The Klingon Empire is adjacent to the Federation and Romulan Star Empire borders. A central government is located on the planet Qo'noS and only houses with rightful male lineage may rise to power and rule the Klingon worlds. Klingon society is based on family reputation and honor, and for a Klingon to join a family, it must be done according to the rite of R'uustal, after approval by the matriarch or patriarch of the family house.

Klingon tradition is an integral part of their lives. Breaking from it is an insult to society that is not forgotten easily: bringing shame to the offender's name for several generations. Bloodlines and relations are also taken very seriously by any true Klingon. Lines comprise of more than mere family members. It is more like a network of mutual obligations and defense agreements. Deeds done beyond living memory can indebt one family to another for generations, such is their emphasis on repaying debts. In this way, there comes a time when the line is too massive to maintain, and some line-founders must split off to form a new name.

Over time, their view of life has warped to become increasingly obsessed with dying honorably instead of living with honor. Too often, the only words spoken before battle is "It is a good day to die!" Dying gloriously in combat, preferably having slain a few enemies, is the pinnacle of achievements for Klingons, and to all proud warriors, the only way to go. Groveling for mercy and prolonging life is enough for condemnation and the shaming of the whole house. For some dishonored Klingons, the only way to restore their lost honor is through the ritual of "Mauk-to 'Vor", which involves the killing of an individual to repair his honor.
Their code of honor, however, does not forbid treachery. On birds of prey or in any system of hierarchal command, officers are continually targeted for death by lower ranked crew. Though incomprehensible to outsiders, this is their method of keeping officers strong and capable. TOS, TAS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT many episodes

STAR FLEET INTELLEGENCE - RESTRICTED ACCESS
KHARIAN EMPIRE

Xenograph: Kharian _ (see biological report “Xeno#336765”)
Recognized Government: Triumvirate, supported by the Imperial Senate.
Military Organization:

- Kharian Imperial Army - Size Unknown - ranked as “Formidable”
- Kharian Imperial Navy - Size Unknown - ranked as “Formidable”
(AAR’s and other military reports are available on a N-T-K basis only. Some brief details are however included below under “Recent Contact”).

Political Overview:

Reliable intelligence concerning the Kharian Empire is scant and very hard to come by. In essence, the Empire has a closed border and the Senate strictly controls all access to the Empire from outside. Most intel is therefore either of dubious quality due to the speculative nature of its suppositions, or else may be considerably outdated and only available due to seismic shifts in the Empire’s sphere of influence.

Regardless of these facts, some aspects of the Imperium can be recorded with a degree of certainty. In essence, the Empire is made up of a system of provinces, each of which is ruled by a governing Clan, appointed to that position by the Imperial Senate. The Senate itself is made up of representatives from the Major and Minor Clans, who in turn represent the diverse extended “families” from which Kharian society is made up. A complex system of political ties is engendered by the strategic alliance of houses, but rarely between actual Clans.

The Senate reports to a Triumvirate ruling body, made up of the head of the three most influential Clans. At the time of our last reliable intelligence (2392.11.) the Clans of Brin'ak, Turg'ak and Gret'ak were in control, although clan Brin'ak was rumored to be in decline and several potential rivals from the other Major Clans were positioning in order to usurp their role within the Triumvirate.

Within the realm of government, the majority of the functions of the Empire are controlled through various “Ministries” responsible for the day to day running of the Empire. Control of these agencies is highly sought after, and is granted by the Senate, much like provincial governorships. The most influential Ministries are those of “Trade”, “War” and “Acquisitions”. The first two are self explanatory, the third, Acquisitions, is a little more vague, and appears to represent a combined Intelligence and offensive capabilities role. Regardless of role, Chief Ministers for any department have almost absolute authority in regards to their individual spheres of influence, subject only to oversight by the Senate itself.

On a more fundamental level, Kharian society is very clearly structured and almost every aspect of political life is formally arranged by class. From the Triumvirate, to the Senate, to the patriarch of the clan, to the heads of the minor clans, to the heads of any “subject” clans, to the extended families, to the individual family, to the individual. From top to bottom, the success of each part is connected to, and intrinsic with the whole.

