CHAPTER 5

Rodek, son of Noggra was tired. It had been a long day at the shipyard and every muscle in his body ached, but he felt good. It felt good to be back to himself, back to putting in a full day of honest work and then coming home to his wife and children. The splitting headaches were all but gone completely since he started seeing the new doctor. He was ashamed to admit that his pride had kept him from going, but he thanked Kahless that Nebara kept insisting and never gave up on him.

What he didn't tell her was that the dreams and visions were still there. They made no sense to him but he definitely did not want to go to some head doctor to try to find out if he was crazy or not. He was working and feeding his family, that is all that mattered. The dreams were so bizarre anyway- it was like he was watching clips from someone else's life.

That evening, while Nebara prepared the meal for her family, there was a loud knock on their door. She went to answer it, followed closely behind by her husband. Neither of them were expecting visitors tonight.

The man's appearance and richly adorned clothing made it clear that he was not from here, "I am Drex, son of Martok," the man said, his voice filled with the haughty air that came from feeling like he was better than everyone else,

Nebara's eyes grew wide, "You are the Chancellor's son?" she quickly looked to her husband and then back to Drex.

Drex didn't have much of a plan. These people were low born commoners and he knew that just being in the presence of someone like him would overwhelm them enough to tell him everything he wanted to know. Sirella obviously thought Worf had taken this Nebara woman as a lover and the only reason Drex brought himself to this god-forsaken place was the off chance that it might actually be true. Finding a mistress was way better than some long-lost brother.

"What is your business here?" Rodek asked defensively, his chest puffed out.

"I need to speak to your wife."

Rodek bristled, "Do you know this man?"

Nebara's eyes were still wide, "No, we have never met."

"Then you have no business here with us, be on your way!"

"You're right, she doesn't know me," Drex hesitated for a moment, sizing up Rodek. He might not take too well to learning that his wife was being disloyal, "But she knows Ambassador Worf."

"Yes, I do," Nebara said, "He told me that he'd be gone for a while, did he send you here to check on us?"

Now it was Drex's turn to be shocked, "Yes... yes he did."

"Please, come in. Have you eaten? We were just sitting down to the evening meal."

Drex stepped into the small home completely confused. He'd planned to come here to uncover Worf's infidelity and maybe leverage that information in his favor. But if this woman was having an affair with his brother-to-be, she didn't seem very upset about being exposed, "No, I am fine."

"I know the Ambassador did not want me to tell Rodek about him, but I could not hide it from my husband any longer," she said, her voice sounding a little guilty, "I hope he is not angry. I am not one to keep secrets from Rodek."

Drex looked to Rodek, "Then you… you know?"

"I was at first upset that she did all this behind my back; a man has his pride, you know. But Nebara is the most loyal and devoted par'mach'kai that I could ask for. Everything she does has been for the good of the House of Noggra."

Noggra, where have I heard that name before? Drex thought to himself.

Rodek continued, "I would like to meet the Ambassador and thank him myself. I understand that he was an officer on Deep Space Nine when I was found. He probably does not remember me, but I remember him. He was one of the first people I saw when I awoke after my accident. He called my father Noggra to come and get me after they determined who I was. I imagine that is why he is still concerned for me after all these years."

Drex took a seat, now he remembered where he'd heard that name, "Noggra docked at Deep Space Nine at the same time-" he stopped himself before he continued. Noggra was there at the same time Worf's brother Kurn disappeared, "You mentioned an accident?" he asked.

"I was injured and lost all of my memories. It is odd how I have no memories older than five years but I remember everything since then perfectly," his voice lowered a bit, hints of shame lacing his tone, "Recently I began suffering adverse effects from it again. However, the Ambassador worked with both Federation and Klingon doctors to come up with treatment for me."

Drex could not believe what he was hearing.

"Please let the Ambassador know that we are still doing well and we are grateful for all the help he has given us," Nebara said, "Our family owes everything to him."

