Star Trek: The Klingon Empire
Page 6
The Tipsy Targ
A classic Klingon tavern of the old school variety, located across the street from the offices of Jo’jahQ’s provincial government at the center of town. If you’re looking for a fancy cocktail, you are most definitely in the wrong place. However, you can avoid the chorus of mocking laughter from the bartender if you stick to ordering drinks that only consist of one element: bloodwine. The “Double T” does have a food menu that includes an assortment of vegetables and fruits if you’re not into live gagh or bregit lung. If you ask nicely, the cook might even agree to place a cut of TKnag steak over an open flame for a minute or two.
DID YOU KNOW?
THE MUAR’TEK FESTIVAL
Klingons don’t really need a reason to throw a party, but having justification just makes everything that much more fun. The annual Muar’tek Festival is one such observance, with parties, parades, carnivals, and other activities taking place around the planet. Three days of celebration honor the establishment of modern Klingon civilization, which is generally recognized as an age of enlightenment that began during the mid-twenty-first century. The festival is observed all over the planet and, in the Central Plains, hundreds gather to celebrate at the Fire Springs near the village of Yinat. The pyrotechnic displays set off above the Tlhlngtuj Mountains can be seen throughout the region, and the music is carried on the night air to many of the surrounding villages. Though the celebration used to prohibit non-Klingons, the increased interest from offworld tourists has led community leaders to relax local standards and welcome anyone who wishes to celebrate all it means to be Klingon.
LODGING
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Several of the taverns have accommodations, and the larger villages along the main travel corridor do have a small selection of lodges and inns, but you can forget finding anything that might be considered luxurious or even comfortable. It’s all traditional Klingon sleeping arrangements out here, but some proprietors have been known to take pity on weary offworlders and provide hay or straw-filled burlap mattresses to go with the stone or metal sleeping slabs. That said, be sure to inspect any bedding you might receive, as Tashmanian spiders and other pesky insects are a common complaint. On the other hand, if you can capture one of the spiders, they taste great when deep-fried.
yIQong Inn
As you’ve probably guessed by now, Klingons aren’t big on fancy names to describe simple services, and the “Sleep Inn” is no exception. The closest thing to any sort of restful lodging along the main trade route is located in Jo’jahQ, tucked inside a warehouse that was completely gutted thirty years ago and renovated to serve as a hotel. It’s the town’s answer to “tourist-friendly accommodations,” which means it’s a step or two up from sleeping on the ground in the rain. The rooms are small—so small that many Klingons actually forgo them in favor of sleeping outside—and contain sleeping slabs, which can be augmented with thin mattresses available for rent from Datoq, the elderly Klingon innkeeper. Meals are included in the modest nightly rate, and Datoq is attentive enough to guest needs, if a little surly. We recommend avoiding him until he’s had his first cup of morning raktajino, lest you rile him and get a bat’leth through your hotel room door.
SIDE TRIP: KHITOMER
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Even the most casual followers of Klingon history know about the outpost on the planet Khitomer and the rather unlikely role it played in easing the tumultuous period of political tension between the Empire and the Federation during the late twenty-third century. Used as a forward military installation because of its proximity to the Empire’s border with Federation space, for years Khitomer served as an early warning outpost in the event of Starfleet incursion into Klingon territory.
However, following the destruction of the Praxis moon in 2293 and the resulting environmental damage inflicted upon Qo’noS, the planet would play host to the first serious discussions of peace between the two powers. It galled many members of the High Council to even consider asking the Federation for assistance, but the steady, thoughtful leadership of Chancellor Gorkon won over the dissenters.
Despite the massive shift in attitude such change would require, many came to believe that Gorkon would lead the Klingon people out of the crisis and into a bold new future, as allies of the Federation. Gorkon paid for his convictions with his life at the hands of dishonorable conspirators working from both within and outside the Empire, but his daughter, Azetbur, took up her father’s cause. Just two months after the Praxis explosion, Azetbur presided over the signing of the Khitomer Treaty, which ensured peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. While the agreement would be tested in the years to come, most historians consider that day to be the point at which the two great powers took their first steps toward lasting peace.
Khitomer would bear witness to a strengthening of the Empire’s new bond with its Federation allies a mere four decades later, when Romulans launched a surprise attack on the outpost. The unprovoked action resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Klingons, with scores more captured by Romulan soldiers. Once again, it was the Federation that provided assistance, without question or hesitation. The aid came in many forms, from providing emergency medical care, food, water, and shelter, to the adoption by Federation personnel of a handful of orphaned Klingon children. One of these youths, Worf, would grow up with a unique understanding of life as both a Klingon and a member of the Federation when, in 2361, he became the first Klingon to be commissioned as a Starfleet officer.
The legacy of Khitomer is one of tragedy and triumph, and it occupies a special place in the history of the Klingon people.
