Myriad Universes 02_ Echoes and Refractions - Keith R. A. DeCandido [54]
Kamarag slowly marched out onto the speaker’s floor in the center of the hall, his confident stride exuding conviction and purpose. He stopped directly in front of the raised platform at the front of the hall and raised his head high, his eyes drifting over the rows of delegates on each side of the chamber.
“Members of the Federation,” he began, “on behalf of the High Council, and the citizens of the Klingon Empire, we should like to express our deepest sympathies for the tragedy that has befallen the Federation and Starfleet, and give our assurances that we are willing to assist in any way possible.”
He paused as some muted clapping was heard from the delegates, but the light applause was nearly drowned out by a wave of skeptical grumbling.
“However,” he continued, his tone becoming a bit firmer and less sympathetic, “the High Council remains quite concerned about the development of this new 'Genesis’ super-weapon, which initial tests have shown is capable of destroying an entire planet in just a few days’ time.”
The grumbling grew louder. President Roth rose from his seat and hastened back to the podium, where he firmly pounded a gavel to restore order. “Please be silent,” he admonished the chamber before returning to his seat.
“Thus far, the Federation’s new policy of unwarranted aggression has gone unchallenged,” Kamarag continued, “but we can no longer remain silent. As you are aware, just one month ago a Klingon commander, who earlier had chosen to independently investigate this threat in the interest of our imperial defense, found himself under attack in neutral territory by a Federation starship. He and at least one of his officers were murdered, his ship captured, and now we understand that both our vessel and its surviving crewmen are being held on Vulcan. Under the terms of the Organian Peace Treaty, which expressly forbids these acts, we demand the return of our ship and crew, and in lieu of a formal apology, we request the sharing of the Genesis technology, so that we might formulate a defense for the preservation of our race.”
Throughout Kamarag’s speech, the chamber slowly became more unsettled, and the sounds of angry disagreement and outrage gradually crossed the threshold from a subtle background noise to an all-out revolt. Roth once again approached the podium and banged its top with the gavel.
“Please come to order,” Roth politely demanded, the lines of stress creasing his face more deeply with each passing second. “Ambassador, your demands are heard and will be considered in due time, for our investigation is ongoing. As I’m sure you are aware, Commander Kruge and his crew have been implicated in the destruction of two Federation starships and the deaths of many Starfleet officers. The grievances indeed cut both ways. Your request is tabled until the next meeting of the council, but as long as the Klingon government continues to cooperate, I am confident that the return of your vessel can be arranged.”
The ambassador approached the edge of the stage and stared up at the Federation president, challenging him despite the difference in elevation, and he spoke evenly and resolutely. “And what about your secrets of the Genesis torpedo?”
Roth returned the firm stare, refusing to back down. “I give you my word, as the leader of the United Federation of Planets, that the Genesis technology is peaceful and benign. But it is also a highly classified technology and a matter of Federation security and intelligence. This is not subject to debate.”
The staredown continued for several seconds until finally Kamarag forced a polite grin. “Very well,” he said. “The Chancellor shall be in touch. I look forward to our next meeting.” And he turned and marched quickly out of the chamber.
Thelin watched as Kamarag passed him by and disappeared through the doors at the far end of the chamber. “That seemed easy,” the Andorian said out loud.