sixwordstories | (no subject)

That, I think, is the way of leadership. More responsibility seems to inevitably lead to more bureaucracy.

[He can't help but not his head.]

And so few to delegate it to.

If only it were that easy. No, those days are long gone. I don't think I'd trust any of my crew to perform those duties without trying to remove me from mine.

[That just draws a growl. But, after a moment, a nod.]

If you know anything of Klingon politics, you will find my position similar.

I know enough. My people have worked with Klingons. Surprisingly.

These political games give me a headache. I'm an old warrior, not some kind of politician. But every year, my command becomes more and more political.

I'm Commander Keras, it's an honor to meet you.

Surprisingly, in my time as well.

Martok, Chancellor of the Klingon Empire....as the humans say, 'for my sins.'

I imagine you know the Empire dominated by the Tal Shiar and their political power plays.

I'd ask what kind of sins lead to one being Chancellor, but I can't imagine myself ending up in that position either except through very unfortunate circumstances.

An elegant summation - suffice to say, there was a war, and I am very good at war.

But now I have to learn to master politics as well, and that...that has far more angering rules.

That it does. I wish I had better advice, but that is an area in which I find myself in a quickly vanishing minority. If it helps, I met a Starfleet captain who was an excellent opponent, an honorable and ingenious warrior, and I get the feeling you would have been very similar. It's almost a shame I doubt we'll meet in the field, even for a training exercise.

Pity indeed.

[He is is silent for a moment, considering.]

Would it interest you to know that, come the future, we three would be able to stand side by side against a common foe? Klingon, Human, Romulan, united in a single cause.

I find it hard to believe that a foe exists that could occupy the Praetor's lust for war so completely that he would set aside old differences.

[He nods, tapping hands against a table.]

A few years ago, I would say the same thing. But, times change. Often suddenly. Come the day, all three of our states will depend on the outcome of events above one tiny, independent world that nobody had ever heard of a mere decade before.

Something tells me that foe that unites Klingon, Federation, and Romulan isn't one tiny, independent world, but something much bigger.

[This draws a brief bark of a laugh, and he reaches for a bottle of Saurian brandy.]

Oh, the strongest of foes. One to make all our previous wars pale in comparison. Enough of a foe to bring honour to three great powers - and change them all in the process.

[The last said a bit more quietly. Klingon society has to change after it. The Dominion War had made that abundantly clear. What defined honor had to expand. What manifested glory. He would see to it.]

Now that, that I would like to see. We've lost so many in the pursuit of endless war. I regret that if I live to see it, I will be very old. I would like to see Qo'noS and Earth as an ally, not an enemy.

[The Romulan reaches for an empty cup, clearly intending to share the bottle of brandy.]

[Which was the point, as he pours out two equal and generous measures, before placing down the bottle.]

One way or another, it comes to pass. One grand chance, built in blood and sacrifice, at a better tomorrow.

A better tomorrow. That, I think, I can toast to. And I think with someone like you leading people to it, we may have a chance to see it. If you don't mind me saying so, Chancellor Martok, you are like few Klingons I've met.

[He drinks from his glass, clearly appreciating the alcohol.]

[He'll raise a glass to this, downing it in one go before offering both of them a refill.]

As the humans say - even old dogs can learn new tricks.