Chapter 808

SENATE HEARING ROOM

PARIS, FRANCE

The screens continued to show replay from the bridge. The screens now also showed along with the video from the bridge a tactical plot on where the ships were. The Klingons were labeled D7, D5, and B with circles around them.

Senator Tkllkn, from Jameson's party asked, "Captain Jacobs, what are the circles around the Klingons?"

"Senator Tkllkn, those are range error circles. They tell the user how definite of a position you have on the selected target. Sometimes, because of the sensor's limitations, those are shaped like squares."

Tkllkn, who was from the species Griskian, was a seven-foot tall, very thin alien colored blue. Thin like an asparagus. Tkllkn said, "I never knew. You really don't know where the Klingons are?"

Jacobs said, "Depends on what you mean. They are far outside weapon range so we do not need a precise position for weapons targeting. All we really need is early warning if they start moving. The circles you see represent about ten light seconds in radius. Our decision making would not be improved if we had them down to a ten-meter error. So why give them an idea where we are at? I wanted to keep them guessing."

April covered up the smile on his mouth. He was amused. Some of the things he read about Jacobs were showing up. He was known to turn out good officers from his command. Jacobs liked teaching and now he is doing it very well. April looked at the Klingon table. All three were intently looking and listening. None showed emotion. Kor leaned over to Kang and said something. Kang whispered back. Wonder what that was about?

Kor whispered to Kang. "Passively they could refine the position down to ten light seconds at that distance. This is incredible."

Kang leaned over and said, "And that is their old technology. We Klingons always underestimated their technology. We are too brute force. Watch closely."

Bim Fleshligm asked, "How did the Enterprise get buried?"

Jacobs said, "I think Admiral Kirk can answer that the best."

Admiral Kirk said, "You'll get the damage report later, but basically our warp and impulse engines were out. I had to find a place quick to hide from the Klingons. We found this gravel asteroid. Asteroids have notoriously low gravity. We depressurized half the hull through hoses that we snaked deep in the gravel. The escaping air would cause the gravel to bubble like air coming up through sand in a fishtank. Only this is much bigger scale with almost no pressure or gravity. Once the bubbling started, it was easy for the Enterprise to settle into place."

"Were you worried about getting crushed by the rock?" Tkllkn asked.

Kirk smiled, "No sir, rather the opposite. The gravity is so small there that we had to make sure the gravel would only bubble. Escape velocity is slower than you tossing that pen. It took a while for the rocks started to settle back into place on top of us. We were barely held in position; a starship is always venting something. Those vents are all over the ship, wherever it is convenient to install. The venting is enough to push the ship slightly one direction or another. If we are docked with a space station, that is usually taken care of by mooring tractor beams. In our case, the venting was comparable to the pull of gravity of the asteroid. No, Senator, I was not concerned about being crushed. I was concerned about floating off and exposing myself to the Klingons."

"Thank you, Admiral."

Jacobs asked, "Are there any other questions?" The committee looked satisfied except for Jameson of course. He was scheming. "Very well. The situation now was that we had to somehow get the Wolverine into a position where we could work with the Enterprise to fix it. Mr. Scott had sent over a damage report and it was extensive. The Enterprise was down to maneuvering thrusters, the warp reactor, partial shielding, and a phaser. We landed the Wolverine on top of the gravel covering the Enterprise and in order to get the necessary parts and equipment to them, we blew open a tunnel from the surface to one of their airlocks on their saucer section. Admiral Kirk and I both agreed that getting warp drive and impulse drive working was hopeless. Running was not an option. The Wolverine could not tow the Enterprise fast enough to escape the Klingons. The best bet seemed to us to get the Enterprise into fighting capability and set a trap for the Klingons. The Enterprise did damage the Klingons some, but all had warp drive and impulse drive. Some of their weapons were damaged along with shielding. We suspected the D7's cloaking system along with the Bird of Prey's were damaged. We could not tell how much they were able to repair of course. It was a calculated risk. We would repair until the Klingons did not give us a choice. There was hope but no confirmation that the message buoy would summon help, but because of the natural interference in the system along with the Klingon's jamming, we could not tell if the message got out. We pick up on Stardate 6628.2"

"Wolverine Captain's log Stardate 6628.2 We have been working with the Enterprise for over a week now getting her ready for battle. We have coordinated with the Enterprise on the battle plan. Time has not worked for us though. Our hope was that our initial contact with Starfleet would get some help sent our way, but we were not able to confirm receipt of that message or confirm that our message buoy sent its message. Tracking has just indicated that the Klingons are closing toward us."

