Chapter 701

"USS Wisconsin Captain's log, Stardate 7960.2 Captain Joshua Jacobs recording. We have arrived at the Hawking Antimatter facility in system KX3-1209. This facility is rated top secret due to its potential of providing significant amounts of antimatter for Federation uses. We have been escorting the civilian transport USS Golden Eagle from Eagle Transportation at Starbase 5.

"We are going to meet Administrator Robert Lucy on Hawking for a grand tour of the facility. Right now, Commander Santini is inspecting and monitoring the transfer of Antimatter from Hawking to the Golden Eagle. The total tonnage of Antimatter being shipped is unprecedented in the Federation, and as such we are being very careful to make sure this gets to the Federation. So far Cdr Santini is pleased along with the engineers that Eagle Transportation provided for the trip. Jacobs out."

DOCKING COLLAR 2

HAWKING STATION

The Starfleet team walked through the airlock to be met by a tall, thin man that was just starting to show gray around his temples. The Administrator extended his hand, "Welcome to Hawking Station, I'm Administrator Robert Lucy."

Jacobs smiled and shook his hand, "Captain Joshua Jacobs." Turning to the others he said, "And with me is Commander Alexander Leonaidas, my XO." Leonaidas shook the offered hand. "Lieutenant Maya, one of our science officers."

Administrator Lucy smiled warmly and extended his hand, "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your species."

Maya returned the smile politely and said, "Psychon." And shook his hand gently.

"And lastly Commander Dominic Santini, Chief Engineer." Jacobs introduced.

Administrator Lucy shook Santini's hand. "Thank you all for coming. You are the first here for a shipment."

Jacobs said, "Well, we aren't actually doing the shipping…."

Lucy said, "I know. But on that matter, we can fill you up as well too."

Santini said, "We would love that. It has been a year since we launched."

Lucy smiled and said, "We can top you off. Now if you come this way, we'll start the tour. We will come back here with the impressive view of your ship to finish." The Administer led them from the room out into the hallway.

VIEWING ROOM

HAWKING STATION

Lucy led them into a large, circular room. It had the normal, steel gray coloring on the wall and floor. Leonaidas looked around, "I thought this said, 'viewing room'."

Administer Lucy walked to a wall panel and said, "It is. Watch."

The floor changed from the steel coloring into a clear view. Everyone instinctively took a step back when the floor 'disappeared' under them. The entire floor was transparent. Santini started chuckling, "Wow! I've never seen transparent Aluminum change opaqueness like this before! How did you do that?"

Leonaidas chuckled, "Always the engineer."

Santini laughed too. "I'm always figuring out how to get you out of trouble."

Jacobs looked down on the black hole below. The black hole was large from this distance, size being determined by the glowing accretion disk. The accretion disk was glowing yellow in color in general and looked like a whirlpool glowing with the black hole at the center. "It looks like we are almost directly on top of the black hole."

Lucy beamed, "We are. To within twenty kilometers of top-dead center of spin of the disk."

Maya's eyebrows furrowed, "How can you tell that?"

"This facility depends on that."

Jacobs asked, "How so?"

Administrator Lucy explained. "To be simple, the accretion disk is made up of spiraling debris going into the black hole. A significant part of this process is the disk ejects large amounts of ionized matter out the magnetic poles of the black hole. We need to be exactly in the due north or south magnetic pole to make this facility work. We use the energized particle stream to run the accelerators to make antimatter."

"Like Jupiter Station?" Santini asked.

"Yes, but the scale is bigger from there." Lucy said.

Maya added, "The stream would be at relativistic speeds, that should make your accelerators work more efficiently."

Lucy said, "They do. We've found the actual output of the accelerators are very close to the predicted theoretical value. The surprise is our Hawking Collector."

Maya asked, "Hawking Collector?"

Administrator Lucy motioned to the door. "Through here." He led the group through a large door.

They walked down a hallway that had clear walls. Administrator Lucy explained, "The whole purpose of the station is to create or collect antimatter. Around Black holes, antimatter is theoretically created as the black hole evaporates."

Jacobs asked, "Hawking Radiation?"

Lucy turned and said, "Yes." He led them through another door that slid open revealing a large control room with screens all around. Lucy walked over to a technician and took a datapad that the technician offered. Lucy pointed up to a screen and started. "If we just used the particle accelerators powered by the particle stream coming from the accretion disk, this station would be a success. We could produce two or three times the antimatter that Jupiter station does."

