• Editor’s Log
• Behind the Scenes
• Crossword Puzzle
• Word Search / Trivia
• Fan Art
• Coloring Page
• Limericks
• Fan Cosplay
• Fan Fiction
• Recipes
• Marina’s Trek
• Next
ISSUE 3—MARCH 2025
I know I can’t be the only Trekkie who shuddered a bit whenever the Klingon theme hit my TV screen When an intimidating Bird-of-Prey suddenly decloaked off the Enterprise’s bow, you knew things were about to hit the fan… The Klingons are one of the richest, most developed species of any that we’ve seen on Star Trek. They can be a simultaneously terrifying and highly interesting race, not to mention remarkably compelling. The way they go from enemy to ally, and back again throughout the Star Trek franchise makes them a very unpredictable element. Can the Klingons ever really be trusted? Jean-Luc Picard would say yes, but Jim Kirk would have qualms about that.
Though the Original Series introduced us to the Klingons, it was the TOS Movies and The Next Generation that really developed this race into the multi-layer foil that they eventually became. They have always been quite a favorite of mine, and I’m proud that we are able to devote a whole issue of ENGAGE! Magazine to discussing their culture. Tell us what you think about the Klingons, and this issue, by sending us an e-mail at the address below! We hope that you enjoy this issue, made for Warriors by Warriors.
Q’apla
Mark Sickle Founder & Host Star Trek Family
PS We added this icon at the end of every article it will return you to the Table of Contents!
We are truly interested in receiving feedback from our readers and fellow fans! Really love an article that appears in our magazine? Truly disagree with someone’s take on a topic? How are we doing? Do you have suggestions for features, articles, etc.? CONTACT US
Have you always wanted to write about your love for Star Trek? We are always looking for volunteer writers to join our team! Send us an email at the ‘Contact Us’ link at left!
This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a noncommercial fan-made e-zine intended for entertainment use only. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.” ** The Star Trek Family is a not-for-profit global fan organization that is free to be a member of.
While there are many important roles throughout Klingon society, one of the most pivotal is their highest office, the Chancellor. Klingon government is run by the High Council – some two dozen influential members of the Klingon hierarchy representing the heads of the most powerful Klingon houses. The Chancellor leads this High Council, maintaining an authoritative and dominant position over the entire Klingon Empire. There have been three key modern Klingon Chancellors that have shaped Klingon politics and crucial intergalactic affairs: Azetbur, K’mpec, and Gowron.
In 2293 the Klingon High Council was led by Chancellor Gorkon, a revolutionary who advocated peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. Not many in the Empire were receptive to his ideas of peace until a precipitous event occurred, the explosion of the Klingon moon Praxis... The moon was the primary supplier of energy to Q’onos (the home world) and a crucial driver of the Klingon
economy. The devastating effects of the explosion, both in loss of life and to the economy, proved to be a crippling factor for Klingon society. Faced with the notion that the Klingons could no longer support a massive military budget whilst simultaneously trying to recover from the catastrophe, Gorkon approached the Federation with a plan for peace.
Gorkon’s plan was nearly derailed as a cabal of Klingon, Federation and Romulan members assassinated Gorkon and tried to place the blame on Starfleet Captain James Kirk. After Gorkon’s death, the Klingon High Council voted unanimously to install his daughter, Azetbur as the new Chancellor. Despite the assassination of her father and continued political intrigue in the galaxy, Azetbur courageously decided to continue the peace talks with the Federation. These talks were once again imperiled when a second terrorist strike nearly succeeded in killing both her and the Federation President during the peace conference at Camp Khitomer. Only the timely intervention of James Kirk, the man originally accused of killing her father, risked his life to save her life and that of the peace talks. Azetbur had understood,
in the moment, that a Starfleet captain and his crew from one of her most hated rivals risked everything to see peace become reality. At a time when hatred, prejudice and revenge were the hallmarks of relations between the two powers, Azetbur navigated the Empire into a new era. She signed the First Khitomer Peace Accords and guided her people through a political minefield fraught with tension. While many Klingons celebrated the end of decades of war, most were unhappy with the peace. In beta canon, Azetbur would stay in power for over two decades, continuing to deal with the Klingons’ distaste for the treaty. The 2003 novel Star Trek: The Lost Era Serpents Among the Ruins by David R. George III, describes how a long-time ally of Azetbur’s, General Kaarg, kills her and assumes the Chancellorship for himself. Kaarg would later enact a rule that no woman could serve on the Klingon High Council or be elected to the Chancellor’s office –this ban was still in effect and mentioned in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode ‘Redemption.’ Azetbur deserves a lot of the credit for fostering peace with the Federation at a time when hatred, bigotry and xenophobia were the drivers of Klingon society. At roughly the same time Azetbur was negotiating peace, a young Klingon warrior named K’mpec was fighting his way through the Klingon Academy (based on the 2000 video game Star Trek: Klingon Academy – this point was never mentioned in canon). K’mpec excelled at the Academy and by the time he graduated he was granted command
tioned in TNG’s ‘Sins of the Father’. By that time his power and influence had grown considerably, and he was able to gain a seat on the Klingon High Council.
In 2346 the Khitomer Outpost massacre, perpetrated by the Romulans, occurred – an event that would have empire shaking consequences for decades. K’mpec was so disillusioned with what he considered the abject failure of then-Chancellor Ditagh to manage the Empire, that he challenged the Chancellor to combat for leadership of the Council. He was successful in killing Ditagh during the ritual combat and assumed the Chancellor’s role for himself (these events are described in Star Trek: The Lost
he was able to keep the Klingon Empire strong and maintain peace with the Federation. It wasn’t until 2366 that things began to change for him, with political subterfuge and intrigue coming from outside the Empire and old wounds from the Khitomer massacre surfacing. Rival factions within the High Council began courting secretly with Romulan agents in a bid to take control of the Empire. One of the heads of the most powerful families, Duras, openly accused Mogh of conspiring with Romulans during the Khitomer attack. Mogh stood accused of betraying the Klingons by sending coded messages to the Romulan attack fleet, allowing them to drop the Outposts shields
before the High Council to provide evidence that his father was not responsible for the betrayal, K’mpec and Duras were forced to admit privately that it was Duras’ own father who was the culprit. Due to the immensely strong and powerful Duras family having a considerable influence over the Empire, it was decided to keep the intrigue secret and to
shift the blame on to someone who could not defend themselves (Mogh). K’mpec knew that there were forces conspiring to tear the Empire apart from within, but he did not know who was behind the intrigue and thus needed to keep the Duras power on his side (TNG ‘Sins of the Father’). Little did he know that Duras was secretly poisoning him with veridium six.
The following year the poison had taken its toll on K’mpec, and he was nearing death. He called for help from the Federation, enlisting the diplomatic skills of Captain Jean-Luc Picard to act as Arbiter of Succession. K’mpec died never knowing who his real killer was. The two front runners for leadership of the Council were Duras and Gowron, and the hostility between the two were threatening to ignite a Klingon Civil War. While Picard carried out the wishes of K’mpec to adjudicate who the next leader of the Empire would be, his crew searched for clues to the identity of the assassin. Evidence came to light that one of Duras’ men was secretly aligned with the Romulans, thus implicating Duras himself. Given that Duras’ father had some collusion with the Romulans during the Khitomer affair, it became obvious that Duras was indeed the one behind K’mpec’s death.
Before that fact could be dealt with, Duras killed Worf’s mate, K’ehleyr, after she began investigating the sealed High Council records on Khitomer. Worf discovered her near death and with her dying breath named Duras as her killer. Worf beamed aboard Duras’ ship shortly there-
after and killed him in an act of vengeance. With no rival claim to the Chancellor’s role, Gowron was named K’mpec’s successor (TNG ‘Reunion’).
As newly installed leader of the Empire, Gowron faced an uphill battle to keep control of the High Council. Even with all the evidence of Duras collaborating with the Romulans to overthrow
the Klingon government, his family remained one of the most powerful Houses in the Empire. The surviving members of the House of Duras, sisters Lursa and B’etor, struck quickly to regain the power they sought over the Empire. A Klingon Civil War broke out, with Gowron vastly outnumbered and outgunned – thanks in no small part to the Romulan interference. Worf and his brother Kurn, then commander of a squadron of Klingon battle cruisers, joined Gowron’s side to help defend the Empire. While the Federation could not get directly involved in the internal political struggle of the Klingons, they did use a blockage of starships to disrupt the Romulan involvement, thus allowing Gowron’s forces to be victorious over the Duras
family (TNG ‘Redemption’ Parts 1 & 2). After the Civil War, Gowron withdrew to a sanctuary and consolidated his power. He spent the time re-writing history to conceal the Federations help and make it appear as if the cunning victory was his alone (TNG ‘Unification I’).
Gowron’s power was once again challenged in 2369 when a clone of the Emperor Kahless was discovered at the Klingon monastery on Boreth. By all rights Kahless should have taken control of the High Council and ruled the Empire, but Gowron refused since he was a clone and not the real man. It was decided that they would have a joint rule, with Kahless being more of a spiritual leader than a political one, leaving Gowron in sole political control of the Empire (TNG ‘Rightful Heir’). In the early 2370’s, the conflict between the Federation and Dominion began to heat up. Gowron selected a prominent military general, Martok, to be his military advisor. Unbeknownst to him, Martok had been replaced with a changeling Founder for the sole purpose of creating chaos
between the major governments of the Alpha Quadrant (DS9 ‘Apocalypse Rising’). With Martok at his side, Gowron became aggressive towards the Cardassians, followed by the Federation. The clashes against both great powers weakened the Klingons considerably, but a crew of Starfleet officers successfully revealed the changeling Martok’s true identity and purpose. Gowron reconsidered his stance on the war against the Federation and re-signed the Khitomer Peace Accords. When the Cardassians joined forces with the Dominion, the Klingons were beaten back out of Cardassian territory. This embarrassing reversal for Gowron caused him to withdraw his forces and lick his wounds. The following year, the Klingons had rebuilt some of their losses and finally, if reluctantly, joined forces with the Federation to reclaim Deep Space Nine and push the Dominion forces back into Cardassian territory. It was at this point that the real General Martok experienced a rise to prominence along the battle front (DS9 ‘By Inferno’s Light’). Martok collaborated very closely with Captain Benjamin Sisko of Starfleet, coordinating the war efforts for the Klingon forces throughout the sector. The victories mounted for Martok and his warriors, so much so that Gowron
began to worry about his increased notoriety. Many Klingons in the Empire began to question Gowron’s abilities to lead and saw Martok as their savior. To mitigate Martok’s growing influence, Gowron assumed direct command of the Klingon forces and planned a series of engagements against insurmountable odds that were not strategically sound. Gowron blamed the losses publicly on Martok for diminishing his popularity. Martok remained loyal to the Empire, and by extension, Gowron despite the dressing down by the Chancellor. Finally, Commander Worf challenged Gowron to personal combat to answer for what was widely considered dishonorable tactics. Worf was able to defeat Gowron, bringing his reign of power as Chancellor to an end (DS9 ‘Tacking into the Wind’). In the aftermath, Martok was elevated to the Chancellor’s role and helped lead the Klingon forces in eventual victory over the Dominion alongside their Federation allies.
Some may question whether Gowron belongs on this list of the most important Klingon Chancellor’s in Klingon history. After all, he needed Federation involvement to elevate him to the role and to keep him there, he barely survived the Klingon Civil War without joining forces with Worf and Kurn, was easily duped by the Founder changeling Martok, couldn’t complete the task of taking over Cardassia Prime, and acted dishonorably by sending Klingons into battles he knew they couldn’t win just to embarrass his general. However, much can be said about the firm
leadership of Gowron to quell the Civil War (with or without outside help from the Federation), rebuilding Klingon forces and reputation quickly when needed, and ultimately making the decision to come to the aid of the Federation against the Dominion –aid that was desperately needed against a superior foe.
While there have been plenty of other Klingon Chancellors through history, these three were incredibly important for distinct reasons. Azetbur navigated out of a time of war into a fragile peace, dodging the hatred and anger from decades of open hostilities. K’mpec strongly kept the Empire together while outside influences from Romulus were trying to tear it apart. Gowron’s involvement in the Dominion War was crucial to keeping the Dominion at bay and helped to save the entire Alpha Quadrant from subjugation. These three Klingon Chancellor’s represent the best ideals of Klingon honor and integrity and therefore stand out as great representatives of the Klingon people.
MARK SICKLE: Mark Sickle is an Egyptologist (archaeologist) by day, diehard Trekkie all the time. Founder of the Star Trek Family. Lives in West Virginia with his beautiful wife Lisa, puppies Odo, Kira, Wesley and Jadzia; and kitties Nala, Cymba, Cena, Elleadora, and Aeolia.
There is an ancient Earth proverb that states “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” This proverb refers to human women. The Klingon women of the Star Trek universe have one thing in common: They were born scorned. Klingon women are expected to exhibit the same physical prowess as the men and share in the bloodlust and quest for glory. However, they are excluded from politics and inheRiMonce by Klingon law with few exceptions. Thus, Klingon women are born scorned. Despite this inequity, Klingon women play a vital role in the Star Trek universe. Here are their stories.
Klingon women in The Original Series (2265-2269, 2293-2311)
We are first introduced to a female Klingon in TOS episode “Day of the Dove.” Mara is not only the Klingon science officer but also is married to Captain Kang. We see that both the Klingon crew and the Enterprise crew were fighting a no-win battle due to an unknown alien’s mind control. Mara, despite her fear that the Starfleet crew would violate her, assisted Captain Kirk in negotiating a peaceful end to the conflict. She did this by using the strength of her mind and will, taking Captain James T. Kirk to Captain Kang and supporting the theory that an outside force was exerting control over both crews. It is towards the end of the episode that we find out that Mara is married to Kang and not just his subordinate.
Before we get to Chancellor Azetbur (one of the big exceptions to women holding political power), we have two Klingon females who we meet briefly in Star Trek III and Star Trek V. In Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, we meet Valkris on the bridge of a freighter. She is meeting her lover, Captain Kruge, to deliver a data package. We find that she has her own code of honor that causes her to review the data package to make sure it is what Kruge needs. Unfortunately for her, this honorable act ends in her death as only Kruge is allowed to possess the knowledge she brought him. She didn’t beg for mercy but met death on her feet as Kruge blew up the freighter she was on.
unafraid. During the reception on the Enterprise after Captain Klaa rescued Captain Kirk, there is a humorous moment where it looks as though Chekov and Sulu are going to approach Vixis to do some human flirting. However, Vixis just steps aside and lets them see that she is Klaa’s mate with nothing more than body language.
,
the first officer and mate of Captain Klaa. We see her be strong and supportive to Captain Klaa, although we don’t get to know much about her. We get to see how she carries herself, confident and
In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, we are introduced to Azetbur, the daughter of Chancellor Gorkon. We see her strength as she watches her father die after a successful assassination attempt. Despite her grief, she assumes the role of chancellor and continues her father’s mission of getting in place a peace treaty with the Federation. We see her silent strength as she deals with General Chang, who only wants to keep fighting the Federation. We see her wisdom when she realizes that Captain Kirk risked his life to save hers, and she acknowledges by replying to Captain Kirk’s statement, “You’ve restored my son’s faith,” with, “And you have restored my father’s.” We find that she served as chancellor of the Klingon Empire until her own assassination in 2311.
Klingon women in The Next Generation (2364-2370, 2371)
The first Klingon female we meet in the 24th century is K’Ehleyr. She
is biologically half-Klingon (father) and half-human (mother). When we meet her in “The Emissary,” she works for the Federation as an ambassador and special emissary, a role that her mixed ancestry serves her in good stead. She arrives on the Enterprise-D from Starbase 153 on an urgent mission to intercept the sleep-
er ship IKS T’Ong, as it was about tov become active with none of the crew aware of the peace treaty between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. During this mission, she becomes reacquainted with Worf, and they renew a romantic relationship. However, K’Ehleyr is an independent person, and she
declines Worf’s marriage proposal. Nonetheless, she completes the mission successfully with Worf, and they part on good terms.
The next time we meet K’Ehleyr, it is to be the final time. In 2367, she returns to the Enterprise with Chancellor K’mpec, who has selected Captain Picard to be the Klingons’ Arbiter of Succession. While on the Enterprise, K’Ehleyr introduces Worf to their son, Alexander. She requested to become Worf’s mate at this time, but he refused her due to his discommendation. This discommendation issue would in part lead to K’Ehleyr’s demise later. After K’mpec died, K’Ehleyr assisted Captain Picard in the Rite of Succession. She refused Gowron’s bribery attempts, not letting him affect the Rite of Succession. She told Gowron, “K’mpec was weak. I am not!” She also then researched Worf’s discommendation and discovered evidence of Duras’ interference. (Duras was the other Klingon attempting to become the new chancellor.) It is when Duras learned of her attempts to access the sealed records that he went to K’Ehleyr’s quarters on the Enterprise and killed her. Her loss left a huge hole not only in Alexander and Worf’s lives but had continuing effects as Worf beamed over to Duras’ ship and slew him in vengeance. This left Gowron as the only candidate for chancellor. It should also be noted that K’Ehleyr was one of only two women (besides his mother) who could successfully manage a relationship with Worf. There are two other notable Klingon women we meet during this time: The Duras sisters. We first meet Lursa and B’Etor, who were sisters to Duras, who was killed by Worf, in the TNG episode Redemption, Part I. We see them presented as scheming to better their positions. They try to bring Worf over to their side, but he visibly recoils in disgust at the idea. We see them several months after K’Ehleyr’s and Duras’ deaths when they find their illegitimate nephew, Toral, and present him as the inheritor to his late father’s leadership claim. When Captain Picard dismisses the claim, the sisters launch their own private war against the Empire. During this time period, the sisters resurface on Deep Space Nine in 2369 selling bilitrium to a Bajoran terror-
ist to raise more funds for their continued war against the Empire. As they didn’t commit a crime, they were allowed to move freely on the station and then leave at their leisure.
We see them two more times: Once in 2370, when they are suspected of attempting to murder Worf on the Enterprise-D but were not the perpetuator(s); and then the last time we see them is in 2371, when they worked with Dr. Tolian Soran to develop a trilithiumbased weapon. They then get in a firefight with the Enterprise-D and end up dying when their ship gets blown up. Each time we see these women, we see their resourcefulness and determination to accomplish their goals. It is unfortunate for them that they chose the wrong side.
