CHAPTER 7

"Worf, it has been entirely too long."

It wasn't often that Worf broke out into a smile, but Ezri's smile looking back at him was infectious. He jumped to his feet as she entered his office, "Ezri, what are you doing here? The wedding is not until next week."

"I wanted to talk to you before all the festivities began. I can only imagine the grand plans you have."

Worf was working in his office at the consulate, his wedding to Anderel fast approaching. Though he was working to finish as much as he could before taking time to be with his par'mach'kai he was never too busy to talk to Dax, even if he hadn't been expecting her.

"This time, it is Lady Sirella who is handling all the planning. Please, sit with me."

Ezri stepped into the massive space and took a seat on the couch with him, "You look good, Worf," she reached up and touched his beard, "Wait, is that a gray hair?"

He swatted her hand away, "Impossible!"

She laughed, "Notice anything different about me?"

Worf narrowed his eyes and looked at her intently. Then, they widened, "You are wearing red."

Ezri smiled proudly, "I'm on my way to complete Starfleet's Advanced Tactical Training. I'm making the move into command."

"Command? What about counseling?" Worf asked, his voice filled with surprise.

"I got the chance to fill in as the Defiant's first officer and I decided that I want to pursue it full time. Becoming a counselor was Ezri Tigan's dream. I've settled into the fact that Ezri Dax is a very different person," she paused, "And once I finish the program, I'm going to put in a transfer to leave DS9."

"And that is what you want?"

She looked down nervously at her hands, "I came to DS9 after I was joined because, quite honestly, I was a mess. The only thing I could think to do was try to hold on to some sense of familiarity. So I basically stepped right back in Jadzia's life. I guess at that time I needed it, but now," she let out a shaky breath, "Now it's time to step out of her shadow and make my own way."

Worf paused a moment before quietly asking, "And Dr. Bashir?"

Ezri gave him a sobering look, "I need to step all the way out of her shadow."

Worf nodded, "I see."

She took his hands in hers, "Enough about me, tell me how you are."

He decided to spare her all the details of his troubles with his brother, "I am well."

"I can't even express how happy I am for you. I," Ezri could feel her voice catch in her throat, "I've never admitted this out loud but… I didn't just come to Deep Space Nine because I needed it… I also came to be near you. I had to know if you were okay."

"In those early days, I was not," Worf admitted.

"I know. Believe me, I know."

"But there is no need for you to worry anymore. I did not think that I would ever find someone again after you- after Jadzia. But I have. I do not know what I have done to deserve a woman like Anderel, but I plan to spend my life making myself worthy of her."

"She is a lucky woman. I know better than anyone how completely you devote yourself to your par'mach'kai."

"I take comfort in the fact that you will be there to see me marry again."

Ezri looked down at their joined hands and shook her head slowly, "Worf, I, I'm not going to be at the wedding."

"What? Why not?"

"I have to report for my tactical training and honestly, I think it's best. This wedding is about you moving forward. My presence will only serve as a reminder of the past."

"No, that is not true. I need you, Dax," he said, his voice showing the slightest hint of panic.

She could feel tears welling in her eyes, but she smiled through them, "No, you don't. Not anymore. This is about you and Anderel."

"You can start your training at any time, I know I've done it myself."

"I'm here with you now, Worf. I just, I just can't…"

Her voice trailed off as the tear she'd been holding onto finally fell. Worf could hear the despair in her voice and suddenly realized why she didn't want to be there. Worf chided himself for not realizing it sooner, "It is all right, Ezri. I understand," he said as he tenderly wiped the tear away.

"I'm sorry Worf. I want you to be happy, I really am thrilled for you. I just can't watch you marry someone else," she finally admitted.

"There is a reason why your people forbid reassociation."

She chucked, "Yes, yes there is. You'd think I would know better."

"I appreciate you coming here now."

Ezri leaned forward and kissed Worf's cheek. She pressed her face to his for a long moment, long enough for Worf to feel that it was wet again. When she finally pulled away, Ezri whispered, "I love you, Worf."

Worf knew he'd always be tied to her in this unique bond that they shared. Few would understand it, sometimes he himself did not. But regardless of whether or not it made sense, there was one thing that was true.

"And I love you, Dax. I always will."

