Chapter Nine
"Judging a Book by its Cover"
Captain Sheridan watched in alarm as the Federation battleship USS Enterprise-D and two Minbari Sharlin-class war cruisers eased into attack position in front of the unknown vessel that had literally appeared in their mists less than twenty kilometers of B5. He didn't like this unannounced visit at all, especially in light of the recent events. The bizarre and truly dangerous looking individual on his screen had asked asylum from his enemies the Federation. Picard's ship's shields and power ratings were as high as he'd ever seen them. All of its attention was focused on this unknown vessel whose every line exuded threat.
"I repeat," the male said. "We come in peace and request asylum from our enemies of the Federation." Quickly he had his crew checked the ship's status. So far the ship's weapons were hot but not targeting anything specific. Moreover, the cruiser was in rough shape, it's hull drilled in several spots and the power ratings fluctuated even as the readings were confirmed.
"I will speak to the commander of this station," the Klingon half demanded.
"This is Captain John Sheridan." How did that ship just appear like that? It was like the rumors of the Shadow vessel's abilities, some form of cloaking technology most likely.
Even on the vid screen Sheridan noticed that the Klingon could barely suppress his disgust at treating with a Human. " I am Koral, Commander of this vessel. Tell you're Federation dogs to cease hostilities before we destroy them. We have items to discuss."
It was clear that diplomacy was not one of their strong points. That ship's power signature was fluctuating, but if they fired on B5 the resulting damage could be catastrophic. Sheridan the warrior-turned-diplomat chose his words carefully. "You will power down your weapons and lower your shields, now. If you do not we will blow your ship out of space," he growled, matching the Klingon's posture and attitude. "In case you haven't noticed, every weapon in this general area is trained on your ship. Lower your weapons now or I promise you there won't be enough of you left for us to clean up."
Koral, the highest ranking officer left alive on the k'vort-class attack cruiser K'mpec's Honor unconsciously licked his lips. He didn't care about the weapons of the space station but the two Federation ships and those oversized unknown fish ships would insure his death and the death of his people. The crew looked to him for leadership but he was unclear as to what to do in this situation. They were trapped in a place where Klingons never existed. There were no Vulcans, no Andorians, no Romulans, no frame of reference for him or his people, no one except the Humans. There were only these Humans, existing in another universe and who had never heard of the war. It was more than strange he thought, that the only safe haven they could think of were the counterparts of their most hated enemy.
Many of his people were less than pleased with his decision and tried to explain this to him by trying to gut him as though he was a targ. But he had survived the assassination attempts and those three who dared try to kill him would never counterman his orders again.
Sensors indicated two of the hated Federation vessels fully prepared to destroy his ship and he could do nothing about it except maybe fire one or two defiant disruptor shots at them. Even now he did not quite understand why they hadn't attacked already. It was so typically Human. He assumed perhaps that they enjoyed tormenting their helpless prey. The station offered salvation of a sort but if the Humans fired he'd make sure that they'd remember the K'mpec's Honor.
Onboard the Ambassador Garrett was in hot conversation with Picard. "We will not fire unless fired upon."
"Captain, that is a Klingon heavy cruiser out there," Picard snapped. "If they decide to strike first at Babylon Five, tens of thousands will die before we can stop them. I will not allow that to happen-again."
"Are you saying that you will condone a pre-empted strike on that vessel?" She was shocked at the virulence of Picard's attitude. At the same time she understood the depth of his hatred of his enemies. But he was a Federation Captain, no matter what and his responsibility overshadowed his personal feelings. She had gone thru this less than a day earlier. And what did he mean by again?
She watched him shake with fury as he warred within himself. Behind him stood First Officer Riker looking even colder than the Captain. It took perhaps a half a minute before he could mutter something. "Do you have a plan?" he managed to blurt out.
"Actually, yes with Sheridan's permission. We have someone the Klingons might be interested in talking to."
It took Picard a moment to realize her intentions. "You mean the other Klingon?"
