The Lair of Gowron"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.01 0303

"Captain on the bridge," announced one of the security guards as Hunter stepped out of the turbolift.

Hunter made a mental note to mention it to Jarvis.

His presence on the bridge during the nightshift was unusual and the young security officer probably didn't know the Captain's disapproval of that unnecessary protocol.

As he approached the Command chair the Night Commander stood up and relinquished the chair.

"Status Mister Mosley?"

"We just passed what used to be Starbase 514 about 45 minutes ago. Several Breen crusiers were detected patrolling near the Black Cluster. They have not made any course changes."

Hunter paused before sitting in his chair. That's peculiar, he is peculiar, he thought.

Mosley look looked up at the view screen as he continued his report, "Worf's ship has entered the system Plachoy-129, he dropped out of warp and cloaked. There are 7 large planetary bodies in this system with over 200 moons and planetoids."

"Nice hidding places. Anything else?" asked Hunter.

"Long range scans do not show any signs of life or other vessels. Subspace radio has been...very quiet," said Mosley, who clasped his hands behind his back. It wasn't just quiet. It was almost eerie, but Mosley kept that fact to himself.

"Very well," said Hunter with a dismissive nod.

Mosley took up the vacant seat at the ops station.

With his thumb, Hunter changed the view on the monitor to a starchart of the area. He studied the area and flipped to the sector beyond. The charts were low resolution. "Mosley?"

"Just a moment Sir."

The OPs officer's worked his console for several moments and then turned toward Hunter. "Sir, Stellar cartography does not have an updated map of this area."

Hunter rubbed the bridge of his nose in a gesture of exasperation. This wasn't the first or second time he had been disappointed in that department's performance. He added to his mental notes to address that too.

"Alright then, what is our ETA?" asked Hunter.

"Approximately 3 hours Sir," replied Mosley.

The Captain stood up, "very well, I'll be in my quarters. Lieutenant Mosley, you have the bridge. Report anything unusual."

"Of course Sir."

Challenges #13"
By: Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]
Various NPCs , Holodeck characters , [NPC]

Stardate: 58208.01 09.00

With lead in his shoes Craig entered the holodeck. The yellow and black grid seemed to glisten even more then normal and Craig could count the times he had been in here. That is to fix things not to enjoy in a program. Turning towards the wall console he tapped through the programs. There were a lot of battle drills in it he noticed, probably for the marines. "Now this looks inviting and he engaged the program.

In a mere second the holodeck changed into a hangar bay, several shuttles were standing there, and Craig could see that some of them were desperate for repair. Then he hesitated.. Chief had said no engineering, no tools nothing. Yet he didn't mention anything about the holodeck, but again Craig hesitated. "Computer close program."

The room faded back to the black and yellow again. Craig sighed and turned back to the programs. It was so difficult, he wasn’t quit sure what he liked. He liked poker, and roulette... what if... he had noticed something. A small program called Dices and chips.

As the program started Craig was overwhelmed in first instance by the sheer colour, smell and noises. Before his eyes the room changed into an old fashioned casino. To his left were tables and from what he could see people were playing blackjack. To his right there were several different ones, for playing poker, craps... but the biggest one was situated in the middle. Roulette.. he could here the little ticking of the ball being spun around and around.

Craig smiled. Perhaps this program wasn’t so bad at all.

Maurice looked up at the new arrival. He gave Craig an impersonal smile.

“Welcome to ze Monte Carlo" Maurice said. “I believe I have never seen you before.”

Craig nodded, “true this is my first time here.” Maurice smiled. “I can see that,” Maurice replied and looked Craig up and down. “We do have a dress code, Sir. If you please follow me.”

Maurice lead Craig to a small dressing room. “I believe we do have something in your size.”

A few minutes later Craig re-appeared this time dressed in a tuxedo. Maurice had vanished and Craig strode around for a few minutes in his replicated tuxedo - the simulated room was rather large, and filled with accurate simulacra of interesting games of chance from all over known space. But there was one game he was looking for, one that he had learned on Earth in his time at Starfleet, and which he had been very, very good at. When he found it, he spent a little time watching the table, the holographic players, reading the tells and getting a feel for the dealer. Then, when a seat opened up, he jumped in.

"Welcome to the table, sir." the dealer said with a smile. "The game is no limit Texas Hold'em. Do you need any chips sir?"

Craig nodded curiously. "Yes - but how do I pay?"

"Oh, you're credit is good here, sir." And with a wave of the dealer's hand, a reasonably large stack of chips appeared at Craigs' arm. "Ante up, ladies and gentlemen."

