D-18B (Brother’s Truth) Class IX Destroyer

from Klingon Ship Recognition Manual, 2nd Edition, FASA, design by Forest G. Brown, graphics by Dana Knutson, re-draw by Brad R. Torgersen

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation:  Triangle
Data Reliability:  B
Major Data Source:  Triangle Sector Intelligence

The Brother’s Truth is another in a long list of hodge-podge fixed vessels that the IKS relies on to help expand their slowly growing empire. A quixotic blend of native Klingon, Orion and repaired IKS equipment, the Truth is more powerful than it’s original design, and yet falls short of the devastating destroyer that the IKS needs.

The Brother’s Truth was originally launched as the Sword of Death and immediately began to build an impressive battle record. In 2272, the destroyer was part of a large fleet that engaged Romulan forces in a violent battle along their mutual boarder. In 2273, the she accumulated no less than 10 battle stripes for engaging pirates that were harassing Klingon shipping in the Triangle. In 2274, the Sword of Death was part of the new push against the Kinshya and served along that boarder until early 2276. In mid 2276, though, the Sword of Death’s captain got wind that his line brother had been accused of sedition against the empire. When the other officers learned of the possibility that their captain, and most likely the officers themselves would be investigated for an incident hundreds of light years away, the decision was made not to eliminate the captain, but to join him in exile. The Sword of Death successfully left Klingon space, heading ironically for the IKS.

Unfortunately, the captain of the Sword of Death decided to cut through Mantiev Colonial Association’s territory and ran afoul of one of the last Loyalist destroyers in the area. Fearing that the Klingons were now openly supporting the rebel forces, the MCA destroyer attacked in a suicidal hope to drive the Klingons from their territory. While the Sword of Death eventually destroyed the MCA vessel, she was heavily damaged herself, and a number of crew were lost, including her captain. Commander Kejor sutai Cultuic immediately took command and has remained the ship’s captain ever since.

When the Sword of Death arrived in IKS territory, repairs were needed immediately, and the vessels was considered for parting-out. But Kejor’s battle record earned him both a promotion and the chance to have the Sword of Death repaired. The vessel was transferred to Mattarra, where much of the crew was transferred to the surface to help in build the burgeoning shipyards there. By 2277, Kejor had pulled several strings with local Orions, purchasing numerous systems at market value for the IKS. This allowed a number of vessels to be repaired and sent back into the field. The Sword of Death was rechristened the Brother’s Truth and prepared for raiding.

Variant 1 saw interesting changes to the base D-18b model. Both forward disruptors had been heavily damaged along with the main deflector and impulse drive. The impulse drive has also damaged the main aft disruptor as well as one of the emergency transporters. Refurbished KD-7’s were chosen to replace the damaged weapons systems. A lighter, although less reliable OIC-3 impulse drive was used to replace the less powerful Klingon drive. The software needed for the OIC system proved tricky for engineers to encode in the main computer, and several extra subsystems were installed to ensure the drive would function. The damaged transporter also proved difficult to repair without significant component replacement, and a surplus 6-man transporter was installed within the compartment of the emergency transporter. Unfortunately, the integrated shield systems was damaged to such a level that the system could not be repaired or replaced without a major overhaul – something the IKS did not have the resources to accomplish. A far less powerful OSI deflector was used to replaced the burned out shield generators, and the vessel was declared space-worthy in December of 2277.

Since it’s re-launch, the Brother’s Truth has continued its battle record, engaging Federation, MCA, Romulan and even Orion forces in the triangle. While Captain Kejor continues to carefully cultivate his connection with the Orion Syndicate, the Borther’s Truth has managed to capture more tonnage through shear reputation than anything else. Kejor is known for the very un-Klingon action of releasing crews unharmed if they surrender. Those that don’t are killed, usually in a very Kligon fashion. The Syndicate will often buy-back those freighters and raiders that Kejor does not destroy.

There are plans to replace the Orion shields with more powerful Klingon system once the Mattarra production facilities are able to produce new components. In the meantime, Kejor is on the lookout for another Klingon vessel that has been sold to someone near the IKS that he can capture.