The buzz was incredible. Captain Dominic Montgomery was there in a great hover limo. Captain Alexander Paige arrived shortly afterwards. Rumors continued to persist that Admiral John Williams, the Head of Star Fleet Intelligence would also be there. John is most famous for the revelations regarding the problems in Star Fleet that lead to the Phoenix Liberation War and the original Colony Charter is called the Williams Accord and was signed in 2389.
When the shuttle arrived and John got out, the flashes were everywhere. The event was being covered by ONN, FBN and other news agencies in the Alpha and Beta Quadrant.
Nicole Branson and Dr. Magenta Coren-Branson arrived at the Gala looking positively incredible. These two women could bring light into a room with their love and beauty. Nicole has come so far with universe wide opinion. This could be a very special day for her.
Marcus Dinn arrived late. He was still upset that the Commune was chosen over RICKS but he has not been around much lately. Marcus is covert operative and has many commitments. He however is a citizen of the colony and wanted to hear about her future.
Vincent Viceroy arrived with Bobbi-Lee Kennedy Viceroy as the pair entered with Vincent in regal Phoenix Fleet White and Bobbi-Lee in a radiant red dress. Their special romance is also one worthy of pictures and a storied history on the colony.
Commander Teero shocked everyone when he arrived with Princess Diana Chief of Operations Felicity Powers, his former Girlfriend. Teero is drawing huge praise from around Star Fleet for his construction of the Paul Revere Ship Yards in Boston. Orders are already coming in. He will be fine even if the colony reverts to Federation control this evening.
Anna and Eden came walking up. It was a beautiful evening. Anna and Eden came from Governor's Tower chosing to walk. If these were the last hours of the Phoenix Colony, Anna wanted to savour every minute. Shianna and Jo-Jo came a little later but chose the same route. The girls had obviously discussed the plan.
Commander T'Zohl looked amazing in a black evening gown. The Vulcan was positively beaming on the arm of Captain John Warren as the pair made their first public appearance as a couple. John smiled for the cameras and then entered the Commune.
Everyone enjoyed a wonderous meal catered by Galley and Jessamine Leo. The meal was beyond words fantastic. Everyone could not believe how good it was. Galley is most famous for being the organic chef on the Tanmesad but now he may have prepared the "Last Supper" in the history of the Phoenix Colony.
Erica prepared her notes and prepared to make her announcment. She took a big swig of wine. It was time to get up and make her address.
Erica stood at the podium. There was a lot of jostling. This may be the most intriguing announcement in the history of the colony. Erica had the entire future of the Phoenix Colony in her hands.
"For those of you who do not know me, My name is Erica Lavigne and I am the senior United Federation of Planets Legal Advisor on the Phoenix Colony. I have served as senior prosecutor for the United Federation of Planets and have served as the special legal consultant to the Phoenix Colony on Federation law for the past 3 years and I have been asked by Captain Alexander Paige to review the Phoenix Colony Charter as it relates to the Williams Accord, to the Phoenix Federation Declaration of Independence and the Colony Charter Protocol as established by the United Federation of Planets.", Erica began.
"I would first like to thank Commander T'Loridel for serving as the Observer on the audit. The Vulcan Republic remains a trusted friend and ally of the United Federation of Planets.", Erica nodded to T'Loridel.
"I would like to thank Captain Alexander Paige and the crew of the USS Washington for providing data management and support during the project.", Erica pointed to Alexander.
"I would like to thank Commodore Tan and Commander Summer Vasa for allowing me to use Governor's Station as a base of operation and for providing docking for the USS Washington.", Erica waited for the crowd to acknowledge Tan and Vasa.
"I would like to thank those who provided time for interviews. I would especially like to acknowledge President William Hunt, Vice President Nicole Branson and Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy. I know and understand that members of the senior staff have a serious role to fulfill in the day to day operations of the colony and committing to this paper chase exercise can be tedious and difficult.", Erica continued.
Erica looked directly at Hunt who was sitting with Samantha. Samantha looked positively radiant wearing a Omega Academy Sweatshirt and jeans. She actually looked positively human in her appearance.
