Star Trek: The Klingon Empire Read online

  Maqdo’H Gallery

  Located in the retail district within the center of Ketha City, this unassuming shop is stuffed to the rafters with a vast assortment of stone and ceramic sculptures. Though many of these pieces depict figures and animals from Klingon history and mythology, it is the abstract creations unique to the Ketha area, free-flowing and full of color, that seem to attract the attention of visitors. All of the pieces are crafted by Maqdo’H, an artist of some renown who eschewed the distractions and chaos of the First City generations ago by emigrating east for a quieter, more rewarding life. Despite her indeterminate age, Maqdo’H never fails to create at least two new pieces each day, and visitors often watch for hours as she creates a new sculpture, hoping for the chance to buy it.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  KLINGON OPERA: A FEAST FOR YOUR EARS!

  For all the time and effort they devote to war and other martial matters, it’s easy to forget that Klingons are also very passionate when it comes to art and music, and, in particular, their operas. For uncounted generations, opera has fueled the imagination and warmed the heart of many a Klingon. One of the earliest examples of the form is The Battle of Gal-Mok, a sweeping tale of war and conquest set during the Heroic Age, which has thrilled audiences since its initial performances more than 1,500 years ago. Also hugely popular is Kahless and Lukara—which depicts the romance between the first emperor and his equally formidable mate—an opera many regard as the greatest Klingon love story ever told. More recent offerings include Goqlath Castle and The Battle of San-Tarah, both of which continue the time-honored tradition of translating the history of epic conquests into musical form. Klingon opera thrives in venues around the planet, including the ghe’naQ qach (“opera house”) in Ketha, and the only true way to experience it is through live performance. Though Tellarites in particular have no love for the form—many likening it to the throaty mating calls of the gangual beasts from their own home planet—other species, including humans, seem to enjoy the evocative themes that dominate most of these Klingon musical epics.

  DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

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  Several restaurants and taverns within Ketha City offer non-Klingon food options and welcome outsiders with open arms. However, be warned that “quiet dining” is not something you’ll find in abundance here. House bands are common, with patrons often encouraged to sing along to the musical accompaniment mid-meal. Thunderous renditions of bawdy drinking songs such as “Bloodwine in My Gagh” can rattle the timbers at many a bar and restaurant.

  The Battle at San-Tarah

  The ghe’naQ qach in Ketha City has hosted a performance of this hit opera each night for the past seven years, with nearly every show drawing capacity crowds. For whatever reason, many people tend to think of opera as “old music,” not realizing that some of the most celebrated entries in the genre have been composed in the last century. The Battle at San-Tarah is one such example. Penned just over a decade ago, this moving story depicts the first Klingon contact with the Children of San-Tarah, a warrior culture that proved to quite be a match for the Empire when a Klingon force, led by Captain Klag of the IKS Gorkon, invaded its world. The Children of San-Tarah eventually earned Klag’s admiration, and he ultimately used his forces to defend them against a subsequent assault by his own commander, General Talak. Although it’s since become one of the most popular shows in cities around the planet, the Ketha ghe’naQ qach is still considered to be the premier venue for experiencing its full grandeur.

  The Snapped Bat’leth

  Owned by Nova’Q, perhaps the oldest Klingon ever to walk the face of Qo’noS, this decrepit bar, situated less than a kilometer from the main entrance to the Imperial Hunting Grounds, has been a favored watering hole for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts for generations. The food here is simple Klingon fare, but if that’s not to your tastes, then Nova’Q might show grudging mercy on you by creating something more palatable using the small replicator tucked behind the bar. A gregarious host, Nova’Q spends each evening patrolling the tables and booths, entertaining patrons with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of anecdotes from his military days that usually have the entire room in stitches. The broken weapon that gives the place its name hangs along the tavern’s back wall, a prize taken by Nova’Q from a rival decades earlier during a bat’leth competition. According to some of the regular patrons, Nova’Q treasures it more than the trophies he later won, and if you ask nicely, he may well regale you with the tale of how he came to claim his prize. As the evening wears on and the bloodwine starts flowing, expect invitations to participate in a B’aht Qul challenge (see page opposite). Accept such offers with caution.

  not mev pachmey

  Loosely translated, the name of this quaint little dive means “bottomless claw.” Located inside the rail station terminal on Ketha City’s east side, not mev pachmey has a decent menu featuring an impressive range of Klingon cuisine, but many of the regulars come here for the all-you-can-eat pipius claw. The appendages from this tentacled sea creature are a delicacy on Qo’noS, and fresh pipius is transported each day from fishing ports along the PoSbIQ’a’ Ocean. Don’t believe those other travel guides; pipius tastes absolutely nothing like any domesticated fowl hailing from Earth. When cooked in the mildly intoxicating venom it produces from sacks in its tentacles, the claw meat takes on a mouthwatering, tangy flavor that goes great with a pint of warnog. not mev pachmey prepares the claw the proper way: marinated in a thick grapok sauce and served bowl after heaping bowl. Antacid tablets are available upon request.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  THE B’AHT QUL CHALLENGE

  This test of arm and upper body strength is a popular pastime in many a bar and tavern. Though warriors often engage in the activity as part of their formal training, younger and brasher soldiers like to boast that it’s not until you take on all comers at your favorite tavern that you can call yourself a true champion.

