Author's Note: In this chapter, I wanted to bring some reality to just how much Kurn lost when he came to Worf in DS9's "Son's of Mogh" asking for death. I also wanted to plant the seeds of discord between Gowron and Worf that would come to a head in DS9's "The Way of the Warrior."

Chapter 4

Counselor Deanna Troi might have been able to be more aware of the anxiety her traveling companions were feeling if she weren't so consumed by her own. The transport ship Tanaka was in orbit of Qo'noS, the home planet of the Klingon Empire. Only a handful of passengers were disembarking here, and that included herself, Worf and Alexander.

The three stepped onto the transport pad when their turn came, each of them with a pack of personal belongings slung over their shoulders, "We have coordinates entered to transport you to the Federation Embassy located in the First City. Is that correct?"

"Yes it is," Worf replied.

"Thank you for traveling with us. Energizing…"

When her eyes refocused, Deanna found herself in a new place. They were standing on another transporter pad, but this time instead of a line of passengers and a couple transporter operators, there was just a single person waiting for them.

"Qapla, Commander Worf. Welcome."

The woman that stood before them was Human. That surprised Deanna, she'd expected to be greeted by Klingons. She had the dark skin tone that most Klingons did but clearly was not one of them. The woman's demeanor was exceptionally poised, her hands were folded neatly in front of her and her voice was calm.

Worf stepped off the pad first, "Thank you."

"My name is Kemi Olundu, Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire. We have not met in person but your reputation precedes itself. I had to take the time to personally welcome you to the embassy. It is an honor to have you here."

"The honor is mine," Worf began, "This is Counselor Deanna Troi and my son-"

"Alexander," a bright smile formed on Ambassador Olundu's face, "I can't tell you how happy we are to have you here again."

Alexander looked from his father and then back to Olundu, "Did you know my mother?"

"I had the honor of serving as Ambassador K'Ehleyr's lead emissary. When she died, I was promoted to her position. Though we were grateful to hear of how your father avenged her death, her presence has been missed nonetheless."

"So you knew me when I was a baby?"

Olundu's smile returned, "Myself and several the other emissaries were like your nannies when your mother worked and we cared for you like our own. K'Ehleyr was fiercely devoted to both you and this job. I'd love to tell you the story of the day you were born, it was really something."

"I would like to hear it!"

Olundu focused her attention back to Worf before she got too wrapped up in the boy, "I'll have to save that for another time. For now, let me show you to your suite."

The four of them moved through the corridors of the massive building. The Federation Embassy was like a fortress. The architecture was distinctly Klingon, the Empire would not allow it to be built in their capital city if it looked too Federation. As a result, Federation technology was oddly juxtaposed against the Klingon aesthetic. They turned a few more corners and stepped into the main atrium of the embassy and Alexander's jaw dropped open in awe. People of more species than he could count were milling about. Families seated together, couples walking to the turbolifts, groups waiting in line to be processed. He looked up, the building seemed to go on endlessly with turbolifts whizzing from one level to the next, all bathed in the burnt red lighting that was quintessentially Klingon.

Ambassador Olundu greeted several people casually as she led them to a turbolift no one else seemed to be using. She pressed her thumb into the bioreader and the door swished open, "We used your biometrics from the Federation database to program access for the three of you to all areas of the embassy," she said, "Computer, diplomatic suite level."

The turbolift with its clear glass front took off, allowing an amazing view of the bustling atrium as it got smaller and smaller beneath them. In a few moments, the doors opened and Olundu led them to their quarters.

"This is the Ambassador Curzon Dax suite, one of the best. I know you aren't a dignitary, but I can't do enough to express how happy we are to have you."

For the first time since they materialized, Deanna spoke, "This is amazing," she said, now in awe herself. The suite was massive, but what she most impressed by the view. Floor to ceiling windows covered one full wall and afforded an amazing picture of the First City- Counselor Troi's first real view of Worf's home planet.

"This really is too much," Worf objected as they entered. He hung back near the entrance while watching Deanna and Alexander be drawn to the windows like moths to a flame.

"I have to be honest, Commander, I have an ulterior motive," Olundu began slyly.

"Oh?"

"I'm hoping I can find a way to convince you to stay here with us," she said. "There is no one better suited for a position here at the embassy than you. I know you are between assignments with Starfleet, so perhaps you will consider making this your next post. All you'd have to do is say the word and you could have whatever job you wanted here," she paused and then laughed a bit, "Probably even mine."