"Instead, some of the antimatter is bled off from production and is used in our antigravity generators, the largest in the Federation." The screen showed the antigravity generators receiving power. "We took the designs of the antimatter collectors used in standard antimatter production facilities and scaled them up."

Santini asked, "How much?"

Lucy explained, "A lot. We are not trying to capture antimatter produced in the laboratory. We are trying to collect antimatter that is created from Hawking Radiation. The distances we are trying to collect from are not measured in meters but light-minutes. That takes power as well too, and a significant portion of the particle stream from the black hole is used in the collectors. Overall, we were expecting a net positive, otherwise we never would have done this to begin with."

Jacobs asked, "I assume it was successful."

Lucy tapped a button and expanded the diagram. "We did not count on the antigravity generators acting like a funnel for the antimatter. A little bit of tweaking and this facility is producing way more antimatter than we thought theoretically possible."

Leonaidas asked, "How much more?"

Lucy chuckled, "If Jupiter station, the largest antimatter production facility in the Federation so far, would be a gold mine, we would be considered the bank vault. Your one hundred thousand tons that we are loading up took about two weeks to produce. The problem we are going to have is where to store it. There are not enough ships or orbital reactors to use this antimatter up. Given a supply chain, we could have every registered reactor and storage facility filled in less than a year."

The implication was staggering. Antimatter would go from being incredibly scarce and expensive to plentiful. Santini asked, "What about transport? These tanks the Golden Eagle have are virtually prototypes. They have never flown in a large transport before."

Lucy nodded. "Yes, it will be interesting. We've never had antimatter in this quantity before. I look forward to seeing how it fares."

Jacobs asked, "But you have bigger storage tanks."

Lucy said, "Yes we do. But we're not traveling at warp. You will be. I've run over the schematics of the tanks and it seems sound. Indefatigable Fabrication has a good reputation. I think the Golden Eagle will be just fine. I'd be up on all contingencies though."

Jacobs said, "If one of the storage pods gets too unstable, we have all contingencies in place including ejecting the pod at warp."

"Yes, my compliments to Indefatigable. They know their stuff. They used a plan that was in the Starfleet database and really improved it." Lucy said.

Jacobs' curiosity was piqued. "How so?"

"Antimatter pods depend on active feedback to keep the antimatter from touching the sides. There is a standard for sensors and magnetic coils to accomplish this. Indefatigable went double the standard for better control. The only thing is the software is going to need to be tweaked as problems develop." Lucy said.

Jacobs asked, "How so?"

Lucy said, "Well as I said earlier, never before has there been this much antimatter stored in a pod at warp speed. Also, the total amount of antimatter inside the warp bubble is unprecedented. Interactions could cascade, problems develop. Assuming you don't have any problems, Eagle transport and Indefatigable are going to make a mint. They would be way ahead on the learning curve for transporting antimatter."

Jacobs had to stifle a smile. "Well, we'll let you know what happens. I'll make sure you get a complete copy of the download Starfleet gets from Eagle transport."

Lucy said, "I appreciate that. Now let me show you one of the collectors…."

STARFLEET OPERATIONS

STARBASE 5

Captain Hank Jackson walked in and saw Admiral Adama in the center of the room standing next to a lit-up table. All around him were workstations with officers and high overhead were screens. The Admiral was in the middle of checking fleet deployments and saw Captain Jackson in the doorway. Adama motioned Jackson to come in and join him.

Jackson walked to the table and saw status on fleet deployments and various ships. When he got to the table, Adama looked and said, "Welcome back, Captain."

Jackson stood at attention, "Excalibur reporting as ordered."

Adama said, "At ease, Captain. Take a good look around. I'll fill you in on the details. Look at the people."

Jackson looked at the officers working on various workstations. He missed it as he walked in. A casual glance made it look like determination or just professionalism. Now he could see the tension. Starfleet Ops was very tense. Adama said, "Let's go."

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

Adama and Jackson walked in and Adama said, "Computer, security procedure." The doors closed and shades were drawn automatically. A pair of beeps reported everything was ready. Adama said, "First thing first, nice job on patrol. How's the Excalibur?"

Jackson nodded, "She's doing fine. Crew is settled in."

Adama said, "Glad to hear the ship crewed by Ensigns is working out."

"You promoted the key people to Lieutenant. And I still have a couple of Commanders as well too." Jackson commented.

Adama chuckled and poured a couple of glasses of water. "That's the comment I've heard the most about your ship. After your ship was ambushed and you said you wanted your people to be in charge of the respective divisions, various Admirals sarcastically joked that it's a ship manned by ensigns."