"You mean Worf," she countered. After all this time he still refused to use Worf's name.
"Yes!" he answered sharply. "Will he cooperate?"
"I believe so. I'll let you know shortly."
"Captain," he said with a hint of menace. "When this over, we need to talk in my Readyroom."
"No, Captain," Garrett hissed, equally tense. "We need to talk in my Readyroom."
Standing behind each Captain, both First Officers silently planned to be as far away from that particular conversation as would be as possible.
Garrett then cut the link to Picard and established a link with Command and Control–Babylon Five. "Captain Sheridan, I think I may have a way out of this," she said.
"Let's hear it."
Five minutes later Worf's image was onscreen to the absolute amazement of the Klingon commander and crew.
"Captain Koral cease hostilities," Worf snarled.
"Who are you?" Koral snarled back. His eyes went wide at the sight of the Klingon onboard a hated Federation ship. He wasn't sure what to do. So many things were coming at him so fast that he was having trouble trying to keep control of the situation. "Why are you on a Federation ship?" That was a stupid question he immediately realized. The Klingon was obviously a prisoner. He felt like a fool but didn't dare turn around to see if the crew was mocking him.
"I am Worf, son of Morg, son of Worf," the Klingon answered. "I am no longer a prisoner on this ship," he lied. Well, it wasn't really a lie, more like a technicality. "They have no wish to capture or destroy you. Your ship is damaged and there is no honor dying in a fight that has no meaning. Things are…different here. Do you wish to know of that difference and the truth I have discovered, or will you die in ignorance?"
The Klingon Captain actually looked relieved. Worf had provided an excuse, no matter how flimsy, to keep him and his people from getting killed in useless battle because as of now, they didn't have a chance. He knew that. "We are standing down, on your honor, Worf."
"We will contact you," Worf announced as the vid feed terminated. He noticed that Garrett had caught that look of disgust and disappointment on his face. Strangely he felt that he owed her an explanation. "They are a defeated people," he said his voice rising. "He should have fought my words more."
"So, you're saying that you would have preferred them to commit suicide in some glorious display of valor and honor?"
"Yes," he said. "And no." He breathed deep, resigned to the role he was about to play. "B'Elanna and I are no longer alone."
An hour later in Babylon Five's closed chamber, Delenn, Captain Sheridan, Ambassador Londo Mollari, who demanded to be in on this first contact meeting, both Federation Captains, Commander Sisko, Worf and an impressive number of security guards waited for the Klingon contingent to arrive. Unlike average first contact situations most of the members expected it to be at best, a dubious meeting, Sheridan in particular. Still he had only heard one side of the story and he intended to listen carefully to these new people. Delenn represented the Minbari and Kosh the Vorlon ambassador was invited also but as usual he declined. Londo was the one person he did not want to be there, but he had insisted, as was his right. He expected this meeting to be a disaster because Londo was about to discover something that had been hidden from his people since the arrival of the Federation ships.
But it was already too late. The Klingons had already shown to the universe-this universe-that cloaking technology was possible. And by inference, if their weapons capabilities were as formidable as the Federation's, then Londo's people would have a right to know their intentions. Delenn and the Minbari Federation needed to know. The non-aligned Worlds were interested also, especially since they were now shooting at each other. Only the Vorlons seemed uninterested, but the way things were going, he wouldn't bet on that either. Then there was EarthGov-
Security officer Zack Allen, Garibaldi's right hand man, knew trouble was coming his way the instant the Centauri shuttle settled in Bay twenty-three. First there was that weird little creep Lord Refa coming to visit Londo no doubt and that was bad enough. But then the other pain-in-Sheridan's-butt, Mr. Morden complete with that ever present, irritating smile had arrived on of the same shuttle, apparently a guest of the Centauri. The man reeked of deceit but there was something else about him even more disturbing. When the man walked by most other people simply moved out of his way. It was like he had an aura or something around him that people felt uncomfortable with. But one thing was true, Sheridan hated the slime ball, had locked him up without charging him for several hours almost causing Michael to quit in protest. During the time he was locked up, he simply sat on a stool, smiling like a nut. It was the creepiest thing he had seen in a long time, which was saying a lot working on Babylon Five.
