USS Valkyrie - Bridge - Local Time 0900

"Captain."

Tynen glanced up from the fuel consumption report he'd been reviewing to find his chief engineer on the bridge standing over him. "Good morning, Janja! What can I do for my chief engineer?"

"Sir, if you don't mind, may I speak to you in private?"

The captain shot a quick look at his wife who was seated beside him in the executive officer's seat.

She then spoke to him via their telepathic bond. "Interesting. Mr. Rad typically seeks me out for private conversations due to the fact he is intimidated by you."

He responded by thinking, "Intimidated…by me? That can't be true."

She then raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow toward him in response. "Aspects of your past association with Section 31 have been made known to most of the personnel on this ship, adun. Section 31 is feared by many because most believe it is accountable to no one."

"Are you saying everyone on the Valkyrie is intimidated by my past?"

"No. I am not intimidated by anything in your history…cuddle monkey."

He tried to mentally impress on her the annoyance he felt concerning those two dreaded words. "I thought we agreed you'd never speak that so-called 'term of endearment' ever again!"

"Actually, I have never agreed to that condition. Moreover, I did not actually say it; I merely thought it, aisha."

Instead of responding to her telepathic teasing, he sighed resignedly and turned his attention back to Rad. "Absolutely, Janja. Let's discuss the matter in my ready room."

#

After they'd entered Tynen's office, the captain directed the engineer to take a seat on his couch as he sat down on the opposite end from the younger man. "Now, how can I assist you, Janja?"

The Catullan native squirmed in his seat momentarily before he spoke. "Well, sir, considering your friendship with Commander Klagh, I was wondering if you know anything about Klingon mating rituals?"

Tynen blinked twice before he responded. Then he shrugged mentally. He supposed it wasn't a stretch for Janja to make such an assumption. "As a matter of fact, I do have a passing familiarity with the subject. However, before we go any further, does this have anything to do with Major Gemma?"

At that moment, the expression on the other man's face reminded him of a little boy whose hand had just been caught in the cookie jar.

The captain smirked then said, "I'll take that look on your face as a 'yes.'"

Despite his apparent nervousness, Rad continued to press on. "Captain, Gemma…well she's asked me to be her second at a Siamese boxing match taking place in an Alliance Earth nation-state called Thailand."

Tynen pursed his lips at that piece of information. Siamese boxing was a very aggressive, almost no-holds-barred martial art. Punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes, kicks—nearly everything was on the table. "I see. How did she even find out about this particular martial art?"

"It seems her people were exposed to it by Alliance Earth arms manufacturers after their conferences with the Klingon engineers. After watching several matches, the Klingons wanted to do more than be spectators; they actually wanted to fight and the Thai boxers, who, according to Gemma, are 'fearless even though they are weak humans,' accepted challenges from those Klingons who weren't the size of the typical soldiers who make up the Defense Force's shock troops."

"Interesting," Tynen noted.

"But that's not all, sir. She's also invited me to dine with her after the match is over."

The captain nodded. That was indeed a very significant issue.

"Well, Janja, Gemma wants you to witness her prowess as a warrior in a setting that isn't lethal. She apparently has given some consideration to you being a native of a Federation world known for its non-violent society. As for the dinner invitation, Klingon females use dinner to get to know a potential suitor. They also use it as a means for her to communicate to you about both her personal history and the history of her house."

"I see," Janja said. "Is there anything I should keep in mind about how to act towards her during dinner?"

He shot a deadly serious look at his engineer. "Yes. Do listen attentively to her. And if she decides to wear something that is somewhat revealing, whatever you do, don't stare at her cleavage! Klingons, for all of their aggressiveness, are surprisingly conservative about engaging in sexual activity. Their women like to be romanced in the Klingon way before they actually consider mating with a man. Janja," the captain warned, "you need to be very sure before you take this step with her. Most Klingons are not as enlightened about interspecies relationships as we are. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that conservative does not mean non-violent. It isn't unusual for lovers to suffer broken bones, contusions or bruises during the struggle for dominance prior to and during sex."

Stunned by Tynen's description of the process, the young man regarded him with eyes comically wide open. "Um…well, thank you, Captain. Well…I suppose I've taken up enough of your time, sir. I should get back to work now."

"All right then," the captain said as both men stood up. Then Tynen gently clapped Rad on the back. "Good luck, Janja and don't worry about a thing. I'm certain things will work out just fine if you decide to pursue Major Gemma."

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't mention it. Glad to help."

Moments after the engineer had left his ready room, Tynen slowly shook his head and muttered, "Now there's a dead man walking."

#

Smithsonian Aerospace Museum - Local Time - 1130

"Hello there, Dr. Wolowitz!"

