Clan-Destine Meeting in Hostile Territory (Part - 5)
Posted on Fri Feb 13th, 2026 @ 3:44am by Lieutenant Marques Hunt & Commander Vincent 'Vin' Salvatore
1,769 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Shuttle Bay/Qo'noS
Timeline: POST MISSION
OLD:
Vincent watched them closely as they left. Although he trusted his friend, he was still cautious about the ones he was with. He never seen them before, but he was sure they were allies of Rarkot and his family. Or else, why bring them along? Once they were long since gone, he turned to Hunt and gave him a smile. “Alright, Lieutenant… What did you learn?”
"It seems like the Empire is not really on the same page," Hunt replied. "The Houses seem to dictate quite a bit. Trying to gain influence with the larger and more influential houses is the best bet for the Federation."
NEW:
Vincent leaned back in the chair and before to reply softly. "Think of it like a drawn out and convoluted game of chess, only your own pieces are not only fighting for your side, but also convincing other pieces on your side to move to a position they know will get them killed so the other piece can take advantage. I've been told you should never get into a land was in Asia, but that seems tamed compared to how the Klingon Empire's bureaucracy seems to play out. Don't get me wrong, not all House's play by the same rules and work the same way, but there are some who plot and skim. Holding one hand out to make peace while holding their House dagger behind their back ready to strike." He looked down to another draw, a locked one, before adding softly. "Starfleet Intelligence would often suggest we not interfere and let things play out, trying to convince themselves and others that Starfleet General Order One applies, but things aren't always so black and white when you see things close up. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't justify the crimes Klingons have committed against the Federation and other worlds, but not every house is the same. They believe in the ways of their culture but they also believe in honor and respect against your enemies. There is such a thing as actions going too far in order to chase victory or glory. There are some lines that should not be crossed in order to gain respect and honor amongst your fellow warriors."
Thinking about all the information that was just relayed. Hunt had to admit that the Klingon Empire was more complicated than he originally imagined. "I get there are many different House with different agendas. But the Empire has to be held accountable for the actions of their people. They have no issues with expecting that from the Federation."
"But if we judge the whole Empire for the actions of the ships responsible for the crimes then were would we be? Expecting the entire government to take accountability for the actions of a Captain picking a fight to prove to those who sit in the bigger chairs he's worthy of his rank, name, and honor?" Vincent countered, letting out a sigh afterwards, before continuing on. "I understand that there are those who harmed and killed many officers on our side. I am not saying that should go unpunished. However, the Federation and Starfleet, has always made the decision to punish those responsible for the crimes and not the race or government they follow. The Klingon Empire does give them a window to work in and has a system that is questionable to us, but those rules and laws were around long before we showed up. Long before they even took to the stars. And if you recall, they were traveling space long before the Federation and Starfleet were." He sat their quietly for a minute before concluding. "It's difficult, especially if you're someone who has suffered at their hands. Earth's history is filled with wars where casualties were suffered between to factions, some even related by blood, who later came to fight at each others side. That's why we can't judge a whole species for the actions of a bunch of cocky warriors who insisted on shedding blood in the name of raising their reputation. If we did, Accords like this one, are destined to fail and the ones that came before it could have never been possible or even held for so long."
"So, the Empire will allow us to go after their people who do us wrong, since they have no intent on correcting the issues themselves?" Hunt inquired. "If not, then they're basically condoning the actions. Its not about judging an entire species, but judging the actions or lack of actions on the part of their government. Makes saving them difficult when there are Houses among the Empire trying to kill us. So, if those in power don't fix that issue, then how long before the people of the Federation call of the Accords to end?
"I understand what you are saying, but in order for this Accord to work, if the Federation demands justice for those lost then the Empire will have to abide or risk loosing our help. The destruction of Praxis was devastating to them, not only for the lives lost, but what it does to their planet. They realize that, so they went to the one place they knew would help, because the Federation is known for putting aside its differences and helping those who are in danger. It won't stand by and let them all die, no matter what they have done, because its not our way. It would also make the Federation look like a bunch of liar's for preaching peace while sitting by and watching a whole species die when we know we have the capability of helping them but chose not to. Our laws, the laws that bult the foundation of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets, will not allow it." Vincent paused for a moment and placed his hand on Marques's shoulder as he spoke in a calming voice. "I understand what they have done to your family, believe me I do, but every Klingon shouldn't be judged by the actions that one House did to your family. The laws of the Federation, laws that you swore to uphold, say's its only that House that must be held responsible. Feud's between two House's will result in nothing but the lose of too many people on both sides. That will only thin the bloodlines if it's allow to continue or else... there will be no one left... and the only thing that feud will be known for is the bodies it left behind and family it wiped out. Please, Marques. For the benefit of this mission, you have to try and keep that hate you have for Klingons from festering, because it may cost you and turn you into someone you'll end up hating even more. I've seen my brother give into it and I witnessed first hand the monster he became. You are a good man and I don't want to see it happen again."
"I can control my anger, but I won't be a fool either. Trust me, I want the Accords to work. But let's be honest, the Federation has ignored people who have needed our help in the past. And we have no obligation to the Klingon Empire. All I ask is that the Empire keeps their people in check, while we provide them assistance. But this trip to the surface has been a learning experience for me."
"I get it, Hunt." Vincent replied softly. "With all my talk of trusting them and giving the Klingons a chance, due to my experience with them, I'm also cautious. Klingons will often hide behind honor and glory, using their traditions and rules to their advantage, often trying to get away with things. Bugs the hell out of me, because I known some who don't use it that way." He let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair, taking his hand off Marques shoulder so as not to push the wrong buttons with the officer. "Where I come from, my father, wouldn't stop at one person when it came to settling a score. I used to think it was how things were done, but all it did was encourage more fighting. More anger. More bloodshed. I won't begin to sit here and insist to know how you feel, because it's not my place. You are who you are and I am who I am. At the end of the day, we're here to to make peace. To help and try to build a bridge with them. That all we can hope for. If things end up breaking down, so be it. Maybe it wasn't meant to be, but we don't know unless we try."
Marques carefully thought about those words. "Trust me, I wish for the fighting to come to an end. Seen way more than my fair share of death.
Vincent let out a deep sigh as leaned his head back slightly to look up at the ceiling. "Believe me, I get it." He began softly. "I grew up on a planet where families were always fighting each other. Whether it was for territory, respect, or simply because one felt slighted by the other. Sometimes it felt like there was no room for peace, but when there was, it was always far too short. My own father was no better. Constantly preparing for a fight or manipulating a situation to benefit him. Always preparing us to take his place when the day came." He look away from the ceiling and focused on the view ahead of him. He stared off into the space ahead of them as he added. "I thought I left that all behind me when I was taken from there only to encounter a species like the Klingons whose whole society is nearly identical." Vin shrugged slightly. "Give or take the occasional plate of live worms and coming up with more excuses to get blackout drunk."
"It's funny where life takes us," Hunt acknowledged. "So, where too next?"
"Home." Vincent answered, smirking slightly as he raised a brow at the question. "Unless you are interested in seeing the sights of the Klingon Homeworld, Lieutenant."
"Don't tempt me, Commander." With a few taps at the controls, the shuttle was now in the air. After the day, they just had, Marques was looking forward to returning to the Hecate and crawling into his bed.
OFF:
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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