(A/N: Since some asked, the ranks used seem to depend on which site you do your research on. Yes, I probably should have called Harry a "crewman", but the site I used didn't show that. Sigh. For this story, the non-comm ranks are: Yeoman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer. After those are the officer ranks starting with Ensign. Anyway, for those not caring for Harry to be a Yeoman, don't worry about it, he won't be there for very long time-wise.)
Chapter 6
Harry and Kim gathered their things and looked around their quarters for a last time. "It's been a good place to be," he said.
"It has," she agreed. "I've enjoyed it here."
"One last thing, no mentioning my special powers to anyone." He looked at her expectantly.
She made a face at him. "I've already promised. Let's go."
He nodded as he knew she wouldn't. Perhaps it was wrong of him, but last night as she slept, Harry silently and wandlessly summoned the Elder wand to him. He hesitated as a number of people on the Enterprise knew about his magic as did some on Vulcan, who he thought would be discreet about it; but he determined for that knowledge not to spread to other worlds as much as possible. Almost forcing himself, he woke her up with a gentle nudge. When her eyes blinked open and she looked at him, he cast, "Imperio. You will not communicate knowledge of my magic or that I'm magical in any way to anyone who doesn't already know about my magic, nor do that in front of anyone else who doesn't already know. While you will do the commands, you will also not remember me giving these commands. Now return to sleep." She smiled at him and turned her head back to her pillow and returned to sleep while he returned the wand to his nightstand to be put away in the morning.
Shoving that memory from last night aside, they left their quarters for the final time.
A few minutes later Harry was standing fairly calmly with his travel case in the transporter room. Kim was so excited she could hardly stand still, pacing beside half a dozen large crates for the outpost on the planet. They'd already said their good-byes so they waited. He'd even sent a short message to T'sho to let her know where he'd be.
Finally, the ship dropped out of warp and went into orbit around Khitomer. Chief Petty Officer Miles O'Brien looked at the two. "Ready?"
"Yes sir, and thank you for our last talk yesterday," Harry told him as he stilled his magic.
The CPO gave him a self-deprecating look. "Think nothing of it; I enjoyed it too. Energizing."
When Harry next looked, he was on a planet again in front of a small building. One older Human man with graying hair in a Starfleet uniform was there, with commander insignia, leaning against the building. Not too far away an older Klingon woman not in a uniform was standing and waiting also.
The commander stood up and walked over as Harry set his travel case down and stood at attention. "At ease, we're not real formal here beyond titles. I'm Commander Jacobs." He held out his hand.
Harry relaxed and shook. "Yeoman Harry Potter."
Jacobs nodded once. "I have your file which we'll talk about in a few minutes. Your companion?"
"This is K'mpok Akhil," Harry introduced his girlfriend.
Jacobs shook her hand and waved the woman over. "This is Sonari Korg. She's in charge of this area's botany team."
Korg walked over to join the group and gave each teen a careful look. Looking at the girl she asked, "Were you born here?"
K'mpok looked down for a moment, gathering her courage before looking at the woman. "I don't think so; however, my grandmother was when it was occupied, or so I was told."
Korg nodded in understanding. "Yes, the time frame would fit. There are a few others such as yourself here if you wish to seek them out. Come inside, this is your house." She led them in.
Harry looked around. In some ways, it was very similar to the small house they used on Vulcan, but the styling was very different. He suddenly realized this was built by Klingons. He looked at the commander.
Jacobs smiled slightly. "I can guess your question. The settlement is Klingon and is controlled by them, which includes the houses. The Federation outpost is quite small and I'll show it to you shortly."
"Thank you," Harry replied as he set his travel case down.
Korg keyed them into the house so it was theirs, watching them closely while they did. When that was done, she looked at the girl and said, «Why do you stay with him? Is he your pet?»
K'mpok looked at Harry with a possessive look, «No, he is not. In fact, he has saved me twice.»
«So you are his pet?» Korg asked with a hint of disgust.
Harry decided to stop this now. «I am no one's pet and she is not a pet. We are equals. I will protect her as she will protect me.» He found their reactions amusing, not sure who was more surprised, Korg or Jacobs.
«You speak the true tongue?» Korg was definitely surprised.
«Is this the true tongue?» {Or is this the true tongue?} he continued in Vulcan. "Or maybe there is no true tongue?" Harry smirked after using his three languages.
«You mock me?» Korg retorted angrily.
Harry sighed and stayed in Federation Basic in case the commander didn't know Klingon. "I make fun of no one, or else I make fun of everyone. My point is we are all living beings deserving of respect. K'mpok and I living together may be unusual, but neither one is greater than the other, just as no language is better than another … in my opinion."
Korg settled down and glanced at Jacobs before looking back at Harry. "Very idealistic." She nodded and considered it more. "I approve. I like you."
Harry thought she approved more of him standing up to her, but he wasn't going to mention that.
Looking at the girl Korg said, "Come K'mpok. Let's us talk of work." She headed out of the house.
"I'll meet you back here," Harry told her. Kim nodded and left with Korg.
Jacobs waved for Harry to follow him as he left the house. Outside, Jacobs was taking a leisurely stroll. "I was concerned for a moment."
"She was testing me. Wasn't that obvious?" Harry asked.
"To me, yes, because I've seen it done before. I wasn't sure you would know that and was concerned you might say something offensive." Jacobs shook his head. "Mr Potter, considering where we are, I understand that the occasional fight may happen. As long as the results are minor, I turn a blind eye to it. On the other hand, major problems and especially killing someone or causing a riot are things I can not ignore. I do hope you keep that in mind."
"Yes sir, I will. I do realize it will be different here than on a Federation star ship, but I believe it will work out. If a situation becomes difficult, I assure you I will remove myself from it," Harry promised.
