Chapter 402

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

Admiral Adama adjusted the volume on the video screen. "And in other news tonight, a GNN news source is saying that a Starfleet vessel is under investigation for violating the Prime Directive. The disturbing part of this violation is that there are multiple charges that are being investigated. Our source lists kidnapping and developing bioweapons as other charges possible against this crew. As of now, we don't have any more information, but will report it as we can confirm our sources. This is Andrea Price, GNN news."

Adama muted the report. This is going to get bad. Someone on Earth was leaking stuff to the press and trying to mischaracterize what Starfleet is doing out here in the final frontier. Adama touched his com panel, "Adama to Samuel Cogley."

Once Jacobs let Adama know that Cogley represented him, Adama was keeping Cogley up to date on what was happening. At least that is what Adama originally thought. The meetings ended up where Cogley had more information than Adama had as to what was happening to Jacobs. As far as attorneys, Cogley was as good as they come. A voice came through the speaker, "Bill, how are you doing today?"

"Fine Sam, I have some business to discuss with you."

Cogley guessed, "Is it about this leak about a Starfleet vessel kidnapping kids?"

Adama shrugged, "How did you find out?"

"A colleague of mine on Earth heard it and flagged it for me."

Adama said, "Well, it has to do with Captain Jacobs, and this will be rather involved, say a few hours."

Cogley responded quickly, "I'm going out of town tomorrow for business. Wait, how about you meet me. We could meet then have lunch."

Adama looked at his calendar, "Depends on where. Is it in this Star system?"

Cogley said, "Right here, New Haven Ranch. I can give you the coordinates. I'm meeting with George McGongle, who I believe you are already acquainted."

Adama smiled, "Yes. He was the Base Commander here before he retired. I've kept in contact; in fact, I've tried to get them to supply food to the Starbase. For some reason he won't do it. He claims the owner does not want to do business with Starfleet."

Cogley responded, "Do not be too hard on him. I represent the ranch as well and it is on my recommendation that they do not sell to Starfleet."

Adama was surprised, "I thought you like Starfleet."

Cogley said, "I do. I am just protecting my clients. There are complications that my clients would prefer to avoid if they sold to you directly. They do provide food for all off-base clients though."

"And some of them prep it and sell it to us. I want to bypass the middleman. It would be cheaper for us and more profitable for your clients."

Cogley chuckled, "Yes, and George and I went over that. There are other considerations as well. It's not Starfleet, but dealing with the Government. I can say that my client who owns the ranch is a big supporter of Starfleet. They also own the Final Frontier Steakhouse in town."

Adama knew the restaurant well. It was one of the largest in town, had the best food, and gave a huge discount to uniformed Starfleet personnel. He had eaten there many times and his first meeting with Cogley was at the steakhouse. "I didn't know that. Ok, I'll drop my pestering McGonagle over selling to us. Let me know when that position changes?"

Cogley laughed, "I will. Now, are we on for tomorrow?"

Adama said, "Yes, what time?"

Cogley answered back, "Meet me at the Ranch at 0800." And the line went dead. Cogley wasn't one for long goodbyes.

Adama sat and thought a bit. He planned on informing Cogley of the Wisconsin's mission to Tangia, nothing on that mission was sensitive. He had a feeling though that there was more going on than simply Jameson trying to destroy Jacobs. More needed to be discussed, but he could not authorize the dissemination of information. There was someone who could.

Adama pushed the computer button, "Computer. Priority message to Admiral Yamamoto, Starfleet Headquarters. Code for eyes only. Admiral, this concerns the recent leak on the Wisconsin's mission to Tangia. We both know that Senator Jameson has a grudge against Captain Jacobs. This leak I believe is not only trying to set up a future action against Jacobs, but also against Starfleet. I look to the portion of the leak that refers to Starfleet developing bioweapons. I would like to inform Samuel Cogley, representing Captain Jacobs, as to Jacobs' past missions, including everything related with file PeanutButter. I believe that Jameson is going to use an attack on Jacobs to spearhead a fundamental change in Starfleet and we should be ready for it. I also ask you to not inform Admiral Clayborne as well, as he is in Jameson's court. Thank you, Adama out."

Adama thought the reply should be here tomorrow evening, if everything went well. He pushed the button for his secretary, "Yeoman Street."

Street's voice came through, "Yes Admiral?"

"Let flight ops know I would like a shuttle tomorrow morning. I would like to be at the New Haven Ranch at 0800, have them assign a pilot and let me know what time liftoff will be."