Once Morden was released he should have gotten a clue. Any normal person would have left and never returned to this section of space. But, not him. He had returned several times, never overtly causing trouble, but Zack knew better. Nothing was straight in this place. As he stepped towards Zack he continued smiling. "Good day Mr. Morden," he said as pleasantly as possible. "How long are you staying here and is this visit business or pleasure?"
"I won't be here long, Mr. Allen, " he answered just as nicely. "And this is business and pleasure."
"Well, don't enjoy yourself too much," responded Zack. He couldn't quite keep the coldness out of his voice.
"No promises," came the retort. "But," he added, "If there is anything I can do for you just let me know." Then he smiled even more, sending a chill down Zack's spine.
As he continued towards the Zoccalo, another security guard stood next to Zack. "I see he's back."
"Yeah and Sheridan's not gonna be happy about it either." He taped his communicator. "Zack to C'&'C."
"This is Ivanova, go."
"I need to talk to the Captain-"
"You can't. He's in a closed meeting, as you know. Tell me."
Three minutes later. "Oh, great, when it rains it pours." Morden was a problem but another just as was waiting outside B5 trying to get in and she couldn't quite decide to blow it up or let it in. She decided to let it wait-
-For a few hours.
Londo was restless. Things had not been going well for him lately. His government was becoming more and more aggressive, even suggesting that the Earth Government might be next on their list due to their stance on the Federation ships. The technology that they possessed seemed to be too much of a temptation for his people to ignore for much longer. Sources had told him that certain members of the senate feared what type of power EarthGov would represent if they acquired it. Some were suggesting that a balance of power should be maintained or even a pre-empted strike to acquire these ships for themselves might be in the best interest of the Centauri people.
He had vigorously argued against any such action, but with the sudden presence of this new, monstrous ship, he felt that he had just lost the battle. Now he would fight to acquire this technology peacefully before his people did something everyone might regret. Yes, he decided, remembering the Klingon vessel's appearance from seemingly nowhere. Monstrous was exactly the word for the thing floating outside next to Babylon Five. The Centauri ships were designed along the lines of a predatory bird in flight. So was that smallish ship out there, but exactly what type of bird, he hoped he would never see. What type of creature looked like that? Again, he didn't want to know.
He breathed a sigh of relief as Ambassador Guinan entered looking as serene as always. No, he corrected, she was not serene. She had a touch of stress about her, which was most unusual. He would inquire about her as soon as he was able. Meanwhile he was uncomfortable being so close to Delenn and Captain Sheridan these days. His relationships with them had soured considerable, especially after the Narn conflict. They used to be his friends and now they were not. They knew he had been touched with darkness and now even Mr. Garibaldi was distant, barely acknowledging his existence. What he planned to do at this meeting would only distance the people he dared called friends even more. But right now they were late. Their shuttle hadn't even left their bay yet.
"They are late," he said stating the obvious. "Being fashionably late is not the best thing to do when one is asking for asylum, yes?"
"They'll be here in a second Ambassador," the Captain of Babylon Five said and again, Londo could sense the coldness.
Londo had prepared a retort and had just begun to speak when his voice failed him. His eyes must have failed him too, he thought, as a reddish hue materialized in front of him taking the form of five Humanoid shapes. A couple of seconds later there were living beings in front of him. He quickly closed his mouth and took a couple of breaths while his mind processed what his eyes had just seen. For a moment, the vestige in front of him filled him with terror. Even insane Narns did not exude a presence of pure menace as these beings had. The creatures in front of him were Humanoid with large ridges on their foreheads and wild looking hair, yellowed and sharp looking teeth. Their eyes were predatory to the extreme, probably exaggerated because they were trying to look everywhere at once. But they did have on what seemed like diplomatic clothing on, purplish red. Red, of course, he thought: the color of blood, Human blood. Somehow it was to be expected.
