I haven't posted any of these in a while, so here's a link to the previous chapters in this series: https://twoshedsreview.blogspot.com/p/fiction-civil-war.html
The briefing room of Deep Space Nine was quiet as they waited for Sisko to tell them about their new ship, the U.S.S. Defiant.
"When the Borg threat was first learned of, Starfleet set about developing what is basically a warship. They took away all the family quarters, all the science labs, and all that was left were the bare essentials. What they basically had was the Defiant. But then the Borg threat lessened, as did the need for the Defiant."
"Why did the program stop?" asked O’Brien.
"Because of two things. The Defiant is over-powered and over-gunned. It has too much power for a vessel of its size."
"So the Federation wants us to attack the Dominion with just one ship?" asked Kira.
"No," Sisko replied. "It is General Hague’s hope that we can find a peaceful solution to this problem. Our mission is to journey to the Gamma Quadrant, locate the Founders, and negotiate with them."
Then, the door opened, and the others were surprised to see a Romulan walk into the briefing room.
"Ah, ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you Sub-Commander Toru, of the Romulan Star Empire."
"What’s a Romulan doing on this mission?" asked Kira.
"My government wants me to oversee the use of the cloaking device," said Toru. "They want to make sure none of the technology is copied. And please, Commander, there is no need for you to introduce any of your staff to me. I have studied their files carefully. I know what they are all capable of."
Toru then left the room, just as a young-looking security officer entered.
"Well, I would like to be introduced to you all. I’m Lieutenant-Commander Michael Eddington, Starfleet Security."
Upon hearing this, Odo seemed annoyed. The meeting soon ended, and Sisko raced down the corridor after Odo.
"You don't have to tell me, Commander," said Odo. "Starfleet is replacing me with one of their own."
"That isn't the case," Sisko replied. "Starfleet is just concerned at your work rate, your way of getting things done. That’s what concerns them."
"If I did things my way, Commander, instead of Starfleet’s way, then my work rate would improve drastically. I don't need the help of someone like Eddington!"
"Starfleet seems to think you do."
"And do you?"
"If I had my way, Eddington wouldn’t be here."
"You didn't answer my question, Commander, so I’ll save you the bother. I resign!"
"Don’t make any rash decisions, Constable!"
"I believe my decision is in the best interests of everyone, especially Starfleet Command!"
And with that, Odo continued down the corridor, leaving Sisko wondering what he could do to change the shapeshifter's mind.
Captain Del Tarrant sat in the pilot’s chair of the Runabout Mississippi on Christopher’s Landing, Titan’s foremost landmark. He was about to head back to Moonbase Alpha after making his final flight checks.
"Mississippi to Titan control. Request permission to depart."
"Permission granted, Captain Tarrant. Give my best wishes to Commander Koenig. Titan Control out."
A smile appeared on Tarrant’s face, although he wished he wasn't going back to Moonbase Alpha. Tarrant had graduated top of his class, and many had thought he had a bright future in Starfleet, but one minor indiscretion kept his career back a couple of years. Now, the most exciting thing in his life at the moment was the occasional command of the U.S.S. Tempest, the old Oberth-class ship on attachment to Moonbase Alpha.
Tarrant was about to take off when his viewscreen started to buzz. He looked up, and what seemed to be a message appeared on the screen before him.
"For the attention of Captain Del Tarrant, commanding officer, U.S.S. Tempest - Urgent - Must gain passage to Nimbus III - Is vital you attend talks there - Is vital you tell no one of this transmission - Transmission ends."
Tarrant activated the Runabout’s communication system. "Mississippi to Titan Control. Are you sending any transmissions to me?"
There was a slight pause before any reply was given.
"No, Captain Tarrant. No one is sending anything to you."
There was another slight pause.
"Is anything wrong, Captain Tarrant?"
"No, Titan Control. It’s probably just me. Mississippi out."
Tarrant then started the engines, and was soon headed back to Moonbase Alpha. He had no time for such games, but he felt strangely drawn by the transmission.
It had been a long day for Commander John Koenig, the commanding officer of Earth’s first outpost, Moonbase Alpha. Finally, he had managed to get through the mountain of paperwork that had piled up on his desk. Then, his door buzzer sounded. A few moments later, Alpha’s science officer, Professor Victor Bergman, entered, data pad in hand.
"Sorry to disturb you, John. I know it’s been a long day, but I think you should see this."
Bergman handed Koenig the data pad. On it was a message. "For the attention of Professor Victor Bergman, science officer, Moonbase Alpha - Urgent - Must gain passage to Nimbus III - Is vital you attend talks there - Is vital you tell no one of this transmission - Transmission ends."
"Did you get a call like this?" Bergman asked.
"I don’t know. I’ve been so busy today I haven't checked my messages," Koenig replied. "I think you should."
Putting down the data pad, Koenig checked his messages. A few moments later he looked up at Bergman.
"I’ve got one just the same! But who is it from?"
"I don’t know. I tried to trace the call but it was sent through umpteen relay stations. There’s no way of telling where it came from!"
Then, the door opened, and Alpha’s chief medical officer, Doctor Helena Russell, entered.
"John, have you seen this?"
She handed Koenig a data pad.
"You got the message too, telling you to go to Nimbus III".
"How did you know?" "Victor and I got the same message. The question is, what do we do?"
"It could be a trap of some kind," said Bergman. "But on the other hand, there could be something to it."
"I think there is."
Koenig activated his communicator. "Koenig to Morrow. Paul, has there been any word from Captain Tarrant yet?"
"He’s on his way back from Titan now, Commander."
"Then contact him, and have the Tempest ready to leave as soon as possible."
"But we can’t all go to Nimbus III," said Russell.
"Then we’ll tell only a few," said Koenig. "The senior officers only. We’ll take a skeleton crew on the Tempest."
"And what about Starfleet Command?" asked Bergman.
"We’ll tell them we’re going on a routine mapping mission," said Koenig. "They should believe that."
"I hope they do," said Bergman. "But with all that’s going on in the Federation at the moment, we can’t afford to take any chances!"
After the brief tour of the colonies, Starfleet One arrived back in Earth orbit. A short time later, President Servalan arrived at a press conference. The gathered reporters had expected her to tell them of her trip and of any possible policy changes she was about to make. They were not expecting her announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I will make this short. The most astute of you will know that under the regulations I used to take this post, I am required to call a presidential election soon afterwards. So, six weeks from this very day will be the date of the election for the office of President of the Federation council. I obviously intend to stand for election. That is all."
As Servalan stepped down from the podium, several reporters tried to ask her questions, but moments later she was gone. In a press release, handed out to the reporters, it was announced that she would be standing alone, without a vice-president.
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