“qu’vatlh!” General Merik, son of Kolhar cursed as he slammed the report his first officer had just delivered to him on to his metallic grille desk. His current mission was not proceeding as planned and he was frustrated with it. The High Council had dispatched him and his battle group to determine the status of the N’Vak colony after it was destroyed earlier in the year after the augment virus. He and his crew had been infected by the virus and after being ‘cured’ it was felt that those who no longer looked like true Klingons should be the ones inspecting the colony. The apprehensiveness of the High Council  that the virus could still exist and harm others in the Empire had heavily influenced that decision. Becoming smooth headed had not been the outcome that Merik had wanted, instead he’d preferred to have died in glorious battle, like most warriors, and gone to Sto-vo-kor. Instead, the Empire had chosen those who remained to patrol the frontlines and undertake missions that brought a lot of danger. Merik had welcomed the tasks, even though it meant he and his crew were more likely to die in the line of duty, at least it meant that the Empire’s attempts to rid itself of this affliction would take place sooner rather than allowing it to continue for two centuries. Two centuries had been the rough guess of their top scientists for when the augment virus’ infliction would have been removed from the Klingon genome. That said, cranial reconstruction had become popular among those who had suffered the humiliation of being infected. However there were not enough doctors in the empire to truly restore the appearance of so many. 

Returning his focus to the report he had just received, the general who was in his late fifties, stood from the chair behind his desk and walked over to the viewport that sat behind him. Glaring down at the planet below, he had hoped their inspection of the world would be conducted quickly so they could return to their patrol of the borders. Dealing with some Orion pirates appealed to him. Those green-skinned petaQ were cunning and engaging in a battle with any of their interceptors that came close to the border of the Empire had always been an enjoyable experience for Merik. Instead now he had to focus on what their scans had detected. “How many?” He asked, looking back at his first officer over his left shoulder. 

“One crash site on the planet’s northern hemisphere while another remains in orbit.” Came the response from the young man that had stood by his side in the past year. Commander Krune,  son of Jaimpok, remained calm and collected as he always did. “Scans of the Ning’tey show that they suffered a complete system failure. The crew suffocated to death. We are assuming a similar thing took place for the Hor’chen. It may have lost power and fell from orbit. A landing party can determine if we are right.”

“Klingon ships do not just fail for no reason. However this is not the first report I have read about Klingon ships being found dead in space.” Merik stated as he turned around to face Krune. “Do our scans show anything else?”

“Yes, it would appear that the Ning’tey was in a recent battle. Its hull has scorch burns along it.” Krune shared. 

Curious as to know who had fought their fallen comrades, Merik walked back to his desk. “Who was it?”

“Scans show their weapon signature as Kriosian.” Krune answered. “However the vessel has not sustained heavy damage to warrant its current status.”

“Then hunt down and find me some answers, commander.” Merik ordered, almost shouting at him before he glared at Krune to show he was done with their meeting and wanted to be left alone until more answers could be shared with him. Turning his attention back to the scene behind him, he glanced back at N’Vak. It almost looked like Qo’noS. Considering what he had just heard, he wondered if the Kriosians were becoming more of a nuisance to the Empire than they originally were. He knew that recently a Klingon fleet had launched an attack against their armada in response to some of their military successfully attacking several Klingon trade routes. Sneering at the thought that if he didn’t know everything about the fate of these two ships before him, he could find himself in a similar position. He was not keen to not go out without fighting. Suffocating due to a lack of oxygen was not an honourable way to attempt to enter Sto-vo-kor. That said, dying of boredom and frustration from a survey mission was no honourable way either.

The ready room door chime’s buzz was an annoying irritation.

Lloyd Burton sighed heavily as he tossed the tablet he’d been reading in his hands towards the top of his desk. Landing on top of the other tablets that were scattered across the desk, it was another one that he had completed that morning. Trying to get through all of the reports that required his attention was no easy option when he was constantly being interrupted. Looking at the mess on his desk, he did sigh. Not only were there reports he was trying to get through, but a few empty dirty mugs that he accumulated in the past twenty-four hours and had not sent them down to the galley to be washed. Behind them was a picture of him and his siblings. The photograph made him smile, it was nice now that Madison and Seth were so close for once. Their ships had been assigned to the task group he currently commanded. Realising before anyone could come in, he needed to clean the surface of his desk, he quickly stacked the tablets one on top of each other. He then proceeded to pick up the mugs and shove them behind the picture. Though he wasn’t keen to see anyone at the moment, he was content to postpone his attempts at finishing off all of these reports. 

“Come in.” He said after tapping the button associated with the desktop intercom with his right thumb. The door proceeded to open a few seconds later with its usual faint hiss. 

Lieutenant junior grade Hennessey stepped across the raised threshold, his sturdy features somewhat played down by the presence of his spectacles. It was rare to see the communications officer wear them during his shift. Hennessey had learnt at the start of Challenger’s mission that his glasses may not always survive the adventures undertaken, so he had opted to wear contact lenses while Ro-fa Ben-Ami had administered some level laser eye correction surgery that had helped. Hands behind his back, his demeanour was that of a man curious to know why he had been summoned. 

The door closed behind Burton’s visitor, and the fleet captain swivelled his desk chair towards him without bothering to stand. “Ned, thanks for coming in. Take a seat.” He gestured at the small armchair opposite to him. 

Complying with his superior’s offer, Hennessey sat down almost straight away. “What can I do for you, sir?”

Burton cleared his throat. “You know the call I took from Fleet Admiral Hathaway earlier this morning?”

Hennessey just nodded. He looked as though he would prefer to be anywhere else but here right now as he could probably tell by the seriousness of Burton’s tone that what he was about to hear was not going to be good news. 

“Part of our task group has been ordered to return to Earth straight away, while Challenger and a few others patrol the outermost reaches of the Commonwealth.” Burton started. “The Command Council wants you on Discovery as it makes its trip home, they want you to head up the team that is being assembled to decrypt the Romulan database.”

Opening his mouth to protest, Hennessey’s posture straightened up as he defended his desire to remain on Challenger. “That’s not fair sir, and not to blow my own trumpet but you need me on Challenger now more than ever.”

“I have gone over this with Starfleet.” Burton said, sharing the lieutenant’s annoyance but remaining professional in his comments. “Their orders stand. Sorry Ned.”

Sighing heavily, Hennessey deflated as he realised what it meant for him. Looking down at the deck plating, he spoke. “When will Discovery and the others leave?”

“Within the hour. I’ve spoken with Frank and he said they’ve got a spare guest quarter you can have.” Burton answered. “I can have Angela take you over on Shuttlepod One, if you’d prefer to not use the transporter.”

“That would be great.” Hennessey said solemnly and looked up at his captain. “So, I suppose this is it, sir?”

Nodding glumly, Burton confirmed. “I’m afraid Ned, but if your work back at home means you can return to us sooner than please let me know.”

Appreciating the sentiment, Hennessey thanked Burton. “No sir, I know how tough that may be. Challenger needs to move on and I would suggest you move Ensign Avery into my spot as soon as you can. She’s young, bright and extremely talented.”

“I’ll seriously consider it,” Burton replied. “I’m not sure we’ll have a full communications department for sometime though.”

“Then give young Mister Harris the role of protocol officer. He can handle it along with his other duties as your yeoman.” Hennessey advised. “I had a chat with him the other night, he needs more to keep him on his toes.”

Liking the idea, Burton nodded. “All right. Noted.” Burton rose from his chair. “I’ll make an official ship-wide announcement in fifteen minutes, it’ll give you time to go pack, tie up any loose ends and then we can say our final goodbyes.”

Copying his captain, Hennessey agreed with the idea and extended his hand towards Burton. “Thank you sir. It’s been an honour to serve under you.”

“No, thank you Mister Hennessey.” Burton said. “The honour has been mine.”

Hennessey let go of Burton’s grip and soon left Burton with his thoughts as he opened the ready room’s door. Stepping over the doorframe he began his final moments on board the Challenger. 

Sitting back heavily in his chair, Burton looked at the pile of tablets and ignored them. Picking up the frame that held the picture of him and his siblings, he smirked at the memory of when it was taken. The eve before he left Earth to take command of Challenger. It was a good evening. Madison had shared she was pregnant, Seth was enjoying his assignment on the Republic while Roman was basking in his relationship with Nathan. It was a good time, it was a simpler time. Far better than what they all found themselves in now. The war with the Romulan Star Empire continued to change everything around them. And once again Burton found the effects of the war knocking on his door and taking someone else from his crew.

Hennessey would be leaving a huge vacuum, he just hoped that Avery was up for it. 

She was up for it. 

Tanisha Avery, for the fourth time in a matter of twenty-four hours, found herself in the company of Luis Trommler on the firing range again. Her aim was improving, but she was enjoying spending time with the MACO leader. There was something about his youthful charisma along with his confidence that attracted her to him. He was extremely friendly and his jovial ways made their time together further pleasurable. To top it all off, he was a great kisser. 

“Someone has been paying attention to my lessons.” Trommler remarked from behind her. 

Lowering the phase-pistol down to take note of the amount of shots she had taken against the target that sat in front of her from afar, Avery smirked at her almost perfect score. “It helps when your teacher is good at modelling for you.” She flirted as she turned to look at him.

Closing the gap between them, Trommler placed his hands on her hips, a move he wouldn’t normally make while they were both in uniform and in a public space. However no-one was around and he was finding Avery to be extremely attractive. Looking down at her, he pushed a stray lock of hair back behind her ear. “Well I’m pretty good at modelling other things, instead of just firing a phase pistol.”

“Oh really?” Avery questioned as she put her phase pistol down on a nearby counter before placing her hands around his neck. “I heard that you’re quite good at leading the physical training with the other MACOs.”

“I’m very good at being physical.” He smirked as they got closer. 

“Yeah, I heard from Corporal Jenkins you like to push everyone beyond their limits and make them sweat hard.” She flirted back with as their faces started to get closer. 

“Oh indeed,” He replied, “I don’t believe in never stopping sometimes.”

Just as they leaned into one another and were about to kiss, the ship’s intercom went off and the voice of the captain could be heard being echoed across everywhere as he addressed the crew. 

“Attention all hands, this is Fleet Captain Burton. Regrettably I must inform you that we will be saying goodbye to a fellow crewmate very shortly. Lieutenant Hennessey will be leaving Challenger to return with some of our forces back to Earth. Starfleet Command is recalling our chief communication officer to lead a think-tank in cracking Romulan codes in a bold attempt to help us win this war. Though this is an excellent opportunity for him, I know all of you will join me in our sorrow in losing such an important member of our crew. Ned has been with us since our launch and his reassignment will be our loss. That said, we cannot let him leave without showing how much we have appreciated his time with us. All hands are to assemble in the launch bay in twenty minutes as we wish him well. Burton out.”

The sudden news of Hennessey’s departure surprised Avery to the point she had completely let go of Trommler. Her shock registered on her face as she considered the consequences of this moment. With him gone, until the captain appointed, she was now the ship’s acting chief communications officer. The announcement had completely killed the romantic interaction between her and Trommler. It had caught her off guard.

“Tanisha, you okay?” Trommler checked. 

Nodding a few times, still surprised, she looked at him. “It’s just so out of the blue.”

“The lieutenant is a fine officer and one hell of a linguist.” Trommler shared. “That said, you are as well.” 

Smiling at his efforts to encourage her, Avery leant in and kissed him on the cheek. “I should go,” She said afterwards. “I should go see him and try and get some sort of handover before he leaves.”

Before Trommler could say or do anything else, Avery was whisking herself away at warp speed as she left the firing range to hunt down her former superior. 

Helping out in engineering had been one thing that Rodham had done while on Discovery, he found that getting to know the ship’s systems (especially the propulsion based ones) made him a better pilot as well as more effective leader on the bridge. He had hated it when he had to take command for the first time on the Rhine and had no clue what the chief engineer meant when he had reported about the status of systems that Rodham had not heard of before. Since then he had done his best to remain on top of his engineering knowledge. 

“Thank you again for helping out, sir.” Masuko said as she walked past him as she made her way over to a nearby engineering station. “The extra pair of hands is always welcomed.”

“Happy to help.” Rodham remarked. “I know it may sound sappy, but being here…”

“…makes you think about Michael?” Masuko checked as she finished his sentence off. 

Nodding to confirm, Rodham continued with the maintenance he was doing to the plasma injectors. “Yeah, it makes me think he is here. I know it sounds strange but it does.”

“He put a lot into these engines and the ship’s other systems. It makes sense.” Masuko stated. “Well to me it does. Others may think we’re crazy.” 

“We’re in Starfleet, lieutenant. Crazy is a part of it.” Rodham said. “Talking about husbands, have you spoken to yours recently?”

Caught off guard by the question, Masuko paused what she was doing on the screen and looked over to the first officer. “The Lexington is patrolling near to Terra Nova at the moment, so I’m not expecting to hear anything from him for a few days.”

Realising she wasn’t keen to talk about that subject, Rodham moved on as he finished off his work. “How is Colleen working out as your new deputy?”

“Fine.” She answered with a simple nod. “She’s good.”

“And how’s Theo doing with it all?” Rodham asked, referring to the third engineer that had been replaced as second engineer. 

“Well, our plan to get everyone to develop their skills seems to be working. He has taken the lead on it.” Masuko explained. “Are you worried about the engineering staff, sir?”

Surprised at that question, Rodham shook his head twice as he closed the hatch and turned to her. “Not at all, I just want to know if there’s anything I can help out with.” He lowered his voice. “We’ve all had to adjust quickly to recent circumstances, I don’t want anyone to feel like they’ve got no-one to turn to.” 

Appreciating the effort, Masuko smiled at the first officer and was stopped from saying another as the captain spoke up over the intercom. Both stood still as they listened to what he had to say and at the end, realising he needed to report to the bridge, Rodham looked at Masuko. “Let me know Sakura if you need anything, that includes a chat over a coffee.”

“Thank you, sir.” She said as she watched him depart engineering to head to the bridge. 

After hearing the news of Hennessey’s departure, Commander Walker had resumed his duties at the science station. He had some time before he would join the others in their honour guard as Hennessey took his final journey to the ship’s launch bay. He had spent the morning finalising his report for Starfleet Command about the initial survey they had been able to take of the Rator system. Though brief, it did give them some information about the Romulan landscape. Starfleet Cartography had been interested in forming a map of the territories that had originally been claimed by their enemy before the war had started. This was another marker for them to use.

An amber light began flashing on his console at that moment, prompting him to tap the adjacent incoming reading button followed by the standard response of opening up what the ship’s sensors had registered. Turning towards the bridge’s centre, where no-one was sitting in the captain’s chair, he looked over at the armoury station at Lieutenant Cortez. 

“Rachele, are you seeing what I’m seeing on long range sensors?” He asked. 

The armoury chief looked down at her station and flicked a few switches. Seconds later she nodded. “I do.”

The sudden arrival of another ship, caused some tension to rise in the commander’s shoulders. Tapping the nearest intercom, he activated the ship-wide announcement. “All hands to tactical alert, Fleet Captain Burton to the bridge.”

The lights dimmed on the bridge  as the ship entered its highest alert system. It didn’t take long for Burton to appear out of the ready room and a few seconds later Commander Rodham came off the lift. 

“What do you have, Cooper?” Burton questioned as he stepped across the deck to stand behind the science officer. 

Before the captain had reached him,  Walker had raised the sensor reading onto his primary monitor that sat in the centre of his console. “We’ve got an incoming vessel approaching us at high speeds. Its energy signature reads as a Kriosian ship, it appears badly damaged.”

Looking at the same reading, Burton shared the surprised reaction that his chief science officer and second officer had. “This is a first.” He remarked as he made his way back to the centre of the bridge towards his chair. Sitting down, he ordered Rodham to move them so they were facing the incoming ship and then ordered for the fleet to form up around them. 

The moment the Kriosian ship hailed them, Walker could see that their departure from their current spot was now going to be delayed and that included their goodbyes to Hennessey. 

Joining the bridge crew for one more mystery, Hennessey had arrived after the call for tactical alert had taken place. His deputy, Ensign Avery, had followed him out of the lift and had taken a spot in the aft section of the bridge while he took over at the main communication’s console. “Sir, they’ve been sending out a general distress call on a low subspace band.” Hennessey informed his captain. 

“Any reason why?” Burton asked.

“Their subspace radio is probably damaged and it’s their only way to communicate.” Hennessey suggested. 

“Adjust our frequencies to match and open a channel.” Burton commanded. 

Walker watched from his chair Hennessey doing his work and then turned to the captain with a simple nod to say the channel was open. 

Burton was about to speak but was stopped as the main screen flickered to show the appearance of man, who appeared to be human besides the faint speckles of what looked like tattoos around his forehead, face and neck. He appeared injured from his dishevelled appearance along with the blood that ran down from the side of his face. Almost appearing victorious in his expression, the man spoke up. 

“Captain Archer, I’m so pleased we found you and Enterprise, we need your help. I’m here by the request of First Monarch Kaitaama to offer an alliance with your people. In return for helping us, we will help you with new faster warp engines and defence technologies.”

Confused, startled and somewhat unsettled by that announcement, Walker could tell that Burton had no idea who this guy was and the fact he had confused Burton and Challenger with Earth’s flagship and her famed skipper, was also another worrying factor. 

“I’m sorry, I think there’s been some misunderstanding here but I’m happy to help and speak about your offer more.” Burton said, doing his best to remain friendly and diplomatic. 

Walker turned to look at the man on the other side of the channel, wondering if Burton’s attempt to sort out what was going either worked or fell flat on its face.  But before a response could come, the man all of a sudden had a glazed expression and eventually fell forward and out of the chair he was on. The signal was then cut and everyone looked at one another, confusion remained among them all. 

“Captain’s starlog, November Eighteen, Twenty-One-Fifty-Five. Challenger and our task group have entered the Krios system after assisting with repairs to the Kamala and aiding her crew, to discuss the proposal sent by their leader. Though Fleet Admiral Hathaway has reservations about forming a partnership with the Kriosians, due to their closeness to the Klingon Empire, the possibility of them giving us faster ships and better ways to defend ourselves against the Romulans has piqued her interest as much as it has with mine.”

Pushing his chair back  away from the scope, Commander Walker looked at the main screen within the science station to check the readings he was now seeing. “Sir, you’re not going to believe this but I’m detecting four Klingon ships currently engaged with Kriosian forces.”

As Walker spoke, Burton had been handing a computer tablet over to his yeoman. Turning his attention to his chief science officer, Burton wondered just how soon they would encounter the Klingons. “Have they detected us?”

Shaking his head, Walker looked up from the scans. “We’re too far away for their sensors to see us.”

Spinning his chair to the other side, he looked at Cortez at the armoury station. “Take us to tactical alert.” He then pivoted back to be facing the front of the bridge. “Commander Rodham, slow us down further. I don’t want to tip our presence to the Klingons but on the other side I don’t want First Prince Consort Kalluum thinking we are delaying on purpose.”

Rodham acknowledged with a simple nod as the bridge darkened and the computer graphics changed from their normal operational colours to a range of tones in red. 

“Tanisha, send a short burst message to the task group to follow our lead and remain on our tail. I want to observe what’s happening first.” Burton ordered his new communication chief. 

The ensign replied with a simple ‘aye’ as she carried out her task. 

“I’ve got a visual of the battle.” Walker then announced. 

“On screen.” Burton ordered.

The rectangular shaped screen flicked from a blank starfield moving slowly past them to one showing the Klingon and Kriosian battle taking place. The Klingons were outnumbered and appeared to be doing their best to fight their enemy, but they weren’t doing much of a good job. 

Turning to Cortez, Burton was confused about what he was seeing. He had spent the last couple of days reading everything the Starfleet database had about the Klingons, especially their tactics. Nothing in what Enterprise and Columbia had dealt with since their launches was apparent in this battle. Those multiple reports by his counterparts on their sister ships had stated how aggressive the Klingons were and how they ensured they kept the upper hand. Instead the Klingons were having their rear ends handed to them by the Kriosians. He accepted that the Kriosian Sovereign Guard had vessels that were just as powerful as the Klingons and before them right now he could see just how devastating their weapons were. There was just something not right.  The captain needed to know more. “Rachele, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” He asked as he stood to join her at the armoury console.

“The fact that the Klingons are about to be beaten by the Kriosians and they don’t seem to be giving up much of a fight?” Cortez checked and was pleased she got an affirmative nod from her superior. “We could get closer and run a more intensive scan of the Klingon ships to determine why.”

“Sir, that’s risky.” Rodham said from the helm, looking over his right shoulder towards where Burton now stood behind Cortez. “If the Klingons retreat or transmit scans of us being here, then we could end up bringing Earth into this conflict as well.”

Locking a look with Cortez, his armoury officer appeared to get what he was thinking at that moment. “I think it’s worth the risk, sir.”

“Any transmission, I could scramble.” Avery offered.

Walker soon caught on to what Burton was considering. “You think they’re being controlled by the Romulans?” He checked.

“Two powers at each other’s throats close to Romulan space. It wouldn’t surprise me that the Romulans are manipulating the Klingons and Kriosians the same way they did with the Deltans and Carreons.” Burton replied before taking a breath and issuing the order that could have undesired consequences. “Rachele, run the scan and see if those Klingon ships are being controlled.”

“If they are being run by the Romulans, it means that the Romulans may have recovered from our attack against their facility in the Bassen Rift.” Rodham stated. 

Walker shook his head, “Or they’ve found a way to use the telepresence capturing device at short ranges. Which means they could be nearby.”

“Tanisha, tell the fleet to start scanning for Romulan ships and Romulan telepresence frequencies.” Burton command. “I’d like to know sooner rather than later.”  

Before the new communications officer could get her message out, Cortez spoke up after her scans were complete. “Sir, the Klingon ships are under Romulan control. I’m detecting low power readings to their life-support systems and a high amount of energy going through their computing processors. More power is also being sent to their shields. All of them plus a unique subspace frequency is being sent to them.”

“Trace it.” Burton ordered as he returned to his chair. “I want that Romulan ship found, now!”

Moving at almost warp speed, the bridge crew responded to their captain’s orders so they could find their enemy and stop them from doing any more damage to the damage already caused. Several seconds later Avery spoke up. “Sir, our fleet is not picking up the frequency any further. It would seem, the Romulans were scrambling their efforts from us finding them. Now that the frequency has gone, I would assume they saw us.”

“And ran away like chickens.” Rodham added at the end. He looked at his own sensor readings. “The Kriosians are still attacking the Klingons but those Klingon ships aren’t going to survive anymore. We need to stop the battle, sir.”

Suppressing his frustration at the obvious Romulan involvement, Burton agreed with his first officer. “Tanisha, get the prince at once. Perhaps he can order-” 

Walker interrupted the captain suddenly and announced that the Klingon ships had lost their defences and seconds later all four ships were obliterated into dust as they exploded. 

The bridge fell silent as they all realised what this meant. Any hope of getting a ceasefire between the Klingons and Kriosians had just ended. 

The silence was broken up by the communication console beeping at them. Shaking her head from what they had just witnessed, Avery looked at her controls. “Sir, we’re being hailed by the prince.”

