More Than Meets The Eye
Posted on Tue Sep 1st, 2026 @ 9:55pm by Lieutenant Colonel Ashok 'Ash', Son of Norath & Major Jahira 'Jah', Daughter of Ruk'tag & 2nd Lieutenant Uni Miralen & Sergeant Sina 'Stalker' Ravenna
3,121 words; about a 16 minute read
Mission:
Warriors of Two Banners
Location: Temporary Marine CO Office on Starbase 43
Timeline: After: Home World Bound
ON:
Ashok waited in his temporary Marine CO Office. It wasn't anywhere near the one he had on the Tokyo, but for the moment, it would do. Besides, these would be nothing compared to the setup the Klingons would have for him, considering where he was going. As he sat down and waited for the others to arrive, he let out a strong sigh, trying not to think of the many ways this could go wrong.
Uni was bored. With the Tokyo being in drydock, she was currently assigned to light duties. At least, until her shoreleave request was either accepted or denied. She stretched as she wandered around the base. There wasn't much to do, so she had opted for a bit of self-reflection and exploration of the huge starbase.
Jahira sat cross-legged on the floor of her temporary quarters. She was deep in meditation. It was her way of realigning her two halves together, especially following combat, where she'd let her Klingon half take centre stage.
Ash leaned back in his chair, clearing his throat, before tapping on his combadge. "Major Jahira, 2nd Lieutenant Miralen, and Sergeant Ravenna please report to the Tokyo Marine Commander's temporary Office. On the double. Ashok Out." He said in his deep and authoritative voice, booming through the comlink channel before cutting off abruptly.
The large felinoid burst out from the jungle's undergrowth. Its powerful jaws closing around the throat of the goat-like creature, before it could even vocalise its surprise.
Sina watched this happen with a mixture of caution and interest. It was then that she heard the tell-tale clicking of the K'k'keef. A two metre long many legged insect.
She turned to face it, as it reared up exposing its abdomen.
The Marine lift her spear in order to drive it deep into the insect's soft underside when the Colonel's message reached her.
"Computer, end program." She said.
The computer beeped its acknowledgement and the creatures and jungle disappeared, the holodeck returning to its default form and a arch appearing.
Sina picked up her gear and left the holodeck.
Jahira's Temporary Quarters
Hearing Ash's message, Jah opened her eyes and got to her feet. Throwing on her uniform, she left to meet the Colonel.
Arriving at the Colonel's office, she was greeted by a Marine corporal on guard duty. Not that Ash needed a guard, but regs were regs. "Good day, Ma'am he said.
"Good day, Corporal, it's Hansen, isn't it?" She asked by way of greeting.
"Yes, Ma'am, we met when you joined the Tokyo." Hansen replied.
"Indeed, Congrats on the promotion, Corporal."
"Thank you, Ma'am. I best not keep you any longer, I believe the Old Man, said on the double." Hansen replied as he moved aside to let the Major enter.
"You wished to see me old friend?" Jah said as she entered the room. She looked around the room. "Very minimalist, very Klingon. I like it." She added after a moment.
Ashok let out a slight, but at ease, scoff. "Don't get used to it, Jah. I heard the refit is going to give us a more advanced training area and quarters. As if comfort will improve our fight with the Heralds." He stood up slowly, pulling his Uniform top down slightly before asking firmly. "Can I get you a drink? When the others get here, we have a lot to discuss."
The doors opened and Uni entered the room. She snapped to attention as she saw Ashok. "Reporting as ordered sir!" she said.
"At ease, Miralen." Ashok said after nodding to greet Uni. With a smile, he added. "Drop the formalities, please. When Sergeant Ravenna shows up we can begin." He turned to go to the replicator, before turning to look at Uni again. "I was just about to get something to drink. Do you or Jah want anything?"
Uni relaxed, taking a more casual stance. "I'll just take a glass of water," she said. She wasn't one for elaborate over the top drinks or foods. She was used to the basics. "What exactly we here for sir?" she asked curiously.
"I'll break it down for you soon, Uni." Ashok said softly, smiling a bit, before adding. "And... its Ashok or Ash if you prefer." He gestured over to Jah. "Jah? Anything for you?"
"A raktajino mocha. Like me, its the best of both worlds." Jah said with a grin.
Ashok gave Jah an odd face, as if taken a back by the drink or comment, before giving her a smile. He let out a chuckle as he heard the doors open, causing him to turn around again.
Sina arrived. "Good day, I apologise for my tardiness Colonel, Major, Lieutenant." She said.
"Sergeant, welcome. Please sit and be at ease. I know this feels like an official meeting, but I want it to be informal. Feel free to call me Ashok or Ash, if you like." He said firmly, a slight calm look on his face, before turning around at the replicator again. "Would you like something while I am here?"
"A mixture of kiwifruit and strawberry juice, chilled, please." Sina said. "I'd prefer Golakberry juice, but the replicator doesn't do it justice." She added taking a seat.
