Author's Note: Thank you for your continued support on this journey!
Plugging right along, this instalment focuses on the episode Heart of Glory.
Heart of Glory is one of my favourite TNG episodes. It's an early S1 gem that often gets overlooked IMHO. It was really the first Worf-centred episode of the series and one in which we start to see the struggle of Worf's duality – an outsider both to Klingons and in Starfleet.
In anticipation of this, I dropped that snippet of a conversation between Beverly and Jean-Luc about prejudice earlier during the Ariana La Forge arc.
While not as directly 1980s PSA preachy, Heart of Glory did force our characters to confront some of their own internalised biases.
You will notice some deviation from the canon material here. For me, the Klingon Civil War and later DS9 arcs were both wonderful and an amazing, untapped opportunity. I really want to expand on that here and expand on the internal conflict leading to the events of stories like Reunion, In the Mind's Eye, Redemption, and The Drumhead.
So I'm taking some liberties with characters like Korris, Duras, K'mpec, and others the build on that.
Thank you again for all of your support, likes, kudos, comments, and fanart!
In the days that followed their departure from Relva VII, the team continued to work their scheduled shifts and go about their business.
Commander Riker's weekly poker night took place. The team had all turned out for Guinan's sushi night. And Geordi conducted a training for everyone on the new upgrades to the science terminals on the Bridge.
Life went on.
But it was overshadowed by the knowledge that there was a Romulan threat looming out there.
Deanna had likened it to the same feelings that the crew of ships often felt following a takeover or invasion.
Starfleet was their home. And knowing that Romulans were now embedded in that organisation left them all with a sense that their home was no longer safe.
What was worse was the fact that the crew felt as if they were walking around carrying a secret, pretending everything was alright.
Lying was antithetical to everything Data stood for.
He felt like an imposter every time he started the morning briefing with the team of departmental heads.
Yet not all the secrets caused such feelings of guilt. There was one in particular that Data had found quite exciting.
Data and Tasha's plans to elope in secret were on hold. But they had found solace in planning their secret wedding together.
They had both opted to skip happy hour with the team in favour of returning to Tasha's quarters after their shift.
"I have confirmed the travel restrictions on Føroyar," Data said.
Because it was such a pristine wilderness area, the planet was keen to preserve her best natural resource.
"We will be permitted to take a shuttle directly to Skýr Point," Data said. "I do apologise, I know you were looking forward to a long hike."
Tasha up and grinned.
She set her new tablet down and crawled over to Data.
"Which means we would have additional time to stay in the area. Or we could stay longer at one of the other places, the resort at Stjörnuljós for example," Data suggested.
It was one of several places they had looked into for booking accommodations.
"Oh?" Tasha prompted as she crawled closer. "You mean the place with the geothermal spa and those gorgeous floor to ceiling windows?"
"Yes," Data answered.
"So instead of hiking across a frozen wasteland I'm going to be stuck with you soaking in some bougie spa and sipping champers?" Tasha asked.
"Yes," Data repeated.
Tasha watched as realisation dawned on Data.
"Oh," he said softly.
Tasha giggled and planted a quick peck on his lips.
"You wish to spend most of our time relaxing?" Data asked.
"Well not exactly," Tasha answered with a coy smile.
Data was surprised.
"Forgive me, I am not disappointed. But I am confused," Data confessed. "In the past, we have always tried to balance our shore leave between, well, intimate time and pursuit of our hobbies."
Tasha sat back and shrugged.
"Will you not be… restless?" Data inquired. "You have a tendency to get that way without physical activity."
He took hold of her hand.
"You get fidgety when you are forced to go without physical activity," Data said.
"I sincerely doubt that will be a problem," Tasha said.
In a flash, Data had her pinned.
"Is that a challenge, my dear?" Data teased.
"Maybe," Tasha replied.
"Then I shall endeavour to keep you adequately occupied," Data countered.
The next morning on the Bridge, the crew were still operating under their new normal.
The Enterprise had been ordered to Largo V to participate in a ceremony marking the fiftieth anniversary of the planet's acceptance into the Federation.
It was a routine goodwill mission and one that Starfleet wanted to ensure the Flagship would be present for.
In spite of it being a seemingly straightforward mission, no one was pleased about the location.
Largo V was in the Omega Sector. It was not far from Starbase Yorktown, and it bordered the Romulan Neutral Zone.
"Captain, there is an incoming communication from Starfleet," Worf reported from his position at the comms station.
Jean-Luc turned in his seat to look back at Worf.
"They have reported a disturbance in the Neutral Zone," Worf said.
It was as if someone had flipped a switch and the mood on the Bridge immediately shifted. Riker froze in his seat. Data's hands stopped and he turned to look back at the rest of the crew.
Wesley felt a chill down his spine. Tasha gripped her console tight enough that her knuckles went white.
And Deanna, who could sense it all, was overwhelmed by the collective dread.
"Of what nature?" Picard asked.
"They are transmitting now," Worf advised.
Tasha set to work, pulling up the long-range sensor Data on the Tactical console so she could take a look for analysis.
"Quadrant Nine. Coordinates zero seven zero, mark three," Data said as he read the report.
He paused and looked back over his shoulder.
"Captain, that is in the Neutral Zone," Data said.
"Starfleet is asking if we can investigate," Worf said, relaying the orders contained in the message.
His comment hung in the air for a minute as Jean-Luc scratched his chin.
"Who sent the order?" Picard asked.
"It came from Starfleet Command directly. Relayed out of long-range substation Antares-977," Worf said.
Jean-Luc turned to his First Officer and the two shared a dark look.
"A trap?" Riker asked.
Remmick had warned he believed that the Enterprise would be targeted.
"But the entire ship?" Picard pondered aloud. "It doesn't seem to fit the pattern."
Most of the incidents identified by Remmick involved individuals or small groups in shuttles. They could hardly take an entire ship the size of the Enterprise without raising suspicion.
"Lieutenant, your analysis?" Picard asked.
"Almost, sir," Tasha replied.
"Lieutenant," Picard pressed.
Worf felt a tug on his sleeve as Tasha pulled him over to the Tactical console.
"Look at the blast pattern," Tasha said as she indicated to a section of the image.
A knowing look passed between the two.
"Tasha," Picard said in a rather terse voice.
"Disruptor fire, sir," Tasha said. "There's a damaged ship. She looks intact but adrift. And debris that's consistent with another vessel."
"Battle," Worf offered.
"It's too far out to determine if the disruptor fire is Breen, Klingon, or Romulan," Tasha added.
There was no information on who was involved.
"And the ship?" Picard asked.
"It's not a warship. Based on the size and shape, it looks more like a freighter," Tasha said. "I'm transmitting the coordinates to your console, Lieutenant Commander. See what you can make of it."
Data tapped his console to pull up the satellite imagery.
"There are no reports of any Federation vessels in the area, sir," Worf said.
Data's eyes narrowed as he studied the shape and size of the structure in question. It was large and bulky, but not large enough to be a warship. And the size didn't correspond to any known Romulan or Klingon design.
"Captain, I believe this is freighter. Possibly Talarian or Argellian in design," Data said. "Further evidence would be needed to make an accurate identification."
"A long way from either of their territories. Opposite side of the quadrant, in fact," Riker remarked.
Jean-Luc sat back in his seat and took a deep breath as he weighed his options.
He could very well choose to ignore the order. They had only been asked to investigate. And the diplomatic mission to Largo V was the perfect cover.