Still sitting in his chair, Burton was resting his chin in the palm of his left hand as he contemplated his next move and everything they were now involved with. Eyes squinting at the main screen, he stared to frown at the situation now. Should he attempt to mediate some sort of peace? Could it help the war effort if he brought both the Kriosians and Klingons in against the Romulans? 

“Put the prince up.” Burton eventually said as he sat up straight and changed his entire posture. As the main screen flickered from the former battle site to that of the bridge of the Kamala where First Prince Kalluum was, Burton greeted the man who thought he was Commodore Jonathan Archer and that Challenger was Enterprise. That had been a difficult one to explain after they had boarded the Kriosian flagship. If it hadn’t been for Lieutenant Stewart saving the life of the prince, Burton was certain things would be a lot different now. “Your Royal Highness,” Burton said, sounding respectful in his tone. “It would appear your military has once again thwarted another attack.”

“Indeed it would seem so, Fleet Captain Burton. Please will you move us into range of the Sovereign Guard.” Kalluum requested. 

“I’d be happy to oblige, but I think it’s important you understand something we’ve discovered.” Burton stated. “Those Klingon ships were under Romulan control.”

Sighing heavily, the prince did not seem convinced by Burton’s words. “My people are happy to assist you Fleet Captain Burton, do you really need to use such tactics to convince us to declare war against the Romulans as well?”

 “I’m not trying to deceive you, sir. We have evidence and I believe your Sovereign Guard can verify them too.” Burton answered. “Your Royal Highness, as I said to you yesterday, the Romulans would do anything to destabilise this region. Your conflict with the Klingons could be another ploy of theirs to weaken those around them.”

Looking off screen and then back to it, Kalluum nodded at first before speaking. “Then present your evidence to the First Monarch when you join me on my return home.”

“It’d be my honour.” Burton stated before their conversation ended.

Teaching what she knew and sharing her experiences from her vast career, Ro-fa Ben-Ami smiled as she finished marking the latest assessment carried out by her senior nursing officer. Putting the final grade on it, she took the tablet she held in her hand and walked across sickbay to where Lieutenant Stewart was working. The young nurse was busy monitoring the readings of one of the Kriosian patients they were currently treating. 

“Niall, you got a moment?” She called after him which instantly made him stop working and turn to face her. 

Nodding at first in response, Stewart finished his job and approached her. “I’m all done here ma’am. This gentleman can be returned to the Kamala this evening.”

“Good, I’ve got the results of your latest assessment.” She said, waving the tablet in her hands.

Eager to hear them, he encouraged her to share them with him by his facial expression. “And?”

“Passing grade.” She said as she handed it over. “Well done. At this rate you’ll be eligible for your doctorate by this time next year.”

Proud of himself, Stewart smirked at the result as he glanced down at the assessment and its results. “Thank you ma’am.” 

Payne walked over from where she had been working on another Kriosian and approached Stewart with a huge smile. “Congratulations Niall.” She said as she gave him a reassuring hug. 

“No, thank you for those recent late study nights. I appreciate your time.” Stewart replied after letting go.

Shrugging her shoulders and showing her modesty, Payne just smiled. “It was no trouble, anyway this doesn’t compare to saving the life of the First Prince of the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios.” 

“Yes, I heard the prince wants to give you an award.” Ben-Ami added as she walked away back to her stall and bar like desk.    

Rolling his eyes, Stewart ignored the comments. It hadn’t stopped since he was part of one of the parties sent over to assist the Kriosians. His team had been the one sent to the bridge and while there he had treated the first prince who had collapsed. Prince Kalluum had sustained a huge cut along his abdomen, which again Stewart had treated by being able to seal it. After this brief piece of surgery, the prince had gone into cardiac arrest. Using resuscitation techniques, Stewart brought him back. Members of the Kriosian crew called Stewart a miracle healer and was surprised when he shared he was just a field nurse and not an actual doctor. After saving the life of Kalluum, Stewart had gone on to treat other members of the bridge crew until Ben-Ami had arrived to assess the situation further. Impressed at how much he had done, Challenger’s chief medical officer had joked about being obsolete now.

The doors to sickbay parted open allowing for the entrance of Stewart’s husband, Corporal Jenkins. 

“Corporal Jenkins, please state the nature of the medical emergency.” Ben-Ami stated in a nonchalant tone while still remaining focussed on the work she was doing on her desktop console. 

Smirking at her, the MACO soldier shook his head in response. “Sorry ma’am, no emergency besides the fact I need to let my husband know I won’t be around for dinner tonight.”

Ben-Ami looked up from her work, as did Payne along with Stewart who approached their visitor. All three medical officers wondered where he would be. 

A bit annoyed to hear the news, Stewart questioned his husband about his whereabouts. “How come Liam? Where will you be?”

“I’m joining the captain’s landing party when he heads down to Krios. Luis wants me to join him and Harvey as part of the captain’s bodyguard detail. Apparently it’s something to do with the Kriosians liking to show strength in front of friends, or something.” Jenkins explained. “I shouldn’t be away for too long.”

Nodding to show he understood, Stewart didn’t have the chance to say anything as the sickbay entrance opened again. This time it was the captain’s yeoman entering. Pushing his almost curly dark brown hair backwards, Crewman Harris noticed his friends near the door. “Ah, Niall there you are.”

Both Stewart and Jenkins turned to Harris, Stewart answering him. “You okay Jamie?” He asked, wondering what medical problem he was bringing to them. 

“Perfectly fine thanks Niall.” He had a tablet in his hands and then passed towards Stewart’s direction. “The captain wants you to join him as part of his landing party.”

“Why?” Jenkins interjected as he watched the exchange of the device between the yeoman and his husband.

Harris took a look back between Jenkins and then Stewart. “Something to do with the impression you’ve made on the crown prince. You’ve been asked to be there.”

Surprised to hear that, Stewart looked at the tablet, showing almost the same shocked expression he had earlier when Ben-Ami had given him the results of his assessment. He quickly glanced at the notes that Harris had given him. “Full dress uniform?” He questioned. 

“The captain just received a hail and apparently the First Monarch plans to hold a full state dinner for those attending.” Harris informed.

“A full state dinner?” Ben-Ami repeated as she moved from her stall and over to join the small group. “That seems pretty over the top for what we’ve done.”

“Apparently saving a member of the Kriosian royal family is quite a big thing, plus the First Monarch wishes to discuss terms of the partnership that she had sent her husband out to form with us. The captain wants everyone there to be on their best behaviour, he needs to present to them his theory about the Romulans manipulating the conflict between Krios and the Klingon Empire.” Harris said. 

“Is there any evidence to back up his theory?” Ben-Ami probed. 

Nodding, Harris relayed to the doctor what had happened earlier when they arrived in the Krios system. “The captain is certain the Romulans are behind this.”

“That’s interesting.” Ben-Ami remarked as she turned to her nurse. “Well Niall, as they say. Best foot forward for the greater good of the Commonwealth.”

“It just doesn’t make sense though,” Jenkins remarked. “No offence Niall but how would your presence help the captain and his diplomatic efforts with the Kriosians?”

A bit taken back by the tone in his husband’s voice, Stewart ignored it and didn’t say anything. Instead Payne walked forward and defended him. 

“If the Kriosians believe that saving the life of a senior royal is important to recognise, then the captain would be foolish not to have Niall by his side. It’s a way of showing that he respects their traditions. Plus Niall is a good pin-up for Starfleet!” She teased as she then walked away. 

Smirking and shaking his head at her, Stewart thanked her as she moved away from him and looked at his husband. “Plus don’t worry Liam, while we’re there you can watch my back as much as the captain’s.”

“Indeed.” Jenkins said, not sounding too happy about that.

Walking down the corridor with a tablet in one hand, Ensign Avery wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings as she was more focussed on paying attention to the list of protocols that she had to brief the captain on before they went down to Krios. The more she read about their customs and traditions, the more it sounded familiar to what she had learnt about the practises used back before Earth became a unified entity and some countries around the world had monarchs. Though some still had this to this day and age, like the United Kingdom, most of them were figureheads used for ceremonial purposes only. The Sovereign Dynasty of Krios’ royal family was the ruling family for the Kriosian people. From what she had read their influence was well known in this sector of space and they were well liked but with their popularity brought envy from those who didn’t like how rich Krios was.  Juggling this along with everything else they had to do to show utmost respect was vital to this opening dialogue the captain was about to attempt to create. She had to show she was up to the task, so with her head in her work she didn’t see Captain Luis Trommler coming down the junction until they both bumped into one another.

Instantly her tablet dropped to the floor as did the one he was reading. “Ah crap!” She said.

“Indeed.” Trommler said as both knelt down to pick up their devices. As he got up, the MACO leader smiled and apologised to her. “Sorry Tanisha, I should have watched where I was going.”

“Likewise.” She said smiling as she waved her tablet in her left hand. “Looks like we’ve both got our hands full, again.”

“Ja. It would seem so.” Trommler agreed. “I suppose our dinner plans for tonight must be postponed for now.”

Nodding, Avery showed her regret that the trip to the Kriosian capital prevented them from having their next date together. “Shall we try again tomorrow?”

“Sounds like a date to me.” He said with a smirk before leaving her and carrying on with his journey as she did the same. 

“There you two are.” Spoke Ben-Amin as she stepped into the command centre and waited for the door to close shut behind her. 

Turning around, both Commanders Rodham and Walker looked at the doctor. Rodham replied to her, “Hey Ro-fa, what can we do for you?” 

“A moment of your time, if you don’t mind.” She said as she walked further into the room, trying to take in what they were both doing by studying the readings of the various screens around them. “What are all of these sensor scans?” 

“They’re the readings we took of the Klingon ships during their recent battle with the Kriosians, as well as the logs from the Kamala when she fought the Klingons trying to reach us.” Walked answered as he returned to his work. 

Glaring at one of the screens nearest to her, Ben-Ami knew she didn’t quite understand what it was telling her, though she did recognise the marks around life-support being so low on one of the ships. Returning back to the two men, she looked at Rodham. “Is this your attempt to prove the captain’s theory about the Romulans being involved here?”

“Hopefully.” Rodham said. He was still wondering what she wanted. “Did you need one of us or both of us for something?” 

“It’s about the captain and this theory of his.” Ben-Ami said as she crossed her arms and lent against the centre table. “I’ve got some concerns about his behaviour.”

Walker paused in his work and looked back at her. “What type of concerns?”

“We’ve all noticed how much he has changed since the Bassen Rift incursion and more importantly after we found the Tholians dealing with the Romulans at Rator, the captain’s mood swings have become more…well erratic.” Ben-Ami shared. 

“Can you blame him?” Rodham asked. “I mean, I get where he is coming from after the Bassen Rift and even though the Tholians did us a favour at Rator, it is quite frustrating that they stepped over and carried out a job we were meant to do.” 

“And I suppose with it coming close to Nicole giving birth, he is probably eager to return home to see the birth of the triplets.” Walker suggested. “All of that, I suppose, isn’t the best of combinations.”

“Exactly my point, now we have this” Ben-Ami stated as she gestured at the readings around them. “The sudden apparent revelation that the Romulans are behind this conflict and the captain is becoming quite gun-ho in bringing the Kriosians into the war effort, I mean he may even consider approaching the Klingons with it.”

“Sorry Kefira, but what’s the point you’re trying to make?” Rodham questioned as he crossed his own arms. “Again, I’ll say it again, can you blame him for being fixated on wanting to bring decisive victories for Earth in this war?” 

Pointing at the first officer, Ben-Ami revealed her concerns about the captain there and then. “That’s it Alex, he has become fixated in dealing the Romulans a huge bloody nose for what they’ve done not just to Earth and its allies, but to this ship.”

“So you have an issue with the captain apparently wanting to seek revenge against the people who killed our former pilot, MACO commander and my husband?” Rodham asked, his tone changing to one of more irritation with where she was going with her argument. 

Shaking her head, Ben-Ami cleared up her concerns. “They weren’t killed by a Romulan shooting them, they died in the line of duty and I am certain the captain is eager to seek revenge to ensure their sacrifice was worth it. He had that in the palm of his hands with Rator, then the Tholians ripped it away from him.”

“So now what you’re saying he may become desperate in this mission to prove the Romulans being the puppet masters over the Klingons and Kriosians? Just so he could ensure that every soul we’ve lost has been what? Honourable? Worthwhile?” Walker checked. 

The good doctor just nodded her head. 

Rodham took a moment to think. “I can see where you’re coming from, but the evidence we have collected points to the Romulan’s involvement here. If it means bringing the Klingons and Kriosians on our side against the Romulans then I’m all for it.” Ben-Ami was about to speak but he raised his right index finger to stop her. “However, let’s agree between us three to keep an eye on the captain, to ensure he doesn’t put himself in a position he may not be able to get out from.”

Ben-Ami nodded. “Agreed.”

“Agreed.” Walker said. 

Ben-Ami took a breath, “Alex, I want those Romulan bastards to pay as much as anyone for us having to lose Jack, Viktoria and Michael. I just don’t want to lose our captain in the process.”

“Agreed.” Rodham said with approval.

The Great Sovereign Palace, City of Lodstead, Krios Prime

After being escorted through a huge entrance, Fleet Captain Burton and his entourage were taken into a grand hall where their first meeting with the First Monarch would take place. The hall was extremely long and decorated in a sophisticated and luxurious manner, fitting for a royal occupier. Portraits of various Kriosians, all of whom Burton expected to have been former First Monarchs and other members of the imperial family. Candles flickered on either side of the room. He had wondered if the Kriosians had anything like a ball and if so he wondered further how many of them had taken place in this room. In some ways he felt like he was back home on Earth and taking a tour of the famous residences owned by the British Royal Family. Windsor Castle, Holyroodhouse or Buckingham Palace. 

Slowly walking from the other end of the hall were the Kriosian delegation. All of them wearing their official regal attire while Burton led his fellow officers wearing their dress uniform. To his right was Ensign Avery, ready to step in just in case the universal translator failed while Harris was beside her to assist further with the protocol of this occasion. Since Hennessey’s departure the two of them had agreed to work on the role together for now. To Burton’s left was Lieutenant Stewart, while the MACOs flanked either side of them. None of them were armed but every single one of them wore their dress uniforms, thankfully the MACO dress uniform gave the MACOs the chance to carry a ceremonial sword. Not that they would need it. He hoped. 

Deciding not to bring anyone else from his senior staff or even his sister (who remained in command of Voyager), Burton wanted all of them to remain above them in working on their plan to hunt down the Romulans and bring an end to the conflict with the Klingons and Kriosians. He was determined not to let the Romulans have the upper hand here.

Eventually they stopped as they came face to face with their hosts. Smiling at First Prince Consort Kalluum, the man looked a lot better since their first encounter. A very tall and muscular man, Kalluum’s sandy blonde hair almost appeared to shine against the candle light. Wearing an almost white outfit, the husband of the First Monarch had a number of insignias, medals and ribbons attached to what Burton considered to be their ceremonial dress uniform for the Sovereign Guard. A number of gold braids hooped from his shoulders to the buttons that did up his jacket while a dark blue belt sat comfortable around his waist. The way the prince’s jacket stretched taut around his shoulders when he shifted snagged and could hold the attention of anyone, presenting how the fabric clung close to his body showing off every rippling muscle underneath. If a sign of strength was what the good prince wanted to put across to everyone, it was certainly evident. 

However to his left was his wife, the First Monarch of the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios. Queen Kaitaama wore the same colour as her husband, with a simple red sash over her right shoulder that bore the crest of something that Burton didn’t recognise. Sat carefully on her head was her crown. She looked a lot different compared to the picture taken of her over two years ago when Enterprise encountered her. Her beauty was stunning. Hair braided upwards and to the back while her eye lashes seemed to be long as she smiled too at Burton, welcoming him to her home. Her wrist had several lockets around them along with what appeared to be pearls around her neck too. 

“Fleet Captain Lloyd Burton, welcome to Krios.” Kaitaama said as she extended her gloved right hand towards him. 

Realising he had to take it, Burton recalled the protocol briefed to him by Harris and Avery only a few hours ago. As gently took it into his right hand, he bowed before her and kissed it. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After that formality was over, she turned to her husband. “I believe you know my husband already.”

“Your Royal Highness.” Burton said with a simple bow of his head.

“Captain.” Kalluum said, still smiling. 

Turning to her left, the queen continued with more introductions. Another member of the royal family, this time her brother and then beside him several military leaders and other aides. Once she was finished, Burton made the introductions. First he started with both Avery and Harris, then he introduced the MACOs and left Stewart to last. 

“Let me make this introduction.” Kalluum said, stepping in. “My beloved, this is the man I told you about that saved my life and many more of our brave soldiers.”

Stewart instantly blushed. “I wasn’t the only medic around, sir.” He tried to say but his voice changed into a higher pitch which required him to cough slightly and let it return to its normal level. 

“Nonsense. I owe him a debt.” Kalluum said and turned his attention to the young nurse. “I hope one day I get to repay it.”

Kaitaama smiled at Stewart. “It takes a lot for my husband to become highly impressed with others, especially anyone in the medical profession.” She said sweetly. “Perhaps we can show you our appreciation by having a private meal with you and perhaps you can be our guest here, would that be suitable for you lieutenant?”

“Oh yes, that would be most excellent.” Kalluum added. He looked over to Jenkins, “Corporal Jenkins is Lieutenant Stewart’s husband. Perhaps he can join us too?”

“Indeed,” Kaitaama insisted as she looked back at the young MACO soldier. “You must be proud of his accomplishments, corporal?”

Biting his lip initially, Jenkins nodded and answered. “I am very proud of my husband and his achievements, Your Majesty.”

“Then that settles it,” She said and looked back at Burton. “As long as we have your permission, captain?”

Burton just looked at Stewart and then back to his host. “I have no qualms.”

Smiling at the good news, Kaitaama then changed the subject. “Now, captain, I believe we have a lot to discuss. Will you join us in the main dining hall? My chefs have prepared a banquet for us to enjoy while we discuss taking relationships between our people further.”

“It would be our honour to join you.” Burton replied. 

“And while we eat, I want to hear more about these Romulans and understand further what you believe they have been up to.” Kaitaama insisted as she extended her arm towards Burton’s arm for him to link with her. 

Following her lead, Burton did just that as they led the group into the next room to make further plans.

Remaining at tactical alert since the captain had ordered it upon their arrival into the Krios system, Challenger was now rushing out to track the Romulan ship they believed was responsible for taking control of the Klingon ships from the day before. Burton was adamant they needed to capture the ship and prove not only to the Kriosian leadership about their subterfuge but also as evidence to present to the Klingons as well. With its task group behind it, Challenger led the hunt before the Romulan ship realised what was about to hit them.

The large dinner from the night before with the First Monarch of Krios had gone well,  the captain had been able to build up a strong rapport and with her husband’s fascination in repaying his debt to Stewart, it would seem that something formal could be arranged for the benefit of both Krios and Earth. Attempting to find half an hour of peace to himself, Luis Trommler entered the mess hall to grab a light snack for his lunch. He had somehow overindulged at the dinner after the Kriosians had shared a number of sweet delicacies that were quite rich in taste. Grabbing a mug of coffee, hoping it may settle his stomach, he looked over and caught the attention of someone who was hoping to see.

Tanisha.

Walking over with his mug of coffee, he smiled affectionately towards her and asked if he could join her. She was sitting at one of the smaller circular tables and had several piles of tablets stacked around her. After confirming he could take the seat next to her, she placed the tablet she had been working on down.

“How was the banquet?” She asked.

After relaxing into the chair, still wincing at the thought of all the food he had eaten, Trommler shared how well it went. “I think we may have found ourselves a new ally.”

“That’s good to hear. The captain mentioned this morning he was pleased how things had progressed with the Kriosian royalty.” Avery shared as she picked up her own mug of tea. “Though he and the others looked a bit weary when anyone mentioned anything about food. Was it that bad?”

Shaking his head after sipping on his drink, Trommler answered her. “The food was amazing, it was just extremely rich in taste and texture. I felt like I had eaten a full blown Christmas dinner. What are you doing anyway?”

Gesturing towards the work around her, Avery smiled as she answered. “The Kriosians were kind enough to share with us their culture database. I’m in the process of translating it all plus updating our own universal translator with the various dialects and languages they speak.” She turned to him and smiled sweetly again. “I could take a break though. Is your stomach strong enough to get something to eat? A sandwich perhaps?”

“Yeah, but let’s keep it light.” Trommler responded as she got up and took his hand in hers as they walked over to the counter. “So does this count towards the date we had to postpone yesterday?”

“I suppose it will have to.” She replied.

Thankfully the crew lounge was empty, which was no surprise with the ship at tactical alert, so as she was about to pull him into her for a quick kiss she was stopped when the main door opened and Trommler’s name was called.

“Luis!” Stewart said as he entered with Jenkins and a few others behind him. “I was wondering where you went. We’ve got another two hours before we intercept the Romulan ship so the captain has ordered some of us to take a quick break. We wondered where you went!”

Slightly frustrated that their embrace was stopped by the arrival of his friends, Trommler smirked at Avery, who mirrored the expression, before they both turned to the nurse who approached them with his husband and several others behind him.

“That’s good. Aren’t you feeling a bit sick from last night’s overindulgence at the banquet?” Trommler quizzed his friend.

Shaking his head as he grabbed a tray, Stewart replied with a simple ‘nah’ before he squeezed in between Avery and Trommler to grab a plate of food.

Both Trommler and Avery looked at one another, smirking that their attempt at a quiet and private date was once again interrupted by something else. Giving in to the situation they ended up joining their friends. For all they knew by the time they reached the Romulans this could end up being the last time they were altogether.

Standing at the main controls in the armoury, Lieutenant Cortez was running through a number of simulations on how quickly the task group could overwhelm the Romulans and capture them before they had the chance to run. Concentrating so hard she did not hear the main door open behind her, nor did she notice the presence of Commander Walker as he approached from behind.

“Lieutenant,” He said after coughing somewhat to grab her attention.

Almost jumping out of her skin, Cortez’s reaction was a bit over the top but she turned around to see the broad shouldered science officer standing before her, holding a tablet. “Oh my god, I am so sorry sir, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“It’s fine Rachele, you were engrossed with your work. I didn’t want to disturb.” He responded before passing the device over to her. “The sensor scans you wanted me to dig up for you.”

“Thank you sir, so much.” She answered as she extended her hand out to take them off from him.

“Can I ask why you needed every scan of every Romulan ship we and others have encountered?” Walker questioned as he went over to where she was working and stood beside her to look at the large wall display with her simulation on it.

Downloading the tablet’s contents into the console, Cortez nodded. “I’m hoping that by running a comparison on them all, I’d get a better picture of what to expect when we engage them. I’m hoping that at least one or two scans may show me a weakness or something I can use to our advantage.”

“How certain can you be with such an idea? I mean the Romulans are advanced to us in their defences with the use of shielding technology like the Vulcans.” Walker challenged.

