Chapter Twelve: The Other Casualty of War
Mission
After seemingly weeks of unending preparation the day for the Narendra III Conference finally arrives. As the delegates prepare for an uneventful meeting plans begin to unfold and questions emerge as some individuals plot to use the conference to forward their own agendas.
Mission Date:
111th day in the 2369th of Molar
Standing there, looking at the room around him awe nearly took control of the mighty Regent. It was amazing that such a room could even be conceived, let alone constructed. In all its beauty and glory though the room had been built to serve an ugly purpose. That purpose would finally come to terms in only a few short hours as the delegates meandered their way in and thus would begin the long awaited Narendra Conference.
The conference had been long coming and even though Worf would rather forgo the near-childish politics that were sure to ensue he knew that it was just another part of the job. Besides, it had not been an easy journey to get here.
After the Negh'Var's encounter with the warbird squadron it could do nothing but limp its way to Narendra III. With a smashed vessel and a dead or wounded crew someone might think of the soldiers to be disheartened or perhaps even embarrassed at their situation. Not these soldiers though. No, these were Klingons and Klingons wore their scars with pride. They were a people bred for war and that breeding had been a large help in their survival thus far.
Almost hesitantly Worf sat down in his designated seat. Very soon many more would do the same. Then perhaps the energy wasted on worry and doubt the Alliance members were all harboring could be redirected into bringing down their Romulan foe once and for all.
That seemed to have become quite a challenge though. No matter what tactic, what strategy the Alliance had devised, they all seemed to make little if any headway on stemming off the Romulan threat. In the past three weeks alone the Romulans had fought back with a resolve that one would expect a Klingon or Breen to exhibit. The attacks recently unleashed by the Romulans had been cold, calculated, and very lethal. Very few soldiers had been spared Romulan wrath at each of the encounters and aside for the Negh'Var's skirmish there really hadn't been an Alliance victory for several months. For some reason the Romulans had suddenly changed their strategy; and Worf was determined to find out why.
Romulan resolve or not that issue was a far cry from any of the tentative topics of discussion. While the overall idea behind the conference did indeed concern the Romulans and the war to an extent this particular conference was more about the dull drum politics behind the Alliance's inner workings. Frankly it was something that Worf would rather avoid all together. A truly sad thing occurs when one would rather throw himself into certain doom rather than sit safely at bay and listen to bureaucrats. This had become a fact of life to him though. A fact that wouldn't soon change.
A small Terran woman suddenly appeared from a doorway behind Worf. Cautiously she approached the Regent in order to complete the task to which she had been assigned. She stood there nearly silent for several moments, waiting for Worf to turn and acknowledge her. When he failed to do so she nervously cleared her throat; a gesture which made Worf spin on his heels almost instantly.
"Is there something you need Keiko?" he said to the woman with a touch of agitation.
"Overseer Seven wanted me to ask if you and Intendent B'elanna had a moment to spare for discussion before the conference took place," the woman replied, nearly shaking from intimidation.
Worf looked over the woman and pondered her master's request for a moment. To him he couldn't possibly imagine any reason Seven might have for wanting to see him and B'elanna before the conference's start. Yet, he had no pressing matters that needed attending to and as such had no real excuse for not going. "Tell Seven I will be there shortly," he commanded before ushering the young woman away. Before he left the huge meeting room he took it all in one final time. The next time he would see it dozens of delegates would be piled in and so that unmistakable awe would be diminished. That one last moment lingered on and splashed into several other moments before the mighty Regent finally had his fill and left the room to its empty self.
After departing the meeting hall Worf began to weave his way through the bustling maze of people. Narendra's capital city, Valuorn, had one of the largest spaceports this side of the Typhon Expanse. Not only that but considering that Narendra III itself was one of the most significant Klingon colonies and you had a guaranteed large populace on the planet at any given time.
Crowds really didn't bother Worf yet today there was a touch of agitation in him while he shuffled around the sea of people. He didn't quite understand it himself. Maybe it was nerves about the impending conference that was bothering him, or better yet wonder at what possibly could it be that Seven wanted to speak to him about. Whatever it was it was very unsettling to the Regent and he did not appreciate it one bit.
Several shouts of his name could be heard as Worf made his way down one of the port's busiest avenues. Some came from known vendors, probably wishing him to buy one of their sub-standard merchandise items. Others came from fans of his, or maybe just commoners who had recognized the stony face of the Alliance's leader. Either way they were all ignored. While Worf did enjoy a moment spent with the civilians with which he protected from time to time today was not a day to be spent on such luxuries. There was simply too many things on his mind and so little time was allowed to him on this important day to even spare a moment.
Even though the Alliance leader projected his desire to be alone that didn't sway a single soul. Various calls could be heard from literally everywhere and Worf had had just about enough when suddenly a hand was placed on his shoulder. The startle from such a move jostled Worf and he spun around to face whoever dared to sneak up on their mighty leader. His roughened features went soft though the moment he saw that it was Martok, his chief military leader and general for the entire Klingon fleet. "What can I do for you Martok?" he asked only halfway pleasant.
"I just had a matter that I wanted to discuss with you Regent."
Worf gestured for the Klingon soldier to join him in his walk before asking what the matter was.
"I was going over the itinerary for this afternoon's conference and I noticed that very little time has been given for war progress. Now I know that there are plenty of things that need to be talked about at this conference but we are at war sir." Martok paused for a moment when he noticed the nearly insulted look on his commander's face. "Of course you full know that Worf," he said hoping to quickly recover his position. "All I meant is that in such a fierce struggle as it is I think that it should be our top concern."
At this Worf clasped his hand around Martok's arm and looked at him with a tinge of understanding in his eyes. "I understand your concern old friend but you have my word that everything on that list is just as if not more important to the war effort. Outwardly things like cargo runs and resource transfers seem to be irrelevant in the matters of war, but if it weren't for these things then this Alliance of ours wouldn't be able to function. And if it can't function then why are we dieing out there to ensure its survival?"
As the two soldiers walked Martok pondered Worf's words for a moment. They made sense to him, and yet they didn't seem to be enough to satisfy his questioning. For a moment he thought to open his mouth with another question, but at the last moment he decided to do the right thing and simply trust in his leader's judgment. The two then proceeded silently on for a few blocks before Martok's mind came up with another question. "Where are you off to?" he asked of Worf.
For a moment Worf wondered if a truthful answer should be given in the matter. He wasn't sure how secretive his meeting with Seven was supposed to be and if he were to mention it to Martok then he might break some silent code the Overseer had put forth. Looking at his subordinate for a moment he finally gave way and decided he should be as honest with him as possible. "I'm going to see the Overseer."
"Really?" Martok opened his eyes wide in a form of confusion at the statement. "What for?"
"That one I don't really know old friend. I got a message that she wanted to speak to me and B'elanna before the conference. For whatever purpose I can only guess at."
Martok only responded with a slight muttering of the word 'ok' before silence came between the two stalwart soldiers. The silence pressed on as they continued their way through the bustling marketplace. After a point Martok broke the silence for a final time. "Well I better be off. I have to go and meet up with Gowron and Kempec before the conference begins."
Worf made a slight sneer at the mentioning of Gowron's name before responding to Martok. "I'll meet you later on then," he said before the two clasped arms and separated in the vast sea of bystanders.
Worf resumed his lonely trek through the crowd as he made his way towards the inn that housed the conference delegates. Being nearly there he didn't have to venture alone for long. Once he had arrived he scanned the room listing posted at the inn's lobby until he found the listing for Seven's quarters. He then made his way through the crowded inn until he reached the needed door. Before knocking he paused for a moment and sort of laughed at how everyone in the lobby had tried their hardest to stay out of his way. So was a benefit of power he thought to himself before knocking on the door to Seven's temporary quarters.
As the door opened Worf was again faced with Seven's assistant Keiko. "Mistress Seven and Lady B'elanna are in the next room Regent," she said before leading him deeper into the Overseer's quarters.
Following the Terran woman Worf thought it odd for a moment how Keiko seemed so at peace when before the slightest of noises would have terrified her. He finally reasoned though that a free Terran amidst a planet of Terran enemies had to be disconcerting for the young woman. If the situation were reversed he knew that a safe quarters would be much more relaxing then a dangerous marketplace.
"Worf, so good of you to join us. Come have a seat," Seven greeted as the mighty Klingon entered the room. "Can I have Keiko get you something?"
The almost uncharacteristic jubilance of the Terran Overseer shocked Worf for a moment. As that moment passed though and he came back to reality he simply shook his head no to her offer. "Why have you asked me and B'elanna here Seven?" Worf asked as he took notice of his friend's presence.
Before saying another word to either Klingon Seven ushered Keiko over and whispered a task into her ear which sent her scurrying away. "I want to apologize for the false demeanor first of all. I may not like my Terran heritage but I am Terran nonetheless. And my high distinction in the Alliance has forced me to....be sort of a role model for the rest of them."
"I barely noticed," Worf muttered before taking a seat across from the Terran woman and completing a circle set by her and B'elanna.
"Now that you are both here I can tell you why I requested your presence." She paused for a moment and muddled over words in her head before continuing. "I'm sure you are both aware of the recent change in Romulan tactics."
"How can any soldier in the entire Alliance not be aware of their tactics?" B'elanna said, speaking the first words Worf had heard from her since they had arrived planet side.
For a moment Seven was taken back by B'elanna's words. She hadn't expected such a response, but within moments she shook her surprise off and continued on. "There have been several Romulan assaults within the past few weeks. All of which have been quick and decisive. Some of which have even been against our most well kept secret facilities."
Immediately Worf's mind went to the Klingon shipyard around orbit of Q'osk V. After all his thinking on the subject he still had no clue as to how the Romulans had learned of the hidden base. Some speculations had dance around his mind ever since he had first received word of the facilities destruction, but he wasn't about to entertain speculation.
"I think the three of us can agree that something isn't right about all of this. And I don't know about either of you but only one explanation seems to come to mind."
Both Klingons looked at each other then back at Seven, their curiosities piqued. A pause ensued before B'elanna urged Seven on.
"There must be a traitor in our ranks. Someone high enough up in the chain of command to know about a secret as big as the Q'osk V shipyard."
Such a bold statement struck both Worf and B'elanna instantly and the expression on their respective faces showed it. "Do you realize what you're saying Seven?" B'elanna asked not quite sure if she had heard correctly.
"I know that the thought of a traitor seems nearly insane at the moment but look at the facts. In the last month we have lost three key facilities, all of which were thought to be invulnerable. Our trade routes have come under fire, and even the Alliance flagship was attacked. Do you think the Romulans could have accomplished any of this without help?"
