Spoilers for Star Trek Online: Leap of Faith

Faith and Honor

"I do not think reinforcements are coming. It may be time to consider-"

"Do not finish that sentence! We are Klingons! We will fight to the end!"

The battle was going badly. Two Klingon ships fought to hold off dozens of small and medium sized enemy ships. Boreth was sacred ground to the Klingons. Khaless the Unforgettable had said 'Look for me there, on that point of light.' That star that gave light to Boreth had been the one that he had pointed to, so when the Klingons had develop spaceflight, Boreth was one of the first places they had come. Scholars and historians might argue semantics, but the loresingers remembered and warriors believed. The creation of a clone of Khaless might have dampened the belief of any other race. Not the Klingons.

But now? Things had changed. Internal strife was nothing new among the proud warriors who traced their lineage back to Khaless but it was rarely a good thing when the Great Houses fought for control. And now? With the Council of Great Houses abolished, so many Klingon had forsaken the Empire in the desire to follow their own families. That was understandable, but not a good thing.

Then, the Fek'Ihri had shown up.

Say what anyone would about Klingons, they did know how to fight. It was what they were. What they were for. To live with honor and die with a blade in their hands was all most Klingon warriors wished. They had not always been thus. Attacks by vicious aliens had made them from farmers into one of the most feared fighting forces in the galaxy. Starfleet preferred to talk. Romulans to sneak. Jem'Hadar could certainly fight but they had been made to follow the orders of their Founders. Klingons existed to fight. Period. That said? There were foes that tested them sorely.

Fek'Ihri were one of those who continually tested the Klingon people. It wasn't known if the Fek'Ihri that were being faced now were related at all to the ancient tales of Khaless and his mighty battles with them and the Hur'q. There was new knowledge that the Dominion had been involved, all those centuries ago but the data that was available was sparse to say the least. Between the secrecy of whatever had been done and the passage of ages, most of the information had been lost. Even if it had been known? Many Klingons would not have cared. Here was an enemy who was understandable. There was no middle ground. No room for negotiation or debate. Kill or be killed. Simple.

But… As had been said many times, 'quantity has a quality all its own'. No matter the strength and bravery of warriors, any warrior could be overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Case in point? Here. For every ship the Klingons destroyed, another popped into existence out of the hellscape portals that spawned them from the depths of Grethor, the Klingon version of human 'Hell'. The Klingons knew this, so they directed their fire at the portals every chance they got, but the numbers against them were overwhelming. The sole Bird of Prey picket that the KDF had left in system was damaged and repairing itself under cloak. The I.K.S Rotarrun and the I.K.S. Kor were both legends in their own right. Generals Martok and Kurn were the veterans of far too many battles to recount. Adet'pa was less well known, but just as competent.

They were losing.

"Yes! Boreth shall not fall today!" Adet'pa's words were more bravado than hope. Three ships simply couldn't hold against so many and they couldn't get close enough to the last portal to close it! The Fek'Ihri would keep coming as long as the portal remained open. They all knew that. But they also knew that if they took 'the better part of valor' as humans said, Boreth would fall. None of them wanted that.

Then… It all changed! Another voice! A familiar one. Hated by some, respected and revered by others! Matriach J'Ula of House Mo'Kai. Deadly enemy of the Federation. Sneaky, underhanded, bold, scary as hell. All of these and so much more. But what she said-

"Fight now! For Khaless! For Boreth! For the Empire!"

Another ship came out of nowhere. Cloak or something odder. An old ship. Definitely Klingon, but not a design that had been seen in many years. Familiar. Triangle hull, warp nacelles below, long spindly neck and forward pod with sensor cluster underneath. A D7! The D7 battlecruiser had once been the mainstay of the Klingon Empire's space faring forces. That had been a long time ago and more modern designs had supplanted it. That said, even today, the D7 was still an icon to many for good or ill and many were still in service even almost a century after the last had been produced. The ship was a symbol of Klingon power that still resounded across the galaxy. So, when a D7 in ancient livery simply appeared in the middle of the battle, everyone paused for a moment, even the Fek'Ihri! Then another voice sounded!

"This is the I.K.S. K't'inga calling all Klingon Forces." The female voice was firm, cold, strong. "I am L'Rell of House T'Kuvma. Join me. Fight now! For the Empire! Qapla!"

