Chapter 4

Last Time:

"What have you two done?" Kuri asked as she raised a scanner.

Sirius winced as he moved, "I think I broke my clavicle."

Kuri grinned, "Ah a broken bone, that's meant to be good luck on your wedding night."

oOoOo

USS Cerritos

"Captain, we have a Klingon ship dropping out of warp," reported Ensign Barnes at Ops.

"Hail them," ordered Captain Freeman as she leaned forward.

Thankfully it was the IKS Kaveth Nar.

"Hail them."

oOoOo

Two days later the ships dropped out of warp at a Klingon military station orbiting Qu'Vat.

"We are being hailed by the station," announced Moros.

"Onscreen," ordered D'Mek.

A uniformed Klingon officer with a dire scowling visage appeared on screen, "Kaveth Nar you are to maintain position in sector three green. By order of the Governor."

D'Mek and Moros exchanged a glance. The green sector was for high-priority ships.

"Acknowledged, station control."

The Klingon nodded sharply and ended the call.

Moments later another call came in. This one was from high command. D'Mek knew on sight the senior members of the fleet and so he recognised one of the callers immediately.

"General Tanas," acknowledged D'Mek. Tanas was a long-serving professional generally regarded as being apolitical. A true career officer, a thing to be respected.

"Commander," returned Tanas. "This is Larkan."

D'Mek nodded in greeting to the older Klingon. He was in uniform, with the rank of Colonel.

"You have done well Commander, very well indeed," said Larkan sincerely enough that he probably meant it. Although D'Mek wasn't sure what exactly Larkan was referring to. "Besides being a representative of my family to the Council, I was once a fleet officer…now, I am in fleet intelligence."

D'Mek absorbed that information without a change of expression.

Larkan smiled baring his teeth, "Don't worry Commander, I am here in a slightly more important capacity, as a father. My daughter serves on your ship."

D'Mek put two and two together, "L'kor?"

"Indeed, she has informed me of the current…ah, circumstances. As I said you and your crew have done well," he paused to look at Tanas, who nodded. "With your permission, we will beam aboard from the station shortly."

"What of the Federation ship?" D'Mek asked carefully. He had discussed the situation with Captain Freeman and Admiral Collins. Culloven had been deeply concerned about the infiltration of Starfleet and the safety and security of all those with special abilities. Having Starfleet envoys would add a layer of protection but what the High Command thought remained to be seen.

"I know Freeman, the family is honourable," Tanas approved so D'Mek put that concern aside.

oOoOo

General Tanas was an older warrior who had not let his rank erode his fitness. He was tall, even for a Klingon warrior, a full head over D'Mek and he had lost none of his physical presence with age. Instead, his greying hair, scars and wrinkles seemed to add to his commanding aura.

Colonel Larkan also looked like an old warrior. Like many who survived their youth, he looked fit enough and still armed for battle. D'Mek knew many like him, a bit slower but wiser. After greetings were exchanged, Larkan was the first to speak. "A good ship and a good crew, it is reported."

"They serve the empire well," D'Mek responded formally and Larkan laughed.

"Ha, I am sure that they do. L'kor tells me that her new husband and my newest wards have had to face some challenges. I will speak to them presently but first I would like to hear your report, Commander. I've read your reports, but I like to hear things firsthand."

D'Mek did just that. Walking the two older Klingons through events and answering their questions. Larkan seemed quite interested in the abilities of the humans. After nearly two hours, Larkan and Tanas sat back.

Larkan eventually broke the thoughtful silence. "Did you ever read the Bothas scrolls?"

D'Mek thought for a moment then shook his head, "No, what are they?"

"I am not surprised. They are ancient Klingon myths and legends. Some of the oldest versions of our myths. They speak of many things long since dismissed by our people." He opened a pad and slid it across the table to D'Mek. "This is the story of Kahless and Lukara and the battle of Qam-Chee. It is not long. Read it and we will speak."

D'Mek wondered where this was going but picked the pad up. It was the story of the iconic battle after the cowardly city's garrison fled their posts. Molor's five hundred soldiers versus Kahless and Lukara. They stood their ground and defeated the army of Molor. Wait what was this?

After a few minutes, he lowered the pad and stared at the two older Klingons.

"This…by Kahless this…how is this not known?"

Larkan shook his head, "When was it forgotten and dismissed as myth? Who knows, but when you made your report and when L'kor told me of events I looked for records of such things and found what you just read. Then I spoke to High Cleric on Boreth. They have oral myths that align with the Paq'batlh. I had to speak carefully but even with the little I shared they still had fragments of stories of strange powers."

