Chapter 54 - Season 3: Episode 35 - Heart of Glory

Episode 35 - Heart of Glory

Stardate: 41435.7

Earth Standard Date: June 8, 2364

Location: USS Enterprise, Interstellar space

Tyson and Ro stood at attention in Captain Picard's ready room. The captain sat behind his desk as they finished giving their report. "So you infiltrated a Terran Empire vessel, masqueraded as officers, and eventually participated in the capture of that universe's Enterprise?"

"Yes, sir," Tyson replied. "The Mirror Universe operates on principles of advancement through assassination and conquest. Their technology mirrors ours, but weaponized to extremes. The social structure was particularly disturbing, Captain. Vulcan populations were enslaved and forced into mining operations. I witnessed preparations for the destruction of several slave ships before intervening shortly after we arrived."

"And this culminated in the abduction of their Enterprise?"

"Correct, sir. Their Enterprise is similar to ours, but carries heavy modifications with greater offensive capabilities. The primary difference is a phaser lance running through the primary hull, powered directly by the warp core. One shot disabled a Cardassian Galor-class warship."

"Your counterpart nearly executed Captain Jellico during the takeover," Ro added.

"Jellico? I know the man. Competent officer, if somewhat rigid in his command style."

"Mirror-Picard wanted him executed, but I convinced him that sending Jellico back to the Stargazer would be more politically advantageous. The engagement with the Cardassians was brief but decisive. The Enterprise's phaser lance crippled the lead vessel while the Stargazer under Jellico's command engaged another along with the Terran fleet."

"There's going to be an official ceremony soon," Tyson continued. "Mirror-Picard intends to consolidate power and establish himself as a legitimate authority within the Empire with the rank of Commodore."

Ro cleared her throat. "We believe our mission succeeded on multiple levels, sir. Not only did we gather valuable intelligence on Mirror Universe technology and political structures, but we influenced events toward less brutal outcomes."

Picard rose and walked to the viewport, hands clasped behind his back as he studied the stars. "The Mirror Universe represents a dark reflection of our potential. A reminder of what might have been had humanity embraced its worst impulses rather than its best. What makes it truly unsettling is it isn't metaphorica, it is a true reality."

He turned back to face them, his bearing shifting into the formal authority of a Starfleet captain. "Your report will be of significant interest to Starfleet Intelligence. The existence of a militarized Enterprise in any universe poses questions we must consider."

"And what of Q?" Picard asked. "You mentioned he was responsible for your transportation to this parallel universe."

"He appeared briefly at the end, Captain. I suspect this was his way of removing me from the ship so he could test Riker, as well as me. Or perhaps deliver a lesson," Tyson mused. "About choice and consequence. About how thin the line between order and tyranny can be."

Picard returned to his desk, settling back into his chair. "Whatever Q's intentions, you both conducted yourselves admirably under extraordinary circumstances. Starfleet Command has reviewed your preliminary report and expressed appreciation for your resourcefulness." He straightened his uniform jacket. "Congratulations on returning safely and bringing your subordinate officer home unharmed. Starfleet seemed impressed. Well done, Commander."

Tyson blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Sir?"

"Is something wrong, Commander Tyson?" Picard asked with subtle amusement.

"No, sir," Tyson stood straighter, processing the implications. "Thank you, sir."

"I recommended you for a formal commendation, and Starfleet has accepted your field promotion to Commander."

Ro smiled openly. "Congratulations, sir," she said to Tyson, then caught herself adding quietly, "It's well deserved."

"What about Ensign Ro, sir? Her performance was exemplary throughout the mission."

"Ensign First Class Ro's contributions have been noted as well," Picard assured him, his approval evident. "Her adaptability and courage under pressure speak volumes about her character."

"I'll forward your complete reports to Starfleet Intelligence," Picard continued. "They'll want extensive debriefings about the Mirror Universe's current political landscape and technological capabilities."

"Of course, Captain," Tyson replied.

"In the meantime," Picard said, "I suggest you both take forty-eight hours of leave. Experiences like the one you just went through can be more taxing than they initially appear."

"Thank you, sir," Ro said.

Picard nodded. "Dismissed."

As they turned to leave, Picard called after them. "And Commander, Ensign—it's good to have you both back."

As they entered the turbolift, Ro exhaled deeply, releasing tension she'd carried since their return.

"So, promotions, that's good," she said, leaning against the wall. "Forty-eight hours. What are you going to do with all that free time?"

"Joke's on them. I was never assigned a duty shift. I don't actually have a regular assignment in any department."

Ro laughed. "How did you manage that?"

"Well, when I came aboard, I was just a guest. When I became an officer, no one ever assigned me anything specific."

"In that case, any suggestions for what I can do for the next two days?"

"Actually, I was going to liberate some Vulcans and make upgrades to the Personal Reality, then go on an excursion to another universe. Care to join me for any of that?"

"Let's go free some Vulcans."

Instead of calling out a deck number, Tyson pressed his hand to the control panel. The turbolift doors slid open, revealing not an Enterprise corridor but a high-tech room filled with holographic displays and control interfaces.

"What is this place?"

"The Control Room for the Personal Reality," Tyson said, gesturing for her to follow him through the space. He led her to an adjacent chamber. "This is the Antechamber," he explained.

[200 RP] High Security Inter-Reality Connecting Doors (Personal Reality)

These doors come in pairs and can connect your Personal Reality and another reality. You may choose to move this door, causing it to appear as a tarot-sized playing card and if placed on a wall it turns into a door. Using the Access Key on one of these doors allows you to turn it back into a card. You must be physically at the location you desire to install it and once installed the Door cannot be removed by anyone or anything lacking an Access Key. If you connect an external reality to your Personal Reality through a pair of these doors, that reality is not frozen in time but rather progresses on your Reality's internal clock, even after you leave it, even if the door is currently closed. High Security upgrade allows these doors to be locked and can be force field protected.

Reality Points: 2500

"I'm making a purchase," he explained. "High Security Inter-Reality Connecting Doors."

"You're buying... doors?" Ro asked.

"These aren't ordinary doors. They connect my Personal Reality to other universes. They appear as tarot-sized playing cards until placed on a wall, where they transform into functional doors."

"So you're essentially creating permanent gateways between dimensions?"

"Exactly. Usually, I need to be within a Reality to purchase a door," Tyson continued, "but since Q ejected us from the Mirror Universe after I received my reward, I'm allowed to purchase the door remotely. Location doesn't matter because I can always move it."

"But since I have surplus Reality Points, and now have a door to the Mirror Universe, I need better security."

[200 RP] Force Wall (Personal Reality)

This adds a force field to the entrances and exits to your Personal Reality. Nothing unauthorized can pass through these force fields. The field is fully permeable to anything authorized. These fields cannot block a Keyholder's Access.

[100 RP] Partition Plan (Personal Reality)

You can now set up internal force fields throughout your Personal Reality. If you have Central Control, they can even be customized with different levels of security. Be aware that these fields cannot block a Keyholder's access.

[300 RP] Detainment (Personal Reality)

Ensures that anybody without the correct access authorization who attempts to break into your warehouse automatically gets detained in temporary cells accessed through temporary doors in your Entrance Hall. The cells are not fiat-backed to hold everyone. If you'd have to exert yourself to fight someone, then the cells aren't going to keep them for long, at least without any upgrades. Detainment will attempt to work on anything that manifests anywhere in your warehouse without proper clearance, as well as anything that had proper clearance and is now clearly a threat. A Keyholder cannot be detained.

Reality Points: 1900

Tyson made the purchases in quick succession, explaining them to Ro. "For the next part, let's head back out," he said, opening a portal.

They stepped through and emerged on a high hill overlooking the Mediterranean landscape. Crystal-clear azure waters lapped against pristine beaches that curved along the coastline. Whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs of the Housing Complex clustered near the shore. Olive groves and cypress trees dotted the hillsides, their silvery-green foliage swaying gently in the breeze.

"What are we doing here?"

"I still have plenty of points for upgrades. I've got a few things I want to purchase. The Medical Bay and Counseling Bay can handle the physical and mental ailments the Vulcans will face, but there are other things they might need."

He studied the landscape thoughtfully, already envisioning the changes. "Vulcans need meditation, and there's a specific upgrade that may help."

[50 RP] The Semi-Secret Garden (Personal Reality)

A garden for your Personal Reality, roughly 300 acres filled with aesthetically pleasing flowers, bushes, trees, and decorations like fountains and garden gnomes. Comes with benches for you to sit on and relax, with birds singing from branches and butterflies fluttering around. Perfect for a bit of a break away from the hassle of busy life. It is self-sustaining and always pleasant.

[50 RP] Parkland Paradise (Personal Reality)

This Garden Upgrade turns it into a park, with paths through it that are perfect for running and skating, and grassy areas ideal for throwing around a frisbee. Maybe you could hang a hammock among these trees? Upgrades the size to rival Central Park in New York. While the Park is great, not all varieties of sports can be freely played on open grass. Soccer and football might be possible with personalized rules or chalk, but games like tennis and basketball are probably right out. With this upgrade, you'll find a couple of tennis courts, handball courts, and a basketball court have been added. If you need a pitch or field for some sport, a section of your garden will be prepared for it, though it might take a couple of hours depending on how extreme the sport's requirements are.

