"Captain, we're being hailed."
"On screen, LT." Garrovick ordered. Jennifer realized that the shot fired from only one of the Klingon vessels had been a warning shot, not a serious threat to the ship. Surely the captain recognized this as well.
The communications hail suggested the Klingons wanted something other than just a battle, although they would certainly ask for that. However, Jennifer knew from experience that most Klingons got just as much of a kick out of dishonoring inferior humans as they did fighting with them. A battle would be honorable to both sides, regardless who won, a surrender on the other hand, well, if the Klingons asked for one now, it would be a fate worse than death-at least to the Klingons. And the Klingons did so enjoy mocking humans these days. At least, the ones who Jennifer had run into in the past had.
"This is Captain Garrovick of the USS Farragut, why you have attacked our vessel? Identify yourselves."
The screen filled suddenly with the visual of a Klingon ship Commander. A Klingon Jennifer recognized.
"I am Commander Kor, of the Warship Tong Vey. You will surrender your ship and face judgement or risk being destroyed." Kor bellowed. There was a game here, surrender was not an option, and Jennifer knew this. She had to do something.
Jennifer grabbed the PADD which was still miraculously sitting on the console that had miraculously not been shaken off, and typed a quick message on it, hoping to be able to hand it to the captain. It said: I know him. Let me talk to him, I can stall for time. Let me do this. I'll explain in a minute.
Jennifer moved to the captain's side just as he was about to respond and handed him the PADD. Jennifer squared her shoulders, stuck her chest out, and lifted her head high. She could not allow Kor to sense any weakness in her whatsoever.
"Kor, choQoylaH'a', jup, nuq 'oH wej vaj qechvam?"She asked in fluent Klingon. Everyone on the bridge turned in her direction, shocked and confused at hearing Jennifer speak strongly in the chopped guttural sounds of high Klingon. "Pagh 'ejyo' jegh'a' Duj SoH DaSov'a', 'ej nuq NatlhoMlu'meH jatlh quv. nuq 'oH meq?"
"'oHbe' tera'ngan vIp Hegh? Hegh quv, 'ach SoH tera'ngan ghlj 'oH! jegh surely Dunmo', ghobe'?" Kor shouted in return, not really upset, he was grinning. "lugh poQ jegh vIghaj. DoQ yuQvam pong mining wo'. qup qotlh, SoH, loQ ghu ram'e'. Dun bel qaStaHvIS bolaDbe''a' qaSpu'DI' jegh'a' HoD vItlhap." Kor grinned disgustingly.
"meqmey maHvaD qechvam inform vaj DaHar'a', nlm'Qaj ror SoH." Jennifer seethed, giving insult for insult. Kor was neither fat, nor a cow, but he deserved it for taunting her. "'ej sooner ngagh jIH boQQo'bogh ta'wIj'e' qan law." Kor laughed loudly, mirth coloring his Klingon features. To anyone else, anyone who had never seen a Klingon laugh that is, he looked quite frightening.
"'ej nuqDaq neH 'e' fun loQ wa'? chaq SoHvaD ngeH chaH jIHvaD je nob? SoHvaD tlhoS vIghaj Qav poH ghom maH." Kor replied, still laughing. "rup bel toy'wI''a' chenmoH SoH."
"'ej SoH gutted jIH ngejtaH jIHvaD, yIH lover ghop pep. toy'wI''a' pagh. bel ghap vuDwIj." Jennifer returned. "We will speak in standard, unless you can't remember how, old man."
"You know very well I understand your human tongue, little baby. Perhaps I should destroy your ship now, and forget the surrender." Kor said, Jennifer felt Garrovick turn to her, anger starting to swell.
"You know each other, I take it?" Garrovick asked her.
"We've met." Jennifer said before turning back to Kor. "You wouldn't destroy the ship, there is no cause for you to do so. It would not be honorable."
"Honor states that there must be repayment. We know you fired on the planet. We will have recompense. A fight would do just as well, but our scans have shown that your weapons are not all fully functional. There is no honor in fighting a disabled enemy. Even one as worthless as you Federation dogs." Kor said.
"Commander Kor, I respectfully request to know why you fired upon us. What does the planet we fired upon have to do with you and your ships? We have no wish to engage you in battle today." Garrovick asked.
"P'tak! The Klingon Empire has claimed that planet for mining. You have disturbed the process. You shall pay for it, spineless terrans!" Kor bellowed angrily.
"That planet is uninhabitable." Garrovick responded baffled. "How could you possibly mine anything from the planet?"
"Klingons are not so weak. We have and shall continue to use the planets resources for our own. Now, surrender your ship as payment for disturbing our claimed area!" Kor yelled.
Jennifer looked between Kor and Garrovick, trying to think of a plan. The Farragut couldn't surrender, and Kor would expect some sort of honorable trade for the disturbance to the planet he claimed to be under the Klingon Empire's rule. Kor wanted a fight, she could tell, he didn't really expect the Farragut to surrender, but giving the captain the option to was the honorable thing. If the Farragut refused, the Klingons would no longer be honor bound to spare the ship's crew, but would instead be instigated to do battle, because the Farragut refusing to surrender would seem as an act of aggression. Jennifer knew, however, that without all weapons functioning fully, how close they were to Klingon territory, and the fact that there could be more cloaked vessels around, the risk to the Farragut and its crew should they battle with the Klingons was too high. It was too high even if the aft phaser bank cannon was completely operable.
Jennifer took a deep breath and steadied herself. "If it's a fight you want, Kor, I will give you one." Jennifer paused, looked to the captain to try and make him silently understand what she was about to do, that it was the only way to get the crew out of this with a surety of life. "Qab jIH nagll!" Jennifer challenged loudly.
Kor laughed insanely. "You cannot expect to defeat me, little one, you are merely an infant."
"Oh, I expect I can. You could not hold a bat'leth with two arms and two men against me. I am much stronger than I was the last time we met." Jennifer insulted him further.
"Ngll jIH!" Kor accepted the challenge, smiling. "We shall see, little one, we shall see. You have fifteen minutes to prepare. Choose your second wisely, loQ ghu." Kor responded and the screen went blank.
Garrovick turned to Kirk, shocked and angry. "What the fuck was that, Kirk?"
