Chapter 2
B'Elanna Torres Paris rushed down the main hall to the Klingon High Council Chamber room. She took long strides that were fueled by adrenaline and panic. B'Elanna's desire to reach the Chamber Room had become her only focus. She was reacting from shock which had turned the last few minutes of her life into a blur. She could recall conversing with Admiral Adam Hayes on her message computer but the complete conversation had happened so fast. A few of Hayes' words had managed to stay with the Federation Liaison to the Klingon High Council. The words Borg, Attack, Help, and Immediately replayed in B'Elanna's mind. That was all she managed to retain from her urgent conversation with Admiral Hayes. However, B'Elanna knew what she had to do. She had to convince Chancellor Martok to send aid to the Federation. The Federation was in serious danger and they looked to their allies for help. Convincing Martok to send warships is going to be difficult, she thought, especially with the Romulan Federation peace talks.
The Federation and the Romulans had finally decided to put their differences aside and begin to discuss peace. As a result, the Romulan and the Federation relationship grew stronger, which caused the Federation and the Klingons alliance to weaken. The Klingons and the Romulans were sworn enemies. If the Federation decided to ally themselves with the Romulans, the treaty between the Klingons and Federation would no longer exist. Martok sent delegates to Starfleet, to inform their council where the Klingons stood. The Klingons stated that if the Federation allied with the Romulans, the Klingons would no longer consider the Federation allies. However, Starfleet ignored the Klingon's idle threat. Despite the Klingon's warnings to the Federation, Starfleet command continued their pursuit of peace with the Romulans. It was in the Federation's best interest to become allies with as many races as possible. The United Federation of Planets longed for all three of the powers to become trusted allies, but the bad blood between the Klingons and the Romulans was too thick. Nether the Klingons or the Romulans would agree to a truce. This had made B'Elanna's job much more difficult. She represented the Federation and the Klingons were not exactly pleased with their so called "allies". Martok treated B'Elanna like a pest that continually bit at his ankles. She was still allowed her seat in the High Council but she was rarely allowed to speak. Martok cared nothing for her opinion on any Federation matter. It was as if she did not exist. If B'Elanna pressed any matter, she was forced into silence by armed guards. This angered the Liaison but she knew it was her duty to right things between the Klingons and the Federation. It was a difficult task being a member of Starfleet and a delegate in the Klingon High Council. Trying to be the middle man of two disagreeing parties had been one of the most horrific tasks of B'Elanna's life. She had dealt with many troubles and situations on Voyager but they were nothing compared to the political disagreements she faced now.
B'Elanna continued to run down the hall. She passed several confused Klingon Warriors who eyed her suspiciously. It was rather odd that the Federation Liaison was trotting down the hallway with distress marked upon her face. The warriors kept their eyes on B'Elanna as she finally reached the main doors to the Chamber Room. The doors were guarded by two warriors; one on each corner. B'Elanna skid to a sudden halt and leaned over to catch her breath. She took in oxygen gratefully as her heart rate slowly decreased. The two guards stared at her in amusement. Her current state was something of a mild spectacle.
"Please, I need to speak with Chancellor Martok." she panted.
"He's busy. Come back later." growled one of the Klingon Warriors.
"This is an urgent matter. It can not wait. I must see Martok!"
"I told you already. He is busy, replied the Klingon in a powerful bass tone, now go away!"
B'Elanna's temper slowly began to bubble from within her. She scowled at the two guards, who were obviously not going to let her into the Chamber. This was not acceptable. B'Elanna had no time for pleasantries and there was no reason to discuss the matter further. B'Elanna clinched her fist as her temper began to boil. The two guards motioned for her to leave, which infuriated the half-Klingon even more. Suddenly, B'Elanna lashed out at the two unsuspecting guards. She kicked one guard in the stomach then punched the other in the jaw. The first guard covered his abdomen as he began to wretch in pain. He leaned over as if he were going to vomit. The other stumbled from the punch and fell clumsily to the ground. B'Elanna wasted no time as she brought her knee up into the dry heaving Klingon's chin. The warrior was lifted from his feet and crashed into the chamber door, busting it open. The wounded warrior skidded unconsciously across the smooth floor. B'Elanna stomped through the main door with her fist still balled. Her brow was furled and her eyes burned with a fire that seemed would never cede. As she entered the Chamber Room, Martok and the other Klingon Delegates stood from their seats and quickly wielded their blade weapons. The Klingon Warrior that had been punched by B'Elanna was back on his feet and was closing in on the Federation Liaison. He had his dagger drawn and was about to attack, but Martok motioned him to refrain from his assault. The warrior growled with dissatisfaction but quickly returned his dagger to its sheath. The Chancellor examined the lifeless Klingon on the floor and then turned his gaze to B'Elanna. Confusion and anger overcame Martok.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" he shouted.
"I need to speak with you Martok. It is of the utmost importance that I speak with you now."
"Maybe later, I have more important issues to attend to. Now get out of my Thrown Room before I have you gutted like a targ."
"I WILL SPEAK WITH YOU NOW, MARTOK!" she bellowed in fury.