Chancellor Martok had never been to his son's home and as he materialized at the front entrance, he was taken aback. He'd heard Sirella talk about how well Drex had done for himself during the wars with the Federation and the Dominion, but Martok had never seen it for himself. All this opulence quite honestly made Martok uncomfortable. A warrior should not need to surround himself with wealth or the trappings of perceived importance to be honorable. His father Urthog was the greatest man he'd ever known, and he lived and died in the lowlands of Ketha in a house smaller than Martok's dining room.

"Father, welcome. It is an honor to have you in our home." Drex said formally as he opened the door. He had been surprised when his father asked to come see him. Martok came alone, no guards or enterouge the way most high-ranking members of the High Council traveled. Just Martok. He didn't even wear the Chancellor's robes.

"I have been remiss; I should have come here a long time ago."

"The duties of the Chancellor keep you busy."

"Perhaps," Martok said as they walked together, "But my duties as a father should take precedent."

Drex narrowed his eyes suspiciously- this was out of character for his father. Something was going on.

"Ktana and the baby are this way,"

Drex's wife had given birth to their child just days ago. Sirella was eager to visit but was consumed with wedding preparations. Martok asked if he could come and Drex and Ktana graciously accepted. Maybe the knowledge that he was now a grandfather was softening the old man.

They rounded a corner and entered a darkened room. Martok could hear Ktana's voice quietly singing as she rocked the newborn in her arms. Martok stood near the doorway, awestruck.

"Father, I'd like to present to you Urthog, son of Drex and Grandson of Martok."

Martok's jaw dropped, "Urthog. That is my father's name."

Ktana smiled as she brought the child to Martok, "We wanted to honor you as best we could. I hope it pleases you."

He was speechless, "It does," Martok looked down at the tiny face, the barely formed ridges that bore the mark of his lineage, "He is perfect."

Drex had been conflicted with how to proceed with everything going on with Worf and his father, but as he saw the emotion in Martok's face in that moment, he knew he had to do something. Drex was his son, the son of his body and in his arms was his grandson named for his father. This was the future of this family, and Drex had to be willing to protect it.

Before Drex could speak, Martok did, "Ktana, I'd like to have a word alone with my son."

"Yes, of course," she took the child back and quickly left the room, giving her husband a questioning glance as she did.

"The favor of Kahless is with you and Ktana. I hope Urthog is just the first of many."

"Thank you. If I can endeavor to be even half the father you were-"

Martok put up a hand to interrupt him "No. No, you should hope to be better than I was. I did not do right by you when I should have. I wanted you to be like me and I did not see you for who you are."

Drex was quiet, he could not argue with that.

"But it is not too late to make things right. That is something Worf has taught me time and again."

Drex tensed at the mention of that name, "Worf has many things in his life that he needs to make right."

"He does. Which is why he has decided not to accept my offer of yaS cha'DIch."

That wasn't what he expected to hear at all, "What could the Son of Mogh have going on that could possibly be more important than leading your House?"

"That part is his concern. Just know that I understand and respect his choice."

There was a silence that hung between them. Just then, Drex thought he understood why Martok had come and why he was being so unusually accommodating. His father couldn't have his first-choice successor, so he was here to offer Drex the consolation prize.

Drex bristled before his father could even offer it, "Why are you really here, Father?"

"To give you this..."

Martok reached into his arm cuff and produced a small data padd. He handed it to Drex who suspiciously asked, "What is this?"

"Read it."

Drex did.

"Wait… what is the meaning of this?"

"It is just what it says. It is what you've wanted and what I have resisted. But as I see you here with all you have built for yourself, I know it is the right thing."

"You want me to start my own House?" asked in disbelief.

"You are a man that needs to make his own way. We have clashed because I have tried to keep you tied to me. If you do not want it, that is your choice. But I do not think you will truly be fulfilled until you do this."

Drex didn't know how to feel about this, "What about you and Mother? Where does this leave us?"

"I am your father and she is your mother, that does not change. If anything, it means that we can leave the business of running a House out of our relationship."

Drex was quiet for a long while, staring at the words on the padd. This was indeed what he'd wanted from the beginning. He'd always thought it would cause bad blood between them but now knowing he had his father's blessing meant everything to him. Drex extended his arm for his father to grasp. "Then I accept."

Martok smiled brightly and linked forearms with his son, "Qapla, my son. Qapla."

"Although, if Worf has turned you down and I am leading my own House, what will become of yours?"

"I have discovered a third option, one that quite honestly should have been my first."

"Who did you say you were looking for?"

"Rodek, son of Noggra."

