A/N Thanks to donsamb, EroSlackerMicha, and AnonymCzZ for their reviews. I do have to give a special note to AnonymCzZ for comparing me to Gammara. Her stories were the reason I got hooked on fan fiction. I have reread them many times.
The next morning, as they had discussed, Trip and Natalie attempted to contact Archer. To their surprise they got a recorded Starfleet message saying that Captain Archer could no longer be reached at that number.
They next contacted Enterprise but only a skeleton crew was on board and they stated they could not reach Archer.
Now, wondering what the hell was going on, Trip called Hoshi.
When she answered, Trip wasted no time, "Hoshi, do you know what is going on? I am trying to reach the Captain but it's like he is hiding out or something."
"I don't know Trip, there are rumors flying everywhere. Everything from Enterprise being taken away from him to him resigning from Starfleet. All I know is it seems like it has something to do with the big meetings going on at Starfleet."
Trip looked at Natalie who had been listening and figured he looked about as shocked and in the dark as she was. "Well, if you hear anything more, or if he contacts you, let me know. I really need to speak to him."
"Okay, Trip. I am sure none of it is true. I think I will check around too."
"Wait. How about T'Pol? Maybe she knows."
"I thought of that but couldn't reach her either."
Resignedly, "Okay, I'll call you later."
Trip then tried Malcolm and Phlox, but both of them were just as much in the dark. He tried T'Pol himself but got a message similar to that when he called Archer.
Trip even tried to reach Admiral Gardner but was told he was at the conference.
He and Natalie then tried watching the news, which surprisingly did bring them some information. First, that the second day of the War conference was being held and that they still had no information on what was happening behind the closed doors. They did learn though that Archer and T'Pol had been seen entering Starfleet headquarters. There were also reports that Shran and Gral had been seen.
Trip relaxed a little. "They must want them to provide some information to the conference."
It still didn't explain the rumors or why they couldn't at least leave a message for them.
Archer finished putting on his dress uniform. He never really enjoyed wearing them, but this new one seemed even more uncomfortable. Maybe it's because what comes with it, he thought ruefully to himself. After he finished dressing, he left the room and went out into the hall, just in time to see T'Pol leaving another room. He couldn't help but stare at her. She really did look amazing in a dress uniform. "Very impressive, T'Pol."
T'Pol turned and saw him. She had always thought he looked 'Heroic' in his dress blues. The very epitome of a Starfleet officer. Then of course, there was the fact it was more tight fitting that his normal work uniform. "I could say the same for you."
Walking side by side they made their way to a room adjacent to the War room. Gral, Shran, Soval, and the others were already waiting there. After exchanging pleasantries, they sat down to wait, listening to Gral complain about everything he could think of.
Inside the War room, the same participants sat around the table. President Samuels was speaking, "As you know, today we will discuss the military situation and what plans and preparations are to be made. I will now turn the meeting over to Admiral Gardner."
Gardner nodded and rose, moving to a dais at the head of the table. An aide grabbed a PADD and handed it to him. At the same time a large screen behind him lit up showing a section of the Galaxy.
"As you know, for the past six months, military planners from all the planets have been in contact, preparing possible scenarios for the war. Their final recommendation was sent to each government and is what we will discuss and decide whether to approve today."
He turned to the screen behind him. "This is a simplistic rendition of the positions of the combatants and other important forces."
"At the top of the screen is the Romulan Empire. The rendition is intended to show the relative sizes of each entity displayed." The Romulan Empire was in Red and spread out over the entire top of the image.
Gardner went on, "The black area to the left is the Klingon Empire. As you can see, at its most northern point, it is close to the edge of the Romulan Empire."
"To the right of the image, the area colored green is the Orion Conglomerate."
"The bottom of the screen represents the Quadrant with our four planets marked in blue."
"Since the attack, one of our high priorities was to find sources of information on the Empire, and perhaps develop sources of our own. It was quite an adjustment for our various intelligence agencies to start to work together. Up to now their main function was spying on each other."
