Entwined With The Empire
Posted on Sat Jun 1st, 2019 @ 6:11pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Captain Larta Daughter of Shog
Edited on on Sun Jun 2nd, 2019 @ 10:57pm
1,880 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
Episode 7 - Home Again
Location: Cardassian System
Timeline: MD001 0930 hrs
Tyler was exceptionally proud of his crew at the moment. They had saved Cardassia, from itself mind you, and survived. The ship was almost ready for launch, everyone had been working around the clock to make so. However, with all this pride he had in his crew there is one person that all would have been lost without.
The science officer on duty informed him that the Klingon vessel Ram Cha' Par was still in communications range. Tyler opened a channel. "Commander of Ram Cha'Par this is Captain Tyler Malbrooke of the Federation Starship Pioneer."
An Klingon woman dressed in leather’s and appeared in the Pioneer’s main view screen settled into the Bird of Prey’s command throne. “This is Larta, daughter of Shog, of House H’rell.”
Then, wryly she added, “And your savior. You are indeed welcome, in advance, Captain Malbrooke. The Empire is always happy to aid the Federation.”
Tyler smiled broadly he had no idea who this woman was or why she helped. However, he knew that she stood on Klingon ceremony. He stood and punched himself in the chest. "Q'Pala Larta Daughter of Shog. I do not want to look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. But I was wondering what brought you into the sector?"
Larta smiled at Malbrooke. He knew the proprieties. "Mainly personal business at the start. Then the Maquis and Cardassian Ha'DIbaH (dogs) seemed to have your ship overwhelmed and my...'Ip parmaqqay (oath companion) is a member of your crew. I could but lend a hand. Not doing so, well," she fiddled absently with controls on the arm of her throne, "could have cast shadows on the search for my mother, who is among the Maquis."
Then she smiled, "Your engagement did allow us to capture one of the ships. One I thought she might be on, but she is slippery. However, our information claims she is being held a facility that I may need Tremble's help with. This is why I am contacting you. He has not answered my communications and I thought perhaps you as his commander should be informed."
Then she grinned wolfishly, "And, you owe me."
Tyler knew Klingon propriety honor demanded that he risk it all for her and her house. However, there was a time for that and this was not the time. "Unfortunately Second Lieutenant Tremble is in surgery at the moment. He may not make it. However, if you send me the information on the facility or if you would like to come aboard we can talk in person. The Pioneer is in no shape to help at the moment. But once we effect repairs we can see what can be done."
Larta's lips tightened momentarily, then she said. "Today is a good day to die." Her brown furrowed, then pushed herself up and said, "I will beam over directly."
Minutes later, Larta and an older Klingon with greying hair materialized in Pioneer's transporter room number 3 and she regarded the space intently.
Tyler had his XO accompany him to the transporter room. He wanted a second set of eyes and ears on this Klingon. The two had been discussing their misgivings about the Klingon when she materialized on the pad. Tyler put his best diplomatic face on. "Welcome to the Pioneer Larta Daughter of Shog, this is my First Officer Commander Quinn Ó Flannagáin. Please come with me to the Briefing Room, I apologize in advance as we make repairs." Tyler motioned for the Klingons to step off the pad.
Falling into step with Malbrooke, Larta shook her head. "Apologizing for what honest battle has brought to you is a decidedly Federation attitude," she stated. Then looked at Malbrooke, "But then, this battle was hardly honest. Cardassian dogs and these Maquis no nothing of honor."
"It can be a trying to understand the needs of the Maquis, this new group appears to be more aggressive, and better organized. Should be plenty of opportunities to bring glory and honor to your house, despite the fact that they have none." Quinn said, as he looked to the klingon female, as they made there way out of the transporter room.
Within moments the quartet had entered the briefing room. "Can I get either of you any refreshments? Captain Larta would you start by telling us your connection to our Lieutenant Tremble?" Tyler spoke as he set out a tray of drinks: coffee, tea, and blood wine. He then took his traditional seat at the head of the table.
Larta considered Malbrooke and Ó Flannagáin, and gestured toward the older Klingon. "This is Mahvrok, my Counselor. As to Tremble, his father and mine formed a oath pact, sealed in blood years ago and our fates are sealed. She looked uncomfortable for a moment and sighed. "And, so I have been informed," she said, glancing board Mahvrok, "Those old fools pact also included a betrothal to link our houses. That validity is being considered by the law givers."
Larta didn't look particularly happy about her last words and then she changed the subject. "In this instance, I was seeking information about these Maquis on behalf of the Council who had heard rumblings of a split Cardassian government and factions of their Obsidian order stinking their space again." She paused, then added, "Privately, I am seeking my human mother, who is apparently a member of the Maquis. I had asked Tremble to aid me with any information if he could, based on our father's oaths of aid to one another."
