Clan-Destine Meeting in Hostile Territory (Part - 1)
Posted on Fri Feb 13th, 2026 @ 3:42am by Lieutenant Marques Hunt & Commander Vincent 'Vin' Salvatore
1,295 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Shuttle Bay/Qo'noS
Timeline: POST MISSION
ON:
Vincent stood in the shuttle bay, standing outside of The Mallard for a little mission, to take care of some old business. He was just placed as the Executive Officer, as well as Chief of Intelligence, on board the Hecate which left him with some things undone. Vin figured, since he was new, he might as well get to know some of his fellow officers and the best one to start with was their pilot. During the fight with the Orions, he seemed to hold his own, so something like this should be a walk in the park. Provided no one got too suspicious. Then again, a Starfleet shuttle flying around the Klingon homeworld after this mission shouldn't raise too many red flags. Now, all that was left, was to get going. Vin took a moment to raise his sleeve, looking at the old watch on his wrist, before lowering it again. Given how much he wanted to close this door, he wasn't exactly in a patient mood.
The door to the shuttle bay opened as Lieutenant Hunt entered. Ever since he was a child, he was told that going to this God forsaken rock of a planet wasn't a good idea. But leading with fear was never his thing. "So what's the mission?"
"What Mission?" Vincent replied with a smile. "This isn't a mission, Lieutenant." He said as he placed his arms behind his back and looked at the officer firmly in the eyes. "This is just a simple shuttle trip. The logs will read as such and the flight log will reflect as much. Understood?"
Marques smiled at the Commander. "I understand completely."
"Step inside, Lieutenant." Vincent said as he gestured inside the door.
Stepping inside, Hunt made his way to the front of the ship. In his mind, he was curious about where this journey was going to take him.
Vincent stepped in behind Hunt, smirked behind the mans back, as he continued forward. Once they reached the front of the shuttle, Vin took his seat by the pilot and began to speak. "The course is set so, as much as you enjoy to fly fancy, try to contain yourself. Follow the directions to the spot." He took a second to tap the console as the door they came in began to close and eventually seal. "Now, Mister Hunt, you are free to ask your questions." He looked back at the man and smiled again, leaning back in his chair.
"Any chance that we'll get shot at?" Hunt inquired.
"Good question." Vincent replied. "I am sure, you know, these guys aren't exactly jumping for joy at the idea of being friends with the Federation. A lot of confrontations that led to a lot of fighting, and with the Klingons loving to fight, you can understand how they may not take a second thought as to taking their shot at a shuttle like this. Some may say that they wouldn't bother with an easy target, but others would tell you they just won't care. As far as they are concerned, we are on their turf and they need to remind us whose the bigger dog."
He leaned forward in his chair, tapping on a small button which unlocked a draw, before pulling it open. Inside the draw was two hand phasers and PADD with a Starfleet Intelligence Insignia on the screen. Vincent removed the PADD and closed the draw again. As he tapped in a code, he continued to speak. "Klingons, by nature, are blood thirsty. They come up with any reason to get into a fight. It's even, by some accounts, part of their faith. So, Mister Hunt, I can assure you. If they want a fight, there won't be much we can do to stop them. Which is why, you are to follow that course to the letter, in order to maintain a low profile and avoid an unnecessary fighting. The Captain would appreciate it if we avoid any incidents." He looked over to Hunt and smiled slightly. "You just got here and I was just made his First Officer. No need to get on his bad side already."
"I'm very familiar with the Klingons blood thirsty ways," Marques brought up. "Spent so much time dealing with them that I took a few years off from ship duty. Even losing Praxis didn't humble them." Receiving a message at the station, he turned his attention to the panel. "We're now clear to launch."
"Humility is seen as weak to a warrior race like them. Let's be honest..." Vincent replied with a slight smirk. "I've known many people, you too I would think, who felt the same way. Chances are they don't come from a warrior race either." He leaned back in his chair and took a look at the PADD. "Take us out, Lieutenant. Eyes and ears open."
"Aye sir." With a couple of taps at the controls, the ship exited the shuttle bay as Hunt piloted the ship towards the planet. In his mind, he in conflict what this all really meant. Any chance of diplomacy was a good thing, but conflict with the Klingons was a never-ending cycle. Marques had lost friends and even family to them. "Can I you a question? Off the record."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant." He replied as he placed the PADD down on his lap.
"Do you believe this thing with the Klingon is worth our time or could even work?"
Vincent raised a brow, leaning in his chair a bit, before taking a moment to think. He could see the concern. Klingons used to be an enemy of the Federation and, given what he just learned from Hunt about his own dealings with them, he understood why he might ask a question like that. "Well... Klingon's are in trouble and reached out to us for help. So much so they have put aside their difference with us and offered a treaty. It will be shaky, given out history with them, so it won't be perfect from the start. However, if you are asking my opinion, I feel it will be worth it to have them at our side. To learn from them and, hopefully in return, they learn from us. I've met a few Klingons who had me ask the same question, Lieutenant. I also have met a few who have shown me they are no different from us. They want nothing more than to protect their family and people from danger. To keep their legacy going. While they have been taught to take it at the end of a weapon, they aren't against doing it through diplomacy either. Sometimes you just got to give them a chance and they'll, in turn, give you a chance too."
Marques thought about the answer. It was a tough pill to swallow, but if there was a shot at peace the Federation had to take it. His father was indeed right and he didn't want to hear it. And now his cousin was off to lead some foolish fight against the Klingon Empire. "Thank you Commander. I really needed to hear that."
"I'll tell you what, Lieutenant. When we get to where we are going, head out with me. Stay close and keep your eyes and ears open. When we get done, I'll tell you a little story. After that, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. As long as they don't leave this shuttle. Alright?" Vincent said softly as he picked up the PADD again. "Consider it a secret to share, among colleagues."
To Be Continued...
Commander Vincent "Vin" Salvatore
Executive Officer/Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Hecate
Lieutenant Marques Hunt
Second Officer/Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Hecate
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