At the same time, Jean-Luc had decided he was done burying his head in the sand when it came to this conspiracy.
They might very well be able to apprehend the culprits or prevent further infiltration.
"Ferengi?" Riker suggested. "We know they're known to buy and sell other ships. Maybe it's a repurposed vessel."
"It would be a relief if that's all it is," Picard said.
"Should we separate to saucer?" Riker asked.
Jean-Luc thought for a moment. He was about to say yes when a dark thought crossed his mind.
"Under normal circumstances I would be inclined to agree," Picard acknowledged. "But if I think like a Romulan, how better to separate the ship? Divide the crew."
Riker nodded.
"Lay in a course, Mr Crusher. Warp Seven," Picard ordered.
"Aye, sir," Wesley said.
He punched in the coordinates and waited for the Captain's order.
Jean-Luc stood up and surveyed the team on the Bridge.
"I may very well be taking us into danger," Picard said.
Data was the first to speak.
"All stations are online, and I will notify Engineering of the course change," Data said.
"With your permission, I'll take the ship to yellow alert," Riker added.
"Photon torpedo bays and reserves are loaded. Awaiting your orders to bring phasers online," Tasha chimed in.
"I have alerted Sickbay to prepare," Worf announced.
It was the team's way of telling their Captain they were behind him.
"Engage," Picard commanded.
It took them two hours to reach the coordinates provided by Starfleet Command.
Each of those seconds had felt like an eternity.
"We are now approaching the coordinates," Wesley advised.
"Slow to half impulse," Picard ordered.
There had been no further activity during the time it had taken the Enterprise to reach the coordinates. The vessel in question was still adrift and appeared to be near failure.
On the viewscreen, the evidence of the recent battle was obvious as bits of debris drifted loosely.
"It looks like a Klingon warbird was destroyed," Worf observed.
"That is consistent with sensor readings," Data said.
"Sensors also indicate recent photon explosions and heavy phaser activity," Tasha reported. "I can confirm now the residue on the freighter is disruptor fire."
"Shields and deflectors up. Stay at yellow alert," Picard said.
He didn't want to risk notifying whoever the Romulan spy aboard was in the event that they were just waiting for a signal.
"Sir, I have the other ship on sensors," Data said. "Life support is failing. Propulsion, navigation, and communications are inoperative."
It was all too eerie to be sitting in the Neutral Zone and staring at the remains of ship torn apart by disruptor fire.
"Any trace of another vessel?" Picard asked.
He didn't need to say the word. Everyone knew he was referring to the Romulans.
"There's not a tachyon signature consistent with a Romulan ship," Tasha said before adding a caveat. "But if they're cloaked-"
"Take us in a little closer, Mr Crusher. Stay sharp everyone," Picard said.
Wesley cautiously navigated the Enterprise in closer to the drifting freighter.
They were still a safe distance from the ship, but Data's advanced vision enabled him to see better than the rest of the team could.
"Captain, I believe I can identify the vessel," Data said.
He cocked his head to the side as he read the registry on the outside of the hull.
"The Batris," Data announced.
It took him less than five seconds to pull up, skim through, and confirm the identity and flight plan on file with Federation records.
"It is a general cargo vessel. Talarian," Data said. "She registered a flight plan with the Listrek Starport three days ago. Headed for the Lyran Empire. The manifest states she was transporting goods for general trade – Talarian garments, spices, wine imports."
Data frowned.
"There is nothing here to imply the ship would be a target," Data concluded.
Listrek Starport was an unaffiliated starbase that traded with the Federation, the Klingon Empire, the Romulans, and many other governments.
The ceasefire between the Talarians and the Federation permitted them to travel through Federation space along specified corridors to trade at such areas – but this vessel was off course.
By a lot.
"Possible life signs," Tasha said.
"What do you mean, possible?" Picard asked.
Tasha shook her head.
"The readings emanate from deep in the ship. But there's too much magnetic interference," Tasha said.
"Probably damage. Radioactive clutter caused by damage within the ship," Data advised.
"It can't be more than a handful of survivors," Tasha said.
Jean-Luc wasn't keen on the idea of an away team. But he knew there was only one way to get answers and they had a moral obligation to provide assistance.
"Prepare an away team," Picard said, turning to Riker.
Riker nodded to the crew. They knew their assignments.
Data, Tasha, and Worf all prepared to follow Riker onto the lift.
"Lieutenant Yar, stay at your post. If there are Romulans involved here, they may still be in the area. If it comes to a firefight, I want you on the Bridge," Picard ordered.
"Aye, sir," Tasha said.
Tasha nodded in understanding and resumed her position at the upper deck.
On his way off the Bridge, Data and Tasha exchanged a glance as she wordlessly pleaded with him to be safe.
Typically they were both a part of any away team. It felt odd to be separated.
On their way to the Transporter Room, there was an urgent incoming hail from Geordi.
"Sir, I'd like to request permission to join the away team," Geordi said.
"It's fine with me, but you'll need to clear it with the Captain," Riker advised.
Geordi wasted no time in seeking such permission.
"Captain, Data and I have been working on a Visual Acuity transmitter. I'd like to use this opportunity to test it out. And it may provide Lieutenant Yar's team with some additional sensor data to help determine what happened here," Geordi explained.
The Visual Acuity transmitter had been one of the pet projects Data and Geordi had worked on during their time on Relva VII. It enabled Geordi to provide a direct video feed into his VISOR.
Given the variety of light spectrums and sensor readings his VISOR could decipher, it would provide crucial forensic evidence in investigating the demise of the Batris.
"Please, go," Picard urged. "And Number One? Everything about this seems wrong."
It was his way of warning Riker to be on his toes.
In the Transporter Room, Miles was waiting for them. He had everything geared up and ready to go. It only took a few moments for Geordi to rush up from Engineering.
With Data's help, he attached the device to the side of his VISOR.
"What exactly does this do?" Riker asked.
"Data and I have been working on a way to transmit what my VISOR sees. The Bridge will be able to monitor us," Geordi said.
"There are limitations. The information in Geordi's VISOR is so complex that it is difficult to encode. The signal may break down due to interference," Data said. "I am switching it on now."
Geordi felt a sudden surge at the base of his neural implants as the device drew power.
"Bridge?" Geordi asked.
"We are receiving. The signal is strong," Picard said. "And may I say, astounding."
The away team materialised a moment later deep inside the bowels of the Talarian freighter. The damage was obvious.
There were sparks from exposed electrical wires and portions of the support beams had collapsed. An ominous creaking sound filled the dark corridor.
"I'd say this hull is pretty well shot," Geordi warned.
"And I don't want to stick around long enough to watch it go," Riker said. "Data, do you have a read on those possible life signs?"
"This way, sir," Data said, pointing down the left side of the corridor.
Back on the Enterprise, Captain Picard was fascinated by the imagery they were getting from Geordi's VISOR.
It was an almost overwhelming vision of colour and blurred imagery as everything from visual shapes, temperature, and more was available.
They could see the heat signature from the away team members as well as the coolant that was leaking inside the wall of the corridor where a disruptor blast had damaged the piping.
The amount of information was disorienting.
"Geordi, what was that? Over to the left?" Picard asked.
"What?" Geordi responded.
He turned sharply to the left, concerned they had seen someone or something.
"No, no. Back. More to the right. There! What is that?" Picard inquired.
Geordi chuckled.