Unconsciously, he took a step back even as Delenn had, she herself looking extremely pale, her eyes changing to steel a moment later. Sheridan's face had drained itself of blood. Even the security personnel looked worried. The Federation personnel had tensed slightly but otherwise they did nothing.
So these were the enemies of the Federation.
Yes, he could see that.
Sheridan noticed how Delenn had moved back and suppressed a grimace. 'One never judge a book by its cover,' he repeated to himself. Londo's identical response however made him smile-be careful what you get yourself into Londo!-and that smile remained with him as he went to shake hands with these new people.
"I am Captain John Sheridan, Commander of Babylon Five." Taking a clue from something Guinan had mentioned a bit earlier in preparation for this meeting, he said, "I am glad that we had not needed to destroy you before we could discuss your request for asylum."
The Klingon Captain shook his hand vigorously. "Humans need to talk endlessly. We understand this." The warrior was trying to be civil.
Behind him he felt Picard flinch as the awkward shaking took place. To his side he noticed that Garibaldi's eyes were flickering almost as much as the Klingons trying to make nice. But they were distracted also. Worf's presence had set them off balance especially since he didn't seem the prisoner they assumed him to be.
"Our ship is damaged," the Klingon started, his rough language translated immediately into English by his own translator. "We are lost in this place," he said, pointing past the walls into the universe in general. "There were many who would have rather died fighting our Human enemy rather than to submit to this-humiliation." He lifted his head slightly. "Now, surrounded by my enemies, I am not sure they are wrong."
The warrior Captain was losing his composure as the reality of these events hit him. To him everything was spiraling out of control.
"But you chose not to," Worf answered pulling Koral's attention back to focus on him. "You understood that the fight is more honorable than giving into the final honor. You chose to survive because that which does not kill us makes us stronger. You yet live because you want to know the truth."
"The truth is," the Klingon, replied, "there is no honor in mindless killing."
"That much is true Koral," said Sheridan. "We are not your enemies here, despite appearances. You came to us, as have many, many others. I will not let the Federation, or anyone else attack you if you abide by the rules of this station." But he had to say something else quickly. "Even if you leave, there are those who know of your existence and they will hunt you down, no matter how long it takes."
Delenn moved towards the young Klingon and now he back away slightly before he caught himself. "Captain Sheridan is right," she said with intensity. "There are those who would destroy you for what you have. And if you choose to end your own lives the final result would be the same. Your war is over for now and it has no place in this universe. Do not fight without cause."
"There is much you do not know, Captain Koral," Worf growled. "Listen and learn before you decide."
"Our Starfleet vessels will not fire on you," Picard said. "Unless you give us cause. Our purpose here is to find a way home."
What surprised Sheridan was that Picard had spoken up. He could see the effort it took to suppress his rage and hatred, the result of two decades of war. But also he noticed something else. Picard sucked it up and chose to make the effort to extend the hand of peace. It wasn't because he felt compassion for the Klingons, but it was being done for the practicality of it all.
"Yes," the Klingon responded smiling viciously. "So that we can continue what we started."
"No," he barked. "The Federation and Klingon Empires have been manipulated enough."
All of the Klingon's attentions snapped towards Picard. "Human, what are you implying, that we fight for reasons other than our own?" At that moment, something his father had said to him many years ago passed through his mind. What liars these Humans were, were his exact words. He had never forgotten those words of wisdom.
That is when Sheridan spoke up. "As we said earlier, there is much about your war that you do not know."
"And how do you know this?"
Sheridan saw that although the Klingon didn't believe him he was curious nonetheless about what might be revealed.
"Because I told them," the Federation Ambassador said. Guinan smiled and he watched as the Klingon tried but failed to dismiss her as nothing. Sheridan once again observed that she exuded such authority that no one could dismiss her lightly.
