IKC FHew 7C6110
Cloak and dagger – Sup with a long spoon
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Beq Marcus Quexana & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' teHbach woq'wI & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Marie St. Helene
Post Details
"When one sups with the devil, it is wise to use a long spoon."
The Corporate ship was slightly larger than the B'rel and, although they saw only a little of it, far more luxurious. The floors all had thick pile carpet. The walls were painted with decorative and pleasant design. The seats were all well made and erganomic. It seemed nothing was included unless it could be made to add comfort to its function in some way.
The Klingon party consisted in the end of Ro', HIchop, Tell, Marie, Germite and May'bel; just the right number if an emergency transport were required. They were escorted by two heavy set figures in suits, of a species the crew were not familiar with. The escort led them through a large door to a spacious room. Perhaps it was a meeting room re-purposed, but it was now dominated by a large table on which were a large variety of foodstuffs. Most were readily recognisable, but there were a few that were unfamiliar and a few surprises; Bareg fruit that was native to Nouvelle Nouvelle Calédonie, bowls of live and vital gagh, Zimbabwe Dovi on a grain base like rice. There was even a spit ready for the Targ they had brought with them. Around the walls there were pieces of art on display, each with a careful lighting to display it best.
Good try, Marie thought, but if I’m meant to be impressed, sorry. I can’t stand Bareg. The smell alone made her nauseous. She reached out and grabbed a flute of sparkling wine instead. So Tell’s going to get good and drunk, is she? Let’s see who can get there first.
Tell turned her nose up at most of the food there including the Klingon muck. The Zimbabwe Dovi looked like something her stomach had lost after a night on the town. She nibbled at something that looked like cheese and tasted foul. The only thing edible seemed the fruit and that was quite nice after she had dunked it in her second glass of wine. Fruit and wine, shame there wasn't any chocolate to go with it. If this was all there was then she had best settle for a liquid meal.
In truth there was more than enough to please any of their palates, but the crew was determined to find issue and not enjoy themselves. Even the wine was far from a table white. It seemed the Corporation was going to great efforts to show just how much their money could buy.
There were only two other people in the room, a feline looking woman in red Starfleet uniform, and a small grey gentleman in a neat suit. He immediately moved to meet the group.
"Welcome to you all," he said. "I am so glad you came. I am J. My asociates will take that Targ and prepare it unless you wish to do the slaughter yourself. I am not overly familiar with the custom. Otherwise, help yourself."
"Let me introduce you to Lieutenant Moonshadow, who has been an absolute pleasure to travel with; such good taste and manners."
Ro' looked the woman up and down.
"What's this about joining my crew?" he asked in his normal perfunctory manner.
"As a Diplomat, I have be assigned to your ship to help show the interests of both Klingons and Federation members. I'll just be joining the ship to observe. I will not get in your way, I promise. I just ask you show me the same courtesy."
Ro' was taken aback. "It takes a lot of gall to give a Klingon captain orders about how to act on his own ship."
He then broke into what might pass for a smile, "I think you will do fine. When I get a chance, I will contact Starfleet to verify your appointment."
Caitian or Kzinti? Marie wondered. My guess is Caitian. If she was Kzinti she’d be back on Kzin. They’re not renowned for their enlightened view of females.
Tell, now on her fourth glass of fruit soaked wine, wandered over to Marie. "The only good diplomat is a dead diplomat, eh Marie?" She sniggered. "Don't they have any thing to eat on this lousy ship. I want chocolate. No, I don't want chocolate; I need chocolate. Where can I find some chocolate?"
One of the large grey figures that had escorted them into the room tapped her on the shoulder. It was like being gently nudged by a rock. In most cases this is a figurative statement, but this figure was silicon based and his skin was litteraly stone. He gestured to a partition at one end of the room. At the press of a button, it slid back to display the deserts. Chocolate fountains, icecream of a thousand flavours, puddings, cakes, confectionery: the spread was breathtaking.
Germite turned his head when he heard the partition opening. He saw the chocolate that Tell had just demanded. He thought that it was odd that this Corporation would be so amendable to trite demands. He wondered what this was going to end up costing them.
