The Last Heir of House Krelok (All Transcripts)

nynik

Inspired from a recent session in the Hearth of Honour…

The Hearth of Honour echoes with a new tale. A dangerous one.

Some of you were there the night the red-haired pretenders bled across Wenix’s floor. You saw the result of their ruse, but it is not the full story, as seldom it is… for many heard whispers of a mysterious ‘device’ bound in a package that they were seeking to sell, and of an envoy from the Syndicate, bold enough to come into the heart of the Empire to make a deadly trade. But why pretend to be the last survivors of a long gone house?

Whatever you know, this much is true: trouble has found its way to Qo’noS, and it stinks of old dishonour; of House Krelok, long since thought fallen to time, and yet that is who the pretenders sought to revive for their purposes. This is the kind of dishonour that festers if ignored.

So capable hands are needed to walk the underbelly of First City, to navigate its filth and cut-throat politics, and to uncover who dares use the bones of House Krelok to bargain with the Syndicate, and for what purpose. What is in that package that is worth such dishonour.

You will face liars, blades, and the weight of a ruined House whose ghosts are not done speaking yet. You may even save the Empire from its past choices.

If your blood runs hot for danger, if you deal well in shadows, if you prefer hard truths over comfortable lies… then present yourself at the Hearth of Honour, and join those who also seek to uncover more…

nynik

‘Prologue’

Stardate 101944.6 (December 11th 2025)

Admist the fallout of the chaos at the Hearth of Honour, a pair of scorched PADDs lead Wenix and a handful of unlikely allies into the shadows of First City, where an ex-Borg Klingon uncovers the first cracks in a dangerous lie. What begins as a simple curiosity soon reveals a larger and more dangerous mystery…

Prologue - Part 1

The Last Heir of Hous Krolek - Prologue

Wenix: | The Hearth of Honour sinks into the uneasy quiet that follows violence. Smoke hangs in the air. The crater in the hall still glows faintly where Wenix’s lovely kotlyan stone once was +
Wenix: | …but is now melted. Some hours have passed and the Hearth is quieter, allowing some ‘cleanup’ to be done.
Wenix: | S’alazh, the indomitable giant Gorn that Wenix keeps on payroll as the hearth’s ‘enforcer’, drags what remains of the red-haired imposters across the floor. +
Wenix: | One Klingon was torn cleanly in half. Another is nothing but a scorched torso. The disintegrated ones leave only dust and the sharp scent of ionised air still.
Nahalla Vanir: sighs softly. “I suppose i should help you with those bodies, mm? Least I can do since it’s my…” She trails off as she sees the massive Gorn easily taking care of it. “…my mess.”
Thaskin: looks at the other gorn as he walks in, then quickly eyes the body. As he makes his way to the bar it becomes obvious that he is grinding his teeth.
Wenix: I assure you S’alazh has it in hand, but the offer is appreciated all the same Nahalla
Wenix: If anyone asks… this was a minor seating dispute. A very enthusiastic one perhaps, but best not to let the rumours grow completely out of control I think. Not with Imperial Security involved.
Nahalla Vanir: “Hey, if there’s anything useful on those bodies… I claim salvage rights. They’re my kills.”
Thaskin: “Qo’nos is still Qo’nos I see.”
Nahalla Vanir: “…Most of them, anyway.”
Nahalla Vanir: cast a grin to the Gorn.
Wenix: retrieves two damaged PADDs, dusting them off as he carries them toward the bar as Nahalla asserts her rights. "Killed in my drinking hall, you know the rules as anyone does here on First City for
Wenix: | .. these things"
Wenix: Still, I shall be most willing to part with these… I don’t think I need the trouble they may bring to my door
Wenix: | Moves over to the lean Gorn by the bar, one of the last few patrons so early in the morning… “The hour is late friend, but if you wish a drink, you only need to ask”
Nahalla Vanir: “Mm?” Her curiousity piqued, she takes the PADDs, gently dancing her fingers across the screens to power them on and assess the state of their functionality
Thaskin: “Meridor. Lots of Meridor.”
Thaskin: “Can’t walk on this cursed rock without being armed…”
Wenix: turns quickly to the back bar and fetches a fine mug and an even finer bottle of Meridor for the young Gorn… hmm, was he young, he could never quite tell.. he could be older than the bar
Nahalla Vanir: was obviously wearing a dagger, sword, and disruptor pistol herself.
Wenix: sets the drink before the gorn as he turns back to Nahalla
Wenix: Careful with those. I wouldn’t half suspect they might be boobytrapped to wipe on unauthorised access attempts.
Thaskin: Thaskin is 57 FYI
Wenix: And whatever these men were planning… I doubt they wanted anyone else reading their secrets should they fail… or be caught.
Thaskin: wrong chat))
Kijutsu: looks around. “Who got melted outside?”
Nahalla Vanir: “Mm. Quite likely. I know a few tricks from my Syndicate days…. but they’ll be far easier with a bigger computer.”
Wenix: And if those things explode, try to angle them away from my bloodwine basin. I’ve got enough repairs for one week in this place.
Wenix: folds his arms, leaning slightly to get a better look despite his own words
Thaskin: seems to be on the older side, given the faded signs of scarring around the visble parts of his body and the tissue visible poking out from behind his eyepatch. On top of his faded scales.
Thaskin: “An idiot who will die twice, I wager.”
Nahalla Vanir: “…Will the Klingons help cover your repairs? I imagine this thing is kinda common here.”
Wenix: glances toward the door, then back to Nahalla and the nearby Gorn. There were still plenty of people hanging around from earlier, seemingly like glotflies waiting to scoop something from the scene.
Wenix: Oh I have very good cover from the Ferengi Insurance Board, despite their protests. Let’s just say I know some people who were very effective at twisting their ears.
Wenix: … and not in the good way
Nahalla Vanir: smirks. “Good. I shan’t feel too guilty about it, then.”
Wenix: hmm… I do know someone in First City who can likely break the sort of encryption these PADDs have … if we’re willing to involve them.
Thaskin: “Eh? Encryption?”
Wenix: yyyes…. the dearly departed left thier… devices in our care you see
Wenix: But were unfortunately otherwise preoccupied with their deaths to leave the access codes
Wenix: smiles an odd grin “Most inconvenient”
Kijutsu: shakes her head. “This place hasn’t changed.”
Thaskin: “Hm.. Let me see..”
Nahalla Vanir: “Who might this someone be?” She arches her eyebrows
Wenix: was unsure just how much the gorn might know about what transpired. Surely talk had spread quickly though the slums already; talk of red-haired warriors and of a battle with whispers of Syndicate
Wenix: | Thaskin examines the PADDs from afar, Nahalla not quite letting them out of her hold. Thaskin might observe that there was indeed a preventative measure on the devices, which would ensure +
Wenix: | that all information is destroyed, including the device itself if improperly accessed.
Wenix: You’d want to be careful there my scaled friend
Nahalla Vanir: would indeed give the Gorn a wary, posessive look as he approached.
Wenix: Whatever is on those PADDs has some bearing with Syndicate involvement
Wenix: Still, you look like one who has an eye for such things… perhaps you could be of assistance to us in our dealings with the one I have in mind
Thaskin: “I didn’t live this long by being stupid.. But yes, absolutely a syndicate self-destruct security measure. In the literal sense. They’ve obviously changed it from when I’ve last seen one.”
Nahalla Vanir: “They update their protocols the third month of every year.”
Wenix: I think there’s been enough explosions and disintegrations in the Hearth for one evening, best we take these to someone who I think can tell us a lot more.
Thaskin: “I’m aware of this, orion.”
Nahalla Vanir: “I don’t disagree.” She picks up the PADDs, stuffing them into her coat. “But, i’d like to know a bit more about this contact before we go in.”
Wenix: The one I have in mind is an ex-Borg. Klingon. A quiet type, at least by reputation, but very good with tricky things… especially those potentially rigged to detonate.
Thaskin: “MMhm.. Her price?”
Wenix: If we bring these to them, we will get answers… and for my curiosity, the Hearth shall cover the costs… at least… up to a point. Sound fair?
Nahalla Vanir: “What is that point?” She asks, smirking.
Wenix: smiles but does not answer immediately, he uses the opportunity to glance at someone nearing the conversation from afar (Kyuui)
Thaskin: “Hrpmh, i’ll pay the rest.. Something about this feels familiar.”
Wenix: rests a hand briefly on the bar, lowering his voice just enough to invite attention from those eavesdropping nearby. "Anyone with sharp eyes, a steady hand, or an interest in seeing this mystery +
Wenix: | “… unravel should come now. I don’t feel like being jumped in the dark while we cross First City. This is your chance to get IN. I won’t make the offer so willingly again.”
Kijutsu: smirks. “That so.”
Thaskin: “I doubt the slums of this rock are any worse than that glorified marble.”
Nahalla Vanir: “I’ll cover any transportation… the Peanut Gallery is pretty covert.” A small smirk. "Athough I would have your names, should you wish to come along. I don’t trust strangers easy, and in this ->
