Gorkon

Gorkon was Klingon chancellor and the head of the Klingon High Council in 2293.

In 2293, the destruction of the Klingon moon of Praxis forced the Klingon Empire to reassess its position towards the United Federation of Planets as it simply could no longer afford to maintain its massive military budget and deal with the devastating effects of the explosion on their economy. Gorkon approached the Federation via Captain Spock and opened negotiations that would see the military outposts on both sides of the Klingon Neutral Zone dismantled and a new alliance forged between the two cold war enemies.

Gorkon's peace initiatives were met with open arms by the Federation Council but there were those on both sides who objected to this. A plot was forged between Klingon General Chang, Starfleet Admiral Cartwright, Colonel West, Lieutenant Valeris and Nanclus, the Romulan Ambassador to Earth, to sabotage the peace talks before they could begin.

While being escorted by the USS Enterprise-A, his battle cruiser was attacked by a prototype Bird-of-Prey that could fire while cloaked. The attack disabled the artificial gravity and two Starfleet operatives assassinated Gorkon. Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy beamed over to investigate and aid the wounded Gorkon, but he died while McCoy attempted to resuscitate him. His last words were directed at Kirk, saying "Don't let it end this way, Captain." Touched by Gorkon's heartfelt desire for peace, Kirk experienced a crisis with his prejudices in the wake of Gorkon's death. Gorkon's daughter, Azetbur, then assumed chancellorship. Kirk and McCoy were arrested by the Klingons, having been framed for the Chancellor's murder. With assistance from Spock, they escaped from Rura Penthe.

The Enterprise and the USS Excelsior were able to destroy Chang's Bird-of-Prey and Kirk was able to prevent the assassination of the Federation President. The Khitomer Accords were signed, and the beginnings of an alliance between the two powers were forged. Gorkon had not died in vain.