Iw bIQtIqDaq jah

Posted on Fri Jan 7th, 2022 @ 3:40pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Marisa Sandoval

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: IKS Gree'Tok
Timeline: Two hours after Negotiations

Xavier beamed onto the bridge, of the Klingon ship. Along with the small group which included Tremain who had agreed to donate the customary index finger.

"The things I do for this job I swear Commander. But I think I am giving up a smaller thing than you are." Xavier replied Turning to the commander.

"Maybe, maybe not," Drex replied. Behind him stood his ship's physician, Ael, and the rest of his bridge crew. "When ever you're ready we can get started."

"Very well." He replied as he awaited where to go.

Sandoval gave the Klingons a half-bow in greeting.

"My first officer, Commander Sandoval, has decided to remain on planet to make sure the plans go how they are supposed to. Will you be having someone remain for the interest of the Empire." Xavier inquired as he approached.

"Yes," Drex answered, "and I will leave explicit instructions for them to work closely with your commander and the Mentarins. That should ensure there are no misunderstandings."

"I appreciate that," Marisa said.

"Who will be your representative?" the Captain asked.

"Ghob and Gharwl' will be staying." Drex answered, "I have a feeling they'll be able to assist your commander competently."

"Sounds good." He replied as he looked over to Tremain who although looked nervous, nodded in agreement. "We are ready."

"Excellent," Drex exclaimed, "Now, just so we're all clear, this is a pact sealing our three peoples into an agreement on the Mentarin ore the Federation and Empire needs. The Federation and the Empire will buy the ore, at a fair price, from the Mentarins and the Mentarins only. No middlemen. The Federation and the Empire will provide security for that trade and, technological and medical expertise to aid the Mentarins. The details are outlined in the agreement that has already been signed by the appropriate representatives of the Menrtarin people, the Federation, and the Klingon Empire." Then in a more solemn tone he asked, "Are we ready for the Iw bIQtIqDaq"

Xavier looked at the index finger of his right hand. "As per custom no reattachment of said digit is to be done."

"You know Klingon customs better than most," Diane said.

"You have chosen a good man to work for Diane," Drex added.

"Which one will you give up this time?" Diane asked Drex.

"I cannot give up the trigger finger," Drex said sounding almost sad, "It'll have to be the third finger this time." He held up his left hand and showed everyone present that his pinkie was already gone.

"Understandable. Klingon weapons still use a trigger whereas Federation has moved from triggers to a button." Xavier paused. "I wish there was more on the line for my side. You have your honour, I have no personal things at stake."

Marisa watched quietly. She had not seen this ceremony performed before.

"There is more than you suspect on the line Captain Carey. Our ship's doctor, Grog, will make sure we don't bleed out." Drex said as the doctor handed him a cha''etlh pe'wI'. Drex put the instrument around his third finger, closed his eyes, and squeezed. A prominent 'cluck' was heard and the digit dropped into a ceremonial bowl that was on the table. Grog immediately began tending to Drex's wound.

The First Officer was glad that a doctor was present. Even without one, as long as they had bandages, the men wouldn't bleed out, but this was definitely the better option.

Drex set the cha''etlh pe'wI' on the table. "Who would like to go next?"

Stepping forward, Xavier picked up the knife, wiped the blood on the provided cloth, spun the knife around several times. Taking a deep breath he sank the blade into the knuckle and twisted, popping the bone out of socket and another slice to get rid of other skin.

Pain was going through his hand now, as it was bloodied with one less digit that now lay in the bowl next to Drex's.

Tremain stepped forward, and he too wiped the blood of the federations captain off the blade. Hesitation, as he placed the blade to his finger. Turning to Xavier. "May I have some assistance."

Nodding, taking the blade... he placed the blade at the base of his knuckle. "On the count of three."

Tremain nodded.

"!.... 2..." Quickly he sunk the blade in, gave it a pop, and twisted slightly, and the finger lay in the bowl. "3"

Tremain's eyes widened and filled with tears as the pain was intense. "You said on three."

Ignoring the comment. "What do you mean Captain... what more is at stake."

"It's been my experience that these pacts often lead to unintended consequences for those involved," Drex explained seriously, "There is always more at stake than we think at first." Then he uncharacteristically shrugged, "Maybe, maybe not. Time will surely tell."

"Then we shall ride whatever comes together." Xavier replied as he pressed the offered cloth against his wound. "This planet binds the two of us... kind of makes us... family." He chuckled. "I guess that does make it personal for both sides."

Sandoval, watching the three men, had every intention of ensuring that they all kept that promise. It wasn't that she doubted any of them, but she knew that the Orions wouldn't let go of this planet very easily.

"It does indeed," Drex replied. "This is not an oath to be entered into lightly. I think you already know that though."

Turning to Diane, he looked to the second officer. "With the Commander taking a leave to assist these people on the planet for what should be six months. I'm going to need a temporary replacement. You are next in line."

"I'm well aware of that Captain." Diane replied knowing she really wasn't prepared for a command position. On the other hand, the experience would look good in her record. Doing double duty as first officer and chief of the ship's intelligence department didn't exactly make her happy but it wasn't the worst thing that could happen. She would have to find ways to streamline both positions. "And I'm ready to do the best I can."

"That's all either of us can do Commander." Xavier replied nodding. "We are one digit less Captain. Is there anything more to be done with the ritual?"

Marisa nodded in agreement.

"There is one other thing we should all know, well, I already know it, but you both need to know," Drex said quietly nodding to both Tremain and Xavier, "To keep our honor in tact, we will aid each other when needed no matter what our respective government's say." He didn't sound as confident as he wanted. There was something brewing on Q'onos and he had to find out what.

"Anything? Captain, it sounds like something already has come up."

"That possibility is always a real one," Drex answered in a somewhat cryptic manner.

"A discussion perhaps in private," Xavier muttered low enough for no one to hear. With the ritual complete, the negotiations were finished. "Whos up for alcohol, loud music, and perhaps a few bar fights. Heavy in alcohol."

"Yes. Bloodwine," Marisa said. "A fitting drink to celebrate, don't you think?" Although she had no doubt this was only the beginning and there was still a long road to go before the Mentarins had what they needed to prosper.

"I was thinking harder alcohol."

"Warnog?" Ael asked.

"That what I was thinking."

Marisa raised an eyebrow. She'd never had warnog before.

"Think of blood wine, just ten times stronger Commander." Xavier replied.

"It has a fuller, richer taste also," Diane added with a smirk.

"Warnog it is!" Drex bellowed, "To the galley!" He pointed in the air and headed to the bridge's exit.