Tanas leaned forward and joined the conversation. "When your reports came in many of those who were informed saw not just the honourable path you trod but also the possibilities. But none knew if Klingons could wield such powers. Then Larkan brought forth his research. Now a select few debate the issue. The Romulans are bad enough without another weapon in their arsenal and the Federation…I trust them more, but this is not just about trust. What if these renegades have infiltrated the fleet or the high command? I respect Culloven and Picard. They are honourable humans, but they are opposed by their own people and perhaps infiltrators. I will not have that here."

"What do you propose?" D'Mek asked. Tanas was a man of action. He would have a plan.

"Larkan and his house are loyal. Let the two young ones mate and bond. They are blood adopted so they will be educated in Klingon values, and they have already seen that we will be good allies. The adult Sirius, I propose we work with him to protect our people. If he and L'kor have children, they will have our blood in their veins. He seems to be a warrior from a people who are far from the Federations' pacifist ideals, and he seeks to protect his young charges. We will enable that."

"And we will seek out any of our people that might share their gift," Larkan added as he slapped the table. "Sirius can help train them."

"The question is, will they help us?" Tanas asked D'Mek.

"Sirius already chose the Empire," D'Mek reminded them. "He chose a Klingon wife and bled for my people. He will help us."

Tanas looked pleased, "Good, let matters play out for now. I will organise things through Larkan." He stood and then pulled out something from his pocket, passing it to D'Mek. "A scrambled, secure communicator. It will allow you to call me in emergencies. Now this Federation ship, I have met Freeman and I know her daughter, Beckett. She completed several black ops missions with my son. They are unlikely to be part of a conspiracy so for now continue to work with them."

"Are we transferring them to Q'onoS?" D'Mek asked bluntly.

Tanas shook his head, "No, we wanted somewhere more secure."

Larkan activated his pad and passed it over to D'Mek.

"Karvat Three, I thought that base had been decommissioned?" He had also assumed that they would be supported by an active command.

Larkan nodded, "It was Commander, but it was restarted as a research facility. It is now under the command of a fleet officer, Commander Kolana. I believe that you know her D'Mek?" He grinned widely as D'Mek's expression showed that he indeed knew the name.

"Kolana, daughter of Miral," mused D'Mek. "She was a good warrior and a skilled engineer."

"She still is, she is now the second officer of the Military research section. She should be able to help you, and we have ensured she has good warriors with her," explained Larkan.

D'Mek had served with Kolana. She had been a junior officer on her first posting. He had been impressed by her and she had been posted to a larger ship with a very good recommendation. Unless she had changed a great deal, she would be a good ally.

"Be careful Commander," ordered Tanas.

"wo' batlhvaD," replied D'Mek with a salute.

oOoOo

Captain Freeman glanced at her First Officer as he nodded to Chief Lundy.

"Energising," acknowledged Lundy.

It was quite the receiving line awaiting the two Klingon officers. Admiral Collins, her senior officers and to the surprise of everyone except the Admiral, Beckett. For once her daughter was wearing her uniform correctly.

Two figures appeared on the transporter pad and solidified into two older Klingon warriors.

"Welcome aboard, General, Colonel," said Admiral Collins.

The Klingons looked like typical Klingon military officers. Fierce expressions and aggressive body language, if viewed from a human perspective. As Admiral Collins handled the introductions, Carol found herself wondering why the Admiral specifically asked for Beckett's presence. That was answered, in a way, when the formal introductions finished.

"Beckett Mariner, you are still alive I see. My son will be…pleased," said the General with a genuine-looking smile.

Mariner surprised her mother and crew mates by laughing," Rodek still owes me a barrel of blood wine after I saved his butt on Lusar Four."

The old general laughed, "After he carried your bleeding body to the shuttle."

Mariner stiffened before relaxing somewhat, "He's still telling it that way, sheesh." Mariner rolled her eyes and stepped forward her expression growing serious. "I recognise no debt from Rodek son of Tanas. We were warriors and so we both acted as warriors should."

Tanas nodded, it was difficult to tell but Carol thought that he looked pleased.

"You are a warrior Beckett but we should not delay matters with our personal matters. It is good to meet you again Captain. Perhaps we can move to a meeting room."

The Admiral and Captain Freeman led the visitors to the main conference room. Jack Ransom slowed his pace so that he was walking beside Beckett.

"Something you want to share Ensign?"

He was prepared for Beckett's usual shenanigans but was surprised when she shook her head. "Nothing much I can share, Sir. It was when I helped out with some…off-the-book operations. We ran in to some much heavier opposition than predicted. It was…bad, Sir. We lost quite a few good people as did the Klingons. After that, I was transferred off the Quito."

Ransom did some quick calculations and realised Beckett must not have been out of the academy all that long before the events she was describing. "It's not in your records," he added careful to keep his voice non-accusatory.

Beckett sighed, "Starfleet likes its secrets."

