What if

Posted on Sun Aug 8th, 2021 @ 10:48pm by Captain Xavier Carey

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: Captains Quarters
Timeline: After Dinner

Xavier had invited Drex to his personal quarters, while Tal was giving Ael a tour of the Resolution. After his talk with Commander Doctrine, he figured she was right and approaching him with the question would be in probably both their interests. Walking in, the adapted cargobay usually kept for hydrponics, the trees had grown substantially since their arrival just weeks before. Vines climbed he walls and sprawled onto the ceiling and the floor. One of the back walls covered in weapons of choice that Xavier had picked up, which included several Klingon rifles, and blades.

"Please take a seat Captain." Xavier replied as he gestured to a corner with several chairs.

Drex sat while admiring the Klingon hardware that hung on the wall. "Quite a collection you have Xavier," he dropped the rank protocol since this looked to be a private discussion. "How did you come by these items?" he asked with a curious grin.

"My fathers collection. Mostly... He kept most as trophies of his kills." He replied as he walked over and took out his fathers most prized weapon. A Klingon bat'leth, one that had belonged to General K'Voth, Commander of the Klingons fifth fleet. "His most prized trophy. General K'Voth, whom he killed. Along with his mate and three sons as they were hunting Targ. All of these were dishonourable kills."

"Indeed," Drex nodded slowly, almost menacingly, "but to be fair, some Klingons have killed in a dishonorable fashion as well."

"From my understanding the General had four sons. I am unsure who that man is, but I would like you to return this bat'leth to his remaining child." He looked to Drex. "My father was accused of genocide, killing the innocent just for pleasure, because he could. Because he thought it was the best solution for Starfleet. Slaughtered men, women and children. With no honour whatsoever. I can give you the names of the other Klingon officers of these other weapons."

Drex's eyes widened, "You would do this? It would mean something unmeasureable to K'Voth's family."

"From my understanding, taking a Klinon's Bat'leth is dishonourable for the rest of the family... if I read it right. It hopefully will make things right in some manner." Xavier replied. "I take it you know of the family."

"I know the family very well Xavier," Drex replied solemnly, "It's my own family... for I am the fourth son of K'Voth."

Xavier paused for a moment, what that meant for him, what it meant for Drex. Klingon tradition meant a blood oath, to seek vengeance against the perpetrator, whether that extended to his family, he didn't know. Flipping the blade towards him and the handle towards Drex, "I offer what my father robbed of you, as well as my life. I believe that is tradition in the Klingon Culture."

Drex took the blade reverently into his hands. "By returning this blade to it's rightful owner I say you have atoned for your father's crime. Some may not agree with me but after interacting with you during these last few days, I can see clearly you are not like your father. You are, indeed, an honorable man. I dare anyone to disagree with me."

"It will take me a long time before I believe that myself, but coming from you is a big step Captain." Xavier replied, admittedly relieved. "These blades here." He replied as he looked at almost the entirety of the wall, "all have house emblems on them. If you would be so kind as to make sure they are returned to their rightful owners. I am sure not every single one will think as you do. We were allies at the time. My father jeopardized that."

Drex nodded as he looked over the collection. "I recognize all these house crests. I will do as you ask and I will convince those families you have atoned for your father." He turned and face Xavier again, "And now I have a favor to ask you."

"As one that is deeply indebted to you, anything."

Drex rubbed his chin before he spoke, "Allow me to give you some background before I explain." He set his family's bat'leth down and paced around the room as he spoke, "Diane and I have had previous dealings, even worked together on surveilling common enemies. I too, work in the intelligence department of the Klingon Defense Force. Yes, her and I, through our work together, have earned each other's respect and friendship. I fully expect that somehow, someway, Diane set this entire thing up so we would meet and the crimes against my family would be atoned." He stopped pacing and looked directly at Xavier, "Yes, she's a sly one... devious and cunning... and well versed in playing, how do you say it in your language? Playing the long game. But," he held one fore finger straight up, "She has one flaw. It's not considered a flaw in the Empire, but I believe your people might. She doesn't know when to ask for help." He put his hands behind his back and continued pacing, "She did this favor for me... now you need to help her with something... for me." He stopped pacing and faced Xavier again, "You follow me so far?"

"I do..." Xavier replied getting a bit intrigued.

Drex frowned and sighed. "There is one difficult detail. As Diane and I have gotten to know each other, she has told me in confidence of a... situation she is dealing with... but, she told me in confidence... I'm not suppose to tell anyone else. I want to help her Xavier... but I'm unsure how to do that and remain honorable. You see the dilemma?"

"If it is for the best interest of your friend, doesn't that make it honorable?"

Drex's frown deepened a measure, "Our cultures have many similarities but also many differences." He let our another sigh. "I will tell you but I will ask you not to tell her how you found out. Better yet, find a way to help her situation without her finding out you were involved."

The Resolution's captain said nothing but his expression urged Drex to spill the beans, as it were.

