John contacted the Federation Complex. Vincent was no where to be found. Nicole walked out of the back and into the war room, "Branson here."
"Nicole, It's Warren. Paige and the Astronauts are inching forward. Captain Paige insists that the Phoenix Colony return Colonel Goddard immediately.", John spoke firmly.
"Inform the Captain that the Phoenix Colony is not in possession of Colonel Goddard. He is with the Klingons.", Nicole snapped back.
"They believe that the Klingons are being used as a ploy by the Phoenix Federation to keep Colonel Goddard as a statement about being in the Beta Quadrant.", John explained.
"I am coming up there.", Nicole snapped.
"Do you think that is wise, ma'am? You are the only representative of the Phoenix Federation in the Typhon Expanse. You could be killed.", John warned.
"We cannot stand down on this, John or the United Federation of Planets will feel as though they can push us around. We have a charter. We have a legitimate right to exist... and dammit, Colonel Goddard WAS in Phoenix Federation territory.", Nicole growled.
John liked to see her fired up, "New lady friend?"
"None of your business.", Nicole snapped.
Nicole headed for Governor's Tower. Two guards were out front.
"What's the problem?", Nicole snapped, still furious over the actions of Alexander Paige.
"The Elevator is down, Ma'am. The Federation Battlegroup is interfering in transporter signals. We cannot risk it.", the guard responded.
"On whose authority?", Nicole asked.
"Colonel Belvedere Brown.", the guard responded.
Now Bell, Nicole respected.
Nicole tapped her combadge, "Elora, send me a shuttle."
"The Tongue is unavailable, Ma'am.", Elora responded promptly.
"Why?", Nicole could not believe all these roadblocks. She just wanted to get up to the station.
"Geyn Cheko and Caitlin Wu are at the resort with Marcus Dinn.", Elora explained.
"What? We got a freakin' blockade and they are off courting.", Nicole actually laughed at her own statement. She was sitting on her stoop with Eden Laree last night... during the blockade.
"Have Summer send another shuttle.", Nicole requested.
Anna was so nervous. Her first assignment on the colony EVER was to fly the Vice President of the Phoenix Federation to Governor's Station.
Nicole ducked her head as she entered the shuttle.
"Vice President Branson?", Anna asked.
"Nicole, please.", Nicole responded.
"Lieutenant Anna Marie Baxton.", Anna responded.
"To Governor's Station, Lieutenant.", Nicole ordered.
"Yes, Ma'am.", Anna responded.
"Have you been briefed on the situation, Ms. Baxton?", Nicole asked.
"Nope, just arrived today.", Anna responded.
"Stay very clear of the blockade, Ms. Baxton. I don't want the shuttle to be shot at.", Nicole warned.
"I have done this before.", Anna retorted hating to be told how to fly by the politician.
"I will have Commander Summer Vasa, the Operations Commander of the Station bring you up to speed.", Nicole suggested.
"Thank you, Ma'am.", Anna responded.
"Shuttle Baxton, this is Commander Summer Vasa of Governor's Station. We are taking control on my mark... Now.", Summer informed Anna.
Anna felt a jolt as the Station Ops took control of the shuttle and put it in the docking bay. Anna got out, followed closely by Nicole.
"Safe and sound, I see.", the portly Hierarchy Clanner Commodore Tan came out of the opening door.
"Commodore. Yes. The young pilot did a masterful job. An excellent choice on your part.", Nicole smiled, shaking his hand.
"Not on my part. She chose us.", Tan smiled at Anna.
"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant.", the Commodore saluted.
Anna returned the salute.
Summer walked into the bay, "A complete service check is required, Lieutenant."
Commander Vasa handed Anna a PADD.
Summer looked at Nicole, "I heard about Magenta. How awful."
Nicole shrugged, "These things happen."
"Do you have an update?", Nicole asked.
"Captain Paige and the Astronauts Battlegroup are rattling their sabres a bit for sure. The 4 ships have moved very close to the battle line.", Summer explained.
"Have you spoke to T'Loridel?", Nicole asked.
"Yes. The battlegroup is acting alone. Paige would like to end this quickly.", Summer explained, "The battlegroup has only a standing order from Star Fleet to hold their ground."
"Have you heard from Kabarann? Are the Klingons willing to budge?", Nicole asked.
"No. Unless Goddard will admit he attacked the House of M'Payel colony, the Klingons will not return him. Casey is threatening to take him back to Klingon to stand trial there.", Summer frowned.
"Dammit.", Nicole shook her head.
"Anna, I need to get to the USS Quasar Quest. Are you ready to fly into the blockade?", Nicole looked at the young pilot. She hated putting her in danger right away.
"I can.", Baxton responded.
"Good luck.", Summer looked at Nicole.
"Get a hold of "Honey", tell her to convince Casey to send Goddard back. Please.", Nicole requested.
"I will.", Summer responded.
Posted by:
Nicole Branson
Vice President
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Commander T'Zohl of Vulcan
Executive Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Introducing
Lt. Anna Baxton
Station Support Staff
Governor's Station
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
