Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in House Duroc Embassy - A Hopefully Not Last Supper

Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in House Duroc Embassy - A Hopefully Not Last Supper

Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice Commandant, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in House Duroc Embassy - A Hopefully Not Last Supper
Posted by… suppressed (42) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The House Duroc Embassy had stayed closed the day after the ‘incident’ with Lord and Lady Duroc. Fortunately, the Oed Police had the forethought to change names to security aliases so the arrest record didn’t trip the news alerts.

At the Embassy, the main dining hall was set to recieve guests. Lord Duroc had made it abundantly clear that the Tenkillers would be given every opportunity to prove their honor and were not to be harmed in any way… unless he said so.

In their bedroom, Urg finished sliding on a gauntlet and looked at his wife. “I don’t care. The blade comes. They are more than fortunate I didn’t have my hammer brought in.”

.Urg, Lord Duroc

“You should have. It is a testament to you, our house, and Kavaar’ton. To see it and hear the story, tells who we are.” Jal’na pulled the medallion out from under her bodice, so it could be seen clearly. Jal’na would enjoy tonight. She didn’t believe Tenkiller was like his sister. This would prove it, and blame and challenge would go where it belonged. She was concerned. People were hot headed, especially Klingons, and did not often see other species gestures for what they were.

The comms sounded. “Lord Duroc, they have arrived.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Outside the gate, a slider came to a stop. First out was Charles. Wearing a dark blue suit and tie (a clip on, in case someone decided to use it as leverage) and carrying a long black box of lacquered wood; he stepped out and looked at the guards. A large, deep, dark bruise surrounded his left eye, and the white of the eye was a deep red. The only medical treatment he had allowed was to make sure there was no permanent damage to his vision. The guard that gave him the injury grinned, but this time Tenkiller was not submissive. They were there to show House Duroc they were honorable, yes… but part of being honorable was knowing where the lines were drawn.

He stepped to the side and allowed his mother, sister, and then father to step out. All were dressed similarly to Charles; and all carried themselves with an air of quiet confidence. Charles had spent the previous night and most of the day coaching them on how to behave, what to expect, and what to look out for.

Sharah and Yavia stepped out of the slider. Yavia was dressed in a wide legged pant suit that made her eyes look more stunning than normal, and it allowed a freedom of movement that was graceful. Sharah was wearing a long ensemble in navy with coral accents. The bodice was form fitting that flowed into a split skirt that flowed and billowed as she walked that gave view to leggin encased legs. It was beautiful and functional. The ladies stood with Mary and Donna between them.

Charles walked up to guards. “Charles Tenkiller and family to see Lord and Lady Duroc.” The grinning guard stepped forward. “They know you are here. But you know that we have to search you for weapons again.” and a deep chuckle rumble from him. As he reached for Tenkiller. Charles shifted suddenly and he grabbed the much larger and stronger figures arm and twisted and wrenched it up behind his back, then angle preventing him from moving it as Charles leveraged him into the nearby pillar. Disruptions powered up and leveled at Tenkiller and the others. Charles smiled. “Allow me to save you the time. My family is not armed. I am. And I will stay that way until we have shown Lord and Lady Duroc the measure of our family and our people. Understand?” Donna and Mary watched with a strangely calm expression on their faces. Cecil’s eyes flashed and he adopted a similar stance to Charles as he took two slow steps forward.

Tenkillers

Cecil stepped forward slowly, Sharah and Yavia did not. They were suddenly beside Charles, with enough room for him to move and without any concern for the disruptors. They looked at the guards with their disruptors with expressions of calm. In Klingon culture a woman did not stand behind nor in front of her mate, but beside him in all things. So the girls did now. It was a clear statement, and one that the guards respected and it also gave them pause. Dr. Sharah Fayth and Nurse Yavia Crockett were well known in House Duroc. They were close friends of Lady Jal’na and they had orders to allow both women entrance no matter when or where or why, with no questions asked. They were to be treated as extensions of Jal’na’s family.