"Hmm, I hope you can keep that promise." Jacobs held out his hand to point. "This is the commercial area of this settlement, or town if you prefer. Can you read Klingon as well?"
"Only a little as I've been concentrating on learning to speak it," Harry admitted. "I'll keep my tricorder available to help with the reading."
"That will do," Jacobs agreed. "The largest structure over there is what we call the community center. It's where most go in the evening for socializing. They allow us a table in our own corner," he said with some amusement. "Some of them even visit us, although I don't go there often, so perhaps it's more often than I'm told."
Harry could read between the lines on that one. "Perhaps you'd be more welcome if you went more often to get to know them."
"Perhaps, but they don't make it easy," Jacobs replied. "All are welcome but some are more welcome than others."
"Them" and "they" and "us" and "we", Harry noticed but decided he should keep quiet about it until he understood more.
"Ahead you can see the fenced off area with the building," Jacobs directed his attention. "That 50 by 50 meter square is considered Federation territory by the agreement, at least as long as this is a neutral planet. I predict that in the not too far future this will become part of the Klingon Empire and this outpost will be closed down. We are the engineering and communications team here. There is a team of admin and diplomacy weenies in the capital, who are pretty easy to ignore as long as we keep the equipment running."
`Seriously, you're going to call them that?` Harry considered without changing his expression. What had he gotten himself into here?
Walking into the building, there were two others, obviously waiting.
Jacobs introduced them. "This is Yeoman Harry Potter, who officially joined Starfleet about two weeks ago on the Enterprise. He's been working in engineering." He gestured to the two young men. "On the left is Ensign Walt Abbernathy and on the right is Ensign Doug Milner, both from Earth if it matters. I'll introduce you to Lieutenant O'Malley from Luna later, as he's at home sleeping at the moment since he covers the night shift."
Harry shook hands with each Ensign before the commander waved him onward into an office and into a seat as the older man closed the door.
The commander sat behind his desk and picked up a datapad. "Now that we can't be overheard, probably, I have a few questions for you, Potter. Why is it I can't read your entire personnel file? There is part of it that in order to do so, I'd have to declare a state of emergency, which I can't do unless I can justify it. Because were I to make that declaration, at least three star ships would respond at top warp, the admiralty would rake me over the coals and cash me out for the false report, and I'd generally be in hot water over my head several times over." He dropped the datapad on the desk and leaned back in his chair, waiting.
"I've never seen my personnel file, or anyone's really," Harry told him, "so I can't really say."
"A nice answer, much like you gave Korg in your speech about respect for all. Please guess because if something is going to come back and bite me in the ass I want to know about it." Jacobs continued waiting.
"Truthfully sir, I don't know what's in there. I can make a guess or two, but I don't think it would do you much good." Harry shrugged. "I've done what I've needed to, as ordered, as best as I can. Honestly, I'd like to learn some engineering while I'm here and otherwise have a peaceful time here with my girlfriend until I leave some day."
Jacobs frowned as he leaned forward and picked up the datapad, thumbing it for a moment. "It says that Captain Picard has written two letters of commendation for your actions. That's unusual for someone who's served for only two weeks. Why a yeoman and not someone not on the normal away team? Is that what's so secret?"
"I wasn't even aware he'd done that. I just rescued some people, twice, because I was the best person at the time. You know, the right person in the right place at the right time." Harry shrugged, wanting to leave this topic but not knowing how.
The man stared at him for a moment more before he said, "Whatever your secret is, please make sure it doesn't hurt us here. While there's not much to do, this outpost is politically sensitive and lots of eyes are on us, most of them not on this planet. I'll assign you to help Ensign Abbernathy; he's sort of our 'do everything else' guy." The commander grinned. "I'm sure he'll be happy to give up a few of his jobs.
"Yeoman, I don't care if you learn anything here or not, beyond being someone who can get along with Klingons who tend to be volatile. I don't care if you put in a full shift's work every day or not either, because it'll be a rare day we have that much work. Just get the required work done. As I said before, what I do care about is not making trouble. Are you very clear on that?"
"Yes sir, very clear on not causing trouble. That was already at the top of my list, and I'm not being cheeky; that is for real," Harry promised.
"Very good, dismissed." Jacobs watched him go, obviously wondering about the secrets.
Harry walked out of the office, glad to have kept magic secret here so far, despite how many on the Enterprise knew about it. He found the ensign working at a desk; the other - Milner - wasn't to be seen. "The Commander said I'd be working mostly with you."
"Call me Walt," the young man who looked only a little older than Harry said. "Let me show you around, for what little there is to see."
The office building was small. Five rooms total, that included the bathroom. Out back was a lot of communication equipment, including a small power station. There was also a small equipment shed, the most important things in it being a small robot for cutting the grass and a small sled for getting around.
After grabbing the sled out of the shed so they could drive over, Walt had him direct the way to Harry's new house. The extra crates that had beamed down with them were still stacked there. The two loaded them onto the sled so they could be taken back.
"Harry, it's mid-afternoon and there's not much else to do. Stay here since you're already home and unpack. Come back between eight and nine in the morning and I'll show you a few things to do tomorrow." Walt smiled and slapped him on the shoulder. "I know, come to the community center at seven. I'll buy you a drink and introduce you to a few others. There aren't many humans here and a few of the Klingons are friendly; the rest will leave you alone."
"Err, all right; thanks Walt." Harry watched Walt drive the crates back to the outpost building in the small town. His little research on the planet showed most of the people in this region lived in what passed for the capital about ten kilometers away. That gave him pause. What did that say about the Klingons that they didn't allow an ally outpost like this one in the main city, even at the edge? Probably some more of that "trust but not totally" he'd noticed.