"He has been helping you… giving you medical treatments… because five years ago you were found on DS9… with no memory… at the exact same time that Kurn disappeared…" Drex rambled more to himself than the two of them.

Rodek and Nebara frowned, "I know no one named Kurn. And if you were sent here by the Ambassador, why would you not know all this already?"

Drex stood quickly, "It is good that your family is doing well, I will relay the information to the Ambassador. Qapla."

Drex's mind was racing as he left their home as mysteriously as he'd appeared. As soon as he was outside, he opened his comm unit and recalled the files he had on Kurn, son of Mogh. The forehead ridges were definitely different, but the rest of the face was unmistakable.

Drex had found Worf's brother hidden away in a lowly working province building ships. And the poor fool seemed to have no idea who he was, no idea that while he wasted away here his brother was being raised to the highest position in the Empire.

Ambassador Worf stood in the transporter room of the Federation Consulate with the Emissary assigned to accompany him on this mission. She was furiously scrolling through her padd and rattling off the details of the upcoming treaty mission with the Argosians. Worf was nodding and giving a verbal, "Yes" or "That sounds good," when appropriate, but he wasn't really listening. He had not spoken to Anderel since the night of the dinner at her parent's home and he had no idea if she'd even show up.

"You did send her the transport time?" Worf asked, interrupting Emissary Wu.

Wu knew exactly who he was referring to, "Of course, Sir."

"And you stressed that they will expect us to arrive together?"

"Yes Sir."

Worf grunted. After a few more minutes, the two of them stepped onto the transporter padd. Just when he was sure Anderel wasn't coming, the door swished open. She wasn't wearing her usual jumpsuit and instead was dressed formally- her hair hung down her back and just the right amount of cleavage peeked out from her dress. The look on her face was hard to read; Worf had expected her to still be angry, or at the least annoyed. Instead she looked like nothing had happened at all.

"Forgive my tardiness," she said as she lifted her skirts to step onto the platform. Anderel stood next to Worf, chin held high, shoulders back and gloved hands folded in front of her. She was the epitome of poise and strength- she looked just like her mother.

"There is nothing to forgive," he managed to say through his surprise, "Energize."

The three of them materialized in the transporter room of the USS Enterprise-E. Before them stood Captain Picard and Counselor Troi and the smiles on their faces immediately put Worf at ease.

Emissary Wu stepped forward, "May I present to you Worf of the House of Martok, Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire. He is accompanied by Anderel, daughter of Martok and Cultural Attaché to the Ambassador."

"My name is Captain Jean Luc Picard, and this is the ship's counselor Commander Deanna Troi."

Anderel stepped off the transporter pad first, lowered her eyes and bowed her head respectfully, "It is an honor, Captain Picard… and Commander."

"I cannot express how much we have looked forward to this," Deanna said.

Worf finally stepped forward, "Captain, Counselor, it is good to be here," he replied sincerely, "If not somewhat strange."

They both laughed, "I imagine so. It's not every day that one of my former officers comes back as a dignitary."

The five of them left the transporter room and began walking through the corridors. To Worf's continued surprise, Anderel looped her arm through his as they walked.

"In addition to your quarters, we have designated a space for you and your staff to work while you are aboard. I understand that Chancellor Martok has chosen to travel to the rendezvous point aboard his own vessel."

"The Chancellor prefers the comforts of a Klingon ship. He and Mistress Sirella will be beaming aboard for the welcome dinner tonight."

"Excellent."

They rounded a few more corners and after paying attention to their close body language, Counselor Troi spoke up, "If you would allow me to be the first to say Congratulations… we have heard that a wedding is on the horizon."

Worf immediately tensed, but Anderel answered with all the grace of a great lady, "Thank you. We took the Oath of Marriage some time ago and are in the final stages of preparing our formal wedding."

"If I understand correctly, for a Klingon taking the oath means that you are essentially married, is that right?"

Anderel nodded, "A Klingon's word is his most powerful bond. The wedding itself is just a ceremony."