"Aye aye, sir."

BOQ ROOM 117

STARBASE 5

Ensign Mitchell stepped in and expected to find Pell inside. No one was, although it was clear which bed was Pell's. Mitchell flopped his bag on the other bed and started unpacking. He looked out the window at the desert outside. He had heard that temperatures here at the Starbase were near unbearable, and it looked like that from the window perspective. Looking at the clock, it was midafternoon, it had to be horribly hot outside.

The door opened and a dripping wet Ensign Pell stepped inside. Pell was using a towel to wipe himself down and when he saw Mitchell he said cheerfully, "Maverick! I heard you were coming. Way cool man. What's up?"

Mitchell gave a polite smile, "Pell. Why are you dripping wet?"

Pell was still toweling himself. "I've been outside playing sandpit volleyball, it's great here! You should come and get a round in, it would be George man."

Mitchell shook his head, "It's got to be over a hundred outside."

Pell laughed, "Actually about a hundred and thirty, but they have a misting machine over the top of the court that actually makes it a lot better."

Mitchell flatly said, "No. I just arrived. Playing sandpit volleyball in the middle of the high desert isn't my idea of fun."

Pell shook his head, "Aw Maverick, don't worry, we could even be on the same team. We'd be great!"

Mitchell unenthusiastically said, "Are you reminding me about the tournament back at the academy? That you beat my team?"

Pell blinked and recoiled, "That's not George man! No, I'm just saying that we'd do well. All it's about is to have some fun. We don't have to try to prove one better than another. That's not George."

Mitchell shook his head, "You and your strange sayings. If I go, we are not going to be on the same team. I'm going to beat you this time. I would have back at the academy but my teammate slacked off and drug me down."

Pell shrugged, "That's George Maverick, real George. We can go head-to-head again, I'll down you again."

The com whistled and the speaker said, "Flight Operations to Ensign Pell."

Pell pushed the com button, "Pell here."

"We have an assignment for you. You're to fly the Admiral tomorrow morning for a meeting. Report to Ops for flight planning."

Pell checked the clock, "Can I show up in a half hour? I just came from the rec center."

"That's fine. Flight Ops out."

Mitchell dryly said, "The Admiral? Lucky you."

Pell remarked, "Yeah, he's George, real George. He's a pilot too. It'll be fun."

CAPTAIN'S MESS

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs, Leonaidas, Bauer, and Cloud sat down for the evening dinner. Jacobs prayed over the dinner and then they started eating. Jacobs noticed quickly that despite his and Leonaidas' efforts, Cloud remained quiet. Bauer was right, one-word sentences seem to be normal for Mr. Cloud. For enlisted people, the division officer attempted to try to make the person feel a little more comfortable with a familiar face.

Jacobs was getting discouraged at trying to get to know Mr. Cloud. They found out that he came from Arizona, excelled in high school athletics, and went into Starfleet security because he wanted to. Not much else. Finally, after everyone was finished, it was time to go, no use in belaboring the point. As they all stood, Jacobs could see that Mr. Cloud appeared uncomfortable about something, however slight. One last try, "Are you ok Mr. Cloud? Something wrong?"

Cloud took a long look at the Captain, Leonaidas, and Mr. Bauer, clearly debating on what to say. Something finally turned over. "Sir, do you remember the battle of CVR-12?"

Jacobs and Leonaidas instantly went somber. They clearly remembered that battle, a special ops mission that went bad. A raid on a Klingon listening post that turned out to be a trap. A lot of Marines died on that mission. Jacobs, unsure where this was going, replied quietly, "I do."

Cloud tried to talk, stopped, then started again. "Sir, it's tough for me to talk."

Jacobs said, "Go ahead, Mr. Cloud. You are among friends here. What is it? Did I do something to hurt you over that?" Jacobs did the math quickly; Cloud couldn't have been more than five during that battle. What was it?

"Sir, I know both you and Commander Leonaidas were there. All the men that died on that mission. I also know the ones you saved."

Jacobs looked at Leonaidas who clearly did not know where this was going either. Leonaidas asked, "You had a relative there?"

Cloud did not nod or anything but just started in, "After the Marines were ambushed, there were so many of them that died. My uncle was on that mission. You saved my uncle. I lost my dad when I was an infant, and my uncle raised me. To me he was my dad. He told that story to me a few times growing up how you came back to save the few that survived, despite the Klingon fire. If you hadn't done that, my uncle would have died."