Inside his home, he put his things away, which didn't take long since he didn't have much. He did have that one extra crate of things Kim had given him, mostly Klingon coins and some clothes, but he left that as it was and put the crate in the closet still packed. He'd also brought the firepit and outdoor furniture from Vulcan and that went outside. Not really sure what else to do, he pulled out his NEWT Study Guide and tricorder and continued on that project, mostly just scanning and reading the occasional extra comment in the margin.
Harry also considered that this time in the afternoon when he was alone would be a good time to practice his magic, especially his wandless and silent magic.
Kim returned home looking tired at about the time for dinner.
"What do you want and I'll fix it?" he asked her.
"Anything," she said tiredly before dropping into a chair.
At the small replicator, Harry got some of her favorite foods and water, putting it all on the table. She joined him there.
"They mainly introduced me to the others," Harry told her. "I guess I'll learn what I'll do tomorrow."
"Lucky," she told him. "I was walked all over town to see trees and plants I'd have to learn to take care of. Then we went to the fields to look at the crops grown for everyone." She snorted. "Considering we don't do more than inspect the plants and dirt while automated machinery does all of the work, it seems more like a job for you."
Harry chuckled. "Maybe I should look at that if I get bored." They talked a bit more, but there wasn't really much to talk about yet.
He looked at her and came to a decision. "Kim, I value what we have together, do you?"
"Of course," she answered instantly.
"Then can we always try to meet together for dinner? Maybe we'll eat here, maybe we'll go out and even eat with others at times. Sometimes one of us may have to work late, but I want to try to always get together for dinner. It's," he paused, "I guess I can say it's important to me because you're important to me."
"Sure," she agreed readily. "You're important to me too."
Happy they were in agreement as they finished dinner, he told her, "Come on, let's walk to the community center. Walt said he'd buy us a drink."
Kim groaned. "I don't want to walk anywhere." She still stood and followed him out though.
When they walked into the large building, Harry looked around. The style was very different, but the atmosphere seemed like a pub to him. Over in the left corner was a table for about eight or so, with the two ensigns he'd met at the outpost. He pulled Kim over.
"Hi Harry!" Walt said over the very definitely Klingon music as he waved his arm with two fingers held up. "Who's this?"
"This is my girlfriend, K'mpok," he told them, shocking them. "Those are Ensigns Walt Abbernathy and Doug Milner."
"Walt," the man said and shook hands with the Klingon teen.
"Call me Doug," the other said neutrally, also shaking hands.
"Girlfriend?" Walt asked. "There must be a story with that."
A middle-aged human male approached with a small tray and two glasses of what looked like a dark beer. "This is Fredrick, the bartender", Walt introduced him. Fredrick nodded before turning a leaving.
"Yeah, he's not very talkative," Walt said. "The Klingons appreciate that and he's sort of not strayed from his role; sad really. So, your story?"
"I was on the Enterprise-"
"Really?" Doug exclaimed, looking more interested suddenly.
"Yeah, I had a little trouble and they picked me up. Well, then there was this accident and a Klingon ship helped tow us to a Starbase that wasn't too far away. I met K'mpok and she stayed."
Kim rolled her eyes and shook her head. "There was also an accident on the ship because it was damaged and Harry saved my life, then he helped me immigrate to the Federation."
"Oh, I had heard that the Enterprise was in for repairs," Doug said with a nod.
"Yeah, but it's back out again," Harry told him as a couple of Klingons walked up, a male and a female - each in their early twenties.
"Someone new," the girl said. "I'm J'sheh."
"Norull," the boy said.
"K'mpok, and this is my boyfriend Harry." Kim practically dared them to say something bad.
"Interesting," J'sheh said after a moment and a grin. "Want to come join us?" she said to Kim.
Kim looked at Harry. He shrugged. "You can go or not as you wish, just like always. I'll come if you want or stay."
"You might as well meet them now." Kim stood.
"Back in a bit," Harry told the two Ensigns as he rose to their chuckles, his beer in his hand.
Harry walked towards the lion's den, or really five other Klingons, all in their twenties. He noticed about half looked a little different in various ways; they were the others like Kim whom Korg had mentioned he realized - those not completely Klingon. He did his best to learn their names. One, a Tavana who appeared to be full Klingon, sneered at him and generally wouldn't speak to him. He did surprise them by speaking Klingon and that eased the acceptance for all but the one.
All in all, it was a surprisingly good night.
The next morning, Kim and Harry each left and walked to work.
At the Federation outpost building Walt greeted him. "Morning, Harry. Here's our other crew member, Lieutenant Brian Ratlin; he's from Luna."
Harry shook hands with the middle-aged man who didn't look very happy to be there. "Good to meet you Lieutenant."
"Yeoman. Welcome to Outpost Boredom. If you'll excuse me, I need to go catch some sleep." Ratlin left without another word to anyone.
Harry waved at Doug before he said, "Is that normal for him?"
"Yep," Walt answered, "that's normal for Mr Grumpy. Don't worry about him as you'll rarely have to work with him. Follow me … I have a few tasks to show you."
In the main comm room, Walt pointed to a box. "This is the main relay to our main subspace antenna. Once a month we have to run a diagnostic, which includes a visual inspection. We start by pushing this button to start a self-diagnostic and wait a moment." A few seconds later a light turned green and the display showed the test passed. "Follow me again."
Walt led them outside and they got into the sled and drove away from the outpost and toward the low rolling hills to the north. "Wished we had a flying sled, but those that decide those things never send one, even when it's requested. Then again," Walt grinned, "it's not like we're in a hurry."
They drove up into the hills using an easy to navigate path until they reached the top which allowed them to over look the town and see the capital about ten kilometers away.
Walt stopped the sled but stayed in it. "See the antenna?" There was a slight grin on his face.