The engineer whirled at the sound of the angelic-looking Federation officer's voice that he'd met yesterday. "Commander Rex! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Well, Doctor, after my colleagues and I spoke with you, we found something…quite extraordinary. Before I can say anything more, I would like you to sign this non-disclosure agreement an Alliance Earth attorney has drawn up for us," she said as she removed a document from a folder she carried in her left hand. After she handed him the document, she added, "This agreement has been drafted to incorporate the full force and effect of Earth Alliance law and is enforceable in all of your courts. As valid consideration for your execution of this agreement, we'd like to engage you as a consultant at your usual and customary rate."

"Really? You should know I charge five hundred credits an hour for consulting engagements."

"Those terms are acceptable, Doctor." She then drew an old fashioned ink pen from one of her jacket's pockets, wrote down the agreed upon rate on the contract, signed it, then handed the pen to him for his execution of the agreement.

He signed his name on the proper line then said, "There you go."

She smiled brightly at him and chirped, "Thank you, Doctor! By any chance, is your schedule free for the next few hours?"

He grinned. "I am completely at your disposal, Commander. So what is the big secret you want to share with me?"

"Actually…it's best if I show it to you," she breathed right before she unclipped a device from her belt, flipped open its lid, pressed a button and said, "Rex to transporter room, lock onto my coordinates. Two to beam up and transport to the Bozeman site."

"W-what?" Wolowitz stammered just as he heard a loud buzzing noise and his office began to fade from view…

#

Caltech - Pasadena, California - Local Time - 1320

"Dean Stephenson, did you send for me?"

"Indeed I did, Ms. Rostenkowski," the elder man said. "Come in, come in!"

After she stepped inside the Dean's office from the hallway, she found there were two other people standing inside the cluttered room. One was a young man sporting a pageboy haircut. The other was a brunette woman with a short but stylish hairdo. Upon further inspection, she noted that the other woman had at least six inches on her while the young man appeared to be about two inches shorter than the professionally dressed woman.

"Ms. Rostenkowski," the dean said, "this young man is Dr. Howard Wolowitz. I had the pleasure of teaching him during his time here at Caltech. I must say he is a brilliant engineer. And this young lady is Laura McBeal, Esquire. Ms. McBeal practices intellectual property law. Howard has told me they're here to discuss something important with you that will change the course of human space flight. They'd like to speak with you privately if you'd be so kind to hear them out."

Bernadette Maryann Rostenkowski's eyes shot wide open at the dean's request. "I'd be happy to hear them out, sir."

The elder man smiled brightly. "That's wonderful! Now, I have some errands to run so feel free to use my office for as long as you wish. My assistant will let me know when the coast is clear once you've finished your conversation."

"Are you certain we're not putting you out, sir?" Wolowitz asked.

The dean chuckled and said, "Of course not! Think nothing of it, my boy!"

After the dean had left, the woman turned to Bernadette. "Ms. Rostenkowski—"

"Please," she interrupted the attorney, "call me Bernadette, Ms. McBeal."

The lawyer smiled. "Only if you call me Laura."

"And please call me Howard," the young man added.

She smiled winsomely at him. You know, she mused to herself, he's kind of cute! "Okay, Howie!"

At first he seemed a bit flustered by the nickname she'd bestowed upon him. Then he seemed to have gotten over it quickly and gave her a shy smile. "'Howie' works, too!" he exclaimed magnanimously.

"Bernadette," Laura said. "I've been hired by my current client to locate a certain engineering patent. Although the patent is no longer valid, I also discovered there was still an active licensing agreement involving the patent with North American Aerotech Corporation even though both were filed nearly two centuries ago. Fortunately, your ancestor filed the patent in Canada and under Canadian law, the licensing agreement was drafted in such a way that you, as the sole living heir, will receive any royalties due to you."

"Bernie," Howard said and when she heard his nickname for her, it brought a smile to her bow-shaped lips. "I can safely say being the owner of this patent will make you an extremely wealthy woman!"

Her eyes blinked several times behind her red framed glasses at his declaration. Wow, she thought, I certainly like the sound of that!

"Now," he asked, "you've almost completed your doctorate in aerospace engineering, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"And what do you think about the faster-than-light drives the visitors who're from the other side of the galaxy use?"

"They're mind-blowing!" she gushed. "To be able to go faster than light in normal space? Why, that technology is incredible!"

He nodded. "I agree. Now, what would you say if I told you that someone on our Earth almost two centuries ago had invented the same star drive?"

"Really? Who?"

Laura then grinned at her. "It was you're great, great, great, great uncle, Bernadette, Zephram Cochrane!"

She stared at Laura pretty sure that she hadn't heard the other woman correctly. "No way."

"Actually…way!" Wolowitz responded.

