Star Trek: Before Destruction - Chapter 5
*** FIVE ***
The star was dark in comparison to those of similar size and mass. Like all stars, this one was shrinking as it burned. Though at a much slower than average rate of decline, entropy would still have the final word against it. Seven planets were held in its gravitational pull, orbiting in close proximity to the burning fiery giant.
The first and closest planet was named Tuj Wa, or "Hot One", without much imagination. Its molten surface was not always so, but over thousands of years, as its orbit decayed, it was drawn closer to the star and would soon become fuel for it.
The second planet, Ka Zsaholt, was named after a legendary hero, who led his people out of slavery into a land they could call their own. Its three moons were said to hold the wealth of the Empire. The Imperial Vaults were imbedded deep under each moon's surface. Each held a heavily armed, fully insulated battle fortress, in place on the magnetic poles, to protect these valuables from everything and everyone.
The third and fourth planets in the system were Toc and Fi. They were sister worlds; gaseous giants revolving around each other, as well as their stellar host. An asteroid belt woven around and between the two was the only remnant of their once numerous moons, now pulverized as a result of impacting with each other.
The fifth planet, if it could be called so, is the newest of the seven. Long ago it had been a tremendous comet. Though smaller than most standard moons by a third, it had been captured into an inescapable new orbit as it passed through the gas giant Fi's atmosphere, and slowed, narrowly escaping the gravity of the planet. A warmer sun would have turned it completely to gas by now, but shrouded in its own reflective vapor, the small frozen core of it still remained.
The sixth and least remarkable planet was Bok Buul. It was crater filled and mildly volcanic, with just enough atmosphere, consisting mostly of hydrogen, to cause planet-wide fire clouds when eruptions occurred. These fires, though spectacular, only happened once every 30 to 40 standard years, which is why the expression, "We will show you mercy when Bok Buul glows", means you will not see mercy soon.
The seventh and last planet was the pride of the Empire. She had many names and was often referred to in the female vernacular, for she was the Mother World. Throne world she was often called, but Klinzhai was her proper name and Home was what she was to every Klingon. She was the heart of the Empire; their first loyalty, their first love.
It is said by all Klingons, "When the universe was created, Klinzhai was the goal." This did contrast with what the Federation said, which was "When the universe was created Klinzhai was where God's sewer backed up."
* * *
The Emperor rarely left the planet. He did have the largest ship in the fleet and when he did travel, his ship was escorted by no less than four heavy cruisers. He had been Emperor for 12 standard years since the reign of his father ended with, of course, his father's life. Mocdar Jek Tromok was his name. He was a powerful man in authority and stature. He bore the royal marking on his forehead. The imperial crest that distinguished the highborn bloodline from the soft smooth brow of the common people. A resurgence of the line had been seen recently in the masses, giving all who bore the crest, military privileges above the others.
The Emperor paced the long corridor decorated with tapestries, his cape trailing his heels, billowed with each thunderous stride. He stopped at the tall window overlooking the gates of the majestic palace's entrance. His gaze drifted upwards as he heard the rumble of his Imperial transport descending through the copper veil of clouds in the rusty sky. The landing platform, just outside the stone gates to the right, glowed blue with a red flashing perimeter as the beacon signaled the all clear code.
No off-worlder had ever been allowed to approach Klinzhai, unless they came in magnetic bonds. This intruder, who single- handedly defeated his best defensive wing, was not about to be permitted to set foot on royal dirt. He was, however, not about to take the intruder lightly after viewing the destruction wrought by the lone ship. Nor was he going to arbitrarily strike a blood covenant with the dangerous and secretive man whose voice the Emperor had recognized from his past. But he could not remember to whom the voice belonged.
A bell tolled, signalling that someone was approaching the door to the palace hall. "Enter," came the bass voice of the Emperor as he rested his hand on the hilt of his energy dagger. The door opened and the force barrier parted. Imperious Admiral Sorr entered with ten fully armed "Ramjep Avwi", the 'Midnight Guard', the Emperor's elite guard.
The Admiral bowed. "Your Highness, your shuttle has arrived. If we are to rendezvous with the Fury on time, we must depart now."
"Have your men been able to analyze the data on this new weapon with any favorable results?" questioned the Emperor.
