Klingon Worries (Part 2)

Posted on Sat Mar 28th, 2026 @ 3:46am by Captain Mikoto Misaka & Lieutenant Commander Lurath, Son of Grogori
Edited on on Sat Mar 28th, 2026 @ 3:46am

1,974 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Preparations
Location: Ten Forward

Previously on Star Trek Ermiana:

"Ok." Misaka said as she held up a hand. "I understand he's not going to go around and disobey orders. Thats fine." She said. "You claim that this is all a plea for acknowledgement and to be heard, but if he continues to act out then I'm going to have to take action. Thats one thing I don't want to do." She lowered her hand. "I understand he's fighting internal battles, and he's having a rough time. Everyone has bad days. So tell me Dahar Master, what do we do with him? You've given me an explanation, but not a solution."

Abd now the continuation...

"Captain..." The Dahar Master said, a smile on his face, as he grabbed the bowl of Zilm'kach slices and held it out to her. "If you feel you must take action, then I say you do what you must, because you orders should never be taken lightly. Speaking as someone who has sat in that very chair, I understand the need to stand firm on ones orders, but I also remember clearly that the challenge is holding the line between Commander and Fellow Warrior. I have had many occasion where my orders were challenged, by warriors who puff out their chest and show their teeth like beasts holding back an attack, but that was all for show. Once you look them in the eye and accept their challenge, I found, they easily pull back. Suddenly, their chests aren't so big and their teeth are no longer as sharp."

"You know that I'm not a Klingon right. And this isn't a Klingon ship." She replied. "Are you telling me to be stricter and firmer with him? Wouldn't that be counter-productive in the long run?"

He gave the Misako a soft chuckle before placing the bowl back down on the table. "What you have with Lurath is difficult, so you must do what you have to in order to keep your crew from questioning your decisions, but you must remember who it is you are dealing with. Not only a half Klingon. Not only a half Betazoid, but also your Chief of Security and... most importantly... you second in command. Yes? If you feel the same way he does, you only have to say so, which will let him know you understand his concerns and are cautious as well. If a Klingon see's a fellow warrior in danger there are two choices to be made. They can either turn their back, which would be dishonorable and show he has none, or they will help the warrior up and give them the confidence to keep fighting." Rorek gave another chuckle before saying. "It is... how you humans say... 'Life's not about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done.' A warrior alone, fighting an army, is brave. A group of warriors, fighting an army, is a force to be reconned with. Lurath, is such a warrior. He may have his concerns, but that is part of his job. However, he is also your second-in-command and he will never turn away from that loyalty. That honor you have bestowed upon him. Let him have his concerns, Captain. If he get's out of hand, which I doubt, then put him back in his place. He may be wounded slightly, but he will pull himself back up and continue on. Knowing he stepped out of line and not to do it again. We Klingons are proud and thirsty for battle, but we aren't infallible. We make mistakes and misjudge, but we know enough to not let that stop us. We learn and grow. As many species do when put in the same situation."

Misaka pondered for a few brief moments. "I can accept his opinions and his concerns. He is a valued member of this crew." She told the Dahar Master. "So, what you're telling me is that when he steps out of line, I should put him back in his place? Show him that I have taken his opinions and concern into account and stick by my decisions." She said as she sat back in her chair. "I'll be honest with you Dahar Master, this is my first command. I'm a fairly new Captain, so I'm also still learning what it is to be in the center chair. I didn't expect these kinds of problems when I first took command of this ship."

The Captain paused once again. "I chose my senior staff, including Lurath from a long list of candidates. Serving on a ship like this is considered a honour. Galaxy Class starships are very competitive postings, many officers across the fleet desire to serve on these ships. I believe that Lurath is well aware of this, as is every person who serves aboard." She explained. "Would you agree that I should try to talk these issues out with Lurath? If I can understand him better than I can be a better Commander for him?"

"This may not be a Klingon ship, but the burden of Command is the same. You're word will always be the last one they hear and what will bring them confidence. Security when things seem dark." Rorek said as he pulled another piece of meat off a place and put it on the ground for his Jackal Mastiff to eat. "All of us, who have taken the center chair, have felt the struggle. You can be their friend or their master. You can't be both. Every Captain finds their way, but they never know what it is the moment they start. They find it slowly, making mistakes and sadly losing some in the process, but they keep their head up high while still fighting forward. Death is the only one who will let you know what you are done." He grabbed the goblet and smirked. "You can do what you feel will help strengthen your bond with him or remind him that your word is final. The end will always lead to the same thing. Lurath will not disobey you. However, some warriors forget there is more than one way to deal with a Targ. You can fight and show your strength. You can defend yourself and show your resilience. Or... you can build a bridge and find a way to make both sides satisfied. In some cases, something must be sacrificed, but there is usually a cost on both sides for peace. True strength is knowing when to fight and when not to fight. I masterful warrior can defeat their opponent without needing to raise a hand or weapon in anger."

