The crew had begun settling in aboard the USS Solvang. Bunks occupied, belongings transferred, storage bays loaded, assignments issued. Captain O’va and Security Chief Valerius were touring the new laboratories of the science department.

“And that leaves us with the new linguistics laboratory. Shall we?” Valerius gestured for O’va to proceed ahead, but just as the doors slid open, a thunderous voice bellowed out, amidst the sound of Klingon opera.

Inside the Linguistics lab, Lieutenant Commander K’Rell was standing before a console, hands raised in frustration as she argues with the ship’s computer. Towering at 190 centimeters, her tall stature and muscular physique lends her an imposing nature.

“Computer! Your translation matrix is inadequate! How do you not have an accurate translation?” K’Rell growled in exasperation.

“Please restate your query.”

“I did restate my query! Twice! And each time you dishonored the text further!”

O’va and Valerius glanced at each other – both shared the same look of combined concern and amusement.
K’Rell noticed her audience rather quickly, wheeled around at the Captain and Security Chief, and shouted at the computer to lower the opera’s volume.
“Captain! Lieutenant Commander! I greet you in the name of House Korvath! I am K’Rell!”
O’va smiled warmly “Greetings, K”rell. We heard you before we saw you.”

K’Rell huffed, not embarrassed in the slightest. “The ship’s computer cannot properly translate verses from Akril’s Lament, a foundational opera. It is a true masterpiece, and the computer insists on rendering it as…melancholy shouting.”

Valerius raised an eyebrow. “Is that not what Klingon opera is?”

K’Rell’s bright blue eyes met his with a furious passion…until she erupted in hearty laughter. “HA! I like you, Romulan! Your words are sharp. You have a warrior’s tongue! I will enjoy that very much in our time to come!”
Valerius clearly made an impression on K’Rell with that line, as their eye contact lingered, the fiery passion in her eyes burning like the flames of Gre’thor. The corner of Valerius’ mouth lifted in a smirk.

O’va stepped closer to the console. “Is everything operational? What is your assessment of the new facilities?”

K’Rell straightened, her tone instantly shifting to a more professional tone. “Yes. The laboratories are fully functional, though I will certainly be integrating my linguistics research and databases into the ship’s databases. I have also collaborated with Chief Engineer Wu regarding additional upgrades using salvage from Surplus Depot Z15. The work of the refit teams was adequate, but both Wu and I agree, there is much room for improvement. The refit teams lacked…vision.”

“Vision?” Valerius echoed.

“Yes.  They performed the task assigned to them – refit the ship from command to engineering and science. Exchange the conference rooms for laboratories. However…we have a greater calling. Science…learning…it is a battle for knowledge.” K’Rell brooded. “It must be approached with boldness and might. A warrior must choose his weapon wisely – fight a mIl’oD (saber bear) with a d’k tahg, or with a bat’leth? The right weapon ensures victory. The universe does not yield its secrets to those who whisper politely.”

O’va folded her arms, amused. “And you intend to conquer it?”

K’rell looked at them with fierce passion, and baring her teeth, she stated “I intend to dominate it.” It was ever apparent that K’Rell’s passion for knowledge was resolute and unwavering. Her gaze lingered upon Valerius for a split second after she issued her proclamation.

Valerius studied her for a moment. Her presence was intense, but not reckless. Her eyes were sharp, calculating, and her message conveyed a passionate hunger for knowledge, in a way that only a Klingon scientist would be. She stood a full ten centimeters taller than him, and while he possessed a lean athletic build, her muscular physique dwarfed his. She fascinated him. He had met plenty of scientists before, but never any with such an insatiable hunger for knowledge and learning.

“You specialize in linguistics, correct?” O’va asked.

“Yes. Languages are blades, each with their own balance. Mastering them allows one to cut through deception, misunderstanding, and ignorance. Much of history is told by one side. Their tales may be like a fat targ, but the right blade can cut right through flesh and fat alike, revealing the truth.”

O’va noticed a rather old knife suspended from her belt in a sheath.
“And the tajtIq?” O’va asked lightly.

“That is for when diplomacy fails.”
There was a moment of silence…then the Captain let out a hearty chuckle.
“I believe you will fit in perfectly here, Lieutenant Commander.
K’Rell placed a fist over her chest. “I will serve with honor, Captain. Our exploits will be worthy of song.”

Valerius leaned toward O’va as they turned to leave.

“She argues with the computer.”

“She wins.” O’va whispered back.

K’Rell overhead them anyway.
“Of course I win! It is a worthy opponent, but I am mightier!”

The computer chimed.
“Statement acknowledged.”

K’Rell smirked triumphantly.

“She is going to be fun.” O’va remarked as the stepped into the turbolift.

Valerius smirked. “Yes…that is putting it mildly.”