Sorting Out the Truth (Part 2 of 3)

Commander Harris emerged from the Ready Room to find the Bridge crew working feverishly to bring the ship's damaged systems back online.

"Sir." Ensign Ambrose called from the helm."We're still tracking the Lynx."

"Where is the Lynx going Ensign ?" Harris asked somewhat sharply.

"The Lynx's is heading into a sector of the beta quadrant we know little about." Ambrose replied as he brought the Lynx's course onto the display.

"They are heading into Barien space." Crys said.

"How long until they get there ?" Harris asked.

"Twenty-nine of your hours." Crys replied.

Harris thought about the situation for a moment, "Ensign plot a course to intercept the Lynx."

"Yes sir." Ambrose replied much to Crys's horror.

"Wait !" Crys said."That is Barien space your Captain did not wish you to become involved in our conflict."

Grant scratched his head and looked at Toran.

"Nothing sir, I was unable to find anything on the Hornet." Toran replied to Harris's unspoken question.

Grant he knew that something had to be done to prepare for their journey. "Commander Toran, I need to see you in the Captain's ready room. I have a job for you." Harris ordered before turning to Crys, "Excuse me please Ambassador."

Toran could tell the wheels in Harris's mind were turning quickly as the pair entered the ready room.

"Commander Toran, I want you and Rashad to draw up a treaty with the Catatonians."

"Why me Commander ?" Toran asked, although he already knew the answer.

"Commander." Harris replied, "I'm a fighter, not a diplomat."

"Captain..." Toran said waiting a moment for the new title to set in before continuing."...like it or not, you are the Captain right now."

*Must make sure he's facing facts.* Toran though to himself before continuing. "Captain Devore may be dead. That leaves our status with Starfleet in doubt. We may be stuck out here, fending for ourselves for a long time. Are you sure you can handle it ?"

Harris stood silently for a moment. His silence was the only answer that Toran needed.

"I thought that you could Grant." Toran said addressing him informally, "I'll check into the treaty Captain. We may not be able to do it legally, but we can at least ask for their help in Barien space."

[Commander Harris,] Captain Phanan's voice called over the comm system, [A Neg'Vhar class battle cruiser is decloaking off the starboard bow. It's the IKS Kirtog, our records show her to be commanded by General Kar'Ok.]

"He takes to tactical quite well." Toran commented dryly, "That's good, he may be there a while."

The two officers walked back to the Bridge.

"Sir." Phanan called."We're being hailed."

Grant sat down in his chair. It had been eight years since Harris had seen Kar'Ok an old Klingon friend.

"On screen." Harris ordered.

On the viewing screen a Klingon appeared with gray hair and a scar on his right cheek.

[Ah it is good to see you again Harris.]

"I, it's great to see you as well General. I need to speak with you in person if possible. Say in fifteen minutes transport here."

[Of course, we have much to discuss. Kar'Ok out.]

The screen went blank.

Harris then tapped his comm badge, "Rashad report to transporter room one in ten minutes."

[Aye sir on my way.] Rashad replied.

*What are the Klingons doing here.* Harris thought, *Kar'ok will tell me the truth on this matter with task force 23.*