Topic: Derelict

[kadh2000]

[Okay, this is just a teaser but I wanted to put something down so y'all know I'm really here - Kadh]

"Captain," the helmsman said excitedly, "there's something ahead!"

Captain V'traia of Vulcan lifted an eyebrow in surprise.  He considered his response and the nature of his crew before replying.  More than his wont would be required.  "Already?  There should not be anything this soon after exiting the Galaxy.  Probes and our own long-range sensors should have detected it first."

The science officer wasn't Vulcan but Romulan, something V'traia had argued against but had been overruled by Starfleet command.  All the major races of the Federation had a bridge presence on the Galaxy, even if human was the most common.  Egidius looked nervous as he answered what he felt was the captain's unspoken question.  How had he overlooked something like this?  Egidius was certain the Vulcan was wishing he were of the same race.  "I detected an object in this position an hour ago, but as it had no energy signature and was motionless, I discarded it as a natural object.  I will re-analyze it now."

He turned to his console, away from the captain's stern eyes.  Egidius blinked, phrasing the proper questions in his mind, and the data begin to appear on several screens in front of him.  "The object is indeed artificial; its outline is too geometric.  It is approximately 200 meters in length.  It has a very low-level power source of dilithium type.  There are no life signs."

"I can put it on the main viewer now," said the helmsman.  Momentarily the grey-green object appeared for all to see.  "A Klingon D7 battlecruiser?" he said doubtfully," looking at the broad body and impulse engines of the ship that were visible from their angle.

"It is a K't'inga class battlecruiser," clarified the Klingon tactical officer.  Gorgath frowned at the image.  He knew the shape from ancient history.  "The design has not been used in nearly eight centuries.  None of that type were present in Operation Unity and the Klingon Empire never sent any ships back to the LMC.  Galaxy is the first Federation ship to follow this route in nearly as long."  He grinned in almost an apologetic manner.  "I am a student of ancient history."

"It has served us well here, lieutenant.  Mark the location," V'traia ordered, "and send it back with our first communique.  They can send a follow-up ship if they're interested in an old derelict.  Our mission is to the Andromedan Galaxy."

The Galaxy gracefully moved around the hulk of the ancient warship and continued onward.  Gorgath kept the vessel on his personal viewer as they passed it by.  The ship rotated slowly by until he could see the underside of the hull near its main bridge.  There was a faint orange glow from the disrupter emitter.  He looked at it more closely.  The emitter was surrounded by a yellow circle painted on the hull    two windows blinked like eyes above it.  Gorgath contained a shout.  He could not hide the excitement in his voice, though.  "Captain, we have to investigate that ship!"

Kadhedit: argghghghh!  stupid grammatical (and even worse - spelling) errors!

[Commander Maxillius]

wtf, a smiley-face on the disruptor emitter?  This Klingon had an odd sense of humor, or it's a privateer.

[Commander La'ra]

I'm vaguely familiar with those markings.  Thus, I chuckle, yet feel a certain bit of anticipation as well.

[Commander Maxillius]

My imagination is eating a hole through my head!  Please, for the sake of my sanity (and everyone elses, we need to keep my imagination contained), post more! 

[Czar Mohab]

If this is what I think it is... then WOOHOO!! if not, then just WOO!

Czar Mohab

[kadh2000]

[Another FYI for you guys.... I'm making this up as I go along without any forethought just to see what happens.  I write a bit online every night and stop when I feel like it.  It's going to take a while to get to the end, but I'm doing a little bit every day]

V'traia turned at the sudden outburst from the weapon's officer.  "Why?" he asked, curious.

"It's the Screaming Dizbuster!" Gorgath replied as excitedly as he had previously. 

"Screaming Dizbuster?" V'traia arched a single eyebrow and glanced at his executive officer.  It was clear to the Vulcan that Gorgath's emotional state would preclude a concise answer."

Data McCleod, a seventh generation Sung-type artificial life form, cocked his head as he accessed his external database.  "A whale-like predator of the oceans of Qo'nos, so called because it makes a screaming noise as it attacks its prey.  Also, the correct entry, the flagship of Admiral Kadh of the Klingon Empire in the late twenty-third century.  The ship was destroyed with all of its crew in the year 2295 in a battle during the Andromedan Invasion.  There are apocryphal reports of Admiral Kadh having survived the battle, but none verifiable."