  For those thinking about accepting such a challenge, it’s good to be mindful of the proper protocol. The challenge is a test of simple strength, with the rules calling for you to face your opponent and extend your arms. A referee—usually the bartender in a tavern setting—decides which opponent will place their arms between the other’s, crossed at the wrists. If you’re the challenger with your arms placed on the inside, your task is attempting to spread your opponent’s arms, while they try to push yours together. Once the match begins, you keep going until one of you wins. Victory is declared if you’re able to spread your opponent’s arms out to their sides, whereas your challenger wins if they are able to force your forearms to touch. The referee’s decision is final, with the loser buying the bar a round of drinks. So, don’t accept this challenge lightly, as defeat will likely end up being quite expensive.

  For those wondering: Breaking, dislocating, or severing a limb constitutes a win (or a loss, if you’re the one with a snapped arm).

  This exercise is obviously not for the timid, but accepting such an offer as an offworlder might just earn you a bit of respect from the Klingon patrons and perhaps even a free drink or two—assuming you don’t require immediate medical attention following the challenge.

  LODGING

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  As with most Klingon cities, don’t expect lavish accommodations. Here in Ketha City, “fancy” translates to a metal sleeping slab instead of stone. Seasoned travelers know to bring along their own bedding materials when staying in these places, and a few proprietors also rent out padded mats or cushions. Other visitors bypass the hotels altogether and head for the Lowlands, where camping and other rustic lodging options can be found.

  HuSjen

  One of the most alluring ways to take in the Lowlands is to get as close to the area as possible, and the hotel HuSjen (which translates as “hang high”) offers a novel and thrilling way to do just that. Located along the region’s western boundary, this elaborate network of tree cottages is a must for travelers who want to experience the raw beauty of the region. La
dders and wooden stairs provide access to these quaint structures that sit as many as forty meters above the ground, connected via wooden catwalks, and afford spectacular views of the wilderness and the distant mountains. Members of hotel staff enter the Lowlands each day to hunt for game, which is later consumed during the nightly tlho’ ‘uQ’a’, or “feast of gratitude,” in which staff and guests offer their appreciation for the forest and the animals that have provided such a plentiful banquet. In the morning, be sure to wake up in time to see the sunrise casting a spectrum of brilliant hues across snow-covered peaks and towering trees—it’s a sight guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat.

  Camping

  There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars, particularly when you’re well away from the lights and other distractions of modern city life. The Ketha Lowlands offer some of the most scenic areas for “getting back to nature” you’re liable to find on Qo’noS. Wildlife stewards oversee designated camping sites that are open to tour groups and individuals, and along with being able to hike in with your own provisions, you’re also able to fish and hunt in a designated area adjacent to the Imperial Hunting Grounds along the territory’s northern edge. Hunting and fishing are also permitted on Kang’s Summit and the Tlhlngtuj Mountains even farther to the north. Seasoned guides accompany all hikers and campers, and the protected camping areas are equipped with special hypersonic transmitters that repel local wildlife by emitting a disquieting signal beyond the hearing of most humanoid species. However, be warned that klongats are somewhat resistant to the sound. Larger than a targ, these notorious quadrupeds hunt at night, employing their razor sharp claws and long, curved fangs with ferocious efficiency. Campers should be aware that klongats occasionally stalk the perimeter of the protected areas. Should you encounter one, you should immediately notify your guide, who will be trained to deal with such threats. More often, however, you’ll simply hear two or three klongats wailing to one another, as their high-pitched calls can carry over great distances.

  SIDE TRIP: NARENDRA III

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  Originally the site of a Klingon colony world, Narendra III and its home system were selected for conquest because of their close vicinity to territory claimed by the Romulan Star Empire. Later, after the Klingons became aware of Earth, the Narendra system took on even greater importance as a point of early detection for possible invasion either by the Romulans or the Federation. The original colony on Narendra III was destroyed in 2344 during a Romulan surprise attack that took the lives of thousands of settlers, but the colony has since been rebuilt and is now more expansive than ever, boasting a population nearly triple that of the original settlement.

  Narendra III’s distance from the system’s binary stars, Narendra A and Narendra B, provides a near perfect balance of climate conditions that make it an idyllic location for colonists and vacationers. Given the Narendra system’s close proximity to the Federation-Klingon border, the planet has also become something of an unofficial meeting point for summits between the two interstellar powers. The attack on Narendra III and its aftermath represents one of the pivotal moments in Federation-Klingon relations, and both sides are eager to ensure the planet’s significance never fades from historical memory.

