October 2007 - Post Selection

ON : A Verbal Duel

Day: 02 - Time: N/A - Scene: Class M Planet, Surface

After the final bump that marked their precarious landing, Claryx almost pointed out that Gol'Khar had been more than conservative by claiming that their ride could be tough. The heavy presence of magnetite and the ionised atmosphere had rendered most of their instruments next to useless; Where an experienced pilot might have found this an interesting experience, Claryx had been annoyed by each unexpected move forced by the shuttle, or rather the elements around it.

"Let's hope that the soil of this planet is more stable than what we've just been through, gentlemen." She said, making her way to the backof the Solar Winds. There, she fetched several items. Torches, ropes, anda first aid kit being on her priority list. "Cmdr Tyvek, I want you totake our shuttle and place it into a stationary orbit around this planet.I wouldn't want to be stranded on a planet on which we have very littleinformation; and I wouldn't trust the Garann sisters even if all that wasat stake was a bag of plastic toys."

Unlike the usual questioning of Berg, Tyvek accepted his assignment with a simple and comforting "yes Cmdr."

Moments later, when the team had gathered all the tools they deemed necessary for a caving expedition, Berg opened the side hatch and peered outside. When his face appeared again, it was whiter than usual, the sign of bad news.

"We have a greetings committee," he announced, removing his phaser from its holster.

Claryx moved forward to have a look. One of the Klingon sisters was standing at the entrance to a large cave, battled by intense winds. She was framed by two heavy male Klingons, and two targ. At least she assumed that they were targ, but from her position, they looked more like wolves.

"This is Tamyeshi," Gol'Khar announced, now standing right behind her. "I don't think she is in a very good disposition, right now."

"Nor am I, Gol'Khar. Still, who knows, great minds might think alike," Claryx stated, knowing full well that it wasn't likely to be thecase. Although the distance and the heavy winds made it difficult to seethe Klingons properly, their state of mind appeared as clear as crystal toher. Jealousy, lust and violence competed with each other to have theupper hand.

"I don't recommend that you..." Gol'Khar began, but Claryx promptly interrupted him: "I think it's important that I speak to Tamyeshi alone. If I don't, the sisters will never respect me, and it could be detrimental to our mission. So, I'm going to say hello to our hosts, while the three of you will stay 3 or 4 meters behind me. I don't mind showing some bravery, but I'm not foolish."

A few minutes later, Claryx stood in front of the three Klingons and theirsnarling beasts. They had no leashes, she remarked to herself, whishingthat she had noted this detail before walking to the cave entrance.

"So, here you are at last," Tamyeshi said with a mocking tone. "You are even smaller and frail than I imagined, Vahl. I'm truly surprised that you managed to survive a relationship with Gol'Khar!"

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Tamyeshi," Claryx replied, making an effort to remain neutral and unaffected by the unpleasant thoughts that kept emerging from the trio. "But I didn't travel this far to speak of my personal life. You seem to have abducted Dodd and his crew, who happen to be citizens of the Federation."

"I feel relieved you haven't mentioned the word 'man' with Dodd, for heisn't one." Tamyeshi added. "Spineless vermin is a better description."

"Probably," Claryx forced herself to agree. "However, because of hisorigins, and crimes, I am here to claim his custody and that of his crew."

The Klingon woman exploded in a raucous laughter, soon imitated by her two henchmen."Dodd belongs to us, little one. But you are welcome to take hisbody when we are finished with himm."

Claryx braced herself against a new blast of wind. This wasn't the best of ally when you wanted to look unassailable. "If you kill him," she shouted above the elements, "you will be considered as murderers and dealt by according to Federation law."

Tamyeshi laughed again. "This must be the lamest menace I have ever heard Vahl! Do you think I am afraid of the Federation and its puny justice? Your penitentiaries are like three stars hotels. I'd be happy to pay any of them a visit anytime. Klingon Women also like to bepampered from time to time!"

Once again they all laughed loudly. When their good spirit had receded a bit, Claryx resumed: "Do not worry, I wouldn't insult you with a weak Federation camp. I can safely say that thanks to our good diplomatic relationship with the Klingon High Council, we could makesure that you receive a rightful entry to Rura Penthe."

Tamyeshi kept her smirk, but it looked a bit frozen now. "Diplomacy and politics are the weapons of the weak," she shouted back.

"If it was so, then the Federation wouldn't be so prevalent in the galaxy," Claryx quickly countered. "I think that they are the weapons of the shrewd. You would be foolish not to take them into consideration. What is Dodd to you now, anyway? You have already taken all his material possessions, his pride and most of his spirit." She added, sensing that deep within the cave, Dodd was still alive.

"That we have, Betazoid." She then made a step aside. "If you want him, you will have to fetch him yourself."

Claryx stared a few seconds at the blackness offered by the cave entrance. "May I ask you why you all came down here?"

Tamyeshi frowned. "Read my mind, Vahl, and take note of the fact that if you interfere with our plans, you won't survive to play politics."

Not willing to rush to the caves, Claryx did as she was told, and received a clearer picture of the situation: With Dodd present in this universe for a longer time, he had had time to explore the area alittle. This had given him some valuable knowledge, now in the possessionof the sisters. Among this knowledge were various interesting locationsfor mining. Gold was to be found here...

"I see..." Claryx added. "But why did you all beamed down here, leaving your ship empty?"

After contempt and annoyance, Claryx felt sure she could now detect traces of fear among her interlocutors. They had experienced technical problems... Dodd had almost managed to escape, causing some damage... She couldn't read much more than that because theyhad all dismissed the incident. It was almost as if they preferred to livein denial rather than to admit difficulties onboard their mighty ship.

"You know as much as we do, Betazoid," Tamyeshi simply said, stretching her right arm towards the cave's entrance. "Be our guest."

Claryx signalled her team to join her. The targ were growling menacingly, defying her to make a move…

OFF :

Cmdr Claryx Vahl
XO
USS Dark Matter