"That's Commander Riker," Geordi explained.
"To me it's just an undefined form in the middle of a visual frenzy," Picard said.
In truth, it was almost a bit intimidating seeing such a large, unidentified moving form.
"Can you filter out the extraneous information?" Picard asked.
"No, I get it all simultaneously," Geordi answered. "To me, there isn't any extraneous information. I use all of it to see."
"But there's so much. It's like a jumble," Picard said.
"Well how do you listen to one specific voice or sound in a noisy room?" Geordi asked, hoping the Captain would understand.
"Of course, this is what you know. What's natural," Picard answered.
It was the way in which Geordi had seen the world ever since he'd gotten his first VISOR as a child.
"Look over at Data. There's some sort of aura around Data," Picard observed.
Geordi shrugged.
"Well, of course. It's Data," Geordi replied as if the soft glow emanating from Data was completely natural.
"You say that as if you think that's what we all see," Picard remarked.
"Don't you?" Geordi asked.
A loud creak from the hull brought their moment to an end.
"I hate to break this up, but we need to get moving," Riker said.
They narrowly avoided a falling conduit as the weight of the support gave out.
"I am detecting high levels of deuterium gas. It is possible there is a leak from the drive section," Data said.
"Toxic?" Riker asked.
"Not yet. It is likely the ship will be destroyed long before it reaches a toxic concentration," Data said.
It wasn't a reassuring endorsement.
"Let's get moving," Worf said. "This section isn't stable."
"Worf's right. There's a fissure developing in the bulkhead. The ship is losing its integrity," Geordi said as he scanned the section with his VISOR.
"Geordi, can you survey the damage near, well, I think that's a bulkhead," Tasha requested as she tried to interpret the image.
"This?" Geordi asked.
"Yeah, that's great. Thank you," Tasha replied.
She tapped her console to make a copy of the scan and sent it to her terminal at the Security office.
"Captain, it's impossible to tell. But I'd estimate we've only got minutes until the hull is breached," Geordi warned.
The team made their way down the corridor, barely avoiding a series of collapsed structural supports until they reached the bulkhead to the engineering section.
"We have pinpointed the origin of the possible life signs, but the door to this compartment is jammed," Data said.
Worf found the manual control and tried to pry open the door that way.
"The control mechanism is not operative," Worf said as he strained to crank it open.
"Hello?" Riker called out. "If there's anybody inside, stand back."
Riker took a step back and raised his phaser, aiming at the doorway. He was about to fire when Data put his hand out to stop him.
"Sir, I advised against the use of phasers," Data cautioned.
"He's right, sir. A phaser discharge now could blow us all out of here. The gas buildup is too great," Geordi said.
He could visibly see the pressure that was building inside the area as the gas had begun to accumulate and intermix with the standard atmospheric system.
"We need to get in there," Riker said.
"May I?" Data asked.
Everyone took a step back as Data approached the door. He took up a stance and gripped the edge of the bulkhead.
Then he made quick work of peeling it back. It was a tremendous feat of strength, yet Data didn't even break a sweat or show the slightest hint of strain.
As soon as the bulkhead had been ripped aside, Data stepped back and straightened his uniform.
"After you, sir," he said to Commander Riker as if he simply opened a door.
I will never get tired of seeing that. Tasha mused.
The away team stepped inside and stopped.
As the rest of the crew were only viewing the scene through Geordi's VISOR, they couldn't quite make out what it was they were looking at.
There were two lifeforms – that they could tell for certain based on the heat signatures and movement. It looked as if they were standing over a third lifeform, but they couldn't be certain.
"What is it? Have you located any survivors?" Picard pressed.
"Klingons," Riker said in a dark tone.
On the Bridge, Captain Picard tensed.
"Your orders, sir?" Riker asked.
Jean-Luc wordlessly gave Tasha the signal to mute their communications. He couldn't risk an open confrontation with Klingons in the middle of a decrepit ship that was about to go. One blast from a disruptor or phaser and the whole Engineering section could blow.
"Lieutenant, you said the debris appeared consistent with a Klingon Bird-of-Prey?" Picard asked.
"It's likely, yes," Tasha said. "I can't be certain without further analysis. I've got a team collecting samples now."
"I fear we may have just stumbled upon the aftermath of a Klingon raid," Picard said. "Perhaps the Talarians put up more of a fight than they expected?"
"You think they beamed aboard the freighter before their own ship was destroyed?" Deanna asked.
She could sense the Captain's hesitation to intervene.
Technically, the ceasefire agreement between the Talarians and the Federation did not extend to the Klingons. But for years, they two had given one another a wide berth.
If the Enterprise had just stumbled upon the aftermath of a battle between the two, Picard was concerned about the political fallout of how it might look – the Federation swooping in to rescue their allies the Klingons after a battle with the Talarians.
"One might interpret our actions here as aiding efforts against the Talarians," Picard said with a heavy sigh. "It could be seen as violating the terms of our ceasefire."
There was no time to get an opinion from Starfleet Command. This would be Jean-Luc's call.
The burden of command. He thought.
"Sir, we have an obligation to render assistance," Deanna reminded him.
Jean-Luc's brow furrowed.
"We're not seriously contemplating leaving them there because of optics?" Tasha asked.
Wesley turned in his seat and looked back at the rest of the Bridge.
"Sir, the structural integrity of the ship is failing," Wesley said with a sense of urgency.
Over on the Batris, the Klingons and the team from the Enterprise were eyeing one another with suspicion.
"I am Korris," the lead Klingon announced.
Riker replied with a stiff nod.
"Commander William Riker," Riker said in response.
And then the two fell silent.
Worf had an inkling he knew exactly why the Enterprise was hesitant to render assistance.
No doubt Captain Picard did not want to drag Starfleet into the middle of an internal conflict.
For a brief moment, he wondered if the situation would have been met with the same trepidation were it the Vulcans or Andorians rather than Klingons.
"Your orders, Captain?" Riker pressed.
"Our sensors indicate you don't have much time. Get everyone you can out of there," Picard said.
"Come on," Riker said. "We'll handle the formalities later. Right now, we have to get everyone off this ship. Are there any other survivors?"
According to the flight plan, the Batris had an entire Talarian crew.
"No," Korris answered.
It was said so quickly and with such certainty that it gave Commander Riker pause.
"This man is alive, but just barely," Data said as he scanned the third Klingon officer that was unconscious on the floor.
Data made to pick up the body, but Korris stopped him.
"No, I will carry him," Korris insisted.
"Let's get out of here," Geordi urged.
He could tell they didn't have much time. Pressure was building and the ship's hull was moments away from losing structural integrity.
"Tasha, go to Transporter Room three. I want you there when the away team returns," Picard ordered.
"Aye, sir," Tasha nodded.
As she made to step onto the lift, Captain Picard stopped her.
"Lieutenant," Picard said.
Tasha turned back to the Captain.
Jean-Luc's eyes dropped to the phaser at her hip.
Tasha frowned.
"Surely you don't think that-"
"Level four is standard for Klingons," Picard said. "Anything less and you won't even stun them."
"Well, I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that," Tasha said before stepping onto the lift.
Beverly and a medical team met her on the way there.
When they arrived at the Transporter Room, Chief O'Brien was having a difficult time getting a lock on the team.
"We are out of time," Geordi announced.
"Chief? Do you have a lock on us?" Riker pressed.
Miles's hands worked furiously as he boosted their signals to try and compensate for the interference.