Glancing at Mahvrok, who had grunted she glowered briefly. "Yes, Mahvrok, I know. The old fool has a fascination with humanity...it is not my fault." Then she turned back to Malbrooke and Ó Flannagáin.
"If I may Captain." Quinn said as he looked to Tyler for a moment. Then he started to speak up. "We can get you the files on the Maquis, so far they are contained to this corner of the universe. This Cardassian Government fracture is the Federation's big concern. If the obisidian order rise to power, they will not be content remaining along their borders, we remember the tradegy of the dominion war, they will not make that mistake of a direct frontal assault. They will make smaller surgical strikes like the one they did here on Cardassia. But we are all targets." Quinn, said waiting to see if Tyler was going to add anything to his above message.
"Commander O Flannagain has the right of it. These groups will not come out in force, they will plan, strategize and then strike. We will release what we have on the Maquis. As to your mother if you find her she will be deemed a traitor to the Federation. Do you know why she chose to ally herself with the Maquis rebels?" Tyler sipped the black coffee and was thankful that Elen got the replicators back up pronto.
"Revenge," Larta said simply, her tone tinged with admiration. "First the Great Federation negotiated away her home to placate the Cardassians. Then stood by when the dogs forcibly removed settlers, killing her family. I don't think you can call something 'treason' when your own government sells you out."
Larta stopped herself then, and shook her head. "Eventually, your luck runs out. The funny thing is, from what I have been able to put together, the maquis faction that decided to sell out to the Cardassians to try and carve something out of the current political cesspool, the dogs convinced her own so called comrads, to turn her over and she's rotting in an cell."
Only half to herself, she said "You should not have stopped that weapon from cleansing Cardassia Prime. The Galaxy would be better off."
Revenge was not a good reason for treason as far as Tyler was concerned. However, this was not the time or the place to discuss such things. "If we did let that weapon run it's course then we would be no better than them. Perhaps we can contact some of our undercovers in the Maquis and see if we can get her free. However, you know that SFI will want her and then she will have to stand trial."
Mahvrok spoke then, a deep rumbling tone. A tone that resonated seemingly from his bones. "The Empire may have a previous claim and for the two to work together in this, you must recognize that."
Larta cast a scowl Mahvrok's way and he ignored it. "Larisa, daughter of Mica is wanted for murder in the Empire. We can, however, agree to allow the politicians to argue over that and move forward."
Larta's teeth were barred as she stared at Mahvrok, who seemingly ignored her. Then she recovered herself, "Yes. Well. We have uncovered a possible lead, as I have said. We intend to investigate, but part of my retrieval plan includes Tremble, if he is alive." At this, she looked in the Pioneer's officer's eyes.
"The Lieutenant lives, but is in unstable condition. Our medical staff is working on saving his life as we speak. However, judging by his wounds even if he pulls through he will be in no shape for a mission." Tyler responded.
Larta didn't respond right away, and then finally "He will have to cope. He is resilient and there will be some time for recovery." Looking at Mahvrok, she said "And we should be on our way. We too have some repairs and that lead to follow"
"Very well. We are heading to Empok Nor in the Trivas System if you would like to meet there. If not we will be in touch. Commander O Flannigain, would you show our guests to the transporter room." Tyler sipped his coffee and smiled.
"I would be happy to Captain." Quinn said, as he rose from his chair. He motioned from his chair for the klingon ladies to follow him. He slowly started to make his way to the door. "If you will be please accompany me."
Larta and MMahvrok accompanied by the Pioneer's XO, entered the transporter room and Larta hesitated as her advisor stepped up on the pad. Turning she said to Ó Flannagáin you will see Tremble. If he lives, give him this. Abruptly, she grabbed him on either side of the face (gripping his ears, actually) and pulled him into an abrupt, bruising kiss.
Then she released him, stepped up onto the pad and stared at the technician.
"I relay your message, Qapla." Quinn said, as he walked over to the transporter station, and handled the controls himself. "Till we meet again!" Quinn said, thinking to himself, no way in hell will he kiss Tremble like that.
"Transport." Looking at Ó Flannagáin, she smiled predatorily. "DaH jImej (goodbye)." Then the Klingon's disappeared in motes of light.
A Joint Post By;
Captain Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer
Commander Quinn Ó Flannagáin
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Captain Larta Daughter of Shog
Commanding Officer, Ram Cha' Par
House H'rell Bird of Prey
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