KLINGON #7: The Klingon Way

Posted on Sun Oct 27th, 2024 @ 6:20pm by Commander Kehlani & Lieutenant Marz & Lieutenant JG Gavin Lasso

Mission: IT'S A KLINGON THING {CD&Missions}
Location: IKS 'Iwghargh (Bloodsport)
Timeline: Current

ON:

Having gathered a company of troops, Commander Kehlani mounted one of the dozens of all terrain troop carriers. All her weapons were with her as they should be, and as she looked to her warriors she saw that they too had their own weapons chosen. Bet'leths, mekleths, spears, pistols and rifles. The homes of the farmers and villagers were threatened and the warrior class took it personally when those hard working people were threatened. Especially if they turned out to be outsiders (Hurq).

The overhead armored roofs had been opened, the soldiers enjoying the open air ride through the fields and forests as they headed for the lowlands. Winters here on Kor'Kang were cold enough to snow, but the snowfall tended to be light and the season was short. Klingons, as a whole, did not like the cold. However, for the Kor'Kang winters they had began to adapt and those who lived here liked the brisk morning air. An extra fur cloak for the first part of the day was a common sight.

"Lady Kehlani." A younger soldier stood next to her, and spoke of his concerns. "You are with child. Let us handle this matter."

Kehlani turned her head to look him in the eyes. "If myself and my child are to die out here, then may we die well. Together! We are Klingons! I would not be the first female to go into battle while pregnant. Your concern honors me, and I respect it for what it is. But, make no mistake, I will join in battle."

"Of course, Mistress. I meant no disrespect."

"None taken," Kehlani responded, her eyes going back to looking forward as the vehicle moved. Her eyes continuously scanned the terrain ahead of them, with the other experienced warriors in all the vehicles doing the same. They kept their eyes moving to observe all that they could see in passing, looking for clues or signs that this raider group had hit elsewhere other than small villages. So far, this close to the capital, there was nothing amiss as they drove through village after village.

***

The reliefs were called up to the Bridge, with Alpha shift signing their stations over to them so they could go to the evening meal. Kehzza walked off the Bridge next to Gavin. "The officers galley is where we are headed. A time for camaraderie and sharing of thoughts. Be aware, Gavin. Each seat towards the head of the table are for the supervisors. Myself, the science chief, chief engineer, and so on. You may choose any seat further towards the back wall. The head of the table, I'm sure you can guess, is for the HoD. If you wish, you may choose the seat directly facing him at the 'low' end of the table."

"I appreciate the heads up, Kehzza." Gavin said. "That seat sounds perfect for me, anyway. It will give me a better look at who is who." He was curious about something in regards to their heading to home, but figured it could wait until they were all seated with wine and dine before them.

Kehzza entered just ahead of him, the galley doors sliding open to allow them entry. The odors were pungent, what with the various things the Klingons liked to eat being prepared by the cooks aboard. Aside from that the moment the doors slid open the raucous happenings within hit one full force. Loud conversations backed by Klingon belly laughs, with all inside scooping goblets into a barrel of bloodwine time and again as they went to empty. How much they were allowed to imbibe, Gavin did not know, but he assumed that there was a limit considering they could be called to duty at a moment's notice. Kehzza went to the counter and ordered her meal and was provided a goblet with it. Gavin watched as she set her meal at her seat and then proceeded to go to the barrel and procure her beverage. On the way to and away, she was met with claps on the back, raised cups, and so forth.

Gavin had eaten Klingon cuisine before, although not everything. There were certain things he had yet to try. Stepping to the counter, and remembering to speak Klingon at all times, he ordered. "Bregit lung and a bowl of gaH. I'll take a goblet."

The cook passing out the food gave him the typical scrutiny, then served up the requested items, adding the goblet at the end. Taking up his meal and cup, Gavin turned and made his way around the table, the entire room going almost completely quiet as each and every set of Klingon eyes were on him as he moved. The chair he sought was empty so he set his food at his place before going to the barrel and scooping his beverage. Deciding he was thirsty, Gavin drank down the entire goblet in a single go, dropping the cup hand and belching loudly in front of everyone. That brought forth a round of light cheers, as he scooped a second goblet and went back to his seat. Once he had sat, setting his wine on the table, he began to dip his fingers into the gaH and get them moving more rigorously. The blood worms were easier to chew if riled up a bit. He realized that everyone had gone quiet again, watching this Human with interest as he played with his food. Lifting a healthy pinch of worms, Gavin shoved them into his mouth and began to chew casually and with purpose, making sure that each worm in his mouth was going to die before heading for his belly. If not, the critters would attach themselves to the inner walls of his intestines and he would need to have them removed by a medical professional and the last place he wanted to be on a Klingon ship was the Infirmary. He chewed, swallowed, and washed it down with a sip of wine.

Gavin, for dramatic affect, had not looked anyone in the eyes just yet, keeping his gaze on his food. But, now, with the first bite down and tasting delicious, his gaze lifted as he looked at each face in turn. "What? Have you never seen a Human eat gaH before? You act like a group of bekks fresh from the Academy."