[50 RP] Meditation Corners (Personal Reality)

This Garden Upgrade adds several hidden corners and alcoves perfect for meditation, calmness, and relaxation. You're guaranteed never to be disturbed unless it's an actual emergency while meditating in one of these spots, and the time spent meditating is quadrupled.

Reality Points: 1750

Tyson opened another interface and began selecting options. "First, the Semi-Secret Garden, three hundred acres of aesthetically pleasing flowers, bushes, trees, and decorations. Perfect for relaxation."

Ro watched in amazement as a section of the landscape below them transformed, lush gardens materializing where there had been only natural terrain.

"Next, Parkland Paradise. This expands the garden to rival Central Park in New York, at least from my time. I'm not sure what it's like now. But it'll be about nine hundred acres. It adds tennis courts, handball courts, basketball courts, and areas that can be configured for various sports."

The transformation continued, the garden expanding and evolving before their eyes like something from a dream.

"And finally," Tyson said, "Meditation Corners. This adds hidden alcoves perfect for meditation and relaxation."

As he completed the purchase, secluded spaces appeared throughout the garden, some nestled among trees, others overlooking the sea.

But he wasn't finished yet.

[50 RP] A Range Of Ranges (Personal Reality)

This adds a high-tech shooting range to your Personal Reality so that you and your companions can practice your marksmanship in a safe environment. The shooting range comes with an unlimited supply of fully functional but harmless copies of any ranged weapons you're familiar with. They have the exact same weight, balance, and accuracy. They fire self-cleaning, guaranteed no-stain paintballs or stinger bullets (ones that hurt a bit, but cannot do damage) at your discretion. These duplicates are colored like nerf weapons so you don't get them confused if you accidentally take them out of the Range. If you also have the Gym-Nasty-Um, you get a self-reconfiguring laser-tag arena for free. You also get an outdoor shooting range/wilderness combat training ground. To keep things from getting ridiculous, you can set areas of your Personal Reality where these weapons will not work at all to combat pranksters.

[50 RP] Pilot Simulator (Personal Reality)

This adds a high-tech simulator to your Personal Reality that perfectly replicates the experience of driving, piloting, or otherwise operating any vehicle that exists in your Original Reality or any Reality you've ever visited. Up to 20 people can use the same simulator for larger vehicles, and there are 12 total simulators that can be linked together to make much larger simulations or team practices. Best of all, this allows you and your companions to do any required testing for various driving and piloting licenses. Licenses given with this are accepted in all realities as long as you meet that locale's basic competence level.

[200 RP] Your Robots (Personal Reality)

This upgrade provides you with an automated sorting system that sorts and automatically retrieves anything stored in your Personal Reality. These Robots are completely upgradeable and programmable, so you can keep them out of key areas or tell them not to disturb certain potentially explosive experiments if you want. You get twenty of them and instructions on how to make more.

[100 RP] Maintenance Systems (Personal Reality)

This upgrades your robots so that instead of just sorting and fetching, they now automatically upgrade with all tech production and repair skills you gain, and now provide basic cleaning and maintenance services for anything in your Personal Reality that you know how to fix or repair. They are going to be practically invisible unless you look for them.

[100 RP] The Library Jumpxandria (Personal Reality)

A place to keep all the books and writings you and your companions might create or gather throughout your adventures, with all of them kept in pristine condition and automatically sorted based on your selected scheme, no matter how harebrained. Comes with a reading area that has the effect of slightly boosting concentration, reading speed, comprehension, and retention rate.

[100 RP] Digital Database (Personal Reality)

This Library Upgrade automatically digitizes every text that enters your Personal Reality, even if it's already in digital format, and does so safely (spells will contain the correct symbols, but not power, memetic, or conceptual texts will be rendered harmless). The entire contents of your Library are now completely searchable, indexed, and intelligently cross-referenced, allowing far easier use and accessibility.

[50 RP] A Classy Classroom (Personal Reality)

This provides your Reality with a large classroom for you and your companions to use for teaching and learning new things. It is outfitted with all the basic classroom equipment, like tables and writing boards. This includes A/V setups and personal computers, and lab equipment. Because you have purchased food options, it includes cooking tutorial equipment, and thanks to the MedBay, it includes first aid and medical education supplies. Whenever you acquire new technology that could be beneficial to teaching, the Classroom automatically updates to include it. Also provides basic supplies for all students and slightly boosts teaching aptitude for the teacher, as well as learning speed and concentration for students. All possible safety equipment is automatically installed at no extra cost. Each classroom can seat up to 50 students comfortably.

[100 RP] GYM-NICE-IUM (Personal Reality)

This provides your Personal Reality with a large, open training room for physical exercise. A Gymnasium, in other words. It comes with exercise equipment that can be used to train almost anyone dedicated enough to the limits of their potential fitness. It can be easily converted into a sparring pit. If you have Robots, this includes extremely durable sparring automatons to learn from in your pit. Anybody using the Gym will find that training physical abilities is slightly less fatiguing than it otherwise would be. If you have the Medical Bay, anyone accidentally injured here will be instantly transported there for treatment. Damage done in sparring matches does not trigger that effect until the fight ends, either by tapout, a combatant leaving the fight area, or a KO. If a blow would be instantly fatal, it is canceled a split-second before it lands.

[250 RP] Gym-Nasty-Um (Personal Reality)

This gives your Gymnasium a full-on Arena, and removes the limiter on what can be trained, and now it can be used to train anyone to any physical potential they might have. The sparring pit is now outfitted with duplodroids, sparring partners that can duplicate the fighting strength and style of anyone you've ever fought... or even combine enemies and styles to attempt to throw you curves. Every fight you've ever been in and every fight you're in from now on can be replayed by the Arena. Fights in the Arena are never fatal, like Pokemon Battles, they only result in KOs, no matter how ludicrously OP the strikes are. Additionally, attacks that can be used a limited number of times (be that per X amount of time, or ever), even ones that would result in the death of the user, can be safely used here without counting against that limit, thus allowing practicing with techniques that normally couldn't be practiced. Energy (stamina, mana, spell points, spell slots, etc.) expended here is still expended, however.

[200 RP] Gym-Classy-Um (Personal Reality)

Know how the Arena in Gym-Nasty-Um mentions only Physical Potential? Well, now it can be used to train anyone to any Mental or Spiritual Potential they might have as well. All energy expended during a match is now restored once you leave the fighting area, but only once every 24 hours.

Reality Points: 550

Tyson's overarching goal was to provide entertainment and respite for all the Personal Reality's soon-to-be-new inhabitants. But secondarily, he needed to train Starfleet Officers in the use of the Force, as he'd promised Sloan. With his new Commander rank, getting his own ship couldn't be far away, and failing to deliver on his promise would become the new bottleneck for advancement. Unfortunately, nothing he had access to would grant Force-sensitivity. The best he could do was train someone if they already possessed the potential. He still needed to find a way to grant it to those who lacked it. For now, at least, he had a place where people could grow stronger, and if they did have the potential, they could reach it. He'd gotten the chicken before the egg. Now he needed an egg.

"You're thinking awfully hard about something," Ro observed.

"Just considering the next steps. These upgrades aren't just for the Vulcans, they're for Starfleet too."

"How so?" Ro asked.

"I promised to do my best to train Starfleet officers in the use of some of my powers."

He gestured toward the Gym-Classy-Um that had appeared in the distance, a structure with elegant columns reminiscent of ancient Earth's Collessium.

"That facility can help train anyone to their physical, mental, and spiritual potential. The problem is, I can't give people Force sensitivity if they don't already have it. I can only help them discover and develop what's already there."

"And you believe some Starfleet officers might have this potential?"

"The Force exists in all living things, to varying degrees," Tyson explained. "Some people have a stronger connection than others. Maybe one in ten thousand has enough potential to be trainable."

"Those aren't great odds for fulfilling your promise," Ro pointed out with characteristic bluntness.

"Hence my current predicament. I've built the training facilities, but I need a way to create Force sensitivity in candidates." He walked to the edge of the hill, studying the Mediterranean landscape. "I've spent most of my points creating a livable world and the perfect training environment. Now I need to find a solution for the other half of the equation."

"Could you get more points?" Ro asked, joining him at the edge.

"Yes, but it takes time."

"What about the mirror universe? Could there be something there that might help?"

Tyson shook his head. "I doubt it. But there's another universe I have access to where there might be artifacts or knowledge that could enhance Force-sensitivity. But that's a problem for future-me to solve. Back to our Vulcan rescue mission."

Tyson focused his mind, visualizing the security room of the Titan ice mine facility within the Mirror Universe. The portal stabilized, revealing a utilitarian chamber filled with monitoring equipment and four guards in Terran Empire uniforms.

