Chapter 703

LA PARISIAN CAFÉ

PARIS, EARTH

Senator Jameson stepped on the expansive patio of La Parisian Café. It had a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower in the background and there were many patrons sitting at various tables with their meals. Jameson looked around and saw the man he wanted to meet. Jameson walked toward the table and sat down. The other man was not pleased.

Oswald Welch was CEO of one of Starfleet's suppliers. He supplied carbon nanotube to Starfleet, which has many uses. Welch looked up from his menu and said simply, "Charles."

Jameson grabbed a menu and said, "Thanks for meeting me Oswald."

"You still have not fixed the problem with my supplying Starbase 5. They are still getting quite literally tons of nanotube from Zur mining." Welch sipped his drink.

Jameson tried to deflect. "What is the big problem? You still are supplying them essentially. Every pound of nanotube that Starbase 5 uses from Zur mining you end up replacing. It's all a wash."

"No, it's not. There is the quality issue." Welch said angrily.

Jameson looked at Welch and asked, "Are you being asked to supply better nanotube as payback than Zur provides Starbase 5?"

Welch shook his head, "No. The opposite. I got an operative to get a sample of what Zur is giving Starbase 5. We tested it."

"And?" Jameson asked.

"The highest quality stuff I have ever seen. Double the tensile strength of the best stuff I can make. I have no idea how Zur makes it, much less the quantities they output. Their manufacturing is unreal." Welch said.

"So? Then what is the problem? You still get paid for the shipments you make. If Starbase 5 uses 10,000 pounds of nanotube, you get paid for 10,000 pounds of nanotube." Jameson was trying to sound unworried.

Welch snapped. "You do not get it, do you Jameson! When the contract comes up, and if Starfleet wants good quality nanotube, who are they going to go to? Me? Besides, from what I hear, we could be in trouble out there."

Jameson tried to hold onto his poker face and said casually, "Oh, how?"

Welch snarled, "Do not try that with me, Chuck. I have people too. I've heard several businesses that deal with Starbase 5 have had contracts legally broken due to bad faith, suspected kickbacks, corrupt dealings, and the like. I do not know why it has not happened to me yet, but now I fully expect it to happen."

Jameson gazed at Welch. "Those businesses were being supplied by companies that retained Sam Cogley. You were shipping nanotube from the inner systems. None of the businesses Cogley represents deals with you. Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"Really? Have you heard the latest? I take it Eli Gold has not kept you up to date." Welch snapped.

"He's at Starbase 5 now trying to put out these fires." Jameson said, sipping his drink.

"Gold is out at Starbase 5 now?" Welch said surprisingly.

"Yes, I had many clients in peril and I sent him out there to take care of them." Jameson took another drink with a self-important air. "I take care of the people that take care of me."

"You have no idea what is happening at Starbase 5 now, do you?" Welch said.

"Of course I do." Jameson arrogantly said.

"Well then, you knowingly sent Eli into a future invasion site." Welch said.

"That is only rumor, the Klingons are not coming." Jameson confidently replied.

Welch shook his head, "I should have known better than to have dealings with you."

Jameson had enough, "You have made a lot of money with me!"

"And you said 'you take care of your people' or something like that. But you sent your Chief of Staff into a Warzone!" Jameson was about to retort when Welch continued, "The Federation has put a ban on personal travel to Starbase 5. Only business needs and security needs will be allowed to go there. There is a backlog of people trying to get off the planet. I must hand it to those colonials; they know how to take care of their own."

"What do you mean?"

"Just like a sinking ship, women, and children first. They also put a priority on getting off-worlders away, just lower priority. Problem is there isn't that much lift off the planet anymore. Gold may be stuck there." Welch said. Then Welch pointed to Jameson, "And you sent Eli Gold into that mess, and now he's most likely stuck." Jameson blanched.

Welch continued, "You're thinking that this attack on 'your clients' by Samuel Cogley isn't right either."

Jameson asked, "What do you mean?"

Welch stated, "Cogley had a conference of law offices in town. There are now more businesses that have cut ties with suppliers of Starbase 5. Whatever Cogley learned he has the whole legal community out there searching for evidence of corruption." Welch looked into Jameson's eyes. "And I don't think it's going to stop there. Out-of-system suppliers like me will fall under the microscope eventually."