Nahalla Vanir: |> matter… fellow Orions are much harder to trust."
Wenix: turns slightly toward the new voice “Yes… that IS so indeed Orion” (to Kijutsu) “I have seen you linger on our words, so I welcome you to risk as much as we will in discovering more. ”
Kijutsu: laughs. “Or I could watch you blow yourselves up and be that much richer.”
Wenix: pushes off the bar and gives a nod to one of his staff as he fetches for his coat… “Who knows… perhaps the risk of being blown up is exactly what will make you richer”
Wenix: Our contact works out of the residential district, near the Great hall. Not the safest walk, not the worst either once we’re at the district itself… shall we?
Kijutsu: nods. “Maybe so, I’ll tag along for a bit.”
Wenix: wanted by the door of the Hearth a while, watching them all but mostly Nahalla, as she seemed happiest to carry the PADDs
Thaskin: “You’re armed, talaxian?”
Nahalla Vanir: narrowed her eyes at Kijutsu, but followed Wenix anyway.
Kijutsu: he’s got two I can see.
Thaskin: “Smart man.”
Wenix: In First City, if you’re not armed you’re a tourist
Nahalla Vanir: “And tourists don’t tend to last long.”
Wenix: | The group walked the streets of First City, navigating the slums and towards nicer sections as they walked
Kijutsu: smirks. "Neither do people carrying what I think is a layered trilitium explosive.
Thaskin: occasionally looks to various corners as the group walks. Sometimes passing a glance upwards.
Wenix: | The streets narrow as the group moves deeper into First City, the stone underfoot shifting from scarred slum-metal to polished residential plating. +
Wenix: | Torchlight gives way to more modern illumination, the kind rarely seen outside the Chancellor’s preferred districts. This was an upper class side of First City.
Thaskin: “Ugh.”
Wenix: slows his pace as a security checkpoint comes into view ahead: a pair of KDF gate turrets, three armoured guards, including a Gorn and a retinal scanner.
Nahalla Vanir: “Dual-layer trilithium-enhanced explosive with a kemocite detonator, actually… Assuming it’s up to modern Syndicate standards.”
Wenix: Well… here we are. The district where the High Council pretends the rest of the city doesn’t exist.
Wenix: urges the chatter on what type of explosive it might be to perhaps be done at a more… discreet time
Wenix: steps slightly in front of the group, not blocking them, but clearly intending to handle the first exchange with the guards
Thaskin: “They make it a skill to bury their heads in the sand. You better do the talking, I find speaking to the KDF disagreeable.”
Nahalla Vanir: eyes the Gorn, a wry smirk on her lips.
Wenix: whispers Remember, these guards are used to keeping out thieves. Keep your hands visible, your weapons calm, and let me do the introductions.
Wenix: Evening, officers. We are passing through to visit a… technical consultant in your district. Urgent matter, time-sensitive.
Thaskin: looks up at his fellow Gorn, then the other KDF guards.
Wenix: | The Gorn guard steps forward, disruptor rifle resting against his shoulder as his gaze sweeps across the group and then the Talaxian.
Nahalla Vanir: smirks at the guard knowingly and offers a bit of a fingerwave. Surely they were aquainted from some kind of misadventure a few weeks prior.
Wenix: | The guard’s eyes narrow suspiciously, lingering on Thaskin, then Nahalla, then Kijutsu. “A strange thing for a Talaxian to be escorting two orions and a gorn so late at night”.
Kijutsu: We’re going to a bar?
Wenix: uh, my friend means to say, coming from a bar…
Wenix: That is… for our technical consultation with the expert I mentioned…
Wenix: If you require documentation, I can provide merchant credentials and an Intelligence advisory notice confirming my right to operate in this district. steps foward to the retina scanner
Wenix: | A faint metallic sounds is heard of the scanner activating.
Wenix: rolls 91 (1-100)
Nahalla Vanir: rolls 59 (1-100)
Q’alena: rolls 81 (1-100)
Kijutsu: rolls 55 (1-100)
Thaskin: rolls 20 (1-100)
Wenix: | The lead guard studies Wenix for a long, uncomfortable heartbeat. His gaze flicks once more over the group, weighing risk, likelihood of paperwork, and how much he values a quiet night. +
Wenix: | The scanner arch hums, pulses… then flashes green. The guard gives a curt nod: the credentials check out. Wenix steps through the arch first, followed by the group… until the light suddenly
Wenix: | pulses red when Thaskin crosses the boundary.
Wenix: | A shrill warning tone cuts the quiet street. The guards stiffen instantly.
Thaskin: sighs.
Thaskin: “Here we go..”
Nahalla Vanir: ’s hand grips her disruptor pistol with a frown.
Wenix: | On the wrist-console of the lead guard, Thaskin’s profile flashes up. A red banner appears beside his identity: CRIMINAL RECORD – 30 YEARS PRIOR – SEALED BUT ACTIVE.
Wenix: freezes, his expression flattening as the guards pivot toward Thaskin, hands drifting toward their weapons. +
Wenix: …Ah. yes about thaaaat.
Thaskin: “If you wanted to arrest me your KDF could have done so with one of your countless ‘random’ searches of my ship.”
Thaskin: “It’s been dropped. That is the end of it.”
Wenix: uh indeed, officers, before we escalate, allow me to clarify. That eh… record of my colleague’s is ancient. He has served his time, fulfilled the Empire’s judgment, and +
Wenix: most importantly, he is under my direct oversight.
Wenix: tries to step in front of Thaskin’s way almost to say ‘leave it to me’
Wenix: | “Your oversight does not erase a criminal past, Talaxian. Why is he crossing into a restricted district?” asks the guard. +
Wenix: … because he is assisting with a sanctioned matter. Check the Intelligence advisory again under my identity spec. You will see the provision allowing me to bring technical support personnel +
Wenix: to and fro… and my good friend here is a technician of some considerable expertise.
Wenix: turns to Thaskin “Isn’t that right?”
Nahalla Vanir: “Fuckin’ bureaucrats…”
Nahalla Vanir: mumbled.
Thaskin: turns his good eye to the talaxian, is that bemusement? It’s hard to tell.
Thaskin: “…Indeed.”
Wenix: | The guard re-checks the data. After a second, the advisory expands, displaying that exact provision. He clicks his tongue in irritation. “…You may proceed. He remains your responsibility.”
Wenix: A responsibility I do not take lightly. Thank you, officer. Wenix motions to all of them to move on without further comment
Thaskin: “You know..”
Thaskin: “I do have an official licnese to operate.”
Wenix: Not official enough it seems for this district my new friend
Kijutsu: hell I’d just mention the fact he has a thing for being tickled by Orion girls.
Q’alena: was half-leant against a wall outside a townhouse, a vacant look in her monochromatic eyes as she idly smoked, an unusual habit for a klingon.
Wenix: | The district grows quieter with every step, the noise of the slums fading behind them like a different world. The streets here are narrow, clean, and unsettlingly still. +
Thaskin: “It was signed off by the Royal Throne of the Hegemony and is recognized as legitmate by the High Council. Figures i’d be forced to this damnable planet.”
Nahalla Vanir: “Hrm, might try to tickle him with my knife next time. He’d really like that…”
Thaskin: “Something’s going on. I can smell it.”
Wenix: slows as they reach a structure wedged between two elegant residential towers. There is a woman smoking there. It is next to where they were going… he wonder if this could be them.
Nahalla Vanir: eyes the klingon with a wide smirk, offering that same flirty wiggle of fingers.
Q’alena: stopped looking at nothing and her head slightly tilts to eye the approaching group. Yet she does not speak first.
Wenix: stops a few paces away, eyes narrowing with a mix of surprise and recognition. “Well. Either fortune favours us, or she already knew we were coming.”
Thaskin: “We should be brief, gatherings like this draw attention.”
Wenix: inclines his head toward the woman, respectful but cautious. “I see you’re out enjoying a smoke this eve. I hope that means you’re in a mood to humour a few callers interested in your services”
Wenix: turned his head only slightly to give Thaskin a nod
Q’alena: figuratively scans the talaxian and his ecclectic group. “I am currently on shore leave but I may be able to assist, what seems to be the problem?”
Wenix: Shore leave… well your timing is… perfect for our needs. We’ve come into possession of a problem that refuses to stay quiet you see…
Wenix: And your particular talents were the first solution that came to mind, as your reputation precedes you.
Wenix: gestures subtly toward Nahalla’s coat where the damaged PADDs are stowed.
Wenix: Two devices recovered from a group of red-haired pretenders who started a rather dramatic incident in my hall tonight. Encrypted and booby-trapped we think
Nahalla Vanir: smirked softly. “Perhaps we could speak inside?”
Q’alena: “I do not wish to wake my mother at this hour. My ship is still in orbit, shall I tell my first officer to prepare for guests?”
Nahalla Vanir: “Did they start it or did I? I can’t remember.”
Wenix: knew he had likely said enough to pique the woman’s interest, even if the others might be uncomfortable talking aloud out here. They’d not gain entry without convincing her.
Wenix: turns to the group, “Well, I certainly could use a change of scene, don’t you agree?”
Thaskin: “Certainly, after.. THAT, Talaxian.”