The members of the Council cringed from B'Elanna's insubordinate behavior. Had she really just addressed Martok in that fashion? It was an outrage. She would surely be killed, they thought. The Klingons glared at the Liaison but quickly turned to Martok, to see his reaction. Martok slowly sheathed his dagger, then straighten his eye patch. To the Delegate's surprise, Martok appeared miraculously calm. Martok cracked his knuckles as he seated himself back onto his thrown. Suddenly, fury over took the Chancellor and it was revealed by his one visible eye.
"You go too far, Torres. Do you have no idea of to whom you speak? I am Chancellor Martok. You will address me as such and if I hear you speak to me like that again, I will cut your tongue out myself!"
"I must to speak to you. I can no longer go on being treated like my opinion doesn't matter. I hold a strong position in the Council but you and your delegates treat me like I am nothing, and that my opinion means nothing. It has to stop."
"Hold you're tongue! Nothing has to stop! The reason I treat you like nothing because you are nothing! I'm am sick of you and you're precious Federation! They have turned their backs on the Klingons and for that; we no longer care for the Federation! They have dishonored the Klingons and I promise you they will pay dearly for their mistake. Now get out of my Chamber Room before I have you killed."
"But Chancellor Martok, I have disturbing news. Two Borg Cubes are in route to Federation Space. Starfleet has reason to believe that the Cubes plan is to attack Earth and then continue toward the Klingon Home World. We must do something!"
Martok began to stroke his beard as the Klingon delegates looked at one another in total disbelief. The council was in a total uproar. Shouts and arguments filled the large room. Martok was perplexed. Could B'Elanna be telling the truth, Martok thought, Could the Borg be on their way to execute an attack on the Klingon Home World? Martok believed it to be a trick. The Federation had probably been influenced by the Romulans and they planed to wage war on the Klingons. The Borg "lie" could be a trick to get Klingon ships away from Qo'noS. The Romulans and the Federation could be planning an invasion of the Klingon Home World; while the Klingon's best ships were away for a "so called" war. However, a Borg threat could not be ignored. Two Borg Cubes would be more than a threat; it would be the cause of millions of deaths driven by sheer "mlgh" (evil). Martok was beginning to hate the Federation but if the Borg were about to attack them, the Klingons would surely be next on their agenda.
Martok wiggled in his seat uncomfortably. He could feel steam building up from under his Klingon Robes. Martok did not want to aid the Federation but he knew that power was in numbers. The Klingons were more likely to defeat the Borg with the aid of the Federation. It was the only logical plan of defense and attack. Martok sighed to himself.
"May Kahless help us all." he whispered to himself.
B'Elanna Torres Paris rushed down the main hall to the Klingon High Council Chamber room. She took long strides that were fueled by adrenaline and panic. B'Elanna's desire to reach the Chamber Room had become her only focus. She was reacting from shock which had turned the last few minutes of her life into a blur. She could recall conversing with Admiral Adam Hayes on her message computer but the complete conversation had happened so fast. A few of Hayes' words had managed to stay with the Federation Liaison to the Klingon High Council. The words Borg, Attack, Help, and Immediately replayed in B'Elanna's mind. That was all she managed to retain from her urgent conversation with Admiral Hayes. However, B'Elanna knew what she had to do. She had to convince Chancellor Martok to send aid to the Federation. The Federation was in serious danger and they looked to their allies for help. Convincing Martok to send warships is going to be difficult, she thought, especially with the Romulan Federation peace talks.
The Federation and the Romulans had finally decided to put their differences aside and begin to discuss peace. As a result, the Romulan and the Federation relationship grew stronger, which caused the Federation and the Klingons alliance to weaken. The Klingons and the Romulans were sworn enemies. If the Federation decided to ally themselves with the Romulans, the treaty between the Klingons and Federation would no longer exist. Martok sent delegates to Starfleet, to inform their council where the Klingons stood. The Klingons stated that if the Federation allied with the Romulans, the Klingons would no longer consider the Federation allies. However, Starfleet ignored the Klingon's idle threat. Despite the Klingon's warnings to the Federation, Starfleet command continued their pursuit of peace with the Romulans. It was in the Federation's best interest to become allies with as many races as possible. The United Federation of Planets longed for all three of the powers to become trusted allies, but the bad blood between the Klingons and the Romulans was too thick. Nether the Klingons or the Romulans would agree to a truce. This had made B'Elanna's job much more difficult. She represented the Federation and the Klingons were not exactly pleased with their so called "allies". Martok treated B'Elanna like a pest that continually bit at his ankles. She was still allowed her seat in the High Council but she was rarely allowed to speak. Martok cared nothing for her opinion on any Federation matter. It was as if she did not exist. If B'Elanna pressed any matter, she was forced into silence by armed guards. This angered the Liaison but she knew it was her duty to right things between the Klingons and the Federation. It was a difficult task being a member of Starfleet and a delegate in the Klingon High Council. Trying to be the middle man of two disagreeing parties had been one of the most horrific tasks of B'Elanna's life. She had dealt with many troubles and situations on Voyager but they were nothing compared to the political disagreements she faced now.
