The Klingon planet Ganarra III is a system that lies a half a parsec from the infamous "Triangle". It is a planet with a star fortress in orbit and minor base planetside.

Krantz tai Barshtoc finds himself on the base, taking the open position of customs agent to the alien ships that frequent the base at Khaval's insistence. It is a menial position but his friend had informed him that although menial, it would give him the opportunity to join the crew of the Ripper by the Fusion's words.

So far he spent a week learning his duties and another performing them. On the beginning of the 3rd week, after a day of more meaningless customs work, he gets a communique from Khaval to meet what passes for the the local drinking establishment.

 The transfer to this backwards place had not made Krantz's heart sing with joy. But he trusted his friend,as much as a Klingon might trust a non-Line brother. He would have done almost anything for a chance to get a position on a war ship. So, with the promise of better things, he girded his loins, embraced the position of customs agent,and did his duty.

 When Krantz received the communique, it was all he could do not to release a shout of joy. But he was Klingon, and such an open show of emotion was not for the eyes of Security, that watched him always, or such was is opinion. He headed to the Entertainment place. AKA dive, after he made sure his Disruptor was fully charged,and his blades sharp.

Khaval walked in with 3 other warriors - two navy & a marine. As they came in, Khaval looked your way but said or did nothing to acknowledge you. They all took a seat 15' away from Krantz.

Khaval gets up from his seat and goes to the bar and speaks to the Tellarite barkeep. After a few moments, the barkeep gives the fusion 4 mugs. He returns to the group but still not acknowledging Krantz presence. A few minutes pass.

The barkeep comes to Krantz's table with a mug of blood wine.

"On the house for a great warrior of the empire", he says in a low voice.

Before Krantz can make sense of the barkeep's words, he saw the note attached to the bottom of the mug.

Taking the note & reading it, it says...

Be ready, my friend - your chance to join Ripper's crew is at hand

...No doubt written by Khaval.

  Krantz sat at the bar, he was about to order another fruit juice,when a goblet of blood wine was sat before him. The note was from his comrade, and was read,then destroyed. He raised the Blood wine,and a silent toast was made to the Komerex Zha,and he drained half of the wine, then made ready for whatever was to come.

Several minutes pass by. After about alomost a half an hour, another group of Klingons comes through the door. They are all Romulan Fusions Krantz notices as they take seats at the bar.

One of Khaval's group gets up and heads for the bar, empty mugs in hand to be refilled and finds himself close to the Rom fusions. Words are exchanged between the rom fusions and the one from Khaval's group but Krantz cannot hear as he is some distance away.

Suddenly the one from Khaval's group yells, "P'tak", and draws his D'tagh. One of the rom fusions does the same and they engage in battle. The rom is no stranger to this and defeats and kills the one from Khaval's group just as troops from the garrison enter - no doubt alerted to the bar by silent alarm from the bartender.

The roms & Khaval's group are rounded up and questioned on the spot. Two tropers approach you and question you and you say what you saw. More troopers arrive and the body is taken away and the rom fusions escorted out the bar.

After its all over, Khaval looks over and acknowledges Krantz.

"Krantz? Is that you?"

 Kratnz, watched the fight with a critical eye, more to the level of training and skill of those with his friend, and potential ship mates. He drained the goblet of blood wine and demanded another. When the Troopers asked what he had seen, Krantz grunted " I was drinking Blood Wine, and that was my only concern in this place. I saw nothing of interest."

  When the mess had been cleaned up,and the Security detail departed. his friend made his move. Krantz raised his hand in greeting.

 "Khaval, you and your friends fought well against those..... others. Kai Krantz!"
 He raised his blood wine vessel and drank deeply.

"The half-rom fought well, our previous weapons officer showed he was more officer than weapon" the Marine said matter of factly.

"Kuur was many things but someone not to handle his blade or his blood wine with much sense", the Navy one said. "Should have practiced more and drank less...The fool."

"We will need a new weapons officer; Ripper will be underway after shore leave", Khaval said. "Say Krantz, you were trained as weapons officer - I can persuade the Captain to take you on. I see by your uniform you are attached to the local starport but I don't see why I cant put in the recommendation to the Captain...What say you?"

 Krantz played his part, in this play that Khaval had authored for his benefit.He looked thoughtful for a brief moment,then responded. " My duties here are vital to the well being of the this Station. But, there is little honor in it, or opportunity for  glory. I would welcome a chance to serve a worthy Captain aboard War Ship. Yes, I would welcome a chance to serve with you all." Krantz looked at the others with a stern expression, daring anyone to challenge his worth. But it was going to happen, sooner or latter.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Mon 09 Feb 2015.