— continued in part 2 below —

nynik

Prologue - Part 2

Q’alena: opens her flip communicator. “Five to beam up.”
Wenix: | As Q’alena’s communicator chirps crimson transporter light gathers at the group’s feet. The quiet street blurs as the beams climbs, dissolving all into red haze. They reappear aboard a ship.
Thaskin: withdraws his comm, speaking into it.
Thaskin: “Maintain position in orbit.”
Nahalla Vanir: finally reached into her coat, handing the damaged PADDs over to Q’alena. “You break it, you buy it.”
Wenix: Much better. No guards, no gawkers…
Kijutsu: or you blow up.
Q’alena: led the group to the computer core, where a chair with a braided cable lay, with her chief engineer working one of the terminals.
Wenix: steps aside as Nahalla hands over the damaged PADDs, giving Q’alena room to work.
Q’alena: “I will do a preliminary scan and see if the I.K.S. Pen’Tum can crack it.”
Thaskin: “Xrathis’ Fortune I hate that planet.”
Nahalla Vanir: grins. “She blows them up, i’ll take compensation from her corpse… and… maybe a few other things.” Another flirty grin.
Q’alena: scanned the two padds with what looks a lot like an assimilated tricoder.
Q’alena: “It appears your assessment was correct, these two devices are littered with Intrusion Countermeasure Executables.”
Thaskin: “Syndicate alright.. Figured.”
Q’alena: turned to the tall green chief engineer. “Tina, divert auxiliary power to the computer core, I will attempt to bypass the security.”
Kijutsu: They’re not, exactly, creative.
Wenix: | A soft chime sounds as the ship’s computer core recognises the foreign devices, followed immediately by a warning tone indicating layered security protocols as Q’alena reported.
Q’alena: sat down in the chair and soon the braided cord by the chair was lost in Q’al’s own braids of copper-colored hair.
Wenix: oh, and you have some expertise in the Syndicate do you… what was your name friend?
Q’alena: “You can call me Fives.”
Thaskin: “Thaskin Arezkin, not my original name, of course.”
Q’alena: sits in a chair.
Nahalla Vanir: “No… which leaves us room to be.” She glanced from Wenix to the Orion, clearly wanting an answer to that myself.
Nahalla Vanir: herself*
Wenix: nods towards Fives
Q’alena: goes silent and begins to attempt bypassing the ICE on the PADDs.
Kijutsu: smiles. "Who me?
Wenix: places a hand on Thaskin’s shoulder… “oh I think we all know your name after that incident with the guard my gorn friend”
Q’alena: rolls 95 (1-100)
Wenix: Yes my stoic and heretofore silent friend
Kijutsu: nods. “Most folks call me Kiji.”
Q’alena: was silent while she worked, the chief engineer shot a strange look at Wenix. Not expecting the familiar face aboard her posting.
Wenix: noted Q’alena’s posture shifting. The idle shore-leave casualness of before had droped away, replaced by razor focus. +
Thaskin: “Do not take it personally I just prefer keeping my past there. It’s not by choice it is coming up now.”
Wenix: Yes our pasts do have a troublesome habit of coming up when we least want them to
Wenix: | Q’alena’s fingers blur across the console, each motion is purposeful, minimal, efficient. The ICE barriers flare once on the display… a crimson latticework, warning glyphs +
Kijutsu: smirks as she watches.
Wenix: | and a pulse of anti-tamper code… and then they collapse. They yield to her skill. The chief engineer mutters under their breath, astonished.
Wenix: | Data floods the screen: fragmented logs, forged Krelok codes, Syndicate transaction markers, and a half-corrupted file tagged “Lineage Briefing: Krelok Heirs.”
Q’alena: “I am in.”
Nahalla Vanir: steps forward, looking over the Klingon’s shoulder. “What’s that?” She asks, looking at the file.
Wenix: That you are my dear, that you are indeed
Wenix: Few live up to their reputations in such a quick time
Q’alena: keys in some inputs, hoping to display what was readable in the file. “We do not have much beyond a title, let us see.”
Wenix: moves to take a better look at the streaming data being shown across the console display.
Kijutsu: “A bar says its either a hit list, or a wanted list.”
Wenix: smiles at Kij but returns focus to the console
Wenix: Krelok, Krelok, yes that was what our friend Rose said she overheard… before the… disagreement
Wenix: An old Klingon House by my knowing, though I know little else. Distinctive for their red-haired warriors, such as our imposters sought to portray
Nahalla Vanir: shakes her head, as if she felt she knew better. She remained silent as the file was opened. “Yes. Members of house Krelok, looking to speak to some Syndicate representative, or so they claimed.”
Wenix: What about that file on their lineage… can you access that
Wenix: points to the records blinking on screen
Q’alena: “I should initiate a full backup before we peruse futher.” She keys the terminal some more, the progress bar turns red and several error messages fill the terminal’s console.
Thaskin: “Mhm… That’s what I thought.”
Wenix: A sensible step; I’m glad to see our faith your skills bears fruit
Wenix: What… whaaat is happening
Q’alena: “This is unideal…hang on.”
Thaskin: “Check for security again, klingon.”
Q’alena: begins frantically keying in, losing her composed stance from the earlier security.
Kijutsu: quietly steps back several meters. “Seen this happen before. ”
Thaskin: “So have I.”
Nahalla Vanir: “As have I. That distance will mean nothing.”
Wenix: bah, not when we’re so close…
Q’alena: rolls 8 (1-100)
Nahalla Vanir: smirks, her tone completely shifting. “Come here, love. Where’s your sense of adventure?” She beckons the orion back over.
Wenix: | Red warning glyphs bloom across the screen like a spreading infection.
Wenix: | The computer reads “DATA INTEGRITY FAILURE. RECURSIVE CORRUPTION DETECTED.”
Kijutsu: smiles. "Right where it should be. my back pocket. I’ve seen enough of these go sideways. Hope this thing has some good shuttles.
Nahalla Vanir: “Screw shuttles, i’ve got an emergency beamout instead.”
Wenix: A harsh digital shriek rips through the room as the PADDs fight to erase themselves. Q’alena tries to isolate sectors, but each one she quarantines unravels.
Q’alena: “we may have to sever the link…”
Nahalla Vanir: “I told you, you break it you buy it. Do what you can to save the data.”
Thaskin: moves over to the console, setting himself to task on the data himself.
Thaskin: “Let me see if my old trick works…”
Wenix: observes the gorn moving in, recalling his earlier words of having some skill in this area
Thaskin: rolls 31 (1-100)
Q’alena: The tall and comely chief engineer stepped aside, but kept a watchful eye over the gorn’s attempt.
Thaskin: “Been 30 years out of the game, hope I haven’t atrophied too much…”
Thaskin: glides his clawed fingers over the console, it seems, however, he has indeed atrophied, on occasion, though proficient, he pauses to recall something.
Q’alena: shrieks as a feedback surge travels through the braid and into the dataport hidden in her hair.
Kijutsu: well that worked.if you wanted to scramble a borg.
Thaskin: rolls 49 (1-100)
Wenix: | Between them, the chaotic purge of data seems to slow, though it hasn’t stopped…
Thaskin: “I can put a pause on it but we won’t be accessing it without removing that block.”
Wenix: Progress, is progress… and we’re still in one piece
Q’alena: stopped moving, but still appeared to be breathing, at least.
Nahalla Vanir: "If i provide you an access token from two years ago can you update it to the modern security protocol?'
Wenix: noted the clear discomfort the ex borg was feeling connected to the workings of the decryption efforts. He didn’t know how to help, or if help was even needed, but he didn’t want anyone to get hurt
Kijutsu: rolls 57 (1-100)
Thaskin: “I can. We’re going to want to get her out though, carefully.”
Nahalla Vanir: nods, drawing a data card and passing it to Thaskin. “Let me know if i can help… more of a brawler than a hacker, though.”
Kijutsu: Can I make a suggestion?
Thaskin: “You come across as the kind of woman to do so anyway if told no.”
Kijutsu: smirks. “Turn her off.”
Wenix: | Around them, the officers had signalled for assistance from the ship’s medical personnel, who would no doubt be on standby to aid their captain, though they didn’t seem worried
Q’alena: Tina: “The failsafe kicked in, she’ll be fine, I think. Not sure what more we can salvage from this data if we pull out now.”
Thaskin: “Perhaps but I don’t know what my block will do to her implants, and I don’t know how much she relies on them.”
Kijutsu: It won’t kill her, its like regenerating. Plus it will give her more, processing power. if you will.
Nahalla Vanir: “if she’s holding the block open, though…. without her conscious we don’t have much of a chance.”
Thaskin: “Risky, depending on what the borg replaced.”
Thaskin: “Her lungs are what i’m worried about.”
Kijutsu: shakes her head. "if my guess is right, its not something she’s even conciously doing. but that is a guess.
Wenix: Why don’t we let it complete then? And once it does… she’ll disconnect safely?
Wenix: We can always try again on the second PADD knowing what we now know?
Kijutsu: rolls 98 (1-100)
Wenix: was trying to keep his voice measured, but he was quite concerned with the situation
Nahalla Vanir: “But there’s no way of knowing that both PADDs hold the same data.”
Wenix: True. But let’s assume their data management practices were as sloppy as their dyed hair colour Nahalla
Q’alena: opened her eyes, a strange and brief melody leaves her lips. “I have returned.”
Nahalla Vanir: “…Very true… it was a pale imitation of my own. Some of them even had clumps.”
Wenix: | As if in tandem with Q’alena’s return, the erasure of the PADD seems to recommence and it is quickly entirely wiped.
Nahalla Vanir: “…What did you do?”
Wenix: I… I regret if we have caused you any damage or injury he says to the woman
Thaskin: “You’re breathing fine?”
Q’alena: “That is suboptimal, Tina, did we grab anything?” The chief engineer makes the sign of the scales and ejects a data rod from the terminal.
Q’alena: “I will be fine, this is not my first time getting spiked.”
Nahalla Vanir: crossed her arms as she waited impatiently for an update.
Kijutsu: watches from her distance with some interest.
Wenix: watches as the engineer hands Q’alena the data rod… and as it is read and displayed on screen. It shows fragmented lines of text, mismatched timestamps, and half-corrupted files +
Wenix: hmm not whole… but not lost either. Your system caught pieces from every file before the purge hit. Enough to see the outline of what they were hiding perhaps.
Wenix: And we have that second PADD to at least try under safer conditions, now that we know the dangers.
Q’alena: “I hope a partial extraction will suffice, I am not in condition to attempt again today.”
Wenix: studies the fractured data with a cautious, appreciative nod. “A patchwork truth, stitched from scraps, is still a truth. And more than we had when we walked in here.”
Kijutsu: May I suggest someone remove the explosives from the second, Before you try?
Q’alena: disconnects the braid and sets it in the groove by the chair.
Nahalla Vanir: “Then let Thaskin attempt it with the fabricated access token… after we remove the explosives.” She nods to the other Orion.
Thaskin: “It might be worth it to at least look at what we have at this time first.”
Wenix: I agree, and there is much here, curious though it seems to be
Wenix: I think we will learn much, before even testing the second PADD.
Wenix: I dare say our expert needs rest, and the rest of us need clearer heads than we currently possess. Captain… might we indulge in your hospitality aboard ship, at least until we can collectively+
Wenix: analyse this data, pending your recovery also for accessing the second PADD?
Q’alena: “Our ammenities may be limited with our crew largely on leave, but it does leave us with some space.”
Wenix: inclines his head to Q’alena, a gesture of respect but also request.
Q’alena: opens a comm panel to a trill officer. “Mara, we have guests, see to their accomodations.”
Nahalla Vanir: takes the second PADD, tucking it back into her coat. “i’ll be holding onto this until the time comes.”
Kijutsu: I would suggest some Dichlorodifluoromethane if you have it. Tri lith doesn’t like cold.
Wenix: Generous, and more than we expected after nearly turning your core and possibly your brain into another fine mess like my drinking hall. A quiet berth and a moment to breathe would serve us well.
Thaskin: “I’m used to austure conditions, klingon.”
Wenix: gives Kij a look that sits somewhere between impressed and horrified “… and leola root stew… if your constitution is a bit sensitive to such harsher.. chemicals….”
Thaskin: glares at the chief engineer with his good eye.
Kijutsu: its not to drink. It will freeze out the resin, make it inert. Or well it should.
Q’alena: “Tina will show you to the guest quarters, I must away to my alcove, but you are guests of the Pen’Tum as long as we orbit Qo’Nos.”
Nahalla Vanir: “It’s as healthy as a leola root stew if ingested.”
Wenix: makes a big show of laughing, if not to show his humility of being so wrong, but to also change the tone of the tension still in the air
Wenix: Well, perhaps we’ll try the stew on the PADD if all else fails, though I suspect we’ll have better success next time in any event
Thaskin: continues glaring at Tina, squinting.
Nahalla Vanir: “Indeed. Thaskin… you’ll have the access token ready by our next meeting?”
Thaskin: “Fine. I’ll have to tell my own crew we’re staying over Qo’nos a bit longer unfortunately.”
Nahalla Vanir: “Wenix and I will make sure you’re compensated.”
Wenix: smiles at the inclusion
Thaskin: “It’s not the compensation, fortune knows we’re not wanting for much. It’s the planet.”
Nahalla Vanir: “Then… perhaps i should compensate you in drinks.” She smirked, turning to head from the bridge.
Wenix: Qo’noS is… not a forgiving world for those who don’t fit the warrior mould carved into its bedrock. And the Gorn, more than most, end up feeling that edge every time they set foot here.
Wenix: Whatever the Empire thinks of Gorn, I know skill when I see it. And tonight, we needed yours, and were glad to have it Thaskin.
Thaskin: “It’s not one sided hatred, Talaxian.”
Thaskin: “It is quite mutual.”
Wenix: nods slowly

Additionally the recovered data can be read on file here:
https://next.storp.org/public/d/125-corrupted-data-file

nynik

‘Heirs by Necessity’

Session 02 - Stardate 101972.1 (December 21st 2025)

The recovered files offer glimpses, not clarity, and every answer only sharpens the questions. Drawn into the criminal heart of First City, the group seeks an uneasy ally and finds themselves inheriting the very ruse that brought blood to the Hearth.