"Showtime," he whispered, stepping through the portal.

The guards barely registered his presence before Tyson was among them. He moved with superhuman speed. The first guard reached for his phaser but found his arm locked in Tyson's grip. An uppercut sent him crumpling to the floor. The second guard managed half a shout before Tyson's palm strike connected with his solar plexus, driving the air from his lungs. As the man doubled over, Tyson brought his elbow down on the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. The third and fourth guards drew their weapons simultaneously. Tyson extended his hand, and both phasers flew from their grips, clattering against the far wall. Before they could recover from their shock, Tyson was between them. He grabbed their heads and slammed them together with enough force to knock them out without causing permanent damage.

The entire encounter lasted less than ten seconds.

Tyson moved to the security console, working with swift efficiency. He disabled the alarms and locked down the communication systems. On the monitors, he could see the various sections of the facility, including the main holding area where the Vulcan prisoners were kept.

"Perfect," he murmured, studying the layout. He noted the positions of the remaining guards and the status of the force fields containing the prisoners.

With a few more keystrokes, he initiated a system-wide diagnostic that would temporarily disable the force fields in the prisoner areas. To anyone monitoring remotely, it would appear as routine maintenance.

Tyson opened another portal, this one leading directly to the main holding area where the Vulcans were housed. Through the shimmering aperture, he could see hundreds of Vulcan prisoners huddled together in the frigid chamber. Their features were gaunt from malnutrition and hard labor. Many bore the marks of abuse. Bruises, cuts, and in some cases, scars that marked them as property of the Empire.

Tyson stepped through, immediately drawing the attention of the nearest Vulcans. They stared at his sudden appearance and the portal behind him.

"I'm back," he announced in a clear, authoritative voice. He held up his Evidence of Integrity. "I'm here to free you."

The Vulcan who stepped forward, apparently their leader, studied Tyson for several long moments, then gave a slight nod. "What do you require of us?"

"Move quickly and quietly through the portal. Help those who cannot walk on their own. On the other side is a sanctuary where you will find food, medical care, and warmth."

The Vulcans organized themselves with remarkable efficiency despite their state. The stronger ones helped the elderly and injured without need for further instruction.

As the evacuation continued, Tyson noticed a familiar figure among the prisoners. Tasha Yar sat huddled against the wall, her once-fierce demeanor now dulled with resignation. Her uniform had been replaced with the same tattered garments worn by the Vulcan prisoners. Her blonde hair was matted with dirt and ice.

Tyson approached, remembering their last violent encounter. "Junior Lieutenant Yar."

Her head snapped up, recognition and hatred flashing across her face. "You," she snarled, attempting to stand but faltering from weakness.

"I'm not here to hurt you," Tyson said, offering his hand despite her hostility. "I'm evacuating everyone from this hellhole."

Yar glared at his outstretched hand with suspicion. "You expect me to believe that? After what you did to me?"

"I expect you to make a rational choice. Stay here and freeze to death, or come with me and live. You can hate me all you want from the comfort of a warm bed with a full stomach."

Her gaze darted to the portal, where the last of the Vulcans were disappearing through. "What's on the other side?" she demanded.

"Like I said. Food, warmth, and medical care. No one will harm you there."

After a moment of internal struggle, the survival instinct won out over pride. She grudgingly accepted Tyson's hand and allowed him to help her to her feet.

"If this is a trick," she warned, "I'll find a way to kill you."

"It's not a trick," Tyson replied, "But I doubt you could."

He guided her through the portal, stepping through himself, allowing it to close behind him. They stood on a grassy knoll overlooking the newly expanded gardens where the Vulcans were already being guided toward the Medical Bay by Your Robots, which appeared human but were actually Soong-Type androids with synthskin, upgraded by his technology.

Yar turned and drew a hidden knife, stabbing toward Tyson with desperate fury, but immediately she disappeared in a swirling orange light that looked similar to Federation transporters.

It was the Detainment upgrade, teleporting her into a holding cell because of her hostility.

Tyson shrugged.

Some people never learn.

— Star Jumper —

Stardate: 41503.7

Earth Standard Date: July 3, 2364.

Location: USS Enterprise, Interstellar space.

Captain Picard sat in his command chair, reviewing reports on a PADD while Commander Riker stood nearby, hands clasped behind his back.

Worf's deep voice broke the relative quiet. "Captain. Communication from Starfleet. They have reported a disturbance in the Neutral Zone."

Picard set aside his PADD, immediately alert. "Of what nature?"

"A battle. Quadrant nine, coordinates zero seven zero, mark three." Worf consulted his tactical readout. "There's no information who is involved. They are asking if we can investigate."

"Answer affirmative. Lieutenant La Forge, lay in the course."

"Aye, sir." La Forge answered, working the helm controls.

Data turned from the operations console. "I have no reports of any Federation ships in that area, sir."

"Ferengi?" Riker asked. "Shall we separate the saucer?"

"It's a little out of their territory." Picard replied with a shake of his head." Let's get a little more information first."

"Course set, Captain."

"Speed, warp seven. Engage." He tapped his communicator. "Picard to Tyson, report to the bridge."

"Aye, sir," came the immediate response.

Minutes later, the turbolift doors opened to admit Commander Tyson, who took his position at an auxiliary science station.

"We are now approaching the Neutral Zone," La Forge announced after the journey. "Sir, sensors indicate several recent photon explosions and heavy phaser activity."

Data worked his console. "I have analyzed the residue from the explosions. This is of no known Ferengi design. It is possibly Romulan."

"Now there's a name we haven't heard for a while," Picard said grimly.

"I could go a lot longer without hearing it," Riker muttered.

"If the Romulans have returned to this sector, we should know about that." Picard turned toward tactical. "Mister Worf, any further activity?"

"Negative, sir."

"Slow to half impulse."

La Forge adjusted the controls. "Going to one half impulse. Now entering quadrant nine zero seven, mark three."

"Shields and deflectors up. Go to Yellow Alert." The lighting on the bridge shifted subtly as yellow alert indicators activated.

"I have located a vessel, sir. It is drifting," Data reported.

"Put it on the main viewer."

The viewscreen changed to display a distant ship, rather plain and utilitarian in design. The image zoomed in, revealing a battle-scarred vessel with visible hull breaches.

"The life support systems on the ship are failing, sir. Propulsion, navigation, and all communication, inoperative."

"Any trace of the other vessel?" Picard asked.

"No, sir."

Riker straightened. "If it is a Romulan vessel, it could be cloaked."

"Tell Starfleet we're entering the Neutral Zone," Picard instructed.

"Yes, sir," Data acknowledged.

"Mister La Forge, take us in a little closer. Stay sharp, everyone."

Riker studied the vessel. "It's Talarian."

"Life signs?" Picard asked.

"Nothing yet, sir. I have identified the vessel, Captain. It is the Batris, a general cargo vessel."

"A long way from home," Riker observed.

Worf suddenly straightened. "Captain, possible life signs."

"What do you mean, possible?"

"The readings emanate from a location near what is left of Main Engineering. There is a great deal of magnetic and radioactive clutter, making a positive determination difficult."

"I'll prepare an away team." The first officer stated.

"Lieutenant Yar, you stay at your post," Picard instructed. "If this is the result of a Romulan attack, they may still be in the area."

"Aye, sir."

Riker surveyed the bridge, making quick decisions. "Data, Tyson, Ro, let's go."

The deck plates groaned beneath their feet as they materialized within the freighter's corridor. A conduit tore loose from the ceiling, crashing down mere centimeters from Riker's shoulder.

"We need to move," he ordered, quickening his pace. "This ship is ready to fall apart."

Data consulted his tricorder. "I am detecting high levels of deuterium gas, probably from leakage in the drive system."

"Toxic?" Riker asked, stepping over a fallen support beam.

"Not as yet, sir," the android replied. "The life signs are emanating from the far side of Engineering."

Riker surveyed the chaotic corridor ahead, where multiple junction points offered equally hazardous routes. "What's the safest way around?"

"All routes are equally dangerous, sir," Data stated. "There is no significant difference."

"Steady on," Riker muttered, choosing the path directly ahead.

Ro suddenly stopped, with her tricorder pointed to a wall. "Commander Riker!"

"Yes, Ensign?"

The younger officer pointed toward the bulkhead. "There's a fissure developing in the bulkhead. The skin of the ship is losing its integrity."

The commander's jaw tightened. "How long before this hull ruptures?"

Ro ran her tricorder along the fissure, analyzing the readings. "It's impossible to be exact. I'd say five minutes. Probably less."

"Let's go," Riker ordered, leading the team deeper into the vessel.

"Tyson, we're losing transmission," came Picard's crackling voice as they entered Engineering.

Data continued scanning with his tricorder. "The life signs are very strong now, sir. They are coming from over there." He pointed toward a sealed compartment beyond a field of superheated debris.

The first officer assessed the dangerous path. "Is there any other way around?"

"Negative," Data replied. "This is the only way. The safest way to proceed is for me to cross alone. The heat and toxic gases have less effect on me."

