Star Trek: Eleventh Fleet

EP2: Chapter 6: The Feast

Admiral Henderson and Commander Shepard beamed down in the middle of the main square of the Tarven Settlement. This small town had three main roads that were connected by small side streets. People could walk the breadth and length of the town in an afternoon, which was part of the charm of this place. The businesses and homes were all built to resemble a classic Earth town, with cozy street cafes and shops. Homes lined the side streets in sweet neighborhoods with nice yards and gardens. In the distance, there was a glass domed structure that harbored a beautiful botanical garden made up of plants from all over the sector. Empty streets allowed for walking with the rare hover car roaming by.

Shope owners were closing up for the day or setting out tables with candles for the dinner crowds. Most of the restaurants were human focused, with a few non-human places along the way.

"Wow." Brian turned around once as he took in this place.

"Nice, isn't it?" His attitude amused Bonita.

"I haven't been down here yet. I didn't know it was so... quaint."

Bonita walked with him down the street toward the open fields on the north side of town. "Tarven Colony serves as a retirement community for Starfleet brass and for peaceful talks between diplomats. Since it's no longer a center of diplomacy, it has embraced the retirement community. Now with the Station in orbit and the new fleet yards nearby, it has a little more activity."

"Wasn't it your family who ran the local communication station established here years ago?"

Bonita answered, "You've done your homework. Yes, going back to my great grandfather, who was the operations commander of the communications base here, in the mountains. After decommissioning it, Starfleet established a diplomatic base here. My grandmother became a Federation Diplomat here, on the planet. Her son, my father, grew up right here on Tarven Four. He became an admiral and when he retired, he returned here, he is buried near his family home by Henderson Lake."

"Were you raised here too?" Brian asked.

"Not really. I spent most of my childhood with my father and mother as Starfleet transferred them between stations and ships in the service. However, we came back here often. It feels more like home than Earth."

"Is this the only settlement on Tarven?" Brian asked.

"At this time, yes. Tarven was a good place to hold diplomatic talks because of the protection from the Okari expanse. It was unlikely that anyone would attack it unless they approached through the Federation held space, which was unlikely. If this project continues, Kalvin has suggested establishing a larger community on another part of this world, providing the civilians on the station with a home away from their work environment."

Bonita and Brian walked out into the grasses, heading for a large bonfire burning in the distance. They both could already smell the glorious scents of cooking meats, the centerpiece of any Hakashan feast.

"That sure smells good. I haven't had a real cooked meal in a long time." Brian said.

Bonita nodded. "Kalvin has told me several times how much he loves Hakashan feasts and especially how well they cook meats. But he has a bias, I suppose."

"May I ask you a question about your son?" Brian timidly asked.

Bonita slowed down and looked at him with confidence. "You want to know about him and his connection to the Hakashans?"

"Yes, actually."

"This is why I brought you out here. To meet them and understand him better. I have tried to tell Admiral Campbell this. Unfortunately, Campbell was part of the original Hakashan problem that led Kalvin to grow bitter toward Starfleet."