In 2386, William Hunt and his Phoenix Fleet demonstrated that a small fleet could have huge influence almost single handedly leading the charge against the Vulcan Empire of V'Ros. The 2 year war fought on behalf of the United Federation of Planets during an especially weak time for Starfleet led to the formation of the Phoenix Federation and the expansion of the United Federation of Planets into the Beta Quadrant.
The influential Phoenix Colony was born out of this victory and would help revolutionize colonization including industrial replicators, orbiting stations and support fleets. Colonies since 2388 have followed the President William Hunt and Governor Nicole Branson model.
Starfleet had another option rather than using the forces of the superpower to influence universal politics. The Betazoid Alliance is another example. Under Admiral Alexander Laree and Admiral Illyan Coren, the Alliance was influential in destroying the remnants of the Empire and establishing its own protected zone in the Beta Zeta Sector of the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet helped arm the Alliance but has since has had much difficulty controlling them. With the regional power, the planet Betazed often using the Black Orchid Task Force to controls its colonies.
One success; one failure. Starfleet and the King's Fleet have had both relationships. When Vincent and Gavin Viceroy built the first Governor's Station near Izar in the Beta Zeta sector, Starfleet was very supportive and used Admiral Viceroy and his bother to help expand the Starfleet relationship with the Betazed colonies. It was Vincent who introduced Illyan and Alexander to the functionality of Starfleet structure. A structure still used by the Betazoid Alliance to this day. Vincent and Illyan were such friends in the late 2370s and early 2380s. Those days seem so long ago.
Preeminent superpowers have often armed regional powers to achieve their goals. From the time of the Romans on Earth or the Iconians predating the Federation, the superpower will provide weapons and support for the regional power in exchange for assistance in achieving a common goal.
Admiral V'Roi was brought in to reestablish order and structure to Starfleet after a year under Viceroy and two part years under Tan and Deveniss. He was a Vulcan and his presence in the position of Commander in Chief was set to help reestablish relations with the Vulcans hampered very badly by Empire of V'Ros. Starfleet had accepted praise for the success of the Branson Bissect even though it was a King's Fleet mission flown by a Romulan in Commander Saehir Marrus. The return of Vulcan to its original home had helped repair the relationship with the Vulcans and with the appointment of Admiral V'Roi it was complete.
V'Roi started out with a hatred towards the King's Fleet but after learning of the work done by Admiral Viceroy both within Starfleet as Commander in Chief and without as the King's Fleet Commander in Chief, V'Roi has grown more respectful of the great man. With the assignment of V'Larii and V'Ohlet to the Luaxana Troi Institute, the relationship was also better solidified. Ancient powers used to do this and it is funny how history repeats itself.
When Admiral Grigor Focal and the Betazoid Alliance Military took First Corinthian's from Admiral Alexander Laree in a shocking and bloodless coup. Focal immediately established a military government on Betazed and Darona and promised to establish a similar government on Medara. Focal re-declared the Betazoid Alliance independence from the Federation and ordered all BAS support vessels into the Beta Zeta sector. Focal was picking a fight with the Federation.
Starfleet, the military and exploration arm of the United Federation of Planets, has more than 80000 vessels working in all four sectors of the known universe, will not be provoked into a all out war with the Alliance. Starfleet has many Betazoid officers and friends within and without the Alliance.
Admiral V'Roi came to Vincent and offered any and all support if the King's Fleet would attempt to retake the station. V'Roi also offered another ship for the King's Fleet charter if the coup was stopped without Federation or Starfleet involvement.
Vincent went to Deveniss, Tan and John to ask their opinion. Admiral Tan agreed on condition that if King's Fleet forces occupy the station, they be permitted to maintain a King's Fleet observer as part of the surrender agreement. Deveniss also supported Admiral Viceroy. John reminded Vincent of the advancements in the BAS Black Orchid, the sleek design of the new vessel makes it a worthy and powerful advisary. The supporting vessels were also built by the Federation including 15 Sovereigns and 11 Ambassador Class Vessels. This will be against a smaller King's Fleet force.
Vincent smiled, "I guess we will see if the old bird can still fly."
John did not find it funny, "T'Zohl better be ready with the Fighter Squadron. the Ambassadors are for them."
"The Kitsune will have to come out of hiding. McKnight has to be with us.", John snapped.
"She does not work for us but I am hopeful, the USS Kitsune will support the fighters.", Viceroy almost tried to convince himself.
"We will need Marines in the station and we have to pray that the Pigs in Space will support us. If they do not, the landing is a suicide mission.", Deveniss looked at Vincent.
"I have spoken to General Brown. We will begin with the Dragons. The Providence will deliver Tanus and his unit. The fight from the inside will begin under his command.", Viceroy looked at Deveniss as General Brown joined the command staff on queue.
'The Providence has launched Admiral.", Belvedere announced, "The mission is a go."
"John, some of the Black Orchid Task Force will have to betray Focal and side with us, if we are going to have success. Check before you fire.", Vincent ordered his task force commander.
"Aye, Admiral. The Quest will serve as necessary.", Captain Warren smiled. He was going back to work. In his mind, this is where he was most useful.
"God speed!", Vincent saluted.
He looked around the room. The tiny King's Fleet was about to engage a much large enemy. This was going to be an interesting time.
Operation Black Orchid has begun.
Posted by:
Nicole Branson
Governor
Medara
King's Fleet
Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Commander in Chief
King's Fleet