Harry looked in front and then around them. "There are only trees. Oh, it's hidden and was made to look like a tree."
"True, but which one. Beer is on me again if you can figure it out in the next 30 seconds while sitting here and not using a tricorder," the Ensign challenged.
Harry looked and only one tree looked even slightly different. He closed his eyes for a moment and reached out with his magic. That one tree felt a little different from the others, like it wasn't there. Pointing, he said, "That one."
Walt sat up shocked. "What?! How did you do that? It was created to looked just like all of the others here! How?!"
Shrugging, Harry told him, "It's hard to say other than that one feels different in some way. Maybe it's too perfect?"
Walt was about to retort when he stopped and looked around.
"They all have a dead branch or maybe some dead leaves, but that one doesn't," Harry pointed out. "I hadn't realized that until now, but my gut said something was off and I think that's it." He got out of the sled and walked over. "There's no bugs on it either."
Walt swore as he grabbed a tricorder he'd brought with him and walked over. "Lucky guess, but I'll pay up. Just you though; you're girlfriend is on her own."
"Fair enough," Harry replied with a smile and a nod, wondering if he could get Walt to do other bets like this for free drinks.
"Using this tricorder, there is a command with a secret key that will cause a little door to open so we can inspect it." Walt did so and showed him what to look for, including the light to show the testing had passed, before closing the door back so it was lost in the camouflage of the tree bark.
Walt looked at him. "Ever driven one of these sleds?"
"Nope."
"Get in the driver's seat," Walt told him as he took the passenger seat. "This lever controls our speed. That grip on the steering wheel with slow us down when held, so you can think of the lever as our max speed and control our speed with the grip. Other than that, steer us so we don't hit anything. I'd suggest starting slow and speed up only when you're more confident."
Harry did it and found it wasn't all that hard.
"So, what's it like with a Klingon, in bed I mean?" Walt asked after a few minutes.
Glancing at the man, Harry said, "That's private between us, other than the obvious that it's not for everyone. Humans are more fragile than Klingons so that makes it difficult without care."
"Nothing I didn't already know." Walt looked at him for a moment before he turned back to watching where they were going to ensure they didn't get lost despite the path being obvious.
Harry pulled over to the side for a moment and got out. The sled was mostly silent so the sound of water was fairly obvious when he was close enough. He looked across a small stream to see a small clearing on the other side. To his left and up the hill a little bit was a jumble of rocks that the stream flowed over. "Nice."
"I suppose, but after you've seen it once or twice it loses its novelty," Walt told him.
Harry didn't agree with him but didn't mention it. However, he did memorize the location before the two headed back to the sled. It wasn't long before they were back at the outpost and the sled was put back into the shed.
Walt waved at a wall. "There are also some tools for doing work on the grounds. I'll show you how to start the little 'bot that cuts the grass. While it's doing that, you can make sure all of the plants are doing well. The commander does like a neat and pleasant looking outpost." He slapped Harry on the shoulder and grinned. "That's your job now." He did tell about the 'bot before he left to go back indoors.
Starting the 'bot, Harry walked around outside. This wasn't hard, much like him taking care of the lawn at the Dursleys. A few things needed to be tidied and a few plants needed a little help, but nothing he couldn't handle easily.
A bit later he was bent over the last plant that needed help by being thinned when he heard a familiar voice from behind him. «Look at the nice ass.»
He grinned and didn't turn. «Best be careful, my girlfriend is the jealous type and she might kick your ass.» When he heard two people laughing, he turned around to see Kim and J'sheh, the friend being the surprise.
«I don't know, he's kind of skinny,» J'sheh teased.
«I can kick your ass on my own,» he retorted.
J'sheh laughed again. «I like him; he's like a feisty Targ.»
Kim laughed, «Except he's more than a Targ. No, we treat the warrior he is with respect. He saved my life once when I couldn't have by getting us out of a vacuum when a window gave out.»
Her friend looked surprised. «How?»
«Not sure I can really explain it except for grabbing me and moving quickly.» Kim shrugged and Harry was amused at how his secret command to her worked.
«Interesting. Come on, we need to get going. You can tell me more about him later.» As J'sheh turned, Kim mouthed a silent growl to him and turned as well.
Harry chuckled to himself and returned to work. About the time he was finished with the rest of the plants, the 'bot was done with the lawn and was put away. After lunch at his house, he returned to work and set up a work area for himself in the office at an empty station. He didn't hurry and he was still done by three. Walt sent him home despite the time.
It wasn't hard to find a place that sold small weapons in the town, despite the small population. He found a knife he liked with good feel and balance. He bought it and a sheath. He'd practice on it as he continued his project, wanting to prove his idea before he tried his idea on his bat'leth.
— — —
Kim gave an unhappy look at Walt that evening when he bought Harry a beer but not her. She then ignored the man and pulled Harry over to her new Klingon friends. "I found out something today. There are a few here who train with a bat'leth and we can join them."
"Oh?" he perked up. He'd wrapped the handle of his bat'leth so it looked like it was a very normal weapon, not his goal. His goal of having a special weapon would have to come later. With the training, he could gain more experience with it, maybe make a few friends too.
A few days later Harry was disappointed to learn that Tavana was one of the instructors of the bat'leth training class. He supposed it worked out that she basically ignored him. Norull was the other instructor and he was generally friendly after he recovered from his surprise at Harry doing the first seven katas well and the eighth mostly well, as Worf had only taught them it in the last week. Harry was looking forward to learning the last four.
At the end of their first week, Harry put the last of dinner into a conjured basket just as Kim arrived. "Get our training weapons; I have a surprise for you."
"What?" Kim asked suspiciously.
