IKC FHew 7C6110
New Blood – The Rite of Ascension
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Sogh Thor'nan Mal'Kor & Sogh Marla Varquis & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Ensign Jason Hawk & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Sogh Germite Ephilom
Post Details
The Klingon Right of Ascension chamber was hot and smoky. A dull red glow filled the large hall. Torches covered every surface that was not otherwise decorated with banners of the Great houses and House Mal'kor. The crew of the FHew who had chosen to attend were gathered under the Banner of House Matlh. It was a little controversial, since it had been moved higher up the rankings than other allied houses, but necessary so Ro’ could have a good look at how Tierk performed today.
Amid the heat and smoke stood the long walkway. It was a metal grate under which hot coals had been stoked and a thin trickle of water meant a near scalding steam was constantly drifting out of it. At the far end of the walkway was the three pointed Klingon symbol, representing, Honour, Duty and Loyalty. On either side of the walkway were two raised platforms. On each stood Klingons, four a side, each carrying a ceremonial QIghpej or ‘Pain Stick’. The term did little to explain the intensity of agony that such a device could inflict. More than one candidate had died during the ceremony.
Marie's eyes swam and not from the heat or the steam. At home she had seen similar rites though none had been so formalised as this. Depending on your point of view they were called bastardisation or 'making a man of him'. Strangely, it was always 'making a man' though girls had been put through it as well. All the factions had one version of it or another. She had hoped never to be part of one again but here she was.
She was not sure quite why she was standing there. It had something to do with identifying with the FHew and its crew; it had something to do with respect for Ro' Matlh; it had something to do with friendship with Thor'nan. In the end it had little to do with any of these. There was something more; something she could not pin down. Maybe, she thought, and not for the first time, I can find something that's missing in my life, something to give some meaning back to it.
Germite looked around. The steamy atmosphere was not unlike a dozen places where he had fought battles, or at least fought to keep soldiers alive. He briefly wondered about this ritual of voluntarily subjecting yourself to pain. He just shook his head, different cultures used different ceremonies to signify growing up.
In a quiet voice Ro’ explained to the Humans attending, “Each of the people on the platform are significant; a member of family, a sponsor to the Academy, a class mate. You see there on the left, the first Klingon? That is Tor’vak himself, and next to him stands RIQmoH, his brother. Opposite Tor’vak is Jach, Tor’vak’s mate. And note Thor’nan is taking his place opposite RIQmoH. I am told that if we had arrived earlier they would have held a place for Marla as his betrothed. As it is, her place is filled by another from his class. A real brute I am told.”
Germite wondered about having an enemy hit you with the pain sticks. It would be bad enough for family and friends to beat you, but to accept it from an enemy would be a real test of character.
Marie wasn't really listening. When all this was over she would approach Ro' and ask for explanations. For now, she was more intent on watching and trying to take in all that was happening.
A group came in and assembled at the near end of the walk, amongst them an Orion woman and Tierk himself, kitted in Klingon Armour, but with no weapons. As they gathered Ro’ turned urgently to his crew, “The Nentay is a sacred Klingon practice. Non-Klingons are almost never allowed to see it. Whatever happens do NOT interfere!”
A Klingon elder took up station at the far end of the line to observe all would be done according to custom. Tierk assumed his place at the near end.
The elder called, “Mataghrup’a’?” [Shall we begin?]
Tierk replied, “‘eH” [I am ready]
The elder nodded and the boy took a step forward, placing himself between the senior members of the house. “DaHjaj SuwI’e’ jIH. TiqwIj Su‘angnis. JIH BIQtIQ’Daq jIjaH.”
“Today I am a warrior. I must show you my Heart. I travel the river of blood,” Ro’ translated softly.
The two old Klingons brought their sticks down onto the boy’s sides and the ends glowed red. The boy screamed but he remained standing.
Ro’ continued in a whisper over the screams, “The true test of Klingon Strength is to admit one’s most profound feelings while under extreme duress.”
Tierk managed to take two more steps till he was by his father and great uncle.