Agreeing with his assessment, the chief armoury officer could see where he got that idea from. “But our phase cannons and photonic torpedoes can easily deal with those.” She pressed a few buttons, “I’m looking for a precise target that if we hit more than once may disable their craft, allowing us to capture it.”

“And if we’re successful we may actually find out what the Romulans finally look like and be able to give the Klingons a nice present.” Walker said, finally understanding where the armoury officer was going. “Can I assist you?”

Smiling at the offer, she nodded in confirmation. “If you can spare the time, that would be great.” Cortez began her comparison analysis. “The computer is just inputting the data now. It shouldn’t take too long to find something.”

“You’re pretty good at your job, lieutenant.” Walker stated as he looked at the data coming through.

Looking up at him, Cortez smiled again at the nice comment. “Thank you, sir.”

“Can I ask why you joined Starfleet?” Walker questioned as he looked at her.

Smirking somewhat, Cortez shrugged her shoulders. “It’s nothing exciting sir,” She answered. “I was originally helping out in a law firm as a consultant. My main job was to advise clients on the political implications of any big business deals they were interested in. It was the launch of Enterprise that inspired me to change my entire career.”

“Wow, that is a jump in career.” Walker commented.

Nodding in agreement, Cortez continued with her story. “My wife thought so too but she encouraged me to do it. She visited me every other weekend while I was in San Francisco at Starfleet Training Command. That’s until she died during the Xindi attack.”

Surprised to hear that, Walker paused in his work and looked at her. “Rachele, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

Shrugging her shoulders lightly, Cortez looked up at him. “She was a journalist on assignment in Venezuela when it happened. Her death just made me more determined to do the work and somehow ensure no-one else had to go through what I’ve had to go through.” She took in a long breath before exhaling. “But this war hasn’t helped with that hope.”

Walker agreed with her. “I get it. I only agreed to return to active starship duty as I want to make sure there’s something left for my son to enjoy when he grows up.”

“I didn’t know you had a son.” Cortez remarked. “How old is he?”

“Six, almost seven in a few weeks.” He answered.

Placing a reassuring hand on his arm, she lightly squeezed it. “Well, I hope we get home in time for you to celebrate it with him.”

“Thanks Rachele.” He replied, “How are you enjoying the delights of being a department head?”

“It’s not as bad as I thought it might be.” Cortez truthfully answered. “Sub Commander T’Plau was a decent mentor and the captain has been kind enough to share his insights with me recently.”

“Good, you know if you ever want to chat about things, then I’m here.” Walker shared. “I may not have a tactical background, but I’ve been in Starfleet long enough to know that a successful crew is one where everyone gets along and has everyone’s back.”

Appreciating the sentiment, she grinned at him. “Thank you sir.” Before she had a chance to say anything else the computer finished its work and showed a simulation of where they should concentrate their fire. “So it would seem that when the Romulans engine their impulse engines, the shielding around their manifolds isn’t as strong compared to elsewhere.”

“A couple of well targeted torpedoes should disable them.” Walker added.

“Three actually, or a number of multiple phase cannon hits.” Cortez reported. “This is great news, I can now put some plans together to present to the captain.” She looked up at the commander. “I appreciate the hand, sir. I really do.”

“Anytime, lieutenant. Is it ok if I stick around to watch you come up with our sneak attack? I promise to be good and not ask too many annoying questions?” Walker inquired.

“Sure, I’d like the company.” Cortez confirmed as she returned to her work.

“I’ve got the Romulan ship on sensors.”

Hearing Rodham utter those words snapped Fleet Captain Burton out of his gaze and automatically he sat up in his chair. “Distance?”

“Just over fifty thousand kilometres. They’ve not seen us yet.” Rodham answered.

Wanting to smirk with smugness, Burton knew that would be premature. He looked over to Avery and nodded to her. She knew that was his signal for her to tell everyone to spread out and prepare to engage the enemy. They all were to move out and encircle the Romulan ship in a bid to prevent it from escaping.

Masuko, who was sitting at the engineering console, looked over her right shoulder and called the captain over to see the sensor readings she was looking at. “Captain, look at this. They appear to be powered down, almost as if they were rigged for a silent running.”

Burton was already out of his chair and made his way over to where his chief engineer was sitting. Studying the scans himself, he agreed entirely with her assessment. “Good,” He turned around to look over at Walker. “Cooper, have they seen us yet?”

“I can’t tell sir, I’m not detecting any change in their status since we spotted them.” The science chief answered.

“I suggest we rush them sir, go ahead with the plan with full speed and hit them fast.” Cortez advised from the tactical station.

Considering his option for a few seconds, he agreed with his armoury officer. They may not get a chance like this again. “Take us in, Alex, full impulse.” He ordered. “Rachele, the moment we can fire, then do it. Tanisha, tell everyone to move in as planned.”

Challenger sped forward as did the rest of the Starfleet attack wing heading straight for the Romulan Bird-of-Prey. Before it was completely powered up, the NX-class ship had already opened fire with its phase cannons. They hit hard against the Romulan shields and more barrages of phase cannon power were unleashed by the other ships in the fleet. Voyager then came out of nowhere and fired three torpedoes at it. Instantly the shields failed and as the enemy vessel attempted to flee, Challenger’s torpedoes flew out and took out both warp and impulse engines.

“They’re dead in the water.” Cortez announced.

Holding back his smile, Burton issued orders for his MACOs to prepare to beam over. He had to stop though in mid-sentence when Masuko quickly shouted out.

“Sir, the Romulans appear to be overloading their power reactor.” She said after reading the sensors further. “The ship is going to blow.”

“Abort the mission.” Burton said, frustrated and instantly he recalled the other ships as they watched on the main viewscreen the bird of prey explode into a thousand bits.

Rodham watched, like everyone else did, in surprise at how quickly the Romulans sacrificed themselves. “They really don’t want us to ever catch them, do they?”

“No they don’t.” Burton said with a bitter taste in his mouth. He returned to his chair and slumped into it. He needed another option.

“What are your orders, sir?” Avery asked, with one finger pressed against her earpiece as she waited to tell the other ships what to do.

Leaning his head backwards and against his chair’s headrest, Burton considered his response for a second. “Head back to Krios Prime after picking up any debris that was left behind by the Romulans.” He then looked forward. “I suppose we must go to Plan B.”

Rodham laid in the course and looked back over his right shoulder. “And plan B is what, sir?”

“It’s time to see if we can get the Klingons to talk.” Burton answered before he told his first officer and pilot to engage at warp three once they had what was left of the Romulan ship in their cargo hold. He then told Avery to contact Starfleet Command, he needed to talk to Fleet Admiral Hathaway at once.

Sixteenth Session of Valtama, Third Season of the Regal Kaitaama Era

SGS-01 Kamala 

“You have to admit it, Kaitaama, the resemblance is uncanny.” Kalluum stated from where he was standing in the suite on the Kamala. He had just got out of the sonic shower and had just a towel wrapped around his waist. His chiselled abs were on show as he checked himself out in the mirror. The room was the largest on the Kamala with a huge oval shaped bed in the centre of it. It was large enough for them and almost three others to sleep in. Not that they were into that type of activity with others in their private chambers.

Kaitaama had boarded the Kamala in preparation for the Kriosign Sovereign Guard in meeting with the Starfleet ships after their bid to capture the Romulan ship. Enjoying a nice sweet cup of tea, she just looked over at her husband and smiled. His vain antics made her smirk and his almost down to earth way of looking out at life reminded her of the man she owed for saving her life a couple of years ago. She had to admit she was disappointed in not seeing Commander Charles Tucker, or Trip as she got to know him as, but instead she wondered if the fates had organised the universe to send Challenger to them instead of Enterprise. Maybe seeing him wasn’t such a good idea.  She had never told Kalluum about their romantic encounter while escaping from a pair of Retellians who had kidnapped her and him.

Ignoring his original remarks, Kaitaama shook her head at her husband as he continued to pose in front of the mirror, flexing every inch of his strong muscles. “You keep posing like that and one of the servants will enter to see the First Prince’s jewels on display.”

Smirking back at her, Kalluum shrugged his shoulders to show he didn’t care. “I don’t mind if they do, for I am not ashamed of the gifts that have been bestowed to me.”

Once again she rolled her eyes at his comment and returned her attention to her drink. “I do hope you don’t plan on handing that trait down the line.”

Continuing to show how happy he was, he quickly jumped over the back of the sofa she was sitting on and landed next to her. Instantly he kissed her on the cheek and placed a careful hand over her abdomen. “If my son is fortunate enough to be as beautiful and kind like his mother, then I’d be the happiest man alive in the galaxy.”

“I’m sure his father will encourage him to show off those looks anyway.” She responded and kissed him back.

“Talking about looks, going back to my earlier point. You can’t disagree that Lieutenant Stewart looks like my younger brother.” Kalluum remarked as he stood up, dropped his towel and walked naked across their suite over to where his uniform laid on their bed. Slipping on his undergarment, he continued to preach his case. “It’s definitely something in his eyes that makes me think of Konnaire.”

Appreciating how much Kalluum missed his younger brother who had died only a few weeks ago in a Klingon attack, Kaitaama turned around carefully to look at her husband. He was almost fully dressed. He was just placing his arms into the sleeves of his shirt as she spoke. “My sweetheart, I know how much Konnaire meant to you. He meant a lot to me as well, but I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”

“I just wonder if the fates have placed Lieutenant Stewart on this path to meet me for some reason. He saved my life and he looks like my brother. I’ve just got this feeling.” Kalluum explained. “I can’t explain it fully, I just know this would be something Konnaire would have done.”

About to suggest something else, the First Monarch was interrupted as the ship’s intercom went off and the Kamala’s communication officer spoke up. She informed the First Monarch that Challenger was hailing them and Fleet Captain Burton wanted to speak to her straight away.

“Please place the captain through to my suite.” Kaitaama ordered.

“Yes ma’am.”

Giving her husband a look to say to hurry up and dress himself properly, she shook her head at him for taking his time.

A long narrow screen that hung on one of the walls came to life, showing Burton sitting in his ready room.

“Fleet Captain Burton, how did the battle go?” Kaitaama asked.

Sighing somewhat and not having a pleasing look across his face, Burton told her what happened. “This is not the first time my people have encountered the Romulans sacrificing themselves from being boarded and captured. I am truly sorry your majesty.”

“You tried and for that I am grateful.”

Burton shifted in his seat. “It’s not my only option, ma’am. I have spoken with my superiors and they have given me permission to still seek out a diplomatic and peaceful resolution with the Klingon Empire.”

Kalluum then piped up. “But without strong evidence, can you be certain they would listen to you?”

“We’ve got the sensor logs, the remains of the Romulan ship, I’m hoping it can be a starting point.” Burton explained. “But I can only do this with your permission.”

Looking at her husband and then placing a hand over her unseen bump, she looked up at Burton. “We can only try, captain. Please proceed and we will accompany you on your journey.”

“Very well, ma’am.” Burton said with a grateful and courteous bow of his head.

“In the meantime, I believe Lieutenant Stewart and his husband have dinner plans to keep with us.” Kalluum stated. “Can they join us on the Kamala later?”

Burton nodded, “They’ll be there.”

The channel then closed and Kaitaama looked at her fully dressed husband. “Have I made the right choice, my love?”

“No-one can argue that you’ve not tried.” Kalluum honestly answered. “Let’s enjoy that meal and see if I can convince the good lieutenant that he looks like my brother.”

She chuckled somewhat, which was a rare thing for her to do, but her husband was one of a few men who could make her laugh.

“So here we were about to go on our first mission off the ship and this young MACO came up to me and ended up sticking a phase pistol to my side.” Stewart said in between mouthfuls of eating what tasted like a poppadom but looked more like a green and purple lettuce leaf. Picking up his glass of wine, something he had experienced from the night before, he sipped slowly on the golden liquid. “And that’s basically how we met.”

“So since day one, you’ve already been trying to protect him?” Kaitaama remarked looking at Jenkins as she dabbed the side of her lips after finishing what she had just eaten.

The MACO just nodded with a smirk as he finished off what was in his mouth before speaking. “It’s been a whirlwind of a romance but it’s been worth every moment.” Jenkins smirked as he looked at his husband to his side and took hold of his hand before kissing the back of it then let it go.

Kaitaama and Kalluum both smiled at one another at the display of affection occurring between their guests. “And I thought we had the quickest engagement in the history of the galaxy.” Kaitaama said as she picked up her own glass. “After I was made First Monarch, I knew I wanted to get married but finding the right person seemed almost impossible.”

Kalluum scoffed at that comment. “We met when she was touring this vessel after its launching ceremony and appointment as our new flagship. I was originally placed as first mate and during the ball, she asked me to dance. Something that upset my superior, but as my father is an admiral in the fleet as well as holding various other prestigious titles, they looked the other way.”

“Almost was a royal scandal, but he was a smooth dancer and turned out to be a smoother talker as well.” Kaitaama added. “Several months later with correspondents back and forth between us, we eventually found time to have our first dinner together, then it took off from there. I just knew then I found my new consort.”

“Can we ask who asked who to marry?” Stewart asked as he placed his wine glass down.

The whole evening was quite informal, so the conversations that were now shared were in a similar tone after the awkwardness from the two human guests had calmed down. The four of them were enjoying a quiet, almost intimate meal in the private dining hall assigned to the First Monarch while she was on board. It was almost as big as the mess hall on Challenger and had a singular rectangular table in the centre. Huge bay windows took up one side of the triangular shaped room. Showing that the ship was at warp heading towards Klingon territory. It was surrounded by its escorts as well as the lone Starfleet ship beside it.

Chuckling at the memory of their engagement, both Kriosians looked at one another and then back to their guests to answer. “I was planning to ask her while we took a stroll along the Kaderian river bank but just as we were about to leave the royal palace, she called me into the throne room and asked before I had a chance to work out what was happening.” Kalluum explained. “She had the entire room filled with flower petals and an elaborate dinner planned. I couldn’t say no when my queen asked.” He looked at her with an affectionate smile. “I serve at the pleasure of the First Monarch.” The prince said, returning his attention back to their guests.

Stewart was about to say something when there was a chime and the Kamala’s internal communication system went off. “Command deck to First Prince Kalluum. I’m sorry to disturb you, Her Majesty and your esteemed guests, but sir long range sensors have picked up a Klingon battlecruiser on an intercept course. Their defence systems are online and weapons are charging.”

Alarmed to hear they had encountered the Klingons so early, all four of them looked at one another. Kaitaama then looked at her guests. “Let’s hope your captain knows what he is doing.”

Stewart and Jenkins both shared a worried glance with one another. They shared her sentiments and had faith that Burton may prevail.

Thursday, November 19th, 2155

Challenger (NX-03)

“Remain at tactical alert.” Burton commanded from where he stood on the bridge of his ship. The viewscreen showing the incoming Klingon vessel. “Alex, take us out of warp and Tanisha tell the Kamala to stay close to us but to let us take the lead in this opening exchange.”

Avery and Rodham both acknowledged their captain with their orders and went ahead with their work. Challenger dropped out of warp and came to a gradual halt. The Kamala did the same with its escorts doing the same. The Kriosian ships fell behind Challenger, allowing for the Earth ship to literally be sat between them and the incoming Klingons. The ship was literally the middle ground between the two warring nations now.

The Klingon battlecruiser then disengaged out of warp and approached its target. Expecting for the Klingons to open fire, Burton was surprised by how much patience they exhibited by holding fire.

“They’ve got a weapons lock on us and the Kamala.” Cortez announced from the armoury station.

“Understood. They’re probably trying to work out which of us is the weakest and easiest target to take out first.” Burton said as he considered his next move. He needed to start the process, so he nodded towards Avery to open a channel towards the Klingon vessel. “Klingon vessel, this is Fleet Captain Lloyd Burton of the Earth ship Challenger. I have tactical information about the Romulan Star Empire. I want to negotiate.”

The battlecruiser just remained there, like a looming shadow creeping up to overwhelm someone.

The Klingons did nothing.

Moving to his next phase, Burton again gave Avery a simple hand-wave to begin transmitting a small part of the information he wanted to share. “Klingon vessel. What you are receiving is a sample of the intelligence we possess. If you don’t disengage your forces in engaging with the Kriosians immediately, you will have handed your mighty empire to the Romulans and it will be destroyed. You have ten seconds to respond.” He paused, he knew he had to be strong in his tone but not too strong to anger them. After counting down to seven seconds, Burton spoke up again. “We know from first hand experience that the Romulans mean business and you’re in danger of being defeated without any of them firing a single shot against your honourable warriors. In fact your soldiers are dying before having the chance to sacrifice themselves for the glory of your Empire. This may prevent their souls from entering Sto’vo’kor. You can’t afford to risk losing this information.”

Hoping that the explicit use of certain terminologies that meant something to Klingon culture, especially those associated around their beliefs as warriors, Burton would get somewhere with the Klingons.

He could only hope.

The viewscreen changed to show a Klingon, but he was no Klingon that Burton recognised from the various reports he had read. Instead of the bumpy forehead ridges that were distinguished for the Klingons, the man before him wore the military garb given to a Klingon but he had an almost smooth forehead. He appeared more human, besides the bushy goatee beard and the thick eyebrows.

It then hit Burton what his counterpart was. He must have been a victim of the Klingon augment virus that Enterprise and Columbia dealt with last year. The whole incident had been classified by Starfleet Command.

“I am General Merik of the Vor’chem. State your demands.” He grumbled.

“An end to the fighting between your Empire and the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios Prime.” Burton said as he kept his posture. “We can prove that these attacks have been orchestrated by the Romulan Star Empire.”

“The Klingon Empire does not shed blood of its honourable warriors to then later on share peace with those we battle.” The Klingon spat out in a thick but low voice. “We are committed to our fight to the death with the Kriosians.”

“And I believe it was your greatest warrior, Kahless, who said that today is a good day to die.” Burton said in a firm tone. “Well today I am here to tell you that it is not today. Both of your people are being manipulated by the Romulans so that they can weaken you both. There is no honour in this battle. The Romulans are taking control of your vessels, reducing the life support to bare minimal and not giving your warriors the honour they deserve in fighting in glorious battle for the Empire. Thus by allowing this to happen, it looks like both sides are purposefully fighting one another. They are making fools of you both.”

“The Romulan Star Empire are not fools to take on the Klingon Empire. You dishonour us with your lies. I know what you Earth’ers are here to do. You want us to join you in your fight with the Romulans. Why should we shed blood for your cause?” Merik questioned in a leering tone.

“I won’t dishonour you General Merik in stating that Earth wouldn’t benefit from both of your people joining us in fighting the Romulans, because if I am honest we would. However I can also appreciate that our peoples are far different and I am not sure with everything that has happened between our people, especially in the last four to five years, that we could properly resolve our differences to unite in such a cause.” Burton paused as he stepped forward. “However, if there is one thing my people have proven to the Klingons is that we have no issue in helping others when they ask for it. It was a Starfleet ship that returned Klaang to your High Council to avoid a civil war among your great houses, it was a Starfleet ship that prevent fellow warriors from a dishonourable death when they rescued one of your Raptor-class scouts from falling into a gas giant, it was two Starfleet ships that stopped the spread of the modified Levodian flu that almost wiped out your people. I know there have been incidents of conflict between our people, but not once have we ever taken action that its sole purpose is to bring our two people to the brink of war. This I believe shows our true intentions.”

Merik considered Burton’s remarks. “These are all actions led by Jonathan Archer, a wanted man in our empire, it does not prove to me what your intentions are here Fleet Captain Lloyd Burton. How am I to know you are an honourable man? What is it that has placed the Kriosians to trust you to be an Arbiter of Resolution?”

Taking in a breath, Burton was somewhat pleased he had been able to keep the Klingon talking this far. “What do I need to do to prove myself to you general?”

Now smirking, Merik leaned forward to show his teeth. “If you are such an honourable man and your Kriosian pets wish to follow you then there’s only one course of action.” He paused before his grin got wider. “A battle between our ships!” He then punched something in front of him and his image switched off immediately.

Annoyed that his attempt may have just failed and that he just placed them into a fight to the death with a Klingon ship, Burton returned to his seat and landed in it with a thud as he ordered his first officer to take evasive action and suggest the Kriosians did the same.

“Sir, I don’t think trying to evade a fight with the Klingons is going to help our cause.” Rodham remarked as he quickly moved Challenger to rotate fully to port after engaging its impulse engines, just as the Klingon battlecruiser opened fire. Challenger shook from the outside pressure and then the Kamala was hit.

“You’re probably right Alex,” Burton said as he held onto the ends of the arms of his chair. “Let’s show them we mean business.” He turned to look at Cortez. “Rachele, all weapons fire at will but I want the Vor’chem disabled. Coordinate our attack with the Kamala’s tactical officer as well.”

Nodding in acknowledgement, Cortez began opening fire with Challenger’s phase pistols, scoring multiple hits against the neck of the cruiser while at the same time establishing a link with the Kamala who was now joining in with the fight. The Kriosian flagship opened fire with its pulse particle cannons, carving out against the same spot Challenger had just hit. Both ships now fly in tandem together, hitting the Klingon ship wherever it could land a score, while also focusing a bulk of their fire on the same spot on its neck.

“Bring us back around and prepare a full spread of high yield photonic torpedoes,” Burton ordered, his grip getting tight as the ship shuddered more under Klingon fire. “Target their sensor array.”

“Sir, hull plating is down to fifty-six percent.” Cortez announced before suggesting an alternative plan. “We should focus on their weapons.”

“No, sensors. Let’s blind them.” Burton was determined with his idea. “Their hull plating around their weapon ports is a lot stronger. If we can force them to go to manual targeting then we’ll have more chance of being able to stay in the fight longer and then taking out more of their systems.”

Cortez just nodded to her orders and as Rodham flew the ship back around, a salvo of torpedoes left the four forward tubes from the Challenger. Each fired two photonic torpedoes each in rapid concession. All eight hit the Vor’chem. Further support fire was received as the ship’s pulse phase cannons began to open fire while the Kamala performed a similar manoeuvre against the enemy vessel.

“Report?” Burton asked as they flew over the Vor’chem.

Walker spoke up. “Direct hit to the vessel sir, their sensors are offline.”

“Good shooting Rachele.” Burton congratulated his armoury officer. “Right, target their environmental controls and Tanisha tell the Kamala to start targeting their secondary power systems.”

It was Walker this time that questioned the captain’s plan. “Sir, we’re not going to win this if we take out those systems.”

“We will win, we just need to be clever with what we pick off. The Klingons perceive their weapons and engines as the most important critical systems on their vessels, so their armour is stronger around those systems. If we take out other systems they won’t expect then we’ll make life for them difficult to engage us with.”  Burton explained.

“So what’s next after environmental controls, the gravity plating?” Rodham wondered aloud as he tried his best to avoid the random fire the Klingons were now sending out.

“Now you’re getting the hang of this.” Burton smirked. “All weapons, continuous fire!”

Challenger and Kamala laid down more fire against the Klingon battlecruiser, picking off secondary and backup systems with precision. Eruptions flared across the hull of the Vor’chem as they worked closely together. The battlecruiser then hit the Kamala by firing torpedoes in its path and detonating them.