"There's too much interference from the deuterium gas," Miles said. "You have to get farther away from the Engineering section."
In the background there was an alert blaring on the Batris.
"The drive section is about to go critical," Worf warned.
"They're out of options. Do it," Picard ordered.
Miles activated the Transporter and hoped it would be enough to get them home. There was a familiar shimmer as the pad began to activate. The started to materialise before their signal faded.
"It's weak. Attempting to compensate," Miles said.
There was sweat on his brow.
The signal was nearly gone, when it suddenly reappeared, and they materialised on the pad.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
It was not a moment too soon. A loud explosion rocked the Enterprise as the drive section of the Batris went critical.
As soon as things stabilised, Beverly wasted no time in rushing to the injured Klingon.
"Let's get them to Sickbay," Beverly ordered as her team moved in.
"See our guests to Sickbay, Doctor. I want the rest of you to report to the Observation Lounge for a briefing," Picard instructed.
"I am not injured," Korris protested. "I would like to join you. I am sure you have questions."
Beverly stepped in front of him.
"Please, I'd like to make sure you're alright," she said. "You were exposed to an awful lot of Deuterium gas."
Korris completely ignored Beverly and kept his attention directed to Worf.
"I am fine," Korris insisted.
"Standard procedure," Tasha said, stepping between them.
"Doctor Crusher will release you as soon as you are cleared," Riker added. "And I'm sure Captain Picard will be eager to speak with you."
Reluctantly, Korris agreed to follow Beverly and the medical team to Sickbay for a preliminary medical scan.
On the way out of the Transporter Room, Worf caught Tasha's arm. He eyed her phaser for a moment before meeting her eyes.
"And an armed guard to greet the away team. Is that also standard procedure?" Worf asked in a terse voice. "Or just for Klingons?"
A look passed between the two.
"I see," Worf said when she did not respond.
He turned and marched toward the turbolift to the bridge.
"Worf," Tasha said as she rushed to catch him.
"It's fine. I understand," Worf said in a gruff voice.
I just thought you were different. He thought.
They rode in silence until they reached the Bridge.
Once assembled in the Observation Lounge, Captain Picard wasted no time in getting down to business. He had already ordered Ensign Crusher to get them out of the Neutral Zone as soon as Tasha's team had radioed completion of their debris collection for the investigation.
Jean-Luc was hoping they'd be heading back to Federation space in fifteen to twenty minutes.
"We are still collecting debris," Data said.
"Once we have it on board, we can begin a proper analysis," Tasha said. "We should be able to piece together what happened. And the sensor evidence obtained from the visual interface will be quite helpful."
"I'm uploading it now," Geordi said.
"Doctor Crusher is evaluating the health of our survivors now," Picard said.
Riker turned to Data.
"You conducted a preliminary scan before we beamed back," Riker said, prompting Data to offer up any information.
"The officer was severely wounded," Data said. "Wounds that would appear consistent with both Talarian phaser rifles and Klingon hand-to-hand combat."
"Assuming these Klingons beamed over to the Batris after their own vessel became uninhabitable, why are there only three survivors?" Picard pondered aloud.
"The Talarian vessel was heavily damaged. But we found no Talarian casualties," Riker said.
He shrugged.
"Granted, there were several hours between when Starfleet first observed the disturbance and our arrival," Riker went on. "Maybe they cleaned up during the interim?"
Miles frowned and shook his head.
"And leave the engines in that state? No move to stabilise the vessel or repair the damage to the hull?" Miles asked. "It just doesn't make any sense."
The Captain turned to Worf.
"Sir?" Worf prompted.
"What are your thoughts, Lieutenant?" Picard asked.
Worf had been waiting for the conversation to inevitably turn to him. He had a feeling all eyes were on him.
All that was, save for Tasha. She was still feeling ashamed for being armed in the Transporter Room, waiting to receive the Klingons.
Survivors. Tasha reminded herself.
It had been a direct order – but also made no attempt to discuss it with Captain Picard or to speak up.
"Worf?" Picard pressed.
He was keen to know Worf's input on the matter.
"I think that we are spending an awful lot of time talking about Korris and his crew instead of speaking with them," Worf said.
Jean-Luc took heed of Worf's assessment and decided to speak with Korris directly. He also requested Worf join him – much to Worf's chagrin.
Commander Riker came along as was customary while Data assumed the Command Chair for the time being.
When they arrived at Sickbay, Beverly's team was working frantically to stabilise the injured Klingon officer.
"Situation, Doctor?" Picard asked.
"His injuries are critical," Beverly advised as injected a hypospray. "We're prepping him for surgery. There's a severe wound on his abdomen. Looks like a disruptor blast."
Picard nodded and stepped back to get out of her way.
"I'm Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Enterprise," Picard said as he approached Korris.
"I am Korris, Captain with the Klingon Defence Force," Korris introduced himself. "And this is my Lieutenant, Konmel."
"Would you mind telling me what happened?" Picard asked.
Korris chuckled.
"Direct. I like that," Korris said.
"I do too. So I would appreciate an answer, Captain," Picard said. "Why were you in the Neutral Zone?"
"We were heading for the outpost on M Zed Five," Korris answered.
M Zed Five was an unaffiliated outpost in the Beta Quadrant.
"How did you come to find yourselves engaged in battle with a Talarian freighter?" Picard pressed.
It was hardly a target for a Klingon raid. Though warlike, Jean-Luc had a hard time believing the Talarian freighter would start hostilities with a Klingon Bird-of-Prey.
"We were passengers," Korris insisted. "The Talarians were our transport. Tell me, do you make it a habit of assuming that Klingons must be the instigators of every conflict you encounter?"
"Not at all, we noted the destroyed Klingon vessel and merely-"
"We were attacked by a Ferengi vessel," Korris said, cutting him off.
Worf could understand Korris's anger. The Captain had been quite accusatory in his questioning. But Worf also recognised that the answer Korris provided did not align with the available evidence – something that needed to be resolved.
"The weapons were not Ferengi. Nor was the destroyed ship," Worf said.
He kept his gaze fixated on Korris and his posture stiff. It was a direct challenge and Worf knew it was important not to back down.
"What is your name?" Korris demanded.
"Lieutenant Worf," Worf responded.
Korris eyed Worf carefully as if to decide whether it was worth engaging in conversation or not.
"As I said, we were attacked by the Ferengi," Korris repeated.
"But the ship-" Worf began to protest.
Korris put his hand up to silence Worf.
"Was Klingon, yes. The crew manning it was Ferengi," Korris asserted.
Jean-Luc nodded. He wasn't entirely ready to accept that explanation, but he didn't have enough evidence to counter such an assertion.
"What happened? And why was the ship in the Neutral Zone?" Picard asked.
Korris seemed unphased by the question.
"That I cannot answer. We were only passengers. The Talarians were responsible for the flight pattern," Korris said.
He was quick to deflect.
"And the attack?" Picard asked.
"No warning," Korris said simply.
"What precipitated it?" Picard asked.
It was unlike the Ferengi to openly attack another vessel, particularly one carrying goods of such little value. Deception, traps, that was more their style.
In any case, the Ferengi typically liked to salvage ships – not destroy them.
"We were in our quarters," Korris said.
"The Talarian Captain had no combat experience," Konmel offered.
"We took control of the vessel and fought to protect the Engineering section," Korris said. "We were successful in repelling the Ferengi attack. Unfortunately, there was little we could do to save the ship."
