The Interview - Part II

Posted on Wed Jul 30th, 2025 @ 10:31pm by Ensign Shanice Winters & Captain Robert Burke

995 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Captain's Office
Timeline: MD031

::ON::

"Nobody can get the one hundred percent of anyone on their side. The Federation has too many worlds consisting of billions. Can you win the majority of all world possibly? But not the entire population. So what is the goal of the current mission?"

'The immediate goal is successfully complete our firs task - deliver the supply convoy safely to Forward Operating Base Pinnacle. The Federation is in the early stages of helping to stabilise Praxis, and prevent any further damage to the Klingon Homeworld, before eventually reversing the ill-effects. I am given to understanding that the material in the convoy is important for that task. The second task is a diplomatic reception with the Klingon High Council, Imperial Navy, and other sundry notables. Should be ... fun.'

Shanice couldn't help but to chuckle. "So, you consider yourself prepared for Klingon Diplomacy? I'm not even sure if there is a word for diplomacy in the Klingon language."

'I'm sure traditionally it would sound something quite like 'surrender',' Burke flashed another smile, before growing serious once more. 'It will take time, and delicate handling, but yes, I believe we're ready for Klingon diplomacy. And we believe the Klingons are, so long as it coincides with their interests.'

"Now the Accords were three years ago. Why is Starfleet just sending these resources now? Does it have a lot to do with the continued Klingon hostilities that took place, even after the signing?"

'It's part of a continuing effort,' Burke replied, knowing that Winters also knew this. 'It's taken time and gentle persuasion in order to be allowed to build a Regula-class facility, Pinnacle Base, in orbit around the Klingon Homeworld. There are strict protocols in place, minutely negotiated on both sides, to have allowed this to happen. So, this convoy is the latest in a series of convoys, and there'll be more in the future.' He took a breath, 'Klingon hostility has been a factor - it's not universally popular to have our assistance, so we've had to move carefully. Both Starfleet Intelligence and Klingon Imperial Intelligence have foiled some plots to destroy Pinnacle before it was ready to come online.'

The Ensign nodded. "Will Pinnacle Base be a joint run operation between Starfleet and the Klingon Defense Force?"

'No, it is entirely Starfleet staffed, but there is a liaison office with the Klingon Imperial Fleet aboard. For all intents and purposes it's an outpost of the Federation in the Klingon's backyard.' Burke gestured, 'you can see why that required delicate negotiations. There were a few that weren't happy. The concession was minimum offensive weapons and only a Hermes-class vessel to be permanently stationed there.'

"I imagine most in the Klingon Empire were unhappy with that decision. Which explains the delays that got us here together. But everything is now in motion and moving in the right direction."

'Precisely,' Burke agreed, 'we're moving in the right direction. With delicate handling we can make this bloom into something longer-lasting and more durable.' He shrugged, 'so long as the will exists on both sides. And continues to exist on both sides - Klingons are definitely capable of strategic thinking and planning, there's no doubt about that. I really wouldn't listen to anyone who says they're mindless beasts out for just glory. They're proud of the Empire and what she's achieved. At the moment they're hurting, and that might tempt some of them to lash out if they think we're out to betray them.'

"Is there anything else you wish to add Captain Burke?" she inquired.

Shaking his head, Burke smiled. 'No, Ensign, thank you. I've been allowed to prattle on enough for one day I think.' He looked at her, 'I hope you have enough for the article?'

"This is definitely more than enough. Thank you for taking the time to be interviewed."

'You're entirely welcome,' Burke smiled kindly. 'It's important we communicate what we're about clearly.' He paused then said, 'I didn't want to blur the line previously, but now the interview is over, we should have a talk about how you'll see your Diplomatic Department working with the rest of the crew - I understand most of your staff are civilians and non-coms, but they're a specialised group, and I intend to use their expertise to the full.'

Shanice leaned forward in her seat. "I'm all ears Captain."

'Forgive me, Ensign, I'm the one with the ears - I want to hear your ideas, not dictate.' Burke grinned, 'remember my expertise is in Security and Strategic Operations, not diplomacy - I'll be wanting your expertise.'

"Good point," she replied with a smile. "Right now, you're on the right track. The Klingons will push you. It's their way of doing things. Don't back down but don't get aggressive unless they leave you no other choice."

'That's a load off my shoulders - it's difficult to assess how much of this is cultural, and how much is genuine from them,' Burke's smiled waned slightly, 'it's a hard road ahead.'

"Klingons don't typically do diplomacy, so this is entirely new territory for them as well. This whole process requires them to humble themselves. Which is not their way of doing things."

Burke got to his feet, and nodded, 'I guess we'll all be learning on our feet then.' He flashed Shanice a smile, 'don't let me keep you any longer - I'm sure you have to add some context to my ramblings before you can send it out.'

Ensign Winters stood up as well. "Won't be too much to edit. You interview extremely well. They picked you for good reason. I believe that you can make the people back home believe that this can truly work. Thank you for your time Captain."

::OFF::

Captain Robert Burke
Commanding Officer
USS Hecate

Ensign Shanice Winters
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Hecate

 

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