Tell mumbled something that sounded like don't stop me, I'm going in and headed straight for the deserts.
Linx had wanted to knock Tell flat on her backside when she had made that comment about Diplomats, but she stopped herself, and took a breath. It was exactly this attitude that had gotten her in trouble back home.
J apeared silently at Marie's shoulder, "You've not had any of the Bareg, Soghla' St Helene?"
“I have no wish to vomit all over your nice carpet,” Marie replied.
"Ah!" J nodded, "You have not had it prepared properly."
“There is only one way to prepare bareg,” she interrupted, “pull it up by the roots and burn it! Then feed it to the replicator for recycling.”
"I daresay from what I have learned," J continued, unperturbed by the outburst, "that your upbringing was utilitarian and the Bareg was grilled, boiled or fried, if not raw. Please, humour me in as much as trying what my chef has prepared and letting me know how it can be improved?"
She held her hand out tentatively. The things I do for this crew, she thought. Add wilfully poisoning myself to the list.
J picked up the platter, "The trick is to filet the fruit ever so finely and then slow cook it. Otherwise the flesh is ruined and the flavour is spoiled."
The Bareg Marie was used to was a hard and somewhat bitter pulp, much like a beef jerky. The thin slice of fruit that she tasted now was almost unreconisable. The bitterness remained only as the faintest tartness, while the flesh was warm and melted on the tongue, leaving an ever so slight numbness. It was stunning and, despite herself, Marie found herself wanting another slice.
She was spared from responding to J, whose attention was suddenly called away.
"Sgohla' HIchop. I would ask you to be careful with that vase. It is something of a prize. Genuine Iconian and worth...."
There was the clear sound of breaking porcelain.
"....less now. Yes, perhaps leaving it on display was foolish of me. No matter."
Ro' appeared again, "You did not bring us here just to show off, I hope."
J took his eyes of HIchop who was now fingering a fine tapestry, "No, of course. Lieutenant Moonshadow needed a ride, and I needed a way to make contact with you. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Now I am hoping we can find a similar position."
There was a distinct sound of tearing fabric from HIchop's position. Ro' didn't even glance around.
J continued, despite the pained expression on his face, "You will not be aware that the Maego vessels have a sort of emergency transponder. In the case of its destruction, it sends a burst of data back to the homeworld. Unfortunately for you, when you released the energy from the core, it had leaked enough power for the transponder to activate a moment before the core breached. We intercepted the message."
"Put simply it reports a group of Klingons boarding the vessel and destroying the Core and the ship. No doubt this is only a snipet of the full story, but it will be difficult to convince the Maego that the Klingons were not involved in a direct attack on one of their vessels. This will probably result in accusations of the Empire being involved in unprovoked attacks on them and supporting the Kapular. From what I know of the Empire from the Triangle council, they will wash their hands of it, blaming it on the Federation since you were working for them when it happened. The Federation will likewise wash their hands, claiming you were acting outside their instructions. End result will be you will all be labelled renegades, pirates, or worse and the entire Empire will be dishonoured."
"I have no doubt you did what you did for good reasons. I have no reason to suspect otherwise. In fact, I think it may be possible to find the actual flight recorder that will give the full details and exonerate all of your crew. The Corporation is in a position to offer you this aide; saving both yourself and your families and the Empire from disrepute."
Ro' growled, "But there is a cost?"
"Not at all." J smiled. "We are happy to help our friends in any way we can. And we do so want to be friends with you and your crew."
There was a crash as the table containing the crystal glassware was knocked over by HIchop who 'apparently' bumped into it.
"All of your crew," J continued with slightly gritted teeth. "And it is so easy for friends to help each other. For example, we brought Lieutenant Moonshadow to you, because we want to be friends with the Federation. You could, likewise, take one of my crew to a location, just out of friendship."
"And if we drop your contact off, you give us the flight recorder?" Ro' pressed.
J sighed, "You make it all sound so mercenary and unpleasant. You do not need to do anything. Nor do we. But, as a sign of good will, we will take the first step. Whether you choose to help us or not we will ask the Icthoid fleet around us to let you pass unmolested. If you DO choose to help us, then we will deliver the flight data to you. I don't see how this is even a difficult choice for you. However I will withdraw and allow you to discuss with your crew."