It wasn't entirely out of the question. But there were aspects of the story that didn't add up – namely how three Klingons managed to destroy a superior Bird-of-Prey under Ferengi control.
"Perhaps you could assist our team in identifying-"
"Captain, we are hungry and tired," Korris said.
Jean-Luc could sense that he wasn't getting anywhere with Korris. He would need a new approach.
"Of course," Picard said. "Commander Riker will escort you to guest quarters."
When Worf arrived at the Security Office, he found Tasha hunched over her computer terminal.
"Hey," she said, looking up from her station when Worf stepped inside.
Worf nodded and sat down at his desk.
"About earlier-" Tasha began.
"Don't," Worf warned.
"I should have said something," Tasha acknowledged.
"Forget about it," Worf replied.
He may have been telling her to dismiss the incident, but Tasha could sense he was still miffed about the situation.
"I'm glad you're here," Tasha said. "Geordi sent over the data collected from the scans and it's a real mess. I could really use your help."
"Oh?" Worf asked, quirking an eyebrow at her.
"Yeah. If you want, we could grab a Raktajino and comb through it? Then maybe analyse while we hit the bag?" Tasha suggested.
It was their usual night to work out together at the fitness centre.
"And you want my help?" Worf asked in a heated tone.
Tasha's eyes moved side to side to indicate she didn't know why Worf was acting like that.
"Is it because I'm your Assistant Security Chief and you value my input or because I'm a Klingon?" Worf pressed.
Tasha sat up and frowned.
"Do you want to tell me why I'm catching attitude from you?" Tasha asked in response. "Worf, you're my best friend, my partner."
"It's just convenient then that I happen to be a Klingon?," Worf questioned.
"I would be asking for your help whether we picked up a group of Klingons or a group of Andorians," Tasha assured him.
Worf's posture immediately shifted.
"I'm sorry, this situation has me on edge," Worf confessed. "I just feel like Captain Picard was a little harsh with Korris."
"What do you mean?" Tasha asked.
Her question was genuine.
"He does not seem to believe Korris's account of the events preceding the battle," Worf said. "I will admit there are discrepancies. But I felt as if Captain Picard was questioning Korris more than he would others."
"Maybe he's just on edge because we're in the Neutral Zone?" Tasha suggested.
"Perhaps," Worf said. "And maybe it's because Korris is a Klingon?"
Tasha knew she was treading on eggshells.
"Worf, I don't think Captain Picard meant to imply-"
"What he intended to do or not is irrelevant," Worf said. "You don't think I'm oblivious to the way you all went on high alert when we found the survivors were Klingons? Or the way everyone acts nervous around them?"
He paused.
"They way you're tiptoeing around me," Worf added softly.
It hurt.
It had hurt ever since he'd seen Tasha standing there with her phaser.
"I'm sorry," Tasha apologised.
"Just do me a favour?" Worf asked. "Don't coddle Korris. He'll never respect you if you do. And if you want answers, you need him to respect you."
It would take forty-eight hours for the Enterprise to send their report back and receive an answer from Starfleet Command.
For the time being, Captain Picard had arranged for Korris and Konmel to have guest quarters on board the ship.
"We would be most pleased if your ship would take us to Freecloud," Korris said. "It is only four days' travel time from this location."
"I thought you were headed for M Zed Five?" Riker asked.
"We will need to procure supplies and a ship before continuing on our journey," Konmel said.
"And Freecloud is the closest major starbase," Korris said.
"I'll speak to the Captain," Riker said.
"Freecloud?" Picard asked in shock.
Riker nodded.
"That's what they said," Riker reported.
He explained that Korris and Konmel expressed a need to procure supplies and a ship before continuing their journey.
"It is the largest major starbase," Riker acknowledged.
"And the biggest non-affiliated starbase in the Quadrant," Picard said knowingly.
As a mecca for business, Freecloud was a popular destination. There were close to one billion people living on Freecloud.
Because of its status as a neutral, autonomous territory, Freecloud was also a haven for wealthy criminals because they could not be extradited.
"I've notified Starfleet we picked up survivors. Hopefully, they'll have answers," Picard said.
He paused to take a sip of his tea.
"And I hope we have orders to drop them at the nearest Federation starbase and be done with this business," Picard added.
It was girls' night so after her workout with Worf, Tasha rushed back home to prepare for the arrival of Beverly and Deanna.
She didn't have plans for anything fancy but wanted to get in a quick shower and prepare some snacks for the group before they arrived.
Tasha and Worf had just finished their workout and had been on their way to their respective quarters when their combadges had chimed.
"There's an incident in Ten Forward," Lieutenant Olivet reported.
"On my way," Tasha acknowledged.
When they arrived at Ten Forward, Worf found Korris and Konmel staring down Guinan.
"I'd be happy to get you a tray of Krada legs or I've got fresh imitation Rokeg blood pie," Guinan offered. "Try the Klingon Protein Platter. It's always a big hit."
"I have told you our dietary requirements," Korris fumed.
"This is new," Guinan said as she poured them two glasses of an amber looking liquid. "It's from Itria VI. They say it has a honey-like-"
She stopped as Konmel slapped away the cups.
"Well now I've got to clean my floors," Guinan said in her usual calm demeanour. "You could have just asked me to stop."
Her unflappable attitude only served to infuriate Konmel further.
"Is there a problem?" Worf asked as he approached them.
Korris picked up a braised Targ leg and eyed it with disgust.
"We require food," Korris said. "And all we are offered is replicated, burned imitation meat."
He dropped the Targ leg unceremoniously before smashing his hand against the greens.
"These vegetables are bland and unseasoned," Korris went on. "There is little nutritional value in such offerings. Not enough to sustain our bodies."
He glanced at Worf and chuckled.
"Perhaps it explains why you are so emaciated," Korris mused. "Living among these humans, being forced to eat their insufficient offerings."
Tasha cringed.
She knew it was sore subject for Worf.
Ever since the incident with the prototype suit had left them with a loss of muscle mass, Worf had been sensitive about his body image.
He was working hard to rebuild, but it took time.
Worf made a move toward Korris. To Worf's dismay, Tasha stepped between them.
"Whoa, hey," she said, urging Worf to step back.
Korris and Konmel roared with laughter.
"He even listens like a ghu," Korris laughed.
Tasha immediately knew she'd made an error in judgement as she recognised the Klingon word for 'baby.'
Worf's fists clenched.
"Does she breastfeed you too?" Konmel teased.
"Perhaps your mummy should take you home. This is a place for grown-ups," Korris joked.
Tasha certainly didn't want a fight. But after her fallout with Worf earlier, she had no desire to disappoint him a second time.
He was her best friend. And she felt compelled to stick up for him.
"TarghlIj yIngagh, yIruch," Tasha said in perfect Klingon.
The laughter stopped.
For a brief moment, Tasha was certain Konmel was going to charge her. But then Korris grinned.
"You are alright, human," Korris said.
"Lieutenant," Tasha said in response.
To everyone's relief, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate.
"Now then, what's the problem?" Tasha asked.
"As I have attempted to tell your barmaid-" Korris began.
Tasha bit back a smirk as she watched Guinan blink at the use of 'barmaid.'
"It's Guinan," she said. "I'm nobody's maid. And this is my establishment."
Konmel muttered something indecipherable under his breath.
"We require sustenance," Korris said.
Guinan had already given them a menu – twice.
"This food is not acceptable," Korris went on.