Worf had never considered something like this. He meant it when he'd told Deanna that he wanted to go into command, but this would be an amazing opportunity as well. His eyes settled on the two of them, who stood together at the windows amazed by the sights they saw below. This might be perfect for him, but what about them?

"I am not a diplomat," Worf replied soberly.

"Well, think about it nonetheless. You are free to move about the embassy as you please and can stay as long as you'd like. I have reserved a land shuttle for you to use to come and go, and our transporter rooms are available to you as well."

"Thank you. That is most generous."

Ambassador Olundu spoke up so Deanna and Alexander could hear as well, "There is a reception in a few days for the Orions who are here renegotiating their treaty with the Klingons. I would be honored if you could all attend."

Deanna smiled, "Thank you." For a human, Olundu sure said 'honor' a lot.

"Please let me know if you need anything. Qapla."

Worf slowly placed his pack on the floor and looked around the room. He was seriously questioning what he was doing here, and even more so what he hoped to accomplish by bringing Deanna with him. On the other hand, he had neglected bringing Alexander here for far too long. He needed this to go well for his son, and he knew having Deanna here would help that.

Worf walked over to the window and looked out with them. The view overwhelmed him, but for different reasons. He'd seen the magnificence of the First City before and didn't like to admit that it gave him mixed feelings. The main one was pride in his people, pride in knowing this was where he was from. The other one, the one he didn't like, was trepidation. He'd suffered wounds here, deep ones, and not the ones the ones that came in battle. Those healed.

Deanna slipped her hand into Worf's, "It's going to be okay," she whispered.

Sometimes Worf didn't like that his feelings were on display for her and right now was one of those times. His body tensed, "I know that. This is my home as much as Earth is," he replied, trying to convince himself as much as her.

"Of course it is," Deanna wondered if he'd ever let himself be vulnerable with her.

"When do we go see Uncle Kurn?" Alexander asked.

"I have to let him know that we have arrived. And there is no need to say Uncle, it is simply Kurn."

"He's my uncle isn't he?"

"Yes, but Klingons do not use such endearments."

"Alright," he sighed, "I'm going to go find my room." Alexander left before his father could start lecturing him about how to be a good Klingon.

The Estate of the House of Mogh was located quite a ways from the First City. Deanna wasn't sure what to expect, but what she saw before her was definitely not it. This home could not have been more different than the Rozhenko one they had left days before. By anyone's cultural definition, this place was more like a palace than a house. Worf was trying to play it cool, but he was just as surprised by his brother's home as Deanna and Alexander were.

"So, do we just knock or what?" Alexander asked as they stood before the pair of doors that were three times his father's height. Before Worf could answer, the heavy door swung open.

"Brother!"

Kurn, son of Mogh wore the biggest smile Deanna had ever seen on a Klingon's face. He rushed to his brother and embraced him heartily, "You have finally arrived. Please, all of you, come in!"

The opulence of the home's exterior was nothing compared to the inside. They entered into a long corridor of soaring ceilings, iron chandeliers and walls lined with weapons, "Wow," Alexander whispered.

"It is amazing isn't it?" Kurn said, his pride obvious, "Well, you have your father to thank for it. All of it."

Alexander gave his father a puzzled look, "Father?"

"It is complicated." Worf said dismissively.

"Your time amongst humans has left you with too much humility. This was the home of our family's most hated enemy. When your father claimed vengeance over them, not once but twice, all that was theirs became ours."

"Duras?" Alexander whispered, "This was his home?"

"The home and all the lands. Now, they are ours. Thanks to your father."

"Not just me," Worf interjected, "Kurn was instrumental in defeating the remaining Duras followers during the Klingon civil war several years ago."

"A war you had to convince me to enter. No, I cannot take credit. This is all your doing and I hope that the results please you, Brother."

"We both hope that it pleases you," A voice came from behind the four of them, a woman's voice, "Please pardon my tardiness, I was attending to matters of our house," she lifted the skirts of her heavy leather dress and bowed low before Worf, her eyes lowered in reverence, "It is a great honor to finally have you here, brother of my husband."

"Worf, I present to you my wife, J'Mila, daughter of Noprel."

"The honor is mine, J'Mila."

She rose to her feet and stood as tall as Worf did, "We have waited a long time to have you here."

Worf turned to his traveling companions, "This is my son Alexander and this…" Worf paused, he was not entirely sure how to introduce her, "This is Counselor Deanna Troi."

"Welcome to our home. The servants have prepared the morning meal for us if you'll follow me."

She led them into a dining hall fit for banquets much grander than this gathering. Worf stopped in his tracks as they entered, his eyes were instantly drawn to a huge painting that hung on the wall.