"Now Oswald, you can't…" Jameson started.

"I can because it's happening. Have you had your head buried in the sand? I guess with your Chief-of-Staff out there it'has really paralyzed you." Welch stated.

"Eli manages everything of mine." Jameson said, trying to sound strong but coming off weak.

"Well, that's interesting, because my theory is that I know you have manipulated many contracts with Starfleet, and that all of these things are going to come back to you." Welch said. "And it's going to come back on me too."

Jameson thought hard and looked into Welch's eyes. "Ok, I'm getting a handle on what's happening on Starbase 5. What happens out there can be controlled and spun correctly by the time the news gets to the inner worlds. It's apparent that I don't have that much influence out there because I never have needed influence out there. The gears of government are right here and I got control of that. So don't worry. I need your help; it goes to all of this."

"What do you mean?" Welch asked suspiciously.

"I frequently need favors from some of the people I know to protect others that I know. It's all to keep the whole organization working, so I need you to do something for me." Jameson said.

Welch eyed Jameson. "How much trouble is it?"

"Not any trouble at all. All I need you to do is use one of your contacts with the Klingons here to pass this along." Jameson slid a datacard across the table. "That needs to get to the Klingon Embassy."

Welch picked it up and slid it into his coat. "What is it?"

"You don't want to know." Jameson said.

Welch shook his head, "I could get into serious trouble with this."

"No, you won't. Just somehow get it to the embassy. And soon." Jameson finished.

Welch thought on it for a little while. "Ok, it will be easy. But this will cost you."

Jameson shook his head, "No, this is just a required favor for maintaining my position. I have others to protect aspects of yours."

"I haven't seen that lately." Welch said.

"Just do it." Jameson ordered.

Welch picked the menu back up. "Ok, Charles, I'll do it. But you are buying the meal."

Jameson smiled; he got off cheap.

AMBASSADOR'S OFFICE

KLINGON EMBASSY

PARIS, EARTH

Ambassador Gorkon was reviewing notes on some meetings he just had. A chime sounded and Gorkon said, "Enter."

One of his aides entered, dressed in traditional Klingon warrior garb. Gorkon smiled, one of his best workers, "Ah Rorg, what have you turned up?"

Rorg said, "Ambassador, one of our operatives came across something I think bears your attention. We have some contact with Federation Senator Jameson."

Gorkon looked up, "Jameson? His contact has been quiet for a little while now."

Rorg nodded, "Yes, Eli Gold is out on Starbase 5 now, apparently fixing some legal problems for the Senator. That is explained on this." Rorg handed a datacard over to Gorkon.

"Have you duplicated it?" Gorkon asked.

"Easily. This was not created by a professional, just a mere user." Rorg said.

"What is the confidence that this is genuine?" Gorkon eyed the card.

"High. The operative has been a good source of information." Rorg noted, "Among the files is a request to contact the Senator to establish a new, covert line until his Chief-of-Staff returns."

Gorkon looked at Rorg. "What is your overall judgment on this?" Gorkon waived the datacard.

Rorg nodded his head, "I think it is good. The line from Jameson to us is genuine, the information provided already confirms some of the information we already know and adds a little more. I have already tried to verify more of the information, but since this is new, I can't say for certain. I suggest we forward this information with high confidence to the High Council."

Gorkon knew Rorg was not given to rash judgements. Gorkon asked, "Ok, what's the information on this?"

Rorg started, "First, Senator Jameson gives the inner workings of a Security Council briefing for President Bennet. We know this happened, but this is our first look as to what was discussed. Jameson confirms that Captain Jacobs brought back intel gained from Kor on the Mind Sifter. The ironic thing is Jameson does not believe Jacobs, but the intel matches perfectly with what Kor reported."

Gorkon nodded, "Go on."

"Starbase 5 is assuming the attack will come to them directly. Jameson says no attack is coming at all, but sways the council and probably the President into protecting the direct line from Qo'nos to Earth." Rorg said.

"We must be careful of Jameson's evaluation of his ability to persuade others. Jameson will always assume his ability is better than it is." Gorkon said.

