Whats your take

Posted on Fri Dec 17th, 2021 @ 9:52pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Marisa Sandoval & Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: After Going forward

Xavier watched the window. As they both sat there, waiting on the second officer, with her relationship to the Klingon Captain, she would be the best one to give her opinion on him, and possibly actions he may or may not take given the certain situation regarding the new development.

"Glass of water Commander?" He offered.

"No, thank you," she said, her mind still on recent events. "Help yourself if you want one."

At that moment Diane walked in and greeted her crewmates, "Captain, Commander." After reading their expressions and body language she went on, "Would I be correct in assuming you wanted to speak about Drex and how the negotiations went?"

"As well as them dropping out of the Khitomer Accords with the Federation." Xavier replied.

Diane stood with her hands folded behind her back. "I've received a brief from Starfleet Intelligence this morning. All they're reporting at this time is that the Empire is taking on a more aggressive posture. It's not just the Khitomer and Mentar accords. Something is brewing but there are no details yet. I'm hoping Drex may share some information after he's talked to his superiors."

Marisa raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't bode well. I hope we do hear more."

"Drex seems kind of agreeable that we aren't the enemy, that we shouldn't fight each other with what's on the horizon."

"He will follow orders from his superiors," Diane added, "But he won't fight in a dishonorable fashion."

"Even against the son of the man who slaughtered his parents, and three siblings?" Xavier replied. "In Klingon culture he has every right to avenge their deaths against me." He knew Drex had stated that he righted his fathers wrongs. But, there was still slight concern.

Diane's eyes narrowed, "Well, now there's a tidbit I didn't know about." She relaxed her posture a measure, "Be that as it may, I'm reasonably certain you've earned a bit of respect from him. I can't wait to hear how that happened."

"I murdered my father, saving a group of civilians he was about to slaughter. They may have been the enemy, but they were innocents. I became one of the first humans to set foot in the Cardassian Dotapa Council chambers."

Diane tilted her head in amazement, "That is impressive."

"I was there for the signing of the end of the war. Those civilians were families of the council. Fathers, mothers, daughters. Going back further. He had done it so many times in the name of the Federation."

"So you father was somewhat... unethical?" Diane asked, "It's a good thing you didn't follow in his footsteps."

"I knew what was right... and he was not."

Marisa remained quiet. She'd heard the Captain's story and so let him explain it to the other woman.

"Anyway... let's not dwell on the past shall we. We have a Klingon bird of prey breathing down our neck, that's our more immediate concern. If you say he won't attack I will take your word for it." He paused. "What else did your briefing say."

Diane pursed her lips before speaking, "At this point, the best information we'll have will come from Drex. In fact, Starfleet Intel is waiting for that as well. Isn't the two hour window he gave us nearly up?"

"We are just awaiting his call. I've sent an invite over here to finish this."

Diane nodded. "Which of the Mentarin delegation is giving up a pinkie?" she asked with a hint of mirth.

"Being my call to use it. I will. Tremaine seems like he is willing."

Tremain would be a good choice, "Marisa said. "He seems open to receiving help."

At that moment a signal came from the bridge indicating an incoming transmission. It was the Klingon Captain they'd been waiting to hear from.

"Captain Carey." Drex offered a toothy grin, "We will need to perform the Iw bIQtIqDaq jah. Have you decided which of your digits to give up?"

"My index finger on the prominent hand is usually the custom... is it not."

"It is, but any finger is acceptable, and even in some cases a toe has been used," Drex replied.

"We shall stick to the customary finger." Xavier replied. "I'll meet you at your ship in ten minutes. Make sure your blade is sharp."

"OH, it's the sharpest it's been in a long time Captain," Drex replied.

"Ready... contact Tremain Commander Sandoval." He replied. "Captain... have your strongest alcohol ready."