Star Trek "Wounds of War"

Chapter-10

"Death of A Mad Man"

Watching the ceremony from his quarters, Admiral Crieger leaned back in his chair and smiled. "So much, for someone so young, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Worf?" "Indeed," said Worf. "You never know how someone will act under pressure, until they've experienced the horrors of war."

"Exactly," said Creiger. Turning off the view- screen, he started to talk to Worf more seriously. "You have fulfilled your task admirably."

"Thank you, Sir," replied Worf. "Soon, this Chancellor Martok will arrive..." said Crieger, his voice carrying the heavy weight of remorse as he handed Worf a notepad. "...and I will pay for my past. This is my official request that you be released from duty to me, and placed back on active duty immediately. Also my request that all data and the hearing files be erased from the official record. This way, after I am gone it will be as if I was never here."

"That will never happen," said Worf "You have touched and changed many lives on this ship; mine included. There is one last thing I would like for you to do..." Creiger stood, and pulled out the sheathed knife that was used to kill his family. Worf took a step back. "Sir, please- no, I could not accept that from you." "You must, Worf," said Creiger. "Please do me this honor. When I die, you will be the only one who knows the truth about me and how I changed.

Keep this to remember me and from time to time take it out and tell my story. Maybe then, people will get a true account of what war can do to a man. For a moment, Worf looked like he was going to bolt from the room. Then he thought for a moment, reaching a decision, Worf stretched out his hand. No further words were needed .

Admiral Creiger took one last look at the knife, and with both hands, he placed it in Worf's. Gripping it together, Worf looked the Admiral straight in the eye. "Admiral Creiger, I will not forget you, and I will not let others forget you either. I grew up believing the stories about you. They said you were a mad man, who killed without honor.

Today, you have shown me your honor." His last words spoken, Worf picked up the note pad and placed the knife in his belt, battle style, to honor his friend one last time. Silently, he turned and left. After the door had closed, and Worf was gone, Creiger spoke to himself. "I will not forget you either, Worf."

The silence weighed heavy on Creiger. Suddenly, he was startled by the Com system buzzer. Pressing it Creiger said, "Yes, Creiger here."

"Sir, it's Geordi. Its time, Sir." " On my way." Creiger down-loaded a message for Captain Picard to a pad. He took off his admiral's pins and placed them on the pad. As he was walking to the door, he stopped for a moment, turned and took one last look at his quarters. Then, as he walked through the doors for the last time, he said to himself, 'The Game's afoot'. Everyone was on the bridge, and the mood was as tense as it was during the war. Even Picard could feel it.

"Sir," said the Com-officer. "We are being hailed by the Chancellor, Sir." Picard stood and pulled his uniform tunic straight. "Put him on screen." Face to face, Martok knew this Picard was a man of honor, but his rage was getting the best of him. Blisteringly, he demanded, "Where is he, Picard!

I want him! Now!" He no sooner got the words out of his mouth, when his ship was rocked by phaser fire. Out of nowhere, streaks of light strafe the underside of Martok's ship. Turning on his com-link, Creiger decided to taunt his enemy. "I hear you are looking for me. I'd say you have found me! Can you catch me, 'One Eye'? Your father couldn't get the job done! Let's see if the son is any better!"

With that, he cut transmission and moved his cloaked Bird of Prey. Martok had steam rising up from him. Even his first officer was afraid. He had never seen him so mad. Barking orders furiously, Martok brought his ship back under control and laid down a sweeping volley of phaser fire.

Turning on the Com link, Creiger taunted once more. "Missed me! But I...won't...miss you.!" He switched it off before they could get a fix on the signal. Martok was about to order another round of phaser fire in the opposite area, when his ship was rocked violently again. The jolt sent him to the deck. The com link opened. "Come now, Chancellor, I was hoping for a real challenge. Your ship is new, but too large and slow for me. Martok decides to return the taunt. "Come now, you're not going to leave are you?

