The House Always Wins - Part Two

Posted on Fri Mar 6th, 2020 @ 2:45am by Fleet Admiral Dominique Jes-Tereth

Mission: Mission 59: Stirrings of Treason
Location: Deep Space
Timeline: 1700Hrs - Feb 11th 2392

The messhall of the IKS QIduq was quiet, it was also empty of all but several Klingons and most of those were children.

Shen was the younger daughter of Sirella and Martok, her elder sister was present, so was Drex's mate who was heavy with child, also present was Kora, the only outsider for the house permitted access.

Sirella looked around as she regarded what was left of her family. "So.. What should we do now.. Since we have no male heirs left to us.."

Captain Shen regarded her mother as she gingerly brushed her right hand against the sound on her left shoulder. "The Klingon Defense Force has announced that as I am no longer part of a powerful house. I have been discharged from my duties as HoD... HoD of what.." Shen lamented softly. "My ship is destroyed and my crew is all dead.."

Lazhna nodded. "I got a similar message. I am to be dismissed and the like." she explained before she turned her attention back to the large wrapping on her left arm. "So.. What should we do?, where do we go?"

"You could accept the protection offered by my house..." Kora responded. "You would become part of our house."

The remnants of house Martok looked at each other. "May we have some time to discuss it?"

"Of course." Kora responded as she rose to her feet and departed, her armor made a soft klinking sound as she moved.

Sirella paused. "I for one will accept the protection of the house... But I am not Martok's future and that future must be protected at all costs." she indicted the eight children present, most of them were the children of Drex but one of them was Lazhra and two belonged to Shen as well. "They are the future of House Martok.."

"We could seek protection in the Federation... Father spoke of them with respect and reverence on occasion... Mother, our house is no more... We are all that remains of our house, our fleet was destroyed in an early morning raid with no warning and no challenges." Shen explained. "Honor has lost all meaning now with actions like this."

"The Chancellor has refused to aid us in this dark hour. What system is that that we serve that doesn't help those who need it..?" Lazhra nodded. "No.. The Federation is where I will risk my future.. Shen. What say you?"

"I agree." the younger daughter of Martok nodded he head slowly. "The Federation has become powerful, we have all seen this in their new ships and new technology..."

Lazhra regarded her sister in law. "Melka?"

"I have relatives on Korvat colony.. We can stay with them for a time while they process our paperwork and the like."

"So.. Its settled." Sirella responded. "I will remain here and join House Makar... If they are willing to offer it.. If not then I will accompany you."

"Alright." Shen responded before she tapped the com panel next to her. "Mess hall to Kora."

The door opened and in walked the Klingon female. "Yes?"

"One of us will remain... The others will not."

"I see.." Kora responded. "Fortunately I prepared for the advent of you leaving... There is a small Bird of Prey docked in Hangar deck one." as she handed Shen a rather large data slate. "That ship is yours for as long as you wish it." she then smiled. "I wish you honor and courage on your journey ahead.." and with that, she led the members of house Martok down to the hanger bay.

Minutes later they all reached their destination. "Go aboard... Who will remain.?"

"I am." Sirella responded. "I seek to join your house... If you are willing to permit it."

"I am. I will prepare a Rustai ceremony for you." Kora smiled as she turned to Shen who was the only remaining member of house Martok who had yet to board. "Good sailing to you Captain." she paused. "I wish you honor and good fortune ahead."

"Thank you." before she turned to her mother. "Farewell mother. I do not believe we shall meet again.. " and with that, the two embraced before Shen turned and boarded the ship.

The two older Klingons stepped off to the side. Kora tapped her wrist-mounted communicator. "Bridge. This is the Captain, drop us out of warp.. and open the hangar doors."

The massive doors began to retract open on command as Sirella watched her family's last remaining ship lift off and then slip out of the hanger before it cloaked quickly. She sighed softly before she turned and followed Kora back into the large vessel. No doubt on her way to her quarters that were even now being prepared for her.

Sirella knew that she was a target and that someone aboard may yet try to finish her off, however, she made it to the Rustai ritual on time.

Inside was several dozen candles, all burning softy as Kora worse a simple sash from her right shoulder to her left hip. "Sirella."

"I have come."

"Very well.. Lets begin." as she turned to the other woman, she held a large candle in her hands. Sirella picked up the second one as they both proceeded to light several new candles before Kora sent her candle down before she unfolded a large sash which she then handed to Sirella who slipped it on.

"Sos'chee Pek'lath'sogh." Kora intoned softly. Sirella repeating what the first Klingon had just said and just like that, the ritual was over but Sirella was now a sibling of Kora and thus could not be harmed without problems with House Makar.