Many students, particularly those in Fourth Year were furious to learn of the Phoenix Colony's decision to support Admiral Hunt after the sanctions of the Federation Court. Students were worried about being able to transfer courses, to transfer to a different school and even to get off the Phoenix Colony at all with all the sanctions.
The Academy was soon a buzz with riotous students trying to get into the Academy offices. The students wanted more information. The students wanted more details and in truth, it looked as though the students wanted the blood of Commodore Viceroy.
The need to quell the riots became more and more clear. Captain Leo spoke to both Commodore Viceroy, still dealing with the Federation and with Star Fleet. Vincent could not speak to the students. The Captain and head of Omega Prime Emergency Services contacted Nicole and asked her to speak to the students.
Nicole hated this. She hated speaking to the students. Hell, she hated speaking to anyone and everyone. This however needed to be done.
She went down to the Academy. She pushed her way in amongst the students and to the front near the riot police.
"Why are you fighting? Why are you rioting?", She screamed.
"Nothing has changed. The Federation never liked us before. The Federation never wanted us to succeed. The Federation never wanted us to do research on the Omega Moleculde. We continued to do this. You scream that you are worried about your future. Your future has never been in doubt. There are many vessels in the Phoenix Fleet. These vessels will need staff. There are two stations in the Phoenix Fleet. These stations will need staff. There are 6 major cities in Territory Omega. They will need staff. Listen to yourselves screaming that we took your future. We forced your hand.", Nicole screamed. She was not as much speaking to the students as scolding them.
"Now you riot, wrecking your one true source to better jobs, better assignments. You are foolish and foolhardy. This is your school. This is our colony. THIS IS OUR HOME!! You are wrecking it.", Nicole screamed beginning to tear up.
The students were somehow placated and listening more intently to Vice Admiral Branson. She could feel. The riot police could definitely feel it.
"Nothing has changed. The Colony will continue to function. We have been preparing for this for a long time. The Academy will remain open. Our job remains to prepare our young people for service in the Phoenix Fleet. Many commanding officers from around the Federation know of the chaos of the colony. Regardless of our support for Admiral Hunt, they will see this as a proven learning ground. Get back to your dorms. Get back to your classes. Get back to work. We have a colony to administer. WE HAVE A FLEET TO SUPPLY WITH STAFF! We will survive the darkness of oblivion.", Nicole screamed.
"Branson!! Branson!!", the chant started small and soon became louder and a rallying cry for the students.
Nicole looked out into the crowd and shouted, "Hunt!! Hunt!!"
Soon the students were chanting "Hunt!! Hunt!!"
As the crowd dispersed, one of the students chanted "Phoenix Forever!!"
This was even more infectious than the names of either leader. Soon all of the students were chanting "Phoenix Forever!!"
Nicole could not believe her ears. This was something she had always dreamed of. The students were believing in something; something special.
Nicole's joy was soon tempered as she entered the Academy and one of the classrooms.
The riotous students had done more damage than they had hoped.
Nicole turned to the staff, "Gather the students in the main auditorium. They are going to clean this mess up. Understood!!"
"Yes, Ma'am.", the staff responded.
Nicole looked at the mess and smiled, "The Phoenix Fleet has started a riot. How are we going to clean our own mess up?"
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Co-Chancellor of the Omega Academy
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
