Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, nor do I own any of the characters used in the story, unless they are my creation. Paramount and CBS own all things Star Trek.

Author's note: Thanks for the reviews and follows. My apologies for not getting back to this story sooner; work, my master's degree work, and life really got in the way. There was a question about when this era is, and it is in the movie era, approximate Earth year, 2285, the same year as Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. Another question came about...what happened to V'ger? Well, it went the same way as the movie. See my previous story, Star Trek - New Federation - An Augmented Future, Chapter 4. I didn't put too much thought behind it. Kirk intercepted it. Decker decided to 'evolve' with it. Still, the difference I didn't talk about was that the Enterprise never experienced the movie's engine difficulties. With Augment influence in Starfleet at that time, the probe was analyzed quicker due to one of the 20th-century Augments recognizing it as part of NASA. Thanks to Knight121198 for the catch.

Chapter 3

- San Francisco, Earth - 0500 HRS, PST -

As the Admirals and Generals filed into the secure conference room, Fleet Admiral Nogura headed to the table's top. The aging admiral was looking quite well, thanks to some of the medical enhancements that had come about in the last few years. He was a spry admiral of about 80 something.

He sat down and looked around at the assembled flag officers. "As of 0430 hours, we have been tracking an invading Romulan fleet coming across the Neutral zone. Apparent strength is about over 1000 ships and counting because we are having a significantly hard time tracking them while cloaked.

"Our sensors have determined that their projected target is for Vulcan and the core worlds." he said, "if you look at your holo-screens, you'll note they have moved across Sector 23 at Warp 8, and their estimated arrival in the Vulcanian system is three days."

"I have requested an emergency session with the Federation Council today at 1000 hours to appraise them of the situation. My prediction is that they may declare war on the Romulans; however, the Federation Diplomatic has been working around the clock to establish a dialogue with their government about these actions. So far...nothing. I fear we may be headed into another war."

General Taylor, now promoted to a 4-star as the Fed Army Chief of Staff, spoke up, "Sir, I have the 1st Army Division and 2nd Division mobilizing right now. I have the 1st headed to Vulcan for planetary counter-invasion operations if the Romulans make it far into Federation space. The 2nd is going to be available for backing up the 1st or be available just outside the system for any other planetary target not yet identified."

Nogura looked at said, "Affirm, general. I hope it won't come to fighting on Vulcan, but if it does, I want to be prepared."

Before anyone else spoke, Nogura looked at Kirk, "Do you have anything, Jim?"

Kirk looked up, "Sir, I have a science vessel in the Beta Quadrant that has made a significant discovery that requires some more protection than they can handle."

"What type of discovery? With the invasion occurring, I don't think we have the resources to task a Starfleet vessel in that area…"

"Sir," Kirk interrupted, "what do you know of the Iconians?"

Before Nogura replied, Admiral Mendez responded, "Jim, you can't be serious. My apologies, Admiral," looking to Nogura, "I'm not trying to turn this into an archeology discussion, but if it's true, then the Iconians had some of the most advanced technology in the known galaxy. They disappeared over 200,000 years ago without a trace. Federation scientists have been searching for their artifacts for quite some time. I would think that we may owe them a bit more protection."

Admiral Nogura looked to Kirk, "What do you do have there currently?"

"I have the Excelsior on the station who made the initial discovery. They discovered what they're initially calling a 'gateway' or 'wormhole' of immense power. I have already authorized the Potemkin and Bon Homme Richard to make the best speed to his location. Captain Sulu has one Marine platoon on the ground for defense, but it would be nice to obtain another Marine company or Fed Army company for additional security."

Nogura looked over to Admiral Mendez, not Chief of Naval Operations, for the answer, "What can we spare, Jose?"

"Well," he looked at his screen, "I can task the battleship Yorktown, with its Marine Company for support at this time. It is the nearest vessel to the Excelsior. It can be there in two days."

Nogura agreed, "Do it." He looked to Kirk, "Until we determine the scope of the Romulan invasion effort, I don't see us moving anything else at the moment."

"Thanks for that, sir. I'm sure, with a battleship in the area, it will help," he looked to Mendez, "Thank you, Jose."

"No problem, Jim. Over the next few days, I'll see what I can do. I don't like the idea of that type of technology falling into the Romulan's hands, or anyone else for that matter."

Nogura looked out among the officers, "Gentlemen and ladies, I don't have to emphasize that we must stop the Romulans before they reach Vulcan and the other core worlds. If anyone else doesn't have any questions or comments, I move to adjourn this meeting. Execute your battle plans, and I will be going to the Federation Council to report on this event. Keep me apprised of all activities and progress."

The assembled group broke up and headed out of the conference room. As Kirk was heading towards the door, the Marine Commandant, General William Casey, the grandson of the first General George Casey from the 22nd-century MACOs, motioned for him to stop as he came over, "Admiral Kirk," he began, "If I could get you more marines, I would. It's a question of logistics."

