It took less than two minutes for the two command officers to get up to the bridge. Which, given the fact that atmosphere on the bridge was thick enough to cut with a knife, was probably a good thing.

“Report.” Zach didn’t mince his words as he stepped through the door.

The officer on duty just pointed at the viewscreen as he stepped aside to let Zach take the centre seat.

“Well, they didn’t give us much room, did they?” He commented, one eyebrow popping up as he looked at the klingon ship right in front of them.

It was… close was not the word. He could probably have counted hairs on the helm officer’s chin if they could see onto the klingon ship’s bridge.

“It’s a B’rel,” he commented as Kellan stepped up next to him, the taller man frowning at the screen as well. “They normally like to keep their distance to get a run up.” Turning slightly, he nodded to the comms officer. “Okay, hail them.”

“Belay that order.” Kellan’s voice was sharper than Zach had ever heard it and he turned to look at the llanarian, a question written across his features.

“That insignia,” Kellan nodded to the symbol emblazoned on the hull of the klingon ship. “Is House of Miras. Which means, whoever ends up on the other side of the screen… be very careful. Miras are unpredictable and dangerous.”

“Noted,” Zach inclined his head. “Okay, hail them. Let’s see who we’ve got.”

_____________________________

“The Starfleet ship is hailing us.” Tavra commented, her tone indicating that fact was less welcome than a vetlh in the messhall.

“As I would expect, put them on screen,” Raaith ordered, settling back in his chair. He’d been looking forward to this ever since the Korinar had been dispatched as a lackey to the fleet. What kind of weakling had they deemed suitable to command him? Whoever it was, he was utterly sure they weren’t ready for the Korinar or her crew.

“This is Captain Murphy of the USS Canterbury to the House of Miras klingon vessel, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

Raaith’s expression didn’t change even though mentally his eyebrow shot up at the fleet officer, this Captain Murphy, having correctly identified the Korinar’s insignia.

“This is Raaith HoD, of the IKS Korinar” he replied as the screen glitched for a second, then the image solidified into that of a human man, interestingly not in uniform. He let his gaze drop to the casual jacket over the shirt pointedly. “I hope I was not… interrupting anything.”

Murphy’s response was to smile, a broad easy smile that was not the usual reply Raaith was used to. Usually there was a fair amount more fear, especially if their insignia had been recognised. “Oh, nothing important. I was just arranging a sparring session with my hazard team leader for the morning.”

Raaith inclined his head. “It’s always good for a leader to keep their subordinate’s skills sharp.”

Murphy chuckled. “Oh, I’m entirely confident I’ve bitten off more than I can chew and I’ll end up with bruises in the morning.”

“Weakling,” Tavra muttered under her breath, which Raaith ignored, even if he shared her sentiment. What kind of leader readily admitted to weakness in such a blithe manner?

“You are a tad early,” Murphy carried on. “I was aware you were being assigned to us, and the Resolute is also enroute, but I had expected you nearer to mid-day tomorrow.”

Raaith shrugged. “We were ordered to report to these co-ordinates, so here we are. I trust that will cause no issues?”

Murphy shook his head and smiled. “Not at all. Not at all. Perhaps you and your executive would care to join us on the Canterbury for a breakfast briefing tomorrow? That way I can bring you up to speed with the division and our current orders.”

Raaith rubbed his chin, debating the wisdom of taking Tavra aboard with him. “That would be acceptable, however, my executive will remain aboard the Korinar. I will bring another officer instead.”

Murphy inclined his head, that human ‘politeness’ not wavering. “Of course, you must bring whichever officer you deem appropriate. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Canterbury out.”

Raaith waved his hand and K’Reth closed the comm call, the viewscreen going back for a second, then reverting to a view of the bigger Starfleet vessel.

“Weak human,” Tavra sneered. “I would not follow any leader who could be bested by a member of their crew.”

“Hmmmm indeed.” Raaith watched the fleet ship for long moments. Sometimes with Tavra it was a case of the lady protested too much. He’d seen the way she eyed Bob sometimes, a situation he made sure to keep an eye on since K’Tora did not share and the last thing he needed was two of his crew killing each other over a bed-partner.

“Drex, you will accompany me to the fleet ship tomorrow,” he announced, levering himself out of his seat. “Get some sleep, I want you on top form tomorrow. Full weapons load.”

“Aye, HoD.” Drex nodded, standing from his station.

Raaith sauntered from the bridge to head to his quarters, knowing full well that Drex would loiter a while, trying to get Tavra to notice him.

The thought was quickly lost as he thought on what he’d seen of the Starfleet bridge. Or, more importantly, what he’d seen of the officers there. Murphy had done the talking, but there had been an older male, taller, next to him. He hadn’t spoken, but Raaith had gotten the strangest sense of familiarity.

Where had he seen him before?