"Even with the damage that the Enterprise reported, we are tremendously outmatched. That is where we hope to draw them into a fight and lead them into an ambush. Even with Enterprise's current condition, we are outgunned. Captain out."

Jacobs looked around the bridge. "Ok this is it gang. Remember, we don't know why the Organians haven't intervened. If we experience the intervening, don't touch anything. It won't matter anyway. But until they do, we fight with all that we have. Understood?" Everyone nodded their heads. Jacobs pushed the PA. "All hands, battle stations. Be sure of your sidearms." Jacobs checked his phaser pistol on the quick-attach point on his belt.

"Helm, liftoff and set course for our target asteroid." Jacobs ordered. The ship lifted off gently using its thrusters. Then it started moving toward a small asteroid.

As they drew near, Jacobs could see surface features of the asteroid. "Viben, how does this asteroid look to you?"

"Optically, it is good. It looks like essentially a hunk of rock. There are some fissures that may work for us. It is the best I can do with passive sensors."

"Good for now. Andy, bring us to within 200 meters of its surface opposite the Klingons."

Lt Bradshaw said, "Aye aye, sir."

Once the ship stopped, Jacobs said, "Ok Viben, use the minimal amount you need."

Viben nodded and switched the sensors on minimal power. He got his data and switched off. Jacobs turned to Jareau. "Did they get a whiff?"

Jareau shook her head. Jacobs turned to Viben. "How does it look?"

Viben was looking over the data. "Not good. It looks like solid rock here, but there are significant fractures."

Jacobs turned to Lt Bradshaw and Lt Globnec. "Sneak us over to asteroid #2."

The ship turned and started moving to the second asteroid they had picked out. It was even farther from the Enterprise. Jacobs looked over at Simmons. "The Enterprise will know that target number one didn't work."

Simmons nodded. "We stick to the schedule."

They pulled up next to the second asteroid. Viben liked what he saw. "This looks like an iron-nickel asteroid. I bet this works out."

Jacobs checked the time. "Ok, make it quick. They are on the other side."

Viben switched the scanners on for only long enough to get the data he needed. He turned them off and started looking through the data. Jareau said, "I got a strong sensor signal from the bearing of the Klingons. They may have heard us."

Viben nodded. "This is it!"

Jacobs turned to Simmons, "GO!"

Simmons ordered the shuttlecraft to launch. Jacobs turned to Jareau. "Anything else?"

"Bearing rates have gone to zero. Signal strength holding. They may be listening for more. They know we are over here somewhere. The scanners are working the area. I think the nickel-iron may give us enough shielding." Jareau said.

Viben was still looking over the data from the asteroid. "I think so too. This asteroid would be great for mining."

Simmons said, "Shuttlecraft is on the surface, they are transferring the package."

"How long?"

"Five minutes. They must fly it down as far into the hole as they can. It will be faster with hand phasers."

Jacobs quickly decided. "Do it." Simmons relayed the order.

The tactical screen showed the approximate placement of the Klingons. The range circles were growing larger. "I'm still not getting an increase in signal strength. I think they are spooked and trying to figure out what is going on."

"Just stay confused for one more minute."

"Landing party is done." Simmons reported. "They are jet packing home now. I'm repositioning the shuttle to the top of the asteroid. The laserlink is good."

Jacobs pushed the PA button. "All hands. Prepare for tugging operations."

Simmons said, "Landing party aboard."

"Ben, activate the tractor. Andy, let's push it on course. Gav?"

"Course is calculated. I'll update it as we get better mass readings from the asteroid.

Jacobs sat back down, "Great. Full power. Time to intercept?"

Globnec said, "Twenty-five minutes."

The Wolverine's engines went to full power and the asteroid started to move. The tractor beam kept the asteroid in the same relative position. It acted as though there was a rigid bar between the ship and asteroid. The ship's engines were accelerating the massive object.

"What's our delta V so far?"

Globnec answered, "One thousand meters per second."

"How's the guess on the asteroid's mass?"

Globnec snorted, "Did you doubt me sir?"

Jacobs managed a smile, "No, I didn't." Checking the time he said, "Ok, let the Enterprise know we have asteroid number 2."

Viben nodded. He turned the sensors up to the full power setting and then switched them on, for one second. Then he turned them off.

