Chapter 4

Earth

Starfleet Command

Three Days Later

Terry had just beamed down to Starfleet Command at the request of Admiral Akbar and was shocked to see the transporter chief was armed.

"Is there a problem Captain Anders?" Asked the Lieutenant running the Pad.

"Yes there is. Why are you armed?" Asked Terry.

"Every Starfleet Member above Ensign is to be armed as wartime procedure." Answered the Lieutenant as he handed Terry a phaser.

"So we are defiantly going to war with the romulans then" Terry said more to himself than the Lieutenant.

"Well war has not been declared yet that I know of sir, however, the brass is taking no chances after the romulans little surprise the other day"

"I understand. What room am I to report too?" Asked Terry

"The Admiral is waiting for you in room 106. That's on the left about 300 feet down the hallway sir."

"Thanks Lieutenant" said Terry as he strolled out of the room.

As Terry walked he thought about the Enterprise. Picard's ship was going to be in dry-dock for at least 3 weeks to repair all the damage the romulans had dealt them. "Got to remember to invite Picard to my ship for dinner." Terry reminded himself as he walked into room 106. Terry was shocked to see it was dark in the room. Instinctively Terry reached for the phaser the Lieutenant had given him.

"You will not need that Captain." Said Akbar from the table. "Computer, raise lighting to 100%"

As the lights came up to 100%, Akbar said "Not bad instincts though. A good captain needs to have sharp instincts, though Luck and Skills are good to have too," he said with a chuckle.

"Sir, what is it you called me down here for?" Asked Terry.

"We are going to declare war on the romulans for their stunt." Akbar put it bluntly. "Starfleet Command wants your input."

"My input? My input would be avoiding war if possible and that's coming from me, the captain of a war machine that sent the romulans scurrying home. It's not worth a war. They will learn that Victory is not a threat for them when we spend most of our time patrolling near dominion held space." Explained Terry to the Admiral.

"Well said. I said much the same but too many people disagree. The problem is the romulans arrogance. Quite frankly, its unnerving."

"I agree. Have you spoken to the romulan ambassador yet?"

"We have. His attitude is so hostile I have considered having him deported. I have asked Picard to try softening him up. The romulans still seem to like Picard a good deal after his defeat of Shinzon of Remus."

"If you don't mind sir, I would like to return to my ship now. We have significant repairs to conduct still and I would like to have a word with Picard."

"Permission Granted. You're ordered to complete repairs and proceed at maximum warp to Deep Space 9. You will receive new orders when you arrive".

"Sir? Why Deep Space 9?"

"We want the romulans to see the Victory headed away from them. Maybe they will back off if you are seen to be running out towards Deep Space 9."

"I understand"

Terry tapped his com-badge. "Terry to Victory. Set a course for Deep Space 9. Maximum warp. Engage the moment I am back on board"

"Yes sir" came the response from his ship.

""Smooth sailing" Admiral Akbar told Terry.

"The way things have been going I doubt that," Terry muttered as he walked out of the room.