The Organians – Prologue

USS SWORDFISH OFFICER'S MESS

20 YEARS AGO

"This is Jane Trulep reporting for GNN. Tensions between the Federation and the Klingon Empire have reached a breaking point. Today, the Federation Senate passed a highly controversial declaration of war that the President has also signed. This appears to be in direct response to the Klingons attacking several planets on the disputed border between the Federation and the Klingon Empire."

"In another move that seems to be a preparation for war, The Senatorial Armed Forces Committee has made the final decision to extend the Starfleet Marines indefinitely. Here is a statement from the Committee chairman, Senator Suhil from Vulcan."

Senator Suhil was standing at a podium facing the reporters. His Vulcan manner seemed to carry an extra amount of severity given the events of the last few days. "I will keep my statement short. The continuation of the Marines has been much in debate in the last few years. With the Senate declaring war, the need of having an elite combat unit specializing in boarding of enemy installations, ground operations, and close-quarters combat is an obvious need. We have decided with much controversy to keep the Marines. Thank you."

"The opposition response was given by Senator Jameson, recently appointed to the Armed forces Committee."

Senator Jameson was standing at the same podium and smiling, "Yes, my party opposes the need for the Marines. We voted against this unnecessary expense. Having the Marines around will cause battlefield commanders to consider high-risk operations that will result in many casualties. We prefer that not happen. Any battle action can be resolved by having superior firepower from a starship, after all, who is going to argue with a fully armed starship in orbit over your head?"

A reporter asked, "Senator, I understand you oppose the Raptor program?"

Jameson nodded, "Again, it is a boondoggle. We have had Raptors for years now, along with various fighters as well, and in this age of starship combat, we think that fighters and attack craft cannot be an effective battle force given how well armored starships are now. Plus, if we stopped the Marines, we would not need the Raptors to carry them, those resources could be better used to build more ships, better weapons, etc. I am afraid that we are travelling down the wrong path."

Marine 1st LT Leonaidas flipped the screen to off. Lt. JG Jacobs chuckled, "Not what you want to hear Leo?"

"That man is an idiot, Josh! Idiots like those will be the undoing of us all!"

"Perhaps you'd like to get him in a ring and beat on him some?" Jacobs needled.

"You know, sometimes things the Klingons do actually make some sense. Idiots like that would have been challenged at some point in time and ceremoniously killed."

Jacobs handed over a plate of food and chuckled, "Well, let's be glad that Senator Suhil is the head of the Committee. At least he knows what it takes to win a war."

Leonaidas exclaimed, "Mark my words, that idiot Jameson will bea thorn in the side."

"Why?"

Leonaidas started munching on his food. "Because idiots like that never go away. They gain power. Mark my words, we will be fighting him along with the Klingons. He wants your job too, Josh."

Jacobs shook his head, "Same debate happened just before WWII, the equivalent of aircraft will always be here, we've learned our lesson."

Leonaidas shook his head while he sipped his drink. "I'm not so sure Josh, history is full of repeated mistakes."

PILOT'S READY ROOM

USS MARATHON

13 YEARS AGO

Lt. Cdr Jacobs followed Captain McGonagle and the wing commander into the ready room. The room was electric with anticipation on the status of the War. Jacobs knew what the whole announcement was, and was going to watch the reactions of the various pilots.

The Captain started, "This afternoon, the Klingon Empire and the Federation agreed to an armistice. While this is not a peace treaty as such, it is an agreement, ceasing of hostilities between the Klingons and us. Well done gentlemen, we have defended the Federation. May God be with all those that we lost."

"With the armistice in place, there is an immediate call to withdraw to recognized Federation and Klingon space. We are enroute to Starbase 5 presently where we will await further orders. There is already a call for the shutting down of VF-1, 5, 20, and 22 along with VA 111,115, and 118." The pilots immediately went quiet. Jacobs looked at the shock in the collective faces. The Captain continued, "You all have done a wonderful job, in much adversity, beyond anyone's expectations. If I were king, I'd never let them go."

One of the junior pilots raised his hand. McGonagle pointed and said, "Go ahead son."

"Sir, what about us? What is going to happen to us?"