Jareau said, "That got their attention. Large uptick in sensor power. I don't think they see us yet."

Viben mused loudly, "But they probably notice the large, nickel-iron asteroid coming at them at over a click a second."

Jacobs smiled. Probably. The viewscreen was linked to the shuttle which was sitting on the asteroid. "Time to intercept?"

"Ten minutes assuming they haven't moved."

Jareau said, "I'm getting a faster rate of increase in intensity than if they were standing still. They are moving toward us."

"Ok Viben, lets turn on the shuttle." Viben activated the sensors on the shuttle. The three indistinct shapes on the visual went instantly to very well-defined images of the D7, D5, and Bird of Prey. The tactical screen now showed their precise position along with velocity vectors.

Viben said, "I have good data on them. It is on my tactical display above. They now know we are here for sure."

Globnec said, "Two minutes now until intercept."

"Red alert! Charge all main weapons. Delta V?" Jacobs asked.

"Two thousand meters per second."

"Fast enough for now. Half impulse power to movement until we get the weapons charged, then back to full power." Jacobs ordered.

"The Klingons are slowing. Intercept time is now up to three minutes."

Lt Globnec said, "That's going to put our intercept point farther from Enterprise."

"Yep, nothing we can do about that Gav." Jacobs looked up at the tactical screen. The intercept point did shift away from the Enterprise. Not good.

"Sir, we are back to full power now. Delta V is at 2500 meters per second." Lt Bradshaw reported.

"Ok, switch reference to the Klingons. If they break, use the one most in front of us."

"Time to intercept two minutes forty-five seconds." Globnec said.

Viben said, "I'm getting data on the ships. I do believe all the cloaking devices are inoperative. Warp power detected on all ships. Shields detected on all ships. Weapons detected on all ships."

"Can anything be broken?" Jacobs asked.

"Their cloaking is not working." Viben said. "Maybe more damage will show up as we get closer.

Grimm tapped into the sensors and created a status screen above his station. Now the Captain can see what he is facing.

Jacobs swallowed hard. This was very bad news. They would get more information as they got closer, but that probably will not make the situation any better. Grimm said, "Sir, we are approaching release parameters."

Jacobs nodded, "Call it out, Ben."

"Helm, cut power to helm in five, four, three, two, one, NOW NOW NOW!"

Lt Bradshaw cut the power to helm. Grimm reported, "Tractor beam off."

"Get us out of here, Mr. Bradshaw! EMCON lifted!"

The Asteroid position was closing on the ships, the Wolverine stopped then turned hard and went directly in the opposite direction.

Jameson scoffed, "That was your plan, to hit the ships with a rock?"

Jacobs said, "Senator, you are the only one in the Committee that knows what happened. Why do you ask the question?"

"It seemed ridiculous to me when I read it. It seems ridiculous now."

Jacobs answered, "I don't see how you can ask that question if you read my report in its entirety. Your answer is coming shortly. Shall we?"

"Go Andy, Go!" Jacobs urged. "This is going to be close. How long until detonation?"

"Twelve seconds" Grimm said.

Jacobs looked at the tactical display, they were not going to be beyond the line. "Find an asteroid to get behind, quick!"

Globnec pointed down at the situation display and tapped a point where there was an asteroid. Bradshaw rolled and pitched the ship over toward the asteroid. Jacobs said to Grimm, "Ben, try to grab that asteroid as we come past. Try to grab it and hold it in the way."

"Roger that Cap. Detonation point in three, two, one, now!"

Deep inside the asteroid was the package that was delivered. The package consisted of twenty pounds of antimatter inside which would yield approximately three hundred to four hundred megatons of TNT equivalent. The package was crude. It was an antimatter containment vessel that simply was switched off. Antimatter whirling around in a magnetic containment field now suddenly was not contained. The antimatter collided with the walls of the device and started converting matter to energy. Soon, deep within the asteroid was an incredibly hot point that radiated out instantly vaporizing the inner part of the asteroid to iron and nickel vapor. This heat created inconceivable pressure that caused some of the nearby material to fuse. Antimatter-fusion bombs were usually encased in fusionable material. This was no different. The casing held in Deuterium, which converted some of the incredible pressure to fuse the heavy hydrogen into helium, creating even more of a yield. All told, the total yield of the antimatter bomb created in hours was over a thousand megatons.

This had the effect of vaporizing a significant portion of the asteroid, and melting the rest. The pressure from the explosion pushed the iron/nickel gas and liquid at incredible speed. The Klingons were moving out of the way of the asteroid so as not to hit it, but the explosion hit all three Klingons hard. The Wolverine was much farther, but they did not cross the minimum calculated safe distance. Lt Grimm was able to grab the asteroid as they passed, but some of the remnants of the explosion shot right through the rocky asteroid and through the aft shielding of the Wolverine.

The ship shuddered and lurched. The lights on the bridge went out for a bit, the recording showed significant static as everyone was thrown from their seats. The emergency lights came back on. "Damage!"

Simmons said, "Aft shield Generator offline, Port Shields are down to 10%. Numerous structural damage points showing up. We have hull breaches on Decks 5, 6, and 8. I think we just got peppered with the biggest grenade in the galaxy!"

"Helm! Get us moving, right angles to their course. Viben, what did we do to them?"

"D7 port shields down. D5 shields down on front. Bird of Prey shields down, structural damage, looks like a power outage there."

"Weapons, Target is the Bird-of-prey. Helm, bring us around for attack on the Bird-of-prey." Jacobs ordered.

"It looks like D7's weapons are offline." Viben reported. "D5 is having trouble maneuvering, but he is maneuvering."

Grimm looked up, "Weapons range for the Bird of Prey in fifteen seconds."

Jacobs nodded. "Lt. Bradshaw, be sure you keep our aft shields away from the Klingons."

Bradshaw nodded, "Yes sir."

The Klingons were approaching. Viben said, "Sir, they are tightening formation. They are trying to come in from our port quarter."

Jacobs nodded, "Mr. Bradshaw, roll left ninety degrees, present top aspect to them. Ben, hit them at point blank."

Grimm looked up, "How hard? At that distance I could detonate them."

"If you do, I'll count us lucky. It will hurt the Klingons more than us." Jacobs pushed the PA button, "All hands, collision alarm. Impact in…" Jacobs looked at Globnec.

Globnec said quietly, "Twenty seconds."

Jacobs said loudly, "Twenty seconds. Captain out."

The D5 fired its disruptors, causing the ship to lurch. Globnec looked back, "That was a hit to the top shield, its weakened."

Jacobs said, "Bradshaw, full speed after Ben fires."

Lt. Grimm said, "Firing on Bird of Prey in three, two, one, NOW!"

Beams of bright, blue light leaped out from the Wolverine, hitting the Bird of Prey. The phaser beams cut through the hull plating, severing many power lines, structural braces, conduit, and venting the ship to space. One of the beams hit the anti-matter storage facility, which was what Grimm was hoping for. The beam played across a couple of the containers before weakening one so much that its containment field collapsed, causing the ship to turn into a small sun.

The Wolverine was close, but not as close as the other Klingons. The shockwave and subspace stress violently shook the D7 and the D5. It also shook the Wolverine and damaged it. All people from the bridge were knocked from their chairs as the lights went out. About the time they were picking themselves up off the floor, the lights came back on. Jacobs said, "AAAARRGGHHH!"

Simmons turned, "What's wrong?"

Jacobs was picking himself up off the floor holding his arm, obviously in pain. "Helm! Press on to escape course!"

Lt Bradshaw said, "Helm is sluggish, but responding."

Simmons grabbed the first aid kit. Jacobs said, "I think my left arm is broken."

Jareau opened the intercom, "Bridge to sickbay."

Jacobs looked at the tactical. "Get back to your station, I need you there."

Simmons nodded and jumped back to his station. "I have more hull breaches, Port, Top, and aft shields offline. I think the aft shield generator is destroyed. Numerous burnouts on the ship, we are on backup computer. The main computer tripped and is resetting."

Viben reported, "D7 has weapons." Just before the ship lurched to the side. Jacobs tried to stifle a yelp from the pain.

Jareau saw the Captain was struggling to put on the airsplint one-handed. She stepped down from the communications station and started working on the splint. "Communications are down. I think they are rebooting with the computer."

"Thanks JJ." Jacobs looked up. "Bradshaw, bring us close to that asteroid, try to get behind it. Ben, phaser it as we pass."

Viben said, "The asteroid is mostly gravel."

Jacobs nodded, "Drat. Belay that. Get behind it anyway, try to tractor some debris behind us."

Grimm nodded and started changing the settings on the tractor beam. As the Wolverine passed behind the asteroid, the ship turned behind it and then continued. The tractor beam reached out and managed to grab a bunch of sand and debris. "Sir, I have nothing."