"Yes, Ambassador. However, the President is of the same political party as Jameson, and as such have the same tendencies in moral code. I think that the President will ultimately decide to protect the direct line to Earth." Rorg said. "The President went with the ranking members of the Intelligence committee, Admiral Nogura, and Director Briggs to draft the final orders."

"What are the final orders?" Gorkon asked.

"Jameson does not know. I cannot find them with our backdoor into Federation computers. Along that item, the Federation is securing their systems slowly. Starfleet was the first to secure Jameson's backdoor and now our ability to peer into Federation systems is degrading." Rorg said.

Gorkon nodded, "That is expected. Is that all?"

Rorg nodded, "Yes sir."

Gorkon asked, "Is our quantum entanglement communications device working?"

Rorg said, "Barely. It is not dependable."

Gorkon nodded, "Ok. Give me time to review this information. We will send it via quantum entanglement when I am convinced it's good."

Rorg nodded, "Yes sir." He turned and left.

Gorkon started reading the information that was given. Yes, they will have to work on getting another line of communication between him and Jameson. Jameson has been a very good source over time. Not only source, but operative as well. Jameson has done more to weaken Starfleet than the entire Klingon navy in the last few years. Gorkon smiled at the irony.

MAIN PLANNING ROOM

KLINGON IMPERIAL ARMY-NAVY HEADQUARTERS

QO'NOS

General Chang had much laid out on the grand table in front of him. The table itself was a screen with a map of the sector laid out on it. He had datapads, models of ships representing either ships or the fleet, reports, aids, other Generals and Admirals, and current reports. General Chang was weaving his grand master scheme that he had pitched to the council earlier. Now the details. Fleet rendezvous times, battle orders, timing across vast distances, communications, and contingencies were being worked out. This was the part that too few Klingons truly appreciated. Most Klingons want to go charging in with bloodlust and slay away. The problem is that a battle of this magnitude with the Federation could go either way, and good planning made it go your way.

The difficult item to get around was the superiority of Federation tracking of ships at warp. The cloaking device helped in ships not being targeted with weapons, but a ship traveling at warp still left a warp trail much like a boat leaving a wake. The wake had a known intensity, speed, and therefore detectability The challenge was to manage that so the Federation ships were light years away from where the battle was going to be.

The movements of the Federation Battleship following the Kah'less indicated that this superior sensing platform they have, whatever it was, was located inside a radius that covered seven star systems. That could mean hours of difference in time for subspace signals to propagate. This had to be accounted for in the battle plan. The plan demanded a diversion of some kind.

Chang looked at the staff around him. "Admiral, as you can see, we have a grand plan here."

Klingon Admiral Kaz said, "You are splitting my fleet."

Chang shook his head, "No, I need a diversion to get Federation attention away from Starbase 5. One ship does not constitute a fleet."

Admiral Kaz exclaimed, "The Kah'less is more than just a ship!"

Chang acknowledged, "True. A truly unique ship. One that has special abilities. The Kah'less will cross over here." Chang pointed to the point in the neutral zone that was on the direct line from Qo'nos to Earth. "Along with enough drones to make Federation sensors believe our attack is toward Earth. At worst, Starfleet will see two fleets and will not know which is real until the first attack. The Kah'less will attack the first available target, making sure the target gets a message out to Earth, then blows the target out of the sky." He said with dramatic flavor.

Chang continued, "Right after destroying the first available target, the Kah'less will go at highest possible warp to here." Chang pointed at a spot far down the neutral zone.

Admiral Kaz said, "That will pass relatively close to where we think the listening post is."

Chang nodded. "The Kah'less can cruise at high warp for a long time."

General Marab said, "A ship that big can do this?"

Admiral Kaz nodded, "Yes. The problem is mass, not size. It has the mass of a mountain. Once you get that to warp speed, it is not that much harder to go at high warp. This ship's toughest engineering problem was to get that mass up to warp speed. The supports for the mechanism are incredible, along with the engines."

Chang continued, "The fleet will rendezvous at this point and then proceed in towards Starbase 5. They will first attack the Federation facility at Capella."

General Marab asked, "Why?"

Chang said, "Two reasons. First, the weapon never has been calibrated against a ground target, and that needs to be done. Remember, the overall objective is the capture of Starbase 5. We need to know how effective or ineffective the weapon is."