Rubbing his chin Worf thought about Seven's words for a moment before he decided to respond. "First off, the Negh'Var did come under fire but we can't be sure that they knew what they were attacking. Aside from a few markings it's no different than any other Negh'Var class warship we have. They may have just seen it as an opportunity to take out one more of our capital ships." Though the words came from Worf he didn't entirely believe them. To think that the Romulans would send four of their warbirds just to attack a nonspecific target deep inside Alliance territory didn't add up. He decided though it best to keep those reservations to himself. "Second the trade route attacks don't strike me as that odd. I'm sure it was only a matter of time before the Romulans got bold enough to take out some defenseless cargo vessels."
"You may be right on those points Regent but that doesn't explain the sudden attacks on the Galgathon Shipyards and Kelnok Nor. And what of Q'osk V? Most Alliance citizens didn't even know of that base and yet the Romulans knew exactly where it was. Plus they attacked it days before the first Jach'eng prototype was to be launched. What else could explain that other then that the Romulans are being slipped information."
Again Worf pondered Seven's comments. He was able to see both merit and flaws in her reasoning. In his mind the point of there being a traitor wasn't a solid one yet. There simply wasn't enough to convince him. "Tell me this then Seven," he said about to bring what he perceived to be a flaw to light. "If the Romulans are being aided then why have they only attacked these smaller targets? Why haven't they sent an attack force to one of our major assets?" As he spoke the word assets his gaze turned to B'elanna, which the female Klingon picked up on immediately.
"Sir?" Seven said, not quite following Worf.
"What he is talking about is that we have plenty of other bases that would far more cripple us then what they've hit so far." B'elanna added, hoping to explain Worf's statement. "For instance, why haven't they attacked the Sol system?" she asked, her words trailing off.
"The Sol system is too deep within our territory for them to risk an attack."
"But Q'osk V wasn't? It was far from any of our borders to be without the same risk posed by the Sol system. Plus the Q'osk system was virtually desolate, aside from the shipyard. Where as the Sol system is home to one of our chief research stations as well and one of the most important shipyards in the whole Alliance. Add the mining operation in the system's asteroid belt and I would think that the Romulans would much rather risk their lives to take that out rather then the target present in the Q'osk system."
"Necessity B'elanna. They knew that our new super weapon was about to be launched, one which could have turned the tide of this war in our favor for good. That is why they chose to send their fleet there instead of Sol. If they hadn't of stopped our Jach'eng project right then and there then they would have been virtually signing their own surrender. Plus, as you said there is a large shipyard around Mars. That would have given the Romulan fleet some resistance, if not much. No I think they would have chosen the defenseless target instead."
Worf listened to the two go on for several moments, trying hard to assess each of the points that were made. It seemed to him that both women were wrong and right at the same time. Everything that was said between them was valid, but not concrete enough to form any sort of basis. Finally he lifted a hand that hushed them both in their staling exchange of words.
"I don't want to go against my friend B'elanna here but I must be right. Don't you see that Worf?"
"What I see is two people presenting nothing but half constructed opinions. The sudden attacks made on the Romulan's part has done nothing but placed questions in my mind. And no matter how much speculating about them that we do I doubt that we will be able to know anything for certain."
"I may not be presenting a solid case here but don't we have enough to warrant suspicion? Shouldn't we try to find out how secure we really are before we give a traitor another chance to aide the Romulans?" Seven's statement sounded almost as a plea as she tried to stand firm on her belief.
"And do what, declare martial law on the entire Alliance? Maybe you haven't noticed as Worf and myself have but the members of the Alliance barely keep from fighting each other. If you start whispering the word 'traitor' without solid reasoning it may be enough to do what the Romulans have been trying for nine years; destroy the Alliance."
As Worf leaned back in the plush velvet chair he saw the formings of another argument begin to brew between the two women. It was then when he decided to bring up another point. "You're forgetting another source from where the Romulans may be getting their information," he said as he looked across the room to Seven.
As before Seven had a confused look graced on her face. "What source are you referring to Worf?" she asked hoping his next statement would dispel her latest wave of confusion.
"Prisoners of war," was all that he chose to respond with.
The next to speak wasn't Seven but in fact B'elanna. "Prisoners of war?" she asked of her friend with a noticeable shock in her voice. "Very rarely have the Romulans actually managed to capture any Alliance soldiers, and you're suggesting that one of those brave warriors divulged information to the enemy? That strikes me as nothing more than absolute insanity."
"The thought of soldiers divulging information to the enemy may seem crazy to us Klingons B'elanna but you have to remember that not all of our allies would be so resilient in the face of torture. Ferengi, for example, are notorious for having a low tolerance to torture."
"You may be right Worf but I can't recall any top-level officer to go missing recently. Our station at Q'osk V was only told to a handful of our most decorated and trusted officers. If torture was the means by which the Romulans found out about it then they must have gotten a hold of one of those officers. And as I sit here not a single name comes to mind."
"Koltarn," Seven muttered so softly that her Klingon counterparts didn't hear her at first. "It must have been Commander Koltarn."
With the second mentioning of the soldier's name B'elanna's ears picked it up and she furiously stood up as her right hand instinctively dove for where her dk'tahg blade was strapped to her thigh. "Commander Koltarn is one of the finest officers in the entire Klingon army. To caste such dishonoring blame on him is enough insult to have your tongue cut out!"
"It makes sense B'elanna. As you said, he is a fine officer. One of the select few to be bestowed the information on the Q'osk V shipyard in fact. He has been missing in action for well over a month now. And contact was lost with him just one week prior to the Q'osk V shipyard coming under attack. The Romulans must have captured him when he tried to take that cloaking device on Delpox II and then tortured the information about the Jach'eng's launch out of him."
"Klingon's don't succumb to torture," B'elanna said, teeth grinding as she began to seethe with anger.
"Under normal circumstances perhaps not. But when you have someone like the Tal'Shiar to deal with a normally tight-lipped individual may be coaxed into divulging something they normally wouldn't."
"Tal'Shiar or no Tal'Shiar Koltarn wouldn't betray the Alliance. No Klingon would. We would rather die then dishonor ourselves in such a fashion."
"I have to agree with B'elanna." There was an unusual calm in the Regent's tone. His tone was nearly a complete opposite of B'elanna's, something which she didn't quite understand. "The Tal'Shiar may be good at torturing information but Klingon resolve is just as tough. Besides, Koltarn would be one of the last soldiers to betray the Alliance."
"That may be true but still..." Seven started but was suddenly interrupted by the reappearance of Keiko.
"I apologize for interrupting Overseer, but it is time for the council meeting," she said meekly before departing once more.
"We can continue our finger pointing later ladies. Now though I think we have more pressing matters to attend to." Worf then rose from his chair and walked out of the room, choosing to wait just outside the quarter's door for the other two. Being the three most powerful members of the Alliance for them to arrive together would bring a sort of strength to the proceedings. With the recent increase in the Romulan threat a presence such as theirs would probably add a touch to everyone's morale, if not more. Once B'elanna and Seven joined him they left the extravagant inn and started to make their way back to the vacuous chamber where Worf had spent his morning.
Once back on the streets all three noticed how the marketplace's bustle hadn't appeared to have lessened at all, even though the day was starting to fade. The sea of patrons seemed to stretch on forever and any normal person might have had a problem with getting anywhere amidst the traffic. Not Worf or his two companions though. Recognizing the three and their status the sea of people seemed to part around them, making their journey barely a pain. After his experience in the marketplace earlier combined with the stress of the heated discussion which had taken place in Seven's quarters Worf was relieved to finally get a small reprieve from the chaos his life seemed to attract. He knew though that his reprieve would be fleeting though because the council meeting was sure to be no different from what had occurred between Seven and B'elanna, only much worse.
After their trek through the hectic marketplace the trio finally arrived at the entrance to the grand hall where the meeting was to take place. The building's outward appearance seemed to reflect a sort of elegance that the neighboring buildings somehow lacked. Inside there was little other then the main meeting chamber. Originally the building designer probably had in mind for it to become some sort of great theater house. Most likely to play host to any number of Klingon operas. However someone in the Alliance hierarchy had deemed it to be better suited as a meeting hall. This sadly though put the grand hall in a general state of disuse as the council met so infrequently; and not always did they take place on Narendra III. Worf as well as Seven and B'elanna paused for a moment to gaze on the building's unique elegance before they entered it.
Once inside the trio made their way down the curved hall that wound its way around the whole of the council chamber. Already the hallway was filling with Terran attendants who would see fit to any need their Alliance masters might have during the proceedings. After a small and uneventful journey down the hallway Worf located the door which led to a balcony set aside for them. Being such prestigious members they were reserved the primest of accommodations, something which Worf took with both graciousness and distaste.
Seven was the first among the three to take her seat, followed quickly by B'elanna then finally Worf. As the Regent looked out onto the room that was only hours ago serene he noticed how it was nearly full. As his gaze wandered over the various delegations many faces were instantly recognized. In the Klingon seats were his friend Martok, along with Gowron and the plump Kempec. Both of the latter Klingons Worf didn't have much respect for. He saw them as privileged Klingons who didn't get their honor from glorious battle but had siphoned off the glory of their families. That type of Klingon Worf had very little patience for. It was at times like this that he wished that his friend and adopted brother Duras was still alive. There was a Klingon whose honor was a role model.
Moving on he saw Natima Lang and the Obsidian Order's leader Enabrain Tain in the Cardassian seats. Lang was the head of Cardassia's Detapa Council and had done a well enough job in her world's politics to gain a note of respect from Worf; which was quite an accomplishment for a Cardassian. Tain on the other hand held quite the opposite position in Worf's mind. Sneaky, underhanded, manipulative, the typical Cardassian. One would almost think of them as being related to Romulans, on a personality side. This was the main cause for his dislike for the race. The third member of the Cardassian delegation was a gul by the name of Evek. He had an extensive war record but nothing that had caught Worf's interest. It was interesting to see yet another new face fill the third seat of the Cardassian delegation. Ever since Gul Dukat had been censured and lost his role on the delegation the Cardassians had found it hard to find a suitable replacement. Dukat had been revered among his people. Truly considered to be one of their greats. It was almost ironic that he had been forced into seclusion after it was revealed that he had an illegitimate half-Bajoran daughter who subsequently had murdered the Bajoran's spiritual leader, Kai Winn.
The Bajoran delegation was of course headed by the coy Intendant Kira Nerrys. She was not a favorite of Worf's, but he tolerated her friendship of him mostly out of respect of his imzadi Deanna. The pair had spent a great deal of time together, especially right before Deanna's murder. That plus she was good for her people, if not so much good for the Alliance. Years after the fact it still puzzled him why she had stepped down from her much sought after position as Overseer. And then when she named a Terran woman as her successor it did nothing but add to everyone's confusion.