Session Transcript - Part 1

Wenix: | The Hearth of Honour hums once more, as if nothing of consequence ever bled across its stones. Laughter rolls from the hall, tankards clash, and somewhere a warrior boasts a victory that +
Wenix: | … grows larger with every telling. Only the scorch-marks near the rafters hint that the night before ended differently. A heavy door closes at the rear of the hall. The noise dulls at once+
Wenix: | This back room to the Hearth is lit darkly, its walls thick. It is the sort of place where things can be discussed quietly.
Wenix: stands within as the others arrive. They had each come their own ways and time had passed since aboard Q’alena’s ship. One of his hands was resting on the damaged PADD they had decrypted partially. The other was in Nahalla’s possession but she was not present. Wenix watches those gathered, “Right… I’m glad you’re all still in this with me”
N’Rat: looks between his… colleagues, then eyes the PADD that Wenix was holding. His tail flips back and forth.
N’Rat: “What leads do we follow, Wenix?”
Wenix: Q’alena and Thaskin did the heavy lifting on this. Pulled what they could after we tripped the nasties. We’ve used that knowledge to check the other one, but only found it contained the file +
Wenix: … on the package in storage. I’ve asked Nahalla to go on ahead to scout out the warehouse district, while the rest of us make sense of things.
Wenix: seemed grateful that Thaskin was present, or he very well might be in the position of trying to cover up a dead hacker
N’Rat: “Doppleganger trick from those jokers turns out to be quite a deeper mystery.”, he comments for himself, rubbing his neck side.
Wenix: You’ve got that right…. those men weren’t professionals. They were pretending to be something they weren’t, and hoping no one looked too closely.
Wenix: What we’ve learned though is that yes, House Krelok was real. Minor, disciplined, and discommended at that.
N’Rat: “Were they even remotely aware of what they were getting themselves into?”
Thaskin: “Given that they made an attempt? No.”
Wenix: considers the question for a moment, his gaze dropping briefly to the PADD again before lifting “They knew enough to be worried about being found out trying it, but not enough to stop.”
Wenix: They understood the shape of the lie they were selling. House name, bloodline rumours, enough history to sound convincing. But not the weight behind it. I doubt they’d have pulled it off
Wenix: Their next step seems to have been to lay claim to the package itself, in advance of the Syndicate’s arrival
N’Rat: “And lore singers… has it been considered we ask them? Even legends can be informative… to an extent.”
Wenix: That’s the part Nahalla didn’t like. A House with no heirs, no songs, no record of its fall… still holding sealed cargo under Imperial order. She’s gone on to find out what she can.
N’Rat: ponders the situation.
Wenix: nods once at N’Rat’s suggestion “We should certainly try it… we may have more luck with memory than with a computer record”
Kijutsu: watches the others
Rose: “Sounds like some kind of cover-up to me.”
Wenix: Though we might need to be careful. Asking about a discommended house in a place like First City will raise brows.
N’Rat: “One person to appear out of nowhere, that I can understand. But an entire House, even minor one… unless they always lived in the shadows.”
Wenix: reaches for the PADD now, drawing it up as the display flickers weakly. The files were only partially recovered, but were consistent. House Krelok wasn’t overly powerful, and it wasn’t celebrated.
Wenix: It survived by being useful to the Empire. Border duty, containment work, things that don’t earn songs but keep the Empire standing. Their warriors showed recurring genetic traits across +
Wenix: … generations. Elevated endurance, stress adaptation. The red hair keeps coming up, but the files are clear, it was cautiously flagged not to mean legitimacy. Just a trait that happened +
Wenix: …to repeat commonly… though uniquely among houses. This is why the imposters plan would fail. They need to claim the title, not just look like they are the heirs.
Wenix: puts the damaged PADD down, and takes out one of his own from a pocket. On it he reads more from the data recovered. All of them had a copy.
Wenix: Lineage records show no confirmed heirs. Primary bloodlines extinct. Secondary branches lost or sealed. Any claim of survival requires a rite, a witness, and even Council sanction. They didn’t have a hope!
Thaskin: “Assuming any heirs weren’t disowned and thus never existed.”
N’Rat: “Any sign of genetic weakness coming along? Like difficult procreation?”
Wenix: But the cargo is the real story here. “Non-transferable”, “Non-inspectable”. “Not to be opened under any circumstances… Death and familial discommendation for deviation” These are serious safeguards
Wenix: hmm.. good point Thaskin. The files weren’t clear at any rate. But perhaps that information was lost in them. Again, possibly something the loresingers might know more on
Rose: “I think I’m putting some pieces together here. Sounds like they might’ve taken a peek at something they weren’t supposed to see…”
Wenix: I’m no expert N’Rat, and you’ve all had the same access as I to the files, but I did see something relating to genetic… hmm… where was it
Wenix: yes, yes… here “The trait was —orded bu— neve— examined by Imperial geneticists due t—” … that’s all we have. So it was at least considered but strangely not examined?
Wenix: smiles at Rose “A lot like someone you know Rose?” He meant herself
Rose: “The Kreloks? No. The cargo? Technically, yeah. There’s a lot about me folks aren’t supposed to know.” She smiles and winks at the gathered allies.
Wenix: … Let us speak to the Loresingers then as N’Rat suggests. Carefully though. We may stand to learn more of use… but I… I think it should not be our first stop this day. +
N’Rat: frowns at Rose. “Then why do you distract us from our current adventure by even mentioning it?”
Wenix: gestures faintly toward the floor, toward the spaces beneath the Hearth.
Thaskin: “Any hint may be a potential lead, Ferasan.”
N’Rat: nods to Wenix and paces out, his tail flicking behind him.
Wenix: sighs
Thaskin: "For all we know it could be a descendant of a disowned house member, all that’s left, and trying to build it back from the shadows. The kind of archtype among klingons that’s usually spoken about <C>
Kijutsu: You know, its not exactly uncommon for the council to order all kinds of things, then never do a thing
Thaskin: …In the same breathe as whatever demons or ancient horror they’re on about this week."
Thaskin: “Either way, I expect we’ll end up in a fight.. Assuming there’s no interference, I can call upon a few of my crew if need be.”
Wenix: “That does provide a lot of comfort Thaskin, though until we know more of what is going on, it is very much opening a can of Gagh”
Thaskin: “Just call it a hunch. It’s not my first time i’ve stepped into something that would deprive most of limbs.”
Wenix: sees the Ferasan step out. “Give me a moment”
Wenix: opens the door to the Hearth’s main hall, and comes to a pause near N’Rat who was standing there
Wenix: “N’Rat what troubles you… besides the chance of ending up in that crater like the imposters…”
Wenix: | The crater where one of the Klingon pretenders had been was still charred by the disruptor blast which obliterated all but their hand (which had been wrapped around nahalla’s neck at the time
Wenix: notes the gorn had followed them out into the hall.
N’Rat: “Secrets.”, he nods to Wenix. “Secrets which collapse communities. Had Ferasan Rulling Council been more open in their disposition against the Mad Emperor, they wouldn’t crawl like beasts with broken legs.”
Wenix: Secrets rot things from the inside. Houses. Councils. Empires. They always convince themselves it’s for stability.
N’Rat: waves his paw away. “But we have more important things to do. The Empire can’t afford another inner strife and, by extent, neither can Khitomer Alliance.”
Wenix: Whatever House Krelok might have been involved in, that resulted in discommendation, it was erased so thoroughly that people wouldn’t come looking for it. Any yet these fools did.
Thaskin: “It could make the Empire collapse? I’m more invested now.”
Thaskin: snorts.
N’Rat: “Asking the lore singers will then be risky.”, he rubs his chin again and looks to Thaskin. “Not necessarily, but it would open another gap.”
Kijutsu: smirks.
Thaskin: “I’m already invested you don’t have to sell it to me.”
Wenix: The Empire can weather a great many things. But it does not do well with secrets resurfacing at the wrong moment. It feels like this could be one of those times. The syndicate obviously know what
Wenix: it is, and likely want to expose it or use it to their advantage.
Wenix: If you wish to wash your hands of it, I don’t blame you N’Rat. But we could use someone with your skills. I’ll say no more of it … out here
Wenix: turns to go back to the antiroom behind the bar
Wenix: has only taken a few steps toward the back room when he hears the movement behind him. He opens the door again and lets the others pass through.
Thaskin: “Then where do we stop first?”
N’Rat: returns back. “In the lowest bowels of Qo’nos. Every caste had their… level of lore singers.”
Thaskin: “And they’re easier for the upper ranks to dismiss as foolish utterings.”
Wenix: nods, but turns back toward the stairs that lead beneath the Hearth "I say we consult to loresingers yes, but that we start with the Syndicate itself. Or at least the part of it that thinks it owns this stretch of First City.
Wenix: The Syndicate are not a single creature. They fracture, compete, undermine one another. That’s exactly why we should go to the local boss first.
Rose: “Shouldn’t be hard to pick the Syndicates’ brains. I’ve got plenty of methods for that.”
Wenix: Garrad… will know what’s moving through his territory. He always does. And I suspect he’s to thank for largely keeping last night quiet
N’Rat: “Then I should definitely accomodate myself to less… uniformed presence.”, he says and looks at his KDF semi-standard outfit.
Wenix: If the Syndicate has decided this cargo can be used to their advantage, Garrad will know who is coming to claim it… and how much he was going to earn for its sale in his backyard.
Kijutsu: Ya, think?
Wenix: Yes… that… would likely be a good idea.
Wenix: points to a warddrobe nearby which has many articles of clothing left by patrons of the bar - who either left them or left this world (in every meaning of the word)
Thaskin: “It would have been a good idea to have lost the uniform when you decided to associate with us.”
Rose: “Yeah, speaking of which…” Rose waves her hand over herself, and changes before the eyes of her fellows. “They’d probably know me without this.”
Wenix: smiles; Rose was ever the chameleon
Wenix: I’ve had my fair share of dealings with Garrad… in this matter, I propose we don’t threaten him. We don’t accuse him. We let him believe that cooperation keeps him in the centre of things.
N’Rat: “One moment.” (leaves for the tailor)
Wenix: begins to walk to a doorway, leading to stairs going down. “We’ll find him below. In the underbelly. For those unfamiliar, First City has a network of levels most people don’t know of, and the rest pretend don’t exist”
Rose: “They’re very useful once you get used to them.”
Wenix: reaches for his coat. The underbelly could get quite cold in parts, certainly for a Talaxian.
Thaskin: “Hah.”
Wenix: looks around at the others, watching as they signal their vessels or change their attire slightly. He checked for messages from Nahalla and Q’alena, but there was nothing.
Thaskin: “Try being cold blooded.”
Wenix: laughs.. “I would consider it… if not for the apetite that comes with it. My … colleague, S’alazh’s consumes in a day what I’d eat in a month”
Thaskin: “There’s a lot of energy preservation involved. It made the war interesting, i’ll say that much.”
N’Rat: returns a few minutes later. “Hmmm…”
Wenix: | Wenix was referring to the famously tall gorn enforcer which was known to be found in the Hearth.
Thaskin: “Myself being a runt made that less of a problem… Less of a problem, not absent.”
Wenix: seeing that those around him seemed ready now, turns and says “Shall we go for a walk?”
Wenix: | The steps beneath the Hearth descend into heat, then cold, then heat but always shadow. Above, the roar of the hall is a living thing. Below, it becomes a distant vibration only.
Wenix: | The underbelly of First City is a web of levels and passages layered beneath streets built over older streets across ages of conquering and rebuilding. +
Thaskin: presses hard in a few of his pockets, it sounds like he’s breaking something plastic.
Wenix: | Old service tunnels, forgotten loading bays, repurposed spaces. Some were built for industry, others for war, most for purposes no one bothers to name anymore.
N’Rat: inhales deeply, taking the stock of the situation and surroundings as they pass.
Wenix: | They eventually arrive at a junction, upon which Wenix takes a turn and brings them through a doorway. Beneath the Hearth of Honour, the black market thrives openly +
Wenix: | Stalls are found in alcoves, crates of illicit goods stacked in careful defiance of safety regs and deals are conducted without ceremony. +
Wenix: | Klingons, Orions, Nausicaans, and much more species within and without the Empire pass through without comment. No one looks surprised to see anyone else here.
Wenix: | This place is not lawless. It simply answers to different rules. Debts are remembered. Favours are tracked. Violence is efficient and usually final. +
Wenix: | And somewhere within this tangle of metal and shadow, Garrad keeps his ear to the ground. He’d know of their arrival long before they saw him. Wenix brings them through another archway and before them the room was filled with orions.
Wenix: | Garrad reclines in a throne-like seat at the far end, posture relaxed, smile already in place. “You took the long way down, Talaxian. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten I was here”
Wenix: inclines his head, unhurried with the gesture. “You know I only ‘forget’ when it suits me Garrad. And today it doesn’t. In fact, I wish to get your advice. We all do”
Wenix: | Garrad’s smile widens a fraction. “Four loud deaths upstairs last night, and not a whisper around First City. I assume that is what you seek advice on?”
Wenix: Yes, I imagined I’d have you to thank for that… service. Keeping the peace. Keeping the rumours in check.
Wenix: | Garrad chuckles softly, standing up and meeting them. “Peace is such a generous word. I prefer continuity. First City gets twitchy when continuity breaks. And that can be bad for business”
Wenix: | “You’d be amazed how quickly rumours die when no one is paid to repeat them.” Garrad laughs again.
Wenix: Then I assume you know why we’re really here. More than just a thank you.

