Commander Shealynn Rhodes Miados stood in Southampton’s transporter room one, unusually nervous. Captain J’Klast sudden appearance had unsettled most of the crew of the Plymouth-class. She knew the Klingon captain from his previous assignment to the flotilla. Curiosity marked his absence, and it was further deepened by a lack of explanation. Further questions remained on why his new ship, IKS Dakronh, had been the answer to the Tholian conundrum. Lieutenant Commander Abigail Scott stood beside her, equally nervous. Miados knew the reasons were entirely different. Freshly promoted to the center chair, Scott was still finding her footing on the deck. The transporter officer signaled that J’Klast was ready. “Energize”, said Miados.
The requisite whine of the transporter reached its apex as the bright blue lights flashed in rapid succession until the imposing figure of Captain J’Klast appeared as the bright lights faded. He stood an imposing six foot three inches, dressed in traditional Klingon warrior garb. Miados noticed he’d lost weight, and now cut a slightly svelte figure, if one could call a Klingon slightly svelte. His eyes were still as bright as she remembered, and his sly smile hadn’t changed. “Commander Miados! I like this new ship. Permission to board?”
Miados stepped forward, extending her hand. “Permission granted, Captain J’Klast. Welcome aboard the Southampton.” She turned to introduce Scott. “This is Commander Abigail Scott, the commanding officer.” Scott’s eyes were wide at the size and muscle of the Klingon who stepped down to the deck.
“Commander Scott! It is agreeable to meet you for the first time. They seem to make their captains younger and younger these days.” He winked and chuckled loudly, the sly smile shifting wider. “I have much to share. Shall we?”
A mix of Federation food from various cultures filled the table. Miados watched as J’Klast loaded up his plate, not seeming to mind how much or what was on it, only that it was full. She picked at her chicken salad, and Scott sipped her tortilla soup. J’Klast tapped at his tablet between bites. “Your Ferengi Ambassador’s help saved the day, and I must credit his efforts.” He downed a goblet of beer, eyes closing as he savored the hops. I must report that the Tholians have taken custody of those parties identified as Network. Negotiations did not go far, or well.” He downed a thigh of fried chicken before he finished. “I tried, which I did not enjoy. I do not know of their fate, but you have imagination. It will not be pleasant.”
Miados winced. She could imagine plenty. “And those that were not associated with the Network?” She caught a sideways glance from Scott.
J’Klast sighed, setting down his turkey leg. A quiet sadness filled his eyes, or maybe it was a simmering desire for revenge. Miados was never sure how to read Klingons and their facial expressions. He spoke reverently. “They fought hard as true warriors. I interviewed three of the Network villains. They admitted to killing them, but said they lost three of their own in their efforts.” He tapped on his tablet. “They gave up their names, and we located some remains to bring to their families.” He fell silent, swirling his goblet in quiet reflection. “I have only become aware of this…Network recently. I wish for a chance to inflict some type of justice upon them for this.” His eyes, usually bright with humor, had grown dark with simmering fury.
Miados nodded slowly. She did not doubt that J’Klast could dish out a portion of revenge if needed. “They are on our list as well, Captain.” She cocked her head to the side. “I received the order transferring you to our division.”
His lips demurred, and the brightness in his eyes returned. “Ah, yes. You can thank your Commodore Fontana. He believes that having an additional interdiction point will assist you.” He took a sip of the soup and grunted in appreciation. “That is delicious.” He downed the whole bowl and wiped away the remnants with a napkin. “More to the point, he thinks you need more assets in the field to monitor the Network and whatever other bad…how did he say…actors are out there in the rimward.” He dug into the chilled ice cream. “What a lovely flavor.”
Miados wasn’t sure how Captain Park or Commander Korvath would feel as they read the new orders for their division. She replied, “We’ll be meeting up with Perseverance and Relentless in the next few days. The official transfer will take place then.” She tapped at her PADD. “Shore leave orders have arrived. That includes you and your crew.”
A devious smile lurked on the lips of J’Klast. “If there is one thing we Klingons know how to do, it is party. I look forward to…what do you humans call it? Team-building activities?”
Miados caught Abigail’s near spit-take at the comment and chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.” She lifted her cup, “To a safe journey home and a restful shore leave.”
He chuckled in return, “That’s one way of putting it.”