With that thought his attention was turned off to his left to look at Seven. Such a mysterious woman, with so little chance of getting answers. No one was sure exactly where she had come from or what she had done before suddenly appearing in the service of Kira. After her parents died he had heard she was raised by Cardassians, though Seven chose to distance herself as much as possible with their culture. Almost as much she had distanced herself with her Terran heritage. He would have liked to know more about the woman but suddenly the long wait ended as a young Klingon officer stepped out into the forum and rang the large Bell of Tarqluin, signaling the meeting's official commencement.
Worf rose from his chair and looked over the delegates one last time before addressing them. "Ladies and gentlemen delegates, welcome to the Narendra Conference. Overseer Seven and I appreciate your attendance." The words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He hated playing the role of politician but it was an unwelcome necessary that had become part of his life. "Placed on each of your tables should be a list of topics that will be discussed. If you don't have one then one will provided for you at request via one of the various Terran aides located to the rear of each delegation's assigned area. Unless there are any other questions I say we should begin with item number forty-two."
"Now why ever would you want to start off with resource allocation?" Kira said with a sort of confused smile on her face. "Why don't we get to the real point here Regent, the Romulans. They are the ones that we should focus on, not something as menial as resource allocation."
"I agree with the Bajoran Intendant." It was Gul Evek who added a response. "We are at war here, and while resource operations and mineral quotas are vital to our success shouldn't the actual strategics take precedence?"
"You would do anything to go against a Klingon position," Gowron replied, eyes widening. "Resources can be just as vital as strategics. If that is where Regent Worf would like to start then that is where we shall begin."
Barely into the conference and the delegations were already coming to blows. This was the strenuous situation that Worf faced. Allies that were not really allies at all. All pooling together their talents for the sole objective of wiping out the Romulans. It was an admirable goal but barely enough to act as the glue the Alliance needed to stay together.
"Very well then Intendant Kira," Worf interrupted the bickering delegates. "I'm sure recent events are on all our minds so let's start there. It's as good of a place as any."
"Thank you Worf. You certainly can be a reasonable leader, which is why I'm glad you are Regent. Now, who would like to go first?"
Suddenly an old Breen general by the name of Rakln stood up. "If I may, I would like to start."
"Go ahead General Rakln," Worf said as he gestured with his hand for the Breen to go on.
After a slight nod of acknowledgement from the Breen he started speaking to the assembled delegation. "Like everyone else here the Breen have suffered considerable loss as of recent. With the loss of our Galgathon Shipyards our manufacturing rate has been reduced by a third. It was a heavy loss for us indeed. As was many of the losses felt around the Alliance with bases like Kelnok Nor and such. Add the fact that our ships have lost every recent engagement and surely the tide of war seems to have turned against us. From what I have heard from many people since my vessel arrived here on Narendra III is a questioning of why the Romulans tactics have suddenly become fiercer. This is not the question on my mind. For in the end the Romulans too are warriors just trying to survive the day's end. No, my question is why haven't we been able to put up a stronger defense? Why has every place they have attacked recently been nearly defenseless?"
"Our fleet is spread thin Rakln," came the words of the Klingon's fleet general Martok. "We can't have our ships everywhere, we don't have the manpower for such a feat. Of course some places are going to have to be left without a squadron to protect it."
"This I know full well Martok. As fleet general for the Breen I know all about how stretched our fleet is. But what I'm trying to point out is how the Romulan's recent targets have been important ones. True that not every place can have a squadron stationed there around the clock but a place as important as the Galgathon Shipyards should have been a priority for that sort of protection shouldn't it have been?"
"Of course you would mention a Breen installation," Evek commented, putting an emphasis on the word Breen.
"I was merely using that as an example. Surely your Kelnok Nor base was just as vital. As was the Klingon's shipyard at Q'osk V. That is something I'm curious about. With as important as the Jach'eng project was to us winning the war why wasn't there a squadron stationed there, let alone anything besides a few birds-of-prey?"
"We had no reason to believe that the Q'osk shipyard was in jeopardy!" Gowron shouted, feeling as though the Breen had just insulted the honor of the entire Klingon race. "The Q'osk V shipyard was the most secret installation in the entire Alliance. How we were to know the Romulans would find it?"
"Still, the fact is the risk shouldn't have been taken."
"He has a point. As I have looked over the recent fleet movements it does seem that some places have been left alone when they shouldn't be. Q'osk V and Kelnok Nor are only recent examples. The impact was felt just as hard when we lost Lyca Station last year or the Ferengi dilithium deposits on Chantox IX the year before. Meanwhile it seems like some areas keep getting more and more support when the threat of attack hasn't come anywhere near. Take the Sol system for example. I see on my P.A.D.D. here that they are scheduled to receive even more of our defense platforms, as well as a fresh supply of vessels. Important as it may be Sol is in the heart of our territory. And the boldest Romulan attack was half a quadrant away. Do we really need to devote more resources there while our border facilities are kept barely safe?"
After Evek had finished his speech the whole of the delegation's attention suddenly turned to where the three powers were seated. They were curious as to how they would respond, or more to the point how B'elanna would respond. She glanced over at Worf for a moment before she stood to meet the Cardassians's challenge.
"I think you failed to stress just how important the Sol system is, Evek. As all of you have probably forgotten from time to time. The Utopia Planitia Shipyards work on anywhere from eighteen to twenty-six vessels a day; and that's just repair work. Were you to factor in the division spent on construction of new vessels and it makes it the most important shipyard, second only to the Bajoran one of Kendra Alpha."
"Next in the system is the research station in orbit of Jupiter. Sure Q'osk V may have been given an important objective but where do you think the designs of the Jach'eng prototype came from? Where do you think any of our recent developments for the past five years has come from? Nearly all of them came from Jupiter Station and I think the Romulans would have won long ago had we been without that facility."
"Finally there's the mining in the system's asteroid belt. The minerals mined there are responsible for creating the bulkhead and ship plating that is so needed for your fleets. That may not be the Alliance's biggest mining operation but it does add value to the system as a whole, making it one of our most precious resources. Sure the Romulans have never attacked there, but that is because we keep it fortified. It makes the system too big of a risk. Were we to take away any part of the system's defense then all we would be doing is inviting an attack. Do any of you want to spend our next meeting squabbling of why we lost Sol to our enemy? Because we might be feeling strain from losing places like Q'osk V or the Galgathon Shipyards or even Kelnok Nor but if we were to lose our position in the Sol system we might as well surrender."
"Ok you've just reaffirmed the importance of Sol, B'elanna. Evek has a point in that it seems wasteful to station so many vessels in a seemingly secure sector but his point is moot. Yes, we have lost a lot recently to the Romulans, but are we delegates to blame? Maybe we haven't supplied the stations with the resources they need to properly defend themselves but I think the captains of the vessels we do send there are to blame." At Kira's bold blaming of the soldier's everyone's attention abruptly shifted to her. Being the representative leaders of their worlds blame was always cast upon them when things went awry. None of the incompetence had ever been placed solely on the shoulders of the soldiers.
"And what would the Bajoran Intendant know of field combat? I'm sure it must be awfully easy for you to judge the performance of our soldiers from your cushy office on Terrok Nor."
"You wound me with your words Rakln. I may not be a strategic expert like you but I do know when certain officers should be questioned." She paused for a moment and inwardly smiled as she could feel anger rise up from not only General Rakln but several of the other military delegates as well. It pleased her that she could so affect attitudes with mere words. They were playing right into her hand.
"Even the most elite of our officers seem to have lost their edge as of late. I would like to strengthen my point with the mentioning of the so called Alliance Royal Armada, created and hand-picked by the Regent himself."
"What of them?" Worf said with a hint of agitation in his voice.
"What of them indeed my dear Regent. The vessels that make up the ARA task force are supposed to be the best and most elite vessels crewed by our finest. They are also supposed to act as our first and foremost strength against the Romulan threat. But what good have they done? Since their conception just more then a year ago two of them have been lost in combat. A third one seems to be running under its own jurisdiction," her gaze floated over to the Ferengi delegation for a moment in case anyone was wondering which vessel she was referring to. "And yet another one has lost its captain when he was reassigned to a priority mission. The others? Well how much good have the others been? How helpful has the Sompek been, or the Alvex? Exactly why were they assigned this task force in the first place?"
With that Worf ominously rose from his chair. He looked at the Bajoran Intendant, a look that told her to be silent for a moment, before he spoke to the assembled delegation once more. "It may not seem apparent why I created the task force known as the Alliance Royal Armada but they do serve a purpose. Having our best officers pooling their talents on our finest vessels has provided a benefit to the Alliance. They may not have a polished record but they have been helpful in a number of operations. Were it not for them then the Romulans would still have a large supply cache on Dysis, and with the destruction of the shipyards at Valkor IV the ARA vessels helped to slow down the Romulans production of vessels. And let us not dare to forget the sacrifice made by the crew of the Maq'Tau, who died to stop the Romulans new prototype vessel."
"They've had a few great accomplishments, that's nothing to celebrate for is it? From my standpoint they only did what they were supposed to be doing. And none of the successes that you're praising has done us much good, aside from the Maq'Tau's. Which one of my best advisor's was lost on when the Maq'Tau was destroyed. We have lost valued officers in the service of ARA. Zelbreghn, Terplak, and then of course Koltarn. How many more must be lost I ask you?"
At the mentioning of Koltarn's name Worf gritted his teeth. The questioning of his integrity from earlier was still fresh in his mind, and with the mentioning of it from Kira it nearly infuriated him. Instead though he just breathed a deep breath and prepared to respond to the Intendant's questions. "There have been valued officers lost in the service of all task forces Intendant, not just ARA. You make it sound as though that is the only group to have suffered casualties in this war."
"I only meant..." she started but stopped herself. Her words had betrayed her in that instant and she felt that to press any further would only belittle her position.
"The death toll will only go down when we rid ourselves of the Romulan threat for good. Instead of bickering and fighting amongst ourselves we need to strengthen our resolve against them, not each other. Only together will we be able to stand our own demise in the face and turn it away. These questions and doubts may be important but in the picture of the war as a whole they are immaterial. The Romulans have stepped up their resolve against us and if we don't begin to fully trust each other and put everything aside in a truly united front against them then surely we will fall in death, lest we live to see the heel of a Romulan boot brought down upon all our worlds." As Worf finished he looked over the delegates faces, hoping that his words had effected them enough to encourage them to fight off their doubts and turn that energy against the Romulans. He knew that only then would they be able to end the war in victory.
From somewhere inside the cavernous room the sound of hands clapping could be heard. Everyone paused for a moment and looked around to try and identify the source. Then a figure appeared from one of the hallways and walked into the middle. He was followed in by a shorter figure who had the signs of a limp. Once his companion had joined him the figure looked up from the ground and looked over the delegates before resting on the Regent. The figure was a Cardassian; it was Gul Duren.
"Excellent speech Regent, quite moving indeed." he addressed Worf with a smug tone befitting a Cardassian.
"What is the meaning of this?" Worf demanded of the Cardassian gul.