nynik

Session Transcript - Part 2

Wenix: | Garrad’s gaze sharpens. “I know why YOU are here. What I’m curious about is why you bring these… people with you…. and whether you intend to finish what those red-haired idiots started… ”
N’Rat: “One might get an impression you outpace Ferengi at their own game, Mister Garrad.”, N’Rat purr-chuckles.
Wenix: ’s expression remains neutral.
Wenix: | Garrad lets out a soft, genuine chuckle at the Ferasan’s remark, one hand lifting in a modest, almost theatrical gesture. “Ferengi play to win the transaction. I play to survive the fallout”
Wenix: | “This city eats anyone who mistakes cleverness for foresight. I prefer to remain… well-fed. And tonight, foresight says House Krelok is suddenly relevant again.”
Kijutsu: rolls her eyes.
Thaskin: “Rule of acqusition 125, you can’t make a deal if you’re dead.. As for my own presence, mutual interest.”
Rose: “Well, personally, I believe foresight without cleverness is useless. It’s only once someone has both that they truly rule this undercity.”
Wenix: | “Advice is a dangerous thing to ask for down here, Wenix. It tends to come with expectations.”
Wenix: | “Still… the fact you’re asking tells me you intend to stay involved. Which makes this worth my time.”
N’Rat: "That’s the crux of the problem, Mister Garrad. The House, almost covered in dust, suddenly sees sunlight. Krelok seemed to have been stubbornly loyal to the concept of the Empire as an…++
N’Rat: ++something that rose above the usual ’let’s conquer everything’ ideals."
Wenix: | Garrad’s expression shifts at that, the easy humour slipping just enough to show something more calculating underneath. "Loyalty to the Empire is admirable right up until it interferes with +
Wenix: | "… someone else’s ambition. Then it becomes inconvenient. Dangerous, even. If Krelok believed the Empire was more than endless conquest, then they were likely trusted with things others +
Wenix: | “…were not. And Houses trusted with those kinds of burdens tend to disappear quietly when the burden outlives its usefulness.”
Wenix: | “…Which brings us back to the matter at hand. My concern isn’t what Krelok stood for. It’s who benefits now that its name is being spoken again.”
Wenix: And you feel that should be … you
Kijutsu: quietly adjusts her dagger.
Wenix: | Garrad’s eyes remain on Wenix “If it happens here. Then yes. ”
Wenix: | "I don’t benefit from the Empire tearing itself open. That’s bad for business. I’m quite comfortable here. But I do benefit from making sure whatever comes out of this larger interest from +
Wenix: | “… my brothers and sisters in the Syndicate in whatever dusty old relics Krelok deemed important enough to pack away, while their house crumbled around them.”
Wenix: | “And right now, everyone involved still believes House Krelok… the ‘heirs to House Krelok’ that is, are still interested in making a trade.”
Wenix: | “As long as that belief holds, I can manage who listens… and who doesn’t. And I can manage my cut of the transaction… But that brings me back again to this advice you’re seeking…”
Wenix: We wanted to know more about the package, but it’s clear you don’t know or even care Garrad.
Wenix: | “Bah the package. Secrets of some value I’m sure. But of no worth unless sold. The… imposters believed they were here to make a deal. They died before they could prove otherwise. That leaves a vacuum, and vacuums do not stay empty for long in First City.” +
Wenix: | “You won’t be the only interested parties in … picking up the pieces… though I suspect you might stand a better chance at putting them back together should you…try”
Wenix: | “So let me ask plainly. Are you going through with it? Are you prepared to stand as House Krelok and go through with it?”
Wenix: seemed taken by surprise at the question and turned to the others
Rose: "I’ve more than the means needed to pull that off, unlike the jokers upstairs. And I’d like a peek at whatever the Empire is hiding.
Wenix: A moment Garrad… <Wenix motions for them to step back together and discuss>
Wenix: | Garrad nods, while also smiling at the short woman who had been standing silent behind the gorn and Talaxian until now
Wenix: | The group huddle together out of earshot from Garrad, who turned himself to speak with subordinates
N’Rat: “Hm.”, he purrs it out and looks back to Wenix.
Wenix: Well, I expected … the unexpected in speaking with Garrad, but this…
Kijutsu: he’s blowing smoke. All he wants is his next meal.
Wenix: Yes, at least that’s one thing we can be sure of Kij
N’Rat: “Whatever material acquisitions that may be gathered from all this, you people can divide between yourselves.”, he speaks calmly and firmly. “My concerns are… that of wider security.”
Wenix: Still, it seems as if it’s in his interest to have a role in whichever group seeks to claim whatever House Krelok has stored under Imperial Seal.
Wenix: …Why shouldn’t it be us?
Rose: “Oh, I’m not interested in selling secrets. Just knowing them. There’s a lot of power in that.”
Thaskin: “He still knows things that we do not. You can trust someone with a set goal in mind.”
Thaskin: “Provided, of course, we are the best option.”
N’Rat: looks to Thaskin. “Or at least expect them to bi consistent about reaching that goal.”
Kijutsu: I’ll give him that, The man puts food before all.
Wenix: lowers his voice further, leaning in just enough that the din of the black market swallows the edges of his words almost entirely. "There’s one thing those imposters didn’t have. +
Wenix: continues “… one thing no other group that pursues this can manufacture. Legitimacy by rite, witness and council authorisation. I… I may know someone who could help us with all three.”
Kijutsu: (rups)
Rose: smiles.
Thaskin: “More Imperial Politics.”
Wenix: Everyone else involved in this will try to fake their way past. That works right up until someone with real authority decides to look too closely.
Wenix: We don’t win by being better liars here. We win by being the only ones who’ve crafted a truth using official channels.
Thaskin: “Hm, think my trader’s licenese works?”
Wenix: | Garrad was now done speaking with his subordinates and had begun to look back to the huddled group
Wenix: I think it could be very advantageous to us for getting close the cargo; but we’ll need to be authorised to claim it.
Kijutsu: smiles.
Wenix: That means official channels. Or at least the shadow of them. People who understand Imperial procedure well enough to act within it. I… have a few favours I could call in to help us navigate those channels.
N’Rat: “Hm… I suppose I could ask few remaining Ferasan officials on Qo’nos, but that would put me… as a servant of a Klingon house. I can live with that.”
Kijutsu: pulss out a small Iso rod, looks at the Talaxian and offers it. "This, could be useful.
Wenix: looks at the rod keenly, clearly it would be of some value in the attempt, though Wenix would need to discuss it further with Kij
Wenix: seemed pleased with everyone’s willingness to try this
Wenix: straightens from the huddle and turns back toward Garrad, the decision settled in his posture before he speaks. “We’re in. We’ll stand as House Krelok and see this through. ”
Wenix: continues “But if we’re doing this properly, we need something from you.”
Wenix: gestures faintly around the black market, the Orions, the controlled chaos outside. "You keep the lie alive. Word of the imposters’ demise stays suppressed. No one starts testing our claim before +
Wenix: continues, “… we’re ready, and… should we need a distraction…”
Wenix: lets the sentence hang for half a breath before finishing it, eyes never leaving Garrad. “ …you give us one.”
Wenix: | Garrad studies them all for a long moment, the room quieting as if it knows better than to interrupt. The smile never quite leaves his face, but it thins into something sharper +
Wenix: | “You ask for a great deal of trust, Talaxian.”
Kijutsu: smirks. “And you eat a great deal of imported food” The implications left unsaid.
Thaskin: glances at the orion on his right, then back at Garrad.
N’Rat: “And any interruptions might make imports…. unsteady.”
Kijutsu: And, insecure.
Wenix: | “… you’re right about one thing. Continuity matters. And chaos, uncontrolled chaos, is bad for business.” Garrad looks to the orion “Yes, I do like to be well-fed” he then laughs. The deal
Wenix: Keep us apprised of the envoy’s arrival, and we’ll keep you updated on our… status with the package.
Wenix: | Garrad nods his head and waves his hands as if to say the meeting is over. He turns to his subordinates and continues with the business of a busy local syndicate boss operating under First City
Thaskin: looks around, just in case anyone may be paying undue attention to their presence.
Wenix: does not linger long. He inclines his head once in return, then turns on his heel, setting a steady pace toward the archway that leads back into the wider tangle of the underbelly.
Wenix: notices Rose lag behind the group a bit, so slows his pace.
N’Rat: “Until our next meeting, Mister Garrad.”
N’Rat: “And may your belly always be full.”
Kijutsu: quit eating so many slug rolls you fat…. <she says under her breath when far away>
Thaskin: passes another glance back to Garrad.
Rose: stands behind the group, idly moving her hand. Unknown to the others, she’s weaving her magic, seeking to intrude into Gallad’s mind.
Wenix: | The surface of Garrad’s thoughts are not difficult to touch, but they are carefully arranged. +
Wenix: | What Rose brushes first is not secrets, but habit. Calculation layered over instinct. Risk weighed against appetite. Garrad is assessing whether the group are truly capable +
Wenix: | He does not know what the cargo is. That ignorance irritates him. Whatever House Krelok sealed away is above his pay grade, and he suspects it always was. But he knows more people will die fo
Wenix: | for it. A lot more. And Soon. He’ll be glad to get rid of it off Qo’noS
Wenix: | There is also contingency. If the group fails, he already has secondary plans forming. He is not betting everything on us. He never would. But he prefers this outcome to work for his benefit. He rather likes Wenix.
Rose: makes note of Garrad’s ignorance. His lack of knowledge could stay that way if the group was clever enough…
Wenix: steps out into the underbelly now, keen to return to the hearth
Thaskin: “Just as well, the heat packs were dying out.”
Rose: Once Rose knows she is out of view of prying eyes, she returns to her normal form.
N’Rat: steps to the bar and one of bartenders. “These four folks… and yes, Wenix included….”, throws a dozen of latinum slips and one bar. “They can have drinks on me with this.”
Wenix: | The Hearth of Honour welcomes them back. They emerge back into warmth and noise, climbing past the press of bodies to the quieter upper levels where the air moves more freely.
Wenix: | The bartender on duty pushes the latinum back as he sees the group is with Wenix. There will be no charge. They each take a drink as they walk (if they wish)
Rose: “Well, thank you N’Rat. A toast to future success sound good?”
Wenix: | The balcony open to First City, a broad metal lip overlooking the glow and haze beyond. Here, above the noise but not beyond it, conversations can happen without being overheard too easily +
Wenix: | … at least at this hour. For the tournament fighters were still only practicing below, and the crowds wouldn’t come for many hours. +
Wenix: steps to the railing, resting his forearms on the metal, eyes following the arc of a bat’leth as it spins and is caught cleanly by the opponent. The illusion of normality is almost convincing.
Thaskin: downs half his large glass of meridor, drinking and drinking before finally taking a mouthful of air.
Wenix: Let’s be clear about what we just agreed to.
Wenix: turns from the pit to face the others, resting his back against the rail. "Garrad will keep word of the imposters’ deaths buried. House Krelok is still very much alive and still interested in +
Wenix: … making the trade etc.
Wenix: He’ll manage who listens and who doesn’t, and if we need a distraction at the right moment, he’ll provide one. Quietly. On his terms. If we back out, we’ll be murdered. If we proceed, we might be
Wenix: killed anyway
Wenix: Though… there is an upside!
Wenix: We stand a better chance laying claim to whatever has been put away than any other pretender group with Garrad backing us.
Thaskin: “I’m notoriously hard to kill, so don’t worry too much about me.”
Thaskin: snorts.
Wenix: If this goes well, we learn what House Krelok thought it needed to protect even as it crumbled, and perhaps why the Empire erased nearly all memory of them for doing so.
Rose: “Yeah, the ol’ Patron won’t be letting some Syndicate goons take me anytime soon. There’s benefits to being a god’s favorite toy.”
Wenix: If it goes badly… then we may have more than Garrad to worry about if the wider Syndicate realises we’re playing fast and loose with the facts.
Kijutsu: smirks
Wenix: Well, hopefully a God’s favourite toy’s companions buys us some luck too.
Thaskin: “It wouldn’t be my first ill-advised syndicate misadventure.”
Wenix: looks back down at the pit, where another bout is already beginning.
N’Rat: “I think I am going to inform my first officer that I am taking a shore leave.”
Rose: “I’ll probably just give everyone a bit of leave. Mana will be thrilled.”
Wenix: laughs at N’Rat, “Oh yes, a relaxing time at the beach I’m sure it will turn out to be”
Wenix: remains at the railing a moment longer, “There is someone else involved now. Someone I haven’t mentioned yet. Someone else who doesn’t realise they’re involved actually.”
N’Rat: “Of cousre. What else to expect other than beach.”
Thaskin: “Liability, asset, or threat?”
Kijutsu: The first, and third, are a constant.
Wenix: That… person I mentioned below… It’s a contact of mine in Klingon Intelligence. Someone who understands discommendation, sealed things, and how Houses can be erased…
Wenix: If anyone can legitimise our right to claim that cargo without setting half the Empire on us, it’s him. Rite, witness, authorisation, or something close enough…
Wenix: The problem is… convincing him this is worth touching. Intelligence doesn’t involve itself lightly in old ghost stories. Especially not ones deliberately buried or involving the Syndicate!
Thaskin: “Obviously, the question is what they are primarily.”
Rose: “Sounds useful. Good as I am, I can’t fool a whole system. Not fast enough, anyway.”
Rose: "I wouldn’t worry too much about the Syndicate, though. I neither respect or trust them enough to actually give them whatever’s in that cargo. Garrad has no idea what it could be, and I intend +
Rose: to use that."
Wenix: | A voice answers from just beyond the pool of light on the balcony, calm and edged “Or you could simply tell him the truth Wenix?”
Wenix: | A tall Klingon steps out from the shadows near the balcony’s archway, the glow of First City catching the ridges of his brow and the silver threaded through his hair.
Wenix: | He had been there without any realising. He stops a few steps away, posture relaxed but unmistakably authoritative. "As for convincing him… you won’t need to. +
Wenix: | “ As it seems like you’ve gotten yourself into enough trouble to merit my help.”
Thaskin: “Wonderful..”
N’Rat: turns around to look at the Klingon. “Shadow upon shadow. Wenix, is all this related to your visit in Delta Quadrant?”