Jackson's expression was not happy. Adama said, "Don't sweat it, Hank. I understand why you wanted what you wanted. Once you have been in battle with someone, you tend to trust the person watching your back more than someone you've never met. Forget rank, they've proven themselves dependable and as far as I'm concerned, they've earned being division leads."

Jackson relaxed a little. "Thank you, Admiral. We survivors are pretty tightly knit. We've made the newbies feel welcome, but there is a bond. It just didn't feel right bringing in a high-ranking person and placing them above a survivor that proved themselves in battle."

Adama said, "That's why I went to bat for you. I've been there Hank." Adama clicked a button and the painting behind the desk turned into a screen with a display of the sector. "I've ordered you back to Starbase for refit." Jackson had a look of surprise. "War is coming, Captain."

"The Klingons?" Jackson asked.

"The Klingons. You've read that material I sent?" Adama asked.

Jackson nodded. "Yes, it's unbelievable. How's Josh?"

Adama touched a button and the Wisconsin's position showed up. "He's heading back here now. You'll be able to ask him yourself in three days. In short, he's good."

"Glad to hear. Has it been confirmed that the Klingons are definitely attacking Starbase 5?" Jackson asked.

"No, and that's the problem. The vast amount of the information we have on the upcoming attack is from that mind-meld sifter thing Jacobs went through with Kor. We know that Kor sent the High Council a complete report of what happened." Adama said.

"So, without making it sound like a joke, they know that we know." Jackson said.

"Yes, and the thing that makes it interesting is that we know that they know that we know. But that information was retrieved via a secret facility of ours. So…." Adama said.

"They don't know that we know that they know that we know. Ok, how complicated is all this?" Jackson asked. "Ugggh, this is going to make my head spin."

"As complex as we want it. I'm going to give a full brief when Jacobs arrives. His ship is going to undergo a refit as well too. Both of your ships are going to get a command center onboard." Adama said.

"Command center?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, I'll fill him in when he gets here. But for you, your ship is going to be the flagship of a fleet. I regard the information from Jacobs as accurate. The Klingons are coming and the assumption for now is they are coming here. Starfleet has designated this as the 5th fleet and the Excalibur will be my flagship. You, of course, will still command it, but I need a place to command the fleet from. Deck 2 is being converted into a command center as well as upgrades to your computer systems and communications systems. You will need to accommodate me along with a staff of ten officers." Adama stated.

Jackson nodded. "Best quarters on the ship are VIP on deck…"

Adama said, "I prefer to stay close to the Command center."

"Well Deck 3 has some ensign's quarters." Jackson said.

"If they don't mind, I'll take one of them, just please don't make me bunk with an ensign." Adama rasped quietly with a hint of a smirk.

"No sir, I wouldn't do that to you. I'll pick a room and kick the pair out. You'll have a room all to yourself. It will still be tight in there."

"That will be fine. I'm going to spend most of my time in the CIC. All I need is a place to sleep and shower. My apologies to the ensigns." Adama said.

Jackson chuckled. "The other officers on that deck are going to have a heart attack seeing an Admiral on a daily basis. It'll do them good."

"I'll go easy on them. This command center refit is assuming the Klingons give us a couple of weeks. We are not sure when they are coming. If the attack happens while the refit is going on, then your orders are to leave spacedock and engage. I'll stay on the planet and coordinate the 5th fleet from here. Your refit schedule will leave the option of engaging the enemy at minimal notice." Jackson nodded understanding while Adama continued. "Is there anything that you can think of that you need?"

"I'd like to get topped off on torpedoes. We have used a few in live-fire drills." Jackson said.

"Live-fire? Have you been shooting asteroids?" Adama asked.

"No, actually airbursts. Lt Cdr Maxwell's idea of adding stress under training." Jackson said. "I have to say it works. It does add a level of stress on the bridge knowing we are firing photon torpedoes in close proximity to our security forces on the ground. His research is that this used to be a tactic during the Klingon war."

Adama nodded, "It was, sort of. If a ship did not have small craft namely Raptors, they would try to use variable-yield photon torpedoes as guided munitions similar to close-air support. We could vary the yield from 250 lbs up to ten megaton. Nice thing on the higher yields is no hard radiation like from a nuke. A ship could fire a photon torpedo on the lowest setting and demolish a building right across the street from where the Marines were. Ok, refill on torps. Anything else?"

Jackson nodded, "As long as the Wisconsin is here, I'd like to do some coordinated training between their security and mine."

Adama asked, "Are you trying to form a Badger squad?"