"Sir that was Commander Kor." Jennifer replied, as if his name should have justified every word spoken. "He is the last of his house, a very wealthy and influential house in the Klingon Empire. Yes, I have met him before. I was in MACO when we last battled. My team barely escaped. Two of our men were killed. He likes me, though, for some reason. And as for the insults being thrown back and forth, that's just foreplay for a Klingon. They don't like peace, though if it suits them they will deal with it. Insulting another Klingon is a favored pastime for their race. An introduction to battle, and trust me sir, he wants to battle." Jennifer replied.
"And this so called battle now? Because what I got from that is that you challenged him to single combat, is that right?" Garrovick asked, heated.
"Yes, sir. The Farragut cannot risk going to battle with the Klingons. Our weapons are not yet fully operational, and just because only two warbirds are currently de-cloaked, that doesn't mean there aren't any more out there, or at least on their way. The Federation cannot risk going to war with the Klingons, not right now. We already have a conflict brewing in the Laurentin system. This is our best option. I'm sorry, but it's all I could come up with on moment's notice that would save the crew." Jennifer informed her captain. She wouldn't let a single other person die on her watch again, not if she could do something to stop it. This time, she could.
"Okay, say all this is true. You shouldn't be the one doing combat with him. I hate to say this Kirk, you're good, but you're not that good. That guy is huge, and a Klingon." Garrovick said, as if it weren't obvious. "He'll destroy you. And then what? We're right back to where we are now." Garrovick said.
"I must disagree with you, captain. I am that good." Jennifer quipped.
"Even if you are, you are not the captain of this vessel, you do not have the right to fight on behalf of the crew, and you are not going to fight that… that Klingon. I forbid it." Garrovick replied, sounding somewhat protective of his charge.
Jennifer was about to reply and inform him that she now had no choice in the matter, but the communications cadet who had been sitting silently on the bridge, the one who Jennifer did not have the best of relationships with, but not the worst, finally spoke up.
"Sir, Kirk has to fight him now." Uhura said.
Garrovick spun around to confront the person who had dared to question his authority.
"And why is that? She is not the commander of this vessel. I forbid it. If anyone is going to fight that bastard it's going to be me. I'm sure I won't have to, though. This is just a simple misunderstanding, that's all." Garrovick shot back.
"It's not that simple, sir. When Kirk challenged him, he accepted her challenge. In Klingon culture, a challenged accepted must be honored, exactly. If Kirk doesn't fight Kor, he will see it as a grave insult, one which requires a justified response. He will fire on this ship, and he will attempt to destroy us if she doesn't fight him." Uhura explained through gritted teeth. She cast a look to Jennifer that basically said you idiot. Jennifer simply smiled in return. She knew what she was doing. She wasn't afraid, not really.
"Bullshit, cadet. How do I know he won't destroy us anyway?" Garrovick asked, looking between Jennifer and Uhura.
"He won't because it would be considered dishonorable." Uhura replied, as if it were common knowledge and to be simply accepted as fact. Which, really, it was.
"The challenge I extended to him was not done without thought, sir." Jennifer added. "I challenged him and his leadership. If I win, I reserve the right to give orders him and his ship. Which I will do, sending them back to Q'nos, one way or another, if I have to."
Garrovick looked at Jennifer as if she were half crazed, half brilliant. He really didn't know what to expect from the young woman anymore. "And if you lose?" He dared to ask. "Does he reserve the right to command the Farragut?"
"No. He doesn't. Because I am not the Farragut's commander. Like I said, sir, you can't fight him." Jennifer replied.
Garrovick looked at her again, new respect forming even more than when she had figured out the plot of Finnegan's and Pearce's. She knew he would not be allowed to fight Kor, not without risking the ship.
"And what does he gain if you lose?" Garrovick asked. "Will he kill you?"
Jennifer gulped, not wanting to answer the question.
"He can't kill her, sir. As Kirk is not yet at the age of maturity for Klingons, the ritual combat will only be until first blood is drawn. Besides, from what I heard of their conversation, he doesn't want to kill her." Uhura responded, vaguely hinting at what Kor did want with her. Jennifer cringed at the thought. "As for your other question," Uhura looked from Garrovick to Jennifer, eyes narrowed, "if Kirk loses the combat, Kor reserves the right to command her. She essential becomes his property, his to do with as he pleases, and she will have no choice but to honor his commands. If she doesn't, she will be sentenced to death for her dishonor." Uhura finished. Yeah, so Jennifer was maybe a little bit insane. Good news was, at least she thought, that no one was going to die. Not today anyway.
"And what about the ship if you lose, Kirk?" Garrovick asked, ignoring the implications of basic slavery. "What then?"
"If I lose I have the right to have a single request be honored. As does Kor if he loses. I will request that the Farragut is allowed to depart the area immediately, unhindered by any Klingon interference until it reaches Earth. Kor will be forced to honor the request, for if he does not, he forfeits the rights to his house, and could be sentenced to death for dishonoring the ritual combat contract he made by accepting my challenge." Jennifer answered. It didn't mean that the Farragut would stay out of trouble, not permanently. If the Farragut didn't chose the most direct route to Earth after said combat, the request would be rendered void, but it did give them the best chance.
Garrovick considered Kirk's plan, thought through every possible outcome. He realized that, given the current options, it was the best plan he would have been able to come up with on the fly as well, had he had her knowledge of Klingon tradition. He just didn't like one part, the fact that if Kirk lost, she would be lost to the Federation as well. Starfleet needed commanders like her, he knew she'd make a great captain one day, and an outstanding tactical officer in the interim.
"So what was the business about choosing a second?" Garrovick asked.
"Um, yeah, that. I was going to ask for a volunteer. Basically, if I get too injured to continue fighting, but blood has not yet been drawn, a second would step in and continue the fight until blood was drawn." Kirk said.
Evan grabbed Jennifer's hand then, causing her to finally look her friend in the eye. "I would be honored to volunteer as your second, Jenn."
Jennifer looked at him seriously, she knew he would volunteer, but she didn't want to ask this of him. Of anyone really. Before she could accept his pledge, Commander Chenowyth stepped into Jennifer's frontal view, to stand next to the captain.
