S'Ten - Minus One
Wil Ukinix
((Deep within Russell River Mines))
S’Ten: Many blond Klingons joined, proudly. Conversely, many sought genetic modification. And some… were sent from the Empire by their parents to live elsewhere.
The frown on the Klingon’s face was evident. S’Ten mused that maybe Lieutenant Wong thought that’s what may have happened to him.
Wong: I see. Exiled. A horrible practice. ::A beat:: But from what you’ve explained, I can see why those who are from House of Drell seem to be particular about their blond hair.
S’Ten crossed his arms and nodded.
Wong: I was in a marketplace a while back when I first met someone from the House of Drell. His name was Kla’Renz. He believed that my blond hair was a mockery of the house and wanted me to remove all my hair in the middle of the marketplace. Given your explanation, his behaviour now makes more sense.
S’Ten: Not all of the houses are represented on the High Council.
That may touch a nerve for Klingons that join the House of Drell.
Wong: I’ve only just started my investigation into Drell having heard it enough times. While I think it may be possible that I could be from that house, I really don’t know. In fact, now that it has been mentioned that not everyone did join the house, my search for answers has considerably been expanded.
S’Ten: You know nothing of your family? Or your lineage?
Wong: I don’t know anything about my genetic past. I’ve never even met my biological parents. Not to say I’m not grateful for my adoptive parents. I wouldn’t trade them for anything nor would I give up who I am as a person! But I know next to nothing about where I came from. I’m at least a little curious.
S’Ten: I see.
The Romulan put his thumb and forefinger on his lips momentarily, deep in thought.
S’Ten: The Klingons may have record of a member of your family that matches your DNA, especially if they were known to carry all or part of the Augment virus.
That may be your best option – provided you can convince them to allow you to perform such a search.
Wong: Response
S’Ten: I do not know any more than that, I am sorry.
There were other houses I know more intimately as they provided a potential tactical advantage.
Wong: Response
S’Ten smiled and patted Wong on the shoulder.
S’Ten: We will get out of this mine.
And if we do, ::smiling, nodding::, I promise you, ::raising finger:: I will never set foot underground again.
I would very much like to see my wife and my children.
Wong: Response
S’Ten: Oh, ::smiling:: they are precious to me.
Moving to the Federation changed my perspective on children compared to my time as a child on Romulus.
For instance, I am now attempting to learn the concept of a… “Dad Joke.”
I told old my 8-year-old son Maec that if I was any less of a father my name would be “S’Nine”.
In response, ::squinting:: he just stared at me expressionless…
Wong: Response
S’Ten nodded, then lay back down on his makeshift bed to try and rest.
As he closed his eyes, he took a deep breath and thought about his wife Vriha and their children.
They would inspire him to remain hopeful – and, if necessary, drive him to begin finding a way out if help did not arrive soon.
Tags/End scene for S’Ten!