"Drop it then." Jacobs looked up at the power meter for the phasers. "Ok, Helm be prepared to come hard right. Ben, you make the call."

Grimm said, "Aye aye, sir. Helm, hard over in ten seconds. Mark!"

Everyone glanced at their clocks, and started watching the time. Jacobs noted the starboard/forward phaser reached full charge and Grimm said, "Helm, hard right in three, two, one, NOW!"

The ship turned hard to the right and as the D7 came into the firing arc, the starboard/forward phasers lanced out and hit the D7. Viben announced, "Direct hit. I think we hit their engineering section."

Globnec said, "They have slowed a little, but are still gaining on us. They will catch us before we get to the Enterprise."

Jacobs looked at the tactical. "Is that rock to our port solid?"

Viben shifted the sensors to the target. "Yes, Captain."

Jacobs said, "Ben, let's grab the D5 and push it into the asteroid."

Viben suggested, "Captain, the D5 isn't that maneuverable. But it does have shielding that will prevent the tractors to work. If you want to slow the Klingons down. Let's damage the D7."

"Gotcha. Plan is Grab the D7 and push to destroy." Jacobs ordered. "Helm, bring it around hard left to 040 mark 10."

Globnec said, "D7 is closing."

"Roger that. Helm, be prepared to Crazy Ivan to the left. Ben, be ready on that tractor!"

The Wolverine made a turn behind the asteroid in question. All eyes were watching as the D7 made the turn to follow around the asteroid. The Captain then ordered, "Helm, Crazy Ivan Port! Weapons, tractor the D7!"

The 'Crazy Ivan' maneuver was a tactic that the Wolverine crew had come up with months ago. It had served them well before, The port impulse engine went to reverse thrust and the Starboard went to full thrust, along with all the maneuvering thrusters firing to make the ship pivot and once pivoted, it stopped.

The D7 was now closing rapidly on the Wolverine, the D7 fired its disruptors just as the Wolverine's tractors grabbed the D7. The mode that Lt Grimm was using was like when they were pulling the asteroid, that of essentially having a gigantic bar fixed between them.

The Wolverine shook and pain shot up Jacobs' arm as the bones in it moved. Lt Grimm said, "I got them."

"Helm! Full impulse power!"

"Full Power!"

Lt Globnec reported, "They are pushing back, but we have the power. Impact in ten seconds."

Just then, the D7 turned to the right. It had the effect of dragging the pair of ships to one side of the asteroid. "Helm! Can you compensate?"

"I'm trying sir! I'm twenty degrees starboard now and the D7 is still pulling us off-center."

Globnec offered, "We'll miss unless we turn more."

Jacobs said, "Come to forty starboard!"

Just then, the ship shook with another impact from weapons. Simmons said, "Port/Forward phaser is gone, more hull breaches. Main deflector is destroyed."

Jacobs nodded. Grimm said, "Power is failing in tractor control."

"Just a few seconds longer." Jacobs said.

The D7 was pushed into the asteroid in a glancing blow. Its aft shielding flared, causing the surface impacting the shield to glow and debris get blown off. Finally, the shield failed and the ship was pushed toward the surface. At that time, the tractor beam failed and the Wolverine tore off into space unimpeded. The D7 hit the surface of the asteroid, but the Wolverine could not see what happened.

Jacobs ordered, "Best possible speed for the Enterprise! Did we get it?"

Viben said, "I don't think so. I'm not registering anything consistent with a ship detonating."

As they came around the far side of the asteroid, Viben announced, "D7 is severely damaged structurally. It looks like their Starboard nacelle impacted. They won't be able to warp." The ship shook from another impact. "But they can still fire."

Jacobs said, "All they will need is harsh language to ruin us." Looking up at the tactical display he said, "JJ, let Enterprise know we are coming!"

The Wolverine started banking around another asteroid, with the Klingons in trail. It passed low over the surface, and it looked like part of the surface started spewing out debris. Out of the debris came a badly damaged Enterprise, but one with effective weapons. The Enterprise shot the D7 with two phasers and the D5 with one phaser. The D7 immediately turned toward the Enterprise and started engaging. The D5 was extending the turn.

"Where's he going?" Jacobs asked.

"I'm not sure, is he trying to draw us away?" Bradshaw said.

Jacobs shook his head, "We can't take him with one phaser. Keep us close to Enterprise. Ben, Target the D7, fire at will."

