Part 22 (2/2)

Data got up from ops and was briskly replaced by Marks.

”I'd advise at least one security guard,” said Picard.

”Already decided that, sir.”

”But not-”

”Worf-yes, sir, I know. If there's Kreel down there, why bring down the one crew member who might automatically set them off.”

They stared at each other for a moment. Riker would never deliberately challenge Picard, at least not outside of the confines of the briefing room or the captain's ready room. Yet, he was clearly putting across a silent message. I can pick my own away team just fine, Captain. Thank you for your contributions, but they are unnecessary. I have the matter well in hand.

”Do as you think best, Number One.”

”Thank you, sir.”

”No need to thank me,” said Picard dryly. ”You would have done so anyway.”

”True, sir.” Riker smiled rakishly. ”But I prefer having the support of my commander.”

”You have, of course, my full support.”

”That is much appreciated, Worf,” said the Honorable Kobry.

They were in the observation lounge, Worf, Kobry, and two guards. Kobry was staring out the window with that curious smile of his. ”I've always enjoyed just looking out at the stars,” he said. ”Comforting to be reminded how small all of us are in s.p.a.ce, no matter how much pretensions we have to the contrary.”

”That is true,” said Worf neutrally. ”However, I-”

”Guards,” Kobry said abruptly, ”I wish to talk with Worf in private. Kindly leave us.”

The two Klingons looked at each other uncertainly.

Kobry sighed. ”We're the only ones here, gentlemen,” he noted. ”Stand outside the door if you wish, so you can monitor who comes and goes. But I'm quite certain I'll be safe enough.”

Reluctantly, the two Klingons retired to the corridor just outside the observation deck.

”What did you wish to discuss, Honorable One?” asked Worf once they were out of earshot.

”Nothing, actually,” replied Kobry.

”Then what-?”

”I thought you might wish to discuss something aside from Kreel-oriented concerns.”

”Nothing that readily comes to mind,” said Worf.

”Ah yes. Klingons have never been much for discussing innermost concerns.” He paused. ”Gava tells me you and I have a great deal in common.”

”Gava talks too much,” said Worf sourly.

That actually prompted a laugh. ”Spoken with true Klingon tact,” said Kobry. Then, becoming serious, he said, ”We are both orphans of the storm, you and I. Or so I understand. Both of us cast up in times of difficulty.”

Worf said nothing. Nothing seemed needed to be said.

”Klingons do not forgive,” said Kobry. ”Nor do we forget. One of our prime motivations is revenge.”

Still Worf made no reply.

”That is pointless,” said Kobry. ”Revenge never ends. At some point, it must give way to forgiveness.”

”For some acts there can be no forgiveness.”

”True. But lack of forgiveness does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with need for revenge.”

Worf looked at him skeptically. ”It does for Klingons.”

”It does not have to. Certain acts get no forgiveness, that is fine. That should engender caution. But revenge needn't always follow.”

”The night always follows the day.”

”Ah, now you see, Worf. That's the difference between us. To you, the night always follows day. To me, the day always follows night.”

Worf snorted. ”Semantics.”

”To you. To me, a philosophy. You, yourself, need to adopt a philosophy, Worf.”

”Yours?” Worf asked skeptically.

Kobry shrugged. ”You are not me. We may have things in common, but you are not me. Just as you have things in common with the other Klingons on this s.h.i.+p, but you are not them. Nor are you human, Worf, as much commendable loyalty as you might feel toward them. You are unique.”

”On that we agree.”

”I might, however, make one observation. Humans are more advanced in the art of living without taking revenge than are Klingons. That much you must certainly have absorbed in your time among them.”

”Yes,” said Worf slowly.

”That att.i.tude toward moderation would certainly be in conflict with your Klingon instincts.”

Worf hesitated. Kobry was, of course, absolutely correct, but no one had ever put it to him quite that way. ”That is a possibility.”

Speaking in a no-nonsense manner, Kobry said, ”Do not feel that you have to deny the gentler side of your upbringing. Strength is marvelous. It is the way to survive. But sometimes the greatest strength can be compa.s.sion for your enemies.”

”Compa.s.sion can get you a knife in the back.”

Kobry smiled. ”I said be compa.s.sionate. Not stupid. Anyone who turns his back on an enemy deserves what he gets.”

As the Enterprise settled into orbit around DQN 1196, Picard informed the Kreel and the Klingons that their destination had been reached. This resulted in immediate pet.i.tions by both groups to head down to the planet surface, but Picard held firm to the idea that, since the Federation was mediating this dispute, a Federation team should head down first to see matters were clear. No one wanted to endanger the uneasy peace that had been established because of a potential headlong run toward the advanced weaponry that the planet had to offer.

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