"Where did you…?" he would barely finish his thoughts as he gazed at it. Before him was the image if a Klingon man and woman, their bright red attire a stark contrast to the grays and browns that bathed the house. The painting towered over Worf and Kurn; the figures looking down on them were at least twice the size of the men gazing up.

Kurn's huge smile returned, "It was a wedding gift from J'Mila. She found an old image of our mother and father on the day they were married and found an artist to create this."

"It is magnificent."

"I too was overwhelmed when I saw it. I come here often to look upon them." Kurn paused, "I envy you Worf being the eldest. I have no memories of them."

Worf reached up as if he could touch his mother again, "I have so few memories myself," he whispered, but that was a lie. Hers was the last face that he saw, he would never forget the courage that shown in her eyes right before she was killed. He still has nightmares of that moment.

Deanna had remained quiet since they entered the home, mostly because she didn't know what to say, but also because she wanted to allow Worf to work through the flood of emotions that being here brought over him. She and Alexander stood back and watched Worf and Kurn share in this moment before the picture of parents that had been dead most of their lives. Instinctually, Alexander reached down and squeezed Deanna's hand. He had something in common with his father and his uncle.

J'Mila also watched the scene unfold and felt a huge sense of pride, "I commissioned two portraits for our wedding," J'Mila said, "That one as well," she turned their attention to a nearly identical image on the other side of the room, but this one of Kurn and J'Mila posed in the same manner and attire and Mogh and his wife.

"There is space for another one, whenever you decide to settle down and marry, Worf," Kurn added with a playful smile, "Come, let us eat."

The five of them took seats around the table and a bevy of servants began filling it with platters of food. Deanna did her best to choose her items carefully and watched closely to see what was moving and what wasn't.

"This all looks wonderful," she said politely.

"I cannot imagine our food would be appetizing to a human," J'Mila replied.

"Well, since I am half Betazoid I have a slightly different palate."

Before any mealtime small talk could begin, Kurn's wife spoke up, "So, tell me, Counselor Troi, how are you and Worf acquainted?"

"Well," Deanna's eyes met Worf's who was seated across from her, "He and I served together on the Enterprise for many years," she replied.

"One does not simply bring a Starfleet colleague to meet one's family on the Klingon Homeworld…"

It was time for Worf to speak up and he knew it, "Deanna is Alexander's soh-chim and," he paused, his eyes meeting Troi's again, "She is also my par'Mach'kai."

Kurn's eyes widened, "Why did you not say that, Brother? The two of you should be staying here on our home- your home- and not some Federation Embassy. She needs to be here with our family."

Deanna didn't know what par'Mach'kai meant, but judging by the reactions of those at the table, she figured Worf just admitted that they were romantically involved. She hadn't expected him to do that and it made her blush.

"Well," J'Mila took a drink from her glass, "Then perhaps we will be adding a third portrait to our wall."

Deanna slowly was getting used to reading Worf's family. Kurn was truly and honestly happy to see his older brother and his son, for him nothing else mattered. Kurn's wife on the other hand was more complex. She had both a reverence and respect for Worf, and a healthy dose of apprehension. More importantly, she was the woman of this house and wanted to make sure Deanna Troi knew it.

"Have you and Kurn been married long?" Troi asked, shifting the focus away from questions about she and Worf.

J'Mila smiled and placed a hand over her husband's, "Kurn did me the honor of making me his wife six months ago. We were very sorry that Worf was unable to attend our wedding."

"It is no matter," Kurn interjected, "Worf had responsibilities that kept him away. What matters is that he is here now."

"I have been away for too long. How have things been for you, Kurn?" Worf asked.

"The favor of Kahless is truly upon our house. And as I said when I called, it is becoming more than I can manage on my own. We have had a seat on the High Council for three years. Our house has grown to thousands of loyal subjects that pledge their allegiance to us and our fleet of ships is growing as well."

"You have done a fine job, Kurn."

"We have," J'Mila responded for him, "And we are happy to continue doing so when you are assigned your next Starfleet post."

"Or," Kurn continued, "You could stay."

The room went quiet. Deanna and Alexander exchanged worried looks that Worf noticed right away, "We are getting ahead of ourselves. I have not even seen the rest of the house yet."

"You'll love it. After we eat I will show you the grounds. I worked hard to strip it of all signs of the Duras. It now stands as a testament to everything you both have worked so hard for."

"This was the home of Duras, the man that dishonored your family? And that killed Alexander's mother?" Deanna asked.

"Yes..." Worf answered, wondering where she was going with this. .

"And you live here? I don't know that I could do that."