GETTING AROUND
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In addition to its historical significance and ongoing use as a joint military outpost and location for diplomatic summits and other important, high-security events, Khitomer also functions as a retreat for ranking government officials, including the Federation President. Because of this, access to the outpost and its support facilities is carefully controlled. The rest of this small yet lush, green world is all but uninhabited and off-limits to visitors, though there are large training areas reserved for use by both Starfleet and Klingon Defense Force personnel. Sentry satellites along with a sensor network and a squadron of military patrol vessels ensure that no unauthorized traffic approaches the planet. Tours of the outpost are only conducted for groups in which all members have passed background checks. Chartered transport vessels arrive and dock at a single location, and arrival and departure schedules offer little room for deviation. Once you’re on the ground, stay with your group at all times and observe all instructions from your guides or members of the facility staff. Tours of the Klingon military and Starfleet installations are not available.
SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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The main attraction here is the Grand Hall, which is the centerpiece of the Klingon and Starfleet presence on Khitomer. Despite its origins as a humble military outpost, the hall, along with the entire building and surrounding grounds, has continued to benefit from renovation and expansion over the years. Both the Empire and the Federation have devoted resources toward its preservation as both a historical site and a gathering place for matters of great import.
Atrium of Reflection
The foyer leading to the Grand Hall is almost as beautiful as the building’s central chamber. Artwork and sculpture from numerous Klingon and Federation worlds decorate the immense chamber, and its outer walls of transparent tritanium offer unfettered views of the lake to the east, along with the sunsets that illuminate the mountain range and valleys beyond. Used for a variety of ceremonial purposes, the atrium is witness to a wide range of important events, from award presentations and military promotions to the lying-in-state of distinguished citizens. The atrium also includes a Gallery of Remembrance featuring statues of past Klingon chancellors and Federation presidents.
The Chamber of Voices
Though the availability of subspace communication renders large assemblies of the quad
rant’s planetary leaders somewhat wasteful, there is a feeling of tremendous significance whenever occasion calls for them to congregate here in person. You can almost feel the power of history itself embracing you as you step from the Atrium of Reflection into this massive assembly hall. Banners and flags from all the worlds of the Empire decorate high stone walls that angle upward before culminating in a transparent dome that illuminates the chamber floor. Visitors are allowed access to the chamber when no official activities are scheduled, and holographic projectors offer recorded presentations of more than a dozen landmark speeches and debates from the past century. Some of those available for viewing include the signing of the Khitomer Accords in 2295, Chancellor K’mpec’s 2346 call to renew the Empire’s commitment to peace with the Federation, and President Min Zife’s impassioned plea in 2373 for the Empire to mend its alliance with the Federation so that both powers could stand together against the Dominion. These presentations can be observed from the main floor or the observer’s gallery overlooking the Chamber.
Khitomer Peace Park
The grounds surrounding the Grand Hall have recently undergone a complete renovation, with expanded gardens able to accommodate flora not just from Klingon and Federation worlds but also vegetation from the planets of newer allies. Specimens of Cardassian and even Romulan flowers and plants now decorate the lovingly tended estate, blending with the existing vegetation to marvelous effect. The recent additions serve to highlight the persistent, evolving nature of the peace process and how it ultimately triumphs and forges lasting bonds between once-bitter enemies. Visitors are invited to spend time in quiet reflection, or take advantage of guided tours of the grounds, which are available throughout the day. The peace park is bordered on its east side by an immense artificial lake, which also provides hydroelectric power to the Grand Hall and neighboring buildings.
DID YOU KNOW?
KOR, KOLOTH, AND KANG: WITNESSES TO HISTORY
There are few who occupy such revered places in the annals of Klingon history as these three renowned warriors. Each joined the Klingon Defense Force at a young age, when the Empire was still at odds with its then-greatest rival, the Federation. All three share the distinction of having been bested by one of the Federation’s most notable military leaders, Captain James T. Kirk, though each would claim they carry no dishonor having been defeated at the hands of a worthy adversary. Before eventually falling in battle, all three lived long enough to amass considerable accolades for distinguished service and to witness the signing of the Khitomer Accords. In the finest fashion of loyal soldiers forever sworn to obey the citizenry they protect, they each died fighting alongside Starfleet, upholding the bonds of peace forged from the melted chains of distrust and aggression.
In war and peace, standing against old enemies or with new allies, Kor, Koloth, and Kang remain shining examples of both the Empire’s past and the promise of its future.
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
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Retail establishments are notably lacking here, but the book and sundries shop located on the Grand Hall’s ground level will likely cover your basic needs. Replicas of treaties and other significant documents drafted or signed in the Grand Hall can also be purchased, along with original art and ornamental sculptures inspired by the architecture and monuments found at the outpost. There’s also a large selection of books, which includes biographies and historical texts written by notable figures with ties to Khitomer.