The two Starfleet ships started pounding the D7. The D5 hung in space for a short time then started moving off. Once clear of the asteroid field, it went to warp. The Wolverine crew monitored an exchange between the Enterprise and the D7, the D7 refused to cease fire and surrender. They chose to self-destruct their now non-functional ship.

"In our after-action analysis. It was determined that the Bird of Prey was the Roj. We interpret that to be the Sneaky Prince. The D5 is the Ghobe Targ. And the D7 was the White Fang." Jacobs reported. "Also, Lt Jareau intercepted a message from the White Fang to the Ghobe Targ that their warp engines were ruined. There was no hope of the White Fang escaping the system. They ordered the Ghobe Targ to excape while they would keep us busy."

Senator April asked, "And at no time did you experience the intervening by the Organians?"

Jacobs shook his head, "No sir."

Senator Jameson remarked snidely, "Would you know what intervening would feel like not being a front-line ship?"

Jacobs was about to say something when Admiral Nogura observed. "Every Starfleet vessel experienced the intervening when the Organians imposed the treaty. As for a front-line vessel, I think we just saw that the Wolverine was a front-line vessel. It does not get more front-line than that."

Jameson decided to press his original point. "So, we see what happened in this battle. Jacobs, you were responsible for the death of Kang's son!"

Jacobs sat impassively. No response. Jameson asked, "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"

Jacobs did not know exactly what to say. He temporized. "If I may address Kang directly."

Jameson waived his hand. Jacobs turned to Kang, which had his typical, stern face. Clearly, the matter was not over for him. Kor and Gorkon had stern faces too. It was the face that Klingons put on to hide concern. "Which ship was your son on?"

Kang said simply, "The White Fang."

Jacobs nodded quietly. "Then, yes, I was responsible for your son's death."

The room erupted in comments. Gold felt bad for Jacobs. Why? It seemed like Jameson finally won his point. Gold was startled that he was secretly rooting for Jacobs. Everyone was talking. Jameson could not hide his smile. Surely, Kang now would hate the person that caused the death of his son. Jameson let the babble continue then he quieted the room. "So now, I wish to ask Captain Kang some questions concerning Captain Jacobs."

Kang's stern gaze turned from Jacobs to Jameson. "You still haven't answered my concern."

"What do you mean? You know that Jacobs is responsible for your son's death."

Senator April interrupted. "Kang, you know me. I know Klingon tradition and honor." Jacobs' ears perked up at that. April continued, "Ask Captain Jacobs what you want to know."

Kang nodded. In Klingon tradition, he stood up and turned to Jacobs. "Jacobs, how did my son die?"

Jameson was trying to figure out why the question was still being asked. Kang just was told the way that his son died, by Jacobs even. This could not be any better. Kang had his answer. So why keep asking the question? The room grew quiet.

Jacobs knew what was going on. He may be on Earth, in the Federation Capital, at a Senate hearing, but the moment that Senator April (Admiral, retired) said that comment, things became clear. This was now a Klingon honor question. April said that comment to remind Jacobs of that, that Ambassador Gorkon was here to witness the answer, that Gorkon also mentioned that the honor of the Empire hung on this moment. It was so foolish for Jameson to raise this up at this time. If this incident was declassified long ago, Kang would have been able to find out the manner in which his son died and that would have been that. Now that the question was being raised 'on the record', so much more was at stake. Jameson was blundering into things he did not know or care about. And now it was Jacobs' answer. Kang was asking for Jacobs' judgment. Kang had all the information he needed. What he wanted was the judgment of the opposing Captain. Somewhere Jacobs remembered something about that weighing in Klingon society or honor.

Best to keep it simple. Jacobs stood up. The room got so quiet you could hear the air conditioning. Simple, truth. Jacobs turned to look at Kang squarely in the eye.

"He died well."

The room once again erupted in talk, comments, with a nervous chatter. Jacobs watched Kang. His posture relaxed a little bit. Kang gave a slight nod to Jacobs. Jacobs nodded back. Both sat down.

Jameson once again brought the room to quiet. Jameson didn't know where to go from here. He wasn't sure what happened and also, he couldn't read people's expressions. He literally did not know how to spin what was happening for his favor. He did not know what happened, or even if it was already in his favor or not.

Senator April asked, "Ambassador Gorkon, what is the position of the Klingon Empire?"

Gorkon said, "Honor is served. I Commend Captain Jacobs on the engagement. To go in outgunned and outnumbered is truly valorous. Captain Jacobs' judgment on the action is noted and the honor of the Empire is preserved."