"No. We won't lose two cadets. It's only fitting that I should be your second, as I am responsible for you, and the captain cannot fight in the challenge lest he lose the ship." Commander Chenowyth interjected.
Everyone on the bridge turned to stare at the Farragut's first officer in astonishment. By volunteering to be Jennifer's second, Chenowyth had supported her entire plan, and it meant that she wouldn't be punished for what could have been considered a great deal of insubordination.
"Sir, I don't think you understand. If I lose, you'll be trapped there with me." Jennifer replied in disbelief.
"Oh, Kirk, I think you're not giving me enough credit." Chenowyth chuckled. "I understand perfectly. I also understand that if you do lose, I'll most likely be killed, considering I am, correct me if I'm wrong, beyond the age of maturity for Klingons."
Jennifer nodded to him, silently informing the commander that he was indeed correct.
"I don't like it, but I don't see what other options we have." Garrovick said. "You're sure you want to do this, Kirk? Because I know I don't want you to. We could jump to warp right now, if you don't."
"Sir, with all due respect, that's stupid." Jennifer replied. "First off we'd have to break orbit, which would alert the Klingons to our plan to go to warp. We wouldn't make it to warp. We would start an engagement. There's a reason they didn't try to destroy us straight out. More than one. The obvious being they find us inferior. The other being that we aren't as capable as them at the moment. The most significant, because the first two can be overlooked when it comes to the Klingons depending on the situation, I'm not quite sure. Something tells me they don't want to start a war with the Federation yet, and I don't know why. But if we were to engage the Klingons in battle right now, that's exactly what would happen. They would be honor bound to retaliate. You know this. One or two lives are not worth the cost of war with the Klingons, sir."
The officers on the bridge all looked to Kirk as if she were some crazy brilliant mad scientist who had escaped death in the 20th century. At least, that was what Jennifer thought they looked like, she'd seen it in a movie or two.
"I reiterate, I do not like this. Not a bit." Garrovick said, but he was agreeing reluctantly with the plan so far. "So what now, we hail them and drop shileds to send you both on your merry way?"
"Hail them. We'll figure out the logistics of it with Kor." Jennifer said.
"Lt, hail the Klingon ship." Garrovick ordered.
"Aye, captain. Hailing frequencies open." Lt. Sharon responded.
"Commander Kor, this is Captain Garrovick speaking. Kirk here is ready for your combat challenge. How do you wish to proceed?" Garrovick asked as Kor's image populated on the view screen.
"All ships will lower shields in precisely five minutes to allow transporters to activate. You will beam the challenge team to my ship, I will provide you with the coordinates. I will beam two of my men to your ship, if you will provide the coordinates, to be held as collateral. I am well aware that humans do not trust Klingons, as Klingons do not trust humans. They have been instructed not to harm any member of your crew. I will expect them back in the same shape they left in." Kor replied.
"Klingon hostages, wonderful." Jennifer heard someone on the bridge mutter. Kor must have heard it as well because he seemed to be scanning the area for the voice.
"Klingons do not take hostages, nor do we provide them. Your challengers will be treated as honored guests. I expect the same of my men, for they will act as the dignified and honorable warriors they are!" Kor bellowed.
"Your men will be treated with the utmost civility, commander, on that you have my word of honor, as captain of this vessel." Garrovick swore.
"I shall hold you to your word, captain." Kor acquiesced, his tone sounding distrustful. "You should be receiving coordinates now. Five minutes, captain, I will contact your ship when the challenge is complete." Kor said and the view screen went blank.
"I have the coordinates, sir. Where would you like to send the Klingons?" Lt. Sharon asked.
"Give them the coordinates to transporter room three. Kirk, Chenowyth, make your way there with me. You too, Uhura, I don't know if the Klingons he's sending speak standard. Sharon, have a security team sent to the transporter room just in case. Mr. Ibura you have the con." Garrovick handed his orders out and walked towards the turbo lift. "Shall we?"
As the four of them made their way to the transporter room Jennifer had to admit she was feeling at least a little nervous. The last time she had met Kor the Klingon had seen her kill one of his men, and he had killed two of hers, then he had wanted to fight against her, but couldn't before the rest of her team escaped their clutches. Now, Jennifer had issued the challenge. She was, of course, better trained now, and more thoughtful, but she didn't know whether or not she would win. She only knew that she had to try.
"Captain," Jennifer stopped walking abruptly outside of the transporter room to meet Garrovick's eyes, "in the event that I do not win the combat with Kor-"
Jennifer was cut off before she could finish the sentence. "You'll win, Kirk. If there's anything I've learned about you so far, it's that you don't give up. You'll be fine. My first officer's life depends on it." Garrovick finished his statement and Jennifer felt a new rush of fear course through her, followed by a renewed sense of determination. She had to win.
Jennifer and Chenowyth assumed their positions on the transporter pad and waited for the captain's order. "Good luck, kick his ass for me, will ya, Kirk? And Chenowyth, make sure she doesn't cause an intergalactic crisis, please." Garrovick half-way joked, giving the two a nervous chuckle. "Energize."
The transporter's swirling gold lights surrounded Jennifer and Chenowyth and within moments they were standing on what appeared to be the Klingon ship's transporter pad. Jennifer immediately went into tactical mode, surveying her surroundings, as did Chenowyth.
The room was metal upon metal, bland and designed for purpose. Utilitarian. There were no embellishments, as sometimes could be seen on a Federation ship, save for the single crest of the Klingon Empire painted on the wall across from the transporter. Jennifer noticed that Kor was waiting for them, along with two of his men, possibly security, possibly his senior officers, and the only other Klingon in the room was the transporter operator. The Klingons did not have phasers on them, but an assortment of knives were attached to each Klingon's uniform. Jennifer and Chenowyth had not beamed over with any weapons, except for the knife Jennifer kept in her boot at all times. All of this information Jennifer had acquired in seconds, long enough for the Klingons to observe the humans in return, but not be thrown off guard at their silence.
"A pleasure to have you aboard at last." Kor said. "This is my first officer, Darras, of the house of Noggra, who will be my second, and this is Kaath, of the house of Mo'Kai."
Jennifer inclined her head in a small bow of respect, and Chenowyth followed. "I am Jennifer Tarise, of the house of Kirk." Jennifer introduced herself, attempting to match as best as she could to Klingon tradition. "And this is the Farragut's first officer, Arthur William, of the house of Chenowyth." It wasn't exact, but due to species difference it was close enough, at least Jennifer hoped it was.