The old man at the bar filled a few drink flagons, "Now what's a lady like yourself doing in a place like this looking for the likes of him?"

"Let's just say he's an old friend."

The man laughed, "I can tell by that accent of yours and those shiny boots that you've never spent a day in your life with someone like Rodek. Is he in trouble? Owe you some money?"

Anderel narrowed her eyes, the frustration showing in her voice, "Look, is he here or not?"

"No need to get upset. He's right over there at his favorite table. He hadn't been in here for a while, but then all of sudden last week he started showing up again. His wife usually has to drag him out."

Anderel looked over at Rodek and then back to the bartender, "I'll take two raktajinos, strong."

The bartender grunted as he handed her the coffee. She took a deep breath for courage, steeled her shoulders and headed to the table. The man sitting there was slumped over a cup of wine, his eyes closed either in drunkenness or sleep. She pounded her fist on the table and his eyes opened.

"Kurn!"

There was that name. Rodek looked up at her and bared his teeth in a snarl, only one person knew him by that name, "Did the Ambassador send you here?"

"No."

"Then who the hell are you and why are you bothering me?"

"My name is Anderel, daughter of Martok and I'm here to talk to you," she said as she sat.

Rodek took another drink from his cup of wine. There was a time when meeting the Chancellor's daughter would have had him dropping to his knees to show his reverence. That time had passed, "Well, get on with it."

Anderel gracefully slid the wine away from him and replaced it with the coffee, "I do not know you and you do not know me. Until recently, I did not even know you existed."

"Then why are we speaking?" he asked, sliding the wine cup right back.

"Worf gave you news that I know was hard to hear. What do you intend to do now that you know?"

"I am currently doing what I intend to do."

Anderel looked at him for a moment. The obvious family resemblance of the forehead ridges was not there, but the eyes- deep set, dark and filled with unspoken emotion- were the same eyes of her par'mach'kai, "Do you believe it to be true?"

"That I am this 'Kurn, son of Mogh?' I have been reading about him, looking for whatever information that I could find to make sense of this. Did you know that he had a wife?"

"No, I did not know that."

"The Ambassador did not mention it to me either, probably because she had her marriage to Kurn dissolved soon after his ejection from the High Council. Apparently, a life of poverty and shame was not what she signed up for. I found a picture of her," he paused, his eyes taking on a far away, glassy tone, "When I saw it, my heart stopped. I have had visions of her for years, but I never knew who she was. I'd seen her face in my dreams more times than I can count, as clear as if she were standing next to me but I never knew who she was. Seeing her imagine before me made it finally make sense," Another pause, his will defeated by the reality that he had to accept, "I knew her name before I even read it on the screen."

"Where is she now?" Anderel asked quietly.

Rodek shook his head, "She married another High Council member less than a year later- a man 20 years her senior and wealthier than Kurn ever was," He grunted, "If these are the kind of people I am missing out on, then I am happy to stay right where I am."

"I do not know anything about this wife you speak of. But I know Worf- I know your brother. He has made mistakes, as we all have. He regrets how things have gone for you, but his honor and intentions are above reproach."

"Regret? Does he want to express his sympathy for me as well? How many other Human weaknesses will he display?"

Anderel decided to take a different approach, "Fine, forget Worf. This isn't really about him anyway. This is about you passing up a chance to better your life. What of your wife Nebara and your children? This is their family too. Your children deserve to know who they are."

Rodek pounded his fist on the table with such force that it startled her, "You dare not speak about my family! Nebara and the children are the only real things in my life. You say I am this man of noble birth but really, I am no one. This place, working in these shipyards and drinking in this bar, this is all I know. Why should I be given this life of privilege while everyone I know labors theirs away here? The home the Ambassador wants to give me could shelter ten families. I have done nothing to deserve it other than be born with the right name, a name I did not even know until a few days ago."

And there it is, Anderel thought to herself.

"My father was not born to the station he finds himself in now," she began, "He was low born from a family of laborers and earned everything he has through hard work and the honor of his deeds. To this day, he doesn't have much use for the trappings of nobility," she laughed a little, "To be honest, he really hates most of it. But, Father knows that he can have the most impact on our people from a position of influence, so he bears it in order to serve."

"I have heard the tales of Martok's rise to power."

"Then you know what I am speaking of."

"Yes, I know that they are inspiring stories," he replied, "But what does any of that have to do with me?"