I was just starting to have some fun of my own. It's best this way don't you think, Warrior to Warrior?" His ship was hit again. "I wouldn't have it any other way," said Creiger. Just then, Martok's Com Officer signaled he had a fix on Creiger. "Neither would I," said Martok, turning to his weapons officer. "Fire..."

The torpedo came out of Martok's ship at high warp speed and found its target. Creiger's ship rocked violently. Its cloaking device was damaged, and the ship was listing out in the open for all to see.

Creiger turned the crippled ship about and nose to nose fired point blank on Martok. The blast pushed both ships away from each other violently. Creiger fought well, but his ship was failing all around him and he knew it. Martok was first to recover and fire. The blast sheared away the starboard wing and disruptor. Explosions were cascading all across the ship.

Picard opened a frequency. "Admiral Creiger, your ship is doomed. Let us beam you to safety." Creiger's voice was haggard. "So I can rot in a federation prison planet?

Or do you want to see Martok drain what's left of my blood...no, Picard, it's best this way. Martok broke in. "Stay out of this, Picard," he exclaimed. He smelled blood and victory all in the same short breath. He wanted it...badly. Picard sat down. His hands were tied from all directions; he could do nothing. Creiger got his ship to turn about and fired one more burst. It hit Martok's bridge, sending smoke and fire everywhere.

Then Martok sent another volley and the last one hit its mark. The Condor exploded. Lighting space like a small nova, when the explosion died down, there was little left but twisted debris. The silence was so heavy, the crew of the Enterprise could barely breath. Counselor Troy sat, silently crying for a man she barely knew.

Picard leaned forward and put his face in his hands. Riker stared down at the deck. Gritting his teeth, he bit back the swelling cascade of emotion. The moment was broken by Martok's transmission. "He wants to talk to you," said Riker with a disgusted look. Picard stood and gestured to Worf. "Let him speak to his ambassador.

I never want to hear his voice again." Before anyone could say anything, Picard turned on his heel and walked into his ready room. Commander Worf stood in front of the screen. "Put him on screen," he growled.

Martok was startled at Worf's menacing look. "Where is Picard?" demanded Martok. "He ordered me, as ambassador, to handle the situation. He wants never to hear from you again." His fury spent, Martok's voice cools. "I guess he is upset at how I handled matters.""All...are upset at how you handled matters." said Worf. "The humans do not understand our ways. It was a similar misunderstanding that started the war that created Creiger in the first place.

There has been enough blood spilled today. I will remain here and return to Star Fleet Headquarters, and counsel with their leaders. I will handle matters on this end. Take your prize, Chancellor, bask in your glory, but in the end it will become hollow and empty. He killed to avenge the death of his wife and unborn son, just as we would.

Now, he has died fighting, just as we would. What's done is done. But I say he died well. He died like a Klingon..with honor." Worf signaled for the transmission to be terminated and the screen went blank. The Chancellor's ship turned about and latched on to some of the larger pieces of cooled debris and beamed them into his cargo bay. Then the big ship turned and leaped to warp, heading home.

As Worf turned away, the sensors set off the perimeter alarm system. Grateful for the diversion, but wary of these conflicts Riker stood. "Red Alert! Captain to the Bridge! We have a perimeter alert!" "Sensors indicate...," Data intoned. "Three Jem-Hadar warships on an intercept course with weapons fully charged and locked on." "Evasive maneuvers! Come about, right heading Three-Two-Three, Mark Seven."

Tapping his com badge, Riker called out," "Riker to Engineering; we are going to need to modify our shields and get ready for warp speed." Geordi walked out of the turbo lift casually. Riker was not amused and now Captain Picard has taken an interest "Did you hear me?" asked Riker. "Yes, Commander, I heard you loud and clear. Looks like we have some more pests."

Picard was not amused. Neither was Riker. Both turned and glared at Geordi. Raising his hand, Geordi spoke with conviction. "Nothing to worry about. I can take care of this problem." Touching a series of buttons, he finished his sentence. "Right...about...now." Taping the last button, the ship's lights dimmed slightly. Riker was the first to figure it out. He smiled wryly. "A cloaking device?"

