The arrival of Admiral Illyan Coren of Betazed to join his brother Eugenio Coren brought the Federation representation to 6 in the Phoenix Federation. Illyan was not as cordial Eugenio or Eugene Baxton. Illyan flat out demanded, "What would cause the Romulans to violate the neutral zone?"
"I have no answer.", Eugenio responded.
Eugene looked at Eugenio, "My dear new friend from the Phoenix Federation is trying to protect the facts in order to keep everything on a friendly level. The Romulans violated the neutral zone because they would like to have the AI Beta Download currently being stored at Starbase 185."
"The Federation has no functional AI research project. The only AI research is being done around the Emergency Command Hologram. The ECH has ship awareness but no ship control.", Illyan observed.
"This is not a Federation project.", Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy entered the room.
"The Phoenix Federation lacks the testing and laboratory facilities to test a functional AI.", Illyan knew the PF well. His daughter was Trista Coren. She paid the ultimate price as the first Captain of the USS Princess Diana.
"The testing and development was completed by President William Hunt at New Terra.", Christine walked into the room.
"Who invited the press?", Vincent turned around.
"I have the exclusive rights to cover the Romulan violation of the Neutral Zone by the Federation Broadcasting Network. I am scooping the whole freakin' Network.", Christine smiled.
"Have you been truthful about the reason?", Eugene looked at Christine.
"Not so far. I don't need that just yet.", Christine winked.
Eugene and the Corens did not find it funny. Illyan left the room to speak to Captain Paige and Starbase 185 command.
Illyan returned to the room, "The Federation has no desire to give up the Beta Module."
Eugene looked at Illyan, "It is not even Federation Property."
"The backup was made for safety aboard the DRS.", Illyan commented.
"Safety, My Ass!", Christine snapped.
"The backup was made so the Federation could build their own f**king Avatar.", Christine was not just covering the news. She was part of it now.
Summer walked into the gathering area, "Admiral Viceroy, we have a bigger problem now."
Vincent turned, "What is it?"
"The Eagles have landed.", Summer looked at Vincent referring to the Romulan Eagles Task Group. The 8 War Birds now were entering Federation Space on the bottom of the Typhon Expanse, the Phoenix Federation Corridor.
Vincent hurriedly follow Summer into Station Ops. He looked on very worried.
"Where is John?", Vincent asked.
"Captain Warren and the Quasar Quest on the Mark 180 Border facing the Beta Quadrant.", Summer called up her star map.
"What is the closest King?", Vincent demanded.
"The USS Providence is on the Mark 0 Border.", Summer observed.
"Ask Vanessa to inform the Romulans of their violation.", Vincent ordered.
"Tell her to play dumb and play soft.", Vincent ordered.
"And... Invite Commander T'Ros to meet us at the Federation Complex. We need to convince the Romulans this is a bad idea.", Vincent begged.
Vanessa and Valerie stood on the bridge of the Rhodes Island Class looking out the main viewer, "Ready Commander.", Vanessa asked.
Valerie looked at Vanessa, "Not really but here goes."
"This is Commander Valerie Bell of the Phoenix Federation Starship, the USS Providence informed the Romulan Task Group Eagle that they are not leaving the Neutral Zone and entered United Federation of Planets Space. This is a violation of the Neutral Zone Agreement and the Phoenix Federation Charter. Please state the nature of your entry.", Valerie looked at Vanessa and shrugged.
"Not bad.", Vanessa smiled.
"This is the Romulan Task Group Eagle. The nature of our business is classified.", the Romulan responded cutting off all communications.
Vanessa looked at Indigo, "Forward that to Summer. Inform Starbase 185 that they have 9 ships bearing down on the Station now. Inform the Federation Complex on the surface of the Phoenix Colony and lastly, inform President Hunt and Vice President Branson."
Indigo responded, "Priority One Message sent."
Summer looked at the diplomats, "Gentlemen, we now have a serious problem on our hands."
Posted by:
Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Military Commander In Chief
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Christine T'Nley
Omega News Network
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
