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As his ship approached the home world, General Koord fully expected a 'less than enthusiastic' reception. After all, his little adventure had cost the Empire one if its brightest scientists, Kef. Also, his crew was somewhat disappointed. They had fully expected to be involved in a battle with the Romulans. Instead, with the exception of an unusual shore leave, they never left the Federation space dock. However, the crew of the Firestorm had enjoyed a remarkable stay. They were given complete access to just about everywhere and treated with honor and respect. This greatly impressed the crew, but it was definitely not a battle and no glory was obtained in the process. The Council might just agree with them.
He wondered if maybe he had overstepped himself this time. After all, he had not cleared the plan with either the Council or the Chancellor. True, as Governor General, he was allowed to make many decisions on his own and even initiate operations with a great deal of autonomy. The question in his mind now was whether Azetbur and the Council would approve of his participation in the rescue and back his decision to do so.
There were a few things in his favor. The operation had been a success. Admiral of the Fleet Walking Bear had thanked Koord personally and even bestowed upon him the Federation Medal of Honor, a first for any Klingon. Added to that was the knowledge that Kef and Dar had foiled the attempted treason by the captain and crew of the K'Chor'da.
Then there was the secret agreement Admiral Sulu and he had composed. In fact, Sulu had jokingly referred to it as the 'Koord Accord.' In any case, it was a good plan and it would make up for Kef and Dar's near disastrous attempt to draw the Fed's into a war with the Roms. It was agreed that since the Roms had seen only Klingons and Romulans on board the Enterprise, and since it had been Klingons, Kef and Dar, captured on a Romulan ship, the Klingon Empire would take credit and/or blame for the entire operation.
This agreement satisfied the Federation Council completely and was fully endorsed by the Diplomatic Corps. It was also well received by Starfleet Command as it minimalized their involvement, despite the presence of a new Federation starship.
Koord smiled to himself. Actually there were many benefits to the mission. Besides the rescue of the two Federation officers and the payment of an old debt to Kirk, a result of saving Azetbur and the original peace conference, a new bond had been forged in Klingon/Federation history. Their first joint military operation had been quite impressive. Largely due to his own efforts, thank you.
As added benefits, there was the vast amount of intelligence gathered during the voyage. Romulan fleet strengths, greatly underestimated by nearly everyone, were now recognized as a genuine threat and a force to be dealt with. New ship types, particularly the new dreadnought, had been discovered as well. The Romulan political situation was, although not fully understood, now appreciated. A strict 'hands-off' policy would be incorporated into Klingon and Federation strategies, at least for the time being. The feeling was to let them self-destruct and don't provide any ammunition for the Romulan propaganda machine. They would like nothing better than to be able to blame their trouble on someone else.
Captain Saavik's theory, and Federation Intelligence speculation, of a Romulan/Tholian alliance had been confirmed, too, and Romulan tactics and technologies had been exposed just enough, giving his Empire and the Feds time to develop suitable countermeasures.
Also, the silent stalker was, in itself, an unqualified success. Soon it would be standard equipment on all Klingon ships. In a veritable trial by fire, it had performed flawlessly, at least, once the Rom's trick of locating the starship had been discovered.
Finally, there was the secret that Kirk had revealed. That would require a considerable amount of work and time to resolve. It would be a personal project for Koord, if he were in a position to do so.
Hours later, the Firestorm eased into a tight orbit over the welcomed sight of the Klingon home world. Koord relaxed, whatever the empire handed him would be acceptable. That was the warrior code, he had made the decisions and he would take the blame or the glory, if any.
Very quickly, the ship was secured and Koord summoned all of the senior officers on the bridge. Science officer Mardek was nearby and stood stiffly, unmoved and silent until all were present. Then he handed the general an official communique from the council in hard copy.
The tired eyes could barely focus on the small document, but still he managed to decipher the message. Koord looked up and smiled. "Mardek, you are now in command of this vessel. I promote you to the rank of colonel. Success!"
The newly promoted officer bowed slightly and responded. "Thank you, my lord. May I gain as much honor as you!"
The old Klingon smiled again at the compliment. "Prepare the transporter. I am to report directly to Chancellor Azetbur. I will contact you as soon as possible. Arrange for shore leave but do not commence until I have cleared it with Council."
Koord then turned to exit the bridge. As he moved towards the armored doors, the assembled officers all snapped to attention and gave the traditional Klingon salute.
The general returned the gesture with an appropriate response, "Success and glory to this ship and her crew!"
Barely five minutes later, Koord stood face to face with Chancellor Azetbur. Her official governmental office was larger than most, but sparsely furnished in the traditional fashion.
As soon as Koord completed transportation, the Chancellor rose to greet her old friend. "General Koord, it is good to see you again. We have much to discuss."
"Agreed."
Azetbur dismissed her various advisors and assistants that surrounded the raised, oversized chair of the chancellor. In a few minutes, the two were alone. "I believe this will explain everything." Koord produced a mission summary from his uniform pocket and handed it to her. Then he seated himself on a small, leather stool at Azetbur's feet.
The chancellor immediately took her seat and loaded the data tape into her armchair viewer. She remained quiet and motionless during its playback and, at the conclusion, simply removed the tape and returned it without comment.
"Do you require any more information, Chancellor?" Koord was confused by her silence. Perhaps there was something else troubling the chancellor.
The broad smile on Azetbur's face put Koord at ease. She leaned forward. "General, from what we've heard on subspace channels, I had expected you to ask for, or rather demand, my job!"
Koord broke out in a huge belly laugh. "What? And be tied to that ridiculous throne of yours? Never!"
"My father trusted your decisions and you implicitly. Your mission summary proves that trust was well founded. He also believed that the Federation, as an ally, was much more preferable than the Romulans. All I have seen and heard confirms his belief. Are you satisfied with the way the mission turned out?"
Koord's smile faded a bit, "The loss of Kef, such a brilliant future, such a waste."
"But he died a glorious and honorable death. He destroyed the K'Chor'da and defeated the Romulan plan of subterfuge. His loss is regrettable but it is also acceptable. Let us rejoice in his final service to the empire. Also, let us rejoice in your triumph! I've already arranged a victory party in your honor. And the High Council wishes to bestow the rank of General of All Klingon Forces upon you."
Koord was struck speechless. Only Kahless had held that rank of supreme power and honor.
Azetbur continued, "I personally think it's too much for you, but just to show how generous I am, I will go along with the idea." She smiled at her own words. "I will be doing the honor of the presentation. And General, you will remain at my side as advisor and protector." She smiled softly at her oldest and most trusted friend. "I cannot allow you to run around deep space anymore, you're too valuable to me."
"Of course, Lord Chancellor, if you wish it." Koord at last had reclaimed his power of speech. "It will be an honor to serve you --"
"No, General, serve with me. The honor will also be mine." Azetbur rose from her elevated chair and stepped down to Koord's position. The old general scrambled to his feet.
"Will you escort me to the Council Chambers?" She was smiling at the man's reaction of surprise.
He recovered quickly and bowed at the obvious complement. "Of course, Chancellor, you honor me once again."
The two left the Chancellor's Chamber of Audience and chatted idly as they took the long walk to the High Council's meeting hall.
Once Koord received his awards and rank of honor, he and Azetbur remained close. The General would continue as the Chancellor's most trusted friend until his death.
In all the Klingon Empire, no one, other than Kahless, would be more honored than Koord. His name would be spoken in every corner of the empire with awe and respect for all time.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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