Klingon Women in Deep Space Nine (2369-2375)
The first Klingon female we meet on DS9 is Grilka, who arrives on the space station looking for Quark because
he killed her husband, Kozak. She finds that he took credit for the kill, even though a drunken Kozak fell on his own knife. Grilka forces Quark to marry her so she would retain control of her own House and its property and holdings. Despite her aversion to financial matters, Grilka allowed Quark access to her family ledgers. This shows her maturity and intelligence as this allowed Quark to find that Kozak’s enemy D’Ghor had been attacking the House of Kozak. This has a good ending for Grilka and Quark, as
Grilka is given the honor of leading her own house (House of Grilka) and Quark is given a Klingon divorce, which we see is short, sweet, but not entirely painless. Grilka has quite a backhand.
We meet Grilka again in 2373 when she revisits Deep Space Nine. The recent war with the Federation had cost her house dearly in ships, lands and warriors. She allowed Quark to examine her House’s records but feigned reluctance. During this visit, she encourages Quark’s interest in her as she returns his interest. Grilka inspires Quark to reach out to Worf to learn how to court a Klingon lady, and the lessons are successful. We see Grilka enjoy her time with Quark without diminishing her strength or standing. She leaves the station on a very good note. I wish we could have seen more of her as it was amazing to see the authentic growth she inspired in our resident barkeep.
We meet a Klingon woman, Gi’ral, and her daughter, Ba’el, when Worf goes searching for survivors of the Khitomer Massacre, thinking his father
was among them. He finds a Romulan prison camp that has shifted into a Klingon-Romulan community. Ba’el’s father and Gi’ral’s husband is a Romulan and the camp commandant. We see Gi’ral’s strength in making decisions in a difficult situation. We see Ba’el wanting to explore her options off the planet and learn what it is like to be Klingon. Gi’ral makes the difficult decision to see her daughter leave, knowing that will be the last time they see each other alive.
During the Dominion War, we see Klingon women serving on Klingon ships and making their difference. Watch any episode based on a Klingon ship, and you will see not only their strength and courage, but their high intelligence and patience.
We have two women left to meet at Deep Space Nine, and their lives become intertwined in ways they did not foresee. Let’s start with the Lady Sirella, General Martok’s wife and Mistress of the House of Martok. Sirella is of noble descent, able to trace her maternal lineage back to a daughter of Emperor Reclaw of the Second Dynasty. When we meet Sirella arriving on Deep Space Nine, she greets her husband in a standoffish manner that does nothing to diminish his love and devotion to her as he calls her “Magnificent.”
Lady Sirella travels to the station for Worf’s wedding, because Worf was added to the House of Martok, despite her earlier opposition. In “You are Cordially Invited,” we get an in-depth look at what it means to be the Mistress of a Klingon House and the traditions of Klingon society that we have not previously had. We find out that as mistress, it is a Klingon woman’s duty to approve all marriages into the family. As Worf is marrying Jadzia Dax, a joined Trill, Sirella is loath to approve of the marriage as she feels that adding aliens to the family will weaken and diminish the family.
The last Klingon woman we will meet is not Klingon by biology, but she has a full measure of a warrior’s heart. We can only be talking about Jadzia Dax,
a joined Trill. From the first season of DS9, we have seen how Jadzia has embraced the Klingon culture. Dax’s previous host was the renowned Curzon Dax, ambassador to Qo’noS. Jadzia had a rich heritage to draw on from Curzon’s memories. However, she embraced Klingon culture on her own. When Kor, Koloth and Kang came to the station to coordinate a vengeance attack on the Albino (the criminal who had murdered their firstborn sons), Jadzia committed to the mission even though it was Curzon who originally made the pact. It made no difference to Jadzia, and she went on that trip to fulfill what she considered to be her obligation. She honorably allowed Kang the killing blow.
Jadzia was proficient with a bat’leth and demonstrated this on several occasions. She was attracted to Worf but built a respectful friendship when he first arrived at the station. However, in the Klingon manner, when she wanted Worf, she went after Worf, and she got him. Despite becoming Worf’s lover, she didn’t allow him to dominate her. If he said something she didn’t agree with, then she not only called him out on it, but she would also explain her position to him. When she served on General Martok’s ship with Worf, she supported him in public and debated him in private. She fully demonstrated she had the heart and soul of a Klingon warrior.
This heart and soul served Jadzia well when it came time for the actual wedding ceremony to Worf. Jadzia had quite the struggle with Lady Sirella but persevered and built a respectful relationship with her.
Jadzia had a strong sense of honor. She would approach her friends and co-workers if she felt they were out of line. When Quark got mixed up in his cousin Gaila’s arms deals, Jadzia put up solid boundaries with Quark. These boundaries helped to get Quark’s attention and reinforce that what he was doing was well past the gray areas and very unacceptable. When Quark redeemed himself, Jadzia reestablished the friendship. When it came to Julian Bashir, who in the early seasons of DS9 strongly pursued Jadzia, she treated him with respect and offered true friendship. When it came to Benjamin Sisko, she didn’t use their long-time friendship to curry any
favor. She managed to balance the friendship and command structure.
Unfortunately, we lost Jadzia Dax to a manic Gul Dukat. Jadzia was praying in the Bajoran temple asking for favor in conceiving Worf’s child when Dukat came in and phasered her to death. Jadzia’s death had a lasting effect on Worf, as well.
As you can see, whether the woman are full Klingons, half-Klingons or spiritual Klingons, when they are scorned, hell has no fury to match their ferocity. Wherever they go, they leave a lasting impression. Qapla!
We never learned which Klingon House she came from, and we never learned how she became a diplomat – in fact, we never really got to know her well at all, yet K’Ehleyr remains among the most important Klingon characters in Star Trek.
Appearing in only two episodes of Star Trek: the Next Generation (“The Emissary” in season 2 and “Reunion” in season 4), K’Ehleyr, embodied by actress Suzie Plakson, was an Ambassador and Special Emissary. When she arrived on the Enterprise-D the first time, sealed in a small probe, she showed her flair for humor with lines like, “"Whoever said getting there was half the fun never rode in a class 8 probe.”
Humor and warmth, along with strength and authority were what made K’Ehleyr a compelling character. It also helped that she was Worf’s ex-girlfriend.
They had been in a relationship several years before and parted because neither had been ready to make a real commitment.
K’Ehleyr rekindled her relationship with Worf during that mission, but she also spent time with other members of the crew, sharing that she was half human, and tried to suppress the violent tendencies of her Klingon side.
She even confessed to Deanna Troi that she felt “...trapped between cultures,” adding that the combination of her mother’s sense of humor and her father’s Klingon temper had gotten her into a lot of trouble.
In K’Ehleyr we saw a being who seems to be comfortable in her own skin despite her internal human vs. Klingon battle. She’s confident in her athletic abilities, matching Worf in his calisthenics routine on the holodeck, as well as her sexuality. Again, however, she declined to make their relationship permanent. As her mission concluded and she was preparing to depart, she told Worf: “I was tempted to take the oath with
you, but it scared me. I've never had such strong feelings toward anyone.” She also implied that if they meet again, she’ll be ready to commit.
That meeting came two years later, when K’Ehleyr returned to the Enterprise-D accompanying Klingon chancellor K’mpec who was dying and wanted Picard to arbitrate the Rite of Succession after his death.
In the story, K’Ehleyr demonstrated her knowledge of Klingon politics and competence as an advisor, showing off her trademark humor when asked why a Klingon civil war might be brewing. “The usual excuses. Tradition, Duty, Honor,” she explained, rolling her eyes. She
then elaborated that, “Klingon wars seldom remain confined to the Empire. Sooner or later, they'll drag in the neighboring star systems, then the Tholians, the Ferengi. The Federation won't be able to stay out of it for long. This has been coming for some time. Only K'mpec, the head of the Council, has been able to maintain the peace.”
While her professional life seemed successful, K’Ehleyr’s relationship with Worf had deteriorated. They had clearly not kept in touch since her last visit, since he was surprised by the existence of her son Alexander, who has accompanied her on the mission. After dropping the child off at the
schoolroom on the ship, she teased Worf, “Not even a bite on the cheek for old time's sake?”
She made it clear that she was willing to form a family with Worf and their son, but he declined, claiming that he didn’t want Alexander to share in his fraught relationship with the Klingon Empire and suffer for it.
Before the Rite of Succession was resolved, K’Ehleyr was dead, murdered by Duras. While her death brought Worf and Alexander together (to a point), we are left to wonder: what if she had lived? Would she have taken the Oath with Worf at that point, or would they have continued to live separate lives?
Beta Canon – the noncanon Star Trek: The Next Generation novels – gives us some more information about her life and what might have been. Recommended reading includes A Time for War; A Time for Peace, while the mirror universe novels Rise Like Lions and the Star Trek:
Coda novel Oblivion’s Gate give us glimpses into the alternate version of the character.
As for me, I love that K’Ehleyr is fierce but still feminine, strong, smart, and sometimes sarcastic. She added depth to Worf’s character. As the Female Q (also played by Suzie Plakson) said to B’Elanna Torres in the Star Trek: Voyager episode “The Q and the Grey,” “I’ve always liked Klingon females. You've got such spunk.”
MELISSA A. BARTELL: Melissa A. Bartell is a writer, podcaster, voice actor, improviser, and kayak junkie currently living on Florida's Nature Coast. She has one husband, two dogs, and only one kayak (so far). Find her at MissMeliss.com
or on social media: Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Mastodon
Actress Suzie Plakson (K’ehleyr) has a special audiobook that she has published. Hear some great behind the scenes stories of all her Star Trek filming roles, from Doctor Selar to Tarah. There’s also a section that tells more of the life story of her Klingon character, K’ehleyr.
(Click the link above to check it out!)
“Today is a good day to die.” These words are often uttered before any Klingon goes into battle. Even more important than the Klingon battle cry, is the weapon that the Klingon chooses to go into battle with. Every weapon in Klingon culture has its own use in battle, so let’s discuss some of these weapons in further detail.
chonnaQ
The chonnaQ is a hunting spear. It’s designed to be thrown and used in hand-to -hand combat. There is hardly any information about this weapon. Based on how throwing spears are designed in general, it was probably short, lightweight, and designed to be a ranged weapon.
Kut’luch
The Kut’luch is a weapon
mostly used by assassins. First seen in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode ‘Sins of the Father’. It is a dagger with a serrated blade and designed to cause serious damage when used against someone by twisting it inside its victim. Later we find out in the Star Trek: Voyager episode ‘Real Life,’ it is also used in a Klingon ritual of violence and is possibly as a sign of a Klingon becoming a warrior. Also in this episode, the design of the weapon
changed to look like a mevak.
Mevak
The Mevak is a dagger that first appeared in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode ‘Sons of Mogh primary use is in the Klingon ritual Mauk to'Vor. This ritual is performed to allow a wrongfully disgraced Klingon to have their honor restored and be able to go to Sto-vo-kor by being killed by the Mevak. The Mevak is described by having two blades. One blade represents the physical body being destroyed and the other blade represents the soul being released and going to Stovo-kor.
d'k tahg
ly a meter (about 3 feet) long. It has a tip on one end of the stick that delivers a powerful jolt of electricity that causes severe pain to anyone that is touched by it. It is used during the Rite of Ascension and to verify the death of the Klingon Chancellor.
Klingon Disruptor
The d’k tahg is a traditional knife used by all Klingon warriors. First seen in the film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, it has a single blade and two curved blades that were either fixed or hinged. It has a spiked pommel and will have the family crest embedded on the hilt. It’s commonly used in hand-to-hand combat and several Klingon ceremonies.
‘oy’naQ
The ‘oy’naQ or Painstick is a type of weapon used in Klingon ceremonies. First seen in the Star Trek: TNG episode ‘The Icarus Factor,’ it measures approximate-
The Klingon Disruptor is a standard hand-held disruptor used by many Klingons. The disruptor has evolved throughout the centuries in the Star Trek franchise. Just like a phaser, it fires particle beams. When seen in the first scene in the Star Trek episode ‘Errand of Mercy’, it’s a sidearm that sits in a holster resembling a pistol. It’s also used as a cannon on the Klingon Bird of Prey. It can cause major damage to biological and non-biological matter but less damage to shields, which are energy-based.
The Mek’leth is a bladed Klingon weapon. Although Klingons carried a disruptor, they preferred to use bladed weapons such as the Mek’leth. First seen in the Star Trek: DS9 episode ‘The Way of the Warrior’, it is a two-pronged dagger designed to cut the throat and/or disembowel. It is also very effective when thrown at its target. In addition, as seen in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode ‘Marauders,’ one can use the reverse prong to snap the Bat’leth in half. Worf preferred to use the mek’leth over the Bat’leth because it was easier to conceal when he would fight the Jem’Hadar and Borg Drones.
Bat’leth
The Bat’leth, a favored blade, is one of the most popular weapons among Klingons. First seen in the Star Trek: TNG episode ‘Reunion,’ it is considered a sword of honor. Just like the Mek’leth, Klingons preferred to use this and other bladed weapons in combat rather than a disruptor. The Bat’leth is a double-sided curved blade with four hooks and three handholds. According to the Star Trek: DS9 episode ‘Blood Oath’, a Bat’leth’s size is “tip-to-tip one hundred and sixteen centimeters, weight five point three kilos with an exterior hand gripping diameter of five centimeters. Blades composite of baakonite.” This weapon is designed to cut, stab, and even decapitate its victims. According to an article from trekmovie.com, Star Trek Visual Effects Supervisor Dan Curry stated, “It was modeled after a Chinese fighting crescent. Now it has become one of the iconic images associated with the show.” This weapon is so popular that classes have been given, and manuals have been written to show fans how to effectively use
this weapon. One such class is called the Bat’leth Training Manual by the T'LeSI Military Academy. You can also purchase Bat'leths online and that are made from a variety of materials.
No matter what weapon a Klingon chooses to battle with, they will always fight with honor. The perfect weapon depends on the battle being fought. Every Klingon knows that choosing the wrong weapon and lack of practice will end in death and dishonor among them and possibly their family. Choose your weapon wisely.
Qapla’ MARISSA ANNE: Marissa Anne is an employee of the State of Indiana. She enjoys Star Trek, especially Star Trek: Voyager. She lives in Indiana with her family.
(BELOW) The knife of B’etor, of the House of Duras.
(LEFT) Two crossed sword blades seen in Worf’s quarters.
(RIGHT) A Klingon dagger and short sword variant.
(ABOVE) A variant of the Bat’leth, seen hanging in Kurn’s office aboard his Klingon warship.
It is rare for us Trekkies to have the opportunity to speak to Star Trek Royalty. So many great men and women have lent their talents to the production of Star Trek, and many of them have become legendary in their own right. RiMo got a chance to sit down and speak with Dan Curry, VES. Dan was a senior member of the special and visual effects team, and served as visual effects supervisor on Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was also the visual effects producer for the entirety of DS9, Voyager and Enterprise.
RiMo: Dan, It's such a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to do this interview for Engage Magazine. I, along with the readers of Engage Magazine have been admiring your work for so many years. Because your career is so extensive, the impact of your work is continuing to influence not only the science fiction community of Star Trek, but also the world.
Today we’re going to be focusing on one of the most important elements of Klingon culture, Klingon martial arts, the Mok’bara, a creation you had a profound role in originating, executing and enhancing. We will discuss the influence martial arts has had on Klingon culture and its depiction in Star Trek.
Finally, we will talk about how your introduction and guidance of the utilization of martial arts in Star Trek has influenced the cast and crew of the show and how it has changed their lives. But before we get into that, please tell us a bit about yourself. We know your IMDB credits include visual effects, directing, and acting, among other things, but we also know you as an expert martial artist. How did you end up becoming the man who invented the Mok’bara?
Dan: In the original series, the Klingons were kind of like Eastern European growlers with big bushy eyebrows like that character actor of the nineteen forties, Hakeem Tamiroff. Worf originally seemed to stand around and growl (initially). We had an episode where Worf was supposed to inherit a primordial Klingon bladed weapon, and the art department sent down something that looked like a pirate's cutlass.
I looked at it and said, “the Klingons should have something new and original that the world hasn't seen before, but it should also make ergonomic sense. Even when I was a boy, I could always tell a bogus movie weapon designed to look cool, but was ergonomically ridiculous.” I had been imagining (to myself) what would become the Bat’leth for a long time. I made a foam core model, and then went to the producers and said, ‘let's use this for the Klingons’. And I started demonstrating how it could be used. After approval from executive producer, Rick Berman, we showed the model to our wonderful stunt coordinator, Dennis
Madalone, and he said, ‘I can’t work with that.” Once I showed him the reasoning behind its ergonomics meant, and demonstrated the uses of ergonomic designs, he instantly went from somebody who didn't like it to an evangelist. And I'll show you: Dan picks up the Bat’leth and shows me three grips of the Bat’leth
RiMo: Oh, wow. That's so impressive. It has so much presence. It feels alive, it has this energy in it.
Dan: It's supposed to be moved fluently, fluidly. A lot of the movements we developed were based on a combination of Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Hung Gar, and Tae Kwon Do. We evolved the use of the weapon as new scenes were written that included it. Each element of the design has an ergonomic purpose. When Worf finally kills Gowron, one aspect was inspired by a camping knife can opener. And so, with this weapon, Worf enters the longer blade under (Gowron’s) ribcage, and uses the shorter one as a fulcrum and slices up through the sternum.
RiMo: That's very clever. It's like a, almost like a lever in a sense and it is multifunctional, in a way. It’s interesting to look at the role that certain types of weapons have played, in lore, especially martial arts lore, and especially in Star Trek. I remember my brother had a katana and other (fantasy) blades, all of these weapons (associated with martial arts) they had a certain cultural significance as well. But it was almost like a rite of passage to get one of these. Dan, did you also have that experience as well?
Dan: I was more influenced by Errol Flynn, Zorro, and Demetrius and the Gladiators. I had wooden swords and different shields. My childhood friends and I would constantly be doing sword fighting. Later in life I came to realize is that ‘your life experiences become the reference for your job”. After graduating college, I volunteered for the Peace Corps and went to Thailand where I built small dams and bridges in remote villages. I began to notice that in the afternoons, in some villages, a group of people would disappear and go off to the edge of the village to some exquisite jungle glade and work out. I became curious about it. They were very kind in sharing with
the clumsy foreigner. That’s how I started to learn martial arts. I came to realize each village had their own kind of proprietary martial arts that they would pass down from generation-to-generation styles that had with a lot of similarities with other villagers. They had swords and spears and because of my interest in Robin Hood, I became a good archer, so I was able to show my worth with archery and earned a little respect.