"Agreed," Riker nodded. "Captain, Data's gone ahead."

Despite the interference, the captain's voice came through clearly. "Understood, Number One."

"The life signs seem to be coming from the far side of Engineering," Riker reported as Data navigated through the hazardous area.

They watched as the android reached the far side, examining a heavy door that appeared to be jammed in its track.

"I've found them, sir," Data called back. "The door to their compartment is jammed."

Riker and the others followed Data's path around the warp core, arriving at a massive door that was open just enough to see darkness beyond.

"The control mechanism's not operative, sir," he reported after examining the panel.

The commander approached the narrow opening. "This is Commander Riker of the USS Enterprise. Do you hear me?"

Tyson reached for his phaser, but Data raised a cautionary hand.

"I advise against the use of phasers, sir. The gas buildup is too great."

"He's right, sir," Ro confirmed, checking her tricorder readings. "A phaser discharge now could blow us all out of here."

Data gestured toward the door. "Shall I, sir?"

"Number One, what's going on?" Picard asked through the combadge.

"We're about to force the door," Riker explained as Data positioned himself at the narrow opening.

The android applied steady pressure to the door, gradually widening the gap until it was large enough for Riker to step through into the compartment beyond.

"What is it? What do you see?" the captain asked.

A note of surprise colored Riker's response. "Klingons."

"Klingons?" Picard's incredulous voice echoed.

There were two Klingons standing there, proud and defiant despite their injuries. Both wore traditional warrior garb, though it was scorched and torn from battle.

The taller one stepped forward. "I am Korris," he announced.

Riker nodded curtly. "We'll handle the formalities later. Right now, we have to get off this ship. Are there any other survivors?"

"No," Korris replied flatly.

Data, who had been scanning the compartment, spoke up. "I believe I have found a quicker way out of here, sir."

"Check him out," Riker instructed, gesturing toward a body lying motionless on a nearby table.

Data moved swiftly to examine the prone figure, another Klingon warrior whose chest barely rose with shallow breaths. "He is alive, sir, but just barely."

"Then pick him up and let's get out of here," the commander ordered.

Korris stepped forward, proudly. "No. I will carry him."

"As you wish," Data acquiesced, stepping aside.

Korris lifted his fallen comrade. The second standing Klingon moved to flank him protectively.

Ro checked her tricorder again, alarm clear in her voice. "Come on, let's go!"

The group moved quickly through the deteriorating corridor, Data leading the way through the alternate route he had discovered. The ship groaned around them as structural integrity continued to fail.

On the Enterprise Bridge, Picard paced before his command chair, tension evident in his posture as he monitored the rapidly deteriorating situation.

"Tasha, go to transporter room three," he ordered. "I want you there when the away team returns."

"Aye, sir," she acknowledged immediately, heading for the turbolift.

The away team rushed through the corridor as pieces of the ceiling crashed down around them. A support beam collapsed just behind Ro, who leapt forward to avoid being crushed.

"Commander, we are out of time," she called out urgently. "This ship is blowing."

Riker tapped his combadge. "Transporter room, have you got a lock on us?"

Tasha worked frantically at the console as she attempted to establish a lock on the away team.

"Too much interference," she reported with frustration. "You have to get farther away from the Engineering section."

The corridor walls buckled inward as the ship's structure continued to fail. A massive explosion rocked the vessel, throwing Riker against a bulkhead.

"There's no time," Tyson declared. With a wave, he opened a portal. Beyond the threshold lay the Medical Bay. "Let's go," he commanded.

The first officer hesitated only a fraction of a second before nodding. "Move!"

Korris, still carrying his wounded comrade, stepped through first, followed by the second Klingon. Ro and Data quickly followed, with Riker bringing up the rear. Tyson cast one final glance at the freighter. He had briefly considered taking over the vessel and importing it, but what was the point? The ship was probably worth hardly any ship points given its condition.

As the last of them crossed the threshold, Tyson stepped through and sealed the portal behind them.

The bridge's main viewscreen displayed the Batris as it finally succumbed to the damage it had sustained. The ship broke apart in a spectacular explosion, debris scattering across the vacuum of space.

Picard rose from his chair, concerned. "Transporter Room?"

"They're not here, sir," came Tasha's tense reply.

Before he could respond, Tyson's voice came through the ship's communication system.

"We're safe in the Medical Bay, sir. The injured Klingon is being treated. We'll return to the Enterprise shortly."

Relief washed over the captain's face as he settled back into his command chair. "Very well, away team. Nicely done. Tyson, when the injured Klingon has stabilized, please open a portal. I wish to speak with the Klingons."

Worf spoke aloud, "Captain. Commander. Request permission to join you."

"Granted," Picard said.

A portal opened on the bridge. Tyson said, "Come on in, Worf. As our only local Klingon, it's only appropriate you're part of the welcoming party."

The security chief stepped through, immediately drawn to the sight of his kinsmen. His posture straightened further, if that were possible, as he took in the scene. The injured Klingon lay on a diagnostic bed, his vital signs displayed on floating holographic monitors above him. The wounds that had nearly claimed his life were already healing.

Korris and Konmel took in every detail of the unfamiliar surroundings with wariness.

"I am Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Enterprise."

"My name is Korris, Captain of the Klingon Defence Force. This is Lieutenant Konmel." Korris gestured to his companion, who acknowledged the introduction with a slight nod.

"Would you mind telling me what has happened?"

"We were passengers. The Talarians were taking us to outpost M Zed Five."

"What was the ship doing in the Neutral Zone?"

"We were attacked without warning by a Ferengi cruiser. During the course of the battle, we must have unknowingly entered the Neutral Zone."

Worf recalled the readouts taken by the Enterprise. "Scans indicated the weapons were not Ferengi."

Korris turned his attention to the security chief, studying him with narrowed eyes. "What is your name?"

"I am Lieutenant Worf."

"And you are a member of this crew?"

"Yes."

Korris nodded slowly. "You are correct. The weapons were Klingon, but the vessel was Ferengi."

"What precipitated the attack?" Picard asked.

"I don't know. We were in our quarters."

Konmel added context. "The captain of the freighter had no combat experience, so he did not anticipate the first attack, which was nearly fatal."

"We took control with his permission," Korris continued. "The Ferengi called for surrender. I told the Captain to agree to all their terms. We had only one chance, but I was confident it would be enough."

"As adversaries, the Ferengi are not very worthy," Konmel added with a hint of disdain.

Worf nodded in agreement. "Still, your weapons were limited and their ship superior."

"Yes. All we had was an ancient battery of Merculite rockets. Our only chance was to trick them into lowering their shields."

"We reduced power and lured them in," Konmel explained.

"They suspected nothing," Korris added.

"Then, when they lowered their shields to beam over a boarding party, we opened fire." Konmel completed the tale.

Picard's expression betrayed his skepticism. "Still, there are some points that I'm not very clear about."

"Captain, we are hungry and tired," Korris interjected, clearly wanting to end the questioning.

"Of course," he conceded.

"It would be appropriate to house them within the Enterprise's guest quarters," Picard said.

"Permission to show our guests to their quarters, Captain," Worf requested.

"Permission granted."

"If there is anything else you wish to know about this incident, we will be available," Korris offered, though his tone suggested he hoped there would be no further inquiries.

Tyson approached the door to the Medical Bay and used his Access Key. The door opened back onto the Enterprise. "Deck 4," he announced.

Worf led the Klingons through the doorway. As they passed the threshold and moved out of earshot, Riker asked, "What do you think, Captain?"

"There's more to this than we've been told," Picard mused. "Why was the Talarian ship so far off course? What was its point of departure?"

"Why would three Klingon officers hitch a ride on a broken-down freighter?" Riker added.

"Contact Starfleet. Find out what they know about Korris and company."

"It'll take forty-eight hours for a message to get to Starfleet on subspace frequency," the first officer pointed out.

"They're going to be with us for a while. Let's find out all we can about them." Picard turned to Tyson. "I'd prefer not to display all your abilities to them."

As the captain and Riker walked through the door, Tyson frowned. This had to be an Episode, but it wasn't familiar. Probably filler. But they were in the Neutral Zone, and these were their first Klingons. So it had to be something. Tyson would need to speak to Worf at the first opportunity.

— Star Jumper —

The guest quarters aboard the Enterprise were spacious by starship standards. The living area had been arranged with a dining table at its center, currently laden with plates of Klingon cuisine that Worf had helped them program into the replicator.

Korris gestured toward an empty chair. "Sit, friend. Let us eat."

Konmel approached the replicator. "O'Mat gri tea and piviots." A tray materialized, bearing a dark bottle and several dishes of food with the distinctive aroma of traditional Klingon fare. The elder warrior studied Worf as the security chief took his seat. "I did not know there were Klingons serving on human Starfleet vessels."

"As far as I know, I am the only one," Worf replied.

"Tell me, what is it like for the hunter to lie down with the prey? Have they tamed you, or have you always been docile?"

"Does it make you gentle?" Konmel added, pouring the dark tea. "Has it filled your heart with peace?"