…. [to be continued]

nynik

‘A Few New Faces’

Session 03 - Stardate 102030.4 (January 11th 2026)

In the Hearth of Honour, a loose table of mercenaries and misfits collides with Klingon Intelligence, and old grudges ignite faster than a disruptor set to overcharge. Just as tempers threaten to fracture the room, Wenix and Makreth step back in, forcing silence and a harder truth out into the open.

Whatever lies sealed in House Krelok’s sealed crate has drawn the attention of powers that do not move for profit alone. The question hanging in the air is simple, and unsettling: if this were only about money, why would the Empire be watching so closely, and why has it drawn the interested of the entire Orion Syndicate…?

Session Transcript - Part 1

Session 03 - The Last Heir of House Krelok

Karula: smirked softly as she approached the table. "Good. We’re all here.

Thaskin: seems to be eating a targ steak steak, also looking at his aged scar in a PADD he just finished using to talk to people on his ship. Occasionally, he causes a harsh glance the klingon’s way

Eilstina: had her long fingers coiled around a large tankard of bloodwine. She looked quietly at Karula with her game face on

Karula: "I am sure you all have met, as this operation has been in the making for some time. I, however, have not had the opportunity to meet you all. I am Karula… Part of the oversight team which will be-

Karula: |> directing this operation going forward.

Eilstina: nodded once and then took a sip

Rose: was casually having an empty tankard orbiting her chair. "Well, if we’re doing introductions. I’m Rose, in case anyone didn’t know.

Kijutsu: smirks. "Most call me Kiji.

Thaskin: "Thaskin of Arezkin. Merchant. Captain of the Xrathis.

Thaskin: spoke very quickly and dully, far quicker and duller than normal

Karula: “I am aware.” Her smile was smug. "Of a great many things, in fact. I believe you have the wrong table, Mr. N’Rat?

Eilstina: "I…well, Tina, I’ve seen some of you on Q’Al’s ship before, she sent me down today.

Thaskin: "Not of enough things, klingon.

Thaskin: says as though it were a curse

N’Rat: “Not quite, I am just… dropping an ear to the conversation… very secretly.”, he says chuckles and sits down on the non-descriptive, non-existing chair

Karula: “I am aware of your opinion of Qo’nos. I am sure you have had ample time to leave…. yet you have not. Why is that?” She asks, eyes locked on the Gorn

Thaskin: "No, i’ve not had a choice, klingon.

Karula: "There is always a choice… you simply do not like the alternative.

N’Rat: eyes between Karula and Thaskin as he sips his bloodwine

Thaskin: "No, I don’t have a choice, Klingon, you are aware of a great many things, your words. Not so of the actions of the inner workings of your own Empire.

N’Rat: "At least your people were wise enough to side against the very man who conquered them in the most recent civil war.

N’Rat: ((wrong ordering of words… jaysus… what I meant sided against J’mpok)

Karula: "I did not bring you all here to argue semantics. I brought you here for a round of drinks, to express our gratitude in your pursuit of this matter until now… and our anticipation of working

Thaskin: "Well it did have it’s advantages, less hesitation in shooting the enemy. It helps the idiot was behind our current woes.

Karula: |> together going forward." She rolls her eyes at the talk to J’mpok. "The man wrought his own dishonor.

Rose: "Tell me about it…

Thaskin: turns off the reflection mode of his PADD, taking a bite of steak

N’Rat: raises his bloodwine mug to Karula. "You speak words wiser than Kahless himself. I will drink to that. Qapla’!

Karula: “I speak only the truth.” She smirks

Thaskin: rolls his good eye

Karula: "…Most of the time.

Thaskin: "We settled a grudge. More exist but we’ve learned to wait.

N’Rat: tlhIngan maH

N’Rat: makes a toast

Karula: "To quote an ancient Klingon proverb… there is a time for everything. A time to live, a time to die, a time for blackmail, a time for a grudge. A time for vengeance, and for honor to be satisfied.

Karula: "Perhaps satisfying one, could lead you to another.

Thaskin: "You wouldn’t be happy with that.

N’Rat: “A time to sow, a time to harvest.”, he mutters

Karula: "Perhaps… but a discussion could be had, should your performance remain satisfactory.

N’Rat: "Great ideas should be discussed in drunken state of mind. If we like them the morning later when sober, then surely they are good to be implemented.

Rose: "HA! Oh, I’ve gotta remember that one…

N’Rat: says seriously and takes another long sip

Thaskin: "I’ve held the same opinion for over thirty years, the only thing that changed was stupidity and zeal surrounding it.

Thaskin: cuts and eats another portion of steak

Karula: raises some bloodwine to her lips

N’Rat: purr-chuckles at Thaskin’s remark

Eilstina: took a sip from her tankard, she had been quietly listening. It was pretty clear she was eyeing the steak in front of the gorn

Thaskin: "You could have ordered one yourself.

Lix: steps out to the balcony, looking to the nearby occupied table, then to the unoccupied seat, a tankard of bloodwine in her hand, the Trill looking a little tired as she slumps into a free seat

Eilstina: looks at the new arrival momentarily. "Not many trill this side of Ganalda.

Karula: eyes the newcomer quietly

Thaskin: "I swear they’ve been increasing in number.

Lix: turns her chair and eyes the Orion. "Not many, no, but no one’s complained when I’m patching them up.

Lix: takes a long gulp of her bloodwine

Eilstina: "Our weapons officer is spotsi too, nice girl.

Kijutsu: smirks at the nickname

Karula: "I dated one briefly. Interesting people.

N’Rat: "Proficient scientific minds on either side of the border, in my experience.

Rose: the tankard continues orbiting Rose’s chair. "Haven’t met many, myself. Seem like intersting folk, though.

Rose: continues making the tankard orbit her in differing patterns and ellipses, like a fidget

Thaskin: "There was one I met that kept asking incessent questions about King Xrathis.

N’Rat: "Xrathis? That was Slathis’ successor, correct?

Karula: "Predecessor.

Thaskin: "He was King prior, yes. May he find peace that seemingly evades the Hegemony these days.

Lix: notices the tone shift to mostly acceptance in the group and leaves it at that. She takes another long sip of bloodwine, her grey eyes flicking between the Ferasan and Gorn

N’Rat: “Furballs.”, he curses. "I always mix the names

Eilstina: clears her throat, seemingly bothered by something unrelated to any of her fellow bar patrons and stands up sharply

Eilstina: "You’ll have to excuse me.

Eilstina: begins to head out

Karula: "Of course, i will see you soon.

N’Rat: “Cheers.”, he says to Eil. "That was a quick withdrawal.

Rose: "Weird. Wonder what it was about. Ah, well, not my problem.

Karula: "Leaving you a vacant chair, should you wish to avail yourself of it.

N’Rat: looks to Lix while gesturing to empty seat. "Please, join the table.

Thaskin: "Well now you have to.

Lix: nods “Thank you for the invitation.” She stands, walking over to the now vacant seat and alights in it,seemingly a little less exhausted now that she’s got some bloodwine in he

Rose: grins and telekinetically sends her orbiting tankard toward the new arrival, having it orbit her chair now instead. “Just a little welcoming ritual.” She laughs

Thaskin: takes another large bite of steak

Karula: looks the newcomer over more closely now. "I am Karula, and this is… Kiji, N’Rat, Rose, and Thaskin.

N’Rat: raises his bloodwine mug as he’s introduced

Thaskin: "I can speak for myself Klingon, the Talaxian already felt the need to speak for me before.

