Final Glory: New Lessons and Old Rivals

Posted on Thu Jan 23rd, 2025 @ 3:43pm by Captain Mikoto Misaka & Lieutenant Commander Lurath, Son of Grogori

2,065 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Atlantic Trouble
Location: Shuttle Bay

Lurath stood outside the shuttle bay doors. A bottle of Bloodwine in his hand that was given to him by his father. He had several stored away, but to take one out for an old warrior like Rorek was a sign of honor, especially if it was his favorite vintage. A favorite vintage that the Dahar Master shared with his father. His old friend and blood brother. He remembered hearing of their great adventures an hanging on their every word. Sure the tales of two Klingon Warriors could be exaggerated, but it didn't matter. As a young boy, Lurath couldn't wait to have his own adventures and achieve his own glory. Maybe even be able to tell it himself in the same over embellished way.

"Nervous?" the voice of Captain Misaka said from behind him. She was only a few steps away from him, having made her way over from the holodeck. Instead of the Captains Uniform she had been wearing on the holodeck, she had returned back to her Starfleet Uniform for this greeting.

"Dahar Master Rorek is an admired warrior. He wouldn't have achieved the title otherwise." Lurath replied, looking over to Misaka. "I still have no idea why he has come all this way to see me. A part of me is concerned it may have to do with my family. Perhaps they are in danger or hurt in some way. A Rival house could be attempting to make a move on them."

"Whatever the reason. We will find out soon." Misaka said as she stepped towards the doors. They opened and she led the way into the shuttlebay just as a Klingon shuttlecraft began to come through the containment forcefield.

Lurath walked in, watching the Klingon shuttle arrive and begin its decent. A part of him felt like a kid again, but a part of him still held on that this may be some kind of emergency. The Dahar Master wouldn't just come out all this way for something that could have easily been conveyed over a com channel.

The shuttle finally touched down, with its opening facing the two Starfleet Officers, to allow them to see them as they exited. Once the doors of the shuttle bay began to close, the entrance to the shuttle opened as the ramp began to lower, revealing the Klingons inside. All adorning various Klingon Uniforms, except for the one in the middle. He was was older and his baldric was decorated in various awards and medals. He carried a thick staff with him as he made his way down the ramp, accompanied by a jackal mastiff adorned with a spiked collar.

Lurath quickly spotted the Dahar Master Rorek. It was obvious. The Klingon with the many accolades on his baldric and the thick furry coat over his shoulders. A smile formed on Lurath's face. Behind him was another Klingon. Hodaq, the Dahar Masters son and apprentice. Lurath and Hodaq were good friends who trained together.

He also spotted another student he trained with, although his arrival made his smile fade. Goka, with the same cocky look on his face. Goka was no friend of his. In fact, he made Lurath's time as challenging as it could be. Always making jokes about his half lineage. Seeing that petaQ only brought back old memories and caused Lurath's fist to clench.

The third, however, Lurath had no idea who she was. She was attractive for a Klingon woman, but he didn't recognize her at all. She wasn't there when he was training with the Dahar Master, so she must have joined when he left. She seemed strong and had a presence about her that Lurath couldn't shake.

As Rorek approach, Lurath immediately smiled and stepped forward. "Dahar Master Rorek. It is an honor to-"

Rorek waved his hand as he let out an annoyed groan. "Enough with the formalities, Lurath. No need to make a show of it. Leave that for the younger Klingons who still wear their pride and honor on their sleeves." The old man let out a chuckle and approached Lurath. "Let me take a look at you, boy." He handed Hodaq his staff before placing his gloved hands on the hybrid's shoulders. Rorek looked at him oddly, groaning slightly as he narrowed his eyes, before finally commenting. "You're too skinny. I hope Starfleet hasn't dulled your senses either." He took a step back and shouted. "ke'chaw!" (Defend yourself)

Without any hesitation, Rorek clenched his fists and began throwing jabs at Lurath, who countered by deflecting them with the hand that didn't hold the bloodwine. The Dahar Master let out a few shout and grunts as the young hybrid deflected every shot that came at him. The old Klingon was still as quick and strong as ever.

"Enough!" Rorek shouted before letting out a chuckle. He took a step forward again, placing his hands back on Lurath's shoulders. "You see, my boy. This old warrior is still as quick as ever." He let out another hearty laugh, patting Lurath on the shoulder, before looking over to Misaka. "Forgive me, Captain. An old teacher making sure his former student is still sharp." He patted Lurath on the side of the face and smiled again. "And the best part... he managed to protect the bloodwine. A true Klingon indeed." Rorek let out another chuckle.

To say Misaka was a little surprised would be an understatement. Although she had dealt with Klingons before, she hadn't expected something like this. She stepped forward towards the older Klingon. "I'm not sure if Commander Lurath has already informed you. But, I am Captain Mikoto Misaka, the Commander of this ship." She told him a hung of pride in her voice. "I welcome you all aboard the Ermiana."

"I stand welcomed." Rorek replied as he extended his hand to grasp his staff again. "I am Dahar Master Rorek and this is my son, Hodaq. He serves as my apprentice." He said as Hodaq stood at attention. Rorek turned slightly face the others. "These are my students. Goka, Son of Kretok and Tahlova, Daugther of Losh." As the old Klingon introduced them, both Klingons stood at attention. "They, along with Lurath, will be my last students." Rorek said as he turned to face Misaka.