Dr Fayth was a small petite and gentle woman, but everyone knew she had stood before Lord Duroc and stared into that insane gaze, been judged, and never flinched. She may be small and only have very basic Star Fleet hand-to-hand training, but she had grit and bravery. And Yavia, well everyone knew she was just plain crazy. It was also known that the three were together, but they hadn’t expected to see the two women appear as part of Tenkiller’s family. It put them in quite the conundrum.

Sharah and Yavia

A loud, bellowing laugh carried across the courtyard. “She said yesterday that I should tell you that the Major General let you smack him around!” Urg bellowed as he approached in full ‘ceremonial’ armor. He stepped up to the gate and looked at the guards, then their weapons, then to the one pinned against the pillar. He looked at Charles, smiled, then looked at the guard.

“But where would the fun be in that?” he asked rhetorically. He looked down at the box still in Charles’ hand. “That for me?” he asked as if asking about the weather.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Charles smiled back. “Lord Duroc, a true pleasure to see you again. And yes, it is. I’d love to present it to you, but ah…” and he nodded towards the guard in his grasp.

Tenkiller

Urg laughed loudly again. “Of course, of course.” He looked at the guards and barked in Klingon and they lowered their weapons. Looking back at Charles, he said “I think you can let him go. He knows a guest when he sees them.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Charles let the guard go, and they spun around with rage in their eyes; but a glance at Urg and then a look at Tenkiller subdued the flame of anger. “Apologies, General.” Tenkiller shook his head and said “No apologies needed. You are loyal to your Lord, there is no greater honor.” He then looked at Urg. “My Lord, please meet my family.” and he introduced each by name.

Tenkiller

Urg nodded to each, but the reception was cooler than his norm… although not wholly unfriendly. “Welcome. Come. Let us get this meeting moving.” and he gestured for them to follow them as he turned and moved towards the black Embassy building.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Sharah was unphased by the cool reception. She was also undaunted by the absolutely massive man and, of course, the other that was always with him. After having ‘met’ the rest of herself, Sharah was acutely aware of how often she had been in Kavaar’ton’s presence. Lord Duroc may be crazy (and who wouldn’t be with a god in their head) but she trusted him and Kavaar’ton to be fair and keep them safe. She smiled impishly up at him, “Lord Duroc, I am so pleased to see you again. We will be greatly honored to have you and Lady Jal’na at our home next week. I doubt we could do Klingon cuisine justice, but we can make her favorite - pesto chicken.” She said it as if gathering together was a regular occurance and the outcome of this dinner was already decided.

Sharah

The doors of the embassy opened and Jal’na stepped through the doors, followed by her guards. It annoyed, but she was gracious about Urg’s need for her safety. “Yavia, Sharah!” Her voice carried across the courtyard as she descended the stairs. She took each woman in turn into an embrace. Then she looked at Tenkiller, “Major General, I’m glad you could join us.” She looked at the two older people. She could see where Tenkiller got his honor and pride from. It would be too soon to say so out loud unfortunately.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Yavia and Sharah both hugged her back. Yavia put a hand on Mary’s shoulder. “Lady Jal’na,” Yavia hid a smirk at Jal’na’s reaction to the title. The situation was too serious to relax though. “May I introduce General Tenkiller’s parents, Cecil Tenkiller, Donna Redcorn Tenkiller, and his sister Mary Tenkiller.”

Yavia

Jal’na nodded at each of them. Her gaze was softer and her manner more warm than the others, though there was still the air of formality to it all. “Come inside. No one will harm you, you have my word.” She joined Urg and led the way inside.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“Not yet, that is.” Urg said with a level of finality that allowed for no further discussion.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na hated Klingon posturing, but she only grinned at her husband. She knew this would never be easy, and she would have to give way a lot. But she absolutely would not have the name of their house soiled or cause the people in their care to question their place. Urg made a point of judging each person by their own actions and not casting a wide blanket. She would not let that start now.

Charles took a breath and led his family inside, following behind Urg and Jal’na far enough back to be respectful but close enough to give any would-be attackers pause. Klingon Houses were rife with intrigue and scheming, and Charles knew that if someone wanted to make a play for the House leadership; now was a pretty good time to do it. Urg had not killed the assailant of Lady Jal’na. And now he had invited the assailants family to dinner in his home. Regardless of Jal’na’s stance… it was an opening if anyone decided to take it.