"Precisely," said the smiling Geordi. "and that's not all." Walking over to weapons control, he made some adjustments. "There, that'll do it. We now have full firing capability while cloaked," he proudly announced. Data interrupted. "The attacking ships seem to be spreading apart. Apparently in an attempt to find us." Riker turned to the screen. "Here they come," he said.

The bridge crew held their breaths. One by one, the attacking ships passed them by. Thinking the Enterprise had gone to warp, the attacking ship accelerated out of sensor range. Picard turned and studied his Chief Engineer for a brief moment. "Well done Geordi. Well done, indeed."

"Thank you, Sir. I'd like to take all the credit, but it was a gift from Admiral Creiger. He and I had been working on a couple of surprises most of the night." "Two surprises?" asked Riker. "Yes," said Geordi. "But that one is somewhere else. He told me to show you after I played this holographic message. Also, Captain, he said a personal message for you is in his quarters."

"Computer open holographic file Creiger 1. Authorization; Geordi-echo-delta 33579." A holographic display appeared. The image of Creiger began to speak. "Dear friends, I realize that as you are watching this, I am dead. Please don't grieve for me. I knew it would happen some day. Geordi, you have been a good friend and I thank you for all that you have done for me.

Counselor, I know you are so tired of seeing people die. It hurts having to say good- bye, but I want you to know you're the best, and you have a good man in Riker, who loves you far more than you know. Riker, I feel blessed to have known you. Amanda would have been so very proud of you and the man you have become. Data, I didn't forget you. Take good care of that little hero of yours. She loves you. Cherish that. Hold on to it and never let go.

Captain Picard, if you let that doctor slip from your grasp, I swear I will come back and haunt you myself for the rest of your life. Besides, who else could hold their own against the greatest captain the Enterprise ever had. Lastly,Worf, you are the bravest man I've ever known.

You are also the most honorable man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. One day, you may become Chancellor of the Klingon Empire. For your people, it will be truly a day of honor. You have an uncanny sense of knowing what is morally right and just. Never loose that, Worf Farewell, and thank you all." With that, the image vanished. Picard called the entire bridge to attention. "Computer, record the time of death of Admiral Creiger, this date, signed, Picard, Captain of the Enterprise."After a second he spoke.

"We are gathered here to commemorate the death of Admiral Creiger. History once taught us, he was a madman. We know him as a warrior, a man of courage, and honor that helped all of us understand the preciousness of life. We, the crew of the Enterprise, owe him a debt we could never pay. He will not fade away back into obscurity. His story will be told. He will be remembered. He will be missed." All on the bridge stood to attention and was stone silent as the ship's bell rang. Each will remember Creiger in their own way. After the last tone of the bell died down, Picard gave the order "As you were." As the bridge went back to work, Picard wanted to know what the second surprise was. He stepped over to Geordi. "Now, about that other surprise."

"It is in sick bay," said Geordi. Smiling, Picard said, "I thought so. Helm, come to course 121 Mark 359 Warp factor 3. We are overdue to hook up with the Bajoran shuttle, 'Kamraul'. I would like to get out of this place as soon as possible. Number-one you have the bridge.

Geordi, Data, you are with me." Everyone gathered on the turbo lift and was gone. The Sick bay was quiet. Nurse Ilia was busy cleaning and straightening. Looking up, as the captain approached, she spoke quietly. "I was told there was some thing left for me by Admiral Creiger. Nervously, she glanced over to Geordi and back to the captain. Turning to lead, she said, "This way, Sir." Into the convalescent's ward, they walked.

The ward was totally empty, but Picard stood, expecting something. He heard foot falls on the carpet, but saw no one. Nurse Ilia turned. "I will be back in a few minutes." "Well, I guess it's time to show you the second surprise," Geordi said. Shimmering into view, a man stood clothed in a black borg-like suit of lights and instruments.

