Demands of Honor by Kevin Ryan

this than a request for volunteers.” Fuller had lost none of his sharpness in the years since Kirk had served with him. And he was no less direct. “Do you still have concerns about my ability to carry out my duties with respect to Klingons, Captain?”
    Klingons had killed Fuller’s son, and Michael had reenlisted in Starfleet because of the coming conflict with the Klingon Empire. Of course, Kirk still had concerns, but he was also sure that Fuller was the best person for this job.
    â€œThe reason you are here, Michael, is that I am giving you a field promotion, effective immediately, and putting you in command of the rescue operation.”
    â€œCaptain?” Fuller asked respectfully.
    â€œWe both know that you are the most qualified person on board for this sort of operation, and you belong running a security squad,” Kirk said.
    â€œI made a choice to reenter the service as a line security officer. I’m not seeking promotion—”
    Kirk waved him off. “The team needs a leader and you are the best person. And, because of Leslie Parrish’s pregnancy, I am short a section chief. It may not be what you want, but it’s what the mission and the ship requires.”
    The captain could see that Fuller wanted to say more but kept it to himself. He wouldn’t put his personal wishes ahead of a mission. “Understood, Captain,” Fuller said finally.
    â€œAs section chief, you are now cleared to see the service records of your squad members,” Lieutenant Commander Giotto said.
    â€œI have already seen them.”
    Of course, as a frequently called-upon consultant to Starfleet, Fuller had kept his security clearance. “Good, then you can assemble your squad and begin preparations immediately. Your replacement in the squad will be Ensign Jawer,” Giotto said.
    Something moved on Fuller’s face, and Kirk realized what it was: Jawer had served under Fuller’s son Sam on his last few missions. After a moment, Fuller said, “I’ve seen his record. We’re lucky to have him.” Kirk could see that Fuller was anxious to go. “If that’s all, Captain?”
    â€œYes, dismissed,” Kirk said.
    Fuller was out of his seat and headed for the door. Before he reached it, Kirk said, “Congratulations, Mister Fuller.”
    Fuller turned and gave him a thin smile. “Thank you, sir.”

Chapter Six
    ORION-BUILT MINING FACILITY
    SYSTEM 7348
    FEDERATION SPACE
    E NTERING THE FACILITY, Gorath felt the power of the mine built by the green-skins. The power they held had nearly torn the entire world apart, though now it represented the future for his people. Also, the mine sat on the planet’s true power—crystals buried deep under the ground. The value of those rocks that had brought the green-skins here in the service of their masters, whom Captain Kirk of the humans called Klingons.
    These Klingons were of Gorath’s people’s own blood, yet they had sent the Orions to take the crystals and in the process destroy this branch of the family tree. It was madness done to power the Klingon ships that traveled between the stars. These ships would make war on thehumans and their allies. Gorath had fought with Kirk and his people. They were good and noble warriors who had helped Gorath and his fighters destroy the green-skins.
    Gorath was shamed that people of his blood would take such a course, but he could not change the past. He could, however, ensure that his planet’s crystals were never used against Kirk’s people.
    He found his son, Adon, showing a small group of his people how to operate one of the control stations that ran the machine that powered the facility. The humans called it the
warp reactor
in their language. Gorath had made an effort to understand the outsiders’ technology as well as their language.
    The computers the green-skins had left behind were programmed to communicate in Orion, Klingon,