With that J left the two guards, leaving the crew, including Linx, to talk.
“How would these Maego even know it was Klingons on their ship?” Marie asked. “Anyway, it wasn’t just Klingons. Tell and I were there, or don’t we count?”
Wine and chocolate, thought Tell there is nothing like it. The pink stuff she was drinking really tasted good and the chocolate was divine. There was a chocolate cake with a deep rich frosting that she couldn't seem to get enough of and so she took a slice over to Marie.
"You gotta try this, 'Rie, ishsssso good. Go on try it, try it, just try it," the engineer slurred .
“You’re drunk,” Marie admonished. In part, her revulsion was recognition of what she might have been like had she applied herself a bit more assiduously to imbibing. She was not about to admit that to herself though. She pushed the offered plate away.
"Aw come on 'Rie, here I'll push some on a shpoon for you. Open wide 'Rie, here comes the shrane, chuff chuff."
Tell snorted and began to giggle. "Chuff chuff".
Marie snorted.
Ro' turned away from the intoxicated Engineer. It was obvious she would be little use in decision making.
"Lieutenant Moonshadow, as our newest member of crew, but the one who has been exposed to the Corporation the longest, what is your impression on the offer? Would the Federation advise we take it?"
Linx hadn't wanted to say anything, because she didn't know how much the Klingon captain would listen to her opinion, but he asked, so she would answer.
"I don't trust the corporation whatsoever, but we might end up needing this. They make me feel... Uncomfortable... Your ship is already on bad terms with a lot of people, which is part of the reason I have been sent here, and anything to fix that would be a good idea... I repeat though, I don't trust them. They are sneaky and underhanded, and that is just what I got from observing them on the way here."
"HIchop!" Ro' barked, bringing the first officer's attention away from the hovering suited figure. "You obviously have strong feelings on this matter."
"Feelings, sir? Yes, the sort of feelings that makes you want to kill everything in sight. While I do not want to disparage J, our host, The corporation is a vile and detestable group. They are a plague on the universe and they would try to control everything through a price. If you happen to have this plague then there is not point killing yourself as you will die with the knowledge that they will kill your family or worse make their life an example to anyone else that might think death is an option to leave their employment. They believe everything has a value and that even Honour could be bought. Even our host has a price. And while J may not desire to die, if I wanted to kill him and was willing to do what the Corporation asked, he would Breath his last. I am not even sure J would find this very objectionable. I would ask him but I am sure I just did.
HIchop continued, "It is for this reason I wish to blow this ship to kingdom come, now, and face the bugs. But since I am here as a guest, and at the request of you Captain, let's have some more blood wine and find out how strong our new rock friends are."
HIchop then turned to the nearest of the large grey figures in suits and ran at it to see if it was as solid as it looked. After hitting it and bouncing off with significant pain, HIchop took out his D'k tahg. "So how did the Corporation obtain your services, Slave".
The figure hadn't even moved when HIchop collided. It looked at the smooth headed Klingon with disinterest. When it spoke there was a rasping sound to it, "Don't hurt yourself, little man."
Finally he turned to Marie and Germite, "You two are not Klingon. I cannot expect you to understand the cost of our honour, but I would be interested to hear your opinions. Is this a deal we should accept?"
“There’s an old human saying,” Marie replied, “discretion is the better part of valour. There is, of course, another one which the Ferengi should include in their Rules of Acquisition: If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. In this instance, I’d go with the former; I’d take the offer. The Corporation obviously wants us for something. We’ll probably end up regretting it when we find out what it is but, hey, most of what we’ve done I’ve regretted on one level or another.”
HIchop responded "I disagree Marie, you clearly have not had any dealing with the Corporation. Those that agree to their offer regret it. This J is just a puppet. The Corporation is the devil puppet master. Do you want your strings pulled by the Devil?"
Germite nodded his head. "I agree with HIchop. Something feels wrong about accepting the Corporation's help. I remember a story about a queen that gave a child everything that he wanted, until he agreed to join her. Then everything turned to mud. I feel that this offer will be the same."
"Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole." hiccuped Tell as she walked past "If you want my opinion, and I know you do, we should get the hell out of here before its to late and we do something we'll regret... again. We don't need the damned corporation and we don't need no damned diplomat either. Were ok on our own."
Tell was offered another glass of pink fizzy stuff but she held up her hand reluctantly to turn it down. The drink had suddenly tasted sour in her mouth or maybe it was the conversation in the room.
Ro' sighed heavily, "Have we already grown so Mercenary?"
He looked at his assembled crew, his voice unnaturally quiet. In a way it was more disturbing than anything J could say.
"When I joined the KDF I swore to lay down my life, and that of my crew and my ship, to protect the Empire. When YIghegh became head of House Matlh, I swore to do nothing to bring dishonour to my house, as did May'bel and HIchop. Now you all say to me that this deal makes you uncomfortable and you don't trust it. Yet I have not heard any alternative that protects our empire or our Houses from dishonour. Yes, I think the Corporation are using us. No, I do not see another option. Furthermore the Federation diplomat has made it clear what their position on the matter is. My oath to serve the KDF demands I agree, as does my service to the Federation under Ulysses Fleet. I anyone disagrees, I will arrange for transport of those persons back to Federation space be part of acceptance of the deal. I will not have members of my crew who are too squeamish to do unpleasant jobs."
Marie marched over to Ro’ and placed herself inches from him. Had she been taller she would have been nose to nose with him. “Not everyone says this deal makes them uncomfortable,” she said. “The chances of us surviving whatever the Corporation has in mind for us are long. You’ll get no debate from me about that. But the chances of us dying if we refuse are very, very short.”
She grabbed Ro’s shoulders and pulled his face down to hers. “You might think this a good day to die. I...do...not.
She pushed him away, turned on her heel and strode off to the far side of the room.
The Chief Engineer of the FHew walked up to the Captain. After all they had been through together. She was furious and insulted by what he had said. The human looked formidable and intimidating in her Klingon uniform and was suddenly very sober. She pulled herself up to her full height and stood in front of Ro'. He could have pushed her easily flung her halfway across the room if he had wanted to. She looked him straight in the eye "You are joking...right?" she asked him. "I would stand by you Captain no matter what but this isn't right and you know it... oh what the hell... you've got us nearly killed on many occasions, one more time and you might just succeed."
Germite stood tall. He faced Ro'. He expected that Ro' would hit him. "Captain, you asked for my opinion and I have given it. You also know that I have pledged my life to your house. If this is the way I die, then I have lived longer than expected. I will follow your lead."
There was a beep from Ro's communicator, the pre-agreed signal from the ship that repairs were complete, at least enough to attempt to leave.
"Then, if not in agreement, I still have fealty." Ro' nodded. He turned to Moonshadow, "That is how it is on a Klingon ship; Loyalty onto death, whether you agree with the Captain or not. So we will inform Mr J that we will accept his terms."
"I am so pleased," J's voice announced as he appeared again, cementing HIchop's suspicions that the entire conversation was being monitored. He was leading a woman who appeared to be covered in very fine blue scales. "This is E. She has the coordinates that she wishes to be dropped. It IS deep inside of Maego territory, so I do recommend you go cloaked. E will escort you back to your ship. Let us know when she has arrived safely and we will provide you access to the information you require."
Ro' considered some retort or reply, but it was clear that the welcome they had received prior to accepting the contract was exhausted and it was in everyone's best interests for them to leave. On the way out HIchop kicked at the leg of the drinks table 'by accident', sending it crashing over and pouring thick red blood wine onto the white plush carpet.
When the heavy grey suits had removed the crew from the room J sighed heavily and looked around at the devastation. It would take months to clean up this much mess. The Klingons had thrown their weight around.
"Computer," J said, "End Program Reception K3."
The food, broken artwork, and mess shimmered and faded, replaced by the regular yellow and black grid of a Holodeck. In one phrase J removed any trace that the meeting had ever occurred.