Worf finally spoke up, "But the daughter of the Chancellor deserves nothing but the best."

"Here we are," Captain Picard touched the panel next to the doors and they slid open to reveal the largest quarters Worf had ever seen on a starship.

"Sir, this is too much…"

"Too much? This is where every dignitary that travels on the Federation's Flagship stays. Surely you remember, we had a suite just like it on the Enterprise-D."

"Simple crew quarters would have been sufficient," Worf said, feeling embarrassed.

"You aren't Lieutenant Worf, running scans and firing phasors anymore."

"Thank you, Captain, we are most appreciative," Anderel said.

"I will have all your personal effects transported here," Emissary Wu chimed in before heading back down the corridor.

"Take some time to get settled in, we look forward to seeing you both tonight," Picard reached out and gripped Worf's forearm in the traditional Klingon manner, "Qapla, Ambassador."

Worf nodded, "Qapla."

Anderel and Worf were alone now.

"Cultural Attache?" she asked as she took a seat near the window, "When did I get a promotion?"

"Your expertise is invaluable to me, it seemed only fitting that you have a formal title to signify that."

Worf wandered over to where she was but remained standing. He had sweeping views of Qo'noS down below and could also see Martok's ship off the Enterprise's bow. The tension between them was palpable and Worf has no idea how to proceed.

Anderel stood and stepped closer to him, took his hand in hers and squeezed tightly, "You and I have much to discuss."

"Anderel, I-"

She interrupted him, "But it can wait. For now, we are here in service of the House of Martok. That is always my priority- always. I will put everything else aside to ensure my family's strength. You and I cannot be at odds."

Worf looked down at Anderel; the words she spoke, and the sobering look on her face reminded him why he loved her. Her expression was serious and determined, yet there was always an underlying vulnerability with her, a softness behind her strength.

He nodded, "Understood."

Anderel let out a ragged breath. She'd never thought of herself as a particularly strong or fierce woman, she saved those descriptors for her mother. Right now, putting on this brave face and trying to hold it together was exhausting. She wanted more than anything to just lay everything bare and let whatever was going to happen between them happen. But she meant what she'd said- now was not the time for the two of them to have some impassioned revelation about their relationship. These were important negotiations and Worf needed to be focused on that. And if she was being honest with herself, the courage she'd had a few nights ago when she was drinking at her father's house seemed to have left her.

"I am going to rest before we dine this evening."

Anderel headed towards the bedchamber and let the door close behind her.

This was quite possibly one of the most surreal experiences of Worf's life.

He remembered these types of functions from when he was the Enterprise-D's Chief of Security. He hated them then, but since they weren't about him he was always able to lay low and stay quiet. Not this time. This time he was gathered in a reception room on the Enterprise-E, a ship he'd visited several times but never officially served on. Also gathered there were all the senior staff members of the Enterprise, officers he'd served with for years, as well as the entire Klingon diplomatic delegation.

Worf took another drink from his cup. Martok was on the far end of the room, holding everyone's attention as he boisterously told tales of one battle or another. For someone who said he didn't like this kind thing, he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself.

The guests were ushered to take their seats at a formal dining table. The center of the table overflowed with Klingon delicacies; Emissary Wu had done an excellent job making sure all of Martok's favorites were there. Martok sat at one end with Sirella by his side, while Ambassador Worf was seated near the center, with Anderel. Captain Picard sat on the opposite end.

"Chancellor, you could not have made a more fitting choice for your Ambassador than Mr. Worf," Captain Picard said, his voice beaming with pride, "As much as I wish that he were still serving with us, I am nothing but happy for him."

"Worf has been my greatest ally and most loyal friend since we met in that Dominion prison camp. It is because of him that I am even standing here as Chancellor."

"To Ambassador Worf!" Commander Riker said, his voice bellowing as he raised his glass. The others around them followed suit.

Worf's face was hot, "You honor me more than I deserve."

"Has Worf told you the story of how he defeated Gowron, and when he could have claimed the Empire for himself, gave the honor to me instead?" Martok asked loudly. He loved telling this story most of all.