Outside of this system their exists three other classes:
- Slave: Either a conquered species that has been enslaved or members of a Kharian clan that has been condemned by the Senate as renegade and striped of it’s rights within the system. In this case ALL members of the clan are subject to the same fate.
- Subject Race: Non Kharian species that have been conquered and subjugated. Over time a species can gain this “elevated” status through exemplary service to the Empire, mainly through the provision of shock troops for the Imperial Army.
- Criminal: Any Kharian who has been convicted of a criminal act (either by his clan or the Imperium) but who has not warranted death as a punishment. Although criminals are branded and stripped of all their rights as citizens, they can regain some semblance of position within society through outstanding acts of bravery or intelligence (such as scientific discovery for example). The Imperial Army is thought to have a cadre of criminal recruits trained for “suicide” missions, which would ensure the restitution of the individual’s rights should he survive, but this is only speculation and has not been verified through any hard data.

Society:

What is known about the modern Kharian has been taken from various fragmented accounts. Because of the origins of this information, no one is sure how accurate it actually is. As discussed above, the Empire is organized as a clan based society. The origin of this system is unknown, but speculation based upon the limited historical data available suggests that the major "clans" are made up of the descendent of ancient founding families. Those who are not descended from one of these families work all their lives to be adopted by one. As a member of a clan, a Kharian is trained and drilled from early childhood to assume a role within the clan upon entering adulthood. Early training is basically the same for all clan members. Around the age of thirteen however, each individual begins down their own "path."

There are three known paths:
- Path of the Warrior
- Path of the Thinker
- Path of the Leader

Each clan has a particular path that they specialize in, and have come to be known for. What each of the paths actually consists of is not known, but due to anecdotal evidence and a limited number of literary references in fragments of Kharian poetry, the primary clan of each is known. The Clan of Gret'ak is known as a Clan of Great Warriors and its members are often found in command of primary vessels. Clan Turg'ak are the primary leaders of the Kharian society, and are believed to have been in power for over 500 years. Clan Brin'ak are believed to be the ancestors of the primary families in ancient Kharian society, and the protectors of thought and knowledge in the modern society.

Kharian tradition dictates that the part of the body that is strongest be displayed as a symbol of honor. This has led to the distinctive clothing and uniform style worn by members of the Empire.

Those who have completed the "Path of the Leader" show their heart. This is because the heart is said to be the part of the body where leadership flows. Accordingly the uniform of a Kharian of the Leadership Path is often low across the chest with a narrow opening from the neck to just below the heart.

Kharians who have taken the "Path of the Thinker" appear to wear a conservative uniform, exposing only the area above the neck and the hands. We believe this is done because the head is the source of all knowledge and the hands the workers of knowledge.

Followers of the "Path of the Warrior" wear a uniform of armor. However, the armor exposes both arms, the neck and upper chest area, and the head entirely. The Armor is also made of a tight fitting material which closely fits its wearer, done ostensibly because the body is the tool of a warrior. The armor material is tight fitting and thin, but has a soft quilted padding appearance. Warriors carry a slim, but strong and flexible “sword” strapped to their back, in addition to any energy/phaser weapons that might have. This sword appears to be a relic of ancient times, and is believed to be highly prized. Evidence suggests that these items are passed from warrior to warrior within the clan as a mark of respect and filial duty.

It should be noted that, whilst these three paths are recognized as directing a Kharian youth towards obvious goals, they are not hard and fast (as far as we can ascertain). For example, one of the greatest leaders from known Kharian mythology was the Warrior Denew of the clan Ruel’ak (now thought to be extinct – see “Kharian-Lit#878”). In essence, whatever path is chosen for the individual, it is always subject to the idea that what is most needed for the clan is what will be done.

Appearance:

In physical appearance all Kharian bare a striking resemblance to one another, which has led many Federation Scientists to believe that their may have been some sort of selected breeding program during some point in Kharian history.

