Tough Interview

Posted on Fri May 9th, 2025 @ 3:38am by Lieutenant Marques Hunt & Ensign Shanice Winters

1,104 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Hunt's Quarters

Sitting around the dinner table, finishing up their meal. Marques and Shanice spent the past hour enjoying dinner while she interviewed him. "So next question. You seem excited, but very cautious about this mission?"

'Well, there's a good explanation for that," Marques answered. "Last time, I was in Klingon space, my crew and I were fighting for our lives."

"Makes perfect sense," Shanice replied.

Sipping his drink, he continued. "I'm very much interested in exploring and the possibility of peace. But I am also aware that the word peace probably doesn't exist in the Klingon vocabulary. Desperation on their part is what got us here. But what happens when their back on their feet? Plus there's a lot of history."

"Your family does have an extensive history with the Klingons."

"I see that you have been doing your research."

Winters chuckled a little. "I'm really good at what I do."

"My grandfather's brother Captain Andre Hunt II faced off with a particular Klingon family. He won the battle and as a result a blood fued began. He was killed by this family."

"And that's when your grandfather got revenge for his younger brothers death?" she inquired.

"Not necessarily," Marques countered. "Revenge would imply that Tyler Hunt Jr. went after him. This Klingon wanted to not only get revenge for his brother's death but wanted to deal a crippling blow to our family. So, his next was my grandfather who defeated him in hand-to-hand combat."

Shanice jotted down some notes on her PADD. "Then your father Commodore Malcom Hunt had a run in with another member of this Klingon House."

"That's correct. After that, its been a warning that this feud continues and there's a possibility of dealing with this Klingon house."

"Your cousin John Flessner was a member of the crew of the USS Grissom in 2285," the Ensign brought up. "The ship was attacked by a Klingon Bird of Prey with no survivors. Do you think that attack had something to do with the feud."

Marques briefly went silent as he thought about the loss of his cousin. "That attack had nothing to do with my cousin being on board. It wasn't even the same family. But I took the loss hard. And it seemed like skirmishes between Starfleet and the Klingon Empire became a regular thing.

"And then there a truce and talks of peace.

"Which is strange," the Lieutenant admitted. "We're supposed to act as if things never took place and be the bigger people and help them out. They wouldn't have done the same for us."

"Perhaps you're right about that," she brought matter of factly. "But the Federation doesn't believe in acting the way of others. What do you think of that decision?"

"The decision was the right one to make based on the chance for peace. So, I standby it and support it. Though I have some concerns and doubts."

"You would be the only," the reporter brought up. "Your cousin Maurice Flessner is currently wanted by the Federation along with several others in his group, regarding various attacks against the Klingon Empire."

Looking up from his drink, Marques simply sighed as he took a sip. "Clearly you did a lot of digging."

Shanice quickly jotted something down on her PADD. "Didn't take much digging. Your father is Rear Admiral Malcom Hunt and he has a cousin who is on everyone's radar."

Hunt nodded for her to continue.

"Do you think his reasonings are valid?"

"He took his father's passing extremely hard," Marques admitted. "Took it hard myself. But there one responsible for his father's death died on Genesis. Which means, nobody to go after. Guess he didn't get the closure he sought out."

"So, if not revenge then what," Winters inquired.

"That is a question you're going to have to ask him. Haven't talked with him in years. Therefore, I can't speak to his state of mind."

"Do you feel that others might take the same rogue approach towards the Klingons?"

"No clue," he answered. "The war is over, along with all hostilities. And I prefer things to stay that way."

Shanice raised an eyebrow. "So, you're a man of peace?

Marques chuckled a bit. "I fight when I have to. But yes, I prefer peace. Not really sure who wouldn't."

"I've known people who have fought for so long that war is what they recognize and prefer."

Thinking about those words, Hunt had to admit that she was right. There was a time, that he would prefer to keep fighting the Klingons rather than believe that peace with them was possible. Now they had just crossed over into Klingon space without a shot being fired. "Interesting times we are living in."

"So, tell me Lieutenant Hunt," she spoke. "What do you hope to gain from this assignment?"

"What do you mean?"

Giving a half smile, Winters decided to go deeper. "The success of this assignment will not only look on the captain's record, not to mention place in history. But for all those who play a significant role will benefit from this as well. So what do you hope to gain?"

"Hopefully it brings me one step closer to my own command one day," he answered. "But to be honest, I'm not sure just how far I can get to there working in flight control."

Raising an eyebrow, he definitely piqued her interest. "Please elaborate."

Taking a sip of his drink, Marques continued. "Spent my entire career piloting ships. Even taught flight control at the Academy for a couple of years. And here I am back to doing the same thing."

"Ahh, so you want to add more diversity to your resume?" the Ensign spoke up. "There is a second officer position open, I believe. Perhaps you should address it with the Captain."

"I minored in security at the Academy," the Lieutenant brought up. "After returning back to the Academy as an Instructor, I turned that security minor into a major. I came here as flight control. But there is an opening."

"You are allowed to grow."

Hunt sighed. "Can't believe that I am telling you way too much for your article."

"If it means anything your secrets are safe with me," Shanice said with a giggle. "Only about seventy percent of what we discussed will be published. But you should really pursue your goals. But also enjoy the moment and the things in front of you."

Nodding in agreement, Marques strongly considered her words. "I will definitely do that."

==========
Lieutenant Marques Hunt
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Hecate

Ensign Shanice Winters
Media Relations Officer
USS Hecate

 

RSS Feed