"The colony was evaluated on its Leadership Commitment, its Training and preparation protocols, its ability to respond to an emergency and its willingness to be continuously evaluated.", Erica explained the process.
"I must say that the Phoenix Colony is very well operated. Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy and Vice President Nicole Branson have done an excellent job facing many crises in their leadership of the colony. I am certain that their commitment to the colony is not questioned or is by no means incompetent. In fact, many federation colony would be proud to have the achievements of the Phoenix Colony. Despite tragic invasions, two tragic station accidents and several changes in the role of Governor, the colony remains strong and well positioned to continue its operations.", Erica read from her note.
"Hey.", Alexander stood up.
Belvedere Brown, sitting with Captain Phillip Lexington stood up. I don't think that Paige was ready to take on the legendary Antican Marine. Alexander sat down. Phillip looked at Bell, proud of his partner.
"The colony is more than capable of providing for the basic needs of its citizens. Outstanding work by Commander Acrylos Teero has left the colony without poor, wretched or hungry despite the Antican, the Talosians and even the Tamarians arriving with absolutely nothing. Commander Teero's amazing work with industrial replicators and with the students of the Omega Academy goes beyond excellence. Now with the Revere Ship Yards building a Dervish Class for Star Fleet, his achievements are even more incredible.", Erica raised a glass and pointed to Acrylos and Felicity sitting a table nearby.
Alexander looked at Erica, "You had a job to do. This is bullshit!"
Erica looked back, "My integrity will not be questioned. The protocol is clearly defined, Captain Paige. Sit down or you will be asked to leave."
"On whose authority.", Alexander snapped.
"On mine.", Admiral Williams stood up. Alexander slowly sat down.
"I am very impressed with the Omega Academy. The establishment of the Academy was done under United Federation of Planets Guidelines and under the tutelage of then Chancellor Rear Admiral Jake Anderson. His vision remains intact today with some of the best practical facilities in the universe with the Dr. Leonard McCoy Teaching Hospital and the USS Plato's Academy. These achievements serve to demonstrate a commitment to training and practical application. The advancements in trade training should also be noted with several Omega Processing Plants engage in trades training for engineers and even practical skills like maintenance, welding, electrical and power mechanics being supported by great people like Bill Clinton, General John Wayne, General John Smith and Dr. Ro Anora. These exemplify the success of the Phoenix Colony.", Erica continued to read from her notes.
Everyone was getting antsy with only 2 more protocols to cover. It looked very promising. Erica could feel the emotion in the room. She continued.
"Emergencies are a part of life in space. From the time of the loss of the 3 Mercury Astronauts on Earth to the lose of 2 space shuttles, to Wolf 359, to the Phoenix Liberation Wars, the lose of life and equipment are a sad but real part of space exploration. One of the key evaluation points in the audit protocol is the review of the Emergency Response Plan and its action. Unfortunately, the Phoenix Colony has become all too experienced in this activity with the invasions by the Romulans, the Vulcans, the Klingons, a brutal civil war with the Tamarians and even the tragic events that occurred while I was here with the loss of Terok Beta. In each occassion, the colony has banded together and pulled out stronger. Each citizen can be extremely proud of the ability of the colony to pull through in a crisis. Let us hope that no such lessons will have to be repeated here again.", Erica continued.
"The last category is the willingness to be audited under a review protocol. Though there was some resistance in some interviews, it remains apparent that the colony is not so above being questioned that it will evaluate its performance. The colony has allowed on several occasions, its membership to be prosecuted under the United Federation Of Planets Legal System, it has held several elections when the role of Governor was not being fulfilled. The colony also allowed this process to occur.", Erica explained.
The room filled with anticipation now. Erica would be making her announcement. Nicole stood up and she and Magenta held hands. William stood up and back against the wall. Vincent looked around the room and took a big drink of the glass on his table. The colony, all their hard work lay in the balance of this announcement.
"In a detailed review of the Williams Accord, the Phoenix Federation Declaration of Independence and the Phoenix Colony Charter against the established United Federation of Planets Audit Protocol, it is the decision of the United Federation of Planets Review Board by a vote of 2 to 1 that the Phoenix Colony receive a 3 year review Certificate of Recognition.", Erica smiled looking straight at William.