Kharians have a bronzed skin color, which grows darker as they age. Because of this it is very easy to tell the elder members of each Clan. It also has been reported that the darker members are also the higher ranking members. Their hair is a silky black, with small spots of white as they age. The speckles of white in their jet black hair are said to resemble a clear night sky. Reports show that the eldest of each Clan has hairs the color of the Terran spice known as black pepper.
Kharian eyes are the only known of their type. The eye has a double pupil, although this is barely visible without close inspection. This double pupil gives them a 270-degree field of view. It also gives them an uncanny ability at the detection of movement, distance, depth, and other properties of sight. Coupled with an apparent ability to partially see into the infrared and ultraviolet ends of the spectrum, the eyesight of a Kharian is believed to be peculiarly acute. Mythos would suggest that great Kharian warriors can predict an opponent's movements by "seeing" muscle contractions and heat buildup from blood flow.
Both the Males and Females have very athletic bodies. This does not suggest that individuals are especially strong, due to the wry frame and muscle structure of their species. However, they appear to be remarkably agile and toned, and not inclined to indulging to excess, as a rule.

Kharian males have a small strip of hair tracing the bottom edge of their skull. The males carry their clan markings, a black tattoo, in a narrow band around the head. This is thought to denote position within the clan, or possibly professional status, although this is not reliably known.

Kharian females have a full head of flowing hair, which often reaches to their waist. The Female clan markings are carried in a small band around their left wrist. One strange quality of females is that a small percentage are born with deep emerald eyes. Since all others, both males and females, have black eyes only, the few with emerald eyes are considered treasures of beauty.

Clan markings are thought to be administered upon reaching maturity.
(For further biological data see report “Xeno#336765”)

Technology:

Kharian technology is remarkably diverse, as is to be expected from an Empire that has spanned so many years and light space. Most of the intelligence we have concerning current technical abilities is of a military nature, which appears to be indicative of Kharian society in general, the Military being a driving force in most things (to the best of our knowledge).

Warp technology has apparently been available to the Empire for a considerable time. In fact, some of the legends concerning the origins of the Empire itself suggest that many things, including warp core engineering, were bequeathed to the Kharian by an older, more advanced race. Certainly, the Empire already encompassed a number of star systems only practicably accessible by warp drive long before the equivalent technology was in use by the Federation.

It is worthy of note that, up until very recently, almost nothing was known about the specifics of Kharian engineering. Whenever an ex-colony or province has been removed from the Empire, so has virtually ALL aspects of Kharian influence including infrastructure, buildings, landscaping, literature, machinery, and in many case even the complete extinction of indigenous life forms. This is one reason why so little is known about the inner workings or history of the Empire.

One interesting exception to this is the recent discovery of the Delta Quadrant Dyson Sphere (Designated “Hope One”). Whilst it is not suggested that the Kharian built this technological wonder, we know for a fact that they dominated the inner surface of the structure for a number of millennia, enslaving the Jovhan (see biological report Xeno#559873), the current dominant species within the sphere, discovered to date.

When a popular revolt occurred, and the Jovhan rose to throw off Kharian hegemony, for some reason not yet known the Empire withdrew from the Sphere, leaving behind a (relative) wealth of information and even a number of structures and buildings used in the administration of the province (although, they did appear to remove all records and advanced tech, as was their regular custom). Why the Empire did not mount an assault and re-capture the Inner surface is unclear. The Jovhan have no technical ability to match that of the Kharians, or to fight off such an attack.

By far the most distinctive thing about Kharian engineering is their Star Ship design. They are not thought to have any separate scientific, transport, or military class vessels, but appear to have only one, adaptable design. However, no two ships are ever exactly the same. The hull material has a deep blue-black color and is perfectly smooth. There are no flat planes anywhere on the exterior of their vessels, but rather a series of flowing curves. One of the distinctive features of this design approach is that there are no obvious hatches, doors or loading bays designated on the hull. Electro-magnetic flux within the structure appears to re-arrange the molecular integrity of the hull, allowing for openings to appear and then seal again. Whether this happens at designated places, or is possible throughout the ship is unknown.

Very little is known about Kharian weapons systems or propulsion. One of the main problems being that the Empire rarely leaves anything behind after an engagement. In the last 25 years there has only ever been one captured KIN vessel (See Marine Intel Report on the capture of KIN “Temor” by Lt. Cloud Avian - 2401.10.21). Even when sustaining heavy casualties, the Kharian Navy never leaves a ship behind, preferring to open fire on it’s own vessels rather than leave them to the enemy. At the same time, they rarely, if ever, leave any wreckage of enemy ships, so very little intel can be gleaned from analysis of the pulverized scraps of debris that their weapons leave behind them.