Worf cleared his throat.
"If I may make a suggestion?" Worf offered. "I have programmed a number of Klingon delicacies into the replicator in my quarters. I would be happy to host you for dinner this evening."
Korris was sceptical.
Worf was still horribly embarrassed about his body. Years of a strict regime and had been wiped away in days by the nanocytes.
"Worf was recently injured in battle," Tasha said.
Korris's eyes lit up.
"Is that right?" Korris asked.
"I would be happy to recount the details over dinner," Worf said.
Sharing such stories were a Klingon tradition and a way of bonding – one Worf had rarely had the pleasure of experiencing.
"Then we shall break bread together," Korris announced.
On their way out the door, Worf turned back and silently mouthed 'thank you' to Tasha.
"Here, let me help," Tasha said as she snagged a bar rag.
Guinan shook her head.
"No offence, but your sweaty post-workout…uh… aura… isn't great for business," Guinan said.
"Right," Tasha said as she dropped the rag.
"Go, I've got this," Guinan assured her.
When she reached her quarters, Tasha kicked off boots and rushed for the shower.
A moment later, Data returned from his evening on the holodeck with Geordi and poked his head inside.
"Are you alright? I heard there was an incident-"
"I'm fine! I'm fine! Just running behind," Tasha shouted above the stream of water from the shower.
She squeezed her eyes shut as the suds ran down over her face.
"I don't have a lot of time before-" she paused as the soap hit her mouth.
"I will take care of it," Data promised.
When she emerged from the shower, Tasha found Data had rearranged the furniture. There were games and cards set up on the coffee table and a tray of snacks had been prepared.
"You're sweet," Tasha said.
"And you are dripping on the carpet," Data replied with a small smile. "Go."
It didn't take her long to throw on a clean jumpsuit and she appeared a minute later, chatting with Data as she towelled her hair.
"What happened?" Data asked as he arranged a plate of fruit.
Tasha shrugged.
"Misunderstanding I guess," Tasha said. "But I think Worf's really hit off with our guests."
"Oh?" Data asked.
"Yeah," Tasha said. "I hope so."
Over in his personal quarters, Worf had set the table for three.
"Friends, let us eat," Korris said. "I did not know there were Klingons serving on the human Starfleet vessels?"
"I am the only one," Worf said as he cracked open a Pipius claw.
"Tell me, what is it like for the hunter to lie down with the prey?" Korris asked. "Have they tamed you, or have you always been docile."
Worf was halfway through his first bite when he froze.
He chewed slowly as he eyed Korris from across the table.
"Does it make you gentle?" Konmel teased. "Is your heart full of peace?"
Korris picked up his glass of bloodwine and began to pace around Worf's room, studying the various knickknacks and photos that lined the shelves.
"Do glorious battles no longer inspire your dreams? Would you rather spend your days reading poetry?" Korris said.
He picked up one of Worf's books and tossed it aside.
"Or perhaps you enjoy sparring with the human female?" Korris said, taunting him.
He playfully pushed Worf's boxing gloves, sending them swaying from the hook where they hung by the door.
"I suppose that would be an opponent your size," Korris concluded.
Worf slammed his fist down on the table.
"Why do you mock me? Why do you come to my table and insult my honour?" Worf demanded.
"Only to see if it is still possible," Korris said as he raised his glass to Worf.
"It's not good," Beverly shared.
She sat back and stared down at the drink in her hand.
"I just don't know," she confessed.
Kunivas, the third Klingon that had come aboard, was barely clinging to life in Sickbay. Beverly and her team had done all they could – but his injuries were severe.
"And you're certain it's a disruptor?" Tasha asked.
Beverly nodded.
"The burn pattern is not consistent with phaser-type weapons. It is consistent with a disruptor blast," Beverly advised.
"I thought we said no work, hmm?" Deanna interjected.
"Sorry, I think this whole situation just has me on edge," Tasha confessed.
She'd started the road into business when she'd inquired about the status of Beverly's patient.
"Oh, are you sure that's all you were feeling today?" Deanna teased.
Tasha's brow furrowed.
"Look, after our briefing with Remmick, yeah. I'd say that's all I've been feeling lately," Tasha said.
Deanna smirked.
"What?" Tasha asked.
"I thought you enjoyed the show," Deanna said casually before taking a long sip of wine.
Tasha shook her head and shrugged.
"I really don't know what you're talking about," Tasha said in earnest.
"I picked up some rather strong feelings when Data pulled back that bulkhead like it was-"
Deanna didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as Tasha threw a pillow at her.
Beverly clapped her hands in excitement.
"I didn't get to see it. Tell me all about it," she requested.
"I think it's sweet," Deanna said.
Tasha blushed.
"Stop," she warned.
"What happened?" Beverly pressed.
She had been down in Sickbay and had missed the entire thing.
Tasha just shook her head with a knowing grin.
It was close to 22:00 hours and the ladies were just about to wrap up their evening together when Beverly received an urgent page from Nurse Ogawa.
"Doctor, his condition is worsening. He's convulsing," Ogawa reported. "We've given him a hypospray. But you'd better get down here."
"Acknowledged," Beverly replied.
The suspected disruptor blast had gone clean through his lower abdomen. Beverly had been forced to remove a significant portion of his large intestine and there was considerable damage to one of the lungs.
Though Klingons had a number of redundant internal organs, the injuries were severe.
"I suppose that's the night then," Deanna said as soon as they were alone.
"You don't have to go," Tasha said. "Data's joined Keiko in the Arboretum. I guess they're monitoring some kind of plant. Only blooms at night."
All of a sudden, Deanna's eyes narrowed as she studied Tasha.
"What are you hiding?" Deanna asked.
Tasha bristled.
"Nothing," Tasha replied casually.
Deanna shot her a look of disbelief.
"What are the two of you up to?" Deanna pressed.
"Nothing," Tasha insisted.
Damn empathic skills. Tasha thought.
The whole point of running away to elope was to keep it a secret. As much as she longed to let her friends in on the secret, Tasha knew it was important to keep it under wraps.
"Alright, I won't push you. I can sense that whatever it is, it's important. And it makes you very happy," Deanna observed.
Tasha glanced down at her drink and smiled.
"Yeah," Tasha agreed.
"He's dying," Beverly said. "I'm sorry, but his injuries are beyond our ability to heal."
After reaching Sickbay, Beverly had quickly assessed that there wouldn't be much time before her patient passed.
She'd immediately contacted Korris and Konmel to get them down there.
"If you wish to say goodbye," Beverly said, motioning to their friend.
Korris and Konmel had still been in Worf's quarters. They'd been having a great time swapping stories until they had gotten the hail.
Worf couldn't pinpoint it, but it seemed his newfound friends were deeply distressed by this.
Captain Picard (who had also been alerted) had come down to offer his sympathies. He figured it might go a long way in gaining Korris's respect.
Jean-Luc watched as Korris and Konmel approached the cot and offered words of reassurance to their comrade.
They were speaking softly in Klingon and Jean-Luc couldn't quite make out what they were saying.
Worf was also watching with keen interest.
"You are a valiant warrior. You have served well and with honour," Korris whispered.
"We will continue to fight. In your name," Konmel added softly.
They stayed with him at his bedside until Kunivas drew his final, shaky breath.
Korris and Konmel threw their heads back and roared. Worf stepped forward to join them.
Jean-Luc was shocked. He had heard of the Klingon Death Ritual. But he had never laid eyes on it.
