Star Trek: Metamorphosis
Westfall/Star Trek TNG Crossover Fanfiction #2
Scene 15
Worf and Qul’tuq stood at the extinguished fire pit that once held a roaring fire the night before. In the gray, clouded light of morning, the town around them appeared as dull and lifeless as the ashes of the pit.
“We are running out of time,” Worf muttered under his breath as he surveyed the empty square. “There are mere hours before the Kzinti raze this planet. It will take time to transport all of them and their belongings.” He glanced at Qul’tuq. “I will not risk our lives if they delay much longer.”
“I wish they would at least come and give us their answer,” Qul’tuq spoke gently, “I’ve got knots in my stomach worrying they’ll say ’no’.”
“And our work here will be for naught.”
Qul’tuq exhaled through her nose and gave the empty streets another scan with her eyes. She followed the jagged paths up the hill, pausing on each glowing window, until her eyes reached the tall tower at the pinnacle of the town. The low-hanging clouds again half-obscured its top, leaving only a yellow-orange glow where the window would be.
And then, the glow was extinguished.
“Worf!” She grabbed his arm.
The two Klingon turned to watch the lights in all of the windows across town flicker and fade, and soon, the residents of Nahjom’s village entered the streets in silence. In a matter of moments all had reassembled in their town square, circling Worf and Qul’tuq at the bonfire.
Finally, Yamtek and Mara stepped forward, matching the emissaries in their stance and relative sternness.
“Our people have deliberated, and Mara and I have spoken during the night,” Yamtek announced solemnly. “We have lived our lives on Nahjom as our fathers and forefathers did; set apart, left on our own. We are strong,” he stressed, before his brows raised and he turned to his mate, “but we can still be strong if we choose what is best for our people.”
“And so,” Mara glanced at him before her eyes focused intently upon Qul’tuq, “we have decided to relocate.”
Qul’tuq breathed a sigh of relief as Worf straightened his stance. “Good,” Worf gave a curt nod. “I shall alert our ship to prepare for your transport.”
As Worf stepped out through the town gate to enter the shuttlecraft, Qul’tuq was left alone within the circle of Klingon. A day earlier, she would have felt out of place and nervous to be without Worf’s guidance. Today, she stood before the leaders of the Nahjom tribe with confidence.
“I know this was not easy to decide,” the green-eyed Klingon said gently.
Yamtek bowed his head as Mara’s brows furrowed.
“I still do not want to leave,” she said simply. “But if I am right, and we leave, we are still alive.” Her head dipped and her eyes glared sharply at the ground. “If I am wrong, and we stay... we die. Yamtek and I did not wish for those of our village to pay the price for our... disagreement,” she added, almost as a mumble.
Qul’tuq offered a short bow. “You have made your decision with honor. Your village should be proud of both of you.”
Mara’s eyes rose to meet Qul’tuq’s. For the first time since their meeting, the leading Klingon held a quiet respect within her eyes.
Worf appeared at the village gate. “We are ready to transport you. You may bring all belongings to our shuttle, and we will use our transporter to bring the rest of you aboard in segments.”
Yamtek shook his head, holding out empty hands. “We shall take nothing from Najhom. We will rebuild anew when we reach our new home.”
“But Yamtek and I wish to ride with you and Qul’tuq in the shuttle.” Mara took a step forward, only to glance back to her mate. “Or… perhaps it is just me.”
Yamtek nodded and took a step to match her. “Yes. We wish to ride in the shuttle.”
The emissary nodded as Qul’tuq grinned beside him. “Understood.” He then gave a quick tap to the communications badge now secured to his armor. “Worf to Transporter room three. We are ready to begin transfer.”
“Aye, sir. Transporter ready.”
“Come,” Qul’tuq gestured to the leading pair. “When you’re ready, we can board the shuttle.”
Both Klingon looked to each other and nodded. Turning back to the emissary, Yamtek gave one last bow. “We are ready. Our new life awaits.”
Scene Notes
- Mission: success!