Post by Flynt on Nov 30, 2015 5:05:15 GMT
About ten minutes after K'Kanuc arrived in the Governor's Hall on Archanis IV, all hell broke loose. At least, that was according to the groundskeepers. Those within the hall would tell another story--that is if they didn't care about dying--a story about how the normally even-keeled Ka'rel would explode in rage at the news brought to him by his intelligence operative. Though he could be credited with not killing the messenger, he spared little mercy for several artifacts, displays of Klingon armor, and a young targ that ran through at the wrong time.
K'Kanuc knew that Ka'rel would not receive any his news as welcome or positive. So, he led with the worst: the details on K'Vok's visits to yoDjuH'a' chal'taD, and the subsequent bounty placed on K'Vok's ship and head. K'Kanuc counted no less than sixteen curses against Rhetok, the High Council, the Defense Force, and G'dan; all to the varied extent that he had earned the right to be informed directly and immediately of an insult of this nature to his House. K'Kanuc was somehow able to share the note that an operative in Starfleet had seen the IKS Vorn in Federation space. Ka'rel reined in his anger and urged his operative to continue.
Unfortunately, telling Ka'rel of the death of Lady Tira Vero was like dumping metreon gas on a plasma fire. He howled the death roar for the woman whom he viewed as a warrior equal to others, not to mention the person who introduced him to his par'mach'kai, Kolana. "If it were not another's place to do so, I would swear vengeance on her killers. And if House Karag does not act, I shall." At this, Ka'rel grabbed the aforementioned targ and snapped its neck, an act that, with the oath, took many present by surprise. It would be several days before the House staff would cease their gossip on the topic. For his part, K'Kanuc made a mental note to inquire further at a better time.
From there, he continued with an analysis of Rhetok's forces, such as his contacts could determine. He addressed what he thought of the possibility of Karag being alive and allied with Rhetok. During this part of the briefing, Ka'rel held his anger in check, though clearly simmering. *Mulling over past slights and doubts,* K'Kanuc speculated to himself, wondering if Lady Kolana's hatred of Karag had swayed Ka'rel over time.
Next, K'Kanuc provided a mixture of reports on the Tholians, Romulans, and Cardassians. Not much on actionable intelligence, but the data provided an opportunity for the Governor to think strategically.
He concluded with an updated analysis of the Terran invasion and occupation of Starbase 146. "Apparently, the invasion force is led by a Tiana Korax, counterpart to Starfleet's Tiana RasTalon. In that respect, I believe your assertion that Jarkonis could be a potential target is correct. However, the Terrans also appear to be bottled up, likely by sabotage."
"Korax. A Terran Trill with a symbiont? I thought that was no longer possible," came an observation from G'dan, which in turn drew a glare from Ka'rel.
"Apparently, the Korax counterpart is as resilient as the one in our universe," came the Governor's response. "Which means we cannot underestimate this one's ambition. I would prefer to neutralize her sooner rather than later, but what you've told me today suggest we have other priorities."
"My Lord," began G'dan, "If that is the case, I suggest ..." Another glare from Ka'rel stopped G'dan in his tracks. K'Kanuc smiled and privately wondered at G'dan's ancestry.
"You're going to remind me that my position as a sector governor entails different parameters than those of a general; and that this situation requires political tact, rather than military strategy." Ka'rel's voice rose as he continued to respond. "Perhaps this is the same tact that allowed a member of my House and his crew to be branded as criminals, while word of that accusation took weeks to arrive here. No, qeSwI'. Let Starfleet and the romuluSnagns have tact. tlhIngan maH! Our Empire is built on strength and wisdom. Your lord, Woldan, knew that well. So we will follow his example, and stand tall in the face of our opponents.