Rose: waggles the floating tankard when her name is called

Kijutsu: just nods at her name

Lix: nods to each in turn, "Desara Lix. It is good to meet you all. Is this the busy hour of the bar or was this a planned gathering?

Karula: “It was… certainly planned.” She nods

N’Rat: “Come now, Thaskin. Don’s speak ill of our host.”, he chitter-laughs

Thaskin: "I didn’t, only said something that he did. If I wanted to be insulting i’d go after his scent or hair and snort, followed by gagging.

Karula: snorts. “Talaxians do have a particular odor. However, i do believe our mutual friend may have meant me.” she smirked

N’Rat: "We have had an interesting development around here, Desara. If you stick around long enough, you’re up for adventure.

Thaskin: "Or disaster.

Rose: "Usually both.

Karula: "Or perhaps a healthy spattering of both.

Thaskin: "As is these circumstances’ want.

Lix: quirks a brow “Oh?” She lets her eyes dart between the group. "Interesting development… That sounds ominous. Should I get some bio-beds ready?

N’Rat: "That’s an excellent suggestion, given it all began with a shoot out right here.

Karula: "You will not need them today. At least not for this gathering.

Thaskin: "Unless myself and the klingon get into a fight. The chance isn’t zero.

Rose: seems to get bored and uses her magic to cause the tankard to look like a small shuttle. She giggles and responds. "Karula’s right. But we’ll definitely need ’em eventually…

Karula: "If that is your wish, runt, I would accept your challenge. Best to get it out now than have your stubbornness and bloodlust interfere with the mission.

Lix: nods to Rose, taking another sip from her tankard, then casts a glance between Karula and Thaskin

Rose: "I can and will magically paralyze both of you. Please do not make me. I don’t feel like that kinda shit today…

Karula: "You will do nothing of the sort.

Thaskin: "Yes, yes, runt. Far too many people forget a gorn’s natural strength. Small packages, as it were.

Thaskin: "I made up for it during the war with interest.

N’Rat: sips his bloodwine quietly

Karula: "And far too many people believe that those in my field of work are not as capable as those who serve on the front lines. If anything, we are more-so.

Karula: sips her bloodwine as well. "I have no quarrel with you, Gorn, unless you make one. My only concern is with the mission. Be sure that your stubbornness does not endanger it. That is all.

Thaskin: "Make no mistake my intolerance is only with you.

Karula: "Then learn to control it, because on this mission, i am your superior.

Thaskin: "No, you aren’t.

Rose: "Much as I hate to admit it, she technically is.

N’Rat: twitches his both ears, looking between Karula and Thaskin. “I am glad to be on a shore leave.”, he says and sips

Karula: "Then I will assume you are taking the less favorable choice.

Lix: cants her head to one side taking an appraising look over Karula… then to Thaskin… Then checks her coat pocket to make sure her medical tricorder is ready

Karula: "And once I have reported to my superiors, your choice will be final. Do I make myself abundantly clear?

Thaskin: "I wouldn’t be on Qo’nos if I had a choice Klingon. Do not think for a second this suddenly means you are my ‘superior.’ It was intolerable enough I had to get my Hegemony license validated by <c

Thaskin: …Your High Council, with the agreement that i’d be left alone. An agreement that has been violated by your people on hundreds of occasions.

Thaskin: "Let me be ‘abundantly clear’. This is temporary. Write up whatever papers and reports you like. It won’t hurt more than the rest.

Thaskin: "Get in line, Klingon.

Karula: "That is exactly what it means. If you do not like it, you are already aware of your alternative. If you wish to avoid that outcome, you will shut your mouth and do what you are told.

Karula: "You are nothing here, lizard.

Thaskin: "Think up that one up yourself? I already told you, write your reports and get in line, i’ll care about as much as the other three dozen.

N’Rat: "Wasn’t this to be a social gathering rather than waving authority, badges and what not?

Kijutsu: nods. "And since its not, I think, I shall take my leave. I’ve no time for arogance, and atitude

Rose: casts a pair of illusory hammers above the arguing duo’s heads, commically striking them with the intangible mallets. "Knock it off, you doofs!

N’Rat: takes Kijutsu’s seat

Lix: There’s a bat’leth arena just outside the bar if you want to take it there… Or if that might call too much attention to who is on this ‘mission’ of yours, you might want to take your argument down a notch

Thaskin: lets out a low growl, seemingly only angered

N’Rat: "Desara speaks wisely.

Thaskin: "Yes because my intolerance of her redundant presence and her doing everything possible to justify it are the same thing.

Karula: “Indeed. As I said… contain yourself.” Despite a firm edge in her voice, she seemed perfectly calm. “Or be gone.”

Karula: “But we both know what your departure means.”

Thaskin: “I have resources of my own Klingon.”

Rose: “THE NEXT HAMMERS. WILL. BE. TANGIBLE.”

N’Rat: “Just a departure.”, he says and takes a sip. “Don’t ruin a sense of adventure around here.”

N’Rat: “Either of you.”

Thaskin: “Tell the Klingon that. I’m simply enjoying a steak.”

Thaskin: “You’ve had the courtesy to not be overbearing N’Rat, even if you do represent the Klingons.”

Thaskin: “To an extent, anyway.”

N’Rat: smiles. “As an exile from Ferasan Dominion, believe me, I am as far from KDF as I am from the Dominion. Thank the Sages I am just happening to pass by.”

Thaskin: “A shame, you’re preferable to her.”

Thaskin: gestures towards Karula with his knife, then cuts and eats another portion of steak.

Karula: “Fortunately your preferences are irrelevant.”

Thaskin: “As are your reports.”

N’Rat: “I will take that as compliment.”, he purr-chuckles and takes another long sip, then turns to Karula. “There you have a balance. Be untolerant in each other’s ignorance.”