Gorgath bristled but held his composure.  "I am of the house of Kempor, who was Kadh's executive officer on the Screaming Dizbuster.  In his journals, Lord Kempor recorded that Kadh had survived and stole a ship to engage in a final battle with a Federation rival."

"Who, forgive me for asking," interrupted the helmsman, "is this Kadh you are talking about?"

Commander McCleod replied before Gorgath could speak.  "Kadh was a prominent military figure during the later part of the first General War.  Considered to be the Kor of his day, and I do not believe I need to tell you who Kor was, he was considered a tactical genius.  He acquired the honorific 'Impenetrable' in deference to his success in battle.  Much as Kirk was associated with the Klingons Koloth and Kang throughout his career, Kadh had a friendly rivalry with a Federation Admiral Blyre.  Admiral Blyre retired in the year 2325 and is not mentioned again in history."

"Historical record says this cannot be your Screaming Dizbuster, Lieutenant," V'traia addressed Gorgath.  "What causes you to believe otherwise?"

"The unique hull markings.  The Screaming Dizbuster, according to Kemoor's journals, had a 'smiley face' around its forward disrupter emitter.  This ship has such a design."

"This does not justify a delay in our mission," V'traia replied.  He studied the Klingon for telltale responses.  "Our schedule does, however, provide enough leeway that a short away mission can be allowed.  Commander McCleod, take Lieutenant Gorgath and an away team and examine the ship.  Find out what it is and what it is doing here."

Gorgath bowed.  "Thank you sir.  You will not be disappointed in what we find."

Encouragement seemed to be called for.  “Enjoy yourself, Lieutenant,” V’traia said as the Klingon made his way to the transporter.

[Commander Maxillius]

most... puzzling...  a power source still functioning after 800 years on a ship presumed destroyed for just as long.

And what manner of drive would allow the Federation to explore nearby galaxies while being able to detect things in normal space?

[Commander La'ra]

Nice.

Nothing more to say yet.  Just 'nice'.

[kadh2000]

Nice.

Nothing more to say yet.  Just 'nice'.

That's really about all this is worth so far.  At about 500 words a day, it will be slow going.

most... puzzling...  a power source still functioning after 800 years on a ship presumed destroyed for just as long.

And what manner of drive would allow the Federation to explore nearby galaxies while being able to detect things in normal space?

re: the Klingon ship.  Yeah, it's a mystery.  Will be revealed in future installments.  As for the Federation ship: Given the point in the future in which this is set, I call it 'magic' - or at least something I don't have to explain because I have no idea what it would be.

[Commander Maxillius]

Aye, it would amount to magic.  I'm picturing something resembling the Welles-class timeship with the weird paintjob and not a single straight line on her.

[Governor Ronjar]

Very nice for an [as my RPG gamers say] out-of-your-ass story. I don't know if I could piece one together quite this way.

Keep er up!

--rog

[kadh2000]

[You know, it seems unreasonable that a high tech away team couldn't make an unfamiliar interior area reasonably easy to investigate, even if that area was long-abandoned.  What a disgusting way to force me to remove all spookiness from my idea for this part...]

The away team materialized on what they hoped to be the main bridge of the ancient battlecruiser.  The space was dark and lifeless.  For a brief moment, the only sensations were the touch of the metal deck beneath them, the stale smell of an environment long depleted of its natural oxygen supply, and the faint sound of an engine - more of a physical sensation than a noise - somewhere in a distant part of the derelict.  They had brought their air supply with them and their own light.  It started dimly so as not to blind them, then quickly grew to fill the entire space with the brightness they were used to aboard their own vessel.  They had not brought their own gravity and were forced to rely on repulsors to maintain proper orientation to the ship.

What they saw did not give Commander McLeod much confidence in finding anything of use.  There were no obvious crew stations, and the only chair was empty.  A small console and keypad were attached to the chair.  "Klingon procedure of that era expected the crew to stand when on duty except for the captain," Gorgath commented.  "The controls were mostly touch activated.  Without active power, I don't think we'll be able to learn much."