Years later in Laos, I met a phenomenal dagger teacher who taught only a handful of students, and made us promise to not misuse what he taught us. Later, I went to Nepal for a long time, and saw the unique ergonomics of some of the Himalayan bladed weapons (that influenced the design of the Klingon Mek’Leth). Eventually I went back to Thailand and moved to Bangkok where I got to meet some great martial artists, and studied Tae Kwon Do with Kim Myung Su, and studied Iron Palm and Tai Chi with
another master named Tang Chang, who was both a poet and an artist. I was introduced to other teachers with different martial artists styles, and studied specific techniques with each master. When I returned to the U.S. some years later, I met a man in New York, Wing Kwong, who was a nuclear physicist as well as a Tai Chi master, and so I continued to study Tai Chi with him for a long time. These fortuitous encounters became the source of my martial arts training.
When I was in Thailand, I became enamored of the Shaw Brothers (Studio) Chinese sword flicks and all the great weapons used in their films. One of them was small Chinese fighting crescent about 8” long, was the inspiration for the Bat’leth. I imaged making it larger with two layers of blades and a series of holes to serve as hand grips. So that's, that's how the Bat’Leth came about.
As the writers on Star Trek began to notice Worf’s martial arts, they began to shift the Klingon culture into a more Bushido-like culture with sense of martial arts integrity and honor. The more they wrote this cultural identity into the Klingon persona, the more story opportunities they saw. Working with Dennis and his stunt team, we would work out different choreographies for fight scenes. Whenever you saw Worf teaching a martial arts class on the Enterprise, I would be standing next to the camera so Michel Dorn and the people in Worf’s class could see me, and I'd be performing choreographed moves.
RiMo: Dan, you were right there and the cohesiveness of the incorporation of martial arts in the Next Generation in particular is very smooth. And
then in Deep Space Nine, we even saw more incorporation of martial arts for example with Jadzia Dax, in the episodes with Kor and Martok, where Kor dies. The Zen and the flow is so beautiful in the way that it's portrayed in the show and it makes you want to practice. It’s really interesting when it comes to martial arts, how it inspires participation.
I grew up watching many martial arts films on Channel Five in New York in the ‘80s, they used to have the Drive-in theater show that featured martial arts films all dubbed incorrectly. But the martial arts always stayed with me from the story. It made me want to practice martial arts, and I think it's really interesting. Like those martial arts films, in Star Trek, you wanna grab a Bat’leth or take a Mok’bara class with Worf and start to move around with it and practice this. Have you experienced that reception from other people in regard to the incorporation of martial arts in Star Trek?
DAN: Yes, we did experience this (desire to participate). We also emphasized the Empty Hands (martial arts) too. Working together with stunt coordinator Dennis Madalone, also a wonderful martial artist in his own right, we would come up with new ideas for stunts and techniques In an episode I directed called ‘Birthright Part Two’. There's a scene where Worf is practicing his Mok’bara, which draws inspiration from Tai Chi, and the script required Worf to throw a character, Toq, portrayed by Sterling Macer Jr. Dennis wanted to do a very fancy flip thing, but I felt that Worf is so cool that for him it would be like swatting a fly. So, Dennis said, ‘What
do you want to do?’ I asked Dennis, ‘Put your arm on my shoulder.’ So, I grabbed his hand and flipped him, and always a good sport, Dennis said, ‘Okay. Worf can do that.’
RiMo: That's very clever. I think there has to be a certain level of enthusiasm in order to pull it off and for it (martial arts) to be a true tradition in the story. It’s really important when it comes to being a creator and being successful as a creator and also inspiring other creators. Viewers can tell when the intent of the creation is genuine because it becomes apparent in the execution of what you've done. I'm still watching these episodes and I do enjoy seeing in some of the episodes where whole classes were practicing (the Mok’bara).
Worf starts to show his son the ways to handle the Bat’leth and the Klingon traditions. In one episode, his mother was raising him a certain way and Worf has his traditions, and he says (to her), you haven't shown him anything (Klingon traditions). It's nice to see Worf pick up the Bat’leth and then him showing Alexander, and they just get into unison. I do believe that children do want to participate with their family and do traditions like this. It's these touches that add authenticity and integrity to the series. What do you think?
DAN: The success of Klingon martial arts scenes also has a lot to do with Michael Dorn and his personality. He and the child actor who played Alexander hit it off really well. The kid was awed by Michael, especially when he saw him in full Klingon makeup. Michael is quite an imposing individual, and he's also very tall and incredibly fit. You could see between shots that the child actor was very awestricken by Michael's presence.
When Michael signed on to Deep Space Nine I got a phone call (from Micheal), who said, “Daniel, I need a new weapon”. He (Michael) wanted something that was small enough to hide behind his back, but effective enough that it could take on a Bat’leth if you had the skills for it. So, Michael came over to my house and I showed him a collection of weapons I had brought back from Asia, including a Nepalese Kora sword, which is a sword that hooks down. I showed him that (sword), and I said “let's use the business
end of this weapon, and then we'll make up the rest. This is it, the very first one - I made it out of cardboard reinforced with popsicle sticks”
We went out in the backyard (to try it out). This is the business end of a Kora sword. From here back (along the spine of the sword), it's our imagination (creation). I wanted something that you could also hold underhand, and, as you blocked it would deflect your opponent's weapon away from you. You could also use every edge as a cutting surface, so you could use the cutting edges on the back of the handle for close work, and then you could also use it like a hatchet or a short sword. Finally you could also throw it like a tomahawk. This was the very first one and it became unchanged when the props were made. For the actual fighting scenes, we had rubber ones with this thin steel core, so the actors wouldn't hurt each other.
A prototype of the Mek’Leth, made out of cardboard reinforced with popsicle sticks.
I also got to design weapons for other aliens, and I would then come up with a style of using them. For example, on Deep Space Nine, we had the Jem’Hadar. I came up with the Jem’Hadar Fighting
Crescent. This is a Tibetan ceremonial fighting Cleaver. What I did is, I made it bigger and put a more ergonomic handle on it. And this became the Jem’Hadar Fighting Cleaver.
DAN: I wanted an ergonomically excellent fighting knife. This one allows for saber grip, hammer grip, palm assisted thrust, and has smaller cutting blades all over. You can grapple with your opponent's weapon. Then it has a blood groove or a fuller to lubricate blades for easy extraction. The curved blade is loosely inspired by the Balinese/Malaysian Kris (dagger). It also has a very thick hilt, so that when you hold it underhand, the two-edged blade won't cut back into your arm. So, everything has an ergonomic purpose. It's not just randomly designed to look cool.
RiMo: We've already mentioned how important the practice of Mok’bara is to Klingons. In your opinion, is the cultural significance of Mok’bara to Klingons, similar to the cultural significance in the practice of martial arts on earth?
DAN: Yes. I think so because martial arts becomes a way of life. When I was in Thailand, I had to go on a business trip to Penang, an island off the coast of Malaysia. One of my martial arts teachers in Bangkok suggested I stay with his friend in Penang. So, I went to a traditional Chinese martial arts school in the Chinese quarter and got to stay with them for a week while I was there. Not only did they accept me, a foreigner, as a long-lost relative, but they let me join in on their (martial arts) classes. There's kind of a brotherhood to it. There's a word in Thai, ‘chao yutajak’, which means a member of the society of martial artists. It distinguishes and separates practitioners from the rest of society in a way. And that's true here in the West for serious martial artists.
RiMo: I can see how you (as the creator) could want some of the viewers, when they're watching the episodes, to take away the idea of concepts that focus on how important it is to continue that tradition and to participate.
You've already mentioned your relationship with Michael Dorn and you showing him many of the actual moves on set. I’m curious when you're doing a fighting scene and you might have a more experienced martial artist who has to fight alongside another person who's practicing martial arts, but perhaps has just started out, how does that affect the way you would consider doing a fighting scene in the show?
DAN: We always work with Dennis Madalone or another stunt coordinator to make sure everybody would be safe, and nothing was dangerous. It was really important to do that. For cast members inexperienced in martial arts, we would just take our time and rehearse if there's going to be a big Bat’leth scene with Worf or other characters.
For an upcoming scene in DS9 where Quark had to fight with a Bat’Leth, the brilliant Armin Shimerman and I would train with Bat’Leths when we had spare moments during a shoot day. We would use one of Star Trek’s three sound stages the production company wasn’t using. Armin took videos of Bat’Leth combat moves so he could practice at home. It was a great experience to work with him. We have
remained friends over the years, and are excited to see a play he directed, Shakespeare's 12th Night in a couple of weeks. Armin is also a published novelist, and a true Shakespeare scholar.
We also shared a property line with Roxanne Dawson, who played (B’Elanna) on Star Trek, Voyager, and Roxanne had to do a scene with the Bat’leth, so we brought home two rubber Bat’leth’s. And so, we would work out in my backyard, doing Bat’leth lessons.
RiMo: I love how she (Dawson), played that role on Voyager, she had so much passion in the role. I was always intrigued by what she was thinking, and feeling. Her character certainly invigorated the show as well for the many years that Voyager was on.
DAN: We had a good time when B’Elanna went to the Klingon afterlife, Valhalla-like Stovokor, in “Barge of the Dead.”
When I travel, I take a lot of photographs to use as a reference, or elements of shots. The walls of Stovokor were created using elements from photographs I took in Ireland. I used textures from the amazing Irish stone walls that are all over the country. and they have a unique way of building walls using stones without mortar, using gravity to hold them in place. The gate to Stovokor is actually one of the random stone gate arches on the grounds of Ireland’s Ashford Castle in. An episode of Voyager,
“Blink of an Eye,” used photos I took of the unusual rock formations in The Burins of Western Ireland as inspiration for the look of the alien world, and the locations for seeing the alien culture evolve from the Iron Age to a highly advance society. Production Designer Richard James created partial sets that blended to the photos and my digital matte paintings. This was a great example of close cooperation between the Art Department and Visual Effects.
Here's one more story. When Michael Dorn signed up to Picard (Star Trek: Picard) I received another phone call. He sent me a photograph of a sword that the production was considering using. To Michael, the proposed sword didn't look properly Klingon - the sword didn’t look like, as Michael put it, authentic ‘Dan Curry’. As a favor to Michael, I designed a new weapon for him. They made two hero props, one for the show, and as thank you, one for me. They named the weapon after me, the Kur’leth after sound of the first syllable of Curry.
This grip area on the Kur’leth is very much like that of the Mek’leth. Yes, and the grip hole on the Kur’leth blade is like the ones on the Bat’leth, so it has that Klingon ergonomic feel and aesthetic]. I think it is unique in the history of sword design. I've never seen a rendering of any weapon like this in any book. You can grab it, do cross checks, but you can also trick your opponent and let go with this hand, and then use the back end with its cutting edges as an ax.
RiMo: If I were using that weapon, I'd need the extra hole (grip) to hold onto that long weapon just for being able to hold it for maneuverability. It's a very clever design and certainly something that could cater to a lot of people who practice sword play especially.
What are some of the similarities and differences between the Mok’bara and Tai Chi, that you’d like to point out?
DAN: I'd say that Tai Chi is the biggest influence on Mok’Bara. Tai Chi has both sword and Empty Hands techniques. The thing that's remarkable about Tai Chi, which is why I still practice it I did it this morning is that the extent of one motion is the beginning of the next, all powered by internal energy in a meditative state.
A lot of people used to send me videos of Bat’Leth forms they invented. I would remind them that the Bat’leth is not a chopper. It's a fluid weapon and it should be considered a surgeon's weapon, not a butchers weapon. It is that fluidity and the idea that
there's a point on the body in Tai Chi called the tan tien, about two inches below the navel, from which motion is generated. If you learn how to make big movements with the heavy weapon starting there, allowing it to become much more fluid and controllable. You let the weight of the weapon give you the momentum to control it, almost as if it had a life of its own.
RiMo: If someone were wanting to get into martial arts, would you recommend them to start with Tai Chi? Or are there some other martial arts that you would also suggest?
DAN: It depends on each individual’s personality, goals, and physical capabilities. One of my friends here is a fourth generation Tai Chi master, and his son is also studying Tai Chi. Tai Chi requires incredible patience. It takes longer to learn to use Tai Chi practically than other martial arts. If you take karate, in a month or so, you'll know some moves that you can use. With Tai Chi, think about that in terms of months and years, because it's so subtle and internal. There are two general schools of martial arts. The external or the hard, and the internal or the soft. The
internal are exemplified by Tai Chi, Aikido, styles like that are fluid, and when you're engaging in sparring with somebody who practices Tai Chi, it can feel more like you're fighting a pillow, than like you're slamming into something hard.
The best martial art is the one that you're most comfortable with. I think there is no one martial art that's significantly superior to another. While living in Thailand. I got to know many wonderful Thai style martial artists. When I eventually I lived in Bangkok, I lived in a really cool neighborhood that you'd walk between two modern buildings and come out into an area with a lot of of small islands connected by a system of boardwalks. I had neighbors who were professional Thai boxers, who had a complex practice rig in their yard, and they were kind enough to let me work out with them. They were wonderful guys, but so serious and so dedicated about Muay Thai. They were members of the ‘yutajak’ that I mentioned before, the Thai martial arts world.
RiMo: What are you working on currently? I loved your spectacular book “Star Trek: The Artistry of Dan Curry” in 2020, are you working on another book that would talk more abut Klingons and the Mok’Bara?
DAN: I’m not working on another book, but I am developing a new sci-fi series with partners, and enjoyed doing the conceptual design myself. I am cowriting with Lena Foti, my partner in Australia, and my son, Devin, who now lives in London. I also have been designing guitars and doing original fine arts. I
In any warrior caste system, there are varying levels of warfighting proficiency. The Klingon Empire is built on the backs of its warrior class system, and throughout the whole of Star Trek we see a diverse complexity in its ranks. From the foot soldiers of the Ketha lowland to the venerated captains of Klingon warships; from the battlehardened warriors of the Order of the Bat’leth to the Shakespearequoting Generals, Klingon society boasts many levels of honor in its fighting force. The pinnacle of Klingon warriors, however, is a highly notable classification known as the Dahar Masters.
Part of the Klingon ethos is that once a warrior attains a certain level of achievement in battle, they become a legendary figure among their fellows. Klingons memorialize their greatest feats in grandiose operatic songs and poems crafted around their victories in combat, and younger warriors yearn to attain the same level of honor bestowed upon the Dahar Masters. They have established themselves as great tacticians, strategic masterminds, or fierce combatants capable of overcoming the strongest of foes. The Dahar Masters have achieved the ultimate honor and are highly regarded as the apex of Klingon society. Statues are often erected in their honor, and it is highly inspirational when the revered elder soldiers lead troops into war.
According to beta canon, the very first Dahar Master was a Klingon warrior named Biroq, who earned this honor after achieving
a great victory in battle during the invasion of Ty’Gokor. A seminal book on the Klingon warfighting ethos entitled ‘The Klingon Art of War’ by Keith A. DeCandido sheds more light on this rare classification of warrior. The noble and legendary status bestowed upon members of the Dahar Master ranks is extremely rare. In fact, in primary canon of the Star Trek franchise we are introduced to only three of these most honored Klingons – Kor, Koloth, and Kang.
All three of these warriors were first introduced in Star Trek: The Original Series, making their debut as opponents of James Kirk and the Enterprise. One of the most notable Klingon warriors to grace our viewscreens was Kor, who made his first appearance in TOS ‘Errand of Mercy’. Kor, son of Rynar, was one of the most respected and cherished military leaders of the 23rd and 24th centuries and a descendant of the Klingon Imperial Family. With noble blood and a cunning mind, Kor
very craftily led Klingons in battle during the Federation-Klingon war of the 2260’s. When peace talks failed with the Federation, Kor led an invasion force of 500 Klingon warriors to the neutral world of Organia – a flash point of political interest between the two great powers. His brief stint as the selfappointed military governor of Organia was handled with excessive harshness, executing anyone who didn’t follow his imposed rules. It was during this vicious occupation that James Kirk and several of his crew started an undercover confrontation with the Klingon leader. Unbeknownst to Kor and Kirk, the Organians were an advanced non-corporeal species that in an instant put a stop to all of the fighting. This led to the enforced Organian Peace Treaty, which all but ended the open warfare between the Federation and Klingons Despite this, Kor and Kirk would face off again
Kor was notable for his strong tactical sense and ability to use advanced strategic ploys to outmaneuver his opponents. His warship, the IKS Klothos, was one of the first to employ a cloaking device. Kor was said to have spent three days in the engine room taking it apart and putting it back together to better understand its capabilities. As commander of this warship, Kor was also instrumental in a pivotal victory against the Federation outpost of Caleb IV. It was his momentous strategy to attack first with a small force, then wait for the Federation crews to begin repairs before launching the full assault on the outpost.
Kor was also involved in several military actions against the Romulans, a long-hated opponent. His participation in the legendary Battle of Klach D’kel Brakt is immortalized in a holosuite program that he frequently replayed. Even more extraordinary was Kor’s victory at the Korma Pass, along with fellow Dahar Masters Kang and Koloth. Not much is truly known about this incredible victory, but it stands as a very 300-like legendary defense of this mountain pass. Analogous to the famous Battle of Thermopylae during Earth’s Greco -Persian wars, the three Klingon leaders and an unnamed number of Klingon warriors fiercely defended this mountain pass against forty legions of soldiers led by a brutal warlord named T’nag. Their strategy of forcing the enemy to fight with the sun in their eyes was victorious against overwhelming odds. Battles like these helped to cement Kor as
one of the most distinguished and honored soldiers of the Empire.
Fellow Dahar Master Kang was one of the most notable military commanders and diplomatic forces of the 23rd century. Known widely as a fierce negotiator and brilliant tactician, Kang was party to many of the Federation-Klingon peace talks. He also had a tense encounter with James Kirk after his D-7 Klingon Cruiser became disabled and many of his crew perished. Initially accusing Kirk of attacking his ship, Kang took his Federation counterpart prisoner and then commandeered the USS Enterprise. After intense fighting broke out between the two groups, it was discovered that an outside force was pitting the two against each other. Thriving on the belligerent sentiments of the two groups, this energy of negative emotions was being feasted upon like an endless buffet. Once Kirk and Kang figured out that there was a third party engineering this conflict, they devised to work together to drive away this energy being (TOS ‘Day of the Dove’). The true strength shown in Kang in this episode was not his warfighting prowess or his tactical mindset, but rather his ability to lay down arms and trust an enemy
to ward off a mutual threat. This gravitas extended well into Kang’s later career as a diplomat, where he was well regarded as a ferocious negotiator.
