheeks. She lay back down at his feet and cradled her head in his lap. His hand, unseeing, sought the comfort of her touch.

**Sleep well my love. For as long as we remember they are ever truly gone.**


Ones I Used to Know --Garry Stahl, November 2004


I seriously doubt anyone will ever get the punch in the gut this little piece gave me, and I would not wish it on them. Never have I poured words onto a page with as much emotion. I have had an interesting life. That is really all that need be said. It gives insight into the character of someone that has loved and lost, again and again.

[Innkeeper]

The Gift of the Magi

Clear, bright, cold. Christmas morning was cold for the typical Kentucky winter day. The new-fallen snow covered Bellicolone in a blanket that muffled sound. The horses frolicked in the unfamiliar snow. Even they seem to understand that the day was special and the snow was meant to be played in.

Jerry stood on the porch and watched for a few minutes. He heard the door creak open yet again. Aleilan checking to see that he hadn't frozen stiff, again.

"No I have not succumbed to the rigors of the weather."

**It's cold outside. You should be wearing more.**

"Yes mother." Jerry continued to watch the horses in the nearest pasture as they tossed their heads and chased each other.

The door creaked again as she stuck her head out up to the horns. **Breakfast is ready. Are you coming in?**

"Yes yes, I'm coming in. Miss Lily's biscuits are not to be missed."

Jerry hung his jacket by the kitchen door. The kitchen was warm. Miss Lily had gone all out and cooked a real meal for Christmas breakfast, nothing from the processor this time. She looked up from placing dishes as he closed the door.

"Well, it is about time you stopped looking to catch a cold."

"You know I've never been sick a day in my life."

"Well that's something where it's never to late to start."

The door opened again. Jacob and Clarke stomped in from the snow. Clarke looked about half frozen. Jerry poured him a coup of coffee and got it into his hands. He clutched the cup gratefully.

"Man oh man, I thought I would never miss El Nanth. It is cold out there."

"Brisk." Said Jacob. "That is what we call brisk. Oh boy I smell something good."

Miss Lily fussed. "And it is right going to waste if you men do not set down and start eating."

Carol Martin came in from the parlor herding her and Jacob's two boys. Presents had been opened at the crack of dawn. They piled into chairs agog at the breakfast spread. Clarke took a seat and Jacob sat next to his wife. Aleilan settled down at her place next to Jerry's chair. At last Miss Lily sat as well, satisfied that all was prepared as well as it could be prepared.

Jerry addressed the table. "We come once again to join in the fellowship of food. Here at the end of the year, and the beginning of the next. Let us dwell on those gifts we have, and not upon those we do not. May we be grateful that within the circle of our family we have not suffered loss as we have in years past. Let us hold in our hearts a proper thankfulness for the fact that we have food in plenty, shelter that is secure, and that out other needs are equally met, for this is not the universal case for all beings. Lastly may we be thankful for the gift that is each other. Both those present at our table this morning and for those who are not. For our greatest gift that is given and that is to give is the love and friendship we share one with the other. Merry Christmas to each and every one of you."


The Gift of the Magi -- Garry Stahl, December 24, 2004


God bless us, every one.

[jayphailey]

I got cold hands reading it

[Innkeeper]

Heirloom

Snow in late November. I watched the flakes fall big and gentle on the farm. It wouldn't last this early, it never did. Starfleet had a short vacation on the old US Thanksgiving. Not that operations ever really stopped, but North Americans got cut a bit of slack. It all equaled out in the end. We covered for Europe on Boxing Day, and the other regions of Earth on their respective holidays. Even the off worlders got their holidays off. So I had a day to play farmer.

I stopped by the curio cabinet. Don't know why but I opened it. Now the cabinet is filled with bits from the family dating back to the early 1800s. The one pistol was said to come from France and be older than that, but we never got the dates verified. I know most museums have more interesting stuff, but they don't let you play with it.

My hand went to the music box. It was decorated with the cameo of a young woman, very pretty. I smiled at the thought; as a very young man I had had imagined marrying a girl just like her. When I was a kid we were not allowed to touch it. My Mother would wind it once in a while so we could listen to it. A very old song, but surprisingly loud. After the tornado it had never worked again. I suppose I was lucky to find most of the stuff. It was a beautiful piece with inlaid woods and shell.

**Why don't you have it fixed?**

**Yea. There is a good place in San Fransisco that does restorations. Let me check the computer.**

**It would be in line with your progress in getting things back to working state.**

I pulled up the screen, an old plasma TV case. and did some quick checking. Yes, he was open Fridays, including this one. **Aleilan, meet me in the hall.**

I grabbed my coat and pulled something on her. Frisco is cold in November.