The K't'inga? The first D7? The original prototype from which all the others had been made? When a Fek'Ihri ship strafed, it, the I.K.S. K't'inga weapons returned fire and swiped the offender from the stars. Then the ancient ship fired a full spread of photon torpedoes and the last Fek'Ihri portal flared and vanished. The ancient ship had clearly been upgraded some, since a D7 of that time had no business in any modern space combat. The Klingons were still outnumbered and outgunned, but it didn't seem to daunt J'Ula or L'Rell any. Then again, why would it? Both of them were legends.

But…

"Another portal!" Adet'pa warned. "Bigger!"

It really wasn't much of a surprise when the Fek'Ihri dreadnought exited the portal and opened fire on the three Klingon ships. No one knew what Fek'Ihri really were. Whether or not Grethor was a real place filled with demons or some mad scientist's wet dream. In the end? It really didn't matter. They existed. They tried to spread fear and death everywhere they went. They hated the Klingons, but that was okay. The Klingons hated them right back!

This battle was more even. The K't'inga didn't seem to have any fighters or at least, it wasn't deploying any. The Kor and Rotarrun had taken damage, but both were still in the fight. That said? The Fek'Ihri portal still yawned, still belched out horrors and it was behind the dreadnought! Out of range of their weapons as the dreadnought charged the trio of embattled Klingon ships. Another Klingon vessel dropped out of warp and immediately opened fire on the Fek'Ihri. Another! And another! But still… The Fek'Ihri came! More and more and more of them! Six Klingon ships trying desperately to get to the portal to close it! The Fek'Ihri knew this and pounded any ship that tried to-

"What the-?" It wasn't clear who said that through all of the static and haze of battle as the massive churning Fek'Ihri portal vanished in haze of photon torpedo energy. As another ship decelerated into view from full impulse to battle speed. Not a Klingon ship! Why was a Federation carrier here and why was it suddenly deploying B'Rel Birds of Prey? Wait! Those were not Federation colors on the carrier or the escorts! Joint Alliance? Whoever the hell they were, the B'Rel immediately vanished into cloak even as a pair of Ning'tao frigates took up station next to the carrier. Klingon ships. From a Federation ship?

"Is this a private party or can anyone with honor attend?" The female voice that hailed the Klingons was calm and cool, but tension crackled. There were still dozens of Fek'Ihri ships in system and the dreadnought's shields were holding even as all of the assorted ships arrayed to defend Boreth pounded on them.

"Who are you?" J'Ula's voice held suspicion and who could blame her? She had fought the Federation for many years, both in her own time and in this one.

"I am Mary Owlna Pangolin, commanding the Alliance Carrier Denali and many of my flight crew are Klingons." The other replied. "We heard the call! Many of us are not Klingons, but we do know what honor is. My people want a fight. You have found them one. I would be honored to stand with you." She paused and then spoke softer. "If you will have us."

"Any with honor are welcome, Captain Pangolin." "L'Rell spoke up and if J'Ula had a problem with that, she did not speak. "I think there are enough enemies to go around."

"Not for long." Captain Pangolin's voice took on a dangerous edge that any Klingon would have understood instantly and appreciate. And when she spoke, it was not in Federation Standard! "Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam." [It is a good day to die!]

"Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam!" L'Rell, J'Ula and many other voices chorused in response as the Denali's small craft entered the fray.

What were the tiny ships firing? Normally, B'Rel class ships had disruptors, both cannon and beam arrays as well as photon torpedoes. Their speed and stealth made then dangerous opponents no matter their size. Some B'Rel class ships had turrets or mine laying capability but whatever the Denali's small craft were firing wasn't disruptors and the torpedoes they fired were blue! Not red! Not normal photon torpedoes. Whatever those weapons were, they were powerful! Whoever was flying those knew what they were doing too, darting in and out of cloak. The tiny escorts hit and ran, never staying in any one place, never letting the enemy target them, their own fire obliterating small enemies or blowing the shields down on larger ones.

Then the Denali entered range and a different form of hell seemed to open up as the massive ship cut loose on the dreadnought. Those were phasers that came from the banks arrayed along the bulky ship's sides, that was quite clear from the energy signature. That made sense, since it was a Federation design. But blue? Odd. Federation phasers were red, not blue. At least, modern ones. These were clearly as powerful as modern weapons and not randomly aimed, either.