General Marab asked, "What if it doesn't work in the atmosphere?"

Chang answered, "Then we change the target allocation. The fleet will be shore bombardment and the Kah'less will switch to orbital targets. Once we know how effective the weapon is, we can employ it as appropriate. This is very necessary."

Kaz said, "So the Kah'less fires once then the whole fleet goes underway to Starbase 5? It seems like a waste of time. Just fire on an asteroid, or moon, or something."

Chang shook his head, "No, conditions at Capella are almost identical to Starbase 5. It is a good testing spot for the weapon in the atmosphere. We have to spend the time for one shot at Capella."

Kaz nodded. "Once enroute after Capella, we have time for target allocation. Priority is lowering the base defenses of the Starbase itself. Once we control that, we control the planet. Then General Marab, your men can land."

Marab repeated his part of the plan. "My warriors land and capture the base. Priority is capture of the Starbase 5 facilities. Secondary is the personnel. What kind of resistance are we expecting?"

General Chang shook his head and said, "Not much. The difficult part is getting to the surface. Ideally, you will transport from orbit once the base shielding is down. Secondary to that is actually landing on the base itself. There is a large landing pad for them to bring down capital ships for drydock. There will be adequate space for the invasion force. Once on the ground, your warriors will be against Starfleet Security."

Marab asked, "What is the expected force?"

Chang said, "Spies put it at around 10,000 Starfleet personnel, and of that perhaps 1000 security forces."

Marab scoffed, "Not a match for the force we are expecting to put down."

Chang smiled, "Exactly. Your force sweeps in and takes them out. It will not be two large forces against each other but our large force eliminating pockets of resistance. Once the base is captured, we can turn their own weapons against the forces in orbit."

Kas scoffed, "We will not need that. The fleet will be far more than what is needed to take out the expected Federation fleet."

Chang said, "Probably, but I like the odds to be in my favor. If there is nothing more, then let's go and brief the High Council."

BRIEFING ROOM

STARBASE 5

Admiral Adama entered the room and Captain Jacobs and Captain Jackson stood. Adama said, "Thank you, please be seated."

Jacobs said, "Thank you very much for dinner last night."

Adama had a small smile. "I've come to love Orion Steakhouse. Sam Cogley keeps encouraging me to eat there, Starfleet gets food for free there, and at first, I didn't want to presume, but I spoke with the manager. The manager was quite insistent to provide."

Jackson said, "Well, I've never had a porterhouse like that one. So, what's up now sir?"

In walked three more Starfleet officers. Adama introduced, "Gentlemen, please sit. Introductions are in order." Adama motioned to each of the officers. "Lt Cdr Ressler, Cdr Williard, Captain Jacobs, Captain Jackson, Captain Barnes." The men nodded to each other.

Adama started, "First, Cdr Ressler just came from Earth as a courier. He carries orders directly from Admiral Nogura." Adama handed out copies of the orders printed on paper. "Our orders form the Fifth fleet, and some of the ships listed on the order are presently underway here to rendezvous, the others will meet at the rendezvous point."

Jacobs asked, "Where is the rendezvous point?"

Adama scowled, "Right here." Adama turned on the screen and pointed at a spot on the screen. "Before I get into the reasoning behind that, I need to explain the background of the orders." Adama looked at the men. "These orders come out of a meeting of the Security Council. President Bennett told Admiral Nogura the orders, Admiral Nogura wrote them, the President signed them. There is some controversy over the orders and the Admiral included a video of the discussion. Let's watch it now." Adama played the video on the screen.

After the video was done, Adama asked, "Opinions?"

Jackson was the first to say. "I agree that Starbase 5 is the objective. I'm assuming the Klingons are limited in their fleet and can't go straight to Earth."

Adama looked at Jacobs. Jacobs said, "I got a peek at the answers on the test."

Adama nodded acknowledging the humor. He next looked at Barnes. Barnes said, "They completely ignored or disregarded the information Jacobs got from Kor. How could they?"

Adama said, "The President did. They think it was more a 'dream' or something. The rest of you?"

The others nodded in agreement. Adama said, "Ok. First, we must follow orders. The President wants us to protect the way to Earth, and that is what we will protect. In typical politician manner, he cannot even commit to that plan."