"I don't believe he has," the Captain replied with an intrigued smile.

Martok eagerly dove into the telling. Of course, the battle between Worf and Gowron got bigger every time.

"So are you saying that Worf could have been Chancellor?" Doctor Crusher asked.

"Oh yes. For a brief moment, he wore this cloak. But a true servant of the Empire, Worf did not seek out glory for himself. He chose instead to reward my years of honor and duty by bestowing it upon me. Thought at times I am not sure if he was doing me a favor or not!" Martok said with a laugh.

"How amazing. And now you are part of his family?" she asked Worf.

"Yes, though I was a member of the House of Martok long before he became Chancellor."

"How does that work for your family- Alexander and Kurn?" Counselor Troi asked.

Worf's eyes widened and he gripped his fork tightly. He immediately looked to the end of the table, Martok was showing Commander LaForge how to choose the best gagh and hadn't been paying attention, "Alexander chose to join the House soon after I did," Worf began nervously, "He joined the Defense Force and served honorably during the Dominion War. After that, he decided to join me at the Federation Consulate and works as part of my staff. The life of a diplomat fits him very well, perhaps even better than myself. I think that as he gains more experience..."

As Worf continued to go on about Alexander, Counselor Troi noticed how he did not mention Kurn at all, as if he were avoiding that part of her query. She sensed extreme discomfort from him as soon as she asked about his son and brother. It had been a long time since Deanna had been around Worf and had gotten out of the rhythm of reading his complex emotions. But even so, it was clear to her that something was amiss.

Anderel noticed as well.

Worf missed space more than he thought he would. He spent much of his time planetside now and though he loved his home there and the life he lived; he missed the solitude of staring into the black sky. He stood there now in the Ambassadorial suite of the Enterprise-E, arms folded over his chest and staring out into that blackness. Ironically, there was something about the expansiveness of it all that made him feel... grounded.

He could hear the door open but did not need to turn around to know who it was. Worf could feel Anderel's presence whenever she was near him; it was a part of mating that was inherent in Klingon physiology and was something he had not experienced with Jadzia. The scent of her filled the room as soon as she entered, and as usual, it washed over him like a breeze of warm air that usually made him feel at ease. Tonight, things were different. Worf had come back to their suite as soon as the dinner ended, but Anderel stayed behind to speak to her mother. That always made him a little nervous.

Anderel walked over to him and stood with him, "It is a very different view than we have at home."

"Yes."

"I had hoped that spending time with you here would help us clarify things, but I fear I have even more questions now," Anderel's gaze was focused squarely on him, "Who is Kurn and why did you nearly have a heart attack when the counselor asked you about him?"

Worf was silent. He knew he had to tell her, but he did not know if she would understand. What he did to Kurn years ago was so... human. How would she react to his decision?

His silence was letting her know that something was indeed going on. Anderel placed her hands on his folded arms, "I am your par'mach'kai and we are joined together on a spiritual journey in a way that I think even you don't truly grasp. When you are in turmoil, then so am I."

"I do not think you will understand this..."

"You haven't given me the chance."

Worf stepped away from Anderel, leaving her standing at the window. He paced the room for a bit, trying to find the words to make this make sense. He couldn't, so he just came out with it, "I havea Klingon brother."

Anderel slowly sat down in the nearby chair. So Drex had been right, "I was not aware you had any Klingon family other than Alexander."

Worf still had not looked directly at Anderel, he focused his gaze on everything but her for fear of what he'd see in her eyes, "He was not at Khitomer when my parents were killed. We were raised apart, him on the Homeworld and myself on Earth. He sought me out years later when our father was accused of treason. We faced that together and then fought alongside Gowron during the Civil War and regained our honor..."

His pacing led him back to the window. Once again he fixed his eyes on the stars, hoping perhaps they would help him make sense of all this, "You know that I opposed Gowron when he chose to go to war with the Federation years ago."

