Diplomatic Implausibility Read Free

discrepancy away for future notice.
    Walking around to the operations console, Klag said to Toq, “Tell me about taD, Lieutenant.”
    “It is a planet in the Korvad system, home to a race known as the al’Hmatti,” Toq said without glancing at the console—obviously, he had looked up the information as soon as they got the distress signal. “The world is almost completely covered in ice, and was conquered two centuries ago. It remained so until four years ago when—” Toq hesitated. “When the al’Hmatti threw off the Klingon overseers.”
    This news surprised Klag. “Interesting. I presume that we took the planet back?”
    “Yes, sir. They only succeeded in the first place because the bulk of the fleet was committed to the invasion of Cardassia. The world was retaken within a year, but there has been continued unrest.”
    “So it would seem.” Klag sighed. “Prepare a full reporton taD, Lieutenant.” He turned to Leskit. “Time to arrival?”
    “Fifty-four minutes, Captain,” Leskit said.
    Klag looked at Drex. “Contact me when we arrive.”
    “Yes, sir.”

    “Report,” Klag said as he entered the bridge fifty-four minutes later.
    “We are approaching taD, Captain,” Drex said. “Sensors report that three sublight skimmers are attacking the governor’s satellite.”
    According to the report Toq had compiled, taD was as cold as Rura Penthe. The average equatorial temperature on taD was considerably lower than the average polar temperature on the Homeworld. For that reason, planetary governors preferred to administrate from an orbiting station, which kept a warmer artificial environment far better suited to Klingons.
    Klag approached the throne-like captain’s chair and lowered himself into it slowly. He had sat in the chair many times during the three weeks he’d been in command of the
Gorkon,
but he still savored the experience. Perhaps it was vain, but Klag had waited a long time for these moments. He could damn well savor them if he wanted.
    “Take us to the battle site, pilot,” Klag said, “attack posture.”
    “Consider our shoulders raised, Captain,” Leskit drawled.
    Glancing back to Rodek, Klag said, “Tactical report.”
    “Only one skimmer is attacking. The second can only move using maneuvering thrusters, but still has weapons capability. The third is fully mobile but has exhausted its phaser banks.”
    Klag asked, “And the satellite?”
    “Shields are at forty percent. Disruptor banks are exhausted and torpedo tubes read empty.”
    Klag was about to comment on the satellite gunner’s inefficiency when Toq chimed in: “There is debris consistent with two destroyed skimmers, four
qelI’qams
off the satellite’s port bow.”
    That’s something, anyhow,
Klag thought. “Lieutenant Rodek, as soon as we are in range, target the skimmers and destroy them. First the one attacking, then the damaged one, then the maneuverable one.”
    “Yes, sir,” Rodek said, manipulating his controls. “In range now. Targeting—firing—ship destroyed.” Rodek’s eyes widened. “Sir, the explosion has caused collateral damage to the satellite’s shields. They’re now down to twenty percent—and they have a minor hull breach.”
    “Why was the captain not told of this possibility?” Drex screamed.
    “I—I was simply carrying out orders, Commander,” Rodek said.
    “Never mind,” Klag said. The satellite was going to need repairs in any case, and at least now the threat was passed. “Proceed, Lieutenant.”
    “Yes, sir. Second ship is firing on us—they missed,” Rodek said, with a surprising lack of emotion. Klag noted that as well. “Targeting second ship—firing—it is destroyed, sir.”
    Toq said, “The third ship is taking evasive maneuvers, Captain.”
    “Overtake, pilot,” Klag said to Leskit. “None of these rebels will live out this day.”
    “That would indeed be bad, sir,” Leskit said. “We will overtake in ten seconds.”
    “Fire when ready, gunner,”