Going out with a bang

Posted on Mon Aug 25, 2025 @ 4:02am by Commander Cara Letsul & Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Charghwl'IH of the House of Soval

2,886 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: On the way to Rura Penthe
Timeline: One month after the trials

The trial was over and Hydel Turvan had been abandoned by the Cardassian government in order to face, and preserve the Dominion Treaty and prevent the Federation and Klingon Empire from going to a full wartime footing.

[IKV Suvwl’SuS]

Charghwl'IH strode through the corridors as he headed to the bridge. Soon they would be arriving at Rura Penthe and he scowled at the thought of not being able to watch him slide off his blade.

Petty Officer Hilda Schmidt was there for the trial, and now she was here to be witness as to Hydel being taken to Rura Penthe. She would have liked to have seen him die, but well there needed be justice. She looked towards Charghwl'IH "Excuse me sir, may I have permission to be on the bridge when Hydel is sent to Rura Penthe?"

"I see no problem with that. Though I find it a personal insult to my honor that the Federation felt that it needed an observer to ensure we would keep our word and deliver Turvan to Rura Penthe alive. As you already know my government has already expressed their feelings on this matter."

He paused, "I know you are only here because of your orders, it is unfortunate they could not face our objections by sending you instead. Very cowardly in my opinion."

Hilda bristled slightly. "I wished to be here, yes, to observe but this is personal, Sir. I wanted to be here to witness him being incarcerated; though I would rather that he be dead. He caused the death of my loved one. His cowardice, his being a traitor. This is a point of honor for me."

Stopping he turned to face her, thinking to himself. ~Was she truly here at her request and for her satisfaction or was she here to look for any deception on the part of the Empire.~ "In that case my apologies for loosing my venom at you. I too wished to see his death. For a Klingon, that sentiment is accepted more easily. Not something one expects to hear from one wearing a Starfleet uniform...trust me I know."

"The rage runs deep, sir. It is hot, it is white hot, not red. It burns. Yes, I wear the uniform of Starfleet but they can't punish me for my feelings. My desire, unless I act upon it." Hilda responded firmly, locking gaze with Charghwl'IH, there would be respect for him in her eyes.

Jacqueline heard Hilda's comment and frowned. She didn't want to be here, but Starfleet thought that, as she was on the station during the attack, she should see this through to the end. It was also because they found another commander for the station and this was, she thought, a way to keep her busy until they decided what to do with her. "He deserves to live out his life in a place where he will be reminded every day of what he did. He doesn't deserve to be killed and put out of his misery."

Hilda gave a nod and also blushed as to Jacqueline hearing her comment. "I won't be acting upon it, even though there is the desire. I give my word, that I will not act."

Looking over at the former acting commander of Deep Space 5. There had been a time he had worn that same uniform, he had even held the same rank, but Starfleet still was too soft at times. The Commander had taken part in the battle and for that she had his respect but, from what he had seen, she was not a warrior.

"I too have given my word to see him to Rura Penthe, but..." placing a hand on the Petty Officer's shoulder, "...that doesn't mean that there are not those who want...deserve the satisfaction of seeing the life fade from his eyes."

Hilda gave a solemn nod. "Thank you. "

Jacqueline decided it was best to say nothing in this situation. They were both entitled to their opinions. And, while she didn't disagree with them, she also didn't want anyone to find fault with Turvan's punishment--or any more than they already did. Besides, if she were honest, a part of her wanted him to live in a miserable prison camp for the rest of his life.

As he finished speaking one of the crew had approached and waited silently. There was a brief silence as Charg stared at the woman, a waiting her reply.

His eyes moved from the Ambassador to the human and back during the silence. Taking the opportunity. "Milord."

Not taking his eyes off the commander he replied. "Yes?"

"We shall be dropping from warp soon."

Turning he looked to see the young warrior. "Good. See the Cardassian to the surface. I do not want to risk any unforeseen issues or interference with a transporter. Take a shuttle."

"Yes Sir!"

When the three were again alone, Jacqueline addressed the ambassador. "I have nothing to add to or detract from what you said. I'll be happy to leave him here for whatever life he has left."

"Well then, shall we go to the bridge and at least observe the shuttle depart."

"And hope nothing goes wrong now," Jacqueline muttered.

[Hanger Bay]

As ordered, Moq was standing by the shuttle as guards escorted the Cardassian into the bay. His upper arms were bound at his chest, his forearms immobilized and secured to his body, and his mouth gagged. His uniform had unceremoniously stripped of all rank and emblems, and a small inadequate bundle of furs had been prepared and hung form his neck. From the scent some had probably just come from the galley.

Despite the degradation there was still and arrogant superiority glaring from him.

