Admiral James Hatherton was in his office watching the BBC as Christine T"Nley announced that the vote was likely to split enough that Nicole Branson would be named "Minority" Governor of the Bajoran Colony of Ephyra. Hatherton was furious at the announcement.
It appeared that if Nicole would ally with Elizabeth Coren, she would be able to achieve a Majority and would be given the role of Governor outright. Recent actions involving Major D'Tall made that unlikely and this would mean that the colony would fall under an unstable government and protection of the Betazoid Omega Sands Trade was less likely than before.
Hatherton really thought the vote would be split enough that Henrietta Hatherton had a chance to become governor. This plan was now a total loss. Hatherton had to take the next logical step.
On March 5, 2392, Admiral James Hatherton declared martial law and abolished the civilian government of Ephyra. The move was like a giant step backward. This was a step towards the totalitarian government of the Cardassians. Hatherton informed the inhabitants of the colony complex to remove their personal belongings. This would become the military headquarters of Star Fleet and the Military Government of Ephyra.
Vincent Viceroy was in Paris when he heard the news. He shouted at the top of his lungs, "Who authorized this action?"
"Hatherton is within his rights to assume military command of his colony.", his aide announced.
"Within his rights. We are NOT Cardassians. We do not occupy nations, colonies or planets We are the military arm of the most successful civilian government. We represent the grand ideals of the Federation. We do not oppress. We do not suppress the rights of our citizens.", Viceroy snapped.
"Who will stand up to him. He is an Admiral. He has been declared head of the King's Fleet, the Beta Ursae force of Star Fleet. No one would step on that authority.", the aide responded.
"I will.", Vincent announced.
"But sir, you would be giving up your seat on the Joint Chiefs. You would be walking away from all this to go to a tiny colony, a long way from everyone.", the aide reminded Admiral Viceroy.
"I would be going home.", Vincent calmly responded. His words reminiscent of the legendary Admiral Tim Veltkamp who groomed so many of these fine officers in the Omega Fleet.
Vincent walked into the Star Fleet Joint Chief's Meeting in Paris, Earth. He walked to his place at the head of the table, "Great men are not measured at this table. Great men are measured by their actions when the little one needs help. When those who cannot defend themselves cry out, great men responded. I hereby resign my commission as current head of Star Fleet to assume command of the King's Fleet."
Admiral T'Ora of Vulcan stood up, "The King's Fleet already has a commander."
"James Hatherton is not a commander. James Hatherton is a usurper who sits on a throne he does not deserve.", Vincent looked sternly at the Vulcan.
"The Vulcan High Command cannot support a Star Fleet civil war in the critical Omega Sands Protected Area.", Admiral T'Ora announced.
"This will not be a civil war, this will be capture.", Vincent glared at the Vulcan.
"Hatherton has a fleet. What do you have?", T'Ora logically observed.
"We shall see who has a Fleet.", Vincent shouted and stormed from the room.
Admiral Hatherton was on the Operations Deck of Lt. Governor's Station when the lights flickered, "What the hell is that?", he wondered loudly.
Summer looked at James, "It appears to be some sort of pulse weapon."
"Fired from what?", Hatherton demanded.
Dawn walked up to the Admiral, "Fired from the USS Quasar Quest."
"Captain Warren, you have committed an act of mutiny, you are ordered to stand down!", Hatherton shouted on all channels.
John grinned as his image appeared on the viewer, "Admiral James Hatherton, your authority as Head of the King's Fleet is hereby revoked as Task Force Commander, I formally announce my support for Admiral Vincent Viceroy and the civilian government of new Governor Nicole Branson."
"All shps are ordered to engage the USS Quasar Quest. This ship is considered in an act of mutiny and is considered the enemy. Furthermore, the ship that scores the kill shot of the Quest will be named Flag Ship of the King's Fleet and its commanding officer will be awarded the rank of Commodore and Task Force Commander.", Hatherton shouted.
The IRW Princess Diana engaged on an attack vector. Summer turned to Hatherton, "The Diana is engaging the Quest."
Hatherton started to laugh, "Your little rebellion is over, John. You will hang for this one."
"This is Commander Saehir Maerus of the IRW Diana, it is my honor to present the head of the King's Fleet, Admiral Vincent Viceroy. You will stand down or the Diana will engage the station.", Maerus announced.
Summer looked at James, "Admiral, the station is yours. I am beaming to the surface."
"If you abandon your post, you will be stripped of your rank and privileges.", Hatherton snapped.
Summer looked at James, "I will stand with Commodore Tan before I will stand with you."
Hatherton looked around at the young officers who remained on the station. They did not have the position or privilege to leave. He finally gave the order, "Fire at will!"
Dawn looked at Hatherton, "This is my station. I will not fire on the Quest."
"Listen, Donkey! You will do as you are told or you too will be stripped of your rights and privileges.", Hatherton growled.
Dawn looked at Summer, "One more to beam down."
John looked at Tania, "There are two Bajorans on the bridge of the William. Inform Captain S'Nii to allow the Bajorans to engage the station. This is a Bajoran colony, they deserve this victory."
On March 5, 2392, the USS William V under Captain S'Nii of Vulcan and with First Lieutenant Nikara Nerah on the Tactical Station successful engaged Lt. Governor's Station and Commander Lindsay Viceroy, First Officer of the William captured rebel James Hatherton and proclaimed the Hatherton occupation at an end.
On March 5, 2392, Admiral Vincent Viceroy assumed command of the King's Fleet and announced the acceptance of the civilian vote proclaiming Nicole Branson as minority governor of Ephyra.
This is a great victory. This is about setting things right...
Posted by:
Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Commander in Chief
King's Fleet
Based on a request from
Commander T'Zohl of Vulcan
Flight Commander - USS Quasar Quest
Ephyra Colony
King's Fleeet
to put things right in the King's Fleet
And on a request from
Governor Nicole Branson
Ephyra Colony
King's Fleet
To be restored to the role of Governor