"I'll explain the meaning Regent, have no fear of that. First let me introduce myself, in case not everyone here knows me. I am Gul Duren of the Cardassian Galor class vessel Alvex. Delegates, I stand before you to bring light on something which gravely troubles our war effort and thusly our very Alliance itself." A few whispers could be heard about the gul's sudden entrance and the words he had already dealt. He smiled inwardly before continuing.
"The Regent is right. Surely if we are to survive the Romulan onslaught then we must do so standing together. There is a word he mentioned, and has been tossed around for some time now. That word is trust. I know it can be very difficult to trust people whose very way of life is different from our own. It can be done though. Take me for example. A proud and noble Cardassian who did not give into trusting the other members of this alliance so easily. Yet I stand before you today with someone who has earned a very large amount of trust from me. As you can tell he is not Cardassian, but I can say with the utmost conviction that Tierzak here has just as much trust and respect then any of my fellow Cardassians have received from me."
The delegates' attention suddenly turned to the man standing beside Duren. It was indeed Daimon Tierzak, another commanding officer in the ARA task force. He appeared to be holding the same stance as Duren and yet somehow it was different. After a moments pause he nodded and Duren continued.
"Together we have uncovered something dreadful that has hidden itself in the midst of our precious Alliance. From what I have heard so far everyone has a sole question in the back of their mind, even if they haven't voiced it. Everyone is wondering how as of late the Romulans have been able to best us at every turn. Q'osk V, the Galgathon Shipyards, Kelnok Nor, these are only the most notable of our losses. After years of a stalemate is it truly possible that they have somehow gained an advantage so suddenly on their own? To me I simply cannot believe such a thing to be possible. Only one thing remains in my mind no matter how many times I go over it. They must be getting help. Someone in the Alliance must be slipping them information that has allowed them to gain the upper hand."
Worf let out a sigh. He was tired of all this mentioning of shadow play and double talk. "Yes Duren you bring up a point which has been thoroughly discussed. How much must we beat the topic of loyalties and allegiances before everyone is satisfied? Everyone is so eager to point fingers at each other and blame them for aiding the Romulans, but do any have proof to back their claims? No. So in the end those that toss around such claims aren't helping to strengthen the Alliance by exposing a traitor, but weakening it by turning everyone against each other. In the grand scheme of the war they are actually aiding the Romulans themselves by weakening our resolve against a single, common enemy."
"Ah but we did not come here with hollow claims Regent." As he stood there it was apparent that Duren had not lost any of his resolve in the matter. He appeared as smug and in control as he did when he had first entered the room.
"Both Duren and I knew that convincing the assembled delegates of who had betrayed us would not be an easy one," Tierzak suddenly spoke up with his high nasal voice. "We knew that for any of our claims to stand strong we would need solid proof to back up any words we spoke. Using our own resolve and ingenuity I believe we have found just the proof we need."
As Tierzak's words ended yet two more figures appeared in the entrance where Duren and Tierzak had come from only moment's before. Like the previous two the figures made their way across the room to stand in its center. One was a man not unlike Duren, while the other was a slender looking girl. Both were Cardassian and were immediately recognized.
"He has no place here!" shouted out the normally silent Cardassian delegate Enabrain Tain. His sudden outburst at Dukat's appearance shocked all of the assembled delegates and now each one devoted his or her full attention at what was taking place. "I will not hear the words of a traitor!"
"A traitor? For having an illegitimate daughter you brandish me a traitor? Why if half the stuff you have done were made public..." Dukat started but was suddenly silenced by a look from Duren. This was not the time to further the private little war between himself and Tain. No, today he had larger concerns.
"Why don't we hear what he has to say Tain? I mean are you so self involved that you won't listen to a man's words just because you don't personally like him?" As Kira spoke Tain glared over at her with a look at disgust. This too came as a surprise. Not the fact that Tain would react so badly to Kira's words but that her words would be so in favor of a Cardassian, let alone Dukat.
"With the help of Dukat and his daughter Ziyal Duren and I have been able to piece together enough information to not only reaffirm our position on who the traitor is but also enough information to prove that they are in fact not all that they claim to be."
Having heard enough of everyone's words B'elanna decided it was once again time to throw her two cents into the discussion. "Both of you have tossed around the word traitor and claimed that you have convicting evidence but there is one thing you have yet to reveal. Who exactly is it that you are condemning as a traitor?"
"Overseer Seven." Duren responded as he finally let his hidden grin flash for all to see.
As Duren revealed the would be traitor before the assembled delegate they all felt a wave of shock as suddenly every pair of eyes present were laid upon the Terran Overseer. Hit hardest of all by the news was B'elanna who despite their previous argument had remained on of Seven's closet friends. She slowly turned as she stared at Seven who seemed unaffected by the accusation.
With the entire room's attention on her Seven began to feel very uncomfortable, but she dared not show it. In the back of her mind she felt a touch confused but mostly panic at the accusation. She knew that being Terran made her integrity automatically questioned by everyone, if even by the slightest amount. Without letting any emotion show she rose from her seat and ignored the gazes from around the room. Knowing that showing anything but serenity would most likely doom her she looked down at Duren and prepared to face down her accuser. "You say I am a traitor Duren? You say that somehow the fault of the Romulan's sudden aggression bears on my shoulder? Well I certainly hope that your so called proof can back up your accusations."
"Rest assured that it does Overseer." Duren stared back at the smug Terran, hating how coolly she appeared. She wouldn't be able to hold that attitude for long though, Duren would make sure of it. "Ziyal, if you please," he said turning to the girl.
Standing there nervous by so many people present with so much depending on her telling her story. It was the truth though and in the end doesn't the truth always set you free? After taking a deep breathe she began her tale. "Three years ago I was working for Kai Winn; the spiritual leader of Bajor. As everyone knows she was murdered in her office and the blame of her death was placed on me. I am here today to tell you that blame was wrongly placed. The blame should have been placed on Seven. She was the one who assassinated the kai. I was just caught up in a separate matter and used as a scapegoat."
"And where is the proof of this?" asked the stalwart Breen general.
"I have obtained copies of the security tapes from Kai Winn's office on the day in question. On the tapes it clearly shows that it was Seven who killed the kai, where as this poor girl Ziyal was no where near the office when the murder took place."
"So what if she did kill the kai three years ago? The way I see it that has nothing to do with what is going on in our war against the Romulans." Martok burst out.
"It may not concern you, general, but to me and my people this is a startling discovery. If it is indeed true that Seven is responsible for the murder of our beloved Kai Winn then surely something must be done about it."
"And what do you care of the death of Winn, Kira? It is common knowledge that you and the kai despised each other. I wouldn't be surprised if you played a hand in her assassination yourself!"
"Now my dear B'elanna let us try not to stray from the topic at hand. It is true that Kai Winn and I did not have an ideal relationship, but I would never resort to hiring an assassin. Let alone a Terran one. I will admit that her death did not impact me so much in itself but the impact it left on my people was surely something I couldn't ignore. This whole time we have believed that Ziyal was the cause of Winn's death. If we were wrong in our belief then surely don't we have a right to know?"
"You do indeed have that right Intendant. As indeed do all Alliance citizens have that right. That is why Tierzak and I have painstakingly gathered our proof. So that once and for all everyone can know the truth behind Kai Winn's assassination."
"My question stands unanswered Duren. What does the three year old assassination of a Bajoran spiritual leader have to do with the Romulan war?"
"Martok is right. What does it have to do with the war? Well I can assure you that this accusation is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Tierzak and I have other data which brings Seven's integrity further into doubt. While the evidence surrounding the kai's assassination is the most condemning it does help to bring about questioning of Seven. For if she did indeed kill Kai Winn then who's to say she didn't play a part in anyone else's murder? Duras for example..."
"Enough Duren!" With the mentioning of his fallen friend Worf had grown agitated beyond reason at the Cardassian who so arrogantly pointed his finger around.
"Of course Regent Worf," Duren said with a slight bow of his head. "I believe I have made my case. Now if I may ask, what is to be done on this matter?"
"We will call for a vote," Worf said as he began to calm down. "Each delegation will be given the chance to pursue the matter or to move on. First, the Klingon delegation will cast their vote."
Martok rose from his seat and looked around the room at everyone assembled, but mostly at Seven. "The Klingon delegation votes to forget the matter on grounds that it is irrelevant." Several other members rose their voice in objection but were quickly silenced.
The next to cast their vote was the Breen delegation, to which Rakln spoke for. "The Breen delegation votes to pursue the matter. We feel it necessary to know whether or not the second most powerful figure in the Alliance can be trusted."
As Rakln finished voicing his reason Kira rose to speak on behalf of the Bajoran delegation. "I of course vote to pursue the matter. The people of Bajor need to know what really happened to their kai."
After Kira cast the Bajoran vote the slender Detapa Council leader Natima Lang rose. While she had not voiced her opinion on anything during the meeting thus far she was the Cardassian's offical representative leader. Having people like Evek and Tain along with her had made it unnecessary for her to so outright respond to much, but when the time came she always rose to the challenge. "The Cardassian delegation votes to move on. We will not be persuaded by the words of a traitor, or his daughter." Dukat tossed a harsh look at Natima to which she responded by the smoothening of her outfit as she sat down.
Last to cast their vote was the silent Ferengi delegation. Throughout the entire assembly not a single noise had come from their corner of the theater-like room. Everyone else had virtually forgotten there was even a Ferengi presence there aside for Tierzak. Slowly the wrinkly Ferengi leader Zek rose, having to use his staff for support. He wetted his lips for a moment before he spoke. "The Ferengi delegation votes to," he started in his high nasal voice, "pursue the matter. Like the Breen and everyone else we need to know who we can rely on against the Romulans."
The vote was three to two against her. Seven sunk back in her chair for a moment but then sat back up. She wouldn't let the days events wear her down in the slightest. So they would pursue the matter of her integrity. In the end did it really make a difference whether they had ignored this particular matter or not? She was a Terran, and her integrity was always in question. It was a necessary of life that she had grown accustomed to. She knew this was merely another storm she had to withstand. And when that storm passed she would still be standing, this she vowed.
"Very well then, we will pursue the matter." Worf said as he took the scene in one final time as he had done earlier. This time it was different though. The beauty the place had held earlier looked somehow diminished after the events he had been forced through over the course of the day. Those events he hoped to lay to rest quickly so that he could once more remove his politician's garb and return to the soldier's one he so craved. "This council will adjourn for two days. During this time Duren and Tierzak will provide copies of all of the proof they have gathered so that it may fully be reviewed by every delegation. Once that is completed will shall reassemble to asses its validity and whether or not Seven is to be accused of treason against the state. I now declare this session to be dismissed." With that the young Klingon officer from before returned, once more rang the Bell of Tarqluin, and then the various delegations began to file out of the meeting hall.