Barnes asked, "How so?"

Adama pointed, "The rendezvous point is off-center on the direct path. He hedged his bet by placing us on the side toward the Starbase."

Williard mused, "But slightly. We may be a half hour closer to the starbase."

Adama said, "I'll take it."

Jackson said, "But that leaves the Starbase uncovered."

Adama shook his head. "No. We have another fleet."

Jacobs, Ressler, Jackson, and Williard said, "We do?"

Adama looked at Barnes, "Yes, we do. Captain?"

Barnes looked at the others, "The Admiral and I saw for months the possibility of the Klingons attacking. We wargamed it out and decided on an axis of attack that they might come. The axis included some information including a suspected Black Fleet base. We picked a spot and started reallocating ships clandestinely there."

Jacobs said in recognition. "The missing ships."

Adama nodded, "Yes. With an explanation for each. They are located here." Adama pointed at a spot near the neutral zone. "And it has been a tightly guarded secret. As you watch the videos later, note that Nogura specified exactly which ships would be part of the 5th fleet. None of these ships are of course. We call it the 'hidden' fleet under command of Captain Jake Grafton. It is relatively close to the direct path from Qo'nos to Starbase 5. So, the Starbase isn't completely defenseless."

Adama said, "Add to that we've been digging in here. We've been getting unprecedented help from the civilians, and some corporations here are really helping out. We have added extra shield generators, extra phasers, extra photon torpedo launchers, extra orbital defenses. Also, the civilians have seriously done some digging in too."

Lt Cdr Ressler said, "What can the civilians do? What do they have?"

Adama pointed out, "A lot of them have worked on our equipment, so they are familiar with our technology. They also have some expert help in resistance dating back to the Klingon war. And a lot of these civilians are former Starfleet themselves. Lastly, they are fighting for their homes."

Jacobs asked, "How many evacuated?"

Adama said, "About half of the population, mostly women, I think all the children are off-planet now. Eagle transportation has done a wonderful job getting people off. There are some bunkers being built up also."

Jacobs asked, "Anything we can do to help them?"

Adama shook his head, "Not really. Best thing is to make the base the toughest to crack. A mutual friend, retired Admiral McGonagle, is heading up the civilian resistance. He advises me on what they are doing and what they need."

Adama pushed another button. The map changed slightly. "Our order of battle. First, the staffing. Starbase 5 will be commanded by Captain Barnes. He is fully familiar with all protocols here. I will have my flag on Excalibur and will have Lt Cdr Ressler with me in the command center. Wisconsin will be second-in-command. Cdr Williard will man the command center and in case the Excalibur goes down, Jacobs you will assume fleet command. Captain Grafton has command of the hidden fleet and ultimately is under 5th fleet, but in this case that is more informally so. If Excalibur goes down, Captain Jacobs, consider the Hidden fleet at your disposal."

Jacobs nodded. Adama said, "My logic in engagement is as follows. We will stay at the designated coordinates until either we engage the Klingon fleet or have sufficient evidence that the Klingons are elsewhere."

Jackson said with disdain, "What is considered 'sufficient evidence'?"

Adama said, "Right now, a strong rumor."

Jackson looked at Jacobs and said sarcastically, "Hey Josh, I hear the Klingons are going to hit Starbase 5."

Jacobs smiled. "Yeah, I heard that from Kor. And they are bringing a big battleship!"

Jackson said sarcastically, "Really? How big?"

"When it comes into orbit, the tides change!" Jacobs said.

Adama chuckled, "All right. Noted. You asked, that is my answer. On the subject of the Kah'less, we have some better intel on it." Adama pushed a button and some schematics along with fuzzy scans came up. "Everyone around here is calling it the 'Bismark'. First, the mass is way off. Josh's joke of tides is not very far off. It is the most massive object at warp we have observed. Ever."

Adama pushed another button that highlighted a part. Jackson said, "It looks like a cannon."

Adama said, "We think it is basically a cannon."

Lt Cdr Ressler said, "The 'cannon' is small. I see the ship is big, but not unreasonably so. What accounts for the mass?"

Adama said, "We think that the 'cannon' is made out of neutronium."

