Emissaries of Kahless

Posted on Wed Apr 28th, 2021 @ 8:36pm by Lieutenant Kurt Bishop & Noq't

Mission: S2:3: Snow Drift
Location: Docking Bay, Canopus Station

While Canopus Station was a Starfleet outpost, it was also a merchant node. While walking the Medina one could see vessels from the Federation, Orion worlds, what is left of the Romulan Empire, and the Cardassian Union. Sometimes a new ship drew attention or sometimes it did not. When a Klingon merchant vessel entered the docking bay of the station, it drew a small crowd. It was an old K't'Inga class, modified like a Starfleet Ptolemy class ship to pull a cargo container under its primary hull.

Lieutenant Kurt Bishop took note of the ship as he walked to where the vessel was docked. The Klingons had only arrived at Canopus Station a few hours ago and were already causing issues. As Bishop made his way down the causeway, he could see a short female Klingon arguing with the station's security officers. Behind the Klingon woman, a small group of Klingon men had gathered and looked on, ready to pounce.

"This is intolerable!" The diminutive Klingon shouted at the taller human.

"We have our orders and we will follow them." The security officer sternly replied. "Any Klingon vessel will receive extra scrutiny."

"That was not part of our agreement. What fool gave you that order?" She pugnaciously asked.

"That fool would be me." Bishop spoke up.

The female gave a toothy snarl as she redirected her attention to Bishop. "There are Cardassian, Ferengi, and even Romulan ships docked at this station. They all go through one customs station. Our ship, however, has an extra inspectors. I thought we are your allies?"

"I would too would like to think we are allies." Bishop replied. "However, any artefacts, especially weapons, are banned to import into the Klingon Empire. As Klingon ships head directly to and from the Empire, Klingon ships get extra scrutiny."

"That was not written into our trade pact." The Klingon woman replied in a bellicose tone.

"And the extra security is to ensure that if a contraband item should find its way to the Empire, it will create no ill will between our two peoples." A heavy set Klingon with a grey beard interjected. "The intention is only to benefit us both."

"You are allowing them to disrespect us!" She shouted at the older Klingon.

"We are here to trade as guests. I will follow this matter farther at the appropriate time. For now, follow their procedures." The elder Klingon advised in a calm tone.

The Klingon woman only snorted and crossed her arms in reply. The Bearded Klingon turned to Bishop. "Lieutenant, I wish to speak to your chief of security."

"I'm Lieutenant Bishop, I'm the acting head of security for Canopus Station." Bishop replied with a slight smile.

"Pardon my ignorance. I assumed that position would hold a higher rank." The Klingon apologized.

"Well, your right. I'm just the acting head of security." Bishop replied. "I'll be back to patrolling the Medina when he or she finally arrives."

"I am Noq't, son of Gedlr. I am the diplomatic officer to Canopus Station." He told Bishop. Noq't then turned to the female. "This is Mewlar, daughter of Shyaka. She is a representative from the Merchant's Guild."

Mewlar gave Bishop a hard glance. Bishop in return gave her a quick smile. A tall and impossibly thin Klingon with a white beard flanked Noq't.

"And let me introduce you to Roloq, son of Charg. He is our science advisor." Noq't told Bishop. The two men exchanged a friendly smile.

"Lieutenant Bishop, the long jump was taxing. The crew would like to take shore leave now." Noq't indicated the crowd of Klingons at the end of the causeway.

"As soon as they clear customs and disarm, they are free to enjoy the station." Bishop told the crowd.

"Lieutenant Bishop, Klingons are warriors. We have agreed to extra intrusions, can you extend the same courtesy to us? Perhaps only bladed weapons that stay in their sheaths?" Noq't attempted to compromise.

Bishop looked Noq't over. "You're not armed."

"I am eccentric for a Klingon." Noq't cheerfully replied.

Bishop looked over booth the Klingon crew and security officers. The two groups now waited for Bishop's reply. "If anyone draws a blade, they'll be spending a lot of time in the brig."

Noq't smiled and gave a slight nod. A one eyed Klingon addressed the crowd. "You are here as guests, anyone stupid enough to get thrown in the brig will be left here. Mind your behavior."

The crowd of Klingons moved past Bishop and Noq't to get through customs. A younger Klingon, festooned with travel bags, came up to Noq't. "Lieutenant Bishop, may we make our way to my quarters as we talk? This youth is not allowed shore leave until he kindly deposits my luggage at my quarters."

"Of course." Bishop agreed as the trio headed off.

"Please do not mind Mewlar. Short Klingons are like targs that have lost their tusks. They feel they need to act more aggressive to compensate." Noq't told Bishop.

"I understand. On Earth, we have large creatures called elephants. When they lose their tusks, they become a lot more dangerous." Bishop agreed and tried to change subjects. "That converted K't'Inga is a bit old for service. It's a testament to Klingon engineering that such an old hull didn't break apart during the long jump."

"There is a shortage of Kellinite in the Empire. While it was kind of the Federation to help us modernize our merchant traders, building a new fleet is not economically practical. Instead, old ships are repurposed by reconditioning the old hulls." Noq't explained. "That is why the Empire sent us here. If Roloq can find a new source of Kellinite, that would be a boon for our Empire."

"And then build a fleet to invade the Federation?" Bishop casually joked.

"That would be foolish. The Federation would simply cut off our access to Messier 4. Besides, our wars with the Federation have never ended well." Noq't admitted.

"No, I guess they haven't." Bishop agreed as history was not his forte. "You do know that if any of that crew end up in the brig, You and I will be having a long chat?"

"To that I have no doubt." Noq't replied.