Agents of Influence

by Dayton Ward

  After observing her crew for an extra moment, Khatami turned from the podium and crossed the dais to Kirk, extending her hand to him.

  “Thank you for this, Captain,” she said. “And for everything.”

  Kirk smiled. “It seemed the least we could do.”

  It had taken a monumental effort on the part of the Enterprise crew to evacuate and find billeting space for Endeavour’s complement. Every available bed was called into service, with other areas like recreation rooms and other noncritical ship’s areas converted to temporary billeting. By far the largest portion of the displaced crew would reside here, with every attempt being made to ensure their stay was as comfortable as possible.

  As for what remained of the Endeavour itself, a detachment from the Starfleet Corps of Engineers was already en route to assess the situation. The team of specialists would conduct a thorough examination of the primary hull section and determine whether salvage was possible. According to Khatami’s own engineering staff, the saucer had weathered its rough landing and subsequent damage well enough that recovering and repairing the hull before returning it to service was not out of the question. Despite protests from Starfleet Command about the difficulty of the task and that simply scuttling it might be a more effective option, Admiral Nogura had convinced his peers to undertake the effort.

  As he looked around the hangar deck, a sudden wave of melancholy gripped Kirk. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a ship.”

  “Here’s hoping you never have to experience it for yourself.” Khatami drew a breath. “I know, it’s just a ship, and ships can be replaced, but you can’t help how it gets inside you. Even if they give me another one and it ends up being better, it still won’t be the same.”

  “You’re absolutely right about that,” Kirk said. After all he had been through with it and them, he simply could not imagine a life that did not include the Enterprise and his crew.

  As though forcing herself not to wallow in sadness, Khatami asked, “What about the Orions?”

  “They’ve been quartered in two of our cargo bays,” Kirk replied. “Once we get to Starbase 24, they’ll be taken into custody and questioned. I have no idea what might happen after that. There’s a lot they and the Orion Syndicate need to answer for.”

  “You’re damned right about that.” Khatami’s expression darkened for a moment before she took a deep breath, regaining her composure. “What about Tomkins, or whatever the hell his name is?”

  “He will be my problem, Captain,” said a new voice.

  Kirk turned to see Admiral Nogura in his own dress uniform approaching the podium. Walking with him were intelligence agents Morgan Binnix and Phil Watson. Thanks to the skilled collaboration of Leonard McCoy and Anthony Leone, the two intelligence agents had been given back their human features. It was only his second time seeing them following their operation and Kirk was still getting used to their new looks.

  Shouldn’t that be old looks? He almost smiled at the thought, but held himself in check.

  Looking to Khatami, Nogura said, “Rest assured, Captain, the Orions and Lieutenant Tomkins will not escape justice for their crimes. I honestly do not know what form that justice will take. As you might imagine, the situation is anything but simple, but it will be my top priority upon our return to Starbase 24. The deaths of Commander Yataro and your other officers will not be for nothing, I promise you.” He turned to Binnix and Watson. “The same is true for Agent Horst. You have my word.”

  Kirk knew Nogura had already received several encrypted burst transmissions from Starbase 24 and Starfleet Command. According to the reports the admiral shared, both the Klingon High Council and the Orion Syndicate were already disavowing all knowledge of the activities within the Ivratis asteroid field. Nobody believed any of it, of course. Kirk suspected the Syndicate would do anything to avoid feeling Starfleet’s wrath, and despite their bravado even the Klingon Empire would not want to go to war over something like this. Experience told Kirk diplomats on all sides of the table would work overtime to find some mutually agreeable solution to this dilemma.

  Yet another reminder to avoid anything to do with politics.

  “What about this technology the Klingons developed?” Khatami asked. “I know the base was destroyed, but you know they’ll rebuild or refine the system itself. It might take time, but I can’t see the Klingons letting go of something they’ve proved works.”

  Nogura replied, “That’s true, of course. The Empire relies on the expertise and vision of a great number of very influential Klingon scientists. Any advantage those individuals can provide for the military will always be welcome. Though they would never admit it, their scientists in many ways are far more influential in setting the course for Klingon prosperity than their High Council or their generals. This is but a momentary obstacle the Empire will soon overcome. It is nothing compared to the problems they will soon face while attempting to determine the extent of the damage done by Agent Binnix and her team.”

  “I’m guessing those same leaders and diplomats are losing their minds about all of that right about now,” said Binnix.

  “You have no idea, my dear.” Nogura smiled. “And you have no idea how much I’m enjoying it.”

  Watson replied, “Happy to be of service, Admiral.”

  His expression turning serious, Nogura said, “The simple truth is that the work carried out by you two and Agent Horst was extraordinary. I’ve only had time to make the most cursory review of the information you brought back, but the potential disruption it represents to the Empire’s long-term planning in any number of areas is incalculable.” He paused, sighing. “On the other hand, the Klingons are nothing if not adept at finding ways to navigate adversity. They will undoubtedly succeed in mitigating at least some of the damage of your actions. Hell, they may find a way to lessen all of it, but the time needed to do any of that will be significant. It means resources taken away from other efforts, so even if there’s no direct impact, there are still intangible benefits.”

  “Such is the way of spycraft, Admiral,” Binnix said. “We knew the deal when we took the assignment.”

  “So did David,” added Watson.

  Nogura said, “Nevertheless, it’s my mission to see to it your efforts are not wasted, and Agent Horst’s death was not in vain. For one thing, his sacrifice gave us insight into just how far the Empire’s efforts go in infiltrating the Federation and Starfleet.” His gaze shifted to Khatami. “We owe a debt of gratitude for that to Commander Yataro, as well.”

