Toran shifted with impatience once again. The Federation delegates were late. “You’d think they’d be on time for their own funerals.” The young warrior grumbled and crossed his arms over his uniform clad chest. Patience was one virtue that he did not have.

“Calm yourself, young Toran.” Toq of the house Restagh warned the son of his closest friend, Aktuh. “Impatience is a sign of weakness that should not be shown to your enemies.” He was sent by the High Council to observe the boy.

Before Toran could answer the room was filled with a hum followed by the appearance of seven men and one woman, all wearing varied colored Starfleet uniforms. Uncrossing his arms, he brought himself up to his full height. “nuqneH!” He opened his arms wife in a sign of welcome. “I am Toran, son of Aktuh, and I bid you welcome.” He easily switched from Klingon to Standard.

“Captain Benjamin Sisko.” Benjamin was surprised to see a boy waiting to greet his delegation. But what surprised him more was the lack of bone ridges on the boys forehead. “This is my first officer, Commander Ulath. And Ambassadors Jenkins, Renaldo, T’Ay, Hoss, Dunne, and Ambassador T’Ay’s assistant, Soke.”

Toran nodded his head to each of the delegates then motioned towards a table and eight chairs sitting off their right. “Your seats.” He grunted out and waited for them to be seated before continuing. “I am your...liaison.” The word tasted bad in his mouth. “I am at your...disposal.”

“You seen awfully young to be an liaison.” Benjamin stated from his seat closest to the boy.

Toq knew that the human Captain had just unknowingly insulted Toran so he stepped in to defuse the situation. “Captain Sisko, I’m glad to see that you have not fallen in battle.” He knew the Captain from when he, himself, sat on a similar delegation.

Benjamin turned his attention away from Toran and onto Toq. “Toq, I see they still let targs run lose within the Council walls.”

Laughing, Toq slapped Benjamin on the back. “Do not let Toran’s age fool you, Captain. He is a skilled warrior and equally skilled diplomat.” He boasted. “The Council was wise in choosing him to be their liaison.” This time he slapped Toran on the back and motioned for the security detail to leave so that the talks could get underway. “Think of him as Council spokesman if that makes you feel more at ease.” With that said he turned and left. He’d check on the boy later.

“Talk!” Toran stood in front of the table and waited for the delegates to gather themselves. “I do not have all day...starfleet.” He sneered. After a moment the talks began and lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. While he wasn’t tired, he could see that the others were. “We will break until midday.” With that said he left the council chamber and leaned against the wall outside the room. It was taxing, listening to them grip and complain. He was not used to such...dealings. Klingons were not shy about anything but it seemed that the humans and even the two Vulcans were holding back. Growling, he slammed his fist into the wall and as he heard, and felt, several bones crack, started to feel a little better. It surprised him to find out that he wasn’t alone in the corridor. Captain Sisko was standing, silently, nearby, watching him. “What?” He growled.

“How old are you?” Benjamin inquired after finishing his observation.

Toran flexed his broken hand taking comfort in the pain. “What does it matter? I was chosen, personally, by the High Council, to handle these talks. You may request another but know that you will not get one.”

Benjamin frowned. He hadn’t met any Klingon youths in his days but he was sure they looked like the adults just a little smaller. But here this boy was, clearly a Klingon boy, but without forehead ridges. He had a bad feeling about this and was determined to get to the bottom of things. There was a time when Klingons had smooth foreheads but he did not wish to dwell on the implications. “You’ve hurt yourself, you should seek out a Doctor.”

“Have you any kids, Captain?” Toran asked out of the blue as he took a step back from the Captain.

“No.” Benjamin didn’t even hesitate when answering. “I don’t.”

Toran nodded and disappeared down the corridor, leaving a very confused Captain in his wake.