Clan-Destine Meeting in Hostile Territory (Part - 2)
Posted on Fri Feb 13th, 2026 @ 3:42am by Lieutenant Marques Hunt & Commander Vincent 'Vin' Salvatore
1,341 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Shuttle Bay/Qo'noS
Timeline: POST MISSION
OLD:
Marques thought about the answer. It was a tough pill to swallow, but if there was a shot at peace the Federation had to take it. His father was indeed right and he didn't want to hear it. And now his cousin was off to lead some foolish fight against the Klingon Empire. "Thank you Commander. I really needed to hear that."
"I'll tell you what, Lieutenant. When we get to where we are going, head out with me. Stay close and keep your eyes and ears open. When we get done, I'll tell you a little story. After that, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. As long as they don't leave this shuttle. Alright?" Vincent said softly as he picked up the PADD again. "Consider it a secret to share, among colleagues."
NEW:
"Sounds one hell of a plan to me."
After some time sitting in silence in the Mallard, they finally arrived at the desired location. A clearing not far from a Klingon home. There was hardly any light coming from the home which was surrounded by deep woods.
"Set her down there." Vincent said as he pointed to an area away from the house. "Make sure to position the shuttle with the rear ramp facing the home. If we have to make a quick exit, turning around might cause problems." He said as he pulled open the draw with the PADD and hand phasers. He removed the devices and placed the on the console beside him.
Hunt parked the shuttle as instructed. This was nothing new to him. The Lieutenant earned his stripes years ago learning to be a combat pilot. Grabbing a phaser, he nodded to the Commander indicating that he was ready.
Vincent got up, placing the phaser in its holster, before grabbing the PADD in his hand. With a smirk on his face, he walked toward the rear of the shuttle and waited patiently. He placed his hands on the controls that lowered the ramp, but he didn't trigger it. It was as if he was deep in thought or waiting for the right moment. Keep his ears open until he heard the familiar howl he always waited for. The howl of the Klingon jackal mastiff. Hearing the howl brought a slight smile to his face as he pressed the button to lower the rear ramp.
The ramp slowly lowered, revealing the dark and dreary atmosphere of the Klingon home world. The atmosphere of the area they had landed in of course. The surrounding sounds of insects and other small creatures entered the area. Sounds like those, as well as the surroundings they stepped into, only added to the clandestine meeting they were involved in. As Vincent gave a nod to Hunt to follow, the sounds of breaking twigs and crushing leaves were heard. When they stepped onto the ramp, making their way down it, ahead of them were three figures who walked into view. As they approached, the details of who they were and what they wore came into view. They were Klingons in Klingon Imperial Officer uniforms.
The one in the middle, the Klingon who wore the familiar metal sash that was covered in Klingon emblems and medals, shouted to the two officers. "Do not step any further, Starfleet! Not until you are checked!"
Vincent looked over to Hunt and nodded his head, holding up his hands to show he wasn't reaching for anything, just that he was holding onto the Starfleet PADD. "No sudden movements, Kid. Show no fear."
Hunt merely shrugged as he did as instructed and placed his own hands in the air. For a group of so called warriors, the Klingons seemed more nervous than the two of them.
The Klingon shouted "naDev ghoS!" (Come here!) Which prompted the jackal mastiff to walked out from behind him. The white furred beast let out a deep growl as he locked its eyes on the two officers. He reached down and patted the creature on its side, as his eyes never stirred away from the two officers in front of him. As he raised himself back up, the Klingon let out a slight growl before shouting "QeHqu'!" (Search!) in his native Klingon tongue.
The Jackal mastiff rushed over to the two officers and began to sniff intently at them. Lowering its head to take in the scent of their feet before raising its head to their pants. As the beast inhaled deeply it seemed to let out a growl with each breath. It gave the impression that, if ordered, it wouldn't hesitate to attack the two. It's jaws, particularly its protruding teeth, looked like they would tear their clothes and flash like they were nothing. When the creature was done sniffing them and searching for whatever it was trained to search for, it sat down in front of them, letting out a fierce bark.
"These have to be ugliest creatures in the known galaxy," Marques joked.
"Ugly, but loyal, Lieutenant." Vincent whispered back. "These things have been known for their ability to hunt, no matter the weather. No matter the conditions, they've been known to go for days. The only problem is, if you aren't careful, there won't be much left of your prey. The have a tendency to rip it apart if you don't pull them back quick enough."
The Klingons stood there quietly before letting out hearty chuckles. The laughing prompted Vincent to looked over to Hunt and nodded his head, signaling the Lieutenant to lower his head and everything was in clear. This step of the meeting was over, which First Officer had no doubt they would pass. He understood the caution. He was familiar with it, even when it came to this particular Klingon. As the Klingons began to approach the men, Vincent took it upon himself get down to a knee, eyeing the Klingon creature.
Vincent stared at the Jackal mastiff intently before letting out a shout of his own. "naDev ghoS!" repeating the command the Klingon shouted earlier. The order snapped the creature from its seated position and prompted it to run at Vincent. However, instead of sniffing and growling at him, the beast seemed to be more playful. Nudging and pushing against him, allowing the Starfleet officer to pet and stroke at its fur like it was just a normal house pet.
"She will not even take commands from my own officers. Only those in my family... and you." The Klingon said firmly as he came to a stop in front of them. "You have earned her respect, Vincent. A feat not so easy to accomplish."
"Perhaps its the food I usual bring. She's expecting something." Vincent replied as he continued to play with the animal. As he looked up to the Klingon, he added with a smile. "Or maybe she knows, by now, I mean you no harm or ill intent, Rarkot."
"Perhaps." Rarkot said, raising his head slightly. "Perhaps not. However, if its food she desires, you should not disappoint her. Or she may help herself to your flesh." He said as he widened his eyes and looked over to Hunt with a devious grin.
Vincent let out a laugh as he stood up from his kneeling position. With a smile, he looked over to Hunt, before holding out the PADD to him. "Hold onto this, Lieutenant."
Nodding he accepted the PADD while scanning around the room with his eyes. But trying not to be too obvious about it.
As Vincent walked back into the shuttle, the creature at his heels, Rarkot kept his intense gaze at Hunt. He stared silently at him, tilting his head slightly, before finally speaking in his deep tone. "What is your name, Lieutenant?"
To Be Continue...
Commander Vincent "Vin" Salvatore
Executive Officer/Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Hecate
Lieutenant Marques Hunt
Second Officer/Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Hecate
Rarkot, Son of Moreth (NPC by Vincent)
House of Moreth
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