“Dropping out of warp in 3... 2... 1...”
The stars snapped back into sparkling dots on the viewscreen as the Pendragon came out of warp, with Starbase 82 in the dead center of the image.
“Hail Starbase 82 and request docking,” ordered Rear Admiral T’Rehes from her command chair. She stared directly at the image of the Starbase, her posture characteristically stiff.
“Aye, ma’am,” responded the officer at Ops. After a moment, the young woman continued. “Starbase 82 has given us clearance to dock. I’ve also been asked to inform you ma’am that, upon our arrival, Fleet Admiral Ford is requesting your presence at a meeting.”
T’Rehes’ head tilted slightly in a quick motion before giving a short nod.
“Acknowledged. Helm, proceed to Starbase 82 on one-quarter impulse and execute standard docking procedures once in range.”
The Pendragon sailed toward Starbase 82, the exterior of which was deceptively clear of any sign of the infestation of Borg technology that still plagued it. As the ship moved into the internal docking ring on thrusters, T’Rehes took note of the number of ships that the Pendragon passed.
There has been a significant increase in activity since I was last here thought T’Rehes.
A half-hour later found T’Rehes stepping out of a turbolift and heading toward a nearby conference room. The doors opened to reveal a number of familiar faces seated around the conference table. Her eyes immediately went to her old friend and fellow Vulcan, Captain T’Laris, who gave her a nod. Seated next to her was Captain Zepari, who gave her a smile. T’Rehes nodded to the El-Aurian and took a seat across from him, next to Ethan McCloy. She turned to Nick, who gave her a knowing grin.
“It’s good to see you again, T’Rehes. It sounds like all is quiet on the western front?”
T’Rehes raised an eyebrow. “While it has been ‘all quiet’ Nicholas, this region of space is not located in the galactic western area of the galaxy.”
Nick’s smile grew. “Another old figure of speech, T’Rehes.”
“Ah,” said T’Rehes simply. “Then yes, all is quiet. There has been no detectable Borg activity for the last week. However, that has been quite clear in the reports my officers have been filing with you. What is the reason for this meeting?”
Nicholas nodded and turned his attention to the assembled captains.
“Mainly, this meeting is to provide key updates... and bring up a rather important matter. First, as you all know, Rear Admiral T’Rehes and I will be switching our respective responsiblities. She has returned to help oversee continued repair on Starbase 82 and coordinate operations with Starfleet Headquarters while her crew takes some much-needed shore leave, while I will be taking over her in-field responsibilities coordinating the patrols of Gamma Orionis. Hopefully, T’Rehes, you’ll have better luck sleeping here than I have.”
“While ‘luck’ would have little to do with it, I do suspect that because the nature of our remaining implants differ, I may not experience the same effects as you have. Regardless, as a Vulcan, I have mental training that few humans possess.”
Zepari gave T’Rehes a look and was about to comment when T’Laris suddenly spoke up.
“The second update is that we have completed installation of the dynamic shield modulation system. This system has been designed to prevent the Borg from beaming drones through our shields and onto ships and starbases via several layers of randomly modulating shields. The system is still experimental, however all tests show that the system is working successfully. There is still room for optimization and, of course, the true test will be against a Borg incursion.”
Ethan looked at T’Laris with a quirked eyebrow. “Why wasn’t this tested out on a starship first? We have a number on patrol that are more likely to encounter the Borg.”
“True, Captain,” responded T’Laris. “However, this first iteration of the technology requires large pieces of infrastructure which can only be accommodated on the largest of Starfleet’s ships. It also demands a substantial amount of power. Therefore, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers felt it best that the system be first implemented on a starbase.”
“Makes sense to me,” said Zepari, simply. When no one else raised further questions about the shield system, he looked at Nick. “So, sir, what is this ‘important matter’ you wanted to speak with us about?”
Nicholas nodded and slowly stood. “Despite the lull in the activity of the Borg, and the latest efforts by Starfleet to expand our defenses against them, we all know it is only a matter of time before they strike again. You also all know that Starfleet’s resources are being spread thin, with new crises and incidents seem to spark up every day across the galaxy. If we are to survive the inevitable full-scale assault from the Borg, we need help.”