"Do glorious battles no longer inspire your dreams?" Korris pressed.

Worf's jaw tightened, recognizing the deliberate provocation. "Why do you mock me? Why do you wish to anger me?"

"Only to see if it is still possible," Korris replied, satisfied.

"It is."

The tension hung in the air as they continued their meal. When they had finished, Worf sensed there was more to their story. "Tell me. What really happened?"

Korris set down his cup. "I do not wish to anger you. We are, after all, brothers lost among infidels."

The door chime interrupted their conversation.

"Enter," Worf called out.

Tyson stepped into the quarters, his tall frame filling the doorway momentarily before he moved into the room. "I used to have quarters like this when I first arrived on the Enterprise. Now that I think about it, I'm due an upgrade."

"Commander," Worf acknowledged with a nod.

"The one who assisted us," Korris observed. "You are welcome here."

"Commander Tyson is the best warrior among those of us serving on the Enterprise," Worf added.

Korris gestured toward the table with renewed interest. "Oh, please share a tale for us while we grab a second round of food."

Tyson settled into a chair. "I suppose I could tell you about how I won a battle against a dozen men and saved a Starfleet security officer." He began recounting his mission to Ligon. He described the planet's honor-based culture, the kidnapping of Tasha Yar, and his interference. He narrated the combat, explaining how he had disabled multiple guards and secured Yar's freedom without taking a single life.

"Impressive," Korris remarked as Tyson concluded his tale, clearly reassessing the human. He turned his attention back to Worf. "Tell me, how is it that you come to this ship, that uniform?"

"Through an act of kindness. The Romulans attacked the Khitomer outpost. Everyone was killed. I was buried under the rubble and left for dead. A human Starfleet officer found me. He took me to his home on Gault and told his wife to raise me as his son."

"How old were you?"

"Before the age of inclusion."

"That young? Gault is a farming colony."

Tyson listened intently, focusing on each detail. He knew the vague outlines of Worf's backstory but hadn't remembered the specifics. The pain in the security chief's voice when he spoke of his lost family was evident, even decades later.

"When my foster brother and I were of age, we entered the Starfleet Academy," Worf continued. "He hated it and returned to Gault. I stayed."

"You have not spent much time among your own kind," Konmel observed regretfully.

"Hardly none," Worf admitted.

Korris leaned forward, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone as he spoke to something he sensed in the younger Klingon. "So, when the night was still and quiet, and the sound of the blood rushing through your veins filled your ears, the only way to silence it was to slip out into the night and, like the hunter that spawned you, join in the struggle of life and death. You were unable—"

"And those around you did not understand," Konmel interjected. "You frightened them."

"They shunned you," Korris continued, his words hitting their mark. "Cursed you. Called you vile names, and you knew not why. Even now, do you know why you are driven? Why you cannot relent, or repent, or confess, or abstain? How could you know? There have been no other Klingons to lead you to that knowledge."

Worf's carefully maintained composure cracked slightly. "Yes, those feelings are part of me. But I control them. They do not rule me."

"Yes. To fit in, the humans demand that you change the one thing that you cannot change. Yet, because you cannot, you do. That too is the mark of the warrior." Korris nodded approvingly. "You said that I mock you. I do not. I salute you."

"But against whom do you test yourself?" Konmel questioned. "Against what enemy do you charge into battle?"

"I have been in battle," Worf stated firmly.

"Then you understand."

"Yes, I do." The conviction in Worf's voice was absolute.

Tyson observed the interaction closely, sensing the undercurrent of hostility directed toward him through his empathic abilities and the Force. The Klingons' words about testing oneself in battle, their subtle dismissal of peaceful existence, all pointed to something deeper than mere cultural pride. "You have a problem with humans, I assume?"

Korris dropped any pretense of diplomacy. "This peace, this alliance, is like a living death to warriors like us."

Tyson stood, recognizing both the dismissal and the potential danger these Klingons represented. Their warrior philosophy, taken to its extreme, could justify almost any action in the name of honor and battle. "I believe that's my cue to leave. I've intruded too long. But keep in mind, the Empire can't fight the whole quadrant alone," he said as he left.

— Star Jumper —

"Captain, long-range sensors indicate another vessel approaching this area," Data announced.

"Can you identify it?"

"No, sir, not yet."

LaForge worked at his station. "Captain, that unidentified vessel is approaching us at warp five. Intersect one hour, sixteen minutes."

"Can we get a visual?" Picard requested, rising from his chair and moving toward the viewscreen.

"I can try, sir."

The main viewscreen flickered, showing a distant point of light against the backdrop of stars. The image zoomed in, revealing the distinctive silhouette of a vessel. The image enlarged further, bringing the approaching ship into clearer focus. The unmistakable design of a Klingon battle cruiser filled the screen.

"Hello," LaForge muttered, concerned.

Riker stepped forward to stand beside Picard. "Klingons."

"Open hailing frequencies, Lieutenant Yar." Picard addressed the screen with diplomatic formality. "Klingon cruiser, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise."

The viewscreen shifted to show the bridge of the Klingon vessel. A stern-faced Klingon commander stared back at them. "I am Commander K'Nera," the Klingon announced. "What is your purpose in this area?"

"We came to investigate a battle," Picard explained. "We rescued three Klingon survivors."

"That is all that is left of the crew of the cruiser T'Acog?"

"They were not off a Klingon cruiser," Picard clarified. "They were from the freighter Batris. The leader is Captain Korris."

The Klingon commander's reaction was immediate and intense. He lurched forward in his command chair, suddenly alert. "You have him on your ship? He is alive?"

"Yes," Picard confirmed, noting the strong reaction.

K'Nera's tone grew harder. "He is a criminal. A renegade, who with two others stole that freighter, and somehow destroyed the Klingon cruiser sent to bring them back. We expect the criminals to be delivered into our custody as soon as we are within transporter range."

The transmission ended abruptly, leaving the bridge crew staring at the returning image of the approaching Klingon vessel.

"Lieutenant Yar, where are they now?"

Tasha consulted her console. "They're with Worf on deck seventeen."

"Deck seventeen?" Picard's brow creased with concern.

"Yes, sir," she confirmed. "Near the auxiliary turbolift to the battle bridge. Shall I alert Lieutenant Worf?"

"No," Picard decided quickly. "Send a security team."

Riker stepped closer to the captain, lowering his voice. "You don't think Worf would allow them access to the battle bridge?"

"I think, Number One, we cannot assume anything," Picard replied gravely.

Tasha stood at attention, awaiting further orders. "Captain, shall I stay at my tactical position or lead the security team?"

Picard considered for a moment. "Where is Commander Tyson? Is he in a position to detain them?"

"Sensors indicate he's not on the Enterprise, sir."

Picard tapped his combadge. "Picard to Tyson."

The response came almost immediately. "Tyson here."

"Commander, we have a situation," Picard explained. "Are you able to head to Deck 17? We've received word that our Klingon guests are fugitives, and we need to detain them until a Klingon vessel arrives to apprehend them."

"On my way," Tyson responded promptly. "I just released the injured one from the Medical Bay not long ago. There are three of them."

"I'm sending a security team with Lieutenant Yar as well."

Worf led the three Klingons through the corridor, guiding them toward the auxiliary turbolift.

"We have heard this ship can separate in times of battle."

"Yes. When relieved of its bulk, the Enterprise becomes an exceptional weapon."

Konmel practically vibrated with excitement at this information. "What magnificent battles we could have at the helm of this ship."

Worf slowed his pace, turning to face his fellow Klingons. "Perhaps your dreams of glory no longer fit the time. They belong buried with the past."

"Standing here, we will never know," Korris countered, gesturing broadly around them. "Our answer lies out there. Our instincts will lead us."

"Instincts that have not been dulled by living among civilized men," Konmel added.

They rounded the corner to see Tyson casually leaning against the wall of the corridor. When he saw the group of Klingons, he straightened and cracked his neck, the sound drawing their attention.

"Is there a problem, Commander?" Worf asked, immediately sensing the shift in atmosphere.

"The Captain wants these three taken into custody," Tyson stated flatly.

"Why?"

"Do not let him take us, Worf. Help us."

"Listen to the voice of your blood," Konmel urged, moving to stand beside Korris. "You are not of these people."

"Yes," Korris pressed, his voice growing more intense. "Join us."

"We lied to your Captain. We commandeered that freighter and left the crew behind, and we were in search of a place where we could live our lives like true Klingons."

"You did not battle the Ferengi?"

"It was one of our own cruisers sent to bring us back," Korris admitted without remorse.

Shock registered briefly on Worf's face before being quickly masked. "You destroyed a Klingon vessel?"

"I did not want to battle our brothers," Korris explained, defiance rather than regret coloring his words. "I had no choice. They had been corrupted by the illusion of peace."

"They traded our birthright so they could die in their sleep," Konmel spat.

Korris stepped closer to Worf, dropping to an urgent whisper. "A peace that makes the Klingon heart that beats in my chest wither and die."