A burly, older Klingon with greying hair, gave a grunt of humor. "You just cost me a few strips of latinum, Lieutenant Gavin."

"How so?" Gavin asked, truly interested as to how.

"I bet Turik you would vomit with your first try at Klingon dishes." The older man had motioned at another male down the table from Gavin, a Klingon with a fierce countenance but eyes that said he was a good sort when not angered.

"Not my fault you are a poor judge of character," said Gavin in response. "You know my name, but I have yet to hear yours. Until then, in here, don't speak to me."

The older man sat forward in his chair, looking Gavin in the eye. "I am K'vin, son of Movar. Chief Engineer aboard this vessel. Does that suffice or do you need me to write it down?" There was laughter around the table. Gavin, as his eyes glanced around at the faces, saw Kehzza give him a subtle nod of approval for his actions so far.

Gavin brought his eyes back to K'vin. "I appreciate the honor of knowing your name, K'vin. Now I know which name to insert into my banter." That brought some chuckling from around the table in his favor. Just as K'vin went to reply the galley doors opened and in walked Marz. The HoD gave a few hand signals to the cooks, took up the goblet offered, and got some bloodwine before sitting down.

The galley went quiet as he had come in, but as he got his wine and sat down they all welcomed their commander with grunts and light hails as they saluted him with their cups. Gavin did the same. "HoD," he said in recognition of his CO's position and authority, giving a cup salute and drinking down a mouth full. So far, his body being used to drinking bloodwine since he did like the stuff, he was handling his booze well. Although, his cup was getting slim on fluid so he stood to refill.

"I take it you have all met our latest addition?" Asked Marz, motioning towards the moving Gavin. "He has yet to prove himself in battle but his Bridge performance was above average for one not used to our systems. I expect he will be treated as an equal as far as position and rank. Beyond that, treat him as any other Klingon."

Gavin dipped his cup and began to walk back to his seat, the others now giving him slight shaking fists and nods of greeting. K'vin gave him a nod that showed a bit of respect behind it. Sitting down he leaned closer to K'vin, not to hide his conversation but to let the man know that Gavin was aiming his points at him. "K'vin, if you would allow I can aid in engineering from time to time. For damage control it would be wise for me to become familiar with Klingon systems."

"Agreed," said K'vin. "Do you have any training?"

"I do," Gavin explained. "As a helm officer in Starfleet I do need to know the basics of how things work. Before that, growing up, I lived on colony worlds and was taught how to repair and maintain machinery for survival and living. Mechanics is something I understand well enough."

K'vin considered the words, then spoke up. "I shall consider it. AT minimum, you should be taught damage control. I will schedule a time for you to come down and give it a go, if the Captain agrees."

"Of course." Gavin said.

"HoD," Kehzza spoke up after finishing her meal while Gavin was still picking at his gaH and bregit lung, eating slowly as he engaged others in conversation. When the CO title had been said, all went quiet to listen to what was being said. "We were scheduled to remain at M-69 for a time. Why the sudden change in orders, if I may ask."

Marz sat forward, placing his goblet on the table as his wrapped around its base. His eyes went around the table, ending up on Kehzza. "Kozar contacted me. There are raiders out in the lowlands who are stealing supplies from villages and committing acts of murder against our people. Kehlani is going out to see what the issue is, to try and quell this trouble before it grows. We are heading home because it is my place to be there as Patriarch when such times arise."

There was a muffled speaking between each other, with incredulous tones as to who would be stupid enough to attack House Khelani of their homeworld. "Do we have any suspects, HoD?" Gavin asked, looking down the length of the table directly at his commanding officer.

"Not as of the last transmission, no." Marz admitted. "As I said, Kehlani is going out to see to the matter. We will reach home in less than 48 hours, and we will catch up with her when we arrive."

"Wait," said Gavin, with surprise. "Your wife is out there facing a murderous enemy and you are taking a casual trip home? Forgive my ignorance on this, Sir, but shouldn't we get there as quickly as possible?"

Marz met the eyes of the newcomer, the Human among Klingons. He did hold down a great amount of his anger since he did recognize that the Klingon Way often seemed callous and cruel to the outside observer. "Lieutenant Gavin. We are Klingons. All of us fight and die for our people. If my mate chooses to go into battle then I honor that with all my heart. She is doing what all Klingon women do; they fight alongside their male counterparts. Even while pregnant. It would be a glorious death not only for her, but for the unborn child within her womb. She is House Matriarch and it is her duty to look after those under our charge. I do forgive your ignorance on this matter...once. Kehzza!" She focused on her Captain. "Gavin needs an education while he serves. See to it!"

"It shall be done, HoD." Kehzza answered. Her eyes turned toward Gavin, the gaze denoting there would be a great lesson taught after the meal was over. "Meet me in training room one after meal time, Gavin."

"I will do so." Gavin answered.

The rest of the meal time was spent in conversations around the table, but it kept coming back to the trouble at Kor'Kang. All of them, every officer in the room, was looking forward to slaughtering anyone who threatened their House.

OFF: