Star Trek: Terok Nor 02: Night of the Wolves Read Free

interests to allow the Bajorans to continue to worship as they did before the annexation. Some of my predecessors didn’t share my view, but I feel that certain concessions must be made to the Bajorans if we are to successfully mold them into dutiful Cardassian subjects. As it is, they have no appreciation for us, because they fail to see all the good we’ve done for them. They choose to focus only on the inevitable episodes of petty discord that come with any cultural modification. They’re like children, clinging to outmoded comforts, afraid to move forward. I intend to change that.”
    Damar’s expression was appropriately deferential. “You’re going to revolutionize relations with the Bajorans, sir.”
    Dukat smiled paternally and placed a hand on Damar’s shoulder before a brief, high-pitched tone sounded. Comm from the bridge.
    Dukat pressed his comcuff. “What is it?”
    “We’re approaching the station, sir.”
    “I’ll be right there. Computer, end this program.”
    The panoramic views that surrounded them skittered and vanished, revealing a dark chamber outfitted on all sides with imaging diodes. Dukat enjoyed watching Damar struggle to maintain an expression of indifference to the abrupt change. Holodeck privileges were usually reserved for upper-echelon officers.
    “Shall we?” Dukat asked, gesturing toward the door, and the young man fell in at his side. Together, they walked toward the central main corridor of the Galor -class vessel. Soldiers stopped to salute as the two men headed for the bridge, the gul nodding pleasantly in turn. Each and every one of them would be under his direct command.
    Returned, in triumph, he thought, holding his head ever higher. This was a great day for him. He had been partly responsible for securing Bajor’s allegiance to the Union, but politics had kept him from his rightful place as overseer to the annexation. His “punishment” for alleged missteps, a protracted stint as warden of the Letau prison facility, had turned out to be a prime opportunity; it had given him a chance to display his acumen as a leader, while removing him from the treacherous power struggles taking place in Central Command. He’d had time to cultivate alliances, to subtly discredit his detractors, to work his way to a position that would allow for this exultant return. Now he was prefect of Bajor; he was back to command the fortress station that rose in the Bajoran sky each night, to make his name synonymous with Cardassian superiority. He was where he belonged.
    “Sir, I…Thank you, sir, for the opportunity,” Damar said as they neared the bridge. “For the simulation.”
    Dukat smiled. “It’s a small thing, to be sure, but I suppose when I was a third-tier gil—of course, we didn’t have anything like current holosuite technology in those days.”
    Damar nodded. “Perhaps when I’m able to take some leave, I’ll be able to go to the surface and see the real thing.”
    “You may be able to do that, Gil Damar, although I would advise you not to underestimate the responsibilities of military personnel on the station. And—if I’m not mistaken—your betrothed will be on the surface, will she not?”
    Damar’s face flushed. His affianced was with the Information Service, if Dukat recalled correctly. Vela, Veja, something like that.
    “Yes, sir. She’s at the Tozhat settlement.”
    “Well, then. I imagine your time on the surface will probably not be spent climbing mountains.”
    Damar grinned foolishly. They stopped outside the bridge, the gil obviously hesitant to assume an invitation, and Dukat gestured for him to step ahead, feeling generous.
    “The ship is approaching our new home, Gil. Would you like to come to the bridge?”
    Damar positively glowed. “Yes, sir.”
    “Very well. Let’s go and have our first look at Terok Nor.”

    Lenaris Holem had given up trying to keep his right leg from cramping. It was the moisture in the weather today, the swollen clouds