Original subtitles

Captain's Log, Stardate 44995.3.

We are en route to the Klingon Homeworld

where I will participate in the installation ceremony

of Gowron, the next designated leader of the High Council.

This visit should also provide an opportunity

for one of my officers to correct a grave injustice.

Enter.

Am I intruding?

No, sir.

My apologies, Captain. I can be back in uniform...

No, that won't be necessary, Mr. Worf.

I'm not here as your Captain.

I'm here as the man who stood with you

before the High Council.

Your cha'Dlch.

We will arrive at your homeworld in less than a day.

It is not time yet.

That doesn't sound like the man who came to me a year ago

fiercely determined to return home

to clear his father's name or die trying.

Isn't it time to confront the Council

to regain your family name

let the truth be known?

I have been told

that patience

is sometimes a more effective weapon than the sword.

Patience is a human virtue...

one that I am glad to see you've taken to heart.

But doesn't this situation require a more...

Klingon response?

Your discommendation

is a facade to protect less honorable men.

It is a lie.

Lies must be challenged.

I have grown weary of bearing this dishonor.

Riker to Picard.

Go ahead, Number One.

We've been intercepted by the Klingon vessel Bortas.

They claim to be our escort.

No escort was scheduled.

The Bortas is standing by, sir.

On screen.

Gowron!

This is an unexpected pleasure.

I must speak with you, Picard.

We will have to move quickly if we are to be successful.

Successful?

Yes.

In preventing a Klingon civil war.

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

Its continuing mission...

to explore strange new worlds

to seek out new life and new civilizations

to boldly go where no one has gone before.

The family of Duras is massing support.

They have many allies on the Council.

Duras died in disgrace.

By Klingon tradition

his family should share that disgrace.

Their corruption has poisoned the Empire.

Honor will soon have no meaning.

And who speaks for his family now?

Lursa and B'Etor, the sisters of Duras.

And they would claim the leadership of the Council?

Women may not serve on the Council.

Then how...?

I don't know.

But they are plotting something.

They have secured the Ioyalty

of at least three fleet commanders.

Lursa and B'Etor are feared

and fear is power.

I do not see what I can do to assist.

You were first chosen as Arbiter of Succession

because no Klingon could be trusted.

You accepted this duty

and you must see it through to the end.

You must ensure my installation.

That is beyond my purview.

You will not support me?

I will not step outside

the traditional role of the Arbiter.

And if they attempt to block my installation?

Then I can only assure you

that I will deal with any challenge

according to Klingon law.

I fear

that will not be enough.

Mr. Worf, would you escort our guest

to the transporter room?

Begin monitoring Romulan activity

along the Neutral Zone, Mr. Data.

Have the outpost stations send us their tactical reports.

Aye, sir.

The Duras family are preparing to move against Gowron.

Backed by Romulans?

I don't know.

But there is too much history

between the Duras and the Romulans

to discount the possibility.

Dismissed.

I would speak with you.

I do not hear the words of traitors.

I am not a traitor.

You admitted your guilt before the Council.

I accepted discommendation to protect the Empire.

Protect it?

How?

It was Duras' father who betrayed our people

to the Romulans at Khitomer, not mine.

Duras?

There is proof of this?

There is.

Why would you accept dishonor to protect Duras?

His family was too powerful.

To expose him would have split the Empire.

Instead, the Council chose to blame my father.

The Council knew?

I believe you to be a man of honor, Gowron.

I ask you.

Restore my family name.

Worf...

you killed Duras.

I consider that no small favor

but what you ask is impossible.

But after your installation...

The grasp of Duras reaches out from the grave.

Much of the Council is still Ioyal to his family.

I must have the Council's support to survive.

I cannot expose their treachery.

You chose to accept this disgrace

for the good of the Empire.

Now you must live with your decision

like a Klingon.

Guinan?

It was a little quiet down at Ten-Forward

so I thought I'd get off a little target practice.

Do you mind if I join you?

You? Practice?

I like to keep my eye sharp.

I practice at level 14.

Hmm.

Guess I could come down to that level for a while.

Begin program.

You know, I had a bet with the Captain

that I could make you laugh

before you became Lieutenant Commander.

Not a good bet today.

I've seen you laugh.

I like it.

Klingons do not laugh.

Oh, yes, they do.

Absolutely, they do.

You don't, but I've heard Klingon belly laughs

that would curl your hair.

Your son laughs; he's Klingon.

He is a child and part human.

That's right

and you're not.

You're a full Klingon, except you don't laugh.

I do not laugh because I do not feel like laughing.

Other Klingons feel like laughing.

What does that say about you?

Perhaps it says that I do not feel like other Klingons.

Program complete.

Good game.

Don't feel bad.