"It is settled - I will confer with him...Expect an answer within a day or two."

"If this one is possibly joining our crew, perhaps he can join us in a few mugs of Warnog and tell me and Kas here about himself since Khaval knows of you already?", the Marine said, gesturing to their table.

"An excellent suggestion! Come join us - unless you have duties pending?", Khaval said.

  The others where at least interested in speaking with Krantz,but he knew that was on Khaval's endorsement. He would not fail his friend or this opportunity. Krantz nodded.

 " This one is honored, to drink with fellow Warriors and Officers of the Empire."

  The Weapons Officer banged the bar of the Servitor attendant.

 "Warnog, Warnog! we have need a a proper drink to toast the Komerex and the Emperor."

 Krantz felt a glimmer of a strange emotion, one he had not felt in a long time, Hope. He would seize this opportunity by the throat, and make it give him what he wanted. He roared with laughter.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Fri 13 Feb 2015.

Krantz sat with his friend and the officers of the Ripper. When the conversation strayed to Krantz family line, Khaval expertly interjected and turned the conversation to other subjects, knowing what other Klingons might think of Krantz father's "infraction" with Imperial Security.

The meeting ended well and they parted ways but Khaval reiterated that he would speak with the command of his ship of him.

True to his word, two security personnel came the next day to the customs post and asked for Krantz to accompany them to the military base to transport to the Star Fortress orbiting Ganarra 3 and meet with the captain of the Ripper - Captain Kobos.

Upon transporting to the orbiting fortress, Khaval was there to meet him at the Ripper's airlock.

"I will accompany this one to the captain - you are dismissed."

The two security officers nodded and left back toward the fortress.

Khaval gestured for Krantz to follow him into the airlock and into the destroyer's interior.

"I have spoken with the captain and first officer of you and I have no doubt they will take you on - there are no replacements to be had and to wait would put the ship at the fortress for more weeks and the captain is eager to return to space."

They entered a nearby turbolift. As the door closed, Khaval said, "Bridge" and the lift began to move.

"You must know, Krantz: Kobos is aware of your father's infraction...He will no doubt bring this up in his interview of you. However I have no doubt that he will accept you - you are an excellent & capable officer and he is in no position to wait for a replacement from the high command", he said to him as the lift made its way to the bridge.

  As soon as his boots touched the deck plates of the Warship, Krantz felt himself become taller, stood more erect,and felt that his journey had really just begun. His time in customs was what a human might have called Purgatory. But now, he had a chance to earn his own glory and name beneath the Naked Stars. Let the Game begin.

 He listened to his friend explain, what was to come. When his darkened past was said to be brought up by the Ripper's Captain, Krantz nodded. " Of course, this need not be said. No matter how the interview falls, I shall not forget what you did, this day,Khaval. I say it again, for it is only fitting. You honor one,that until recently,felt he had no honor. I shall not forget." Krantz was not one to take a debt of honor, lightly. But he would seek to balance the scales between them,as soon as possible. No Klingon wanted to find himself in the position of being leveraged by another, honor debt or not.

 He made one last quick inspection of his uniform,and placed a hand upon his belt container,where his service record data chit was located. He was ready to face the Captain.

The turbolift stopped and both officers stepped out into a hallway. Khaval stepped to Krantz right.

"Im due on the bridge - that way lies the captain's office...I leave you."

Khaval left him and made his way to the bridge. Krantz went and stood before the captain's office doors and hit the chime.

The door opened with a hiss and a slight blast of warm air. The captain - Kobos - stood behind his desk.

"Enter" he said plainly with a serious tone. Once Krantz did so, Kobos looked at Krantz, scrutinizing him. After a long moment, he spoke.

"State your full name and title, your family house or line and rank & position", the captain said, starring hard at Krantz waiting for his reply.

 Krantz did as any new officer, that reported to his Captain, for the first time. He marched to stand exactly three paces front and center in front of the Captain's Desk. He went to ram rod attention,then spoke. " Krantz. house rank of tai. I am of the House of Barshtoc. Lieutenant, Weapons Officers>" He offered no more then asked of him, by the Captain. This was his only chance of winning back his honor,and earning glory, he was not about to ruin it with unwanted chatter.

