TO KILL A
KLINGON
By Kohn
K'Tarra
“Captain” announced Lt. Worf as he looked up from his console “I’m picking up a signal.”
“Friend or foe Mr. Worf?” Captain Picard inquired.
“Unknown at this time Sir.”
“Very well Lt.. Monitor it and keep us informed.”
“Aye Sir” Worf replied “recommend we go to Yellow Alert until we’re sure.”
“Make it so” ordered Picard.
Lt. Worf proceeded to monitor the signal and to find its source. Worf was feeling a bit tense because he seemed to recognize this style of signal, but he was also able to conceal such feelings from Counselor
Troi, as he didn’t want to alarm the crew until he was sure.
What made Worf so tense was something he was told about as a child. Androids that were built on
Kronos, the Klingon homeworld, that were given the outward appearance of a normal Klingon, but would be programmed to seek out and destroy Klingon renegades. They were also designed to broadcast a variety of signals, often at the same time to confuse their enemy, and it is a signal similar to this that Worf is currently monitoring.
Worf then walked to the Science 1 station behind him.
“Computer” Worf commanded “request information on Klingon history regarding ‘jan HoH’.”
“Something wrong Lt.?” Inquired Commander Riker.
“Unknown at this time Sir.”
“Would you care to explain that?” inquired Captain Picard as he and Commander Riker joined Worf at the computer panel.
“Working Sir.” Worf replied.
“Captain. Sensors have picked up a ship at bearing 034, mark 36” announced Lt. Commander Data.
“Can we get a visual?”
“Not yet Sir the ship is too far away.”
“Very well Mr. Data. Inform me when she comes into visual range.”
“Aye Sir.” Data replied.
“Mr. Worf can you explain any of this?” inquired Picard as he Riker and Worf turned back to the console. “And does that ship have anything to do with that signal you picked up?”
“I believe so Sir. Yes here it is. Many years ago, just after the war ended between Klingons and the Federation, the Klingon High Council built what we called a jan HoH or Killing Device. We built them to infiltrate the Klingon Empire and seek out and destroy Klingon renegades; no matter what their rank. And I believe that’s what may currently be on its’ way here” added Worf as the three of them turned back to look at the screen.
“I don’t get it. Why would a Klingon Terminator be seeking us out?” inquired Ensign Crusher.
“I would theorize Wesley” replied Data “that it may think that Lt. Worf is a renegade.”
Captain Picard then called for a conference and as soon as Dr. Crusher and Lt. La Forge arrived they were updated on the situation.
“The obvious thing to do of course” stated Captain Picard “is contact the Klingon High Command on Kronos and see if they can help.”
“It may be the obvious thing to do” rumbled Worf, “but there’s also a distinct possibility that it will be picked up by the jan HoH and jammed.”
“Mr. La Forge is there anything you can do to eliminate this possibility?”
“I think so Captain” replied Geordi. “I could cross reference the Klingon/Federation sub-space codes and boost the signal. It’s still possible that this thing will have access to them, but I’m counting on the ENTERPRISE having more power than a Klingon ship. No offence intended
Worf.”
“None taken” Worf rumbled “and in most cases you would be right. But a jan HoH will build their own ship, or heavily modify an existing one, to be even more indestructible than they are.”
“That being the case” stated Captain Picard “I would like you two to work together on this one.”
“Yes Sir” replied both Geordi and Worf.
“Recommend we also inform Starfleet Command at the same time” suggested Riker.
“Make it so.” Picard ordered “Anything else? Dr. Crusher, how are things down in sickbay?”
“We’re clear for the moment but I’ll put my staff on full emergency alert; it sounds like we’ll need them.”
“Agreed Beverly. Well if there’s nothing else I suggest we get back to our posts.”
As soon as they left the Conference Lounge, Geordi headed towards the upper level of the Bridge so that he could transfer Engineering to the Bridge display, while everybody else returned to their own stations. Then he and Worf began cross-referencing the sub-space frequencies for the ones they could use to best advantage. It didn’t take them long before they found one suitable, with proper boosting, for transmitting to
Kronos; and also one for transmitting to Starfleet Command.
“Captain” announced Lt. La Forge “I think we’ve got the right frequencies.”
“Excellent Mr. La Forge. Inform Starfleet and the Klingon High Command of our situation and ask Kronos what our best chances might be of defeating this thing.”
“Yes Captain.”
Geordi and Worf then set about boosting the signal to what they hoped was sufficiently high enough to get past the jan
HoH, then they set about sending the required messages to their destinations. However, until they were received and a reply was sent back, there was little that the ENTERPRISE crew could do but wait.
“The ship is starting to enter visual range Captain” announced Data.
“Thank you Mr. Data. Set viewer to highest magnification, then let’s see what’s out there.”
“Aye Sir.”
Data proceeded to adjust the magnification controls until there was a shape on the view-screen. He adjusted them some more until the shape became recognizable.
“What do you make of her Worf?” inquired Riker.
“She’s Klingon….barely” Worf replied tensely. “She looks mostly like a Vor’cha Class, but she also looks like she’s got major parts from other ships; including Romulan and
Ferengi. This jan HoH has been busy. As for what we can do against this ‘thing’? I believe the human expression would be ‘pray’.”
“You may be right Worf. Data, how soon until this jan HoH is in attack range?” Riker inquired.
“Taking into account our current speed of warp 5 and the attacker’s speed of warp 7, estimate contact in 2 hours 56 minutes.”
“Can we outrun her?”
“Not for long Sir. The Vor’cha Class is roughly equal to us anyway and at this range it is not possible to get an accurate reading of what advantage the added technology may have given it.”
“Acknowledged Mr. Data” replied Captain Picard. “Nevertheless the problem remains do we stand and fight? Or do we run until we are unable to?”
“Captain” announced Worf “I’m getting a reply from Starfleet and the Klingon High Command.”
“Put it on screen Mr. Worf. Secure channel conference display.”
“Aye Sir.”
The screen faded from the image of the enemy craft to be replaced with the split screen image of an Admiral from Starfleet Command and the Chancellor of the Klingon High Council; each with enough medals and sashes to moor a decent size trawler of old 20th Century Earth.
“Vice-Admiral Nechayev, Chancellor Gowron, thank you both for responding so soon.”
“Under the circumstances Captain Picard” replied Vice-Admiral Nechayev “we were lucky to have been able to reply at all.”
“I would tend to agree Admiral. Chancellor Gowron is the High Council able to tell us the best way of defeating this Killing Device?”
“Regrettably Captain Picard we are unable to do so as we built the jan HoH so that even we couldn’t destroy them for reasons your Lt. Worf has, I’m sure, already informed you about. We have, of course, sent a number of ships of different Classes to aid you as best they can.”
“We too have sent a number of ships to your aid Captain Picard. Most notably the NEBULA and your sister ship the GALAXY, as well as other AMBASSADOR and EXCELSIOR Class Starships. We don’t know how powerful this thing might be, but even though it may not be as powerful as the Borg, we also don’t want to take any chances.”
“Agreed Admiral Nechayev. Mr. Data how far is this Killing Device now?”
“At current speed of both the ENTERPRISE and the enemy ship, estimate contact in 2 hours 45 minutes. Also estimate contact of Starfleet and Klingon ships within the hour Captain” added Data as he anticipated the next order from Captain
Picard.
“Let’s slow that thing down a bit. Mr. La Forge bring engines to full stop. Mr. Worf lay in a path of gravitic mines as soon as that thing comes in range. Program them to seek out anything of Ferengi design on that enemy ship.”
“Aye Sir” came the replies from both Geordi and Worf.
“Mr. Data what is your revised E.T.A. for that Killing Device?”