The trio stopped as Moq put a hand on their prisoner's chest. "That glare will do you little good. If you are planning to get yourself killed don't bother. Arrangements have been made to ensure your survival; much to anger of many." His dropped his hand and with a sharp tilt of his head the guards locked him into his seat for the journey.

Moq walked up the ramp and tosses a heavy clock into an empty chair as the guards finished and took seats themselves. "No need for you two to go...he's not going anywhere. The guards on the surface can take care of him when we land. Beside, you probably want to scrub his filth off of you before you catch something."


[Bridge]

Charg and his Federation guests stepped from the lift "Status." As he moved to the command seat his First rose and reported.

"The transport is loaded and ready to depart. The surface reports that they are read to receive our guest."

"Very good. Any unauthorized vessels in the area?"

"None Milord. Orbital defenses are all actively scanning as are we."

"Clear the transport for departure."

Turning to the two women to his right. "Well looks like soon this will all finally be at an end."

"At least this part of it. The Federation will still be checking on him."

Waving it off. "THAT, is up to the Federation. If they want to waste the time and resources to babysit that petaq so be it. But you can let your superiors know that I keep my word and have made arrangements to ensure his survival.

"He will not be mysteriously killed in some riot or killed why trying to escape. He will spent the rest of his natural life on that ice cube."

"I don't think it's a matter of trusting you," Jacqueline said. "I think it's because there are some people who would use this for political gain."

"Agreed. Thus, the arrangements." Facing forwards he muttered under his breath, "..his execution would have been simpler."

His gripping or any comment if he had been heard was interrupted by an urgent report.

"Milord there is an unauthorized transport!"

"Where!"

"Sir...it's from the shuttle...our pilot was beam back."

Looking at the viewscreen the shuttle took a steep dive towards the planet.

"Tractor Beam! ...and open a channel."

They all watched as the face of the young warrior filled the screen. Rising, he took a deep breath and released it with a huff. "MOQ! You and your family are sworn to my House. You dishonor me. I gave our allies my oath that the Cardassian would arrive alive and serve his punishment below. Why?"

His defeated expression fade to as he raised his eye to face the Head of the House he served. == Milord. You made every effort to fulfill your promise to the Federation. He is too dangerous and does not deserve to live. I acted, because you could not. ==

Charg was silent, but only for a moment. "That may be true but to second guess my actions and preparations is insolent." His expression softened as he questioned the young Klingon’s method. "Why dive the shuttle...why not just blow it up?"

== I wanted him to see his end coming and know there was nothing he could do. To feel the flames and know there would be nothing left. ==

Retaking his seat. "You forget...Cardassians like the heat. And he will still see his end as you approach the frozen wastes below." glancing back in the Commander's direction. "Let him feel the cold seep into his bones. Let him die disgraced, cold, alone."

Allowing a short silence. "Moq! You will land that shuttle intact and hand your passenger over to the prison guards alive. Then you will return and report to me within the hour. Is that understood?"

Bowing his head. == Yes...Milord. ==

"Swear it."

Straightening. = He will arrive at the prison. Alive. ==

Looking to the left he lifted his chin to his Ops officer. "Release him."

The viewscreen shifted as the channel closed and the shuttle made its way properly through the atmosphere of Rura Penthe.

"Thank you," Jacqueline said quietly. "I know you would have preferred him to die. While I doubt he will survive long here, I do not want you or your crew to be blamed for his death."

"Yes well...your prisoner is being delivered and as soon as my man returns we will set a course for DS5."

Hilda let out the breath she had been holding, it had been quite an intense situation, while Charg was reprimanding his household member. She didn't want dishonor brought upon him. There was a beep which caught her attention, it was a notice of a reassignment for her.

"Commander, it looks like I will be going back to DS5 to pack up my belongings and report back to Earth." Hilda having resigned expression in her eyes.

"Then I suggest we all go back to the station to celebrate and go our separate ways," Jacqueline said. "I'll be going back to earth myself to report that Turvan was successfully delivered to his prison. I think we should all have a drink when we get to the station."

"I am for that, it will be a sad farewell, but also, I feel comfortable that the Ambassador will keep watch over the Station. When we depart." Hilda having a confident feeling in Charg being protective of DS5.

Jacqueline just raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

He gave Hilda a subtle nod. From what he had seem she had a warriors heart. He made a note to ensure he watched her career. He needed the aid of others in his past...but his thought was interrupted.

"Sir, the shuttle approaches."

Standing "Good. Set a course to Deep Space 5 and engage at warp 7 once the bay is secured..." A mischievous grin formed on his face. "...And have security escort Moq to the mess hall."

As he moved towards the lift past the Petty Officer, "Would you care to accompany me?"