"Can we emulate something this primitive that would allow us to access the controls?" asked a security ensign. 

"Given time we could," McLeod replied.  "Should this ship bear further investigation by Galaxy, we will be able to do so.  Engineering is working on the problem already.  In the interim, let's move on."  The commander forced the doors open and looked into the shafts beyond.  "This was called a turbolift.  It was used for internal transport.  We will have to walk." He leaped easily across the shaft that descended to the lower decks and to the tube beyond.  "It doesn't appear long enough to be the main route," he said.  "We'll go down until we find it.  We'll use that to make our way to the active power source."

Gorgath reached for the ladder and began making his way down.  The others followed carefully.  When the echoes of their conversation stretched to unknown distances, they ceased their descent and began walking down what they hoped was the main shaft.  It went perhaps sixty meters before coming to an abrupt end.  "Security doors of some sort?" speculated the science officer assigned to the mission.  After some moments of searching, they were able to verify his guess and find a covered manual override system for the door.  Commander McLeod checked with their own ship to make certain what lay beyond wasn't open to space and then they proceeded into the rest of the ship.

Almost immediately beyond the doors they were confronted with another blockage.  "Turbolift car," explained McLeod.  "It will have a hatch we can use."  Beyond the first car was a second and then a third.  It made for slow going.  "We'll have to get out of this and into the standard areas of the ship.  I wonder if they just put them here for storage or out of necessity."

Gorgath wanted to say something to show he knew more about this ship than his superior, but the android had access to a much larger database.  Besides, despite his Klingon heritage, Gorgath didn't have a clue.  He was pleased to be returning to the 'occupied' areas of the ship.  The tube may have been efficient, but it was also extremely boring.

A short distance beyond the third car, they found doors that allowed them to exit the shaft.  The deck the door opened onto was narrow and the ceiling was low.  "I believe," Gorgath said, "that we have passed out of the boom and into the main hull of the ship."  He seemed to remember something.  "Wasn't the boom capable of operating independently from the rest of the ship?"

"That is correct," replied the commander.  "It was a design peculiarity of that era both in the Federation and in the Klingon Empire.  It could have been sealed in preparation for such a separation.  Why it was never performed is another thing we can hope to find out."  He began to walk, his head bent to avoid hitting the roof.

It wasn't long before their passage was blocked by a door.  They had to force it open and were surprised to find the area beyond bathed in a dim red light.  "We seem to have found the area of the power source," Gorgath commented dryly.

"No," replied the commander.  "That's further in.  This area did not have power when we arrived." 

The science officer waved his scanner about the large room that was beyond the door.  "Simple but ingenious," he said.  "They have taken the energy from our lights and converted it to power these lights.  I don't think this is something the original design was capable of.  It must have been added perhaps centuries after the ship was built."

McLeod immediately contacted the Galaxy.  "We appear to have elicited a response from the ship at least.  Some systems, only lights so far, are becoming active in response to our presence.  We're continuing toward the power source."

A harsh, unfamiliar voice spoke almost as if in response.  There were sounds in it that Gorgath knew but he could not piece together their entire meaning.  He looked for the source of the sound and found a simple console alongside the door they had entered through.  He then realized the others were looking at him.  "I don't understand the ancient language.  Klingon has evolved since then."

"The translator got it," replied the science officer.  "I'll replay it."

"This is Kadh son of Qoheleth.  You are intruding on my ship.  Follow the lighted corridors immediately."  Gorgath felt exultant.  He had been right.

[Czar Mohab]

Lenir to Sheridan: Woo Hoo?

Me to Kadh: WOO FRIGGEN HOO!!

Was wondering if you would ever get to telling the story of what happened. I (I suppose we) always kinda knew, but...

I share Gorgath's excitement. It is, after all, the Screamin' D!!

Czar "Exactly as I thought" Mohab

[Commander Maxillius]

Dude, sweet!  Shoulda known it would be Kadh's ship. 