"Welcome. You will join us for the ritual meal. Tonight we dine as respected enemies." Kor announced. Jennifer hadn't realized that he would have pulled out all the stops for the challenge, but just so, it gave her time to prepare.
Jennifer walked off the transporter pad with Chenowyth to follow Kor and his officers. Chenowyth seemed, to Jennifer at least, only mildly uncomfortable, but she knew he wouldn't let his fear show. He, at least, knew that much about Klingons. Fear was a sign of weakness. They could have no weakness here.
The meal prepared was, unappetizing to say the least. Klingon cuisine was not only for the ingestion of nutrients, but also to showcase a warrior's strength and courage. Jennifer could only hope that what she chose to eat would not cause an allergic reaction. She also hoped that Chenowyth would follow suit and eat every morsel of food that he took on his plate.
At first the meal began in silence, Kor took his food first, as was his right and demand, followed by Jennifer, as was tradition for the challenge, next were Darras and Chenowyth. Normally Jennifer would have taken her meal last, due to her age and rank, but the challenge she invited to Kor moved her ranking up, to just below Kor. Which is where she was seated. Darras was seated to Kor's left and Jennifer was seated to his right. Chenowyth was seated then to Jennifer's right. As soon as each officer had their meal in front of them, Kor began to speak.
"Tonight we honor Kahless, great warrior of the Klingons, who restored honor to our race!" Kor raised a glass of blood wine, which Jennifer guessed was in everyone's cups, and she followed suit.
"To Kahless." Jennifer proclaimed loudly, Darras and Chenowyth mimicked the gesture and toast.
"To Kahless." Darras and Chenowyth proclaimed.
Jennifer knew that she had to toast to someone as well, someone important and influential, someone also deceased. She only faltered a moment, before realizing that she could realistically pick anyone from Earth history and get away with it, but it would be best to pick a warrior of sorts.
"Tonight we honor John Basilone, a warrior who died with honor, protecting his own!" Jennifer bellowed, raising her glass of blood wine once more. The other's followed suit.
"To John Basilone!" Kor shouted.
Chenowyth shared a look with Jennifer before quickly raising his own glass. "To John Basilone." He and Darras toasted.
"Tonight we honor Kor, my father, who died an honorable death in battle with the Xindi." Kor raised his glass, and Jennifer almost gasped aloud. She hadn't known that Kor's father had any dealings with the Xindi.
"To Kor." Jennifer shouted, looking straight at Kor.
"To Kor." The Klingon and human first officers said together.
"Tonight we honor George, my father, who died honorably in battle with the Romulans." Jennifer toasted. She hadn't wanted to bring her father up, but she didn't really have a choice. To Klingons, dying in battle was the most honorable of deaths, having a father who did so was an honor worthy of praise.
"To George." Kor looked to Jennifer oddly before drinking his toast.
"To George." Chenowyth and Darras repeated. Chenowyth studied Jennifer's face curiously, and Jennifer had caught it, but not before Kor interrupted.
"No we shall eat. Both for bravery and need. May Kahless fill our hearts as his food fills our bellies!" Kor declared before taking the first bite of his meal. It wasn't particularly appetizing, at least not to Jennifer or Chenowyth, but they both managed to consume every ounce of Klingon cuisine, and only a mild stomach ache was the price. Thankfully, Jennifer realized, she wasn't allergic to anything she'd ingested. The four foes ate in silence for a time, which Jennifer thought was uncharacteristic of Klingons from what she knew, but perhaps it was the ceremonial type dinner feast which lent to the tradition of silence. Or maybe the Klingons were waiting for the humans to make the first move so to speak. Commander Chenowyth was, to his credit, the first one brave enough to break the ice. Purely out of curiosity.
"So, not to be rude or anything, but I really don't understand what's going on right now." Chenowyth said after burping loudly, garnering a bought of boisterous laughter from Kor and his companion Darras.
"It is the tradition of the challenge." Darras answered simply, after a look to Kor for permission to speak, of course. "As Kirk was the issuer of the challenge, and Commander Kor is of the higher rank, it is his honor to host the ceremonial rituals for the combat."
"And what exactly do those include?" Chenowyth asked, curiosity and concern evident in his features.
"We Klingons love battle, as you are sure to know." Kor answered for Darras now. "But our battles are borne of honor and tradition. A challenge in single combat is more than a simple thing to a Klingon. For one to issue such a challenge to one as myself, it is a matter of respect and honor. On both sides. Kirk asks for me to show my prowess in battle, and promises to do the same. We honor these requests with traditional rituals, which in turn honor ourselves. You are a human, I do not expect you to understand. Many of your race think that we are barbarians, thirsty only for blood." Kor pauses to drink more of his wine. "And this is true, to an extent. We are a proud race, yes. But we are more than just the savages you Federation people think of us as. We are proud of our history, bloody as it is, and we honor our ancestors with these rituals."
Jennifer looked to Chenowyth, who now bore an expression of pure entertainment, mixed slightly with some apprehension as was due to the present circumstance.
"The challenge to single combat in the way that young Kirk proclaimed is full of ancient ritual and honor. First we dine as respected enemies, or foes. As we are doing now. At the beginning of this feast, as in ancient times, we come together to pay homage to our respected dead. Our honorable warriors and ancestors." Kor straightened proudly as he spoke, his eyes drifted to the edge of the room, as if he were remembering a past, an ancient past. "As we honor our warriors in words we shall honor them in combat. Such is our way. Such is the Klingon heart. The Klingon passion."
Jennifer looked at Kor now, a new form of respect forming for him. She had known a bit about the old Klingon ritual of single combat, but she hadn't understood it for what Kor was making it out to be. She realized then, that the reason he accepted so readily was not what she had originally thought it to be. She also realized, that even skilled as she was, she would not have as easy as a time as she thought she would, and she hadn't thought it was going to be easy in any respect.
"Again, please forgive my ignorance, but what other ceremonies await us for this ritual combat?" Chenowyth asked.