In 2293 Kang would come up against Captain Sulu and the USS Excelsior in the Azure Nebula during a diplomatically charged time, following the assassination of Klingon Chancellor Gorkon. The Excelsior was trying to infiltrate Klingon space stealthily through the nebula in an unauthorized attempt to rescue James Kirk and Leonard McCoy after they were imprisoned falsely for the assassination. After a brief wordplay between Sulu and Kang, the Excelsior ignited a pocket of the volatile sirillium gas to escape the encounter. Unfortunately for Kang, his ship was disabled by the explosion (VOY ’Flashback’).
The last of our three Dahar Masters, Koloth, also had a number of run-ins with James Kirk. The first of which ended in embarrassment for the Klingon com-
mander when he confronted Kirk at the Deep Space Station K-7. Koloth’s men became embroiled in a hand-to-hand combat with members of the Enterprise crew aboard the station. Koloth demanded apologies from Kirk and an acknowledgement from the him that the Federation was engaged in persecution of Klingon citizens throughout the quadrant. Kirk countered this by exposing a Klingon plot to poison grain supplies to the Federation world of Shermans Planet. Leaving the station in disgrace, Koloth suffered the further indignity of playing the unwitting host to a plethora of Tribbles, cunningly beamed aboard his D-7 battle cruiser by Montgomery Scott (TOS ’The Trouble with Tribbles’). The Tribbles became such an ecological nuisance not only aboard the IKS G’Roth, but also throughout the Klingon Empire. Koloth spent a great portion of his time thereafter launching a crusade to exterminate the Tribble menace throughout the Empire, colloquially known as the Great Tribble Hunt (DS9 ‘Trials and Tribbleations’). Koloth led a confrontation against Kirk again when the G’Roth attacked the Enterprise to retrieve Cyrano Jones and the glommer, a genetically engineered creature designed to annihilate the Tribbles (TAS ‘More Troubles, More Tribbles’).
By 2289 Koloth had become a skilled and much feared diplomatic negotiator for the Empire. He led contentious talks with the Federation liaison, Curzon Dax, at the Korvat colony. The purpose of the conference was to collaborate on an end to
the decades-long conflict between the Federation and the Empire. Despite having favorable conditions, Koloth was difficult to find compromise with. Curzon even made many concessions favorable to the Klingon side, and Koloth was an immovable object. Koloth’s determined resolve to best the Federation at the negotiating table without weaking the Empire earned him the steely nickname “the Iceman”. The peace talks ended up as a failure, but set the tone for a few years later when the Klingon moon of Praxis exploded and suddenly the Empire found itself in a much weakened position. One can almost certainly understand that Koloth was not involved in the peace talks at Khitomer, because the Peace Accords were signed by both powers without much resistance (this, of course, following the assassination attempt by a cabal of Klingon and Federation anti-peace agents thwarted by
James Kirk and crew),
All three of the Dahar Masters were also involved in action against a rogue band of pirates who were actively raiding Klingon worlds. Led by a nefarious criminal known as The Albino, the pirates brazenly attacked Klingon colonies throughout the Empire. The three Klingon commanders were dispatched with their fleets to cripple the pirates’ operations and apprehend The Albino. While they successfully put an end to the raids, The Albino escaped and subsequently vowed revenge against the three Klingon commanders. That retaliation took the form of murder – the first-born sons of each of the Klingon commanders were infected with a genetic virus which killed them. Kor, Koloth and Kang, along with a now befriended Curzon Dax, swore a blood oath to track down The Albino and exact vengeance for the death of their sons. That confrontation
came finally in 2370 when Koloth was able to locate The Albino’s secret compound on Secaris IV. By this time, Curzon had died and passed the Trill symbiont on to Jadzia Dax, who felt very strongly about continuing the blood oath despite her new host body. Despite initially opposing Jadzia’s involvement, Koloth relented and they traveled to Secaris. Together, the four launched a sneak attack on The Albino’s compound against overwhelming odds. Koloth himself landed the killing
blow on The Albino, putting an end to the blood feud and earning vengeance for the murdered sons. Sadly, Koloth and Kang were both mortally wounded during the battle, and tragically lost their lives.
Kor would go on to many more honorable feats during the remainder of his life. Together with Worf and Jadzia Dax, he located the legendary lost sword of Kahless himself. Kor also fought valiantly during the Dominion War, taking charge of a
damaged Bird-of-Prey in a hopeless skirmish with Jem’Hadar forces to allow the rest of the Klingon fleet to reach safety. His courageous and heroic act saved the Klingon fleet and inspired more than a few bloodwine-induced songs about his deeds that day. The Klingon Dahar Masters have earned a cherished place as legendary warriors in the Klingon Empire. Their noble, bold and fearless combat record and implacable diplomatic negotiations earned the greatest honor bestowed upon any Klingon warrior. In their immense honor, statues of Kor, Koloth and Kang were erected in the Hall of Heroes on Q’onos. Their deeds and mythological accomplishments will forever cement them as the greatest Klingon warriors of all time.
MARK SICKLE: Mark Sickle is an Egyptologist (archaeologist) by day, diehard Trekkie all the time. Founder of the Star Trek Family. Lives in West Virginia with his beautiful wife Lisa, puppies Odo, Kira, Wesley and Jadzia; and kitties Nala, Cymba,
I am Admiral K'Rau from KAG [Klingon Assault Group] and I had a chance to speak with Dr. Marc Okrand. He is the creator of the Klingon language for Star Trek. Marc was responsible initially for creating the Vulcan language on Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and was later asked to develop the Klingon language. This very interesting interview sheds light on how this language came to be.
K'Rau
The first thing that I really wanted to know and, I think you've discussed this in some of your panels before is what drew you to developing the Klingon language. Was there any one thing that stood out?
Dr. Okrand
No. I mean nothing, in particular. I mean I didn't make up the language and then go to Paramount, right. You have Harve Bennett, who is, you know, the the producer of Star Trek III, as well as other things too, called me and said, would you like to create the Klingon dialogue for Star Trek III? So it was their idea, not my idea, and the reason he called me as opposed to anyone else in the world is because I did a little tiny bit of Vulcan for Star Trek II. So I guess I was the one in their list of linguists or something like that. In the rolodex, there was only one person at the time, and that was me. So you know, Harve called. Star Trek III, thinking about it, originally the villains were going to be the Romulans, not the Klingons. So if that had stayed that way. I suppose I would have created Romulan instead of Klingon, you know, but it turns out that they were the Klingons. So that's that's what we did.
K'Rau
That's actually pretty cool. Going on from that, I have heard that it was James Doohan that wrote or penned the first words of Klingon for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Dr. Okrand
That is that is partially true. Okay, the story of Klingon for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The guy who was originally hired to come up with the Klingon language. It was a guy named Harmut Sharffe, who was a professor at UCLA in Indian language. Indian, meaning Indian from India, and he came up with something or other for the Klingons to say, but for whatever reason, they didn't like it. I don't know why not, and I don't know who they are,
but for some reason, they didn't want to use it, and I don't know how came to pass, I don't know whether Jimmy Doohan volunteered or what but, Jimmy Doohan, and one of the producers, a guy named Jon Povill, the two of them together came up with the Klingon dialogue for that scene and spoke by the Klingon commander, played by Mark Leonard in that movie. The scene is in 2 segments, so to speak because there's the very beginning of the film where you see the 3 Klingon ships and you see inside of the main ship and you see him talking there, which is the first time you know, we've seen the Klingons looking like what Klingons ought to look like, as opposed to the original series, but before the klingons disappear, you know, then they get zapped by something or other, and then they're gone from the movie before that happens, we see him on a view screen in a federation outpost of some kind, I forget exactly what it is, and he's talking in Klingon, and he's jabbering away, but you can't really hear him cause the volume is low and there's other people talking English. Federation people talking English at the same time so you can't hear him, but anyway, Jon Povill and Jimmy Doohan made up all that stuff they made up the lines that Mark says on the ship that you see and made up the lines on the view screen that you see, and my understanding is, I'm not 100% sure about this, is they made a tape or something of that, and gave that to Mark Leonard, and Mark wrote it
out. So he could learn the lines, right, and that's where the lines came from. Now, how good a job Mark did we don't know. What I mean by that is how close to what we hear on the screen, how close to that is as to what Jon Povill and Jimmy Doohan had in mind, we'll never know. It might be bang on perfect it. It might be a little different, I don't know, but anyway, you can't hear any of this, you can't hear most of it, you can only hear about 6, 7 lines when you see him sitting on the ship. You don't hear the lines when he's on the viewscreen. In fact, the reason I first heard about this story was when we were shooting the movie, when we were shooting Star Trek III, I was on set. Whenever there's a Klingon speaking Klingon in that movie, not all the time, but most of the time, I'm just outside the frame. I'm right there because we would practice the lines right up to the time the director said action, right, then shoot the scene. I was't there all the time, but almost all the time, but I was also on the set when there was no Klingons around, or when there wasn't much talking and one day I was there and met Mark Leonard, who was there. He was in the movie, I don't know why he was there that particular day, and we got to talking, and he said, "You know, I'm the guy who spoke Klingon in the motion picture." and I said, "Yeah, I know.", and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, and there were his Klingon lines that he'd written out, and I recognize the first few because they're the ones you could hear in the movie and then there was all these other lines, and I said, "what is that?" "Oh yeah, we said all this stuff.", and the other lines sound very different from those first few. So, had all that been in the movie, you know, Klingon would have would have ended up sounding a little bit different from the way it turned out because I modeled what I did. On the lines you can hear in the movie, but obviously not not on the lies that you cannot hear. Yeah, so anyway, that's that's that's where that came from. So when you know, Jimmy used to say, "You know I invented Klingon. Marc didn't invent Klingon.", and to a certain degree, he's right. Yeah, I came after he did.
K'Rau
Wow, that's absolutely amazing. I've portrayed a Klingon character in Klingon fandom for well, I'm sure it'll be 31 years this year.
Dr. Okrand
Oh, wow, what's scary to me is the thing I did is 40 years ago. We did the work in 1984, so it's 41 years ago, it's just very scary. I mean, the initial work. I've been working on it ever since, but the initial work was then.
K'Rau
When you build words or phrases, what goes into them like, how do you form the syntax, or even the core sounds of what the word will be.
Dr. Okrand
Yeah, we'll start with the sounds, and so what I did is looked at or listened to what was in the motion picture. I said, "okay", and then I wrote them out. You know, phonetically, and I said, "Okay, here are some real words. Here are some real sounds that belong in this language." So I got a sense of kind of what it sounded like and then added to that. I added sounds to that because I had to. If I was limited to the sounds that were in those in the six lines, or however, many there were that you can hear in the motion picture. it would have been hard because there weren't that many lines, and therefore, there weren't that many sounds. So everything would have sounded alike because it wasn't that much. So I added more, and in adding more sounds, there was a few things I had in mind. One was this language
shouldn't sound like any language that anybody can recognize and say, oh, that's just like, blah blah blah, it had to be different, this was one of the things another one was that it was supposed to be an alien language. So what does that mean? Well, that means it can't be a human language. So what's a human language? Well, human languages have certain things in common, you know, to say all languages do,
except in the most general sense, it gets a little dicey, but there's certain things that languages tend to do or tend to not do. For example, there's certain sounds that are not, in general, found together in the same language. Certain sounds that probably are found together in the same language. The same thing for grammatical features, so to make Klingon be, not human, to make it be alien I violated those rules and put sounds together in Klingon, when I added the new sounds, I put sounds in Klingon that are perfectly fine human language sounds, but they don't belong together in the same language. You won't find a language on earth with that particular set of sounds you'll find languages on earth that have in all of those individual sounds, but not as a group, and that makes it, that makes it weird and hopefully, you know, alien like, so I did that with the sounds, and the other thing I had to keep in mind when I was like thinking about the sounds is they told me that all of the actors who were gonna play Klingons in this movie, were gonna be humans. So therefore, I had to not make up sounds that cannot be produced by the human tongue and throat and teeth and all that stuff, right? They all had to be fine. So, as I say, all the sounds and Klingon can be found in some human language or other, but the collection is what is what's unique, not the individual sounds and then similar things with the grammar. I did something I looked at the grammar and did some things that are not impossible, but very uncommon that don't belong together in the same language. So that's where all that got going. In terms of the words, what the word should mean that was easy, because I had the script for Star Trek III, so I had to make up words to say the lines that the script said where they were talking Klingon. For the grammar, I just made it up, I
pulled it out of the air. I don't know where it came from. Just stuff that occurred to me as I was going along, as I say, I tried hard not to make it resemble any known human language, but you can't help but be influenced by what you know and in my study of linguistics and languages stuff, I focused mainly on Chinese and Southeast Asian languages and North American Native languages, North American Indian languages. So there's influences from those in there for sure, but as soon as I realized I was doing something that said, what I'm doing here is just like they do in Navajo, oops, stop, don't do that because it'll sound like Navajo, and I would switch gears entirely I wouldn't throw out what I did necessarily, but I would switch gears to do something entirely different. So again, the same thing with the grammar, if you look at any feature of the languages, yeah, that other language does happen. The collection of features grammatical features is unique to Klingon, that's where it came from and then as it grew, but mostly it grew by necessity. For Star Trek III I made a Klingon versions of all the lines were the script said so-and-so is speaking in Klingon, and I made up Klingon versions of all the lines where the script said some Klingon character is speaking in English if he was speaking to another Klingon. Not when he's speaking to Capt. Kirk, So when a Klingon is talking to a Klingon, a lot of the lines are in English, so I made up Klingon versions of those just in case, while we were filming, someone said, Hey, why is this guy talking English? He should be talking Klingon. I could say here, here's the line say this. They used zero of
those, they use none, but It helps create more vocabulary, and it fleshed out the grammar and so on and so forth, but other than that, I made up nothing, If it wasn't in the script, if it wasn't needed by the script, I didn't make it up..... originally. Then as Klingon got used more and more and as the filming went along in later movies that that's when the language started to grow and I added more grammar and so on, and when I wrote the book. You know, the Klingon dictionary, then that's when I really fleshed it out because otherwise the book would have been really, really skinny, it only had stuff from the movie.
K'Rau
Have there been several editions of the Klingon dictionary?
Dr. Okrand
Yeah, there's 2. There is the original one. It came out in 1985, I think. This was a little blue book, and then in 1992, it was reissued, with an appendix and the appendix included grammatical stuff and vocabulary that hadn't been added since the printing of the first one, but that's all. Those are the only ones. Those are the only dictionaries, only printed dictionaries that that there, just the 2 versions. The new red one is just a changed cover. They changed the cover but they didn't change the contents.
K'Rau
When you were translating a word, say gun, in the Klingon, what sounds or words would decide to use? Were they something that would that you had then previously? How would you decide what to use?
Dr. Okrand
One once I'd figured out what the sounds are, I made a list of the sounds. I said, "Okay, here's the vowels, here's the consonants. That's it, I'm not gonna make up anymore, this is all there are." and built all my words around that. Fortunately, the language in the motion picture that those other guys made up. The syllable structure was very simple, right, a syllable is a consonant then a vowel, and then probably another consonant, and there's some exceptions. But that's basically it. So when I had to make up a new word, I said, okay, it's gonna start with this consonant and then this is gonna be the vowel and then I'm gonna end it with this constant, and that's a word just made it up, just made it up, you know, like throwing darts at set chart of letters and just that's, I'll pick that one and then, if I didn't like it. I said, oh, that sounds bad. I'm gonna go with something else.
K'Rau
And actually, you answered my next question. I was say, are there pieces of more terrestrial languages? And you said that you'd kind of sort of where were looking at the Asian, east Asian
Dr. Okrand
I wasn't looking at them, but they're in the back of my brain somewhere. So they would exert influence. I intentionally didn't look at anything.
Yeah, you know I read when the language was brand new. When I did my doctorate work right in school, congratulate school. My dissertation is a grammatical description of a Native American language from California and when the dictionary first came out, and the language for sure being heard I read people that, oh, it's just like that language. You know, I just took it from that language, I didn't. Somebody, somebody in the Netherlands did a study comparing Klingon to that language to see whether in fact
Klingon was similar to it. And they concluded that, except in the most general general ways, was it the same. It's not the same thing at all, it's not based on that I was very relieved to read that because that's true, it's not that.
K'Rau
That's fantastic, and it's great to hear because you're not aiming for that, but for people to come back and say, oh, it sounds like this. You're like, oh, did I mess up and then right?
Dr. Okrand
Turns out it turns out that the Indians, the Tribe, you know, whose language I did study are very proud of the fact the guy who studied their language is also the guy who made up Klingon and they say that their language did somehow influence the creation of Klingon and as an approach to language, it did. It certainly did, the way I looked at their language and the way I look at Klingon is very, very similar, but the particular words and sounds and all that stuff have nothing to do with each other.
K'Rau
Well, that's a feather, no pun intended, but that's a feather in their cap. You said that you developed a few Vulcan words for Star Trek II. Have there been any other languages for the for the world of Star Trek that you have developed?
Dr. Okrand
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean a little bit of Vulcan. It was a really little bit of Vulcan for Star Trek II and a teeny bit in Star Trek III. There's 4 lines or something like that, and there's been more Vulcan in Enterprise, and some in the newer shows like Discovery, and in Strange New Worlds, but besides Vulcan, I did a bunch of Romulan for one of the J.J. Abrams movies, for the first one, and there's a teeny bit of Vulcan in there, too. I think I also did Klingon for that, but the scene got cut out, so that doesn't count. The second one, the second J.J. movie 'Into Darkness' there's definitely Klingon, but I also did a couple of languages for Star Trek: Beyond. I did, I don't know, half a dozen languages, maybe for Discovery, maybe not that many. You know, maybe 4 or 5 languages for Discovery, that are not Klingon, and not Vulcan, but
none of them that I did is developed anywhere near as elaborately as Klingon.
K'Rau
The one thing I don't actually have written down, but it's about the KLI, the Klingon Language Institute. I've been to one of their qep'a's.
Dr. Okrand
One day, I'm sitting around at home, and I got a call. I don't know if email was invented yet, anyway, I was contacted, somehow. I don't remember how, but a guy who said that he was in charge of something called the Klingon Language Institute and I never heard of that I didn't know what that was and he told me about it a little bit, he said, you know he'd like to get together and he was in town so We went out to lunch. So you know, that's when I met Lawrence Schoen, who was running the Klingon Language Institute at the time, and he started it up, and I learned all about it, as I knew nothing whatsoever about it, and this was in the '90s, so yeah, the language had been around since, well, let's say it's been around since '84, since the publication of book in '85, but this is in the '90s, so I don't know how the KLI formed or when it cohered, so to speak, but it was in existence for a couple years before I knew about anything about it. So they'd had a meeting, they had a qep'a', the first one that obviously I didn't know about, and for the second one, I think I have the numbers right. For the second one, I didn't go to it, but they called me up on the phone during the meeting. Then, at the hotel, I guess they passed the
phone around. Again, this is pre internet or big deal internet stuff. The internet was going already, but just getting going, and I talked to a bunch of people on the phone and then the next year, I went to the qep'a', It was in Philadelphia, or just outside of Philadelphia. So I went there, and I met all these people in person, which was amazing that there was all these people who cared about this language I made up. You know, they were so enthusiastic. It was really, really overwhelming. And then I've been to all the kapas since then, except one I think I think I just missed one after that.