"It would be wise for you to remember that...You father certainly never did it seems. I have need of a weapons officer and have no time to wait for command. Khaval knows of you and only Kahless knows why he recommended you highly despite the infraction your father is known for."

He produced an electronic tablet. he placed it on the table and slid it to Krantz.

"Your transfer is complete - you are now weapons officer of the Ripper. Review and sign this - we leave in a day...Now get out of my sight."

 Krantz, signed where indicated by the Captain. He came to attention, did an about face, and left the office in the best Academy march he could muster. When he was out in the corridor, he  asked the first crew member he saw, where the Quarter Master for the ship was located?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Tue 14 Apr 2015.

After Krantz got the location to the ship's quartermaster, he went in that direction. Arriving on the deck, he saw Khaval as he was halfway there.

"So, I guess things went well as could be expected?", he asked.

 When Krantz got his quarters aboard the Ripper squared away, he decided to explore. But no sooner did he begin his wanderings, then he ran into Khaval. He nodded to his friend. " Yes, I am now the Weapons Officer for this ship. The Captain was to the point, and all business." HE said to Khaval.

"That he is", was all Khaval would say further. "But you are here now - our first move made...Lets see how the rest plays, eh? The Ripper is a D-18, better than the old D-16s in my opinion. We will be patrolling the southern border of the Triangle - about a month or two out depending on what we encounter."

He handed Krantz an electronic pad with the ships schematics and deck layout.

http://www.terradyhne-yards.de...Pics/Kgullwingw1.jpg

"This will help until you are better accustomed to the ships interior."

 Krantz smiled, when his friend made mention of the first move was made,and seeing how the next moves would be made. " The Game is in full effect. Khaval. Let us make sure, we are several moves head upon the board." He took the Data pad,and activated it. Krantz made a quick study of the ship's  information. "Indeed, the Ripper is a worthy ship. I am honored to be a serving officer here. Is there a chance that I might be assigned to share your quarters? In that way, I can at least sleep more soundly then with a stranger."

"We don't share the same quarters but we are on the same deck - the captain likes to keep the imperials & the fusions as separate as possible", Khaval said.

"Get settled & I will meet you in the commissary in an hour - I have some news concerning your father's infraction."

 The words, from Khaval, as concerned his father made Krantz want to grab his friend by the shoulders and make his tell of his father. However, it was Khaval's intervention that got Krantz this assignment. So, all he did was smile and nod to his friend. " Yes, I need to store my few belongings,and get my bearings. I shall see you in one hour then." Krantz clapped Khaval on his shoulder, then headed down the corridor.

  He knew that he was to share quarters with another junior officer, he just hoped it was bridge personal,and not some Engineer. All they ever wanted to talk about was Engines, Warp fields,and what not. All Krantz needed to know,was weapons,and how to make them work. He arrived at the portal where he had been assigned. He activated the automatic door,and waited for the interior illumination panel to activate, before he entered. He found his hand slowly going to rest on the hilt of the Dagger at his belt. Perhaps it was just the comfort of the feel of  the hilt, but then again, he had no idea if anyone was inside, or how they would react to his presence.

Krantz found his new quarters easily enough. Currently they were empty and he took the time to stow his things. Afterward, he went to the Commisary.

There were no others there currently except for Khaval, a small cup and tray before him with a half eaten Rokegh Blood Pie. He grinned when he saw Krantz.

"We are between shifts right now and half the crew are on shore leave so we will be alone...Also I have made sure no one will be eavesdropping on our conversation - get something to eat if you wish and sit - I have information."

 The Weapons Officer made a quick look around the Officers mess,then walked over and took a platter. He was not that hungry, but the Pipius Calws looked alright. After he piled his platter, Krantz got a goblet of juice,then returned to sit opposite Khaval. "What information do you have,Brother?"

"My sources tell me your father saw something he was not supposed to - some project the empire is working on...I don't know the details yet but this project and your father's knowledge of it led to his branding by I.S.."

Khaval took a drink from a cup off his tray. "I wont know further until I am closer or on Klinzhai - I dare not dig further and risk discovery getting this information over subspace."

 The eyebrows of Krantz furrowed into a frown,as the words of the other Klingon where spoken. He snapped one of the Pipius claws in two, with a loud cracking sound. " If only this where the necks of Imperial Security." Then he thought that his words might well be overheard by the sensors of this Ship's Security. Let the petaQs listen then. " You have done well, so far, Khaval. But your caution is warranted, indeed." Krantz sucked out the meat from the cracked claw with relish.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Tue 28 Apr 2015.

"Forgive this one for not providing more - once we find ourselves closer to the homeworld, I will continue my discreet inquiries", Khaval said. "Be patient - we have a long patrol ahead of us."

  The Ripper arrived at the base on Ganarra III, to be docked for repairs and replacements.  Kaval had gone to file a report with the powers that be on the Base, leaving Krantz at loose ends, at least in the short term. He did not know if Kaval, a Human-Fusion, would remain in command, or be replaced with an Imperial, but one thing he did know, Kaj would head right to Imperial Security on the Star Fortress, and denounce him. He headed for the officers club to get a few drinks before his being taken in for questioning.

"Lieutenant?" a female voice said behind Krantz at the bar.

Krantz turned to see the interim communicatons officer, Kital - and upon closer inspection noted she was a Romulan Fusion.

"I was sent by Khaval - you are to report back to Ripper and meet him in the Captain's quarters."

 Krantz was just beginning to enjoy a tankard of war nog, when he heard his rank spoken. He turned to see the acting Communication officer standing next to him, and telling him he had to report to the Khaval. Krantz frowned. “I understand and shall report. But before you go, it seems I need to remind you of something. Until we are assigned a new Captain, you shall say Captain Khaval, when you speak of him. You may go." Krantz then ignored her, and concentrated on drinking his war nog.

 When he had taken only a few sips, the Weapons Officer got to his feet and headed out of the Officers Club. He booted feet moved him towards where the Ripper was berthed.

Kital nodded in deference and left the weapons officer.

Moving from star fortress to his destroyer in little time, he made his way past technicians and assisting servitors repairing the ship and arrived at the Captain's room.

The door opened and Khaval was looking at the monitor. He looked up and grinned.

"Come in, Krantz - I have news and need to discuss things of import with you."

 Krantz walked  into the Captain's ready room,and stood at attention for a brief moment,then relaxed. "The question that needs to be asked of me,are you to be made Captain of Ripper,Khaval?"

"Yes...And no."

Khaval got up from his seat and paced.

"Another destroyer - the Onslaught is coming to meet us. Captain Khlim is to lead us into the Triangle to attack the base."

Khaval's face took on the look of one annoyed. "I'm to guess they would trust an Imperial to lead the attack than a Fusion...No offense to the one before me, of course."

 The Weapons Officer regarded his Captain. “This one must speak his mind in this matter, with all respect. my Captain. If Imperial Fleet Command has decided to send another ship, and have its Captain led the punitive expedition…What of it? As long as you are made Captain of the Ripper, your future is as bright as a nova. And so what if this other Captain seeks to claim the glory of the expedition? We have retaken a ship for the Empire, and killed the traitors. Command knows these things, and even if they decide not to do what is wise, the Naked Stars know.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:22, Mon 17 Oct 2016.

Khaval turns to Krantz and regards him for a moment.

"This one knows you speak truthfully - it does not mean I have to like it however. In light of my field promotion, I am naming you my 1st officer - you will still keep your position as Weapons Officer...There is also another matter of need to discuss with you - your little threat on Kaj after retaking the ship."

 Krantz could not help but smile when his captain named him Executive officer to the Ripper. But alas, the smile quickly faded when Khaval made mention of the Kaj, and what Krantz had done. “It made sense to me, Khaval. Kaj is the only security officer that sided with us. Why did he not take his suspicions to the head of security on Ripper? I am wondering if he was part of the plot, and he had a change of heart. Something does not smell right about that one.”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Tue 18 Oct 2016.

"I spoke to him at length in Sickbay about that - most of the security force sided with the traitors and you also killed the head and his second with your 'Gambit' on the bridge. Coming to me was his only option - seeing that I am allies with a 'Security risk'."

Khaval walked back to his desk and took the computer monitor there and spun it to face Krantz, showing transfer orders of some kind.

"Kaj was going to report you to IS about your 'Disagreement' earier - I talked him out of it...In exchange for a promotion & transferring his Linemate marine captain as part of the new marine contingent. A new piece has been added to the board because of your actions - it was either that or you having another mark on your record and possibly being removed from Ripper altogether", Khaval said with an inflection of annoyance.

 Krantz felt his stomach turn over when the Captain told him about the “arrangement” made with Kaj. He looked at Khaval with a neutral expression. “This one regrets that you where place at a disadvantage in the game. I shall strive to make sure your position is not lessened by the addition of the new piece.”

 Krantz came then to attention. " This one his honored by the confidence place in him by his Captain. My oath, I shall not make him regret his decision."