"To our surprise, we were contacted by the Klingon Empire and provided with a great deal of basic information they had accumulated on the Romulans. Apparently, they hope to play us off against each other and were trying to level the playing field a little."
"We also found that there is a listening post between the Empire and the Orions. It receives information from inside the Empire. No one knows the source. We have been able to infiltrate the area by using elements of the Rigelian Intelligence Agency. Although Rigel has proclaimed its intent to remain neutral, it also knows they could easily become a target in the future. Thus, they have agreed to help us in some discreet ways."
"It is from these sources as well as talking to traders and others who interact with the Empire that the information I will now present was obtained. I cannot say it will be completely accurate, but since we have had corroboration on most of the data from more than one source, I believe it is accurate enough to make use of it."
He paused and an aide quickly moved forward with a water bottle, he took a quick drink and obtaining another PADD, started again.
"First, I will cover the resources available to both sides. Although these are largely estimates on the Romulan side, I believe they are not far off."
"The Romulan Empire consists of around five hundred conquered planets. It is spread out over an unbelievable area of space."
He paused and said, "Perhaps I should point out a remarkable fact about them before I proceed. The Empire consists of two parts. A relatively small area around their home world is known as the Core. No outsiders are allowed to enter. Within the Core, things are what we would consider normal, Romulans interact with other species, ones that were among the first conquered. None of those species are allowed to leave their home worlds or have any contact with anyone outside the Core."
'Outside the Core, you will not see any Romulans interact face to face with anyone but the Remans."
"The Remans were the first race conquered and have become the face of the Romulan Empire. Outside the Core, the Romulans remain in their ships and control the empire with their fleet. If a personal touch is needed, say ground forces to put down a rebellion, that is the job of the Remans. As hard as it is to believe, no one we have contacted know what Romulans look like. It is hard to fathom why this is so, what secret they are trying to hide."
"Some have said it is just to maintain an air of mystery, to make them seem larger than life." He then stopped and smiled, "Some say it is just the opposite, that they are so weak or tiny that seeing them would greatly reduce one's fear of them."
"In any case, this obsession with secrecy has proven a large factor when one is in a battle with them. In order to protect their secret, damaged ships will self-destruct rather than surrender. That also may be done to avoid someone learning about how their cloaking devices work."
"Now, let's get back to our discussion of the forces on both sides. As you would imagine, it would be necessary for them to have a huge fleet to maintain order in such a vast empire. It has been estimated, that they have over 1500 starships. Of course, they are not all top of the line. Many are capable of only low warp speeds. Many of their ships have never been to their home planet. Opinions vary as to how many of their ships are equipped to engage our fleet, but most agree It would be upward of 1000 ships."
"Now, for the Alliance forces. For the purposes of what we have available, we are only including ships capable of Warp 5 or higher."
"As you all aware, Earth has only four such ships at the present. But later we will discuss what efforts will be made by each planet to increase the size of their fleets."
"The Teller fleet consists of 78 ships. The Andorian fleet is currently 87 ships strong. The Vulcan fleet has been reduced to 48 ships. The total is two hundred and seventeen ships."
"To compare the capabilities of our ships against theirs is difficult. The most accurate method is probably to compare what we know of their best ships against the best of each of our individual fleets."
"Using that method, The Teller fleet would not be as powerful as their ships. The Andorian ships would probably be comparable and the Vulcan fleet would be considered the most powerful, mainly because only the best of their ships are left." He took another drink before going on. "While Enterprise is probably equal to the Andorian fleet, our other three ships are probably slightly weaker than the Tellerite Fleet."
"Now, for the planets' plans for expanding their fleets. T'Pau has made it clear she will not be adding any ships, but has agreed to not reduce the fleet any further."
"Andoria plans to build two ships a year."
"The Teller had stopped building ships but will try to build one a year."
"On the other hand, Earth has made plans to build a ship every six months at each facility. Thanks to the efforts of an Earth businessman, Lester Warren, twelve new facilities are being built all over the Earth. They will be operational in six months. When they are ready, Earth will construct twelve ships every six months. In the meantime, current facilities will produce five ships in the first year."
