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

Dinner was over, the Tenkillers having left. The people around her looked at her differently. She felt different, as if she actually belonged beside Urg’s side. However, as the rage dissipated, Jal’na felt ill. She despised the feeling came through violence. Jal’na could barely stomach the food that she normally enjoyed so much. It was not Kishet’s error or her staff. The food was excellent as always. Jal’na simply could not stomach it, but forced herself to eat anyway. She made a point to praise Kishet and her staff for their efforts and success. She disappeared from the hall without a word. Her behavior shamed her and disgusted her. She was well aware that no one else felt like that. It was expected and applauded Klingon behavior. Jal’na had never been like other Klingons though. She was deeply ashamed of the treatment her friends had received. Especially General Tenkiller.

The goldish red of the transporter materialized into the form of Lady Jal’na on the pad of the Kvaar’ton. “Where is Ru’tehk?”

“In his bunk, Lady Jal’na.” She walked out of the room, “Bring him to me.” The warrior saluted, “At once, Lady Jal’na.” Was it odd to see her there without Lord Duroc? Of course it was. Klingons were not immune to gossip and the results and happenings at the dinner had already been heard. If Lady Jal’na wanted to see Ru’tehk again, she would. There was also a new level of respect as she traversed the

Ru’tehk was brought into the infirmary of the Kvaar’ton. “Sit.” He did, without protest, except when she took out a scanner. He shifted uncomfortably. “Lady Jal’na…no. I do not deserve your aid.”

Jal’na glared at him. “I will not give you medical aid. You will.” She turned for a PaDD. “You are quite an accomplished warrior. You’ve proven yourself to be level headed and shrewd. Lord Duroc would not have put you to guard the gate of our house otherwise.” Ru’tehk looked both offended and chastised. “That dedication should not be forgotten, despite the severity of your lapse.” Jal’na’s eyes blazed, much like Urg’tohn’s, daring Ru’tehk to argue. He did not.

“An injured warrior can not protect his House to the full extent to which he is capable.” Jal’na held up a hand, “Do NOT offer me that archaic drivel of injuries are of no consequence. The body can only take so much. And a moment of hesitation to force your body to do what it can not can be life and death. A warrior’s duty is not only to hone his body into a fine weapon, but to care for it as well. You would not leave your bat’leth cracked or chipped. You will follow the instructions laid out here,” she thrust the PaDD at him. “When you arrive to your new post, you will be healed and in better condition than you were this morning. You will conduct yourself with honor and dignity and with the same level headedness and shrewdness for which Lord Duroc noticed you.”

Ru’tehk stood and slammed a fist to his chest and bowed his head slightly. “It will be as you say, Lady Duroc. k’adlo (thank you).”

Jal’na nodded once, “tlhIngan maH taHjaj (Remain Klingon). Yih-Ghom-HAH!(Dismissed).” Ru’tehk left. Jal’na replaced the equipment she had used, without a word to anyone else. She strode through the ship in silence to their quarters. These quarters were not nearly as extensive as the ones at the embassy. They were simplier, necessities and not much else. Jal’na liked it, though she wasn’t sure she would ever get used to artificial gravity. The simpler living space suited her better. She and Urg stayed on the ship most of the time, and she saw no reason to go back to the embassy grounds tonight.

There was a knock at the door, “Enter.” Jal’na looked up to see Cmdr Shiv. “Yes, Cmdr?”

“I was just wondering if you were going with us, Lady Duroc?” Jal’na obviously didn’t know what he was talking about. “We have orders from Lord Duroc to make a last minute patrol.” In fact, they had orders to take Ru-tehk to meet Lord Duroc’s brother.

Jal’na stood, “No, I will be leaving immediately, Cmdr Shiv. Thank you.” He saluted and left. Jal’na never traveled with the ship, or she hadn’t, and she couldn’t imagine a scenario where she would without Urg being with her. She returned to the surface immediately so they would not be held up on their departure. There she returned to their bed chamber, in no mood to interact with anyone else. It was there, sitting in a chair, facing the hearth, knitting Urg would find her.

Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc
Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital Oed V

Urg entered and looked at Jal’na. He didn’t speak, but simply sat down on the bed and took off his boots. He then took off his armor, placing each piece on the rack with the necessary reverence. Finally, wearing only his linen underpants, he stood tall and stretched; muscles rippling under the scarred flesh. He turned and walked into the bath, taking an extremely hot shower. He dried, came back in the bedroom and stretched out on his side of their bed. He watched her k it for some time before he spoke.

“You feel shame, wife.” he said softly. “And anger. Anger because violent discipline was enacted. Shame because it was you that did so.” He crossed his arms under his head and stared at the ceiling. “I understand,. But know this… remember it. Tonight yiu solidified your place in this House. They respected yiu before… now that respect is coupled with a touch of fear. And that is necessary. This is a Klingon House. And while you may find it distasteful now; you are in a much better position to affect change going forward. We as a species are stubborn and hard-headed. We do not do change well. But… if you start from a position of honor and acceptance… it is possible to move a House towards a better future for all of us.”

Urg, Lord Duroc