Ortikan was a member of the Klingon Defense Forces in the 24th century. In 2373, he was serving on the IKS Rotarran with his par'Mach'kai, Tavana. When Jadzia Dax came aboard, she threw Ortikan from his seat in the mess hall to gain the recognition of the other Klingons. After Kornan attacked Leskit in a drunken rage, Ortikan tried to help, but was forced to the ground by Kornan. He began punching the younger Klingon with his fist until Dax shot Kornan with a phaser, stunning him. Dax later took Ortikan to surgery. (DS9: "Soldiers of the Empire")