Mission
After seemingly weeks of unending preparation the day for the Narendra III Conference finally arrives. As the delegates prepare for an uneventful meeting plans begin to unfold and questions emerge as some individuals plot to use the conference to forward their own agendas.
Mission Date:
111th day in the 2369th of Molar
Standing there, looking at the room around him awe nearly took control of the mighty Regent. It was amazing that such a room could even be conceived, let alone constructed. In all its beauty and glory though the room had been built to serve an ugly purpose. That purpose would finally come to terms in only a few short hours as the delegates meandered their way in and thus would begin the long awaited Narendra Conference.
The conference had been long coming and even though Worf would rather forgo the near-childish politics that were sure to ensue he knew that it was just another part of the job. Besides, it had not been an easy journey to get here.
After the Negh'Var's encounter with the warbird squadron it could do nothing but limp its way to Narendra III. With a smashed vessel and a dead or wounded crew someone might think of the soldiers to be disheartened or perhaps even embarrassed at their situation. Not these soldiers though. No, these were Klingons and Klingons wore their scars with pride. They were a people bred for war and that breeding had been a large help in their survival thus far.
Almost hesitantly Worf sat down in his designated seat. Very soon many more would do the same. Then perhaps the energy wasted on worry and doubt the Alliance members were all harboring could be redirected into bringing down their Romulan foe once and for all.
That seemed to have become quite a challenge though. No matter what tactic, what strategy the Alliance had devised, they all seemed to make little if any headway on stemming off the Romulan threat. In the past three weeks alone the Romulans had fought back with a resolve that one would expect a Klingon or Breen to exhibit. The attacks recently unleashed by the Romulans had been cold, calculated, and very lethal. Very few soldiers had been spared Romulan wrath at each of the encounters and aside for the Negh'Var's skirmish there really hadn't been an Alliance victory for several months. For some reason the Romulans had suddenly changed their strategy; and Worf was determined to find out why.
Romulan resolve or not that issue was a far cry from any of the tentative topics of discussion. While the overall idea behind the conference did indeed concern the Romulans and the war to an extent this particular conference was more about the dull drum politics behind the Alliance's inner workings. Frankly it was something that Worf would rather avoid all together. A truly sad thing occurs when one would rather throw himself into certain doom rather than sit safely at bay and listen to bureaucrats. This had become a fact of life to him though. A fact that wouldn't soon change.
A small Terran woman suddenly appeared from a doorway behind Worf. Cautiously she approached the Regent in order to complete the task to which she had been assigned. She stood there nearly silent for several moments, waiting for Worf to turn and acknowledge her. When he failed to do so she nervously cleared her throat; a gesture which made Worf spin on his heels almost instantly.
"Is there something you need Keiko?" he said to the woman with a touch of agitation.
"Overseer Seven wanted me to ask if you and Intendent B'elanna had a moment to spare for discussion before the conference took place," the woman replied, nearly shaking from intimidation.
Worf looked over the woman and pondered her master's request for a moment. To him he couldn't possibly imagine any reason Seven might have for wanting to see him and B'elanna before the conference's start. Yet, he had no pressing matters that needed attending to and as such had no real excuse for not going. "Tell Seven I will be there shortly," he commanded before ushering the young woman away. Before he left the huge meeting room he took it all in one final time. The next time he would see it dozens of delegates would be piled in and so that unmistakable awe would be diminished. That one last moment lingered on and splashed into several other moments before the mighty Regent finally had his fill and left the room to its empty self.
After departing the meeting hall Worf began to weave his way through the bustling maze of people. Narendra's capital city, Valuorn, had one of the largest spaceports this side of the Typhon Expanse. Not only that but considering that Narendra III itself was one of the most significant Klingon colonies and you had a guaranteed large populace on the planet at any given time.
Crowds really didn't bother Worf yet today there was a touch of agitation in him while he shuffled around the sea of people. He didn't quite understand it himself. Maybe it was nerves about the impending conference that was bothering him, or better yet wonder at what possibly could it be that Seven wanted to speak to him about. Whatever it was it was very unsettling to the Regent and he did not appreciate it one bit.
Several shouts of his name could be heard as Worf made his way down one of the port's busiest avenues. Some came from known vendors, probably wishing him to buy one of their sub-standard merchandise items. Others came from fans of his, or maybe just commoners who had recognized the stony face of the Alliance's leader. Either way they were all ignored. While Worf did enjoy a moment spent with the civilians with which he protected from time to time today was not a day to be spent on such luxuries. There was simply too many things on his mind and so little time was allowed to him on this important day to even spare a moment.
Even though the Alliance leader projected his desire to be alone that didn't sway a single soul. Various calls could be heard from literally everywhere and Worf had had just about enough when suddenly a hand was placed on his shoulder. The startle from such a move jostled Worf and he spun around to face whoever dared to sneak up on their mighty leader. His roughened features went soft though the moment he saw that it was Martok, his chief military leader and general for the entire Klingon fleet. "What can I do for you Martok?" he asked only halfway pleasant.
"I just had a matter that I wanted to discuss with you Regent."
Worf gestured for the Klingon soldier to join him in his walk before asking what the matter was.
"I was going over the itinerary for this afternoon's conference and I noticed that very little time has been given for war progress. Now I know that there are plenty of things that need to be talked about at this conference but we are at war sir." Martok paused for a moment when he noticed the nearly insulted look on his commander's face. "Of course you full know that Worf," he said hoping to quickly recover his position. "All I meant is that in such a fierce struggle as it is I think that it should be our top concern."
At this Worf clasped his hand around Martok's arm and looked at him with a tinge of understanding in his eyes. "I understand your concern old friend but you have my word that everything on that list is just as if not more important to the war effort. Outwardly things like cargo runs and resource transfers seem to be irrelevant in the matters of war, but if it weren't for these things then this Alliance of ours wouldn't be able to function. And if it can't function then why are we dieing out there to ensure its survival?"
As the two soldiers walked Martok pondered Worf's words for a moment. They made sense to him, and yet they didn't seem to be enough to satisfy his questioning. For a moment he thought to open his mouth with another question, but at the last moment he decided to do the right thing and simply trust in his leader's judgment. The two then proceeded silently on for a few blocks before Martok's mind came up with another question. "Where are you off to?" he asked of Worf.
For a moment Worf wondered if a truthful answer should be given in the matter. He wasn't sure how secretive his meeting with Seven was supposed to be and if he were to mention it to Martok then he might break some silent code the Overseer had put forth. Looking at his subordinate for a moment he finally gave way and decided he should be as honest with him as possible. "I'm going to see the Overseer."
"Really?" Martok opened his eyes wide in a form of confusion at the statement. "What for?"
"That one I don't really know old friend. I got a message that she wanted to speak to me and B'elanna before the conference. For whatever purpose I can only guess at."
Martok only responded with a slight muttering of the word 'ok' before silence came between the two stalwart soldiers. The silence pressed on as they continued their way through the bustling marketplace. After a point Martok broke the silence for a final time. "Well I better be off. I have to go and meet up with Gowron and Kempec before the conference begins."
Worf made a slight sneer at the mentioning of Gowron's name before responding to Martok. "I'll meet you later on then," he said before the two clasped arms and separated in the vast sea of bystanders.
Worf resumed his lonely trek through the crowd as he made his way towards the inn that housed the conference delegates. Being nearly there he didn't have to venture alone for long. Once he had arrived he scanned the room listing posted at the inn's lobby until he found the listing for Seven's quarters. He then made his way through the crowded inn until he reached the needed door. Before knocking he paused for a moment and sort of laughed at how everyone in the lobby had tried their hardest to stay out of his way. So was a benefit of power he thought to himself before knocking on the door to Seven's temporary quarters.
As the door opened Worf was again faced with Seven's assistant Keiko. "Mistress Seven and Lady B'elanna are in the next room Regent," she said before leading him deeper into the Overseer's quarters.
Following the Terran woman Worf thought it odd for a moment how Keiko seemed so at peace when before the slightest of noises would have terrified her. He finally reasoned though that a free Terran amidst a planet of Terran enemies had to be disconcerting for the young woman. If the situation were reversed he knew that a safe quarters would be much more relaxing then a dangerous marketplace.
"Worf, so good of you to join us. Come have a seat," Seven greeted as the mighty Klingon entered the room. "Can I have Keiko get you something?"
The almost uncharacteristic jubilance of the Terran Overseer shocked Worf for a moment. As that moment passed though and he came back to reality he simply shook his head no to her offer. "Why have you asked me and B'elanna here Seven?" Worf asked as he took notice of his friend's presence.
Before saying another word to either Klingon Seven ushered Keiko over and whispered a task into her ear which sent her scurrying away. "I want to apologize for the false demeanor first of all. I may not like my Terran heritage but I am Terran nonetheless. And my high distinction in the Alliance has forced me to....be sort of a role model for the rest of them."
"I barely noticed," Worf muttered before taking a seat across from the Terran woman and completing a circle set by her and B'elanna.
"Now that you are both here I can tell you why I requested your presence." She paused for a moment and muddled over words in her head before continuing. "I'm sure you are both aware of the recent change in Romulan tactics."
"How can any soldier in the entire Alliance not be aware of their tactics?" B'elanna said, speaking the first words Worf had heard from her since they had arrived planet side.
For a moment Seven was taken back by B'elanna's words. She hadn't expected such a response, but within moments she shook her surprise off and continued on. "There have been several Romulan assaults within the past few weeks. All of which have been quick and decisive. Some of which have even been against our most well kept secret facilities."
Immediately Worf's mind went to the Klingon shipyard around orbit of Q'osk V. After all his thinking on the subject he still had no clue as to how the Romulans had learned of the hidden base. Some speculations had dance around his mind ever since he had first received word of the facilities destruction, but he wasn't about to entertain speculation.
"I think the three of us can agree that something isn't right about all of this. And I don't know about either of you but only one explanation seems to come to mind."
Both Klingons looked at each other then back at Seven, their curiosities piqued. A pause ensued before B'elanna urged Seven on.
"There must be a traitor in our ranks. Someone high enough up in the chain of command to know about a secret as big as the Q'osk V shipyard."
Such a bold statement struck both Worf and B'elanna instantly and the expression on their respective faces showed it. "Do you realize what you're saying Seven?" B'elanna asked not quite sure if she had heard correctly.
"I know that the thought of a traitor seems nearly insane at the moment but look at the facts. In the last month we have lost three key facilities, all of which were thought to be invulnerable. Our trade routes have come under fire, and even the Alliance flagship was attacked. Do you think the Romulans could have accomplished any of this without help?"