The Klingon on the away team seems... different somehow.  I've never heard of a nerdy Klingon, but this guy fills the bill.  I like him, please don't kill him off, like.. ever! lol 

I like this!

[Governor Ronjar]

There are ways you could have kept some of the creepiness in the exploration of the ship, but the feeling might have been downplayed by whatever excuses used for said tech to not be useful. It's give or take, I suppose. Good feel to the tale thus far though. Keep it up.

I'm not up on the prior tales of Kadh, so this is among my first encounters with said ship.

--guv!

[kadh2000]

[This kind of writing can produce some really bad prose, as I note when reading over yesterday's installment.  I'm very sleepy tonight and I write the following only because I promised myself to put something down every day.]

"Do you think it's a trap of some sort?" the security ensign asked.

"Of course it's a trap," Gorgath retorted.  "I'd be surprised if the whole ship wasn't trapped.  Our only consolation is that some of them will have had eight hundred years to wear out."

"Do you think the 'turbolift' cars were a trap that isn't working any longer?" the ensign persisted.

"More than likely they were the kind of trick meant to delay visitors long enough to power up this section," answered Commander McLeod.  "If so, they have fulfilled their purpose.  Let's go."

[Czar Mohab]

You can't get away with leaving us all hangin like that...


Czar "More, please!" Mohab

[kadh2000]

I'm not.  I just don't work weekends.  Expect the next part this evening.

[kadh2000]

It was now the security ensign that led the away team through the ancient ship.  Gorgath paused at one intersection as inspiration hit him.  "Commander, have you noticed that there are no signs of failure due to age or of any real damage to the ship?"

"Affirmative, Lieutenant," McLeod replied.  "It did not seem relevant as we already expect a deception of some type."  The security ensign tightened his grip on his cap gun and his knuckles whitened.  Gorgath merely curled his lip in disgust... after McLeod's attention had returned to their path. 

After some time, they entered a corridor where the lights ended.  "The power source is behind the entrance ahead," the scientific expert commented.  As they neared it, the door slid open before them, the first sign of activity they had yet seen.  Beyond it, the chamber was filled with light.  Their visors quickly compensated for the increased light level as they went ahead. 

It was, Gorgath believed, the engineering room.  A large number of darkened consoles and once-informative panels filled the wall and floor space of the room.  Smaller tubes of the sort they had been forced to climb through on their journey through the ship lead down into what he expected to be the engines.  Atop a pedestal of some sort, white crystals glowed with energy.  "Dilithium?"

"Correct," answered the science officer.  A very small amount.  Probably enough to maintain the present power level for about a year based on the rate of decay."

Eager to show his expertise on the period, Gorgath asked "Weren't they supposed to re-crystallize?  Shouldn't that make them last longer."

Crushing his pride, the science officer replied, "Already accounted for.  It's a simple formula."

"Then why not give an exact answer?" Gorgath muttered under his breath. 

Apparently the science officer had overheard him.  "Three hundred sixty-four days, twenty-one hours, seven minutes and... fourteen, thirteen, twelve seconds."

"What?"  Commander McLeod, who had been ignoring the banter, turned sharply.  "That would make it one year, save sixty minutes, exactly from the moment we first detected this ship.  It can't be coincidence."

"It isn't, said the same voice that had spoken to them earlier.  This time it spoke Federation Standard.  Flawlessly.

Standing behind a console on a raised level overlooking the main floor, stood a Klingon.  Gorgath said softly, so the others would know, "Most Klingons of that era did not have ridged skulls."

"I am Kadh, son of Kairngorm of the house of Kadh.  You are intruders on my ship.  Identify yourselves and your purpose."

"I am Commander McLeod of the Federation Starship Galaxy," said the executive officer.  "This is tactical officer Lieutenant Gorgath of the house of Kempor," Gorgath bowed, pleased also that the commander had included his lineage.  McLeod then introduced the rest of the away team.  "We detected your ship where we expected none and stopped to investigate."

"Do not state the obvious, Commander," replied the Klingon.  "What is your ship's mission?"

"Prudence dictates that remains confidential at this juncture," McLeod replied and the Klingon nodded.

