The Hour of The Wolf
Chapter Twenty

Dillon couldn't bring himself to look Worf in the eye. If only he had been a fraction faster he could have saved the boy's life. Instead he'd tried to negotiate. He'd talked rather than do anything useful. If he had his laser pistol to hand he could have done something, he could have slowed the killer down. He should have been able to do it anyway. Instead he did almost nothing and a child died

It was almost a relief as Worf followed Ambassador K'Ehleyr to the Sickbay.

This was his fault, if he'd found the Lieutenant sooner. Realised how important it was that Duras was wandering the ship alone. He had trusted that Klingon honour would stop him from doing something like this. Now Dillon knew that not all of them lived by their word.

The red haired doctor, Beverly, was using a hand held scanner on the boys body. She was making notes before her med-techs took the body away.

'Lieutenant.' Someone shouted. and got his attention It was Captan William, he was jogging up to him. 'What happened here?'

Adopting a salute Dillon gave a full report; 'Sir, I was trying to find your Sickbay when I came across the Klingon Duras sneaking down the corridor, alone. I thought it was suspicious so I found Lieutenant Worf and told him what I had seen. He ran here, to confront the Klingon, both myself and the boy followed. Worf suspicions were correct, he saw Duras was attacking the Ambassador. Worf tried to stop him, but the Klingon pushed past him and took the boy hostage. I tried to stop him but Duras threw the boy into the bulkhead.'

The Captain shuddered. 'Dr Crusher?'

'The injuries are consistent with impact. A fully grown Klingon warrior could have survived, but with his age Alexander didn't have a chance. He died before hitting the ground, there was nothing anyone could do.'

'I could have caught him.' Dillon disagreed.

Beverly shook her head. 'You can't be sure about that. Unless you were very careful he could have still been paralysed. At best. Klingon anatomy is very resilient, but at this age the skeleton is still not fully formed.'

'And K'Ehleyr?'

The doctor looked relived 'Worf stopped the attack in time. She's unconscious, but physically she'll be fine. Mentally, I can't begin to think how the death of her son will effect her.'

'I'll talk to Deanna.' The Captain shook his head, 'Where's Worf?'

'I believe he left with Ambassador K'Ehleyr.' Dillon told him, but the two Federation officers looked at each other. As if they suspected otherwise.

The Captain sighed before tapping the button on his chest. 'Riker to Worf. Lieutenant Worf respond.'

There was no answer.

Dr Beverly tapped her own badge. 'Crusher to Ogawa, is Lieutenant Worf with you?'

'No Doctor, we thought he was still with you.' A woman's voice answered.

'Worf? Worf?' The Captain shouted, 'Computer, locate Lieutenant Worf.'

'Lieutenant Worf is in his quarters.' A stilted voice responded.

'The hell he is!' Captain William swore and he was suddenly running again. Both Dillon and Beverly followed.

Because the Enterprise gravity was less than that on Galactica, or New Kolbol, Dillon should have been faster that those of the thirteenth, but he didn't know his way around the ship as well as they did. He was running at half speed, to keep from racing ahead.

Jumping in one of the transport shafts William ordered them to a new deck. 'Will, Worf's a good officer. You don't think…'

'Doctor that was his son. Do you think anything's going to stop him?' The doors to the transport tube opened and they dashed to another almost identical one across the corridor.

These were Worf's quarters and at least twice the size of anything Dillon expected. This deep in the ship there were no windows, but it still had multiple rooms and enough space for several people. With an office like room the first thing you came across. There was a large, uncomfortable looking seat in the corner and a small desk in the other. Captain William went straight into the next room, this one was darker and looked to be a private study of some kind. Dillon looked around, curiously.

'Worf?' Doctor Beverly called out.

'We're too late.' The captain picked up something from a decorative table, a communication badge. 'Riker to O'Brian. Lock down the Transporters Chief. I don't want anyone leaving the ship. Especially not Mr Worf.'

'Sorry Captain, he's just left. Beamed over to Duras's Ship not a minute ago.'

'Looks like he took something with him.' Dillon pointed out, there were two hooks on the wall, empty. They looked like whatever had been there was the centre piece of a fairly impressive wall display. A display of alien blade weapons.