Jackson smiled, "Actually, Maxwell is calling them the 'Swordsmen'. I like it. The Wisconsin has been helpful and I'd like the Swordsmen to be able to kick butt as bad as the Badgers."

"Very well. I'll let Josh know about that. Coordinate with Starbase Ops, I don't want too many assets out of reach." Adama said.

"You really think the attack is going to happen soon?" Jackson asked.

"Yes. Doing these refits and training is like cleaning your gun when bad guys are near. You have to be very careful when you do it." Adama said. "I don't want to get caught by surprise."

A beep sounded and Adama said, "Computer, cancel security procedure." The computer beeped compliance then Adama pushed the comm. Button. "Admiral Adama."

"Captain Barnes, Admiral. I have sensitive updates."

"Come in, Captain." Adama stood up and said to Jackson, "Make the edge on your sword sharp, Captain."

Jackson shook the Admiral's hand. "It'll be the sharpest we can make it, Admiral."

Captain Barnes walked in and Adama said, "Captain Barnes, I believe you know Captain Jackson."

The two shook hands, "Yes sir. Nice to see you, Captain."

Jackson nodded, "You too. Congratulations. I'll be ready Admiral." And Jackson left.

As soon as the doors closed, Adama reengaged the security procedure. Adama asked, "What is it, Captain?"

"Latest message torpedo from the hidden fleet with a laundry list of spare parts. The situation is getting desperate." Barnes handed over a datapad.

"Failure rate is much higher than it's supposed to be." Adama scanned the reports.

"Captain Grafton theorizes it's the ship being cold-soaked. The ships that have been out there the longest have the highest failure rate. The ships are thoroughly cold soaked and that's causing problems. We have our ace in the hole, but they may not be able to perform due to maintenance. Also, Captain Grafton would like many more torpedo mines, and with that many torpedoes he has requested…"

Adama finished, "He needs a dedicated computer for target prioritization and mine allocation. We sent the last ship out already. I just reviewed fleet deployments, there's nothing around that can ship out the tonnage we need." Adama looked at the screen with total deployments.

Barnes said, "What about asking Eagle transport? They said they would like to help out."

Adama shook his head. "In order to preserve security, we would be asking them to stay out there until this all blows over. I cannot do that without compensating them appropriately."

"So, compensate them." Barnes suggested.

"It's not that simple. They will not take compensation, at least enough compensation to make it worthwhile." Adama said.

"You are kidding me. How can they run a business?" Barnes said.

"They know we are going to be fighting for our lives." Adama thought aloud.

"Well sir, if they know it's that important, maybe they would be glad to help. You said the CEO is a former Starfleet Officer?" Barnes asked.

"Yes."

"If he's a good guy, then let's tell him everything. Swear him in, then tell him what the plan is, and then let him pick the right people for the job." Barnes suggested.

Adama thought about it for a bit. "Let me think on that for a bit."

Barnes suggested, "Sir, I suggest make your mind up quickly. We don't have the time."

Adama nodded. "Suggestion taken, Captain. Thank you."

PRESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE ROOM

UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS GOVERNMENT CAMPUS

EARTH

President George Bennet entered and all stood while he walked around the edge of the room to the head of the table. The room was a large, long oval with an oval shaped table with comfortable office chairs surrounding it. Behind the chairs around the table was a walkway and then standard chairs lining the walls, to be used for the support of the primary people around the table. Above head height were several viewscreens. Bennet sat down at the table and asked, "Please be seated."

Everyone sat down.

President Bennet started, "Thank you for this briefing. To be stated for the record, present from the Executive are myself, the Vice President, Secretary of State Harold Vance, Secretary of Starfleet along with Federation Security Advisor Tibev."

Senator Jameson looked like he was in a seriously foul mood. He angrily snapped, "I object."

Bennet glared at Jameson and continued. "Senator Jameson and Senator April from Starfleet Oversight Committee, Senator Douglas and Senator Marshall from Intelligence Committee. Admiral Nogura, Starfleet. Director Michael Briggs, Federation Intelligence Directorate. Functionaries also for the Primaries listed."

Jameson prodded, "Once again, I object to Tibev. He is the assistant to the Federation Security Advisor."

Bennet snapped back, "He was until I asked for the resignation of Stuart Towbridge."

Jameson said exasperated, "But the public doesn't have confidence yet in Tibev."

Bennet said while glaring, "I lost confidence in Towbridge, and that is all that matters. Tibev was the assistant, he got promoted. I don't need your approval. Now let's move on."

"The purpose of this briefing is to determine policy toward the Klingons." Bennet said. "You all have had the material for study. We will start with a brief history lesson from State."