Tenkillers

Such posturing, and Sharah knew Jal’na hated it. She also knew the Lady had put much on the line to stop Urg from killing Abby and Charles. She walked just behind the rest, letting her mind stretch out and listen and feel. She trusted Urg, she knew Charles would never let them be hurt, but she, like Charles, knew this was the perfect opportunity for someone to try and challenge Urg, or create dissention among his house.

Yavia could only sense what was immediately around them. Jal’na was tense but optimistic, their guards were cautious, and Urg, well he was always hard to figure out.

Urg led the group into the grand dining hall. “Sit.” he commanded and then took his seat at the head of the table in a massive high backed chair. The table before them was covered in food and drink. A whole roasted targ… goblets of bloodline… large bowls covered with silver domes… dark, rich breads… and more.

Urg grinned as their ‘guests’ took their seats. “On my honor, everything is safe to eat and drink. House Duroc does not resort to poison to deal with slights to our honor.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Charles pulled out the chairs for his mother, sister, and partners. Cecil waited to sit until Lady Duroc had seated herself. He took his seat and looked at the table. “I gotta say Lord Duroc… you put out a helluva spread. Even if I never seen most of it before, it looks great.” Donna sat next to him, but her eyes stared on Jal’na. Not in a negative sense… but more of assessing the woman who held the very life of her daughter in her hands.

Jal’na met the woman’s gaze. “Madame Tenkiller, Yavia told me it has been some time since you have had the opportunity to visit your son. My own parents recently arrived on Oed. It had been seven years since I had seen them. It is always a good day when one can be with family.”

“Not every day, Lady Duroc.” Donna replied. “Today, for instance.” and she held the Klingon woman’s gaze without flinching. Her daughter was in danger. Regardless of fault, her daughter was in danger and she would not back down and watch anything happen.

Jal’na inclined her head, acknowledgement, “Let’s us hope that today is the exception.”

“Let us indeed hope that you and Lord Duroc make it so.” and she then turned and looked at the fare on the table.

Jal’na was going to win no points with the woman, and she understood it to be so. But her words garnered approval from people sitting near her.

Sharah sat and looked at the food. It smelled great, but the hesitated over the bloodwine. She would have to drink it she knew. Usually Jal’na had carefully and quietly placed something non-alcoholic at her seat. Tonight was different. She reminded herself to drink slowly and hope no one got too inebriated that night.

Mary was undaunted by the whole affair. She leaned forward and looked directly at Urg. “Yavia said I get to try gagh. And I want to eat it the proper way. Will you show me, Lord Duroc?”

Tenkillers

Yavia grinned, Mary was precious. She and Sharah had also warned them that the food looked strange, but was actually quite good. And a very traditional way of Klingon’s testing the metal of their acquaintances was to offer fresh gagh. Klingons fully expected and accepted that non-Klingons would not be able to keep it down, the important thing was not to refuse or throw up before swallowing. She had also warned them about bloodwine. To drink if it was offered, but to be very cautious. Klingons knew that very few could handle it and it would flow freely.

Yavia

Urg looked at her for a long moment, appraising her… and then he grinned. “Oh, that I will. But only true warriors eat gagh in the traditional way. I hope you have a strong stomach.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

“The food is always excellent, Lord Duroc. Kishet is an excellent cook. It is always such a pleasure to partake of her skill.” Sharah and Yavia both had eaten at House Duroc many times, though nothing ever this formal nor this dangerous. She looked at Mary, “I’ve never had gagh either, but I do enjoy Kradok leg,” and she nodded toward a disk just down the table.

Sharah

Jal’na laughed. “And even those of us who are not warriors enjoy it,” she said to Mary. “Sharah, you are both in for a treat. The gagh is especially fresh tonight.” She picked up her glass and drank and then waved toward the door, “We will start with the gagh.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

A moment later, two servers came in with large trays on which sat bowls with lids on them. A bowl was set in front of each diner. When the trays and servers were gone, Urg grinned. “Gagh. Klingon bloodworms. They are live, fresh.... and delicious.” He set his hand on the lid. “Watch. Then do as I do. If you do not crush the head first, they will bite you. And it will hurt.”