Jacobs and Leonaidas were quiet. Cloud continued, "When I heard about this ship being built, and saw the hearings over the Raptors, I recognized the Raptor. My Uncle loved that ship. I told him of it and he excitedly said he recognized you as the Captain. He said that you would always treat the security people like human beings, not pawns on the battlefield. Sir, I may get killed in action, I know that. But I also know you will do whatever you can to bring your people home. I don't know that about other Captains in Starfleet. I'm proud to be part of this ship."

Jacobs offered his hand, and Cloud shook it, "Mr. Cloud, we're the ones who are proud to have you part of the crew. You already are distinguished, and in battle too. You helped us in defending and rescuing the Excalibur a few months ago. Thank you."

Cloud gave a nod. Jacobs nodded and Cloud went on his way. Bauer looked at Jacobs and Leonaidas, "You never know…."

Jacobs quietly said, "Indeed."

LANDING PAD

NEW HAVEN RANCH

NEXT MORNING

Pell was piloting the shuttle with Admiral Adama sitting next to him. Adama had been quietly studying a datapad during the flight but now that they were near the ranch, he started looking out the window. Pell was flying the path he chose to the landing pad at the ranch, carefully avoiding the large airbase in the middle of the valley. The airbase was on a large bluff with a river running beside the base of the bluff, and all around the valley was lush farmland. Pell asked, "Have you ever been here before sir?"

Adama was taking in the sights, he shook his head and quietly said, "No." Adama had seen pictures of this place, but never had seen it in person. He could see that Pell was bringing the shuttle in for touchdown on the main lodge's landing pad. After a gentle touchdown, Pell announced, "Welcome to New Haven sir."

Adama got up and said, "Thank you Mr. Pell, well done. This valley is larger than I imagined."

Pell nodded, "It is. What is that airbase on that bluff in the middle of the valley?"

Adama shrugged, "Let's ask the good Admiral McGonagle when he gets here."

The two stepped out and smelled the air. It smelled like summertime, and it was quiet except for a whoop whoop sound in the distance. Pell said, "I got you here on time Admiral, even a touch early."

Adama recognized the sound and could not suppress a smile. "That you did, Mr. Pell. I think you are in for a treat. Tell me, are they still teaching aerodynamics at the academy?"

Pell nodded, "Yes sir, they are."

Adama followed up, "How about practical application?"

Pell said, "Plenty of simulations. I got time in airplanes, helicopters, orinthopters, reentry gliders, anything that used air to stay aloft."

Adama said, "Anything not a simulation?"

Pell shook his head, "That stopped the year before I started the academy. Why?"

The whooping got louder and revealed an old-fashioned helicopter coming over the nearby treeline. The helicopter swooped in and landed next to the shuttle on the landing pad. As the blades slowed down to a stop, a tall white-haired man stepped out in a flight suit and walked to them. Adama stepped up and extended a hand, "George, what is this all about?"

McGonagle vigorously shook Adama's hand, "Bill, great to see you. Did you have a nice ride here?"

Adama said, "Yes, but nothing like what you have here. Where did you get a Huey? I haven't seen one since the academy days."

McGonagle motioned with his hand, "We have six of them. We use them for crop dusting mainly, but they have other uses too such as cattle control and general transportation. Feel like a ride gentlemen?"

Adama said, "We're meeting Cogley in fifteen minutes. You know about that of course."

McGonagle nodded, "Absolutely, I'll have you back in time."

Adama gave a rare full smile, "Let's go. Any room for Mr. Pell?"

McGongale motioned to the seat behind and between the pilots' seats. Pell jumped in while Adama was fastening his harness in the other pilot's seat. McGonagle motioned to the helmets, "Put these on, otherwise you'll be deaf for the meeting."

The Huey started up and McGongle took off. He started explaining right away, "The owner realized how valuable these Hueys are, particularly for crop dusting. We have another dozen from the academy back on Earth in the process of refurbishment. Want to fly a little Bill?"

"It's been years." Adama took the controls and started flying. They were already in full forward flight, and it was relatively easy to control. McGonagle gave some tips and Adama was remembering the flying he did back at the Academy.

McGonagle explained, "These are remakes, nothing could survive the pounding of three hundred years of flight, plus all the history of the third world war. These birds were the first that were remanufactured in the post third war era. We exchanged the engines with microfusion turbines. The only limit we have is do we have air for the blades to beat into submission! The ones coming from Starfleet Academy are more modern. They are made from modern materials, stronger and lighter. Mr. Pell, it's too bad you never got a chance to fly a real bird."

