The Hour of the Wolf
Chapter Thirty-One

Between them both Adama and Hanson explained to the young Admiral the new alliance and their recent history. What had happened at the Battle of Cimtar, the great exodus of the Fleet, arriving in this Galaxy, the Galactica's involvement in the battle at Wolf 359, their new alliance with the Federation, the finding of new Kobol and finally the work they were doing building the new Federation military fleet.

It was Admiral Haden that spoke first. 'So you're building and equipping a military force within Starfleet.'

'That goes against the Federation charter.' Alynna warned.

'Not quite.' Hanson told her, 'There are references to extreme measures that can be taken when necessary.'

'Militarising Starfleet, over a few half baked rumours?' The young Admiral asked, glaring at Hanson. 'I knew you were betraying the Federation, but I never imagined you were selling it's principles to these people.' she waved at Adama. 'We can't throw away our ideals just because we're afraid.'

'What are you talking about?'

'The Federation and Starfleet was build on the idea of peaceful exploration. To discover the unknown, not destroy it. I'm not saying we've been perfect at that, but we can't let go of the dream. If we start arming ourselves how long until that army takes over? How long until we go from expanding scientific understanding to a corrupt military junta with him as our leader?' again Alynna pointed to Adama.

'I won't let that happen.' Hanson told her.

'You already have, you just can't see it. I'm the one that's gong to have to stop you.'

'I am afraid you miss understand us young lady.' Adama told her 'You think I plan to take control of your Federation? For what reason?'

'I believe you.' She turned on him. 'I believe you that you were refugees and that's why. You want revenge and you want us to help you with that.'

Adama shook his head. 'You're right, I do want revenge. I see it every day in the face of my granddaughter.'

'What?' Alynna asked, confused.

'Her life is in defiance of the Cylons. Everything they did, the slaughter, the endless deaths. It was all for nothing, because my granddaughter lives. Her and the lives of all those born during the Exodus. It won't make up for the horrors of the Colonies, but nothing can.'

'So why would you want an army?' Alynna pointed out.

'To protect them.' Adama told her sadly. 'You said that the Federation was a dream, a dream of peace. We had the same, after a thousand yarhen's of conflict how could we not? The Cylons turned it into a nightmare. Be it another thousand yarhens they will find Earth eventually, they will do to the Federation what they did to us.'

'We will be ready for them if they do.' She promised him. 'Without an army. Without sacrificing everything we are. We survived the Cardassians, we survived the Romulans…'

Hanson burst out laughing, scornfully. 'Like we would have against the Borg? Even with the warning we got we were woefully unprepared. They would have slaughtered us.'

'One ship couldn't have destroyed the Federation.' She pointed out scornfully.

'Depends on the ship.' he replied quickly. 'You weren't there. It might have taken them some time, but we were outgunned and hopelessly outclassed. Think about it, they were so confidant the Borg only sent one ship right into the heart of the Federation. One There's only two reasons they'd do that. The first was because they didn't think it would take any more, the other was to test us. Either way we all need to be ready for the next time something like that comes our way, whatever it is.'

'He's right Alynna.' Haden turned on her. 'Think about it for a minute, would the Cardassians really have pushed for war if they thought we could have defended ourselves? That's why they eventually stopped, we'd proven we weren't going to roll over and surrender to them. If we had a force like this, it could just act as a deterrent. We might never use it.'

'No, don't you see that if we open that door we can never close it again.' She insisted, trying to get her fellow admirals to see. 'And a deterrent is just the beginning. Eventually we'd have to prove we were willing to use these forces if they are going t one worth anything. It will be a bloodbath, a war. Then what will happen? How long until we decide to the Orion syndicate is a threat? Before we start bringing our military forces to police our borders? If we do this now it's only a matter of time before we lose control! Or worse, try to take it!'

'Why haven't you?' Adama asked quietly. 'You have weapons, ships. You yourself have fought in wars. Why haven't you done that already?'

'Because we know better.' Alynna pointed out, only to realise she'd walked into the trap.

'What makes you so sure we don't? He asked in that same quiet, superior, tone. 'But I do see your point, because of that I have a proposal.'

'Adama, are you sure about this?' Hanson asked.

'More so than ever.' he said 'You're right, this is a dangerous course we have had set for us. The pit falls on either side need to be navigated carefully. So far it has been myself and Admiral Hanson that have been making the decisions. I feel we have done well, but I am concerned we could have done better. This entire situation is proof of that.'