I was doing this long before you were born.

So, how is he?

Your son.

He is having difficulty adjusting to life on Earth.

Oh. I can see where it might be hard for the little guy.

Living with humans, being Klingon...

could be very confusing.

It will not be easy for him.

No, it won't

but at some point, he's going to want to know

what it's like to really be a Klingon.

Just as you're learning now.

Come.

Captain, I request a leave of absence.

Mr. Worf, request granted.

Thank you, sir.

Lieutenant.

Qapla'!

And good luck.

Lieutenant Worf, Personal Log, Stardate 44996.1.

I have located the Klingon ship

on which my brother, Kurn, serves as Captain

and have arranged to meet him.

It has been too long, my brother.

Too long.

And we have much to discuss.

I have asked Gowron to restore our family honor.

He has refused.

Gowron will not live

to see the day he leads the Council.

What do you mean?

He stands alone, surrounded by his enemies.

Lursa and B'Etor would have him killed

and if they don't, I will.

You will?

Gowron is weak.

The family of Duras

must never be allowed to rule the Council.

Our leaders have failed us.

They no longer deserve our Ioyalty.

It is time to sweep away the old Council

and put a new one in its place.

How can this be done?

I already have the support of four squadron commanders

in key strategic sectors.

When the time comes, they will follow me.

Join us, Worf

and we will usher in a new era and regain our family name.

No.

What?!

Gowron has completed the Rite of Succession.

It is our duty to support him.

Gowron spits in your face

when you ask him to give back what is rightfully ours

and you would support him.

We cannot regain honor by acting dishonorably.

I will not support Gowron.

I am the elder brother, Kurn.

I speak for our family.

We will back Gowron.

But not now.

Not yet.

We will wait

until he feels the grasp of his enemies

around his throat.

Then we will offer him our support.

And the price will be

the restoration of our family name.

It will be difficult

to convince my allies to back Gowron.

But I will try.

I must go to the Mempa sector

to meet with the other squadron commanders.

Contact me when you have gained their support.

Then I will be ready for Gowron.

Captain's Log, Stardate 44996.8.

My role as Arbiter of Succession has again brought me

to the Great Hall of the Klingon High Council.

NaDev ghos!

Have you reached a decision

regarding the succession of power?

Qaja plu d'itch jung!

La woq yon ghir Klas qimha!

Gowron.

Doj hon. Doj hon.

Gowron, son of M'Rel, hakt'em.

The Arbiter confirms

that you have completed the Rite of Succession.

Your enemies have been destroyed.

You stand alone.

Do you wish to claim leadership of the Council?

I wish it.

Are there no other challengers?

There is one.

I will challenge him.

An arrogant child.

Who are you?

I am Toral, son of Duras.

Duras had no son.

But he did, Gowron.

So, this is your doing, Lursa.

We wish to address the Council.

Lursa, B'Etor, come forward.

Members of the High Council

it is a day of great rejoicing

for the family of Duras and the Klingon Empire.

We have discovered that our brother

did, indeed, have a son and heir.

This is outrageous.

Duras had no mate.

Where did you find him, Lursa?

In a harlot's bedchamber?

I will personally cut your tongue out, ylntagh!

Impudent wretch.

A simple genetic scan will prove his bloodline is valid.

The illegitimate son of Duras cannot rule the High Council.

The Arbiter will consider his validity.

Len'mat.

Our allies on the Council backed Toral's claim.

It's in Picard's hands now.

Excellent.

Everything is proceeding as scheduled.

Why not just kill Picard?

Fool! Do we want the Federation as our enemy?

No.

At least not yet

but when the time is right

we will deal with the Federation

and Captain Picard.

I have met with the other squadron commanders here.

Three will join us, one will not.

That gives us enough strength to control seven key sectors.

Do you know the strength of our enemies?

They have at least seven squadrons

but most of the fleet has not decided which banner to follow.

Well, Gowron is nearly out of options.

Soon he will have no choice.

I will return soon to the homeworld.

We shall meet then.

Do you also require the original logs

recorded during the attack, Lieutenant?

Everything we have on the Khitomer massacre.

We can provide you

with our analysis of the communications

between the Khitomer outpost and the Romulan ships.

However, for a complete record

you will have to contact Starbase 24.

Mr. Worf?

Have you canceled your leave?

No, sir.

Lieutenant, would you join me in my ready room?

Mr. Worf

you're using our files on the Khitomer massacre

as evidence against Duras' father.

Yes, sir.

Do you not see an inherent conflict of interest here?

Sir, those Federation records will help me prove

my father was falsely accused of treason.

You are using your position as a Starfleet officer

to affect political change on your planet.

There could not be a worse compromise

of our fundamental principles.