"Im sure you wont...Once Onslaught arrives and delivers our new Marines, we will be on our way. I do not know much of Capt. Khlim but I will take his measure of him when he gets here - I will just have to research him in the meantime."

It was only a matter of days before Onslaught arrived. It was a D14 class Destroyer. After delivering its Marines and their Captain, M'van, Khlim called all of Ripper's bridge crew to meet on the Star Fortress's conference rooms to lay out his battle plan on attacking the IKS base in the Triangle.

Khaval and his contingent were there at the appointed time but waited for Khlim and his people.

"Khlim is running a little late", Khaval said. "Lets sit then", he said and took a chair.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Tue 02 July 2019.

When the appointed time came, the new task force commander was late, never a good sign. When Khaval took a seat, only then did Krantz. He watched the senior officers, taking pains to keep his expression neutral, when he looked at Kaj.

Kital & Korg spoke at the other end of the table. Khant large form tried to sit on one of the chairs but decided to stand after deciding - rightly - that it would not support him with comfort.

Kaj sat with eyes straight ahead, in his own thoughts.

They only waited for a minute then the doors opened to reveal Captain Khlim of Onslaught.

Khaval and his crew stood at his entrance.

"Captain Khlim I am Captain Khaval of Ripper - it is my - "

"Spare me your half human platitudes, captain", Khlim said sneering his position. "You have gotten lucky against the traitors...Commendable. Make no mistake, however - I am to lead this expedition to the IKS Base and destroy it...You will assist me in that endeavor."

"I understand. I have read the orders, captain...Ripper and her crew stand ready to serve the empire", Khaval said.

"Indeed...We depart in 24 hours. Repair whatever damage you have...I leave you."

Khlim turned and left as quickly as he came in.

"Charming", Khaval said rather grimly, after the doors closed.

  Krantz took the measure of the new Squadren commander,and he was not impressed. Captain Khlim should not show contempt to ones subordinates. Or at least, not so openly, it was poor gamesmanship.

" He setup his pieces and opened with a strong move,Captain. Perhaps you should respond with the reflective game." Offered Krantz in way of advice.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Mon 31 Oct 2016.

"Ive read his service record - in his captaincy he has served 2 years along the Kinshaya border and patrol duties for the last year near the Orion colonies - he is a good and intelligent captain despite the fact he is...Misguided in his views on Fusions. Those opening retorts at me were merely to show me who's in charge of the mission", Khaval said.

He turned to his fellow officers. "Infirmary", he said, looking at Korg.

"Ready to receive wounded & get them back to duty",, Korg replied.

"Engines."

"Warp power 90% restored - fully before we leave Ganarra", Khant said.

Khaval looked at Krantz next. "Weapons."

When Krantz's department was asked its status, the Weapon officer spoke up. “Disruptor and Photon torpedo systems, operating at full efficiency, Captain."

"Alright, lets head back to Ripper - we have preparations to make and traitors to terminate" Khaval said as he led his crew back to their ship.

The next 24 hours had Ripper ready for duty & battle. Upon clearance from the Star Fortress, both Ripper & Onslaught detached moorings and left for the Triangle at warp speed.

After the first few minutes, Kital broke into a war song. It was picked up by the others on the bridge. Even Khaval was singing now with a smile on his face and stone-faced Kaj as well was adding his voice to the war chant.

https://youtu.be/nNTVzwjEyb4

 Krantz coud not help himself, he joined in the song that he had known since he had been a boy. His spirits soared with the song and the thought of battle and glory to come. His fist hammered the weapons consul in time to the singing.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Sat 12 Nov 2016.

Ripper returned to Ganarra III and its orbiting Star Fortress. Once the destroyer was docked, repair tenders went to work as they moved into position to repair Ripper's hull damage while Fortress engineers coordinated with Khant's engineers to repair ship systems.

Khaval sent word to Imperial High Command concerning the IKS threat and they in turn sent 4 destroyers - two D-18b Destroyers named Fury & Terror - and two D4 Destroyers called Carnage and Talon.

Khaval and Krantz were on their way to meet with their captains on board the Star Fortress. As they walked the corridors, Khaval said to Krantz, "High Command has charged me with leading the mission this time...The two D2s will be especially useful as they are armed with 4 torpedo tubes facing forward - a nice surprise for the traitors when we find them."

 Krantz followed his Captain to the meeting, perhaps a strange sight, an Imperial Klingon, serving a Fusion.Such was not unknown, but avoided by the powers that be, within the Empire when possible.

 The First officer frowned when his Captain mentioned the IKS. “ I serve the Empire, and you,  my Captain. But what I now say,  is to my friend, not my Captain. I would rather do battle with the Romulans, or even the Humaaans, then the scraps of the IKV. Traitors need to exterminated, but there is little glory in such.”

Khaval nodded.

"They are enemies of the Empire - the klingons that chose to join the IKS are a bitter lot who felt the Emperor led us to defeat during the war against the Federation and fled to the Triangle after Kamato's failed coup. Now do i enjoy attacking those who who would be our fellow warriors? No - but we must for if we let them gain strength by recruiting from our own forces with their message of a new way, we will be fighting them constantly until we as an empire become weak and leave ourselves open to invasion from the Romulans or negotiating our territory away to the Federation."

As they rounded the corner & entered the Turbolift, Khaval continued.

"Despite the...Distaste of hunting traitors, every chance for glory - no matter how small or distasteful - are moves on the board in the Komorex Zha...Take solace in that when you target the enemy traitors."

 Krantz slowly nodded in response to his Captain’s words." You speak truth. May this one know what the coming plan is, for dealing with our misguided kin,my Captain?”

"Khant has a brilliant idea - that one has a large mind to match his size, it seems & it combines your plan of probes to scout ahead. Since the probes are equip only with sublight drives, Khant is upgrading a few probes with small micro-warp engines...Nothing fast - capable of warp 1 and the dilithium fuel will not last long but just enough to reach the systems we suspect and their inertia should be enough to scan the system and let us know which one has the base."

The Turbolift opened and as they exited, Khaval continued.

"Once we know which of the suspected systems has the IKS base, we will enter the system and destroy the base - hopefully before they get a chance to launch their attack - i just hope that it is just one base and not 2 or more staging areas...The IKS traitors can be so Khesting resourceful."

 " You speak the truth, My Captain. When ew locate the enemy, there will be a battle, the likes, that perhaps even the spirit of Khaless will take note of. Kai the Komerex!"

 When the turbo lift opened, Krantz was first off, not in a gesture of disrespected to Khant, but out of old tradition, in case of  an attempted assassination on a ships Captain.

Khaval let Krantz ahead, aware of his motive for doing so. After a few seconds, he exited the Turbolift & they continued on and entered a conference room where the 4 captains waited. One was a Romulan Fusion who had a thin moustache & goatee which gave him a devious appearance while the other was a Human Fusion but kept his hair and appearance in line more with an Imperial. The last two were Imperial Klingons - one wore his hair short and left his arms sleeveless while the other wore his hair long and wore a sash with his House emblem displayed prominently - Pallara, a well known house of the Imperial line.

They all saluted Khaval and as the Romuln Fusion was about to say something, the Human Fusion stepped forward & spoke first.

"Kentex, captain of the Fury", he said. "Ready to serve the Empire!"

The Romulan Fusion rolled his eyes at the Human Fusion stepping forward before he could speak.

"Kazar of the Destroyer Terror", the one Imperial said.

"Kuldair, Captain of the Torpedo Destroyer Talon", the other Imperial said.

"Kelmvor, Captain of Carnage, the Le'vek of the Empire", the Romulan Fusion said.

Khaval nodded. "Khaval of Ripper. This is my First Officer, Krantz", he said and gestured for all to be seated. As they sat, Khaval said, "You all have been briefed on the situation?"

"We all have", Kuldair of House Pallara said. "And your plan - sending single ships to collect probe data on the chance the traitors will be in one of these systems - "

"Yes, MY plan", Khaval said with forcefulness in his voice, "I am in command of this expedition to stop the IKS from gaining a foothold in in this sector & it is the plan we will execute."

Kuldair stopped speaking & was looked more in surprise than anger & let out a toothy grin and nodded in deference. "Of course."

"Each of your ships will be outfitted with one of our modified probes and go to the edge of the system - you will launch it and it will head into the system and scan for signs of ships or bases and once it finds such will sent its telemetry back...Sould your probe find the IKS presence, you will signal the rest of the fleet and we will destroy them and send them to Gre'thor or their hiding holes in the Triangle", Khaval said.

"Can the probes be detected?", Kelmvor asked.

"No - their sensors will be passive & they are small enough in size and power signature to remain undetected", Khaval answered.

"What of the strange IKS ship you encountered", Kuldair asked.