Craig threw in a thousand credit chip, and took his first two cards. King and ten of Hearts. Not a bad starting hand, but not particularly strong either. The betting started to his right, with a large, florid looking Tellarite wearing a cowboy hat and a bolo tie made from silver and a pale blue stone. He was all noise and bluster, and threw 5,000 credits in right away. Craig checked, considering the man might be a habitual bluffer. The next two folded, but the last, an Andorian, called as well. They were ready to see the flop.

First card was a 6 of Clubs, no help to Craig. The Tellarite made a whooping noise, and threw 10,000 credits into the mix. Craig figured he needed more cards to decide, so called the 10k with a wink that seemed to unsettle the cowboy. The Andorian checked as well.

Second card was the Jack of Hearts. Now things were getting interesting. Craig knew was drawing to an inside straight, a flush, or even a straight flush. The odds weren't high, but they weren't bad, either. The Tellarite, as if determined to get back at him for the wink, tossed 20,000 credits on - nearly a quarter his stack. Craig gave him one a long look, and then raised him another 20,000. The Andorian folded.

The Tellarite seemed to be settling in, however, and called the bet. Card three came in with the six of spades. No help on his straights, but he had a low pair to draw against now. The Tellarite pushed his remaining chips onto the kitty, and declared "All In!" Sitting back and smiling."

This was where the game got fun. Although there were odds involved, to Craig it really came down to a binary decision. Was the Tellarite a bluffer or not? Had he started out with nothing, maybe a high face card, and now just had the pair showing on the table? Or was there more, and was he just being reeled in from the hook. Craig went with his gut. "I call."

Both men flicked their down cards face up, and the gathered crowd oohed. The Tellarite had the Ace of Spades, and the six of Diamonds, meaning he was already carrying three of a kind. Craig was in the hole, with only the pair, but he had good potential. The dealer slowly drew out the fourth card, and tossed it to the centre of the table.

Queen of Hearts. Craig’s heart leapt a little, and there was such an intake of breath, he was sure someone would hyperventilate. The Tellarite was sweating profusely.

For the last time the dealer went to the deck. All sound in the room seemed to vanish. Lift, turn, flick, and...

Two of Hearts.

The space all around him exploded. He did it! He drew the flush! The Tellarite merely turned around with a grunt, and walked away from the table. Craig pulled the chips towards him, savouring the rush of victory like a good draught of spirits, until he realized someone was at his shoulder. He looked around to see a very attractive young woman, in a flattering black dress and a jewelled brooch that caught her eyes splendidly. He wondered if she were a crewmember, or just another of the holographic guests.

"Hey there handsome, you really know your cards," she said putting her hands on his shoulder.

Craig chuckled, and rose and, in the spirit of the moment, took her hand and kissed it lightly. "Yes, I seem to be doing quite well - though sometimes I wonder about holographic sims like this. After all, it's not like the computer doesn't know what both my and my opponents' cards are. Can computers cheat? And how much satisfaction should I take from beating a programmed caricature? But I will say I am enjoying myself.

She looked at him as if he were speaking another language, "You aren't from around here are you?"

“No I am from out of town,” Craig replied, walking to another table.

She followed him to the next table. “What’s this game?”

"This game is called blackjack. You have to get 21 or lower to win. And no, you cant cheat here, it's not fun. Besides, this game has a good chance of winning. You also have to have some tactics." The hologram asked for a card as he putted the marker at the table.

He had a queen of spades, and a seven of hearts. Not bad, but when he asked for another, he got busted, 27. "Well perhaps you are more lucky , or you could try to cheat, Craig started to explain"

"I won't cheat if the game is fair" Valeria grinned. ----

“Oh look there is the kingpin!.” She suddenly exclaimed.

The man, nicknamed as Kingpin walked into the holodeck, to Craig it looked as he was feeling somewhat uncomfortable in his tuxedo. After straightening his tie, he strode in, gentleman's cane now tucked in his arm, attempting to look the part of the high class rich mogul.

“Who is he?” Craig whispered. Valeria beamed at him. “He is the best player in town. Lets go and watch.”

As the new dealer sat down, The Kingpin tossed his cane to a waiter, and took a seat. A pile of chips appeared in front of him, and the portly dealer smiled. The handlebar moustache on the man's face was not out of place here, and neither were the players on The Kingpin's right and left- both appeared, like him, to be perfectly suited for the casino. One was bald- Craig could have sworn he'd seen him before- and the one to his right had jet black hair, with a moustache and beard. Again, Craig KNEW he'd seen them before.

"Would you care to make a wager, sir? The minimum is 100, no limit," the dealer asked, his British accent thick.

The fat man took a moment to consider- he pushed a pile of chips in, unsure of how much it was.

The bearded man smiled at The Kingpin, and matched his wager. Craig thought that the smile was warm, but unsettling in this setting- this man was, clearly, a gambler. Craig turned back to the dealer, as he heard the scrape of chips that signalled the bald man was in as well.

