Time After Time

[H.G. Reed 0]

The wait was interminable.

 

Use of a direct route would have been much more expedient. Obviously, the Klingons were playing some type of game. Challenger and the other ships in their contingent well knew their way to Qo’noS, this route was an attempt at artifice on the part of the Klingons. They were trying to provoke a confrontation, as was their usual wont.

 

Reed might have been given to like their former enemies, these brusque warriors who acted rashly and lived by a very interesting code of honour. Very much akin to the Spartans of ancient earth. That code however, was somewhat subverted by their almost animalistic antagonism and ruthless determination to cow and dominate anyone they came into contact with. Klingons lacked compassion and an artful cunning to both temper and complement their warmongering tendencies. As a result, they did not mix well with the more sagacious and empathetic species of the federation.

 

This was not be the navigator’s first jaunt into this sector and she knew quite well what to expect. Expected the unexpected. Following a Klingon cruiser on a circuitous route to their home world was unexpected, if only they would get on with it.

 

Kal shifted slightly in his seat beside her. Reed turned her attention towards the helmsman, treating him to a wry grin. His posture suggested a certain edginess in the normally congenial marine. Perhaps he was also irritated with their guides? Matheson was a skilled pilot and expert sharpshooter. She very much appreciated his cleverness on the range. Under his skilled tutelage her own marksmanship had increased significantly. Their growing camaraderie was significant to the lieutenant, a sign of acceptance amongst those she saw as her peers.

 

She glanced back at her console, determined to remain focused on her duties. The Klingon cruiser continued to plod along before them; the petite navigator stifled the urge to drum her fingers against the console. Taking a deep breath, she centred herself. She was a proficient line officer, not a green ensign on her first cruise. It would not do to allow the Klingons to affect her equanimity. No matter how irksome their daft behaviour was. A Reed was never one to shirk their duty.

 

Even when the wait was interminable.