Do not tie my hands now.

I must be able to prove my father's innocence.

Those Federation records can do that.

Mr. Worf...

Here I am, lecturing you on a conflict of interest

while I'm desperately trying to avoid one of my own.

Do you think I wish to allow the Duras family

to solidify their hold on the Council?

Do you think I cannot see for myself the implications

for the Federation?

Good Lord, Duras tried to have me killed.

All of my instincts, my training

my very being as a Starfleet officer

are at odds with my responsibility

as Arbiter of the Klingon High Council.

We walk the same tightrope between two worlds, you and I.

We must try our very best

to keep those two worlds separate...

or we shall certainly fall.

Yes, sir.

I will make the Khitomer massacre files

available to anyone who wants them...

to the High Council

to the Duras family, to you

anyone.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Worf...

this is as far as I will go.

Riker to Picard.

Yes, Number One?

There's a message coming in for you from the surface.

It's coded personal.

Send it through.

Captain.

Welcome.

Please, come in.

Be seated.

Something to drink, Captain?

Tea?

Earl Grey, perhaps?

Thank you.

You come alone

and unarmed.

Nothing will be served by killing the Arbiter

before his decision.

Nevertheless, a brave act, Captain.

B'Etor.

Your invitation was unexpected.

We should have extended it much sooner.

We don't want you to judge us

by your experience with our brother.

Duras was a fool.

He deserved to die.

Forget him.

We have.

We do not wish to be your enemy.

Quite the opposite.

That pleases me.

Have you...

have you made your decision regarding Toral's challenge?

I'm pursuing it with due vigilance.

Allow me to heat up your tea.

Toral has the bloodline to lead the Empire

into the next century.

He has the support of the people.

Then it remains to see if he has the support of law.

But he must.

Surely, you can see that.

I'll tell you what I see.

If I find Toral's challenge valid

the two of you will very quickly gain control of the Council

and Gowron will be found dead shortly thereafter.

If I reject Toral's claim

you will accuse me of serving Federation interests

and it will serve as a rallying cry

to declare war and overthrow Gowron.

You see very clearly, Captain

but one thing is missing.

If you rule against us

and we are victorious in a war against Gowron...

Which we would be.

...it will mean the end

of the Alliance with the Federation.

And we would hate to see that happen as much as you would.

This is not a threat, Captain.

Just an unfortunate truth.

So, why be our enemy

when you can be our friend?

You have manipulated the circumstances

with the skill of a Romulan.

My decision will be announced at high sun tomorrow.

Excellent tea.

Good day, ladies.

What is your decision?

K'Tal, this Council knows the law of heredity well.

G'now juk Hol pajhard.

A son shall share in the honors or crimes of his father.

Toral is Duras' son.

That has been established by genetic scan.

But with due respect to the traditions and laws

of this High Council, there is no basis for accepting

a petition for leadership from a boy

who has fought no battles

shed no blood for his people

nor earned honor for himself.

One day, perhaps, he shall

but not now.

Duras is dead.

His claim to the leadership died with him.

Gowron shall lead the Council.

The Arbiter has ruled.

There are no more challenges.

Does the Federation dictate

Klingon destiny, or do we?

Follow me, and I will show you honor.

Follow him and you reject all Klingon law.

Can you not see what you are doing?

Are you blind to what they represent?

Then go.

Your blood will paint the way to the future.

Your message said it was urgent.

What do you want?

Your forces are weak, Gowron.

You need help to fight the family of Duras.

From one dishonored Klingon?

I offer you four Klingon squadrons.

Why would they follow you, a Starfleet officer?

They are pledged to support my brother, Kurn.

Kurn is your brother?

Yes.

His true bloodlines were hidden to protect him.

Kurn will follow me?

He has opposed me in the past.

I am the elder brother.

He will do as I say.

What is it you want in return?

You know my price.

The return of your honor

for the support of four squadrons.

No.

That will not be enough.

The Duras family controls most of the fleet.

We must have Federation help.

They will not intervene.

Perhaps not yet

but Starfleet Command will listen to Picard

and Picard...

listens to you.

I can ask nothing more of him in this matter.

What?

My duty as a Starfleet officer...

You come to me

and demand the restoration of your family honor

and now...

you hide behind human excuses.

What are you, Worf?

Do you tremble and quake with fear

at the approach of combat

hoping to talk your way out of a fight, like a human?

Or do you hear the cry of the warrior

calling you to battle

calling you to glory, like a Klingon?

Status!

Aft shields down.

Warp coils damaged.

Red Alert.

A second ship is joining the attack on the Bortas.

It's begun.

Send an emergency signal to any Ioyal ships!

Impulse engines not responding!

Engage emergency override.