Anderel took the blood wine one last time and replaced it with the coffee. She leaned in close to Rodek and looked him square in the eyes, "Join our House. You can bring a perspective that none of us has. Use this to become a voice for these people and others like them throughout the Empire. If you don't want to live in the home Worf gave you, fine. But whether you like it or not, this is who you are. Hiding from it does not change that or make it go away. So you can either step up and make this work for you or you can sit here and drink this opportunity away."

Rodek reached for the raktajino instead of the blood wine, sat back in his chair and took a drink. He hadn't accepted her offer, but he hadn't rejected it either. That meant she was getting through to him. Anderel continued, "Come to our wedding."

"Your wedding?"

"The Ambassador and I are-"

"I know that, everyone on Q'onos knows that. You want me there?"

"You, your wife and your children. Worf is your brother, you belong there more than all those other people. You can keep my father company; he will be glad to have someone to talk to that isn't a pompous high born trying to ingratiate themselves."

Rodek took another drink of coffee, "Why did you come here? Why do all this? What is in it for you?"

"You are my husband's brother which makes you my brother. My family means everything to me, if it is not whole, I am not whole."

Rodek could hear the sincerity in her voice. Worf had tried to impress him with the grandeur of what being his brother would mean. But Anderel came to him with nothing but the heart of a warrior. He nodded approvingly, "I will consider it."

The Great Hall had not been used for a wedding in almost a century. In the early days when it was first built, its primary purpose was a gathering place for the members of the High Council and it was used often. As time went on and the nobles amassed grand estates of their own, these kinds of events migrated away from the capital's most honored building and to their private homes. However, in just a few days the Chancellor's daughter and the Ambassador to the Federation would celebrate their union here.

Anderel walked the corridors slowly, nodding respectful greetings to the many servants and artisans who were preparing for what would no doubt be the greatest bit of pageantry the Empire had seen in a long time. She rounded a few corners and ended up in the main council chamber, where the ceremony performed by her mother would take place.

Standing at the center of the room, arms folded and taking in everything around him was her father. He'd asked her here today, probably to help him deal with her mother.

"Father," Anderel greeted him warmly with a smile and a kiss on his cheek, "What are you doing here? Surely you could be anywhere else besides the center of all this commotion."

"I want to make sure that everything is perfect for my daughter," he said sincerely.

She raised an eyebrow, "Did mother put you up to this? Where is she anyway?"

"She is at the opera house overseeing the final rehearsal of the singers."

Anderel groaned, "This is too much."

"It is. But it's what you deserve."

She grunted again.

"You know," Martok began slowly, "The last wedding held here was for Chancellor Azetbur."

"Yes, but it was before she was Chancellor, while her father Gorkon ruled."

Martok nodded, "Years later when Gorkon was killed, his daughter stepped in and ruled in his place"

"There was no precedent for a woman to lead the council," Anderel replied nonchalantly, her eyes focused on the banners being hung overhead, "But she was such a stabilizing force in the Empire that her rule was uncontested by any challengers."

Martok looked at his daughter, his eldest child, "Someone once told me that when there are no good options, a wise leader creates one. Or something like that."

Anderel narrowed her eyes quizzically, "What's this all about, Father?"

"I want to name you yaS cha'DIch to the House of Martok."

Her mouth dropped open, "What?"

"I should have done this from the beginning. It has always been you. You have always acted in the best interest of this family, even at great cost to yourself. I know all that you did while I was away in the prison camp, when you thought I was dead you stepped in and kept things going. You were even willing to marry a man I will not speak of just because you thought you were doing the right thing for us."

"As honored as I am, you know that a woman cannot lead a House."

"All it takes is an order from the Chancellor to make it happen."

She knew that. "I suppose you've already considered that this would give me a direct claim to becoming the next Chancellor of the Empire," she paused, realizing that he most definitely had considered it, "Just like Azetbur."

Martok nodded, "All I need is for you to accept."

"I have spent years trying my best not to become my mother. So instead," she said with a laugh, "You want me to become you."

"You know this is the way it should be. You would never ask for this or seek this kind of glory for yourself. You are a loyal servant of the Empire and you are exactly what the Empire needs."

"Just like my father."

"Then you accept?" he asked.

Anderel turned to look squarely into her father's eyes. She then dropped to one knee and lowered her head, humbly, "You do me a great honor, Father. I accept, and vow to continue to strengthen this family in your place once you have crossed the River of Blood."