"At first glance, it would appear that we will have little or no chance, being outnumbered five to one. But there are many factors that need to be considered. First of all, as I have stated, they need a large number of ship to retain control. Thus, they can only be expected to use a portion of those 1000 ships."
"Secondly, from all we can tell, the Empire is not at it's strongest. They are dealing with a number of problems."
"One of these is a fleet of ships from a planet called Bovaria. Apparently, a fleet of over two hundred ships are being used to conduct a sort of guerilla war against the Empire, striking at them at weak points. Although they do not seem to be inflicting any great harm, they do tie down a large number of ships."
"Perhaps because of the Bovarian presence, many areas of the Empire are under revolt. One of the pieces of information we received from the Klingons was that a group of planets near them had, with the help of the Bovarians, threatened to break away. The Romulans had to use one of their finest fleets to put down the uprising. They are still stuck there to maintain order."
"One piece of information that may or may not be of importance is that there has recently been a coup and a new leader has taken over. As I say, it is impossible to judge what effect if any that will have."
"The next factor in our favor is the large distance we are from the Empire. Evan traveling at Warp 7, it takes two months for the journey. This, along with our new sources of intelligence, should give us ample warning of any large attack."
"Now, normally for those battling the Romulans, that would not be of value because of their ability to cloak. As you know, we believe we have the ability to greatly reduce that advantage."
Gratl interrupted. "Yes, the device Earth reportedly has. I am sure I share the curiosity of others at this table as to how the Earth came by such a technological breakthrough."
Gardner looked at Samuels who just smiled, and said, "The device was given to then Captain Archer by a man from the future."
Gratl snorted, while Kuvack could not completely hide his surprise. Of course, Thrang had already been told that by Shran.
"Gratl spoke up. "What kind of trick is this? Time Travel is impossible. Even the Vulcans know that."
Gardner shrugged, "That is what Archer has said. He is backed up by everyone on Enterprise, including," he looked at Kuvack, "T'Pol." He went on, "He and T'Pol both claim they themselves have traveled in time.
"Also, one of the basic components that apparently enables the device to work is constructed from a compound none of our scientists have ever seen."
As he let that sink on, Gardner hurried on. "In any case, the only real thing of importance is that the device does exist. Now, thanks to the efforts of Commander Tucker and T'Pol, we have been able to find a way to duplicate the device. However, as I said, one of the most important components is a compound we have no way of obtaining. We also found no method of replacing it."
"Fortunately, there was more of the compound on the device that it needed. Not only was the compound found in the heart of the device, it had been used in other parts. Those other parts could be replaced with other compounds. Thus, we had a supply of the compound we could use for other devices. We have been able to build 41 duplicates."
Although Gratl and the others were not still sure they believed anything about Time Travel, they decided to accept what they were hearing. After all, however it happened, apparently a number of these devices existed. But Kuvack still had a question. "How can you be sure the new devices work? It is my understanding that all of the Romulan vessels were completely destroyed."
Gardner smiled broadly, "When on patrol, Enterprise discovered we have a Romulan ship apparently spying on Earth. Seeing its value and not believing we have anything to fear from it, we have been using it to test the device."
The others, less the Vulcans, couldn't help but smile themselves.
After a moment, Gardner continued, "Now, how can we put the limited ones we have to the best advantage?"
"When Minister T'Pau reduced the Vulcan battle fleet, she also began the creation of a series of science vessels. They are small, unarmed, but exceedingly fast ships, capable of reaching Warp 8."
"The plan is to deploy them to an area between half way and three-fourths of the way to the Empire. They will be outfitted with the device and be on constant patrol to detect any Romulan presence. There are currently twenty-five such ships. Four of the remaining devices will be placed on ships patrolling near our home worlds."
"The last twelve devices will be placed on selected ships, three from each planet."
Getting a nod from one of his aides, Gardner then said, "I suggest we break for lunch. Does anyone have any questions or observations at this time?"
