“Sins of The Father” is episode seventeen of season three of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The Enterprise is taking on a Klingon officer as part of the exchange programme that Commander Riker participated in, in “Day of Honor”. The captain is talking to Riker about Commander Kurn, who will be taking Riker’s place as first officer, as they head to the transporter room. Kurn (Tony Todd) is beamed aboard and wants to start his duties immediately. Kurn is taken to the bridge where he introduces himself to the staff. Whilst he is first officer, they will adhere to Starfleet regs and he intends to bring a sense of discipline. With the captain’s permission. The captain grants it.
Riker joins Wesley in Ten Forward; Wes is having a problem with Kurn. He doesn’t seem to like Wesley who can’t do anything right but doesn’t know what he’s doing wrong. Geordi arrives as well; he, too, is having problems with Kurn, following a surprise inspection during a maintenance cycle. Riker tells them that Klingons are different and Kurn is riding everyone pretty hard. Except the one guy who wouldn’t mind. Worf. In fact, it looks like Kurn is being extremely patronising to Worf. That is not appreciated.
Kurn joins Riker in the turbolift; they are both heading to the captain’s mess. Riker states that Kurn’s knowledge is very impressive. But he’d like to make a suggestion. Recognising and adapting to the needs of the crew was the hardest thing he had to do on a Klingon vessel. Klingon crews an iron hand; Federation crews are different. Riker would be happy to help. Kurn is not interested. He knows this is not a Klingon ship; if it was, he would have killed Riker for his suggestion.
Kurn is not impressed with replicated cooked meat. He also doesn’t seem to like the caviar, which is not replicated. Captain Picard stores a few cases for special occasions. Kurn tries to be polite about it; the captain is, after all, the captain, and Kurn has been careful to treat him with respect. Picard says the crew finds Kurn’s command style different. These exchanges help learn tolerance and the captain is happy to shake up the status quo. Kurn finds the food a bit bland for a Klingon stomach. When it’s pointed out that Worf is eating it, Kurn agrees. An insult, albeit a subtle one.
Worf reports to Kurn’s quarters. Kurn gives him permission to speak freely. Worf is Klingon. Kurn finds him a capable Starfleet officer. Worf states that Kurn dishonours him at every opportunity. Kurn thinks that Worf’s blood has thinned, deliberately provoking him until; Worf reacts angrily. Which is the response of a Klingon. The response Kurn wanted. The one he expected. From his elder brother.
Kurn was left behind, only one year old, when the others left for Khitomer. They were not expected to stay long. The Klingon High Command told the Starfleet officer who found Worf that Worf had no living relatives. Because the High Command thought Kurn had been on Khitomer as well. Kurn himself did not know the truth for years. He wanted to find out what sort of Klingon was. Not out of curiosity. As the elder son, the challenge is Worf’s to make. The High Council has found their father a traitor to the empire.
Worf fills in the captain in his ready room. Mogh has been accused of aiding and abetting the Romulan attack by the Duras, the son of Worf’s father’s greatest rival. Worf’s family will be disgraced for seven generations, unless Worf clears his name. The family of a Klingon warrior answers for his actions. If Worf fails, he will be executed. Worf would like a leave of absence. Captain Picard refuses. Worf’s actions will reflect on both his ship and the Federation. It is only right that Worf’s captain stands beside him.
The Enterprise heads to Qo’noS and Kurn says that Worf will need a cha’DIch, as whilst accused, Worf will not be allowed combat. Kurn would be honoured if Worf choses him. Worf does. But won’t allow Kurn to reveal they are related, in case they fail. In council, Kurn is Worf’s cha’DIch, and will obey.
Worf beams down to the council chambers, along with Kurn, Riker and Picard. Duras objects to the captain being there; the Chancellor, K’mpec, does not and says the trust of Worf’s commanding officer is admirable. The accusations are made against Mogh, and Captain Picard has his crew look into the details. There is corruption at the heart of the Klingon Empire, though, and the council does not actually want the truth coming out.