Christine looked at Admiral T'Ora as she walked into the Conference Room. She could see the look on her face. It was not a good one. She knew that the head of Starfleet was not here for a social call.
General Ro Anora came walking in with Colonel Acrylos Teero. Admiral Vincent Viceroy looked over at the legendary Engineer sitting with the Bajoran Republic. Vincent was not amuzed.
Vincent looked at the aged Vulcan, "Let's get this over with."
"Relax, Admiral. Your history with Starfleet demands a little decorum. We will follow the protocols as assigned.", Admiral T'Ora showed her Vulcan side.
Vincent looked at General Ro and frowned as the Bajoran stood up, "About one year ago, the colony of Ephyra welcomed the refugees from the Phoenix Colony with open arms. We believed that Admiral Viceroy, Governor Branson and the refugees would add to our culture, our history and our prominence in the Alpha Quadrant. In the beginning, the relationship was amazing. Colonel Teero and Governor Branson took a stagnant colony and built an amazing school, invited other great races and brought a tremendous amount of interest to the colony. A wonderous station was built, first Lt. Governor's followed by others. The colony would soon gain access to the Omega Sands and the powerful Omega Enriched Dilithium. The colony's prominence grew and grew. For this, we are grateful."
Vincent shook his head. Anora was right. Who the hell had heard of the Bajoran Colony of Ephyra. He and Nicole had brought this colony to prominence. He and the King's Fleet brought this colony into the limelight.
Anora looked at Christine T'Nley and then looked over at the Governor's box, "The colony has not been without problems. The colony has been lost to the Cardassian Union on a couple of occasions. The colony has been unable to protect Bajoran citizens from the Cardassians. This was the primary mandate assigned to the King's Fleet."
Vincent looked at Anora, "I did not see the Bajoran Republic stand up to defend its citizens. It was people like John Warren, Belvedere Brown and Tanus of Gorn who fought for the Bajorans."
"You are out of order!", Admiral T'Ora announced.
"I can see where this is going.", Vincent glared at the Vulcan.
"It is the request of Bajoran Republic that the colony charter issued to Governor Nicole Branson and her civilian government be revoked and the protection agreement with the King's Fleet be abolished.", General Ro finally got to the point.
"Its about god damn time.", Christine blurted out.
Nicole turned to the Vulcan-Romulan hybrid. If looks could kill!
"The charges have now been read.", Admiral T'Ora looked at Admiral Viceroy.
"What the hell is this bullsh**!?!", Captain John Warren stood up in the conference room.
"The King's Fleet, its leadership and the civilian government withheld power from the citizens of Ephyra in violation of the order to protect the Garden of Bajor violating the protection orders of the colony charter. This violation is ground for expulsion. The Bajoran Republic has requested a formal vote on the expulsion to be held here in the colony complex.", General Ro announced.
"The vote will determine the future governance and protection of Ephyra.", Admiral T'Ora looked at Warren.
"Sit down, Captain. You have no right to speak here.", T'Ora continued.
John looked at Vincent and then at Admiral T'Ora, "This is a joke!!"
Vincent put his finger to his lips, motioning to John to shhhh. John had seen this before. He has been court martialed on a couple of occasions.
Admiral T'Ora looked at General Ro Anora, "This is your hearing, General. The first vote is yours."
"On behalf of the Bajoran Fleet, we vote for yes for expulsion.", Anora looked at Admiral T'Ora and then over at Admiral Viceroy.
T'Ora looked at the group, "One for expulsion."
"Admiral Coren, the floor is yours.", Admiral T'Ora looked at the Betazoid.
This was a very interesting vote. With the often bitter relationhip between Elizabeth Coren and Nicole Branson, the vote could be very intriguing.
Illyan stood up, "With sincere thanks to Admiral Viceroy and to Governor Branson for access to and the trading relationship around the Omega Sands, the Betazoid Alliance is very proud to announce their support for Admiral Vincent Viceroy, the King's Fleet and Governor Nicole Branson. We are very proud of our association."
Nicole actually started clapping. It was an awesome site. The conference room erupted in support. There was a lot of clapping amongst the uniformed staff present.