Pell asked, "The simulator doesn't shake like this."

McGonagle laughed, "No, it doesn't. Bill, you think you can land back at the pad?"

"I'll try." Adama turned them around and started his approach. Adama could see Cogley's shuttle on the ground as well. Adama landed on the designated spot with a little difficulty.

The group was walking up to the lodge and Adama said, "George, I haven't had that much fun in years."

"Then come up anytime and do some real flying. You're always welcome."

Adama nodded, "I will. Mr. Cogley, good to see you."

Cogley was standing on the porch of the lodge, "And you as well, Admiral. The staff has breakfast for us inside."

The breakfast continued with light discussion, mostly centered on the ranch. Adama learned a lot about the extent of the operation, it was larger than he imagined. After breakfast, McGonagle said, "Before we get down to business, I'd like to invite Mr. Pell to some flying if you wish."

Pell smiled broadly, "I'd like that sir."

McGonagle said, "If you go back to the pad, I'll have one of the ranch hands meet you there. He's fully qualified and will give you some stick time." Pell looked at Adama, who nodded his approval. Pell excused himself and went out the door.

Adama looked at McGonagle. "Were we ever that young?"

McGonagle smirked, "Younger. And probably more stupid."

Adama pulled out two datapads and handed one each to McGonagle and Cogley. "On these pads are a recent mission by Captain Jacobs. He was ordered to a planet called Tangia to investigate why the planet stopped transmitting all radio signals. George, I'm including you in this because you were his former commander, and as I understand it, the two of you are good friends."

"Josh was my best ship's Captain. He not only was a good tactician, but he turned out good crews as well. I got a lot of good officers from him."

Cogley was scanning the pad. "You've told me some of this mission before, I see there's more information here. What has changed?"

"Included are all the service logs of the crew along with the background of the 'bioweapon'. The original data I gave you did not include that."

Cogley asked, "Why now?"

Adama said, "Because that news leak alluded to it. You have a security clearance with Starfleet because of the work you have done with us. I have now included that in the package because it's now relevant. George still has kept his clearance active and I want him included as well. I believe that Jameson is going to go after Jacobs with everything he can, and he's going to misconstrue everything he can."

Cogley looked at the two men, "Admiral, I'm glad to be able to defend Jacobs, but given the history that Senator Jameson has had, have you considered that the actual target is Starfleet itself?"

Adama nodded, "I have, and just advised the Admiralty about that. We have a lot to discuss."

BOQ ROOM 117

STARBASE 5

LATER THAT AFTERNOON

Mitchell was changing after taking a swim in the pool when an excited Pell walked in. "Maverick, I've had a total blast today!"

Mitchell said dryly. "Really? All day playing chauffeur? Just what did you do that was so fun?"

Pell said, "I got to fly a Bell UH-1 Huey!"

Mitchell still talking in a bored tone, asked, "We all did, back at the academy. Where did you find a simulator?"

Pell shook his head, "No simulator, a genuine reproduction Huey! It had a micro-turbo fusion reactor driving the transmission, but other than that, it was the real deal! It was George, real George man!"

Mitchell asked, "Did you impress the Admiral with your flying prowess?"

The com whistled at that moment. "Flight operations to Ensign Mitchell."

Mitchell pushed the com button, "Mitchell here."

"Report to Flight Operations for flight planning. You're flying the Admiral tomorrow morning."

Mitchell responded, "Aye aye, sir." He turned off the com panel. "Well, Pell, you couldn't have impressed the Admiral too much, now he wants me to fly him somewhere."

PRIME MINISTER KURBISH'S OFFICE

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING

MAGHREB

Kurbish greeted Soklos as he walked in. Soklos was the prime backer in his re-election campaign and a good leader among planetary businessmen to have on your side. Soklos sat down at the offered chair and Kurbish asked, "So Soklos, what is so important as to not be talked over the phones?"

Soklos asked, "How are the negotiations with the aliens proceeding?"

"Good, we have taken a break but will start earnest negotiations in a month. It will take them that long to bring in their ambassadors."

Soklos nodded, "What of their accommodations when they get here?"

Kurbish slyly smiled, "Are you aiming at getting the preparation contract?"

Soklos smiled, "It would be nice."

Kurbish said, "Well, both the Klingons and the Federation want to set up consulates. It will allow them to trade off hosting the negotiations and show us what they are like. It also allows us a method of contacting them easier. They will not need a ship in orbit continually, although they probably will. I've also found out something very interesting, their transporter device can't beam through our buildings for some reason."