K'Rau
Yeah, it was. It was a fascinating place to see, even if it was over the internet. It was a very cool thing to be at and to go to.
Dr. Okrand
The people, the people who go to it, the members of the KLI are, as a whole, are so smart and so enthusiastic and so funny. You know, I've told people, you know, friends, I went to this thing and there's a bunch of Klingon speakers. They asked, "Well, what do they do? Do they just sit around and talk
Klingon," and I said, "Yeah, they talk Klingon and learn about the language, but mostly, what they do is laugh." If you want to know the most likely thing you'll hear is laughing because everyone's is fun and people are having a good time.
K'Rau
Yeah, it was. It was so much fun. It was actually kinda hard to leave the computer screen because there was so much going on.
Dr. Okrand
Okay, and on the computer, they had like 3 or 4 things, going on simultaneously, you can go to these different rooms and stuff, and that's how it is in person. If you're in the hotel cause you know they just take over a hotel. If you're in the hotel, there's something going on in this room, but there's also people in the lobby doing something else and so on, and in fact, for the online version they even had a room called swimming pool. Because people go to the swimming pool, play Klingon games or something. I don't know, not sure.
K'Rau
Besides, the shows, do you help other people? Do you assist in the translating of things into Klingon for other folks besides Star Trek, such as the Klingon Pop Warrior or others?
Dr. Okrand
Right, right, not for her. She's a really good speaker in her own right and she does work by herself, or she works with some other KLI people, but I have done that for other TV shows other than Star Trek because you know Klingon is a little bit of pop culture now, so it pops up every once in a while in other TV shows. Then I've done it for things, like, for a while, I don't know if it's still true, but at the Smithsonian, which is the big museums. The air and space museum, which is where the original model of the enterprise is, and all this stuff. For a while, you could take a self-guided tour of the main room or maybe a couple of other rooms on your phone. I guess it was on your phone and you could choose to listen to the tour in several different languages, English and French and Spanish, and maybe German, I don't know whatever languages it was but one of the choices was Klingon. So
you could walk around the room and see various airplanes and things and have them described to you in Klingon, I did that. I'm trying to think of some other things. Well, there's things like the opera. You know about the Klingon opera called 'u'?
K'Rau
The only one that I know of is 'aqtu' and mellota'.
Dr. Okrand
Right, right? It was inspired by that because of that line about Klingon and opera stuff. Do you know any Klingon opera and all that. Some people in the Netherlands decided to compose an opera entirely in Klingon, and they workshoped for 3 or 4 years, they actually had government support to do this meaning, Dutch government and the name of the opera is 'u', which means universe and the story is the story of Kahless, the unforgettable at how he conquered the mighty Molor and established the Klingon Empire, you know, the origin story basically. The opera is 100% in Klingon, sang in Klingon and they wrote it, originally in English, not in Dutch, but in English, and then I translated it into Klingon, with some help from some people from the KLI and then so yeah, and then it was performed in the Netherlands a number of times and performed in Germany a couple of times, then in was in Romania. I think it was Romania, or Serbia, someplace, and the last performance was in Germany and Berlin. Oh boy, now it's a while ago, this is 15 years ago or something or other.
And then the music, the music, they composed music based on Klingon music theory that they developed and they designed instruments. They built a string instrument. This is special Klingon instrument that sometimes you play like a banjo, and sometimes you play like a violin, and there's a lot of percussion, a lot of percussion in the Klingon music, which is some regular, you know, drum kinds of things, but also just banging pipes together and whatever they could find to make noise. It was brilliant. It's really good and the singers and the singers learned their lines in Klingon.
K'Rau
That's great.
Dr. Okrand
You can see you can see bits of it on YouTube and stuff like that. I know for a while you could you could see the whole opera? You could buy the whole opera from their website. I doubt that's still available.
K'Rau
Do you know about the annual putting on of 'A Christmas Carol'?
Dr. Okrand
'A Christmas Carol', right. Then these people in Minnesota, in St. Paul wrote the Klingon Christmas Carol and performed it there for a couple years and then moved it to Chicago, and it's been revised a little bit from the original one, with help from the KLI, and then they performed annually until pandemic time, and then stopped, and as far as I know, there hasn't been another performance since, but maybe things are in the works who knows. It's very funny, it's extremely funny, very, very smartly done.
K'Rau
Things I'd like to go and see. I don't have my passport. So we'll see how things go.
Dr. Okrand
Yeah, we did one performance. There was one performance of it in Washington where I live. It was one night only as a fundraiser. I played scrooge. That's my one acting credit, one night only. I was scrooge, SQuja' he's called in 'A Klingon Christmas Carol.
K'Rau
And I was just wondering, if are there any other little gems?
Dr. Okrand
Actually in the in the dictionary, in the original dictionary, the first edition of the dictionary. There's a few words that are jokes like that, just a few, but over the years somehow, rather there's more and more of these what we call coincidences. Which is, you know, these things, these words in Klingon, that seem just like something rather than English or some other language. So now, it's gotten to the point that every time there's a new word that comes along, all the Klingon speakers say, "What's the joke? What is
he talking about?" Sometimes there's a joke, but sometimes not, you know. So there's a good number of those things these days.
K'Rau
I'll have to look around the KLI website and see if I can find some of them.
Dr. Okrand
There's a compilation of some of them someplace I don't know where it is, and what's interesting is that some of them are wrong, and what I mean by that is, someone says, "Oh, look at this. The joke is blah blah blah", and it's not. I never intended that at all, but people have found things that they think is some kind of a pun or whatever, and that's fine. That's fine, because one of the things that these things does is not just a joke, but it helps people remember the words so they come up with their own way to remember the words that I didn't think of at all. That's terrific.
K'Rau
One of my other co-writers for the magazine had a question for you. They wanted to know what's your favorite Klingon curse word is?
Dr. Okrand
Oh, that's easy. I thought the question was going to be different. My favorite curse word is Qu'vatlh, and the reason that's my favorite is because that's the only one that was almost in a movie. Almost. In Star Trek V, there's a scene. They go to a bar, they're out there on that planet, I forget what it's called.
K'Rau
Dr. Okrand
Nimbus III, right. Yeah, nImbuS wej, Nimbus III, and they go to a bar, and then they go to the back room of the bar where the Romulan envoy, I forget what her title was. Caithlin Dar is her [real] name and the federation guy. It was St. John, what was his last name? [Talbot - played by David Warner] Anyway, and a Klingon named Korrd, okay. There's the three of them, and as originally scripted, the federation guy has to translate. It's written that you know, he's
the translator for the, for the Klingon guys. If someone's talking English, he translates into Klingon, and presumably, the Romulan not understand Klingon, and during this conversation, everyone saw the Klingon guy makes these pretty crude remarks about her in Klingon. So she presumably, doesn't understand what he's saying, and he says this stuff anyway, but she realizes that he's insulting her somehow or other, even though she's not quite sure what he's saying, and she says to him something like you know, I forget, 'stop doing that' or something and she says, "I'm gonna say the one Klingon word that I know," and then she turns to him and she says, "Qu'vatlh," and the Klingon guy is taken aback and he says, "Qu'vatlh," and then he says in English, "Well screw you too," right? Yeah, and then the Federation guy realizes that the Klingon guy understands English just fine. He didn't have to be translating all this time, okay. Well, that whole scene got chopped up in various ways. So that's all gone. So the movie didn't have to have an R rating because they didn't say Qu'vatlh, it was okay.
K'Rau
Actually, that's fantastic. That's one of the things that I love, BTS [behind the scene] stories and things that didn't quite make the film. For me, those are amazing amazing things.
Dr. Okrand
Yeah, there's a lot lots of things didn't make the film or came about by accident and things like that. Yeah.
K'Rau
I actually just watched an episode of The Big Bang Theory where they were speaking Klingon. Did you ever did you work on the show?
Dr. Okrand
No, Big Bang Theory, the first Klingon that I'm aware of that was a spoken thing was when Wil Wheaton was on it, and what's his name, Sheldon says to him in Klingon, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold', and Wil Wheaton understand this. Which they pulled that out of the book or something, and then there's been a little bit of Klingon since then. At some point, they linked up with the Klingon Language Institute. So one of the people there started being kind of a
consultant to them for the Klingon. So the Klingon very much improved as The Big Bang Theory went on. My favorite episode of The Big Bang Theory. Doing Klingon and these other Star Trek languages and stuff, it was never a full-time job. that was always a side gig and my full-time job, I'm retired now, but for years and years was closed captioning, subtitles on TV for deaf people, and I was sitting in my office and happened to glance up on the TV, and just by chance, I caught the very beginning of a particular episode of The Big Bang Theory and the opening shot, the first thing you see is the Klingon dictionary, the white one and then the camera backs away and the guys are sitting around the little coffee table. they're playing Klingon boggle. They're trying out different words and stuff like that right, and I say, "Oh my God, you know, there's my dictionary on TV on The Big Bang Theory," and they play the game and then Penny comes over and she wants to know if she can watch television in their apartment and they say, well, why can't you watch your apartments as well? They cut the cable, they didn't pay the bill or something I forget, and she really wants to watch
this particular show, and Sheldon, probably, you know I might not be right. He says, "Oh no, no, you can't watch TV in here because we're playing Klingon boggle, and that'll disturb us," and she says, "Oh, please. Oh please, I really want to watch this," and they say," Okay, you can watch It. But only with the sound off and the closed captions on," and I'm sitting there listening, "What! They show my book, and then they talk about where I work. What is going on here?" It was very strange. I did a little bit of Klingon coaching or not so much coaching but devising dialogue for young Sheldon, but not for old Sheldon.
K'Rau
Very cool, I think I have taken up a lot of your time today. So, thank you very much for taking the time to reconnect with me and to give me this small interview. This will be amazing for the for the magazine. If you wish to join, just look for Star Trek Family on Facebook and feel to join us.
Dr. Okrand
Alright, I'll look for it. That's cool.
K'Rau
And then hopefully you'll be able to see the wonderful article that I will have written.
Dr. Okrand
All right, great.
K'Rau
Thank you very much.
Dr. Okrand
Okay, good to talk to you, stay in touch.
JAYMZ SMITH: Jaymz Smith is a house spouse, who hosts a miniature gaming figurines review and painting show. He lives with his two parters and five cats in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has been a Klingon and a member of KAG since 1994.
Klingon Travel Guide
If you ever find yourself on Q’onos or a Klingon colony world, or just hanging out in the company of some warriors at a convention, here are some great and useful phrases, proverbs and sayings in Klingon. If you need help with how to pronounce some of these sounds, please see this resource from the Klingon Language Institute.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Key to abbreviations: sg = said to one person, pl = said to more than one person, >sup = said to a superior.
English tlhIngan Hol (Klingon)
yI'el (sg)
Welcome
Hello (General greeting)
Come in
How are you?
Reply to 'How are you?'
Long time no see
pe'el (pl) (enter!)
nuqneH
('What do you want?' - general 'greeting' used when confronted by
yI'el (Ill-ell) (to more than one person)
pe'el (peh-ell)
bIpIv'a' (Are you healthy?)
jIpIv. bIpIv'a' (I am healthy. Are you healthy?)
qaleghqa'mo' jIQuch
(I'm glad because I see you again)
qaleghqa'neS
(I am honored to see you again) >sup
What's your name?
My name is ...
Where are you from?
I'm from ...
nuq 'oH ponglIj'e'?
...jIH ...'oH pongwIj'e'
munglIj nuq
mungwIj 'oH ...'e'
Good (expression of satisfaction) maj
Well Done!
Pleased to meet you
Good night
Goodbye (Parting phrases)
Good Luck!
Cheers! Good Health! (Toasts used when drinking)
May your blood scream!
majQa' (Pronounced mahj-KAH)
qaqIHneS >sup
qaqIHmo' jIQuch
maj ram (Good, it is night!)
yInajchu' (Dream perfectly)
Qapla'! (Success!) (Pronounced ka-PLA)
Qapla'! (Success!)
IwlIj jachjaj ("May your blood scream!")
IwlIj jachjaj! (used as a toast)
That's great news!
Bon appetit / Have a nice meal
Bon voyage / Have a good journey
Do you understand?
I understand
buy' ghop (boo-ee en-GOP!)
(Literally, "The plates are full!)
yISop! (sg)
peSop! (pl)
Qapla'! (Success!)
bIyaj'a'? (sg)
Suyaj'a'? (pl)
jIyaj (jih-YAJ)
I don't understand jIyajbe'
I don't know jISovbe'
Please speak more slowly
Please say that again
Please write it down
Do you speak Klingon?
Yes, a little (reply to 'Do you speak ...?')
QIt yIjatlh
e' yIjatlhqa'
e' yIghItlh
tlhIngan Hol Dajatlh'a'?
HIja'. loQ vIjatlhlaH
I'm learning Klingon tlhIngan Hol vIghojtaH
Do you speak a language other than Klingon?
How do you say ... in Klingon?
How much is this?
tlhIngan Hol 'oHbe'bogh latlh Hol'e' DajatlhlaH'a'?
tlhIngan Hol vIjatlhtaHvIS, chay' ... vIjatlh?
Huch 'ar DaneH? ("How much money do you want?")
Thank you qatlho' (not used by Klingons)
Where's the toilet / bathroom?
nuqDaq 'oH puchpa''e'?
This gentleman/lady will pay for everything Hoch DIl [loD/be']vam
Would you like to dance with me?
mamI' DaneH'a'? nItebHa' mamI' DaneH'a'?
I love you qamuSHa'
Get well soon tugh bIpIvchoHjaj Leave me alone!
naDevvo' yIghoS! (speaking to one person)
naDevvo' peghoS! (speaking to multiple people)
Help!
HIQaH! QaH!
Fire! qul!
Stop! mev!
Call the police!
avwI' tIghuHmoH! (Alert the guards!)
Christmas greetings
Birthday greetings
QISmaS DatIvjaj 'ej DIS chu'
DatIvjaj (sg)
QISmaS botIvjaj 'ej DIS chu' botIvjaj (pl)
qoSlIj DatIvjaj (sg)
qoSraj botIvjaj (pl)
One language is never enough not yap wa' Hol
lupDujHomwIj luteb gharghmey
My hovercraft is full of eels
Your mother has a smooth forehead!
lupDujHomwIj lubuy'moH gharghmey
Hab SoSlI' Quch!
(hab sosh-LI KUCH!)
(Note: This is a powerful insult, use with extreme caution)
Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam
Today is a good day to die!
Shut up!
Damn the torpedos full speed ahead!
Federation scum!
(xeg-LOO-meh kak JAJ-vam)
bIjatlh 'e' yImev
(bih-JAKL-eh ill-mev)
(to more than one person)
Sujathlh 'e' yImev
(shoo-JAKL-eh ill-mev)
DUj mevbogh Qo'noSdaq ba', Hoch jaj Qovpatlh!
vavwI' tlhopDaq ba'!
Everyone will encounter tribbles! rut yIHmey ghom Hoch!
May your coordinates be empty of tribbles.
QuvlIjDaq yIH tu'be'lu'jaj
Revenge is a dish best served cold! bortaS blr jablu'Di' reH QaQu' nay'
May your enemies run with fear! ghIj qet jaghmeyjaj!
Your ship is a garbage scow!
If you are afraid to die, you have already died!
You are a coward!
There is nothing shameful in falling before a superior enemy
veQDujn' oH Dujllj'e'! (This is a powerful insult, especially when said to the crew of any starship. Deadly if said to the Captain)
bIHeghvIpchugh bIHeghpu'
blHnuch Soh! (bix-nooch-SOH) (one of the deadliest insults you could ever say to a Klingon)
Dujeychugh jagh nlv yltuHQo'
If you must negotiate, watch your enemy's eyes. blSutlhnlSchugh jaghLl' mlnDu'tlbeh
Real power is in the heart
tlqDaq HoSna' tu'lu'
There are old warriors and there are bold warriors but there are no old, bold warriors wa' SuvwI' mu'meyvam, SuvwI' qa' 'e' choHmeH SuvwI'
*** Editorial note: This is a board game advertisement from 1993. The game can be found on Ebay, and is HIGHLY recommended!
It is the night of March 23, 1966, and nine-year-old Stevie Mirkin is parked in front of his parents’ black-and-white TV set, awaiting the newest episode of his favorite TV series “Star Trek,” (episode ‘Errand of Mercy’).
As the story unfolds, Kirk and Spock are on the planet Organia, trying to negotiate a deal to have them join with the Federation to side over the Klingon empire. Klingons? That’s new. They had a dark complexion, Fu Manchu facial hair (Google it) and were dressed like Genghis Khan’s soldiers. Wow. Not only did they look badass, but they also acted badass. Being the representation of the USA’s adversaries at that time, the USSR, they could be depicted as ruthless, cunning, and dangerous. Yet they did have nice smiles.
pointy ears and eyebrows) was cost-effective. If you recall, the Romulan soldiers in ‘Balance of Terror’ wore helmets to cut back on production costs. Make-up artist Fred Phillips fulfilled the task of creating make-up for these new and evil characters. And that was exactly how Klingons would be depicted for the remaining episodes of Star Trek. Done and done.
Except…
It’s December of 1979, twenty-three-year-old Steve Mirkin is in the theater to see the first Star Trek movie. And, as the movie begins, we witness the destruction of three Klingon Battle Cruisers manned by… Klingons? Wait a gosh-darn minute. These Klingons look different than those seen in TOS. They did have a dark complexion, but now they are sporting sharp teeth, long, stringy hair and forehead ridges? Where did these Klingons come from? No explanation was given. They are Klingons and they have their own language, which is how it
Fred Phillips was tasked with the makeup for The Motion Picture, and with a production budget of $44 million, a lot can be done to improve the menacing look of the Klingons.
When Star Trek: The Next Generation first aired in September 1987, a Klingon had joined the ranks of Starfleet. And he would become the most memorable and likeable Klingon of all time, Worf. What I enjoyed most about Worf was that he
represented all the best in a Klingon: honor, bravery, commitment, and a truly dry sense of humor. He was not afraid to give his life to save another. As Worf said, “Today is a good day to die.” Happily, it never happened.