The Klingon froze contemplating everything he had heard for a moment, and then shook his head. "I have always heard that Humans were the greatest liars in the galaxy," he said, laughing at his own joke. "I will hear what you have to say and see if the rumor is true." He sat down and the tension in the room relaxed.
"It is customary that we eat as we tell one another lies," he continued. "I still have some fresh gagh to share as we find out if this rumor is true."
Sheridan's face drained as he looked at Picard for an explanation. The man looked as though he wanted to commit suicide rather than eat whatever gagh was. That was not encouraging.
"Well in that case," Guinan said not missing a beat.
"In honor of gagh we will provide peanut butter and jelly."
The Klingons looked confused while the Humans almost gagged to keep from laughing.
Delenn looked terrified-she had tried some earlier. "What is this peanut butter and jellay?"
Sheridan watched Guinan smile. It was almost predatory. "Call it a test of bravery."
We are seriously doomed Sheridan thought even as his smile widened.
"I hate to break up this wonderful gathering of old friends," Londo said loudly perturbed that everyone had forgotten that he was even there. "But my people and I are not in agreement with this little love fest going on in this room." He sighed as the room tensed once more. He didn't have a choice. If something wasn't done quickly then he would be replaced and that fool Refa would bring his associates in. He had to blunt that action somehow. "My government have legitimate concerns over this," he waved his hands encompassing both Starfleet Captains and the Klingons," ever-increasing number of people seemingly appearing into our mists. We already know how much grief these Starfleet ships have caused the Earth Government in the last three weeks and now their enemies have decided to come to Babylon Five. How many others will happen to just appear, eh? Perhaps a whole fleet of those ships will come by for a visit next? What then?"
"My Government will not accept this request for asylum, not with the stakes as high as they are," Londo continued. "It simply comes down to a matter of trust. What do you have for us, Klingon? Will you show us your magical technology and prove to us that we have nothing to fear, yes?"
"No," Sheridan said before anyone else could object. "They are entitled to their own secrets. If they choose to disclose any technological information then they will do so at their own discretion. I will not have them blackmailed into this."
Londo had expected this reaction and secretly he approved, however the politician in him would never give up so easily. "What you wish has nothing to do with the desires of my government. When you and your people finally finish this little disagreement you're having, what then? The technology you are gathering even now may change the balance of power of this part of the galaxy. Remember what started the Earth-Minbari war; one ship making a mistake and a planet almost burned. But now you'll have energy weapons and shielding that no one will be able to match and eventually something else will happen, maybe with my people or maybe the Minbari. The outcome will be different won't it, yes? This possibility my people will not accept. We will demand equal access to any technology you may receive now or in the future, or we will take it."
"Is that a threat, Ambassador?" both Picard and Koral said simultaneously, which surprised both. Subconsciously, each had expected to not agree on anything.
"Just a statement of fact. I expect your answer soon. Enjoy your stay, gentlemen." Then he stalked out the room.
The Klingon contingent was close to boiling. Picard and Garrett were just as angry. Sheridan was angry also and disappointed as well. He had hoped that Londo would keep clam in this situation but he hadn't. In fact, he had aggravated the situation, something that Sheridan had to now correct. "Captain," he said to Koral. "We will not let anyone interfere with you or your ship as long as you are in Babylon Five space."
"As will we," Garrett said. Behind her Picard silently agreed.
Delenn pulled Sheridan over out of earshot of the rest. "I don't think he was as belligerent, as we first thought," she said. "I think he trying to warn us."
Sheridan had to think about that. "You might be right," he concluded. He had to represent his government's interests. But he had also expressed more about those interests than he should have. Maybe it was a warning. But it would wait.
"Everyone, shall we adjourn to dinner?"
In Command and Control, Zack's announcement concerning the presence of Mr. Morden literally on the heels of the appearance of the Klingon warship made Susan want to tear her hair out. "Why now?" she yelled. In her mind however she knew exactly why he was here and her orders were clear. Leave the man alone for now. Don't tip their hand with the knowledge they possessed on him and his 'associates'. Unfortunately Sheridan was in a closed session not to be disturbed unless B5 was under attack because the meeting he was in was attempting to avoid just that possibility.