Soklos stood up and walked to the window. The Prime Minister's office was at the top of the government building and had an impressive view. Soklos could see his tower over in the business district, highest building on the planet. From here, he had to look up to where his office was at the top. "I had not heard that. Why?"

Kurbish said, "They claim they do not know. But there is something in our construction methods or materials that impedes their transporter device from working. They can transport to our front door, but not inside."

Soklos asked, "Could they be lying? Give us a false sense of security?"

"I think not. There is an extensive amount of preparation to do a work-around that limitation."

Soklos thought quietly then said, "I would like to be included in the consulate construction."

Kurbish smiled, "We'll see, old friend. I'm not sure but they might want to build it themselves."

Soklos said, "You could insist."

Kurbish's eyes narrowed, "You'll get your inside scoop, don't worry. I haven't forgotten."

BADGER DEN

USS WISCONSIN

STARDATE 7751.9

2100 HRS SHIPBOARD TIME

Lt Calvin, Doctor Blake, Crewman Black, and Ensign Kenn were standing at attention in front of the other Badgers facing Bauer. Bauer was explaining Hell week, "Starting tomorrow, we are going to work on exhausting you and testing your abilities in your respective fields. Each of your division heads has come up with various ways of testing your final abilities. The week will finish with the Big Swim. We are going to try to find a planet in the system we are approaching that will accommodate that mission. When we do, we will do the Big Swim. That final exercise leads directly to an evaluation then to graduation. Every Badger in this room has done this exercise, and you will be no different. We are going to start Hell Week bright and early tomorrow, so I suggest you get a good night's sleep in your own bed. It will be the last comfort you get for a while. Dismissed."

The candidates left and the other Badgers filtered out, they would be playing an active role in stressing the candidates as much as possible. Jacobs and Leonaidas were watching and walked up to Bauer. Jacobs said dryly, "You're not going to let them sleep until morning."

Bauer smiled evilly, "I'm a man of my word. It starts at morning time. Are all the other divisions ready?"

Leonaidas nodded, "They are, according to your schedule."

LT. CALVIN'S QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

STARDATE 7752.0 0001HRS

The first tactical team comprised six members, chosen at random. All six were looking forward to this, as it was done to them. Bauer was looking at his watch to make sure it was after midnight. He promised he would wait until morning. Everybody in the tactical team was set to go, and there were some onlookers wondering what they were preparing to do.

Bauer saw it was time, and flipped open his communicator, "Computer, this is Lt. Cdr Jack Bauer. Security Override Lt. Calvin's quarters, Authorization Juliet Bravo 24. Open door no warning in five seconds."

Bauer's communicator responded with the computer voice, "Authorization accepted, Door opening in 5, 4, 3…" Bauer closed and stored his communicator. He waved his hand and Johansen pulled the pin on the flashbang and waited for the door to open. The door started to slide open and the flashbang sailed in through the door. Everyone closed their eyes, a loud bang with a bright flash and the team followed in on the heels of Bauer yelling.

On cue, some of the Badgers started firing blanks, others fired phasers set to training mode. Calvin's quarters were instantly changed into pandemonium. TC was asleep and the flashbang instantly woke him, but he could not see or hear. As the effects of the flashbang wore off, he could hear the weapons fire, and instantly rolled for cover behind his bed, grabbing his phaser. Bauer made sure it was locked to training mode prior to the exercise. TC passed test number one.

Amidst all the yelling and chaos, Bauer stepped forward and yelled, "TC, you are at Cestus III and are under attack, report immediately to Sim 1 for air defense! MOVE!"

TC jumped out and into a flightsuit he had laid out prior to going to sleep. In seconds he had it on and was running down the hallway to the nearest turbolift. This was the only time he would use a turbolift the next week. The tactical team got on the turbolift along with him yelling updates on where the simulated attack was coming from. When the turbolift stopped seconds later, TC jumped out and ran down the hall to the simulator room and up into the simulator. Waiting in the simulator was Agathon who said, "I have the Raptor all preflighted."

TC slid into the seat and belted in, "Combat checklist."

Outside Bauer, Carter, and Jacobs watched as the simulator started up. Bauer asked, "Who is in the other sim?"

Carter said, "I have Athena in it. All the workstations are manned in the computer room. The first battle of Cestus III is about to begin."

Jacobs asked Bauer, "What about the others?'

Bauer looked at a datapad that was feeding updates to him, "Everyone is in their first exercise."

Jacobs mused, "Well, you did say morning."