Behind them, the third Klingon, Kunivas, who had yet to speak after being healed, shifted his weight subtly, preparing for whatever might come next.

Tyson pushed himself away from the wall. "I don't care about your philosophical differences with the Klingon Empire. Captain Picard has ordered you detained until the Klingon vessel arrives to take you into custody. The Klingons and Federation are allies, so the order stands."

"You cannot understand," Korris growled, turning his attention to Tyson. "You are human. Your kind has never known the fire that burns in Klingon blood."

"I understand more than you think. I've survived the Blood Fever twice and had to kill to sate it the first time. But understanding doesn't change what I need to do."

Konmel's hand moved toward a concealed weapon, but Worf caught the motion. "Do not," he warned.

"They will return us to the Empire," Korris said, anger tightening his voice. "We will be executed for what we believe."

"You'll be executed for murder, not for your beliefs," Tyson corrected.

"It is the same thing. Our beliefs made action necessary."

Worf stood between his fellow Klingons and Tyson, visibly torn between his heritage and his duty.

"Worf," Korris urged, "you feel it too. The call of battle, the thirst for glory. These humans have tamed you, but the warrior still lives within."

Tyson observed the conflict playing across Worf's face, recognizing the weight of the moment. He knew that the lieutenant's decision now would define much about his character and perhaps his place in Starfleet.

"You must choose," Konmel pressed. "Are you Klingon or have you become human in more than just uniform?"

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed from around the corner. The security team was approaching. Time was running out.

Worf stepped away from the renegade Klingons and moved to stand beside Tyson. "I serve the Enterprise," he stated firmly. "I have sworn an oath to Starfleet."

Korris's face darkened with rage. "Then you have rejected your heritage. You are no Klingon."

"I am Lieutenant Worf, son of Mogh," he replied, his voice unwavering. "I know who and what I am. No one's words can change that."

"You're outmatched," Tyson stated. "Worf is honorable. He will not break his loyalty to the Federation. You can come with me, peacefully, or I can drag you to the brig. Your choice. If your heart sings for battle, I'm more than happy to oblige."

Korris lunged forward suddenly, drawing a hidden disruptor from beneath his clothing. Konmel and Kunivas followed suit, weapons appearing in their hands.

"Lieutenant Worf, I'm going to detain these three Klingon warriors," Tyson said calmly, not taking his focus off the approaching threat. "You are not required to assist unless you wish to."

Tyson sidestepped Korris's charge. His hand shot out, gripping the Klingon's wrist and twisting it with such force that the disruptor clattered to the floor. Korris howled in surprise rather than pain, unused to finding himself overpowered.

"What manner of human are you?" he snarled, recovering quickly and launching a barrage of punches.

Tyson blocked each blow. "The kind you shouldn't have underestimated."

Konmel and Kunivas spread out, attempting to flank him. Their coordinated attack might have overwhelmed an ordinary opponent, but Tyson was anything but ordinary. He caught Konmel's fist mid-strike, using the Klingon's momentum to hurl him into the bulkhead with enough force to dent the metal.

Kunivas drew a d'k tahg, the traditional Klingon knife. "Die with honor, human!" The blade slashed through the air where Tyson had been a split second before. He moved with impossible speed, ducking under the knife and driving his fist into Kunivas's solar plexus. The blow lifted the Klingon off his feet, sending him sprawling backward.

Korris had recovered his disruptor and fired. The energy beam sizzled past Tyson's ear as he twisted away, the heat of it barely grazing his skin. In three rapid strides, Tyson closed the distance between them, his hand closing around Korris's throat.

"That was your last mistake," he said, lifting the struggling Klingon off the ground with one arm.

Korris clawed at Tyson's grip, his face contorting with rage and disbelief. Klingons prided themselves on their physical strength, yet this human held him aloft as if he weighed nothing.

Worf watched the confrontation with his hand hovering near his phaser, but not drawing it. The display of strength he was witnessing defied explanation.

Konmel recovered from his collision with the wall and drew his own knife, charging at Tyson from behind. Without looking, Tyson sensed the approach and pivoted, using Korris as a shield. Konmel pulled back at the last moment to avoid stabbing his comrade, creating an opening that Tyson exploited mercilessly. He flung Korris aside and seized Konmel's knife arm, applying pressure to specific nerves that caused the Klingon's fingers to spasm open. The knife fell, and Tyson kicked it away before delivering a precise strike to Konmel's temple that dropped him instantly.

Kunivas had regained his footing and now circled Tyson warily, his d'k tahg held in a defensive position. "You fight well for a human," he growled. "I will honor you by taking your head."

"You're welcome to try."

The Klingon feinted left before slashing right, a move that would have disemboweled a slower opponent. Tyson caught the Klingon's wrist mid-strike, his grip tightening until the bones ground together. The knife fell, but Kunivas immediately lashed out with his other fist, catching Tyson across the jaw. He merely turned his head with the impact, absorbing it without apparent harm. His counterattack was swift and brutal. A palm strike to Kunivas's chest that sent the Klingon flying backward into the approaching security team led by Lieutenant Yar.

Yar and her officers stumbled under the impact of the falling Klingon, momentarily thrown off balance. By the time they recovered, Tyson had already turned his attention back to Korris, who had regained his feet and was preparing for another attack.

"Stay down," Tyson warned. "You won't get another chance."

Korris bellowed in defiance, drawing a hidden second knife from his boot. "I am Klingon! I do not surrender!"

He lunged forward, blade aimed at Tyson's heart. This time, Tyson made no attempt to dodge. He caught Korris's wrist, stopping the knife mere centimeters from his chest, and drove his other fist into the Klingon's face. Korris's head snapped back, blood spraying from his shattered nose, but he remained standing until Tyson delivered a second blow that finally dropped the Klingon warrior to his knees.

Still conscious but dazed, Korris glared up at Tyson through a haze of pain. "Kill me," he demanded. "Grant me a warrior's death."

"That's not how we do things here," Tyson replied, stepping back as Yar and her security team moved in with phasers drawn.

Worf looked down at his fallen kinsmen. "You fought well," he told Korris, "but your cause was not just."

"You speak of justice while wearing that uniform?" Korris spat blood onto the deck. "You are lost, Worf, son of Mogh. Lost to your people."

The security team moved in, securing the three Klingons with restraints. Konmel was still unconscious, while Kunivas glared silently at his captors. Korris continued to mutter curses in Klingon as they hauled him to his feet.

"Commander, that was... unexpected. Are you injured?" Lieutenant Yar asked.

Tyson rotated his shoulder casually. "I'm fine."

"Clearly," she replied, her attention lingering on the dent in the bulkhead where Konmel had impacted. "We'll take them to the brig now."

As the security team led the Klingons away, Tyson tapped his combadge. "Tyson to Picard."

"Picard here," came the immediate response.

"Captain, Korris and the Klingons have been detained."

— Star Jumper —

Worf and Tyson entered the bridge together. Captain Picard turned from his command chair to address them. "Lieutenant. The Klingon vessel has arrived. They have requested the return of the renegades," Picard informed them.

"They will be tried and executed, sir."

"I know." Picard's voice softened slightly. "Lieutenant, understand that I am not unmindful of the mixed feelings you must have about this incident."

"Thank you, sir." He hesitated before adding, "Are there no other options, sir?"

Picard shook his head. "None that I can see."

Tyson noted the subtle tension in Worf's shoulders, the barely perceptible tightening around his features, signs invisible to most humans but clear indicators of the Klingon's internal conflict.

Riker approached Picard, speaking quietly. "He seems to be handling this quite well, sir."

"So far," Picard agreed. "He must be torn. These are his people."

Data turned from his console. "The Klingon vessel is within range, sir. They are requesting visual contact."

"Open frequencies," Picard ordered.

The viewscreen flickered to life, revealing the stern visage of Commander K'Nera. "We are in position now to receive the criminals."

"We're prepared to transfer," Picard replied.

Worf stepped forward suddenly. "Captain. Request permission to address the Captain on the Klingon vessel. I know it is against standard procedure, but there is something I must say."

Picard considered for only a moment. "Permission granted."

Worf faced the viewscreen and spoke in Klingon. "K'Mongi B'Mus."

K'Nera shifted subtly with recognition of the formal address. "G'Armond T'Ris," he responded in kind before switching back. "What is it you want?"

"To plead," Worf stated simply.

K'Nera's face hardened. "You waste your time. Their actions threaten the alliance. They disobeyed and must be punished."

"Yes, they must be punished," Worf agreed, "but not executed with dishonour."

"Why do you care?" K'Nera demanded.

Worf's voice took on a depth of emotion rarely heard from the stoic lieutenant. "What burns in their thoughts, fires my soul. I hear their words, and I see it all as it was. Part of me longs for that time."

K'Nera nodded with understanding. "It's bred in the bone. We all do."

"Then send them to a planet in the Halee system," Worf urged, "where they can meet death on their feet with a weapon in their hands, not tied and helpless."

"When one of us dies that way, it diminishes all of us," K'Nera responded gravely.

