"Where's My Sock?"

[Kansas_Jones 0]

Note: takes place during the 8 hour TBS

09.20.08

USS Agincourt NCC-81762

“Where’s My Sock?”

A low toned yowl pierced through the corridor, which caused Master Chief Petty Officer Keltex to swing around in the general direction of the sound.

 

Commander Kansas JoNs came bounding on all four paws down the narrow auxiliary corridor toward the big Klingon and skidded to a halt as she reached him. The golden furred felinoid stood upright on her hind legs and gazed at Keltex expectantly. Like Keltex, she wore the leather and mesh baldric denoting her blood membership to House Lokan, the house into which Keltex had invited the feline to be a part of. The chief petty officer also made mental note of the fact that the Caitian feline also wore the Klingon dagger strapped to a simple mesh belt that she had procured during her civilian cargo service a few years ago.

 

Kansas made a short purring trill. “I need backup. Main transporter room. We need to greet a straggler from the VaKang, namely First Officer Azet. I’d thought it’d be polite if I met her, rank meets rank thing, guide her to where the tour is at currently, and I’d like you to accompany me Master Chief.”

 

A toothy grin spread across the silver haired Klingons features as he answered the young first officer. “I’d be happy to. And I see you are dressed in your Klingon finery.” A powerful hand indicated her dagger more so then the baldric; the metallic sash had become an everyday uniform accompaniment. The dagger was not something that the cat wore regularly.

 

“Aye. It would seem appropriate, under the circumstances. It isn’t every day that we entertain our fellow Klingon officers of the Imperial Fleet. I figure I should look my best.” She indicated the way that the two of them should walk with a flick of her paw.

 

Keeping in stride with the Caitian, Keltex continued with the conversation. “I have done some checking on this Captain BQar and Commander Azet. They have seen quite a bit of service together and their ships battle record is equally impressive. I also recall Captain BQars name from my own service days as a bekk within the Klingon Defense Force; he is a noble warrior.”

 

“Good. We need more of ‘em during these unsure times.”

 

Klingon enlisted officer and Caitian commissioned officer arrived at the main transporter room, and the moment they entered the area, Kansas nodded for the transporter technician on duty to signal to the VaKang that the ‘Court was ready to receive the final attendee of the meet and greet hoopla.

 

Within seconds, Technician Ibanez had entered the proper coding into his control console and the familiar whine of the transporter beam sounded and the air swirled on the transporter platform. The imposing figure of the olive skinned, dark haired and sharp eyed executive officer of the VaKang shimmered into existence on the far left transporter marker pad. The Klingon female had a prominent forehead crest, and wore the typical gray and black leather metallic armor of the Klingon Defense Force. Like some officers, both male and female, she kept her arms bare, opting instead to just wear the uniform tunic and breeches. Like most Klingons, who had no use for diplomacy and instead chose the direct route, Azet promptly stepped down from the raised dais and spoke to the two officers who had arrived to meet her.

 

“Commander Azet of House Kortach, first officer of the VaKang.” Her hawk like eyes took in the Klingon accessories the cat wore, as well as the enlisted officer uniform worn by the stately elder Klingon that accompanied the shorter feline.

 

JoNs nodded once and picked up the conversation ball. “Commander Mrrett JoNs, first officer of the Agincourt. I’d like to welcome you aboard. May I present Master Chief Petty Officer Keltex of House Lokan.”

 

Keltex nodded once, decisively. “Commander Azet. Qapla.”

 

Azet nodded at the elder Klingon. “Lokan. I have heard of this House. The Lokan ties are strong with service to the Defense Force. You yourself have quite an impressive record before transferring to the Starfleet. I am honored to meet you Master Chief.”

 

Keltex merely offered a silent nod of respect in acknowledgement of the compliment before speaking. "You honor House Lokan with your words."

 

JoNs easily jumped in again. “Commander Azet, if you’ll accompany us … “

 

Azet interrupted the feline officer. “So. You are the ninety day wonder.” The statement was rhetorical, not a question.

 

An ear flipped backward. “Pardon me?”

 

“For what? I have read your personnel file. You have completed the Starfleet command officer training. This course takes no longer then ninety standard Terran days, if my understanding of the practice of the course is correct. That makes you a ninety day wonder. Then, instead of the typical training cruise, you deploy for two years with a civilian tramp freighter and the only reason that you were eventually able to re-apply to the training cruise portion of your training was because of your family influence and connections. Then, after several security squad assignments, you were posted to your first true assignment, the A-gin-Kort.”

 

Kansas inwardly winced at the harsh gutturals of the female Klingons pronunciation of the ships name.

 

Azet sniffed. “ … now, you find yourself as the first officer of a warship. Your Starfleet has been forced to make concessions such as your posting due to the toDSaH Soltan attack. Any disaster always causes the shift of power from those qualified to mere whelps.”

 

Bitch. Kansas felt a metaphorical fire form in her belly, and her ears went flat in anger. But, just as quickly the hot fire was replaced with cold fire. She glanced at Keltex, and the look in the old Klingons eyes told her all she needed to know: do what you must.

 

“First off, I prefer to consider the Agincourt an exploratory warship. She explores more so then conquers, but she can more then defend herself if provoked. Like myself actually. Not that I need to explain myself to you Commander, I came by my career and postings honestly and with hard work. Now, please abide by our protocols and go with the Master Chief. He will take you to the main tour group. Master Chief, please inform the Colonel I will be along momentarily.”

 

Azet slowly nodded, and her smirk broadened ever so slightly. “As you wish Commander JoNs.”

 

JoNs watched, paws on hips, as the Klingon first officer and her escort left the confines of the transporter room, leaving the Caitian commander alone with the transporter technician, Ibanez, who looked profoundly relieved that there had not been some sort of physical confrontation.

 

Suddenly, the feline commander turned to Ibanez, and her facial expression and bright green eyes were alight with a downright manic and suicidal mischief. “Ibanez, can you beam Azet back to the VaKang minus her clothing? Let’s say a creative clothing reconfiguration, like losing a sock but different? I’ll make it worth your while …”

 

JoNs was kidding … right?