"Her situation is this," Drex began pacing again, "She became romantically involved with a fellow intelligence agent. They had a son. They were on a mission and unfortunately, he did not make it back. Because of the classified nature of the assignment no details can be given about how he was killed." He looked at Xavier, "She didn't tell me so I really can't say," he resumed his pacing, "Anyway, because of all that Rick's parents, that was his name, will not let Diane see her son the only reason being that Diane won't divulge any of the circumstances. The boy, Toby is his name, was staying with Rick's parents while they were both on this assignment. The parents have forbidden any contact... but I do believe Diane calls them now and then to check on her son. Diane and I have not spoken about this in a long time but I suspect nothing has changed." Drex stopped pacing and faced Xavier once more, "So, now that you have this information, what will you do? I can't pretend to know anything about your cultures civil laws or even if any of them pertain to this. I would help her but I pretty sure that would make me guilty of kidnapping, which I know is frowned upon in the Federation."

"Well, there are civilian courts that would deal with that," Xavier replied. "Is there anything that would indicate the child is in danger, which would warrant a rescue?"

"To the best of my knowledge, no," Drex answered, "To hear Diane tell it, Rick's parents are being... assholes. That term doesn't translate well to Klingon, but it sounds rather derogatory."

"Well it could be fear on their part. Fear of losing their only thing they have left of their son." Xavier stated, "Perhaps if she's situated in one place, rather than in the field. Where they feel he would be safe, it could offer some comfort knowing that he would have a safe place to visit, or call home."

Drex considered this. "Knowing what I do about your culture, I can agree with that assessment. I also must disagree with Rick's parents in them not letting Diane have any contact at all with her son. There has to be some sort of compromise."

"Not agreeing with them Drex..." as he started pulling on his beard. "I do have an idea, but it would require me contacting Rick's parents myself, inviting them on the ship as VIPs. Its a large ship, state of the art. Safest ship around."

Drex nodded slowly, "You would do me an honor to aid a friend of mine."

"Give me a few days to locate them, and contact them, I will see what I can do."

"Thank you Xavier. You have no idea what this means to Diane."

"Now something has been on my mind, if I'm going to be honest with you."

"I'm sure you're well aware by now I appreciate honesty," Drex told him seriously. "But let me guess. Is this thing on your mind the possibility of hostilities between our governments?"

"Sources state that there have been 'skirmishes' between our two people, Captain Sisko's reports state that the Klingons have boarded and killed most of the crew of a Federation patrol ship."

Drex's expression went neutral. "I am aware of the skirmishes. All I can say at this time is, since I work for the Klingon Intelligence I'm granted a certain amount of lee-way regarding such things. However, if the High Command gives the order, I'm afraid I have to follow." He began pacing again seemingly speaking to himself as he thought out loud. "The Gree'tok is the only Klingon ship in this system at this time. Since we're suppose to be negotiating with you and the Mentarins, that also gives me some lee-way. I have an idea. Let's agree to talk to each other before we indiscriminately start shooting at each other. I can see that as the only honorable path provided nothing else changes our... unique situation." Now Drex looked directly at Xavier, "What do you say Xavier?"

"That would be in the best interest for both of us. Diane has informed us about a weakness in your ship's system, and a way to disable the Gree'tok. I have to be honest, I have had the Resolution prepare to use it, if necessary."

One corner of Drex's mouth turned up in a half-smile. "Mentioning that is honorable... but she didn't know if we've rectified that weakness, did she?"

"I think she knows you well enough to know you would have it fixed already."

Drex's half smile dissipated, "Yes, indeed it is fixed but let us not squabble about things that may or may not happen. We are too honorable for that childishness. At this point in time there is just as good a chance nothing will happen. We should focus on the present and solve this Orion problem on Mentar and finish our negotiations."

"Absolutely, but fools rush in with no plan." Xavier replied as he moved a crate from the corner. "Scotch aged 100 years. Finest, and most expensive money can buy. I'll trade you, for a crate of your best on the Gree'tok."

"We are not fools Captain. We have a plan and we also have contingency plans." The Klingon eyed the scotch lustfully. "I happen to have an aged Warnog aboard that should make for a fair exchange."

"Shall we say to celebrate our successful negotiation that will benefit both of our peoples. No matter what happens between our people. We will offer protectorate status for the Mentarins, that's the plan currently. If we are at war, that would mean bad news for them down there. They need the help that we can offer, without getting caught up in our politics."

"Agreed." Drex replied, "I shouldn't admit this... but... the High Command cares little for the Mentarins. The Council is too short sighted to see that if the Mentarins ruin their environment and die off as a result, they won't be able to supply the resources the Empire craves from them."

"It's honestly not surprising. No offense." Xavier replied. "The main problem that Klingons can tackle is the Orions. We will make sure the Mentarins keep their end up, no matter what our stance is."

"No offense taken," Drex answered, "And... am I to understand that your Federation and Starfleet will help the Mentarins meet their end of the bargain for both our governments? ...so long as we, the Klingons, keep the Orions from interfering?" he asked in mock surprise.

"That will be part of the agreement."

"In my estimation, that will be a good agreement," Drex answered, "It will let our people work to their strengths... take no offense, I'm sure the Starfleet could best the Orions in a fight, but your real strengths are in helping those in need."

"None taken... now let's not say anything to anyone about this discussion as it is supposed to be saved for the negotiations... I figured talking with you first would be best alone."

Drex nodded, "You are wise beyond your years Xavier."