The Hour of The Wolf
Chapter Seventeen

'Ships log, USS Akira. Captain Annabelle J. Williamson recording.' Anna sighed and picked up the data padd with her most recent orders on. 'The second week of our long delayed shakedown cruise has been put on hold and we've been ordered by Starfleet Command to some remote corner of the galaxy for some unexplained reason. We're to stop off at a nearby Starbase to pick up some supplies and the rest of our crew before making best speed. Rumour has it that there's a new colony out there that needs resources. Why they set up in back end of nowhere is beyond me, but that's why I'm happy as a ship's Captain and not one of half a dozen paper pushers back home.'

She dropped the Padd in disgust 'On a personal note; The Akira is now the single most advanced ship in Starfleet and while design complications prevented it from being operational for the Borg attack these last few days have convinced me that we could have made a better stand if we were better prepared. I know we won, but we still lost a lot of people and I lost some good friends. To have a vessel like this ready to defend the Federation and reduce it to a cargo scow tells you everything you need to know about Starfleet policy right now.' Standing up Anna paced back and forth behind her new desk.

Above her the lights flickered as the room shuddered. It wasn't the first time the inertial dampeners were on the blink. 'Log continues; Doctor Brahms and her team are still ironing out some issues with the engines. She's asked for time to conduct a complete restart of the warp core, I'm inclined to agree. However Starfleet's orders were quite clear. That means she's going to have to stay onboard for a while while we get this mission over with. I'm sure that's going to make Chief Engineer McTalbot overjoyed.'

Her door chime rang. 'Pause log. Enter.'

The door opened and her acting XO came in. 'Sorry Captain, we're coming up on Starbase Rugby.'

She rolled her eyes, Starbase Twenty-Seven was an old base and had quite a reputation for the old sport. So much that a lot of people called it Rugby. 'Drop out of Warp and hail the Starbase. I'll be in there in a minute.' The XO left and she sat back down. Tapping the console on her table she un-paused the log. 'Warp engines aside the Akira is fully operational and ready to begin it's first official mission. As an errand runner.'

Worf looked down at the security controls. 'Captain, I'm detecting something I can not identify, approaching from heading 120 by 340.'

Captain Riker sat up 'Mr Data?'

'I can confirm. It's resolving into a high energy Tachyon field. Moving at high warp.'

Commander Shelby stood and walked towards Data's console. 'A cloaked ship of some kind?'

'Most likely.' He answered. 'As no known natural phenomenon can travel at these speeds it is practical to make that deduction.'

Riker stood up. 'Mr Crusher, take us out of warp, helm all stop. Mr Worf, yellow alert.'

'All stop, aye sir.'

Swallowing a growl Worf nodded 'Yes Captain.' He would have gone straight to Red Alert, But the Captain was right. They were a distance from the Romulan border and any cloaked ship would have to appear before it could attack. Yellow alert meant shields were up, but no aggressive action. In other words they are unknown, so they make the first move but be ready.

'The contact is slowing down. Tachyon field dissipating.'

'Hypothesis Mr Data?' Commander Shelby asked. 'Why?'

'It is possible that the contact was traveling at maximum Warp, the power drain on it's systems leaving it unable to fully hide it's emissions.'

'Who, or what, would be so desperate to reach us at those speeds but still be cloaked?' Riker asked.

The answer came quickly. 'The vessel is de-cloaking.' Worf announced as the readings changed. 'On main viewer.'

The large screen shifted viewpoint to show the ship. It was a dark teal, and a familiar design. 'It's Klingon.' Wesley gasped.

'The Vor'Cha, it's their new flagship.' Commander Shelby told him.

Riker nodded. 'It looks bigger in person.'

The Klingon Flagship, Worf had known this day would come. He had hoped it would be some time off. A year earlier word reached him that his Father had been accused of betraying his people at Khitomer. That it was his actions that gave the Romulans the codes needed to bypass the defences. With Captain Picard's help he challenged the ruling, at first. But secrets learnt at the hearing forced him to withdraw. By accepting dis-commendation in front of the High Council itself, the challenge, had been as good as admitting his father's guilt. The crime of traitor affected his father, him and his brother Kurn. It was a stain on his family's honour that could never truly be removed.

Never mind that many in the Council knew the truth, never mind that the High Chancellor himself admitted that it was Duras's, not Worf's father that had given top secret codes to the Klingon's greatest enemy. For the good of the Empire and the Klingon people Worf had to lie, otherwise Duras and those that supported him could ignite a Civil War.

By accepting Worf and his family had been rejected by Klingon society. To have no honour and almost no rights under Klingon law. By all the laws and customs of his people he was a non-being and all true Klingons looked down on him. Glancing at his console he saw the large orange icon flashing. 'We are being hailed.' he ground out painfully.

'On the View screen.' Captain Riker ordered and Worf swallowed his pride.

However instead of a scowling Klingon Captain the hail was from K'Ehleyr. 'Captain… Riker?' she asked frowning.

'Ambassador K'Ehleyr. It's a surprise to see you here, what can we do for you?'