"Oh…my…God," she whispered as she brought her right hand up in a vain attempt to stop her heart from practically bursting right out of her chest! If what the pair had just told her was true, the implications were simply staggering! Humanity on their side of the galaxy would have another option for interstellar flight to go along with hyperspace. Apparently, warp drive was unaffected by immense gravitational forces, so certain star systems where jump engines could not go would be open to exploration. Additionally, in-system transportation would be much faster with warp drive because both large and small vessels could use the more compact drive system than the much larger jump drives. Finally, transit times from Earth to Io or the outer planets would only be a matter of hours instead of weeks.

It was then at that very moment when she'd realize that by palming her admittedly impressive bosom for her diminutive size, she'd drawn Howard's gaze to her breasts. When she spied the look of longing on his face, she decided to regain control of the situation by gracefully placing both of her hands in her lap, raising her eyebrows toward the ceiling and saying, "Howie, my eyes are up here." After he'd refocused his attention appropriately, she asked, "So, what happens next?"

"We'd like to take you to see the actual prototype Zephram had constructed," he said. "Then I recommend you hire Laura to represent your interests. I've worked with her in the past and can safely say she's very loyal to her clients and is the best in the business."

"Why, thank you, Howard," the lawyer said. "Bernadette, now that I've informed you about the licensing agreement, my engagement with my prior client has ended. So there is no conflict of interest that would stop me from representing you."

"That sounds fine, Laura," she said.

"Great!" the attorney breathed. "Now, I think we should form a limited liability company to handle royalty payments on your behalf, protect your identity from intruders or dangerous people who may want to seek to influence you, and engage in further research without subjecting you to any personal liability."

"Also, to help get you started, I've already come up with one improvement we can incorporate into the current design with your permission, Bernie," Wolowitz said. "Zephram didn't have the micro fusion generators we've developed for the Olympus class gunboats back in his time. So we can replace the nuclear warhead he used in his prototype to initiate the warp core with a micro fusion generator. By making that simple change, the test vehicle should be able to reach warp two; in other words, four times the speed of light!"

"Howie!" she exclaimed. "That's so sweet! I don't know what to say."

He grinned. "Say you'll hire Laura so you can start changing our world for the better!"

She returned his grin with one of her own. "All right then…let's do it! But only if you'll join me as my partner."

"R-really?" he sputtered.

She batted her azure eyes at him and smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Okay then. I'm in!"

Bernadette was quite pleased that he'd agreed to her request. Although he was definitely a work in progress, his experience, knowledge and sweet nature were definite assets to have on her side.

Also, his being so cute didn't hurt, either.

#

IKV Pagh - Chief Engineer's Office - Local Time 1340

"What do you require of me, old woman?" Commander Klagh inquired as he strode into Gemma's sanctum sanctorum.

In response, she shot up from her chair and stood at attention like an Academy plebe. "Sir, I must inform you about an invitation I have made to a Starfleet officer."

"Gemma, there's never been any need for formality between us. Speak plainly."

"Very well then. I have invited Rad to be my second at a Siamese boxing match. After I am victorious, he shall dine with me, as well."

Klagh's right eyebrow shot up toward the ceiling at that. "Truly? Are you certain about pursuing this course of action?"

"What troubles you about this, Klagh? Are you concerned about fraternization with a Federation officer?"

"Actually, I could care less about that. I was just wondering if you are robbing the cradle, old woman!"

Annoyed by the wicked grin he had on his face, she growled, "Have a care, Klagh. My bat'leth is easily within my grasp." Then she jerked her head toward her recently sharpened weapon that leaned against a nearby wall.

He laughed heartily and said, "Stand down, oh fearsome warrior! I was merely jesting." Then he paused momentarily to catch his breath before he added, "Gemma, I do not have any qualms about Rad. He isn't a human; he's Catullan, a race highly respected by our people. Moreover, he has been nothing but honorable in his interactions with us. He's a fine engineer, second only to you. Besides, considering my relationship with Tynen and my prospective pursuit of the Lady Etana, I have no cause to stand in your way."

"Thank you, Klagh. I value your support." Then she smirked and asked, "Are you open to accepting some advice from an 'old woman?'"

"Certainly."

"I think you should court Lieutenant Mazan."

He paused for several moments before he responded. "Gemma…I am uncertain if she would be open to the idea."

"Klagh, you shall never know unless you try. Mazan is a well-trained security officer, according to Kang and you. Rad has told me she is absolutely fearless. Why don't you invite her to one of the Siamese boxing matches at the facility our people have adopted? Tell her the study of martial arts is probably something you both have in common. Start with that. Then you can request the honor of her presence at dinner after you've both spent some pleasurable time together watching glorious combat!"

A look of wonder dawned on his face. "I admit your idea has merit to it. Very well…I shall heed your advice!"

"Good. Now I must go. I am to meet Rad at the boxing facility before I enter the ring and face my human opponent."

"Qapla, Gemma!" he boomed as she escorted him from her office into main engineering.

"Qapla to you as well in your pursuit of Mazan, my pretty boy!"

The grin on her face was quite sinful when she overheard his growl in response to her clever taunt.

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