"I believe it is a new class the traitors cobbled together - perhaps the flagship of their offensive. I am confident we can destroy it & any other monstrosities they built with the fleet we have at our disposal", Khaval answered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:15, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

Roll Percentiles - your target # is your INT, LUC & Your Skill in Klingon History added together, divided by 3 and round up.

~ Almighty GM

 Target is 34 or less. IO rolled a 75

Krantz notices that Kudair of House Pallara was about to challenge Khaval's plan but Ripper's captain was having none of it with his quick response - this is not surprising, considering House Pallara is of an Imperial Line of a strong and powerful house.

Perhaps an attempt to undermine Khaval as Strike Leader - not unusual as House Pallara is of an Imperial line & would look down on a klingon fusion but Kuldair seemed surprised at Khaval's retort and spoke of it no further.

 Krantz stood to the  the right side of his Captain, ready for anything. He was the lowest rank in the conference room, so he knew his place ,and remained silent, during the briefing. But if anyone decided to even take Krantz's measure, the XO of Ripper's eyes constantly moved around his surroundings. like a predator seeking prey,

The rest of the meeting was going over Khaval's plan and the four captains part in it. After final details were discussed, Khaval ended the meeting & left the captains to make preparations, leaving Khaval & Krantz in the conference room alone.

"So - our captains assigned to this task...Thoughts?", Khaval asked of his second.

 Krantz,  seem to think a moment before he responded to his Captain's question. " Someone in higher authority wanted all three types of the Empire represented."

 " The captain of house Pallara will in the course of time leap on any apparent weakness of plan or action, on your part, to seize command. He is proud, arrogant, which might hinder his moves upon the board. But never assume is stupid, I but wonder why a captain of such a powerful house, commands a mere destroyer. He might think he has something to prove to highers up of line and command. He bears caution of a greater sort"

 " There is an obviously rivalry between the Fusions. Because of personal or because they are two different kinds, is yet to be seen. Perhaps you can use that to your advantage. The rest I cannot say I need additional data, before I draw  conclusions, My Captain."

"Perhaps the Pallara Captain was disgraced in some manner - from within his house or a rival", Khaval said. "Either way, he is the one im wary of and will do cusory research on while Ripper is under repair - but i do expect us to be ready to depart in 36 hours and im being generous with that estimate...Make sure Khant gets it done in less time, eh?"

  Krantz nodded. " The ship with be ready to depart on time, Captain. If there is nothing else, I shall attend to me duties, and made sure all departments are doing what must be done.

 Krantz departed and headed for Engineering to see how Khant and his people where hard at work. Upon arriving in the rear of the ship, Krantz  sought out Khant. " The Captain wishes to depart in 36 hours. What is repair status at this point?"

Khant is at an Engineering console when he looks up at Krantz & stops what he's doing for the moment.

"Impulse engines have been restored. Warp Engine repair is underway - we should have them under that time...Bridge repairs are almost complete, sir."

 Kranz nodded." Within 36 hours, Chief engineer. Do not disappoint me."

 Kranz then went to department heads to hear thier status reports. He could of heard such over inter-ship commo, but he liked the personal touch. Plus, no one would know when he would appear. It kept the crew on thier toes.

Krantz checked in on each Department Head. Kital, Khadaan & Kagan were the easiest and took moments. Korg was found in the Infirmary checking over supplies and saw Krantz coming in the door.

"Lieutenant Commander - how can this one be of service?", he asked as he came to attention forgetting the Data Pad he held in his hand.

  Krantz walked into Sick Bay through the sliding door. He did not answer the doctor, at first. But seemed to take the measure of the comportment. " As you where, Docter. This is a routine inspection." And that is what Krantz told Korg. And continued to inspect the sickbay.

As Krantz goes through his inspection, he finds everything in order and goes by Korg's desk. Glancing at what lies on the desk, he sees a datapad with its screen on and on its screen was the written work of Thought Admiral Kuvis epitai Varnak and his strategies on Klin-Zha.

 As Krantz was about to depart Sickbay, he spotted the data pad and what was on it. He took the data pad into his hand and studied it. " A worthy thing to read, Doctor. The Thought Admiral was one of the Masters of the game. Perhaps you would honor me one day across the game board."

"Thank you sir", Korg said. "Truth be told, i am reading it for twofold reasons - one, to get a better understanding of the game and two to gain an advantage on beating the Captain one day...From my watching you both in the Commisary, you both are evenly matched."

  " You department seems to be in order. I shall move to the next department." He headed out of the door.