McGonagle looked at the Wing Commander and Jacobs, he said, "I think I'll let Lt. Cdr Jacobs answer this. He has done a wonderful job as the Wing's intelligence officer the last couple of years, and has become uncanny on reading the tea leaves. Josh?"

Jacobs took one step forward and looked at the collective pilots. "I have counted it a privilege serving with you, we have come from various ships and ended up on the best carrier in the fleet, the Marathon. I found it fortunate to have served with the two best Captains in the fleet, may God bless the family of Captain Aries and all the others that were lost on the Swordfish."

"Some of what I'm going to say is going to show my political bias, if that offends you, I'm sorry. Senator Jameson is part of the Starfleet oversight committee and has a lot of political pull. He has a long history of anti-Starfleet sentiment. Senator Jameson in particular has been opposed to military action against the Klingons. I believe that Senator Jameson will put pressure on Starfleet through the committee to demilitarize us."

One of the new pilots exclaimed, "He can't do that! The Klingons will come after us again!"

Jacobs nodded, "Yes they will, it depends on how fast we demilitarize. Jameson is aiming his energy now after the Marines."

Leonaidas was standing in the doorway to the hall outside with a scowl on his face. Jacobs nodded towards Leonaidas, "We have worked closely with the Marines the last few years and know their true value, unfortunately, Senator Jameson does not and his party is in control of the Committee and the Senate. This current president's term is over in a few months and depending on who the next President is, will determine the future of Starfleet."

A different pilot asked, "Worst case scenario?"

Jacobs thought a bit. The silence was stifling in the room. He finally said, "President Gornav of Tellar gets elected as President of the Federation. The Senate remains in control of his party, Senator Jameson remains on the committee and probably will eventually lead it. Marines will be first to be disbanded, probably absorbed into Starfleet as Security or Starfleet Police or something PC."

Leonaidas chimed in, "Something wimpy-woosey."

A small chuckle echoed throughout the room. Jacobs continued, "Yes, but that's how Jameson will sell this- a kinder, gentler galaxy. He will go after his next target which will be Flight Ops. Jameson has long been an advocate that in the 'modern age' of Starships, small craft are useless. Fighters will be gone, and soon the Raptors. All we will have are shuttlecraft."

"No way!"

Jacobs shook his head. "Remember what Captain McGonagle started this briefing with, the drawdown of several squadrons, it is already happening."

Silence followed. One of the younger pilots asked, "What can we do?"

Jacobs said, "Start looking for other divisions to go into. Some of the more senior pilots will be able to transfer into Command. A natural area for some of us will be Helm and Navigation. Others may be able to slide into Engineering. Some of you geeks may be able to fool the exams necessary and talk your way into the Science division." A few chuckles at that comment. "Lastly, Starfleet will be purging some of us, we will be given an honorable discharge. There are lots of opportunities outside, space lines, shuttles…"

"Sir, there will be a glut of pilots, and not enough jobs."

Jacobs nodded, "I know. There is one more possibility. There is a relatively new mining company that has started up in the Starbase 5 system. Zur Mining. They are looking for good pilots to drive the space tugs used for asteroid mining. I know a couple of their senior people and I can put in a good word for you, any of you."

"Miners?"

Jacobs shrugged, "Not really, you'd be working in a tug. From what I've heard about the owner, he is particularly safety conscious and the tugs are kept in good working condition. He also treats his workers well. It's not a great job like strafing Klingons on Donatu V, but it pays well. At the very least, it will tie you over."

All was silent for a while, McGonagle came forward and said, "Thank you Josh. As I said before, Josh has been very good at reading the tea leaves. For now, let's celebrate the peace!"

The first young pilot stood up and asked, "One more question sir!"

McGonagle nodded, the pilot continued, "You said the Klingons will come after us again, how do you know that?"

McGonagle looked at Jacobs who nodded and answered, "Because Klingons don't understand weakness. They respect strength. Klingons attack what they don't understand."

PLANET ORGANIA

8 YEARS AGO

Captain James Kirk and Klingon Governor Kur stood glaring at Ayelborne. The Organian just stopped another war between the Klingons and Federation. "I'm sorry that we've been forced to interfere gentlemen, but we can't permit you to hurt yourselves."

Kur said unbelievingly, "What are you talking about?"