The other captains at the conference table, save for Ethan, were beginning to look at Nick intensely. Zepari in particular was giving Nick a rather suspicious look. Regardless, Nick continued.
“Without a doubt, the single strongest power in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants outside of the Federation is the Klingon Empire. I believe that, if we are going to be successful fighting off the Borg, we will need their help. This is why I have asked Captain McCloy to look into any possible way we might have of entering into negotiations with them.”
Zepari’s jaw dropped and both T’Rehes’ and T’Laris’ eyebrows went higher than Nick ever remembered. When Nick didn’t say anything more, they all turned to Ethan, who simply stood and walked over to a large monitor on the wall. Nick took a seat and let the intelligence officer have the floor.
“Of course, any sort of formal alliance between the Federation and the Klingons would have to be made through official diplomatic channels. Additionally, the current Chancellor has been adverse to such negotiations, so this option is not realistic. However, the feudal structure of Klingon society may provide us with an alternative.”
Ethan tapped a command into a console, causing a number of images to appear on the monitor. Several were of individual Klingons, and another was what appeared to be a symbol.
“While many of the Great Houses of the Empire are distrustful of the Federation, this is not uniformly so. One in particular, the House of Nagh reD, is actually openly calling for an end to hostilities with the Federation.”
Ethan tapped an image of an elder Klingon, which expanded to fill the screen. “The house’s elder, k’Elee, was once a Starfleet officer. He has since retired to lead the House, but he maintains close ties with many in the Federation. Despite his leanings, k’Elee’s record still commands respect in the Empire as well. Suffice it to say, I believe that the House of Nagh reD represents a possible in-road to getting some sort of... mutual cooperation, with the Klingons against the Borg.”
When Ethan finished, the conference room was silent. It took a few moments before Zepari finally found the words.
“You do remember we’re at war with the Klingons, right? Hell, I just heard over the news service that there was a rather large battle fought near K-7 yesterday. Don’t you think there are much better options than asking for help from the guys holding bat’leths to our throats!?”
T’Laris looked at Ethan. “In his own... unique... way, Captain Zepari does have a point. There are a number of other powers in the galaxy with whom we are not at war and still ask for assistance.”
Ethan nodded. “There are... but none of them would be able to provide much help. The Romulans are scattered and still fighting amongt themselves. The Ferengi see no profit in fighting the Borg, and are content with the Federation acting as a free shield. The Cardassians no longer have a standing army under the Treaty of Bajor.”
“There are other powers in the galaxy, Captain,” responded T’Rehes. “I remember reading that the Enhasans and the Deferi have each pledged substantial military aid to assist with any possible Borg attacks.”
“True, but they lack large-scale resources. While their aid is appreciated and will certainly help support our efforts, they can’t provide the kind of ships and manpower that the Klingons can.”
Nick decided to use that moment to speak. “At the moment, this is very much in the planning stage. Nothing is sure yet. This is why I would like to ask you, T’Laris and Zepari, to work with Ethan and work on contacting k’Elee. Right now, it’s just talking. Nothing more.”
Zepari gave Nick a bemused look. “One never just talks with Klingons, Nick. But I get your point.”
“Regardless, none of us have much direct experience with Klingon culture and diplomacy,” interjected T’Laris. “It would be helpful to have someone working with us who knows best how to approach Klingons and... talk... with them.”
“Agreed. That is why I would like the three of you to also work with one of Stonefleet’s captains; a Joined Trill by the name of Dugzon Jaz. He, or I should say, his symbiote, has a great deal of experience dealing with the Klingons. One of its past hosts served as a diplomatic attache with the Klingon Empire and the symbiote retains those memories. It’s not a full-fledged ambassador but, since this is very much just in the discussion phase, I’d rather not involve Starfleet’s Diplomatic Corps just yet.”
Zepari glanced at T’Laris, then at Ethan. Finally, he sighed and sat back in his chair.
“Aye, sir. I still say this is nuts, but we’ll do our best.”
Nick smiled. “Excellent. I will be looking forward to hearing your report,” he said as he stood. As he did, the other captains stood as well. He looked at each of them and nodded. “Good luck, everyone.”