An Unexpected Conflict - Daniel Wueste

Main Title Graphic

Stardate 54695.8 -

As the Admiral rounded the corner to his office, you could tell by the slump of his shoulders that he was tired, more then that he was exhausted. He pressed the control panel to open the door to his office and stepped in, waiting for the doors to close behind him before he sat at his desk. He sat back and closed his eyes for a moment, just long enough to give the impression he was about to drift off to sleep. Then he straightened in his chair and pressed some controls on his desk panel. Finally after what seemed like an eternity he spoke, instructing the computer to begin recording a log entry.

“Admirals Log, Stardate 54695.8, William Ross recording, It has been two years since the Dominion surrendered and put an end to that destructive war, which lasted longer then anyone could have imagined. I have just been assigned to Starbase 43 located just Thirteen Light Years from the Romulan Neutral Zone. Being this close to Romulan Space is a constant reminder of what could have been, when the war ended many people, including myself, were very hopeful our improved relations with the Empire might lead to at least having a Federation Ambassador to Romulus, unfortunately they chose to cut off all outside ties and destroy any chance of that. From what I’ve been told the Romulan Tal’Shiar has taken direct control of the Star Empires weakened Government, this is more then likely the main reason for there desire for isolation from neighboring powers. To our knowledge there entire government was replaced after the War, by Tal’Shiar Operatives. Little is known of there new leader, but we do know that she came up through the ranks of the Tal’Shiar quickly and is popular among her people. That is sadly all the intelligence data we have on her, we don’t even know her name or that of any other high ranking official. This is troublesome, but not unexpected at the moment. On a more personal note I’m glad to be back to work, but Shore leave with my family seems shorter and shorter each time now and being given a new post doesn’t help matters. However aside from being rather tired all is well and I look forward to the months ahead. Computer Cease Recording.”

Admiral Ross left his office, having completed what he needed to and began to walk down the corridor. He walked until he came across a Turbolift, which he entered and instructed to take him to Deck Three. Once the Lift had halted he stepped out and walked towards his Quarters. Although he had only been at this Starbase for a few days he already knew his way around, he walked through the corridors as if he had known them for years. He came to a door, like all the others, except for the different room number affixed to it. Ross tapped the panel next to the door, let it slide open and entered. He was sound asleep within Minutes.

Stardate 54720.1 -
Admiral Ross and a group of other Officers were sitting around a large conference table, the mood was a relaxed one, but everyone was alert to there surroundings.

“Lt. Commander Tolwin, what’s the latest situation report?” As the Admiral said it he sat more upright in his chair.

“Well Sir, this is the latest report we’ve received from Starfleet”, Tolwin hits a few controls and the monitor at the far side of the room came to life.

“As you can see Admiral while the War with the Dominion has been over for some time now we are still recovering from it... currently our Fleet is almost back up to full strength and it is believed we will be back to our prewar state within a year.

Our relations with the Klingons have never been better, with Chancellor Martok and Ambassador Worf in place our Alliance with them is quite strong.

The Cardassians while a broken and demoralized people are making a strong come back thanks in large part to our assistance. There have been reports that the Obsidian Order, which as you may remember Admiral was abolished about 5 years ago, is being rebuilt and coming into power again. However these reports are just rumors and at this point nothing to worry about.

The Romulan Star Empire is the only one of the major powers in the area which hasn’t begun to rebuild, according to our most recent Intelligence Reports, there Fleet is still at 30%. However since they cut off relations at the end of the War, there's been no way to be sure how accurate our Information is. Apparently they have entered a phase of isolationism, this seems to be a pattern they follow after every War they’re involved in, there is some concern over this for the last time they isolated themselves we were caught unprepared for there technical advances. This also comes as quite a surprise, since at the end of the war relations between the Federation and Romulus had never been better. In the end however, nothing the Romulans do is a surprise.”

“True Enough Commander, carry on.” Ross said with a Laugh.

“Aye Sir... There has been no contact with the Dominion since the end of the war, at which time, as you know, they retreated to the Gamma Quadrant. However once again there are Rumors that they still maintain a foothold in the Alpha Quadrant, but there's no sign of that being the case.

The Breen Confederacy has also entered a period of Isolation, nothing has been heard from them since the Wars end.

