Portant

Posted on Sun Sep 28th, 2025 @ 4:50am by HoD Kalja & Dev bu' Durgmon
Edited on on Sun Sep 28th, 2025 @ 4:52am

Mission: A New Challenge
Location: Loqat Shipyard

Sergeant Major Durgmon had a sour look on his face as he and his fellow passengers stepped off the shuttle. His expression became even more sour when Durgmon saw Kalja patiently standing in the busy hangar.

"Ancient Durgmon, son of Jolar, reporting for duty, Captain." Durgmon formally told Kalja. "I apologize for my tardiness."

"I am Captain Kalja, daughter of Aya. You are a senior NCO in the KDF.You know that reporting late for duty is inexcusable. I assume there is a reason you are late?" She asked.

"Yes, Captain. There is no excuse but there are reasons." Durgmon explained.

Kalja was not pleased with that answer. "Very well. Are you the quartermaster and victualler?"

A wizened old warrior with a sparse grey beard and one arm spoke up. "I am Sergeant Kuznor, son of Volkash, your Quartermaster, Captain."

"Excuse me, Sergeant. I looked over the crew manifest and you are not assigned to that position. Warrant Officer Glomak should be here." Kalja inquired.

"That is the reason we are late, Captain. Glomak refused the position. Sergeant Kuznor stepped up to take his place." Durgmon told her.

"Refused? On what grounds?" Kalja was angered.

"Our mission is to explore the 'Demon Fire Marches'. Glomak declared himself retired from the KDF." Durgmon told.

"Cowardly superstition more like it. Glomak will be blacklisted." Kalja replied.

"Retirement is preferable to going face to face with demons." Durgmon responded.

"There are no demons!" Kalja snapped loudly.

"Of course not. Just childish fairytales." The old Klingon answered humbly.

"Apologizes, Ancient. I am trying to navigate house politics, add Starfleet officers to my crew, deal with incompatible technologies, and now unholy phantoms. I should not take my frustrations out on you or any other crew." Kalja apologized.

Durgmon nodded. "Now you understand my tardiness. Finding recruits to explore the home of the demons has been difficult."

Kalja turned to the petite female amongst the trio of new officers. "I take it you are the new Victualler? You only hold the rank of corporal."

"I am Aloon, daughter of Tzala. Yes, Captain, I am only a corporal. I have been assigned as a cook and supply clerk on other ships. I can handle the assignment."

"I hope you can Corporal Aloon, we will be far from home and hungry warriors make for poor shipmates." Kalja replied sternly but admired the girl's confidence.