Hell's Heart Read Online Free

three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle that included claims of control from other interstellar power players—including some hostile to the Klingons, the Federation, or both.
    â€œI’m hoping to negotiate a free-flight corridor open to all,” Riker said. “But we can’t even begin without the support—orat least the acceptance—of the House of Kruge. It is mostly their worlds on the frontier.”
    Worf nodded. “Commander Kruge conquered several of them himself. From the Kinshaya, if I recall.”
    Kahless snorted. “Four-legged fanatics. You negotiate with them ?”
    â€œAnd the Romulans, and Breen, and the other Typhon Pact powers,” Riker said. “If we can get them to show up. First, we need to take care of the Khitomer side—which is why Chancellor Martok and the Federation have agreed to give the House of Kruge the kind of high-profile centennial event it wants.”
    â€œA sop, you mean.” Kahless shook his head. “There was a time when Klingon leaders did not have to bribe those who served them to obtain their support.” He drained his cup and slammed it on the table. “Perhaps I have been away too long.”
    The emperor’s morose expression lingered just for a moment before he noticed another plate of squirming gagh. As Kahless reached eagerly for it, Riker presented the captain a padd. “You will enter the Klingon Empire and pick up the Kruge attendees, beginning with Galdor, the gin’tak for the House of Kruge. It was Galdor who asked for the celebrations.”
    â€œ Gin’tak .” Picard looked to Worf. “I remember that term. That’s like a regent?”
    â€œMore of a trustee,” Worf said. “A valued advisor to the family. The House of Mogh had one: K’mtar. It can be good to have an outsider’s advice.”
    â€œAgreed, but I’m surprised a Klingon family would listen to anyone not of their blood.”
    â€œThe running of a Klingon house requires more than valor,” Worf said. “There is much to manage—enough that warriors look with admiration on anyone who is capable of doing so.”
    Mouth full, Kahless gave a disdainful grunt. After gulping the wriggling food down, he wiped his face with his wrist. “It’s as I said, Worf. The galaxy has changed. Now we admire Kling­ons who merely manage.”
    Worf looked with concern to Riker, who gave a barely perceptible shrug. “It was Chancellor Martok who suggested we employ Enterprise , Jean-Luc. He thought it would symbolize that we, too, have buried any antagonisms from the time of Kruge. The Federation Council agreed.”
    â€œVery well,” Picard said. There wasn’t much else he could say. He finally understood the politics behind the assignment.
    â€œThe Federation Diplomatic Corps has begun work readying Gamaral for visitors,” Riker said. “You’ll coordinate with their security teams once you arrive with your guests.”
    â€œOf course.”
    Riker rose. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Emperor, I need to get under way.” He regarded the table. “I hate to leave good gagh .”
    Kahless smiled. “It will not go to waste.”
    Picard made his excuse and followed the admiral into the hallway. The door to the dining room closed behind them—and Riker smirked. “He’s been a handful, Jean-Luc. Good luck.”
    â€œI can’t tell whether retirement suits him or not.”
    â€œHe wasn’t born a fighter. He was born having fought —or, at least, with implanted memories of the fights of the true Kahless.” Riker began to walk, Picard beside him. “He was born to tell people the lessons of those conflicts. Living on his own, I’m not sure he’s known what to do with himself.”
    â€œHe told me back on Cygnet IV that he was looking to find his own path.”
    â€œI’m just glad we found him back then—his