“Captain, the Kamala has taken heavy damage. They need to fall back.” Walker announced. “Their hull plating is at twenty-one percent and their forward weapons array is offline. Hull damage on two of their decks. Main power is fluctuating.”

Nodding in confirmation of their condition, Burton told his crew to cover the retreating vessel while still ensuring they kept to his plan of attack.

“We’re being hailed.” reported Avery, her right index and middle fingers pushed against her ear piece. “General Merik is calling for a halt to the battle.”

“Their weapons are powering down.” Cortez added.

“Cease fire then.” Burton commanded. “Open a channel to the Vor’chem.”

The viewscreen changed to show the general back on his bridge, sitting with the same smirk he showed only a moment ago. “Well done captain,” He snarled, “you have proven yourself to be a worthy tactician but what are you like in a hand to hand combat situation?”

Burton stood up from his chair. Showing he was intrigued by the general’s question he answered him. “Are you challenging me to a fight, general?”

Chuckling, Merik just nodded.

“Then I accept, but hand to hand combat means exactly that. I know how much you Klingons like using your weapons. If we do this, then it’s purely to be done with our own fists, clear?”

“So there is a warrior inside you, captain. I accept your condition. I’ll meet you on the battlefield.” Merik challenged.

Looking down at the local star chart on the helm station, Burton noticed a nearby system that was not claimed by anyone that was called Haydorian. It had a Minshara class planet. “There’s a system not that far from here, called Haydorian. The fourth planet is where we shall do this.”

“Agreed. You have six hours to prepare yourself.”  Merik stated before closing the channel.

The moment the Klingon leader was gone everyone fell silent on the bridge. Rodham looked to Walker, who looked back at the first officer with the same concern spread across his face.

“Commander Rodham, lay in a course for the Haydorian system. Warp four.” Burton ordered as he took himself back to his chair. “Tanisha, does the Kamala need any help?”

Rodham didn’t say anything at first and just waited for the new chief communications officer to finish answering Burton. Once she had shared that the Kamala was damaged but able to join them, the first officer spoke up.

“Sir, can I speak to you in the ready room please?” Rodham requested.

Burton sighed and just nodded. He suggested for Walker to join them as well while Cortez took command of the bridge in their absence.

He just knew what they were going to say to him. The looks they had were the same ones he had seen both Nicole and Michael give him in the past for a decision that was questionable.

SGS-01 Kamala

When the ship had been hit hard by Klingon fire, Stewart had no idea what was about to happen. He heard his husband’s voice call out and tell him to move before Jenkins practically tackled him to the deck floor and protected him with his own body.

“You okay?” Jenkins asked as he placed both hands on Stewart’s face.

Coughing away to the side,  Stewart then returned and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. You okay?”

Jenkins smiled and nodded as kissed his husband quickly before getting off him. Any chance he had for a cheeky peck and Jenkins would take it. Both them were covered in dirt and dust from the explosion that had just rocked the room they were in. A few cuts had appeared and most likely bruises were to follow.

As both young men got to their feet they looked around the dining room they had been in and saw the scene around them. The whole place was no longer the same prestigious room it had been before, now bulkheads had fallen down and other debris was smashed across the room. First Prince Kalluum had been called to the command deck when the fight with the Klingons had started while their guests had opted to remain with the First Monarch.

“Where’s the First Monarch?” Stewart asked aloud. “Your Majesty?” He then called.

“Niall, over here!” Jenkins shouted as he saw her lying under some rubble, clutching to her side and struggling to breath. “Get a medkit.” He added as he went over to help her by pulling what was on her off.

Thankfully Prince Kalluum had demanded that Stewart bring over the medkit that he had used to save his life over to show his wife, so the nurse rushed over to where he had stored it early and was grateful it was still in one piece as he ran back over to his husband who was trying to help the Kriosian leader.

As Stewart got his scanner out and began to scan her, he could see she was still semi-conscious. “Your Majesty, you need to stay with us.” He said. “Liam, go call for help.”

“No wait.” She cried out as she took hold of Jenkin’s arm and held on to it. “I need you both to stay with me.”

“Ma’am respectfully, we’ve got to find someone who can treat you.” Stewart stated as he finished his scan and then noticed on the readings another lifeform in her. He then realised what it was. “Your majesty, please don’t take this the wrong way but did you know you’re with child?”

“With child?” Jenkins repeated, confused by the statement as he held onto her hand for comfort.

She just nodded before trying her best to breathe. “The child, my infant, must survive. He is the Heir.”

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t save the baby if I don’t treat you first.” Stewart remarked as he started to do his best in dealing with her injuries.

Kaitaama shook her head, “The child must survive.” She grabbed hold of Jenkin’s arm tightly and stared at him with a strong glare. Jenkins started to react as some sort of bright orange illumination came from her hand and appeared around his arm. “I am sorry Liam, but I need you to be bonded to my child.”

“Bonded?” Stewart repeated, trying to work out what she was doing.

“Some of us Kriosians are empathic, we can imprint the feelings of others onto others and we can do this with our children when they’re in the womb. Normally the father or another close relative to the mother can be picked. It provides another mental link between the child and someone besides the mother. For the child to survive, I need to do this…now.” Kaitaama said in a weakened state as she continued with the process.

Jenkins almost froze, as if he could move himself as the process took over him.

“Liam! Liam!” Stewart called after his husband. He didn’t answer him and Stewart’s medical scanner wasn’t showing him any readings during this process.

A second later and she finished and Jenkins fell backwards. Kaitaama took one more deep breath, “It’s done, save me and my child, lieutenant.” She begged Stewart.

Noticing that Jenkins got back up from whatever happened, Stewart used his triage training to deal with the patient that needed him the most and got to work in saving the First Monarch’s life, but still worried about what she had done to his husband, hoping it wasn’t long lasting.

Leading his two most senior officers into his office, Burton slumped down into the chair behind the desk as the two men who had followed him stop just after the door and look at him. “Okay, let me have it.” Burton said, sounding like a teenager who was just about to be told off by his two disapproving parents.

Rodham just crossed his arms across his chest and looked at Walker who did a similar thing before returning his stare at the captain. Shrugging his shoulders, Rodham spoke up. “Why bother sir?” He asked sarcastically and carried on in that same tone. “It’s obvious you’ve seriously considered what you’ve just committed yourself to and that you are able to defeat a Klingon general in a hand to hand combat situation. Why else would you place yourself in danger?”

“Sarcasm really doesn’t fit you, Alex.” Burton responded, “but yes I have seriously considered the consequences.”

“Wow, that quick?” Walker countered back with, also in a similar sarky tone.

Burton now gave Walker a look before sighing. Rolling his eyes, Burton expressed his thoughts to them both but knew he wouldn’t be able to convince them to get on board with his plan. “I know the dangers and that it’s more than likely he’ll defeat me but if I can get Merik to see that we have honour in a Klingon sort of way then he may be more amiable to listen to our evidence. We’ve already passed one test and shown him that we can handle ourselves in battle against his ship.”

“And that required the support of the Kriosian flagship, which I would like to point out is limping next to us right now.” Rodham remarked in disbelief. Shaking his head at what he thought was complete nonsense, he rubbed his forehead. “I can’t believe you are hoping to convince a Klingon general on a possible whim that he may listen and may consider taking our evidence to his government to redirect their efforts against the Romulans.”

“It is farfetched, sir.” Walker added in support of Rodham. “That said, how confident are you in beating him?”

“Really Cooper? You’re entertaining the idea?” Rodham shot at the science officer.

Defending his position, Walker looked back at the pilot and first officer (who was now pacing the small office) and shared his point. “I’ve seen the captain working out in the gym.”

Burton smirked at Walker before answering. “Thanks Cooper; I did boxing for many years as a teenager and carried on doing it while at STC plus I’ve not stopped practising ever since.”

“I don’t think the Klingon honour code is going to let you have a timeout sir.” Rodham quickly replied back with. “It’s not as if Cooper or I could throw in the towel for you. Merik may want you dead.”

“That’s a bad idea.” Walker then said before the door chime went off, breaking up the conversation between the three of them.

Sighing aloud, Burton soon answered. “Come.” He said at the top of his voice.

The door swished open to the right and automatically Kefira Ben-Ami stepped in and started on the captain. “Are you mad?” She asked straight away and without blinking stared at him with the same expression that both Rodham and Walker had branded him with moments ago.

“Obviously news travels fast around my vessel.” Burton said looking at both men, who now looked sheepish. It was clear one of them had given her a heads up before they had followed him into his ready room. Turning his attention back to his chief medical officer, Burton raised both hands to show her to calm down. “I’ve not lost my mind, Kefira but thanks for the house call.”

Shaking her head and sighing aloud, Ben-Ami looked at him with utter bafflement at how cavalier he was being with the whole thing. “Lloyd, you do know that Klingons have so many redundant organs that give them the upper hand in being able to remain in a fight. It’s what makes them excellent warriors. Their stamina is twice the size of yours, maybe even more!” She almost shrieked at him.  It had been the first time in front of others she had used his first name and in such an informal manner. “Do I need to relieve you?” She then added.

Standing up sharply at that, Burton looked at her. “Absolutely not.” He said. “And that’s not helpful in this situation.”

“Well I may just have grounds that you have gone crazy from agreeing to fight a Klingon to prove something that is so barbaric. It’s not as if I could give you performance enhancement drugs.” Ben-Ami said as she crossed her arms against her chest now.

Looking at them all after taking in a deep breath through his nose, Burton held his own against them all. “I know none of this makes sense, but if I can prove to the general that I am a man of my word that goes a long way in a Klingon’s perspective.”

“And if you die, what then? This crew has seen too much loss in its command structure. How are we meant to carry on? ” Rodham asked, in a solemn tone. It was obvious he was thinking about Michael at that time.

Appreciating that point, Burton sighed as he rubbed his face. “Okay, okay,” He started with, “this is what we do. If I do meet my dimesly death then Alex, I’m ordering you to return the task group back to Earth and inform the Kriosian that Earth will need to send out a different representative.”

Rodham nodded in silence at that.

“Are we all in agreement with that?” Burton checked with the other two.

Ben-Ami and Walker looked at one another then back to their captain.

“It’s not a great option.” The doctor said sarcastically.

“Agreed, I’d prefer you to be alive sir. My wife wouldn’t be happy with me if we returned home with you in a torpedo casing.” Walker said. “Especially when you have three little bundles on the way.”

Again, he sighed heavily at being reminded about that, Burton nodded in agreement. “Perhaps I was a bit too gung-ho with this one.”

“Even at warp four, we are two days away from Haydorian. Why not spend some time putting in some extra training with the MACOs? I’m sure Luis would be happy to help out.” Rodhad suggested.

“I’d be happy to do some weightlifting with you, sir.” Walker offered.

Ben-Ami rolled her eyes at the level of testosterone she now felt she was being surrounded by. “I suppose I could do a proper physical check on you, to make sure you’re in your best state. I mean you do have the honour of Earth to protect.”

Chuckling somewhat at how their conversation had changed, Burton shook his head. “I love the fact you’re now all reluctantly getting on board with this.”

“I think we can agree that none of us are happy with it sir.” Walker stated.

“Agreed.” Ben-Ami said with an extra stare at the captain.

“But if we can divert the Klingons’ attention towards the Romulans then it may help with the war effort.” Rodham added. “Even if it’s a slim chance, then I suppose it might be worth it.”

Before Burton could speak next the intercom went off and Avery’s voice followed. “Bridge to Captain Burton, sorry to disturb you sir but we’ve just been called by the Kamala they’ve reported that during the battle with the Klingons that the First Monarch was severely injured. She’s now stable but something has happened involving Corporal Jenkins. Prince Kalluum wishes to advise you further of what has happened.”

His expression changed to show concern now, Burton placed his hands on his hips and ordered his communications officer to direct the call to his office. All four officers turned to the monitor on the captain’s desk as it changed from its standby mode to one showing the prince’s face.

“Prince Kalluum, is everyone okay on the Kamala? We heard Her Majesty was hurt.” Burton said.

“Do you require further medical assistance?” Ben-Ami offered.

Raising a hand to calm their offers down, the prince smiled to show appreciation. “That’s very kind of your doctor, but our medical teams are doing a fine job. My wife is stable, thanks once again to your amazing men. I owe both Lieutenant Stewart and Corporal Jenkins hugely for helping her and stabilising her before her own physician was able to arrive on the scene.”   

A sense of pride washed across Ben-Ami and Burton at that news as they gave each other a quick glance of their smiles. “That’s great to hear.” The captain said. “My communications officer said that something happened to Liam, is he okay?”

More wide smiles came from the prince as he replied. “Yes, the corporal is well, however during their attempt to save Kaitaama she had to use her empathic abilities to connect with him so that our unborn baby survived.”

“Empathic abilities?” Walker questioned.

“Baby?” Rodham asked.

“Connect with an unborn baby?” Ben-Ami queried.

Burton gestured for the three of them to calm down with their quizzing of the prince and turned his focus back to their ally. “Your Highness, as you can see we have many questions. Can you clarify further please?”

“Of course,” Kallum answered, “some of my people have empathic abilities that allows us to adjust ourselves to be more tuned into our loved ones.”

“Tuned in?” Burton asked for clarity.

Smirking at that, Kallum explained further. “Some of us are able to be empathic metamorphs, where we can adjust our emotions and feelings to those we love. It’s quite common in males, not so common in females, but when it comes between a child and their parents then most Kriosian have a low level empathic link with the unborn child. Normally parents will share this, it’s a sort of comfort for the child to feel their parents prior to birth.”

“A sort of emotional blanket?” Ben-Ami tested.

“Yes, that’s one way of looking at it. We can sense their emotions and vice-versa. However during the Klingon attack, to avoid stress on our child Kaitaama shared her empathic link with Corporal Jenkins. He is now connected to my son.”

“Will the link cause any hurt or damage to him?” Burton asked, knowing that Ben-Ami would have said the same thing.

Again he shook his head and replied. “Nothing serious. This is a great honour to be bestowed upon him and I can only thank him for doing this. By doing this he was able to avoid the Heir to Kriosian throne from feeling any pain his mother was experiencing.” Kalluum explained. “I’ve already connected but I wanted to inform you that it is vital that he remains close by. I am requesting that he remains with us and I would like him to consider becoming my son’s Principal Guardian.” Realising that he needed to explain what that was, the prince went on. “A Principal Guardian is someone who agrees to look after a newborn child in case something was to happen to their parents. With the corporal being married, it would mean Lieutenant Stewart would become one as well.”

Burton suppressed a smirk and wondered if both young men would realise how important their new roles to the heir to the Kriosian throne would be. “We have a similar role on Earth, called godparents. I am happy for you to ask both Liam and Niall.”

“I appreciate that captain.” Kalluum said with a slight bow. “Now, I’d like an update on our efforts with the Klingons.”

Sighing quietly, Burton nodded and went on to tell the prince what was now happening.

Once Burton was complete, the prince nodded and spoke. “I appreciate the gesture in fighting on behalf of my people, captain; I should be the one though to be their champion.”

Not surprised to hear that from him, Burton could sense the relief coming out of his fellow officers but chose to ignore it. He could appreciate that a man like Kalluum who had served his people in its military for a long time would want to defend their honour. However that was the issue here now; not Kriosian honour but Klingon honour. “Your Highness, the issue here that concerns me is that if I approach General Merik to tell him that I won’t be fighting him instead it is you then he may take it as an insult. Klingons don’t normally agree to such terms like Merik has.”

“Then we will share our case and add a touch of further honour to it. I will fight alongside you and he can choose another comrade to battle with him too.” Kalluum suggested.

Noticing the change in his officers at hearing that idea, Burton pressed on. “Very well, I will make the call.”

“Excellent, let us train together tomorrow!” Kallum said before closing the channel.

“You really do have the honour of Earth weighing on your shoulders.” Ben-Ami muttered as Burton fell into his chair, realising what had just happened.

It was finally getting late into the evening and Trommler was slowly making his way back to his quarters to sleep. He had skipped dinner and was now reading the roster for the next day on a tablet when he noticed a slim figure waiting for him outside his door. Holding a tray that had a covered up meal underneath it, a white flower sitting in an empty glass vase along with two mugs and some other items, was Ensign Avery. Confused, perplexed, baffled, the MACO leader wasn’t expecting to see her. “Tanisha, this is a lovely surprise.”

Smiling at him sweetly, she spoke. “I’ve just got off duty and headed straight down to the mess hall to grab this.” Avery said, carefully balancing one tray on one hand, she lift the lid over the covered food to reveal it to be a pizza. Filled with various meat toppings as well as peppers, she smiled at him. “Chef Lawson said she hadn’t seen you and suggested I come here before you call it a night.”

“Oh wow, that looks super amazing.” Trommler said, appreciating her efforts. “Thank you.” He leaned in to kiss her and she returned the gesture. “How did you know pizza was one of my favourite dishes?”

“Actually, Montana helped me with that.” She admitted, still smiling.

“Either way, come on in.” Trommler offered as he pressed the access button and offered to take the tray off from her.

“I know we’ve been trying to find a moment to be just us and with what’s going on with the Kriosians and Klingons, it’s not been the best of times.”

“It’s not been anything.” Trommler commented as the door slid close behind him and he placed the tray down on the floor and offered for her to join him, after grabbing a few pillows for them to sit on. “This looks delicious, Tanisha. Thank you.”

Joining him on the floor, she filled up both mugs with the fizzy sparkling flavoured water she had in a bottle. While she did that, Trommler proceeded to light the candle that was also on the tray.

“This really does smell good.” He remarked.

“I can go back for dessert, if you want.” Avery offered as she handed him the mug.

“I think I can come up with other ideas besides dessert.” He said with a cheeky grin and ended up raising his mug to hers. “To us finally being able to be alone.”

“To us.” She repeated before clinking her mug edge with his and then taking a sip.

Before they could get stuck into their pizza there was a knock on the door. Both of them paused and the expression of frustration soon appeared across their faces.

“Who is it?” Trommler asked.

“Yeoman Harris, sir.”  

Wondering why the captain’s assistant wanted to see him, Trommler excused himself as he got up from the pillow he was in and went towards the door to open it. Pressing the button, he opened it to see the young Welsh man standing there. “Jamie, how can I help?”

Before talking he noticed the low light in the room and then saw Avery sat there in an immediate scene, Harris paused before he answered and then turned his focus back to Trommler. “Sorry sir, but the captain has requested that you assist him in preparing for his upcoming fight with the Klingon general.” Harris then proceeded to pass a tablet to him.

Taking the tablet, Trommler thanked the yeoman and placed it on the side shelf behind him. “Is there anything else, crewman?”

“No sir, just be in the gym for oh-seven-hundred hours.” Harris said before waving goodbye to Avery as Trommler pressed the button to close the door and lock it.

“So much for a peaceful evening.” Trommler grumbled as he ripped his MACO jacket off and slung it over his bed before returning to the floor with Avery.

Sighing to herself, she took a sip and spoke up. “Do you want postpone this? I’d hate for you to workout too hard with the captain tomorrow and end up puking up pizza in front of him.” Avery offered.

“Absolutely not.” Trommler said with conviction. “That pizza and you are the only things that are getting my attention tonight.”

“Now that sounds promising, Captain Trommler.” Avery said as she leaned in towards him. Gently pushing him onto his back.

“I promise!” Trommler chuckled as he ended up on his back as she got closer to him and the two of them ended up kissing further.

“And you’re certain his scans are coming back normal?” Ben-Ami asked for a second time, caution and concern were evident in her tone.

Sitting in his lavish VIP guest quarters on the Kamala, Lieutenant Stewart nodded again as he replied to his superior. “I’ve been taking scans of him almost every four hours as you told me and each one is coming back normal. Every time he says he can sense the infant, I’ve scanned him but I’m not detecting anything different.” Stewart just sighed as he felt that his chat with Ben-Ami may have made him feel different, but it wasn’t different. He and Liam had been guests of the First Monarch and her husband for the last two and half days now. They had insisted on them remaining on the Kamala ever since Her Majesty had linked Liam with her unborn son. Though they could go anywhere, they had found not been able to do their actual jobs a testing time.

“We’re still learning about their physiology; make sure you keep on top of it.” Ben-Ami stated before quickly changing the subject. “How are you doing anyway, Niall?”

Appreciating the question, he wobbled his head before answering. “It’s fine. I’m fine. They’re treating us really well. I mean our quarters are twice the size of those we have on Challenger. We get our meals brought to our room too. It’s like living in a five star hotel.”

Ben-Ami chuckled at that. “So what’s the problem?”

Sighing, Stewart replied. “I’m starting to feel the attention we get is becoming a bit uncomfortable.”

“How?”

“Well at first I was this great healer for Prince Kalluum and now I saved his wife, the future heir to the Kriosian throne and in between all of that Liam has got himself connected to this unborn prince which has then made us godparents. It’s not what I was expecting.” He shared. “Liam feels the same. In fact Prince Kalluum had him assisting him with his training as he prepares to take that Klingon general on.”

Chuckling at his ‘complaint’, Ben-Ami appreciated that her protégé may have not been prepared enough for the diplomatic work he was doing, “Unfortunately Niall, I understand where you’re coming from. When I was thrust into command earlier on in the year when we had to abandon the ship during the Carreon conflict, there was nothing more that I wanted to do then return to sickbay and work on treating injuries or even snotting noses.” She paused. “I’m not too keen on this entire venture with the Klingons either, but the captain thinks it’s worth a shot if it can change things with the war effort. My advice to you is to grin and bear it for now. Your efforts are making sure the Kriosians remain on our side. Just think, you and Liam are Earth’s first ambassador to Krios.”

“Understood ma’am.” Stewart said in a dejected tone.

“And enjoy the luxury for now. It’s not as if when you return home that you’ll get to live like royalty! I see you wearing some new robes and don’t think I’ve not noticed the change in your hairstyle. It suits you, Niall. Keep going. Challenger out.” Ben-Ami said before closing the channel.

Sighing heavily as he leant back in the chair, Stewart knew that his boss was right. He was no longer in his uniform, instead the royal valets had prepared clothing for both him and Liam while they remained on board. The styles were not something he would wear himself, especially during his off time. He’d prefer to wear a simple t-shirt and a pair of jogging bottoms, instead most of his clothing was made of some form of silk and it would appear that the fashion for most younger men was to wear tightly fitted clothing. He felt like they had taken clothes out of Prince Kalluum’s wardrobe and had adjusted them to fit onto him and Liam. Many of the tops they wore had no sleeves or showed a lot of their chests.

Walking into their quarters, topless and only wearing a pair of silky shorts as well as being out of breath was his husband. Without saying anything, Jenkins fell back onto their huge oval shaped bed. “Oh my god, I may be dead.” He said in between breaths.

Getting out of his chair, Stewart went over to where a small collection of glasses were and poured his husband a glass of water. As he handed him the beverage, he noticed how sweaty Jenkins was. “I take it the workout was intense?”

“Intense?” Jenkins said as he carried on getting his breath out of control. “It was something else. I’ve never worked so hard in my life. Not even MACO basic training was that challenging. The prince loves to work out but when I say work out I mean literally kill himself for it.” Jenkins gulped the entire contents of the glass down in one go. “Oh my god, I needed that.”

