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Admiral Hikaru Sulu was having a difficult time with what should have been a relatively simple task. On any given day, he could usually make out a duty roster in a matter of minutes. But today was different. His choice of personnel was incredible and he had to be careful about the assignments. It wouldn't be wise to waste someone's talent, especially when the ship was operating with a limited crew, not to mention a large contingency of recently graduated cadets. Still, he had confidence in them as DeSalle had hand-picked the best.
Running a large ship with so few hands meant longer hours, too. There was not enough people for three eight-hour shifts and two twelve-hour shifts leaves one shift overtired and the other with a lot of idle time, even after eight hours of sleep. So the ship's crew would rotate six hours on duty and six hours off duty. For the few days the mission would last, they would be just fine.
Going into the mission, he had planned this arrangement. It was one of the details that Walking Bear demanded. If the ship was going on a dangerous mission, he wanted to minimize the number of personnel. Also, given that there were an abnormal number of senior officers and their corresponding experience, then that would necessarily limit the number of people to be assigned. The shortage of personnel would be made up with less-experienced crewmembers, hence the recent graduates. This was not to say that they were any less talented, but the arrangement was the only way the mission could be approved.
After an additional twenty minutes, the list was complete. Anyone looking over his shoulder would question his micromanaging, but Sulu did not like leaving anything to chance. Satisfied with the results, he used his duty desk console to transfer the list to the ship's main computer. Now the duty roster would be stored in the section of the computer which contained all of the ships' routines and daily memos. Normally, this would be a very busy section, but in a ship as new as the Enterprise, his entry was just about the only one.
Next, Hikaru activated the ship's intercom and set the 'all call' circuit. "Attention all hands, this is the Captain speaking. Duty roster is posted. Prelaunch countdown will commence at 1430 hours. All divisions report readiness to the First Officer, Captain out!" So much for long introductions and pep talks.
Looking back at the list of personnel on his viewer, he smiled outwardly. He had to be the luckiest man in Starfleet. Any captain would give anything for such a crew.
Switching the viewer off, he sat back in his chair. The only thing that could stop him now would be if Starfleet cancelled the mission. Conceivably, they could recall him even after he entered Romulan space. He shuddered at the thought then wondered, would he obey a recall order?
That notion took him back to the day he had helped Kirk and the others steal the old Enterprise. It nearly cost them their lives and it did end up costing them the ship. He had also disobeyed orders while commanding the Excelsior and ignored Command's request for information on Kirk's intentions and whereabouts.
He tried not to think about those days and hoped that Starfleet would not 'create' a set of similar circumstances.
Rising slowly out of his chair, he made his way to the door. 'Time to return to the bridge,' he thought, 'but first a visit with our Klingon friends.'
The Klingons had been berthed in a connecting group of suites. Designed to accommodate the usual, or even unusual, V.I.P.'s, it was outfitted for ambassadors, dignitaries and the like and were therefore, lavishly appointed. These features would normally impress most occupants, but it all made Klingons nearly ill.
Still, they tolerated it, with a minimum number of complaints, and those were only discussed amongst themselves. They understood the urgency of the situation. Also, any opportunity to strike out at the Romulans was perfectly acceptable, no matter what the circumstances.
Koord's ancient form occupied the center seat at a small conference table. The room they were in was a common area between two V.I.P. rooms, creating one of the larger suites in the primary hull.
Seated opposite of Koord, was his aide and friend, Colonel Dar. The old general was sympathetic towards his closest friend. Dar was all keyed up for a major battle. Yet all anyone could do at this point, was sit and wait. They were passengers on a Federation ship, important, yes, even vital and irreplaceable. But at this time, all Starfleet required was the services and expertise of Kef.
Shaking his head with disapproval, Koord watched Dar. An old Klingon proverb stated that the two most important traits of any worthy warrior were patience and vigilance. Poor Dar had no patience and his vigilance could use a little work as well. He was, however, a loyal and tough Klingon who was blessed with an excellent knowledge of Empire politics. The last asset served both Dar and Koord well. It would also ensure the colonel a long life.
Koord began to think about Kef, the young weapon's officer who had developed the silent stalker. Now there was a Klingon with a bright future. He possessed the best attributes of a good warrior, plus an incredible intelligence.
The old general recalled Kef's reaction when he told the young officer about a secret mission! The youngster's eyes lit up. Koord knew the officer was hooked from the outset. When asked for the use of his new invention, the youth's chest swelled visibly with pride and self-importance. But then Kef had nearly burst with anticipation when Koord told the youngster that their mission could involve action. Kef offered enough of the new silent stalkers for outfitting a small battle fleet. Koord almost regretted having to decline the offer, but admired the eagerness of the youth. The general accepted one of the units and stressed the importance of secrecy.
It was unfortunate, but there were still a number of Klingons who preferred doing business with the Romulans, rather than the Federation. Koord knew the Romulans were not worthy of Klingon trust. He now hoped that this mission would prove Romulan treachery once and for all. At the same time, he would repay a debt to Kirk. Koord smiled at the thought. Once Kirk was rescued, the Federation admiral would be living proof to the Klingon Empire. Proof of what the Roms were really like. The idea of keeping a great warrior like Kirk in stasis for torture, and who knows what else, was both unacceptable and repulsive. If one is a good warrior and a worthy opponent, then he deserved a chance for a quick and honorable death, not the living hell that Kirk had been experiencing.
The sound of a door chime interrupted Koord's reflections. Dar rose to answer the call as part of his regular duties. He returned within moments with Admiral Sulu.
The old general liked this officer. The man stood by Kirk on many occasions and it was evident that there was more than just a little of Kirk in this human.
Rising from his chair out of respect, Koord spoke in a booming voice. "Sulu, it is good to see you. Do you require something?"
Sulu smiled, mostly from Koord's obvious enthusiasm. "I just wanted to thank you again for all you and the Empire have done. I actually wanted to see if there was anything else I could do for you and your staff."
Koord grabbed Sulu's hand and shook it in a traditional Terran style handshake. "No, we're fine. Just to be part of such an operation is more than enough."
Retrieving his hand diplomatically, Sulu noted with some surprise that the old Klingon still had a grip of iron. Koord may have been ancient by Terran standards, but there was certainly nothing wrong with his health. He addressed the general by his formal title. "Commander of the Front line Defense Forces of the Klingon Empire, all is going well and according to plan." Sulu then scanned the room quickly, "Is Kef still in engineering?"
Still smiling at the use of his formal Klingon title, Koord responded with pride. "It is my understanding that the device is in place. All that remains is some minor adjustments and routine testing."
"If you are well, then I must return to my duties, I'm sure you understand." Sulu finished the statement with one of his generous smiles.
By the gods, he loved these Federation people. They not only treated you with respect. But they also observed correct protocol, Klingon protocol. "Of course, Admiral Sulu, just let me know if I can be of any further assistance."
His visit officially concluded, Sulu exited the suite in a hurry.
Koord smiled with a deep satisfaction. The alliance with the Federation was not only convenient and honorable, it was also very wise.
To Be Continued...
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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