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Beq Marcus Quexana & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' teHbach woq'wI & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Marie St. Helene
Post Details
| Title | Sup with a long spoon | |
| Mission | Cloak and dagger | |
| Author(s) | HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Beq Marcus Quexana & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' teHbach woq'wI & Soghla' HIchop Matlh & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Marie St. Helene | |
| Posted | Mon Sep 30, 2013 @ 11:31am | |
| Location | Corporate Craft |
The Corporate ship was slightly larger than the B'rel and, although they saw only a little of it, far more luxurious. The floors all had thick pile carpet. The walls were painted with decorative and pleasant design. The seats were all well made and erganomic. It seemed nothing was included unless it could be made to add comfort to its function in some way.
The Klingon party consisted in the end of Ro', HIchop, Tell, Marie, Germite and May'bel; just the right number if an emergency transport were required. They were escorted by two heavy set figures in suits, of a species the crew were not familiar with. The escort led them through a large door to a spacious room. Perhaps it was a meeting room re-purposed, but it was now dominated by a large table on which were a large variety of foodstuffs. Most were readily recognisable, but there were a few that were unfamiliar and a few surprises; Bareg fruit that was native to Nouvelle Nouvelle Calédonie, bowls of live and vital gagh, Zimbabwe Dovi on a grain base like rice. There was even a spit ready for the Targ they had brought with them. Around the walls there were pieces of art on display, each with a careful lighting to display it best.
Good try, Marie thought, but if I’m meant to be impressed, sorry. I can’t stand Bareg. The smell alone made her nauseous. She reached out and grabbed a flute of sparkling wine instead. So Tell’s going to get good and drunk, is she? Let’s see who can get there first.
Tell turned her nose up at most of the food there including the Klingon muck. The Zimbabwe Dovi looked like something her stomach had lost after a night on the town. She nibbled at something that looked like cheese and tasted foul. The only thing edible seemed the fruit and that was quite nice after she had dunked it in her second glass of wine. Fruit and wine, shame there wasn't any chocolate to go with it. If this was all there was then she had best settle for a liquid meal.
In truth there was more than enough to please any of their palates, but the crew was determined to find issue and not enjoy themselves. Even the wine was far from a table white. It seemed the Corporation was going to great efforts to show just how much their money could buy.
There were only two other people in the room, a feline looking woman in red Starfleet uniform, and a small grey gentleman in a neat suit. He immediately moved to meet the group.
"Welcome to you all," he said. "I am so glad you came. I am J. My asociates will take that Targ and prepare it unless you wish to do the slaughter yourself. I am not overly familiar with the custom. Otherwise, help yourself."
"Let me introduce you to Lieutenant Moonshadow, who has been an absolute pleasure to travel with; such good taste and manners."
Ro' looked the woman up and down.
"What's this about joining my crew?" he asked in his normal perfunctory manner.
"As a Diplomat, I have be assigned to your ship to help show the interests of both Klingons and Federation members. I'll just be joining the ship to observe. I will not get in your way, I promise. I just ask you show me the same courtesy."
Ro' was taken aback. "It takes a lot of gall to give a Klingon captain orders about how to act on his own ship."
He then broke into what might pass for a smile, "I think you will do fine. When I get a chance, I will contact Starfleet to verify your appointment."
Caitian or Kzinti? Marie wondered. My guess is Caitian. If she was Kzinti she’d be back on Kzin. They’re not renowned for their enlightened view of females.
Tell, now on her fourth glass of fruit soaked wine, wandered over to Marie. "The only good diplomat is a dead diplomat, eh Marie?" She sniggered. "Don't they have any thing to eat on this lousy ship. I want chocolate. No, I don't want chocolate; I need chocolate. Where can I find some chocolate?"
One of the large grey figures that had escorted them into the room tapped her on the shoulder. It was like being gently nudged by a rock. In most cases this is a figurative statement, but this figure was silicon based and his skin was litteraly stone. He gestured to a partition at one end of the room. At the press of a button, it slid back to display the deserts. Chocolate fountains, icecream of a thousand flavours, puddings, cakes, confectionery: the spread was breathtaking.
