Captain John Warren has been doing this a long time. He commanded the USS Quasar Quest and the USS Yang Liwei. He is an old school captain. He thought that he could handle it all. However sitting on the bridge watching the RSE Hawk's Wing de-cloak returning from its supply mission to Starbase 185 was still very unnerving for the Kirk-style Captain. The Romulans are not the friends or suppliers, they are the uneasy enemy.
John held his tongue, "Captain S'Nii, authorize the descent of the Hawk and allow access to the Lily Pads near Rome."
"As you wish, Captain.", the cocky young Vulcan responded. She and John were getting along better now. They had an understanding about roles and responsibilities. They have had a few arguments; perhaps too many to cover here but the USS Wrath of Prometheus is running well now.
John watched as the Hawk's Wing swung around and prepared to descend. Cinnamon walked onto the bridge. The Caitian engineer walked over to engineering smiling at John. She had a school girl crush on the Captain. It was positively cute to see. Cinnamon looked puzzled at the console.
John could read his young officer like a book. He looked over, "Problem, Ms. Leo?"
"There is a second signature near to the Hawk's Wing. It appears to be a Federation constructed Defiant but emitting a Vulcan signature. It is carefully positioned to remain hidden.", Cinnamon explained.
John looked at S'Nii, "Sunny, contact Governor's Station. Get confirmation of the sighting."
Elizabeth Coren, Executive Officer of Governor's Station joined the conversation via the viewer.
"USS Wrath of Prometheus, we can confirm the Defiant. We can also confirm its Vulcan emitter.", Elizabeth spoke very professionally.
John shut down the viewer and then entered some codes on the Captain's Chair Arm.
Vincent appeared on the screen.
"Commodore, its Captain Warren. We have confirmation of an unknown Vulcan vessel is hidden orbit around the colony. We request your guidance.", John had worked for Vincent in the King's Fleet. They were old friends but John had learned long ago that Vincent was the boss. He needed to be told.
"John, I am not prepared to start another war with the Vulcans. Closely monitor the ship and keep me informed.", Vincent explained.
Vincent heard footsteps in the hallway.
"Nicole, would you come in here?", Vincent asked.
Nicole walked in. Vincent transferred the image of the Defiant to the main board in the Conference Room. Vincent explained the situation.
Nicole looked at Vincent. She was not nearly as calm as him. Her personal life had been a bit stressful of late.
Nicole opened a comm-link to the Prometheus, "Captain Warren, buzz the Defiant."
Vincent looked at her, "Are you sure that's wise?"
"I don't want to start a war either but I think they should know that we will defend ourselves.", Nicole looked Vincent. Vincent was very proud to see Nicole acting so professionally.
John and S'Nii banked the Prometheus hard and buzzed over the nose of the Defiant. The fly-by was awesome to view from Earth and even more incredible on the bridge of the Prometheus. John felt like a Captain again. He was overjoyed. He thought of William Hunt who commissioned this haul as the Wrath of Achilles. He felt what William must have felt. She was a fine vessel.
Cinnamon looked at John, "The defiant appears to broadcasting something to the colony below."
"Broadcasting what?", John snapped.
"It is an encoded image of some sort.", Cinnamon explained.
S'Nii, a Vulcan walked over. She played with the Engineering console and then went over to Ops trying to decode the image.
"Vincent and Nicole, the Defiant appears to be broadcasting an image to the colony. Serving as sort of a spy satellite.", John explained.
"What is the image?", Nicole asked.
"We cannot decode.", John responded abruptly.
Nicole walked over to the console. Vincent looked at her, "Nikki, this is the big boys game now. No bureaucrat can figure out the coding if the officer's cannot."
Nicole laughed at Vincent's mocking.
"Vincent, remember. I worked in the civil service for nearly 19 years now. There is no information in any language that I have not seen.", Nicole smiled looking up at the viewer.
Both looked on in horror. It was the Phoenix Colony Omega Sands Project. What the hell were the Vulcans planning?
Nicole looked at Vincent, "I think its time me and T'tan had a talk."
Vincent laughed, "A catfight..."
Nicole did not like the reference but turned back, "Perhaps."
Vincent knew that she was offended a bit by his reference but still laughed.
"I will inform Damage Control Specialist Laaker Teero about the potential of an incident.", Vincent informed Nicole.
Nicole grabbed her Federation dress white coat and headed for the Villa.
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Star Fleet Executive Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Star Fleet Commanding Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