The second Organian stated, "We have put a stop to your violence."

Kirk asked incrediously, "You are stopping this? You?"

"All instruments of violence now radiate a temperature of 350 degrees, they are inoperative. The same conditions exist on both Starfleets. There will be no battle." Ayelborne proclaimed.

Kirk and Kur called their ships and quickly confirmed that both fleets were effectively immobilized, they turned angrily toward the Organians. Kirk said, "What have you done?"

Ayelborne said, "As I stand here, I also stand on the Klingon home world and the home planet of the Federation. I'm going to put a stop to this insane war."

Kur furiously said, "You're what?"

Kirk said, "You just can't stop the fleet! What gives you the right?"

Kur continued, "You can't interfere! What happens in space is not your business!"

Ayelborne proclaimed, "Unless both sides agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities, all armed forces will be immediately immobilized!"

Kirk practically shouted, "We have legitimate grievances against the Klingons, they have invaded our territory, they have boasted they will take over half the galaxy!"

"And why not?! We are the stronger, you have tried to hem us in, cut off vital supplies, strangle our trade! You've been asking for war!" Kur shouted back.

"You're the ones that issued the order to withdraw from the disputed area!"

Kur shot back, "They are not disputed, they are clearly ours!"

Ayelborne said, "We have simply put a stop to all your military units. There will be no war!"

Kirk said, "Even if you have some power we don't understand, you have no right to dictate to our Federation…"

"Or our Empire!"

"How to handle their interstellar relations! We have the right…" Kirk was immediately interrupted by Ayelborne.

"To wage war? To kill millions of innocent people? To kill life on a planetary scale? Is that what you are defending Captain?"

Kirk was dumbfounded. "Well, no one wants war, but there are proper channels. People have a right to handle their own affairs." He looked dryly at Kur, "Eventually, we would…."

Ayelborne interrupted again, "Eventually you would have peace, but only after millions of people would have died. It is true that in the future you and the Klingons will become fast friends, even work together."

"Never!" Kur stated.

Ayelborne finished, "Your emotions are most discordant, you must leave."

Kur said to Kirk, "Captain, it's a trick, I have an army…"

The two Organians disappeared in two glowing balls of light. Spock stepped forward, "Fascinating, pure energy, pure thought, totally incorporeal."

"What about this planet?"

Spock surmised, "Conventionalizations I should say, useless to the Organians, they were here just for our frame of reference."

Kur asked, "Is this possible?"

Spock said, "We have seen it with our own eyes."

Kirk's mood changed, he said bemusingly to Kur, "Well, Commander, I guess that just about takes care of the war. Obviously, the Organians aren't going to let us fight."

"A shame Captain, it would have been glorious!"

EARTH

FEDERATION PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

SAME TIME

The Organian just disappeared as he appeared in the office. The ultimatum was delivered along with the treaty written on parchment. The treaty was long and complex. The President stood up. Senator Jameson happened to be in the office with some other Senators having a meeting on an unrelated subject when the Organian appeared and left the treaty behind.

Jameson pulled out his communicator and immediately started taking photos of the treaty. The President pressed his com button, "Secretary of State."

The Secretary of State's voice came over the speaker, "Yes, Mr. President?"

"We just had something incredible happen here in my office. I am directed to contact the Klingons and confirm that we have received a treaty. Contact Ambassador Gorkon of the Klingons and invite him over to my office to view this treaty. "

"Yes sir."

Jameson was reading fast. This treaty was beautiful! He had to take advantage of this now. "Mr. President, I need to inform some of my staff about this treaty. It will have to be ratified by the Senate of course."

The President nodded, "Go ahead, from what the Organian said, we have no choice. Make sure the treaty passes."

Jameson stepped out and flipped open his communicator, "Eli Gold."

Soon Gold's voice came through. "Eli here sir."

Jameson was furiously typing, "Eli, no time to explain fully. I'm sending over a treaty that will be ratified soon. Pay particular attention to page six of the treaty. Get in contact with all the companies on our planet that have to do with ship design and building. We need to fast track this now."

"I don't understand."