Germite turned his head when he heard the partition opening. He saw the chocolate that Tell had just demanded. He thought that it was odd that this Corporation would be so amendable to trite demands. He wondered what this was going to end up costing them.
Tell mumbled something that sounded like don't stop me, I'm going in and headed straight for the deserts.
Linx had wanted to knock Tell flat on her backside when she had made that comment about Diplomats, but she stopped herself, and took a breath. It was exactly this attitude that had gotten her in trouble back home.
J apeared silently at Marie's shoulder, "You've not had any of the Bareg, Soghla' St Helene?"
“I have no wish to vomit all over your nice carpet,” Marie replied.
"Ah!" J nodded, "You have not had it prepared properly."
“There is only one way to prepare bareg,” she interrupted, “pull it up by the roots and burn it! Then feed it to the replicator for recycling.”
"I daresay from what I have learned," J continued, unperturbed by the outburst, "that your upbringing was utilitarian and the Bareg was grilled, boiled or fried, if not raw. Please, humour me in as much as trying what my chef has prepared and letting me know how it can be improved?"
She held her hand out tentatively. The things I do for this crew, she thought. Add wilfully poisoning myself to the list.
J picked up the platter, "The trick is to filet the fruit ever so finely and then slow cook it. Otherwise the flesh is ruined and the flavour is spoiled."
The Bareg Marie was used to was a hard and somewhat bitter pulp, much like a beef jerky. The thin slice of fruit that she tasted now was almost unreconisable. The bitterness remained only as the faintest tartness, while the flesh was warm and melted on the tongue, leaving an ever so slight numbness. It was stunning and, despite herself, Marie found herself wanting another slice.
She was spared from responding to J, whose attention was suddenly called away.
"Sgohla' HIchop. I would ask you to be careful with that vase. It is something of a prize. Genuine Iconian and worth...."
There was the clear sound of breaking porcelain.
"....less now. Yes, perhaps leaving it on display was foolish of me. No matter."
Ro' appeared again, "You did not bring us here just to show off, I hope."
J took his eyes of HIchop who was now fingering a fine tapestry, "No, of course. Lieutenant Moonshadow needed a ride, and I needed a way to make contact with you. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Now I am hoping we can find a similar position."
There was a distinct sound of tearing fabric from HIchop's position. Ro' didn't even glance around.
J continued, despite the pained expression on his face, "You will not be aware that the Maego vessels have a sort of emergency transponder. In the case of its destruction, it sends a burst of data back to the homeworld. Unfortunately for you, when you released the energy from the core, it had leaked enough power for the transponder to activate a moment before the core breached. We intercepted the message."
"Put simply it reports a group of Klingons boarding the vessel and destroying the Core and the ship. No doubt this is only a snipet of the full story, but it will be difficult to convince the Maego that the Klingons were not involved in a direct attack on one of their vessels. This will probably result in accusations of the Empire being involved in unprovoked attacks on them and supporting the Kapular. From what I know of the Empire from the Triangle council, they will wash their hands of it, blaming it on the Federation since you were working for them when it happened. The Federation will likewise wash their hands, claiming you were acting outside their instructions. End result will be you will all be labelled renegades, pirates, or worse and the entire Empire will be dishonoured."
"I have no doubt you did what you did for good reasons. I have no reason to suspect otherwise. In fact, I think it may be possible to find the actual flight recorder that will give the full details and exonerate all of your crew. The Corporation is in a position to offer you this aide; saving both yourself and your families and the Empire from disrepute."
Ro' growled, "But there is a cost?"
"Not at all." J smiled. "We are happy to help our friends in any way we can. And we do so want to be friends with you and your crew."
There was a crash as the table containing the crystal glassware was knocked over by HIchop who 'apparently' bumped into it.
"All of your crew," J continued with slightly gritted teeth. "And it is so easy for friends to help each other. For example, we brought Lieutenant Moonshadow to you, because we want to be friends with the Federation. You could, likewise, take one of my crew to a location, just out of friendship."
"And if we drop your contact off, you give us the flight recorder?" Ro' pressed.