"I fear not, my lord. Against it we have no defense," the Admiral stated matter-of-factly. "If we were to try to oppose the intruder, we would sacrifice most or all of the fleet with no guarantee of victory. The only positive point of view is that the Federation has no defense against it either."
The Emperor looked again to the window. "The counsil has advised an alliance, with provision... The provision being that we trade for the weapons aboard his vessel in addition to the formula and dynamics of this weapon. In turn, he will receive the Tkomat solar system to rule under me with two new cruisers to command." He inhaled deeply the thick hot air of his world, savoring his last moments on the planet. "What is your opinion of this proposal?"
The Admiral thought for a moment. It was a danger to speak to the Emperor without choosing carefully the correct words and considering the consequences should their meaning be misinterpreted. "My lord, this jeQ Ha'Dlbah is merely a terrorist from the Federation. Granted, a most powerful one as he has demonstrated. But, my liege, I see only one course of action apart from giving in to the treacherous villain." He waited for the Emperor to command him to speak, for only by command could he hope to say what he must and leave the palace alive.
The Emperor turned his complete attention to the Admiral. His dark grey shoulder-length hair waved behind his back as a strong hot blast of wind entered the hall from the shuttle's touchdown. The ground shook momentarily, then steadied once again. Perceiving the reason for Sorr's delay, he responded, "So be it; you have my command."
The guards behind the Admiral, knowing the risk he was taking, tensed their muscles, hoping their next mission would not be to bury him.
"Your Majesty, by his own words, the intruder has put your life in jeopardy, as he is only allowing three armed guards to escort you aboard his ship. He has sworn to keep his shields lowered while you are on board and promises to have no more than three armed guards of his own present at the meeting. Scanners will verify all of this. But, Sire, if he should raise his shields,"
"Are you questioning my ability to defend myself? Do you think the Emperor of all Klinzhai's realm is afraid to face this invader at the cost of his life?" the Emperor fumed. His anger was explosive.
"No, my liege. I am counting on it," he continued. "But if it is at all possible, face him alone. Leave all guards outside the meeting chamber. Agree to all his terms if you must, but make him swear the blood oath to it. If he allows his enemy, you my lord, to cut his palm, you can just as easily lacerate his throat," he said, trying to read his Emperor's reaction.
"You have half a plan. Is there more?" the Emperor spoke coldly.
"I have a device here." He produced a small box with several buttons on it from inside his breastplate. "This will allow you to record the foe's voice by pressing the black button. Once he is dead, you simply speak into the box pressing the blue button, issue the command to transfer all weapons to your ship, and the machine will repattern your voice to that of our enemy's. Then while their shields are still lowered, we lock onto you, beam you back and destroy his vessel. No enemy, no concessions."
The Emperor listened to the Admiral, considering his words and picturing himself carrying out the plan. If events transpired as predicted, he would single-handedly give victory to his empire and restore his pride with it. Both were of equal value to him. It was not without risk, but being willing to even board the most dangerous ship in the galaxy was a tremendous gamble within itself. While dwelling on these thoughts, his anger left him.
"Why don't you use the voice from the recorded conversation with him. If I am seen pressing buttons, might it not be construed as suspicious?" the Emperor pondered.
"My lord, we can not be sure the voice we heard is his actual voice. The acoustic enhancements of this device is not a new technology. There are many ways to deceive over any broadcast medium," the Admiral explained. "My prime fear is that a code or password may be required to command the enemy's crew to transfer the weapons to your ship. Regardless of that, we will be able to transport you back before they can react to our deception and beam over a boarding party. We may be able to attack more effectively from within."
The Admiral could tell that his idea was being well received. His pulse rate began to drop to the normal level. "As for being observed operating the unit, my men are even now working on a micro remote that will fit inside your glove where you may control it unseen."
"You have thought this well through, Sorr. I will take this plan you suggest under advisement on the way to my destination. Have your men continue as if I had accepted this avenue," spoke the Emperor. "Now let us depart. The sooner our invader is dealt with, the quicker we will be able to deal with the Federation."
With that the Emperor passed through the ranks of his elite guard, who turned on their heels and escorted him to his launch.
"One more thing Admiral," he said without turning. "I want the enemy's voice cross referenced with all transmissions intercepted from the Federation in the past 30 years. And I want the results before the rendezvous!"
"As you command, my lord," he answered, trailing Emperor Tromok.
'I know that voice!' thought the Emperor to himself.
