A Good Day to Die !

Kitomer !

Saitek assumed the centre seat aboard the *Powell* when the communications officer chimed in.

"Sir a message from governor Targ's office. Your presence is requested immediately."

" Inform the Governor I'm on my way." replied the Vulcan.

Tia Gonzales looked into his eyes and started to say something, but didn't.

"Please don't remind me to be careful. I seldom am. I have accepted the Governor's challenge. That is probably what this is all about. Your job is to see that the negotiations continue no matter what. It is imperative that we maintain a treaty with the empire." replied Saitek.

Two Hours Later !

Three Klingon warriors accompanied the Governor into the throne room. Saitek stood alone, looking unmoved by their entrance.

"You insult the entire Empire by being here you, animal. Prepare to die." demanded Targ.

"I make a counter proposal, Governor. I will engage you in battle provided that if I win you agree to call for the continued treaty negotiations with the Federation."

"And if I win the Federation negotiations end forever." replied Targ.

Saitek bowed and then turned to take down a large Bat'leth from the wall. It was from the House of Sompek, his distant relative.

"You are not worthy to wield such a weapon, half breed." Called Targ.

Saitek was about to show him how worthy he was. Despite his age he still possessed a keen speed, aided by the several months within the re-healing radiations of the Briar Patch.

Thrust, dodge , jump and roll allowed Saitek to be missed by every attempt from Targ's attack. He was definitely more of a Klingon Warrior than his opponent had considered. The fatal blow finally unsteadied the old Klingon to the ground.

"You have done the impossible, you have beaten me." shouted Targ.

Saitek kicked away his opponents weapon.

"Fool I am trying to save all of us. If we allow our personal feud to end a hundred years of peace non of us shall be able to have any honour." stated Saitek.

"I hate to admit it, but you are right. I will honour my word and appeal to the Council on behalf of the treaty. But you still lack the true Klingon Warriors code. Sompek would have killed me where I laid. "

"Yes but Surak would not have." he replied.

The *Powell* broke orbit and warped back to Federation space with the hope of saving the peace at least for one more day. It was a good day to die but a better day to live.