Hilda looked towards Jacqueline. She was the Commander's aide until whenever Star Fleet determined otherwise. She would take her cue from the Commander.

Jacqueline nodded for Hilda to go ahead.

Giving an answering nod towards the commander, Hilda followed after Charg into the turbolift, feeling bemused.

Once they were gone, Jacqueline went back to her room. Changes were coming, and she knew she would have no part in them. She was fine with that. War wasn't for her, and neither was the aftermath. She would leave the station to those more capable of dealing with it.

>>>>Mess Hall<<<<

When the turbolift door opened letting Hilda and Charg out, the woman wasn't too certain what was going to happen. All she could do was to walk alongside the ambassador. It boggled her mind!

The trip to the mess hall was quiet and he grinned to himself. Thinking that she was probably baffled at the request and what was about to take place.

The doors opened with a heavy clang and as he entered those seated moved to stand but he waved them down. Picking up a two tankards he moved to the open barrel of bloodwine and handed one to the puzzled Petty Officer. As he did the doors opened again and Moq was brought in under guard. Those that were seated rose. They knew not what, but knew something was about to happen.

His expression stern Charghwl'IH spoke. "Moq, Son Granak your family sworn to serve my father's House for generations. But despite that history you took it upon yourself to contradict my obligations, my promises to our allies, and my orders. Do you deny this?"

He stood strait ready accept his fate, "No milord."

Waiting has he heard the sounds from the other Klingons in the hall. Sounds of anger and disgust. "qaleghqa'nIS! (I salute you!) Those sound turned to shock and surprise.

Turning to those behind him. "We all knew that the Cardassian taHqeq deserved to die. I wanted to watch the life fade from his eyes from my own blade...but Honor kept me from from seeing that he got the fate he deserved.

"But Moq, was going to take his own life to see that he got slow death he should have. And even though he did not succeed his loyalty, his act of honor..." Slapping his hand on his shoulder, "...is to celebrated!"

A rhythmic drumming of fist and drink on the tables began followed by singing as more and more joined in

Qoy qeylIs puqloD.
Qoy puqbe'pu'.
yoHbogh matlhbogh je SuvwI'
Say'moHchu' may' 'Iw.
maSuv manong 'ej maHoHchu'.
nI'be' yInmaj 'ach wovqu'.
batlh maHeghbej 'ej yo' qIjDaq vavpu'ma' DImuv.
pa' reH maSuvtaHqu'.
mamevQo'. maSuvtaH. ma'ov!!

Hilda's skin prickled up with goosebumps, she had heard of the song the Klingons sang and had heard a recording. Never in her life did she ever think she would be present in this aspect. She had taken a drink of the bloodwine, and when they sang, she didn't know the words but she hummed along, bobbing her head in time grinning and feeling like she was perhaps one of them, if only for a short time.

Looking down to his guest, "As you can see what was said on the bridge was so that the Commander heard what she needed to hear."

Hilda gave a nod, "I see, and what you did was to make certain she had her honor intact as well." she lifted her glass to Charg then took another sip of the blood wine. "Once again, this makes you a good ambassador. Now, I do have on question. What do I say, to honor Moq?"

Downing the bloodwine and scooping up another. "No one can tell another how to honor another. That must come from within." Gesturing to the group before them, "See how interact? There is no hesitation. They celebrate and drink to a fellow warrior the was ready to do what he felt needed to be done for honors sake. In the Starfleet a superior might have agreed with his motivations but that person would be required to punish someone who had acted as Moq had. I know...because my superiors once tried to punish me for doing what was right. Despite my Captain's orders."

"But that is a tale for another day. What are your orders upon our return to DS5?"

Hilda raised up an index finger as if to pause her answer. She raised her cup towards Moq, "To Moq! May you continue with honor!!" draining the last of the bloodwine.

She then answered Charg, "After I leave, I don't know what my fate will be, but I will not fear whatever it will be." giving a half smile.

He chuckled, "A very Klingon reply. Perhaps I will request you to be my Starfleet liaison on the station. Certainly a diplomatic post would be an educational and beneficial posting."

"We must see what the Federation has in store for me." HIlda replied, "But we have a celebration to join in, and celebrate Moq! More Bloodwine!" walking over to get more.

Charg shook his head slightly as she walk towards the barrel. Thinking to himself, ~Someone can't handle there wine.~

END

Lieutenant Commander Jacqueline Fernandez
Federation Observer

Petty Officer Hilda Schmidt
Yeoman to Fernandez
(NPC Written by Cara Letsul)

Charghwl'IH
Head of the House of Soval
Master of the Bat'leth
Bain of Hydel Turvan
Klingon Ambassador to Deep Space 5

 

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