"I will speculate," he said, "that your purpose is to travel to the Andromedan Galaxy for purposes of exploration or scouting."  He jumped over the low railing and landed standing on the deck in front of McLeod.  "If so, I have much to tell you.  Perhaps aboard your ship and after a good meal.  I have never tasted real Klingon bloodwine.  It would be a most excellent gesture on your part if you had some available to serve at our repast."

The Commander contacted the ship and received the Captain's permission to bring the Klingon aboard.  During that time, Gorgath had to be careful not to stare at the other Klingon.  When he had finished speaking to V'traia, the Commander extended an invitation to Kadh to join them.  "No weapons, please," he said softly.

"A Klingon warrior is never unarmed," Kadh stated. Gorgath tapped his cap gun unconsciously in response."However, I'm certain my dagger poses an insignificant threat to your ship.  If it does, your captain can come here.  He may, as you have done, bring his weapons."

"A dagger is... acceptable," McLeod said.  "Energize."

[Oh come on, you didn't really expect Kadh himself to still be alive?  I considered freezing him and having it be the real deal, but this is better.]

[Czar Mohab]

You could have pulled off the Scotty transporter (frozen in) time (to) travel (to the future) trick... Or possibly an android or something similar.

Then again, in this case, I think a Kadh's a Kadh. And what better place for a Kadh than on the Screaming D?

Czar "At least I'm pretty sure Kadh's no android" Mohab

[kadh2000]

 

[Commander Maxillius]

I was fully expecting the stasis field generator to have backfired or something.  And this can't have been the only one left on the ship, since there would've had to been more than one to make more Kadhs.

I still suspect time travel of some sort.

[kadh2000]

"I'm telling you again, he's not a Klingon!" the Galaxy's doctor said, his face flushed from continued exertion of his vocal cords.  "He's half-machine and that makes him Borg."

"The Borg were eliminated centuries ago," Gorgath replied equally sharply.  "I don't care what he scans like, that man is Klingon."  He stabbed a finger at the wall monitor that showed their guest  in the officer's mess, dining with two security lieutenants.

"Which is well after that ship left the Galaxy," Commander McLeod reminded him.  "In fairness, however, which was well before the Borg were first encountered.  I suspect the mechanical additions are Andromedan in origin."

"We do have a few Andromedan artifacts aboard," Captain V'traia finally spoke.  "Doctor, compare his artificial organs with those devices for similar technology.  In the meantime, he is our guest.  We shall treat him courteously but give him restricted access only.  After the doctor has completed his scans, invite Kadh to join us.  He could be a great source of information."

"What of his ship?" Gorgath asked.

"Technically," answered the commander, "it is now part of the Federation Star Fleet, as all National fleets were absorbed in the unification process.  I doubt he will see it that way so it would be best if we left it here."

V'traia nodded.  "Briefing over.  Resume your duties until the doctor is ready."

[kadh2000]

"Of course all my cyborg implants are from the Andromedan galaxy," Kadh answered the doctor's question.  "That is where the founders' mission sent them."

"So you're an Andromedan cyborg that has been sent here to destroy us," the doctor continued.

The Klingon glared at the human.  "It is fortunate that you are not under my command.  Bring me your captain."   Kadh turned away from the doctor and began some form of what appeared to be ancient Klingon meditation.  The doctor considered the array of surgical instruments beside him and the exposed back of the Klingon.  "I will kill you if you make the attempt," the Klingon said without otherwise reacting and the doctor withdrew his hand which had been unconsciously moving toward his equipment tray. 

Instead he walked to the intercom furthest from the patient, forcing himself to relax.  "Sickbay to bridge.  I've completed my examination of the prisoner; his implants are Andromedan; and he demands the Captain be brought to him."  Despite the extra time, hostility was clear in his tone.

"V'traia here," the captain's voice responded immediately.  "Tell our guest I am on my way."  The doctor relayed the message and the Klingon answered with a ferocious grin and a hungry look that stayed on his face and followed the doctor uncomfortably until Captain V'traia entered sickbay.

"Thank you for submitting to our examination," he said addressing the Klingon. "I apologize for any offense."  The Klingon bowed.  "Is there any title by which you would have us address you?