It was so loud that everyone in Sickbay stopped to watch as three Klingons howled. For those that were too young to have ever faced the Klingons in battle, it only reconfirmed the stories they'd been told as children.
And for Jean-Luc, who was old enough to recall that time, it struck fear in his heart as the memories of those days came flooding back.
As soon as they were done, Beverly stepped forward.
"Are there any special arrangements you would like? Anything we can do to help with the service?" Beverly offered.
"It is only an empty shell now. Please treat it as such," Korris advised.
They left Sickbay in a huff.
The three departed for Worf's quarters where there was real bloodwine waiting for them.
It was Klingon tradition that following the death of a comrade, their friends would sing the praises of their fallen friend.
They would share memories and stories of their glory.
So it was a surprise to Worf that Konmel and Korris seemed to be upset.
Rather than celebrating the life of Kunivas, they seemed disturbed by the circumstances of his death.
Worf knew it wasn't his place to ask, but the question had burned on his mind.
"Forgive me, but did Kunivas not die in battle? Should you not praise his death?" Worf asked.
A dark look cross Korris's face.
"The opponent that killed Kunivas should have been an enemy, that his death would have been truly glorious," Korris remarked.
Worf's eyes narrowed.
Should have been an enemy?
"If your opponent was not an enemy, who was it?" Worf asked.
The Ferengi were far from the most formidable opponents a Klingon could face. But they were enemies, nonetheless.
But Korris dismissed his question.
"I do not wish to trouble you," Korris said. "We are brothers now, Worf. Tell me, how is it that you come to this ship? To that child's uniform?"
Worf bit back a sharp remark.
He knew that Starfleet was not held in high regard. But the bulk of that resentment had come from years of hostility between the Klingons and the Federation.
It was the type of rivalry that belied just how honourable the Klingons found humans to be.
They were worthy opponents, ones that the Klingons had no qualms about meeting in battle. And it was part of the respect that had led to the eventual peace and alliance between the two powers.
For the Federation had honour, Romulans did not.
"What could make you turn your back on our Empire?" Korris pressed.
"An act of kindness," Worf answered honestly.
He was incredibly proud of his adoptive parents.
"My family was on Khitomer when it was attacked by the Romulans. I was the only survivor," Worf shared. "A human Starfleet officer found me and adopted me. He and his wife raised me as their son."
Konmel sat forward.
"How old were you?" Konmel asked.
"It was before the Age of Inclusion," Worf answered.
Korris seemed shocked at this news.
"Then you are not-"
"I had the Right of Ascension," Worf insisted.
He may have been raised by Sergey and Helena Rozhenko, but they did everything in their power to honour and include Worf's Klingon heritage in his upbringing.
That included an incredibly risky trip to the Klingon Empire shortly after the Alliance in order for Worf to experience an Age of Ascension ceremony.
"Then you grew up outside of the Empire," Konmel said.
"I was raised between Gault and Earth," Worf acknowledged.
Korris chuckled.
"Gault is a farming colony," Korris scoffed.
Worf chose to let the comment go.
"When I was of age, I chose to enter Starfleet Academy," Worf said. "I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps."
He had always admired Sergey Rozhenko and his career in Starfleet. Ever since he was little, Worf had dreamed of one day becoming an officer.
Korris sat back and took a slow sip of his bloodwine.
"So, when the night was still and quiet, and the sound of the blood rushing through your veins filled your ears, the only way to silence it was to slip out into the night," Korris described. "And like the hunter that spawned you, you tried to join in the struggle of life and death – but you were unable."
Worf's mouth became a thin line.
"Those around you did not understand," Konmel chimed in. "You frightened them, didn't you?"
Worf had always been bigger than his peers.
And they had been frightened of him.
When had asked Daniela Anastas to a secondary school formal dance, she had called him a monster. His rugby coach had encouraged him to find another sport – there had been complaints from other parents that Worf was too big to play with the other kids.
And whenever there were fights, Helena and Sergey had pleaded with their son to mind himself.
I know you didn't start it. But they will blame you. Sergey had warned.
Keep your head down. Helena had pleaded.
For years they had lived in fear of their son being wrongfully accused.
"They shunned you. Cursed you. Called you vile names. Even now you feel like an outsider. You struggle to fit into this world," Korris said. "And you know not why. But then again, how could you? There have been no other Klingons to guide you."
Worf was uncomfortable at the shift in the conversation.
"Those feelings are part of me, but they do not control me," Worf said.
But Korris and Konmel had anticipated such a reaction.
"Yes. I can see it. To fit in, the humans have demanded that you change the one thing you cannot change," Korris said. "You think I mock you?"
Korris stood up and sauntered over to the table in the corner.
He picked up Worf's knitting needles and tossed them at Worf.
"You degrade yourself by denying who you really are," Korris said.
"I've been in battle," Worf said defensively.
Sure, Worf was a complex person. He'd never seen that as a detriment.
"Don't sulk, we know exactly how you feel," Korris said as he sat back down. "Konmel's taken up painting."
Konmel scowled at the accusation.
"This peace. This alliance. It is a living death to warriors like us," Korris said.
At ninety, Korris had lived through the glory days of the Klingon Empire.
Worf eyed the pair with suspicion as a look passed between Konmel and Korris. It was as if they were debating whether to share something with him.
"We should retire," Korris said. "We need to rest."
"Of course," Worf said.
"We will see you in the morning. May we join you for first meal?" Konmel asked.
Worf nodded.
"Certainly. I could also show you some of our amenities. I have some holodeck workout programmes you may find interesting," Worf said.
The next morning, Tasha got to the canteen at 06:30.
She usually met Worf there for breakfast to go through the midweek report.
When he hadn't shown up by 6:50, Tasha snagged two Raktajino's from the replicator and decided to check on him.
According to the computer, he was in his quarters.
Korris was regaling the table with an anecdote about the time he Captained the ship that destroyed two Romulan vessels in the battle of sector Krondak IX.
For the first time in his life, Worf felt like an equal with these Klingon warriors.
He had shared meals with other Klingons and had spent some time travelling in the Empire. But he had always felt like an outsider.
He had never truly felt worthy enough to be in their presence.
But Worf had found an understanding with Korris and Konmel. They even called him 'brother' like he was one of their own crew members.
It was the kind of validation he'd always sought.
A chime at the door brought them out of their moment.
"Come," Worf called out.
Tasha appeared a moment later with two Raktajino's in hand.
"Morning," she said with a smile.
It was obvious she had interrupted something.
From the surprised look on his face, it was obvious that he'd forgotten about the regularly scheduled breakfast.
Worf's face fell. He felt terrible for leaving her high and dry.
"I-" he began to apologise.
"You know I was just at the replicator, and it accidentally printed two of these. I know you're always up early and I didn't want it to go to waste," Tasha lied. "Sorry I didn't bring two more."
She handed Worf his Raktajino and backed toward the door.
"Enjoy your breakfast," Tasha said before rushing off.
As soon as Worf set down his Raktajino, Korris snatched it away from him.
He laughed as he opened the top.
Worf's face burned with embarrassment as Korris and Konmel laughed at the foam and sprinkles.
"Does she spoon-feed it to you too?" Korris teased.
"Have you always served under such fragile humans?" Konmel asked. "Or is that new since your injury?"
Worf was desperate to impress his newfound friends – but he didn't care for the way they were mocking Tasha.
