"Someone you know is in danger.", Orchid looked at Nicole as she walked into the War Room.
Nicole looked at Elora, "What's going on? Where's Vincent?"
"Admiral Viceroy went to Bajor and the ISW Eagle's Talon has been engaged by the Klingons returning from Ephyra. The Klingon Special Forces have begun firing on the Talon.", Elora observed.
Commander T'Ken entered the war room, "You have to help them."
"And why would we do that?", Nicole looked at T'Ken.
"She is my mother.", T'Ken looked at Nicole.
The pair had been lovers. She could see the fear in the eyes of the Romulan. She looked at Elora.
Elora looked back, "You have the authority, Rear Admiral."
"What would Vincent do?", Nicole looked at Elora.
"Get all pissed off and then do the right thing.", Elora chuckled.
"That I can do!", Nicole looked at the board.
"What is the closest vessel?", Nicole asked, trying to replay everything she had learned from Admiral Viceroy.
"The USS Princess Diana is on patrol in the region.", Elora announced.
"And back up.", Nicole asked.
"The USS / CGV Tanmesad is returning from Cardassia Prime.", Elora explained.
"Inform Vash and Tania of our plans to intervene.", Nicole ordered.
"Are you sure, Ma'am?", Elora looked at Nicole.
"It is her mother. This is not a Romulan thing. I lost my mother to the Borg. I know that pain better than anyone. I am not going to let that happen to Commander T'Ken.", Nicole explained.
"You are good people.", Elora smiled.
"Belay any orders issued by Rear Admiral Nicole Branson.", Vice Admiral Elizabeth Coren entered the war room.
"What the hell are you doing here?", Elora glared at Elizabeth.
"Star Fleet recognizes the authority of the Betazoid Alliance in the region. I am now the senior ranking officer and I refuse to help the Romulan traitor, T'Ros.", Elizabeth announced.
"As Vice Admiral, I outrank Rear Admiral Branson and order the King's Fleet vessels to continue on their current course.", Elizabeth announced.
"What the hell does that mean?", Elizabeth glared at the HUD as the Diana and Tanmesad moved on an intercept course.
"Who gave the order?", Elizabeth screamed.
"No one from here, Vice Admiral.", Elora glared at the Betazoid Vice Admiral.
"What the hell happened?", Elizabeth screamed.
Orchid looked at Elizabeth, "I turned on the voice recorder and broadcast what was happening here to Governor's Station."
Commodore Tan came on the comm, "I gave the order, Vice Admiral. The King's Fleet does not recognize the Betazoid Authority on Governor's Station. This is a King's Fleet operation and we have ordered the intervention."
"Listen you living pile of sh**! Order them to stand down!", Elizabeth shouted.
The USS Princess Diana fired on the Klingon ship breaking it away from its assault on the Eagle's Talon. T'Ken actually started cheering.
Commander T'Ros acknowledged the rescue as the USS / CGV Tanmesad fired on the second vessel. T'Ken looked at Elizabeth, "Why my mother? Why?"
Elizabeth glared at T'Ken, "If you must know, because she knew."
"Knew what?", T'Ken demanded.
"She knew that we were involved with the Klingon attempt to take the colony. The Betazoid Alliance must be seen as benevolent in order to operate successfully in the region. You were going to find out eventually so I might as well tell you.", Elizabeth confessed.
Vice Admiral T'tan walked in to hear the confession, "Liz! Why?"
"She does this to me.", Elizabeth pointed at Nicole.
T'tan looked at Elizabeth, "You have to let this go. Branson is not the enemy."
"That is where you are wrong.", General Nerah entered the war room.
"Branson is an influence peddler. She can convince others to do as she wishes. She is not only the enemy. She is very dangerous. This is a Bajoran colony but now there is a Romulan city, an Antican Outpost and a Vulcan Academy. This is for Bajor. The Garden will not be shared.", Nerah announced.
"This is a paradise. The prophets gave it all.", Orchid interrupted.
"You cannot pretend to know the will of the prophets, Trill!", Nerah shouted.
"You cannot speak to her like that!", Nicole stepped between Orchid and Nickel.
It marked the first time she had made any gesture towards the trill.
"The Bajoran Fleet Command does not authorize the King's Fleet to pick a fight with any race in the region, is that clear!", Nerah stormed from the room.
Nicole looked at Elora, "Business as usual."
"Are you sure? Should we wait for Vincent?", Elora asked.
Nicole lifted the pips on her collar and smiled.
"On it, Ma'am!", Elora laughed.
T'Ken looked at Nicole and mouthed the words, "Thank you."
Nicole nodded. Nicole turned to Orchid, "Thank you for turning on the comm, doctor."
"I would do anything for you, Nikki.", Orchid went to back room.
Posted by:
Rear Admiral Nicole Branson
Director of Fleet Services
King's Fleet
Based on Story idea from
Commander T'Zohl of Vulcan
Voice of the King's Fleet Vessels
Ephyra Colony
King's Fleet
