"Full Circle"
 by Sogh T'Kang
 Weapons officer - IKV Jachyoj
 http://come.to/tkang


T'Kang steadied himself in his seat as the geng nuHmey 
vibrated yet again upon dropping to sub-light speed.  The 
journey to the remote reaches of the Klingon system, where 
station D'Alaan 27 resided, had been a long bumpy ride.  
Partly because of the condition of the poorly maintained 
weapons carrying Klingon freighter, and partly because of 
the conflict T'Kang was experiencing over the course his 
career had taken him.

The voice of the freighter Captain came booming through the 
unfinished interior of the ship, announcing their arrival at the 
ship's final destination before returning back to better 
traveled parts of the Empire.   T'Kang glanced out of a near 
by portal to gain a glimpse of the D'Alaan station he'd only 
heard about when receiving his orders to report there and 
await for the IKV Jachyoj to arrive.   The Klingon's eyes 
narrowed into a scowl as his lips drew up and showed his 
pointed warrior's teeth.   "It is ugly." he stated while gazing at 
the squat rounded shape of the station.  It had a single, 
massive outer ring that surrounded the smaller, rounder 
structures within.  The central core of the station was roughly 
cylindrical, and extended for some distance above and 
below the great massive outer "onion ring" docking area.   
Several larger docking ports appeared to jut out at the lower 
section of the station, big enough for the largest of starships 
to anchor to the moorings.  Overall, it looked like a child's 
top.  Only a really big one.

Glancing away from D'Alaan station, T'Kang reached into his 
pack and pulled out a small, black rectangular case.  
Opening it carefully, he glanced at the three golden Starfleet 
medals he'd been awarded in his time in the Federation.  
Taking a finger, he traced the outline of the Starfleet 
Achievement Medal.  It made a perfectly round shape which 
enclosed the UFP logo etched in the medal's center.  It was 
the only thing, other than his bat'leth and d'k tahg, that 
T'Kang had taken with him when returning to the Empire 
after resigning his commission from Starfleet Command.  
"I've come full circle."  The Klingon stated to himself as he 
remembered what had lead him to be on this ship, traveling 
to the D'Alaan station. . . .

***

*** Earlier ***

T'Kang stood at attention before the rotund General Pi'ror.  
The dark complicated General had his black and silver hair 
drawn back into a braided pony tail that dangled down one of 
his shoulders while he reviewed T'Kang's record on the padd 
before him.

"So you've left Starfleet and wish to serve the Empire?  Is 
that right?"  Pi'ror asked in a stern, skeptical tone.

"That is correct."  T'Kang bellowed while maintaining his 
stance of attention and continuing to keep his eyes forward 
at all times.

"Your record is impressive for a Klingon serving in the 
Federation, but how do I know you won't quit the Defense 
Force as you have done to Starfleet Command?!"  Pi'ror 
challenged in an accusing tone.  He wanted to test the metal 
of the man that stood before him.  With the war effort and the 
recent agreement between the Federation and the Klingon 
Empire that made the two allies once again, several officers 
had tried to change sides, though not all had what it takes to 
switch from serving on a Federation starship to serving in the 
Klingon Defense Force.

"I had no choice but to resign from Starfleet.  My superior 
officers had ordered that I violate my word of honor, my 
sacred oath to serve the Federation and the commanders 
that represent it by opposing those very leaders in a civil 
conflict.  My honor would not allow me to obey my immediate 
superior's orders to violate his superior's orders and attack 
our own ships."  T'Kang explained with conviction.

Pi'ror's eyes narrowed.  He had heard word, rumors of a coo 
taking place in the Federation with Starfleet Command.  It 
was none of the Empire's concern as the High Council wisely 
choose to stay out of it and let their allies handle their own 
internal matters.  But it did gleam a hint of insight into the 
value this Klingon Warrior placed on his word and his honor.  
"So you chose to leave rather than break your oath.  I see."  
the General nodded.  Reading further down the padd, he 
added, "I see here you are from the house of Crass. . ."

"That is correct.  My parents sent me away to live in the 
Federation when our house fell and our land plundered.  I 
have been there ever since."  T'Kang explained.

"Until now."  General Pi'ror corrected pointedly.

"Yes sir."  T'Kang grumbled.  He then felt compelled to 
explain further, so he dared to speak his mind.  "I am not 
asking for any sort of consideration because of my family's 
plight General.  I am a good officer and a brave warrior.  I 
only ask for a posting where I may utilize my knowledge and 
training and serve the Empire with honor."

Pi'ror stared at T'Kang for a long minute in silence.  The 
Warrior had deviated from his earlier behavior of staring 
straight ahead, so now the two warriors looked each other in 
the eye.  Were Pi'ror to know nothing of T'Kang's back 
ground, he might have interpreted it as a challenge to his 
own authority.   Placing the padd aside, the General leaned 
back in his chair and rested his hands across his round, 
protruding belly.  "Under normal circumstances you would 
present a problem T'Kang.  There are not many posting 
available in the fleet for a Klingon that has been raised with 
and serving with humans for the length of time you have.  
However, fate is a strange thing.  It just so happens that I 
have what I believe to be the perfect posting for a warrior of 
your unique upbringing."

T'Kang stood there at attention and watched as General 
Pi'ror stood and moved around his desk, tapping in some 
commands before handing him the Klingon data padd with 
his new orders.  

"You are to report to station D'Alaan 27, at the outmost rim 
of the Empire.  There you will wait until a bird of prey, the 
Jachyoj, arrives.  You will report to HoD K'sara, and inform 
him you are T'Kang, Sogh weapons officer for the Jachyoj.  I 
have downloaded information about Station D'Alaan onto 
this padd.  Review it before you arrive.  Your unique 
experience with Starfleet officers will make you a valuable 
intermediary between the Jachyoj crew and the station 
personnel." General Pi'ror explained in a commanding tone.

T'Kang took the padd and gave a solemn nod.  "I will serve 
the Empire with honor and integrity General."

"We shall see Sogh.  You must leave now.  The geng 
nuHmey is preparing to depart with a shipment of 
armaments for Station D'Alaan.  You may catch a ride to the 
station aboard that vessel."  the General explained.

"Thank you General."  T'Kang nodded.  He then did an about 
face on his heal and left to catch a ride on board the 
departing Klingon weapons freighter heading for D'Alaan.

***

*** Present ***

The geng nuHmey received clearance to dock with the alien 
designed space station and maneuvered into position.  
When the magnetic seals finally engaged, once again the 
rickety old freighter vibrated profusely, until the engines were 
finally shut down and all things grew still.  Standing, T'Kang 
gathered his things, slinging his duffel bag over his shoulder 
and grabbing his bat'leth before preparing to exit the 
freighter and board the space station D'Alaan 27.