Martok grunted, "Get up, girl! You don't ever have to do that with me. The rest can, but not you."

She stood, "I was only trying to show my respect."

He waved his hand impatiently, "Enough with all that. I will make the announcement at your wedding and we can be done with this."

"No. I want that day to be about Worf and I without anything overshadowing it. We can make formal announcements later."

"As you wish, yas'cha'dich."

"Besides," Anderel replied, "I have a few things of my own planned."

"Do you want to open or shall I?"

Worf and Anderel stood in the common room of their home, a large crate on the floor between them. Worf had been staring at it for a while when Anderel entered the room "This makes it real," he said soberly.

"Not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked with a smirk.

Even though her tone was playful, Worf's was serious, "Of course not. We are already joined to one another. This part is just a ceremony, a show."

"Then open it so we can see our costumes."

Carefully, Worf opened the lid and lifted the contents out. On top was his wedding suit. Lady Sirella had it handmade for him, unlike the replicated version he'd worn a few years ago. The ornate embellishments and attention to detail made it clear that she wanted to use every opportunity she could to remind everyone that she was descended from Klingon royalty and that their House was the most important one in the Empire. As magnificent as it was, he couldn't help but think that he didn't deserve it.

Anderel could read the look on his face, "You don't like it."

"Your mother went to great lengths to have these made for us."

"Something is wrong, I can see it in your eyes, Worf."

He sighed, "It is a glorious garment, fit for the highest of nobility. It is everything I ever wanted and everything your mother has carefully planned."

"But?"

Worf's thoughts went to the women in his life that came before. He'd already been mated to two of the most amazing women he'd ever known- K'Ehleyr and Jadzia- and now he was getting a third chance at happiness with Anderel. Why did he get to go on when their lives had ended too soon? It had been three years since Jadzia's death, she'd now been gone from him longer than he'd even known her. Every day that passed, the picture of her face, the sound of her voice and the feel of her touch faded from his memory a little bit more.

Anderel knew what the faraway look on her par'mach'kai's face meant. There was a time when that look made her uneasy or even a little jealous. That time was gone and instead those feelings were replaced by a deep respect and honor for the wife that taught Worf how to love, who helped make him the mate she'd waited her whole life for.

"I would like to honor Jadzia at our wedding," she began quietly, "I want her to be there with us."

Worf's eyes widened, "Anderel, you do not have to do anything like that…"

"I want to. If you would allow it, I would like to wear her crown."

Worf swallowed. He'd kept the pair of crowns that he and Jadzia wore on their wedding day packed away in a closet with some other mementos of their life together. Anderel knew he had it and never bothered him about getting rid of any of it.

"The one your mother chose is much more ornate, with jewels from the-"

"I do not care about jewels."

He paused, feeling even more like he didn't deserve Anderel, yet more grateful for her love than ever before, "Yes, it would be an honor. More than I can express."

Anderel reached in and pulled out her own gown. It was so heavy that Worf had to help her lift it. She laid it out, smoothed her hands over it and shook her head. Her mother had made a few changes, "I am going to have to get the dressmaker here."

"Is something wrong? It is a magnificent garment."

Anderel looked at her mate and laughed, "It's beautiful. It's just not going to fit."

Epilogue

Growing up, Ambassador Worf had a pretty good life. Given his tragic beginnings, his Human parents did the best they could to provide him with everything he needed, and he would be forever grateful for that. But when he was a child, he imagined that one day he'd get to live a 'Klingon life.' He didn't even know what that meant and as a young man when he made the choice to join Starfleet that dream seemed even farther off.

Right in this moment, Worf realized that he was living the dream of his youth. And ironically, it was his time in Starfleet that made it possible.

Worf was standing at the entrance to a massive home, one he'd been to before, with his wife by his side. He turned to face her before they entered, "Before we go in, I need to thank you,"

"You have done that already, par'mach'kai," she said with a humble smile.

"It bears repeating. I wanted to fix this, but I could not. You made this possible and I cannot express my gratitude enough."

"You know, Worf, you aren't alone anymore."

He narrowed his eyes in confusion, "I know that."

"No, sometimes I don't think you do," her hand reached down to grasp his, "You've spent so much time on your own that you act as if you have to face the trials of your life by yourself. That's not how our people are meant to live. We don't swear loyalty to Houses just for the namesakes, our families are our greatest strength. Without hesitating, you were that for me when we first met. I am honored to be that for you now."