The dealer dealt- the bald man drew a ten, and a three. The Kingpin got a jack, and a ten, and the bearded man got an ace, and a nine. The card showing for the dealer was a five. 'Excellent,' Craig thought, as he turned to see what the bald man would do.

The man was deep in thought, seeming as if he had a terrible burden to bear. "Hit," the bald man decided, his voice carrying an air of authority.

A nine- the bald man was over. He sighed, and sat back, grabbing a mug from the table. The Kingpin nodded at the bald man and then turned back towards the dealer.

"Split," The Kingpin said, and his two ten-value cards were now two separate hands, and his wager was now double. The dealer threw a nine on the jack. "Stand," The Kingpin decided, as the dealer put down another card on his ten. It was a ten.

"Split," The Kingpin said again, and another pile of chips was thrown in.

The dealer threw a three on the first ten. 'Crap,' Craig thought. 'he is going to go over.'

"Hit," the kingpin said, and a seven was drawn. 19, and 20, from two hands, and the dealer showed a five. "Stand," he said, and the dealer threw down a card on his last ten. It was a King. The Kingpin smiled, and the bearded man shook his head at the uncommon luck, though the smile was still on his face.

"Split," The Kingpin said, and another pile of chips joined the three that were already there. The Kingpin's reserve pile was uncommonly small- if he didn't win here, he'd probably be done for the night. There was a small crowd forming around the table- seemingly interested in The Kingpin's uncommonly lucky hand.

The dealer put down an eight on the ten. "Stand," The Kingpin said, and the dealer put down a four on the king.

Craig looked again at the rest of the table- the bearded man showed nineteen, and the dealer had a five showing. 19, 20, and 18 already- 'Do I go for broke, or bet that the dealer won't beat the last one?' Craig heard the murmurs of the group of people around him- they wanted the Kingpin to go. 'Give the people what they want...' he muttered under his breath.

"Double down," The Kingpin said, as his last bunch of chips joined the fourth one. The entire table feel silent as the dealer turned over the card. Craig even found himself holding his breath- It was a...

Seven.

19, 20, 18, and 21. The Kingpin leaned back in his chair, reasonably certain of a good outcome for this hand.

The dealer gulped- were this a real casino, he would likely be getting into a nice hole here- though he seemed to have a sizable stack of chips available to him.

Challenges #15"
By: Ensign Jaza Najuk , Sceintist , [NPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.01 10.30

Teilani was setting up part of her sickbay for a special appointment, one that didn't require surgery, for once. Jaza had asked for an ultrasound, and she was glad to provide one, as she wanted to know how the baby was doing.

Jaza had been in the midst of working on the sensors. The science officer hadn't been incredibly supportive. She was being more of a pain in the ass and Jaza was sick of it.

The more she worked, the less she thought about Quint and the less she wondered if her baby would have a father.

She knew the risks when she agreed to have the child. He was a Intelligence officer first, just as she was a scientist. Their careers came first, but she hoped that wouldn't mean that she came second...

As she came into sickbay, she bent backwards- breaking her back. Spending hours hunched over cords could easily make her muscles stiff. She didn't want to think about how difficult things would become as the months went on.

She glanced around the sickbay and smiled at Teilani, "Hi. Ready for me?"

Teilani smiled as Jaza entered sickbay. "Sure just lie down on the biobed," she said, as she went towards a cupboard to get the gel she needed. "Just lift up your tunic so your belly shows."

Jaza lied down and lifted her tunic. Then she looked toward the screen. "Now for the defining moment. Quint seems to believe that it's a boy, but I have my doubts. Will we be able to tell so soon?"

Teilani nodded. "It's been awhile since you came over last. We should be able to find out," she replied, coming back with the wanted tube. "Careful, it's going to be a bit cold," she said she applied some on Jaza's tummy, and rubbed it on with the scanner.

Jaza shivered as she rubbed the object over her warm belly. She quickly calmed down however and she could feel her heart beating as she was anxious to see her child.

Teilani then turned on the holographic emitter, which would display the baby's image, and inserted a data rod in it. She scanned her tummy until she could actually see the baby. "There we go..." she said, before zooming in a little bit. "3D baby in technicolor."

Jaza couldn't help awing inside. The Klingon in her wouldn't allow her to voice it, but she was feeling incredibly moved. She placed her finger in the air as if she could touch her child already.

Teilani rotated the hologram with the press of a button..."Yep, a beautiful baby boy..."

Jaza looked at the foetus in awe, "Oh...how can you tell? Does he...does he have his mother's ridges? He's only going to be 1/4 Klingon...but I wondered...."