“QoswIjmo’be ThlIngan jIH.” [It is not my birth which makes me Klingon]
Another scream as Thor’nan and RIQmoH thrust into his side. For a moment it looked like the boy wavered, but he recovered.
Warm blood trickled from Marie's hands. She opened them slowly. Puncture marks formed an arc across her palms where her nails had bitten in, so tightly had she been clenching her fists. She forced herself to watch though her eyes wanted to turn away. Everything screamed at her to turn and flee this room but she knew that to do so would be to dishonour Thor'nan and Tierk. Dishonour would also fall on Marla and Ro'. It would confirm every Klingon opinion about Humans and their weakness. It would condemn Thor'nan and Tierk to ostracism as half-castes - not fit for Klingon society.
A step further an he spoke again, “Jaghbe’ jIghaj ’ach pujwI’’ [I have no enemy but my weakness]
He was hit in the sides and fell to his knees. Those either side hit him again but, though Tierk screamed, he did not fall further. The assault stopped and he rose again, staggered on to the last pair. Before he could speak the brute from his class lashed out and jabbed at him, holding the stick with obvious joy at the pain it caused the half caste. Under the onslaught Tierk again fell to his knees. When the youth stopped Tierk looked up at him with eyes streaming.
“QamuS” [I hate you]
The pain sticks came again and Tierk fell forward off the end of the walkway into the sand.
May'Bel nodded approvingly. He remembered the pain-sticks. Fondly wasn't the right word, but appreciatively. They stripped away your niceties and your armour of respectability, and showed you who you were at the core - brave, or cowardly. Honourable, or coniving. There was no way to pretend with white hot agony coursing through your frame.
Thor'nan, looking expectantly at his son, waited until the two Klingon elders had stepped off their own platforms before stepping off of his. He looked at Tor'Vak, who nodded his assent. Tierk stood unsteadily, but without assistance.
"Today, my son has ascended into manhood. " said Thor'nan.
The assembled Klingons gave a cheer and moved to gather around the boy and his father. Ro' nodded to Germite giving him the signal to do what he had been brought here to do. He himself went to congratulate Thor'nan.
Marie raised her palms to her face and smeared it with blood. She was not sure why she did so; all she could think was that she was somehow showing empathy with Tierk.
Ro' slapped Thor'nan on the back, "Your boy did you proud today. I will see you both on the FHew at the end of the week."
May'Bel clamped the boy on the shoulder as Ro spoke, and gave an appreciative nod, but said little else.
Germite stepped forward to Tierk, "Come on, let's get you patched up."
When he got close he could hear Tierk's breath was laboured and see the strain his body was under to stay upright. Never the less, Tierk looked to his father first. He needn't have. He was a man now, and could make decisions for himself, but some habits are in ground.
Marie hung back. She knew congratulations were in order but she could not offer them. What she had witnessed was barbarism dressed up in ritual and tradition and custom to give it the appearance of civilised behaviour. No matter how she tried to square it, it was still barbarism. She would speak to Tierk later when some more appropriate event had occurred to attest to his manhood. For now, she stood with a sticky face and hands in mute acknowledgement of what had transpired.
"Well done, Tierk. Now there are some things we must discuss. But not now. For now, we celebrate. " said Thor'nan.
Ro' nodded, watching Germite work his magic quickly and efficiently, "Hurry, Doctor. He has a Kal'Haya to attend. Can't have him late."
Germite nodded, "I understand." He ran a medical tricorder across Tierk. "All right, you're mostly healed up. I'd tell you to take it easy for a couple of days, but then that would be a waste of breathe."
Tierk looked at Ro'.
"My father speaks as if you are Kahless reborn. I am honored to have you at my Ascension, sir. " Tierk said.
Ro' dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand, "Then your father is prone to exaggeration, or has a very low opinion of Kahless. You will have time to judge for yourself. I have an opening on my ship, which your father has said you can fill. It is yours until you die, or I find someone better."
"I am honored, sir. I will report after my wedding, if that is acceptable to you. " said Tierk, bowing deferentially.
"It is," Ro' said simply, moving away to let others continue the congratulations and carry the boy away.
He turned to Germite, "Get your bag, doctor. You have a sick bay that needs you."