"After the feast we shall take vigil over our combatants as they slumber in the same room." Darras replied. "It our honor to them as much as it is their honor to us. As they have chosen us as their seconds, they have shown their trust in us. They shall sleep in the same room, and we shall watch over them as they slumber. In doing so they show how they have trusted us with their lives, and we prove yet again our honor as we keep them safe, from harm before the combat."
Jennifer grimaced at this, she had not realized they would be staying the night on the Klingon ship, and when she looked to Garrovick she realized he hadn't understood that either. Apparently the two Klingons had gathered this, either from their shared expressions, or perhaps they had anticipated the humans' ignorance of the matter.
"Our officers which were sent to your ship have no doubt informed your captain of the rituals to take place." Kor said, after a silent pause, to which Kor had assumed the humans understood what he was saying, he continued. "After the slumber we shall rise, still foes, to proceed with the first honoring ceremony. In this ceremony we shall each make our requests of the other, in the chance that one of us perishes during the combat. As young Kirk here is not yet of the age of maturity it shall not be a combat to the death, but we shall still commence with the first honoring ceremony. Then we shall do battle."
"And a battle it will be, Kor. I will not go easy on you, old man." Jennifer quipped.
Kor laughed in return. Perhaps the two could become friends after the combat was complete? Surely she was worthy of such a title, he thought. Jennifer had the same musings, although she did not share them.
"I would not expect you to. But neither shall I. You may be young yet, but you did issue the challenge. I will draw blood, young one, do not expect less of me." Kor laughed again. Jennifer joined.
"You will try." Jennifer jibed.
"And after the combat, what will happen then?" Chenowyth asked.
"After the combat will be a second honoring ceremony. Usually, when two adults of age fight against one another, one is dead at the end of combat. We use this ceremony to honor the fallen. It will be much the same tomorrow. We do still have some foolish young who challenge others, and we have a precedent for this. We honor the defeated for their bravery in making such a challenge, and give wisdom to them for the future. The winner of the combat has already been honored, by winning such a glorious fight. It is the winner's honor to give such wisdom of battle to his younger less experienced foe, now turned friend." Kor finished his tale by draining his cup of wine. "I believe it is time for the trusted slumber. Come, we shall sleep side by side as foes, and awake in the morning for battle."
Kor stood, followed by Jennifer, Darras, and Chenowyth. Kor turned to Jennifer and her to him.
"I shall honor your defeat tomorrow." Kor said.
"I believe I shall honor yours." Jennifer returned, not really sure if it was the right thing to say, but she felt it was close enough when Kor laughed.
"We shall see." Kor replied smiling.
Jennifer and Commander Chenowyth followed Kor and Darras through the ship to a small room, it must have been Kor's quarters, for he looked comfortable enough there. There were no beds, not as Jennifer understood them anyway, however, there were what appeared to be raised metal cots. No pillows, no blankets, and certainly not a mattress to be found.
"We are warriors, and as such we sleep as warriors. Our backs are hardened as are our blades sharp. We have no use for the weaknesses of soft places to rest." Kor explained after having taken in Chenowyth's confused expression. Jennifer had kept her own blank, having guessed as much. She wasn't, however, looking forward to sleeping on the metal area, though she had slept in worse places.
"I've slept in worse conditions. I think I'll manage." Jennifer said, almost whispering.
"Spoken like a true warrior indeed." Kor bellowed, laughing once more. "Darras, brother, I trust you will not let harm befall your commander tonight."
"Never." Darras swore, closing a fist and bringing it across his chest in a salute. "I shall stand vigil for you tonight." Darras inclined his head in a bow of respect as Kor took his place on the metal bed.
"I suppose I am sleeping very close to you tonight, Kor? There don't seem to be any other beds in your cabin." Jennifer joked half-heartedly.
Kor raised his head, smiling. "You may sleep standing, if you prefer, little one." Kor remarked sarcastically.
"Not a chance. Just don't roll over on me in your sleep." Jennifer replied climbing lowering herself on the metal bed, making sure she put as much distance as was possible between her and the Klingon. Jennifer rolled to her side, keeping her back to Kor as he did the same.
Kor laughed at her statement but then ordered the lights off. Jennifer didn't think that Kor would try anything to harm her or Chenowyth, but that didn't mean she found it easy to sleep. Especially when Chenowyth decided to stand right next to her head. They hadn't uttered any words of confidence or trust, but it wasn't needed. Jennifer knew Chenowyth would be able to stay awake, and wouldn't let anything happen to her, as much as he was capable of preventing anyway.
Although it would be considered hostile territory, Jennifer found it easier than usual to tire, to fall asleep. Perhaps it was the blood wine, perhaps not. She was sleeping with her back towards an enemy, but she had someone standing guard for her. She fell asleep thinking of what the next day would bring, and dreaming of what the future had in store.
Jennifer slept better than she had in a long time. Funny, she thought, as she awoke, how she could sleep so well at the back of an enemy.
The morning came, each combatant rose and greeted each other respectfully. Kor had ordered his men to show Jennifer and Chenowyth to a room, a personal cabin, to choose attire appropriate for the coming battle and for the ceremonies.
Once alone, Chenowyth took the opportunity to speak.
"You know, I think the Klingons give themselves a bad name. Their food leaves much to be desired, but they aren't really that bad. At least, not these ones. It's kind of hard to compare these guys with what our history and databases tell us." Chenowyth remarked, his back turned from Jennifer as she dressed.
"The Vulcans have a doctrine of sorts, a teaching, Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations." Jennifer replied. "Honestly, I think everyone is so concerned with differences, and the word 'alien' that they forget all life is sacred. At our hearts, weather human, Vulcan, Andorian, Klingon, or whatever, we all share some characteristics, even if we seem different to one another. IDIC simply seeks to embrace those differences, and share in the commonality between them."
"How do you mean?" Chenowyth asked sincerely.
Jennifer turned to him, completely dressed now. She looked every part the Klingon female warrior, excepting the fact that she was much smaller, and obviously human.