Jameson was now thoroughly confused. This was a sneak attack by the Klingons. Then Starfleet got out of it by more sneakery. "Ambassador, what do you mean by that?"

Gorkon still had his stern look. "I will make all records concerning this engagement known. This action was not authorized by the High Council, therefore was a renegade operation. The surviving ship was held accountable for the renegade operation. The officers were judged as such and executed, their names and families still bear the brunt of dishonor."

"Captain Jacobs has had honorable relations with the Klingons. The battles that he has fought have been with honor. The interactions he has had have been honorable. When Senator Jameson raised the possibility that Captain Jacobs acted dishonorably with Kang's son, it brought into question the manner of Kang's son's death. Since that action was already condemned by the High council, it mattered how Kang's son died as to the honor of Kang. If Kang's son died dishonorably, then Kang would bear that dishonor, making what he did with the High Council not founded in honor."

Gorkon shook his head. "It was senseless to risk a Klingon civil war, which surely would have involved the Federation, for a personal gain."

Jameson said quickly, "Yes, Jacobs risked so much for himself."

Gorkon said plainly, "Jacobs mended what you risked. You almost tore us apart." Gorkon stood up. "We grow weary over this. We will leave and Kang can give his testimony tomorrow." The Klingons stood up and walked out. Jameson was apoplectic.

April suppressed a chuckle. He was not the chairman, so he let Jameson flounder. Jameson dug this hole. Jameson can try to get himself out. There was a prolonged silence while the Klingons left the room. April just let the moment hang. Senator Bim Freshligm asked, "Captain Jacobs, if I may."

Jacobs said, "Yes Senator?"

"This was the first time I've ever seen the interaction of a crew in combat. There are not that many Tellarites in Starfleet. What is your assessment of your Navigator?"

"Lt Globnec? He was the best. He was a good officer, was a good section leader. He could do the complex calculations for navigation very quickly."

Bim Freshligm asked, "Was?"

Jacobs nodded and was silent. A short time later he said, "Lt Globnec was killed a month later when we got jumped by two Klingon Bird of Preys in system LQM-1442."

"How did he die?"

"Sir, now that PEANUTBUTTER has been lifted, I can talk about it. To make it short, one of the disruptor hits we took came back down the conduit and blew up the navigation console. He was dead before his body hit the floor. He did not know what hit him." Jacobs said with eyes watering. "Senator, he would have made the Tellar species proud."

"How many incidents have you had with the Klingons since the Organian Treaty was imposed?" Bim Freshligm asked.

Jameson interrupted, "We are not here to ask about the treaty. We are here to investigate Captain Jacobs."

Cogley jumped in quickly. "I thought it was supposed to be a review. Now you have made it an official investigation." He said it matter of factly with a little humor, but serious. There was a nervous chuckle in the gallery.

Jameson stated, "I want to adjourn until tomorrow. We can then ask Captain Kang about Jacobs."

Bim Freshligm stated, "I agree. I also want to prepare on this matter of keeping these incidents secret."

CONFERENCE ROOM

STARFLEET OFFICE BUILDING

PARIS, EARTH

Admiral Nogura smiled as the stewards rolled in the food. "I think this was a good day. Captain Jackson, were you tempted to say something at the end?"
Jackson laughed, "Yes, I was. But I didn't want to get in the way of the tide?"

Admiral Adama nodded, "That was good Hank. I think you are right. The tide is turning."

Commander Ressler stepped in the room. "Admiral, the Klingons are literally at the front door requesting to see you."

Nogura was uncharacteristically surprised. "Which ones?"

"The same ones at the hearing."

"Show them up."

All started getting food from the buffet when Kang, Kor, and Ambassador Gorkon walked in. Ambassador Gorkon said smiling. "Admiral Nogura, I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Nogura walked over and shook Gorkon's hand. "A pleasant surprise."

Kang and Kor walked immediately to Jacobs. Jacobs felt self-conscious. Kang held out his hand, "Thank you Jacobs. You are indeed cunning as well as honorable."

Jacobs shrugged but shook Kang's hand. "Thank you for not ritually killing me or whatever."

Kang and Kor started laughing loudly. Kor said, "A human with a sense of humor!"

Gorkon looked at Nogura and Adama. "It's not often that we come across humans that have a sense of humor."

Adama smirked a little, "It is actually us that think Klingons have no sense of humor."

