"Nothing but chaos"
 by Lieutenant T'Kang
 Chief Tactical Officer - USS Tempest
 http://come.to/tkang


----Arcadia----


T'Kang was brooding as he walked through the docking 
alcoves of Starbase 202 after his meal and 'talk' with 
Lieutenant Commander Boren.  The whole situation was 
troubling him, but he felt there was nothing he could do 
about any of it.  The Avalon's commander was correct, the 
Klingon didn't approve of the decisions or orders Rear 
Admiral Za'Kal had instituted recently.  Reviewing the 
sensory logs and data Boren had provided him only 
deepened the belief that Za'Kal was not acting in the best 
interest of his people.  But by the same token, T'Kang could 
not oppose the leadership of Starfleet Command.  
Something he'd swore an oath never to do.  No matter how 
Lee or Boren colored it, that was exactly what they were 
asking their crews to do in violating the Admiral's command 
and opposing Starfleet Command.

Coming around a bend, still stomping through the various 
docking alcoves looking for the one that harbored the ship 
he'd hired passage on board heading for the Klingon Empire, 
T'Kang ran into Lieutenant Emily O'Malley, the Tempest's 
perky Chief Operations Officer.

O'Malley quickly explained that there had been a mutiny on 
board the Tempest.  Several officers had ceased control of 
the Excelsior-class starship, not agreeing with Lee's orders 
to oppose Starfleet Command.   T'Kang just nodded 
understandably.  He too felt the conflict of accepting the 
orders of a junior officer to oppose the orders of a Rear 
Admiral on nothing more than what amounted to 
circumstantial evidence and speculation.  But T'Kang, a 
Klingon, lived by honor.  His word was his bond.  Once 
given, he would not break it.  Not to oppose Admiral Za'Kal 
and Starfleet Command, and not to wrench the starship 
Tempest away from her commanding officer.  No matter how 
incompetent they may be acting.

"What's wrong T'Kang?, you look like you agree with them." 
Em stated.

T'Kang nodded slowly.  "I understand why they might feel 
taking over the ship is the right thing to do.  When a 
Lieutenant Commander tells you to follow his orders over the 
commands of a Rear Admiral, it's a violation of the command 
structure, and the rank system that all Starfleet Officers are 
taught to respect."  The Klingon explained.  "Without a chain 
of command, you have nothing but chaos."  he stated boldly.

T'Kang then looked at Emily with softer, understanding eyes.  
So often the Klingon would scowl and frown.  Grumbling his 
input in a grumpy way.  It was surprising to see that the 
warrior with such a sour demeanor was capable of such a 
compassionate expression as he gazed into O'Malley's eyes.  
"However I can also understand why there are those that 
feel opposing Admiral Za'Kal is the right thing to do.  Were 
this the Klingon Empire, it would be a simple matter of 
challenging Za'Kal's leadership ability in personal combat.  
But Starfleet is not the Empire.  There are still many things 
here that I do not fully understand."  After a long pause, the 
Klingon added, "That is why I am leaving to return to my 
home.  I have been away far too long now, hiding from the 
shame of the fall of the house of Crass.  I might not 
understand all of the intricacies of Starfleet Command or 
how humans do things, any more than I am proud that my 
family fell into poverty and servitude at the hands of a rival 
house.  But I will no longer run away from who and what I 
am.   I am T'Kang, son of Crass.  I am a Klingon Warrior!  
And I will regain the glory of my house.  Or die gloriously in 
the attempt of restoring my family's honor."   T'Kang placed a 
hand on Emily's shoulder, gently for the burly Klingon.  "I 
wish you well in your efforts Lieutenant."

Em wrapped her arms around the huge Klingon and gave 
him a giant "bear-hug" squeezing tightly for a long moment.  
"And I hope you are successful at restoring your family's 
honor T'Kang.  Be well my friend."  Em smiled through 
sorrowful eyes at seeing the Klingon leave Starfleet 
Command and the Tempest.

"I will."  T'Kang stated in a deep warriors voice.  "I will."