"Well think about it like this. Vulcans prize logic. Tellarites prize the art of insult and a good argument. Klingons idolize honor. Humans, well, we kind of have a knack for all. Vulcans consider us illogical, yet we can be extremely calculating. Some of use argue even better than Tellarites, and we have our own sense of honor. Andorians have a love for battle that almost matches Klingons, but humans have been known to match this as well. Hell, even the Vulcans at one point in their history were a savage and warring race, regardless of what they want us all to think now. In all of us, we are different, but we all have some commonalities. Something to tie us together. Sure, we fight battles and wars now, but don't you think that someday we might be at peace? All of these characteristics that everyone is so proud to showcase, and the ones that we love to hide, they are each a part of every single one of us. We all have more in common than we think we do, and we are all from vastly different reaches of space." Jennifer paused, giving Chenowyth a moment to consider what she was saying.
"We might all be very different on the outside, but we are all living, breathing, beings. All exploring and searching for meaning in our lives in one fashion or another." Jennifer shrugged.
The door to the cabin she and Chenowyth were occupying hissed open. It was Darras.
"Come." Darras said, turning around as quickly as he had appeared.
"Are you ready for this, Kirk?" Chenowyth asked Jennifer, slight worry etched in his features.
Jennifer's usual icy blue eyes met Chenowyth's light brown and Chenowyth saw, perhaps the first time, maybe not, the intelligence and cold emotion that was brewing behind those crystal blue orbs. Was she ready to fight a Klingon? Sure. Was she ready to fight Kor? Maybe, although she could say she might be feeling a bit hesitant now. Truthfully, the real question was this, was she ready to give up her life for those on the Farragut? The answer was, without hesitation yes. Yes, she was. Because her life, in her eyes, meant less. She was only one person, there was an entire ship out there counting on her. Jennifer had to fight Kor, even if it meant losing and practically becoming his slave. Although Jennifer now thought that fate wouldn't befall her, having spent the previous night getting to know Kor somewhat, she couldn't be certain what her fate would be, should she lose, or Chenowyth's. Yes, he was counting on her to win as well. She had to.
Jennifer hadn't bothered replying to Chenowyth as they had walked behind Darras to an area on the ship which was crowded with Klingons. Some of the Klingons, Jennifer noticed as they entered the large room, did not appear to be pleased by their presence on board the ship. When the two were finally escorted and stopped at a spot in the middle of the room, Jennifer noticed that she was standing directly next to Kor. Darras had taken his spot behind Kor and Chenowyth had mirrored Darras' actions. Jennifer turned to her second and also superior officer, locked crystal clear eyes with him, face set in determination.
"Whatever happens, don't interfere. I'm going to get knocked around pretty good, I'll tell you that right now. But I'm not going to lose this fight. I promise you that." Jennifer said. Chenowyth just stared at her, no longer shocked by the cadet's brazen attitude or chilling confidence. Something within him told him she was right, but also wrong.
"Just don't let him beat you up too much, I don't want to have to defend your honor." Chenowyth finally replied, chuckling nervously.
"Wouldn't dream of it, sir." Jennifer gave him an award-winning smile before she turned around, this time turning to face Kor as Kor was turning to face her.
Kor inclined his head into a bow, a sign of respect and a sign that the ritual had begun.
"I honor you in word, Jennifer of the house of Kirk, for showcasing your warrior spirit in offering me this challenge. May Kahless beat within your heart. What would you request of me?" Kor had raised his head and offered some version of ritualistic words.
Jennifer bowed her head, lower than Kor had, as a sign of respect for his station. She kept it bowed as she spoke. "I would request that you allow the Farragut safe passage back to Earth after the combat is complete."
"Your ship is guaranteed from harm by the Klingon Empire as it makes its way back to Earth, following our completion of the challenge." Kor said. Jennifer raised her head and offered Kor a Klingon salute, bringing her right closed fist to rest over her heart.
"I honor you, Kor of the house of Kor, for showcasing your warrior spirit and bravery in accepting my challenge. May Kahless guide your arm. What would you request of me?" Jennifer spoke the words, feeling slightly foreign on her tongue, even though they were in standard, most likely for the sake of Chenowyth.
"I would request you." Kor said, smiling slightly. "As my mate." Jennifer looked at him, noticed that Chenowyth had stiffened behind her, and was, for a moment, at a loss of what to say.
"I would wish to honor your request, however I am unable to do so. I already have a mate." Jennifer hoped the lie would be upheld. She wouldn't, not willingly, give herself to him, not if she didn't have to. She only hoped Kor wouldn't press the matter, and ask to fight her 'mate' for rights to claim her as his own.
"One as young as you already has a mate?" Kor asked in disbelief. "And who is this person? Are they worthy of you?"
Chenowyth stepped forward, shocked at himself as much as Jennifer was shocked to suddenly feel his warm body next to hers suddenly. "I should think I am." Chenowyth bellowed, back straight. His face was carefully stony as he lied to the Klingon commander.
"This human is your mate?" Kor asked, in disbelief. "And he allows you to challenge me?"
"I allow it because she is mine. She is equal and worthy to make such challenges on her own behalf, if you would allow her to show this to you. I have no need to fight for her, as she is certainly capable of doing so herself. Or perhaps you are too frightened to fight a woman?" Chenowyth shot back, hoping desperately that he would be believed. Jennifer moved her hand to clasp Chenowyth's, she squeezed his hand, trying to tell him that he was right in doing what he had. And hoped that he understood the message.
There was a long moment of silence that seemed to stretch for an eternity before Kor erupted into laughter.
"Ah, yes, I see. Humans and Klingons are not so different after all. Our women are strong as well. And our men do not fight the battles for our women either. I will not take your mate from you, Commander. Instead I shall request another honor. Should you win, young Kirk, I request to be shown your ship, when you command it." Kor finished.
"An honor I will grant you, should I make captain." Jennifer replied, bowing her head in thanks. She was thankful that the request was so simple, and spoke of the future. Mostly, she was thankful that he hadn't challenged Chenowyth for his right as mate to her. She hadn't expected Chenowyth to step forward as her fake husband, but, in retrospect, she could have done worse.
"You will, young Kirk. Of this, I am certain." Kor said. "Your heart speaks of this as the only possible future. I wonder how your mate feels, knowing that someday you should be separated. But now we shall begin the battle. We shall see whose requests shall be answered in truth."
Darras stepped back and Chenowyth followed his example. The Klingons in the room had encircled the two combatants, forming a ring of sorts. Two other Klingon officers stepped forward, each holding what Jennifer recognized to be a bath'let in their hands. One offered his to Kor and the other offered his to Jennifer. Jennifer felt a pang of worry, as she had only held a bath'let once. But she was nothing if not adaptable.