 As Krantz walked the corridor of the ship to his next destination, he had a mental pause, about his next inspection.. Security.

 Krantz knew he had to be wary, when dealing with Security. His temper had already place him in the Security Officers disruptor sights. He would rather avoid this department, but as Executive Officer, it was his duty to inspect  all departments. To avoid Security was to show weakness, that could not be shown, or some under officer might start thinking promotion.

Krantz made his way to the security office and found Kaj there behind his desk standing looking over a Data Pad when he entered.

Kaj looked up at Krantz & nodded. "What do require of this one?", he asked plainly.

 Krantz waited for the sliding door to open to allowed him to enter Security. When he saw Kaj  Krantz both felt hatred and dread at the same time. But he spoke to answer. "Routine inspection of all departments Do you have anything to  report Lieutenant?" Said as Krantz looked the area over
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sun 23 Apr 2023.

Kaj went to his desk and gave Krantz a datapad.

"Interrogation results from the Kuve found at the IKS base."

As Krantz received the pad, Kaj added, "The Trill and two humanoid Xindi had no relevant intelligence to speak of - the Tellarite tried to escape while being placed into the Agonizer Booth and was killed when he managed to get his hands on a disruptor. The Ruddy Orion had no significant intelligence on the IKS but he was part of a Pirate group operating 7 parsecs from the base within the Triangle in a neutral system, Derigo - In the Federation sphere of influence - this information might prove useful in the future."

 Krantz listened to Kaj's report with a neutral expression. When the Security officer was finished, Krantz replied." Lieutenant, explained to me, how a prisoner in your charge, was not only able to get free of your men, but also got old of a weapon. I wait your explanation."

"The Marines who were placing him in the booth were the incompetent ones", Kaj said, matter of factly.

"My own security detail is still being replaced after the incident with those IKS turncoats", Kaj said with a sneer. "I have made note of their failure in this and with your permission, i would like to discipline the two despite the Marine Captain's protest of disciplining his own men."

(Krantz does remember the Marine Captain - M'van - is Kaj's Linemate ~ Almighty GM)

" I see." Said Krantz, with a neutral tone of voice. His expression gave no indication of his thoughts."

" Well, to make sure that the imcompetant ones are disciplined, we shall review the data from the internal monitors in your department. Please bring that up on the view screen, Lieutenant."

Kaj gave a simple nod and went to the viewscreen.

After tapping a few buttons, he called up the image of the two marines bringing the Tellarite to the Agonizer booth. As the marines were about to place the Tellarite into the booth, he took his shackled hands, balled them into fists and swung them into the face of the one marine, catching him by surprise and stumbling him back by the blow. The other reacted by grabbing the Tellarite from behind but the Tellarite threw his head back hard, hitting the marine in the face, breaking his nose and causing him to hit the floor.

The Tellarite was on top of him soon after, fumbling for his holstered Disruptor but the first guard recovered, pulled his own Disruptor and shot the Tellarite in the back. The Tellarite fell off the marine he was on top of, very much dead.

 Krantz watched the replaying of the situation between the  Marines and the Tellerate." Thank you Lieutenant. The names of the two Marines, shall be needed for my report."

Kaj tapped the buttons on the computer and after a few moments a computer card emerged. He handed it to Krantz.

"Their service records & video of the incident...Shall i go forward with disciplinary action?", he asked.

 Kranzt watched the surveillance recording without comment, until it concluded. " Shipboard discipline as concerns the crew, are my domain, in this instance.

"now to another mater, Lieutenant. When next I enter a compartment with you, I expected to be shown the respect I bear. I will left this pass.once. If you think an act of weakness on my part, you would greatly mistaken."

Kaj regarded Krantz for a moment.

"Not at all - i do respect your rank on this ship", he said. "But also do not regard my position on board this ship as inconsequential...Captain Khaval values you - The Naked Stars only knows why - but to me you are still a potential security risk to this ship, despite your actions against the IKS traitors."

" Do your duty, to this ship, and we will have no issue, Lieutenant. DO less then that, and we will have an issue."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Mon 11 Dec 2023.

 Krantz, departed security, and returns to his works space. He sent orders to the Marine Commander to sent the two Marine in question to report to him, ASAP>

After a few minutes, the two Marines arrive but they are accompanied by M'van, the Marine Captain.

"This one wishes to know why you have requested the presence of my men", M'van said as he had his men stand At Ease by the wall.

It is not unknown for Marine Commanders to stand with their men when Imperial Nany requests their presence.