Urg lifted the lid and revealed a writhing mass of glistening bright red worm with dark black rounded heads. Urg grabbed one and picked up the writhing and thrashing invertebrate. He found the head, pinched it about an inch back, and rhen set the head between his back teeth and bit down hard. A loud CRUNCH was heard. The wormncontinued to wriggle, but it was obviously dying. Urg chomped it down bit by bit. “Delicious. Please… enjoy.” and he gestured to the guests to join him.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na reached into the bowl and lifted a dropped the worms, loosening them and setting them wiggling. She lifted one, and just as Urg had, she bit the head off and then ate the rest.

Yavia had shared gagh with Jal’na before. She did the same, creating a loud crunch and then sucked the rest in like a spaghetti noodle. Sharah didn’t fair so well and got bit, but didn’t flinch. She just chomped down harder, making a broken crunch. Jal’na grinned. “Don’t think too much, and bite like it’s a carrot.” Sharah tried another. The flavor was actually quite good.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Mary grabbed a handful as Jal’na had, loosened them up, and then grabbed one. She pinched it like Urg had demonstrated and then chomped down on the head, the sound like cracking a walnut in her teeth. She started a bit at the eruption of viscous liquid that came from inside the worm, but then she smiled. Looking directly at Lord Duroc, she ate the worm quickly and then grabbed two and repeated the process.

Charles ate his gagh slowly, watching his father. Cecil was not a culinary explorer; but the held his facial expressions and ate one of the worms. Swallowing, he reached for the Blood Wine and Charles set his hand on the man’s wrist, sliding water to him. “Excellent gagfh.” Cecil said as he tried to say the name and almost made it.

Tenkillers

Urg chuckled slightly. “I’m glad you like it, Mister Tenkiller. Do help yourself to more.” He added with a wicked grin. As the man reached for another worm, Urg laughed loudly. “No no… srau your hand. You tried it. Gagh is not for everyone. Cut some targ, Mister Tenkiller. That may be more to your liking.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Yavia was a culinary explorer, and she knew that eating a worm at a time was how children learned to eat gagh. She silently aplauded Mary for grabbing two. V loosened the worms and took a small handful and ate them. “Excellent, and very fresh.”

Sharah enjoyed the flavor even if she found the experience odd. “There is a robust smokey flavor. Is that natural or a seasoning?”

Sharah

Jal’na nodded, “Seasoning, harvested from herbs grown here on the grounds. I will show them to you later.”

Across from Mary sat a young man, 18, quite fit, but as of yet lacking any noticeable battle scars. He had the beginnings of a beard that looked like a 5o’clock shadow, and long straight brown hair, with high prominent ridges. He thought she was quite attractive and liked her braziness. He smiled, which was a bit disconcerting. “You like the gagh, Ms Tenkiller?” He asked Mary. “Try the pipius claw.” He slid the platter toward her.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Mary took a claw and said “Thanks!” and then looked at it for a second, trying to figure out how to open it. Charles took one and said “Bend it backwards, like this. When it gives, twist and pull.” He did as he said, and there was a quiet pop as the meat of the claw slid free of the hard shell, suspended on the pincher part of the claw.

Mary watched and then matched the movement, freeing the meat and taking a big bite. Her eyes widened in surprise and then watered slightly. “HOLY CRAP that’s spicy!” but she didn’t stop chewing; she just nodded in appreciation. Cecil looked down the table and said “Spicy? Send one down here.” Mary passed a claw down to her father who repeated the process of opening it up, taking a bite, and then leaning back… savoring the dish. “Now that’s good.” he said with a smile. He chewed for a long moment and then swallowed, washing the bite down with a small bit of blood wine. He then looked at Charles. Charles took a breath and then nodded. Cecil looked at Urg and said “Lord Duroc, I’d like to thank you for the invitation to dine with you. We have sampled your generosity, and we will now take our leave.” and he tossed his napkin on the table and nodded to each of his family. In turn each stood up, dropping their napkin onn the table. Cecil then looked at Urg and Jal’na.