Teilani rotated the hologram so that the baby would face Jaza. She then pointed between its crossed legs. "See here? At this stage, if it were a girl, it would almost be non-existent," she replied. She paused to study the foetus’s face. "As for ridges, I think they'll be apparent, but much less than yours. But I think he'll be able to easily pass as human."

Jaza reached a hand toward the screen, "He's going to be perfect...I know it. I've been thinking of names...but I know that I have a lot of time still. Can I? Can I get a picture?"

She looked at Teilani with hope filled eyes.

Teilani took the data rod out of the computer, and gave to Jaza. "It's all in here, girl. Just pop in a computer and voila!" She wiped off the jelly from her tummy and pulled down her tunic. "Come back in a month or two, just to see how he's doing. And come and see me if you have any complications," she smiling. "And congratulations. You deserve it."

Jaza held onto the rod in her hand and pulled her shirt down, "I just want to make sure that he's healthy. He is healthy, right?"

"He's very healthy, Jaza. Haven't seen a healthier baby than this one," Teilani replied, smiling. "Just make sure to eat right, and he'll be just fine."

Jaza nodded, "I've stopped vomiting thankfully. I have a lot of work to do. I'll see you in another month or so."

She stood up and headed out of Sickbay.

Challenges #14"
By: Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]
Kelly Forrester, Acting Operations Manager, [RNPC]
Various NPCs , Holodeck characters , [NPC]

Stardate: 58208.01 15.00

The bearded man looked at his cards, attempting to consider his position- The Kingpin could see right through the man's lie, however. "I think I'll stand," the man decided.

The dealer turned over the other card- it was a nine. He took another, and ended up drawing a two.

Sixteen for him- 'Right in no man's land,' Craig thought, not envying the man's position. The moustached man drew another one- it was a six. Bust.

There were a few scattered cheers from the assembled crowd, which dissipated as the dealer moved a sizable stack of chips over to The Kingpin, and another one over to the bearded man, who had managed to gain from The Kingpin's luck.

Nice hand," “Craig said admiringly.

"Just lucky," The Kingpin responded, as he moved the chips out of the way as the dealer dealt again.

Then suddenly Craig and the other players were aroused by some noises near the roulette wheel. The accusations were clearly audible.

"Well mister, I see you have been tempering with the wheel?" Said a tall man in suit to the hologram dealer.

"I spotted the chance of winning was below standard norms, so I took the liberty of 'fixing' your machine"

The hologram smiled broadly to the man who only came halfway his shoulder.

Valeria overheard the hologram and the man in the suit. She took her newly won markers and drew Craig with her, closer to the table.

"What is going on, Valeria?" he asked.

"It seems that these man have a different opinion about the chance ratings."

"Well, I hope he is not really getting into trouble." A holographic woman with big feathers on her head said while leaning at the table. "Look at the men behind them." The Lady was pointing at the two tall guys.

Two casino security guards had positioned them behind the trouble makers and after a nod of the pit boss they took on the two men.. Some fists were flying but they were no match and Craig watched both troublemakers being thrown out.

“Well they wont bother us anymore.” He said to Valeria. “Care for something to drink?”

She looked at him, big eyes, batting her lashes at him seductively and then pulled him closer to her by the lapels on his tuxedo, "I thought you'd never ask," she said suggestively.

Craig smiled and put his arm around her waist, then another lush and husky voice whispered in his ear. "You know my sister neglected to mention me I presume." And as Craig looked back he saw the mirror imaged of Valeria standing next to him. Except for the fact that her hair was brown. He smiled. "Well I have won some money so you are invited as well.

"My name is Darlene," she said running her well manicured finger across his cheek. Then she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.. "Hi sis." she said to Valeria..

A waiter came to their table and put a few drinks down, some liquid with an olive in each glass. Craig guessed it was martinis, but he had never been a fan of them himself. He took a glass which was filled with cold beer, the foaming collor on it tickled his nose. He then glanced at the other end of the room there were glittering ladies with large feathers around their necks, and gentlemen with big smiles and large pockets. This program was awesome.

Ensign Forrester had now received 3 complaints from crewman regarding the holodeck. Her previous efforts to contact the participants on the deck had failed. The same program had been running for 6 hours. She left her station and went down the holodeck. Several female crewman were waiting outside. The stood with their arms crossed leaning against the wall.

She accessed the console. The computer immediately informed her that it was running in privileged mode. "Override," she said as if she were trying to be persuasive to the computer, "authorization Gamma-phi-alpha-9-9-1."

The computer chirped back and relinquished control. She frowned, it was just a dumb casino sim and its only participant was Craig Whitmore, the Engineer.

She entered a command to open the door. Once inside she searched until she spotted the way-ward engineer. She observed him as she approached. Two women where practically hanging on him.