"Yes," Worf acknowledged.

K'Nera softened marginally. "Brother, I feel as you. I, too, wish they could fly free, but I have no choice."

"Sir."

K'Nera straightened. "We await the transfer."

Picard turned to his tactical officer. "Lieutenant Yar, escort the prisoners to the Transporter room."

Tasha's voice came through the comm system. "Aye, sir."

Tyson felt a whisper from the Force, warning him of trouble.

Something wasn't right.

Then the comm system chirped urgently.

"This is Ramos," came a strained voice. "The forcefield in Security Three has been broken."

Tyson reacted instantly. "Ramos, pull back," he ordered sharply. Without waiting for acknowledgment, he opened a portal in the air beside him and lept through, disappearing from the bridge.

The portal deposited Tyson directly into the corridor outside Security Three. Ensign Ramos was backing away from the entrance with his phaser drawn. A disruptor beam shot from the doorway, heading straight for the young officer.

Tyson moved with Force-enhanced speed, placing himself between Ramos and the deadly energy beam. His Lightsaber ignited, the blade materializing just in time to intercept and deflect the disruptor blast. The redirected energy scorched the ceiling, raining sparks down around them.

Ramos stared in shock, first at Tyson, then at the still-open portal connecting to the bridge. Tyson stood blocking the security room exit, his lightsaber held in a defensive position, but he deliberately kept the portal open behind him.

On the bridge, the sound of weapons fire came through the portal. Worf's head snapped toward the disturbance, his warrior instincts immediately engaged.

"Captain, permission to leave the Bridge."

Picard rose from his chair, his decision immediate. "We'll both go."

They stepped through the portal. "Captain, let me talk to him," Worf requested.

Picard nodded once, recognizing the security officer might have the best chance of talking down the trapped Klingon.

Korris's face lit with savage triumph when he saw Worf enter. Blood trickled from a wound on his forehead, but determination burned in his features. "Brother, I knew you would come. Now I— We have a chance. We could not do it alone, but we would rather die here than let the traitors of Kling pick the meat from our bones. With you, it will work."

"What will work?" Worf asked.

Korris leaned forward, dropping to an urgent whisper. "We will fight our way to the battle bridge. We will separate from the rest of the ship, then together we will light up the galaxy." His face transformed with almost religious fervor. "Imagine the fear which will roll before us."

Tyson laughed. "That didn't work the first time. What makes you think it'll work now?"

Worf ignored the interruption, focusing entirely on Korris. "Put down the phaser."

Korris stared at him, confusion replacing his earlier certainty. "Wait. I do not believe this."

"Believe it," Worf stated firmly.

"I have tasted your heart," Korris insisted, desperation creeping into his tone. "You have been with them, but you are still one of us. Do not deny the challenge of your destiny." His voice rose with passion. "Get off your knees and soar. Open your consciousness and let the dream take flight."

Worf stood unmoved. "My brother, it is you who does not see. You look for battles in the wrong place. The test of the warrior is not without, it is within." He placed his fist against his chest. "Here, here we meet the challenge. It is the weaknesses in here that a warrior must overcome."

"No," Korris whispered, shaking his head in denial.

"You have talked of glory and of conquest and legends we will write," Worf continued.

Korris nodded vigorously. "Yes, the birthright of every Klingon."

"Yet in all you say, where are the words duty, honor, loyalty?" Worf challenged. "Without which, a warrior is nothing."

"What are you saying? Living among these humans has sucked the Klingon heart out of you."

"Put down the phaser," Worf repeated.

Rage transformed Korris's features. "You are a sham! My words were dust upon the ground. Your blood has no fire. You are weak like them." He spat on the floor. "I don't care what you look like, you are no Klingon."

"Perhaps not." Worf remained stoic, but his tone revealed the jab had hurt.

"Bullshit," Tyson interrupted. "You are more Klingon than they are. You have honor. You fight, but do not seek battle needlessly." He gestured toward the renegades. "There is no wisdom in perpetual war. There is only death. That is why they're hunted by their own people. Why they grasp so desperately at the next scheme. They might speak poetically, but they're no better than the Ferengi or the Romulans."

Korris roared, a primal sound of pure rage, and swung his weapon toward Tyson. Before he could fire, Tyson thrust his hand forward. An invisible force slammed into the Klingons, hurling them against the back wall with bone-jarring impact, crossing the distance before they could recover. His lightsaber flashed, slicing their weapon in half. The severed pieces clattered to the floor, still glowing at the cut edges.

He brought the humming green blade to hover centimeters from Korris's throat. The Klingon glared up at him with undisguised hatred, but Tyson showed only contempt.

"You don't deserve a warrior's death," he said coldly.

"That's enough, Commander," Picard said firmly. "They're beaten."

Tyson held Korris's stare for a moment longer, then deactivated his Lightsaber, leaving only the metal hilt in his hand. He stepped back, tucking the weapon into his belt.

"Take them to the transporter room," Picard ordered the security team that had arrived behind them.

As the officers moved forward, Korris never looked away from Tyson. The Klingon's breathing was heavy, his nostrils flaring with each exhale. The moment the nearest security officer reached for him, he exploded into motion.

With a primal roar, he shoved the officer aside and lunged at Tyson, hands outstretched for the commander's throat. "Die with honor, human!"

Tyson didn't flinch. As Korris's fingers were about to close around his neck, he pivoted smoothly to the side, gripping Korris's wrist and twisting it sharply behind his back. Korris howled, more in rage than pain, and twisted his body to break the hold. His strength was impressive, even for a Klingon, but Tyson matched it effortlessly. When Korris attempted to drive his elbow back into his ribs, the commander simply wasn't there anymore.

The Klingon attacked with a series of strikes.

None connected.

Tyson blocked each blow, his forearms deflecting Korris's fists with solid impacts that echoed through the corridor. The Klingon shifted from rage to confusion as his attacks met an immovable defense.

"Is this all you have?" Tyson asked, yawning despite the flurry of blows he was parrying.

Korris roared and redoubled his efforts, his attacks becoming wilder, more desperate. Tyson continued to block, making no offensive moves of his own, which only infuriated the Klingon further.

"Fight me!" Korris demanded, spittle flying from his lips.

"As you wish," Tyson replied.

The next time Korris threw a punch, Tyson didn't just block it. He countered. His knee drove into the Klingon's midsection, folding him forward. Before Korris could recover, Tyson delivered a precise strike to his jaw that snapped his head back.

Korris staggered but remained standing. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and he spat a tooth onto the deck. He charged again.

This time, when Korris swung, Tyson caught it in his palm, stopping the blow cold. Korris's focus widened in disbelief. He tried to pull back, but Tyson's grip tightened. The Klingon swung his other fist in desperation. He caught that one, too, now holding both of Korris's hands immobilized.

"You fight without honor," Korris snarled through clenched teeth.

"You have forgotten what honor is," Tyson replied calmly.

He drove his forehead into Korris's face with devastating force. Worf watched on with concern, that quickly shifted to surprise as the Klingon was staggered.

It shouldn't have happened.

Commander Tyson should have taken the worst of that exchange, but he hadn't. He continued his assault, releasing one of Korris's hands to deliver a punishing blow to his ribs. The crack of breaking bone was audible to everyone in the corridor.

Still, Korris fought on. He swung his freed hand at Tyson's head, but the commander ducked under it and drove his fist into the Klingon's back, striking the kidney. Korris gasped, his knees buckling momentarily before he forced himself upright through sheer willpower.

"Stay down," Tyson warned.

Korris answered with a wild swing that Tyson easily avoided. The Commander sighed, almost regretfully, then unleashed a combination of strikes. His fists hammered Korris's torso, each impact precise and devastating. He finished with an uppercut that lifted the Klingon off his feet.

Korris crashed to the deck, blood pooling beneath his head. He tried to rise, his arms trembling with the effort, but could only make it to his hands and knees.

"Enough," Picard commanded.

Tyson backed away, his breathing barely elevated despite the exertion. Korris remained on his knees, swaying slightly, unfocused.

"Take them to the transporter room," Picard repeated to the security team, who moved in more cautiously to secure the prisoners.

— Star Jumper —

Hours later, after the Klingon vessel had departed with its prisoners, Tyson found Worf sitting alone in the replimat. The security officer was nursing a mug of something steaming that smelled strongly of spices and alcohol.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, stopping beside the table.

Worf gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Please. You handled yourself well against Korris. Such restraint against a determined opponent requires discipline."

"He was desperate, made him sloppy," Tyson replied, then paused thoughtfully. "Though I suspect you understood his desperation better than most."

"Desperation makes for dangerous opponents, yes. But it also reveals character."

"Desperate, sure, dangerous maybe, but not honorable characters," Tyson noted, watching as Worf's jaw tightened at the word 'honor.'

"You speak of honor. What do you know of Klingon honor, Commander? Most humans think it means dying gloriously in battle."

"Enough to know it's more complex than that," Tyson said, noting how Worf's posture straightened at this acknowledgment. "It's not just about victory in battle or dying with a weapon in hand."