The dreadnought fired back, sending pulses of energy at the newcomer that dared challenge it. The Denali simply waded into the fire, ignoring the flea bites at its shields. The few hits that bypassed shields made small craters in the ship's armor and did nothing else. The Klingons did not let up their own assault and now, the Denali's escorting frigates were in action as dozens of small black flitting objects flew from the dreadnought at the Denali, but the carrier's shields held under the onslaught of Lost Souls and enemy after enemy fell to close range fire from the frigates and the carrier. All throughout, the Denali's blue beams lanced out at the dreadnought, seeking specific places on it. Then it happened. The beams, by plan, tore through the shields to plow into something on the Fek'Ihri ship that managed power to it's shields. More than one being shouted in joy as the massive enemy ship suddenly lost most of its shield power! The K't'inga fired another full salvo of torpedoes before the Fek'Ihri could recover or cloak. Multiple explosions scoured the evil looking ship's superstructure followed by secondary explosions as great damage was done to the now unprotected demon ship.

Then the Denali moved away!

"Pangolin?" J'Ula snapped. "What are you doing?"

"You were here first." Captain Pangolin said firmly. "The kill is yours, not mine. I am not here to take your glory. I was called by my commanders to help defend Boreth. No more." Indeed, the Denali's small craft were moving away, chasing down the smaller Fek'Ihri vessels as they tried to flee! Any that moved towards the planet died first.

"That almost sounded like Federation, but you do not act like Federation." J'Ula mused as the K't'inga fired again. This time, pieces of the Fek'Ihri monster flew away, vaporized by the fury of the antimatter warheads. "They do not act thus."

"Some Federation do know what honor is, but few show it as your people do. As for being Federation? I was once." The Denali was holding position, just outside of beam weapon range as the Fek'Ihri dreadnought put power to its engines, to try and flee. Maybe repair. Too late. The other Klingon ships took their vengeance for the trespass, their fury given wings of energy. No Fek'Ihri would leave Boreth space as more than tiny bits of debris. "That was a long time ago and I learned my lessons well. The honor of the kill is yours, matriarch."

"No." J'Ula said flatly. "This honor belongs to all of us."

With that, the K't'inga fired again, this time with everything the old ship had. Then the other Klingon ships joined in again. Beams, cannons and photon torpedoes pummeled the hapless Fek'Ihri ship, biting deep. In moments, the salvo reached the dreadnought's warp core and then, the terrifying ship exploded. It seemed like bare moments later that the last Fek'Ihri escort was blown out of the sky.

L'Rell and then J'Ula spoke to all of the assembled Klingons, praising them. J'Ula in particular was eloquent. She praised those who had come to Boreth's aid. It was somewhat surprising when L'Rell stepped down as commander of the K'tinga and promoted J'Ula in her stead, but then again, it made sense. J'Ula had been given time to adapt to this new world that she had been cast into. She had. L'Rell would need that time too, but she too would change to suit the new life she had been given.

Only after all of the other ships had warped out did the K't'inga moved to where the Denali still hung in space over Boreth, surrounded by her escorts. The ancient D7's weapons and shields were online, but no one targeted the massive carrier. The Denali had not lowered its shields but its weapons were in standby mode.

"We need to talk." J'Ula was wary.

"I know you didn't fire on Khitomer, Matriarch." Captain Pangolin replied and there was utter silence. "I do not know why J'Mpok did and it really doesn't matter. I am not Klingon. I have no say in the internal struggles of your people. My crew are divided on this, but they follow me. The Alliance has to remain neutral in this. We have our orders and helping defend Boreth was in our orders. I cannot stay."

"Wait." That was L'Rell! "Your Alliance was attacked. The matriarch here was implicated. Why do you not wish vengeance?"

"I never said I did not." Pangolin replied. "I do. But I am held to a higher standard than personal vengeance."

"I know that feeling." L'Rell was chuckling. "Your ship is powerful, your weapons are powerful. And yet, you serve the Alliance? J'Ula here says your weaponry is beyond theirs."

"There is much I cannot say, L'Rell of House T'Kuvma." Captain Pangolin was polite, but firm. "I can say that I am not your enemy. I wish you well and hope that your quest succeeds. That you rebuild what J'Mpok tore down."

"That was Iconian weaponry your escorts used. We just identified it!" J'Ula was not happy. "Your small craft mount Iconian weaponry!"