"Just grab them; it's a good surprise." He conjured a blanket on top of the basket before picking it all up by the basket handles. Kim returned with the training weapons.
He held his hand out and she understood to take it. Suddenly, they were in a small clearing in the hills above the town. "Like it?"
Kim looked around. "It is nice. Why?"
Harry pulled out the blanket and spread it on the ground with a good shake. "I wanted us to spend a little time together, just the two of us instead of with everyone at the community center." When she gave him a questioning look he added, "We haven't spent that much time together and I wanted to. I have dinner and we can do a little training. If you're a good girl, I can also read some poetry to you; I brought the book you have."
"You did?" she said in surprise as she sat down beside him. "Is this what you called a picnic?"
"It is," he admitted as he started pulling food out of the basket.
"Klingons don't do this," she told him as she took a plate.
"Then learn a little something from Earth culture," he told her with a grin. "We can eat, do a little exercise with our weapons, swim, and then perhaps a little poetry and little more of a different kind of exercise. The pool at the end of the small waterfall isn't very large or deep, but we can use it like a bath. I'll even cast a spell to turn people away and give us some privacy here … later … under the stars. I even brought a small bottle of Bloodwine."
Kim growled quietly. "You make an excellent boyfriend if you do all of that."
Harry just grinned at her.
It was late afternoon again and Harry was home, as usual, since he rarely worked past three in the afternoon and sometimes Walt even sent him home at lunch time.
He'd been on Khitomer for three weeks and was making nice progress on personal projects. He'd just finished his stretching and personal exercises for all twelve katas with his bat'leth. He also practiced the most useful spells from his first five years at Hogwarts wandlessly and most silently. He'd started sixth year work today. He'd finished scanning the NEWT Study Guide last week and was now studying Runes.
To his immense delight, he'd found several examples of Rune sequences in the Study Guide that were very close to what he needed. With a piece of steel in the shape of a knife from a transfigured stick, Harry used a spell with his wand to carve the needed runes on the metal of the handle. When he was done, he compared his work to what was written in the book and then his note that was different by one rune. It looked correct. Lastly, he added a wrap and put it on the handle to protect his hand.
Harry conjured a rock and a piece of paper. He stabbed the rock with the knife, which created a spark. Examining the point of the knife, he couldn't see any damage at all. He then beat the rock with the sharp edge of the knife ten times. Again, there was no damage that he could see. Finally, he used the knife to cut the paper using all of the edge as he went down the paper. It cut perfectly without any problems, not a single nick to cause the cut to have trouble.
Pleased, Harry vanished all of the test materials before he took the wrap off of his real knife, carved the runes on it, then he rewrapped and sheathed the knife, putting it on his belt for him to carry. Since it was almost five o'clock, he put everything up and pulled out his tricorder to see what else he could do for a weapon other than make it very hard, almost indestructible.
He was so absorbed in his reading that Harry only realized Kim wasn't home when it neared seven o'clock. With a frown, he pulled dinner from the replicator and ate before moving to a chair in front of their house to see her sooner, all the while hoping she wasn't in trouble somewhere. She hadn't come home until nearly ten for the last two nights, claiming she'd forgotten about the time.
Finally, he saw her rushing home a little after nine o'clock. "I'm so sorry," she told him as she ran up, "I forgot about the time again."
He looked at her calculatingly before turning and going inside the house.
"Harry!" she called as she hurried after him.
"What Kim?" he snapped as he stopped and twirled around suddenly, causing her to halt quickly so she didn't run into him. "Do I need to buy you a watch?" It was a moment before he remember McGonagall chastising him and Ron about being late to class and threatening to turn one of them into a pocket watch; he didn't smile at the normally good memory this time.
"I just stopped by to see my friends after work and forgot to be here in time for dinner, that's all," she defended herself.
"For the third day in a row and I made a point of the time for the last two nights also, which you seem to have forgotten about," he pointed out. "Look, we said being together was something we liked, that it was important to us - especially to me. It doesn't seem like you think it's important to us any more."
"I said I'm sorry," she told him a little angrily.
"Yes, you said that for the last two nights also and still did it again, twice." He glared at her.
She growled, "What do you want me to say?"
"I don't want you to say anything unless you don't care any more," he told her. "I want you to do. If you don't want to do because you don't care, then tell me that." He walked around her.
"Where are you going?" she demanded.
"For a walk to cool off. I'll be back when I figure out what time it is." He stormed out of the house and was glad she didn't try to follow him.
He walked a little aimlessly, enjoying the cool of the night air. He noticed about half of the houses he passed had dark windows, those having gone to bed … where he should be. He growled quietly, still a little angry at his girlfriend.
"Bring your moaning over here and prove to me you're really a warrior," was said from the shadows.
Harry whirled, his knife coming out and a shield spell ready on his other hand.
A low laugh came from the figure that stepped out. In the low light of the moon, Harry recognized who it was and lowered his knife, although he didn't put it away. "Now is not a good time to cross me, Tavana."
She laughed quietly again. "Who said I wanted to cross you, Earthling? Maybe I wanted to try you for myself to see what your young … friend," she said distastefully, "sees in you."
"Again, not a good time, go away."
He turned to go but she stopped him with, "So trouble at home. Come with me, I'll make you feel all better."
"Enjoy your dream," he snarled as he walked away and put his knife up. He also heard low laughter behind him, which made him walk faster.
He headed towards the outpost building; Ratlin would be awake. Maybe now was a good time to get to know the man better.
Except Ratlin told him to go away, so Harry left and found a hidden place and Apparated to the clearing in the hills. There, he conjured a couple of blankets and a pillow, after putting a cushioning charm on the ground. He watched the stars until he fell into a fitful sleep.