That answer worried Ransom as did Beckett's body language. He had initially had Beckett pegged as a trouble-maker. A brat of an insubordinate officer. Learning that she was the Captain's daughter answered some of his questions but her history was somewhat elusive. A black ops mission gone bad could have something to do with that.

As he sat through the meeting he was beginning to wonder if the mission assignments might need some adjustments.

oOoOo

Captain's Ready Room

Carol Freeman had some concerns with this mission. That her husband considered that the Klingons were less of a risk than Starfleet said it all really.

She had experienced conspiracy and she had no doubt that her husband and those stage managing this mission were right to be concerned. But it was the fact that her ship and crew were generalists. They were not a science ship or a ship of the line. Oh, they certainly punched above their weight but dealing with one crooked Admiral's plans for his legacy was simple compared to dealing with an almost unknown enemy that was apparently extending a corrupting influence into Starfleet intelligence.

Her door chime sounded as she lowered the transcript of the Klingon General's report.

"Enter."

It was her second in command, "Commander, do you need me for something?"

"Captain…Carol, Can I speak to you off the record?"

"Of course Jack. Something bothering you?" She gestured to the seat opposite hers.

Jack looked nervous for a few moments before starting to talk.

"It's about Beckett. When you asked me to take her under my wing, I did a bit of digging. Nothing inappropriate," he assured a frowning Carol. "Just speaking to her former commanding officers and people she served with. When events seemed to even out, I hadn't finished reading everything."

He slid a pad across the desk toward her.

"That's a transcript from Commander Henry Upton, Starfleet Medical. He had been the CMO on the USS Quito. For some reason, it was removed from her record."

Carol raised an eyebrow, a redacted medical record was serious. It put Beckett at risk and could have mission-critical implications. Only the most serious matters were redacted like this.

She looked over the entry.

Beckett had been a Junior grade Lieutenant assigned to a six-person team on a joint black ops mission with a Klingon team. That's all it said officially. The good doctor had added his own recollections to the report.

The survivors, Carol grimaced at the use of that word. Had been picked up a month later by the Quito and had required extensive medical…treatment…

Her eyes widened in horror as she looked up at Jack seeing a similar look on his face.

"This…how could we not know about this? How could I not know about this?"

Jack shook his head, "Even mission security can't justify this not being in her records."

Carol stood and smashed the pad down on her desk, "This happened to my daughter Jack!" She hissed the words out as anger and fear played across her face.

"I know," he said. It wasn't enough but what would be?

Carol took several shuddering breaths before she sat down, "What the hell am I meant to do now?"

"Speak to her Carol…see if she wants to talk about it."

oOoOo

Beckett looked tired as she entered her mother's office.

"You wanted to see me, Captain?"

"Take a seat, Beckett," Carol gestured for her daughter to sit.

"What's up?" Beckett asked, clearly picking up on her mother's tension.

"I wanted to ask if you are up to speed on the mission."

Beckett nodded, "I've read the brief. An extended away mission looking after some researchers and VIPs in a joint operation with the Klingons."

Carol nodded, "True but there is more Ensign Mainer. This is big, Aledo and Admiral Buenamigo big and I believe that your team needs to know what's happening. Even if it is off the record."

Beckett nodded but didn't say anything.

Carol explained, as much as she could as her daughter sat frowning.

"Wow, okay that's a lot to take in M…Captain."

"Are you ready for a potentially lengthy away mission? It will be under the command of Admiral Collins of course but the Klingons will be heavily involved."

Beckett shrugged, "I can do Klingons, they are not that tough to deal with. Swear a bit and punch trouble…" She trailed off after seeing her mother's expression. "Okay, what's going on, that's your serious face."

"What happened on the Quito?"

Beckett winced and Carol's heart missed a beat.

"May I ask why this is relevant, Captain? My understanding was that you had access to my service records, my unclassified service records."

"I'm not asking as your commanding officer, Beckett."

Beckett said nothing but her eyes narrowed and her hands tensed. She knew that posture Beckett was going into defensive mode. So she continued on.

"You are about to go on an extended mission on a Klingon ship…I'm worried that it might be…triggering."

There she had said it and she saw her wording had an effect. She just hoped it was the right one.

Beckett sat frozen glaring at her mother. Finally, she spoke, "How did…who told you?"

Carol shook her head, " It doesn't matter, but I can assure you it won't be spread around. I'm not asking for details but this sort of thing…Beckett, it could impair your judgement. I just want to know that you have spoken to someone."

"The ships shrink, on the Quito," was the almost angry reply.

Carol wanted to take her daughter into her arms but didn't knowing that she wouldn't appreciate it at this moment. "Are you mission ready Ensign?"

Beckett nodded and Carol sat back.

"Very well, I'll send you the assignment list…and Beckett, my doors open if you want to talk."

It worried her slightly that she didn't get a sloppy salute or smart comment.

oOoOo