Reporter Issue 44/Interview: "Biography of Courage"
| Reporter Issue 44 |
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An interview with Marine Captain Miles Unum
Avery Stewart (aka Lieutenant Commander Thomas Gregory), Federation News Service
| ((Studio / Earth Space dock / Sol System))
::Avery straightened up his posture as the introduction played out. The lights came up and the cameras recording the interview were rolling. He smiled then took a breath and began. ::Miles sat up in his chair as he took one last sip from the glass of water on the table next to him. Wearing his dress whites once again, he wondered how long he would go before wearing them again. He was a little nervous as the lights and the production crew added to the complexity of the interview. This would be his first time being interviewed in this type of setting.:: Stewart: Good morning, I'm Avery Stewart. "Starfleet News Service" presents "A Biography Of Courage". Our guest tonight is a Marine Captain and Flight Leader serving aboard the USS Ronin, he is also recently returned to us here in the Sol System from the Ithassa region. ::Looking and indicating the person sitting in the arm chair next to him.:: Marine Captain Miles Unum. Sir, it is a honour to speak with you. Unum: ::Smiling:: Thank you, Mr. Stewart. ::Avery crossed his left leg over the right and leaned in as he spoke.:: Stewart: Before we get down to the core of the interview... I extend to you - on behalf of the entire UFOP and especially us here at the Starfleet News Service - our deepest congratulations to you on your recent marriage. I trust it was a lovely ceremony. Unum: ::Grinning:: Thank you. It was very nice, and my wife, Talon, and I just returned from our honeymoon on Pacifica. Stewart: Did the two of you meet while serving abroad? Unum: We did actually... on the USS Resolution almost a year and a half ago. She is currently serving as a JAG officer and is assigned to the USS Ronin. Stewart: Take us - if you would - into the world of ‘Miles Unum’. Unum: ::Smiling:: Hmm. I always think of my life as separated into personal and professional parts, but that separation seems to be a lot more blurred now than before, for the better, I think. How about personal first, since we were talking about my recent nuptial? Stewart: Of course, please do. Unum: Well, my family is important to me. We are all very close, and I think that's important for a Starfleet officer including a Marine officer. We officers normally spend so much time away that the connection to home is crucial to our well-being. ::Chuckling:: I'm starting to sound like a counsellor... which I'm not. Stewart: Do you feel that type of connection can cause a ship to become an extension or 'a home away from home'? Unum: There is definitely a feeling of an extended family on board a starship. I've made good friends there. Stewart: 'Family' and 'duty' are perhaps the two most important pillars of a Starfleet Officer; based on your experience, what suggestions would you make for someone having difficulties with the balancing act? Unum: That's a great question, and it's one that all Starfleet officers with their own families struggle with. Most cadets enter Starfleet Academy without a spouse and without children. Duty comes first, and there's no confusion about that. As time goes by, most species, whether human or not, often desire more in their personal lives, and they seek to start their own family. My suggestion is that before entering into a marriage and/or having children, you have to know that you will always walk a tightrope between family and duty. There will always be a trade-off between the two. You may have to pass up a promotion opportunity to take care of young children, or you may miss a child's birthday because of a mission. These are not easy compromises, and balancing the two requires you to have an understanding spouse, family members, and friends to help you along the way. I don't have children yet, but I will in the near future. I look at my parents as role models in that area, since both are Starfleet officers and raised me and my siblings aboard starships. They made it work, but I know that they could not have done it without the help of the other. ::Avery lifted his mug but took no drink. He held the mug in both hands as he shifted into a more comfortable position in his chair.:: Stewart: Continuing along here with Marine Captain Unum; for those of us who haven't had the pleasure of visiting, let alone living and being raised in Texas, please give your thoughts. Unum: ::Grinning:: I love Texas! There's a down home feeling when you're there that can only be described as Southern hospitality. As they say, "everything is bigger in Texas." That's still true today, and I've never been bored living there. ::Avery nodded as the Marine Captain answered and smiled his pearly whites again as he delved a bit further into the formative years of the man.:: Stewart: Your record states that after high school, you joined the Starfleet Marine Corps. Tell us about your time in Marine Corps. Unum: I guess that leads me into the professional part of my life. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to help the Federation by serving in the Starfleet Marine Corps. My Military Occupational Speciality is in Intelligence, and I served in the Corps for four years after high school. Afterwards, I attended Starfleet Academy and majored in Security and minored in Tactical. Stewart: Most of our viewers understand the tremendous difficulties associated with being a member of the Marine Corps. For those who may not have the complete picture describe for us what it feels like to be a Marine. Unum: ::Smiling:: I'm sure that I do not speak for most Marines. I have aspirations of commanding a starship, and that will eventually require me to leave the Marines. I understand that requirement, and I look forward to serving wherever Starfleet needs me. Stewart: Would you say your feelings are indicative of the average Marine? There is a second question to this; would you describe your experiences as unique because you went through the Marine Corps as well as the Academy? Unum: ::Nodding:: I would say that most Marines have a desire to serve in and retire from the Marine Corps. In that regard, I am different. As to your second question, I believe that my training in both the Marine Corps and Starfleet Academy help me to better understand the differences between the two and to coordinate the duties of both. Stewart: OK, let us move on then and discuss your Starfleet career. ::Avery paused and finally took a drink from his cup. Setting the cup down he took a moment to swallow and compose himself. After a short moment he looked back to Miles and continued.:: Stewart: Stardate 238709.15 was the date you were assigned to the USS Ronin, prior to that you spent time serving aboard various ships, including the USS Resolution, USS Challenger-A and of course the USS Constitution-B. Tell us about your journey. Unum: ::Chuckling:: It does appear that I have a hard time putting down roots. Actually, the opposite is true. After Talon and I met on the Resolution, I was soon reassigned to the Challenger. When the opportunity arose for me to transfer to the Constitution to join her again, she was transferred to the Ronin days after I arrived on the Constitution. But, we finally had the chance to put down roots together on the Ronin. ::Grinning:: One of the hazards of falling in love with a co-worker, I suppose. USS Ronin Stewart: What would you say your overall impression of the fleet would be? Unum: ::Nodding:: That is one of the benefits of serving on different ships. I have had the pleasure to serve with some of Starfleet's best captains and officers. I made friends on each of those ships, and I learned a great deal from all of the crew members I have served alongside. Stewart: ::Hoping that he had a new catchphrase that was about to gain interstellar attention he smiled and said with all his charisma.:: Now... “to the good stuff”. Tell us about the USS Ronin. What is she to you as a Starship? Unum: ::Smiling:: She's a Marine's dream starship. Space for ground troops to train and a flight deck and fighters to tackle any threat to the Federation. Stewart: Give us your overall impression since you began serving there. Unum: I am very impressed. I joined the Ronin about six weeks after there was a change in command. So, I only know about the Akira Class vessel and crew after Commander Toni Tuner was assigned as the commanding officer. It's a top notch ship and crew. We have all worked together during two missions so far, and everyone is knowledgeable and professional. I've made some new friends and have re-united with old ones too. Stewart: Finally, for all those fresh faced cadets out there... what advice would you give them about serving in the fleet? Unum: ::Nodding:: Be patient for opportunities to learn and become involved in missions. Listen to your department heads and senior officers. Most of all, relish every moment of your time in Starfleet. ::Avery smiled as the closing music played.:: Stewart: We have been speaking here this morning with Miles Unum. It’s been an honour and privilege, I do hope your travels bring you back to ‘the nest’ often. As always Marine Capt. you have the last word. Unum: ::Smiling:: Thank you for having me, Mr. Stewart. We in Starfleet appreciate your dedication in letting the citizens of the Federation know more about the officers who serve them. ::As the lights came down Avery gave out his signature call phrase.:: Stewart: In the depths of space we can all find solace that the good officers of Starfleet remain ever vigilant as they travel the stars. For all of us here at the "Starfleet News Service" I'm Avery Stewart, good day. |