"Matriarch, do not push this." Captain Pangolin was not quite cold now. Almost. "You will not like what happens. I am not your enemy."

"Who are the Iconians?" L'Rell asked. "I think I remember someone speaking of them, but I do not remember the context." She mused.

"Bad news. Iconians as a race vanished hundreds of thousands of years ago, but not all perished in the destruction of their homeworld. They are bad people to have as enemies as many in the galaxy found out five years ago." The captain of the Denali said with a sigh. "I am not Iconian but I am affiliated with them, hence the weapons, but no one else will get such. It is a massive destabilizing influence and none of the surviving Iconians wish to do more damage now. They did more than enough. I am not your enemy and this was one time deal. The ships will not be seen with said weaponry again. They didn't tell me about that." She wasn't happy. "I am bit annoyed that no one told me that they upgraded their systems. I was trying to keep a low profile. Silly me."

"You say you have Klingons in your crew." L'Rell spoke again. "The K't'inga is a carrier but she lacks flight crews for her fighters. I could find a place for any who wish to join me."

"Please do not take offense, but they will not." Pangolin said quietly. "You have enough problems. I will not add to them. All I ask is that you do as you said you would. End this conflict."

"I do not understand." L'Rell was clearly confused. "Why not?"

"What is the worst fate for a Klingon warrior, L'Rell of House T'Kuvma?" Captain Pangolin asked in an odd tone, almost sad. "The absolute worst thing that can happen to them in this life that they have no control over?"

"I do not-" L'Rell paused as J'Ula spoke up, hushed.

"To be captured and not allowed to die." J'Ula was upset, that was clear. L'Rell gasped, but did not speak again.

"Indeed. They will not talk to you. They will not shame you with their presence." Pangolin was not sad now, more proud? "They seek to redeem themselves in battle and if death finds them? They will meet it with honor. Perhaps that will sway the Ferryman? Perhaps not. All I can do is give them the chance, so I will." Her tone was hard, but no one took offense. "They are all that is left from the K'Valk's Honor and I will never forsake them."

"You know our ways." J'Ula said slowly. "You are not Federation."

"Once, I was. Now? I was honored by the friendship of one of your people, a true descendant of Khaless." Pangolin replied. "We did not start as allies, but now? We are. She and I fought side by side, biting and clawing our way out of horror. She is my sister in far too many ways for anyone, even you, to accept. But I will never forsake her or any who come to me and fight with honor."

"Battle kin." Now, J'Ula approved!

"The Alliance received a call for assistance. No other ships could get here in time, although several are en route. My ship has access to technology that no one else will. Word of of advice, don't try stealing any of it. It wouldn't end well." Pangolin warned.

"Almost as well as fighting you might." Was J'Ula amused now? Sure seemed like it.

"I am not a warrior by choice, Matriarch." Pangolin retorted. "That said? I learned from the best, including my sister. I will defend my family, and if need be? I will fight to protect those who cannot. The monks here could not hold off the assault, so I came. Then we heard L'Rell's call and um… Even as one who is not Klingon, I was ready to join you after hearing her call. Good thing too, or my crew might have come in without me." That was desert dry.

"Q'pla!" J'Ula laughed and both of the others shared it."So, you are neutral."

"For now, the Joint Alliance is neutral." Pangolin agreed. "That may change. Personally, I think either of you are a far better choice than J'Mpok, Matriarch J'ula, Lady L'rell. Your actions that horrible day on Khitomer proved that, Matriarch. Saving so many who you had fought so hard against just a day or so before confused so many. You did. You put yourself in danger doing so. That was both noble and selfless. Honorable."

"It wasn't selfless." J'Ula chuckled but there was little mirth in it. "We needed them as witnesses to J'Mpok's madness. That said? That was no way for anyone to die. even fools or enemies. The weapon was horrible. Seeing it up close was worse." Now, J'Ula was not amused. "Firing on civilians is what that piece of baktag Aakar would do. Has done. I am not like him."

"No, you are not. You are a warrior, not a butcher. You can be cruel, but you know what honor is." Pangolin agreed. "For what it is worth? If I do get orders from the Alliance? I would be honored to go into battle at your side. Any time, any place."

"We would be honored." J'Ula replied. Unthinkable just a few weeks previous, but clearly heartfelt.

The two ships moved into formation. Two carriers, one old, one newer. So vastly different, but one goal. Protecting Boreth and the future of the Klingon Empire.