A Time for War, a Time for Peace - Keith R. A. DeCandido [56]
Turning back to Worf, Martok said, “You will return to your government and tell them that the Klingon Empire wishes the formal written assurance of whoever’s in charge that the Federation is not responsible for abducting our emperor. And—” For the third time today, Martok hesitated, which also marked the third time in recent memory that Martok had done so in Worf’s presence. “And, assuming they make such an assurance, tell them that the empire requests the Federation’s assistance in finding Kahless and restoring him to us.”
Worf nodded, wondering if he could justify doing this by subspace.
No, he thought, this will need to be done in person. Even on a secure channel, we cannot risk confirming the replacement of Kahless with a hologram over a com line. Rov has already proven himself capable of circumventing security measures and having access to classified intelligence.
Which meant that he had to turn right around and go back to Earth.
Wu’s earlier words came back to him, both regarding the staffing situation at the embassy and about his son’s performance during the crisis.
“Chancellor, I must make a request.”
“Yes?”
“My son is currently assigned to the investigation into Klahb. When those duties are concluded, I would like him to be temporarily assigned to Mr. Wu at the embassy. We are short-staffed since the Klahb takeover, and his assistance would be—useful.”
For the first time since Worf entered the Great Hall, Martok smiled. “Very well, my friend. It shall be done.”
Worf inclined his head. “If there is no other business, I will arrange for a return to Earth.” He wondered if the Sugihara was still nearby. At the very least, it might be able to bring him to Starbase 24, and he could more easily find transport back to Earth from there.
As he left the chamber, he felt the eyes of many of the councillors drilling into his back. Worf wondered how many of them believed as Rov did, that the Federation was responsible for Kahless’s fate. He also wondered how many of those believed that Worf himself was responsible.
Chapter 7
U.S.S. Enterprise
PICARD HAD JUST settled down with his backlog of archeological journals when the door chime sounded.
He came very close to not answering. The week since Captain Go and her inspection team’s arrival had been grueling. Truth be told, the entire last year had been grueling, and Picard was hoping that, on this night at least, he would be able to relax. The recent issues of the various journals to which he subscribed to feed his amateur’s interest in archeology had been piling up over the past six months, and tonight when he came off duty he was bound and determined to finally catch up. The days of questioning and of Go’s team interfering with his people’s work had worn thin, and Picard longed for an evening where he could lose himself in the ruins on Myrmidon or the artifacts of the Tkon Empire or the recent discoveries in the B’Hala excavation on Bajor. Better that than listening to a team of so-called experts second-guessing his command decisions.
We all had our fill of that after Rashanar, he thought bitterly.
Still and all, whoever rang the door chime would not have done so without reason. At least I hope they haven’t. “Come,” he said.
The doors parted to reveal the tall form of William Riker. Upon seeing that Picard was wearing civilian clothes and sitting in a relaxed position on his sofa, Riker’s face fell. “I’m sorry, sir, if this is a bad time—”
“Not at all, Number One, please, come in.”
“I’ll only be a minute, sir, I just wanted to give you the news.”
Picard raised an eyebrow and indicated the chair perpendicular to the sofa. “Oh?”
Riker took the offered seat, sitting comfortably with left leg crossed over right. “There’s been a lot of communication back and forth between the Enterprise and Betazed.”
“Yes,” Picard said with mock gravity,