Secretary of State Harold Vance loved to hear himself speak. "Thank you, Mr. President. As you all know there have always been tensions between the Klingons and the United Federation of Planets. We fought the last Klingon war ending thirteen years ago. Since then, we have had no treaty and tensions rose until a new war almost broke out six years ago, and that one was prevented by the Organians. The Organians imposed a treaty on us and the Klingons among other things it established a neutral zone between our two governments."

"That lasted until this last year when Starfleet discovered the Organians had been destroyed. The Klingons declared the treaty null and void, as of right now there exist neither treaty nor state of war between the UFP and the Klingon Empire. The Klingons are currently in a desperate war against someone called the Cardasians, but we have had no contact with them. We exist in a tense state of no conflict." Vance finished.

President Bennet looked at the assembled people. "There is a strong belief in this room that war with the Klingons is coming."

Senator Jameson scoffed, "That's ludicrous."

Bennet snapped, "You'll have your turn Jameson. Director Briggs, state your case."

Biggs, dressed in his trademark all-white suit, touched a button in front of him on the desk. Overhead, maps and tables of data started showing up. "We know that the Klingons have been interested in attacking us for a long time. Ever since the Organian treaty. Displayed is the complete list of infractions of the treaty where Klingons attacked our ships, only later to be intervened in almost every case by the Organians."

There were several gasps in the room. Secretary of State Vance said, "There are so many. How did we not know?"

Briggs looked at Nogura. Nogura answered, "Starfleet, under orders of President Bennet, classified any armed conflict between Klingons and us under codeword-only access."

Jameson exploded, "And you are violating that by revealing that now!"

President Bennet said sternly, "For the purposes of this meeting, Project Peanutbutter is now authorized to everybody in this room."

Jameson looked at Bennet and said, "You can't do that!"

Bennet sternly looked back and said, "Senator, they all need to know the truth! Surely, you wouldn't want these people not to have the truth to process. Go ahead Director Briggs."

Briggs continued, "The Klingons carried out a well thought-out, systemic probing of weaknesses in the Organians and figured out a timetable. They even figured out that the Organians were slowly losing their power. Add to all that they developed a new class of ship." Briggs looked at Nogura.

Nogura touched a button and various schematics of the Kah'less came up. Nogura started, "This is the IKV Kah'less. Battleship class. Its size is slightly larger than our first battleship, the Excalibur. Its mass is way off, we are estimating approximately ten times that of the Excalibur. We believe it's because it has a neutronium weapon."

Senator April asked, "I read that in the notes. Neutronium weapon?"

Nogura nodded his head. "We are not sure of the physics, but the ship has a device made from neutronium in it. The effects are not fully understood, but this device took out a D7 that was retrofitted with base shielding in one shot, and at extreme distance. We are not sure of the yield yet, nor are we sure of the firing rate."

Senator April looked at Nogura. "Admiral, what about the distance?"

Nogura said, "The effective distance isn't limited by power, but rather how precisely they can point the device."

April continued. "What about the theoretical use on a planet? How far and how bad for the effects?"

Nogura answered, "This ship could hit a planet far outside the range of any ship that we currently have. As to the effects, the amount of energy to overwhelm base shielding and then disintegrate a D7 is in the Megaton range at least. The observed use of the weapon had the energy from the weapon continue after it was expended on the D7. We have no upper bound on the energy."

April continued, "How would a ship like this be used?"

Nogura took a breath and said, "Assuming it has a cloaking device, it would arrive in the target star system cloaked, close to its effective range, decloak and fire at its target. The range that was observed was roughly four times the range of our best weapons. Whatever it hits it destroys. If it was used on an orbital base, the shielding would immediately crash, and the base would immediately be destroyed."

Jameson sneered, "How can you say that? You do not know what it would do to an orbital base."

Nogura calmly answered, "I know this. To vaporize the mass of a D7 would immediately destroy an orbital base. It would be like a multi-megaton bomb going off inside the base. Nothing would survive, no computers, no weapons, no power systems, no people. The most you would have are chunks of metal that are superheated, melted mostly." The room sat stunned. Nogura looked at everybody and let a short, quiet time pass before finishing, "Then I would reload."

Bennet asked, "How long for reloading?"

Nogura said, "We do not know."

Secretary of State Vance said, "Great. We do not know if it is a single-use weapon or not."

Senator Marshall said, "But it is a first-strike weapon."

Jameson shot back and said, "You don't know that."