"G'dan, inform the Houses in the sector that their Governor requires their assistance with patrols, watching for any Terran, Tholian, or other unexplained activity. Do so at once. Let them know that Commander Hetithan will coordinate task groups and routes." Ka'rel called to other advisors, both civilian and military, ordering increased security and production for the shipyards, training maneuvers for the local militias, ceremonies for war heroes on Archanis IV and Ganalda IV, an increased but "cooperative" presence on Ajilon Prime, and so on. After several minutes of energetic activity, he dismissed his staff to their tasks.
"Hold back, K'Kanuc."
"Yes, Governor. How may I serve you?"
The Governor smiled, "With honor, as always. Tell me, what do make of this communications issue?"
"I hate to admit, but your friend G'dan is correct. As Governor, you may not receive information with the same alacrity as you might have as a flag officer. Political channels operate with different priorities from military channels. That can be fixed with the right connections and a more modern operator than G'dan.
"However, there does seem to be a deliberate attempt to keep much of this news from reaching you. Nothing at the level of the High Council. Possibly Rhetok or houses that he's courting as allies. My full assessment is that Rhetok wants you unable to act before it is too late."
"Hmm, I agree," said Ka'rel. "That brings me to my next question. Karag was lost in the Delta Quadrant, and has seemingly returned. Do you believe there is a chance that he suffers the same affliction as our late friends from House Kritek?"
K'Kanuc thought carefully on the question, looking suddenly to the side, as if at a sound. Then he returned his attention to Ka'rel. "Plausible, but I think unlikely. The bluegills operate in the shadows, as apparently does Rhetok. Even though their apparent masters, the Iconians, have relented, there's no telling whether they may have their own agenda. Our agent did not detect any bluegill activity among those in his circle, though. I'm confident that if the signs were there, she would have found them."
"Yes, your agent. We need her again."
"My lord, I gave her my word that she had completed her obligation to our people."
"That word was not yours to give, K'Kanuc. Re-engage her services. If Rhetok means to keep me at arm's length, then let us give him what he wants. Meanwhile, we act behind the scenes. I leave it to your judgment as to how much to disclose."
"As you wish. Should I contact anyone else? Zando, perhaps?"
"No, not at this point. One more thing: make sure that Hetithan knows which houses might ally themselves with Rhetok."
"Yes Governor."
"Then establish your headquarters. It is good to have you here."
"Thank you, my Lord. Qapla'!"
K'Kanuc knew that Ka'rel would not receive any his news as welcome or positive. So, he led with the worst: the details on K'Vok's visits to yoDjuH'a' chal'taD, and the subsequent bounty placed on K'Vok's ship and head. K'Kanuc counted no less than sixteen curses against Rhetok, the High Council, the Defense Force, and G'dan; all to the varied extent that he had earned the right to be informed directly and immediately of an insult of this nature to his House. K'Kanuc was somehow able to share the note that an operative in Starfleet had seen the IKS Vorn in Federation space. Ka'rel reined in his anger and urged his operative to continue.
Unfortunately, telling Ka'rel of the death of Lady Tira Vero was like dumping metreon gas on a plasma fire. He howled the death roar for the woman whom he viewed as a warrior equal to others, not to mention the person who introduced him to his par'mach'kai, Kolana. "If it were not another's place to do so, I would swear vengeance on her killers. And if House Karag does not act, I shall." At this, Ka'rel grabbed the aforementioned targ and snapped its neck, an act that, with the oath, took many present by surprise. It would be several days before the House staff would cease their gossip on the topic. For his part, K'Kanuc made a mental note to inquire further at a better time.
From there, he continued with an analysis of Rhetok's forces, such as his contacts could determine. He addressed what he thought of the possibility of Karag being alive and allied with Rhetok. During this part of the briefing, Ka'rel held his anger in check, though clearly simmering. *Mulling over past slights and doubts,* K'Kanuc speculated to himself, wondering if Lady Kolana's hatred of Karag had swayed Ka'rel over time.
Next, K'Kanuc provided a mixture of reports on the Tholians, Romulans, and Cardassians. Not much on actionable intelligence, but the data provided an opportunity for the Governor to think strategically.