J sighed, "You make it all sound so mercenary and unpleasant. You do not need to do anything. Nor do we. But, as a sign of good will, we will take the first step. Whether you choose to help us or not we will ask the Icthoid fleet around us to let you pass unmolested. If you DO choose to help us, then we will deliver the flight data to you. I don't see how this is even a difficult choice for you. However I will withdraw and allow you to discuss with your crew."
With that J left the two guards, leaving the crew, including Linx, to talk.
“How would these Maego even know it was Klingons on their ship?” Marie asked. “Anyway, it wasn’t just Klingons. Tell and I were there, or don’t we count?”
Wine and chocolate, thought Tell there is nothing like it. The pink stuff she was drinking really tasted good and the chocolate was divine. There was a chocolate cake with a deep rich frosting that she couldn't seem to get enough of and so she took a slice over to Marie.
"You gotta try this, 'Rie, ishsssso good. Go on try it, try it, just try it," the engineer slurred .
“You’re drunk,” Marie admonished. In part, her revulsion was recognition of what she might have been like had she applied herself a bit more assiduously to imbibing. She was not about to admit that to herself though. She pushed the offered plate away.
"Aw come on 'Rie, here I'll push some on a shpoon for you. Open wide 'Rie, here comes the shrane, chuff chuff."
Tell snorted and began to giggle. "Chuff chuff".
Marie snorted.
Ro' turned away from the intoxicated Engineer. It was obvious she would be little use in decision making.
"Lieutenant Moonshadow, as our newest member of crew, but the one who has been exposed to the Corporation the longest, what is your impression on the offer? Would the Federation advise we take it?"
Linx hadn't wanted to say anything, because she didn't know how much the Klingon captain would listen to her opinion, but he asked, so she would answer.
"I don't trust the corporation whatsoever, but we might end up needing this. They make me feel... Uncomfortable... Your ship is already on bad terms with a lot of people, which is part of the reason I have been sent here, and anything to fix that would be a good idea... I repeat though, I don't trust them. They are sneaky and underhanded, and that is just what I got from observing them on the way here."
"HIchop!" Ro' barked, bringing the first officer's attention away from the hovering suited figure. "You obviously have strong feelings on this matter."
"Feelings, sir? Yes, the sort of feelings that makes you want to kill everything in sight. While I do not want to disparage J, our host, The corporation is a vile and detestable group. They are a plague on the universe and they would try to control everything through a price. If you happen to have this plague then there is not point killing yourself as you will die with the knowledge that they will kill your family or worse make their life an example to anyone else that might think death is an option to leave their employment. They believe everything has a value and that even Honour could be bought. Even our host has a price. And while J may not desire to die, if I wanted to kill him and was willing to do what the Corporation asked, he would Breath his last. I am not even sure J would find this very objectionable. I would ask him but I am sure I just did.
HIchop continued, "It is for this reason I wish to blow this ship to kingdom come, now, and face the bugs. But since I am here as a guest, and at the request of you Captain, let's have some more blood wine and find out how strong our new rock friends are."
HIchop then turned to the nearest of the large grey figures in suits and ran at it to see if it was as solid as it looked. After hitting it and bouncing off with significant pain, HIchop took out his D'k tahg. "So how did the Corporation obtain your services, Slave".
The figure hadn't even moved when HIchop collided. It looked at the smooth headed Klingon with disinterest. When it spoke there was a rasping sound to it, "Don't hurt yourself, little man."
Finally he turned to Marie and Germite, "You two are not Klingon. I cannot expect you to understand the cost of our honour, but I would be interested to hear your opinions. Is this a deal we should accept?"
“There’s an old human saying,” Marie replied, “discretion is the better part of valour. There is, of course, another one which the Ferengi should include in their Rules of Acquisition: If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. In this instance, I’d go with the former; I’d take the offer. The Corporation obviously wants us for something. We’ll probably end up regretting it when we find out what it is but, hey, most of what we’ve done I’ve regretted on one level or another.”
HIchop responded "I disagree Marie, you clearly have not had any dealing with the Corporation. Those that agree to their offer regret it. This J is just a puppet. The Corporation is the devil puppet master. Do you want your strings pulled by the Devil?"
