Starfleet Captains and Federation Flag Officers must ensure the safety of the quadrant from the Omega threat. To this end, whenever sensors positively determine the presence of Omega in a ship's vicinity it will enter "Omega Mode." Doing so locks all navigation, sensor, tactical and propulsion systems. Only the ship's Captain, or a Federation Flag Officer can release the Omega lockout.
Access to sensor data retrieved on the Omega effect is limited to Clearance Level 10. When Omega has been verified, the ship's captain will contact Starfleet Command immediately. No information may be relayed to the ship's crew. All other priorities are rescinded until the threat is neutralized. The Prime Directive may be compromised during such a mission, if necessary. Blatant abuse of this power will be prosecuted to the fullest extent using all other Starfleet Directives. If violation of the Prime Directive is even minimally anticipated, it is authorized and advised.
If Starfleet Command cannot be contacted for any reason, the primary priority is the destruction of all Omega molecules detected. There will be no computer record of the sensor logs, and Captain's/Captain's Personal Logs must be either encrypted or deleted.
June read the Directive to Vincent and Nicole as Robert placed both the commanding officers of the Colony in cuffs. June and the JAG knew that they would have to do it but did not think it would be so soon. June looked sadly at both of them. In truth, they were her friends but the Directive is clear and in light of the tragic events of the last year, it was probably time.
Admiral Veltkamp met them in the corridors. Tim looked at Nicole. He truly liked her and had placed in command of the colony and saw it flourish after Rear Admiral James Anderson had abdicated the leadership. He knew that summary judgement would be issued by Star Fleet. He knew that she was likely in a great deal of trouble.
Nicole had been instrumental in assisting with Fleet Services in addition to her role on the Colony. She understood how Star Fleet Civil functioned and could get things done including so many building permits and construction realities in place for Commander Teero.
Vincent was older. He was on the Colony as a semi-retirement job. He enjoyed working with the students. He enjoyed being around the traders in Veltkamp Village. He walked in with his head held high.
Admiral Veltkamp hated this part. He felt like a parent bringing his children to see the principal. Tim sat down and waited until the Fleet Command entered the JAG offices.
Admiral Washington, Representing the Fleet Command stood up and prepared to address the two leaders of the Phoenix Colony.
Nicole actually started to cry, covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She looked at Vincent. He put his hand on her shoulder, "It will be okay."
Admiral Washington spoke...
"Firstly, we are grateful to Rear Admiral Covington for putting a stop to the foolhearty and dangerous activities occurring here at Outpost 294, hereafter referred to as the Phoenix Colony. Though the diligence of strong leadership within the command of the member Fleets that make up Star Fleet, such incidents can be avoided. Star Fleet needs to make an example of those who break the primary standards of performance established by convention."
After a pause, the Admiral continued,
"The responsibility for knowing the inherent dangers and for endearing to these standards is the responsibility of the commanding officers of each individual platform, be they a ship, star base or colony. In the instance indentified here and in the charges filed by Commodore June Davenport on behalf of the Office of the Judge Advocate General, the responsibility for the incidents rests with the commanding officers of the Phoenix Colony, Vice Admiral Nicole Branson and Admiral Vincent Viceroy."
Nicole was now balling outright, sobbing in the courtroom. Vincent put his hand on her shoulder.
"Commodore Davenport, you indicate that there is a sealed plea agreement as approved by Fleet Admiral Tim Veltkamp.", Admiral Washington spoke.
"There is.", June responded, barely raising her head.
Nicole looked at Vincent and then back at Tim wiping her eyes and sniffling.
Admiral Washington opened the sealed envelope and read...
"Though not by rank but by seniority, Admiral Vincent Viceroy should have known of the Omega Directive, of the inherent dangers and in particular after the fires at Vorta'Rome should have realized the potential hazards to life on the colony and in particular the dangers to the very fabric of space.
In being made aware of the infraction, Admiral Viceroy accepts responsibility for his actions and for the actions of Vice Admiral Nicole Branson. In this acceptance, Vice Admiral Nicole Branson is exonerated and free to return to active duty with a stern warning and with a formal reprimand attached to her record.
Vice Admiral Branson is to realize that the acceptance of guilt by Admiral Viceroy is a judiscial acceptance. In the eyes of the Fleet, Vice Admiral Branson is also guilty of these crimes though she will not be formally punished."
The Admiral scolded Nicole, who slumped down into her chair, sobbing. She was destroyed by the court martial and looked positively emotionally wrecked by the incident.
"Admiral Viceoy, by accepting the Plea Bargain, you acknowledge your guilt in this manner. Star Fleet wishes to acknowledge your exemplary service. You have served the Fleet as a Commander In Chief within the King's Fleet division of Star Fleet. Your service is remarkable and the Fleet owes you a debt of gratitude. It is this reason and this reason alone that you are not summarily discharged."
Admiral Wahington scolded Vincent and then turned to Nicole, "If you cannot hold your emotions, Miss Branson, you will be held in contempt."
Admiral Washington continued in his stern tone...
"Vincent Viceroy, you are hereby stripped of your flag rank and are ordered to fulfill your obligations to Star Fleet as a Commodore. No rank increases will ever be available to you. Any further infraction will result in summary discharge from Star Fleet. Am I understood, COMMODORE Viceroy.", Admiral Washington snapped.
"Aye, Sir.", Vincent softly responded.
Nicole sobbed knowing that Vincent did this for her. She was still only 30 and had a prominent rank. Despite her criticisms, she was a fine young lady.
Nicole stood up and hugged Vincent. He held her as a father holds a daughter. He had done the right thing. Her tears marked his dress uniform but he did not care. He was ok with the whole thing.
Bobbi-Lee met him and Nicole outside. She was frantic.
"I heard you were arrested.", she said to Vincent.
"It is okay.", Vincent smiled, reassuring his much younger girlfriend.
Robert walked up to Vincent, "Will you be traveling to the Academy today, Commodore", the police officer asked.
"Commodore??", Bobbi-Lee inquired.
"I will, Sergeant. There is much work to be done. My students are experimenting with Romulan Warp Drives.", Vincent smiled without acknowledging the Commodore comment.
"There is work to be done.", Vincent repeated.
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Commanding Officer
Phoenix Colony
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Executive Officer
Phoenix Colony
Fleet Admiral Tim Veltkamp
Science and Exploration Commander In Chief
Federation Complex
Phoenix Colony
Commodore June Davenport
Judge Advocate General
Phoenix Colony
Sgt. Robert E. Leo
Police Officer
Phoenix Colony