Rubbing his chin Worf thought about Seven's words for a moment before he decided to respond. "First off, the Negh'Var did come under fire but we can't be sure that they knew what they were attacking. Aside from a few markings it's no different than any other Negh'Var class warship we have. They may have just seen it as an opportunity to take out one more of our capital ships." Though the words came from Worf he didn't entirely believe them. To think that the Romulans would send four of their warbirds just to attack a nonspecific target deep inside Alliance territory didn't add up. He decided though it best to keep those reservations to himself. "Second the trade route attacks don't strike me as that odd. I'm sure it was only a matter of time before the Romulans got bold enough to take out some defenseless cargo vessels."
"You may be right on those points Regent but that doesn't explain the sudden attacks on the Galgathon Shipyards and Kelnok Nor. And what of Q'osk V? Most Alliance citizens didn't even know of that base and yet the Romulans knew exactly where it was. Plus they attacked it days before the first Jach'eng prototype was to be launched. What else could explain that other then that the Romulans are being slipped information."
Again Worf pondered Seven's comments. He was able to see both merit and flaws in her reasoning. In his mind the point of there being a traitor wasn't a solid one yet. There simply wasn't enough to convince him. "Tell me this then Seven," he said about to bring what he perceived to be a flaw to light. "If the Romulans are being aided then why have they only attacked these smaller targets? Why haven't they sent an attack force to one of our major assets?" As he spoke the word assets his gaze turned to B'elanna, which the female Klingon picked up on immediately.
"Sir?" Seven said, not quite following Worf.
"What he is talking about is that we have plenty of other bases that would far more cripple us then what they've hit so far." B'elanna added, hoping to explain Worf's statement. "For instance, why haven't they attacked the Sol system?" she asked, her words trailing off.
"The Sol system is too deep within our territory for them to risk an attack."
"But Q'osk V wasn't? It was far from any of our borders to be without the same risk posed by the Sol system. Plus the Q'osk system was virtually desolate, aside from the shipyard. Where as the Sol system is home to one of our chief research stations as well and one of the most important shipyards in the whole Alliance. Add the mining operation in the system's asteroid belt and I would think that the Romulans would much rather risk their lives to take that out rather then the target present in the Q'osk system."
"Necessity B'elanna. They knew that our new super weapon was about to be launched, one which could have turned the tide of this war in our favor for good. That is why they chose to send their fleet there instead of Sol. If they hadn't of stopped our Jach'eng project right then and there then they would have been virtually signing their own surrender. Plus, as you said there is a large shipyard around Mars. That would have given the Romulan fleet some resistance, if not much. No I think they would have chosen the defenseless target instead."
Worf listened to the two go on for several moments, trying hard to assess each of the points that were made. It seemed to him that both women were wrong and right at the same time. Everything that was said between them was valid, but not concrete enough to form any sort of basis. Finally he lifted a hand that hushed them both in their staling exchange of words.
"I don't want to go against my friend B'elanna here but I must be right. Don't you see that Worf?"
"What I see is two people presenting nothing but half constructed opinions. The sudden attacks made on the Romulan's part has done nothing but placed questions in my mind. And no matter how much speculating about them that we do I doubt that we will be able to know anything for certain."
"I may not be presenting a solid case here but don't we have enough to warrant suspicion? Shouldn't we try to find out how secure we really are before we give a traitor another chance to aide the Romulans?" Seven's statement sounded almost as a plea as she tried to stand firm on her belief.
"And do what, declare martial law on the entire Alliance? Maybe you haven't noticed as Worf and myself have but the members of the Alliance barely keep from fighting each other. If you start whispering the word 'traitor' without solid reasoning it may be enough to do what the Romulans have been trying for nine years; destroy the Alliance."
As Worf leaned back in the plush velvet chair he saw the formings of another argument begin to brew between the two women. It was then when he decided to bring up another point. "You're forgetting another source from where the Romulans may be getting their information," he said as he looked across the room to Seven.
As before Seven had a confused look graced on her face. "What source are you referring to Worf?" she asked hoping his next statement would dispel her latest wave of confusion.
"Prisoners of war," was all that he chose to respond with.
The next to speak wasn't Seven but in fact B'elanna. "Prisoners of war?" she asked of her friend with a noticeable shock in her voice. "Very rarely have the Romulans actually managed to capture any Alliance soldiers, and you're suggesting that one of those brave warriors divulged information to the enemy? That strikes me as nothing more than absolute insanity."
"The thought of soldiers divulging information to the enemy may seem crazy to us Klingons B'elanna but you have to remember that not all of our allies would be so resilient in the face of torture. Ferengi, for example, are notorious for having a low tolerance to torture."
"You may be right Worf but I can't recall any top-level officer to go missing recently. Our station at Q'osk V was only told to a handful of our most decorated and trusted officers. If torture was the means by which the Romulans found out about it then they must have gotten a hold of one of those officers. And as I sit here not a single name comes to mind."
"Koltarn," Seven muttered so softly that her Klingon counterparts didn't hear her at first. "It must have been Commander Koltarn."
With the second mentioning of the soldier's name B'elanna's ears picked it up and she furiously stood up as her right hand instinctively dove for where her dk'tahg blade was strapped to her thigh. "Commander Koltarn is one of the finest officers in the entire Klingon army. To caste such dishonoring blame on him is enough insult to have your tongue cut out!"
"It makes sense B'elanna. As you said, he is a fine officer. One of the select few to be bestowed the information on the Q'osk V shipyard in fact. He has been missing in action for well over a month now. And contact was lost with him just one week prior to the Q'osk V shipyard coming under attack. The Romulans must have captured him when he tried to take that cloaking device on Delpox II and then tortured the information about the Jach'eng's launch out of him."
"Klingon's don't succumb to torture," B'elanna said, teeth grinding as she began to seethe with anger.
"Under normal circumstances perhaps not. But when you have someone like the Tal'Shiar to deal with a normally tight-lipped individual may be coaxed into divulging something they normally wouldn't."
"Tal'Shiar or no Tal'Shiar Koltarn wouldn't betray the Alliance. No Klingon would. We would rather die then dishonor ourselves in such a fashion."
"I have to agree with B'elanna." There was an unusual calm in the Regent's tone. His tone was nearly a complete opposite of B'elanna's, something which she didn't quite understand. "The Tal'Shiar may be good at torturing information but Klingon resolve is just as tough. Besides, Koltarn would be one of the last soldiers to betray the Alliance."
"That may be true but still..." Seven started but was suddenly interrupted by the reappearance of Keiko.
"I apologize for interrupting Overseer, but it is time for the council meeting," she said meekly before departing once more.
"We can continue our finger pointing later ladies. Now though I think we have more pressing matters to attend to." Worf then rose from his chair and walked out of the room, choosing to wait just outside the quarter's door for the other two. Being the three most powerful members of the Alliance for them to arrive together would bring a sort of strength to the proceedings. With the recent increase in the Romulan threat a presence such as theirs would probably add a touch to everyone's morale, if not more. Once B'elanna and Seven joined him they left the extravagant inn and started to make their way back to the vacuous chamber where Worf had spent his morning.
Once back on the streets all three noticed how the marketplace's bustle hadn't appeared to have lessened at all, even though the day was starting to fade. The sea of patrons seemed to stretch on forever and any normal person might have had a problem with getting anywhere amidst the traffic. Not Worf or his two companions though. Recognizing the three and their status the sea of people seemed to part around them, making their journey barely a pain. After his experience in the marketplace earlier combined with the stress of the heated discussion which had taken place in Seven's quarters Worf was relieved to finally get a small reprieve from the chaos his life seemed to attract. He knew though that his reprieve would be fleeting though because the council meeting was sure to be no different from what had occurred between Seven and B'elanna, only much worse.
After their trek through the hectic marketplace the trio finally arrived at the entrance to the grand hall where the meeting was to take place. The building's outward appearance seemed to reflect a sort of elegance that the neighboring buildings somehow lacked. Inside there was little other then the main meeting chamber. Originally the building designer probably had in mind for it to become some sort of great theater house. Most likely to play host to any number of Klingon operas. However someone in the Alliance hierarchy had deemed it to be better suited as a meeting hall. This sadly though put the grand hall in a general state of disuse as the council met so infrequently; and not always did they take place on Narendra III. Worf as well as Seven and B'elanna paused for a moment to gaze on the building's unique elegance before they entered it.
Once inside the trio made their way down the curved hall that wound its way around the whole of the council chamber. Already the hallway was filling with Terran attendants who would see fit to any need their Alliance masters might have during the proceedings. After a small and uneventful journey down the hallway Worf located the door which led to a balcony set aside for them. Being such prestigious members they were reserved the primest of accommodations, something which Worf took with both graciousness and distaste.
Seven was the first among the three to take her seat, followed quickly by B'elanna then finally Worf. As the Regent looked out onto the room that was only hours ago serene he noticed how it was nearly full. As his gaze wandered over the various delegations many faces were instantly recognized. In the Klingon seats were his friend Martok, along with Gowron and the plump Kempec. Both of the latter Klingons Worf didn't have much respect for. He saw them as privileged Klingons who didn't get their honor from glorious battle but had siphoned off the glory of their families. That type of Klingon Worf had very little patience for. It was at times like this that he wished that his friend and adopted brother Duras was still alive. There was a Klingon whose honor was a role model.
Moving on he saw Natima Lang and the Obsidian Order's leader Enabrain Tain in the Cardassian seats. Lang was the head of Cardassia's Detapa Council and had done a well enough job in her world's politics to gain a note of respect from Worf; which was quite an accomplishment for a Cardassian. Tain on the other hand held quite the opposite position in Worf's mind. Sneaky, underhanded, manipulative, the typical Cardassian. One would almost think of them as being related to Romulans, on a personality side. This was the main cause for his dislike for the race. The third member of the Cardassian delegation was a gul by the name of Evek. He had an extensive war record but nothing that had caught Worf's interest. It was interesting to see yet another new face fill the third seat of the Cardassian delegation. Ever since Gul Dukat had been censured and lost his role on the delegation the Cardassians had found it hard to find a suitable replacement. Dukat had been revered among his people. Truly considered to be one of their greats. It was almost ironic that he had been forced into seclusion after it was revealed that he had an illegitimate half-Bajoran daughter who subsequently had murdered the Bajoran's spiritual leader, Kai Winn.
The Bajoran delegation was of course headed by the coy Intendant Kira Nerrys. She was not a favorite of Worf's, but he tolerated her friendship of him mostly out of respect of his imzadi Deanna. The pair had spent a great deal of time together, especially right before Deanna's murder. That plus she was good for her people, if not so much good for the Alliance. Years after the fact it still puzzled him why she had stepped down from her much sought after position as Overseer. And then when she named a Terran woman as her successor it did nothing but add to everyone's confusion.