When none were forthcoming, they all adjourned to a nearby room.
Chef also brought a meal to Archer and the others.
In a restaurant near the Headquarters, the office corps of Enterprise and Phlox were also meeting for lunch.
Malcom spoke first, "I have used all the sources I know, but what ever is going on is, nobody's talking."
Trip added, "Apparently, they are at Headquarters with Shran and Gral. I suppose they could just be going to contribute."
Hoshi shook her head, "No, there is too much of a buzz, I think something big is happening."
Travis agreed, "Maybe we're going to get our orders. It could be happening sooner than we think."
Trip had not said anything about his change of mind, waiting to talk to Archer, but now decided he should let the others know just in case they would have access to the Captain he wouldn't."
"I need to tell you something. I have changed my mind and am staying in Starfleet."
The others looked at him stunned. Malcom smiled and said, "That's great, Trip, it just wouldn't have been the same without you. We need you out there."
Hoshi, however, was not so thrilled, "What does Natalie think about this?"
"She is the one that told me I needed to go. I did tell her I won't go unless I can stay for the birth."
Phlox spoke up, "I am sure Captain Archer will find a way for that to happen. Although he understood and respected your decision, he has been very concerned about what your absence would mean."
Trip went on, "You can see why I need to talk to him. If you are going to head out, I may not be able to see him. I need you to let him know what is going on."
Travis answered, "Don't worry, Trip, we'll let him know."
They then ate lunch while discussing what the future could hold.
Everyone was back in their places in the War room, and Gardner resumed his presentation.
"Now, I will discuss how we plan to conduct the war. It is obvious we can not take the war to Romulus. Although we could perhaps emulate the Bovarians and attempt to nibble at the Empire, it would be counter productive in the long run."
"It has thus been proposed that we will plan on a war of attrition. We will defend, attempting to reject any attacks, sniping at any large fleet they send. We also hope that our ability to see them which we have strived to keep secret will give us a great advantage."
"We will hope to frustrate and thwart their attempts to invade and hopefully finally persuade them to abandon their plans. It will be a difficult role to play and will require patience, but we believe it is our only real hope."
"That is why the plan is to deploy the entire fleet at a point half way to Romulus."
"The idea is that we will thus have more time to attack the invasion fleet, to strike and retreat, hoping to weaken it and prevent it from mounting a full attack on the planets. If they should break up an invasion fleet, we would have to then do the same."
"Of course, it would be all but impossible to conduct such a war from here. The delay in communications would be disastrous not to say how removed we would be from the action."
"That is why the plan is to put the authority to fight the war to the fleet itself. While we will oversee the overall strategic plan and provide logistics, the actual conduct of the war will be handled by the commanders in the field."
While everyone pondered that, Gardner continued. "As I said, while the War Committee will be responsible for seeing that the Fleet gets what it needs and provide overall strategic planning, the actual conflict will be in the hands of a War Council. It will consist four individuals and a second in command from each planet."
"If any of the four main members of the council is killed or cannot continue, the next one will move up in the Chain of Command. The second in command will replace the fallen commander but will drop to the last position in the chain."
Kuvack spoke up. "As you know, the information we received did not contain the names of the members of the War Council. I of course know who we recommended but when will we know who is involved?"
In answer, Gardner signaled to an aide, who opened a door to another room and eight individuals came through and stood near the desk.
Gardner said, "I present the War Council."
"Fourth in command will be Ambassador Gral, who is assuming his former ranking of Viscount. His second in command will be Captain Frag who will command the Tellerite flagship Norvan."
"Third in command will be Ambassador Soval, who will also serve as Liaison for any negotiations we eventually have with the Romulans, His second in command will be Captain Sopek of the Vulcan flagship Charon."
"Second in Command will be newly promoted General Shran. His second in command will be Commander Brahn who will command the Andorian Flagship Torgan."
"And last, The Supreme Commander of the Alliance fleet will be newly promoted Admiral Jonathan Archer. His second in command will be newly promoted Captain T'Pol, who will command the Earth flagship, Enterprise."