"ELI, call Oberth industries now, send them a copy of this treaty, get them moving so we can capitalize on this. We could have the corner on a whole class of starships. Not just shuttles or systems, but the entire ship! There may be even more provisions that we can capitalize on. I'll be back at the office in an hour and I want some results. Clear my schedule for the rest of the week."

"Very well sir. I'll get on it."

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

ONE WEEK LATER

Jacobs was sitting on the couch talking with his longtime friend Admiral McGonagle. The Admiral's aide walked in and handed over a tablet. McGonagle looked up, "Well, it's official, the treaty is ratified. We have an official peace now. I wish I felt better about it."

"I know what you mean sir." Jacobs mused. "It's not a permanent peace."

"There is no expiration on the Organian treaty."

"No, not officially. The treaty totally relies on the Organians making sure that we all play by the rules. The treaty will be ineffective if the Organians don't enforce it."

McGonagle nodded, "I agree. Well, for now, you have your new command. I'm sorry I couldn't swing a better ship."

"It's a good ship."

McGonagle shrugged, "It's an old ship, but at least you have a good man as First Officer. Troy Simmons was a heck of an Engineer, and this will be his first job as FO."

The two stood up, "Thank you sir, I'll take good care of the Wolverine."

McGonagle shook Jacobs hand, "Watch yourself Josh. I wish I could have given you a better ship, but nothing else is available."

Jacobs smiled, "A ship is a ship. It's better than a desk job, no offense sir."

McGonagle laughed, "When you are my age, a desk job is kind of nice."

STARFLEET COMMAND

EARTH

5 YEARS AGO

Admiral Nogura was the newly appointed Commander in Chief of Starfleet. He walked into the briefing room ready for his daily briefing. Nogura was relatively quiet and extremely intelligent. "What is first today?"

One of his Admirals started, "We have an incident with the Klingons. Captain James Kirk…"

Nogura said, "Of the Enterprise?"

Nogura continually surprised people with his phenomenal memory. "Yes sir, the Enterprise responded to a colonial distress call on planet Beta VII-A."

"We have no colony on Beta VII-A."

"Correct sir, but a very powerful, incorporeal being was affecting minds and matter. It made both the Klingons and the Enterprise believe there was a colony there."

Nogura nodded, "Short story."

"The entity caused the Klingon ship commanded by Kang to be evacuated. The Klingons got on the Enterprise and the being created a situation that caused them to fight each other. For an extended time."

Nogura looked at the Admirals, "No Organian intervention?"

"None. There was an extended, hand-to-hand battle that the Organians did not stop."

All were silent. Nogura said finally, "Flash message to all ships, we have our first confirmed engagement with Klingons that was not stopped by Organians, cause unknown. Exercise caution."

STARFLEET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

4 YEARS AGO

Senator Jameson was exuberant; he had been the head of the committee for less than a month and already scored a major accomplishment. Through maneuvering, the Senate had just announced construction of an entire new class of ship, the Oberth class, that fulfilled the requirements set forth by the Organian treaty for entry into the Organian system. Up to now, entering the Organian system was done by an old, stripped-down Nelson class scout ship. Jameson had convinced, coerced, and politically maneuvered that an entire class of ship was needed. He argued that the general requirements for entry into the Organian system would also be helpful to be seen as non-belligerent by new races. What this also helped Jameson with was much more political clout over this victory and the fact that the class of ship was to be constructed on yet-to-be built shipyards in orbit around his planet. This was a tremendous windfall to his constituency, and to him also.

The committee was meeting in a secure facility, behind closed doors because of security reasons. It started and Admiral Nogura came forward, "Please start Admiral."

Nogura nodded. "We have a critical development. We have an extended engagement between the Klingon Empire and the Federation."

Jameson said, "Not another sword fight Admiral?" The committee chuckled.

Nogura was not impressed, "No sir, not a sword fight. It involves the Enterprise and the Wolverine."

Jameson asked, "Wolverine?"

Nogura started, "It is a tender, currently assigned to Starbase 5. I am uploading status on both ships. We have a major engagement between them and the Klingons. I am uploading particulars to your datapads."

Nogura continued for fifteen minutes uninterrupted. The committee was silent. At the end, one of the senators asked, "What is your conclusion, Admiral?"

"The Organians either could not or would not enforce the treaty. It was almost a disaster for us, we almost lost two ships."

