"I already have an assignment and an agreement with the Antarians and Cheesu to protect the Trans Stellar Region and continue to establish trade between the Trans Stellar Region and the Alpha and Beta Quadrants through the Andorian Gateway.”, Vincent looked at the hovering image of Admiral Antoinette “Toni” Viceroy above the operations console in his office on the Hatherton.
“Admiral, the recent appearance by Chancellor Lupac Kabarann in the United Federation of Planets Chambers is a monumental step forward in Klingon-Federation diplomacy. Although the Klingon Empire was granted membership in the Federation in 2388, relations have been tenuous at best. This gesture by Chancellor Kabarann may be the most important step in the membership of the Empire in the Federation. This is a grand opportunity.”, Toni looked at her uncle.
“If it is such a grand opportunity, why is no one else jumping at it?”, Vincent snapped, “And you do not have to explain to me about Klingon relations, I lost good people in the exodus from Reykja Penthe. I have a duty to honor their memory. Returning to the scene of the genocide would be accepting it as part of diplomatic relations.”
Toni looked at Vincent across light years of space, “President Pasha Trmel opened the opportunity up to the Federation’s most trepidatious of explorers and each of them declined the opportunity. The Federation wants to show support for the gesture of good will by reestablishing a colony in the Klingon buffer zone. You would be considered a trail blazer.”
Vincent chuckled, “We are operating in the Delta Quadrant without Federation support. We are already explorers. We are establishing trade across vast distances thanks to the efforts of our former Chief Engineer Dr. Xact Tchilack. We are explorers. We have survived attacks of all kinds in kinds of worlds. You cannot entice me with that. “
Toni frowned, “Admiral, should you accept the assignment, you would be once again operating in known space. You would be granted full membership in Starfleet Command and the King’s Fleet would be recognized as the Beta Quadrant’s Starfleet Operations Task Force. This would be formal recognition in the Starfleet pantheon. You would be back.”
Vincent looked at Toni, “Are you prepared for the regional fleet backlash if you recognize a regional fleet authority as Starfleet?”
“I am the Starfleet Commander in Chief. I will decide.”, Toni stood firm as only a Viceroy can. Vincent could not be more proud.
“I will take this to my Fleet Leadership.”, Vincent shut down the monitor.
Vincent stood in the Hatherton War Room as he presented the captured image of Chancellor Kabarann addressing the United Federation of Planets proclaiming a new age of peace. Vincent looked around the room trying to read his peers.
Tan looked at Vincent, “He is lying.”
Deveniss looked at Vincent, “What is Starfleet prepared to offer?”
Vincent looked at Deveniss, “Formal recognition of the King’s Fleet as the Starfleet Beta Penthe System Task Force, a seat in Starfleet Command and a colony on Reykja Penthe in the Beta Penthe System.”
Vincent looked over at Admiral Tan, “The Klingon Empire is offering a refurbished Reykja wej’veQ and peD cha’paj. This is two stations and recognition of the colony of Reykja Penthe as an independent Federation State rather than an occupied Klingon province. This is a good deal.”
“And what will become of the Hatherton and the Trans Stellar Trade Efforts.”, Tan looked at Vincent.
“I will assume command of the station and will be assigned the appropriate support vessels to fulfill the peacekeeping mission of the King’s Fleet.”, Michaela looked at the group. Deveniss was furious. These women just keep choosing duty over him.
“An open offer will be presented to those persons who might choose to remain with the Hatherton Fleet.”, Michaela looked at the group.
“And what of the colony and the colonists?”, Nicole looked at the leadership group.
“Obviously those who want to remain will be given the opportunity and the technology to do so but those who are willing explorers are welcome to join us in Reykja Penthe.”, Vincent looked at Nicole.
“Who said I am following you?”, Nicole snapped.
“You forget, Nicole. You are an appointed civilian officer of the King’s Fleet. We, unlike the colonists, can compel you to come to Reykja Penthe.”, Vincent glared at her for questioning his position.
The tensions remain very high.
The motto has always been, “You can’t go home again.”
Posted by:
Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Commander in Chief
King's Fleet
Nicole Branson
Chief Civilian Officer
King's Fleet