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Sogh Thor'nan Mal'Kor & Sogh Marla Varquis & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Ensign Jason Hawk & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Sogh Germite Ephilom
Post Details
| Title | The Rite of Ascension | |
| Mission | New Blood | |
| Author(s) | HoD Ro' Matlh & Sogh Thor'nan Mal'Kor & Sogh Marla Varquis & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Ensign Jason Hawk & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Sogh Germite Ephilom | |
| Posted | Mon May 21, 2012 @ 3:56am | |
| Location | House Mal'kor | |
| Timeline | Day 3 of 7 |
Amid the heat and smoke stood the long walkway. It was a metal grate under which hot coals had been stoked and a thin trickle of water meant a near scalding steam was constantly drifting out of it. At the far end of the walkway was the three pointed Klingon symbol, representing, Honour, Duty and Loyalty. On either side of the walkway were two raised platforms. On each stood Klingons, four a side, each carrying a ceremonial QIghpej or ‘Pain Stick’. The term did little to explain the intensity of agony that such a device could inflict. More than one candidate had died during the ceremony.
Marie's eyes swam and not from the heat or the steam. At home she had seen similar rites though none had been so formalised as this. Depending on your point of view they were called bastardisation or 'making a man of him'. Strangely, it was always 'making a man' though girls had been put through it as well. All the factions had one version of it or another. She had hoped never to be part of one again but here she was.
She was not sure quite why she was standing there. It had something to do with identifying with the FHew and its crew; it had something to do with respect for Ro' Matlh; it had something to do with friendship with Thor'nan. In the end it had little to do with any of these. There was something more; something she could not pin down. Maybe, she thought, and not for the first time, I can find something that's missing in my life, something to give some meaning back to it.
Germite looked around. The steamy atmosphere was not unlike a dozen places where he had fought battles, or at least fought to keep soldiers alive. He briefly wondered about this ritual of voluntarily subjecting yourself to pain. He just shook his head, different cultures used different ceremonies to signify growing up.
In a quiet voice Ro’ explained to the Humans attending, “Each of the people on the platform are significant; a member of family, a sponsor to the Academy, a class mate. You see there on the left, the first Klingon? That is Tor’vak himself, and next to him stands RIQmoH, his brother. Opposite Tor’vak is Jach, Tor’vak’s mate. And note Thor’nan is taking his place opposite RIQmoH. I am told that if we had arrived earlier they would have held a place for Marla as his betrothed. As it is, her place is filled by another from his class. A real brute I am told.”
Germite wondered about having an enemy hit you with the pain sticks. It would be bad enough for family and friends to beat you, but to accept it from an enemy would be a real test of character.
Marie wasn't really listening. When all this was over she would approach Ro' and ask for explanations. For now, she was more intent on watching and trying to take in all that was happening.
A group came in and assembled at the near end of the walk, amongst them an Orion woman and Tierk himself, kitted in Klingon Armour, but with no weapons. As they gathered Ro’ turned urgently to his crew, “The Nentay is a sacred Klingon practice. Non-Klingons are almost never allowed to see it. Whatever happens do NOT interfere!”
A Klingon elder took up station at the far end of the line to observe all would be done according to custom. Tierk assumed his place at the near end.
The elder called, “Mataghrup’a’?” [Shall we begin?]
Tierk replied, “‘eH” [I am ready]
The elder nodded and the boy took a step forward, placing himself between the senior members of the house. “DaHjaj SuwI’e’ jIH. TiqwIj Su‘angnis. JIH BIQtIQ’Daq jIjaH.”
“Today I am a warrior. I must show you my Heart. I travel the river of blood,” Ro’ translated softly.
The two old Klingons brought their sticks down onto the boy’s sides and the ends glowed red. The boy screamed but he remained standing.
Ro’ continued in a whisper over the screams, “The true test of Klingon Strength is to admit one’s most profound feelings while under extreme duress.”
Tierk managed to take two more steps till he was by his father and great uncle.
“QoswIjmo’be ThlIngan jIH.” [It is not my birth which makes me Klingon]
Another scream as Thor’nan and RIQmoH thrust into his side. For a moment it looked like the boy wavered, but he recovered.