Ressler's eyes opened. "Neutronium? I thought that was theoretical."

Adama shook his head, "This isn't. And it's confirmed. The weapon is made from neutronium. As it is, it is probably paper-thin but weighs as much as a mountain, literally. And neutronium is practically indestructible."

Jacobs asked, "How do they move it? I mean, it would be like flying a small asteroid."

Adama shook his head. "I don't know. The structure inside is simply massive. The cannon is practically sitting inside a solid durasteel cask with the rest of the structure for power, drive, and other normal starship systems. The amount of power just to move this beast is incredible, and that power can also be used for shielding or traditional weapons."

Jackson asked, "How does the weapon work?"

Adama clicked and several blips alongside lit up. "Our scans detected these. We think that these are the charges for the weapon."

Jackson looked at Adama, "It's literally a cannon?"

Adama nodded, "Yes, we think so. We think now they literally take one of these charges, somehow get it down the barrel into what serves as a chamber and then is detonated. Because of this, we think the firing rate is very slow. So far two consecutive firings have not been observed so we don't have a practical number for firing rate. There also is a cooling issue too."

"Cooling?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, the charges are antimatter. In the megaton range. We think there are some dilithium crystals somewhere in the charges as well too because there is a subspace damage to this weapon as well too. That much energy in a small, confined space means heat. The cooling must come from the durasteel cask around the neutronium. There must be pipes bored through the cask to allow coolant to flow, we are not sure." Adama surmised. "After shooting this thing, it's going to need a bunch of heat sinks to cool it off so that you can fire it again."

Jacobs asked, "Are we talking tactics, sir?"

Adama nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps." He clicked another slide. "Keep in mind that a heat sink may be a big deal with this flying mountain. Ok, take the material and study it. I understand that the two of you are taking a flight later?" Adama was looking at Jackson and Jacobs.

Jackson rolled his eyes. Josh laughed, "Yes, part of the training for security. This is 'the big swim'. It is a combat drop from orbit."

Adama smiled knowingly. "That sounds like fun, I haven't done one in years."

Jackson said, "You can have my seat!"

Adama said, "I might just take it."

Jacobs offered, "We got 240 Swordsmen to qualify. There are going to be many drops. Actually, they've started already. Let me know and you can ride in the co-pilot seat."

Adama nodded. "I'll do it. It would be a nice change-of-pace. When can I come?"

Jacobs said, "How about the last one of the day? Meet me on the Wisconsin at 1500 for suiting up."

"I'll be there." Adama said. "Ok, in the meantime, keep drilling your people."

KLINGON HIGH COUNCIL CHAMBER

QO'NOS

Chancellor Bogkor said loudly, "General Chang, present your plan!"

Chang stepped forward and said, "Chancellor, High Council members. This is a great plan to attack the Federation. The objective of this attack is the capture of Starbase 5 intact! With Starbase 5 captured, we will have a foothold deep in Federation space. This will be the first step to eradicating the Federation once and for all."

Chang circled around looking at all the council members. He outlined the plan for attack. There were at first approving grunts, then louder yeahs, then cheering. "We want as best of surprise as we can have. We have lost some of our surprise already, but I think we can still accomplish tactical surprise if not strategic."

Torf stood forward and said, "We are not in a state of war with the Federation. This is an act of war, in fact it's a major surprise attack."

Thalg said, "That's what this is, it's war finally!"

"My point is, it is honorable to declare war before the attack." Torf said.

Chang stated, "My plan depends on surprise. It depends on timing! We cannot do a prior declaration of war. Let our action be the declaration!"

Shawg, another High Council member said, "We are Klingons! We are known for our honor! We cannot shame the Empire by doing a surprise attack such as this. Such dishonor will reflect on Klingons for generations! A formal declaration of war is necessary! I agree with Torf!"

That comment caused many agreeable grunts and mutterings in the chamber. Another council member, Gokh, said, "I agree with Shawg! The time for war is now, but Shawg speaks wisdom! We need to protect Klingon Honor and deliver the declaration before we attack!"

