Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: Mon, 9 Feb 2004 17:02:45 -0500 (EST) In: alt.startrek.creative From: kdj2020@webtv.net (Kevin Johnston) Title: Worlds Move On Author: Kevin Johnston Series: Shadows And Suns, my own DS9 and TNG alternate universe that now also incorporates some elements of Rob Morris' "Ancient Destroyer" cycle and the original series. Rating: PG-13 Archive: yes for ASC Feedback: Wanted and welcomed, by post or by e-mail Once all were inside again, Kirk stood over the unconscious body of Kor. The former Military Governor of Organia lay on the floor, breathing peacefully. "Bones, can you bring him around?" Moving over, McCoy answered the question by pulling a hypospray out of his medkit. Checking the dosage, he bent over on one knee and injected the medicine into the Klingon's left arm. Within seconds, Peter Kirk, Ro Laren, Laven, Oranis, and S'araq all formed a circle around Kor. Phasers drawn, all stood ready to aid their captain. As Kor came to, McCoy stood up and stood back behind the others. Letting a low growl escape his lips, the Klingon reached out for Kirk's hand, gripped it as his once and again enemy helped him stand up. "Treachery follows you like the wind, Kirk." "Don't call the kettle black, Kor." Sizing each other up, the two faced off. "You have no business here, within the Empire." "Since when is this Klingon space?" "Since the government of this word petitioned for membership within the Empire." "Which government? First Minister Parias', or the one you helped put in place?" "An empty charge, human. Winn's government is legitimate, and all Bajor knows it." Having said that, Kor spat on the ground in front of Kirk's feet. Kirk, restraining his desire to slug Kor in the face, turned and pointed out the window. "I'd say that's a load of bull, given what happened to those people out there who fought for what they believed in." "Say what you will. Tell me, are you surprised to see me this healthy?" Turning back, Kirk responded. "Very. Nice trick with the viewscreen...what was I looking at, anyway? A hologram?" "A bit of trickery, courtesy of my Comm Officer. He combined my voice with enhanced footage of what I looked like a few months ago." Enough fencing, Kirk told himself, as the last word died out. "Get the hell off of this world, Kor." "How do you propose to make me? By force, with your ship outnumbered and outgunned? By trickery, with flowery words for those who would swallow them whole?" "Any way I can, up to and including a full Federation task force. I can have half a dozen starships here in less than two days. You've studied warfare's histories...think your fleet can run a naval blockade of this system?" "And I can have twenty cruisers here within the week. Do you want to start a war?" "Fine. I raise, you call. Toss in the Romulans on my side, and the show is over. Of course, both sides lose a lot of ships along the way, but we both know I have more to spare than you do." "But I have the final edge. My people are wanted here. Can you say the same of yours?" "After what you've done, who knows what garbage is running through these people's minds?" Kor turned to look at the asker of the question, smiled. "The good Doctor McCoy. It's a pity that the judge spared your pitiful existence after Gorkon's death." The surgeon's voice came back, calm, assured. "People like you remind me of a disease we used to have on Earth. Smallpox, it was called. Wiped out, totally, or so they thought, till new cases started springing up left and right. You're a disease, Kor, and we're the containment team." "Push me hard enough, human, and I'll reserve a special assignment for you in the Empire's worst prison. Rura Penthe will seem like a vacation compared to that place." Kirk knew when to step in, and this was the time. "You know and I know I can't just drag you back to the Enterprise's brig, and I can't just phaser you into the afterlife. You're here, and I have to deal with you. So, you can answer me now, or you can answer me later." "Ask me what you will." "One, when did you become involved here? Two, how the hell did you talk Martok into this?" "We answered Bajor's call for assistance, after Winn took power. You may speak to anyone you wish to, look at any records you want, and all will prove that we had no hand in the changes here. As for the Chancellor, he now realizes the value of extending the Empire's boundaries." "Get out of here." The assembled Security personnel broke formation, moving to let the Klingon pass. At his uncle's nod of the head, though, Peter Kirk stopped Kor with a hand placed on his chest. "Tell me, Kor...what's the last thing you remember before going through rejuvenation?" Kor gazed into the other's eyes. For a long time, this man had bedevilled the Empire, had moved in shadows. To see him in the grayish light, was to know the threat the man still posed to all Klingons. "I remember the hand of destiny gracing my shoulder, as I embarked on a new era of greatness for my people." Like a rifle shot, Peter grabbed Kor, throwing him like a rag doll, dropping him to the ground. Watching him get up, the younger man did his best to not smirk too broadly. "Now you have something else to remember. Dirt in your mouth. Taste it, Kor, and remember what it tastes like. Because by the time Enterprise leaves Bajor, your era of greatness is going to be over, and a lot of people are going to want to do a lot worse to you than I just did." -- Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ Yahoo! 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