'His Father's bat'leth.' William recognised what had been there. 'We have to get to Duras's Ship, now!'

Duras banged on his chair. 'Why have we not left yet? Best speed to the Homeworld!' He ordered again.

'Sir, we still have people on the Enterprise'

'I don't care. Qo'noS now!' He barked. It was all falling apart. His only option now was to race back home and have himself declared High Chancellor before the allegations began.

Once there he would be able to wave them off as lies, falsehoods spun to weaken the Empire. With luck he could even turn them to his advantage. Use the allegations to drive a wedge between the Federation and Klingons. After all with his support no one would dare question him, those that did would be humiliated.

Not the triumphant return he had dreamt of, but a victory never the less.

The door to the bridge opened and Duras spun, he instantly recognised the silhouette, complete with bat'leth. 'What is that doing here?' He bellowed jumping to his feet.

'He has claimed the right of vengeance.' A deck hand announced.

'That son of a traitor has no rights here!' Crossing his wrists Duras turned his back on Worf. 'Throw it off my ship!'

'The unarmed woman you attacked, she is my mate!' the traitor snarled. 'The boy you killed fleeing from the scene, my son.'

Duras froze. Worf's acceptance of discommendation was not enough. He should have had him killed years ago. Since then Worf had been protected by archaic customs, this was the best chance he had to finally kill the man. With him dead Duras could spin the events on the Enterprise however he wanted. After all, who would believe the word of a human.

With a snap of his fingers he had a warrior bring him his sword. Unlike his opponents old fashioned weapon, Duras's was a straight blade. The unconventional sword gave him an advantage, confusing many of his enemies and letting him use a style they never encountered before. His warriors parted, making space on the bridge for the ritual combat. 'Your death ensures my victory.'

'May the gates of Gre'thor swallow you.' Worf growled and brought his bat'leth around in a classic guard across his torso with one empty hand behind, ready for leverage if needed.

Duras feinted right, letting his enemy make the first mistake. Instead his enemy did nothing. He tried again, but Worf still didn't take the bait. The third time he was going to really strike. Hoping Worf would think it was another fake, but he didn't get the chance.

Worf moved first, spinning the bat'leth so that it battered Duras's blade out of the the way. Giving him an opening to strike with his free hand, catching Duras on the chin before bringing his weapon in a defensive figure of eight. Stunned from the blow Duras swung wildly in an effort to make Worf back off, but he caught his in between two of the bat'leth prongs.

The weapons locked, it all came down to strength. Warrior to warrior. It was like pushing against an impossible force. Worf was the stronger and it didn't matter how much leverage Duras had.

He tried to pull back, but Worf didn't let him. They were so close Duras could feel the heat of Worf's breath. With a twist Duras's sword was ripped from his grip, in the same move the enraged warrior threw his own weapon away. Backing off Duras tripped up into a bulkhead, half falling he looked up.

His enemy towered above him, his face as grim as death. Throughout the fight Worf hadn't raised his voice, shouted or even growled. Just glared. Fumbling at his belt Duras expected his enemy to go for the discarded weapons, or press his advantage and wrestle him to the ground, but he was just sanding there. As if waiting for something. 'You won't kill me. Your Federation has rules against killing.'

Drawing his d'k tahg Duras lunged, but Worf's hand caught his wrist with an audible snap. Once again Worf's incredible strength was too much for him. With almost mechanical slowness the knife was brought up and around. Pointing back at Duras. 'I'm the only one that can prove you father's innocence! That can redeem your name!' He had the knife in both hands yet still it's point moved inexorably towards him. His back against the wall there was nowhere to go, no where to run.

The door to their right opened and in ran three starfleet officers. 'Worf, don't do it!' Shouted the Captain of the Enterprise. Still the blade moved closer.

Duras knew this was his last chance. 'Kill me and you'll be branded a traitor forever!'

'Then that is how it will be.' In the space of the blink of an eye Worf moved. Duras couldn't understand what just happened. One moment he was struggling with all his strength, the next Worf was stepping back. He looked to his men, but the order to kill Worf and the other intruders wouldn't come out. There was something in the way, cutting off the words in his throat. Something cold.