“Lord and Lady Duroc. My family ain’t perfect. And we’ve had our share of troubles in the past… some we coulda helped, some not so much. Now, I don’t truck with what Abby did. And I am sorry you and your Lady here were insulted and her gettin’ hurt and all. But Abigail did that. That’s on her. And for y’all to call us here under threat for some kinda look-over so you can decide whether or not to kill my daughter is just plain f$<ked up, sir. She’s a good girl… but she did something really wrong. We get that. And we ain’t gonna defend her. But your boys here beat on my son. My son who has never done nuthin’ but show you respect and friendship. And you did nothing to stop ‘em. What my daughter did was uncalled for and an insult to ya. Well… y’all returned that insult and disrespect. And in spades… ‘cause Abby didn’t know you two from Adam. You know Charles. And y’all still beat him for somethin’ he didn’t do. Just so y’all could prove… what? That you were slighted?” He shook his head. “No one denied ya that. But you still bashed my kid. And honestly, sir? I don’t sit and make small-talk with folks who let someone beat my family. And thats the difference between us, I guess. If I saw Abby going after Lady Jal’na here, I’d have stopped her and tanned her hide six ways to Sunday. Because we don’t let our own do crap like that. Y’all just sat and watched… or, at least, ya didn’t do anything about after. We at least showed up to tell ya face-to-face that we’re sorry. We didn’t threaten you into dinner.” He turned and looked at his family. “C’mon. We’re done here.” Donna stood and Mary looked at the young Klingon across from her. She gave him a See? You don’t mess with us. prideful look and stood up, gathering her things. Charles watched Urg closely. There was no telling how the god-touched mind of Lord Duroc would interpret the speech, but Charles had no doubt it could get very ugly…

Tenkillers

There was loud uproarious laughter and the slamming of a fist on the table. “It is obvious where the General gets his bravery and honor from.” Jal’na raised her glass to Cecil and took a drink. “Father Tenkiller, you are a wise man with a brave heart.” She stood, “I have no quarrel with you or any of your family in this room.” Her voice was quite clear even to the far ends of the room. No one at that table had wronged her, and she would not hold them accountable for it. “House Duroc is unique and we are blessed by Kavaar’ton with a leader who is as wise as he is a Great Warrior!” That statement got a round of pounding and cheers and shouts of ‘DUROC’. “We see the value of each person and judge them by their own acts. My invitation was simply that. So that others could see what I knew - that the family of General Tenkiller is not our foe. That House Duroc stands by everyone of our members, that value and honor are judged individually. Perhaps in that approach we are also different.” She nodded toward the door, “You are not prisoners or hostages here. You are honored guests. You are free to go, stay, or visit. You will not be harassed in anyway.” Jal’na was furious over the guard that had struck Tenkiller. She’d given her word he nor his family would not be harmed until things were resolved. Urg knew she was furious over it too, but she would not speak out about it, against her husband, in front of others. He was responsible for them not her.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg was… quiet. He stared at his wife as she spoke, listening. It was a moment before the members of House Duroc saw their Lord staring at Cecil Tenkiller that they quieted down, and some hands fell unconsciously to concealed weapons.

Urg stood slowly, glaring at the older Tenkiller. To his credit, Cecil didn’t flinch. Urg moved close to him and then smiled. “You dare try and shame me in my own house?” he said softly. He then stood tall, towering over the man. “And you are right to do so. What transpired here yesterday is unacceptable.” He looked at Charles. “You have shown us nothing but respect. House Duroc forgot that… I forgot that. You are a brave warrior, General. And it would be my honor to be able to continue to count you as an ally of House Duroc… and a friend to me.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Charles looked at Urg and nodded. “I harbor no animosity to you or your House, Lord Duroc. I am honored to be your friend.”

Cecil looked at Charles and set a hand on his shoulder. He then looked at Urg and said “Thank you, Lord Duroc. And if it’s okay with you, I’d sure like to try another one of those claw things and another swallow of that there wine.” and he smiled.