Though Jenkins was only a few years younger than him and out of the two of them was more athletically built, Stewart couldn’t get over how badly out-of-breath Jenkins was. “Exactly what did you do?”

“Not only did he spar with me, but we did what felt like a full on marathon and then weightlifting. Apparently before Kriosians go into battle against a sworn enemy, they liked to prepare their bodies for every pain they may encounter by doing so much exercise. My arms and legs are killing me.” Jenkins answered as he tried to show how much agony he was in after the high amount of exertion he had done. “I’ve never felt so much energy in me.”

Confused by that remark, Stewart took out his medical scanner and started to scan his husband. He detected what he should see in a human after an intense amount of exercise, he noticed a significantly higher level of adrenaline pumping through him as well as endorphins. His adrenal gland and hypothalamus were over stimulated, more than they should normally be. “Jeez Liam, no wonder you’re so pumped and out of breath. I’m surprised you’ve not gone to warp yourself?”

“What do you mean?” Jenkins asked as he looked at the scans that had been taken of him. “I take it that’s not normal?”

“No, it may be this link with Kriosians. We need to calm you down before you end up collapsing on me. We need to find a way to get rid of this rush of energy.” Stewart remarked. “Plus I love you but you stink! You need to get in that bath back there!” He indicated towards the private en-suite behind them.

“Well, I’ve got one idea on how we can deal with both of those issues.” Jenkins said seductively as he turned towards his husband, pushing the scanner out of his hands and immediately picking him up into his arms.

“I thought you said, your arms hurt.” Stewart said, wondering where Jenkins was going with this.

“I can carry you to the bathroom easily and then I intend on sharing that bath!” Jenkins said as he pulled his husband in for a kiss.

Stewart decided to go with it and kissed him back before letting go. “Nah, you stink man. I can’t kiss you or do anything else with you in this state.”

“Niall, don’t be a tease!” Jenkins insisted after his husband let go of him. He took him by his hand and pulled him towards the bathroom with him. “I promise not to stink if you get in this bath with me!”

Considering his choice for a moment, Stewart sighed and decided to go with it. In some way whatever was happening to Jenkins, he was sort of enjoying the over the top romantic gestures he was throwing his way. Quickly he chased after his husband and closed the door behind them to enjoy the delights of being a VIP on the Kamala.

Sunday, November 22nd, 2155

Challenger NX-03, Haydorian system

Quickly sipping on his bottle of water, Fleet Captain Lloyd Burton was gasping not just for the water but for air as well. He had just finished his last sparring round with his MACO leader and science officer. A last minute attempt to get some final practice in before he took on General Merik. Surprised that the Klingon had agreed to Kalluum’s request to expand the challenge, the Klingon leader had told them that his own first officer would join him in their hand-to-hand fight. However he had added further terms to their fight. If they won then Krios would surrender to the Empire and become loyal subjects and Burton would have to hand Challenger over as a trophy. If Burton and Kalluum won though, not only would Merik agree to take their evidence to the Klingon High Council but he would pull his forces away from Kriosian space while the High Council deliberated. Effectively it gave them a cease fire.  If both Burton and Kalluum were successful then it would make such a difference.

“You almost had me there, sir.” Trommler said in between breaths as he took out his black towel and patted the sweat off from his neck after he took off his boxing gloves.

Walker agreed as he helped the MACO leader take the safety helmet off from around his face. “I’m not so sure there Luis, you kept the captain moving on his toes.” The science chief remarked as he passed Trommler his own water bottle to have.

Burton sat down on the nearby bench and smirked at both men. “I appreciate you both with the help these last few days.”

Following his captain, Trommler took a seat near Burton as he continued to suck on the bottle. In between gulps, he spoke. “I still think you’re brave to want to take on two Klingons with His Royal Highness, sir.”

“Stupid comes to mind.” Burton replied and gave a coy look towards Walker who scoffed in a joking way. “That said, Kalluum seems to be in better shape than me.”

“The prince does appear to be a…” Walker paused as he tried to remember something. “Now what was it that Private Jenkins called him?”

“Beefy” Trommler stated. “He said the prince looked like a beefy grizzly bear.”

Intrigued but slightly confused by that statement, Burton looked to his MACO. “A beefy grizzly bear?” He repeated. “So what does that make me?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Trommler chuckled. “I’m not sure sir, but between you and the prince, I do think you’ll have a chance against the Klingons. I mean, I read some of their cultural database and before a fight they like to drink hefty amounts of something called blood wine. You may be able to out do them if they’re drunk enough!”

“Damn it, why didn’t I challenge them to a drinking game?” Burton said with a chuckle.

Both Walker and Trommler joined in with the laughter there.

“You may have lost that one, sir.” Walker said. “From what Luis told me earlier about his research, that blood wine makes vodka look like water.”

“Ah jeez, you’re making me feel good about myself fellas.” Burton said as he got up.

“Sorry sir,” Walker said. “You do have one thing to your advantage. The battlefield they’ve chosen is on a shoreline. Klingons like to wear heavier clothing, including boots so they may be slower in the sand where you and Kalluum need to remain light on your feet.”

Appreciating the last bit of advice, Burton thanked both men before heading towards the exit. He needed to take a shower as in one hour he would be taken on two sturdy, hopefully drunk Klingons with a beefy bear beside him. Rolling his eyes as he walked through the doorway, he wondered why the hell he agreed to any of this and why he didn’t just return to Earth with the rest of the fleet.

Meeting up with everyone for lunch was a welcome change, one that Martha Habiba had been looking forward to all day. For her it was relatively a quiet day. She had picked up an extra shift on the bridge, while Commander Walker helped the captain prepare for his upcoming battle. Walking into the mess hall, she approached where the service slots were and smiled to see their cook extraordinaire was loading up dishes.

“How are things going Montanna?” Habiba asked, catching the chef off guard.

Lawson turned around straight away after placing the food into the slot and closing it. Smiling at Habiba, she answered. “Martha, what great timing. I was just putting out today’s lunch.”

“Great, I’m starving.” The second science officer said as she grabbed a tray. “What’s on the menu today?”

“Beef lasagne.” Lawson answered. “That said, not many people have come to get anything to eat. I’m worried that everything is fretting over this fight the captain has to be involved with.”

“I get that.” Habiba said as she loaded her tray with cutlery. “I’ve spent the morning mapping out this system.”

“Anything nice to be aware of?” Lawson wondered.

“Besides the Minshara class world close to the Klingon Empire, nothing else exciting. That said the planet itself is going through some shifts in its weather. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a couple of hundred years time, it’d be in some sort of ice age.” Habiba replied.

“Perfect for our Andorian allies then.” Lawson said just as the doors to the mess hall opened allowing for three others to enter.

“And just like that, my lunch dates are here.” Habiba smiled as she smirked over at the three women. They all walked over to join her. Lieutenant Malone, Doctor Payne and Ensign Hathaway.

Smiling at the scene, Lawson was pleased to see that Habiba was back out of her slump from earlier on in the year and was starting to make new friends. “Well then, I’ll leave you ladies to enjoy your food.”

“Hi Martha.” Malone said with a huge smile. “How’s your day been?”

“Busy with mapping this new star system. Yours?” Habiba answered as they started to load up their trays with food and drink.

Malone rubbed an eyelash before she answered. “Finishing off the repairs to the ship from the Klingon battle.”

Payne snorted at that point, “Tell me about it. I’ve ended up treating Ensign Reddick’s booboo he sustained during it.”

“A big booboo or a small one?” Hathaway quizzed. “And where?”

“I can’t tell you that, doctor-patient confidentiality.” Payne answered as she grabbed a bowl of fries. “Let’s just say it requires a bit of treatment and tender care.”

“Ha, tender care means she gets to see him topless.” Malone remarked with a chuckle.

“Damn Hillary, you get to see someone like Reddick without a top on and you’re not prepared to tell me where you’ve treated him?” Hathaway said with suggestive raising of her eyebrows.

Before Payne could answer, Habiba leapt to her defence. “I’m sorry ladies, but when did we jump back in time almost a century and half ago and become lustful for the men around us?”

All three laughed as they took a few more bits from the counter before heading to an empty table which had four chairs.

“I know what you’re saying,” Hathaway remarked as she took her chair. “Our ancestors would be turning in their graves if they knew we were subjecting men to being seen as just pieces of pure meat, but you can’t dismiss the fact Martha you’ve not looked!”

Habiba shook her head in disbelief. “I’m certain there’s a Starfleet protocol you’re breaking for suggesting it.”

“Oh come on Martha, you’re telling me there’s not someone on this ship you’ve not considered getting with?” Malone teased.

At that point Habiba went quiet as she was reminded about her relationship with Conrad and now that he was gone, she would never know what could have been. Thankfully Hathaway knew about it and spoke up instead.

“Jack was one hell of a guy.” She said, “He was cute and I know he adored you.”

Malone and Payne looked at one another then back to Habiba. Payne spoke up. “Oh Martha, you’re telling me you and Lieutenant Conrad were together? Why did you never say anything to us?”

“Yeah, honey, why did you not share that? I feel like an absolute idiot for coming out with that comment.” Malone said, extending her hand over to grab Habiba’s.

Appreciating the gesture, Habiba just smiled half-heartedly. “Jack and I were together for a short while and we broke it off before we rescued you guys. It was my fault and I should have done more to have kept him. I will miss him but I’m okay.” She looked at Hathaway, “and yes he was super cute.”

“So is Reddick.” Malone mentioned as she looked at Payne. “You gotta admit it Hillary, you’ve taken a peak!”

Suppressing her chuckle, Payne placed a hand over her mouth and shook her head. “I’m not saying anything.” She added before looking at Hathaway. “That said, what’s the latest between you and Sergeant Iyer?”

The second helm officer sighed. “I have no idea, one minute he seems interested and then the next our work seems to be getting in the way.”

“Ouch.” Malone said. The second engineer picked up her fork and started to push her salad around as she cut a slice out of her lasagne. “You should ask him out right if things are going to go somewhere?” She then proceeded to place what was on her fork into her mouth before picking up her napkin to dab her lips.

“Hmm.” Hathaway replied. “I’m not sure.”

“Are we actually going to sit here and talk about the men in our lives over lunch?” Habiba asked her fellow officers.

“Well talking about men in our lives,” Payne remarked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much testosterone being thrown around in the gym lately. The captain, Commander Walker and Captain Trommler all in there in the early hours of the morning, working out. I can’t believe the captain is going through this.” She said that last sentence in a lower volume before pushing her meal on to her fork..

Hathaway finished what she was chewing on as she reached for her mug of coffee. “Oh, I can.” She replied. “From what I’ve heard on the bridge in the last few days, the Klingons love to show off their bravado in being tough, strong and mighty. The level of masculinity is ridiculous!”

“Are we lucky that Fleet Captain Burton is in command instead of his predecessor then?” Malone asked aloud. “From what I heard, Captain Karim was an impressive woman.”

“She was.” Habiba agreed as she cut up her food. “That said, she may have actually insisted on fighting General Merik herself.”

“I bet she would have kicked his ass as well.” Hathaway remarked. “Anyway, if the captain doesn’t beat the general then we’d be lucky to see Earth. I heard a rumour that he agreed to surrender Challenger over if he lost.”

“What?” Payne said, doubting such a thing. “Why would he do such a thing?”

“Who told you that?” Malone asked next.

Hathaway looked around the room, it was still relatively quiet and as she took another sip. “I oversaw an agreement that Tanisha was translating. I’m sure I saw it.”

“Then let’s hope the captain does win. I don’t fancy becoming a subject of the Klingon Empire.” Malone said.

“That’s a horrible thought to consider.” Habiba stated. “I’d be really surprised if the captain agreed to it. That doesn’t sound like something he’d do.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” Payne said. “Things, I’ve heard the good Ro-fa mumble and grumble about in sickbay in the last few days. All of this Klingon bravado as we mentioned earlier, I genuinely think the captain is adamant in bringing the Krisions and Klingons into the war effort on our side. I’m certain she thinks he will do whatever it takes.”

“Surely Starfleet won’t approve of that.” Malone stated.

Shaking her head, Hathaway agreed with her friend. “If my aunt has anything to say about it, but radio silence with Earth isn’t helping us either.”

The mention of her aunt, made the other three women pause. Habiba spoke up before anyone else said anything. “Before any of you say it, don’t. I know what you’re thinking about getting a message out to Fleet Admiral Hathaway about what is happening. I promise you now, it won’t help us and it may bring in the unwelcome attention of the Romulans if they find out where we are.”

“Plus my aunt may actually welcome Burton’s out of the box thinking.” Hathaway advised. She sighed. “As we said, let’s hope the captain is victorious.”

Northern Hemisphere, Haydorian Prime

Though their battlefield was in the northern part of Haydorian, Burton was surprised to find out that the Klingons had picked one of the small tropical islands close to the equator to have their duel. Arriving down in one of their shuttlepods, Burton had exited after Captain Trommler and several of his MACOs had made sure the area was clear.

Stepping out with Ben-Ami beside him, the doctor looked at him as the temperature hit them. “I suppose there’s still nothing I can say to change your mind over this?” She pondered aloud.

Shaking his head, he declined her offer before whipping out his communicator after noticing the arrival of the shuttle from the Kamala. “Burton to Challenger.”

“Go ahead, sir.” answered Rodham.

“Alex, we’ve arrived safely as have our friends from the Kamala.” Burton spoke. “Remember what I said, if things go south then beam everyone up and get the ship out of here.”

“I don’t like it, sir but I get the idea.” Rodham replied. “Good luck sir.”

“Thanks Number One.” Burton ended the call by closing the communicator up.

Prince Kalluum had departed from his craft after his own people had secured the site too. He was followed out by Stewart, who was not wearing his uniform, but a number of impressive regal robes similar to his Kriosian host.

“Your Highness,” Burton said as he greeted the tall, muscular man. Wanting to avoid smirking at the crown prince, Burton  attempted to squash the comment that Private Rafferty had made about Kalluum being a beefy grizzly bear. However it was in the back of his mind as they shook hands. “Are you ready?”

“As always.” Kalluum said as she tore off his shirt and raised the destroyed garment in the air which caused his own people to cheer for him.

Burton, surprised at that movement, looked at Stewart. At first he was speechless, instead Stewart spoke. “Don’t worry sir, if you want to rip your own uniform off, then I’ll be happy to cheer for you.” He paused. “If you want me to?”

Burton glared at him and instead went on to just unzip his jumpsuit, tie the arms around his waist and then undid his collar followed by taking his undershirt off, just showing his vest. Once he was done, Stewart gave out a cheer and woop. This was echoed by Captain Trommler and the other MACOs.

“Calm yourselves down.” Burton said aloud. As he finished talking before him and Kalluum a set of Klingon transporter beams appeared out of nowhere. A group of Klingons now stood before them. General Merik in the centre.

“Fleet Captain Burton! Prince Kalluum! It is time for you to face the gates of Sto-vo-kor!” Merik shouted.

Gazing at one another, Burton and Kalluum returned their fixation on the Klingon. “And I hope our agreement is honoured?” Burton bellowed back.

“It is!” Merik called back. He turned to the Klingon who was beside him. “Meet Commander Korg, my first officer. We will bring you to your end!”

Korg, like Merik, has been affected by the augment virus. He was tall and had a thick black goatee. One of his eyes was covered by a patch. He snarled at his opponents. Neither of them flinched at him.

“Enough talk, let us fight!” Kalluum declared, as he hit his chest with both hands.

The fight then began.

Merik and Korg ran down the beach, both warriors were wearing their heavy armour as both Burton and Kalluum had guessed. Starting his run towards them, the two allies approached the huge Klingons and without thinking Burton threw the first punch right into Korg’s right cheek. Kalluum on the other hand had kicked Merik high into his chest. The Klingon general stumbled backwards while his accomplice quickly turned back on Burton by hitting him in the stomach with both hands clenched together. Winded, Burton fell backwards onto his back. Getting quickly off his feet, Burton dodged another hit from Korg and was able to inflict another blow with a swift kick to his groin before he was able to get up on his feet. Instantly the Klingon roared in pain, giving Burton the chance to carry on with the attack. Meanwhile Kalluum had both his fists up as he and Merik punched their way through their fight. Dodging and ducking to avoid a few hits, Merik was able to land a powerful jibe in Kallum’s mouth, forcing the prince to step backwards and automatically spit out blood. Merik, thinking he had scored a direct hit, wasn’t expecting what hit him next. Out of nowhere Burton appeared to have flown through the sky and slide tackle him to the ground, knocking the general to the floor. It gave Kalluum the chance to recover and get his focus back to the fight. Korg was back on his feet as he approached Burton, the anger was now soaring through his veins and eyes. Not giving him the chance to do anything, Burton scrambled to his feet and using the back of his right elbow smacked it into the side of Korg’s face. Something cracked the moment Burton’s elbow had hit him and within a second Korg’s face turned in an almost slow-motion fashion from the direct hit. Falling down like a massive tree, Korg was out of the fight. Burton stood there for a second, panting to get his breath back as he watched his success. Turning around he caught the attention of Merik, who seemed to shout out some loud noise or word in Klingonese. Instantly he turned his attention back to Kalluum and using his left shoulder knocked the prince to the floor before running towards Burton. Unable to get out of the way, Burton was grabbed around the waist and pushed to the floor by the large Klingon. Instantly the Klingon general had his hands clawed around Burton’s neck and was choking him to death. Trying desperately to push the Klingon oaf off of him, Burton was struggling to breath. Using the back of one of his hands, while the other remained fixed around his neck, Merik started to pummell Burton’s face. His gloved knuckles had spikes so he started to scratch and cut Burton’s face with every hit. Hit after hit, punch after punch, Burton was starting to choke on his own blood and was in so much agony he knew this was the end. He had failed, he took one more breath and saw Merik sneering over him. His arms went loose and as he blinked one more time he missed seeing Prince Kalluum charging across the beach and tackle Merik off from him. Screaming as he did, Kalluum had kicked Merik where he landed. The sand and dust went up and blinded Merik, giving the Kriosian the chance to knock him down. Burton rolled to his side, coughing more blood onto the sand grains below him. He could feel the itchiness of the ground around him, slowly he pushed himself up and got up from the ground. Knowing he needed to be standing to prove they had won, he walked up to where Kalluum was fighting the general. One hand was doing the punch and in a similar fashion to how Merik had been with Burton, Kalluum was constantly punching him in the face.

“Give in.” Kalluum demanded.

“mevyap petaQ!” Merik shouted as he coughed somewhat.

Burton helped Kalluum get back to his feet, both men were covered in cuts and bruises. Burton then stepped forward and offered a hand towards Merik. “You fought well, general.”

“Not well enough.” Merik complained as he rubbed his chin and swatted Burton’s helping hand. He pushed himself up and looked over to where Korg still laid. “If this had been on my bridge, then you’d both would have had the honour taking command from me.”

“No thanks.” Burton said in between breaths. “Have we proven ourselves enough now for you to do what we agreed to?”

Merik looked at both men, his eyes squinting as he looked them up and down before he smirked and just nodded a few times gently. “We have an accord, captain.” He then pulled out his communicator and before he could speak he started to cough more. He then collapsed on the floor. Looking down at Merik, Burton noticed that all of a sudden the Klingon general’s skin started to glow somewhat. The glow then disappeared and was left by what looked like Merik’s skin slightly ageing. The Klingon general looked at them just as Ben-Ami arrived on the scene. Merik’s crew then rushed over to him.

“What’s happening?” Ben-Ami offered. “I’m a doctor, let me help you.” She started to scan him but Merik shouted at her.

“It’s the nehret, a virus that is like old age.” Merik stated in between coughs. Standing up straighter now, he looked as if he got his energy back just in time for his fellow warriors to pick up his unconscious first officer.  Using his communicator again, he spoke into it. “jol yIchu’!” The general, his first officer and his officers were covered by a red transporter beam and disappeared from the beach, leaving Burton and Kalluum to look at one another. Burton smirked as did Kalluum. Both men hugged one another as Ben-Ami turned to look at them both while Stewart raced over with Trommler and the rest of their crews.

“Well done captain.” Ben-Ami said as she started to scan him. “You’ve earned yourself several days in sickbay.”

“It’s worth it.” Burton said as Trommler placed the captain’s left arm over his shoulder and around his neck, Private Rafferty did the same on the other side as they carried him towards Shuttlepod One.

“Let’s get him back to the ship.” Trommler ordered.

Stewart was helping Prince Kalluum return to his craft with some of his people. Kalluum, who was not as injured as Burton, smirked at Stewart as he watched the MACOs help the Starfleet captain get into the smaller ship. He turned to Stewart and kept his grin. “My wife was right to seek your people out. If today is any indicator, then our alliance will be a strong one for generations.”

“Let’s hope so.” Stewart responded after still not believing what he had just witnessed. He was certain he had seen Kalluum do something with his empathic abilities against the Klingon general. It was the same thing he had witnessed his wife do to Jenkins when she wanted to use him to help save her unborn child. He knew he’d need to report this to his captain as soon as possible, but for now he had to carry on with the diplomatic mission he and his husband were on. He had to keep nice with the Kriosians.

For now.

He opened his eyes gradually and carefully. Blinking a few times, Burton attempted to move his head; instantly he stopped as he felt the sudden surge of pain running through his body. Like a million electrical shots racing up and down his body all at once, he paused for a moment. Sighing inwardly, he knew he only had himself to blame for the condition he was in. Starting again, Challenger’s captain pushed himself up on his elbows to fully view his surroundings. Sickbay was quiet and straight away he caught the attention of his chief medical officer. She went over to a nearby communication panel, spoke into it before making her way over to him.

“Good morning sir,” Ben-Ami said as she took her medical scanner out of her pocket and started to run it over him, “how are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been beaten up by a couple of Klingons.” He sarcastically replied. Struggling to get himself completely up, Ben-Ami put her scanner away as she assisted him to sit up on the bio-bed properly. “How bad am I?”

“Besides the numerous cuts and bruises, a few broken ribs, a broken ankle, a punctured lung and some nerve damage, you’re absolutely peachy!” She answered back in a similar sarcastic tone.

Realising he knew she would be in such a mood, Burton just nodded. “Thank you though.”

Ben-Ami looked at him with her dark brown eyes. “Anytime, sir.” She said, now dropping her annoyed manner. “Though promise me never to do such a reckless thing again? Hillary and I spent the entire night treating you. You won’t be back on your feet for at least another forty-eight hours.”

Before he could protest, the doors to sickbay parted away from each other allowing for three people to enter. Leading the pack was his first officer followed by his second officer and unexpectedly his sister. “You called in the cavalry?” Burton rhetorically asked Ben-Ami who in return just raised her eyebrows at him as if to say she had no choice. Looking back at his visitors, he knew where this upcoming conversation was going. “So let me hear it.” He said, knowing they were all assembled to give him another earbashing.