Jameson said, "Two ships is not a great loss."

Nogura continued, "I disagree sir. First, I take any loss seriously. Second, one of the ships is a front-line Constitution class Heavy Cruiser, an extremely important asset. Third, this was supposed to be stopped by the Organians and was not. We need to rethink the Administration's philosophy on Starfleet."

Jameson asked snidely, "You shouldn't be in the exploratory business?"

Nogura shook his head, "Starfleet should, but this committee has effectively made us weak. Weakness invites attack, particularly from Klingons. I have lobbied strongly against the Oberth class ship and I urge that we stop production immediately. It is clearly not capable of missions in deep space."

Jameson snapped, "I disagree. Space is safe. We are in a new age."

Nogura urgently said, "No sir, Space is not safe. The Oberth class ship is so weak it could be destroyed by a starship design eighty years old."

Jameson said, "Thank you admiral, The committee will now discuss this new development."

Nogura sat and listened to the debate. He kept his emotions at bay and sat impassively while the committee continued. The only thing worse than a fool was a committee of fools. Their main concern was word getting out on how unsafe space was, and that the Oberth class ship was a boondoggle. The final decision was to say, astonishing.

Jameson started, "Admiral, this committee has decided that this event will be classified code-word access only. The random codeword generator has selected 'Peanutbutter'. Any further Klingon-Federation conflict will be placed under this codeword. Absolutely nobody outside of this committee will be allowed access to this information. All crews involved are not to discuss these incidents."

Nogura shook his head. "I strongly advise against that sir. I do need to have a working group, even you all must agree that this is a potential threat to the Federation, and I need to prepare."

"Form your working group, we will approve the names you submit. We want to keep this information closely held. We do not want any leaks to the public."

USS WOLVERINE

DOCKED WITH USS NORFOLK

The Wolverine was extensively damaged and currently being repaired by the Norfolk, a portable space dock. Captain Jack Carson walked up to Jacobs and handed over a tablet. "Josh, this just came in from Starfleet Command."

Jacobs nodded and thumbed the security protocol. "Thanks, Jack. I need to get over to the Wolverine immediately."

Carson nodded.

Jacobs walked onto the bridge of the Wolverine, and stepped up to Lt JG Jareau, "JJ can you put me on PA?"

Jareau nodded, "Give me a minute sir." She got underneath the console and worked on some wiring. She came out from underneath with a microphone attached to some wires. "Don't pull on this sir, it's barely in."

Jacobs chuckled, "A jury-rig that Troy would approve?"

Jareau smiled, "I wouldn't want to embarrass him with this."

Jacobs smiled and pressed the microphone button. The sound was low-quality but understandable. "CREW OF THE WOLVERINE, THIS IS CAPTAIN JACOBS. BY ORDER OF STARFLEET COMMAND, THE RESCUE OF THE ENTERPRISE HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED UNDER CODEWORD PEANUTBUTTER. NO MENTION OF THIS TO ANYBODY IS AUTHORIZED. SO FAR, THE ONLY SUPERIORS WE ARE ALLOWED TO DISCUSS PEANUTBUTTER WITH ARE ADMIRALS MCGONAGLE AND NOGURA, NOBODY ELSE. THANK YOU."

Jareau asked, "Why did they do that?"

Jacobs shrugged, "No idea. We just need to keep our mouths shut."

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

EARTH

PRESENT DAY

Everyone sat down in their customary seats. The President started, "Thank you all for coming. What is on the agenda for this meeting at Organia?"

The Secretary of State said, "We have some grievances on trade routes and issues with the Klingons. The Klingons are arguing some points with the treaty that they consider are unfair and want some relief. Those are the main points."

Nogura spoke up, "Not all the main points."

The President nodded, "What do you have Admiral?"

Nogura said, "Everyone here is fully aware of codeword Peanutbutter and the full extent. We have more to grieve with the Klingons. Stardate 7709, several ships were simultaneously attacked by Klingons including the Excalibur. The engagements were extensive and meant to be prolonged, testing when and if the Organians would intervene. We also discovered the existence of the Black Fleet, a subset of the Klingon fleet that was carrying out the attacks."

