Preparing To Glance Into The Mirror

Posted on Thu Jul 25th, 2024 @ 3:41pm by Lieutenant K’lar

933 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 119 - "Shattered Mirror"
Location: Section R2, Level 1607 - Advanced Technology Lab
Timeline: Current

=/\= On =/\=

Lieutenant K'lar stood within the myriad of labs of Starbase 400. He was meticulously preparing for the event that he was called to assist with a foray into the Mirror Universe. Several junior officers laid out a variety of equipmen. The Klingon Science officer had called for an inventory and inspection of equipment. For K'lar, the prospect of encountering a twisted reflection of himself crept more and more into his thoughts.

The lab was a symphony of organized chaos. Trays of equipment lined the tables. There were tricorders, bio-spectral analyzers, and containment fields for studying biological samples. K'lar moved with practiced efficiency, double-checking each piece of equipment. He adjusted the frequency modulators on the bio-spectral analyzers, ensuring they could handle the potentially different biological signatures they might encounter.

"Reinforce the fields on this containment unit by increasing the size of the power cells", K'lar told a youthful, blonde Ensign.

"Right away, sir", said Ens. Katherine Nelson with a slightly anxious look. She still felt tense around K'lar, only having a few weeks into the job. They exchanged awkward half smiles before K'lar departed with a bow.

Ensign Nelson moved to another table to pick from a display of cells, all laid out for inspection. Smaller cells were usually adequate and made the equipment lighter.

K'lar's hands moved methodically as he began to pack a set of field kits. He started by placing data pads loaded with information about known mirror universe phenomena into a portable science lab kit. It even included several doses of antitoxins and vaccines for potential biological threats any away team could encounter.

The Klingon's mind was elsewhere. It drifted to thoughts of what his counterpart in the Mirror Universe might be like.

"What would my mirror self be?" K'lar mused quietly, his deep voice barely above a whisper. He knew that the Mirror Universe was a place where the Federation's ideals were often inverted. Ruthlessness and ambition were prized above all else. Would his mirror counterpart share his passion for science and exploration, or would those traits be twisted into something darker?

The fact that Klingons were at odds with the Terran Empire would also complicate things. He dreaded the thought of encountering a different version of himself. K'lar had always prided himself on his individuality.

K'lar's House had always been tied to science and knowledge. In his own universe, this legacy was a source of pride and honor. In the Mirror Universe, where morality often took a back seat to power, the thought of his House's reputation was chilling. He imagined a version of himself who might use scientific knowledge for conquest rather than discovery. Thoughts of any dark scientist who conducted cruel experiments without regard for ethics made the Klingon's body hair stand on edge.

"Would I be a pawn in the warped Empire's machinations, or worse... an enforcer of their will?" he wondered, a shiver running down his spine. The thought of his House, traditionally honorable and dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, being perverted into something sinister was deeply troubling. In the Mirror Universe, Klingon Houses often engaged in ruthless power struggles and brutal conquests. What dark deeds might his family be responsible for in such a warped timeline?

K'lar shook his head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts. He knew that dwelling on such possibilities wouldn't help him prepare for the mission. Instead, he focused on the task at hand.

He packed a specialized tricorder programmed to scan for the unique quantum signature of mirror universe objects and life forms. This tool would be crucial for distinguishing between their universe's entities and those from the Mirror Universe. He also included a compact isolinear chip encoding device, capable of securing sensitive data, just in case they needed to protect information from falling into the wrong hands.

K'lar couldn't help but feel a pang of fear and curiosity. The Mirror Universe was a place where the best of intentions could be warped into the worst of actions. As he finished his preparations, he reminded himself of the importance of maintaining a clear head and a strong moral compass. Whatever they might find in the Mirror Universe, it was crucial to remember who they were and what they stood for.

After the first kit was packed, K'lar started to pack another. He still wasn't sure if he'd participate in the upcoming mission, but wanted to prepare himself and others for the task.

A Bolian officer approached K'lar as he worked. "Would you like some help, sir?"

"Please do, Mister Bouchzek", K'lar replied. Hehad watched K'lar assemble the first kit. "Your assistance will definitely expedite this task."

K'lar had been trying to become more personable with his staff, but still felt stiff around them. His Klingon mannerisms and way of speaking sometimes came off as abrupt or terse.

"Any word yet on if you've been selected, Sir?" Lt. JG Bouchzek looked up as he placed supplies of anti-toxins into a kit.

"Not yet and please.. I ask that you speak not of our work outside of this room. The upcoming mission is on a need to know basis." A select group of officers had been brought in to help prepare inventory and layout equipment.

The officers continued to chat as they packed equipment. The Science department would be ready for whatever the Mirror Universe would throw at it. For now Klar could only daydream about the version of himself that lay on the other side.

The nosy, chatty Bolian would distract him from such thoughts for now.

OFF

Lt. K'lar of House M'RaQ
Assistant Chief Science Officer
Starbase 400

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