He was surprised to see his sister, who was the next senior most officer in the room, allow Rodham to speak. “We’ve arrived in orbit of Krios and your joint operation with Prince Kalluum has been seen as a triumphant success. Fleet Admiral Hathaway and President Littlejohn have given you the green light to begin formal proceedings in signing an alliance treaty with the Kriosians.”

“Seriously?” Burton queried. He was certain that they were having him on.

“Seriously.” Rodham stated. “Radio silence has been lifted and we’ve already heard from General Merik that the Klingon High Council has agreed for him to present the evidence of the Romulans’ interference in their conflict with the Kriosians.”

“That’s great news.” Burton said in a cheerful tone. “Anything else I should be aware of?”

“Long range sensors detected a flotilla of Klingon warships turning away from Kriosian space a few hours ago. They returned to their own territory but we believe they may have engaged Romulan ships.” Walker shared. “A small task group, composed of marauder type ships along with a few birds-of-prey, were nearby. Our forces didn’t have the chance to engage them, the Klingons seemed to have done a sweep up of the area. We are in a Romulan-free region at the moment.”

Really surprised to hear that as well, Burton continued to show his amazement. “Even better.” He added.

Madison then spoke up, “Alex, Cooper, Kefira, can you give me and my brother the room please?”

All three officers agreed and departed from sickbay, leaving just the two Burton siblings looking at one another for a moment.

Once the doors to sickbay had firmly closed, Lloyd looked at her and instantly took in a breath before talking. “Was Seth not allowed to join us?”

Holding her right index finger up, she took out her communicator, spoke into it and within a second the sickbay doors opened up and walking in was in fact his youngest brother, Seth.

“Really? The two of you need to have this chat with me?” Lloyd questioned.

As he walked across the sickbay, Seth threw his hands halfway in the air in an open way. “What do you expect, Lloydie? Especially when you agree to take on two Klingons?”

Not impressed at this intervention from them both, Lloyd just shook his head. “I cannot believe you both think you have the right to come on to my ship and give me a telling off for doing my job.”

“Your job doesn’t include getting into brawls with the natives, Lloyd.” Madison said with her arms crossed against her chest. “I’m surprised that you didn’t have a mutiny on your hands.” She added.

Deciding to avoid answering that one, Lloyd looked at them both. “So is that it, is that all you want to say to me?”

Seth groaned at his brother’s stubbornness. “Can you literally hear yourself, Lloyd? For one second can you take your head out of your arse and listen to us.” He said, now he was starting to get angry and normally it took quite a bit for Seth to become that irritated especially with Lloyd.

Shrugging his shoulders, Lloyd had no clue what exactly the two of them wanted from him. “Then tell me what I’m doing wrong that has caused both of you to use whatever influence you have in coming here to talk to me in this manner.”

“Fine,” Madison stated in a firm tone still with her arms crossed against her chest, “let’s start by talking about the fact you’ve just lost three critical members of your senior staff, a battle you planned and prepared for was usurped by an enigmatic species and to top it off prior to all of this you had to deal with our father and everything that surrounded his death. To top it all off you’re about to become a father and you decide to galavant on some wild undertaking to pursue the smallest chance you could change the outcome of the war. I’m pretty certain if we had a ship’s counsellor then they would want to be seeing you regularly. ”

Lloyd could sense she was carefully picking her words when it came to the subject about their father. The fact he had not died and he was part of some sort of undercover black ops group within Starfleet that felt they were justified in doing whatever they wanted to win the war. The cover up over their father’s death had taken a toll on Lloyd and his siblings, especially as they had to keep it a secret from their mother.

“You gotta admit Lloyd that all of that combined is a huge toll for one person to shoulder. Can you blame us both for worrying for you, especially when we hear on your return from negotiating with a warrior culture that you agreed to fight one of them almost to the death.” Seth added. “You’re lucky that the general didn’t kill you.”

“From what Doctor Ben-Ami tells me, if he had not collapsed when he did with that virus that came out of nowhere then he would have probably finished you and the prince off.” Madison stated. “So it wasn’t down to your brawn and muscles that got you through it, it was pure lucky that a virus woke up, caused him to lose his energy and become exhausted.”

Seth walked up to his brother and sat on the edge of his bed by his right side and placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Can you blame us, Lloyd?”

Relenting, Lloyd nodded. “I get it, I do and when you explain it like that then yeah I can see why you may think I’ve gone mad.”

“We never said you were mad, bro.” Seth stated. “You need a splash of verbal cold water from your family to check you’re okay.”

Rubbing his face, Lloyd flinched in pain from doing such an action. “The war has been a lot to deal with, it has, but if we can end this sooner…”

“We get it.” Madison agreed, cutting him off as she walked up to him on the other side. “But we can’t let it change who we are. Remember you took command of Challenger because you wanted to be an explorer first, not a soldier.”

“The circumstances seem to have changed that.” Lloyd interjected with.

“For us all, but we need to remember what we are fighting for.” Madison said with strong conviction. “Just don’t forget it.”

Lloyd smirked at that. “You do know I’ve had similar chats with those three out there.” He said pointing to where he believed Rodham, Walker and Ben-Ami were.

“Oh I bet you have.” Seth replied. “Your doc is a lot scarier than mine on Republic.”

“Then listen to them a bit more. Cowboy tactics are not going to help you.” Madison advised him. “And I’m not going to be the one telling mum why you did something so stupid to get yourself killed.”

“Me neither.” Seth attached with urgency.

“Leave it to Roman then.” Lloyd said with a grin and a chuckle.

“Agreed.” Seth and Madison said in unison as they joined in with the slight laughter.

“Do you think they’re really telling him off in there?” Walker asked from where he, Rodham and Ben-Ami stood in the corridor. He pointed with his thumb towards the sickbay door.

Ben-Ami answered at first from where she stood with her hands behind her straight back. “From what I know of the captain and his family, they are awfully close. I’d assume with the loss of their father recently, Captain Burton and Lieutenant Burton needed some reassurance that Fleet Captain Burton isn’t placing himself in danger on purpose.”

Rodham was leaning against the bulkhead, with arms crossed against his chest, he had agreed to Captain Burton’s request after they had returned to Krios and rendezvoused with the rest of the task group. She hadn’t been happy to hear it and had insisted she be around when he had been treated and rested for a bit. “I’m sure a bit of sibling support may help the captain with his recovery.” He said trying to remain diplomatic, but he knew if he Madison Burton as an older sister then she would scare him if she ever thought he was doing something wrong.

“Commanders Rodham and Walker, are you free?” asked a voice from down the corridor that caused all three officers to turn around to see who it was.

“Martha,” Walker said as he saw his deputy approaching him with a tablet in her hands, “everything okay?”

Striding towards them, she put the tablet out in front of her to give to her superior. “I’m sorry to interrupt but those scans you asked me to take have brought up some interesting things. I’ve compared them to the ones we took earlier and ones taken by Voyager.”

“You fancy sharing something Cooper?” Rodham asked as he looked over the shoulder of the chief science officer who had taken the tablet out of Habiba’s hands.

Looking up from the scans and then passing them to Rodham, Walker answered him. “I asked Martha to run low level scans of Krios to see if there’s anything else out of the ordinary going on. Call it a gut instinct from previous diplomatic missions I’ve been on. There’s always something else going on behind the scenes we may not be aware of. When I was on the Miranda, it was something that Captain Lockhart insisted on us doing to make sure we had all of the information. I created a technique that avoided detection.”

“So in other words, you had Martha spy on potential new allies?” Ben-Ami checked.

Rodham spoke up, defending Walker, “And with great reasons to. It would seem the Kriosians have moved large numbers of their population while we’ve been away.” He showed the tablet towards Ben-Ami and looked back to Martha. “Do we know where they all are?”

“We can’t be certain without running more intensive scans of the planet which they will detect, but our best guess looking at what we’ve recorded is that they have moved them to underground shelters, including ones under their vast oceans.” Habiba answered.

Ben-Ami blinked a few times before speaking up further. “But why?”

Walker and Cooper looked at one another as they both seemed to have shared the same thought. “It’s almost as if they’re preparing for something bad to happen to their world.” Rodham stated.

“I think they think the Klingon invasion is inevitable and our time away gave them the chance to prepare for the worst.” Walker suggested.

“From the scans taken by Voyager, that would be a fair conclusion to make. Voyager’s sensors have shown a good number of ships entering the system and being in orbit, more than there were when we first arrived.” Habiba stated.

“So you’re saying the Kriosians are certain that this agreement the captain has fought his life for was for nothing? That they had no faith in any of this process and were just using us?” Ben-Ami proposed.

“I think you’re right Ro-fa.” Walker said with a disappointed tone. “Originally they wanted to make an alliance, probably hoping that they could draw us into their fight so they had a better chance of standing up against the Klingons. The temptation of new weapons and engines was a good enticement.”

“And when we presented them with the evidence of the Romulans taking control of their ships, it was a different piece for them to play and use.” Rodham sighed. “If this is true, then they’re using this time of a cease fire to prepare for a final showdown with the Klingons.”

“Can we be certain of their intentions though?” Ben-Ami checked. “I mean, though I’m not happy with what we’ve uncovered, can you blame them for preparing for the worse? It is pretty awful of them for not having faith in us bringing an end to this conflict with the Klingons but they’ve got a lot riding on this as much as we have.”

“Ro-fa Ben-Ami is right, the Kriosians have suffered a lot from the Klingons, how can we be certain the Klingon Chancellor and their High Council agrees to stop their invasion of Krios and focus on the Romulans instead?” Habiba offered. “It’s only because the captain has proven to one general he is honourable in their terms.”

“So what do we do?” Walker asked the group.

Sighing again, Rodham rubbed his forehead and then looked towards sickbay. “I’d need to tell the captain, but Kefira, he’s gonna need to be on his feet a lot sooner than you were predicting. We all need to be sharper with our wits with what’s going on, so we can see this thing through sooner rather than later.”

“I don’t advise it, but I understand why.” Ben-Ami said in a displeasing tone.

“Unfortunately we don’t have a choice in the matter.” Rodham countered back with.

“If we can delay signing the alliance, we may find out more about what the Kriosians are up to.” Walker suggested. “We do have two people who could find out more for us.”

Rodham turned to Walker, “Liam and Niall.”

“Liam and Niall.” Walker agreed. “We could get them to find out as much as they can about the Kriosian plans, especially as they’ve become extremely close to the first family.”

“They’re both my friends and I would hate to sound like I’m not supporting them, but are you sure they’re up for the task?” Habiba asked.

For a second no-one said anything, eventually Ben-Ami did. “As Commander Rodham said, we don’t have a choice in the matter. We can’t end up taking Earth into another war. The Commonwealth would collapse and the coalition wouldn’t survive either.”

“Your diagnosis is correct, Ro-fa.” Rodham said as he went back into sickbay to speak to his captain about what they had just discussed. Ben-Ami, Walker and Habiba followed in his trail.

Twentieth Session of Valtama, Third Season of the Regal Kaitaama Era

SGS-01 Kamala, Haydorian system

Stepping through the airlock together, Corporal Jenkins and Lieutenant Stewart carried their rucksacks over one shoulder each and each carried an extra satchel.

“I am not feeling great.” Jenkins groaned as they stepped through the scanners to be checked for anything dangerous on them. The Kriosian guards checked their belongings and allowed them to proceed.

“Ro-fa Ben-Ami said you might be feeling the same sensations like the First Monarch was.” Stewart assured him after they collected their belongings to carry on with their journey.

Looking around him and over his shoulder as they made their way down the large spacious corridor, Jenkins explained that was not the only reason he was feeling great. “I’m not cut out with what the captain wants us to do.”

“We have our orders to assist the diplomatic effort.” Stewart said keeping his volume just as low as his husband was.

Jenkins just sighed.

Several hours ago, both men had requested to return to Challenger under the disguise that Ben-Ami wanted to carry out a routine check on them. She had cited Starfleet Medical regulations to get them back. While she had actually carried out a check on them both, Fleet Captain Burton and others had given them a new assignment. Both of them were ordered to spy on the Kriosians and to gather evidence and/or determine what their endgame was with the Klingon threat as well as their intentions with becoming allies of Earth.  Recent evidence had made the captain reassess the entire situation. After returning to the Kamala, to continue their efforts in being guests of the first family, they were now equipped and ready to carry out their light mission of espionage. Neither of them were trained in this field, but after a short briefing from their commanding officer as well as Captain Trommler, the two men had returned to avoid any suspicions from the Kriosians over their intentions. Burton’s final words to them was to complete their assignment by any means necessary. Whatever it took.

“Nah, this isn’t good.” Jenkins complained again as he grabbed his stomach. “I am feeling rough as hell.”

“Maybe you need to be closer to the First Monarch.” Stewart suggested. “Let’s head to their infirmary and go from there.”

Moments later they were about to approach the Kamala’s medical ward when they were stopped by two guards standing outside.

“You cannot enter.” One of them said in a thick low voice.

“Please, my husband is not well and this may affect the First Monarch.” Stewart pleaded, trying to comfort his husband while carrying their luggage.

Both guards looked at one another and before they could answer the door to the medical facilities rolled back and Prince Kalluum stood there. “Liam, Niall, I wasn’t expecting to see you back so soon-” The Kriosian consort paused as he saw the distress that Liam was in and immediately reacted. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s not well.” Stewart said, almost snapping at the taller man. Though Kalluum had sustained injuries during his brawl with the Klingons, unlike Burton, he had recovered a lot sooner from them. A few cuts and bruises were patched over his face and arms.

“It must be the connection with Kaitaama, she has not been feeling well either.” Kalluum summarised and quickly offered to help Stewart by helping Jenkins enter sickbay. “He needs to be closer to the child.” He insisted.

As soon as they enter the Kamala’s infirmary and was brought to the private and secluded area that had been placed for the first monarch, Jenkins appeared to be in less pain and almost relieved. Kaitaama was lying on a bed, in a similar distressed appearance at first and soon it ended.

“Oh thank goodness.” She gently said. “Liam, I am so sorry. I didn’t expect our bond to be so strong.”

Jenkins just nodded as he got his breath back. “It’s fine, how is your child?”

“Doing well, thanks to you.” Kalluum said with a proud smile. “You both are amazing as is your captain.”

Stewart faking his response, put on a similar friendly grin. “We are pleased that things are moving in a positive way.”

“As are we.” Kaitaama said, sounding grateful. “Kalluum has just informed me of the brave actions your captain took to help my people. I am in his debt as much as I am with you both.”

“We were happy to help.” Jenkins said, sounding almost relieved that the pain he was in had settled down. “But can I ask, how long will this bond between us last?”

Kaitaama looked to Kalluum then back to Jenkins. “Normally it ends once the child is born.”

“Oh.” Jenkins said in surprise.

“Oh.” Stewart said in annoyance. “And if it doesn’t?”

“We can find a safe way to end it.” Kaitaama assured them. “That’s why, we were wondering if you both would remain with us for a bit longer as our guests. We are preparing to return to our official residency tomorrow to oversee the state dinner and ball we plan to host to celebrate your captain’s achievements ahead of the alliance discussions.”

“I suppose we don’t have much choice.” Jenkins responded.

Stewart shot a glance at his husband, annoyed at that prospect. “Liam, don’t you think we should discuss that with the captain first?”

“I can’t see the captain disagreeing with the fact I need to remain close to the first monarch.” Jenkins countered back with. “This bond can make us both unwell.”

“Please my friends, I promise you we will continue to look after you.” Kalluum assured them with a friendly smile.

Jenkins, without looking at Stewart accepted their offer. “We accept.”

“That’s great.” Kalluum said, his grin getting bigger. “I will make sure preparations are underway.” He looked at Stewart. “Niall, why don’t we leave these two and I get someone to help you with your luggage to your quarters?”

Reluctantly the lieutenant agreed, though they were married, his rank made him the senior officer and he was annoyed that his husband had made such a unilateral decision without consulting with either Fleet Captain Burton or Commander Rodham about it. “That will be helpful, thanks.” He said in almost gritted teeth.

Kalluum called over for some helpers to assist as he showed Stewart out. Placing his arm around Stewart as they departed he started a new conversation with him. “There is one thing I wish to ask of you, and before you say it, yes I know we’ve asked a lot of you and Liam but please hear me out.”

“Sure.” Stewart said, almost giving up on trying to keep a safe distance from the Kriosian prince, something that Burton had advised them to do while they undertook their covert mission. That said the captain had also told them to remain close to keep their work hidden.

“The fact you have saved not only my life, but the life of my wife and my unborn son, I feel it has brought us close. You were there with me when I fought Merik and I want to pay your friendship with a symbol of my gratitude.” Kallum stated, still keeping his arm around Stewart.

Stewart recalled each of those incidents and in particular what had happened in the last part of the fight between Kallum and Merik. He was certain that he had seen Kalluum use whatever powers he possessed to subdue Merik. Sharing that observation with his colleagues on Challenger earlier, Ben-Ami had wondered if this metamorphic empathic link that the Kriosian had was powerful enough to restrain others – she had even gone as to suggest that this ability was what caused Merik to collapse from the nehret, the virus she had detected in him. “What is it you had in mind?”

“Well Liam has his connection with Kaitaama, so I was wondering if we could undergo an old Kriosian ceremony that brought two soldiers together on the eve of battle. Effectively making them brothers-in-arms.” Kalluum asked. “It is a rare ceremony and when someone offers it then it is seen as a great honour, especially if it is from a member of the Kriosian royal family.”

Stewart paused in his step and turned to look up at Kalluum. “Do we become mentally linked like Liam is with your wife and baby?”

“The bond isn’t as strong in us males.” Kalluum said, “for a brief moment we share what we refer to our souls.”

“Soul mates.” Stewart said under his breath.

“Pardon me?” Kalluum said, not understanding what Stewart meant by that remark.

“Nothing, it’s just an old Earth suspicion that when two people are meant to be together, romantically, they’re soul mates.” Stewart stated.

“Are you soul mates with Liam?” Kalluum quizzed.

He considered it for a moment and then Stewart answered with a nod. “Yes,” He said affirmatively, “yes I am.”

“Then I promise you, our connection won’t break that. You will become an honoured member of the first family. Liam already has that privilege and with you both agreeing to being principal guardians to my son, then this will only make that connection stronger. It will be a great symbol for our upcoming alliance.” Kalluum pleaded.

“Whatever it takes.” Stewart mumbled under his breath, he turned to the prince and nodded once more. “It’ll be my honour.”

“Excellent!” Kalluum said. “We can share it at the state dinner after we announce we have made your captain an honorary member of  the Kriosian Sovereign Guard, but keep that a secret. We want to surprise him!”

“I’m sure Fleet Captain Burton will be pleasantly surprised.” Stewart grimaced as they carried on walking towards Stewart and Jenkins’ shared VIP quarters.

Late in the month of Merruthk, the Year of Kahless 781

IKS Vor’chem, in orbit of Qo’noS

“Korg, my friend,” Merik said as they entered the transporter bay of the Vor’chem,  “I assure you that I have had our specialists go over the evidence the Humans presented to us and the fact we were able to find that Romulan task group between our space, makes me certain that we have found out what happened at the N’Vak colony.”

Growling, Korg shook his head. “I do not understand how a Human and Kriosian were able to defeat two Klingon warriors. It is dishonourable.”

Merik stopped in his tracks and placed his hand firmly on the shoulder of his first officer. “My friend, it was an honourable battle under honourable terms. If there’s anything we’ve learnt about both the Humans and Kriosians is that they are fighters. They may not have the same honour as us, but we should admire their strong spirits.” Holding the data chip in his hand, he waved it in front of Korg. “My friend, more battles await us but against an enemy who tries to slay us from the shadows. The Romulans have made fools of us, puppets in their master game against the Humans. You and many other great warriors will make the Romulans pay for their treachery.”

“General, you will be there with us to bask in the glory of many fine battles.” Korg said as they stomped onto the transporter platform.

“I fear the nehret will take me away from such possibilities. My final act as a general will be to deliver this intelligence to our people. Kahless will be with us as we take on the Romulans.” Merik said.

“Qapla’!” Korg shouted.

The transporter beam was then activated and a few seconds later it deposited them in the great halls of the Klingon High Council.

Sitting in the centre was Chancellor M’Rek with other members of the council standing nearby. Calling for Merik to step forward, the Klingon leader waved his hand for them to approach him. “General Merik, you come before the High Council with the reasons why you have pulled our forces away from the Kriosian front. Explain yourself and present your information.”

Holding the data chip in hand, Merik raised it so all could see it as he started to pass it towards M’Rek. “Chancellor, my best warriors have determined that-” He paused as he felt a surge of pain in his body. “That-that-” He repeated and then clutched at his chest as he started to cough. Without being able to do much he fell to the floor with a mighty thud. Korg called out his name as he stepped forward to help his commanding officer.

“General!” Korg shouted as he took the man he had admired for many years into his arms and shook him.

Merik didn’t answer him, instead he took his final breath and with it dropped the data chip in his hand.

“What is the meaning of this?” M’Rek demanded as he pointed to the dead body at his feet.

Korg screamed a loud noise as he prepared those in the afterlife to receive the spirit of Merik. Other Klingons in the room joined in with the call, as did M’Rek. Once Korg was done he looked up to his leader. “Chancellor, the general fought honourable against our opponents but I now feel that whatever happened during that battle, the Kriosians have somehow poisoned him.”

“How can you be sure?” M’Rek asked.

“Because before the battle the general was as healthy as any young targ and after the battle he succumbed to the nehret.” Korg answered. “The Kriosians must have found a way to infect him and the data the general brought must be falsified.”

“If this is true, then the only honourable thing is to seek revenge for the general to ensure he earns a place Sto-vo-kor.” M’Rek replied, which had a number of cheers from other council members. “Commander Korg, son of Klarat, I hereby promote you to general and order you to resume the invasion of Krios. Make them pay!”

Standing up tall, Korg nodded. “It will be my honour, chancellor.”

“Qapla’!” M’Rek shouted and this was echoed by everyone else in the great hall.

Still slightly aching but not as bad as he was feeling two days ago, Burton stood in his dress uniform sipping on what the Kriosian called their own version of champagne. It was very, very sweet and not as bubbly to what he had tasted on Earth before. Standing to the side of the grand ballroom in the Great Sovereign Palace, Burton was watching as the Kriosian royal family and its political leaders interacted with one another with a few of Challenger’s crew and some of the captains from the task group he had brought with him. The state dinner that First Monarch Kaitaama had put on for them, on the eve of their talks around the alliance, was elegant and extremely luxurious. For a people that were currently at war, though the Klingons had not attacked since the Haydorian summit (it was what Captain Trommler was now referring to) with General Merik, Burton found it odd they were able to find time to throw together such an event.

Several toasts had taken place after the dinner had been completed and now the guests were just mingling with one another while an orchestra played some interesting pieces that sounded like something from the collections of the likes of Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Bizet  and Tchaikovsky. He was certain he heard something that had the remnants of the Nutcracker mixed with The Four Seasons. A few of them were dancing around on the floor, in a very elegant way. Kriosian dancing didn’t seem to be different to that of what took place on Earth. Watching the whole scene before him, Burton felt like he was reminded of the old classic films that his parents would watch together set in the late 1920s. The many times he had walked in on them having an evening together in the lounge and were watching one of those films where a large ensemble of characters would engage in a huge ballroom dancing scene set in one of the old large abbey homes. His mother was obsessed with a series of films based on a family who lived in a massive country estate. Though she told him to appreciate the past, he had never understood the enjoyment his mother got into watching such things.