"Yes, I know."

"That decision cost me my place in the Empire, and the dissolution of our House. For me living in Starfleet, I could handle it. But my brother, who at the time held a seat on the council and had built quite the life for himself in the Empire, it was more than he could bear. He came to me for mok'tovah."

"And you didn't do it." Anderel didn't have to ask, she knew Worf. There was no way a human-raised Klingon could kill his own brother, no way that his upbringing outside the Empire would allow him to go through with such an act. Worf had been unable to do it and was ashamed.

Worf continued, still not looking at her, "I tried. But we were discovered, and I could not bring myself to go through it again. He was my brother and I could not just end his life. So Jadzia and I devised a way to give him a new one. We gave him a new identity, and Dr. Bashir erased his memory and recoded his DNA. We sent him on his way as Rodek, son of Noggra. The woman that I have been corresponding with, Nebara, is his wife."

Finally, Worf looked over at her. Anderel's face was a mix of confusion and disappointment. What Worf did, in the eyes of Klingons, would be considered an act of cowardice and dishonor.

"Please say something."

"What is his name? His real name?"

"Kurn, Son of Mogh."

"So instead of facing the situation honorably, you tried to cheat your way out by just giving him a new name? Does Father know of this?"

Her words cut like a knife. Worf wanted to get angry at her for judging him, but she was right. "He does not," Worf answered simply.

"And that was the only thing you could think to do? To erase his memory? When he dies and crosses the river of blood, he will not do so as this new man you tried to make him into. He will do it as Kurn, son of Mogh. He will answer for his life as he was born into it, a life he doesn't even remember."

Worf was silent, heartbroken at her anger and disappointment in him.

"Why did he need the mok'tovah in the first place? What had he done to lose his honor?"

"Gowron took our home, our land, our seat on the council-"

"All just things. Materials things that come and go. What life ending dishonor did Kurn partake in?"

"He did nothing wrong. I opposed the war and-"

"Which means that he had not lost his honor. He lost his position. His wealth, his high station. So what? Is that the most important thing to a Klingon now? The true honor of your House never faltered- you were right about Gowron and the Dominion the entire time. He was wrong to go to war with the Federation, a war that was started by the very Changeling that took over my father's body. The dishonor was done to you. As the elder brother, instead of agreeing to end his life or erase his memory, you should have inspired him to keep going so that you could one day defeat your enemies together."

Worf had never thought about it like that, "When I killed Gowron, it was not just for Martok but for Kurn as well."

"Does he know that? Did you go to him, tell him who he really is and restore him to his rightful place? Or did you just enjoy the fruits of my father's favor all for yourself?"

"That was never my intention!" Worf replied defensively.

"So what have you done then?" she asked.

"I have cared for him and his family as best I could. That is why I have been going to Moren'Cha. He has a wife and children and I have given them assistance in every way I could."

"So that's what you have been sneaking around doing. What else have you kept from me?"

"I have been honest with you about everything else, Anderel."

"And how exactly am I supposed to believe that?"

Worf had no answer.

Anderel let out a weary breath, "I am going to beam over to Father's ship for the night."

Worf wanted to object, but he knew it would not be well received, "I understand," he whispered, his voice filled with defeat.

Anderel arrived on her father's ship and found him still at work in his Captain's office, "Daughter! What are you doing here?"

"Do you have any empty crew quarters that I can stay in tonight?"

"I do… what is going on?"

"Worf has a brother that I knew nothing about," she blurted out in exasperation.

"Yes, Kurn is his name I think."

"You know about him?"

"He sat on the High Council for several years. His fleet helped Gowron defeat the Duras Sisters in the Civil War. Of course I know who he is."

"You never said anything."

Martok shrugged, "Worf keeps everything a damn secret. I didn't know about Alexander until the boy was standing in front of me on my ship. He means well but you're going to have to get used to that."

"So he never mentioned him to you?"

"No. I figured they probably lost touch after Gowron dissolved their house. Why are you bringing this up now?"