I am sure Fred Phillips was incredibly pleased with the ability to create the Klingons that would appear in the Star Trek films and in the next four TV series after TOS: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. In the Berman era of Star Trek, Michael Westmore was tasked with carrying on the new look Klingons. Once again, done and done.
Except…
It’s 2005- and forty-nineyear-old Stephen Mirkin is watching the fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise. It is the fifteenth episode, ‘Affliction’, (story by Manny Coto we all miss Manny) and
Robert Wisdom as the Klingon Ambassador Dak’rah, visiting the Enterprise on Strange New Worlds episode ‘Under the Cloak of War’. Anson Mount (Captain Christopher Pike) and Christina Chong (Lieutenant La’an Noonien Singh) flank him. (BELOW): Chris Obi as T’Kuvma from Star Trek: Discovery.
script by Mike Sussman. We learn the cause of the difference between the TOS Klingons and those we see now. In the episode, Dr. Phlox is tasked with determining why some Klingons have lost their forehead ridges. It is discovered that human DNA from the Augments (also in the fourth season of Enterprise) caused the variation. So, with that out of the way, there are only two versions of the Klingons. Done and done.
spent on Discovery’s episodes, the look of our old nemesis was bound to change. Strange New Worlds, the most recent Star Trek series, has reverted to the 1979 look, and if you ask me, that is the Klingon form I have liked the most.
Except…
Along comes Star Trek: Discovery in 2017, and in the opening episode we get to meet the Klingons, and… What? We have a new variation of these old baddies! Only now they have different skin tones, different forehead ridges, leathery skin,
and no hair. Okay. Different production teams decide to make the Klingons even more frightening and vicious, and that is fine. However, I did begin to wonder, “is this canon?” I guess that decision is best left to Paramount, who owns the rights to all of Star Trek. As you can guess, it has been production cost that has ruled the look of the Klingons for 59 years. From the humble beginnings of TOS to the millions of dollars
What about you? Which version of Klingons do you like the most? Whichever it is, they will always be the scourge of the Federation. And for us, that’s a good thing.
STEPHEN MIRKIN: I first learned about science fiction the moment I was able to reach the on/off knob on my parents’ black-and-white TV set. Being born in 1956, I was there on September 8, 1966 to watch the first episode of Star Trek. Since then, I have watched every TV series and every movie and I only look forward to the next great Star Trek moment.
We know her best as the half human, half Klingon, ex-Maquis, Chief Engineer of the Starship Voyager. But Roxann is also an accomplished director, actor, writer, and proponent of equality in the film industry. The following conversation is some of her favorite memories around Voyager with the big anniversary happening, and some exciting new things she is working on.
Before she was the mother of the Kuvama, or wife of Tom Paris, or any of the other greatly fleshed-out parts of one of my favorite Klingons, actress Roxann Biggs-Dawson had never seen a single episode of any Star Trek series until the night before her initial audition for the hottempered half human, half Klingon.
"I had never really liked futuristic science fiction/fantasy stories or movies because they always seemed so cartoonish and unrealistic to me, but when I watched my first episode of Star Trek, a Next Gen episode I believe, the day before my audition as B’Elanna, I was hooked! The storyline, acting, and overall quality of the show was simply amazing!"
Still very much unfamiliar with the Klingon language or culture still, Roxann embarked on a massive, extensive researching "rabbit hole" into the race and culture.
"I asked the producers for every pertinent Next Generation episode which could tell me about Klingons. I read several of the various novels at the time where they were prominent. I watched and read them all closely. Then I
began to read the Star Trek Encyclopedia. And because I accumulated a virtual library of Klingon lore, I found myself carrying out massive historical research on the race, and it was like I was preparing for an Outlander novel, even though Klingons are obviously futuristic beings. Lots of people think they are allegories for such and such a race, and at times perhaps they were for writers, but to me they really were their own thing. For me, watching the episodes, reading the Encyclopedia and understanding this culture was much better than merely seeking out advice from people who had previously played Klingons. I was really able to understand this character who is denying and hating her Klingon heRiMoge and the traditions and lore of her people. At the same time, I really believe that a buried part of B'Elanna is proud of her heRiMoge because of her Klingon blood and that that is really a driving force behind her strength, even if it was at times, hidden."
Formed after a new treaty, which divided territory between the Federation and Cardassians and left several Federation colonies caught along the border of a newly established Demilitarized Zone. When many colonists remained within the jurisdiction of the Cardassian Empire instead of relocating their families to Federation space, they were immediately branded as outlaws by both societies, Federation and Cardassian.
"Throughout her childhood, during her time in the Maquis and then as a member of The Voyager crew, B'Elanna has always sought to suppress her Klingon side," remarks BiggsDawson. "So when I first approached her, as a character, I realized that this internal struggle would enable B'Elanna to exhibit the many layers of her personality at various times throughout the series. That inner battle between the Klingon and human really boils down to a conflict between her intellect and her emotions, a fight between her feminine and masculine sides, if you will, or a struggle between her inner child and adult. That's something which you don't always see in series writing. As a result, I often find myself playing against this "Klingon persona", which obviously makes her special and unique and enables the audience to realize that it can erupt at any time! I so love the moments when the cool headedness and rationality exhibited by her human side goes out the window and the warrior emerges in full force, because the warrior must exhibit a certain amount of humanity-
something which is a hard balance to find when dissecting a script. Right up to the end of the series I was trying to find that."
In one of Roxann's favorite episodes "Faces", a crazed Vidiian scientist’s experiment causes B'Elanna's human half and Klingon persona to literally split into two separate entities. This provided Roxann with the ultimate opportunity to explore that balance by individually concentrating on each side of the character's complex personality.
"I had two scripts- one labeled "The Klingon" and the other labeled "The Human", Biggs -Dawson elaborates. "I went through each script, treated both as two totally different people and made sure that each persona really lacked something important."
"The human lacked strength and courage, and the Klingon lacked the reasoning and cool headedness of the humantraits which definitely heightened
the battle between them. I also wanted to make sure that the Klingon side was heard because she's really the "bad sibling" who nobody wants to talk about and who always ends up locked away in the closet. As a result, I wanted the intense relationship between the Klingon and human and the Klingon's eventual respect for the human half to be present in the episode."
"It's amazing to see how this character has affected people’s lives- especially when they are caught between racial worlds" she muses. "And the amazing identification with the character's struggle, which radiates from men and women of all ages, was reflected in this letter which I received from a viewer once, who's half black and half American-Indian. Clearly, this guy was originally denying one of his two sides, but in this letter he explained how B'Elanna had inspired him to look into his own background and his heRiMoge
and explore how his denial was affecting his everyday life. Now, he realizes that he was denying this whole chunk of his human self. That was really rewarding for me! This is what Star Trek has brought to so many, through some of the greatest writing and fleshed out characters, not only on television, but period!"
Roxann has been as busy behind the camera as she ever was in front of it, and says she finds it even more rewarding in its own way. She has directed many episodes of several Star trek series, some major crime procedurals, and has an upcoming "non -Trek Franchise" series she is co-producing and directing,
which is still too early to talk about with the exception to say that it will strongly feature a diverse cast and crew before and behind the scenes. I for one can't wait! Channel closed.
DAVE LAWRY: Capt. Dave Lawry: No, not of Starfleet, unfortunately. However, Dave is a Captain of the commercial fishing vessel F/V Miss Makata, on the waters off the great state of Maine. He is a fan of all things vintage, especially comic books and novels. STAR TREK has been an intricate part of Dave's life since watching TAS in its original run.
I love reading the credits in shows and movies. If you are like me, you begin to recognize the names of regularly occurring actors in Star Trek. One actor whom I particularly enjoyed seeing is Tony Dodd.
I remember seeing him for the first time in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode ‘Sins of the Father’, playing Kurn, Worf’s brother. He also portrayed Jake Sisko as an adult in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as well as an Alpha Hirogen in Star Trek: Voyager (‘Prey’ S:04 E:16) He sadly passed away in 2024, but those few appearances were so excellent as to make him a true fan favorite.
Todd was captivating when he first appeared in ‘Sins of the Father’ in Star Trek: The Next Generation. An excellent example was his dinner table exchange with Geordi LaForge, when La Forge remarked about how hard Kurn was working everyone, and hastily added, “No offense.” Kurn’s response was precious: “I never kill anyone at the supper table, Mister La Forge.” His delivery was funny as well as disarming. Well, as disarming as you can be as a Klingon.
In the episode, Kurn’s task is to check on his brother, whom he had never met. He needs to tell Worf that the Klingon High Council is declaring that their father was a traitor to the Klingon Empire, and to express the heaviness of the stain on the family honor for the House of Mogh. It’s a complex and multi-layered task to portray.
For example, in the scene
when Worf finally confronts Kurn about his demeaning behavior towards him, Kurn begins to reveal the burden he’s been carrying all along. The scene is wonderful to watch between Mr. Todd’s Kurn and Michael Dorn’s Worf. As Kurn is unloading the family secrets and drama, Worf is absorbing it and, as head of the House of Mogh, considering how to address the accusations. It’s Mr. Todd’s intensity in this scene, each sentence given weight and electricity, which carries through the rest of the episode.
After Worf fully understands the gravity of the discommendation, he orders Kurn to follow through on the plan, including disowning him in front of the High Council. The way Mr. Todd takes this moment, conveying Kurn’s frustration, obedience, and sense of honor in one move, is inspirational.
Much later, while watching DS9 for the first time, I saw Tony Todd’s name come across the screen in the episode ‘The Visitor’ . I was so excited because I knew this episode was going to be good, but I was fully unprepared for how deep this episode was, and it was primarily due to Mr. Todd’s performance.
Todd portrayed the adult Jake Sisko. This is a difficult character to portray because it must be a believable portrayal of the adult Jake, and by extension a portrayal of an adult Cirroc Lofton. Particularly poignant was when adult Jake finally sees Captain Sisko for just a moment in the subspace void. The heartbreak of adult Jake losing his dad again was powerfully played by Todd, and
Dec. 4, 1954 – Nov. 6, 2024
when we finally see Captain Sisko as the adult Jake is dying, there’s no way to watch that scene without having a lump in the throat. Todd was able to convey the deep love Jake had for his father that transcended time itself. It was a strong portrayal of a father/son bond and Todd carried that episode all the way through.
As a “theater nerd”, seeing an actor so completely embody a character is thrilling to watch and admire. We, as Trek fans, talk about which characters stand out to us and mean something to us. Todd’s Kurn appears in many “Top 10” lists for Klingons and he himself was only in 4 episodes in the entire franchise. Mr. Todd was just that good.
Star Trek truly lost one of its finest actors and one that has joined the other warriors in Sto-vo -kor. Rest in power, Tony Todd.
wife,
and works for an environmental nonprofit in her Ready Room at home. An avid Trek fan, she’s a crew member of the USS Monocacy, part of The Fleet: A Star Trek Cosplay Club.
Acommon reason why
people love Star Trek 3 is that it starred Christopher Lloyd in a powerhouse performance.
I however, feel that it was the debut of another character which made the film so memorable. That character is the Klingon Bird Of Prey. Escorted by the triumphant and swash-buckling music of James Horner that seemed to roll into and out of the depths of my young and impressionable heart upon hearing it for the first time, this ship was magnificent! I fell in love on that day with this little ship that spoke to my adventurous soul, “Adventure! Adventure!”
Ever since seeing this movie I’ve loved the Klingon culture. I love that the original six films and TNG took us a little deeper into their culture to show us the ‘more’ of what was out there. The Bird of Prey is a striking testimony to this culture’s sense of art and ability to recognize and enjoy beautiful things. The Bird of Prey gives homage to the Great Bird of the Galaxy, Gene Roddenberry, but it also introduced a much more rugged form of ship architecture for the Star Trek universe which was sorely needed.
It has the obvious bird-like qualities with its articulating wings outstretched on each side, and its claws carrying disruptor cannons. These cannons fire quick bursts of photonic laser beams that were a different flavor from what we’d seen prior. It also boasts both forward and aft torpedo bays which seem to anticipate Star Trek 6’s General
Chang yelling, “Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!” Klingons like to yell a lot.
Measuring approximately 109 meters long, a width of 92 meters, a height of 20 meters, and consisting of 4 decks, this vessel perfectly balanced size and power. In fact, this ship is used so much in the Star Trek universe that it could be considered the most versatile and highly functional ship ever designed for the franchise.
We also see the Bird of Prey used extensively in ST:DS9 as the Dominion war escalated in the fourth season and continued into the final 7th season. Some of the most epic battle scenes of that war highlight the Bird of Prey’s legendary maneuverability. These battle scenes were on a scale Star Trek fans had never seen before, with the Birds of Prey flying in and out quickly, attacking with ferocious speed, and sweeping in and out amongst the fray of battle. They struck quickly and then moved on to assist other engagements. Their small size allowed them to sweep, swirl, and swing in and out much faster than the larger Vor’ cha
class vessels could.
I always got the sense that the Klingons used them not unlike a swarm of bees. Surrounding and stinging their foes with a terrifying and overwhelming attack. They may be small vessels, but they deliver a big bite when utilized in mass numbers. Where would Star Trek be without the Klingons and their awesome ships? How many memories do Trek fans have of the Bird of Prey, inhabiting our very psyche when we dream and reminisce about our fandom? Adventure is evoked inside of me when I see the Bird of Prey. I can’t imagine a Star Trek without Commander Kruge yelling, “Get out of there! Get out of there!” I can still hear him shouting but what he was really calling out to us was, “Adventure! Adventure!”
BRIAN DONAHUE: Brian is a pastor, songwriter, aspiring author and avid podcaster hosting three different podcasts, including The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast. He lives in Ohio with his wife, two kids and Data the golden-doodle.
Good evening, Sector 001. I'm TJ Jeznach, your host for the Jupiter Station podcast. Tonight's guest, many have seen him around the world of Star Trek, most notably in the role of the Klingon ambassador in Star Trek 4 and Star Trek 6. He had a role on Star Trek Voyager as a guest role, and he also had a role on Star Trek Enterprise.
TJ
So let's bring in Mr. John Schuck. John, welcome to the show.
JOHN
Well, thank you, Mr. Jeznach. Nice to be here.
TJ
So, I have kind of a mainstream fan base [that] absolutely knows who you are, but I've got some younger ones too who aren't quite as familiar.
Can you give us a background of what makes you, you?
JOHN
Well, I've wanted to be an actor from the time I was five years of age, and my folks took me to see Oklahoma! in New York, which was the big musical at that time, and I left the theater that night knowing that that's what I wanted to do, sing and dance like that. So, my goal was always to do musical theater, but life has other plans for you. After acting in repertory theaters out of college and going around the country to various cities, I ended up in San Francisco, and I was working at the wonderful theater there called the American Conservatory Theater.
And I was seen by a fellow by the name of Robert Altman, who ended up casting me in his hit movie, M*A*S*H. So that was my first film, an introduction to Los Angeles. And then one thing led to another after that had premiered, and so ultimately what happened was I had a career as Sergeant Enright in McMillan & Wife, which was very successful, several
And one day, I'm getting to how I got into Star Trek It's very convoluted, but basically, I had come to know Leonard Nimoy over the years, and I forget someone I knew told me, “You know, there's a part of this ambassador that you'd be very good at. He's small, and it's right at the beginning, but I think you could do something with it.”
So, I called Leonard and I said, “Can I come and audition for you?” He said “Absolutely.” So I go over to Paramount and go to his office. “Hi, how are you? Hadn't seen you for a bit.Please sit down.” And the first thing out of his mouth is, ‘You know, I've been thinking, and I don't really think you're right for this part. I think you're too young.”
Well, fortunately, there was a costume rendering done by Bob Fletcher, the designer, of that character sitting on an easel. And I pointed to him, I said, “Leonard, my four-year-old son could wear that outfit and look old enough to play the ambassador.” Well, I got the part, and that brought me into the Star Trek world.
It’s been a wonderful time.
TJ
And honestly, like from that first moment, I could really feel that character and to basically associate you with the voice of the Klingon people. Like, “There will be no peace as long as Kirk lives.”
JOHN
Thank you. It's interesting. I was the first Klingon character never to speak Klingon.
So, I didn't have to do that, you know, all that stuff. Not that I could have learned it anyway. I don't know how Christopher Lloyd learned it for that movie either, or Christopher Plummer either.
They all took a good whack at it. But I didn't have to do that. And so, free of that constrictor, I thought, well, there's something Shakespearean to relate it to my world.
It's Shakespearean about this character. And so, I decided to make him quite stentorian and formal in his speech, as opposed to a, “hey, how you doing?” guy. He definitely had that Shakespearean vibe, especially in The Undiscovered Country
But that's the thing that's wonderful about Star Trek is that the characters are bigger than life.
And so, they're more stage-like than cinematic for the actor. So, that then becomes a big problem that you don't want to get too big, too loud, too stentorian too, and become like a caricature. So, that was the tightrope that you had to walk.
TJ
Of all the productions that you've been part of, what is your favorite?
JOHN
Well, my flip answer on that, TJ, is whatever I'm doing at the time. Because I always like to have fun with whatever I'm doing, even if it's a serious, dramatic part. It still can be fun.
And I think that's my greatest talent, is conveying that sense of fun to an audience. Oh, favorite film. So, having said that, Star Trek IV is one of my favorite films, because it showed a completely different side of me than McMillan & Wife, where he was sort of this goofy assistant who, yes sir, all that stuff, cute little guy, but not necessarily me. So, M*A*S*H, it's also a very big favorite of mine, because it changed my life. And it's similar in the theater, too.
There are two or three plays that stand out. Long Day's Journey into Night, a play called Little Murders stands out. And Annie, playing Oliver Warbucks, which I did opposite Sarah Jessica Parker on Broadway.
That was my first Broadway show. And so, that's memorable in my life. So, there are firsts like that.
And I tend to pick those rather than something because I liked it better, or liked the cast better, or that type of thing.
TJ
Now, you had the chance to work on Star Trek as a TV show and a motion picture. Taking the TV show end of things, you also have been in Law & Order, I believe The Mary Tyler Moore Show, if I recall, or something. Is television basically an extension of that stage work in Star Trek, or is it a completely different animal to you?
JOHN
Well, it's both. I learned very quickly film acting in a couple of days, because Robert Altman let me see my reaction to things. And it was so big, and definitely for the stage, you know, not for the camera.
And that's where I learned how intimate the camera is with you, how merely thinking about something can more often than not convey that thought. You don't have to raise your eyebrows and frown and do all that sort of stuff. Definitely Star Trek indicated a style that was more theatrical.