Distracted by the scene before him, Burton was approached by two members of his crew that he hadn’t seen for the past forty-eight hours. “Gentlemen,” He said, greeting both Stewart and Jenkins (both of whom were in their dress uniforms as well), “how are you both?”

Stewart spoke up for them both. “Well thank you sir, and you?”

“In a lot better state compared to when we last saw one another.” He answered. “Are you enjoying your new assignment?”

“We are sir, but we’re ready to come home.” Jenkins answered. “Mission accomplished, I believe?”

Getting the hint from the young MACO, Burton nodded and suggested they leave the huge hall and make their way outside onto the semi-circle balcony. A few tables were dotted around on it and there were curved staircases that led down onto the massive gardens that surrounded the palace. Fire pits were dotted around the centre of the balcony while obelisks on the edge had small flames shooting up from them.  A few guests were outside but the three men were able to find a private spot, far from anyone’s reach to hear them while also speaking in a subtle way to avoid raising any suspicions. Burton appeared just to be conversing with two of his officers.

“So were Alex and Cooper’s suspicions right?” Burton asked as he looked out at the garden with both men either side of him. He took a sip of the champagne he had in his hands. “Are they preparing for something more?”

“We believe so.” Jenkins said, also sipping on a flute. “Niall’s modified medical scanner was able to find a few reports in their computer records that indicated that there’s more to what we’ve been told.”

“Interesting.” Burton said in a low voice and looked at the nurse to his right. “Anything we should be concerned about?”

“From what I can gather, our involvement was a last ditch attempt to avoid Krios from being invaded.” Stewart explained. “The Kriosian Sovereign Guard won’t be able to fully defend themselves from a fall on invasion from the Klingons.”

“That’s understatement there Niall.” Burton quipped. “Anything else that may justify the sudden movement of their population beside concern from a Klingon attack?”

“They’re purely putting their people into the best places to protect them. It would seem that over a month ago the government passed a lottery system that saw them pick those from their population who will be sent to underground and undersea protection to preserve the Kriosian way of life.” Stewart answered.

“The Kriosians are preparing a resistance movement, if the Klingons take the planet.” Jenkins added.

“Again, no surprise there.” Burton said as he turned around to now face the palace. “Keep going.” He insisted.

“Some government officials have been moved off world to other planets the Kriosians have colonised that are further afield and would require the Klingons to commit a heavy amount of supply and resources to to take. The Kriosians don’t think this will happen, they’re keeping their location classified.” Stewart stated. “We backed this data up with the increase of civilian traffic going off-world. A large bulk of freighters, transports and cargo vessels have been converted to assist in taking almost a quarter of a million people off Krios. They’ve already completed at least ten round trips to these off-world sites. More are planned for tomorrow, but there’s no way they can move everyone off world or underground. People will die if the Klingons attack.”

“That doesn’t include a set of files we found that shows they’ve been teaching the general population how to defend themselves and the military is starting to hand out weapons to the public. Alongside that factories and key power stations around the planet are being outfitted with weapon placements too. They’re really going to make the Klingons pay for every kilometre they try to take of the planet.” Jenkins said. “A number of Kriosian ships have also been mining the outer asteroid fields. They should have completed this work by the end of tonight.”

“Are they certain the Klingons will invade?” Burton checked.

Stewart nodded several times. “They believe the Klingons will.”

“Let’s just hope that General Merik was able to convince the High Council otherwise.” Burton remarked as he took another sip. “Anything else we need to be in the loop about?”

Jenkins and Stewart looked at one another before Jenkins spoke. “We think their intentions about making this alliance work are sincere, sir.”

“Oh, I’m sure they are.” Burton said nodding in agreement once. “I’ve been ordered to use the same terms and references we established when the coalition was established, which gives me a bit more room in delaying things so we can see what happens with the Klingons first.”

“Isn’t that a bit deceiving on our part sir?” Jenkins asked, sounding troubled at his captain possibly taking such action.

“Liam it’s called politics.” Burton answered flatly. “If the Klingons show they’ve lost their interest in Krios and have no qualms in us bringing them in as allies, then I am sure the Vulcans, Andorians and Tellarites will be all up for it too. That will be a huge selling point when this gets out back home and with our allies.”

“You don’t seem very optimistic about that, sir.” Stewart said with a slight sigh in his voice.

Grimacing, Burton showed the lieutenant he was almost right. “Bringing Krios into the Coalition or even as just allies of Earth would help significantly with the war effort, especially with what they’re planning to offer with technology but if we cannot guarantee that we don’t end up opening a second front with the Klingons then we may as well as kiss goodbye to all of the hard work and sacrifice we’ve put into play this last year. This is an extremely tight rope we are walking on and we cannot afford to fall from it. Either we do this carefully and right or we just need to walk away. That all said, there’s a lot on the line here that will help us against the Romulans and I feel I cannot abandon that, not yet and not without knowing everything.”

“I’ll repeat Liam’s words again sir, I think the Kriosians have every intent on being faithful if they become our partners.” Stewart said confidently.

“You sound very sure of yourself Niall.” Burton remarked, curious as to why both men were sharing such things with him.

Sighing on his glass of Kriosian champagne, Stewart looked to Jenkins who just gave him an encouraging look to do or say whatever he needed to share with Burton. “Sir,” Stewart began, “please don’t be mad with me but Prince Kalluum made me his brother-of-arms.”

“A ‘what-of-what’ now?” Burton asked, blinking several times at hearing this for the first time.

“Sir, it’s an old ceremony between comrades to show significant trust and bond between those who fight together. The prince believed it was right for everything I’ve done to honour me with it.” Stewart stated. “As Liam was brought in with the First Monarch, he wanted to bring me in through a similar fashion.”

“Oh, well if that’s all!” Burton said sarcastically and was becoming a bit furious about this revelation. “And why am I only hearing about this now?”

Keeping his cool, Stewart revealed why. “Because sir, I believe the prince did something with his empathic abilities on General Merik.”

“What?!” Burton said instantly, almost raising his voice at that before hushing it to avoid attention. “What do you mean?”

“After he had taken the general off from you during your ‘summit’, I was certain I saw him undertake a similar transfer that the first monarch took on Liam when she connected him with her unborn child. A sort of brief glow was transferred from his hand to the general.” Stewart said, “I am certain it was what caused the general to become tired and give in, so I agreed to the process and without him realising I had my medical scanner on. It was the same glow and from my own scans I had a higher level of serotonin and an increase in my dopamine levels. It was brief but it was there.”

At that point the three men were approached by Harris, the captain’s yeoman, who also wore a similar dress uniform like Burton and Stewart. “Sir,” he said interrupting them, “Her Majesty, the First Monarch has requested that you dance with her.”

Burton nodded to Harris and told him he would be there shortly. “We’ll discuss this later but I want you both to head back to Challenger and for Doctor Payne to run tests on you, Niall.”

“Sir, if I leave Krios then I may become unwell from not being close to Kaitaama.” Jenkins reminded him.

“Fine,” Burton said through gritted teeth and pointed at Stewart, “you’re going now!” He commanded as he made his way back inside.

Stewart and Jenkins looked at each, both feeling awful about what they had just told their captain. Like two pupils being told off by their headmaster, neither of them knew what to do at first as the captain stormed away from them.

Stewart turned to Jenkins, “I’ll call the ship and let you know how I get on.”

Jenkins just nodded and leant in to kiss his husband goodbye. He took his champagne from him and watched as Stewart headed down one of the large flight of stairs to make the call.

First Monarch Kaitaama was waiting for the captain as he re-entered the large ballroom. Smiling gracefully in his direction, the monarch was wearing a long sleeveless slim gold dress that reached the floor. Over the top of it she wore a short white jacket that had a silver train running from the back of it.  Her hair was styled into a bun on top with a tiara on top while she wore several necklaces, each one filled with precious gems and stones from Krios. “Fleet Captain Burton, care to dance?”

“On Earth there’s an old custom that it’s the man’s responsibility to ask a lady to dance.” Burton said, putting on his best charm and diplomatic face. He had calmed himself down before approaching her. He needed to remain calm after the chat he had just had.

“It’s interesting you say that, we believe in similar customs, but as you say they are old.” Kaitaama said as she gave her hand to Burton, who in turn took it. They started to dance slowly and carefully around the room. Many others stopped to stare and as the music’s tempo changed to be more upbeat, they began to move faster.

“I know this may sound extremely forward of me, especially as we’ve barely had the time to get to know one another, but I do want to say how much I appreciate your efforts for my people.” Kaitaama said as Burton dipped her backwards slightly before spinning her out and then back into him. “I am in your debt.”

“I won’t lie to you, Your Majesty, but if we can prevent the Klingons from invading your world and turn their attention against the Romulans, then I’m all for it.” Burton admitted. “So if anything I’ve done recently that appears to favour your people has been done in the interest of my people and our allies in the coalition too.”

“If you’ve been able to convince the Klingons to reconsider their war-plans so they take on the Romulans, who from all accounts have manipulated not just them but my people as well, then I am all for it.” Kaitaama stated. “That said, if anything I have learnt from Corporal Jenkins and Lieutenant Stewart is that your people have an extremely kind heart. Though initially when I met Commander Tucker of Enterprise, I found him to be irritable and frustrating as hell, his charm did go a long way. You should be proud that they have shown Kalluum and I the best of your people. They have been excellent representatives.”

“Thank you.” Burton said cordially. Hearing that made him annoyed with himself for having a go at them moments ago. He was proud of them both, even when he put them in a tight position to spy on their new potential ally. “I will ensure they are recognised for their efforts.”

“Indeed, before we move into the talks tomorrow, I want to recognise not only your efforts but theirs as well by making you all honoured members of the Kriosian Sovereign Guard and recipients of the Noble Order of the Sovereign Shield.” Kaitaama stated.

“That is very kind of you,” Burton said just as the music slowed down again, “but we didn’t come here to receive awards. We came to help.”

“And we had a deal.” Kaitaama reminded him. “You help us, we’ll help you. That’s why by tomorrow, I will be asking several of our top scientists, researchers and engineers to prepare to visit Earth, with your permission, to begin working with your people on sharing our knowledge.” As she spun under his hand again and returned back to Burton, she carried on. “Alongside that in the last few days, my people have reviewed the Romulan telepresence technology you shared with us. Though this is not to usurp your own engineers with what counter-measures they’ve come up with but we’ve come across a similar system before and we’ve been able to tweak our own technology. I’d be happy to have them share the prototype with your chief engineer along with all of the technical plans.”

“Your generosity knows no limit.” Burton commented. “And I will use whatever influence I can pull to encourage other coalition members to visit Krios once we have a workable agreement.”

“That I appreciate a lot.” Kaitaama said as she gently pushed the captain backwards a few steps and then pulled him back closer to her. “Opening trade routes with not just Earth but Vulcan, Andoria and Tellarite will only help my people further.”

“As it will for Earth and its allies.” Burton countered back with, just as the music started to fade and come to an end. He looked at her. “Your Majesty, you do know you’ll be moving your people from one war to another the moment you sign this alliance with us? Are you not rushing into things here? Would a trade agreement not be the best way to start?” He knew by asking such things it may cause a diplomatic slip up, but if he could delay just a bit more to ensure that the Klingons didn’t take things the wrong way and to ensure the cease fire with them actually did take place then he was all for it right now. He was truly in a juggling act right now.

“Let’s be honest with each other here,” Kaitaama said as their dancing slowed down with the music, “you’re concerned that by bringing Earth and Krios together that the Klingons will invade whatever happens and you’ll be bringing Earth into another conflict that you cannot afford to commit to or have a hope of winning with us. I have faith in your diplomatic efforts with the Klingons that they will turn on the Romulans.”

“It’s a lot to commit to when there’s so much up in the air.” Burton explained, still being honest with her.

“It is, but you also know that we are preparing for the worst as well.” Kaitaama said as she looked at Burton with a glint in her eyes. “Do you really think we didn’t detect that both Lieutenant Stewart and Corporal Jenkins had not been spying on us recently along with the scans your ships have been trying to hide from us from doing. Our technology is just that little bit more advanced than yours that we picked it up. Honesty is important to me, life has taught me that I need to be forceful with it to get things done.”

Not crumbling at the fact they had been caught out, Burton remained strong as they continued to dance. “No offence was meant by it, I just needed to know what you were up to. As you said, we’ve only known each other for a short amount of time. I suppose I jumped too quick to prove what the Romulans have been up to. It’s just I’ve seen them do this before and I didn’t like the devastation I saw, if I can prevent it from happening then I will. However I get why you are doing what you are doing.” He bit his bottom lip, recalling the events between the Kriosians and Deltans earlier in the year were still fresh in his memory.

“We are preparing for the worst, as Kalluum told you from the start and what I’ve been saying ever since.” Kaitaama said. “An alliance with Earth was my last ditch effort to protect my people, but I won’t allow my people to lose their identities to the Klingons. We know we can’t beat them, however I refuse to let them take what is ours without a god damn good fight. Do not get me wrong, your evidence of the Romulans manipulating us and them relieved my concerns that we could never walk back from this with the Klingons, nevertheless they are a race of warriors and have a strong sense of honour. My people do as well, but we are a little bit more enlightened and tend to avoid violence first. I feel that’s a characteristic our people share. Commander Tucker taught that to me and you’ve proven it. I won’t lie to you either, we’ve scanned your vessels as well. So let’s say we are even when it comes to the spying part on each other. Can we move forward together? As partners?”

Burton chuckled as he considered her words careful. He just nodded. “Your Majesty, nothing would make me prouder if I could sit over the negotiating table with you and see how we can find a solution that would benefit both our people by coming together.”

“Thank you.” Kaitaama said as the music concluded and she spun outwards from him. The room erupted into applause. Burton bowed and Kaitaama did a brief curtsy.

From the other side of the room, Trommler and Avery were standing with their colleagues as they watched their captain enjoy his dance with the First Monarch. When they ended they, along with the rest of the senior staff, started to applaud the performance which in turn caused the Kriosians to join in with the clapping.

“I think we’ve just shared a custom with the Kriosians.” Commander Rodham mentioned to the team around him. “Now our brave leader hasn’t stepped on the feet of the First Monarch, I suppose we best put our best foot forward as well. For the honour of Starfleet!”

“And the MACOs.” Trommler added.

Nodding in agreement with the MACO commander, Rodham then looked over to Masuko and smiled. “Sakura, would you do me the honours and let me prove just how good of a dancer I am, something I am sure my former husband used to brag about?!” He asked cheekily as he extended his hand towards her.

Giggling, the chief engineer nodded and took Rodham by the hand and joined him as he guided her onto the dance floor. “I’m sure Michael would have told me off if I didn’t accept.”

Taking his cue from the first officer, Walker turned to Ben-Ami. “My lady,” He said in a mocking bow, “would you honour me by having this dance?”

“As long as you realise I have two left feet and don’t spin me too much, then sure!” Ben-Ami answered as she placed her champagne flute down on a nearby table and took hold of the chief science officer’s hands and moved across the floor with him.

Crewman Harris turned to Lieutenant Cortez and showed both his hands. “Ma’am, can I offer you a dance?”

“Who can say no to a young charming prince like yourself Jamie?” Cortez said with a similar smirk as she took his hands and followed her comrades out.

Trommler and Avery were left, both smiling at their colleagues. Turning to her, Trommler offered his hand to hers and she instantly took it. Pulling her in close, he placed his free hand on her back and began to move them across the floor. “You look beautiful tonight.” He mumbled into her ear.

“Thank you.” She answered back softly. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Trommler smirked as they both placed their cheeks against one another and carried on with the dancing.

For a moment they forget there was a war going on outside.

Challenger NX-03, in orbit of Krios

Stretching her arms outwards, Lieutenant Commander Sandoval stifled a yawn as she reached for her a coffee mug as she sat comfortably in the captain’s chair. One leg sat on the other while she sipped on her coffee and read a tablet that she had been handed. It had the updated roster for the next day, with the captain and a few others off the ship with the negotiations taking place others would fill in for them.

She was about to approve it when an alarm went off at the tactical station. Gazing over to Ensign Reddick, who had taken over from Cortez who was down on the planet at the state dinner, she asked him what it was.

“Long range sensors have picked up movement from the Klingons ma’am.” He said after a second of double checking the readings. “I’m detecting an armada of Klingon warships on a direct course for here.” He looked at her as he spoke the last word.

“Go to tactical alert.” She ordered and looked over to the communication station. “Seb, send a message to the rest of the task group to go to a similar posture as us then see if you can raise the captain.”

Dalton, who was the ship’s third science officer had agreed to fill in for Ensign Avery and the rest of the protocol team who were on the surface. Partly familiar with the communications console, the ensign worked the controls as he was ordered.

“Martha, see if those probes and relays we dropped off after leaving Haydorian are still active and if they can get a better picture of the incoming Klingon fleet.” Sandoval ordered the second science officer. “I want to know the size and type of ships they are committing to this action.”

Habiba replied with an ‘aye’; as she turned in the chair to look into the ship’s scope to see if she could get a better connection. Commander Rodham had ordered the deployment of a few relays and probes on their way back to Krios to help them create an early warning system.

Now looking down at the helm, Sandoval carried on with giving out orders. “Angela, take us into a lower orbit of Krios, just in case we need to drop any of our shuttlepods down or have to beam our people back up. I don’t want distance creating a problem for us.”

The second helm officer carried out her commands and moved the Challenger.

Dalton then spoke up. “Sir, I’ve got the captain. He doesn’t seem happy.”

“Who would?” Sandoval uttered sarcastically before nodding for Dalton to put the captain up on the main bridge speakers. She was definitely crashing his party.

Stomping his way up the metal drop down ladder, Burton was already unzipping his dress uniform as he clambered out of Shuttlepod One. Scrambling out of the small craft behind him were some of those that had joined him on the planet and on the other side of the hangar bay, the rest who were in Shuttlepod Two were doing the same thing. Rodham had decided to fly it back to Challenger, so Burton was surprised to see he was the first one off. They met halfway on the gantry and already Burton was muttering to himself about what was now going on.

“How the hell did this happen?” He asked no-one particularly as they entered the decontamination chamber to be checked for any alien microbes. “Why didn’t General Merik contact us as agreed?”

Noticing that his captain was looking for answers, Rodham followed him as they went through the scanner and stood beside him. “Didn’t you say the other day that Klingons are known for their dramatic entrances?”

“I’m not sure I used dramatic to describe the Klingons, commander.” Burton grumbled back as the scans came back clear and the whole team were given the green light to leave the decon chamber at once.  “Abrasive, callous, harsh, even overbearing but not dramatic.” He shook his head one more time as they entered the corridor and made their way towards the nearest lift to the bridge. Hearing Ben-Ami say she was heading to sickbay and Masuko was going to engineering, Burton just waved them both off. “They are either going to invade or this is their way of showing their strength against the Romulans.”

“Let’s hope for the latter then.” Walker remarked as they approached the doors and the captain pressed the call button.

Crossing his arms against his chest, Burton was considering everything now. “Either way, this is not going to end well for us.”

“The Klingons may see our task group in orbit as a show of solidarity with the Kriosians.” Cortez remarked.

“We may have to reconsider pulling the task group out of the system sir.” Trommler advised.

Avery shook her head as the lift door opened allowing for them all to enter. “No, the Klingons know that we were the ones to present the evidence about the Romulans to them and the Kriosians. Surely they may see our presence as neutral?”

“Tanisha, however much we’d like to think that we need to remember that the Klingons don’t think like us.” Cortez stated. “They see anyone who stands up against them as possible targets, enemies in fact.”

“Don’t remind me.” Burton groaned as he rubbed his chin where a few cuts were still healing from his battle with Merik days ago. He then he noticed his new communication officer looked disappointed in herself for sharing her thoughts. “Tanisha, has a point though.”

“I do?” She asked, astonished.

“Yeah, we need to promote our neutrality at once.” Burton elaborated as soon the lift arrived at its destination. Burton led his officers out of the cart and then turned to Sandoval. “Rosa, report.”

Sandoval stood up and out of the captain’s chair as she relinquished command back to her commanding officer. “The Kriosian fleet is redeploying itself into a tactical defence formation. Civilian vessels are taking off from the ground and the Sovereign Guard has just sent a message out to all of their forces. The First Monarch has declared martial law and has raised their military’s readiness posture to their highest level. The rest of our task group has moved into a close formation away from the Kriosian ships.”

“And the Klingon armada?” Burton asked.

“They’re moving at warp three and heading straight for the Kriosian border. They’ve already left their own territory. The first wave of ships has over one hundred vessels.” Sandoval said as she pointed towards Habiba who was just getting out of the science station for Walker to take over. “Martha, tell the captain what you’ve found.”

Burton turned to look at the second science officer. “The lead ship is the Vor’chem and a good number of the ships are battlecruisers with birds of prey or raptors escorting what we believe are troop transports.”

“Damn, they are packing.” Rodham stated as he took over at the helm from Hathaway.

Shaking his head as he took his seat, Burton took a breath. “Have we heard anything from the Klingons?” He asked Sandoval.

“No sir, our repeated attempts at hailing them have gone unanswered.” Sandoval answered.

“Very well, thanks Rosa. I want you and Ensign Hathaway monitoring what’s happening in and around Krios the situation room.” Burton gestured to them two to take up a position where Trommler was now occupying himself. “The rest of you,” He said looking at Habiba, Dalton and Reddick, “Man your other stations.”

Reddick and Dalton left the bridge via the lift but Habiba remained where she was as Walker told her he wanted her to stay and to man the scope behind him.

“Rosa, did we get everyone back on the ship?” Burton checked as she started to make her way to the aft compartment of the bridge.

Looking back at him, Sandoval stopped in her tracks. “Yes sir, besides Corporal Jenkins, Lieutenant Stewart and Doctor Payne.”

Baffled by that last person (and angry at hearing Stewart hadn’t returned as he had ordered), Burton rotated his chair around to look at Sandoval. “Explain that.” He instructed her.

Sandoval showed her own bewilderment at that statement from Burton. “I’m sorry sir, I thought you knew?” Burton showed a further expression that he didn’t and wanted her to clarify further. “Lieutenant Stewart returned to the ship via the transporter but after Doctor Payne started to examine him, he became violently ill. She believed that his distance from Prince Kalluum was causing it. She insisted that we beam him back down and she returned with him to monitor his condition. I ordered them to find you immediately.”

Burton looked at Walker, who he had shared with while on the trip back to the ship about what Stewart and Jenkins had told him, and furthermore expressed his frustration through his tone.

“Obviously the panic of us departing and them returning to the planet we must have missed one another.”  Walker suggested.

Turning back around to face the main screen, Burton looked at Avery. “Ensign, can you hail our landing party.”

Avery nodded and pressed her earpiece with one finger while using the other hand to open a channel. “I’ve got Doctor Payne, sir.” She informed him as she switched the channel to the main bridge speakers.