“As the enemy ship has increased speed to warp 8 Captain, revised E.T.A. is now 1 hour 30 minutes. Also estimate the arrival of allied ships within 45 minutes.”
“We’ll try to get those ships to move a bit faster for you Captain Picard. Starfleet out.”
“As shall we Captain. Kronos out.”
The screen faded from the image of Admiral Nechayev and Chancellor Gowron to be replaced with the familiar view of starry space.
“Inform me as soon as the allied ships arrive No. One, I’ll be in my Ready Room; you have the Conn. until I return.”
“Yes Captain” Riker replied.
“Captain” announced Worf as Captain Picard was about to go through to his Ready Room I’m picking up an audio signal that seems to be coming from the jan
HoH.”
“Very well Mr. Worf. On speakers.”
What came through on the speakers was like nothing the ENTERPRISE crew had heard before. It did sound like a Klingon, but deeper and metallic, almost like the old Earth robots sounded like.
“Lieutenant Worf. For your crimes against the Klingon Empire, you are mine.”
Then abruptly the signal stopped.
This in no way appeared to unnerve Worf, in fact he appeared to be expecting it. Noticing that the message had no apparent effect on
Worf, Captain Picard continued through to his Ready Room to prepare himself for the oncoming battle.
Worf also was preparing himself for the oncoming battle by psyching himself up and getting into a ‘comfortable’ state of mind. In fact it could almost be said that he was meditating. Counselor Troy was aware of al this, but because she didn’t want to embarrass
Worf, she made a mental note to ask him about it later.
Less than 30 minutes later the Klingon ships started to arrive and 10 minutes after that the Starfleet vessels arrived. Riker, as ordered, informed Captain Picard of this and soon he was back on the Bridge to plan the next move.
“Mr. Worf” Picard ordered as he took back his chair “raise the Captain of both lead ships.”
“Sir. They are hailing us.”
“Acknowledged Mr. Worf. Secure channel conference display.”
“Aye Sir” Worf replied.
As before the screen faded from the familiar view of starry space to be replaced with a split screen image of a Starfleet Captain and a Klingon Commander.
“This is Captain Jones of the EXETER.”
“And Commander Krogh of the QAPLA’. With me is Valkris, representative of the High Council.”
“This is Captain Picard of the ENTERPRISE, greetings to you all.” Picard replied as the image changed from that of Krogh to that of
Valkris. “Council Member Valkris. Has the High Council come up with any ideas on how to destroy this thing?”
“We hope so Captain Picard. We’ve spoken to the scientists that designed the jan HoH some 75 years ago. They tell us that a certain frequency at the right power level may be enough to destroy it; but it will have to be severely weakened before hand. How far away is it now?”
“Mr. Data?” inquired Picard.
“As current speed for the device is still warp 8, E.T.A. is now 45 minutes.”
“Thank you Mr. Data” Picard replied “hopefully that will give us enough time to prepare.”
“Agreed Captain” replied Valkris.
“And we’ve got our staff working on the best way to damage this thing enough for the frequency to be used” stated Captain Jones.
“Excellent Captain” Picard replied. “We’ll be able to help in that area as well.”
“Captain” announced Data “the Killing Device appears to have increased speed to warp 12, estimate arrival within 15 minutes.”
“Then I suggest we waste no time” replied Picard.
“Agreed” came the replies of Captain Jones and Council Member Valkris.
“Already we have begun to get the frequency ready for use.”
“Excellent Council Member Valkris, that should speed things up considerably.” replied
Picard.
“Agreed Captain, but we all have a lot to do so I suggest we get busy. QAPLA’ out.”
“I agree Captain. EXETER out.”
Once again the screen faded from the dual image to be replaced with the familiar view of the stars.
“Mr. Data” ordered Picard. “Get me a visual on this Killing Device again.”
“Aye Sir” replied Data.
“I want you to work with Mr. La Forge and Mr. Worf. I want the three of you to try and find a weakness; no matter how small.” Data was just about to acknowledge a reply when Picard remembered who he was talking to. “Providing it seems large enough to help destroy this device.”
