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The moment Kirk stepped into the Klingon liaison office, he felt as if he was a long lost friend being welcomed home. Mostly that was true. In part, due to his miraculous return from captivity and his actions at Khitomer years earlier, but it was more than that. The Klingons were known for their adherence to traditions and their culture of hero worship. Above all, there was the warrior code and the strong feelings concerning their culture and the Empire.
Koord and Karn each gave Kirk a bear hug. Afterwards, they sent the aide to fetch a keg of bloodwine. It was, of course, a joke; a means to remove the junior officer from the office. But Kirk understood and appreciated the gesture, as part of their tradition. "I'll settle for a little less than a keg. I'm still under doctor's orders to take it easy."
The two Klingons laughed and agreed, "Understood, Admiral." Then they observed correct protocol. "I am Karn, we've never met before, but I am honored that you are here. My office is yours and I am at your command."
Nodding in approval of the correct tradition, Koord stepped forward. "I am glad you are here, Kirk. I was surprised you called for an appointment. You could have visited any time."
Kirk studied his old friend. "I had to be sure you were here. I understood that you will be leaving soon."
"Why have you come?" Koord asked.
"I am here mostly due to the cooperation and assistance that you and the Empire have shown. I wish to thank you both for your part in my rescue, personally. I am the one who is honored. But I also wish to discuss a few matters of extreme importance. I understand you have a 'special room' for such... conversations."
Karn smiled, "You've been talking to Kensington." It was a statement of fact.
The Klingons headed to the special room with Kirk in tow. Since the aide was busy chasing after the blood wine, the main office was now vacant.
In the secure room, all three took a seat. Karn moved close to Kirk and became intent on every word. He had missed the rescue mission, but now he sensed an opportunity to gain glory of his own. After all, the rescue mission began in this room following a conversation with a Federation officer. Perhaps there was something else to do.
"First, I wish to apologize for the actions of Kef and Dar." Karn sounded as if he truly regretted the action and it impressed Kirk.
Kirk waved him off. "Two misguided persons cannot represent all Klingons. We've come so far in such a short time. The Federation and Starfleet does not condemn the entire Empire for the actions of those two. Nor does it hold Koord responsible personally, although I understand that is what Klingon traditions may call for."
Karn was impressed. "It's difficult for most humans to understand many of our traditions, but it is also good you do not question them or criticize our ways. It says a lot about the Federation. It is also why many of us wish our ties to you and your government had occurred long ago."
Up to now, Koord had been quiet, letting Karn express his thoughts. Now, the General added his own, "Still, there are those who question the alliance. They do not fully appreciate what our two governments can do for each other. Is this not true of your people as well?"
"Agreed, but time is on our side. Eventually there will be a complete understanding on both sides. I hope I am still around when that happens."
Karn looked at Kirk closely. "Are you well, Admiral? I understand your treatment on Romulus was deplorable."
Kirk nodded, "Their methods of questioning prisoners was not exactly hospitable, but... not without its rewards."
The two Klingons exchanged looks of disbelief.
"I wish to share something I learned while I was a guest of the Preator, or should I say Preators, as there were several during my stay." Kirk paused briefly.
Karn was caught up in Kirk's tale. "Speak freely, Kirk. I can assure you that we are in a secure room."
"While temporarily removed from my stasis unit, Preator Darius had me taken in chains to his private chambers. I was, of course, under guard."
Koord spat, "The Roms have always been without honor or even decency."
"I had a similar thought and told him so," Kirk smiled. "But it only brought the guards down on me. Anyway, Darius was bragging how the Federation alliance with the Klingons would not last. He said the Klingons would return to the Romulans, begging to take them back."
"By the Gods, they have their arrogance, don't they?" Koord was shaking his head in disbelief.
"Yes, very much so," Kirk paused and looked at his friend. "I laughed at him and said it would never happen, which made him quite angry. He even tried to prove his point by explaining his confidence in the matter of reuniting with the Klingon Empire."
Karn was amused, "How, by Devine intervention or a miracle?"
Choosing his words carefully, Kirk explained. "He said the Romulan Empire not only had agents operating in the Federation and the Klingon Empire, but that it also had Klingon allies. He said the Romulan people had three members of the High Council 'in their pockets.'"