Bauer chuckled, "I hate to waste time."

BOQ ROOM 117

STARBASE 5

Mitchell walked into his quarters after doing the flight planning for the next morning's flight with the Admiral. No sign of Pell, thank goodness. He changed into his off-duty clothes and pondered whether to grab dinner at the cafeteria or not. As his mind wandered, he was thinking of the next morning's flight with the old man. He heard the Admiral was quiet, a former pilot himself, but not much else. Obviously Adama was a former ship's captain, but he did not know which ship or for how long. Admirals are a former lot of things, that is why they need new blood, and Mitchell knew he was it. His mission for the next day was to fly the Admiral up to some remote farm and sit around all day long. Pell kept talking about helicopters or something. He remembered the simulator, the helicopter was a horribly unstable machine, barely controllable. He did not find it fun to fly at all, the shuttles were far better, far superior. Besides, why did a farm have helicopters anyway? Well, he will have to endure tomorrow.

SOKLOS' OFFICE

SOKLOS SKYTOWER

MAGHREB

Soklos' office was at the top of the tallest building on the planet and as such had a commanding view. The building of course was his, and he had the top floors for his exclusive use. Soklos was talking to his aide Bartol, who had been with him ever since his school days. Both were enjoying a drink standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Bartol, what do you think? Is Kurbish telling us the truth?"

"I believe so, but only part of it. I just got word back that he is negotiating for a lot more than just mining rights. He is also trying to get technology and especially weaponry."

Soklos nodded, "I would expect that. It's the main reason why we are trying to get the inside scoop. If we can get a hold of some of that technology first, the corporation will be unstoppable."

Bartol turned, "I think you're missing it; he wants weaponry. Why on a peaceful planet? We are all one government, peaceful people. Why does he want advanced weaponry?'

Soklos shrugged, "It's always good to improve."

Bartol shook his head, "More than that. If those weapons the Klingons used on our tanks cannot be built in a garage, there would be no stopping a force that had those. Kurbish has started his last term, I think he is not going to want to give it up."

Soklos motioned to the city, "The people would never stand for that. We would have an armed rebellion."

"Yes, but what if Kurbish had a weapon that would not kill, but incapacitate thousands with a single shot? You could go, disarm, and place them in detention easily. Bunkers would need to be redefined, a simple hand weapon could burn through the ground and destroy them quicker than anything we have now. Sensing technology that could allow you to see through walls, detect people far away. It would make rebellion impossible."

Soklos thought a bit. Bartol is right. "So, what about it? What do we do?"

"We get our hands on some of that technology, duplicate it, and make our own and sell it to the government. We outdo the production of the aliens, or maybe even offer to produce the technology here so the aliens do not have to ship them here."

Soklos looked out to the horizon thinking. Yes, that could make him invincible in the business community. Nobody could catch up. "What is he doing with the negotiations?"

Bartol recounted, "He has made it known to both the Federation and the Klingons that he wants technology. He started off with innocent stuff, medicine, communications, navigation, propulsion."

Soklos nodded, "I heard that, that's what I want to get into. Both the Federation and Klingons were willing although the Klingon medicine isn't that good."

Bartol nodded, "Yes, they believe only the strong survive. Their medicine is either some form of battlefield surgery or enhancements. Besides, Klingon physiology isn't as similar to us as we thought."

Soklos asked, "What do you mean?"

Bartol explained, "Besides the cranial ridges, they have protective plates down their spine. You could hit them in the back with a sword and it won't cut their spine. Their blood is completely different from ours which is probably the most significant difference."

Soklos asked, "What about weapons?"

Bartol said, "Neither side is willing to give us weapons. The Klingons sound like they will, but begrudgingly and they will be old stuff."

"Which is still years ahead of us."

Bartol said, "Yes, the Federation said they don't deal in arms. Other technology yes, but not arms."

Soklos thought, "They will bring arms too."

"Are you sure?"

"They will have to, to keep competitive. That may be our in. If their laws are such that they can't acknowledge it, they will try to smuggle it in around their own people." Soklos thought quickly, "We have to move quickly, we have to get to build or at least work in the Federation Consulate, Klingon would be nice but I don't see the Klingons allowing it. Second, I need to talk to Dr. Zouger."

"The anti-alien leader?"

"Yes, and quickly too."

Bartol turned, "Ok, I'll see if I can get him." He turned and walked out the door.

Soklos sipped his drink looking out to the horizon. Yes, the possibilities were good, if he could manage the situation right.