"Principle"
 by Lieutenant T'Kang
 Chief Tactical Officer - USS Tempest
 http://come.to/tkang


T'Kang had voiced his dissatisfaction with the Tempest's 
chosen course of action, intensified by the broadcast by the 
Cortez for all ships to join the revolt against Starfleet 
Command throughout the quadrant.

"Now,  Mr. T'Kang, the way I see it you have two choices.  
You can ignore your sense of duty and honor and ask to be 
removed from duty; and I'll have to have you restricted to 
your quarters.  Or, you can go back out there and see this 
through - one way or the other.  What will it be ... ?" 
Lieutenant Cowan asked evenly.

The Klingon took in a deep breath and released it slowly.  
His face was in it's typical scowl.  "I can not condone such a 
course of action with a clear conscience.  By throwing in with 
the Cortez and the rest of these rebels, we are violating our 
oath to Starfleet Command.  As a Klingon, I take my oath, 
my honor, and my loyalty very seriously."  T'Kang lectured.  
"Relieve me of duty if you must, but I insist that a formal 
objection be filed over these actions and that my 
participation in this mission be noted as such in the ship's 
logs."

Cowan pressed his lips together dryly.  "So noted 
Lieutenant.  Though I must admit I am disappointed with 
your decision.  If that is all T'Kang, I believe you know the 
way to your quarters?"

The Klingon gave a quick nod without uttering another word, 
only breathing really intensely through his nostrils.

"You are relieved then Lieutenant.  Dismissed."  Cowan 
declared.

T'Kang did an about face and marched out of the ready room 
and across the bridge to the nearest turbolift.  As he walked 
it was obvious from his body language that the proud 
Klingon warrior was not in the best of moods.    Ensign 
Soran looked on from Tactical as the silent Klingon walked 
past him and stepped onto the turbolift before disappearing.

Cowan stepped out of the office a moment later.  He didn't 
look very happy either over whatever was said behind closed 
doors.  "Ensign Soran, you'll be assuming the Tactical 
station from this point forward."

With a quick glance at the turbolift with his eyes, Soran 
quickly responded with a "Aye sir." wondering what T'Kang 
had said to have gotten himself relieved of duty.