"I'm glad their house is ours now," Alexander said quietly, "And I'm glad you killed him, Father. Everything that was theirs deserves to be ours."

Kurn raised his glass, "Spoken like a true Klingon. We claimed the Rite of Vengeance for all the sins committed against us by them. That Gowron deeded their lands to us was only right."

Deanna stayed quiet. This was obviously a cultural difference that she would have to adjust to. To her, the house of the person who'd done so much harm to her would be the last place she'd want to live. Yet for them, it was the only just thing to do. She cast her eyes down to her plate, where she swore she saw something move.

The rest of the meal was filled with Kurn and J'Mila telling them in on the goings on of what sounded like a small empire in and of itself.

"I have a meeting at the council chambers tomorrow that you should attend," Kurn said to Worf, "You and Alexander."

"Me? At the Klingon High Council?" Alexander asked nervously.

"Why not? You are the son of a council member."

"I am not a council member," Worf corrected him, "You are."

"Only in your stead. If you were here I would naturally step aside for you."

Worf shifted nervously in his chair. That was the second time his brother and alluded at the idea of him staying on Qo'noS.

"Kurn, I think you are overwhelming your brother with all this talk. Come, let's show him what has become of the House of Mogh."

It took hours, but J'Mila and Kurn managed to show them every centimeter of the estate- inside and out. Along the way, Alexander found a group of children to play with and was off with them. Kurn and his wife were called away to deal with something, leaving Worf and Deanna to themselves.

The noonday sun was hot but the view from the rear balcony could not be missed. Worf and Deanna looked out over the rolling hills, dotted with clusters of houses here and there. Between each cluster were fields where they could see people working alongside machinery and animals.

"So all of this is yours?"

The size of it all embarrassed Worf a bit but he responded honestly, "Yes."

Troi shook her head in disbelief, "You never mentioned any of this to me."

"I did not realize the scale of it myself. I knew Chancellor Gowron granted us all the lands previous held by Duras and his family, but I never realized it was so much."

"All those people out there… they are members of your house?"

"In a way," Worf began, "Because they live and work on our land, their livelihoods are tied to ours. In order to stay here, they have to give their loyalty to us. In return we protect and provide for them. They are not the same as Kurn or myself though."

"How so? Do they have their own Houses?"

"No, they are most likely all commoners and not among the noble class like we are. As such, they are limited to how far they can go in Klingon society. They have their own families, and perhaps a few Minor Houses exist among them, but no Great Houses. They rely on the allegiance they have to us for social standing. "

"That doesn't seem fair."

Worf frowned, "It is the way of things, and has been forever. They are free to come and go as they please, we do not own them. Given that the number of people living on this land has grown since Kurn took over, I would say they are treated well and are happy to be here. There is no honor in subjugating your own people. "

There was that word again, honor. It seemed to Deanna that Worf pulled it out whenever he needed to defend a questionable Klingon practice or tradition.

"So it's Kurn job to keep all this going?"

"Actually, the responsibility is mine as the oldest. However, as Kurn said, he manages it all in my place. He and J'Mila have done a fine job."

"She is definitely proud of herself," Deanna said with a hint of sarcasm that went right over Worf's head.

"She has every reason to be. She has assumed the role of Mistress of the House with grace and dignity."

Deanna thought for a moment, "A role that would go to your wife if you were here…"

Worf looked down at Deanna, "Yes, but only if she wanted it."

Their eyes met for the first time since they landed on Qo'noS. Deanna looked out over the land and back at Worf again, "If you lived here, you'd need a Klingon woman by your side."

Worf pulled her close, "But I do not live here. I am a Starfleet officer, remember?"

She smiled up at him, "Yes."

"I know being here is difficult for you. Klingon traditions and ways of life are very different than anything we are accustomed to seeing in the Federation."

Deanna stroked his broad arms, "I am happy to learn more about this part of who you are."

After a few quiet moments, Kurn and his wife joined Worf and Deanna on the balcony. Deanna couldn't help but notice the way Worf ended their embrace as soon as his brother was in view.

"Worf, forgive me Brother but there are some men from the estate that I would like to to meet. They represent the common members of our house and frequently meet with me to discuss their needs."

"Yes. I will join you."

Kurn turned to his wife, "Perhaps Deanna Troi can accompany you as you tend to your duties today."

J'Mila nodded respectfully, "Of course."

"Thank you my love."