Germite nodded his head. "I agree with HIchop. Something feels wrong about accepting the Corporation's help. I remember a story about a queen that gave a child everything that he wanted, until he agreed to join her. Then everything turned to mud. I feel that this offer will be the same."
"Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole." hiccuped Tell as she walked past "If you want my opinion, and I know you do, we should get the hell out of here before its to late and we do something we'll regret... again. We don't need the damned corporation and we don't need no damned diplomat either. Were ok on our own."
Tell was offered another glass of pink fizzy stuff but she held up her hand reluctantly to turn it down. The drink had suddenly tasted sour in her mouth or maybe it was the conversation in the room.
Ro' sighed heavily, "Have we already grown so Mercenary?"
He looked at his assembled crew, his voice unnaturally quiet. In a way it was more disturbing than anything J could say.
"When I joined the KDF I swore to lay down my life, and that of my crew and my ship, to protect the Empire. When YIghegh became head of House Matlh, I swore to do nothing to bring dishonour to my house, as did May'bel and HIchop. Now you all say to me that this deal makes you uncomfortable and you don't trust it. Yet I have not heard any alternative that protects our empire or our Houses from dishonour. Yes, I think the Corporation are using us. No, I do not see another option. Furthermore the Federation diplomat has made it clear what their position on the matter is. My oath to serve the KDF demands I agree, as does my service to the Federation under Ulysses Fleet. I anyone disagrees, I will arrange for transport of those persons back to Federation space be part of acceptance of the deal. I will not have members of my crew who are too squeamish to do unpleasant jobs."
Marie marched over to Ro’ and placed herself inches from him. Had she been taller she would have been nose to nose with him. “Not everyone says this deal makes them uncomfortable,” she said. “The chances of us surviving whatever the Corporation has in mind for us are long. You’ll get no debate from me about that. But the chances of us dying if we refuse are very, very short.”
She grabbed Ro’s shoulders and pulled his face down to hers. “You might think this a good day to die. I...do...not.
She pushed him away, turned on her heel and strode off to the far side of the room.
The Chief Engineer of the FHew walked up to the Captain. After all they had been through together. She was furious and insulted by what he had said. The human looked formidable and intimidating in her Klingon uniform and was suddenly very sober. She pulled herself up to her full height and stood in front of Ro'. He could have pushed her easily flung her halfway across the room if he had wanted to. She looked him straight in the eye "You are joking...right?" she asked him. "I would stand by you Captain no matter what but this isn't right and you know it... oh what the hell... you've got us nearly killed on many occasions, one more time and you might just succeed."
Germite stood tall. He faced Ro'. He expected that Ro' would hit him. "Captain, you asked for my opinion and I have given it. You also know that I have pledged my life to your house. If this is the way I die, then I have lived longer than expected. I will follow your lead."
There was a beep from Ro's communicator, the pre-agreed signal from the ship that repairs were complete, at least enough to attempt to leave.
"Then, if not in agreement, I still have fealty." Ro' nodded. He turned to Moonshadow, "That is how it is on a Klingon ship; Loyalty onto death, whether you agree with the Captain or not. So we will inform Mr J that we will accept his terms."
"I am so pleased," J's voice announced as he appeared again, cementing HIchop's suspicions that the entire conversation was being monitored. He was leading a woman who appeared to be covered in very fine blue scales. "This is E. She has the coordinates that she wishes to be dropped. It IS deep inside of Maego territory, so I do recommend you go cloaked. E will escort you back to your ship. Let us know when she has arrived safely and we will provide you access to the information you require."
Ro' considered some retort or reply, but it was clear that the welcome they had received prior to accepting the contract was exhausted and it was in everyone's best interests for them to leave. On the way out HIchop kicked at the leg of the drinks table 'by accident', sending it crashing over and pouring thick red blood wine onto the white plush carpet.
When the heavy grey suits had removed the crew from the room J sighed heavily and looked around at the devastation. It would take months to clean up this much mess. The Klingons had thrown their weight around.
"Computer," J said, "End Program Reception K3."
The food, broken artwork, and mess shimmered and faded, replaced by the regular yellow and black grid of a Holodeck. In one phrase J removed any trace that the meeting had ever occurred.