Senator Marshall snapped back, "That's what Nogura said he would use it for!"

The Secretary of State countered, "We have no evidence they want to attack us!"

FID Director Briggs said, "Then what is it for? They are patrolling their side of the neutral zone with it."

The VP said, shocked, "This thing is flying?"

Nogura nodded, "For months now."

Jameson said, "They are not interested in us! They are in a life-or-death struggle with the Cardassians! As long as we aren't a threat, they won't attack us!"

Briggs snapped at Jameson, "Senator! That is foolish! We know they are coming after us!"

Jameson said mockingly, "Oh now Michael, are you going to tell us that fantasy that Jacobs dreamed?"

Briggs said, "What is undeniable is that the Klingons conducted an intelligence op that crosses the line of war. They captured a Starfleet Captain…"

Jameson said condescendingly, "He wasn't uniformed…"

Briggs retorted, "Captain Jacobs was the target. They knew he was Starfleet. They needed information for an offensive they are planning. Jacobs was able to turn the table and find out they are coming after us. They are going to attack soon."

Jameson sneered, "That information comes from a dream he had."

Nogura shook his head. "There is some remarkable information from what happened. Jacobs was in the Klingon Mind sifter but managed to get information out of Kor on what the Klingons are planning. Starbase 5 is in full preparation based on that information."

Senator Douglas stated, "I'm inclined to believe that Captain Jacobs is telling the truth as he knows it. I've read enough on what that Klingon Mind Sifter is capable of. Mr. President, what is the real purpose of this meeting? Are you contemplating a first strike?"

President Bennet said, "For now I'm keeping every option available for debate. Let's go on the assumption that the Klingons are going to invade. What do we do?"

Senator Marshall answered, "We defend ourselves."

Senator April shook his head, "That's not good enough."

President Bennet looked at April and asked, "What do you mean?"

Senator April explained, "We must put some pressure on the Klingons. First, let them know we got their plan from Kor. That will knock them off balance and buy us some time. We step up the diplomatic pressure and any incursion in the meantime we respond hard. Because of this event with Captain Jacobs, we immediately expel some Klingon diplomats."

Vance said, "We cannot do that! We need them here to negotiate!"

April gave a look that seemed to convey his contempt of the statement. "I did not say expel all of them, just some of them. Enough to shake them up. Besides, every Klingon here is an operative. A spy. Do not deceive yourself into thinking otherwise."

Jameson scoffed, "You are thinking in the past, Robert."

April kept his calm, "It has served me well."

President Bennet asked, "What if they attack as Captain Jacobs says they will?"

April said, "We knock them back all the way to Qo'nos!"

Jameson said, "That's starting a war!"

April shook his head, "No, that is finishing it. The last war was just putting off the inevitable. We beat them back to the lines before the war started and then said 'that's enough'. To Klingons, that is showing weakness."

Before Jameson could retort, Bennet asked, "Senator Douglas. What is your opinion?"

Douglas sighed, "Mr. President. You, me, and Senator Jameson are of the same party. I think we defend ourselves, but just to repel the Klingons. We do not go chasing them all the way to their homeworld."

Jameson said, "But they will not attack. They have no desire."

Bennet ignored the comment. "Admiral Nogura, what is your thinking?"

Nogura said, "We think they would first start with Starbase 5."

Bennet asked, "Why there?"

Nogura explained, "It's a large facility capable of major starship repair and construction if needed. The planet has rich resources as well as the asteroid belt. Its loss would seriously cripple Starfleet and give them a forward base for their fleet attacking us."

Jameson shook his head, "No, you must protect the core worlds. Starbase 5 is expendable."

Briggs said, "I thought you said the Klingons are not coming. Now you are concerned about the core worlds?"

Jameson sneered. "They are not. But if they are, we need to protect the core worlds. One small colony is expendable. The Starbase itself is staffed with Starfleet personnel and they know what the dangers could be. The core worlds need to be protected."

Briggs said, "A mighty bold statement for one to state. To write off a whole colony as expendable, not even one as heartless as I could recommend that."

Jameson snapped back, "We lose the core worlds, we lose the Federation. Those outer colonies don't contribute to the overall betterment of the Federation. We could lose a whole colony and it wouldn't even show up on the GDP as a hundredth of a point. Colonies suck resources from us and if we went down, they could not survive."

President Bennet looked at Jameson and asked, "What is your recommendation, Senator Jameson?"

Jameson said, "Status quo. They aren't coming after us. If we start a buildup, that will provoke them into attacking us. Better for us not to build up, just keep on going along like we are."