Karn almost exploded. "How is that possible? He must have been trying to impress you! It cannot be true!"
Remaining quiet for a moment, Kirk let the Klingon vent his rage. It was understandable and expected. After a brief respite, he continued. "My reaction was much the same and I told him so. However, he surprised me by naming those council members."
It was obvious that Karn was ready to explode again when Koord held up his hand to silence the man. "We must consider what Kirk says. After all, the mission uncovered the K'Chor'da operating with the Romulans. There may be others."
"More than that, one of our people determined that the Romulans had an impressive spy network in the Federation. Took us by surprise as well and our security people are working on it as we speak. I'm afraid that neither of our governments can ignore the possibility." Kirk looked at Koord. "There's an old Earth saying; 'Desperate people do desperate things.' Right now, the Romulans are quite desperate. Don't you agree, General?"
The old Klingon remained silent, deep in thought and disturbed by what he had just heard.
Kirk chose his next words even more cautiously. "Given the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation, I felt it was important that both of you should hear this. If the Romulans do have agents operating within the Federation and the Empire, they may wish to prevent you from acting on this information. There is no way to know if they expect me to pass this along, but we must act accordingly. Therefore I am telling you both. I believe it is important that at least one of you should... survive to pass this along."
"Kirk, I appreciate your caution and the way you anticipate the possibility of treachery. The Roms are notorious for it."
"Do you want me to tell you the names of those council members, General?"
"I should not, since the names were spoken by an untrustworthy person. His lips weren't capable of speaking the truth. However, I owe it to the Empire. If there is the slightest chance of collusion between council members and the Romulans, it must be investigated and dealt with."
Karn was still not sure. "Perhaps the Preator was simply planting an idea in Kirk's mind just to cause mistrust or confusion between our two governments."
"Possibly, Karn, but I don't think they intended for me to escape. So why tell me?"
Koord looked as if he were taking a beating, "Their names, Kirk, please."
"Kalan, B'ret and Duras; unfortunately he never said who the agents were."
The two Klingons looked as if they had the weight of the world on their shoulders. Karn lamented, "This is terrible. I'm not sure how we will... use it. It could cause much... distress within the Empire."
A sympathetic Kirk offered a bit of advice. "Perhaps it shouldn't have been shared. I would not want to be responsible for causing problems within the Empire, not after all you've done to help me. Maybe you should keep it to yourselves."
"No, Kirk, you did the right thing." Koord was deep in thought. "These people will be watched and investigated. If they are guilty, they will be... removed from their position of importance and influence. They are..."
"Questionable allies?" Kirk offered.
"Exactly! Kirk, if you were asked to present this to our people in open council, would you do so?"
"Certainly, General, if you or the council wish it. However, I am currently under travel restrictions, also by doctor's orders."
"Understood. It may not come to that, but your unique position underscores the importance and validity of the issue and that you speak the truth."
Posing a question as if he were almost afraid of the answer, Karn asked, "Was there anything else?"
"No, only to say thank you, once again, for all you and General Koord did personally and to the Klingon people in general, for their assisting in my return and that of Rodriguez."
Rising, Karn gave a curt bow. "We were honored to help a worthy ally."
"And a worthy opponent," Koord added with a smile. "One day we will speak of those times, Kirk."
As the general rose, so did Kirk to face him. "By then I'll be able to finish several tankards of bloodwine, maybe even the whole keg!"
Both Koord and Karn laughed at the statement as the small group exited the secure room and entered the main office.
"I leave within a few hours, Kirk. But this office is always open to Starfleet personnel, and especially to you, my friend." Koord gave Kirk another bear hug then stepped back.
Karn bowed slightly and Kirk turned to exit the Klingon liaison office.
In the corridor, the Starfleet admiral reflected on his conversation. Harry Mudd had revealed a terrible secret about what he had seen and heard on Romulus, now so had Kirk. Mudd's tale had resulted in a stunning mission and his recovery. Kirk wasn't exactly sure where his revelation would lead.
In the months and years to come, there would be a shake-up in the Klingon High Council. Kalan and B'ret would step down and eventually disappear entirely. Lacking any direct evidence, Duras was removed from the Council, but the influence and power he had, prevented him from 'disappearing.' Time, though, would prove his true intentions and allegiance.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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