"I am Ambassador Kadh of the Ghostwise Empire.  I have been sent to aid in the renewal of contact between our two peoples.  I have questions to ask and questions, no doubt, to answer."  Here the Klingon gave a second, shallower, bow.  "I know more about you than you do of me, so I will answer your questions first."

V'traia raised his right hand in formal Vulcan salute.  "Welcome Ambassador Kadh.  Live long and prosper."

The Klingon imitated the gesture.  "Live long and prosper, Captain.  Shall we continue in front of your staff?"

The senior staff was assembled soon thereafter in the briefing room.  After V'traia explained Kadh's status, Commander McLeod asked, "Ambassador.  We came on this mission expecting to face an Andromedan race much akin to those that invaded our galaxy.  How is it that the representative of your galaxy appears in the form of a Klingon?"

The Klingon glared at the android.  "How is it that an android appears in the form of a human?  That is what you are.  I am Klingon, augmented, but Klingon."

McLeod persisted.  "Ambassador, no disrespect was intended.  I simply desire understanding."

"It is a long story," the Klingon answered, appearing to allow himself to be mollified.  "Perhaps a history lesson is in order."

[Scottish Andy]

Eagerly awaiting that history lesson. This is better, Kadh. A mystery and some people who seem real to me. This style seems to suit you.

I may try it myself.

[kadh2000]

Been working on something else unrelated.  Now I have spare time again.  Will post next bit tonight or tomorrow AM.

[Czar Mohab]

Will post next bit tonight or tomorrow AM.

Umm... *Looks at watch impatiently* its past "tonight" and is now "tomorrow AM"...

Czar "Just kidding, Kadh; Take your time." Mohab[/color]

 

[kadh2000]

I've been rather ill.  I'm back and better so will be resuming this story.

[Czar Mohab]

I do, then, whole heartedly appologize for the comment above. I, and I assume many others, look forward to this story's conclusion.



Czar "Glad that you are better" Mohab

[kadh2000]

While I'm working on Chapter 1 of The Promise, I'll post some more on this.  Installment coming tonight!

[Commander La'ra]

*rings a gong loudly!*

What?  Seemed appropriate.

[kadh2000]

Great, I've been gonged on my own thread!

[Commander La'ra]

At least the host didn't show up trying to kill you on behest of the CIA!

 

(Was actually trying to sound celebratory, but forgot about the friggin' Gong Show)

[kadh2000]

I kinda figured it was celebratory, but couldn't resist the other one.  Anyway, here's the teaser for the next part.  Again, no real pre-planning here. 


CHAPTER 1: INVASION


“We’re not much of a defense force” Blyre commented.  “One carrier, three escorts, and an old D7.  I hope you’ve got more up your sleeve than a waltz into the sunset.”

“There’s ghost…” Kadh started to explain.

“Ah yes, your Frax allies.  I’ve always wondered where they came from.”

Kadh laughed.  “Still too damn smart for your own good, eh?  They popped out of a spatial anomaly during the first battle at the old Hyperion station.  We hit it off very well.  They’ve got quite an armada ready now.  “We’ve got over a hundred ships waiting for us just outside the galaxy.”

Blyre laughed in turn.  “I’ve my own trump card to play for this little foray. “

“I heard when I came back that Commodore Brezgonne had been killed in battle some years ago,” Kadh said dryly.  “Frankly I never believed it.”

“Touché,”  Blyre said and gave Kadh a half salute.  “Ambassador Kotheme will escort us out of the Galaxy through Tholian space.  Brez has a starbase and a Tholian fleet waiting for us as well.  It looks like we’ll have a couple hundred ships waiting for us just outside the galaxy.”

“That leaves only one issue,” Kadh said and tugged on his beard.

“Who’s in charge... ” Blyre answered and chuckled.  “Rock, paper, scissors?”

The two old men, Klingon and Human, faced each other in battle for the last time.  Together they repeated the ancient words, “Jan, Ken, Po”.  Two fists raced towards open palms. 

[Governor Ronjar]

Excellent, very official way to decide on command structure! I like it!

I'll also have to wait a while befor using the same thing in my Ford series...

--thu guv!!