Nicole turned to Magenta and gave her a huge, huge hug. She started jumping up and down. The room erupted with an energy that filled the entire colony. The events were broadcast on HUD across the colony. In William Hunt Square in Wells City, it is said that the eruption could be measured on the Richtor Scale.
In the Omega Academy, the student cheers filled every dorm and the clinking of glasses was enough to disrupt many student HUD systems. The colony was alive with the announcement.
Christine turned to Caesar. The doctor grinned, "I guess you are stuck with me."
Christine smiled, "At least for 3 more years."
BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The explosion tore Dr. Shepard right from her arms ripping through the room with a devastation that had not been seen on the colony since the Tamarian Civil War. The room was destroyed with a force so great that it literally scattered bodies through the street behind the Commune.
Christine screamed, "Caesar!! Caesar!! Where are you? Where are you?"
Vincent was on his knees. He reached up and grabbed the arm of Bobbi-Lee. He pulled it towards him only to reveal that it had been dismembered from her body. He leaned forward to see the wife of his child crushed under the massive weight of the rocks from the building structure. Vincent held her, "Oh Bobbi... Not my Bobbi."
Christine felt her arm be tugged as Phillip Lexington pulled her from the building. She looked at him, "Captain Lexington, I can't find Dr. Shepard. Please I can't find Caesar."
Bell grabbed Phillip by the arm, "God, man, you can't go back in there. You have done enough. Most of these people were saved by you. God, please don't go in."
Phillip looked at Bell, "I have to. It is my job."
Bell drug out the lifeless Caesar Shepard. Cujo and Christine knelt down beside the Antican, "Please Caesar.", she screamed.
"Dad, Please.", Cujo cried out.
The pair looked at each other while Caesar took a huge breath.
"Oh god.", Christine hugged the doctor.
Phillip drug out Nicole and Magenta laying them on the sidewalk. He turned to go back in as the Commune wall collapsed. Bell screamed and ran trying to lift the rocks of his lover, his friend and his hero. His hands were literally bloody as he tore at the rocks. It was no use. Phillip, a hero of the colony had been lost to the tragedy.
Samantha came around the edge of the building in a huge amount of dust carrying the prone body of William Hunt, "Someone has to help him. He is not breathing. Please, you have to help him. You have to."
Skye had taken a while to gather her wits but was now in triage mode. She rushed to William and gave him a shot of adrenalin. The President coughed. Samantha hugged him, "Please Dad, you have to make it. You have to. I don't what to do without you."
William looked up, "What happened?"
"No one knows as of yet, Mr. President. I am transporting you to the hospital. Hang on to this.", Skye handed William a locator and transported him straight to trauma.
The hospital was filled with the CMOs from all the ships in the King's Battlegroup plus the regular staff. Vincent arrived a few minutes later. His white uniform still covered in the blood of Bobbi-Lee.
"Status report.", Vincent demanded.
Giancarla Viceroy looked at her great uncle, "We have lost Captain Phillip Lexington, the entire bridge crew of the USS Black Dragon. We have lost Bobbi-Lee. I am so sorry."
Vincent looked around, "Where the hell is Captain Leo or Evangeline? Fu**, we need to know what happened?"
Robert came up behind Vincent, "Mary Lou is unaccounted for."
The Caitain chief of police took a deep breath, "It appears to be a terrorist attack."
"Ya think!", Vincent was furious.
"Who the hell is responsible?", Vincent shouted.
"I do not know.", Robert cried out. Everyone was in horrible pain, both physically and moreso emotionally. The great event was ruined. Ruined by this.
Posted by:
Christine T'Nley
Omega News Network
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
President William Hunt
Phoenix Federation
Vice President Nicole Branson
Phoenix Federation
Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Military Commander In Chief
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Commander Acrylos Teero
Chief Engineer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Commander T'Zohl of Vulcan
Voice of the King's Battlegroup
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Anna Baxton
Commanding Officer - CS T-Rex
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Special Guest Appearance by
Marcus Dinn
Owners of RICKS
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