'No argument here. What, exactly, are you saying?' Haden asked.

'I think I know, you want us to join with you.' Alynna said, not sure she believed it. The two of them nodded back. 'Never.' she announced. 'The moment I step out of this room I'm exposing you, your people, this entire operation. I'm going to make sure everyone finds out and I'm going to stop you.'

Adama nodded. 'You are obviously a person of strong morals and beliefs. I respect that, but you're in danger of repeating the same mistake you made earlier. The one that got you in this position. What is that Earth expression; leaping before looking?' He pulled out a PADD. 'I ask you to wait, just a short while. This PADD contains everything you need to know. I will give it to you, for you to do whatever you wish, as long as you hear one more point.'

'Go on.'

Hanson shook his head. 'You really do take risks my friend.' he tapped his badge. 'Hanson to Riker. Will can we have a word in the Observation Lounge.'

Will walked in and it took all his self control not to glower at Nechayev and Haden. 'Captain. Thank you for coming.'

'I'm afraid I won't be able to stay very long, there's a bit of situation I'm trying to deal with right now.'

'That's fine, son. Just bring us up-to-date on the investigation by retired Admiral Satie.'

Will gave in to his emotions and stared at Nechayev, not bothering to keep the contempt from his face. 'That's simple, the investigation is over. Satie has charged Worf with treason. He's currently sitting in the brig, and it's taking everything I can do to keep him there. Satie's trying to have him transferred to the Starbase. If she had her way he'd be dragged through every deck of this ship in leg-irons.'

'What evidence does she have?' Haden asked.

'None.' Will snapped back. 'She's taken a handful of logs out of context and built a case on that.'

'Then I don't see a problem.' Nechayev shrugged it off.

'Worf won't defend himself!' Will almost shouted. 'I'm trying to find out why, but if he doesn't he's going to be put away. Thrown in a maximum security penal colony. I won't let that happen.'

Adama lent forward, 'Are you sure of his innocence?'

'One hundred percent.' Will assured him.

'Then why won't he defend himself?'

Will took a calming breath. 'I don't know. Last year Worf's Father was charged with the same crime by the Klingon High Command. We found some evidence that it wasn't, but for some reason Worf withdrew his challenge before presenting it. He's never talked about what really happened, to anyone.'

Nechayev looked confused. 'If his career's at stake…'

'Worf's a Klingon.' Will reminded her. 'He's also one of the most dedicated officers I've ever served with. If I ordered him to jump off a cliff, he'd do it. There is nothing more important to him than duty and honour. If someone with the authority ordered him not to talk he won't.'

'But if you have the evidence.'

'It's not enough. If we try and defend Worf we could prove the High Council was wrong. They'll have to admit that, and that sort of political embarrassment would be a problem. Especially now.'

'Admiral Alynna, do you see what your actions have unleashed? In an attempt to simply get Hanson's attention you have brought the Klingon Federation alliance to the brink of collapse and destroyed the life of a good man. What will happen if you go through with your plans?' He stood up and handed her a PADD. 'The choice is yours. Now if you will excuse me, there is something I have to see to.'

Adama, with some help from the Enterprise Computron found what he was looking for. Inside was the Klingon Lieutenant and a woman that looked to be from the same species. 'Lieutenant Worf, it is good to see you again.'

The imprisoned officer stood up 'Commander Adama.'

Adama nodded and looked to the woman, she wasn't behind a forcefield, but somehow looked even angrier than him. 'K'Ehleyr, House Mogh.'

'The Lieutenant's wife.' Adama remembered. 'My condolences on the loss of your child.' She nodded sharply back. 'Worf, I have been told what is happening and of the false charges levied against you. You have my word as a warrior I will do everything in my power to support you and your family.'

That seemed to shock K'Ehleyr, but it was obvious the Lieutenant had mastered masking his emotions. 'I cannot allow that Commander. It was my choice to accept dis-commendation, these are the consequences.'

'We shall see.' Adama told him. Knowing there wasn't anything more he could say he nodded and left the prison. K'Ehleyr quickly caught up with him a few metrons down the corridor. 'Commander, wait a moment. Worf can't accept your help, but I can. Do you honestly think there's something you can do for us?'

'I gave both of you my word, and that is my bond. So I do understand honour.' Adama assured her.

'Thank you.' The tension seemed to leave her shoulders. 'I'm not sure why you're doing this but we need all the help we can get.'

