Christine sat at the conference table with T'Loridel of Vulcan, the Federation Legal Counsel on the Colony to discuss the happenings thus far.
Christine spoke first:
"
On the record:
1.
Colonel Steven Goddard, the proclaimed God of War as Beta Battalion and USS Flagstaff commanding officer attacked the renegade Klingon Colony of M'Payel. The Klingons retaliated. As we have seen on the Phoenix Colony, these renegade houses are very well equipped. The IKS Martok recorded the devastation of the Beta Battalion leaving only the Flagstaff to bring casualties back to the Phoenix Colony."
T'Loridel looked at her interviewer.
"The Federation acknowledges only that an incident occurred and that a negotiated settlement had been put in place to allow Colonel Goddard to apologize for the incident. The apology never came to pass and now Colonel Goddard has been kidnapped by the Klingons."
Christine smiled,
"
2.
Captain Alexander Paige and the Starbase 185 Battle Group, the Astronauts are currently in a blockade around the entrance of the Typhon Expanse hoping to negotiate the return of Colonel Goddard from the Phoenix Federation."
T'Loridel knew what T'Nley was trying to do.
"The Battlegroup is only serving as an observer of the peaceful negotiations between the Phoenix Federation and representatives of the United Federation of Planets. There is no blockade nor any military mission of any kind."
"Tell that to Captain Warren.", T'Nley mocked.
Christine continued,
"
3.
The United Federation and even the Federation Broadcasting Network has accused, wrongly so, the Phoenix Federation of using the incident to further its own interests. The UFP and FBN have gone so far as to call into question the service provided by the Dr. Leonard McCoy Institute and by the Jarada claiming services have been withheld in order to create leverage in negotiations with the UFP."
T'Loridel hated the tone of the statement. She glared at her Vulcan-Romulan Colleague.
"The United Federation of Planets acknowledges the heroic efforts of Dr. Skylight Greene, already a heroic figure from the Phoenix Plague Incident and Dr. Magenta Coren. These women have done a remarkable job. There has not been a single loss of life since the Beta Battalion forces arrived on the colony. Star Fleet would like to acknowledge the efforts of General John Smith of the Jarada for the complete refit of the USS Flagstaff and to acknowledge the efforts of Commander Acrylos Teero of Bajor for his efforts in serving as a liaison between the Star Fleet Corps of Engineers and the Phoenix Federation Builders. We are most grateful that the USS Flagstaff will soon be ready to bring our staff back home."
Christine smiled seeing the Vulcan squirm. She knew that T'Loridel was struggling to paint a good picture of Star Fleet and the UFP in this situation.
"
4.
The Beta Battalion was clearly operating in territory assigned as the protected region of the Phoenix Federation and granted by charter to President William Hunt and his followers as payment for services in the Phoenix Liberation War. The Beta Battalion was in fact operating without approval and committed an act of attrocity against the Klingon colonists."
T'Loridel stood up. Christine stood up.
"We are through.", the Vulcan snapped.
"One more thing, madam ambassador. How will you spin it if the Klingons come for Goddard? How will you clean that up owing to the tenuous peace between the Klingons and the Federation?", Christine growled knowing she had T'Loridel.
"Colonel Goddard is a fool who caused an interplanetary incident over his own prejudice towards the Klingons. His mandate was to provoke them to attack him not to attack.", T'Loridel blurted out. She knew right away that she had let the cat out of the bag.
"This is Christine T'Nley reporting live for ONN. The record is clear. Colonel Goddard did attack the Klingons. The Colonel is currently in Klingon custody. As always, all citizens will be kept informed.", Christine grinned.
Posted by:
Christine T'Nley
Omega News Network
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