But it was difficult, expression-wise, to cross over the line because of the makeup. The makeup for… [Star Trek IV], especially, they'd gotten much better with it by the time we did VI. But number IV was, I don't know, I was there at three o'clock in the morning for a nine o'clock set call.
They were busy with me all that time, because you had to do the wig, you had the nose, eyebrows, mustache and goatee, plus all the shadowing and stuff. So, there was a lot of time consumed in that. But once it was on, it was more like a mask to me.
happened if I raised my eyebrows or could I raise my eyebrows. But there was enough expression there to work. So, it was good.
TJ
One thing I've noticed having spoken to a few people who have been in Star Trek, everybody is super nice, super personable and just regular people. Like when I was a kid, I'd watch everybody on TV saying, oh, that would be great to meet them. No, they're probably too busy. But everybody I've talked to has been more than able to make time for me, talk to me like I'm a human being. And they all say the same thing that it's one tight-knit community. And would you say that's kind of how you've seen it since you've been in Star Trek?
JOHN Yes.
Including the television shows, they were all just great experiences with very, very talented people. I mean, the show didn't become a success just because it had a good story. But the talent involved was really quite extraordinary.
And so, I felt immediately challenged. And I got to tell you, the hardest thing I ever had to do was [Deep Space Nine].
And I remember going to the bathroom before I went onto the set to look at myself and see what
Anyway… the set was this big, round spaceship. And we had to walk, had this long tracking scene where I
was talking [to Avery Brooks]… And so we had to walk and talk until this very specific spot to stop without looking down. And I got there at six o'clock that morning. And I am finally doing this scene at seven o'clock at night. So I've been there 13 hours. I'm tired. I'm disgruntled.
And for the life of me, I couldn't do the scene twice the same way. Se were always stopping way too short or way beyond where I was supposed to exit the scene. And that was frustrating. And I finally had to say ”Can I just have a few minutes for myself?” and calmed down, ran through the lines. Avery came over. He said, “I'm not going anywhere tonight. Take your time. Relax. Let's just have fun with it.”
He was very comforting, very consoling. I took a deep breath. We went back and did the thing perfectly. And we all went home.
ing but I've often wondered what he's done in the years since, because I'm not aware of his work for at least the last 20 years.
It's a tough business. And I have a lot of friends who retired from it early. They hadn't made enough money so they could do that, and started second or third careers doing something else.
TJ
Interesting. I was speaking with Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer a couple of weeks ago, and they had mentioned that too. ”The house that Trek built” is how Dominic referred to it. And he said, “I can take time to do pretty much whatever role I want, because I have things that I set up for [myself] when I did Star Trek.” And I've noticed that a lot of those Trek actors… had their stuff set up afterwards. They made sure they were grounded and they had exactly what they needed. Now they can take whatever role they want. If they don't want to take a role, they don't have to take a role.
JOHN
Well, it's interesting. I must say, I had no intention of quitting. I've had surgeries this year, so it's been slow for me. I had a knee replacement and some spinal surgery that I'm halfway recovered from. And so, I haven't done anything. But I have a number of friends my age, and I'm… 85, who, they do reach a point where [they say] do I really want to do this? I love doing it, but… for the first time in their lives, they pick and choose, because they're not going to lose their house if they don't work that month, the way it was when we were younger.
TJ
So, how was that working with him?
JOHN
Well, my day with him, my day with Avery was great. He was very, very easy to talk to. And I had a lot of time to talk, just not to do the scene. So, I have noth-
TJ
You miss a couple months and you're out in the streets, because contrary to popular opinion, acting is not the highest paid of professions for the majority [of actors]. And that's definitely something that has been relayed by a lot of the people I've spoken to, especially around last year's SAG-AFTRA strike.
Hey, yes, these people are on TV, and they're making shows you like, but they're not exactly like the filthy rich people you think they are. No. You're an actor who's doing guests on shows and stuff, might make a very handsome salary for that week, $10,000, $15,000, but they might not work again for three months. So now we're talking something entirely different. Yeah, you take that $10,000 divided by three, that's roughly $3,000 a month, which is not a whole lot.
JOHN
Exactly. No. No.
But in any case, I don't see myself ever getting, what's the thing? [They’ll] have to get the hook and pull me off the stage. I do. I really love it.
And the stage is still my preference, because I love rehearsing. I love that ability in the theater that you've got, well, if you're doing a Broadway show, you have six weeks, let's say, to hone and refine and get things really good, really just the way you like them. Whereas in film, it's much more spontaneous.
You kind of fly by the seat of your pants. You've got to really take risks. And that's exciting to do.
So it's kind of a high for me, and I don't want to give up that habit.
TJ
Oh, I couldn't imagine you wanted to give that up, because it's amazing work that you've done.
JOHN
Well, making fun, making people laugh is great fun. And comedy, I believe it's true, it's much easier to do drama than comedy. Comedy requires so much, many other things, timing, different type of inflections. There's a lot to be learned.
The hardest lesson is to teach yourself not to think that you're funny. Because the moment you do that, you're going to get a pie in the face. Yeah.
TJ
You grew up in the Hollywood lifestyle too? Or was it like, oh, Dad's just going to work and he'll come home at the end of the day or end of shooting and it's just like a normal everyday thing for him?
Now, would you say that you like to make people laugh or is that like right along with what you said earlier, where you like to have fun doing all your roles?
JOHN
Yes, it was. When Susan and I divorced, Aaron was three and a half. So, I don't know. I mean, he certainly was aware that his mother and I had parted company. But I'll let you in a little bit of Hollywood lore here. Leonard Nimoy divorced his wife and married my ex-wife. So my son was a stepson to Leonard.
And a very good one. And between the two of us, we had a great time. And it was fun working with him before that in Star Trek IV. So, yeah, the association with Leonard was good. And he was a wonderful stepfather for my son.
TJ
And that's one of the things that's good to see, even in Hollywood where people don't expect to see that level of... Civility?
JOHN
Yes, exactly. The co-parenting was there. You could co-parent with Susan and Leonard, Leonard could co -parent with you. And everybody worked together.
TJ
You worked with Leonard at one point or multiple points.
JOHN
Yeah, it was a little microcosm of a world there. And if more people could get along like that, can you imagine what an awesome world this would be?
TJ
I can only dream, my friend.
TJ JEZNACH: TJ Jeznach is the podcast host of the Jupiter Station podcast and a regular contributor to ENGAGE! Magazine.
YOU! Stop flipping through the pages and sit down. I am Admiral K'Rau and I am going to give you a peek at my culture, using what I consider to be the Top 5 Klingon episodes. Now PAY ATTENTION!!!
‘Errand of Mercy’ – TOS - S1E26
The Federation sends the U.S.S. Enterprise to the planet Organia to stop the warlike and oppressive Klingon Empire. This is the first time the viewer is introduced to the Klingon race. At the time, all that is known about us is that we are aggressive and bring planetary systems to heel to expand our Empire.
‘You are Cordially Invited’ - DS9 – S6E7
‘Rightful Heir
Lt. Worf is given some personal time away from the Enterprise after he is distracted from his duties. His journey of discovery lands a notable find Emperor Kahless, in the flesh! There is a great deal of soul searching in this one as Worf and Chancellor Gowron investigate whether this, in fact, the real Kahless. This episode gives you an in- depth look at Klingon mythos and religion, and how deeply they run through our race.
At the height of the Dominion war when Worf’s son Alexander is at DS9, Jadzia and Worf realize it could be a long time before they are able to see him again, so they decide to move up their wedding and have it at Quark’s Bar. If you are ever invited to a Klingon wedding this episode will give you a good idea of what to expect. You’ll see the road to qelHay’ya, the trial of the bride, and the ritualistic combat at the end of the ceremony using the Ma’Staka sticks.
‘Prophecy’ – Voy - S7E13
During Voyager’s seventy year return trip back to the Alpha Quadrant they fall under attack by an unexpected, but familiar site: a Klingon D-7 Battlecruiser. This is a fantastic episode that shows even more Klingon mythos and religion. We find out about the quvamaq, a savior that will lead these Klingon pilgrims to a new homeworld. We also learn of the Plea for the Dead, a prayer to honor those that have passed on to Suto’vo’qor.
‘Affliction and Divergence’ – EntS4E15 – 16
Dr. Phlox is abducted and brought to a Klingon colony world to find a cure for a virus. This virus has the potential to eradicate the entire Klingon species. This two-parter is a brilliant way to tie up this article about the top five Klingon episodes. These two episodes takes us full circle and brings us right back to the beginning. Here we learn why The Original Series Klingons have smooth foreheads, and not the ridged ones we see in all the other series. We finally show outsiders what we have never before discussed with anyone.
May you watch with honour. Qapla’
JAYMZ SMITH: Jaymz Smith is a house spouse, who hosts a miniature gaming figurines review and painting show. He lives with his two parters and five cats in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has been a Klingon and a
Jaymz Smith (AKA Admiral K’Rau) is an honorable member of the Klingon Assault Group for over 30 years, where his Klingon name is Admiral K’Rau. He is the Commander of the I.K.V. Swifthawk and is in charge of the Northern Storm Fleet, which extends from British Columbia to Manitoba. He particularly enjoys cosplaying Klingons at conventions, and his favorite character is Grilka.
(Click on the Coffee bag at left.)
(Answer at the bottom of Page 117)
Click to view
(Click the Book Club.)
My sister and I are feared and adored We want our family's honor restored Our ending was glorious
Though we weren't victorious
Sadly we're not going to Sto'Vo'Kor
Carrie Schwent
Chancellor Gowron, what big eyes you have
To those who don't know you often seem mad
Showing teeth when you smile
You might use to beguile
But he has the Empire well in hand
Sto'Vo'Kor is for our honored dead
Do not let your soul be filled with dread
You could be dishonored
Left in Gre'Thor to wander
Prepare yourself for the journey ahead
If there’s one thing we know about Star Trek fans, it’s that they REALLY get into the spirit with cosplay. Showing up at conventions as their favorite characters, or in this case, alien species, only enhances the fun for us Trekkies. Since we’re doing an all-Klingon issue, we thought it’d be glorious to check out what some of our fellow fans are doing with their best Klingon cosplays. Q’apla!
Stardate: 51130.5
"Yes! Finally, a Starfleet ship!" Nog cried, hurrying over to his station on the Defiant's bridge.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Cadet," Benjamin Sisko warned, settling into the captain's chair. "We haven't been given a mission yet. Starfleet Command may decide to send us on another undercover mission into Cardassian space."
"Whatever the next mission is, I hope that we get to stay on the Defiant," Jadzia Dax said, running a diagnostic on her console to ensure it was still functioning. "At least we have chairs to sit in."
"I agree," the excitable Nog responded, glancing up to the viewscreen. "I'm glad that we don't have to work in that Jem'Hadar ship anymore, because I hate those disgusting field rations."
"Better get used to them, Cadet," Chief O'Brien said, his Irish burr mixed with a hint of humor. "I remember Julian told me once that he designed a special blend of field rations when in Starfleet Medical Academy. Maybe you should ask him about them when you get off duty."
Nog's face fell. He mumbled something indecipherable and got back to his work. Just then, Doctor Bashir walked through the doors to the bridge. Suddenly the entire bridge crew went quiet.
"Have I missed something?" the young doctor asked.
"Er," muttered Chief O'Brien, who was looking at the faces of the rest of the bridge crew that all read quite clearly: "Don't tell him!"
"What is it?" Julian asked insistently.
"Sir," Nog said, eyes wide like a targ in the headlights. "I heard that you once designed combat rations that were actually palatable. Is it true?"
"It’s completely true!" Julian said happily, his demeanor quickly changing from sullen to excitable. "They were full of protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, and had a shelf life of several years. I must still have the recipe somewhere would you like to try some? They tasted like candy, as I recall… Maybe I could make one flavored like root beer."
Nog glanced nervously around at the bridge crew, who all wished that he hadn't brought up the subject. But upon seeing Nog's face, all of them, even Captain Sisko and Dax, looked like they were about to explode from laughter. Fortunately, before any of the crew could lose their composures, Dax, who was covering communications, said, "Admiral Nechayev is requesting communications."
"Put it through," Captain Sisko said, a hint of red evident in his face. The viewscreen clicked on a second later and the admiral appeared on the screen.
"Admiral Nechayev," Sisko said, suddenly businesslike.
"Captain Sisko," Admiral Nechayev responded with a quick nod. "The Defiant is ready to go, I trust?"
Captain Sisko glanced over to Chief O'Brien, who nodded his head. "Yes," said Sisko. "All systems check out."
"How about the cloak?" Nechayev asked nervously. "Is it functional?"
"Yes," responded Sisko.
"Then there's no time to waste," said Nechayev. "In the time you've been gone, the Milky Way has been turned even more upside down, if possible. I know this is going to sound absurd, but the Dominion and Cardassian forces have found the bat'leth of Kahless drifting in space."
"What?" Dax, Worf, and Sisko cried at the same time.
"I know it's strange, but the Dominion has found a definite DNA match. Though the DNA could be easily faked, the bat'leth's authenticity is not the major issue. What is a problem is that the Klingons are on what they think is a glorious crusade, senselessly trying to recover the bat'leth from the Jem'Hadar. As they get the news, Klingon ships are leaving their posts and going on suicide missions into Cardassian space to win the bat'leth back. Without the Klingons, Starfleet ships are spread thin; only one or two per star system. Individually, they are no match for Jem'Hadar vessels, and we’ve taken heavy losses," Nechayev continued, "which is why it's up to you and General Martok to retrieve the bat'leth before we lose all semblance of hope."
With a furrowed brow, Sisko said, "yes ma'am. Sisko out."
Once Dax had terminated the comm link, Sisko looked back at her, saying, "How in the galaxy did the bat'leth of Kahless wind up adrift in space?"
"Er…," she responded, looking back at Worf and smoothing her ponytail nervously.
Once Dax and Worf had told the whole story to the captain, he pulled his hands together in front of his face, as was his wont when he was trying to wrap his head around something. In the end, he thought, Dax, Worf, and Kor had made the right choice to beam the ancient sword into space for fear of it tearing apart the Klingon Empire. But now, the bat'leth made of Kahless' own hair was pulling the Empire apart by its seams.
Suddenly, a whooshing sound woke the captain from his daze. Standing up and straightening his uniform, he turned around. In front of him were two Klingon warriors. One was old with long, grey hair and the other had wavy, black hair and a missing eye. Both wore grey Klingon armor and held bat'leths and disruptors. Slung over both of their shoulders were the sashes for their d'k tahg knives, which hung at their waists in easy reach. Despite their burly and warlike forms, Captain Sisko was not at all
intimidated. He was used to fighting along Klingons by now and knew General Martok as a close friend.
"Captain," grunted the one-eyed general. "This is Kor, a Dahar Master. Trust him with your life, for he is one of the greatest warriors in the galaxy and is the best ally you could ever wish to have."
The grey-haired Klingon grunted an acknowledgement of the Starfleet captain, then moved over to talk with Jadzia and Worf. Sisko and Martok watched the old friends catch up for a moment while the last of the supplies needed for the mission were beamed aboard.
"It's not natural," Martok commented, regarding the three friends. "There should be laughter. Worf and Dax are to be married, no?"
"Yes, they are," Sisko said. "You're right. The abduction of the bat'leth has cast a gloom over those three."
"Only three?" Martok cried. "Every Klingon with a ridged brow mourns the day when the filthy Vorta touched the fine blade of Kahless!"
"We had better get under way," responded the captain. "You and Kor should brief the senior staff on this mission as soon as we have a course laid in."
"And that we will do. Helm, the heading is two one three mark one four seven."
"Course laid in," replied Nog, rapidly dialing the numbers onto his console.
"Senior staff, report to the mess hall," said Sisko, tapping his combadge.
A few minutes later, the senior staff were all gathered around a screen on the wall which detailed their flight plan. The Defiant was marked as a delta symbol moving steadily over the green tone of Federation space. However, up ahead, they could see an ominous purple shade which illustrated Cardassian space. A black X about a light year from the Federation border marked the spot where the Dominion vessel reportedly discovered the bat'leth.
"This is about where we beamed the bat'leth into space," Kor said, his deep voice even lower than usual. "At that time, this area was Federation space, but recent Dominion attacks have expanded their territory. There have been frequent Jem'Hadar sightings along this border.
"That despicable Vorta, Weyoun, sent a message through to the Klingon High Council showing himself with the sacred weapon about two days ago. The Vorta are not a race that refuse any opportunities to brag, so that puts their discovery of the bat'leth at from two to three days ago. Here's the video he sent."
The screen blinked on and there was Weyoun, flanked by two disruptor-holding Jem'Hadar and holding a dark, inscribed bat'leth with an unusual protrusion in the center of the crescent blade. His purple eyes blinked innocently as he said, "Oh, you Klingons. You are so clumsy; one of you must have accidentally left this ancient what's it called yes bat'leth in an airlock. It's pretty old, I'd say," the Vorta said, tossing the bat'leth in the air and barely catching it. "It might even be the ancient sword of Kahless, or at least that's what the DNA tells me." Weyoun grinned evilly. "Well, it's time to cut this broadcast short. I'm off to play with this new bat'leth I found!"
With that, the screen clicked off and was replaced by the Federation logo.
An angry growl broke the momentary silence. It was Worf, who was grinding his teeth menacingly. "I abhor that petaQ! The way he holds that sacred blade as if it is a toy it is a terrible insult to all Klingons!"
"Calm yourself, Worf, son of Mogh," Martok said, though he too was infuriated by the Vorta. "It is a taunt, a wellcalculated taunt designed to drive the Klingons away from their posts and leave parts of the Federation and Klingon Empire unguarded. Even Chancellor Gowron cannot stop the Klingons for searching for it!"
"I agree," rumbled O'Brien. "You're reacting exactly how Weyoun wanted you to."
With a deep breath, Worf got himself back under control, though his jaw still ground audibly.
"Do we know from where was it sent?" Martok asked.
"I think so," Captain Sisko responded. "Weyoun was most likely collecting more ketracel white for his Jem'Hadar soldiers. I know him. Weyoun keeps what must be an annoyingly close eye on Gul Dukat, being his Dominion advisor. You can expect that he has arrived at Deep Space Nine by now."
There was a general mumble of consent.
"In that case, captain," said Martok, "we shall have to infiltrate."
"Yes," replied Sisko, "but that all depends on time. Doctor, how long could we arrive to Deep Space Nine at top speed?"
"Two hours, nineteen minutes, and four seconds," Bashir droned, sounding almost bored.
"Alright," said Captain Sisko. "That gives you and your nurses time to surgically alter our faces to look Cardassian." Bashir nodded, saying, "I'll start right away. Just for a head count, who is coming?"
