CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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"You wanted to see me, Kelli?" Kirk said, after Ramsey had dismissed his escort.

"Yes. Jim, I need apologize for not talking to you earlier. However, I've been busy getting caught up on the current situation within the Empire," Ramsey said.

"Well, that's fine for you, you're Klingon, but I'm human. I've been stuck on board a Klingon ship, surrounded by Klingons since we left the Enterprise. I should have had an explanation long before now." Kirk crossed his arms in front of him and frowned.

"You're right, I should have explained everything to you before now." Ramsey sat on her bunk and gestured to the only chair in the room.

"We will be arriving at Kronos in a few hours, and I don't have time to go into many details, but I'll tell you what I can."

"Fine," Kirk said, as he sat down.

"At one time the Empire was led by a Emperor, but that hasn't been the case for over two hundred years now. The High Council governs the Empire; a body made up of representatives from the various noble houses. They in turn must answer to the Leader of the High Council. Likewise, he cannot act without the backing of the council. My uncle is the current Leader of the High Council and he has named me as his successor."

"You expect to become the next leader of this high council? You've lived in the Federation for thirty years and are a ranking Starfleet officer. You can't honestly believe you are going to arrive on Kronos, or wherever it is we're going, and be handed control of the Empire?"

"Of course not," she said. "I expect to have to fight for it." Kirk shuddered at the predatory gleam in Ramsey's eyes as she spoke.

"While the position is normally hereditary, the person designated as successor can be challenged. In cases such as that, an Arbiter of Succession is appointed. He judges the worthiness of each claimant to the position and selects one. In many instances the Arbiter selects the two best and strongest candidates, and they engage in combat to determine the next leader."

"And, Kang has been appointed as this Arbiter of Succession?" Kirk asked.

Ramsey nodded. "A member of the High Council, D'Ban, has challenged my right to lead the council on at least two grounds. The first being I am half human and the other, as you pointed out, I have lived in the Federation for the last thirty years. He and his supporters claim I would favor Federation interests over those of the Empire."

"Would you?"

"No!" Ramsey jumped up. "I believe I can understand both the Federation and the Empire, and by doing so work to stabilize relations between the two and work towards peace," she said, as she began pacing the small room.

"Jim, as my guest you will have some protection while we are on Kronos. However, if D'Ban is selected as the new council leader, that protection may not last. I know I can trust Kang to try and get you back to the Federation, but other circumstances may prevent him from doing so. I would like to complete the 'Iw ruStay or blood bonding ritual. This will make you a member of House Lynsia and give you the full protection of my house and our allies."

"You want me to do what? Become a member of a Klingon house? I don't think so!" Kirk stood to leave.

"Why not?" Ramsey turned to face him. He saw the anger and the hurt in her eyes.

"Look, I respect you as a person, Kelli, despite the fact you're half Klingon. However, don't ask me to become a member of the Empire. I've faced Klingons over charged phasers too many times to trust them."

"You still don't trust me either." Ramsey paused. "No, don't answer, I can see it in your eyes," she said, before he could say anything. "Jim, I'm only doing this for your protection. You can renounce the bond after you leave the Empire. It's not like I'm asking you to mate with my cousin Marilla. Making you a member of House Lynsia ensures my allies will protect you. Do you think I want to create any more difficulties for myself by having to explain why I named a Terran as my bond brother?

"I'm still Kelli Ramsey, despite the circumstances of my birth! As a Starfleet officer, without Cartwright's accusation hanging between us, you would have trusted me. Trust me now. My word as an officer, I'm only doing this for your own safety." Ramsey smiled and held out her hand.

Kirk stood and stared at her outstretched hand for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, I accept your invitation."

Ramsey quickly explained the ritual and together they lit the candles symbolizing the joining of their families. She handed him one of the two small daggers lying on the table. Together they cut each other's right palm and clasped hands. "We are bonded; our families are stronger. Our blood has joined; our families are one," she said and Kirk repeated after her.

"Sos jIH batlh SoH," Ramsey said softly.

Kirk repeated the phrase then turned to Ramsey. "What does it mean?"

"Literally it translates as; 'Mother I honor you.' It acknowledges the joining of our houses. In Klingon society the male may be acknowledged as the head of a house, but the internal structure is somewhat matriarchal."

"Will I be expected to do anything when we get to Kronos?" Kirk asked.

"Other than stay out of trouble--no." Ramsey grinned again offering Kirk her hand. He took in the ancient clasp of fellow warriors, grasping her forearm.

Ramsey returned the clasp. "Thrylah will have prepared what I would like for you to wear when we beam down. I'll see you in the transporter room when we reach Kronos."

"See you then. By the way, what is the traditional Klingon salute?"

Ramsey closed her right fist and brought it up sharply to her left shoulder. "Qapla'," she said. "It means 'success'."

Kirk copied the salute. "Qapla', K'Lyssia of House Lynsia."

"Thank you," he heard her say, as he turned to leave. "I'll probably need it."