Jennifer bowed her head to Kor and he to her. The battle started.
Kor circled Jennifer as she circled him. She knew that Kor was stronger than her, and she couldn't afford to take many direct hits from him. She also knew that Kor was more skilled with their choice of weapon, so she watched how he held his bath'let and copied his grip. Kor swung his weapon once, twice, and a third time, showcasing his command of the weapon. Jennifer studied his movements, and did the same. She felt how the bladed weapon moved in her arms, noticing the balance, and the weight of the weapon. It was not as heavy as she had guessed it would be. And she realized that she would be able to use it, in some cases, one handed, but mostly that she would have to use both arms to attack with it.
Finally, after realizing that Jennifer would not be taking the first step in attacking, Kor lunged at her. Jennifer expertly sidestepped him and quickly turned around to slash at him with the Klingon blade. Kor parried her attack with the skill of an experienced warrior and the two were back to circling one another.
Jennifer had realized that though Kor was physically stronger than she was, and bigger, he was also slower than her. His size, though it gave him an advantage should he pin her to the floor, made for bigger targets. Jennifer being as small as she was, would be able to maneuver around him more efficiently and get within closer range to his body.
Jennifer worked herself up for an attack. She stepped towards him quickly, her blade raised to head level and swung at him diagonally. Kor blocked her attack and the two were suddenly trading blows. Jennifer was getting tired, her arms not as strong as Kor's, but she noted that her speed of attack was also tiring him out as well. She feinted high and swung low quickly before moving off the attack. Kor blocked, barely, and soon the two were circling one another yet again.
"You are skilled with a bath'let, for a human, little one." Kor bellowed.
"Really?" Jennifer asked, studying her opponent's footwork. "It's the first time I've ever used one, I feel a bit rusty."
Kor laughed. "Indeed? I would not have known." It was a compliment, but Kor laughed knowingly. "Should we have chosen a different weapon, then?"
"I think these work as well as anything else." Jennifer shrugged nonchalantly. She wanted to give Kor the impression that she was being lazy, tiring. It worked. Kor lunged again and Jennifer was ready, having watched his footwork.
Jennifer crouched as Kor finished his lunge at her, she brought the blade up, one handed, and it grazed his thigh as she was finishing the move. She also noted that his blade had touched her as well, barely on her shoulder.
"Stop!" A Klingon from the crowd shouted. Both Jennifer and Kor immediately stood up, facing one another. Kor looked down at his thigh as Jennifer looked over her shoulder. Both saw what they expected to see. Blood had been drawn. But who had drawn it first? Neither opponent offered an explanation, both too shocked to see their own blood had been drawn.
"We will review the footage, side by side." Darras finally stepped out of the circle.
The footage was pulled up on the view screen in the room. One side of the screen showed Jennifer's body, the other side Kor's. The time stamps had been placed at the bottom right hand corner of each side. The footage was carefully magnified to show each opponents body part that had been cut, blood having been drawn. The time stamps on each side of the footage were identical down to the second. They had ended the challenge in a tie.
"It seems we are both to honor each other's requests, little one." Kor said, finally, moving to face Jennifer. "You fought well." Kor bowed his head, Jennifer copied the movement.
"You honor me, commander. I shall see to it that when I am made captain you will have the pleasure of a tour on my ship."
"And I shall see that your ship now, the Farragut, yes? It will encounter no hindrance from the Empire while it makes its way back to your home planet." Kor bowed his head in respect as well. "It is a shame you have already been claimed by another," Kor whispered as he lifted his head, "I would have proudly called you wife."
Jennifer laughed. Truly laughed. She didn't want to be Kor's wife, not by any means, but she did find the situation humorous at least. No doubt there would be hell to pay if she ever did settle down with someone, because it was certainly not going to be Commander Chenowyth. It wasn't that the man was unattractive, not by any means. But he wasn't for her. And she wasn't for him.
Darras and Chenowyth joined the two shortly after the footage had been taken off the view screen. There was one more ritual to complete before Jennifer and Chenowyth would be allowed back to their own ship. As earlier, the two stood behind Kor and Jennifer respectively, taking their positions. Kor bowed to Jennifer and Jennifer returned the gesture.
"I Kor, of the house of Kor, honor you Jennifer, of the house of Kirk for your bravery and skill in battle. I extend to you, another name." Kor said, having lifted his head. He took off a ring from his finger and presented it to Jennifer. "You are named sister to me, to my house. You share in my honor as I share in yours." Jennifer accepted the ring, too shocked to do anything else.
"I share in your honor, Kor, my brother." Jennifer replied, not really knowing if it was the right thing to say, but still too stunned to say anything else. Jennifer didn't know what to honor him with, she didn't have any family pieces with her, and nothing of value that would come even close to giving the same honor that Kor had just given her.
"I am so honored. I look forward to the day you are captain of your own ship, sister." Kor bellowed, smiling. Jennifer realized that she didn't need to give him anything, it was her honor to accept as much as it was his honor to extend the gift, the naming. He had adopted her into his house, basically.
"Come now. We must get you back to your ship." Kor said. "Darras, inform the Farragut that we will be returning its officers in ten minutes. You may change before we send you back."
Darras saluted his commander in acknowledgement of the order. Jennifer and Chenowyth were escorted to the cabin they had changed in earlier. They changed out of the Klingon garb and into their own uniforms once again. They were then escorted to the Klingon transporter room.
On the transporter pad, Kor had one last parting wish. "I hope we are able to fight again, sister, for I have much to teach you."
"And I you, brother." Jennifer shot him a devious smile.
"I look forward to it." Kor smiled at her in return. Jennifer had to admit, a Klingon smiling was really very creepy.
"Energize." Jennifer said.
Suddenly Jennifer and Chenowyth found themselves in the transporter room of the Farragut, greeted by the captain, Uhura, and the ship's CMO.
"So I heard we can go home, without worrying about running into anymore Klingons?" Garrovick asked, smiling slightly.
"Something like that, sir." Jennifer replied stepping off the transporter pad.
