Story Idea: The Klingons become an official part of the federation and the KDF essentially becomes the military wing of the federation.

Basically the Klingons would grow and start to see themselves as honorable protectors instead of honorable warriors. With guidance from somebody like Worf, the klingon people realize that a warrior race cannot thrive in times of peace so they embrace the idea of being protectors.

Essentially their culture gets enshrined in Starfleet buy them taking on the role of its protector, embracing the adage Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you want peace, prepare for war".

The klingon cultre largely stays the same but they recogonize not every species is looking for a fight and they recogonize their warrior ways are best served by protecting races that arent looking for war that are a part of the federation. The Klingon races protects the federation so that all species have the freedom to be who they are without fear of a hostile forces taking advantage of their kind ways.

They would also embrace the idea that dying of old age is an honarable way to die a well because it shows that the Klingon strength was able to maintain peace thus negating the need to die in battle. Die of old age becomes proof of klingon strength and their ability to protect others.

Starfleet would then be able to focus more on science and humanitarian efforts but if a hostile race tries to threaten the federation and any of the races under its protection than the federations noble protectors, the KDF will be there to maintain peace and to drive off threats.

And the Klingon cultre become revered, no longer would other species see them as crude bullies always looking to start unnecessary fights but as honorable protectors keep them safe and helps protect other cultures.

Any species that was a part of the federation could enlist in the KDF and learn the Klingon cultre and become protectors themselves.

I dont think it would ever happen in the shows I think it could be a neat idea for a storyline in STO. Plus it would give an excuse to open the game up a little bit.

I like the idea of Worf being the catalyst for change because of his unique experiences but it wouldnt have to be Worf, maybe it could be Alexander, unless he's dead. I cant remember. Or maybe a Klingon we haven't heard of.

I dunno, I'm just spit balling here. What do you all think?