So, does anyone remember Zia and Spock's Movie Marathon? No? It's okay, I sometimes forget about it too.
In a chapter of a previous story, the characters look at the descriptions for four movies. I decided to write the movies, hence the movie marathon. However, I only managed three out of four (the last one just didn't want to be written). One of these 'movies', Ode to Space, is about the first Klingon to go to Starfleet.
I've taken this idea, and the characters, and turned it into a reality. This story will follow the journey of Sirella, the first Klingon to attend Starfleet, as she navigates human culture, Academy life, and the sexuality she never knew she had.
o.O.o
Chapter 1 – Super-Not-Secret Mission
Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise knocked on the door. He waited, wringing his cap in his hands, until he heard an "open". He entered the room, saluting to Admiral Barnett.
"Admiral," he said, "it's good to see you."
"Likewise," Barnett said, standing and holding out his hand. Kirk shook it. "How was the mission?"
"Long." Kirk sat on the chair opposite Barnett's desk. "I'm very glad to be home." He held up his left hand. "I got married last week."
"Congratulations!" Barnett grinned, glanced up as the door hissed shut, then pulled a flask and two glasses from one of his desk drawers. "I keep these here for special occasions." He poured the drinks and handed Kirk one. "To married life!"
"To married life." They clinked glasses and drank. "So," Kirk said, "what's this super-secret mission you've got for us?"
"Well, we've been in talks with the Klingons."
"The Klingons?"
"That's right. I'm taking this to the press tomorrow, but the Klingons have agreed on an exchange policy that'll last a minimum of one year."
"Exchanging what?"
"Students. One of ours will study on Qo'nos, while one of theirs will study here."
"Did they propose this? You do know that they probably just wanna put a spy in here."
"I'm well aware of that, but actually I was the one who brought the proposal to the Council."
Kirk swished his drink in the glass. "Okay, what's the reason? You never do anything without a reason."
"It's top-secret." Barnett crossed the room to his locked cabinet. "We received this file online, and this printed version is the only copy. All traces of the original file online have been wiped, and the Council are the only ones who know about this." He carried two pieces of paper over to the desk, and handed them to Kirk, who scanned the contents.
"Whoa." He stared at Barnett. "Is this real?"
"It's real. It's a first for the Academy, that's for sure, and if I'm right, the Klingons don't know anything about this."
Kirk glanced back down at the paper. "Well, I know why you chose us for the mission now."
"Good. And you understand exactly what you need to do?"
"I do."
"You can't tell anyone except for the other examiners. Who are you thinking of selecting?"
"Spock, obviously, and maybe Lieutenant Uhura and Doctor Kestrel. I'll have a think about it."
"Don't think too long." Barnett waved his hand and the door to his office hissed open. "You leave in six days."
"Yes, Admiral."
o.O.o
In a news room, a man and woman sit side-by-side, hair and make-up immaculate.
"In breaking news, Starfleet has formed a tentative alliance with the Klingon Empire."
"That's right, Miranda. Recent reports have shown an increase in communication between both parties, and as of yesterday, Starfleet came forward to announce that a relationship with the Klingons have begun."
The shot changes to one of Admiral Barnett, Head of Starfleet Academy, addressing a crowd of reporters.
"With the permission of Starfleet," he says, "I was able to contact the Klingon Empire and propose a trade of students. One of their brightest will come and study at Starfleet Academy, while one of our brightest will study at the Klingon Flight Academy on Qo'nos. We have been in talks with the Klingon leaders for months, and just yesterday they approved the idea. Selections will begin immediately, and the chosen student will begin studying in the New Year."
The shot changes back to the studio.
"Well, Nathan, that news certainly comes as a surprise. This morning, we interviewed Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the ship in charge of selections. This is what he had to say."
The shot changes to a blond man, wearing a yellow-shirt, sitting in his Captain's chair.
"This is possibly the most important mission that Starfleet has ever undergone," he says. "This isn't a responsibility that we take lightly, but my crew are the best at what they do. We've all gone through the selection process and we know how tough it is."
"And you'll also be transporting the hundred hopefuls for the Flight Academy?" the interviewer asks.
"The selection process is currently underway," Kirk responds. "Once we've chosen our hundred, and the Klingons have chosen theirs, our ships will meet in the Neutral Zone, and final selections will commence. We can't go into details of the actual process, but afterwards we'll transport the lucky student to the Academy."
The shot changes back to the studio.
"I think that selections are in good hands, Miranda. The Enterprise is the flagship of the Federation, and they won't let us down."
"No, they won't, Nathan."