Chapter 25: Abandonment
August 2413
Kirina was brought before General Wrot’ka, in the Klingon Embassy on New Romulus. She’d been told that she’d be returned to her own people, once the threat of Tralk was dealt with, but Wrot’ka apparently had other plans.
“The Klingon Empire,” he explained, “is unwilling to publicly admit that it lost control of one of its own operatives. The Chancellor and your Proconsul are going to deny that an assassination attempt ever took place.” Kirina was not too concerned. She didn’t require any credit for her work, and she simply wanted to return to her life. But the General wasn’t done. “Your people, Doctor, are unwilling to admit that they required our help to protect the life of their own Proconsul.”
“We wouldn’t have needed your help if you hadn’t interfered with our–” Kirina protested, cut off.
“Details,” the General said, “You are dead.” Kirina’s eyes widened. She didn’t like where this was going. Wrot’ka motioned to a Lieutenant holding a Republic-issue PADD.
“Kirina t’Nalah was killed in action on Nimbus III,” the underling read, “in an accidental cave collapse. It was tragic, but unforeseeable, and the Republic will mourn her loss.”
“It was not my choice to make. You’re not going home because your own people don’t want you back. You are a complication,” The General concluded. Kirina stood speechless for a moment. He wasn’t lying. There’d be no honor in deceiving her like this, and they had nothing to gain by it. “I could kill you…” the General suggested before a pause. Perhaps he was awaiting a response, or possibly just giving Kirina enough time to contemplate her own mortality.
“…but you have been useful to us. No. You will be kept alive to serve the Klingon Empire on my starbase.”