Warm blood trickled from Marie's hands. She opened them slowly. Puncture marks formed an arc across her palms where her nails had bitten in, so tightly had she been clenching her fists. She forced herself to watch though her eyes wanted to turn away. Everything screamed at her to turn and flee this room but she knew that to do so would be to dishonour Thor'nan and Tierk. Dishonour would also fall on Marla and Ro'. It would confirm every Klingon opinion about Humans and their weakness. It would condemn Thor'nan and Tierk to ostracism as half-castes - not fit for Klingon society.
A step further an he spoke again, “Jaghbe’ jIghaj ’ach pujwI’’ [I have no enemy but my weakness]
He was hit in the sides and fell to his knees. Those either side hit him again but, though Tierk screamed, he did not fall further. The assault stopped and he rose again, staggered on to the last pair. Before he could speak the brute from his class lashed out and jabbed at him, holding the stick with obvious joy at the pain it caused the half caste. Under the onslaught Tierk again fell to his knees. When the youth stopped Tierk looked up at him with eyes streaming.
“QamuS” [I hate you]
The pain sticks came again and Tierk fell forward off the end of the walkway into the sand.
May'Bel nodded approvingly. He remembered the pain-sticks. Fondly wasn't the right word, but appreciatively. They stripped away your niceties and your armour of respectability, and showed you who you were at the core - brave, or cowardly. Honourable, or coniving. There was no way to pretend with white hot agony coursing through your frame.
Thor'nan, looking expectantly at his son, waited until the two Klingon elders had stepped off their own platforms before stepping off of his. He looked at Tor'Vak, who nodded his assent. Tierk stood unsteadily, but without assistance.
"Today, my son has ascended into manhood. " said Thor'nan.
The assembled Klingons gave a cheer and moved to gather around the boy and his father. Ro' nodded to Germite giving him the signal to do what he had been brought here to do. He himself went to congratulate Thor'nan.
Marie raised her palms to her face and smeared it with blood. She was not sure why she did so; all she could think was that she was somehow showing empathy with Tierk.
Ro' slapped Thor'nan on the back, "Your boy did you proud today. I will see you both on the FHew at the end of the week."
May'Bel clamped the boy on the shoulder as Ro spoke, and gave an appreciative nod, but said little else.
Germite stepped forward to Tierk, "Come on, let's get you patched up."
When he got close he could hear Tierk's breath was laboured and see the strain his body was under to stay upright. Never the less, Tierk looked to his father first. He needn't have. He was a man now, and could make decisions for himself, but some habits are in ground.
Marie hung back. She knew congratulations were in order but she could not offer them. What she had witnessed was barbarism dressed up in ritual and tradition and custom to give it the appearance of civilised behaviour. No matter how she tried to square it, it was still barbarism. She would speak to Tierk later when some more appropriate event had occurred to attest to his manhood. For now, she stood with a sticky face and hands in mute acknowledgement of what had transpired.
"Well done, Tierk. Now there are some things we must discuss. But not now. For now, we celebrate. " said Thor'nan.
Ro' nodded, watching Germite work his magic quickly and efficiently, "Hurry, Doctor. He has a Kal'Haya to attend. Can't have him late."
Germite nodded, "I understand." He ran a medical tricorder across Tierk. "All right, you're mostly healed up. I'd tell you to take it easy for a couple of days, but then that would be a waste of breathe."
Tierk looked at Ro'.
"My father speaks as if you are Kahless reborn. I am honored to have you at my Ascension, sir. " Tierk said.
Ro' dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand, "Then your father is prone to exaggeration, or has a very low opinion of Kahless. You will have time to judge for yourself. I have an opening on my ship, which your father has said you can fill. It is yours until you die, or I find someone better."
"I am honored, sir. I will report after my wedding, if that is acceptable to you. " said Tierk, bowing deferentially.
"It is," Ro' said simply, moving away to let others continue the congratulations and carry the boy away.
He turned to Germite, "Get your bag, doctor. You have a sick bay that needs you."