Rough Crossings Part III

Posted on Wed Jul 30th, 2025 @ 10:18pm by Captain Robert Burke & Commander Vincent 'Vin' Salvatore & Lieutenant Marques Hunt & Lieutenant Juno Jones & Lieutenant Ryssa Dari

1,039 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Federation / Klingon Border
Timeline: MD031

::ON::

[And now the Conclusion...]

Vincent cleared his throat as he leaned in slightly and whispered to Burke again. “Klingon’s have been known to embellish. He might be blowing it out of proportion to intimidate us.” He quickly let out another sigh before adding. “Then again… he may not.”

'I'm sure your grandfather was a great Captain, and you learnt much from his exploits. I regret I'm not as well-read on your family's exploits as I would like. Perhaps, once this convoy reaches the Homeworld, you'd care to enlighten me. Because of course, we are travelling under the protection of the Chancellor and the Imperial Klingon Fleet,' Burke leaned forward, readying the command to flip to Red Alert should the occasion need it.

"Too bad he won't settle for telling us all about his accomplishments over a bottle or two of blood wine," Ryssa muttered.

The channel seemed to go silent, until the Klingon Captain on the other side growled lightly in frustration. “I would be honored to tell you the many victories of the Kajunpak’t when it was captained by my grandfather, General Edan. More specifically with his encounters with several Starfleet Captain’s. All part of the glorious history of this ship.” There was a slight pause as faint laughter could be heard from the Klingon Bridge crew.

Vincent looked over to Burke and raised a brow. A slight smirk formed on his face as he leaned in slightly. “He’s trying to provoke you again. Baiting you into defending Starfllet’s honor. By all right, according to Klingon Law, you have every right to do so. As tempting as it is, no matter how justified we might be in their eyes, it won’t reflect well for the treaty, as you know. So… my advice as your first officer… take him up on his offer. Give him permission to join the escort so he could regale you with those stories. Especially when the Chancellor is with you. I am sure, of all people, he would be very interested in hearing the stories of such a well known ship in his fleet.” He gave a slight shrug and looked away as he concluded. “There is no way the Chancellor would stop him in telling those stories. Seeing them for what they really are. A weak attempt at pulling us into a fight to show how much his people doesn’t need this alliance.” He looked back to Burke, holding onto his smirk, as he added softly. “Right?”

Arching an eyebrow, Burke nodded. 'An interesting proposition, Commander,' he said quietly as he mulled the options over. Glancing over at the Communications Officer he nodded for the channel to be unmuted once more. 'I'm glad that we've come to an agreement, Captain. The Hecate would be most honoured to be escorted by such an illustrious vessel as yours and your companions. I'm sure it would also please the Chancellor to hear your tales as well - when you join us for the feasting.' He leaned forward, 'the cream of the Imperial Fleet will be there,' he dangled the possibilities in the Klingon's face.

Vincent smirked slightly as he looked over to Burke. “Careful of the promises you make, Captain. They may come back to bite you.” He whispered softly.

The Klingon Captain was silent on the other end before being heard mumbling something under his breath. “Then I look forward to our meeting, Captain. I hope you come with an empty stomach, because as every Klingon knows, you can’t tell war stories without a goblet or Bloodwine and a plate of fresh gagh.” The com-channel then cut abruptly.

Ryssa was highly amused by the posturing that went into placating the pompous Klingon. At the same time, she was glad she wasn't likely to have to listen to any of his tall tales.

Playing nice with the Klingons was still strange to Juno, but peace was upon them and it made for strange bedfellows. As did a good bottle of Romulan ale. "ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun," Juno said faintly.

Marques raised an eyebrow at the thought of feasting with Klingons. Honestly, he could see that going downhill fast. But it could be quite entertaining.

Folding back up into his Center Chair, Burke let out a soft sigh. 'Well, that's all over and done with, until I have to eat the gagh, anyhow.' He turned to Dari and asked, 'are the Klingons moving into an escort position?'

"They are. At least for now." Ryssa wasn't so sure they'd all stay that way, though.

'Very well,' Burke turned in his seat and informed his Executive Officer he had the Bridge. Taking his leave, he made the short journey to his Ready Room in a few short, certain steps. As the doors closed behind him, he allowed his shoulders to slump, and moved to the comfortable sofa in the corner of the room. His glasses he took off, and allowed to hang limply in his hands, before placing them on the small table.

Crumpling into the sofa, Burke let out a loud sigh, and lay his head back against its shoulder, sinking into the luxurious padding as he stared blankly at the bulkhead ceiling for a long, silent moment. They had passed the first test. Crossed the border past what he had been told would have been a hurting foe, champing at the bit to provoke Starfleet. He had passed his first test, ensuring that Hecate would be under an escort of suspicious, aging Klingon vessels all the way to Qo'noS.

Burke clicked his tongue. 'Computer, begin recording.'

Captain's Log,,' he started, in a strong, steady voice that betrayed nothing of the trembling that had overtaken his hands. 'Supplemental ...'

::OFF::

Captain Robert Burke
Commanding Officer
USS Hecate

Commander Vincent Salvatore
Executive & Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Marquis Hunt
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Juno Jones
Chief Engineer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Ryssa Dari
Chief Science Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant JG Gianna De Luca
Chief Counsellor
USS Hecate

 

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