Craig raised his glass and downed it in one go. Then he took up a strawberry with cream and fed it to Darlene. The little floozy chirred and licked the cream of his fingers.

“Are you going to play some more Craig.” She whispered in his ear, winking at her sister.

Craig nodded. “Yes I am going to try my luck at the roulette wheel or at the crap table.

|”Oh yes, I love blowing on the little dice,” Valeria cheered. “We can bring you luck.”

“He he, you already did.” Craig said with a big grin and pinched her buttocks. “Ohhhhhhhhh you are a wild one.” Valeria said with a little scream.

Ensign Forrester stepped quickly toward him until she was right in front of him with her hands on her hip. "Ensign, do you know how long you have been running this holdeck program?"

"Ensign Forrester, how very nice of you to visit. Care for a drink? And answering your question, I am on leave. I have 2 weeks to spend... and this program is mighty fine." Craig added, as he blew in Valeria's ear.. The woman giggled and clung even more on him, and same as her sister ran her hand up his chest.

"Can't you see he is occupied miss," Darlene said with a snidy voice...

She sighed and shook her head, "You can't spend your whole two weeks in here," she said to him.

"Why not. I have lots of unused holodeck hours." Craig responded. “Besides, it looks like you could do with some relaxation as well. Why don’t you join us?” Craig answered a bit loudly and several heads turned to their table. Then one of the pit bosses came up to them and said. "Sir, is this woman causing you trouble?"

Craig arched an eyebrow and sized up Ensign Forrester. "As a matter of fact she is. Can you have her removed please?"

“Other people want to use the holodeck too," she said grunting as she struggled against the holodeck figures trying to pull her away. She broke free from there grip momentarily and got back into Whitmore's space. "Now shut down this program, you can come back tomorrow.'

"Gotta win more money first Ensign." Craig called after her. "I will be done in about 2 weeks, I promise!" Craig laughed and stood up, Darlene and Valeria at his side. "Shall we continue ladies?"

By now, the 3 female officers who had been waiting in the corridor had ventured in, also determined to give whoever was hogging the holodeck a piece of their mind. They spotted Forrester and ventured close enough to hear.

Immediately some casino gigolo's swarmed towards the other women. "Welcome ladies, may we escort you to a table?"

The women were not entirely amused and pushed the men back. Meanwhile, the bouncers had regained their grip on Forrester began pulling her back again. In her frustration she called out, "Computer, terminate program immediately."

Suddenly Craig found himself alone on the holodeck again. The black and yellow walls were staring at him, gone were Darlene and Valeria, gone were the high rollers and the tables filled with champagne. He then looked at himself, it was rather chilly standing there with only his boxers on. That was the downside of wearing holodeck clothing. He turned towards Forrester. "I hope you are happy now!" he exclaimed and walked to a corner, where he spotted his uniform. He dressed himself quickly.

"Couldn't wait for another few hours could you." he said as he walked past Forrester.

She stifled back a laugh, knowing that Craig was probably pretty angry. Unfortunately, the other 3 women were not as discreet.

"You've had the holodeck for 6 hours," she said, trying to help him understand.

Craig snorted only as he walked out of the holodeck. Next time he was going to book the holodeck for 24 hours.

The Needle in the Hay"
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Kelly Forrester, Acting Operations Manager, [RNPC]
Sahril, Acting Chief Science Officer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58208.01 1840

We have spent the last 10 hours searching the Plachoy-129 system for any signs of Worf or Gowron.

Because of the potentially hostile situation we remain on yellow alert and have been passively scanning the area. If we have not found our objectives by 2000 we will decloak and engage in active scans.

Our Intel suggests that Worf does not know Gowron's actual position either. The Klingon ambassador either doesn't know or is reluctant to divulge any information that might be useful in locating either target.

Westfall and the Science department continue to scan for any signs of the Klingons.

-- End Log --

Hunter spun his chair around and stood up. He walked toward the viewport in his office and looked out. They were nearing a rather large planet with a class "M" planet. The greyish planet appeared to be one solid rock with massive atmospheric disturbances.

Hunter turned and left his ready room.

As he sat down in the Command Chair he turned, "Status Number One?"

"We are approaching this system's third planet Captain. Still nothing."

"They're here somewhere," said Hunter stating the obvious. "Ops?"

Forrester turned toward Hunter, "Sir, most of the planets in this system have composites that make scanning difficult.

Wright studied the readings coming from the science station on his console. "If I were going to set up secret meeting. This planet would be a good place to have it."

"I agree Number One," He turned toward the science station.

Sahril looked up at the Captain, "I think I can compensate Sir."

Hunter gave her an approving nod.