Worf could feel his heart swell, "I love you, Anderel."

"And I you. Now, it is up to you to see this thing through. I can only do so much."

He nodded, "Of course," Worf squeezed his wife's hand and helped her up the stairs. As they approached, those massive doors swung open.

"Worf, Anderel, we have been looking forward to your arrival," At the door greeting them warmly was Nebara, "Please, come in."

Worf thought about the first time that he'd come to this house. Gowron gifted it to the Sons of Mogh for killing his rival Duras and supporting him in the Klingon Civil War. Worf was planning to return to the Enterprise and had no need for an estate of this magnitude. Kurn took over the running of the household and all the adjacent lands. When Worf first visited the home years ago, Kurn's wife at the time was the one to open the door and welcome him in.

This was definitely different.

"Thank you for having us," Anderel replied graciously.

"Please, follow me."

Nebara walked them through corridors to a large dining hall where everyone was gathered. Worf remembered back to when Kurn first owned it and a portrait of their mother and father hung in this room. That wall was bare now but the room itself was filled with raucous laughter and the smells of a delicious bounty. It was the Day of Honor, a holiday that all Klingons celebrated with songs, drinking, feasts and tales of the deeds done over the past year. And painsticks, of course.

Kurn (or was it Rodek?) had invited the commoners who lived on his lands to enjoy the festivities with him and his family in their home. Many accepted, happy to have him back in the position he held years ago, a position he had no memory of. Others declined, unable to step outside the social constraints that kept noble and low born Klingons separate.

Worf could only imagine what those on the High Council would think if they saw this. Then again, Chancellor Martok would love it.

Nebara led them across the room to the head of the table where the man of the House sat. Rodek (or was it Kurn?) was gazing absently around the room, looking as lonely as one could in a room filled with men and women singing one's praises. As he saw the three of them approach, he stood respectfully.

"Ambassador! You and your wife honor us with your presence."

Anderel stepped forward to greet him with a warm smile, "We have let too much time pass since we last saw you."

"Your wedding was spectacular. I never imagined being invited to such an event," Nebara said.

"It was where you belonged. And my father was quite taken with you both. He tells me that you have already sponsored the officer applications for three young men from Morem'cha."

"Last year my name meant nothing. Now, a word from me can change the course of a young warrior's life. It is the least that I can do."

Worf was quiet, still unsure how to proceed with all this.

The younger man turned to his wife Nebara, "Let my brother and I speak."

Nebara nodded dutifully and took Anderel to meet some of the women at the gathering.

"I do not know what to call you," Worf said as their wives walked away together.

He laughed, and for a moment Worf could hear the hearty laugh of Kurn, "Neither do I. These people, they know me as Kurn. They tell me that I was an honorable man, that I governed these lands with a firm but fair hand and that they make offerings of thanksgiving to Kahless that I have returned," he shook his head in disbelief, "I cannot believe any of it."

"That you were a firm, fair and honorable man?"

"That they'd care enough about me to be thankful that I am here. I spent the only years I can remember longing for a life I couldn't fathom. And it was here all along."

"This is your life. And I too am glad to see you choose to step back into it."

He grunted in response as he took a drink.

"I was surprised to see you at our wedding," Worf added, "After I revealed the truth to you, right here in this house, I was certain I would never see you again."

Worf's brother smirked, "You can thank your wife for that, she appealed to a loyalty to my family that I did not know I had. She is a remarkable woman, though I'm sure I do not need to tell you that."

Worf's chest swelled with pride, "It would seem that our wives are the best parts of us."

"That is what those vows you recited tell us, is it not? Our women are the greatest creation the gods ever made. Their hearts are tempered by wisdom and beat stronger than ours. If not for Nebara, I would be lost. She put all his in motion by seeking out help for me. And your wife was able to bring it all together for us."

In a room filled with music and laughter the two men were quiet, trying to process everything that had happened. Finally, Worf spoke, "I want to be a brother to you. When Gowron gave us this home, you asked me to stay here on Qo'noS but I said no. I went back to Starfleet because I was more comfortable being on my own than being part of a family. Years ago, you came to me desperate to die and I did not know how to be the brother you needed then either." Worf paused, "I still do not. But I am here. I am here"

"I do not know either, Brother. But, you can start by calling me Kurn."

~fini

April 5, 2021

AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR READING. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AND I APPRECIATE YOUR REVIEWS SO MUCH!