We landed at the edge of the Starfleet campus. I grabbed a BATA car big enough for the two of us and gave it the address of Barnum's Antique shop. A few minutes drive into the old town area and we were in front of the shop. I held the door for Aleilan, we didn't bring a badger.

I could tell the proprietor though it unusual for an Ane to be in his shop. He got to the point. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, your listing indicates you repair music boxes."

"Yes sir we do. What do you have?" I placed the box on the counter. He picked up and looked it over. "My my, French 18th century if I am correct." He opened it. "Nuremberg movement." And took out his loop. "Yes, I can see where it is broken. The damage does not look new."

"No, it's not. It's lucky to survive. The damage happened in Kentucky 1971. A tornado I understand."

"Indeed it is lucky. Yes, I can repair the movement, with a minimal impact. We are dealing with a few bent parts. The spring at least is free of rust and has not been stored wound. I can even repair the few chips on the box itself."

"Please do not. That is considered part of family history."

"As you wish sir. Where can I reach you?"

I gave him my card. "Either Starfleet Headquarters or my home in Kentucky."

He scanned it into his counter unit. "Thank you, Admiral?"

"It's my day off."

He smiled: "Yes, we all need time off. It shouldn't take me too long, unless I find something ominous once I open the movement."

"Call me when it's ready."

"As you wish sir."

Aleilan and I left the shop into the bitter San Fransisco wind. **Home?** She asked.

I grabbed a horn and we were back in the hall. I gently cleared my ears. **Why haven't I done this before? That box has been broken for two hundred years and I just now get it fixed.**

**I think you have less stress now. To begin with you were just glad to have it. Then you were gone, and only now you are living here and have ease and leisure. You are reclaiming your heritage.**

**Still I waited this long. I suppose all things when we are ready.**


I was in the office Monday when the fellow called. I headed down after lunch.

"Ah, Admiral LaSaille, I have found a most curious thing. Were you aware of the secret compartment?"

"No, I was not."

He held the open box out. Here in the lid. You can just get a pen nib under the edge of the wood here and it moves."

"Go ahead, open it."

He did so. A neat square of wood came out of the lid, and a piece of paper followed it. I picked it up, it was heavily creased and brittle. I opened it with great care. "French I think. I haven't used French in a very long time. Since school in fact." He smiled, if he only knew how long that was. With Aleilan's help I dredged the French out of my head.

"What is it?"

"A love letter from one of my ancestors to another I believe. A five hundred year old lovers' secret. I think I want to sit down with it and carefully translate."

"It is your letter."

"Is the box done?"

"Yes, let me return the cover to the compartment to its place and it is good to go."

"Did you wind it?"

"Yes, a lovely tune. I think you shall enjoy it very much."

I affixed my thumb to the padd and took my box and letter back to the office. I had them transported back home at once, after I got Archeology to stabilize the paper.


After dinner that night with most of the house asleep I sat in my chair in the parlor and took the letter in hand. Just for Atmosphere I wound the music box to hear the tune again, it had been centuries since I last heard it.


My Dearest Marie,

Long are the nights when you are away from me. I can but lie in my bed and dream about being back in your presence. Only then can your light fill the darkness that is my life when you are not there. The endless days between the joyous day that you have agreed to be my bride and the wedding to come seem unbearable. My breast shall burst from the anticipation of your light entering my life once and for truly ever.

I have everything in readiness for you here. The nest is built and lacks only the birds to give it life. Next Sunday we shall have the bans read for the third time, and be truly man and wife. We shall take communion together as one. Have patience I pray and God likewise give me strength to endure these four endless days. The last days I shall be without you. Take Comfort in Christ, and know that my soul shall always be with you.

Forever your Slave: Paul LaSaille


Young love. It had been forever since I was young. I knew that I still had love. The letter was dated May 19, 1787. The things you can learn by looking at your own stuff. When I wonder had young Marie placed the letter under the lid of the music box? Did she ever take it out and read it again in the time she was married? The music box had made it to America, survived years in this house and was one of the lucky objects that got through the tornado mostly intact. All so I could read this letter 500 years later.

Aleilan came into the parlor. **Are you sitting up all night?**

I put the letter down. **No sweety. I do need to get some sleep. What do you think?**

**Frame it. It's a piece of family history. As close to their story as we will ever get.**

**Tomorrow will be soon enough. Let's get some sleep.**


Heirloom -- Garry Stahl, December 2010


Still writing to write. Getting back into doing Jerry again. I like the character. I like these pieces about his family and life.

[jayphailey]

Did Jerry get to the Return Ceremony for Kirk, Sulu et al?

What did he think of that?