Senator April said, "That's a mistake, Klingons will interpret that as weakness."

Jameson argued, "It is not weakness, it is a position of not provoking them. How do you know what the Klingons will interpret?"

April said flatly, "Because it is weakness. I can see it plainly."

President Bennet spoke quickly before Jameson could start arguing again. "Security Advisor Tibev?"

Jameson said, "I object to his being…"

President Bennet said, "Charles, if you become President, you can select who you want to be Federation Security Advisor."

Jameson was about to say something when Bennet said, "One more word Charles, and I'll have you removed."

Jameson was about to protest but the staffer behind him touched him on the shoulder. Jameson was livid but kept his tongue. Jameson looked at the Andorian, Tibev. "Mr. Tibev, what is your recommendation?"

Tibev's antennae moved to be spread apart, an instinctive sign that he is now not focused on one thing, but looking at the whole room. "Mr. President. I agree with Starfleet's and the FID's recommendation. I think we should assemble and reinforce 5th fleet and position them just on this side of the border here." Tibev pointed at a position on the map. "I think the Klingons will come just where FID says they will be coming. If attacked, we respond and pursue Klingons as far as the forward commanders think safe."

Jameson was biting his tongue. Bennet asked, "What is the difference between your proposal and Starfleet's?"

Tibev said, "None."

Bennet nodded understandingly and said, "Finally, the VP."

The Vice President said, "I like Senator Douglas' idea. Beat them back to the border and no more. Teach them a lesson."

Bennet asked, "What about the 5th fleet?"

The VP looked at Jameson, "I think the greater threat is the core worlds. We need to protect them."

Bennet nodded. "Very well. I ask that all be excused except Admiral Nogura, Director Briggs, Senators Douglas, and Marshall."

Jameson said, "You already made up your mind?"

"Get out, Charles."

The designated people stood and left the room. Only the people that Bennet wanted were left. Senator Douglas said with a southern drawl, "Charles isn't going to like that."

Bennet angrily said, "I do not care what he likes or does not like. Not anymore. My question to you all is what are you going to do based on my decision?"

The men shook their heads in not understanding. Bennet said, "I polled you and three to one it was for pressing an attack to the Klingons. Admiral Nogura, are you going to use the video if I do not do what you want?"

Nogura shook his head, "Sir, the use of the video needs to be with consent with the others you asked to stay behind. If I just released it, the Senators will expose me as violating the agreement we had. The video was only to help motivate you to sever ties with Senator Jameson."

Bennet nodded. "That and the promise from the Intelligence committee to protect my name helps. Ok, so as long as you four think that I'm not under the influence of Jameson I'm good?"

Nobody said anything.

Bennet said, "I see. Here is what I want to do…" Bennet outlined the plan and orders.

Some more discussion ensued between the President and the four others. Finally, Admiral Nogura said, "I think at this point, I should write up the orders and have you approve them."

Bennet nodded with a scowl on his face. "That sounds agreeable."

Admiral Nogura opened his briefcase to reveal a computer. He started typing the draft and shortly he had the orders written up. "Mr. President, here is the first draft of the orders." Nogura handed over a datapad.

Bennet read the pad and said, "You don't order 5th fleet the rendezvous point I specified."

Nogura nodded. "I do but I also am giving Admiral Adama the freedom to change the point depending on the information that is developed."

Bennet eyed Nogura distrustingly. "What is to say he just decides to go somewhere else? Perhaps on some suggestion you give him outside of my knowledge."

Nogura said, "That is not the intent…"

Bennet pointed at Nogura and Briggs. "But you two conspired to delay a direct order of mine for the Wisconsin in the Lambda-Beta system. I would have had your resignation Admiral but now is not the time. I want 5th fleet at my specific rendezvous point."

Nogura carefully said, "Sir, what if Starbase 5 picks up the Klingons coming in from another direction? Then that places Admiral Adama in contravention of your order to intercept them. There probably will not be time for him to send a message back here and get an answer."

"Then he will think carefully about going against my orders. I want him at this point, none other. If he goes against my orders, I want him thinking he will be court-martialed. That is my control over the situation." The President said.

Briggs said, "That will make him reluctant to act on his instinct."

"Exactly." The President said. "I do not want him doing his own thing. The only way I want him to think for himself is if the situation is so extraordinary that it is obvious for him to go another direction."

Briggs exclaimed. "You cannot do that! Adama has to …."

"Follow my orders." The President said. "I understand there is a time lag from Starbase 5 to us."

Nogura asked, "So beyond the initial setup, will the Admiral will be free to exercise initiative?"