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the Kharian use a cloaking device similar to that in use by both the Romulan and Klingon Navy’s, although that is still currently purely speculative.

The capture of the KIN “Temor”, during the renegade attack on Hope One has been a vital opportunity for Star Fleet intelligence to gather data on Kharian Tech. So far, however, it has proved to be a difficult task, with the Temor refusing to give up much in the way of secrets. The further investigation of this vessel is listed as “Highest Priority” by Star Fleet command, and is currently being carried out under the auspices of Col. William Ferrell of the Intelligence Corps. (For further information see ***restricted*** )

Recent Contact:

The majority of Federation interaction with the Kharian Empire is due to the expansion of Federation interests into the Delta Quadrant, and our subsequent contact with the Jovhan within the Dyson Sphere “Hope One”. The enmity between these two races is palpable, and quite understandable given the history between the two. Jovhan records have provided a lot of what we know about the Kharians, although it is worth noting that their histories appear to be somewhat biased. Here, for example, is the Jovhan description of the origins of the Kharian Empire, as recorded in an account of the revolt:

The origin of the hostilities between our two races are speculated to have been traced to the time of the Builders where the ancestors of the Kharians were used as overseers of the Builder’s work force and the Jovhans were considered by the Builder's as expendable workers. The Kharian overseers were cruel, brutal and vicious which made them very effective and this is said to have pleased the Builders. Sociologists speculate that the war like and aggressive nature of the Kharians may have developed because of their position during the Age of Construction. After the disappearance of the Builders, we Jovhan took arms and started a violent revolt. A couple of millions of death from both sides were inflicted before the Kharians were overthrown and we gained our independence. At this point, it was recorded that the Kharians left the Sphere in generation ships and eventually settled in an isolate space they now consider as their home world and grew to become a small empire known for their warriors and skill on the battlefield. (For further reading see Jovhan-Lit#755495)

Compare this to another account of the Kharian origins, also given by the Jovhan, but in a historical manuscript mainly dealing with semantics and the development of the Jovhan language:

According to the ancient Jovhan language, the word Kharian means, "Great Teacher." Legends of the ancient Kharian race also seem to point to them as Great Teachers. They are said to have traveled across much of the galaxy spreading the vast knowledge their race had acquired over many millennia. There is also much scientific evidence to support these legends, which seem to show the ancient Kharians as a Great Society of Thinkers and Teachers. However, something happened to change all that some thousand years ago. Exactly what happened is not known, and may never be known. The only thing that is known is that around that time the ancient Kharians turned from using their knowledge to help and teach, to destruction and war. This is known because it was this time, some thousand years ago, that the Great Kharian War began. This war, which involved the Kharians and another ancient people known only as The One, forever changed the far reaches of the galaxy. Many believe that the ancient Kharians had not only accumulated great knowledge and wealth, but also a great pride. It may have been this great pride that led to the war. Could the Kharians have seen the society known as The One becoming a threat to their dominance? No one knows much about Kharian Society after the time of the Great War. Since then all contact with them has led to only one thing . . . destruction. Because of this, according to the modern Jovhan language, the word Kharian now means, "Destroyer." (For further reading see Jovhan-Lit#777645)
What is not in dispute is the fact that Empire appears to still harbors designs upon the Dyson Sphere, as has been evidenced by their recent aggressive activities in the area. Within the past 20 years the Empire has established a military outpost on one of the planets of the nearby Anvyd'Nemyss system. Despite complaints filed by the Jovhan government, the Kharian Empire refuses to dismantle their outpost, claiming that it is a precautionary measure against the alliance between the Federation and the Jovhans. The Triumvirate also declared that anyone aiding the Jovhan would be considered an enemy of the Empire.

We have, in fact, subsequently been designated as an official enemy of the Kharian Empire for a second time as a result of the conflagration that erupted during the invasion of the Delta Quadrant by the life form designated “Species #8472”, in Galactic Stardate 2399. A fierce battle erupted around an inter-dimensional gateway controlled by the Kharian Empire, and the ensuing hostilities for control of **Restricted – Authorized Secure Personnel Only** resulted in a formal state of war being declared against the Federation. To date, that status has not officially been rescinded, although open hostility is currently avoided.

