Diplomatic Implausibility by Keith R. A. DeCandido Page A

victory through unity. And unity is what we must now discuss.”
    Martok indicated two other chairs—far smaller, of course—as he sat back down in his own.
    Turning to Klag, Martok said, “First of all, Captain, I wish to make something clear. Worf will be in charge of the mission to taD. From this point until the mission concludes, command is his.”
    Klag leaned forward. This was
not
what he had in mind. “Chancellor—”
    “You still command the
Gorkon,
and obviously Worf has no authority in any matters outside the purview of the mission—but the mission is his. Is that understood?”
    Oh, I understand just fine,
Klag thought bitterly.
You
use your influence unfairly, son of Mogh—as you did to
obtain this position.
    Another voice rang out in the back of Klag’s head:
And what was it you used to ensure that the
Gorkon
escort the ambassador to taD in the first place?
    Aloud, Klag said only, “Of course.”
    “Good.” Martok turned back to Worf. “The situation on taD is difficult. All things being equal, I might consider allowing the al’Hmatti their independence.”
    Klag blinked in surprise.
    “But all things are
not
equal,” Martok continued. “Several conquered worlds have taken advantage of the war to foment their own rebellions. None are as far along as taD’s, nor may they be. If we grant taD freedom from our rule, it will be a sign of weakness, and encourage other worlds to wrestle for independence.”
    Interesting,
Klag thought. He had not known this bit of intelligence; he could hardly blame the High Council for keeping it quiet. He wondered what other worlds had attempted to throw off their overseers.
    Martok leaned forward and looked at Worf. “Let medo you the honor of being blunt, Worf. Under no circumstances can I allow taD to be ruled by anyone other than Klingons. To do that would plunge the empire into a dozen conflicts at a time when we are attempting to rebuild a fleet. I will not be remembered as the chancellor who led the empire to victory over the Dominion only to lose a quarter of our territory to
jeghpu’wI’.”
    Worf nodded. “Thank you, Chancellor. It is my hope that a solution can be reached that will please all sides.”
    “The only side that concerns me is that which will keep the empire intact.”
    “Naturally. But I do not work for the empire. My first duty is to the Federation; my second to the alliance between the two governments. You may rest assured that I intend to serve both.”
    And no mention of his duty to the House of Martok,
Klag noted.
I wonder if that is due to my presence.
    Martok laughed. “You already sound like a diplomat, Worf. I’m sure that if anyone can find that solution, it will be you.” He leaned back. “Excellent. I’m glad that’s over with. Someday, my friend, I will find it in my heart to forgive you for turning me into a politician.”
    Said Worf, “I have had no reason to regret my actions, Chancellor.”
    “No, I suppose
you
haven’t,” Martok said with a snort. “Well, enough of this. Captain, again, it is an honor to have met you finally. And we will meet again at Ty’Gokor in a few months’ time.”
    Klag fought to control his reaction.
So, I will be
inducted into the Order of the
Bat’leth
after all.
He couldn’t help but direct a few smug thoughts in the direction of Kargan, in whichever afterlife was unfortunate enough to have him. “The chancellor honors me,” Klagsaid, rising from his chair. “With your permission, we will return to the
Gorkon.”
    “Not just yet. Oh, you’re dismissed, Captain, and may return to your ship. But Worf and I have other matters to discuss. Family matters.”
    All the joy he felt at Martok’s pronouncement fled Klag.
I was right. This entire show was for my benefit.
The true business will commence after I leave.
    Not wishing to show his anger in front of Martok—who was, after all, still supreme commander of the empire’s citizenry—Klag simply said, “As the chancellor