– continued in part 2 —

nynik

Session Transcript - Part 2

Makreth: | The raised voices around the table are cut off by the quiet scrape of a chair. Wenix approaches the table again, this time with the Klingon who emerged from the shadows at first after +
Makreth: | ..the group had returned from the black market. Makreth was his name, and he now stood beside him. The older Klingon does not sit. He remains standing, hands folded behind his back +
Makreth: | Wenix sets both palms lightly on the table. His voice is calm. “Enough, please.” He looks first to Thaskin, then around the table, deliberately not meeting Karula’s eyes yet. +
Makreth: | “No one at this table is owned. No one has been conscripted. And no one is here because they suddenly trust Klingon Intelligence.” he tries to say, but +
Makreth: | .. but is interrupted finally by Makreth. "Karula is not here to command you. She is here because this situation has already crossed thresholds none of us can ignore. I am Makreth and I know Wenix from +
Makreth: | “… before.” The older Klingon’s gaze scans the group as Wenix’s had, but he does settle on Karula as if to say ‘Making friends, are you?’.
Thaskin: doesn’t see the arrival of the older klingon as a reason to stop eating his steak. He does, however, release the tension that was building in his shoulders.
Thaskin: “We were enjoying a good helping of foot.”
Rose: finally brings the orbiting tankard made shuttle onto the table and dispels the illusion cast upon it.
Thaskin: says between bites, cutting off another bite.
N’Rat: looks to Makreth. “Are we finally going to hear what was House Krelok guarding, beside their red hair gene?”
Makreth: | Wenix keeps his hands on the table, grounding himself before speaking again. He seemed more serious than usual. "I will be direct… Klingon Intelligence has stepped in. +
Makreth: | … as Makreth’s colleague’s presence has no doubt made apparent."
Makreth: | “Not because anyone here invited them, and not because this has become a military operation.” +
Makreth: | “But because the crate we are after was sealed under Imperial authority, and the Syndicate’s interest in it has crossed a threshold that cannot be ignored.” Wenix looks up to Makreth then.
Makreth: We do not know. Not fully <he says to N’Rat directly>
Makreth: House Krelok was not trusted with curiosities or trophies. They were trusted with problems the Empire did not wish to speak about once solved. Whatever was sealed was judged dangerous enough +
Makreth: … to outlive the House itself, but valuable enough not to destroy. You will not learn its nature from a story told over bloodwine. You will learn it when the crate is opened… and not before.
Karula: "We are here, because someone now has to pose as the hairs of House Krelok… and for that you require Klingons. My… father and I shall be those heirs, while we retrieve the crate, to keep it out->
Karula: |> of Syndicate hands."
N’Rat: “From my brief time in Klingon Defense Force, Imperial seal of this kind was usually for something equivalent to Starfleet’s General Orders. KDF has very few of those, but are very… very strict.”
Lix: eyes N’Rat, then the two Klingons…
Makreth: Exactly. An Imperial seal of that class cannot be overridden by Intelligence alone. And yet, our duty relies on not drawing attention to this.. situation, or its.. existence.
Makreth: To commandeer it openly would require the Chancellor’s express authorisation, and that level of attention would expose the crate long before it is secured. +
Makreth: Which is why this must be done as Krelok intended… by heirs, not orders. <He looks to Wenix>
Makreth: | Wenix inclines his head slightly, acknowledging the look before speaking. “Support is the word they prefer,” Wenix says evenly. “Pressure was also applied. Rura Penthe was mentioned. Once.” +
Makreth: | "But threats aside, the reality is simpler. Garrad is already committed to us, the Syndicate envoy is en route as far as we know, and the lie is in motion. I don’t blame any of you if you want +
Makreth: | “… to get out now while you can. Makreth assures me though that whatever is of value, but doesn’t risk Empire security, can indeed remain with us afterwards”
Rose: “Oh, I ain’t missing my chance to unveil a mystery like this.”
Makreth: snorts softly, a brief sound of dry amusement rather than disagreement.
Makreth: Wenix speaks plainly. So will I. This operation succeeds through cooperation, not obedience. Differences of alignment, loyalty, or opinion are now irrelevant. The Syndicate is already moving. +
N’Rat: reclines in his seat. “Lucky me to be on a shore leave, meaning I am not obliged to report anything to Alliance HQ. Besides, this is clearly an internal Imperial matter.”
Makreth: And that’s because they are betting on whatever being in this crate as being of use to their efforts to destabilise the Empire. As for Kijutsu…
Karula: nods, glancing around at the others, before settling her gaze on Thaskin. "I’ve not asked for loyalty. I’ve not asked for allegiance. What i require is professionalism. An attitude at every turn>
Makreth: ’s gaze follows where Kij had exited earlier… “departure is not the same as disengagement.”
Karula: |> Will only undo the operation. If you are incapable of working with Klingons, then your role in this adventure must come to a close, as Nahalla’s did. Like her, you will be compensated ->
Karula: |> accordingly. Should you wish to remain, however, you must stay civil."
Makreth: You are correct. It is an internal Imperial matter. That is precisely why outside powers are watching it so closely. What we know of the envoy is that it has drawn the interest not just of +
Makreth: another syndicate group, but of ALL syndicate groups offworld. Garrad knows too well not to deal in it this close to where he sleeps. But that… that is significant and dangerous, and hasn’t escaped+
Makreth: Alliance notice no doubt. We are.. checking.
N’Rat: “Well, all that aside. How are we going to proceed with the actual unravelling of the mystery?”
Makreth: I do not require loyalty or allegiance. But as Karula says, professionalism is what will see this through. Wenix speaks highly of you all.. perhaps a bit too highly at times. +
Makreth: Klingon Intelligence survives by working with those who do not think alike, do not share culture, and do not answer to the same banners. <he is looking at Karula as he says this, a message given+
Makreth: + without mentioning her directly> “There is no single posture that fits every operation. What matters is restraint, competence, and knowing when not to escalate.”
Thaskin: “I’ve been in my people’s military and have had to deal with some of the most insufferable people in 4 corners of the galaxy on trade deals. I can do professionalism. I don’t do submission.”
Makreth: The same professionalism applies to all of us.
Lix: quirks a brow “I assume this venture and ruse is part of why I’m here… You need something to fool medical scans for these two, to make this ruse work?” She looks between Makreth and Karula.
Makreth: looks to the gorn, "That is all we ask. Remember, our interest is in catching the syndicate in the act and your assistance in this matter, will, be noted positively.
Thaskin: “Then we have a mutual understanding.”
Makreth: | Wenix nods once, relieved to be back on practical ground. “Exactly,” he says. "The ruse only works if it survives scrutiny. The original pretenders relied on appearance and bravado. That will +
Makreth: | … not suffice this time. If we are to stand as the heirs of House Krelok, then the genetics must support the claim. Hair, markers, medical scans… all of it. Now naturally, we don’t ALL need to
Makreth: | … become Klingon…" he trailled off, as if unsure, but a look to Makreth confirmed this.
Thaskin: “If it’s a dead house mercenaries aren’t an oddity. Some of us fit the look more than others.”
Thaskin: “Well, almost dead.”
Karula: "I already have the hair, fortunately, and Makreth is old enough for it to not matter. It is entirely possible that I may even have some Krelok blood. I will leave that for the doctor to determine as>
Makreth: Correct. The heirs must be convincing. The rest must be useful and disciplined as ‘mercenaries’. Entirely appropriate.<He looks to the Trill at the end of the table>
Karula: |> she prepares the genetic markers. As for the rest of you… indeed. A dead house would be greatly in need of mercenaries as it attempts to stake a claim. And that is precisely the role we intended
Karula: |> for you all."
Makreth: takes out a device from his pocket and waves it across his head, just as Karula speaks of him being too old… before their eyes his hair transitions to a shade of red, still streaked with white
Makreth: I may be getting ahead in age daughter, but I still must look the part.
Karula: grins. “Of course, Father. I meant no disrespect.”
Thaskin: looks down at Rose, then the trill, and at the Ferasan.
Thaskin: “How many of you have done mercenary work? Correction, how many of you are comfortable being surrounded by people who might kill you because you inconvienanced them for a second?”
Makreth: Your presence is indeed not coincidence, Desara Lix. A joined Trill with KDF medical service, combat exposure in conflict, and Alliance clearance is exactly what we need. +
Rose: “Tch, please. I’ve seen worse than anyone here in terms of war efforts, I’d bet. I’ll be fine.”
N’Rat: taps his paw digits casually against the table. “I’ve had my share of experience being surrounded by folks who considered me a mere waste of ship’s oxygen.”
Thaskin: “Sounds like a reason for drinks between you and me then, Rose, was it?”
Thaskin: “In any case, good.”
Rose: “Rose is right. Most of the time.”
Karula: “For this… we will all be wasting oxygen together. The return of House Krelok will not be favorable to many. There will be resistance.”
Thaskin: “We’ll find out over romulan ale, it’ll be enjoyable.”
Makreth: | Wenix lets out a soft, almost self-deprecating breath, lifting one shoulder in a small shrug. "I am no mercenary… I run a bar. I listen. I pour drinks. I stay out of the way. +
Makreth: | Wenix continues, “If all goes well, my place can remain behind my counter, as my absence from it will surely be noticed.”
Thaskin: “If.”
N’Rat: clasps his paws together against one another and rubs them. “Well, time to dress up as a mercanery and a low-life.”
Karula: “I disagree, Wenix. Our file on you is quite thick. I do not expect all to go well… But should you wish to remain behind your bar… I shall respect your decision.” Her tone makes it clear: She would absolutely consider him a coward.
Makreth: | Wenix makes a show of ordering drinks to the table, fulfilling his humble role. As they arrive, they match everyone’s particular appetites, though Makreth does not drink, not yet.
Thaskin: “I hope you demonstrate better skill at lying, given what we’re going to be living one in the future.”
Makreth: | Wenix gives a thin, awkward smile at that, rubbing briefly at the back of his neck as if choosing his words with care. “Your file is… thorough” he admits. +
Thaskin: “Don’t look at me like that, consider it a reason to practice.”
Makreth: | Makreth places a hand on Wenix’s shoulder. Wenix continues… “And yes, I have experience around mercenaries. More than I usually advertise.”
Thaskin: “I’d find it weird if you didn’t.”
Makreth: | Wenix glances to Makreth, a flicker of shared history there, then back to the table. “If this requires more than a bar and a listening ear, then I will not pretend I am unfamiliar with the risks”
Lix: pulls out her medical tricorder, setting it in her lap and pulling the scanner head out to surriptitiously scan Karula. She needs a baseline to synthesize the markers.
N’Rat: “A non-bragging Klingon.”, he says, studying Makreth. “Well, I heard of a Ferengi scientist and an honest Iridian.”
Lix: rolls 32 (1-100)
Karula: rolls 71 (1-100)
Thaskin: “I’ve met a funny vulcan. Granted, it was an extremely well shielded sense of humor.”
Thaskin: “Which.. Of course it’d be a vulcan.”
Karula: simply ignores the gorn, her eyes being drawn to the doctor. Curiosity is in her green eyes, and the hint of a threat ever in the hint of exposed teeth.
Rose: “And my mom married a Romulan. We’ve all seen our fair share of weird.”
N’Rat: “Contradiction in terms around every collection of dust dense enough to be called a nebula.”, he mutters to himself as he purr-chuckles.
Lix: looks to Karula and Makreth “I assume Klingon Intelligence has… samples from Krelok? blood on a d’ktag? a ritual chalice? something?”
Makreth: As the Humans say, I have been at this game long enough to know that boasting is a liability N’Rat. The loudest warrior is usually the first one noticed, and while there is honour in charging in +
Makreth: … too often are they the first one removed the board from afar. I aim to see the eyes of my enemies up close.
Makreth: bears his teeth then in a grin at N’Rat
Makreth: It is not that simple Doctor. When a House is discommended, the seal extends beyond property or blood. Records are not merely locked away, they are destroyed. +
N’Rat: grins, showing his fangs to Makreth. “I prefer them vaporised or arrested before they even have time to smell my fur. But… that is a story for another day.”
Makreth: Names, lineages, genetic archives… erased from Klingon history. That level of erasure is among our people’s greatest shame to endure.
Makreth: Which is precisely why the remaining crate is so curious… A House erased that completely should have left nothing behind. No blood, no records, no sanctioned memory. +
Makreth: And yet this crate endured… under seal, untouched, and deliberately preserved. +
Makreth: The information you all recovered, fractured though it is, did include some Krelok genetic marker data…
Makreth: I have not yet sent this for .. analysis, within KI. I’d prefer if we could keep as much as possible to … this group. So your assistance Doctor would be welcome.
Lix: nods "Once I get baseline scans from both of you I can compare, and prepare a vector for the genetic modification… taking into account genetic drift… how many generations ago would you say >
Lix: >the sample came from?"
Makreth: The fragmented data may confirm otherwise, but possibly 50 or so years
Lix: so we’re looking at the originator of the sample likey being your age or perhaps a generation older? she looks to Makreth
Lix: (likely*)
Makreth: Yes, the house was discommended in that era. It was… a complex time for the Empire, and I regret my own knowledge of the House’s actions are unhelpful. They were assigned many duties other houses +
Makreth: .. felt were beneath them. Krelok, by my memory, was a workhorse. A true believe in empire, and not of simply gaining power. This is why discommendation strikes me as.. unusual.
Thaskin: finishes what’s left of his steak, setting the silverware aside and turning in his chair.
N’Rat: “50 years ago would fall roughly… in the time of Dominion War, wouldn’t it?”
Karula: “It would, yes.”
Makreth: Correct, though it may not be so apparent in the annals of history, but it was not the only war the Empire was fighting at the time. Certainly it’s largest and perhaps gravest… but not the only +
Makreth: .. concern. Houses like Krelok ensured the empire did not fracture from within during that time. Local species suppression, border control, security runs and even some expansion in unwatched places.
Lix: as humans might say… they were the junkyard dog of the empire. she stands, moving over to Makreth and once again getting a scan through her medical tricorder, once again trying to hide the the scanner head from prying eyes
Makreth: pauses and seems for a moment to be lost in time, but it quickly passes
Makreth: moves in a wide manner before saying "Scan away doctor, if we have any lineage association to Krelok, it will be news to my mind, but if it might help us develop a genetic match then all the better
N’Rat: rubs his chin as his gaze drifts away into distance. “Hmm. Dominion, Cardassians, brief war against the Federation. Changelings exposed. Hunt for Albino…”, he ‘lists’ major events.
Makreth: Though I had not red hair in my youth. I doubt my wife would have married me if I had.
Karula: “Fortunately, I have little interest in finding a husband anf fathering heirs.”
Makreth: | Wenix speaks up at this moment "The loresingers, by the first hall… N’Rat you have spoken of them before. Perhaps there yet remains a vocal history of House Krelok, that the records now deny us
Thaskin: “It seems like it’d be taboo to speak of them.”
N’Rat: “I think loresingers should be asked by fellow Klingons.”
Thaskin: “Agreed, last thing anyone wants is some outsider asking about social poison.”
N’Rat: “An alien would be too… suspicious.”
Karula: “Indeed. I could approach them, having recently learned of my heritage, and ask what they know.”
Lix: grins. “I’ve got a baselne for each of you… and a contact where I can synthesize a DNA encoder agent without too many questions. I’ll contact you once I have something.”
Thaskin: “..Although, anyone asking about it would draw questions.”
Thaskin: “But better her than us.”
Thaskin: “Anyway.. I have equipment if you need it, bandoliers, clothing, disruptors.. Including the ones the unusual ones.”
N’Rat: looks to Thaskin. “I may have to check your wardrobe then.”
Thaskin: “Better to stick to typical disruptors given how easy it is to get them but that’s just a suggestion.”
Makreth: looks to Karula as she remarks. His expression remains unreadable, perhaps a conversation they’ve had… or rather, not had before. In this line of duty, few could blame her for expressing such a view
Makreth: Thank you Doctor
Makreth: Yes, and all entirely legal I am sure Thaskin… but yes, I think that would be useful. It would help us raise fewer eyebrows with KI acquisitions
Thaskin: “We’re an old warship stripped down to a trade ship populated by exclusively gorn war veterans, you better believe we have a lot of equipment aboard.”
Thaskin: “If it can be found in Imperial or Hegemony space, I have it.”
Karula: got to her feet. “Then while the remainder of you outfit as mercenaries, my father and I have work to do.”
Rose: “And I’ve got plenty of skills in trickery and perception fuckery. Anything we don’t have, I can fake. Up to an including whole starships.”
Thaskin: “Though I am not wanting for wealth, the less we need to buy, the better”.

—pause—