He concluded with an updated analysis of the Terran invasion and occupation of Starbase 146. "Apparently, the invasion force is led by a Tiana Korax, counterpart to Starfleet's Tiana RasTalon. In that respect, I believe your assertion that Jarkonis could be a potential target is correct. However, the Terrans also appear to be bottled up, likely by sabotage."
"Korax. A Terran Trill with a symbiont? I thought that was no longer possible," came an observation from G'dan, which in turn drew a glare from Ka'rel.
"Apparently, the Korax counterpart is as resilient as the one in our universe," came the Governor's response. "Which means we cannot underestimate this one's ambition. I would prefer to neutralize her sooner rather than later, but what you've told me today suggest we have other priorities."
"My Lord," began G'dan, "If that is the case, I suggest ..." Another glare from Ka'rel stopped G'dan in his tracks. K'Kanuc smiled and privately wondered at G'dan's ancestry.
"You're going to remind me that my position as a sector governor entails different parameters than those of a general; and that this situation requires political tact, rather than military strategy." Ka'rel's voice rose as he continued to respond. "Perhaps this is the same tact that allowed a member of my House and his crew to be branded as criminals, while word of that accusation took weeks to arrive here. No, qeSwI'. Let Starfleet and the romuluSnagns have tact. tlhIngan maH! Our Empire is built on strength and wisdom. Your lord, Woldan, knew that well. So we will follow his example, and stand tall in the face of our opponents.
"G'dan, inform the Houses in the sector that their Governor requires their assistance with patrols, watching for any Terran, Tholian, or other unexplained activity. Do so at once. Let them know that Commander Hetithan will coordinate task groups and routes." Ka'rel called to other advisors, both civilian and military, ordering increased security and production for the shipyards, training maneuvers for the local militias, ceremonies for war heroes on Archanis IV and Ganalda IV, an increased but "cooperative" presence on Ajilon Prime, and so on. After several minutes of energetic activity, he dismissed his staff to their tasks.
"Hold back, K'Kanuc."
"Yes, Governor. How may I serve you?"
The Governor smiled, "With honor, as always. Tell me, what do make of this communications issue?"
"I hate to admit, but your friend G'dan is correct. As Governor, you may not receive information with the same alacrity as you might have as a flag officer. Political channels operate with different priorities from military channels. That can be fixed with the right connections and a more modern operator than G'dan.
"However, there does seem to be a deliberate attempt to keep much of this news from reaching you. Nothing at the level of the High Council. Possibly Rhetok or houses that he's courting as allies. My full assessment is that Rhetok wants you unable to act before it is too late."
"Hmm, I agree," said Ka'rel. "That brings me to my next question. Karag was lost in the Delta Quadrant, and has seemingly returned. Do you believe there is a chance that he suffers the same affliction as our late friends from House Kritek?"
K'Kanuc thought carefully on the question, looking suddenly to the side, as if at a sound. Then he returned his attention to Ka'rel. "Plausible, but I think unlikely. The bluegills operate in the shadows, as apparently does Rhetok. Even though their apparent masters, the Iconians, have relented, there's no telling whether they may have their own agenda. Our agent did not detect any bluegill activity among those in his circle, though. I'm confident that if the signs were there, she would have found them."
"Yes, your agent. We need her again."
"My lord, I gave her my word that she had completed her obligation to our people."
"That word was not yours to give, K'Kanuc. Re-engage her services. If Rhetok means to keep me at arm's length, then let us give him what he wants. Meanwhile, we act behind the scenes. I leave it to your judgment as to how much to disclose."
"As you wish. Should I contact anyone else? Zando, perhaps?"
"No, not at this point. One more thing: make sure that Hetithan knows which houses might ally themselves with Rhetok."
"Yes Governor."
"Then establish your headquarters. It is good to have you here."
"Thank you, my Lord. Qapla'!"