Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [71]
It was only after a canister containing the metagenic QuVat virus ended up aboard the admirals shipdispersing an aerosolized virus and infecting the Klingon leader and his crewthat Krell called off the attack on QuVat in favor of perfecting a cure to the illness.
The viewscreen before Archer melted to black for an instant before the shadowed face of the Klingon fleet admiral appeared to replace it. Archer recognized the mane of white and brown hair, and the white goatee with a center braid that defined Krells aggressive appearance. But something seemed subtly different about him. When Krell leaned forward, the difference immediately became clear.
“What do you want, Archer? Krell asked. He sounded as angry as he had during the confrontation at QuVat, and a pair of large hooked teeth still protruded from beneath his upper lip, but the dusky-hued ridged Klingon that Archer had seen before was gone. In his place was a more human-looking Klingon with less pronounced ridges. He looked more like a swarthy human pirate from Earths South Sea islands than he did a Klingon warrior.
“Why have your ships attacked Draylax, Admiral? Archer said, not allowing his expression to convey any shock at the change that time and retroviruses had wrought upon the warrior whose visage once could have made children cry.
“I have no idea what youre talking about, human, Krell said, emphasizing the final word as if it were a curse.
“Three of your vessels have attacked Draylax without provocation. You have command of the fleet, Admiral. Order them to withdraw.
Krell sneered and leaned back again into the shadows behind him. “You credit me with too much power, Captain. There are many admirals and generals who wield authority in the Klingon Empire, and myinfluence has been reduced of late due tocertain changes that have occurred.
“Changes within the Klingon military, or changes to you ? Archer asked, pressing the point. “I cant imagine that youd let anybody take any authority away from you, Krell. It was always my impression that you were one of the most powerful warriors who ever drew a blade on QonoS.
Krell wound his beard-braid around one finger, tilting his head to crack his neck languidly. “Your flattery is noted, Captain, but your understanding of a warriors place in our society is lacking. Especially when such a warrior has been infected with a pernicious disease.
“But you helped to bring an end to the disease, and stability to the Empire, Archer said, exaggerating the truth to almost elephantine proportions. “That should have brought you commendations and honors.
“Perhaps if I had not been changed by the virus, that would be true, Krell said, leaning forward again and growling into his monitor. “Your physician is responsible for my shame. His perfidy has bought him my undying enmity. I will one day paint the walls of my cabin with his blood.
Archer stood his ground. “What does your shame have to do with Draylax? Are you so spiteful that you would be willing to strike the first blow of a war in a system that can barely defend itself? Is that the legacy you would leave to your children?
“First, even if the Empire were to engage in the attack you speak of, it should be no cause of concern for you humans, or your so-called Coalition of Planets, Krell said, all but growling his words. “You are meddling in interstellar affairs that are beyond your grasp.
“Second, the Klingon Empire has ordered no hostilities against Draylax. If we had, I would know about them.
Krell moved in closer, until his angry face nearly filled the monitor completely. “I have not sworn a blood oath against you, Archer, but that can change. Whatever tenuous honor you have accrued inside the Empire in exchange for your help in curing the metagenic virus is balanced on the tip