With that thought his attention was turned off to his left to look at Seven. Such a mysterious woman, with so little chance of getting answers. No one was sure exactly where she had come from or what she had done before suddenly appearing in the service of Kira. After her parents died he had heard she was raised by Cardassians, though Seven chose to distance herself as much as possible with their culture. Almost as much she had distanced herself with her Terran heritage. He would have liked to know more about the woman but suddenly the long wait ended as a young Klingon officer stepped out into the forum and rang the large Bell of Tarqluin, signaling the meeting's official commencement.
Worf rose from his chair and looked over the delegates one last time before addressing them. "Ladies and gentlemen delegates, welcome to the Narendra Conference. Overseer Seven and I appreciate your attendance." The words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He hated playing the role of politician but it was an unwelcome necessary that had become part of his life. "Placed on each of your tables should be a list of topics that will be discussed. If you don't have one then one will provided for you at request via one of the various Terran aides located to the rear of each delegation's assigned area. Unless there are any other questions I say we should begin with item number forty-two."
"Now why ever would you want to start off with resource allocation?" Kira said with a sort of confused smile on her face. "Why don't we get to the real point here Regent, the Romulans. They are the ones that we should focus on, not something as menial as resource allocation."
"I agree with the Bajoran Intendant." It was Gul Evek who added a response. "We are at war here, and while resource operations and mineral quotas are vital to our success shouldn't the actual strategics take precedence?"
"You would do anything to go against a Klingon position," Gowron replied, eyes widening. "Resources can be just as vital as strategics. If that is where Regent Worf would like to start then that is where we shall begin."
Barely into the conference and the delegations were already coming to blows. This was the strenuous situation that Worf faced. Allies that were not really allies at all. All pooling together their talents for the sole objective of wiping out the Romulans. It was an admirable goal but barely enough to act as the glue the Alliance needed to stay together.
"Very well then Intendant Kira," Worf interrupted the bickering delegates. "I'm sure recent events are on all our minds so let's start there. It's as good of a place as any."
"Thank you Worf. You certainly can be a reasonable leader, which is why I'm glad you are Regent. Now, who would like to go first?"
Suddenly an old Breen general by the name of Rakln stood up. "If I may, I would like to start."
"Go ahead General Rakln," Worf said as he gestured with his hand for the Breen to go on.
After a slight nod of acknowledgement from the Breen he started speaking to the assembled delegation. "Like everyone else here the Breen have suffered considerable loss as of recent. With the loss of our Galgathon Shipyards our manufacturing rate has been reduced by a third. It was a heavy loss for us indeed. As was many of the losses felt around the Alliance with bases like Kelnok Nor and such. Add the fact that our ships have lost every recent engagement and surely the tide of war seems to have turned against us. From what I have heard from many people since my vessel arrived here on Narendra III is a questioning of why the Romulans tactics have suddenly become fiercer. This is not the question on my mind. For in the end the Romulans too are warriors just trying to survive the day's end. No, my question is why haven't we been able to put up a stronger defense? Why has every place they have attacked recently been nearly defenseless?"
"Our fleet is spread thin Rakln," came the words of the Klingon's fleet general Martok. "We can't have our ships everywhere, we don't have the manpower for such a feat. Of course some places are going to have to be left without a squadron to protect it."
"This I know full well Martok. As fleet general for the Breen I know all about how stretched our fleet is. But what I'm trying to point out is how the Romulan's recent targets have been important ones. True that not every place can have a squadron stationed there around the clock but a place as important as the Galgathon Shipyards should have been a priority for that sort of protection shouldn't it have been?"
"Of course you would mention a Breen installation," Evek commented, putting an emphasis on the word Breen.
"I was merely using that as an example. Surely your Kelnok Nor base was just as vital. As was the Klingon's shipyard at Q'osk V. That is something I'm curious about. With as important as the Jach'eng project was to us winning the war why wasn't there a squadron stationed there, let alone anything besides a few birds-of-prey?"
"We had no reason to believe that the Q'osk shipyard was in jeopardy!" Gowron shouted, feeling as though the Breen had just insulted the honor of the entire Klingon race. "The Q'osk V shipyard was the most secret installation in the entire Alliance. How we were to know the Romulans would find it?"
"Still, the fact is the risk shouldn't have been taken."
"He has a point. As I have looked over the recent fleet movements it does seem that some places have been left alone when they shouldn't be. Q'osk V and Kelnok Nor are only recent examples. The impact was felt just as hard when we lost Lyca Station last year or the Ferengi dilithium deposits on Chantox IX the year before. Meanwhile it seems like some areas keep getting more and more support when the threat of attack hasn't come anywhere near. Take the Sol system for example. I see on my P.A.D.D. here that they are scheduled to receive even more of our defense platforms, as well as a fresh supply of vessels. Important as it may be Sol is in the heart of our territory. And the boldest Romulan attack was half a quadrant away. Do we really need to devote more resources there while our border facilities are kept barely safe?"
After Evek had finished his speech the whole of the delegation's attention suddenly turned to where the three powers were seated. They were curious as to how they would respond, or more to the point how B'elanna would respond. She glanced over at Worf for a moment before she stood to meet the Cardassians's challenge.
"I think you failed to stress just how important the Sol system is, Evek. As all of you have probably forgotten from time to time. The Utopia Planitia Shipyards work on anywhere from eighteen to twenty-six vessels a day; and that's just repair work. Were you to factor in the division spent on construction of new vessels and it makes it the most important shipyard, second only to the Bajoran one of Kendra Alpha."
"Next in the system is the research station in orbit of Jupiter. Sure Q'osk V may have been given an important objective but where do you think the designs of the Jach'eng prototype came from? Where do you think any of our recent developments for the past five years has come from? Nearly all of them came from Jupiter Station and I think the Romulans would have won long ago had we been without that facility."
"Finally there's the mining in the system's asteroid belt. The minerals mined there are responsible for creating the bulkhead and ship plating that is so needed for your fleets. That may not be the Alliance's biggest mining operation but it does add value to the system as a whole, making it one of our most precious resources. Sure the Romulans have never attacked there, but that is because we keep it fortified. It makes the system too big of a risk. Were we to take away any part of the system's defense then all we would be doing is inviting an attack. Do any of you want to spend our next meeting squabbling of why we lost Sol to our enemy? Because we might be feeling strain from losing places like Q'osk V or the Galgathon Shipyards or even Kelnok Nor but if we were to lose our position in the Sol system we might as well surrender."
"Ok you've just reaffirmed the importance of Sol, B'elanna. Evek has a point in that it seems wasteful to station so many vessels in a seemingly secure sector but his point is moot. Yes, we have lost a lot recently to the Romulans, but are we delegates to blame? Maybe we haven't supplied the stations with the resources they need to properly defend themselves but I think the captains of the vessels we do send there are to blame." At Kira's bold blaming of the soldier's everyone's attention abruptly shifted to her. Being the representative leaders of their worlds blame was always cast upon them when things went awry. None of the incompetence had ever been placed solely on the shoulders of the soldiers.
"And what would the Bajoran Intendant know of field combat? I'm sure it must be awfully easy for you to judge the performance of our soldiers from your cushy office on Terrok Nor."
"You wound me with your words Rakln. I may not be a strategic expert like you but I do know when certain officers should be questioned." She paused for a moment and inwardly smiled as she could feel anger rise up from not only General Rakln but several of the other military delegates as well. It pleased her that she could so affect attitudes with mere words. They were playing right into her hand.
"Even the most elite of our officers seem to have lost their edge as of late. I would like to strengthen my point with the mentioning of the so called Alliance Royal Armada, created and hand-picked by the Regent himself."
"What of them?" Worf said with a hint of agitation in his voice.
"What of them indeed my dear Regent. The vessels that make up the ARA task force are supposed to be the best and most elite vessels crewed by our finest. They are also supposed to act as our first and foremost strength against the Romulan threat. But what good have they done? Since their conception just more then a year ago two of them have been lost in combat. A third one seems to be running under its own jurisdiction," her gaze floated over to the Ferengi delegation for a moment in case anyone was wondering which vessel she was referring to. "And yet another one has lost its captain when he was reassigned to a priority mission. The others? Well how much good have the others been? How helpful has the Sompek been, or the Alvex? Exactly why were they assigned this task force in the first place?"
With that Worf ominously rose from his chair. He looked at the Bajoran Intendant, a look that told her to be silent for a moment, before he spoke to the assembled delegation once more. "It may not seem apparent why I created the task force known as the Alliance Royal Armada but they do serve a purpose. Having our best officers pooling their talents on our finest vessels has provided a benefit to the Alliance. They may not have a polished record but they have been helpful in a number of operations. Were it not for them then the Romulans would still have a large supply cache on Dysis, and with the destruction of the shipyards at Valkor IV the ARA vessels helped to slow down the Romulans production of vessels. And let us not dare to forget the sacrifice made by the crew of the Maq'Tau, who died to stop the Romulans new prototype vessel."
"They've had a few great accomplishments, that's nothing to celebrate for is it? From my standpoint they only did what they were supposed to be doing. And none of the successes that you're praising has done us much good, aside from the Maq'Tau's. Which one of my best advisor's was lost on when the Maq'Tau was destroyed. We have lost valued officers in the service of ARA. Zelbreghn, Terplak, and then of course Koltarn. How many more must be lost I ask you?"
At the mentioning of Koltarn's name Worf gritted his teeth. The questioning of his integrity from earlier was still fresh in his mind, and with the mentioning of it from Kira it nearly infuriated him. Instead though he just breathed a deep breath and prepared to respond to the Intendant's questions. "There have been valued officers lost in the service of all task forces Intendant, not just ARA. You make it sound as though that is the only group to have suffered casualties in this war."
"I only meant..." she started but stopped herself. Her words had betrayed her in that instant and she felt that to press any further would only belittle her position.
"The death toll will only go down when we rid ourselves of the Romulan threat for good. Instead of bickering and fighting amongst ourselves we need to strengthen our resolve against them, not each other. Only together will we be able to stand our own demise in the face and turn it away. These questions and doubts may be important but in the picture of the war as a whole they are immaterial. The Romulans have stepped up their resolve against us and if we don't begin to fully trust each other and put everything aside in a truly united front against them then surely we will fall in death, lest we live to see the heel of a Romulan boot brought down upon all our worlds." As Worf finished he looked over the delegates faces, hoping that his words had effected them enough to encourage them to fight off their doubts and turn that energy against the Romulans. He knew that only then would they be able to end the war in victory.
From somewhere inside the cavernous room the sound of hands clapping could be heard. Everyone paused for a moment and looked around to try and identify the source. Then a figure appeared from one of the hallways and walked into the middle. He was followed in by a shorter figure who had the signs of a limp. Once his companion had joined him the figure looked up from the ground and looked over the delegates before resting on the Regent. The figure was a Cardassian; it was Gul Duren.
"Excellent speech Regent, quite moving indeed." he addressed Worf with a smug tone befitting a Cardassian.
"What is the meaning of this?" Worf demanded of the Cardassian gul.