B'Elanna continued to run down the hall. She passed several confused Klingon Warriors who eyed her suspiciously. It was rather odd that the Federation Liaison was trotting down the hallway with distress marked upon her face. The warriors kept their eyes on B'Elanna as she finally reached the main doors to the Chamber Room. The doors were guarded by two warriors; one on each corner. B'Elanna skid to a sudden halt and leaned over to catch her breath. She took in oxygen gratefully as her heart rate slowly decreased. The two guards stared at her in amusement. Her current state was something of a mild spectacle.
"Please, I need to speak with Chancellor Martok." she panted.
"He's busy. Come back later." growled one of the Klingon Warriors.
"This is an urgent matter. It can not wait. I must see Martok!"
"I told you already. He is busy, replied the Klingon in a powerful bass tone, now go away!"
B'Elanna's temper slowly began to bubble from within her. She scowled at the two guards, who were obviously not going to let her into the Chamber. This was not acceptable. B'Elanna had no time for pleasantries and there was no reason to discuss the matter further. B'Elanna clinched her fist as her temper began to boil. The two guards motioned for her to leave, which infuriated the half-Klingon even more. Suddenly, B'Elanna lashed out at the two unsuspecting guards. She kicked one guard in the stomach then punched the other in the jaw. The first guard covered his abdomen as he began to wretch in pain. He leaned over as if he were going to vomit. The other stumbled from the punch and fell clumsily to the ground. B'Elanna wasted no time as she brought her knee up into the dry heaving Klingon's chin. The warrior was lifted from his feet and crashed into the chamber door, busting it open. The wounded warrior skidded unconsciously across the smooth floor. B'Elanna stomped through the main door with her fist still balled. Her brow was furled and her eyes burned with a fire that seemed would never cede. As she entered the Chamber Room, Martok and the other Klingon Delegates stood from their seats and quickly wielded their blade weapons. The Klingon Warrior that had been punched by B'Elanna was back on his feet and was closing in on the Federation Liaison. He had his dagger drawn and was about to attack, but Martok motioned him to refrain from his assault. The warrior growled with dissatisfaction but quickly returned his dagger to its sheath. The Chancellor examined the lifeless Klingon on the floor and then turned his gaze to B'Elanna. Confusion and anger overcame Martok.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" he shouted.
"I need to speak with you Martok. It is of the utmost importance that I speak with you now."
"Maybe later, I have more important issues to attend to. Now get out of my Thrown Room before I have you gutted like a targ."
"I WILL SPEAK WITH YOU NOW, MARTOK!" she bellowed in fury.
The members of the Council cringed from B'Elanna's insubordinate behavior. Had she really just addressed Martok in that fashion? It was an outrage. She would surely be killed, they thought. The Klingons glared at the Liaison but quickly turned to Martok, to see his reaction. Martok slowly sheathed his dagger, then straighten his eye patch. To the Delegate's surprise, Martok appeared miraculously calm. Martok cracked his knuckles as he seated himself back onto his thrown. Suddenly, fury over took the Chancellor and it was revealed by his one visible eye.
"You go too far, Torres. Do you have no idea of to whom you speak? I am Chancellor Martok. You will address me as such and if I hear you speak to me like that again, I will cut your tongue out myself!"
"I must to speak to you. I can no longer go on being treated like my opinion doesn't matter. I hold a strong position in the Council but you and your delegates treat me like I am nothing, and that my opinion means nothing. It has to stop."
"Hold you're tongue! Nothing has to stop! The reason I treat you like nothing because you are nothing! I'm am sick of you and you're precious Federation! They have turned their backs on the Klingons and for that; we no longer care for the Federation! They have dishonored the Klingons and I promise you they will pay dearly for their mistake. Now get out of my Chamber Room before I have you killed."
"But Chancellor Martok, I have disturbing news. Two Borg Cubes are in route to Federation Space. Starfleet has reason to believe that the Cubes plan is to attack Earth and then continue toward the Klingon Home World. We must do something!"
Martok began to stroke his beard as the Klingon delegates looked at one another in total disbelief. The council was in a total uproar. Shouts and arguments filled the large room. Martok was perplexed. Could B'Elanna be telling the truth, Martok thought, Could the Borg be on their way to execute an attack on the Klingon Home World? Martok believed it to be a trick. The Federation had probably been influenced by the Romulans and they planed to wage war on the Klingons. The Borg "lie" could be a trick to get Klingon ships away from Qo'noS. The Romulans and the Federation could be planning an invasion of the Klingon Home World; while the Klingon's best ships were away for a "so called" war. However, a Borg threat could not be ignored. Two Borg Cubes would be more than a threat; it would be the cause of millions of deaths driven by sheer "mlgh" (evil). Martok was beginning to hate the Federation but if the Borg were about to attack them, the Klingons would surely be next on their agenda.
Martok wiggled in his seat uncomfortably. He could feel steam building up from under his Klingon Robes. Martok did not want to aid the Federation but he knew that power was in numbers. The Klingons were more likely to defeat the Borg with the aid of the Federation. It was the only logical plan of defense and attack. Martok sighed to himself.
"May Kahless help us all." he whispered to himself.