Kitanya had a good workout, battling her way up though the levels of her programmed opponants. But it wasn't really satisfying, and she got bored with it finally and after the last one was defeated, she went back to her quarters, took a nice sonic shower and changed into something infinately more comfortable, some festively colored Caitian robes. After pouring herself some wine, she sat down at her console and put in a long-distance subspace call to Kronos. The connection took a few moments to establish, but eventually, she was connected to her clan-house. The dour-face of the Klingon who answered changed to a smile. "Qapla Kitanya!" She smiled back, always happy to speak Klingon. "Qapla Noret! I am glad to see you are home for a little bit." "A little bit. It is good to be back, but I would rather be out fighting raiders." "Soon enough. If I remember correctly, you are home for the Ascension of young Haptor, so when that glorious task is finished, you can drink with him as a warrior." "Your memory is as good as ever, Kitanya," he grinned toothily. "Haptor's Ascension it is, and we will be missing you here." She sighed, and looked a little sad. "I know. I am upset that I will miss it. But I have much to do here." "So we have heard. Director of Special Operations," he leered, teasing her. "You spent too much time with those Romulans M'rrell liked so much. Now you skulk in the shadows with the ghosts." "Ghosts do not have teeth or claws, and I have both," she jibed back. "And besides, who do you think takes the most chances and fighs the hardest battles than the ones that are alone in the midst of he enemy with no help coming?" Noret just laughed. "Loyal to the end, Kitanya. That is why I like you so much." He smiled as he stopped laughing. "So, why did you call?" "First, to have you give my congratulations to Haptor when he becomes a warrior." "That I shall do gladly," the Klingon replied. "And second, I was wondering if there might be anyone there, one of the younger ones, who might want to come here and spend some time with Starfleet." That got the smile off his face. "Is there something wrong?" She scowled. "You think I can't take care of myself?" "No, no," he said backpedalling. An insult like that could result in a blood duel, and it was bad form to do that within the House without good reason. "But I know humans can be deceitful and will not come at you in a fair fight. You have to watch your back there." She nodded. "You don't have to tell me that." "So do you want protection?" "If the situation arises, I would not mind someone at my side, yes," she said, preserving her own honor. "But mostly I need someone who can take care of things that I need done, things that a Starfleet officer might not have the courage to do." She knew that would get his ego going. And she was right. He puffed up a little bit. "Ahh, now I understand," he said, the smile coming back. "You cannot trust anyone there to do it right." "Exactly." She badly needed people around her she could trust. A member of her clan would be absolutely loyal to her, for betrayal of your commanding officer or your kin had only one punishment in Klingon society. The Klingon thought for a moment. "Is there someone you had in mind?" She nodded. She'd been thinking about him all along. "Torgash." Norat nodded approvingly. "An appropriate choice." "I thought so." Norat nodded again. "I will talk to him myself. He will go." Noret would make sure of it, personally. "Fill out the paperwork after he is on a transport. I need him as soon as possible. Once he is underway, you can let me know and I will fill out the paperwork on this end and have it ready by the time he arrives." "You are in a hurry, aren't you?" "Yes, I am," she said with all seriousness. He nodded. "He will be on the first ship in the morning, as soon as he wakes up from the drinking after the Ascension tonight." She smiled. "I would not pull him away from that. And make sure he brings his bat'telh. I am missing someone to practice with. Thank you, Noret. Qapla!" "Qapla!" he replied, and the transmission cut. She took her wine glass and went over to the pile of pillows she loved to lounge on, and had the computer play some relaxing music while she looked over today's reports on a PADD. It would be good to have her kin there, for many reasons. Think of all the feathers she'd ruffle. She smiled as she read over her reports. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