Anderel decided not to go into all the memory wiping details, "The woman that I mentioned the other night at dinner… I thought Worf was seeing her. Turns out, she is just his brother's wife."

"Worf is sleeping with his brother's wife?!" Martok exclaimed.

"No! He was just visiting them. And he didn't want me to know."

"See what I mean."

Anderel sighed, "We're supposed to be getting married, Father. We've already taken The Oath."

"I will not tell you how to live your life, Daughter. I will say that if I thought Worf was capable of dishonoring you, I'd kill him myself. You cannot build a life with someone without a few bumps here and there. Your mother drives me crazy sometimes, and I know she knows that she could have done much better than me. But I love her, deeply. There is nothing that I would not do for her," he sighed, "Worf means well, his honor and loyalty are without question. But as much as he may know about Klingon history and culture, he is still learning what it really means to actually be a Klingon. I can think of no better guide in this endeavor than you."

Anderel stood at the back of the room and smiled to herself. She was surprised to find Worf here the next morning, leading a group of the Enterprise's crew in mok'bara exercises. Worf spotted her and tried his best to stay focused. Anderel didn't join in, just watched intently. He wondered what she must be thinking of him right now, seeing him here so at home amongst all these aliens?

His concentration broken, Worf brought the session to an end. A handful of crewmates came up to him, thanking him for doing this again and expressing how much they'd missed it since he'd been gone. Worf tried to Anderel hung back until the last person left. Then, she approached Worf and handed him a flask, "A peace offering," Anderel said with a small smile.

Worf opened the lid, took a drink, and returned the smile "Prune juice."

"Chilled, of course."

"Thank you," he said, taking a larger gulp.

"It was described in the replicator menu as 'a warrior's drink.' You obviously made an impression around here. Is this something you used to do, teach mok'bara to un-coordinated Humans?"

"They aren't all Human… and yes."

"I am learning so much about you on this trip."

"And I am hoping that you still want to be with me when it is over," Worf paused, "I know you needed your space last night, I understand that. I thought about it all night and came to the conclusion that I can never convince you that what I did was right, because I have second guessed it since it happened. For that I am sorry. But, it is done."

Anderel's voice was quiet, "I was shocked at what you'd done and angry that you kept it from me. But my heart still beats for you, that will not change. I know that in your own way you thought you were doing what was best. You tried to fix things by giving him another chance at life."

"It has burdened me for years. When I met your father and joined his House it became worse. I know that a warrior should not regret, but I cannot lie to you, I feel it deeply."

"I regret that you didn't trust me with this sooner."

"I was unsure how you would take it," he answered as honestly as he could, "I still am."

Anderel chose her words carefully so as not to insult Worf, but to make her point very clear, "It was a Human thing to do. That does not make it wrong, it just means that you used a different set of values to make your decision than most Klingons would have. That is who you are, Worf. You combine the traditions of your birth with the experiences of your upbringing."

Worf paused, letting what she'd said sink in. She had said these things to him before, but instead of being offended, this time he was taking it to heart, "But for the yas'cha'dich of a powerful Klingon House, that could be a hindrance."

"That is for Father to decide."

"What do you think?"

Anderel let her silence be her answer.

Worf felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach. He lowered his eyes shamefully, "You deserve so much better than me..."

Anderel touched his face tenderly, "Par'machkai, I love you for who you are. I love you because you drink prune juice and teach mok'bara. I love you because you see me for who I am and have never tried to make me be someone different," she took his hand in hers, "And I am going to be there for you as you make right this thing that has troubled you for so long."

Worf wanted to make this right, he had for years. The question was, what did that even mean?

So sorry that this chapter took me so long! I've had the idea of bringing Rodek/Kurn back for years, but I am really torn about how I want this one to end. Should Worf tell Rodek the truth, or follow Jadzia's advice to not disturb his brother's new life? And if he does tell the truth and "resurrect" Kurn, what will that mean for Worf's role in the House of Martok?