Hell's Heart Read Free Page A

­commemoration at Gamaral wasn’t really about Kruge, or the battle waged there—but about the accord that had followed.
    Picard could support that.
    And he would need to—because in the hundred years since the conflict, Federation space had grown to encompass Gamaral. Over the coming days, according to the enigmatic orders he’d received from Starfleet Command, Enterprise was expected to ferry the lords of the House of Kruge—along with several very ancient veterans of the conflict—back to the scene of the battle.
    The captain was dismayed that his ship had been summoned back from its long-planned explorations. Kirk’s Enterprise had once been sacrificed to thwart Commander Kruge. Who thought another Enterprise would be the best ship for such a duty?
    His communicator chirped, and he tapped it. “Bridge to Picard. New arrival.”
    â€œIdentification?”
    â€œIt’s Titan, Captain. Admiral Riker would like to come aboard—and he is bringing what he calls a ‘special guest. ’ ”
    â€œSend them to transporter room one, Lieutenant,” Picard said. “We’ll meet them there.” Both he and Worf were already up and on their way to the door. Well, Picard mused , at least we don’t have long to wonder . . .
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    While in the turbolift, Picard and Worf had learned that Titan had arrived from Cygnet IV, a secluded world in Federationspace near the Klingon border. Both knew the world and who lived there. So the guest beaming aboard with Admiral William Riker came as no surprise to either of them.
    â€œEmperor Kahless,” Picard said, smiling broadly. “I am honored to see you again,” he said, before repeating it in his best Klingon.
    Barrel-chested and with a prominent mane of thick brown hair, Kahless put his hands on his belly and grinned toothily. “There is more of me to see, Picard—so more’s the honor!” He returned the captain’s gesture and then laid eyes on Picard’s first officer. “ Worf! ”
    Kahless had indeed grown more massive since Picard had last seen him, but the emperor showed a spryness that surprised the captain. He was off the transporter pad in an instant, clapping his hands on Worf’s shoulders. “It has been too long, Son of Mogh. Have you been in great battles?”
    â€œYes.” Worf was taller than the clone, and yet he shook under Kahless’s vigorous greeting. “But none to compare with those of legend.”
    â€œBah! You will describe them all, before we part. I long to hear tales of blood and valor.”
    Picard regarded Admiral Riker, who appeared amused. The captain took the chance to say, “Computer, enter into the record the boarding of a head of state—and also of a flag officer.”
    â€œNoted.”
    He smiled at Riker. “Not always easy to know who gets top billing.”
    â€œSorry for the protocol quandary,” Riker said, stepping down and shaking Picard’s hand. “And for the surprise visit. My itinerary’s been up in the air lately.”
    Picard wanted to say he knew the feeling, but he responded simply: “Understandable.”
    Riker had been promoted to rear admiral in the course of a recent crisis and had since acted as a roving diplomatic troubleshooter for the Federation. Picard had seen his onetime protégéin action in the Takedown affair and been most impressed with his judgment; Will Riker seemed to have embraced his new responsibilities.
    And apparently that list of duties had grown. “What brings you here, sir?” Worf asked of Kahless.
    â€œA young klongat of an admiral who nearly twisted my arm off.” He gestured to Riker, who raised his hands in an expression of innocence.
    â€œI simply delivered the invitation, Your Excellency.”
    â€œAn understatement. But I respect determination.” Kahless looked around.