Kirk smiled, "No problem, General. Call me, Jim, if you like. I think the complement from the Yorktown should be enough for the time being. I hope the Romulans don't get wind of our project there and send more ships that way. I'd hate to destroy that technology before we understand it."

Casey replied, "Agreed, Jim, "he said, "Keep me informed and if you need more, let me know. I'm sure Admiral Mendez can do that when he can. His priority is to get the Romulan invasion repelled."

Kirk nodded, "Yes, that's the plan. Again, Bill. Keep in touch." They shook hands and left for their respective offices.

As Kirk made his way down Starfleet headquarters, he kept his emotions in check and nodded to various passersby. Finally reaching his office, his aide, a Vulcan by the name of Lieutenant Commander T'Pran, stood up behind her desk. "Greetings and good morning, admiral."

"T'Pran, good morning. Messages?" he asked.

"Several, admiral. I have prioritized them according to urgency but have made them all available on your PADD. If you desire to move any appointments today due to the emergency, I can do that immediately."

As he looked at his appointments on his PADD, he shook his head, "No...let's keep what we got. If it comes to that, we can cancel anything further if need be; however, any communication from Captain Sulu or the Excelsior is a priority at all times."

"As you wish, Admiral," T'Pran replied. Kirk smiled and headed into his office, and the doors slid closed behind him.

T'Pran sat back down and continued her work.

- Federation Space -

As the Romulan fleet entered Federation space, many of the Starfleet defending vessels were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of enemy ships. Despite the more advanced technology of the Federation, the Romulans pressed their numerical advantages to overwhelm Starfleet defenses. As the initial front lines of the invasion fell back against the onslaught, the Romulans were able to make huge advances inwards into the Federation core worlds, Vulcan being only 20 hours away from the initial front lines Romulans top warp speed.

On Earth and at Starbase 1, the news of the failure of the initial defense by Starfleet to halt the Romulan's advance reached Starfleet command the Federation government. This resulted in Starfleet issuing a quadrant-wide yellow alert mobilizing ships from other sectors to bolster Vulcan's border defenses.

Some of the newer dreadnoughts that had been developed were fast deployed to hold the line and to deploy the latest in minefields in an attempt to prevent them from entering Vulcan orbit.

The movement of the Federation's First Army was deployed to Vulcan to prepare land defenses and supplement the Marines should they attempt a planetary invasion.

At the Federation council meeting, the Federation president was approached by an aide during the middle of his speech and was given a PADD with the invasion status on it. He read it and looked again at the assembled council members.

"It has come to my attention that initial efforts to slow the Romulan advance have failed. According to the latest information, they are now 20 hours from Vulcan orbit." he looked around at the stunned faces.

"I am invoking Chapter VII, Article 45 of the Federation Charter for all capable member planets to provide additional armed forces to the defense of Vulcan and our member worlds within the Alpha Quadrant. Should the Romulans obtain a foothold on Vulcan, the overwhelming force will be required to dislodge them and push them back into their territory. Those military member planets providing such assistance are to be placed under Starfleet's command for the duration of this emergency. Planetary land forces will be placed under the regional commanding general of the Federation Army commander on Vulcan."

At the news of this declaration, there was an uproar in the chamber, but the President signaled for quiet…" Fellow members, the situation is dire. There is a need for haste, at least for the defense of Vulcan. Any follow on actions of force will be evaluated based on the fluid situation."

"Now is not the time for discourse and disagreement. Today we show the galaxy that the Federation can defend itself."

Yet, many of the Federation members were shocked but defiant. The president called for quiet again. "Gentle Beings, unfortunately, the Romulans have forced our hand, and the time for diplomacy has passed. If a diplomatic solution could be achieved, this government would be pursuing it. Still, the last two days have shown that talking is not on the table."

- Gargarin Republic -

On the com screen, the Gargain Ambassador, former Vice President James Moore, was briefing Minister Khan on the developments of the council meeting and the progress of the invasion, "Minister, the council has finished its deliberations and has issued a state of declared war against the Romulan Empire. Also, the President invoked Chapter VII, Chapter 45 about additional military forces among members."

"Ah, so, the Romulans have come. We shall see what kind of warriors they are," Khan said. "Do you have information on who to contact about this military force enhancement?" he asked.

"Sir, forces will be put under the operational control of Starfleet. Admiral Nogura is the main contact point, but the command has sent out instructions via subspace to all the member planet governments on the specifics. You should have received them by now." He answered.

"Gargarin hasn't…"-he was interrupted by the signal on his desk console. His aide spoke over the comm, "Apologies, milord, for interrupting your communication. Starfleet Headquarters has sent a highly confidential message for your eyes only."

"No problem, Micah. Please send the information to my system."

"At once, milord."

As the message was coming through, he looked back to Ambassador Moore on the screen, "Ambassador, please excuse me, I have just received what we're talking about. I'll let you go and start the preparation here. Please keep me informed about any other changes or developments from the council."

"Yes, milord, Moore, out." with that, the communication clicked off, and Khan went to read the decrypted files.

TBC