[Innkeeper]

Did Jerry get to the Return Ceremony for Kirk, Sulu et al?

What did he think of that?

Answer on P-play.

[Innkeeper]

The Warriors Tale

The company was good, the new warriors fresh and eager from their training gathered about the old heroes and begged tales of glory. All but MogQua told their tales of battle to the eager youth.

Finally Mogtak turned to his Grandfather. "Sire, you are the greatest warrior among all here. What is the most frightening foe you ever faced?"

The old man took a long sip from his blood wine. "It was a Human." he said quietly.

The young warriors muttered their denial. "A human?" "How could a Human be fearful?" "Humans are barely worthy foes."

"SILENCE." Cried the old warrior with a roar, lurching to his ancient feet. "Silence! Since you have been impudent enough to insist, I shall tell you. I shall tell you what fearsome really is."

All sat silent now, gazing with respect at the ancient one.

"When I was young as you are now, I had a friend. Kars was his name. His Father had been a warrior in the first war with Humans. His Father had died in that war on Anaxar, as had many. But, Kars knew the name of the Human that had killed his Father. He had a name, and he nurtured that name like a malignant thing through many years and many cruises together. Lieutenant Jerold LaSaille. Yes, I remember the name. I heard it often.

"We were on cruise, shortly after the First Kittomer Accords. Klingons were welcome for the first time on Starfleet worlds. We toured the city at the foot of Starbase 24 as it was known then. Kars, Ger'Mok, and myself. As we swaggered down the street we passed a group of Starfleet in their soft uniforms. I heard the fateful name spoken by one of them. 'Admiral LaSaille' she said to an older Human. Kars stood like you had run the main power bus of a war cruiser through him. 'Wait' I cautioned. 'Humans have only so many names'. Kars was unhearing. He turned toward the Humans, who by now were watching us. 'Are you Jerold LaSaille.' Kars demanded of the older man. 'Yes" he replied. Kars was working himself up. 'Were you a Lieutenant on Anaxar?' 'Yes.' said the Human, as calmly as you please. 'You killed my Father'. said Kars. He was in a full rage by now. The Human stood impassive. Kars drew his knife and spat out the words of challenge. 'I challan... BOOM!" Yelled the old one, the young warriors started back slightly. "The old human had a slug pistol in his hand quicker than we could see. Kars was on the ground.

"It was only later I recalled this to any detail. Kars fell as if someone had jerked him down with a rope from behind. He fell heavily he did not move or cry out. A small hole oozed blood from between his eyes. Bits of his head spattered the street and his blood pooled beneath his shattered head. We turned toward the Human named LaSaille. His fellow Humans looked as shocked as did we."

One of the young men leaned forward. "And then you killed him."

The old man fell heavily back into his chair. "No. The Human held the slug pistol at arm's length. I moved slightly, and the gun moved to cover me. I looked into the eyes of my foe... and saw nothing. NOTHING!! He would as soon have killed me as taken his next breath. My honor, my skill, were meaningless to him. If my movements displeased him at all, I would die, and my foe, did, not, care.

He put the gun away. 'Pick up the trash, and leave.' He said. As calmly as you ask for more blood wine. He turned back to the officers he was with, and we were dismissed. Ger'Mok and I grabbed Kars' body and fled."

"Grandfather, it is hardly a tale of honor. Why was this frightening?"

"Must I spell it out?" grumped the old man. "Yes, yes I must, because you are young. Well you have learned the ways of the warrior and well you understand the way of honor, and the relationship between you and your foe." The young men all nodded. "Even Humans understand this, even if most of them could not articulate it." Again the nods. "This man did not fight. He cut Kars down before he could get the challenge out of his mouth. He measured Ger'Mok and myself and dismissed us. To find a man that did not fight. One who killed or did not kill, without consideration of his foe. To find a reasoning being that refused the most basic of relationships, that of foe to foe. That was frightening beyond any creature I have done battle with."

The young warriors were quiet. At last Mogtak broke the silence. "In all due respect Sire, this man is long dead."

MogQua leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, that he might well be. As you sit here full of blood wine and your own potential for glory, an ancient tale does not sink it. He is out there, him, and others like him. Old Human warriors get this way I am told. They grow bitter and tired, but no less deadly. This LaSaille is not unique. Some night, some sober night when perhaps everything has not gone your way this man will steal into your courage, thieve into you hearts. He will sink to the bottom of your being, and you will know fear. Remember this: You never know where, and when, you will cross his path."


The Warrior's Tale -- Garry Stahl, October 2004


In this case it was controversy. Never has anything I have written engendered so much comment, both for and against. I wanted a Klingon point of view to Jerry. I got it.