'We've been trying to get in contact with Captain Picard, but your Starfleet has been remarkably tight lipped about him. Most anyone was able to get was some vague report saying he was on administrative leave, so we tracked you down. We thought he would still be onboard.'

'I'm afraid not, but whatever you need I'm sure we can help.'

'I don't think so. Captain, we need Captain Picard. You'll probably understand better if I explain in person, but we have very little time. Permission to come aboard. Immediately.'

This obviously intrigued him. 'Granted Ambassador, Mr Worf will meet you in transporter room three.' he told her before she closed the channel.

'Worf?' Councillor Troi asked looking up to him, 'Is something wrong?'

Sometimes the Councillor's powers were amazing, even to him, other times they were only good at spotting the incredibly obvious. 'Mr Worf?' the Captain asked.

'Sir, permission to speak… Privately.'

Captain Riker raised an eyebrow but agreed, leading him into the Ready Room. 'Speak your mind Worf, whats up?'

'When I accepted dis-commendation last year I became an outcast amongst my kind. My presence will be a difficultly when dealing with Klingons, including the Ambassador. It might be better if I did not meet with her just now.'

Riker nodded and considered his request. 'I think I understand Worf. I never knew just what happened last year, or why you accepted the Council's judgement, but I do know how hard it must have been for you. I guess this is just one of the ramifications, but my answer is no.'

'…Sir.'

'Mr Worf, you are a Starfleet officer. More importantly you are head of security on this ship and you are one of my bridge crew. I trust you to do your duty, professionally and with the dignity you have shown repeatedly since I've known you.'

Worf looked at the tall human and nodded before straightening his back. 'I withdraw my request.'

'Thank you, now get to the Transporter room.'

'Yes sir.'

'And Mr Worf, I want you to know. Whatever the Klingon Council said, whatever other Klingons say they don't know you like I do. Like everyone on this ship does. You are the most honourable man I've ever met and it is a privilege to work with you.'

Worf stopped. There were lots of things he could say about that, but only one came to mind. 'Thank you, Captain Riker.'

K'Ehleyr watched as her son was taken over to the other children to play. 'I hope he'll be alright. Alexander hasn't had much chance to play with kids his own age.'

The tall imposing lump of honour, duty and arrogance known as Worf scowled as only he could. She could tell, under that forced mask of ice, his temper was boiling away. 'The Captain is waiting.' he eventually ground out from between clenched teeth.

'Then lead on.' She waved to the nearest tubolift. Without a word he quick marched ahead of her. Inside the lift he threw his head back and snapped an order to be taken to the observation lounge. 'What, not even a bite on the cheek for old times sake?' K'Ehleyr asked him in the following silence. 'No, don't tell me, after this last year I have to go through some ridiculous ritual before you can say hello.'

'You might not respect our ways, but I do.' He snapped again.

'Sorry, I just thought you might want to ask me something.' She said sarcastically. 'A couple of minutes ago I could have sworn you had a question about something.'

She was trying to get him to open up. To crack that wall he'd thrown up between them. After another long moment he finally spoke. 'Must I ask it?'

'Yes, you must.' She admitted, but was only greeted by more silence. So far things weren't exactly going to her plan. She had hoped to see Worf a lot sooner, then the idiotic ruling of the High Council had driven him away from all Klingons and she had decided to give him time. She had hoped to send him a letter, arrange a meeting when one or both of them had some leave time. Now she was forced into this position. 'What would you have me tell Alexander? That he has no father?'

Worf's nostrils flared and she could tell he was about to really lose his temper when the doors opened. Visibly reeling himself in Worf barged past her and into the comfortable briefing room. Leaving an almost visible trial of anger that got everyones attention.

Inside was the new Captain, the blonde woman K'Ehleyr hadn't met before, the android, the blind engineer and Troi. All of whom were trying, and failing, to not notice the mood their friend was in. Sighing K'Ehleyr followed him into the room. 'Captain Riker. Congratulations on your promotion.'

With a glance at the fuming Klingon he nodded. 'Thank you Ambassador. You weren't very clear as to why you needed Captain Picard.'

'Straight to the point. It's a critical time for the Klingon Empire, K'mpec, leader of the Klingon Empire, is dying.'

'Dying?'

'It's been a long time coming. He's old and has ruled longer than any other in history. He's kept the peace for so long by keeping the separate factions played off each other. Keeping a careful balance between the great houses so that no one alone could threaten him or the others. Recently though the plan hasn't been working. The Houses have began allying with each other all over the place. Now there's only two real factions left. Over the last year, as K'mpec's hold has been getting weaker, the alliances have been getting stronger. As have the old hatreds, the imagined slights and the ridiculous demands of obscure codes of honour. It all adds up to one thing. Civil War is inevitable.'

The new Captain lent back in his chair. 'Any chance of stopping it?'

'No. This was a long time coming. K'mpec was able to hold it back, suppress it, but when he's gone there isn't a chance.' She shook her head. 'Klingon Wars have a habit of involving their neighbours. Rumour is some of the lesser houses have already been in contact with border governments. Sooner or later more major powers will get involved, like the Ferengi, or even the Breen. When that happens its only a matter of time before the Federation itself is dragged into it. This whole quadrant could go up in flames.'

'We have to stop this.'

'I don't think we can, but K'mpec does. I don't know how or why. All I do know is if this last chance is ever going to work he needs to talk to Captain Picard and he'd better do it soon.'

Deanna watched carefully as Will stroked his beard. It was a habit he'd picked up when deep in thought or trying to bluff his way through a poker game. She could feel the emotions around the table. Geordi, Commander Shelby and Will were concerned, but hoping there was a way stop this coming war. 'Is there anything our sickbay can do…' Will asked

'K'mpec's been seen by the best doctors in all of the Klingon Empire. Obviously that's not saying much, but there's nothing anyone can do. He's old and stubborn Captain. There's no cure for that.' The Ambassador shook her head. 'If you can tell us where Captain Picard is…' She left it hanging. K'Ehleyr was certain the war was coming, resigned to the fact even. She felt the whole meeting was a waste of time.

Deanna's friend was also hurt, angry and worried. A strange echo to Worf, who was a badly hidden volcano of anger. Something had happened between them and she had no idea what.

'I can't.' Will admitted. 'The Cap… Picard is on a mission for Starfleet. He's leading a delegation to a new species we encountered a short while ago.' Leaning forward he had come to a decision. 'Geordi, Data. You spent the most time looking at Colonial technology, are we still within range of their ships?'

The two of the looked at each other. 'Possibly.' Data ventured

Geordi shrugged. 'We weren't able to figure out how their drives worked, but from what we know it shouldn't be too hard for them to reach us. If they have a ship spare that is.'

'Commander Shelby, try and contact the Galactica on a secure channel. Inform them that… That we have received an official request from the Klingon High Chancellor for Captain Picard to meet with a special emissary as soon as possible.'

'Aye sir.' Shelby didn't waste any time and headed straight for the bridge.

'Worf…'

'Captain.' the security officer snapped back. Will took a moment to glance to Deanna. He could tell Worf was on a very short fuse right now and it would take very little for him to explode. She shook her head carefully, telling him not to push it..

He got the message. 'Worf I want you to work with Geordi. Conduct a full check on all our tactical systems. I don't expect any trouble, but you never know.'

'Yes sir.' Worf got up and glared at Geordi. 'Coming Commander?'

Even the VISOR could't hide the look on the Engineer's face. 'Sure Worf.'

'Captain, with your permission I'd like to help arrange quarters on the Enterprise for Ambassador K'Ehleyr.' Deanna offered and the half Klingon smiled.

'That would be nice. After spending so long on a Klingon ship it might be good to have something other than a pallet to sit on and a dark shoebox to live in.' she chuckled. 'One thing, Captain. Sometime when you've got a moment I want to ask you something. It's personal but I have to know.'

'Of course, right now though I'm needed on the bridge. Deanna?'

'Captain.' she nodded as he left, leaving Deanna and K'Ehleyr alone. After a moment the ambassador stood up and stretched. 'Everything okay?'

'You tell me.' she snapped. 'Sorry. This isn't my best day.'

Deanna stood and headed to the turbolift. 'Let's get you some quarters, so you can get back to the bridge. That's where you want to be isn't it?'

'No. I want… I want to talk to Worf. God, this is so difficult. Can we take a side trip?'

'Sure, where?'

'The nursery, I left my son there. I need to make sure he's happy.'

'Son?' Deanna blinked, 'I didn't know you had a son'

K'Ehleyr beamed with motherly pride. 'Alexander. And I didn't. At least not last time I was here.'

Deanna gasped. 'Worf! Oh, he didn't tell anyone.'

'He didn't know.' the ambassador waved it off. 'I never told him.'

'What? Why?'

'What was I supposed to do, hail him over subspace? Half the quadrant away? What then? Arrange to meet? Or take some leave where we met up and traded glares at one another? '

K'Ehleyr took a breath. 'When we last saw each other Worf told me his life was incomplete without me. I realised at that moment I would have taken the oath with him.'

'The oath?'

'Closest to what you'll understand; engaged. It's a little bit more than that but near enough.'

Deanna reached out with her senses. K'Ehleyr was being honest, but she was still holding back 'That scared you, didn't it?'

'More than anything. I was scared to commit, scared to leave, so I ran. Alexander was what kept me and I wasn't going to share that. Not until I was ready.' K'Ehleyr smiled sarcastically. 'Then this stupid ruling. The High Council declared Worf's father a traitor. A dishonour that lasts seven generations. What could I do? Force Worf to chose between his honour and his blood? If I'd told him earlier, maybe he would have fought the decision. Fought it harder than he did. Instead I did the only thing I could. The one thing honour allowed. I stayed silent.' The ambassador was angry, more angry than was healthy and had no one to vent it against.

The turbolift stopped and they got out. 'I'll wait here.' Deanna said politely, giving her friend the space she needed.

End Chapter Seventeen