The next morning Harry was wakened by sunlight. He returned to the backdoor of his house. Looking in through a side window, he saw that Kim was still asleep in bed. He very quietly sneaked into the house, changed clothes, then left again for work.
He was off by four and headed home, where he sat down and thought about the last day and his relationship with Kim. He still loved her, or so he thought, but did she really love him? He finally figured out he didn't know how to answer that and Kim was really the only one who did know.
Harry wasn't happy when he thought of another question, but now the cat was out of the bag. How did he know when they were done with each other? He had no illusion they'd stay together forever. There were little things that made him wonder about their relationship, like the last three days, but there was also what Aunt Q had told him. She knew something about his future. He was certain she wanted him to figure it out. He wasn't thrilled about that, but he could sort of see her point. If she told him everything, did that make him a puppet to that story? Did that steal his free will to choose something else? He thought he could choose something else, but would he really? It was enough to give him a headache.
A little after five the front door opened and Kim hurried in. At first she looked relieved to find him there, then angry, and finally unhappy as she sank into a chair across the room from him. She wasn't her bold Klingon self right then; no, she actually looked vulnerable for once.
"I'm glad to see you," she told him quietly.
"It's good to see you," he said quietly too, distantly.
When he didn't say anything else and the silence dragged on, she all but shouted, "Why aren't you yelling at me?"
He shrugged. "Would it really help?"
She dropped her head.
"Look, I think the question is, do you still care about us?"
Kim's head jerked up. "Yes!"
"Then show it and I'll be happy. Come home and eat dinner with me even if you want to go out and spend time with your friends. I won't stop you and I'll even come with you most of the time. Or else come home after work and we'll go out to eat. The point is come home after work and tell me what's going on and what you want to do. I've never forced you to do anything for me, or at least I don't think I have. All I've ever wanted is for you to spend some time with me, for us to be … an 'us'. If you don't want there to be an 'us', at least care enough to tell me so and I'll take my things and leave for somewhere."
"I don't want you to leave," Kim told him fiercely. "Come to the bedroom and I'll show you."
"I like sex with you, but this isn't about sex, Kim," he explained. "This is about if we still want to be together. I do, but I need to see the same commitment from you."
She nodded. "I'm sorry. I understand now. I-"
Harry understood why she'd stopped. She couldn't admit she was confused, or undecided, or something. "I don't care if you tell me what's wrong. I just care that you do the right thing. A mistake occasionally isn't a problem, but when you make the same mistake over and over I start to think you don't care about me any more."
Kim nodded again. "I'll try harder. Dinner? I'll cook and we can have anything you like."
He smiled slightly. "Dinner would be good."
"Maybe a walk, just the two of us, to that waterfall?" she suggested. "We haven't been there since our picnic."
"Sure, and a walk in the woods … maybe," he suggested back.
She stood and walked towards the replicator but Harry stopped her before she made it and gave her a hug, burying his face in her bushy hair that had a faint smell of dirt today, telling him she had been working in the fields. She squeezed him so tight he had to tickle her to get her to let go lest she break one of his ribs. She laughed before she kissed him and slipped away to make dinner.
It was fixed for now, he thought. For now…
Harry had eaten dinner by himself again, for the third night in a row he thought as he sighed. They had only been on Khitomer now for two months, or about a month after their first big fight about her ignoring him. He noticed it was happening for a second time; Kim was again spending more time in the Klingon Community Center, or what he called their pub. He headed out to go find her and remind her again, hopeful that this approach would work better.
They were going to have to talk about their relationship again. He still liked her, but again he was starting to wonder how she saw him. After the last month with time to consider it all, he thought it was as simple as she wasn't aware of how she was treating him because she was so focused on really connecting with others who were like her: not fully Klingon but determined to be Klingon. He honestly didn't care how she viewed herself, just as long as she was true to herself.
This part of Khitomer was pretty open in that everyone was welcomed, although some were more welcome as the commander had said. Harry was amused that he was one of the more welcomed ones because he lived with Kim and spoke Klingon fairly well now.
Walking into the "pub" he heard some Klingon music in the background. The human bartender, Fredrick, nodded to him. Walt and Doug weren't here tonight. He'd never seen the Commander or Ratlin in here. Looking around, he saw Kim with her usual group of friends talking and laughing, each with a drink in hand.
As he was about to walk over and join her, he saw movement. Tavana was walking towards him, dressed in her usual provocative style and a predatory look on her face. He could only hope she ignored him and kept walking for the door as he walked to the side and towards Kim.
"Harry, wait," Tavana called and stepped to the side, not quite blocking his path but he would have to step around her a little to continue.
"Tavana," he greeted her neutrally and then tried to take the half-step to his left to go around her, but she took her own half-step to continue to slow him down. Was this the third or fourth time she'd approached him? Probably only the third but but it felt like it had been more. Last time she'd tried it had been here when Harry had come early and Kim wasn't off work yet. It was like Tavana couldn't take no for an answer.
"She doesn't have time for you, come with me." Tavana shuffled another half-step so she could reach out and touch his arm with her fingertips. "I'd still be happy show you what a real Klingon woman can do."
A glance showed Kim had noticed Tavana and she stood, anger on her face. He knew what was about to happen if he did nothing and he didn't know if Kim could take Tavana or not. The practice sessions with the bat'leth group had shown that Tavana was actually good at defending herself, at least from fights he'd seen her in with other Klingons. Harry knew he had to stop this once and for all, especially when he noticed that Tavana looked to be enjoying herself far too much, reminding him of the idiot first officer on the Q'vat and how he and Kim had come together. Fortunately, he had more freedom now to do as he pleased. Ignoring the woman in front of him, he looked right at his girlfriend.
«As a battle makes my blood sing, so does your strength en rapt me.
When I beat back the barbarians, you are my shield.
To crush them all, I need but my knife and you at my back.
My foes are sent to Grethor with you at my side, my warrior maiden.»
He looked at Tavana and growled, «You are none of that and you are not worthy to even carry her bat'leth.»
Her reaction was swift but he was ready. Tavana didn't jab, for which he was thankful, but she swung with all of her strength. However, her swing gave him time to bring his arm up to block it even as he stepped forward and hit her hard between her breasts while thinking of a banishing spell. The woman went flying, landing over two meters behind and hard on her back, her head hitting the plasti-crete floor. She wasn't quite unconscious, but she wouldn't be attacking him either as she fought to remain conscious.
Kim started marching over; he recognized the lusty look and grinned slightly. She stopped near Tavana, who now looked to be struggling to breathe and spit on her, before she resumed her journey, grabbing Harry by the upper arm and practically dragging him out of the building. He didn't resist, but he also didn't seem to be going as fast as she wanted, hence the dragging.
It didn't take long before he was pulled into their little house and the door locked. She started tearing at her clothes and he started taking his off and preparing his magic for what was coming next. He knew what would happen when he spoke poetry like that to her in a public setting, besides getting rid of Tavana.
As she lunged at him, he thanked Merlin or perhaps The Great Dragon, for the wandless magic he could do.
When he woke the next morning, Harry found his legs entangled in her legs and her generally on top. He didn't mind too much as she had at least kept him warmer. A look to the side allowed him to spot the top sheet, or perhaps what was left of it. He summoned it and allowed it to cover them for a little more warmth, even though it was ripped half way. Thank goodness for repairing charms.
That seemed to wake her up though. Kim blinked slowly at him before she started to grin. "I can't believe you did that, but thank you."
"I meant it, but I also hope it got rid of her because I found her very annoying," he told his girlfriend.
"As did I, but I wonder if we will have to watch our backs now," she mused, not sounding overly concerned. Suddenly, she looked a little pissed off. "Now I shall have to defend you from all of the other girls after that."
"Or you'll have to stay closer to me to show them I'm taken," he quipped.
Kim looked at him for a long moment. "Is there truth to her words? Is that why she approached you?"
Harry didn't want to answer that because he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
She flopped over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. "I've been ignoring you again, haven't I? Tell me the truth." She looked to the side and stared at him now.
"I have been eating more dinners alone," he said finally.
Kim gave a little scream and slammed her fists onto the bed, one barely missed him in a place he didn't want to be hit. Looking at him again she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I thought I was paying attention to you."
He rolled to his side and looked at her. "I know, but I would like to spend at least a little more time with you in the evenings. I'm sure we can think of something to do. There's always poetry if we can't think of anything else." He grinned at her.
She gave her sexy growl and rolled over to him and grabbed his head, kissing him hard. She was much gentler this time but they still didn't get out of bed and take a shower until nearly half an hour later. Fortunately, they had woken earlier than normal so neither of them was late for their job.
— — —
While Kim hurried off to her botany job, Harry strolled over to the outpost building. When he walked in, he saw his best friend in this group. "'Morning Walt."
His friend looked up. "Harry, I'm impressed you're still alive."
Harry blinked at that. "Err, why wouldn't I still be alive. Was there a Romulan attack no one told me about?"
Walt gave him a 'get real' look. "Don't even joke about that. No, I meant what you did last night. The story of your greatness is being told everywhere."
Out of a side door, another person entered the main area.
"Commander," Harry greeted him hastily and glad to be off Walt's topic.
"Mr Potter," Commander Jacobs said evenly before he cracked a tiny smile. "From what I know of the Klingon culture, I've wondered about you and K'mpok; and now I hear of you serenading her with love poetry in the Community Center, plus rebuffing another Klingon woman who was attempting to seduce you. Please tell us, Mr Potter, how do you do it all and live to tell the tale?" The smile was a little bigger, but it was delivered so evenly.
Harry dropped his head and put a hand over his face.
"Please tell us how you do it," Walt begged before he started to laugh.
Looking up, he saw the Commander grinning at him as he held in his laugh.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Harry returned sarcastically.
Walt reached out and pulled on one sleeve, moving the neckline of Harry's shirt on that one side. "Oh, that is a bite mark I see, so you didn't escape completely unscathed."
Harry took a step back and readjusted his shirt. "I'm perfectly fine, but if this is how you treat me," he said a little pompously, "I can leave."
The commander chuckled once more briefly before he said, "Actually, I'd like you to stay and help us with an equipment upgrade. We've received some new communication equipment and a new computer. I'm sure you can learn something; perhaps even have a little fun as the Ensign here struggles."
"Sure, I can do that," Harry said, "I might even could help him strangle, I mean struggle."
"Harry!" Walt didn't care for that response.
The commander chuckled again and returned to his office as Walt motioned him to follow into the back room were several crates where stacked. Walt pulled him to the back of the room and whispered, "So, to get a Klingon girlfriend all I have to do is quote poetry?"
"No Walt, don't even try. I promise you that you can't handle a Klingon woman. You'd end up with an extended stay in a hospital," Harry told him.
"But-"
"No, don't go there, trust me, Walt. I'm not holding out on you. It is the rare Human that can manage when they go full Klingon on you, and even I get a little damaged. So don't you try, all right?"
"What if I get her to promise to be gentle?" Walt continued.
Harry just shook his head. "I guess if you like being hurt. Now show me what's really in these crates and needs to be done? I wasn't aware a supply ship was coming."
Harry's smile faded as the recorder finished. He sent his monthly letter to T'sho, who was still on Vulcan. There was no doubt he would have noticed anyway, since he had twice before, but corresponding with T'sho just drove the point to the final conclusion. It had been four months since the last intervention, making this the best try yet, but it was happening again. This time, Harry didn't say anything just to see how long it would happen.