For a moment, neither said a word. They just stood staring at each other. Finally, Picard started to chuckle. "You, Sir, have a rather perverse sense of humor." "And you, Sir, are a good speech maker." Suddenly, Dr. Crusher walked in. "Is everything ready, Data?" "Yes, everything is ready.' Picard looked around at his crew. "Is everyone in on this?"

"No one else," said Creiger. "Not even Worf. I thought that since The Klingon Empire wanted me dead, and Star fleet could care less if I lived or died. I thought it best to let everyone think I am dead. These two doctors are here to turn me into a new man. I will leave my past behind and you will have your leave of me. An interesting solution don't you think?"

Turning to leave, Picard said, "To me, you are dead and when I leave this room that is the way it will stay. If you can walk through those doors, and down that corridor, without anybody recognizing you, then you can have your new life. If anyone recognizes you, I will personally deliver you to the Klingon home world, and drop you at the feet of Martok myself.

Is that clear?" "Perfectly, Sir." Handing Picard the pad with the admiral pins, he said, "This is for you." "What is it?" asked Picard. "Just a little advice.' Taking the pad and pins, Picard said, "I will read it later." The next day, Dr. Crusher took the bandages off. Looking up into those beautiful eyes, Creiger smiled Returning his smile, she said, "Have a look." Handing him a mirror, he took a gander at his new visage.

"The hair looks great, the ear jewelry is kind of nice, but this wrinkly nose itches like hell." Chuckling, Dr. Crusher said, "That will pass in a few moments. Then it was Data's turn to examine the patient. Everything fully functional data Creiger asked with a wicked smile? Data returned his wicked smile "Fully Sir" Completing his scan of the new limbs. He helped Creiger to stand. I feel a bit shorter.

Looks like I lost about 6 inches of height. Data explained It is all part of your new look. You will get used to it soon enough. We will arrive at the shuttle you are to depart on in a few hours. Your arms and legs will act as normal as any artificially grown limb could. I don't know how I can thank you, all of you. Just continue to be the honorable man you are that will be thanks enough. Said Data, I have to go now here are your new identity papers. The shuttle ride will be a long trip.

Use the time to familiar yourself with them. Good bye Sir . Creiger said good bye Data and thanks. Data turned and left. Just then Counselor Troy came in complaining of a slight headache and sleeplessness. Creiger looked to Dr. Crusher and said "One last gift" he walked over to Dianna who had just gotten a hypo spray to ease her headaches. Dr, Crusher followed him not knowing what would happen next. Using the last of his abilities he blocked any images of his former self so she would not know him. She said hello.

Creiger said hello my name is Jarvis I had a headache too. I am waiting for the shuttle to DS-9. Excuse me but what is that? What instantly troy froze. Is it a bug? God I hate them things. Just a second said Creiger he reached up and tapped on troys left side of her skull. Instantly she dropped. Dr Crusher called for a gurney and placed her on it.

Scanning her she could find nothing. In a fury she whirled about to face Creiger. "What have you done!" Relax doctor, all I did was use the last of my abilities to shield her from any more memories of me and extracted the memory fragment of her feeling her attacker die. She is resting comfortably and her mind is reshuffling her memories so their will be no noticeable gapes to trouble her.

The wounds of war had scared her mind terrably, and was causing all her tension, sleeplessness, head aches and irritability. She shouldn't suffer any more. For her, my war ended with my death. She will wake in a few minutes feeling refreshed and her joy restored. Call it, my wedding present for her and Will. Amanda would have been very proud of the man he has become and the woman he fell in love with.

"Well now, as foe me, am I ready Doctor?" "Ready as you will ever be," said Dr. Crusher. "Then I guess it's time to face the final test and walk that corridor and see if I can be recognized." As Creiger walked through the door, he turned and waved goodby. Then he disappeared in the busyness of the corridors foot traffic never to be seen again. Dr Crusher turned to her computer called up all files on Captain Creiger and deleted them.

It their place is one document. The death certificate of Captain/Admiral Creiger.