Klingon High Chancellor resigns

[Federation News Service 0]

Qo'nos -- Sending waves through the intergalactic political community, Klingon High Chancellor Kimtor today announced his resignation. "There is no honor in denying the truth," he said. "I am no longer fit to lead the Klingon Empire." Kimtor added, "Our people require a strong, healthy leader in this time of turmoil."

 

Kimtor, seriously wounded in last week's terrorist attacks on the Versailles Diplomatic Center on Earth, had been optimistic for his recovery. However, doctors recently began to suspect that the injuries would be permanently debilitating.

 

Rumors circulating of potential challenges to Kimtor’s leadership may have prompted the surprise announcement by the venerable Klingon leader.

 

Although Kimtor did not directly endorse a successor, he implied that he would support Kudaj of the House of So’tak for the position. Though younger than some of the other front runners, many Klingon political insiders say that Kudaj’s youth could be an advantage. While not presently commanding a strong backing, many believe Kudaj will benefit from the support of the influential House of Martok, which is expected to ally itself with whomever Kimtor openly supports.

 

Other frontrunners for the position include Jo'mav of the House of Krath and Degos of the House of He'jach. Some analysts believe that virtually any Council member might claim the position, as the former frontrunner, Morek of the House of Kotal, died three days ago of injuries sustained in the VDC attacks. Keh'Lath, his sister and sole surviving relative, has yet to publicly endorse any candidate. A choice other than Kudaj will pose a serious threat to Kimtor’s hand-picked successor.

 

In the interim, Kimtor has said he will remain Chancellor until his successor can be installed, at which time he will step out of the public light.