It was now the fifth day this week, really the entire work week, that Kim had skipped dinner. She still said the right things when she got home, apologizing and trying to pay attention. However, each evening she came home a little later. Harry wasn't going to go to the pub after her, he wasn't going to say a thing.
The weekend went well and they had a lovely time, but it was nearly nine o'clock before she came on Monday evening.
Tuesday morning after she went to work, and he'd laid in bed awake last night for what had seemed like a long time debating with himself, Harry made another recording, this time with some security questions to protect the message. He stared at the computer screen for several minutes before he finally said, "Send message." The computer beeped and Harry left the house for work just like usual.
— — —
Captain K'tar entered his office after ascertaining that all was well on his ship - the Q'vat. Sitting at his desk and grumbling at the paperwork, he looked at new messages that had come in overnight. The one from the Admiralty was read first, meaningless as usual, making him wonder if he really wanted to become an admiral. Several more from his Chief of Security, an acknowledging reply sent back for each. One from his wife about the family; his son was on leave for six weeks, making him want to travel home but knowing it was impossible for now.
The last message was almost deleted as there was no sender shown, but it was marked as encrypted. He told the computer to play the message, but no recording started. Instead a question popped up on his screen.
«Verifying identity: Name the most worthless first officer you have ever had.»
«What in the name of Grethor!» he swore as he stared at the screen.
The computer beeped. «Incorrect answer, two tries left.» The question remained on the screen.
He almost called his Chief of Security but stopped just before his finger pushed the button for the call. Who would dare remind him of that bastard he'd gotten rid of? Why would that incident be brought up. Not sure if he was more pissed off or curious, he said, "K'ranog".
The screen cleared as the computer said, «Correct», and then showed new text.
«Verifying identity: Name the girl who got away.»
He stared at the screen again. There was only one girl at least in the context of K'ranog and he remembered her name well. He said, "K'mpok."
The screen cleared as the computer said, «Correct», and then showed new text.
«Verifying identity: Name the human who surprised K'ral.»
He almost smiled, he really did - almost. "Harry Potter."
«Correct.»
The screen cleared and began to play a message.
«Captain K'tar. My apologies for the questions I asked to verify your identity, but I thought at least one of those would be hard for anyone but you to answer, and all of them together should ensure only you can view this.
I hope that you are doing well. Worf said you might be an admiral by now; if so, congratulations. I'm afraid that while I am on Khitomer at the moment, even information like that is still hard to come by, probably due to the uniform I'm wearing.
As for this message, I'm sending it with the hope you can help me in a small way, although if you can't I understand as this is probably an unusual request. I'm afraid that my time with K'mpok is at an end and I am ready to leave Khitomer. As I now wear the Starfleet uniform of a yeoman, I can leave on the next ship out as I volunteered to come here and I've exceeded the time required to stay as of last week so I can take a leave any time I want.
I'd like to take a brief leave of absence and take a tour … again.
» Potter grinned broadly.
«This time I'd like to spend a little time on Kronos, maybe two to four weeks. I can think of reasons for saying no, like I'm part of Starfleet, even if I'm at the lowest rank possible. Or because I'm a Federation citizen and neither of those types of people are generally allowed to go, even if we're supposed to be allies. Or I could be turned down for other possible reasons I'm sure.
One thing I have been able to find out is that a Klingon trade ship that will also go to Kronos is due to come here in a few days, although I don't know exactly when.
So my request for help is to see if you can help me get travel documents to the Klingon home world so that I may fully experience the culture before I generally leave this part of my life, and if you can help me on that ship. I was told it shouldn't cost much and I have money to travel both ways.
Therefore, as you helped me return to the Enterprise after dealing with K'ranog, I ask for a little more help to learn more of your people for a short time. If you are unable to help, I understand it was too much to ask and I'll seek a transfer elsewhere in the Federation immediately. You may address any message to me on Khitomer and I'll get it.
May your blood and sword sing!
»
K'tar blinked in surprise at the message which ended in a traditional Klingon farewell before he leaned back in his chair.
As a captain in the Klingon Defense Force and the head of a family of significant political standing, he had little doubt he could get Harry Potter a visitor visa to Kronos and get him on the supply ship. A quick query to the computer showed the ship would be there in two and a half days. What if… he asked himself as a plan formed.
A few commands and he had a tourist visa completed. A conversation and a sharply worded order with a clerk at the shipping company secured a private room on a barely acceptable ship and at least reasonable food for a trip that would take a week. That information was sent in a brief message with an itinerary to Khitomer.
Finally a message was sent home. «Udrah. We have an opportunity…»
— — —
Harry was still at work when the message came in. He was surprised to get an answer back the same day he'd sent his message. Wondering what it would say, he transferred it to his special tricorder, which he frequently carried around so there was no surprise if anyone saw him with it. Putting in an ear piece so he could listen in private, he played the message as he walked around the building, supposedly checking the decorative plants, not that they needed help as they looked better than they ever had before Harry had come.
With a smile, he returned to his station and sent two requests to Commander Jacobs: a leave of absence for six weeks and a request to transfer to a new Starfleet location when he returned. Both were approved without complaint or a meeting. Harry had long suspected the laxness by the commander came from his not really caring about being here and just waiting out his time before retirement. This sort of proved that, or it did in Harry's mind.
He'd tell Walt and Doug tomorrow and ask them to keep it to themselves for a couple of days.
There was only one more non-trivial thing to do before he left and it would be his hardest he was sure.
That evening just reinforced his decision. Kim didn't come home until almost nine. Again she apologized and said she was with a friend. He again accepted and nodded, not voicing his objection.
(A/N: Yes, the break up with Kim is finally happening and he continues his "trek" through the universe.)