"Lieutenant Yar is a competent officer and a formidable warrior," Worf said.
Konmel scoffed. Korris did not.
"I am sure there are many such warriors on this ship. Perhaps we will have a chance to meet them? Korris asked. "Anyone that you find particularly talented?"
"Indeed!" Worf replied.
He was keen to talk about his team and their accomplishments. Worf had no inkling that Korris was trying to assess who would pose the biggest threat to his plan.
Worf stopped by the Security Office shortly after 08:00. Tasha was just preparing her notes. She was going to meet with Data and Commander Riker to discuss the findings of her investigation.
"I'm sorry about this morning," Worf said.
"It's fine," Tasha assured him.
"You did not have to lie for me," Worf said. "But thank you."
"Look, I know this is important to you," Tasha said. "I know what it feels like to want to belong."
She didn't think there was anything silly about that – Worf had finally found a place and she wanted him to enjoy that.
"Korris and Konmel are hoping to try my workout programme later," Worf said. "I only hope it meets with their satisfaction."
Tasha frowned.
"What do you mean?" Tasha asked.
"I am grateful to spend time with them. In most of my experience travelling the Empire, I have been treated as a V'odnik," Worf shared.
Imposter.
"This is my chance to finally prove that I am a Klingon warrior," Worf said. "I just need to impress Korris. It will go a long way. He served under K'mpec many years ago. And he is from a house of many formidable warriors."
Tasha smiled.
"Then I hope it works out for you," Tasha said.
Worf relaxed a bit.
"Thank you," Worf said.
And he meant it.
It was reassuring to know Tasha was behind him.
"And hey, you're the greatest warrior I've ever known, and you've never needed to do any of that with me," Tasha added.
"These were taken from the scans Geordi gathered on the Batris," Tasha explained.
She tapped her tablet and pulled the images up on the screen.
"You can see from the blast pattern on the interior of the corridor that there's weapons fire from both Talarian phasers and Klingon disruptors," Tasha said.
"Well Korris claims they joined the Talarians to help fight off the Ferengi," Riker said.
Tasha's expression changed. She nodded slowly.
"Korris says that, but the weapons' fire is in opposite directions," Tasha explained. "They weren't fighting alongside one another. They were shooting at one another."
She had gone over the evidence three times to confirm her assessment was accurate. Based on the evidence of the firefight, she had been able to triangulate where the patterns had originated from.
"We don't have access to the records from the Bridge. But I can tell you that in this corridor, the one that leads to Main Engineering, the evidence shows the Klingons coming into the Engineering sections and the Talarians were trying to stop them," Tasha said.
"If they were attempting to seize control of the ship, the Main Engineering section would be critical," Data advised.
Riker didn't like where this was headed.
"Tasha, I don't want to downplay the importance of your work. But are you absolutely certain?" Riker asked. "I don't think I have to remind you of the fallout if this was an attack and we stepped in."
Captain Picard had asked Data to analyse the situation from a political standpoint and to look at how the incident might play out.
"I have calculated that if the Klingons attacked the Talarian freighter, there is a forty-eight-point three percent chance they will use this as justification to break their ceasefire," Data cautioned.
Tasha tapped her tablet to jump to a different screen. She then slid it across the table to Commander Riker.
"I just saw this before coming here," Tasha said.
Riker's face paled as he skimmed through the report.
Data looked to Tasha for an explanation.
"A Klingon ship, the Itpok, sent a wideband subspace communication about an hour ago," Tasha informed them. "Warning ships in the area to be on the lookout for a Talarian vessel that may be in distress."
"Distress?" Data asked as he cocked his head to the side.
Tasha nodded.
"They recovered a storage container near the Kasiz system. There were seventeen bodies inside. All Talarian," Tasha said. "They were concerned the Talarians accidentally launched a storage container instead of an escape shuttle."
It had happened before when crews panicked.
"The Itpok relayed orders for all Klingon vessels to render assistance if they found the ship," Tasha went on.
"That would align with their desire to maintain peace," Data said.
Riker shook his head as he read the report.
"It must have jettisoned from the Batris," Riker said. "Based on where she was found, that had to have occurred well before we encountered her."
"Indeed," Data agreed as he ran the calculation in his head. "Based on my estimation, it would have been between twenty-four and twenty-eight hours before we discovered the Batris."
For a moment, none of them spoke.
"I'll have to take this to the Captain," Riker said.
It wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to.
"Tasha, I'd like you to have a team on standby. Our guests might react poorly to being confronted with this information," Riker said.
He set the tablet down on the table and scratched his chin.
"What else do we know about this Korris?" Riker asked.
"Very little," Data confessed. "We do not have access to the Klingon central database, and it will be at least another day before we get information back from Starfleet."
Tasha was struck with an idea – but she didn't feel great about it.
"What is it?" Data asked.
He could always tell when she was in thought.
"Worf seems to have established a rapport with them," Tasha said tentatively.
Tasha held out her hand, pulling back on it with the other one in order to stretch her wrists.
She was pacing back and forth across the carpet in the office as she debated how to best approach Worf.
Tasha was really hoping to get more time to come up with a plan – but Worf had just stopped in to pick up the extra training rifles they kept in storage.
"Hey," Tasha said.
"Hey," Worf replied.
Tasha watched as Worf checked out three of the training rifles. They typically used them on the holodeck and the training range as part of their certification for Security Officers.
"Um, did you add a training to the schedule?" Tasha asked.
"No," Worf answered.
He pulled several extra battery packs out and stuffed them into his bag.
"Busy afternoon?" Tasha asked.
"I am taking Korris and Konmel to the holodeck. I thought I'd show them what I can do on the phaser range," Worf said.
"Oh, yeah. Sounds fun," Tasha said, hoping to ease into the ask. "Um, has Korris said any more about what happened?"
"No," Worf replied.
He zipped his bag sealed.
"Anything about the vessel that attacked them?" Tasha asked.
Worf stopped.
"No, why?" he asked as he turned to Tasha.
"Well I mean don't you think it's a little weird? How did they know it was Ferengi manning a Klingon ship? And just how would the Ferengi get their hands on a Klingon ship?" Tasha theorised aloud. "It's unlikely the Ferengi would happen across a Bird-of-Prey and frankly even more odd the Klingons would admit to losing it."
Worf scowled.
"And just what do you mean by that?" he barked.
Tasha could tell she'd touched a nerve.
"I just mean, Klingons are proud. It's not like them to admit to-"
"To admit defeat?" Worf snapped. "You think so little of us that you don't think we can even admit our faults when the occur?"
"I didn't say that," Tasha argued.
Worf was furious.
"There's a lot that doesn't add up here," Tasha said. "Come on, you have to agree it feels like Korris and Konmel are hiding something."
Worf's lips thinned.
"I'm not saying they did anything bad. Maybe they just don't want to admit that there's more to what happened?" Tasha suggested.
She sat down on the edge of her desk.
"Come on, we're partners. What do you think?" Tasha asked as she poked him with her foot.
"I think that I was wrong to trust that you were my friend," Worf said. "You're just like every other human."
Tasha looked as if she'd been slapped. She was at a loss for words.
"Worf-"
"Don't," he warned.
"You're my best friend," Tasha said.
"You may tell yourself that," Worf said. "But when you look at me, all you see is how we're different."
"Worf," Tasha called after him as he walked away.
But he didn't stop.
As soon as the door to the Security Office closed, Tasha kicked her desk.