"Admiral T'tan, please issue your vote on behalf of the Vulcan High Command.", Admiral T'Ora announced.
"This is such crap. She is in your hip pocket!", Vincent snapped at Admiral T'Ora.
Admiral T'tan looked at Vincent, "Logic dictates that I vote in accordance with the law and not in accordance with loyalty or friendship. These emotions are not a problem for me. I would first like to acknowledge the brilliant career of Admiral Vincent Viceroy having served the King's Fleet, served Star Fleet and served here on the colony of Ephyra. Admiral Viceroy is a great man who has done great things."
"However...", Admiral T'tan brought the crowd to attention, "The withholding of power from the citizens of Ephyra is a violation of the charter. This violation is punishable by expulsion. The Vulcan High Command supports the rule of law and therefore votes yes."
"The vote is now two to one.", Admiral T'Ora announced.
"In accordance with the rule of logic, I will obstain from voting. Unlike the explanation of Admiral Viceroy, the office of the Head of Starfleet will not tarnish its legendary reputation by serving as the deciding vote. This vote will fall to Colonel Acrylos Teero representing the citizens of Ephyra.', Admiral T'Ora announced.
Vincent looked at Acrylos and smiled. He turned to Nicole, "Tie goes to the runner." quoting the famous baseball line.
Nicole did not get it but the rule is simple. Should the vote end in a tie, the charges are stayed.
Vincent sat down awaiting the vote of the Bajoran Colonel who had served on the Omega Colony, for many years aboard the USS / CGV Tanmesad.
Colonel Teero stood up and looked over at Branson and Viceroy. He had been a prominent supporter of both for many long years. He then looked at General Ro Anora. Anora had been with the entire group as well.
"There is little doubt that the citizens of Ephyra have benefitted by an association with the King's Fleet and Governor Nicole Branson and the refugees from the Phoenix Colony. The great cities built here are in tribute to the fine ambassadorial work and creativity of Nicole Branson.", Acrylos tipped his head to Nicole.
"There is little doubt that the colony would remained occupied by Legate Anwar and his rebuilding Cardassian Union had it not been for the King's Fleet. These are the facts.", Acrylos explained.
Vincent smiled. Nicole put her hand in his.
"There is one addition fact.", Acrylos looked at the group.
A huge hush fell across the room. Suddenly, a strange feeling fell about the entire colony.
"Bajorans were kept in the cold or heated by poor and inefficient steam while the ships of the King's Fleet began to patrol and even to deliver dilithium to Betazed and Governor's Station. This is a clear violation of the charter given to the civilian government of Nicole Branson and the protection order issued to the vessels of the King's Fleet. The penalty for such a violation is clearly spelled out in the verbage of the charter. It is my unfortunate duty to the Bajoran Republic and the army that protects her to announce my vote for expulsion.", Acrylos looked at the floor.
"What!?!", Nicole blurted out.
"Admiral Vincent Viceroy is hereby ordered to surrender command of all his vessels to the office of the Head of Starfleet. Admiral Vincent Viceroy is hereby ordered to return to Earth to await reassignment. Governor Branson is hereby stripped of the title of Governor and as a civilian on the colony of Ephyra as a refugee is hereby ordered to return to Earth. We wish you well in your future endeavours.", Admiral T'Ora read the sentence outloud.
"All ships in the King's Fleet protecting the colony of Ephyra are hereby ordered to stand down and head for Starbase 756 for reassignment.", Admiral T'Ora announced on all channels.
Vincent took a deep breath and walked outside. As he walked outside, almost as if it was timed, systems across the colony that he and Nicole built started to come back online. Nicole looked at Vincent, "What are we going to do now?"
Vincent put his arm on her shoulder, "I don't know sweetie. I just don't know."
Posted by:
Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Starfleet Officer in Waiting
Paris, Earth
Nicole Branson
Expelled Refugee of Ephyra Colony
Paris, Earth
Special Guest Appearance by
Christine T'Nley
BBC Reporter
Ephyra Colony
Bajoran Republic
With sincere thanks to
Colonel Acrylos Teero
Chief Engineer
Ephyra Colony
Bajoran Repubic