Misaka pondered on his words. She could see his point, if you can win without a fight then it was always the better option. "I think that I understand better now." She replied giving the Klingon a small smile. "I have an idea of how to connect better with Lurath. Tell me Dahar Master, do you know anything of Lurath's personal schedule?" She asked.

"Only when it comes to his classes with me." He replied as he took a chunk of meat from the plate and torn some of it off. He gave the amount he ripped off to the Jackal Mastiff before taking a bite from what was left in his other hand. "I imagine, you can pull up what you need from the computer. However, should you require him to be somewhere in particular, you could also order him."

"I don't think an order is appropriate, for what I have in mind." Misaka replied. "Is there any chance you can get him to report to the ships sparring court in the gym tomorrow after Alpha Shift?"

Rorek swallowed what he was eating, before grabbing the goblet of Bloodwine. The old Klingon eyed Misako curiously before slowly raising it and taking a drink. As he lowered the goblet down, he let out a hearty laugh, enough to draw the attention of everyone in the lounge. As he wiped the remains from his lips, he smiled from ear to ear. "Captain... be careful. With thinking like that, some may confuse you for being part Klingon." He let out another chuckle before placing his hand on top of Kajunpak't's head. "I can, Captain. Most certainly, I can."

Misaka nodded. "I've learnt over the time I've spent in Starfleet, that in order to get through to a Klingon. You have to act like a Klingon." She told him. "I thank you for your assistance Dahar Master. By all means, stick around in the gym when we meet tomorrow."

The Dahar Master gave her an odd look, before replying softly. "That may be true, for some Klingons, but not every Klingon. Keep in mind, Captain. You are not dealing with any Klingon, but a half Klingon. You may not get the result you are looking for if you plan on going in thinking he's like every Klingon you have come across. Tread lightly. Lurath is still a good friend, a member of a house I am closed to. Should something happen, I may have to act on behalf of his family, should what you plan goes wrong and he ends up harmed. You understand. It's nothing personal. It's the Klingon way."

"Oh I totally understand." Misaka nodded. "Trust me on this one." She added as she rose to her feet.

"Before you go, Captain, you must show Kajunpak't the appropriate respect." Rorek said firmly, looking at the Captain with a stern look. A small amount of tension built, until finally it was cut by a smile from the Dahar Master. "By giving her a pet. Since she has been on this ship, people and children have given her a wide berth, which is sad." He said as he placed his hand on the Jackal Mastiff's head and began to pet her slowly. "While she has the look of a fierce beast, she is actually quite loving. She is fond of people, more importantly of children. She has protected me, as well as my children, since she was young. Always at our side and willing to give up her life for ours. Unfortunately, much like me, she is reaching the end of her journey and desires only to enjoy what is left. Kaj's doesn't want to spend what she had left, feared by all, but loved."

Misaka smiled. She took a step over towards the Jackal Mastiff and gently petted her head. "I'm more of a cat person, but I would never not show the proper respect."

The old beast leaned into the pets, letting out some happy panting as she took it in, letting her tongue hang out slightly. Kaj was pleased at the attention, groaning happily as she moved her head around so the petting hand would reach all the best spots through her white and greyish fur. When she was all done, the Jackal Mastiff remained seated, looking up at the Captain with her tongue hanging from the side of her mouth. For a brief moment, a soft growl formed in her throat, before suddenly bowing her head down.

Rorek chuckled softly. "She likes you, Captain. You have earned her thanks and respect. Not many do."

As Misaka stopped petting the Jackal Mastiff her gaze returned to the Dahar Master. "Tomorrow, ships gym after Alpha Shift. Don't tell him what he'll be doing. This needs to be a surprise." She said with a firm look. With that said, she turned onna heel and took her leave.

Posting by:

Captain Mikoto Misaka
Commanding Officer
USS Ermiana

Dahar Master Rorek
Klingon Dahar Master

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