As he slid down the wall Duras realised what it was. Killed by his own blade, taken from him like a child. One hope. That his warriors were still loyal. With every last bit of his strength he tried to make eye contact. To communicate the last way he could. To die before his most hated enemy. That couldn't happen. That mustn't happen.

As he lay there Duras could feel his life draining away. They had to see, they must see. Kill him. Kill him. Kill…

Painfully K'Ehleyr opened her eyes. 'What, what happened?'

'You're awake.' Doctor Crusher said, coming into view 'How do you feel?'

'Like a klingon punching bag.' She admitted, trying to sit up she felt her ribs floating and gasped. 'Duras attacked me.' She told them.

Crusher turned away. 'We know, Worf interrupted him.'

K'Ehleyr let herself smile at that. Whatever he did to her Worf would have repaid it and then some. 'Where's Alexander?'

The human doctor didn't answer, instead headed to the large computer and used it to call the bridge. 'Crusher to Riker. Ambassador K'Ehleyr is awake.'

'I'll have Worf escorted from the brig.'

'The brig? Why would Worf be in the brig?' She asked, a sudden fear struck her. 'Where's Alexander, where is my son?'

'Ambassador…'

'Where's Alexander? Where is he?' K'Ehleyr tried to get up, but fell off the bio bed. The Doctor tried to help her back up, but she didn't let them. Fighting the human off K'Ehleyr screamed for her son.

The next thing she knew someone had a hypospray to her neck. Before she could fight them off too it activated. 'Alexander… Where?' She still fought, but whatever was in the spray was already working. Between them the Doctor, her nurse and a human male hefted her back on the bed.

'Please… Tell me he's alright.' She begged.

'I'm sorry.' Was all the Doctor told her and K'Ehleyr slipped unconscious.

It couldn't have been much later that the drugs wore off and she woke up. After a couple of moments she did the only thing she could. She howled with rage. In all her life she never believed in klingon values, honour and vengeance were just words to her.

Not now, now it was her world.

K'Ehleyr screamed until her throat was raw. Finally opening her eyes she looked around and saw the looks she was getting from everyone else in the Sickbay. They were terrified, but she didn't care. There was only one person she wanted to see and he was by her side 'Worf.'

'K'Ehleyr.' was all he said to her. His walls were back up, hiding his emotions from everyone.

'Duras?' she croaked with rage.

'Dead.'

'Dead.' she repeated in that same hollow voice Worf had used. He wasn't lying, but it didn't make her feel better. It should have. 'His house. He has sisters. They're mine!'

Worf stepped closer. 'They are unimportant.'

'Alexander is gone.' She snapped back. 'The House of Duras will pay! I will tear it down with my bare hands! Everything he worked for, cared for and loved will die!'

'Enough.' Worf growled stepping up again. 'You are my mate, that makes you of my House. I am the eldest. I lead. You follow. And I say enough.' He then switched to speak in Ancient Klingon, it took her a moment to understand what he was saying. The words were archaic, brutal even by Klingon standards. Only one who knew what they meant would dare speak them. Especially to grieving mother.

'Never. It will never be enough.' She warned sharply, but what he said was a start.

'You are still injured. We will speak no more of this until you are well.' He ordered with the attitude of a typical Klingon.

'I will heal. I will heal and I will look my enemy in the face as they die, screaming. The streets of Gre'thor will be washed clean by the blood of Duras's family.' She swore.

Worf barked a few more syllables of obscure Klingon. That should have been enough, but then he did something she didn't expect. He took her hand and squeezed it. Letting her know he was there for her.

It was almost human. For the briefest of moments she could almost see tears in his eyes. Tears for their lost son.

Worf then left, being escorted back to the brig by four security officers. Leaving her there. The words he'd spoken were an oath. The Klingon Blood Oath. It took priority over everything else. As the head of the House of Mogh he had declared war on Duras's House. A perpetual war that would, one that could, never end. Not until one or both Great Houses were gone.

Coming to the Enterprise she had been a mother willing to do anything to protect her son and prevent a war. Now she was a Warrior sworn to vengeance, one that would do anything to avenge the death of an innocent boy.

Now could she cry. Now was the time of grief, but soon she would be called to fulfil her oath.

Will sat in his ready room, Jean-Luc and Deanna were with him and they were discussing Worf. 'What can I do? I witnessed him murder a man.'