Ashok walked over to the desk with the tray of drinks. As he went to sit, he took the Raktajino Mocha he ordered, along with Jah, and took a sip. It had a curious taste, but one he surprised he enjoyed. As he sat down, he smiled at them all, before clearing his throat.
The Klingon placed the mug on the desk and began to speak, the firm tone in his voice became a soft and calming one, as if he was trying to approach this as a fellow Marine and not their leader. "Before I start, I want you all to know, this is not a direct order from me. You have no obligations here. The orders were to me and so, I am the only one here who is expected to fulfill these orders."
"Whatever it is, I'm with you, I still owe you for taking out that huge reptilian on K'Nagh 3." Jah said.
"I appreciate that, Jah. However, I would rather you hear what I have to say before making a decision." Ashok replied.
Waited patiently to see what the Colonel had to say.
Not a direct order? That was unusual. At least to Uni it seemed to be. She nodded simply in response, she could at least hear out what he had to say.
"The Klingon High Council has forward a request to Starfleet Command, who accepted it made it official. The request was for me to come to Qo'noS, with a team of Marines, to train members of the KDF on how to deal with the Iconian Herald threat. I am to train these Klingon Warriors about the tactics they use and touch base with a couple Generals on the best strategies to utilize when confronting the enemy." He took the mug in his hand, placing it on his lap, as he placed his other hand around the rest of the thick glass. "I asked you all here because, I feel, your experience and tactical knowledge will benefit this small mission. I am making this a request and not an order. If any of you feel you are more needed here, I understand and won't hold it against you. This trip won't be simple, Jah and I both know, our people are often thick headed and prideful. Klingons don't enjoy being told how to fight or that they should be doing it differently. They are still our allies and deserve the High Council has considered asking for help. So, that being said, should you wish to back out." He raised the mug with one hand before adding. "Feel free. The only obligation here is me and me alone."
"Like I said, I'm in. It would nice to visit my father's homeworld, I grew up on a Klingon colony for those who weren't Klingon enough to live on Qo'noS." Jah said.
"Teaching Klingons how to fight, sounds like a challenge, luckily I love a challenge, I'm in." Sina said.
Uni considered it for a moment. It wasn't everyday that you got a chance to visit the Klingon homeworld and Capital of their empire. Plus, to train and learn alongside Klingon Warriors was an even rarer opportunity. "I've never visited Qo'noS. It beats sitting around here."
Ashok have them a smile, taking a moment to look down, as if trying to hide his feels and relief. He cleared his throat again, this time his tone shifted slightly, as he went to a more stern tone. "I want to make sure this is on the table, so you all understand what you are walking into. I have reason to believe my father, General Norath, is responsible for my name being brought up. I don't know why. The current theory is it's an attempt, by him, to place me in good graces with the High Council. To have them overlook my dismissal from the Klingon Defense Force Academy and wipe off the smear of having a son in Starfleet instead of the KDF. My father has never been a Klingon who cared for politics, but this feels less about him and more about my family as a whole. An attempt to acknowledge the honors and victories I receive in Starfleet as those attributed to a Klingon Warrior."
"Its only right, what you did on the Herald station is worthy of song." Jah said.
Uni nodded. She understood the whole 'house' and 'family' drama. She had been expected to take over as the matriarch of her own house back on Betazed. However, she much preferred shooting over running and household and pushing out babies. Plus, she came from a small Betazoid family that runs a farm, nothing so politically important that would cause any reak tension between her and her parents.
In response to Ashok, she simply nodded. Although she could feel that there was much more to this than he was revealing - one downside of having being an empath.
"The other theory?" He continued. "Is this is the General's attempt to have my brother and I confront each other about our issues and mend bridges, so to speak. The ship coming to get us, The SuvwI' 'etlh, is a ship that has history in our family. It was my grandfathers ship, then my fathers, and now my brothers. Koll was equally upset with me when I didn't fight to get back into the Klingon Academy and went to Starfleet. More so, when he found out my daughter wasn't fully Klingon. She's half Romulan. So, I don't expect much of a welcoming when we get on board or on the way back. Just know, It's my problem and not yours." Ashok raised his mug and added. "This is your second change to back out." He added a slight chuckle before taking a sip from it.
"Cirilla is just darling, its a pity Koll is so bound by his prejudices that he can't let her into his life." Jah said.
"With all due respect," Uni said. "Your family matters aside, if the Iconians win this war, none of that will matter." She looked at Ashok straight in the eyes. "To put it bluntly, we'll all be dead, or in whatever afterlife follows. I'm not here to insult your honour, or your family. But if this mission means that we use our experience to teach others to save lives, then thats all that matters."