  “Thank you, Admiral,” Khatami said.

  Kirk asked, “Do we have any idea how extensive their network of operatives might be?”

  “We can guess,” Nogura replied. “At the height of the war with the Klingons, there was a comprehensive sweep for such agents. Only a handful were found, but we suspected there were many more. Then, priorities shifted and the Klingons did not seem to be the problem they once were. After we narrowly avoided a new war thanks to the Organians, and with the exposure of the agent you found after the Klingons attacked Starbase 42, as well as that mess at the K-7 space station, Starfleet quietly resumed that hunt. So far, we’ve had no success, but we’d be foolish to think there aren’t more operatives lurking out there.”

  “Agreed,” Kirk said. He suspected the revelation of Lieutenant Ivan Tomkins—or whatever his Klingon name was—would refuel a new initiative to root out other such agents. The influence they could wield and the damage they might inflict was simply too great to ignore.

  Khatami said, “You know the Klingons will be doing the same thing.” She gestured to Binnix and Watson. “Considering how deep into their power structure they were able to penetrate, the Empire won’t rest until they’ve scrutinized every living soul within their borders.”

  Nodding, Nogura replied, “Again, an intangible benefit of our agents’ efforts.”

  “Paranoia can be as useful a weapon as a phaser,” said Binnix.

  Watson chuckled. “A
men to that.”

  “It won’t be easy for any of our agents still working inside Klingon territory.” Kirk tried to fathom such an existence, with the ever-present danger of discovery compounded by the rampant fear and anger fueling such searches now that the Klingons were sure spies and potential saboteurs walked among them. Already certain how Nogura might answer his next question, Kirk asked it anyway. “How you do propose handling that, sir?”

  “Handling what? Starfleet agents working behind enemy lines?” Nogura regarded Kirk with a wry, knowing grin. “My dear captain, I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  As always, I extend heartfelt appreciation to my editors, Ed Schlesinger and Margaret Clark. Agents of Influence is the twenty-second Star Trek novel I’ve written or co-written, and the eighteenth while working under guidance from either or both of these individuals going back fifteen years. They’ve put up with a lot of my shenanigans over that period of time, and yet they keep calling me. Maybe they’re confusing me with someone else. Nobody tell them, okay?

  Thanks also to John Van Citters at CBS. A fierce protector of the Star Trek “brand,” he’s also a lifelong fan and a champion of Simon & Schuster’s Star Trek publishing efforts. He extends to us a great deal of latitude and trust that we’ll do right by this franchise we all love so much.

  My hetero life mate, occasional writing partner, and frequent sounding board, Kevin Dilmore: Even when we’re not collaborating on a project, you’re still helping me, whether you know it or not. Here’s to more than twenty years of never-ending boneless wings, spirited brainstorming, and unmatched friendship.

  Doug Drexler, the steely-eyed missile man himself: many MANY thanks for your invaluable insights into the inner workings of Star Trek ships and technology.

  Last but not least, there’s you: the reader. Many of you have been along for the ride throughout most if not all of those aforementioned novels and a bunch of other novellas, short stories, and other mischief. Thanks again to you for the continued support. You’re the reason we’re doing this, after all.

  See you in another book or so!

  More in the Star Trek Universe

  Vulcan's Soul #1: Exodus

  The Sundered

  Gateways #2

  Vulcan's Soul #2: Exiles

  Star Trek: The Original Series: Crucible: Spock:…

  Vulcan's Soul #3: Epiphany

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Dayton Ward: Author. Trekkie. Writing his goofy little stories and searching for a way to tap into the hidden nerdity that all humans have. Then, an accidental overdose of Mountain Dew altered his body chemistry. Now, when Dayton Ward grows excited or just downright geeky, a startling metamorphosis occurs.

  Driven by outlandish ideas and a pronounced lack of sleep, he is pursued by fans and editors as well as funny men in bright uniforms wielding Tasers, straightjackets, and medication.

  Dayton is believed to be working on his next novel, and he must let the world (and his editors) think he is working on it, until he can find a way to earn back the advance check he blew on strippers and booze during that one wild weekend in Las Vegas.

  Though he currently lives in Kansas City with his wife and two daughters, Dayton is a Florida native and maintains a torrid long-distance romance with his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

  Visit Dayton on the web at www.daytonward.com.

  FOR MORE ON THIS AUTHOR:

  SimonandSchuster.com/Authors/Dayton-Ward

  SimonandSchuster.com

  @GalleryBooks

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  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Cover design by Alan Dingman

  Cover photographs by Shutterstock

  Names: Ward, Dayton, author.

  Title: Agents of influence / Dayton Ward ; based upon Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry.

  Other titles: At head of title Star Trek the original series

  Description: First Gallery Books trade paperback edition. | New York : Gallery Books, 2020. | Series: Star trek: the original series

  Identifiers: LCCN 2019054670 (print) | LCCN 2019054671 (ebook) | ISBN 9781982133689 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781982133696 (ebook)

  Subjects: LCSH: Star trek (Television program)—Fiction. | GSAFD: Science fiction.

  Classification: LCC PS3623.A7317 A74 2020 (print) | LCC PS3623.A7317 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6—dc23

  LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054670

  LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019054671

  ISBN 978-1-9821-3368-9

  ISBN 978-1-9821-3369-6 (ebook)