“Yes Captain” Data replied.
“Inform me if anything warrants my attention No. One, I’ll be in my Ready Room; you have the Conn. until I return.”
“Yes Captain” Riker replied.
Captain Picard proceeded to go through to his Ready Room while Commander Riker again took the central seat, and Lt. Commander Data started scanning the enemy ship as best as was possible from this range.
Commander Krogh and his crew continued to get the frequency ready for the opportunity to use it.
And Captain Jones and his crew continued to work out ways to damage the Device.
While all the other ships of the small allied fleet were merely waiting for their chance to be useful.
Less than 15 minutes later the jan HoH started to come into range. Mr. Worf, as ordered, lay in a path of gravitic mines and programmed them to destroy anything of Ferengi design. Within a matter of minutes the enemy craft entered the mine field; and, of course, only the areas of Ferengi design were destroyed. All the areas of Klingon and Romulan design remained untouched but to program the mines to destroy anything of Romulan design may risk destroying the small Klingon fleet as well. Unfortunately the enemy craft was not damaged enough for the signal to be used; in fact the attack didn’t even appear to slow it down.
“Well so much for that idea” observed Captain Picard.
“The theory was good though” Riker replied in support.
“But what we really need is something that will make a very big hole in that thing” stated
Worf. “While being careful not to damage the other ships around us.”
“Agreed” Picard replied. “Mr. Data have you found anything that may help us?”
“I believe so Captain. I’ve been scanning the craft both before and after the destruction by the mines, and I believe I may have found something.”
“Yes Data, go on” urged Riker.
“Well Sir it would seem that the Ferengi area may have been protecting some weaker area of the main ship, a makeshift repair if you will. But not enough to actually protect it against an attack like this; and we can at least theorize that the Romulan and other areas that are not part of the original design may well be serving the same purpose.”
“Thank you Mr. Data. Mr. Worf fire Photon Torpedoes at the areas that Mr. Data has just indicated.”
“Yes Captain. Sir should I inform the rest of the fleet?”
“I don’t think so Mr. Worf, it may be picked up by the Device; and with luck they will be able to see what we’re doing anyway and join in.”
“Aye Sir.”
Worf then sent off a volley of five Torpedoes aimed at various parts of the enemy craft. And the other ships, noticing what was happening, sent off their own volleys of Torpedoes and
Phasers/Disruptors.
“Thank you Mr. Data, the pan seems to be working.”
“Yes Captain. Sir the QAPLA’ appears to be powering up to use the frequency.”
“Acknowledged Mr. Data. I just hope that the enemy craft has been damaged enough.”
“I think we’re about to find out” Riker replied.
“Sensors indicate that the frequency is being used now Captain” announced Data.
They watched in silence while they waited to see what effect the frequency would have on the enemy craft. Nothing appeared to happen for awhile but then the craft shattered completely.
“Captain, we’re being hailed.”
“On speakers Mr. Worf.”
What came through on the speakers was the voice of the Killing Device. “I’ll be back” it said, then the signal stopped.
“Mr. Data, anything on sensors?”
“Scanning Captain. No Sir. No indication of anything apart from the allied fleet around us.”
“Now that’s odd” observed Riker.
“Captain, the leaders of the allied fleet are hailing us.”
“Thank you Mr. Worf, on screen conference display.”
“Aye Sir.”
The screen faded from the view of the debris to be replaced with the split screen image of Captain Jones and Council Member
Valkris.
“Captain Jones and Council Member Valkris I thank you and your ships for all your help.” Captain Picard then told Valkris about what the Device said.
“I don’t think you have any need to worry Captain, but we’ll keep a lookout on the way home.” Valkris replied.
Captain Picard thanked them all again while they closed their channels. Then the allied fleet made their respective way home and the ENTERPRISE made her way towards her next adventure.
THE END
(1993)