Many minutes passed when the silence of the bridge was interrupted by the young Vulcan science officer, "Sir?"

Hunter looked back, "Yes?"

"I believe I have located an encampment of some type."

Hunter turned to the front, "On screen."

The view screen drew a red box outlining a section on the planet below.

"Confirmed Sir." said Ensign Forrester. "I am picking up several Klingon life forms in that sector," she said looking up.

Sir I'm picking up an energy signature which could be a Klingon Transporter beam."

"That's good enough for me," said Hunter.

He stood up and pulled the phaser from his belt and checked it. It was fully charged. "Number One, have the away team meet in transporter room 1, you have the bridge."

According to custom the ship's first officer was supposed to object that this point and offer to go in the captain's place. Wright was not about to break custom but as he made eye contact with Hunter to object he read the look on his face that told hm that his objection was noted ande already dismissed. "Aye sir," said Wright.

Blade of Honor "
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Gowron , High Chancellor , [NPC]
Klingon Ambassador , Ambassador , [NPC]
Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Worf , Klingon Captain , [NPC]

Stardate: 58208.01 2250

Worf materialized on the planet surface in a swirling flash of gold. Thunder echoed off in the distance as lightning streaked across the night sky.

His Bat'leth hung limply in his right hand as he surveyed the scene around him. He stood at the top of a rocky ledge looking out on a barren landscape. Gowron had sent up a small encampment a short ways from Worf's position.

Worf climbed down from the ledge. Once he reached the bottom he approached the encampment.

"Gowron," shouted Worf, speaking in Klingon, "It is Worf, Son of Mogh. I wish to speak with you."

Inside, Gowron had been pacing back and forth with his arms folded tightly across his chest. His Breen contacts were overdue.

A young Klingon lieutenant entered the tent and stood at attention.

"What is it now?" asked Gowron.

Commander Worf is here to see you Sir!"

"Worf?"

Gowron snarled and in a fit of rage kicked over a table and smashed a chair on a piece of equipment that was standing nearby.

The young officer did not flinch but remained at attention as Gowron regained his composure.

Gowron, the High Chancellor of the Klingon Empire, drew a deep breath as he surveyed the damage he had inflicted. Then he turned and drew his face close to the young officer's. "Is he alone?"

"Yes Sir."

Gowron peeled his eyes off him and focused them somewhere in the distance.

"Clean this mess up and bring me my bat'leth."

"Yes Sir," answered the young warrior.

With a snarl, Gowron turned and walked through the door of his tent and out into the encampment. His eyes were fixed on the small figure in the distance as he walked toward the force field gate. His posture was aggressive and his steps deliberate; dust swirled about his footfalls. His eyes were locked on Worf until he reached the gate. He and nodded to the sentry who dropped the force field. "Leave us," he said to the sentries who wasted no time and quickly disappeared.

A flash of lightning and bone jarring thunder rumbled as Gowron approached the unwelcome guest. Seeing Worf carrying a bat'leth he knew it was not a social call.

"Worf," he said with a contrived expression of pleasantness, "What brings you here," he asked with through a squint that conveyed his suspiciousness toward him.

"I have been informed that you have been in contact with the Breen," said Worf. "Is this true?"

The distant lighting cast shadows about Gowron's face as he took several steps around Worf, "What are you accusing me of Worf?"

"I have not accused you of anything," said Worf, "Yet..."

"The business of the High Council does not involve you," said Gowron, his eyes widening, "return to your post. Now."

"The High Council has not authorized you to make contact with our enemy," said Worf as another bolt of lightning sizzled across the dark sky.

"What are you doing Gowron?"

Gowron's nostrils flared, as he carefully chose his words. "I am preserving our way of life," he said slowly and deliberately.

"I fail to see how making unauthorized deals with our enemy preserves our way of life," said Worf.

"Our life," responded Gowron in a voice that was almost a shout, "is that of the warrior."

Then in a hissing voice, he continued, "This war has gone on too long with too little gained," said Gowron gesturing his vision with his hands, "Better Alliances can be forged. We are Klingons, Worf. Warriors!"

Gowron took two more steps and now stood directly behind Worf, "Warriors..." he repeated.

Worf turned around to once again face Gowron. "A true Klingon Warrior does not betray his allies. There is no honor in this Gowron."

Over Worf's shoulder, Gowron could see the young lieutenant approaching, bringing his bat'leth. Gowron smiled.

"Betrayal?" said Gowron with a condescending voice, "You dare speak to me of betrayal?"

"Your precious allies have betrayed us many times by turning in the face of combat and falling back." Gowron stalled his speech and shook his head, "No, that is betrayal. Worrying about strategy while we are out fighting. The Maquis no longer deserve our alliance. They can bow down and be our subjects, but they can no longer be our worthy allies."