Override engaged.

Disruptors still not responding.

The Bortas has lost her port shields, sir.

It is unlikely they will withstand

another hit in that quarter.

Their primary life support has failed, sir.

The Bortas has put out a general distress call.

Ensign Reel

plot a course to take us safely away from the combat area.

Half impulse.

Captain, the Bortas is Gowron's ship.

If he's the legitimate leader of the Empire

shouldn't we help him?

If we go to the aid of the Bortas

we'll be dragging the Federation into a Klingon civil war.

What about Worf?

Ensign...

engage.

Port shields are still down.

Disruptors on line.

Lock on target.

No. Don't you see?

Their sensors will detect the weapons lock.

If they think we're helpless, they will try to board the ship.

I can aim and fire disruptors manually

when they drop their shields.

GhoS.

35,000 kellicams.

20,000 kellicams.

Now within transporter range.

SuH.

They're dropping their shields.

BaH!

Firing on second target.

They were able to raise the shields in time.

Minor damage only.

Disruptors off-line.

All power to shields!

Shields failing.

Incoming message.

On viewer!

This is Captain Kurn of the Hegh'ta.

We come to defend the Empire

and to follow the banner of Gowron.

You have done well, Captain Kurn.

Lursa and B'Etor have moved more quickly than I anticipated.

We shall not underestimate them again.

Meet us at the Great Hall.

Advise the Enterprise

that their delegation is welcome to attend...

my installation as leader.

Captain's Log, Stardate 44998.3.

With new-found support

Gowron has chosen to proceed with the installation ceremony.

The Enterprise has returned

so that I may perform my final duty as Arbiter of Succession.

Receive now the Ioyalty of the Council

and of the Empire.

Qapla'!

NaDev ghos.

You both fought as warriors.

You have proven your hearts are Klingon.

I return your family honor.

I give you back

that which was wrongfully taken from you.

Let your name be spoken once again.

You are Worf

son of Mogh.

The Duras family is gathering a large force

near Beta Thoridar.

As per the terms of the Treaty of Alliance

I now formally request your assistance

in fighting these enemies of the Empire.

These enemies are Klingon.

By right and tradition, I am the sole leader.

All who oppose me are traitors.

I understand your position, but I'm sure you're aware

that the Federation cannot interfere

in, what is, by definition, an internal Klingon affair.

You arbitrated the Rite of Succession.

You are already involved.

My duties in that regard are finished.

Captain, we must intervene.

The Duras family is corrupt and hungry for power

with no sense of honor or Ioyalty.

They represent a grave threat

to the security of the Federation.

Captain...

you and I know that they have conspired

with Romulans in the past.

If they should be victors in this war

they would surely form a new Klingon/Romulan alliance.

And that would represent a fundamental shift of power

in this quadrant.

Starfleet must support Gowron.

It is in the interests

of both the Federation and the Empire.

I beg you.

Support us in our cause.

Mr. Worf, I don't have to lecture you

on the principle of noninterference.

And as Starfleet officers, we have all sworn an oath

to uphold that principle, whatever our personal feelings.

I'm sorry.

I must refuse your request.

Mr. Worf!

I'm afraid I must recall you to duty.

The Enterprise will be leaving this sector immediately.

Captain, I respectfully request that I be allowed

to take an extended leave of absence.

Mr. Worf, your responsibilities

as a Starfleet officer are incompatible

with remaining on board a Klingon ship

during a time of war.

Captain...

I order you to return to duty at once.

Then I resign my commission as a Starfleet officer.

I will await you aboard the Bortas.

Enter.

Am I intruding?

No, sir.

I understand you will be serving on board the Bortas.

As Weapons Officer.

Your tactical knowledge and experience

will serve them well.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Worf, are you certain that this is the right decision?

I was rescued from Khitomer by humans.

Raised and loved by human parents.

I have spent most of my life around humans...

fought beside them.

But I was born a Klingon.

My heart is of that world.

I...

do hear the cry of the warrior.

I belong with my people.

Being the only Klingon ever to serve in Starfleet

gave you a singular distinction, but...

I felt that what was unique about you was your humanity...

compassion, generosity, fairness.

You took the best qualities of humanity

and made them part of you.

The result was a man

who I was proud to call one of my officers.

I'll have your belongings transported to the Bortas.

Thank you, sir.

Attention on deck.

Permission to leave the ship, sir?

Permission granted.

Qapla'.

Good-bye.

Dismissed.

Picard has rejected Gowron's plea for help.

The Enterprise has left orbit.

Coward!

He didn't have the courage to face us.

The Federation...

Celebrate later, Toral.

We should not discount Jean-Luc Picard yet.

He is human

and humans have a way of showing up

when you least expect them.