That erupted many loud agreeable sounds from the High Council Members. General Chang looked at the Chancellor and saw they were not going to get all of what they wanted. Or maybe they could…

"High Council Members!" Chang spoke grandly. "If a declaration of war is necessary with you then perhaps, we can do it without sacrificing operational security! Starbase 5 is a day's communication by subspace from the center of the Federation, Earth. We will instruct Ambassador Gorkon to deliver our message just before the attack on Starbase 5. This will make it impossible for Earth to warn Starbase 5 in time."

That elicited many approving sounds from the High Council. Klob said, "How will you best ensure operational security?"

Chang said, "We will send the message just before the attack. I understand we have a new unbreakable security device, the quantum entanglement communicator, that can instantly transmit to a paired device anywhere in the universe. This mission is exactly what the designers envisioned. Unbreakable, instantaneous communication with our embassies. The Embassy to Earth will not even get the message until just before its time to attack, thus preventing treacherous spies from leaking it! We can still have operational surprise and have your declaration of war! Klingon honor can be preserved!"

The people in the High Council Chamber started cheering. Chancellor Bogkor said, "The time to vote is now!"

Torf said, "Not so! I want to finish the debate without distraction! Only High Council Members are to remain!"

Bogkor smiled evilly. "So be it! Clear the room of all except High Council Members!"

Chang left looking back at the hall. He hoped that Torf would not be persuasive.

CHANCELLOR'S CHAMBERS

QO'NOS

The Chancellor heard a chime and set down his bloodwine. "Come!"

An aide came in and handed him a datapad. "The council is done deliberating and voted."

Bogkor asked, "And?"

"Ritual combat ensued. Only two voted against war." The aide answered.

Chancellor Bogkor chuckled evilly. "So, who killed that idiot Torf?"

"It was not him. He debated well and voted against. It was Shawg. He made a slur against one of the members and got killed for it." The aide reported.

The Chancellor was surprised. "That is interesting. We Klingons get so passionate in times of war."

"One other thing too, Chancellor." The aide said.

Bogkor looked away from the datapad. "What?"

"The Quantum entanglement device has not been reliable to communicate with Earth. Our embassy reports frequent outages." The aide reported.

"Are they reporting it out now?" The Chancellor asked.

"No sir. It is currently working. But I fear it may not work when needed. I felt you needed to know that." The aide offered.

The Chancellor looked at the screen showing the sector. He mentally did some calculations on time. "Very well, we still have time. Call my staff. We need to work out contingencies."

KLINGON EMBASSY

PARIS, EARTH

Rorg walked into Gorkon's office. Gorkon handed Rorg a datapad. "I want you to send this immediately to the High Council."

Rorg's face went down. "The quantum entanglement device just went down. We'll have to send it via conventional subspace."

Gorkon asked, "Does the High Council know?"

Rorg nodded, "We test the system on a normal schedule, and the latest test failed."

"When will it be working again?" Gorkon asked.

Rorg frustrated, said, "I do not know. I do not understand how it works, so I don't understand how it breaks. Our engineer is very frustrated over this."

"How long before the High Council realizes it's not working?"

Rorg said, "Right away."

Ambassador Gorkon nodded, "Very well, send this via subspace. It is not time-critical."

CHANCELLOR'S CHAMBER

QO'NOS

General Chang stepped in and handed a datapad over to Chancellor Bogkor. "Here is my order of battle. The entire timeline specified down to when the declaration of War with the Federation."

Chancellor Bogkor took the pad and said, "Very well. Make the necessary preparations General. Dismissed."

Chang nodded and left. The Chancellor's aide asked, "Does he know the quantum entanglement communicator is not working?"

Chancellor shook his head, "No and he does not need to either. Send in the communications minister."

Shortly, the communications minister stepped in. Bogkor said, "Here is the timeline on the message I want delivered to Ambassador Gorkon."

The communications minister said, "I'm sure you've been told our latest device is not working."

"Yes, I have. I want this delivered in time for our declaration of War." Bogkor handed over a datapad.

The communication minister looked at the pad and said, "You want this sent in parts? Why?"

"Security reasons. I don't want the Federation intercepting and decoding our message traffic in time to make a warning. The attack will happen before they can figure out what is going on." Bogkor said.

"Yes, Chancellor. The message will go out according to your schedule."

Chancellor Bogkor waived dismissal to the minister.

And that is how a war begins.