Chapter Fifty

Getting control over herself after all that had been a real struggle for Setask, and she had isolated herself in her ready room for the remaining hours of the trip to ensure she would be ready for the meeting.

In the transport room, she had fervently ignored everyone's efforts to start a personal conversation with her. Everyone excused it as her thinking of the task to come.

The planet was dark, painted in reds and blacks in an incredibly angry fashion. This planet was obviously a military base. Literal hundreds of Klingon's in various uniforms bustled about, only about one quarter of them not toting some form of huge and terrifying rifle or other assault weapon. Non-security officers were rare at the Klingon academy. Everyone wanted to be an honorable warrior. Medicos and diplomats weren't popular jobs. But they were jobs that were held for a long time.

An old, rather wrinkled Klingon that leaned on a cane that looked to be made of some poor creature's leg bone smiled at the approaching party. "Captain Setask and crew." He said in a gravely but strong voice. "I am Ambassador Kobar." He clasped his hand and roughly slapped his chest in salute. The hit himself so hard she could have heard the thunk without her Vulcan hearing.

Setask steeled herself and completed the same task, suppressing the wince that wanted to show itself. Kobar laughed. It sounded like claws on metal.

"You are respectful of my people's customs. It is amusing to see a skinny little girl do that, although you are a master at hiding your pain."

Setask walked forward, bowing her head slightly. "I am not little. I am bigger than you are. And as for being a girl… I have stood up to Klingons worse than you."

The rest of the bridge crew was stunned silent. Kobar was too, for a moment, before breaking out into more laughter. "I like you!" He roared. "We can definitely have some fun later." He winked.

Setask raised an eyebrow playfully. "It is highly doubtful. I only go with warriors." Thiri and Tokkra exchanged a look and shrug.

"You playing hard to get?" Kobar nudged her suggestively and wound an arm through hers, beginning the trek to the town hall.

"No. Old men just aren't my type." Everybody's eyes got wide as Kobar laughed again.

"That is what Vekma thought at first." Kobar shrugged "She used to be so young and foolish."

"I thought you looked familiar. You were General Kobar back then."

"It's been 20 years. A man gets old. A girl gets married."

"She got married?"

"BY that tone of voice, I'm guessing you're not?" Kobar looked expectantly.

"No." Setask shrugged. "I've been busy."

"When are you going to get married and adopt some grandbabies?" Kobar grumbled. "Every ailing Klingon has to say that his fake daughter is having grandbabies!"

"I'm not. Besides, im pretty sure Vekma has it all handled. How is she?"

"Her? She is pretty good. Married to a girl named Eval and is five months pregnant with her child."

"Congratulations."

"Oh, don't be bitter. I didn't teach you to be bitter." Kobar slapped Setask, who stumbled.

"I'm not bitter. I'm just depressed."

They all walked in silence for a couple of minutes.

Kobar hesitate for another minute before making one last simple request. "Tell me about your starship."