The exception to this uneasy status quo appears to be the Dyson Sphere however. Two separate attacks have taken place against Star Fleet instillations and personnel in the past 5 years.

In 2401.10 a renegade Usteg (Captain) of the KIN named Tokhr (of the clan Gret'ak) launched an assault on Star-Fleet outpost “Hope One’, the “Sentinel” orbital space station and her support vessels, the USS Hunter and the USS Francis Drake. Usteg Tokhr commanded the KIN Koral, with support from KIN Rekar, KIN Deral and KIN Temor. Details concerning the audacious attack were transmitted to the Federation by elements within the Kharian Empire, most notably Chief Minister Thak (of the clan Turg’ak) from the Ministry of Acquisitions, as this had not been a sanctioned military operation. In the ensuing battle the KIN Temor was captured, and extensive damage was inflicted upon the other three KIN vessels, all of which returned to Kharian space. The subsequent trial of Usteg Tokhr was reported to Star-Fleet via official channels, but no confirmed reports as to the ultimate sentence has ever been received. It is worthy of note that the clan Gert’ak, whilst dishonored by Tokhr’s actions, did not appear to suffer as a whole for his disgrace.

As a result of the capture of the KIN Temor, a diplomatic channel (of sorts) was opened between the Federation and the Empire. Naturally, the Kharians demanded their ships return immediately. Star-Fleet obfuscated for as long as possible, but ultimately were required to acquiesce to their demand, and a “diplomatic envoy” was dispatched to “Hope One’ to facilitate the return of the vessel.

This group was led by Minister Freylatt (no clan or Ministry were acknowledged by the Minister, although one of his titles was “Arbiter of Imperial Justice” which suggests the Ministry of Law) and he arrived with a small entourage in 2403.05.
Opinion is divided as to the Minister’s role in the following sabotage, kidnapping, torture and eventual all out assault that then took place (see Marine and Fleet reports **Restricted** for further details). What is not disputed is that another “renegade” Usteg, by the name of XXXXXXXX subsequently assaulted the Federation ships within the area and an all out battle ensued. Once again, the Kharian Navy was forced to retire, and formal objections were lodged with the Imperial Senate by Star-Fleet command. It has been reported that Usteg XXXXXXXXX was subsequently executed, although that cannot be confirmed. No information has been received concerning the fate or whereabouts of Minister Freylatt.

The Captured vessel KIN Temor was not returned, and is still currently under scientific investigation.

Current Situation Overview:

Tension between the Federation and the Kharian Empire is, at present, quite apparent. Although technically a state of war exists between our two groups (as declared by the Kharian Senate) an uneasy truce currently holds true. In regards to the KIN assaults upon the Dyson Sphere, the Empire officially claims to have no prior knowledge of either action, and has publicly declared the KIN personnel involved to be renegades and traitors. It has not, however, disavowed any claim to the Sphere, and to the contrary continues to regard the Sphere as a renegade province, with the Jovhan as a rebellious slave species.

Personal Notation:

It is this officer’s considered opinion that the Empire is in a state of gradual decline, and has been for a number of generations. Although details are always sketchy, it appears that some of the iron will that forged the Kharian Empire in the distant past has started to dissolve. I find it remarkable that a full-scale invasion of the Sphere has not taken place, and I can only assume from this that the will to undertake such a venture has been lacking within the Triumvirate and Senate. This would account for why the Sphere appears to be such a hot button topic for the disaffected Military Officers of the KIN/KIA, who hark back to a more aggressive and dominant attitude of the past. I believe that it may be seen as a rallying cry to the new generation of up and coming Officers who are looking to make a name for themselves by reinvigorating the glories of the past.

More extensive study should, of course, take place, and every effort should be made to learn as much as possible about the structure and political stability of the Empire, along with it’s available military and industrial/scientific abilities, as a matter of some urgency.

In short, the Empire reminds me of a wounded Lion. A little old in the tooth, but experienced and strong all the same. And very, very dangerous.

Lt. Cmdr. Morris Northwood
Commanding Officer – Sentinel Station
Federation Outpost “Hope One”