"Your last, Master Rorek?" Lurath said with a raised brow.

"Yes, my boy. I am stepping down from my lessons and allowing my Hodaq to take over. He will be beginning with a new generation of students. A legacy all his own to mold with Mok'bara." Rorek replied as he placed a hand on Hodaq's shoulder. "He has walked this path with pride and honor. Now, he must begin a new path."

Hodaq nodded his head slightly. "A path you have prepared me for, Father."

"Nonsense." Rorek replied with a smile. "You did it all on your own. Unless your mother asks and then you say you did it with her encouragement." He soon laughed again as Hodaq joined him. When the laughing subsided, the old Klingon turned to face Misaka again. "That is what brings me here, Captain. It is my final act, as Mok'bara Master, to give these Klingons their final test and bestow upon them the title of master." He turned to face Lurath. "All three of them."

Misaka crossed her arms. "What does this 'test' entail?"

"I demonstration of ones knowledge of the the Mok'bara and of one's self, Captain." Rorek replied happily. "Some believe that Mok'bara is about becoming a better warrior. A better fighter. It is possible, yes, but it is more about finding a balance inside yourself." He placed a hand on Lurath's shoulders. "As a young man, this warrior here needed to find his balance. A child of two words struggling to find his way."

Hodaq took a step forward and spoke softly. "Father, perhaps Lurath wishes to keep such things behind him."

Rorek looked over to Hodaq and flash a slightly stern look before smiling. He patted Lurath's shoulder again and turned back to face the Captain. "My son is right, Captain. There is no need to remain on what was, when there is a need to focus on what is." He removed his hand and gripped his cane slightly before adding. "We thank you for your hospitality. My students will behave themselves while onboard your fine, Starfleet, ship." Rorek soon shouted. "Isn't that right, Students?!!"

All three students stood at attention. Even Lurath tenses up and straightened up as if doing so on reflex. The three shouted back. "Yes, Dahar Master!" Before easing up again.

"If they do not... 3 hours of exercises in the Holodeck. Perhaps, for fun, I will throw in some Targ chasing as well." He looked back to the three Klingons behind him and smiled deviously. "In the mud and heavy rain." He lapped the bottom of his cane on the floor and added. "In nothing but your training gear."

The students let out an uncomfortable groan, remembering this type of punishment and how difficult it was. All of them, even Lurath, had to do it often when they butted heads. It was the Dahar Master's favorite punishment to go to when either of them acted up. The chasing of the Targ was meant to help, but the combination of the mud, heavy rain, and lack of protection is what made it difficult.

Rorek turned back, his eyes locked with Lurath. "You remember that one very well, don't you, Lurath."

"I do, Dahar Masters." He replied with a nod.

"As I recall, you've needed it more than once when you began your training." Rorek said sternly before a smile appeared. "But there is no need to fall back on such things because these fine warrior will not need it. Because, causing trouble on board, will not only be a dishonor to them but also their master. And, they wouldn't want to dishonor their master, would they?"

"No, Dahar Master!" The three Klingons shouted again in unison.

Misaka smirked as she crossed her arms. "I might have to obtain a copy of that program from you Dahar Master," she said. "I can put it to good use when my own officer's step out of line." she chuckled to herself imagining the Junior Officers being forced to chase a Klingon targ through the mud in pouring rain.

"Well, Captain..." Rorek smiled again, nodding his head slightly, as he gripped his cane firmly. "I thank you for your hospitality and your time. For the moment, I believe its best to get settled in. I am sure you and your Chief of Security have much to do."

"He can at least show you to your quarters," Misaka said as she looked over at Lurath. "And you are more than welcome. If there is anything you need, then please let one of the command staff know." she added.

Lurath looked over to Rorek. "The Captain is currently engaged in a holoprogram with other senior members of the senior staff."

"I see." Rorek replied, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked to Misaka before turning to Lurath. "And you could not attend due to my visit, I take it?"

"No. I mean yes." Lurath replied hesitantly before taking a moment to think. "Yes, you're visit did prevent me from going, Dahar Master. However, I would not have had much fun given the setting."

"Not enough chance for battle?" Rorek question before placing his hand on Lurath's shoulder.

Lurath chuckled back. "Yes. Even so, it was something I wasn't familiar with and would have probably felt uncomfortable."

Rorek nodded his head slightly. "I understand. We can't throw the Captain and her staff into a famous Klingon Battle, expecting them to know why its important and how much fun it would be for someone like us." He gave Lurath a devilish smile before letting out another chuckle. "Not many would enjoy the blood shed like us Klingons would."

"Well then," Misaka said. "I'll leave you to it then." She smiled at the Dahar Master. "I hope you enjoy your time here on the Ermiana."

Posting by:

Captain Mikoto Misaka
Commanding Officer
USS Ermiana

Lieutenant Commander Lurath
Chief of Security/Tactical
USS Ermiana

Dahar Master Rorek
Klingon Dahar Master

Goka, Son of Kretok
Klingon Stident

Tahlova, Daugther of Losh.
Klingon Student

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