Gorkon said, "Then we need to start sharing humor. First, my congratulations to you on avoiding Senator Jameson's trap."

Jacobs was trying to keep from showing anything on his face. Gorkon walked up to him. "Captain Jacobs. Do not even try to hide. The congratulations are sincere. Senator Jameson was trying to lay a trap for you. We had suspected it the moment he invited Kang."

"And all the talk of honor and possible war?" Jacobs asked.

"Quite real. We Klingons take such things differently. You humans sometimes are so serious over trivial things, and other times need to take things seriously."

Jacobs asked, "What about my answer?"

"It could have been catastrophic. Senator Jameson, the fool, does not realize what he was doing. If the son of Kang would have ended up dishonored, a Klingon civil war could have happened. And Klingon civil wars rarely stay contained in the Empire." Gorkon said seriously. Then jovially he said, "But honor was served. You answered well. You must have Klingon in your blood."

Jacobs smiled self-consciously. "I will take that as a compliment." Everyone else in the room, Klingons and Federation laughed.

Admiral Nogura walked over to the sandwich table and picked up a cucumber sandwich. He started staring at the floor and eating it while everyone else was talking.

Jacobs said to Kang, "Kang, I am truly sorry about your son."

"He died well. I am grateful. There was no malice in you. I am ashamed of us Klingons violating the treaty. I lectured Kirk once that we have followed it to the letter, since that time I realize I was dreadfully wrong." Kang said. "We Klingons have a lot of work to do to bring our honor up to where it should be."

"We could help each other." Nogura said.

All heads turned. Cdr. Ressler said, "He's been eating cucumber sandwiches."

Adama quipped, "This is going to be profound."

Kang asked, "What is cucumber? Is it a mental enhancement drug?"

The Starfleet officers chuckled. Adama said, "Admiral Nogura's notorious think tank sessions always had cucumber sandwiches as the refreshment."

Nogura looked around and smiled, "I like the sandwiches. As I was saying, what if we helped each other?"

Briggs asked, "How?"

Nogura looked at everyone then finished with Gorkon. "I've followed you and know the stance you've done over the years. This latest event, the invasion of Starbase 5, you opposed, but still followed High Council Orders."

"You know about that?" Gorkon said bewilderingly.

"Never mind how, you can guess. Both the Federation and Klingon Empire are plagued by corruption. Captain Jacobs, Kang, and Kor have done a lot to expose this and deal with it."

Kang slapped Jacobs on the back, "Great! We do battle together! I shall be proud to slay the corrupt with you!" Everyone chuckled. Jacobs smiled half-heartedly thinking Kang was kidding, wasn't he?

Nogura said. "I'm not proposing a grand strategy. I think that we are going to have to be opportunistic. First, let's invite the Klingons to stay for the hearings. Captain Jacobs has run across them a few times. It will be nice to get a Klingon perspective on what happened. After today, it will keep Senator Jameson off balance."

Jacobs leaned over to Kang and said loud enough for everyone to hear. "No killing the Senators."

Kang shook his head, "You have much to learn from our politics. We are more honest." More chuckling.

Admiral Adama asked, "Admiral, you are discussing this openly. I assume that means you trust them."

Admiral Nogura smiled. "To a point, yes. First, these are open hearings. Ambassador Gorkon could watch these live, so he is not getting any extra information. What I'm offering is the opportunity for him to interact. He is on the record as backing our position over this past year. It is in his interest to back us up. Ambassador Gorkon has been on record that the best thing for the Klingon Empire is a stable relationship with the Federation."

Gorkon nodded. "The part of you that drives us a little crazy is that your government is unstable. I would also say corrupt, but mine is corrupt also."

Nogura said, "But you will be in a position to change that."

Gorkon's smile melted away. How much did Nogura know? What can he say? "I can try, Admiral."

Nogura nodded. "All I'm saying is I'm bringing to light what we all have been thinking. I'm exposing what your needs are in the Empire, what our needs are here in the Federation. We are all sworn officers, to protect the Federation, to uphold the constitution. Right now, our duty is to tell the truth. That is all I'm proposing. When answering questions, let's be mindful that we may help the Klingons achieve stability in our answers. As for the Klingons." Nogura turned to Gorkon, "You will do what you will. I intend to ask the committee to invite you to stay."

Gorkon smiled, "I like it. An agreement, but not a conspiracy."

Gorkon and Nogura shook hands. Nogura said, "Keep it simple, keep it truthful."