The CMO examined Chenowyth first, mainly because he looked as if he were about to drop right there, having had been awake the whole time. Then Doctor Lamar examined Jennifer as the captain was speaking to his first officer.
"You should come to sickbay. I can put the regenerator on that cut on your shoulder. Everything else seems to be fine." Doctor Lamar informed Jennifer.
"No thanks, doc. I think I'll let this one heal on its own. Point of pride." Jennifer smiled. The doctor looked at her skeptically, but didn't offer further argument. The cut wasn't bad, barely a scrape really, and would heal just fine if she kept it clean.
"Well, okay then. Just make sure to keep it clean."
"Alright you two, debrief in the conference room in fifteen minutes." Garrovick said.
"The Klingons made it back to their ship, sir?" Chenowyth asked.
"Safe and sound. Can't say I'm sorry to see them go, but they weren't as bad as I thought they might be." Garrovick replied. Jennifer could tell there was more to that story, but didn't ask just yet. "Fifteen minutes, debriefing. We'll be underway by then. Go clean yourselves up, you smell like shit." Garrovick laughed.
"Aye, sir." Both Jennifer and Garrovick replied.
Fifteen minutes later Jennifer was sitting in the conference room next to the Farragut's first officer, waiting for their captain to walk in.
"So, how much trouble do you think I'm going to be in, sir?" Jennifer asked seriously.
"Ah, something tells me you're not going to be in trouble… wife." Chenowyth answered slyly.
"I'm never going to live that one down, am I?" Jennifer sighed, blushing slightly.
"Nope." Chenowyth answered proudly just as Captain Garrovick walked in the room. "Something tells me I won't either, though." Chenowyth whispered.
"So," Garrovick started, taking his seat across from the two officers, "you know, usually when two of my officers get married, I'm the first to know about that sort of thing." Jennifer immediately sunk into her seat. "I'm sure you two won't mind telling me why Commander Kor sent me with a message to bless your children, will you?"
"Well, you see sir, um, Kor asked to take me as his mate." Jennifer started, face flushed a deep crimson now. "And I told him it would be impossible because I already had a mate."
"And I volunteered myself as her mate, so no questions could be asked." Chenowyth answered. "Captain."
"And so you two just lied to the Klingons? What would you have done if they had wanted you to prove yourselves? Commander, surely you know that you could have been fighting for the right to claim Cadet Kirk as your wife?" Garrovick asked, his face was still a mask of stone and Jennifer couldn't tell if he was pissed or not. "And surely, Kirk, you would have realized the possibility that Kor would have asked for you as a mate, yes?"
Jennifer and Chenowyth both shared a look before answering the captain.
"Um, well, sir, I didn't exactly think about that, no." Jennifer said. Chenowyth remained silent.
"Well, in any case, I hope you two aren't looking to make your marriage official. I have a rule about that sort of thing on my ship, you see. I just hope we don't run into any Klingons in the future, asking about your wife, Chenowyth." Garrovick laughed loudly. Jennifer sighed in relief and noticed that Chenowyth had also expelled a breath he had been holding. "In any case, I should say good job. To both of you. We're in the clear."
"Thank you, captain." Jennifer replied.
"But," Garrovick started, and Jennifer took in a deep breath readying herself for the worst, "because of the stunt you pulled, you can assist the commander here with filling out the report for Starfleet Command. I trust that won't be a problem? Working together?"
"No sir." Jennifer and Chenowyth replied simultaneously.
"I mean, after all, you two are, at least according to the Klingons, married. I trust you can both remain professional, however, from here on out?" Garrovick teased.
Jennifer felt herself flush once more. "Of course sir." Chenowyth replied. "I will have no issues assisting my wife with the paperwork."
"Good, good. I look forward to reading your reports. Dismissed."
As soon as Chenowyth and Jennifer left the room Jennifer sagged against the hall-way wall. "You don't think he's going to let us leave that little bit out, do you?"
"Not a chance." Chenowyth responded painfully.
"We're never going to live this one down are we?"
"Nope. Never. I just hope that my actual wife doesn't try to kill me over this."
"Somehow, I think she'll just find it hilarious." Jennifer replied. "I hope."
KLINGON TRANSLATIONS: Translations are kindly credited from: /translate/en/tlh?hl=en
choQoylaH'a', jup, nuq 'oH wej vaj qechvam: what is the meaning of this?
Pagh 'ejyo' jegh'a' Duj SoH DaSov'a', 'ej nuq NatlhoMlu'meH jatlh quv. nuq 'oH meq?": You know no Starfleet vessel will surrender to you, and what you ask of them is not honorable. What is the reason?
'oHbe' tera'ngan vIp Hegh? Hegh quv, 'ach SoH tera'ngan ghlj 'oH! jegh surely Dunmo', ghobe'?: Are not humans afraid of death? A death would be honorable, yet it frightens you humans! Surrender is surely better, no?
lugh poQ jegh vIghaj. DoQ yuQvam pong mining wo'. qup qotlh, SoH, loQ ghu ram'e'. Dun bel qaStaHvIS bolaDbe''a' qaSpu'DI' jegh'a' HoD vItlhap. : I have the right to demand surrender. This planet has been claimed by the Empire for mining. You deserve no less, even you, little baby. I will take great pleasure in having you after your captain surrenders.
meqmey maHvaD qechvam inform vaj DaHar'a', nlm'Qaj ror SoH. 'ej sooner ngagh jIH boQQo'bogh ta'wIj'e' qan law'. : Perhaps you should have thought to inform us of this you fat bastard. And I would sooner mate with a sickly old seal than you.
'ej nuqDaq neH 'e' fun loQ wa'? chaq SoHvaD ngeH chaH jIHvaD je nob? SoHvaD tlhoS vIghaj Qav poH ghom maH. rup bel toy'wI''a' chenmoH SoH. : And where would be the fun in that, little one? Perhaps they will send you to me as a gift? I almost had you the last time we met. You would make a fine pleasure slave.
'ej SoH gutted jIH ngejtaH jIHvaD, yIH lover ghop pep.toy'wI''a' pagh. bel ghap vuDwIj. : And I would have gutted you before you raised a hand to me, tribble lover. I am no one's slave. Pleasure or otherwise.
Qab jIH nagll: face me if you dare
Ngll jIH: I do dare.
loQ ghu: little baby