"We should keep this small," Kor advised. "That way, there is a lesser chance that we'll be found out."
"Agreed," Sisko responded. "You, Martok, Dax, Worf, and I will go. That makes five." Bashir nodded and ducked out of the room to prepare for the surgeries. "Dismissed," Captain Sisko said.
As soon as the captain stepped into the hallway, he was accosted by Elim Garak, who had been present at the meeting even though he was not even a member of the Federation, much less a part of the senior staff. "I assume you'll be needing uniforms and Cardassian identities, captain. I would be more than happy to supply those for you, being a plain, simple tailor."
"You're on, Garak," Sisko said, starting forward to the medical ward. "Although I assume you want something in return."
"Oh, I assure you that all I desire is to see the sour look on Gul Dukat's face when he finds out the bat'leth is missing,"
Garak said with a crafty smile.
"I hope you get your wish," the captain responded, to Garak's wide smile. After a short ride in the turbolift, Captain Sisko walked into the medical ward.
Worf, Kor, Martok, and Dax were already there, sitting on individual biobeds. Just as Sisko walked in, Doctor Bashir led Dax into the surgical bay, where his nurses were preparing the tools for the cosmetic surgery. After twenty minutes, the doctor emerged from the surgical bay with Jadzia next to him. Captain Sisko was taken aback with what he saw; she looked just like a Cardassian, her skin sallow and scaly. Sisko barely recognized her, for she looked to all the galaxy like a full-blooded Cardassian. Kor and Worf barked their distinct deep-bellied laughs at the captain's horrified expression.
"I've never seen anyone so bewildered since I met Curzon for the first time," wheezed Kor, clutching at a stitch in his side.
"Well, Benjamin," Dax said with a blue-lipped grin. "How do I look as a Cardassian?"
"Fine form, old man," Sisko replied with a chuckle.
"As for you two," Doctor Bashir said, turning his gaze to Kor and Worf. "You'll soon look like you could be guls, even legates."
And that the rest of the Away Team did, with forty minutes left until Deep Space Nine would come into view. In the time they had left, they dressed in the Cardassian armor Garak had procured from the replicators and familiarized themselves with the false identities Garak supplied for them. According to Garak's cover-up story, the five infiltrators were part of a trade convoy delivering ketracel white to the station.
As the minutes inched by and they started to itch for action, they heard Sisko's discarded combadge chirp. "Captain to the bridge," Cadet Nog's voice rang.
Instantly, the five spies leapt up and climbed on board the turbolift. As the walls seemed to hum with each passing level, Sisko's heart sped up. It had been weeks, even months, since he had seen Deep Space Nine and Bajor. For some reason, he wondered idly if Morn was still there.
Then, when the doors parted in front of them, he felt his breath get taken away. It was the same beautiful station, round as a baseball, wreathed by glittering stars. But it was not the same… droves of Cardassian and Dominion ships prowled in formation around the outside of the station, and a massive purple Jem'Hadar warship was docked on one of the lower pylons. Sisko raised his hand up to scratch his neck but quickly brought it back down when his fingers met the bumpy Cardassian ridges. Being in someone else's skin was very unnerving, almost as unnerving as seeing the space station as a full-blown Dominion military base
Chief O'Brien was sitting at the transporter station, monitoring a graph as new data came in. "I'm going to beam you down in one of the cargo bays; chances are that no one will see you beam in," the chief said. "I'm going to use the main deflector to momentarily magnify the background radiation. That should be enough to mask your transporter signatures."
The Away Team nodded their understanding, then moved up to the transporter pad.
"I see a natural spike in radiation levels," Chief O'Brien said, eyeing his monitor. "Now is as good a time as we'll ever get Energize."
They rematerialized in a cargo bay a moment later, just as the chief had told them. They slid through the passageways formed between rows of cargo containers and emerged in a somewhat open space, like a clearing in a forest.
"There's the door," Dax said, heading towards a partially obstructed doorway.
"I see the Cardassians are not as strict on safety precautions as the Federation is," Sisko said, pointing at the precariously overhanging crates and containers.
Fortunately, they made it safely through the doors without triggering any alarms or knocking anything from the shelves. Nonetheless, it was a relief when they made it safely to the unobstructed hallway. Walking quietly as Cardassian voles, the Away Team prowled through the passage.
"Let's head to Quark's bar, if it's still open," Captain Sisko said. "That will be as good a place as any to start looking for clues as to the bat'leth's location, if it is indeed on the station."
They continued through the space station's sprawling passageways until they came to a turbolift, which they rode down to the Promenade. From there, they walked by scores of Cardassians, Jem'Hadar, Vorta, and even a few Bajorans, trying their hardest not to attract any unwanted attention.
Sidling into Quark's, they found a table on the upper level, where they could easily keep an eye on the proceedings of the bar. Soon, they were approached by Quark, who said, "What can I get for you, gents? I just opened a bottle of kanar for Damar down there."
Trying her best to answer as a Cardassian would, Dax responded, "Raktajino."
"Same here," Kor, Worf, Martok, and Sisko ordered all at once.
"That'll be five raktajinos, coming right up," the Ferengi answered, turning back down the staircase. "I need to get Rom to order me some more raktajino beans; I'm running low," he added under his breath.
Once a waiter had brought up their raktajinos, which they sipped appreciatively, the Away Team focused on picking up snatches of information about the bat'leth of Kahless. It soon became apparent to them that the message had only been sent to the Klingons; no one here seemed to know or care that the sword of Kahless had been found.
Dax and Sisko nearly choked on their coffee as Jake Sisko walked in through the main entrance.
"Jake!" Sisko whispered, hardly believing his eyes.
"Remember, Captain Sisko, that your son will not recognize you," Martok's voice rumbled. "It is best to leave him alone and merely observe for now."
Sisko slumped back into the chair, seeing the truth in Martok's argument. Nonetheless, he still kept a close eye on his son. A few minutes later, Kira and Odo walked in, taking their seats at the bar next to Morn. Soon, they were approached by Quark, who poured Kira a raktajino. Quark showed even more signs of distress as he searched in vain for more raktajino beans.
"It's a good thing the station's being occupied by the Dominion and not by the Klingons; I'm nearly out of raktajino beans!" Quark's distinct voice rang out.
From their perches high above, they were able to hear Odo's distinctive harrumph. It was neither out of humor nor of contempt, but somewhere in between.
"Look at Kira," Dax told Captain Sisko. "I haven't seen her so closed-off since I first met her." Indeed, the major's face was unsmiling, her solemn eyes unseeing. When she thanked Quark for her drink, her lips barely moved.
"It must be terrible," Sisko agreed, his gut wrenching in empathy for his crewman. "First there was the Cardassian Occupation and now she has to do nothing while another oppressive forc occupies their home. I heard that she's blaming herself for the death of a Vedek who committed suicide last week."
"She thinks she's a collaborator!" Dax gasped. "Oh, poor Nerys. I wish I could run down there and give her a hug let her know things'll turn out okay."
"It is inadvisable," Worf interrupted. "Major Kira is strong - a trait that will bring her glory - and she will prevail over whatever comes her way."
"You're right, Worf," Dax said, still staring wistfully down at her Bajoran friend. "It just hurts me to see her in such inconsolable pain."
"We will all hurt if we forget the goal of our mission," Kor growled, standing up from the table and draining his raktajino. "There is that bloodless petaQ that sent out the message. I will not rest until the bat'leth is out of his flighty fingers."
"Agreed," Martok responded, mimicking Kor's actions and joining him by the spiral staircase. The rest of the Away Team followed, not far behind.
Once they descended the stairs, they followed the mischievous Vorta over to a dabo table.
"Hello, friends!" Weyoun cried cheerfully, clinking two bars of gold-pressed latinum in front of him. "Would you care to join me in this wonderful game? It is really quite fun, isn't it?"
Kor, Martok, and Worf seethed but managed to keep their composures.
"I think that my compatriot Elaia would love to play," Sisko quickly said to remedy the deteriorating situation. "I've heard that she is excellent at the game."
"That sounds wonderful," Weyoun chanted, tossing many bars of gold-pressed latinum into the pot. Sisko and Dax put in a meager amount of latinum, in comparison to the heaps of latinum the Vorta had piled in.
"Ah, I see your strategy," Weyoun said, his purple eyes greedy and calculating. "You're starting off small with your bets, just to see if I'm any good at this game. Well, I can assure you that I am more than adept at holding my own in this game. I feel like betting big today! Dominion victories all across the board… just excellent. Now spin, dabo girl! Tell me I win!"
With a forced smile, the dabo girl spun the dabo wheel.
"Dabo!" Weyoun cried, pulling his winnings toward him. "I'm on a roll today! I'm winning at everything I touch."
"I let him win," Dax muttered into Sisko's ear.
"Good luck, old man," Sisko responded, retreating to watch from the distance with the three Klingons. Once Weyoun had won several rounds, Dax started her real magic and Weyoun rapidly lost the pile of latimum that lay on the table. He spluttered, upset that he was being beaten by a girl. Just when it seemed Weyoun's temper was about to break, Dax let him win back half of his pot.
"Best leave it at that, Elaia," the long-eared Vorta cried. "I've never played a more formidable and daring opponent. Can I buy you a drink?"
Several bottles of kanar later, Dax had managed to get Weyoun very, very drunk. His words were very slurred and near indecipherable, but from what Dax could tell, Weyoun was saying, "More kanar, please. It really is a wonderful drink." After Dax had poured him another glass of kanar, she said, "I heard you got on the bad side of some Klingons the other day. Is it true?"
"Yes, Elaia," Weyoun spluttered, choking on a gulp of kanar. "You must've heard of my little boast to the Klingons. I must say that I'm quite happy with the response. We've destroyed more Klingon ships in just two days that we had in the whole time before that. Those Klingons really are gullible creatures."
Dax seethed at the insult, having strong cultural attachments to the Klingons. Somehow, she quelled her anger before Weyoun could notice. "Those are great victories for the Dominion and Cardassia!" Dax flattered. "But what I want to know most of all is if you have the real bat'leth of Kahless."
In response, the Vorta exploded in laughter, banging his empty kanar glass loudly on the table. "For answers like that, Elaia, you'll need to pour me some more kanar!" he guffawed.
As Dax poured Weyoun another glass, he said, "Of course I have the real bat'leth! I'm a very trustworthy man, deep down. I don't have it anymore, though, because I gave it to the Jem'Hadar for their training. There's very little I could do with it, except perhaps hang it on the wall in my office but you know, Vorta have no sense of aesthetics, if you remember."
"Of course, of course," responded Dax, having gotten all the information she needed. "Well, it's getting late; I'm off to my ship."
"Allow me to escort you," Weyoun offered, standing up and promptly toppling over into a crowd of Jem'Hadar.
"No, I'm really fine," Dax said, reaching down to help the purple-eyed Vorta up. "You, on the other hand, had better get to the medical ward to take an anti-intoxicant."
"There's a certain logic to your statement," the Vorta said, stumbling away to the Promenade. Once Weyoun had shambled out the door, Dax met up with Worf, Kor, Martok, and Sisko.
"Wow, that one can hold his liquor," Dax said, sighing deeply.
"You aren't bad at holding it too, old man," the captain said appreciatively. "The Vorta are immune to most poisons, but it doesn't appear they can fend off a few bottles of kanar!"
"Oh, Benjamin, don't put so much faith in me. The only reason I still stand on two feet is because I had our man Bashir give me an anti-intoxicant before I left." The Away Team broke out in laughter before remembering that they had a mission to accomplish.
"Did you learn anything from him?" Martok asked.
"Yes," said Dax, glancing around her to make sure no one could hear her. "I'm pretty sure that Weyoun gave the bat'leth to the Jem'Hadar soldiers he commands so that they can practice using their kar'takins against a Klingon weapon."
"That makes sense," Kor grunted. "In that case, we must find out where the Jem'Hadar practice and take the bat'leth away." The elderly warrior limped off in the direction of the doorway.
"Hang on a minute," Captain Sisko said, grabbing Kor by the arm. "We can't just plunge into a Jem'Hadar practice area and hope for the best! After all, the Jem'Hadar were genetically enhanced to be killing machines. I know you would prefer to do this the honorable way, but we are outnumbered hundreds to one; we need to win this battle with our brains, not our brawn."
"Today is a good day to die," Kor's deep voice growled.
"For Jem'Hadar," Martok added. In response, Kor made a strange sound, like a cross between a roar and a snarl, which Sisko interpreted as a laugh.
"Alright, Captain," the Dahar Master relented. "We'll do this your way. But if a Jem'Hadar is in my sights, you cannot expect me not to kill him."
Sisko nodded. Sometimes you couldn't win an argument with a Klingon. Suddenly, angry voices rung out. Two Jem'Hadar soldiers had pinned Quark to the wall by his ears.
"What are you doing, Ferengi?" One of them snarled. "Are you eavesdropping?"
"No!" Quark wheezed, his eyes wide in terror. "I would never… I was just getting some more raktajino beans from under the bar, I swear! I swear it on my moogie!"
"Quark only invokes his moogie in his pleas for mercy when he's sincere," Odo said, standing up and frightening the Jem'Hadar so badly that they dropped Quark and sank to their knees.
"Founder!" one of them cried. "Forgive us for our mistake! We had no idea this man was your friend!"
"What should we do to repay you?" the other Jem'Hadar asked. "We will die if we displeased you."
Odo seemed taken aback; he shook his head and harrumphed. "Returning to your training will be payment enough," the Changeling said.
Bowing deeply, they said, "Victory is life!" They turned and walked out of Quark's.
"Come on," Sisko said, beckoning for the Away Team to follow him.
They trailed behind the two Jem'Hadar soldiers, who were walking with their heads turned down. "I feel sorry for them," Dax said. "They know nothing other than blind obedience."
"That's how they were designed to be," Kor responded, keeping a close eye on the Jem'Hadar they were trailing. "Look!" he added.
The Jem'Hadar walked into a turbolift and said, "Ore processing."
"Ah!" Martok said. "That's where they're going."
"That place was abandoned when the Cardassians left; it would be a great place to practice fighting," said Sisko. "In fact, when we win back Deep Space Nine - and I intend to do that - I'm going to make it into a drill area for combat practice."
When the turbolift came back up again, the Away Team boarded it and rode it down to the ore processing center. As they walked out into the area, Sisko was overwhelmed by unwelcome memories from his short stay in the mirror universe.
"What're you doing down here?" A fierce Jem'Hadar yelled, approaching them with his kar'takin. "This is a Jem'Hadar practice area!"
"In case you've forgotten, Jem'Hadar," Martok shouted, "Cardassians are part of the Dominion! I have every right to train here."
"I am First Tenara'Ran. Be careful who you pick a fight with, Cardassian."
"I'll pick a fight with you, then, Tenara'Ran," Martok responded, feeling the anger rise inside him. He couldn't imagine
how the Cardassians and the Jem'Hadar had lived for so long in peace on the crowded station. "If you want a fight, I'll give That is what this room is for, isn't it?"
If Jem'Hadar could smile, Tenara'Ran would be grinning. "Which weapon do you choose?"
"That one." Martok pointed at the bat'leth of Kahless, which hung on the wall with several other assorted weapons. "The Klingon weapon."
"A good choice," the Jem'Hadar responded taking the crescent sword from the wall and balancing it before handing it to the one-eyed Klingon.
"I've killed Jem'Hadar before," said Martok, taking the blade gingerly and spinning it with practiced ease. The training Jem'Hadar stopped what they were doing to see who it was that had managed to kill one of their own.
"They must have been abnormally weak to be killed by your feeble hands," Tenara'Ran sneered, running at Martok. Martok deflected the kar'takin, holding the bat'leth with two hands. Prowling in a circle, they both stared at each other's e looking for any hint of their next move. With a yell, Martok ran forward and swung at Tenara'Ran's legs with the end of the s Jumping up to evade the whistling sword, Tenara'Ran brought down his kar'takin like an axe. Using the momentum from his misse lunge, Martok swung the bat'leth up to block the kar'takin that was bearing down on his head.
Crack! The kar'takin's handle splintered into a thousand pieces, sending the heavy metal head swinging off to the side. Whirling the bat'leth around like a plasma storm, Martok lopped off the Jem'Hadar's head.
"Glory to Kahless!" he yelled, raising the bat'leth in the air and springing forward to fight the closest Jem'Hadar.
"That's our signal!" Sisko cried, pulling out his phaser and jumping behind an abandoned ore tunnel. The ore processing center rapidly transformed into an uncontrollable mêlée. Sisko and Dax tried to provide cover for Worf, Martok, and Kor but t was so much going on it was hard to tell friend from foe.
"O'Brien," yelled Sisko, hammering on his hidden combadge. "Beam us out as soon as you can!"
"Acknowledged, sir! It may take a minute for the background radiation to spike," the chief replied.
"We don't have a minute!" Sisko said, looking around at the chaotic scene. Suddenly, his eyes zeroed in on Worf, who was being attacked by two Jem'Hadar at once. One of the Jem'Hadar twisted the bat'leth out of Worf's hands and the other came in with his kar'takin raised high above his head.
With a careful shot with his phaser, Sisko dispatched the two Jem'Hadar, allowing Worf to pick up his bat'leth and help Kor finish off the Jem'Hadar Second, who was proving a difficult adversary. Once they had either killed or stunned all the Jem'Ha Sisko yelled, "Fall back! We're going to beam out!"
All seemed to be going well, until in the blink of an eye, twenty Jem'Hadar beamed in, their disruptor pistols aimed straight at the impostors.
"They're Cardassians!" one of them yelled, pulling the trigger of his disruptor, but the blast never hit its target, because O'Brien just managed to get the Away Team in a transporter beam.
"Take that, you bloody Cardies!" O'Brien yelled as the Away Team rematerialized on the Defiant with the bat'leth of Kahless and shot away from Terok Nor. Before the space station disappeared entirely, Sisko said, "I'll get you back, Jake." He watched it until the Defiant shot away at warp eight. Later that day, after a hearty congratulations from several Starfleet admirals and from Chancellor Gowron, the crews of the U.S.S Defiant and the I.K.S. Rotarran got together for a great Klingon feast, complete with barrels of bloodwine, warnog, and gagh. Kor and Martok told stories of their adventures and led several Klingon dr songs.
As for the bat'leth, it was sent to the Hall of Warriors on Kronos, where it was hung prominently above Kahless' statue. In the grand scheme of the Dominion war, the Battle for the Bat'leth was a minor victory, a small glimmer of hope in a galaxy ri with strife and war. But that little fact didn't take away from the glorious recovery of the most coveted item in Klingon his bat'leth of Kahless.
Qapla'!