A half hour later Sheridan was playing with his blue-colored gagh, which kept slithering off of his plate. Living worms that tried to eat you as you ate them was not his usual choice of meals. He hated any food that snapped at his fork when it came close. "Dear God in Heaven", he whispered to himself. "I knew I should have let Susan handle these negotiations."
Next to him, Delenn looked as though she was ready to die. She didn't have gagh on her plate but some type of piping hot skull stew. She had tried to eat it. She had failed. She tried again, twice more while the Klingons laughed that their discomfort. They weren't hostile in their jesting, just amused.
"Humans have never understood the concept of good food," he heard one of the females with the large muscles say. But she wasn't really looking at Delenn and Sheridan but at Guinan, Garrett and Picard. Picard tolerated gagh as though it was a matter of honor while Garrett kept stabbing her plate trying to kill hers. But Guinan-
Guinan had finished her second plate and was now hitting something called blood wine, obviously enjoying it and plainly winning the approval and appreciation of the Klingons. "That was good," she yelled imitating the Klingons gruff manners. "Now, my turn."
Everyone turned to face her, the Klingons, the Starfleet Captains, Security (who incidentally were overjoyed that they weren't required to share in the festivities, including Sisko who insisted that eating now would be a breech of protocol), everyone, as she pulled out two small jars and spread each of its contents on some bread slices. The Klingons became apprehensive and nearly backed away.
Sheridan wanted to laugh as he realized what it was, but he didn't dare. Picard Sisko and Garrett also managed not to snicker too much. Delenn was terrified that she too might be offered one, but-thank Valen!-horror passed her by.
"I thought Klingons were brave," she taunted. "It's not even that much, just a little. Remember what does not kill you makes you stronger," she continued as she held up the first small jar. "This is an Earth food, made from roasted seeds from a native plant. It contains salt, sugar and processed with a partial hydrogenated vegetable oil. The ingredients are mixed together and turned into a smooth paste, which makes it easy for spreading. This second jar contains the cooked, crushed remains of a fruit that when properly prepared turns into a gel, again for easy spreading." Graciously she handed the sandwiches over to each Klingon.
"But," the Klingon Captain complained. "It looks like-"
"I know what it looks like," she said cutting him off. "Try it. Or will it be said that Klingons weren't warriors brave enough to try peanut butter when the Humans ate gagh?"
Gagh was more than simply a food. It represented a test of strength and valor; to eat before being eating; to conquer and survive on the nourishment. The taste wasn't as bad as it could have been but it was so alien that most people in their home galaxy avoided the contest. After all, usually one's food didn't hiss and clamp onto one's tongue in an attempt to keep from being swallowed.
Koral looked at the horrid stuff once again. Food was supposed to be colorful and bright, not soft and brown he thought. His honor compelled him to taste it. Timidly he did taste it. It was softer than he expected and the way it oozed around his teeth and gums made him nauseous. Each chew caused it to stick onto the roof of his mouth as though it felt dishonored being eaten by a Klingon. He tried to swallow a portion. It clumped up. He tried to remove some of it with his tongue and it refused to leave. He discovered that he was in the mists of the greatest battle of his life and his companions looked on in awe.
"Your face…" one of his fellow warriors murmured.
Idly, he wondered what his face did look like. An eternity later he swallowed. It was a great victory.
"Would you like a second bite?" Guinan asked him.
Growling he snatched the sandwich and stuffed the entire portion into his mouth. He stood up, faced Guinan, narrowed his eyes and chewed.
Behind him Sheridan heard Delenn whispering to herself. He didn't catch all of it but it sounded like she promised something about never eating Human food again.
It looked as though the Klingons were thinking the exact same thing…
"Now, let's drink. Prune juice for everyone," Guinan announced.