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Brigadier Kerla was a male Klingon who served as an officer in the Klingon Defense Force during the 23rd century. He was the trusted military adviser to Chancellor Gorkon, and would continue in that role with Gorkon's daughter, Azetbur.

In 2293, Kerla coordinated an official response to the destruction of the Klingon moon Praxis. In communication with the USS Excelsior, Kerla acknowledged that there had been an incident on Praxis, but claimed that everything was under control and that the Klingon Empire did not require assistance. He warned the Excelsior to obey treaty stipulations and stay outside of the Neutral Zone.

Two months later, Kerla accompanied Gorkon and his contingent about Kronos One on their voyage to Earth, where they planned to engage in peace talks with the United Federation of Planets. After rendezvousing with their escort, the USS Enterprise-A, the brigadier attended a formal dinner on board with Captain James T. Kirk and his staff. During the dinner, Kerla noted the illegal nature of Romulan ale in the Federation, and later voiced his opinion that peace talks with the Federation would inevitably lead to the annihilation of Klingon culture.

Following the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon by unknown assailants, Kerla continued to act as military adviser to Azetbur, Gorkon's daughter, who was elevated to the position of chancellor in the wake of her father's death. In this capacity, Kerla recommended attacking the Federation while they were still capable. However, he was rebuffed by Azetbur, who preferred to pursue her father's goal of peace. Kerla later accompanied Azetbur to the peace talks at Camp Khitomer, and helped to protect her during an assassination attempt on the Federation president. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Kerla was played by actor Paul Rossilli.
His quote that it would be "better to die on our feet than live on our knees" is an oft-used remark by Emiliano Zapata, a leader of the Mexican Revolution and contemporary of Pancho Villa.
The novelization of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country states that Kerla and Azetbur are lovers.

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