Tenkillers

Irg three his head back and roared with laughter. “Of course!! Sit! Let us feast that the night is one of foundations, not destruction!” he yelled.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Sharah and Yavia let out a slow breath almost in unison. They both had no doubt how Jal’na felt. She wasn’t like most Klingons, and well, Lord Urg’tohn wasn’t either. Just not quite in the same way. Sharah was thrilled at the outcome, but she hoped it didn’t cause problems for Urg and Jal’na later. Klingon politics were…dangerous.

Sharah laid a hand over Donna’s and smiled. “Everything is fine. Would you like to try one of the claws also?” Yavia put and arm around Mary’s shoulders and urged her to sit back down. The young man across from her was loading Mary’s plate with more claws. He was eyeing Mary intently and Yavia thought she would suffocate on laughter if the young man started reciting poetry.

Sharah and Yavia

The Tenkillers all sat back down. Mary looked across the table and said “Boy… you keep loading my plate like that, I might think you’ve taken a shine to me.” and she winked at him and grinned. Charles smiled, but didn’t say anything out loud. In his mind, he thought He better be very careful. She’s run through more enamored little boys than most Risian masseuses.

Tenkillers

Jal’na watched with amusement. She was just glad that Koden’thal hadn’t decided that one of the ladies was worth his interest. He had many lovers of many species. She had a feeling he would find the absent sister a challenge to win. “You will know when a Klingon has intentions, Ms Tenkiller, when they share their gagh with you.” Jal’na laughed and gave Urg a very sly look.

Sharah almost spit out her piece of roasted targ at his thought and shared a look with Charles. She found it amusing. The young man was interested but had no ill designs on Mary.

The young man gave a toothy grin and locked eyes on her. “I am honored to help demonstrate the hospitality of House Duroc to our friends. I am Rorton.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“Mary Tenkiller.” she replied with a knowing smile. “So you’re a Klingon, yeah? Tell me about that.” and the two began to talk as they ate.

Charles looked at Sharah and Yavia and smiled. It was going to be okay… at least for them. But the two women would know… feel… that he worried for Abby. He looked down the table towards Urg and caught his attention. He raised his goblet to him and then drained it, fighting back the urge to cough.

There was an infusion of warmth and reassurance from both of them. Jal’na is not vindictive or harsh. There will be consequences, but it will be fair, Sharah’s voice brushed his mind gently and reassured him. She didn’t say it, but Abby could make things a lot worse for herself with her attitude.

Urg nodded at him and then raised his own goblet, draining it in the same fashion and then he tapped his fist to his chest three times. The axe was buried between them.

Donna looked at Jal’na and said “Lady Jal’na… would you care to show me the grounds? Perhaps the two women of the houses should speak… alone.” It wasn’t quite clear if the words were a question or a statement, but either way they were out.

Tenkillers

Urg looked at Jal’na, but remained quiet. He looked over at Donna and simply watched, dark eyes glimmering in the torchlight.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na nodded, “We think along the same lines, Mrs Tenkiller.” Jal’na took a sip of her drink, wiped her mouth, graced Urg with a smile, and stood. “Please, come with me.” She waved toward the door and waited for Donna to join her. Then she led them through the passages and out a side door to main gardens. She didn’t speak until they were some distance from the building itself. “You are worried for your other daughter.” It wasn’t a question.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“Of course I am. I am her mother.” Donna said flatly. “And I know that her future… and indeed her life… are in your hands.” She followed Jal’na into the gardens and then stopped and looked at her. “So tell me. What will you do?” and the woman held up a hand to Jal’na nad said “Just… the truth. Don’t waste my time with diplomacy or half-speak.”

Tenkillers

Jal’na shook her head, “No, not her life.” She turned to face Donna fully. “Your daughter assaulted me, for no reason other than I am ‘alien’. I am angry, Mrs Tenkiller, but I am not a violent woman. I have pressed charges through the Oed Police. She will proceed through the judicial system, and a Federation judge will determine the consequences of her actions. I will be content with whatever is decided. Though, I won’t lie, that I do hope she is required to attend some counseling so that she can heal.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Donna stared at Jal’na for a long time. When she spoke, it was with careful measure. “Sending her to jail or prison will not heal her, Lady Jal’na. You and I both know that. If anything, it will serve to reinforce her already twisted view. I would like to suggest another way.” Donna took a breath.

