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


Even as Captain Mec, Commander Morgan, Lieutenants 
Reese, Stanton & Teril and Sogh T'Kang searched the 
various decks of D'Alaan 27 for their missing comrades, the 
Imperial Klingon Vessel Jachyoj or "Cry Judgment" draws 
closer.

Racing across the Klingon Empire to the furthest reaches of 
Klingon Space, the assignment to D'Alaan 27 felt more like 
an exile to those warriors that made the journey.  None felt 
the burden of the assignment or the shame in such a remote 
posting as the young boy Captain of the vessel.  HoD Aram, 
son of Duras. 

Aram sat at the command station of the bird of prey.   
Despite the less than honorable assignment to the
middle-of-no-where sector of space that D'Alaan 27 
occupied, the Jachyoj was a solid vessel.  No doubt his 
family's influence with the High Council played a part in the 
selection.   But like a double edged sword, the name of his 
father,  Duras, and the traitorous deeds now associated with 
the name, both opened doors and closed them at the same 
time.  Aram was young.  He knew not of his father Duras, or 
of his sisters, Lursa and B'Etor who now were dead like his 
father.  Or of his missing half brother Toral who was also 
assumed to be dead from a failed quest to obtain the sword 
of Kahless.   There was little Aram had in common with any 
of these relatives, other than the blood that ran through his 
veins and the shame from the house of Duras family name.    
Aram was determined to change his fate.  Prove that honor, 
courage and loyalty were within his grasp.   The others had 
ridiculed him.  Spat upon the ground and turned their backs, 
arms double crossed about their chest, over Aram's family 
heritage.  The sins of the father are shared upon the 
children.  Aram did not consider himself a son of Duras, 
though in the end he could not deny the DNA of his own 
genes.  Aram was Duras' biological son.  But that didn't 
make him Aram's father.  Not in Aram's mind.   He was 
determined to prove them all wrong.  Show the doubters that 
the sons and daughters of any man can rise up and be 
something more.   Let them shun him because his blood was 
tainted by the name Duras.  Let them assume that he, being 
Duras' son, will act and behave as his father and sisters had 
done.  That will be their undoing.   Aram had much work to 
do to win over the loyalty and trust of his people.  But in the 
name of Kahless, he was going to do so, or die with honor in 
the attempt.

"The HoD's thoughts are light years from this place."

Aram broke out of his concentration and inward plans for 
earning the respect of the Empire that the House of Duras 
had wrongfully robbed from him.  Glancing over at the 
elderly Lagh, Aram nodded.  "I was thinking of the house of 
Duras."

Krell nodded, "You should not dwell on such things my HoD.  
No good can come of it."

"I can not help it Krell.  It was so much simpler when I didn't 
know who my father was or of the dishonor I must bare 
because of my true family name."

"'Tis true.  Your life was simpler before your mother, dear 
Veska, departed this place on her journey to the black fleet."

"Why did she have to tell me of my heritage upon her death 
bed Krell?. . .  can you answer me that?  I, not one for the 
love of ignorance, would face a thousand Skull-warriors were 
I to be naive in knowing my birthright seeds from the house 
of Duras."

"A dishonorable house it is indeed.  But your mother would 
not have burdened you with the truth were it not for a 
purpose my HoD."  Krell pointed out.

"And it is to that end that I ponder the mysteries of the 
universe as we travel nearer to this place forsaken by the 
gods.  How long until we reach this gothic cathedral left 
abandoned by the ancients over a millenium ago Krell?"

"We should arrive within four cycles my HoD.  I am looking 
forward to seeing this ancient cathedral thou hath declared 
as forsaken. . ."

Aram glanced over at the old man.  "I meant no disrespect 
Krell.  You of all people know what faith I put in your wisdom.  
I would never purposefully wrong the faith you put into your 
holy vows."

"I have known you your entire life young Aram.  From your 
baptism to your age of ascension.  I know your heart is pure 
and your spirit kind.  I beseech you not to torment over this 
burdenous label that has been handed down from your 
father.  Linger on it too long and like a fired cauldron it will 
make your blood stir to a boil."

Aram smiled at the wise old warrior priest.  "I am glad you 
agreed to serve with me on this exile assignment Krell.  I 
would be lost without you along to serve as my spiritual 
compass."

"Perhaps what the HoD says contains a hint of truth in it.  
But me thinks not.  Aram is stronger than he gives himself 
credit for."

"Now you speak of me in third person Krell?  What will be 
next, a lecture from one of your scrolls of wisdom?"  Aram 
states with a hint of a smile.

Krell shakes his head.  "Some other time perhaps my HoD.  I 
think my purpose here today has been served.  The glow 
from thine own cheeks is proof enough for thee.  I shall let 
the HoD return to his thoughts for the remaining cycles of 
our journey."

Aram nodded and watched the Lagh exit the bridge of the 
Jachyoj.  Krell was right, dwelling on his family name 
swerved no purpose, but it was still something that was 
impossible to get off the young Captain's mind.