ILLUMINARRPG: (4-1425) Minister Pe'tah

[Al Muir]

Mission:  For Honor
Day: 4
Stardate: 2446.04.28

(Qo'nos - Conference Room - Minister Pe'tah - 1425)

Pe'tah knew that he was treading on dangerous ground with his request. But had given his word to make the request on behalf of Ariel Trei daughter of Delton Trei, and he had intended to keep that word.

He had expected there to be opposition to the request, but he had also hoped that he might find some support from the other, more liberal houses.   However, those leaders had opted to step back and see how this went.  Perhaps they would throw in with him if he could find some ground to stand on.  That was not looking to be the case.

Morek finally stood and spoke. He blustered with unfounded accusations, but he did ask that all-important question, "Who's side will she fight on Pe'tah? Do you know this?"

He knew what he was asking immediately, but the truth was that he did not know the answer to that question. He remained silent but Morek did not. He continued the question amidst the support of the houses around him.

"When our ships come to sack the Federation will she be on one of them or will she face off against us?"

He would not lie to the chancellor. His honor was at stake here. “I have not yet broached that subject with her.  But I have tested her and found her heart to be Klingon.  She does have an allegiance with the Federation right now. I am uncertain if she would be willing to leave it.”

His closed fist slammed into the chair he had been occupying and it crashed to its side near the wall. "The Rite of Ascension is for the young as they win their place into the Empire and stand against its enemies, fighting them with every weapon until either they or their opponent is destroyed. THIS IS THE THLINGEN WAY!" His voice had risen to a shout. "Shall we allow subversives to taint our traditions and our laws?  WHAT ANSWER DO YOU HAVE TO THAT PE'TAH?"

The initial response was not Pe’tah’s.  It was from the crowd around Morek. They shouted and shook their fists toward Pe’tah. It was not the first time he stood opposed by most of the Council. But this was different.

“maghwl!” they cried. “Traitor!”

Pe’tah thought silently for a moment, even though he had planned out his response long before this.  As the commotion died he stood to his full height and faced them.

“You all know that I am no traitor,” Pe’tah called out. “I have lived and my house has died protecting the honor of the empire. These juvenile cries weaken us as a people. Is the metal of the Klingon empire so poor that it cannot withstand the addition of those who are unique among us? Is Klingon blood not strong enough to overcome the weakness that other blood might try to give it? Are we, as a people, so small, that we cannot accept those who have, even with the smallest part, “Klingon in them.”

He took a deep breath and looked at the Chancellor. “I put to you, Chancellor, that we ask this Ariel Trei what her true intentions are. If we require some proof of her commitment to the empire then let us ask it if her. Our traditions and ceremonies are the lifeblood of our people. All of our people. Now we see who our people really are.”

(reply Martok)
(posted by Al Muir)

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://startrekfreedom.com/pipermail/illuminar-rpg_startrekfreedom.com/attachments/20221002/f80d865a/attachment.html>