“Doctor Payne, update, please.” Burton said through gritted teeth.

“Captain, we’ve just been informed of what’s happening with the Klingons when we were trying to find you. I’m so sorry sir, I had no choice in the matter but to bring Lieutenant Stewart back down to the planet. It was a matter of life or death.” Payne explained.

“I understand the circumstances, is Niall okay now?” Burton asked as he stood up and placed his hands on his hips as he began to pace the small raised area around his chair.

“He is and I now believe I understand how we can counter the effect these joinings are having on both Niall and Liam.” Payne answered. “However I need at least another hour or so to prepare the treatment. The First Monarch has offered the help of her personal doctors who are helping us.”

Sighing at hearing that, Burton rubbed his forehead as he spoke up. “Doctor, you may not have an hour or so.”

“I can’t fast-forward science here sir.” Payne stated as a matter of fact.

Burton got that. “Understood, standby.” He nodded to Avery to mute the channel as he looked over to Trommler. “Luis, how quickly can you assemble the entire MACO detachment?”

“Everyone, sir?” Trommler checked.

“Yes, everyone.” Burton said, almost sounding more annoyed that Trommler had asked that.

“Twenty  minutes.” The MACO commander said.

“You’ve got ten.” Burton said assertively.  “I want you to split your teams up between the shuttlepods and the transporter bay. I want a full protection detail protecting our missing crewmembers and then I want you to extract them the moment it is safe to remove them.”

Hathaway moved forward and offered to fly one of the shuttlepods, of which Burton approved.

Avery from her station gave a concerned look as her eyes met Trommler’s as he made his way towards the lift with Hathaway. She mouthed the words ‘good luck’ to him and he replied with a smile and by placing his right hand over his heart, just as the doors closed behind him.

Burton returned to the matter at hand. “Tanisha, send a message to the First Monarch that we’re going to attempt to find out what the Klingons are doing.”

Snapping out of her brief daze with Trommler, the communications officer nodded in response to her superior.

“Commander Rodham, lay in a course for the Vor’chem, maximum warp.” He ordered his first officer and pilot as he returned to his chair.

Rodham turned in his chair and spoke up. “One ship against a whole fleet, sir?” He questioned.

“We need to know what General Merik’s answer is. I want to hear it from him.” Burton said, sounding almost desperate.

Sighing heavily, Rodham turned his attention back to the helm and began plotting in the course.

“Sir, the First Monarch wishes to speak to you.” Avery announced, her finger still pressed tightly against her earpiece.

“Put her up.” Burton told her.

The main screen changed from showing the impressive view of Krios from orbit to that of First Monarch Kaitaama in what appeared to be a military command room. “Fleet Captain Burton, my generals tell me that they believe this is it. The Klingons are going to invade us.”

“That’s a possibility, your Majesty.” Burton said, “I’m planning to take Challenger and to confirm if that is the case or at least try and settle this as we agreed with them.”

“Please captain, do not place yourselves in any more harm, I beg of you.” Kaitaama pleaded.

“I started this venture in finding a way to stop the Romulans manipulating your people, and I plan to see it through to the end.” Burton replied with conviction.

“That is noble of you.” She paused to take a breath, almost as if she was weighing up more heavy options and decisions she didn’t want to make. “Captain, we only spoke moments ago about a partnership between our people, may I make one final request?”

Surprised to hear that, Burton wondered where the Kriosian leader was going with this. “Of course.”

“The scientists, engineers and researchers I promised to send to Earth, well they’re preparing to board the Kamala shortly. May I ask that you take them and their families as refugees and then leave our space at once?” Kaitaama pleaded. “If they survive helping your people then Krios will survive somewhere and somehow. We owe you so much.”

Burton, who was now standing beside Rodham, looked at him showing his own amazement at that request. “That’s very generous Your Majesty, but we’ve not signed an alliance agreement. You don’t owe us anything”

“We don’t need to be allies to be friends.” Kaitaamas replied.

Nodding a few times, Burton agreed to her request and told Avery to have their task group rendezvous with the Kamala and to escort it out of Kriosian space and back to Earth territory. Returning his focus back to Kaitaama, he spoke up. “Your Majesty, I still have my people on the ground. I’m sending my MACOs down to protect and have them returned to us once Doctor Payne completes her treatments.” Burton wasn’t asking for permission, he was telling her what he was doing.

She nodded in agreement. “That is acceptable, captain. Good luck.”  She closed the channel.

“Captain Trommler’s teams are ready to go, sir.” Rodham announced.

Tapping the nearest communications panel (the one on top of the helm), Burton called down to his MACO commander. “Bridge to Trommler.”

“Go ahead sir.” Came the response.

“Captain, I want to make it clear, whatever it takes for you to go in, protect our people and get them out safely is your priority.” Burton told him. “Now the moment we drop you off we are preparing to depart to intercept the Klingons. If we don’t make it back, I want you on Voyager or the Republic, heading out of the system.”

“Jawohl Kapitän.” Trommler answered in a quiet but thick German accent.

“Godspeed. Burton out.” He tapped the panel closed and made his way to his chair. “Ensign Avery, anything from the Klingons yet?”

Shaking her head, the communications panel looked disappointed to give her answer.

“Then send them a message informing them we are on our way.” Burton ordered with a heavy sigh. “Alex, the moment the MACOs are gone take us out of orbit and engage warp drive.”

“Message sent.” Avery confirmed.

“MACOs are away.” Walker announced.

“Engaging warp drive.” Rodham reported.

Challenger spun on its axis, gaining speed from its impulse speed as it made its rapid movement away from Krios. In the background the two shuttlepods were entering the upper atmosphere. As soon as they disappeared Challenger jumped to warp.

The Great Sovereign Palace, Lodstead, Krios Prime

In the emergency bunker that was several thousand kilometres underground, Doctor Payne was monitoring both Jenkins and Stewart who were lying on gurneys. This small medical facility was meant to be the First Monarch and the rest of the royal family, instead Her Majesty insisted on Payne using it to treat her comrades.

Jenkins appeared weak on where he laid while Stewart was more conscious. Both of them had a drip that was injecting them with a treatment that Payne had been able to devise with the monarch’s personal doctor. From the scans taken of the empathic metamorphic process that Stewart had undergone with Kalluum, Payne had been able to devise a way of correcting the chemical imbalance it created within both Stewart and Jenkins. It was starting to work well on Stewart while Jenkins required more time and a higher dosage.

“Why do I feel so rough?” Jenkins moaned from his bed as he clutched the side of his stomach.

Scanning him, Payne could see what was happening. “From what I can see your body is reacting in the same fashion that it would do if you were pregnant.”

“How’s that possible? I’m not a wo-” Jenkins paused as he felt the inside of his stomach start to disagree with him and he instantly pulled onto a nearby bowl as he threw up the contents of what he had eaten at the state dinner.

Payne rubbed his back. “It’s all about those hormones that the First Monarch is feeding you while your body is dealing with the treatment. Sorry Liam, you are going to go through a whirlwind of symptoms that relate to pregnancy.”

“As long as he doesn’t start craving chocolate, we should be okay.” Stewart said, slightly smirking at the discomfort his husband was going over.

Payne gave Jenkins a bottle of water before turning to Stewart. “How are you feeling?”

“A burning headache and it feels like I’ve got burning needles running through my head.” Stewart answered. “I’m feeling slightly agitated and tired too.”

Scanning him as well, Payne could see what was happening. “I’m taking a slight increase in dopamine levels, that accounts for an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure.”

“Can’t you give me something to counteract that?” Stewart almost begged.

“Normally I would, but I think this is the treatment working. I’ll monitor you, don’t worry, Niall.” Payne assured him, just as Jenkins threw up behind him.

The doors to the medical centre then flew open revealing the arrival of the First Monarch and her husband. Payne instantly greeted them. “Your Majesty, Your Highness – are you both okay?”

Nodding, Kaitaama spoke first. “We are fine, thank you doctor; we wanted to check in on them both.”

“Besides the side effects of the treatment, they’ll recover.” Payne stated confidently.

“Doctor, I know that by us being close to them, it will help them but we have a pressing matter that requires me to leave Krios.” Kalluum explained, “I need to go prepare our forces at our shipyards. If I depart, will it kill Niall?”

Payne looked at Stewart and then back to the prince. “No, I believe the treatment is working but he will have just as rough a ride of it like Liam is having.”

Kalluum turned to Stewart and began pleading his case, “My dear friend, I am sorry for the suffering I have caused you but can I ask you to endure more so I can prepare my people for the upcoming storm?”

Stewart just nodded and understood how important it was for the prince to be elsewhere right now. Thanking him with a huge bear hug, Kalluum wished him and Liam a speedy recovery before saying goodbye to his wife followed by a quick departure from the room.

Kaitaama remained for a moment and took a small breath in while she hugged her stomach.

“Your Majesty, are you okay?” Payne asked with concern.

Kaitaama smiled back in response. “Let me know how they do. Your captain is sending down your MACOs to come protect you and bring you all back to Challenger when you are done here. I’ll have them shown the way the moment they arrive.”

“Thank you.” Payne said, now showing some worry for the Kriosian monarch.

Challenger NX-03

Challenger raced through the stars as it made its way to intercept the Klingon flagship. The bridge was silent as everyone waited patiently for their journey to end.

Holding on to the end of his chair’s arms tightly, Burton remained sat up straight, posed to speak to General Merik and hopefully find a way to end this crisis before it got out of hand. Remaining rigid but calm, Burton was certain he would have to make rapid decisions in the next five minutes that could cost them the entire war effort.

The lift doors quickly opened and Ben-Ami rushed out of them. Her sudden appearance surprised everyone and she soon spoke up. “Good, we’ve not reached the Klingons yet.”

“Kefira, what is it?” Burton asked her.

Holding a tablet in her hands she passed something over to the captain. “I’ve been finishing off the review that Hillary started on the scans that I took of Merik on Haydoria, before he collapsed. The general mentioned a virus called the nehret and that it was like old age. Well he was right, he did have the virus.”

“Poor guy,” Burton said in a sarcastic tone. “How does this help us?” He asked her as he quickly scanned the contents of what she was showing him.

Ben-Ami took the tablet back and showed him another page. “I think I might be able to devise a treatment specifically for Merik. Seeing as he was infected by that nasty case of Levodian flu that Enterprise and Columbia dealt with last year then his immune system may not be as strong as a regular Klingon. Basically, I’m not surprised he got ill and exhausted from the battle. If we can save him then, it might be something that can help with your upcoming diplomatic efforts? Plus I am certain that whatever Niall observed Kalluum doing to Merik had nothing to do with nehret. From what I can see the Kriosians only use their empathic powers to share their thoughts and feelings. ”

Burton smiled and showed his appreciation with Ben-Ami. “Thanks Kefira, so you’re saying that Kalluum didn’t exasperate Merik’s condition?”

Shaking her head, Ben-Ami was certain with his conclusions. “I think he only shared what he was feeling and most likely imparted on the general his determination to win the fight and to make the general reconsider his position. From what I’m reading of Hillary’s research, then the Kriosians can only sense and to a certain point share their feelings, nothing more.”

“Very well, stick around as I may need you.” Burton replied.

“We’ve got an incoming hail from the Vor’chem.” Avery reported, interrupting the moment the captain and chief medical officer were having.

“Put it up.” Burton said the moment he heard her words and looked at the main screen with determination.

Flicking to show the image of the Klingon bridge, Burton was a bit taken back by the scene before him. Merik was not sitting in the command chair, instead it was Korg. “Commander Korg, you honour me for answering my hail.” Burton said, remaining strong and calm. “May I speak to General Merik?

“That’s General Korg to you, pathetic petaQ!” Korg snapped back as he looked at Burton with huge beedy eyes and a distaste for him. “General Merik is dead and most likely on the Barge of the Dead, heading towards Gre’thor no thanks to the dishonourable death you and your Kriosian friend gave him.”

Stunned to hear that bombshell from Korg, Burton squinted his eyes after giving Ben-Ami a look to say that her efforts were for nothing. “I don’t understand what you mean? The general was alive after we concluded our honourable summit.”

Laughing out loud, Korg shook his head. “Then if you do not know then you are more of a fool than Merik was in giving you a chance to defeat him in battle.” Korg’s attitude and entire body language changed instantly. He was serious and sitting up straight as he sneered at Burton, showing his sharp teeth. “Mark my words Fleet Captain Burton, we are going to make the Kriosians suffer for making fools of us and for killing our general. They will become subjects of the Klingon Empire.”

“General, I have shown you the evidence of the Romulans tampering and meddling in the affairs of your Empire. You cannot allow their actions to go unanswered and unjustified.” Burton said, absolutely gutted that everything he had done was now unravelling before him. “General Merik promised me that what we shared with you would be taken to your Chancellor and High Council. I had his word and as his former first officer, I expect you to honour that.”

Shaking his head, Korg was not having any of it. “The general died on the floor of the Great Chambers when he was trying to present your evidence. He was poisoned by the Kriosians and the nehret got him. His death is of no consequence. We will honour him completing the campaign he started to ensure his journey to Gret’hor is halted and instead he is sent to Sto’vo’kor.”

“No, you’ve got this all wrong.” Burton countered back with. “Merik was not poisoned by the Kriosians. He said it himself, it was this nehret that affected him at the end of our fight. It sounded like he knew a lot about it and my doctor believes she can help you find a cure to this virus. Please reconsider and let us return back to our original agreement to deal with the Romulans.”

 “We have already sent a message back to the Romulans when we destroyed their fleet near our shared border with the Kriosians and all Klingon ships now have standing orders to open fire on any Romulan ships close to our territory, but we will not join you in battle against them. The nehret is only old age, it affects those who are not strong enough. Merik was strong, your lies about the Kriosians not infecting him will be ignored. We know the truth and the Kriosians will pay for what they did to the general.” Korg spat out. “Now if you want to remain and fight alongside them, then go ahead but make sure you understand that the moment you have sided against us in battle, we do not forgive or forget! Your planet would be next!”

He then cut the channel and Burton gave out a huge sigh. “Damn it.” He cursed and immediately told Rodham to turn them around and head to Krios at maximum warp.

Rodham looked over his shoulder after altering their course, “Sir, are we going to help the Kriosians?”

Slumping back into his chair, Burton shook his head. “No.” He simply answered.

The Great Sovereign Palace, Lodstead, Krios Prime

Watching from her underground bunker the arrival of the Klingon armada, First Monarch Kaitaama held her breath and pushed back a tear. She couldn’t believe this day had arrived. She had held on to hope that Fleet Captain Burton would be successful but after he had called ahead to say that Merik was dead and the Klingons were blaming her people, then she knew everything was over. Ordering her military to make one final stand, she declared martial law across her world. The Kamala was finally launched and escorted away. On board the ship, not only did she send their best scientists and engineers plus their families, but also other government officials and as many civilians the ship could take. She requested from Burton that those she sent could become refugees among the Commonwealth, far away from the Klingons and attempt to build a new Krios. A government in exile. Kindly he had agreed to help.

“Your Majesty,” spoke one of her generals, “His Highness, First Prince Consort Kalluum reports he has engaged the Klingons on the far edges of our system by several of our shipyards.”

Thanking the general, she genuinely hoped that Kalluum was able to slow the advance of the Klingon ships while the last of the evacuation ships left Krios.

“What about Challenger?” She asked the general.

“They’ve just dropped out of warp and are moments away from entering a low orbit.” Her answer came. “However, it would seem that several Klingon ships have followed them in but on the other side of the planet. They’re launching their troop transports now, heading for the capital!”

“Damn it. Have all available forces open fire.” Kaitaama ordered.

Bursting through the medical centre, almost at warp speed, Trommler led his team through to find Payne running a scan on Jenkins who was sitting up on the bed he had been lying on while Stewart was puking his guts up now.

“Sir, is everything okay?” Jenkins asked his superior.

“It’s good to see you too Liam.” Trommler said as he pointed to his MACOs to take up a defence position. “And no it’s not okay. We’ve been sent down to assist in getting you guys out of here and fast.”

Stewart finished heaving up and rolled himself off the bed as Payne quickly came over to help him. “What’s happening now?”

“The Klingons have launched an invasion and are already laying down troops in the capital city. Challenger is about to come into orbit and we need to get out of here!” Trommler stated. “Doctor, are Liam and Niall able to move?”

Payne just nodded. “They are, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to make it up those stairs we came down originally.”

Stewart looked at his husband, “We can do it, right Liam?”

Jenkins nodded, holding his stomach still. “It’s better than taking on any blood thirty Klingons right now.”

“If we can’t make it to the shuttlepods, we’ve got a plan B.” Trommler indicated towards the two MACOs behind him that were wearing the full combat gear, including helmets and masks. Taking their gear off they soon revealed themselves not to be MACOs.

Payne was surprised to see one of them, “Colleen, what are you doing here?”

The other revealed his identity and both Stewart and Jenkins were surprised by the other person. “Theo!” They both said in unison.

The engineers stepped forward. “We knew the captain wanted to quickly extract you all, so we came up with a back up plan just in case conventional MACO tactics don’t work.” Malone explained.

Metaxas pulled his rucksack around and pulled out three long cylinder shaped devices with cones on top. “They’re called transporter enhancers. They basically help us beam something back up and avoid the transporter scanners from losing patterns.”

“It was Theo’s idea to create such devices after the Battle of the Bassen Rift.” Malone added.

“Actually it was an idea that Commander Stanton was tinkering with but I wanted to complete his work.” Metaxas explained. A proud smirk now appeared across his face.

All of them appreciated what he had done, after the fact they had lost Major Yu, Commander Stanton and Lieutenant Conrad due to the fact they couldn’t transport them back in time, this would definitely make a difference.

“Sir, we’ve just heard from squad two that Klingons are heading in this direction.” announced Private Rafterty.

“Right, ladies and gents, enough chit chat,” Trommler said in an assertive voice, “we need to move.”

The team started to move out of the medical complex and towards the flight of stairs and tunnels they would need to use to exit the bunker. As they did, the Klingons started to fire on the palace above them. The grounds started to shake and dust and grit began to fall down on them.

“Scarlet Dame to Streak, the shuttlepod positions are becoming precarious. We’ve got a hoard of incoming Klingon troops. They are shelling us.” Spoke First Lieutenant Alder over the communicator.

Trommler paused climbing as he replied. “Understood Scarlet Dame, standby.” He pressed a button on his communicator and hailed his assistant detachment. “Cleopatra from Streak, status report?”

Second Lieutenant Javini’s voice came over the channel. “Sir, our position is about to be overrun by Klingons!”

“Looks like we’re going to plan B.” Trommler announced before he told both Adler and Javini to lift off and head back to the ship. He suggested to the rest of his team that they climb higher and get into one of the nearby tunnels to set up the transporter enhancers before he called Challenger. “Trommler to Challenger, come in Challenger.”

“Go ahead captain!” Came the response from Burton.

Smiling to hear the captain’s voice, Trommler updated his superior about the situation. “So without fighting off the Klingons, I want to try Ensign Metaxas’ plan B.”

“Understood. We’re moving the ship into a lower orbit to assist further. Set up your enhancers and give us the go ahead when you’re ready for transport. Good luck!” Burton said.

The team quickly worked to set up the transporter enhancers. All three came to life, Metaxas and Malone were fiddling with them and checking they were operational.

“I think we’re good to go!” Metaxas said.

“Agreed.” Malone confirmed.

“Trommler to Challenger, let’s go!”

“Standby!” spoke the voice of Lieutenant Masuko.

Trommler held his rifle close as more dust fell on them and the transporter beam engulfed them all.

Challenger NX-03

“Transporter bay to the bridge,”  said Masuko over the intercom, “transport successful. We have everyone.

Relieved to hear that, Burton smiled and looked down at his first officer. “Alex, take us up and plot a course away from the Klingon armada,” He paused for a second before he finished his sentence, “and Krios.”

“Aye sir.” Rodham said as he took the ship out of the planet’s atmosphere, avoided the incoming invasion and soon the Challenger jumped to warp.

Entering the command deck of the R’Keth, Admiral Kameetha smirked with pride as she looked around the latest invention created by her people. Their new flagship, a bigger and bolder design to use out in the field, was ready for launch and Praetor D’deridex had already given his blessing (and authority) for her to assume command of it as well as their war efforts against the hevams. As wide as a Bird-of-Prey, the only difference was the long neck that extended from the main body and a V-shaped head at the front of the vessel.

Wearing the standard uniform for a Romulan in the Star Navy, Kameetha pushed her short bobbed brown hair behind her left ear as she gazed further at her newest trophy.

Approaching her chair, which almost looked like a throne with the huge rounded headset on it, the admiral placed her hands gently on top. Before she could sit in it the doors to the lift opened and Commander Sirrel, her adjutant, stepped off. “Admiral,” He said with a slight bow of his head before approaching her with a data tablet in his hands. “The fleet is almost assembled.”

“Excellent.” She replied as she took the information off him and skim read over it. “Excellent.” She repeated herself before handing it back to Sirrel. “I am surprised at how quickly we were able to assemble such resources.”

“Well ma’am, ever since Admiral Valdore’s project of trying to capture htirrn vessels to use against one another has now come to an end, we are more able to go on the offensive.” Sirrel stated.

Agreeing with a slight ‘hmm’ noise, Kameetha carried on looking around the command deck of the R’Keth. “This is truly a marvellous vessel.”

“And others will be completed in several months to join her.” Sirrel remarked. “I have ordered for a bottle of kali-fal to be present in the senior officer’s celebration dinner tonight.”

“The thirty-nine, K’ri’Brax?” She checked about the date of the aromatic beverage she thoroughly enjoyed.

“What else?” He replied with.

“It will be one of many toasts and times we will be celebrating in the coming days, my old friend.” She replied back with the same grin she had on earlier. The two of them had known one another for a long time and after seeing an opportunity to promote her own agenda, thanks to Sirrel, she was able to convince her superiors that Valdore’s plan of trying to manipulate conflicts with local powers was not getting them anywhere sooner to their goal of controlling and conquering what was near to them. Valdore’s remaining fleet had been caught out by the sudden arrival of the hevam’s forces while the ​​Klivams and Krisvams were fighting one another. When it had appeared that the hevams had almost convinced the Klivams to concentrate their focus against the Rihannsu forces, Valdore’s influence with the Senate had significantly reduced.  Though the Klivams had not sided with the hevams and had decimated the Krisvams forces before conquering their homeworld, they had wiped out Valdore’s fleet in a blistering blow to the Rihannsu military. When  Kameetha had rallied support from key senators on the Continuing Committee as well as fellow commanders and admirals, she had not expected to receive such a full endorsement and one from the praetor himself.

Her plan was simple and she was taking a page out of the book that the Klingons followed. She would take a more aggressive approach against their enemies, one that they would not expect. She would attack each world and cause so much damage that would force them to surrender. She would bombard their planets with highly toxic thermonuclear based warheads. And her first target was a daring one and one she knew she had to succeed in dealing a cripple blow to the hevams.

She would launch an attack against Terrha.

Earth.