“Your sister did not find it necessary to warn me about your posting to my command.” J’Klast HoD sat on the couch in the dingy office, which would require much work to bring it to a standard of his status and experience.  Lukara Soghla’ stood before him, an impish smile on her face. Her sister, Kali, had dropped their uncle off near the bridge. She’d handed responsibility for him over to the older sister, as Lukara held the position of first officer.

Lukara’s voice was deeper than her sister’s, but she didn’t wield it like a weapon like Kali. “She is not happy to be here in this position again, Uncle. Her time with you on your previous assignment is not remembered fondly.” A slight, sly smile remained as she spoke. “It does not help that we are way out here in the bleak rimward. Who did you upset? And why are we being punished?”

J’Klast snorted, pushing himself off the couch as he wandered around the room, sniffing the musty odor that seemed to permeate everything. “You mistake this assignment for a statement of our honor, Lukara. I would have thought you wiser than the mewlings of a Targ runt.” He chuckled as her posture reacted to his words and her usually serene eyes sliced across the room at him.

She growled, “You can try and kill me like you made us kill the runts. My sister may lack glory, but I’ve had time to sharpen my bitterness.”

His smile remained as he finished his tour of the room. “You’ve given me no reason to remove you from command or House Koloth. House Koloth desires to work with the Federation, but also wants to know more about the rimward and the foes out here, lying in wait. While Starfleet holds to their rules, procedures, and processes…we have been granted freedom to engage without the shackles that hold them back.” He leaned forward, his eyes searching hers. “You were chosen to be my first officer because you understand how a ship like this must run.” He chuckled as the question formed on her face, “I’ve read all your files, niece. You spoke the truth. You have sharpened your bitterness in blood.”

Her eyes shifted from anger to confusion, “You know about…”

“I know all of it. Your time in House Koloth. Your time outside of the House. The dark days on that Bird of Prey, earning back the Honor that you lost. You are here because you will be the one to help assure the rimward knows and fears the Klingon Empire.” He looked around the room, still annoyed. “First, we must make this ship worthy of the warriors that call her home. Make arrangements with Montana Station to assist us.”

She blinked, feeling as if she’d been bounced off the deck like a bouncing ball. “Why were you assigned to us? That still does not make sense to me.”

J’Klast slapped her on the shoulder, “Because Lukara, you will lead this crew in time. You must be made ready. I will forge in you a warrior of renown and honor.”

She watched her uncle stride out of the room and down the dimly lit corridor. She took off after him, more confused than before.