To Deanna, the emotions that Kurn felt for his wife were unmistakable. He adored her, loved her with every part of his being. She was the perfect Klingon wife and he felt fortunate to have her. The way Kurn emoted was in stark contrast to the restrained feelings that Deanna sensed from Worf. Kurn's feelings for J'Mila were like a shout, whereas Worf's feelings for her were like a whisper. Deanna told herself that was okay, that not everyone experienced strong emotions. Deanna told herself that just because she couldn't sense Worf's love for her as intensely as she sensed Kurn's for J'Mila didn't mean it wasn't there. She told herself that, hoping eventually she'd actually believe it.

Alexander and Worf met Kurn at the entrance to the Great Hall where the Klingon High Council met the next morning. Alexander tried his best to maintain some level of composure, when in reality he was awestruck at everything he saw. He'd never shown much interest in any of this "Klingon stuff" but just being here amongst all of this was giving him a different perspective.

"There is someone who has asked to see you before today's session begins," Kurn said as he escorted them in. After walking the long halls, they came to a chamber guarded by two of the scariest Klingons Alexander had ever seen. Inside was Gowron, Chancellor of the Klingon Empire.

"Worf! It is good to see you out of your child's uniform and dressed like a real Klingon!"

The two men locked forearms in the traditional Klingon manner of greeting and Worf ignored Gowron's predictable insult, "It is good to see you as well, Gowron."

"Worf is attending council session today as is his son Alexander," Kurn added.

"His son?!" Gowron exclaimed, "Did I know you have a son, Worf?"

"Of course you knew. Alexander is my son with Ambassador K'Ehleyr."

Alexander was terrified, it seemed like no one here could speak below a shout. But he knew he had to speak up for himself, "Pleased to meet you," he managed to say to the Chancellor.

Gowron laughed, loudly of course, "Look at that, he is pleased! Well, I suppose that's all I can expect seeing that your father keeps you around Humans more than Klingons," Gowron placed his hands on Alexander's shoulders and lowered his voice, "I only knew your mother for a short time, but her courage and fortitude were second to none. She stood up to me when a lesser woman, or man for that matter, would have cowered. How your father here managed to court a woman as she I will never know. The warriors who were there still tell the tale of how Worf avenged her death. I hear it was a glorious sight."

"Thank you," Alexander's chest swelled with pride. He understood why his father so rarely talked about what happened, but it make him feel good to hear someone speaking about it.

"So, Worf, have you taken off that Starfleet uniform for good?"

"I… I am between assignments right now."

"That's not much of an answer," Gowron replied.

"I am doing my best to convince my brother to stay here with us, but he has a duty to the Federation as well," Kurn said.

"Your first duty is to your people, it always will be! And besides, I need good allies at my side. Glorious times are ahead for the Empire and I would not want anyone, not even you Worf, to miss out on what is to come."

The four men left Gowron's personal chamber and began walking to the council chamber, "Even from a Starfleet ship Gowron, I have always served you to the fullest," Worf replied.

"You have and I have not forgotten it. I would not be where I am if not for you and I value your counsel. But I wonder how long you can keep your loyalties divided."

"My loyalties have never been divided. I will do what is right, regardless of where I am."

"That I do not doubt. And since I'm always right, you'll always be acting in my best interests!"

Worf shook his head, same old Gowron.

"So what would it take to get you to leave the Federation behind for good? You want a house as big as your brother's? Bigger perhaps?"

"Fortunes fade, Gowron, you know that."

"How about a military position then? I have heard rumblings that Kurn has been trying to grow your fleet, a General's commission in the Defense Force is what you need. That is much more fitting for you than firing phasers for Captain Picard."

"Why are you so invested in me?"

"There are changes coming for the Klingon Empire, and I need everyone I can get to stand with me. The Federation does not see a threat until they are attacked. Klingons know how to strike first."

Worf frowned, "What are you speaking of?"

"Ah, I'm not giving you all my secrets Worf. Not until I know for certain where all your loyalties lie."

Alexander listened intently as the adults spoke. He had yet to hear his father give Chancellor Gowron a definitive 'No' to his repeated requests for him to stay on Qo'noS. As he watched his father's face, he knew he was considering it.

Worf was relatively quiet for the rest of the day, taking in everything around him. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't tempted by Gowron's offer. It almost seemed too good to be true, command of not one but several ships. Plus the seat on the council and the lands the family already had. Gowron was right, his hopes for a First Officer posting paled in comparison.

He also didn't want to admit that the idea was intimidating as well. Worf had always imagined himself returning to the Empire to regain his family's rightful place and to live the life of an honorable and prosperous Klingon. To build his own family here on the Homeworld. Kurn and Gowron were basically handing all that to him. Why then was he so hesitant to just say yes?