"Erica Lavigne how nice to see you please come in." William said as she entered his office aboard the Black Dragon. "Explain to me what you want and why I don't send you back to the Federation with my foot in your behind chased by a quantum torpedo." he said knowing already why this person was here and extremely unhappy that he has to deal with more political crap from the Federation.
"Hello Fleet Admiral Hunt" she said intentionally being rude by referring to him in his retired rank of Fleet Admiral. "As I am sure you're already aware the Federation is unsure that the Colony continues to follow policy under its current charter and I have been sent to conduct an investigation.
"Oh I'm aware alright on why you're here. As you know under the accords when the territories were ceded to me for the creation of the Phoenix Federation the Phoenix colony and its current location in the Typhon Expanse was included in the agreement signed by the Federation President and the Federation Council. As the President of the Phoenix Federation I am going to inform you that this unnecessary process is a violation of the recent treaty between my government and yours and constitutes continuous harassment and as such We will be reconsidering our treaty with your world and will inform you that the next time your invaded by the Romulans or anyone that you can take your distress signal and shove it out the nearest torpedo tube. The next time your government attempts to steal something of mine I will lob a few hundred torpedoes right on top of the Federation Government and take over your government myself. However, I digress I will answer your silly questions because I respect the people running this colony."
Erica was taken aback by the calm forcefulness coming from Hunt and found his strength both intimidating and extremely attractive. "Um yes of course" she stammered trying to get her breath. Her heart was starting to beat faster as she began thinking of the strength that William carries both inside and outside. "This first question is specific to you and Vice President Branson" she said before pausing. "Do you think the Phoenix Colony gets appropriate support from the Phoenix Federation overall Government?"
"To be honest yes I do feel that we give the colony a lot of the required support when it is asked for. Vice President Branson and her staff here at the colony require little support except for personnel and some other supplies similar to many other planets in the Federation." William replied with a smile.
"Yes umm thank you Mr. President." Erica replied blushing. "My next question is a two part one. Do you think that citizens of the colony receive good quality training, right from being a young child to being an officer on a star ship? And do you also think the colony neglects those who are not "smart" enough to be officers?"
William stood up and walked over to the replicator in his office and tapped in a few keys and an aroma of strawberries and bananas filled the room. He walked back with two drinks in his hand and handed one to her. "To answer your question" he said as he sat down "Do I believe that the colony gives quality training of course it does. I trust my own daughter to the school system here when I am on planet so if the president of the Phoenix Federation feels that the quality of the early, mid, and post schooling is good enough for his daughter then they are good enough for all members of the Phoenix Federation. The Academy that our officers go though do not discriminate between a marine, a naval office, or a noncommissioned student. They all receive the best quality education that can be provided and I even duplicated the Academy on New Terra as there has been an overflow of students here at the Academy to join the fleet." He stopped to take a drink before he started talking again
"As to the second part of your question we don't believe in smart and not smart. Everyone has a fair chance and if they find that they cannot complete the office training we offer them tutoring, mentoring, shadowing aboard a starship if necessary. If they are still having trouble we look to find a place that will utilize the member's skills and training. Some receive training in our Academy to command some of our Civilian ships; some become shuttle pilots or support staff. Some choose to become noncommissioned officers; some decide to go into other types of educations.
Erica was surprised at the way William was speaking to her. She had been told that he was a harsh egotist and that she should be prepared to be belittled and insulted at every opportunity and that he would make sure he constantly took stabs at the Federation. She was flabbergasted that he was speaking with an eloquence not seen on Earth in such a long time. "Thank you President Hunt" she replied trying to remain formal.
"Please call me William" he said giving her a soft smile and taking a drink.
"Thank you William you can call me Erica" she said really wanting to tell him to just call her his and be done with it. "Damm" she thought "I don't want to do this to the poor guy he's so sweet." She sat up and took a drink before asking her next question. William, are there checks and balances to make sure that no one is doing anything outside the colony charter or any illegal activities going on?"
William gave her a grin and turned around towards the sight of the colony as the Black Dragon orbited the Colony. "Of course there are checks and balances. The Colony is run by a civilian government and it's kept in check by the people. If the people don't like what is going on, they simply elect someone else to do the job. On top of that there is a planetary security force that investigates criminal activity."
"My next question William is pretty easy. Can the colony provide for the basic needs of its inhabitants such as food, shelter, water, or any species specific items?" Erica asked
"Of course we can," he replied. "The Colony has several industrial replicators powered by the Dilithium sands project that was designed around the natural resources of this planet. The original inhabitants assist us with showing what types of foods can be grown on the planet, what are safe to eat. If necessary we have supplies and species specific items brought in from those systems and delivered on a regular basis to the colony. As a secondary measure we have secondary stores located on the colony in the event the planet is under attack and supplies are unable to reach the colony they will be fine for years. The Phoenix Federation was born in war and grew under resource deprived conditions. We know what we need to do to survive and make sure every day that we do."
"Thank you again" she said her heart racing every time she glanced at William. "You answered my next question already so I will ask one final thing." Erica said taking a drink. "Is the colony willing to evaluate its existence on an ongoing basis?" She felt her heart almost race out of her chest as he turned around and leaned closer to her.
"I don't feel it necessary that the colony need to undergo constant evaluations because Starfleet said so. However maybe under the right conditions I could agree that a civilian advisor be assigned to be our liaison with the Federation and our trading partners." William said his face close enough to her that she could smell the cologne that he was wearing. She tried to hold herself back but couldn't help as she reached over and kissed him.
"Oh my god I'm so sorry William" she stammered as she stood up and tried to make a break for the door. "That was terribly unprofessional of me."
"Wait" he said as she came to a stop. She wasn't sure why she stopped but his voice was almost hypnotic and she couldn't help herself. She knew she had to leave but couldn't make herself. "It's ok in fact I haven't been kissed in a long time it's kind of nice to see that women still find me attractive" William replied with a smile. "But since you're here in an official capacity it would not look good on either of us to be seen doing anything that could be considered compromising. Why don't we wait until after the interviews are completed and you give out your report" he suggested. "Afterward maybe we can have ourselves a nice dinner just you me and maybe my girls if you're OK with that."
She was taken aback. "Yes that would probably be a good idea and I would love to meet your girls. Would it be permissible if I interviewed them as well?"
"I don't see why not," he said. "Please enjoy your stay here and let me know if you need anything." William said as Erica nodded and left his office. After she reached the transporter room and beamed back to her residence at the colony she took a cold shower. "I think I'm in love" she said sliding down the shower and sitting in the tub as the water cascaded over her.
William Hunt
Phoenix Federation President
New Terra
Phoenix Federation
Erica Lavigne
Federation Observer
United Federation of Planets