DINING
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The Grand Hall features an award-winning dining facility that’s home to ten different vendors offering traditional Klingon cuisine, as well as selections from more than a dozen Federation worlds. For non-Klingons longing for a taste of home, this menu will be a real treat.
Raktajino Cafe
Though Klingon coffee is the name of the game here, you’ll also find Earth and other prominent worlds well represented in this small cafe located just off the Atrium of Reflection. The diverse and attentive staff is ready to provide for even the most particular of coffee tastes. Every cup here is prepared to each customer’s exacting standards and brewed with fresh beans imported each week. True coffee aficionados will love the signature “Khitomer Express,” a tasty, locally sourced blend exclusive to the Raktajino Cafe, with ingredients so secret that the recipe isn’t even available for replicators. For those who prefer tea, the cafe also offers a variety of—among many others—human, Vulcan, and Klingon blends, along with one of the best targ panini you’ll find anywhere in the Empire.
KRENNLA
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MAP OF KRENNLA
GETTING AROUND
SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
House of Varnak
Cultural Outreach Center
veS DuSaQ
Monument to Kravokh
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Kas’cA’s Market
The Ballads of Durall
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
nItlhroS’ey
Vokar’s Targ House
Sut HabmoHwl’ Sargh
LODGING
Gejal’toH
’engmey joj
SIDE TRIP: RURA PENTHE
AS INDUSTRIALIZATION TOOK HOLD ON QO’NOS, several prominent family Houses struck out from the First City, traversing the supercontinent to the planet’s farthest regions in a bid to make their own mark on the still-young Klingon Empire. Immense power production facilities were constructed around Qo’noS, taking advantage of abundant geothermal energy and the planet’s ceaseless volcanic activity. The power generated from these installations was channeled to the larger population centers and other settlements, allowing significant growth as technology advanced. Entire cities sprang up around these facilities to support their operation, in turn generating a wide range of businesses that would cater to the workers, other residents, and—eventually—visitors from other worlds.
As time passed and the tenets of the Klingon Empire took hold, rapid advances in technology and shifts in economic interests caused several cities to stagnate and eventually die out. Meanwhile, Krennla was one of the few regions that continued to adapt over time to changing demands and goals. Though several of the Houses that had originally settled the area had at first allowed themselves to become mired in a seemingly unending series of feuds and other petty disputes, two families, the House of Nrie and the House of Y’dnirak, eventually united and channeled their joint power into stabilizing the region. Their influence soon spread beyond Qo’noS, opening up trade with planets across the quadrant and prompting the construction of a massive spaceport along the city’s eastern boundary. This, along with the rise of the tourist trade on Qo’noS, has helped to transform Krennla into a transportation hub for passengers and cargo being shipped to and from the home world.
Located in the northern half of the supercontinent in the flatlands south of the Qo’dung Mountains, Krennla enjoys a climate that’s moderate and cooler than that of the First City and its surrounding areas and other regions south of the Kannaga Mountain Range. Unlike the capital and other larger metropolitan areas that feature many nods to history and tradition, Krennla is a very utilitarian municipality. The bulk of the city was built with an eye toward the industry it supports and was divided into boroughs or districts that, over time, have served to segregate the city’s population based on socioeconomic status. Almost out of place is the Baldi’maj District on the west side, which carries with it a stately “old money” vibe as home to the renowned family Houses that helped found the city. Their wealthy descendants still populate a broad section of the area today.
Elsewhere in the city, you may be able to find upscale dining or lodging options, but don’t expect the broad selection you might enjoy in other metropolitan areas. War monuments and other historical sites on the city’s outskirts are the main attraction for visitors, and locals are very welcoming to outsiders.
GETTING AROUND
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Mass transit via transporter is the order of th
e day in Krennla. The majority of the population lives in high-rise apartment towers arrayed in clusters throughout the city. On a precise schedule throughout the day, automated transporter hub stations transfer commuters in large groups from these clusters to designated transfer points. Traffic from the spaceport prohibits the use of personal airborne vehicles, and traveling to historical sites on the city’s fringes requires the use of rail lines or other ground conveyance. Those who prefer a refreshing walk in the open air can avail themselves of the kilometers of walking paths that weave through the city, offering unfettered views of vast stretches of botanical gardens and other green spaces that serve as buffers against the encroaching buildings and infrastructure.
KRENNLA: MY UNEXPECTED HOME
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[First published in the 2381 Edition]
I was born and raised on Kessik IV and never even visited Qo’noS until after my eighth birthday. Being the offspring of a human male and Klingon female made me an aberration to many older Klingons, despite the fact that the thawing of relations between the Empire and the Federation was already well under way by the time I was born. I was raised among humans on a Federation colony, so of course I developed many human mannerisms, attitudes, and habits. Because of this, any time we visited my mother’s family on the Homeworld, things tended to be awkward for me.