  GETTING AROUND

  * * *

  Narendra III’s habitable landmass is divided among twelve continents of varying size, all of which are accessible via air or watercraft as well as transporters. The primary settlement, Mojatahl, is located in the flatland that lies nearly one hundred kilometers west of the Jo’vrong mountain range that cuts across the center of the planet’s largest continent, Hij’ahQ. Smaller villages are scattered across the two next largest landmasses, but only Mojatahl and the area in its immediate vicinity are included in tourist packages, and transport to and from the planet is directed through the central spaceport south of the colony. It’s also the only area supported by underground high-speed anti-grav sled conduits, though all of the settlements are reachable via transporter and water or air transportation.

  SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

  * * *

  The planet’s temperate climate means that the beaches and the warm emerald-green ocean waters that encircle most of the Hij’ahQ continent are available for enjoyment year round. The beaches along the northern and southern coastlines are lined with fine powder sand composed of erinadium crystals flushed from rivers and streams running down from the immense Jo’vrong Mountains. Erinadium itself is a valuable mineral ore used for power generation on many Federation and nonaligned worlds, and plans to construct a mining facility are currently under way. If the beaches aren’t your thing, there are always city squares and markets in Mojatahl along with the expansive orchards that form the settlement’s outer boundaries. You could also venture to the oceanfront village of Chempek along the Hij’ahQ continent’s southwestern coast and try your hand at parasailing, or enjoy a day fishing on a charter boat. Though Narendra III is home to a wide variety of sea life, one of its most popular delicacies is the kijav, a fish that grows to lengths of more than two meters and has a hide covered with long, thin spikes that secrete a powerful toxin that can cause blistering on most humanoid skin. Another local favorite is the monstrous bot’yaht, a species of squid with tentacles that can reach lengths in excess of ten meters. If you think you’re brave enough to try catching one of these, most of Chempek’s charter boat captains are ready to honor your wishes.

  Monument to the Fallen

  The Romulan attack on Narendra III was devastating and might well have resulted in greater loss of life if not for the unlikely yet timely intervention of a Starfleet vessel, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-C. Despite the efforts of the crew of that starship, which also was lost during the battle, thousands of Klingons fell on that fateful day, including children and other noncombatants. Located at the spot west of Mojatahl where the first known casualties fell to Romulan disruptor fire, a towering black granite obelisk inscribed with the names of every victim stands in lasting tribute to those lost on that day. The paQmeH yotlh, or “contemplation and reflection,” park surrounding the monument is considered sacred ground, and guards posted at the entrances are unforgiving when carrying out their duty to maintain the monument’s solemn atmosphere.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  THE U.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-C AT NARENDRA III

  No discussion of the deceitful attack on this colony can be conducted without acknowledging the role of the Federation and Starfleet in turning back the tide of Romulan aggression against the Klingon Empire. After the attack was launched and the various settlements were under bombardment—first from four Romulan warships in orbit and later by smaller craft engaged in air-to-ground combat runs—colony administrators dispatched a distress call. Though assistance from Klingon warships was on the way, it was obvious to those on the ground that the colony would surely fall before that help could arrive.

  What could not be anticipated was the speed and ferocity with which the colony’s pleas were answered by another vessel: the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-C.

  Commanded by the human Captain Rachel Garrett, the Starfleet warship wasted no time wading into the skirmish. Despite sustaining heavy damage, the Enterprise was able to hold off its adversaries long enough that the Romulan ships were compelled to retreat rather than face Klingons in honorable combat. The Enterprise was destroyed, with only a handful of the crew surviving.

  The courage and sacrifice of Captain Garrett and her crew was a gesture not lost on Klingons, who place honor in combat above all other considerations. This noble act on behalf of the Narendra colonists served to solidify the uneasy alliance that had existed between the Empire and the Federation since the signing of the Khitomer Accords in 2293, eventually leading to the lasting peace the two powers enjoy to this day.

  S’tavadag Family Pe’bot Farm

  One of the largest orchards of its type anywhere in the Empire, this repository for growing pe’bot, a succulent local fruit beloved by Klingons, was one of the f
irst areas restored following the attack in 2344, and only began producing its full yield less than a decade ago. Situated along the Mojatahl settlement’s northern boundary, the farm is owned and operated by the House of S’tavadag, which tragically lost nine family members during the attack on the colony. Automated tenders cultivate and harvest each season’s crop, while members of the S’tavadag family oversee every aspect of the operation, as they have since the colony was first founded. Exports of pe’bot to Qo’noS and other Klingon worlds are a significant contributor to the colony’s economy, and the orchard itself has become a popular gathering spot for festivals and parties. Tourists are encouraged to visit the farm and venture into the fields to make their own selections—but be wary: You won’t be able to eat just one! Sweet and pulpy, pe’bot are adaptable to any number of recipes, and you’ll have a chance to sample a large number of culinary creations during your visit, courtesy of the farm’s delectable kitchen. Pe’bot tarts are a favorite children’s treat, and the juice of the fruit can also by used by talented chefs to enhance the taste of everything from rokeg-blood pie to several varieties of gagh worms.