"I'll explain the meaning Regent, have no fear of that. First let me introduce myself, in case not everyone here knows me. I am Gul Duren of the Cardassian Galor class vessel Alvex. Delegates, I stand before you to bring light on something which gravely troubles our war effort and thusly our very Alliance itself." A few whispers could be heard about the gul's sudden entrance and the words he had already dealt. He smiled inwardly before continuing.
"The Regent is right. Surely if we are to survive the Romulan onslaught then we must do so standing together. There is a word he mentioned, and has been tossed around for some time now. That word is trust. I know it can be very difficult to trust people whose very way of life is different from our own. It can be done though. Take me for example. A proud and noble Cardassian who did not give into trusting the other members of this alliance so easily. Yet I stand before you today with someone who has earned a very large amount of trust from me. As you can tell he is not Cardassian, but I can say with the utmost conviction that Tierzak here has just as much trust and respect then any of my fellow Cardassians have received from me."
The delegates' attention suddenly turned to the man standing beside Duren. It was indeed Daimon Tierzak, another commanding officer in the ARA task force. He appeared to be holding the same stance as Duren and yet somehow it was different. After a moments pause he nodded and Duren continued.
"Together we have uncovered something dreadful that has hidden itself in the midst of our precious Alliance. From what I have heard so far everyone has a sole question in the back of their mind, even if they haven't voiced it. Everyone is wondering how as of late the Romulans have been able to best us at every turn. Q'osk V, the Galgathon Shipyards, Kelnok Nor, these are only the most notable of our losses. After years of a stalemate is it truly possible that they have somehow gained an advantage so suddenly on their own? To me I simply cannot believe such a thing to be possible. Only one thing remains in my mind no matter how many times I go over it. They must be getting help. Someone in the Alliance must be slipping them information that has allowed them to gain the upper hand."
Worf let out a sigh. He was tired of all this mentioning of shadow play and double talk. "Yes Duren you bring up a point which has been thoroughly discussed. How much must we beat the topic of loyalties and allegiances before everyone is satisfied? Everyone is so eager to point fingers at each other and blame them for aiding the Romulans, but do any have proof to back their claims? No. So in the end those that toss around such claims aren't helping to strengthen the Alliance by exposing a traitor, but weakening it by turning everyone against each other. In the grand scheme of the war they are actually aiding the Romulans themselves by weakening our resolve against a single, common enemy."
"Ah but we did not come here with hollow claims Regent." As he stood there it was apparent that Duren had not lost any of his resolve in the matter. He appeared as smug and in control as he did when he had first entered the room.
"Both Duren and I knew that convincing the assembled delegates of who had betrayed us would not be an easy one," Tierzak suddenly spoke up with his high nasal voice. "We knew that for any of our claims to stand strong we would need solid proof to back up any words we spoke. Using our own resolve and ingenuity I believe we have found just the proof we need."
As Tierzak's words ended yet two more figures appeared in the entrance where Duren and Tierzak had come from only moment's before. Like the previous two the figures made their way across the room to stand in its center. One was a man not unlike Duren, while the other was a slender looking girl. Both were Cardassian and were immediately recognized.
"He has no place here!" shouted out the normally silent Cardassian delegate Enabrain Tain. His sudden outburst at Dukat's appearance shocked all of the assembled delegates and now each one devoted his or her full attention at what was taking place. "I will not hear the words of a traitor!"
"A traitor? For having an illegitimate daughter you brandish me a traitor? Why if half the stuff you have done were made public..." Dukat started but was suddenly silenced by a look from Duren. This was not the time to further the private little war between himself and Tain. No, today he had larger concerns.
"Why don't we hear what he has to say Tain? I mean are you so self involved that you won't listen to a man's words just because you don't personally like him?" As Kira spoke Tain glared over at her with a look at disgust. This too came as a surprise. Not the fact that Tain would react so badly to Kira's words but that her words would be so in favor of a Cardassian, let alone Dukat.
"With the help of Dukat and his daughter Ziyal Duren and I have been able to piece together enough information to not only reaffirm our position on who the traitor is but also enough information to prove that they are in fact not all that they claim to be."
Having heard enough of everyone's words B'elanna decided it was once again time to throw her two cents into the discussion. "Both of you have tossed around the word traitor and claimed that you have convicting evidence but there is one thing you have yet to reveal. Who exactly is it that you are condemning as a traitor?"
"Overseer Seven." Duren responded as he finally let his hidden grin flash for all to see.
As Duren revealed the would be traitor before the assembled delegate they all felt a wave of shock as suddenly every pair of eyes present were laid upon the Terran Overseer. Hit hardest of all by the news was B'elanna who despite their previous argument had remained on of Seven's closet friends. She slowly turned as she stared at Seven who seemed unaffected by the accusation.
With the entire room's attention on her Seven began to feel very uncomfortable, but she dared not show it. In the back of her mind she felt a touch confused but mostly panic at the accusation. She knew that being Terran made her integrity automatically questioned by everyone, if even by the slightest amount. Without letting any emotion show she rose from her seat and ignored the gazes from around the room. Knowing that showing anything but serenity would most likely doom her she looked down at Duren and prepared to face down her accuser. "You say I am a traitor Duren? You say that somehow the fault of the Romulan's sudden aggression bears on my shoulder? Well I certainly hope that your so called proof can back up your accusations."
"Rest assured that it does Overseer." Duren stared back at the smug Terran, hating how coolly she appeared. She wouldn't be able to hold that attitude for long though, Duren would make sure of it. "Ziyal, if you please," he said turning to the girl.
Standing there nervous by so many people present with so much depending on her telling her story. It was the truth though and in the end doesn't the truth always set you free? After taking a deep breathe she began her tale. "Three years ago I was working for Kai Winn; the spiritual leader of Bajor. As everyone knows she was murdered in her office and the blame of her death was placed on me. I am here today to tell you that blame was wrongly placed. The blame should have been placed on Seven. She was the one who assassinated the kai. I was just caught up in a separate matter and used as a scapegoat."
"And where is the proof of this?" asked the stalwart Breen general.
"I have obtained copies of the security tapes from Kai Winn's office on the day in question. On the tapes it clearly shows that it was Seven who killed the kai, where as this poor girl Ziyal was no where near the office when the murder took place."
"So what if she did kill the kai three years ago? The way I see it that has nothing to do with what is going on in our war against the Romulans." Martok burst out.
"It may not concern you, general, but to me and my people this is a startling discovery. If it is indeed true that Seven is responsible for the murder of our beloved Kai Winn then surely something must be done about it."
"And what do you care of the death of Winn, Kira? It is common knowledge that you and the kai despised each other. I wouldn't be surprised if you played a hand in her assassination yourself!"
"Now my dear B'elanna let us try not to stray from the topic at hand. It is true that Kai Winn and I did not have an ideal relationship, but I would never resort to hiring an assassin. Let alone a Terran one. I will admit that her death did not impact me so much in itself but the impact it left on my people was surely something I couldn't ignore. This whole time we have believed that Ziyal was the cause of Winn's death. If we were wrong in our belief then surely don't we have a right to know?"
"You do indeed have that right Intendant. As indeed do all Alliance citizens have that right. That is why Tierzak and I have painstakingly gathered our proof. So that once and for all everyone can know the truth behind Kai Winn's assassination."
"My question stands unanswered Duren. What does the three year old assassination of a Bajoran spiritual leader have to do with the Romulan war?"
"Martok is right. What does it have to do with the war? Well I can assure you that this accusation is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Tierzak and I have other data which brings Seven's integrity further into doubt. While the evidence surrounding the kai's assassination is the most condemning it does help to bring about questioning of Seven. For if she did indeed kill Kai Winn then who's to say she didn't play a part in anyone else's murder? Duras for example..."
"Enough Duren!" With the mentioning of his fallen friend Worf had grown agitated beyond reason at the Cardassian who so arrogantly pointed his finger around.
"Of course Regent Worf," Duren said with a slight bow of his head. "I believe I have made my case. Now if I may ask, what is to be done on this matter?"
"We will call for a vote," Worf said as he began to calm down. "Each delegation will be given the chance to pursue the matter or to move on. First, the Klingon delegation will cast their vote."
Martok rose from his seat and looked around the room at everyone assembled, but mostly at Seven. "The Klingon delegation votes to forget the matter on grounds that it is irrelevant." Several other members rose their voice in objection but were quickly silenced.
The next to cast their vote was the Breen delegation, to which Rakln spoke for. "The Breen delegation votes to pursue the matter. We feel it necessary to know whether or not the second most powerful figure in the Alliance can be trusted."
As Rakln finished voicing his reason Kira rose to speak on behalf of the Bajoran delegation. "I of course vote to pursue the matter. The people of Bajor need to know what really happened to their kai."
After Kira cast the Bajoran vote the slender Detapa Council leader Natima Lang rose. While she had not voiced her opinion on anything during the meeting thus far she was the Cardassian's offical representative leader. Having people like Evek and Tain along with her had made it unnecessary for her to so outright respond to much, but when the time came she always rose to the challenge. "The Cardassian delegation votes to move on. We will not be persuaded by the words of a traitor, or his daughter." Dukat tossed a harsh look at Natima to which she responded by the smoothening of her outfit as she sat down.
Last to cast their vote was the silent Ferengi delegation. Throughout the entire assembly not a single noise had come from their corner of the theater-like room. Everyone else had virtually forgotten there was even a Ferengi presence there aside for Tierzak. Slowly the wrinkly Ferengi leader Zek rose, having to use his staff for support. He wetted his lips for a moment before he spoke. "The Ferengi delegation votes to," he started in his high nasal voice, "pursue the matter. Like the Breen and everyone else we need to know who we can rely on against the Romulans."
The vote was three to two against her. Seven sunk back in her chair for a moment but then sat back up. She wouldn't let the days events wear her down in the slightest. So they would pursue the matter of her integrity. In the end did it really make a difference whether they had ignored this particular matter or not? She was a Terran, and her integrity was always in question. It was a necessary of life that she had grown accustomed to. She knew this was merely another storm she had to withstand. And when that storm passed she would still be standing, this she vowed.
"Very well then, we will pursue the matter." Worf said as he took the scene in one final time as he had done earlier. This time it was different though. The beauty the place had held earlier looked somehow diminished after the events he had been forced through over the course of the day. Those events he hoped to lay to rest quickly so that he could once more remove his politician's garb and return to the soldier's one he so craved. "This council will adjourn for two days. During this time Duren and Tierzak will provide copies of all of the proof they have gathered so that it may fully be reviewed by every delegation. Once that is completed will shall reassemble to asses its validity and whether or not Seven is to be accused of treason against the state. I now declare this session to be dismissed." With that the young Klingon officer from before returned, once more rang the Bell of Tarqluin, and then the various delegations began to file out of the meeting hall.