"Stardate 7779 A Black Fleet operation to kill Kang involved a Starfleet vessel. There was an engagement between the Black Fleet ship and the Starfleet vessel. These two recent events make my working group believe that the Organians are rapidly becoming ineffective in enforcing the treaty. This needs to be addressed."

The Secretary of State said, "We disagree. You failed to mention that there is a common denominator in these two recent attacks. The Wisconsin."

The President asked, "Which ship is that?"

Secretary of State said, "It is that ship that touts the ability to fight without power. The one that Starfleet rammed down the committee a couple of years ago."

"I remember that, it's a joke of a ship, isn't it Admiral?"

"No." Nogura said flatly.

The President continued, "Sure, I remember it now. Jameson was calling it the 'Amish Starship'."

Secretary of State continued, "We think the Organians couldn't intervene because of that ship."

Nogura corrected, "There is no evidence to that. The Excalibur was attacked when the Wisconsin was light years away and the Organians did not intervene. And to further point in the error in your logic, if the Organians could not intervene because of the way the Wisconsin operates, that makes the Wisconsin definitely no joke."

The President said, "Whatever, go ahead and throw that on the agenda. We may get concessions somewhere else. When does the meeting happen?"

Secretary of State said, "Two weeks. The Ambassador will be ready to leave in a few days. Starfleet needs to provide our transportation."

The President looked at Nogura. Nogura said, "The Oberth class ship assigned is the T'Pal. They will rendezvous with their escort ship then go to Organia after that."

The President asked, "Which ship is escorting?"

Nogura said evenly, "The Wisconsin is going to be tasked. Currently they are on assignment."

Secretary of State exclaimed, "The Wisconsin! Are you trying to start a war?"

Nogura looked at the Secretary. Nogura did not change his expression, but somehow the Secretary of State felt intimidated. Nogura said, "If the Organians were as all-powerful as you hope, we have nothing to worry about."

The President asked, "And if they are not?"

Nogura said, "Then my assessment is that the Wisconsin and her crew are who we need to prevent a war."

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

Jacobs finished looking at the folder containing the briefing materials. With the current state of Starfleet's secure communications, this was about as secure as could be managed. "Admiral, when's the fix going to come to get our communications back to being secure?"

Adama shrugged, "Not soon. The solution is relatively simple, but takes a lot of time. Our experts say it's not only the communications system but all systems on your ship that need to be fixed."

"We were thinking about that as well. We could revert to the previous version."

Adama nodded, "But you need to do it with every system on board."

Jacobs pointed out, "While these supplies were being loaded, we could have done that here the last couple of days."

Adama sipped his water. "I know. The problem is more extensive. This is top secret, and you may discuss this bit of information with your immediate staff, no more. The bogus message you sent worked. We found the guy that has been in our systems. We are confident that we have the leak contained."

"Then let's fix the systems."

"Not yet. This guy is now an asset working for us. He was working for someone, probably a cutout person. We are after the top dog. This hacker is now an asset working for us and we may be having you send more messages. Also, this asset has said he has the capability of reading anything that is transmitted over Starfleet communications, not just personal messages."

Jacobs was surprised. "So, he's going to stay undercover to get to the next level up?"

Adama nodded. "That's the idea."

Jacobs asked, "What about the data breach, the erasing of the video of the President's orders?"

Adama said, "He is responsible for that too. I cannot go into detail on how he does it, but he did."

Jacobs thought about it a bit. "What about the breach of Starfleet records, specifically mine? Kang reciting my family tree for seven generations is a pretty serious compromise, involving more than Starfleet databases."

Adama looked at Jacobs, "We are working on that. I am still wondering why Kang let us know the Klingons had that capability."

Jacobs shrugged, "One principle of intelligence is not to divulge your sources or even that you know something sensitive. Kang not only did reveal that Klingons have sensitive information, but from a very well-placed source. Kang may be playing something as well, who knows. Anyway, about this mission…"

Adama nodded, "Yes, with the compromise, I am resorting to paper for the most sensitive of information. The folder has all the information you need. You are to follow the procedure precisely. We will have everything prepared for you to leave orbit. As soon as you step back on board your ship, you will proceed under EMCON until Stardate 7921.4." A beep sounded on the desk. "Orbital shipyard indicates the loading is complete."