[CaptJosh]

Better than a duel to the death, especially when they're supposed to be allies.

[Czar Mohab]

Makes me wish Wally was still writing. Kinda miss his works. Sad to find out that Brez didn't live in this timeline. He made a great rules lawyer. And Kotheme... man, you put me down memory lane and then some. I hope that your next part(s) have some interaction (even a simple "hello") with the great ambassador.

Hope Kadh and Blyre tied the match, but I guess we'll see who is in charge, eh?

Czar "Where did Blyre go, anyway?" Mohab, who has not much more to say.

[kadh2000]

Kotheme will get a personal meeting.  I try not to go too far with other people's characters especially since I can't get ahold of them to ask.  I'm sure Pat or Dan wouldn't mind, but Wally might.  We talked about this ending some a few years ago so I hope he'll accept this as a tribute to him and his character.

Kadh, who has more to add to this story sometime, but is desperately working on the next part of The Promise right now.

[kadh2000]

Kotheme went aboard the carrier to meet Blyre and Kadh.  When told how they had arranged the command structure, he glowed blue with amusement.  "As it was in combat," the Tholian said, "despite the unusual choice of battlefied, I still win the wager with my aide.  I calculated the likelihood at just under one-hundred percent.  Fortunately he does not know either of you well."

Kadh laughed and would have slapped the Tholian on the back, but Kotheme's encounter suit made the gesture pointless.  "Come with us.  Your diplomatic abilities far supersede ours put together.  The look he got from Blyre was not complimentary, but he knew the human agreed with him.

"My people require my skills here," Kotheme answered.  "Besides, no one negotiates with Andromedans.  They are the one uncompromising enemy that I have encountered."  The crystalline figure paled and Kadh knew he was remembering the Seltorians.  Blyre apparently did as well.

"Are there any concessions required of us to pass through Tholian territory?" the human asked. 

"A course has been laid out for you," Kotheme explained and passed a datapad to him.  "You must conform to the speeds and directions listed here.  No Tholian ship or base will intersect your path.  We will not be required to lie to your Federation when they ask if we have seen you."

"What about you?" Kadh asked.

The color returned to Kotheme's body.  "We are in the neutral zone.  Officially, I am here to tell you that your request to pass through Tholian space has been denied.  My ship will be leaving shortly after this meeting to give us the necessary separation so that your crossing the border will not be detected."

Kadh laughed.  "We should just conquer this galaxy between the three of us and then send an unbeatable armada against the Andromedans."  Blyre chuckled politely but then sighed pointedly.

"I have considered that possibility as well," Kotheme responded.  "It is unlikely that our combined genius would be defeated in such a war.  Given time to prepare.  With the current situation we would have a lesser chance, but the odds favor success by fifty point nine percent.  That is not worth the risk.  Even if it were, there is a ninety-six point two five percent chance that you would attempt a takeover after the victory.  It is in your Klingon nature."

"I am what I am," Kadh said.  "Shall we forget our plans of dominance then and have a glass of bloodwine to celebrate the onset of our great undertaking?"

"It would boil away before I could drink it," Kotheme responded while Blyre answered "I would prefer to leave out the blood and just have wine."

Kadh summoned his aide, who produced two bottles and an insulated container.  "One bloodwine, one French wine with some long complex name that no doubt means I paid too much for it, and one container of something even more unpronounceable that does remind me of the squeal of a tar chop.  Drink up gentlemen for we three will never meet again." 

"I am impressed," Kotheme said and Kadh noted his color change again to amusement.  From inside his encounter suit, two bottles appeared and he handed one to Kadh and one to Blyre.

"This is ridiculous," Blyre said, trying to maintain a straight face.  He reached down beside the briefing room table for his own collection of potables.  "We will be unable to move by the time we finish this stuff.  How about a bottle a year on this date?  We can start with Kotheme's since he's leaving soon."
 
For the last time, the three old soldiers drank together.

[Czar Mohab]

Well, there was the "hello" I asked for.

I don't know if you have Blyre or Kotheme  working with you on this, but you're writing their namesake 'toons very well.

Czar "Check your PM's, Kadhman," Mohab