Ashok looked at Uni curiously, before giving her a firm look. "I understand, Uni, but I want you to understand this. Our Klingon tradition teaches us that, in order to be granted into the afterlife, we must die in a glorious battle. Our family honor and previous accomplishments in battle is what is put on the mighty scale which decides our fate. It's why many Klingons enter into a battle with an expectation of death. To die with your family honor tainted, glory unfulfilled, or in a way that doesn't adhere to our traditions is a one way ticket to the Barge of The Dead. The Barge, Uni, is what brings Klingon warriors who are not found worthy to the gates of Gre'thor. It is our Hell. These may just be needless "family matters" to you, but to Jah and myself it is our tradition. Dying with these kinds of "matters" unresolved is a one way ticket onto that Barge." He held up his hand quickly to Uni, as if stopping her from answering right away. "I know you meant no offense, but just because it seems pointless to you, it doesn't mean its pointless to us. Like is said, Miralen. I didn't ask for this. That also means, if this bothers so this much, you don't have to come. Just remember, if you come, other Klingons may not be as understanding like I am when it comes to our traditions and ways being questioned of made to seem trivial."
"I'm not calling it pointless to you." Uni said simply. "I'm just saying that if we want to stand a chance against the Iconians. We need to sort out or put aside the brushfires between us first." She stood up and placed a hand on one hip. "So, we getting this show on the road or not?"
Ash slammed his hands onto the table as he stood up, his fierce eyes locking with Uni, as his voice shifted from calm and soft to firm and deep. "Do you think anyone here feels any different, Lieutenant?!!" He roared as he began to straighten himself out. His intense look didn't faulter, nor did his gaze. It didn't take a Betazoid to feel that he was feeling both insulted and annoyed. "Do you think I want to be dealing with all this in the middle of a confrontation like this? This is NOT about putting aside brushfires, Miralen, this is about advancing the tactical knowledge of an allied who could be a great asset to this fight. You know how we can't do that? By going in there thinking we are their better because we fought a battle that we were able to walk away from. Don't begin to stand there, throwing out an attitude like that, without remembering the lives that were lost in pursuit of that victory!" He pointed to the Starfleet Insignia on her uniform. "I have done nothing but place all cards on this table as I see them and made sure that this wasn't an order or demand. It's about the mission and making our side stronger and improving out odds of survival. But I also know, by taking these orders, it needs to be approach in a way that doesn't end with us slamming the door on a strong ally. An ally, I remind you, I am close to in both species and traditions. These are my people and there is no one here who adamant in seeing them survive the battles ahead! The only thing personal for me here, Lieutenant, is ensuring my people and world survive so you EVERY begin to think otherwise! Do you hear me?!!"
The sudden wave of rage and anger hit Uni like a small shuttlecraft. She wasn't expecting that. "Yes sir. I'm sorry sir." She replied quickly. "I didn't mean to offend." she looked at the other faces in the room. "I only know how Betazoid houses work, and we don't have as big as honour belief system as you sir." She looked at Ashok directly. "However, I am willing to learn. If you still want me along?"
Ashok looked down, slowly breathing in and out, trying to relax himself and return his mind to a calmer state. He looked up to Uni and replied, returning to his soft tone. "Uni, if I didn't consider you as someone I wanted at my side to do this, you would have never been called. You skills and experience in the field, as well as when we were on the Starbase, is what put you in one of the prime spots. I want you on this team with me, but you are going there representing Starfleet and its Marine Unit. You are also going there representing me and, if your personal feelings about all this are going to get in the way, tell me now."
Uni shook her head. "None here sir." She said simply. The last thing she wanted to do was to piss off the colonel more. She made a mental note to read up on how the Klingon belief system works, and how she needs to be careful on this mission.
The Klingon straightened himself up, tugging down on his upper uniform, before straightening out his hair. "Doctor Valentine will be joining us. Not as a Starfleet Medical Officer, but as a fellow Marine. For those of you who aren't aware, she served as a Marine Corpsmen before being placed in the Medical Department, so I am going through the process of getting her reinstated back into her Marine Uniform and getting her back on active status." Ashok looked up at every as he continued. "So, when you see her there, understand its not an accident. She's there because her medical training, combat readiness, and knowledge about Iconian weapon injuries is needed. Plus..." He added a slight smiled, before concluding. "I want to give my people one more person to underestimate before revealing to them how formidable we really are. Any objections?"
"I have no object, Colonel, I am always happy to meet a fellow warrior." Sina said.
"I believe she will be a great asset to our mission." Jah replied.
Ash looked to Uni, who had yet to respond.
"Works for me," Uni replied as she sensed his gaze fall upon her.
Ashok lingered on her for a moment, leaning back in his seat, before his eyes glanced away and onto the table. He nodded his head slightly and finally looked up at everyone. "We are expecting the SuvwI' 'etlh in three days time. Prepare for it to be two. If I know my brother, he will want to try to catch us off guard. Let's not give him the chance satisfaction. Dismissed."
OFF:
Lieutenant Colonel Ashok 'Ash', Son of Norath
Marine Company Commander Officer
USS Tokyo
Major Jahira 'Jah', Daughter of Ruk'tag
Marine Company Deputy Commander
USS Tokyo
2nd Lieutenant Uni Miralen
Marine Sniper Specialist
USS Tokyo
Sergeant Sina 'Stalker' Ravenna
Marine Pathfinder
USS Tokyo
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