Adama smiled slightly. 'When my people first encountered this ship there was an incident. Lieutenant Worf learnt of a situation regarding two young girls on one of the ships in the Fleet. He took it upon himself to help then. I knew everything I needed to about him then, and as the Commander of the Fleet I owe him.'

K'Ehleyr accepted his expiation, but before she could say anything another woman's voice called down the corridor. 'Excuse me. Excuse me.' they said in a tone of voice demanding attention.

She appeared almost elderly and wore a ridiculous purple dress with wide shoulders that seemed to precede her as she practically marched towards them. Two very much taller, but still exceptionally thin, civilians were behind her. Trying to keep up with the older woman's pace. 'Excuse. Me.' she repeated.

'You're excused.' Adama replied almost automatically. 'You are?' He had a good idea who she was, but wasn't going to make any assumptions.

'That was to be my question of you sir, and just what business you had with the criminal?'

'I am Commander Adama.' he announced.

There was a long silence while the two civilians began taking notes with all the efficiency of life long bureaucrats. 'Vice-Admiral Satie. Retired.' She eventually offered. 'The Criminal, why were you talking to him?'

'Whom are you referring to?' Adama baited her carefully.

'I'm not interested in playing games with Romulan Spies! You know who I am talking about. What do you want with him? How did you get aboard this ship?'

Adama took a moment to let his expression show exactly what he thought of the woman before turing to K'Ehleyr. 'It was a pleasure meeting you Lady K'Ehleyr. Hopefully we shall do again soon.'

Before he could leave the retired Admiral stepped in his way. 'Where do you think you're going?'

'I have no obligation to answer any of your questions.' he told her simply and stepped past her.

'Contact security, tell them we have a Romulan intruder.' She shouted at a number of onlookers. 'No obligation, Commander? I think differently.' The retired investigator said archly as two confused security officers stepped up. 'Arrest him!'

Alynna looked through the PADD again, but she was only half paying attention. 'Damn the man.' she muttered under her breath.

'What was that?'

'I said damn him. That Adama, he was right.' she threw the PADD down and walked over to the window. From there she could easily see the ship that had brought both him and Hanson. Her mind racing.

'How?'

'Huh?' she asked. 'How? I wasn't thinking. We were so sure we were right we never even imagined what it really was.'

'A coup?'

'Probably, maybe eventually, but I don't think so.' Alynna began pacing. 'Checks and balances, he wants us involved so we can set up guidelines. Rules and regulations to stop a coup before it happens.

Haden sat back and frowned at the PADD. 'He's given us just enough rope to hang ourselves hasn't he? We could try to take them down from the inside, but then what if he is right?'

'Either way we'll be right where he wants us. Under his thumb.' Alynna growled. 'Which way are you leaning?'

'I don't know. Right now I feel too much like a fool to come to a decision rationally. Give me time, but if we have to make a decision right now I'm going back to headquarters and volunteering for the first assignment I can find. Burying myself metaphorically and literally. You?'

'Wolf 359. I'm going to get a first hand look at what's left of the Cube. After that… I don't know. I still think this is wrong but I need facts before I can make any decision.'

'You'll keep me informed?'

'I've dragged you this far, I'm not going to leave you in the cold now.'

Haden nodded and picked up the PADD. 'If these Battlestars are everything they say they are, I don't want to guess what the other nations are going to do when they find out about them.'

After a few moments the door opened and Hanson walked in. 'You left in a hurry, what happened?'

The older Admiral looked shell shocked. 'Satie, she arrested Adama.'

That got Haden to his feet in an instant. 'On what charge?'

'Conspiring with a known criminal and espionage.' Hanson headed to the Replicator and punched in an override code. 'Whiskey. Neat.' A tumbler of what Alynna guessed was real alcohol appeared.

'She arrested him?'

'In front of witnesses. Apparently he wouldn't answer her questions so she tried to strong arm him.'

'But didn't you also say he was President of this Council of Thirteen? He has full diplomatic immunity!' Alynna pointed out. She might bend the rules on occasion, as well as play them fast and loose on others, but arresting the leading dignitary of another government. Especially one that had close ties to the Federation.

'So what happens now?'

Well, right now Adama's in the brig with Mr Worf. I'm guessing in five minutes they're both going to be out of the brig. Retired Admiral Satie and her staff will be on the first transport back home and the investigation will be quietly closed before this becomes a major interstellar incident.' Hanson took a sip of is drink. 'You want my advice, never bet against Adama. The man takes far too many risks.'

'That, and he's very good at reading people.' Alynna agreed.

End Chapter Thirty-One