Worf sadly shook his head, "You are a coward," said Worf, "and a traitor."

"You!" said Gowron with a raised voice, "...are the traitor saying such to the Chancellor of the High Council," said Gowron, "Are you willing to die to defend such words?"

"You stopped being chancellor the moment you made deals with our enemy. I challenge your right to lead the Klingon Empire."

Lightning filled the sky. Shadows shifted and the ground rumbled from the thunder.

"So Be It," said Gowron as he removed the cloak of the high council and handed it to the young warrior nearby.

Gowron held his hand out and the lieutenant placed Gowron's bat'leth in his hand.

"Die Worf."

Gowron slashed with a powerful overhead swing down onto Worf who raised his Bat'leth in defense. A loud clang sounded and echoed like a broken bell as the weapons locked over head.

The time for talking now done, Worf shoved hard against Gowron's bat'leth. The two warriors separated for a moment and circled about.

With speed as quick as the lightning above them Worf moved in on the attack swinging his bat'leth towards his foe.

Gowron's bared his teeth and snarled as his weapon intercepted Worf's blow and with his foot he kicked Worf back.

Now with some distance between them Gowron wielded his weapon, turning it in slow circles. He lunged at Worf who blocked the blow. Gowron spun around and jabbed at Worf with blow from below.

Worf jumped back barely out of the reach of Gowron's bat'leth. Seeing that Gowron had over extended himself Worf charged back in with a mighty overhand chop aimed at Gowron's head.

Gowron rolled to the ground to avoid Worf's bat'leth colliding with his head.

As Worf's swing carried through, Gowron quickly jumped to his feet. Both warriors parried an exchange of blows once again, and again came to face to face with each other. Weapons locked. Gowron snarled at Worf as rain now began to fall.

The steady rumble of thunder was like a harmony that accompanied the melodic thrashing sounds of metal on metal. Spastic lightning cast surrealistic shadows on the combatants as a dozen Klingon warriors now gathered around to watch the mortal combat.

Gowron pushed Worf back again. Gowron swung his weapon hard but missed his mark, hitting a scanner that stood near the gate of the encampment. Sparks showered and scattered as the device burned up from the blow.

Worf moved in again, swinging his weapon wide, but at the last second he lashed out with his leg, sweeping Gowron's legs out from under him. A gutteral growl escaped his throat as he moved in to press his attack.

****

Hunter's eyes focused on Worf as he materialized on the planet. He held a bat'leth high above his head which came slashing down on Gowron who moved quickly to the side. Gowron then kicked Worf off his balance, sending him to the ground with a thud. Both warriors scrambled to their feet.

Instinctively Hunter moved to intercept the fight but was restrained by the grasp of the Klingon Ambassador. "Leave them."

Hunter exchanged glances with the ambassador. The sound of bat'leth's clanging together recaptured Hunter's attention. He watched the fight pensively. He knew the ambassador was right. It was the way of the warrior.

Several feet away the young warrior holding the cloak of the Chancellor of the High Council turned. His fist pounded his chest and he bowed his head, "Ambassador!"

"What," said the Ambassador slowly, "is the meaning of this."

"Worf has challenged Gowron's authority."

"Good," said the Ambassador, "and if he fails, I will challenge him too."

The rain started falling hard and the skies grew even darker from the storm.

Jarvis calmly holstered her phaser. She had not known what to expect when they had beamed down, but now she had no cause for alarm. Those present were actively watching the battle. She took the time to observe Gowron's men. She was quite surprised to see many of them cheering for Worf. Perhaps Gowron was more alone in his plans than they had thought.

She turned her attention to the fight. The two warriors traded blows with the bat'leth again. Gowron took a swipe at Worf's legs, however, Worf jumped high enough to avoid the blade. Worf moved in again on Gowron, this time faking a high blow but swinging at Gowron's mid-section. Gowron brought his bat'leth down to defend himself but only partially blocked the blow as the tip of Worf's weapon sliced across Gowron's chest. The blow shattered Gowron's body armor and cut deep into his flesh.

Teilani winched a little as the thunder and lighting became harder and closer. The fight was reaching its high point. Why didn't Hunter intervene?

Gowron pressed his hand against his wound and then held it out. His blood dripped from his fingers. His lips curled with anger and hatered. He wrapped his blood soaked hand around his bat'leth and charged at Worf boldly with renewed aggression.

Surging forward with his blade held horizontally, he plowed into Worf, sending them both to the ground. Worf struggled to push Gowron off but Gowron pushed with all his might on the bat'leth whose blade was just inches from Worf's throat. Worf managed to roll Gowron on to his back and reversed the situation.