Other Powers such as the Gorn and the Tholians have remained quiet since the wars end, having stayed out of it as much as possible, there of no concern at this time. I believe that to be it Admiral.” Tolwin sat back in his chair, relaxing now that he was done with the Report.

“Thank you Jeff, I believe that's all Gentlemen, Dismissed.”

Ross Watched as the rest of his Staff left the room, then he too got up and exited.

Stardate 54733.2 -

“Are you sure!?” Ross almost shouted at the viewscreen.

“Bill, I wouldn’t have contacted you if I wasn’t, I have the message right here in front of me.”

“Can I have a copy of that Message Chris?” He couldn’t help but sigh as he said it.

“Of Course, I’m transmitting now.”

Bill looked down at his console, an “incoming transmission” message was blinking across it. Within a few seconds that message told him the message was received.

“I’ve got it, Thanks for letting me know so quickly Chris, I appreciate it.”

“Its always a pleasure, I just wish it were better news, Blair Out.”

Admiral Ross deactivated the Comm system on his end and sat back in his chair.

“Computer play the last message to be received, Authorization Ross Delta 25.”

“This Material is Classified, Transmission Recorded Stardate 54722.8 at Starfleet Headquarters, message received Starbase 43, Stardate 54733.2.” As the computer gave the information the message in question began to play on a monitor. After the Federation Emblem disappeared a Romulan female appeared on the screen.

“I am Romulan Proconsul Aledra Krentek, Two Days ago a Federation Transport Ship crossed the Neutral Zone and entered Romulan Space. This vessel was promptly intercepted by one of our Warbirds and Destroyed, there were no survivors. Let this be a message to all, that incursions into our space will not be tolerated. Any ships found in Romulan Space for any reason will be destroyed in a similar fashion and we may be forced to take drastic action.”

The image Romulan quickly disappeared from the screen and was replaced by that of a Starfleet Officer, who began to describe the event from a Federation perspective.

“It has been confirmed that the S.S. Odyssey strayed into Romulan space and was destroyed by a Warbird around this time, no further information on its Destruction has been gathered. Also since this message was received there has been a build up of Romulan Ships in the Deveron system.”

The Officer Disappeared and the message ended. Ross tapped one of the control on his desk and contacted the base command center.

“Commander Neela, take us to Yellow Alert, and begin a constant scan of the surrounding area until further noticed.”

“Understood Admiral.”

Stardate 54748.6 -

Bill was sound asleep in his room, it was around 0400 In the Morning. Suddenly his Comm system beeped and he was forced to get up.

“Admiral there's a Priority One Transmission coming in from Earth, its being broadcast on all Federation Channels.”

“Priority One!? Put it through to my Quarters right away.” Ross said while still sounding rather tired.

“Aye Sir, Transferring Now.”

The Main Monitor in the Admirals Quarters activated, the previously blank screen began to play a message.

“To the people of the Federation, at 1400 Hours last evening we received an Ultimatum from the Romulan Government, they demanded we turn over certain key systems to them, or they would take them from us. We refused, then at 1800 Hours that same evening, the Romulan Star Empire declared War on Starfleet and its Allies. Our hope was that this was some sort of misunderstanding, that it could be resolved diplomatically, before it even began. However the Romulans have refused all attempts at a Peaceful solution to this, this message is to inform you that we are now in a State of War. There was no warning that this would happen, no sign that could have been recognized, we had no idea that a Freighter passing into Romulan Space by accident and the simple refusal to turn over a number of Federation Systems to them would lead to War. Due to this we are completely unprepared for a conflict, our fleet isn’t even up to Full Strength from the Dominion War only 2 short years ago. However we will fight to protect what is ours and hope to resolve this soon. Starfleet Command Out.”

The image on the screen disappeared, and even though the message was gone, all Ross could do was sit and stare at the once again blank screen.