“Drop the charges. Let her be treated for her injuries, and then I will bring her here, to work off her debt to you. It is a custom amongst my people that when o e does harm to another, that person owes a debt to the one they harmed. A debt that can only be repaid with time invested directly back to the person they hurt.” She took a small step closer to Jal’na and said “I saw many different species wearing the House Duroc armor. I k ow that isn’t the norm for a Nbel House in the Klingon culture. So showher, Lady Jal’na. Ahow her first-hand how different species can live with one another. That would be a far greater lesson than prison… don’t you think?”

Donna Redcorn-Tenkiller

Jal’na listened, “Would that I could, Mother Tenkiller.” She began walking again, motioning for Donna to walk with her. She crossed the arched bridge over the Vlk pond and stopped just past the peak of the arch so that they were eye level. “If I were simply Jal’na Sherko, I would do as you ask. I do not know how much your son has explained about Klingon culture to you. The politics are even more dangerous. There is already descension because I stayed my husband’s hand. It is accepted only because we were on Federation soil.” She sighed heavily and leaned against the rail of the bridge. “There are frequent attempts on my husband’s life and my own. Attacks on members of our house. If I were to simply forgive her, it would make my husband and our house appear to be weak. There are many who would try to take advantage. The cost would be in lives and not broken bones.” She turned and met Donna’s eyes with equal fierceness and sadness. “I must protect my family as surely as you must protect yours.” Jal’na looked out at the Vlk darting about. She was silent for a long time. “Perhaps though… if you could convince her to request my and Urg’s presence. Then in front of us and our guards she could explain this tradition you mentioned, and she make the offer to come stay here, to repay her debt. Then it might could be as you suggest. She would have to make the apology alone. It could not be seen that she was coerced into making it.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Donna leaned on the rail and thought long and hard and then said “Jail it is then.” and she stood up and looked at Jal’na. “And not because she wouldn’t do it. And not because I don’t think that would solve it. But because I don’t trust you. Or your people. You beat my son for something he had nothing to do with. Simply because he shared blood and a name. Well… you share family with the ones who beat him. You have authority over them and let them do it. So, with all respect due to you and your husband… I would rather my daughter spend the next ten years in prison than walk into a building where the odds of her being killed are more than likely.”

Donna Tenkiller

Jal’na nodded, “And now you know why I insisted to press charges. I am sickened by what happened to General Tenkiller. I gave my word and it was not heeded. The man who did it is being punished. I would not risk your daughter’s life over a broken nose. What she did was wrong, but it deserves an appropriate consequence. She is not Klingon and should not be dragged in to a position that she must navigate our culture in such a stark way.” She sighed. “I do not expect you to trust me or anyone here. We are strangers. Oed’s Chief Justice is a wise and compassionate woman, and fair.” Jal’na stood up straight. “Enjoy the grounds Mrs. Tenkiller.” She motioned to a gardener, a human man, “Mrs. Tenkiller is in your care, Joseph. When she is ready, please show her the way back to the dinning hall.” She tapped her chest to Donna and turned and walked off.

Jal’na

“No offense, but I think I’ll just go home.” Donna said and began walking to the front. She stopped and thought for a moment and then turned and fixed Jal’na with a look. “I really hope when you have kids and they do something awful to someone… and they will… that person is more concerned with the future than the past. I get the whole appearing weak thing. But what shows more strength? Killing an enemy… or embracing them?” and she turned and walked towards the front gate.

Donna Tenkiller

Ah the differences in culture. It was the future, the very immediate future, Jal’na was concerned with. Jal’na was trying to preserve life, but she understood Donna wasn’t ready to make that leap to understand. She was a mother, Jal’na understood. She even agreed with her, but Jal’na couldn’t be human, and Donna wouldn’t budge if she didn’t get her way. “I wish you and your entire family well, Mrs. Tenkiller.”

Jal’na didn’t return to dinner. She made it to her office, door bolted, before she started breaking things.

Jal’na