Now Gowron was facing the blade of Worf's bat'leth. It was just inches away. Gowron's own bat'leth lay at his side. It took all his might to hold Worf back, yet he reached for his weapon anyway. With only one hand he was failing to keep Worf's bat'leth from getting closer and closer to his own throat.

His fingers searched frantically for his bat'leth. He was unable to grab it. In a desperate move, Gowron instead pulled a dagger from his belt. It clicked open and Gowron pushed it into Worf's side as deep as it would go.

"My god!' Teilani exclaimed and wanted to take a step forwards. She was stopped by some klingons.

Gowron pushed Worf off of him and threw the dagger down as he picked up his bat'leth. The eyes of both warriors were ablaze from the scent of spilled Klingon blood dripping to the ground like the heavy rain drops which now started to fall.

Only the combatants were oblivious to the drops that pelted down, making everything soaking wet in the shivering cold rain.

The Ambassador casually adjusted the hood of his cloak as he watched. He knew it was only a matter of time. Even though Worf stood with his back to him, he could tell he was badly wounded. And Gowron, who had lost much blood from the slash across his chest now charged again with his bat'leth leading the way.

A blinding flash of lightning raced across the stormy skies.

Worf spun as Gowron charged. With too much momentum he could not stop to countermand Worf's reprisal. Worf turned as Gowron staggered past him. With his bat'leth he struck him in the back with all the strength he had.

Teilani closed her eyes. She had seen a lot of fighting and blood but this was somehow gruesome. The surroundings and the other klingons watching gave it an eerie look.

A peel of thunder rumbled loudly and save for the sound of rain, all was silent.

Gowron, who's charge now came to an abrupt stop because of his careless error, now stood motionlessly in front of the Ambassador. His bat'leth dropped to the ground.

Almost at the same time, both Gowron and the Ambassador looked down at the unmistakable point of Worf's bat'leth protruding from Gowron's shattered breast plate.

The Ambassador looked up as did Gowron. The Ambassador could not distinguish the look on Gowron's face. Was it the look of surprise? Did Gowron not expect this ending? Or was it the look of a Warrior who saw the gates of Stov'o'kor?

Gowron tried to suck in one last breath. It was impossible. The bat'leth had smashed several ribs and locked his rib cage. He wanted one last breath to say one last word. But in his surprise, he didn't even know what that word would be.

He reached out and grabbed the collar of the Ambassador's cloak and clenched it in his fist. His body began to shiver. Color faded from his vision into hues of blood.

Behind Gowron, Worf dropped to one knee.

Gowron released his grip on the Ambassador's collar and slumped to his knees. He weakly groped for his dagger but it was gone.

Worf took a firm grip on his bat'leth and yanked it from Gowron's back. But Gowron didn't feel it. He was already gone. His body slumped forward into the mud.

The Ambassador rolled Gowron's body over. His eyes were already open wide.

The Ambassador retrieved The Chancellor's cloak and placed it on Worf's shoulders. "Worf has sucessfully met the challenge and has true claim to lead the Klingon High Council," shouted the Ambassador.

Te rain was now pouring down on them as if trying to wash away the blood that had been spilled.

There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by a roar of agreement from the Klingons gathered in a circle. Worf stood up and looked around. The rain soaked cloak now weighing heavy on him. "No," he said, "I cannot accept. Let the High Counsel select the next Chancellor."

Teilani squeezed between crowd of klingons until she was inside the circle they had formed.

She paused but a moment and then hastened to the spot where Gowron lay motionless on the ground. She took her tricorder and ran it along his body. The chest wound itself was horrible to see. How someone could fight with it, she wondered.

She checked her tricorder, it told her what she already knew. She looked up to Hunter and shook her head.

"He is dead." she said plainly and stood up.

Closing her tricorder and tucking it into her blue overcoat, she stepped to the side as several Klingons knelt down by Gowron. They lifted up their heads and screamed the Klingon death warning.

When they were finished, the Ambassador put his hand on Worf's shoulder, "Then so be it. Go now Worf. Return to your duties."

Worf nodded. Taking a communicator from his belt he spoke a few short words in Klingon. Moments later Worf was beamed off the planet.

The Ambassador turned toward the Klingons and in a loud voice addressed the remaining warriors.

"Gowron victoriously fought many battles for the Empire." He looked around at his audience. "But he lost this one before it begun."

As he spoke he paced near Hunter and the landing party. "Those of you who can not support the Empire's decisions regarding their allies should remain here. The Empire has no room for such distractions. For the rest of you, return to your ships and fight with us until victory or death!"

As the Klingon warriors cheered and boo'd the Ambassador leaned toward Hunter and said softly, "We should go."

Hunter tapped his combadge, "Zion, beam us up."

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58208.02