Schemes in the Dark

Posted on Mon Mar 3rd, 2025 @ 4:42am by Commander Kevin Lance
Edited on on Tue Mar 11th, 2025 @ 8:12pm

Mission: The days of our lives
Location: Deep Space
Timeline: Current

on:
{Flight Deck}

Kevin was alone on the flight deck of the Jubilant Embrace when Shadow appeared. “You’re late,” Kevin groused. He wasn’t entirely sure but Shadow seemed to be taken aback by the rebuke.

The mysterious man recovered and replied blandly, “I am neither late nor early. I arrive exactly when I intend.”

“Perhaps you would be gracious enough to tell me what’s so important that I had to be taken from my family,” Kevin asked in a mocking tone.

“It is better if you know a little as possible,” Shadow answered, “for reasons of security and deniability.”

“You are going to tell me,” Kevin threatened with quiet anger,” or so help me Cochrane, I will turn this starship around!”

The image of Shadow stood staring at Kevin, apparently weighing Kevin threat against the need to complete the mission. Finally, he spoke, “There is too much to explain, so I will summarize. For centuries, the agency that we work for has been working to modify the Klingon Empire to a more democratic society.”

“A Klingon democracy?” Kevin asked incredulously.

Shadow nodded, “Many have the same reaction but it is necessary for the eventual integration of the Klingons into the Federation.”

“Why in the Void would the Federation want the Klingons?

To promote a peaceful future. Current Klingon society is too medieval. It is only a matter of time until The Empire and the Federation get involved in another General War.

Kevin nodded thoughtfully. There had been four formally declared wars and countless skirmishes over the centuries, usually short but always bloody. The planet of his birth had traded hands several times as the fortunes of battle tipped the scales one way or the other. Still, there had generally been peaceful relations since the start of the 24th century. “But they fought with us against the Dominion,” Kevin pointed out.

Shadow shrugged, “’The enemy of my enemy’ as the saying goes. And don’t forget that they were initially arrayed against us.”

“Because the High Council had been infiltrated by the Founders,” Kevin countered.

“Quite and their discovery was what brought the Empire onto our side,” Shadow admitted, “But what if the Klingons hadn’t joined the Federation and Romulans against the Dominion? The alliance would still have likely won but the cost would have been much greater, leaving the Klingons in a much stronger position. The Federation would have been ripe for a surprise attack.”

The specter of a Klingon Empire unfettered by strong Federation was unnerving. Pushing aside his fears, Kevin continued his questioning, “What does the betrothal of a teenaged Klingon to a little girl have to do with any of this?”

“The House of Har’lok is a minor player in Klingon politics but has an outsized influence over the distant portion of the Empire in which they are situated,” Shadow explained, “An alliance with the House would give either side an important advantage. Rurik, leader of the House of Har’lok is a friend to the Federation but he is old and sickly. We doubt the he will last the month. Shan’nara is his granddaughter but a series of misfortunates has left her as the sole living heir. She is far too young to effectively lead the House and the potential choices of regent aren't very promising.

Kevin knew enough to declare, “And a betrothal would bring the House of Har’lok under the protection of the House of Noggra.”

“Indeed,” Shadow smiled at Kevin’s acknowledgement, “In addition to being heir to the House of Noggra, Lurkan is the nephew of Captain Worf, son of Mogh. He has blood-ties to the House of Mogh and a marriage alliance between Noggra and Har’lok would strengthen both. The united House would be elevated to the ranks of the Great Houses. And you can never have too many Great Houses on your side in the Klingon council.

Kevin didn’t spend much time studying Klingon politics but even he could see the value in adding to the power of the alliance between the Chancellor and House of Rasmehlier.

“With the majority of the High Council friendly to the Federation,” Shadow continued, “we can gently encourage various reforms. Recognition of subjugated species, greater investment in the sciences and arts, more individual rights for non-warriors and the like. It will take decades, if not centuries.”

“Why the subterfuge?” Kevin wondered aloud, “Why not enter into direct negotiations with the High Council for those reforms? It would be quicker.”

“Likely it would,” Shadow agreed, “but I am certain that you have observed that many Klingons do not take the intervention of foreigners without strenuous objection. No, the only way is to get the Klingons think that they are the ones who thought this up. That is why it is so important that Captain Rodale is protected.”

Now it was Kevin’s turn to be taken aback. “Mira?” he asked, “but she isn’t Klingon.”

“True, but her marriage to Kolar has allowed all but her staunchest enemies to accept her as Klingon,” Shadow said, “Kolar’s death was an unfortunate setback to the overall plan.”

“Wait! Did you arrange Mira’s marriage to Kolar?” Kevin accused.

“No, that was just a happy coincidence that fit nicely into the overall scheme,” Shadow admitted, “Truth be told, it would be best if Captain Rodale were to wed another Klingon. The High Chancellor thinks that House of Rasmehlier should be joined in marriage with the House of Antaak. Most of our organization concurs with strengthening Captain Rodale’s bond with the Klingons.”

Kevin smirked. Mira might have a word or two to say about that plan.

Personally, I am pulling for you two kids to make it,” Shadow told Kevin.

It was a surprise that the man would share a personal belief that opposed the organization’s goal. But Kevin found it oddly comforting that at least one powerful person was on he and Mira’s side. “Why?” was the only thing that he could think to say.

“Captain Rodale is a bit of a loose cannon and has little reason to like the Federation,” Shadow explained, “We have done what we can to, without being too obvious, encourage her career in Star Fleet as an anchor but something more is needed. You and your children are a much more effective draw.”

Kevin glowered at the idea that the children were pawns in a nameless cabal’s political game.

“More importantly, you make her happy,” Shadow continued, “and with all that she has been through and everything that is ahead, she should be happy.”

That admission threw Kevin into a state of confusion. Anger at being used as a toy to manipulate Mira. Pride that others saw that he was good for her. He couldn’t think of a retort.

“Stay the course, Kevin,” Shadow advised as he dissipated, “Do whatever you need to keep House Har’lok on our side.”

:off

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris