Kirk bowed then stood:

"No, Chancellor, I do not think that would be wise. The Klingon cloaking devices are not perfect stealth technology and if a crafty science officer knows where to look, trace evidence of cloaked ships can be detected. The more cloaked ships we bring along the greater the chances they will be sniffed out. I think this matter shall best be accomplished if only one cloaked ship assumes the mission. Meanwhile, the Klingon Empire is better served by preparing for war if Gary Mitchell's armada of Federation ships arrives to make war with you."

Azetbur could see the wisdom in Kirks thinking:

"So be it. We shall do as you recommend and prepare for a full scale invasion on our own. I wish you luck in recruiting this Charlie Evans, and I hope he does not elect to betray you! Follow these soldiers and they will take you to a waiting room, while we collect the cloaking device and its accoutrements to deliver to you so you may beam up with it. I must also tell you that this act on my part shall satisfy my debt of gratitude with you."

Kirk bowed and bid Azetbur farewell. He waited a short time when the cloaking device and its accoutrements were delivered. Then he was beamed aboard Enterprise along with two Klingon technicians.

Scotty was standing behind the console of the transporter room when Kirk and the cloaking device materialized on the pads along with the two big Klingons. Kirk addressed the two soldiers:

"Gentlemen, this is Chief Engineer Scott. I think your orders are to assist him as best you can to help install the cloaking device to our ship's systems."

Scott took the initiative:

                  

"Tell me lads, do either of you speak English? I don't speak a lick of Klingon myself."

The big Klingon on Kirks right replied:

"The both of us were chosen because we know how to speak your weak English language!"

Scott smiled:

"Good news, lads. Now follow me and I will escort you to the engine room. I must say I am looking forward to installing some Klingon technology, to flex my engineering muscles."

The other Klingon laughed then he replied:

Weak humans don't actually have muscles!"

****

Four hours later Engineer Scott reported to Kirk, who was seated in his command chair on the bridge:

"Captain, with the Klingons help I can report the cloaking device is installed and ready to be tested. We think it will work, but there's no way to be sure without testing it. I must say those two Klingon technicians are very bright and they were of great help to me. I was surprised how much they knew about a Starfleet warp engine, because the cloaking device feeds off the warp drive because it's very greedy for power. If it works I can tell you the best we'll be able to manage while cloaked is warp-4."

Kirk replied:

"Okay, Scotty, get your tail to the bridge and we'll conduct the test."

Scott replied:

"Shall I send the two Klingons back where they came from first? I think I can manage without them from here now that the difficult parts are done."

Kirk replied:

"Yes, escort the two Klingons to the transporter room and send them on their way, then come to the bridge on the double."

Scotty replied:

"Yes sir, Scott out!"

****

A short time later Engineer Scott appeared on the bridge and took his seat at the engineering console:

"Captain, I have routed the controls for the cloaking device through this auxiliary panel on my engineering console. Just give the word and I'll engage it and well find out if this thing is going to work."

Kirk nodded and gave the word:

"Engage the cloaking device, Mr. Scott."

Scotty pressed the button. A few seconds later he reported:

"Aye, Captain, she's cloaked alright. And the drain on the warp drive is just as I accounted for. We can leave orbit to our next destination while cloaked at warp-4."

Kirk smiled at Scotty then turned his attention to Sulu at the helm:

"Mr. Sulu! Set course for Thasus, warp-4."

Sulu heard the order and a minute later he replied:

"Course, laid in sir. Breaking orbit and now heading for Thasus at warp-4, as ordered!"

 

Kirk addressed Mr. Spock next:

"Mr. Spock, what is your estimate for arrival at Thasus?"

Spock replied:

"If we make the entire voyage to Thasus while cloaked traveling at warp-4, with no other delays we shall arrive at Thasus in three Federation standard days, six hours and 29 minutes."

Kirk smiled at Spock.

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