"Yes." The President said.

Nogura made some changes and then showed them to the President on the pad. "I think this will do what we all want."

President Bennet read the orders and nodded. "It's less than what I thought." He handed the pad over to Senator Douglas who started reading.

Nogura said, "I'll include a video of this conference so Admiral Adama can better understand your concerns and motives. You certainly can't be on the front line, but maybe he can understand more what your concerns are."

Douglas handed it to the others who reviewed the orders.

Bennet sighed, "I would have preferred they move out quicker."

Nogura shook his head, "The flagship, Excalibur, is getting a refit to serve as a flagship. The Wisconsin is enroute and will start refitting as soon as it arrives. We need time to get that done, after that, they ship out right away."

Bennet said suspiciously, "How do I know you aren't stalling?"

Nogura nodded, "Fair question. Mr. President, the Klingon fleet needs to be intercepted away from Starbase 5. First, we have civilians there, it is a colony after all. Second, you don't want to fight at your port."

"Why not? You have all sorts of defenses there. Orbital stations, ground-based defenses. I would think you want to pick a fight there."

"It's a good fall-back but not desired. There is no defensive depth. Add to that the Kah'less can hit the Starbase far outside the Starbase's weapons range. I would prefer to engage much farther out." Nogura said.

"How far?" Bennet asked.

"The Neutral zone ideally." Nogura said.

Bennet shook his head. "That may be military thinking, but I must think for the whole Federation. My orders stand."

Nogura pushed a button on the computer and sheets of paper started coming out. Nogura collected them and started signing on the required line. He handed the sheets of paper to the President.

"Why paper?" Bennet asked.

"We know that Federation computer systems have been compromised. This is to be protective. Everyone here gets a signed copy by me and you. So does Admiral Adama. Also, there is no computer record of the actual orders. I'll fabricate misleading orders to be filed away in electronic storage." Bennet gave a quizzical look. Nogura continued, "If Starfleet comms are tapped, then maybe we can do some misdirection."

Bennet signed the orders and handed them to Nogura. Nogura handed a copy out to everyone present then took the remaining copies and placed them in the briefcase. He stood up and Bennet said, "Very well. You are dismissed."

HANGAR DECK

STARBASE 1

IN ORBIT AROUND EARTH

Cogley's ship, an acquired Orion Blockade runner, sat on the deck ready to take off. Admiral Nogura came out of a door with an officer in tow and walked briskly to the ship. Bruce Kendall was sitting in a lawn chair on the deck by the door to the ship. He saw the Admiral exit the door across the deck and stood up and yelled into the doorway. "Hey Bill, he's here."

Lead Pilot Bill Hadley stepped out and Kendall folded up his lawn chair and went inside. Nogura walked up and said, "Thank you Mr. Hadley for staying a little while longer."

Kendal stepped out again and went down the steps to the deck and stood by Hadley. Hadley shook Nogura's hand. "The Boss said that you might be sending something or someone back in a hurry. We're glad to help."

Nogura smiled, "I'm sending back both. Meet Lt Cdr Donald Ressler. Before I go further, the two of you are being recalled to Starfleet as of this moment."

The pilots began to protest, and Nogura raised a hand. "It's only for this mission, and more for legal reasons than anything else." Nogura presented two jewel boxes. "You are given a promotion immediately to Lt Commander. Once you arrive at Starbase 5 you can go back to inactive should you wish. I am also crediting you for one year toward retirement just for this mission."

Kendal said, "Alright! That's what I'm talking about!" Looking at Nogura, "Uhhh, Admiral. Sir. Excuse me."

Nogura chuckled, "No problem, Lieutenant Commander. Now you two are to deliver Lt Cdr Ressler and his case to Admiral Adama."

"That simple?" Hadley asked.

"That simple. Convey to Mr. Cogley my thanks." Nogura said.

"We will. Mr. Ressler? Welcome aboard." Hadley said.

The three boarded up and the door closed. Nogura walked back to the hangar deck door and watched Cogley's ship take off and go through the air force-field. Nogura turned and went through the door only to see Briggs.

"Michael? Here to watch the launch?"

Briggs shook his head. "No, just waiting for you. Time, we do some other processing. I want to show you more of what we have been able to piece together from Jameson's organization. Can you come to FID?"

"Sure, let's take a shuttle down." Nogura said.

The two started walking toward the shuttle deck. Briggs asked, "What do you think about the orders?"

"They aren't what we hoped for, I hope it is enough." Nogura said

"Me too. Me Too." Briggs said