The two men stood. Adama continued, "Do not record your logs on ship's computers. Use a tricorder that has been properly isolated. Just simply make a normal log entry and use the codeword, 'Tunneldigger'."

Jacobs raised an eyebrow, "We can do that."

TRANSPORTER ROOM 1

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs appeared on the pad with the folder in hand. Transporter Chief Frye was at the controls. "Thank you Chief. Please connect me with the Bridge." Jacobs walked down to the console.

"Bridge." Ens Hornblower answered.

"Mr. Hornblower, please verify that we are secure from cargo operations."

"Yes sir, we are secure from cargo loading operations. The ship is ready to answer bells."

Jacobs checked the clock on the console. "Mr. Hornblower, place the ship under EMCON. Senior staff to report to the Bridge stations in ten minutes."

"Aye aye sir, Lt. Jareau verifies the ship is now under EMCON. I will notify senior staff immediately."

"Thank you, Mr. Hornblower." Jacobs pushed the com button. He nodded at Frye then left.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Jacobs walked into the Bridge to find all the stations correctly manned by the senior staff. Hornblower stood up and Jacobs said, "Thank you Ensign, I relieve you. You are dismissed."

Hornblower nodded and stepped into the turbolift and left. Jacobs walked up to the screen and faced everyone on the Bridge. Leonaidas asked, "Shouldn't we have Ducky and the Pastor up here?" Jacobs shook his head, "No. Starfleet wants to keep this information extremely close. They are not authorized for this information. Leo, are we ready for warp speed?"

"Yes sir. We only need clearance to leave orbit."

Jacobs shook his head and pulled a sheet out and showed it to Leonaidas. "EMCON is to be strictly enforced. We have our clearance on paper here."

Leonaidas remarked, "Highly unusual."

"Yes, it is. Alan, set course 065-mark 10 warp 7."

"Aye aye sir, 065-mark 10 Warp 7."

Agathon remarked, "There's nothing in that direction for light-years."

Jacobs nodded, "That is right. We will change course once we are in deep space. Our destination is system PXK-1016."

Agathon did a quick check, "There is no system like that in the database."

Jacobs walked over to the com panel by Hotchner, pushed the com button, and said, "Computer, recognize Captain Joshua Jeremiah Jacobs."

The computer said, "Captain Jacobs recognized."

Jacobs continued reading from the folder, "Computer, release information for system PXK-1016 is authorized by order of Starfleet Command. Authorization Mik Alpha Charlie."

The computer responded, "System PXK-1016 data is now released only to Bridge stations. Any data recorded in this system will be classified and unavailable after the Wisconsin leaves PXK-1016."

Jacobs added, "Because of a suspected breach in the computer data, we are authorized to record our logs on tricorders. Dom, equip each person here with a tricorder that has all wireless connections disconnected."

"Aye aye sir."

"Thank you. Make your normal log entries with one exception, anything that can refer to this system or where we are you simply make the reference to 'Tunneldigger'. Finish the rest of your log on the tricorder. Any questions?" None were offered.

Jacobs pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Agathon. "This specifies our course. We will start going to waypoint O5 in twelve hours. The course and speed are to be strictly followed, there are also protocols to follow should we think we are being followed or detected."

Santini asked, "Where are we going ultimately? We have a heck of a lot of supplies. Every cargo bay is full, they even removed four shuttles to accommodate dozens of messaging torpedoes."

Jacobs said, "This information does not go out of this room. As division leaders, you must stop any speculation by your people. Your second-in-command of each division will act as alternates for relief, but will not be briefed in on the destination. Each of you needs to make sure that when your alternate is at your station, they cannot get any information on either what star system we are in or where our ultimate destination is. All of you will be on the Bridge for the last six hours, so coordinate rest times for that."

Carter and Agathon nodded compliance. Jacobs continued, "As to the question of where we are going…" All eyes were on Jacobs as he pulled out one more sheet in the folder. "We are going to the best-kept secret in the Federation."

As he explained, the collective group was shocked as to what was going to take place. After Jacobs finished with the briefing it was quiet on the Bridge. Lt Grimm was the first to say anything, "You've got to be kidding."

Jacobs said smiling, "No, I'm not. Personally, I can't wait to see it."