"No," Worf agreed, almost surprised to find someone who grasped this distinction. "It is not."

"Korris spoke of glory and conquest, but he missed the foundation that makes those things meaningful. The very thing you tried to show him."

"Which is?"

"Duty. Loyalty. Self-sacrifice," Tyson repeated Worf's words. "The willingness to put something larger than yourself above your own desires."

A hint of surprise crossed Klingon's features, followed by a companionable silence for a moment, each sipping their beverage.

"What Korris failed to understand," Worf finally said, "is that honor is not found in battle itself, but in why we fight. A warrior without cause is merely a killer." He paused, then added more quietly, "Something I learned living among humans, though it took time to accept the lesson."

"And a warrior who betrays his people for personal glory has no honor at all. You saw that clearly where he could not."

"You fought Korris with skill, but also with restraint. You could have killed him easily, yet you chose not to. Why?"

"There was no need," Tyson replied simply. "Defeating him was enough. Our duty was to ensure he was returned to the Klingons, our allies, to face their justice. I could have killed him, yes, but it would have been a victory that went against our duty. A victory without honor is empty, is it not?"

Worf was quiet for a long moment, turning his mug slowly in his hands. "Perhaps. Growing up on Earth, I often wondered if I truly understood what it meant to be Klingon. Today... I realized I may understand it better than those who never questioned it."

The replimat had emptied as the hour grew late, leaving them alone with their thoughts and drinks. "May I ask you something, Lieutenant?" Tyson finally said.

Worf inclined his head. "You may."

"You mentioned your father earlier, Mogh. Tell me about your House. Is it one of the Great Houses of the Empire?"

Episode: Star Trek The Next Generation - Heart of Glory Complete!

+100 RP

Reality Points: 650

— Star Jumper —

Tyson

Origins: Human, Humanoid, Drop-In, Space Pirate, Bad Guy, Officer (Inquisitor, Commander), Displaced

Race: Augment Human-Betazoid (Hybrid)

Character Points: 350, [250 KOTOR (Vicky)]

Reality Points: 650

Ship Points: 2650 [650 Mirror Universe]

Credits: 115,350

Status Effects: (none)

Drawbacks:

Gauntlet (Locked)

Ensign Marty Stu

A Simple Re'Q'uest

Hybrid (Betazoid)

Amok Time/Blood Fever

Outlawed

Divine Voyeur

Black Coat Society

Alien Threat

The Science Directorate Has Determined...

Spoils of War

Perks:

Cosmic Awareness

Out of Nowhere

Going Native

Live and Let Live

This is (Not?) Rocket Science

Kinda Bland

Determinator

Painted On

Snakeskin

Adaptable

Duelist

Master with your Hands

Best of the Best

Everything Is A Weapon

Augment

Force Specialization: Intelligence

Tactical Info

Sever Force

Specialty: Operations; Sub-Specialties (Communications, Engineering, Piloting)

Speedy Promotions

Untainted

Q This

We Are Still Starfleet

Fit For Duty: Command Division - Expert Ship Tactics and Combat, Expert Ship Command

Change The Present

Items:

Laser Blade

Spacesuit

Agony Booth

Cloaking Minefield

Lightsaber

Gray Goo Suit

Transwarp Beam Equation

Iconic Item: Iconic Interceptor

Evidence Of Integrity

Dressed For Success And Murder

Companions:

(Vicky) V-KO IV Nursedroid: Access Key, Artificial Intelligence Upgrade, Gray Goo Upgrade, Master With Your Hands, Light Weapon, Jumper's Master Key, Scaling Cloak, Origin: Jedi, Force Specialization: Intelligence, Enhanced Mind, Lightsaber, Armored Robes, Battle Meditation, Origin: AI, Origin: Elite, Memory Banks, Social Algorithms, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Security Features, Quantum Locked BUS, Adaptive Personal Force Field, False Star Forge.

T'Pol: Access Key, Origin: Rubber Forehead, Origin: Elite, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Distinct Feature, Everone Likes Green Chicks, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Protector Drones, Space Elf, Space Wizard, Symbol

D'Lavina

Inquisitor Troi: Origin: Manipulator, Aesthetics Of Success, Enticing, Un-Intendant Consequences, The Living Proof That Fate Is Real

Personal Reality:

Access Key (Additional Keys, Key Link)

Control Room (Your Robots, Maintenance Systems)

Security System (Force Wall, Partition Plan, Detainment)

Antechamber

Warehouse

High-Security Inter-Reality Connecting Door (Star Trek Enterprise, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Star Trek Mirror Universe)

Medical Bay (The Nano-Medical Lab, The Bio-Synthesis Lab, Microbiome Replacement Lab, The Counseling Bay)

Housing Complex (Basic Nutrition, A Little Less Basic Nutrition, A Lot Less Basic Nutrition, Choice Apartments, Luxury Apartments, Who's Got the Powa, Pipes Pipes Pipes)

Playing With Portals (Portal Link, Portal Control Rod, Free Portal, Portal Aperature x4)

The Mystical Menagerie

Guardian's Greenhouse

Ship Sections (Cryo-Chambers)

Personal Mini-Reality (The Village, Wildlife for Your Wild Life, The Meaning of Life)

Digital Extranet (Voice Over Wharehous Protocol Cellular Service)

The Semi-Secret Garden (Parkland Paradise, Meditation Corners)

A Range Of Ranges

Pilot Simulator

The Library Jumpxandria (Digital Database, A Classy Classroom

GYM-NICE-IUM (Gym-Nasty-Um, Gym-Classy-Um)

Spaceships:

Tramp Freighter (Destroyed - Respawn on 02/28/2365)

Sith Interceptor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Bridge Upgrade)

Automated Repair Station (Ship Size Rating: IV, Station, Bridge, Space Hulk, Artificial Gravity, Cryo-Chambers, Auto-Repair System, Synapses, Distributed, Automated Ship, Analytic Suite, Docking Port, Transporter Room, Matter Printer, Negentropy Reactor, Deflector Shields, Clarketech Module, Production Lines, Hangar, Cargo Bay, Living Quarters)

Narada (Ship Size Rating: IV, Artificial Gravity, Alcubierre Drive, Auto-Repair System, Exotic Materials (Nanomaterials), Cargo Bay, Hangar, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite, Deflector Shields, Missiles, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill)

Interdictor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Artificial Gravity, Hangar, Hyperdrive, Fusion Reactor, Navigation Suite, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Jump Suppression Field, Beam Weapons, Follower Crew)

False Star Forge (Destroyed - Respawn on 05/01/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Station, A.I. Core, Entertainment Deck, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Modular, Secure, Nanite Shroud)

Symbol (Ship Size Rating: II, Station, Distributed, Battery Banks, Physical Armor, Beam Weapons, Gravitic Shields, Exotic Materials: Crystal, A.I. Core, Modular, Inertialess Drive)

Iconic Interceptor (Ship Size Rating: IV) (General Upgrades: Articial Gravity, Auto-Repair System, Bridge Upgrade, Modular, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Exotic Materials: Crystal, Secure) (Sections: Cargo Bay, Cryo-Chambers, Hangar x3, Living Quarters, Production Lines, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Saucer separation) (Controls: A.I. Core, Distributed, Synapses) (Crew: Follower Crew, 'Hardened' crew, Automated Ship) (Propulsion: Alcubierre Drive: Warp Drive x2, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Hyperdrive, Inertialess Drive) (Reactors: Battery Banks, Reinforced Power Systems, Fusion Reactor, Antimatter Reactor, Negentropy Reactor) (Sensors: Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite, Tachyon Sensors) (Shields: Physical Armor, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Gravitic Shields, Jump Suppression Field) (Utilities: Docking Port, Entertainment Deck, Holodeck, Transporter Room, Clarktech Matter Printer, Medical Facilities, Laboratory Space) (Weapons: Beam Weapons: Disruptors, Beam Weapons: Phasers, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Spinal Phaser Lance, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Spiral Wave Disruptor, Missiles: Photon Torpedoes, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Rapid Fire Photon Torpedo Launchers, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill), Nanite Shroud, Reach: Tractor Beam)

ISS Enterprise-D (Ship Size Rating: III - Heavy Cruiser), Artificial Gravity, Cargo Bay, Alcubierre Drive, Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Deflector Shields, Beam Weapons: Disruptors, Medical Facilities, Laboratory Space, Holodeck, Hangar Bay x2, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Saucer separation, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Spinal Phaser Lance, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Rapid Fire Photon Torpedo Launchers, 'Hardened' crew.

Galor-Class Destroyer (Ship Size Rating: III - Light Cruiser), Artificial Gravity, Alcubierre Drive, Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Deflector Shields, Directed Energy Weapons: Disruptors, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations, Non-Specialized Ship Alterations: Spiral Wave Disruptor, Warp Drive x2, Reinforced Power Systems, Torpedo Launchers: Photon Torpedo, Sensors: Tachyon Sensors, Reach: Tractor Beam)