'What do the Klingons say?' Deanna asked

'That it was a fair challenge.' Will shrugged. 'Worf made it, Duras accepted. What happened was well within the bounds of Klingon Law, but we're not talking about Klingon Laws here. We're talking about Federation Laws and there is no crime, not even the murder of a child, that warrants the death penalty. The last was general order four, and that's been defunct for nearly two decades.'

Will stood up and began pacing, 'Worf abandoned his post, left the ship without permission, disobeyed his captain. It doesn't matter how justified that alone is grounds for a court marshal. The murder; he'll be arrested and charged. What ever I do his career in Starfleet is over.'

Jean-Luc sat back. 'Perhaps you're blowing this out of proportion. After all if the Klingons don't consider what happened murder, why should we. Remember it's not our job, or our right, to judge other cultures.'

'You're saying just overlook it?'

'I'm saying that you're the Captain, out here on the final frontier you can't rely on headquarters. You have to make the decisions.'

Will bit back a laugh. 'Yeah, right up until Admiral Nechayev has her way. She's been on my back the last few months already. Word is she and a few others don't think I'm experienced enough to captain the Federation flagship and there's no end of other captains out there agreeing with her.'

'And they all want a shot at that big chair?' Deanna guessed shrewdly.

'Number One, I don't believe anyone is better qualified and as Counsellor Troi pointed out they're more interested in furthering their own careers.' Jean-Luc told them seriously. 'Will, I will give you one last piece of advice; One I gave you long ago. If you're going to be damned, be damned for who you are.'

Will looked at him and after a moment he shook his head. 'Riker to security, Escort Mr Worf to the Ready Room.' It took a few moments during which Will prepared himself. Eventually the door chime rang. 'Enter.'

Worf, entered. His security escort waiting outside. The Klingon stood there like a statue, staring at the wall behind the desk. Will spoke first. 'Worf, you've left us with a big problem. I can't begin to understand how you must feel, but you should have come to me.'

'Permission to speek freely.'

'Granted Mr Worf.'

He turned to face his Captain. 'You would have ordered me not to go to that ship. I would have disobeyed those orders. If you or anyone had stood in my way I'd have killed them.'

Will was almost taken aback by the anger in his friend's voice. 'I suppose you would.' Taking a breath he made a decision. 'With the advice of Ambassador Picard I have chosen to sight the non interference directive. The murder of your son was a Klingon matter, so that matter is closed. Leaving the ship and disobeying my orders are a different issue. You are relived of duty for the next two days.'

'Captain…'

'I have not finished Mr Worf!' Will shouted him down before softening his tone. 'You will also arrange an appointment with Counsellor Troi. Worf, you lost your son. Take the time off to come to terms with that. At least spend it with K'Ehleyr, don't make her go though this alone.' he stepped around the table. 'It's either that, or I would accept your resignation from Starfleet. And I'd hate to lose a good officer, or a good friend.'

Worf stood ramrod straight again. 'I will take the time off sir.' Will could tell he hated the idea, but it was the best option he had.

'On a personal note; Worf I've had offers from across the ship. If there is anything you or K'Ehleyr need you've got it.' he offered.

Worf gritted his teeth for a moment. 'Sir, I do not think that would be, appropriate. There are some things that are too Klingon.'

As his Bird of Prey sped back to the Klingon homeworld Gowron, the new High Chancellor, sat back in his command chair. Things hadn't exactly gone as planned but he'd taken the throne. He was now the head of the great Klingon Empire. Duras still had his supporters, but without a male to lead the family the House could not pose a challenge.

Then there was the way Duras had died, with dishonour at the hands of a Federation officer. After killing a child that had not yet faced the first Rights of Accession. Even Duras's most strident supporters would balk at that. It was best, though, to keep that quiet.

Gowron had rose through the ranks challenging the Old Houses. They already distrusted him, helping sweep this away might go some way to change that. Until the official ceremony naming him as the new Chancellor they could still cause some difficulties. He had to convince them he was better for them as a friend than an enemy.

If not, well he always had that surplus supply of Veridum 6 left over just in case and their replacements might be more agreeable.

End Chapter Twenty

Authors note:-
The problem with a choice between the better of two evils is whichever you decide on, you're still choosing evil...