The Eifie & The Klingon (Part 2)

Posted on Mon Mar 20th, 2023 @ 7:22pm by Lieutenant Rea & Lieutenant Commander Moklor ‘Shell Squid’
Edited on on Mon Mar 20th, 2023 @ 7:22pm

1,202 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Sand Sea Fun and Surf
Location: Pilots Lounge

Previously on Star Trek Tokyo:

"It was fairly standard. My mother raised me like she did my sisters before me. I was destined to be an engineer from birth. I was fully literate in most engineering principles by the time I was three years old." Rea explained. "I should explain that we mature very quickly by most other species standards. Our breeding practises are different too, I was bred to be an engineer from pre-conception."

“Very interesting”, Moklor said as he listened. He thought about how different her life must have been. “A career in Engineering is often left to the downtrodden. Some are slaves, hired by a House to work on their ships. Such tasks interfere with the way of the warrior. There have been some in the House of Moklor who did pursue such a career. They still fought as a warrior when the time arose.”

And now the continuation...

He couldn’t help but wonder how and why she was bred to be an engineer. “Is engineering considered to be a great career? We Klingons realize how important it is, despite our hesitance and reluctance.” He knew the same was true for the sciences as well.

Rea nodded. "Well, I've known nothing else but being an Engineer. Changing careers never crossed my mind. Usually when we are selected to breed, we are genetically matched with a breeding male and told what our offspring will be based upon that. It is all planned as to what my planet needs the most. When I was selected my first child was bred to be a medical doctor, and my second a scientist. Each of course from different breeding males. My next two were bred to be raised as a botanist and my youngest turned out male, so he was taken to be raised as s breeder," Rea explained. "I know Humans can't grasp the concept, but it's worked for us for thousands of years".

"Humans may not understand it", Moklor replied. "But all Klingons are bred to be warriors. It is not a mantra. It is our destiny. Our intended career and way of life. I understand that you too were born to fulfill a role." He paused to sip a little more of his baghol soup before continuing. "This is why Klingons sometimes feel unsuccessful if living a life which takes them away from that path."

"I see" Rea said in response. "So, have you fulfilled your role? Were you always destined to join Starfleet?". Her question didn't seem like an insult, but genuine curiosity.

Moklor thought for a moment. "I believe so. As the leader of my House, diplomacy is also key. I completed the warrior's rites throughout my young years. Now I wear the uniform of the Federation, but I am still a warrior. Piloting a starfighter is still honorable for a warrior. I feel my role on the Tokyo is very important."

"If there was anything outside of your normal life you could experience, what would it be?" Moklor turned back to his soup and began to finish it. He scooped out the remaining lizard skins, which had soaked and softened, and ate them quickly.

Rea thought for a few moments. "I think one of the main things I would like to experience would be what Humans call 'Dating'" she told him. "The idea of coupling with a Male is fascinating, I have researched it thoroughly and observed it amongst other species. For us what humans call 'sex' isn't for pleasure, it is only for mating. Although we do experience pleasure whilst mating." She told him. "Although, knowing ones father is very rare in our culture. So having a single Male just to one's self is fascinating to me."

Moklor laughed a little nervously before smiling. "Well that is certainly a goal which many pursue", he said through tension. "One must always remember to stay safe. There are some who take advantage of those with less dating experience. A heart must live and be passionate. But a heart should also be guarded."

"I am quite sure many would find you fascinating", Moklor said warmly. "I too have not dated for quite some time."

Rea smiled. "I see. The Eifie do not 'date' since males amongst our species are incredibly rare. One male will spend his life purely as a breeder for the females" Rea explained. "It is forbidden for anyoutsiders to have contact with the males, even after being impregnated by them."

She finished the rest of her food. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I understand other species don't ordinarily discuss these matters, to us it is quite trivial. Most species are more interested in our clothing modifications" she said with a smile.

"Bearing one's midriff is definitely unorthodox", Moklor said with a quick laugh. "But I am not uncomfortable. It has been a nice conversation about culture and lifestyle. I appreciate your candor. Though I may as well ask.. Why the modification on the shirt?"

"It's a religious reason. The Eifie believe that all life leads to the center of the body. Our 'Cha' is a gift of our birth and life. So we expose the Cha to show our gratitude to life and those who came before us" Rea explained. "Oh, the 'Cha' is what Humans call a 'belly button'. I have observed other species doing this, but usually in Warner climates". Rea pondered for a moment. "Starfleet allow this due to it being down to my religion, although in the last hundred years there had been Eifie who have started to turn away from this practice."

"Fascinating", Moklor replied. "I assumed there must be a cultural reason. It sounds like a good one to me. It is indeed a representation of birth and a living symbol of your link to the past. But remind me", he said while thinking of her tasks ahead. "What work were you planning to do here today? I appreciate your time and hope I have not delayed you."

Rea shook her head. "Not at all. We always make time for conversation. I was inspecting the power conduits on this area. However I never turn down an opportunity to learn about others."

"I too am intrigued by different people and cultures." A wide grin spread across his face, teeth bright in contrast to his dark skin. "But I shall hold you from your work no longer. If I have any concerns, I shall look you up. Say, I did not catch your name.. Lieutenant?" He realized he had only addressed her by rank.

"Rea," she replied with a smile. "And you?"

"Moklor... Son of K'raQ. It is an honor to meet you."

Rea nodded. "Indeed. I am happy to have made your acquaintance." She replied as she stood up from the table and picked up her engineering kit. "I hereby bid you goodbye for now as I do have work to do." She told him politely.

"Qapla'", Moklor exclaimed as he stood, gathering his bowl and preparing to drop it back off at the replicator. "Safe travels." With a final nod, he stepped away.

Posting by

Lieutenant Commander Moklor
Commander Air Group

Lieutenant Rea
Acting Chief Engineer

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