Stardate 54911.4 -

“Personal Log, this War has been going on for months now, and already losses are more then anyone could have imagined. At the Battle of Gamma Eridon, nearly all of the 6th Fleet was destroyed. During the Dominion War the Romulans were a Welcome Ally, now we are at War again and I find myself asking, why? There was no reason for this to happen, we were caught off guard by them... again. It just doesn’t make any sense.... Starfleet has had to withdraw from all areas around the Neutral Zone, or what’s left of it. They just keep coming, there seems to be no end in sight, how many more systems must fall before we will get our act together. The Romulans recently captured Starbase 43, luckily we saw it coming far enough in advance to evacuate the Stations personal. Since then I’ve been assigned to a Number of Ships, but it would seem Starfleet has finally made up its mind where it wants me. I am currently serving as the Supreme Commander of the 4th Fleet, the U.S.S. Gettysburg acting as my Flagship. She has a good crew and it is an Honor to serve with so many brave men and women, but I wish I could tell them why we were going off to fight, why they had to watch there friends die... The War with the Dominion while at times it seemed pointless, had a Reason, the Dominion had invaded our space, they wanted nothing less then to conquer the Entire Quadrant, it was our job to stop them. This war though... The Romulans have always been interested in Conquest, but why now, why us, there's no clear answer, and that's what bothers me....”

Stardate 55358 -

“Log Entry, Stardate...Unknown. We have been on the front lines for so long now, I don’t even know what day it is. With every battle comes another defeat, the crews morale is extremely low, as is mine. The intelligence reports that keep coming in aren’t good either, it seems the Romulans have taken control of all systems within 20 Light Years of where there space ended before, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had taken more then that by now. I no longer put much faith in the Intelligence Data we receive, before this war even started according to all reports the Romulans hadn’t even started to rebuild from the Dominion War. We, along with the rest of the 4th Fleet, are limping back to Starbase 147, where we’ll put in for much need repairs, and a deserved rest from this Conflict. Even the Klingons, whom at first were overjoyed at the chance to fight with the Romulans, have started to wish this war were over. The Romulans are stronger then we ever could have imagined, I can’t help but fear that no one can save us this time...”

Stardate 55839.8 -

Admiral Ross and a group of other Flag Officers are sitting around a large Conference Table, while they seem relaxed, there is a sense of tension on each of there faces.

“Its the only way, I wish it weren’t, but look around, we’ve been at war for over a year now, soon it will be two, and we have yet to win any major campaigns. We’ve been pushed back across countless sectors, and the Romulans are now firmly entrenched there.” One of the Admirals said, obviously concerned that the others might not agree with him.

“The Federation has always been an Organization of Peace, Starfleet's main purpose is that of exploration, not conquest. I agree we need to increase ship production, we need to produce ships at a rate never before achieved. That we don’t have a choice on, but I will not agree to... sneaking around to win this thing.” As this Admiral spoke it became clear that War had made him old before his time, he didn’t seem comfortable with what’s being proposed.

Ross who was sitting at the head of the table and seemed to be the Ranking Officer, had been silent through most of the conversation.

“Gentlemen, we are at War, it doesn’t matter that are primary goal should be exploration, it can’t be now. The Romulans have always held a Tactical Advantage because of the Cloaking Device, hell that's why there able to surprise us at almost every turn. Our scientists have worked long and hard, they have developed a Cloaking Device which surpasses the Romulan version we were loaned so many years ago. We have the technology now to beat them at there own game, it would be foolish to pass this opportunity up. I for one would rather end this war, by doing something we might not otherwise, then have it go on any longer.” As Ross finished he looked around the table to see what everyone's reactions were.

“I’d have to agree with Bill, we’ve been on the Defensive to long now, having our own Superior Cloak and using it may be our last chance. If our Fleet is equipped with them then we can double the number of Stealth missions we engage in, right now we are limited to using the Klingons and/or Defiant-Class Ships to do that. However if all our ships have a Cloak we can launch massive offensives against the Romulans, and if we do it quickly enough we can catch them off guard for once.”

Everyone seemed to finally agree on this and the conversation turned to the deployment of the Cloaking Device. The conversation moved around the table as each Officer gave his insight on the situation.

“According to the most recent projections it would take Six Months to get a Fleet of 12,000 New Ships ready and equipped with the Cloak. However this is already an incredible number of ships as compared to what we usually build in that time, so I don’t think we can do better then that. This will require every shipyard in the Federation to work around the clock for the entire Six Month Period. If the Klingons, who have more experience with Cloaking Technology, send some Engineers to assist it might help to speed up installation.”

“How long would it take to get a Cloaking Device Installed in all existing Federation Vessels?”

“I’d say around 2 Months, however that's assuming we upgrade Every ship the first time they dock for repairs. The problem with this is that there's no way to be sure we’d even have enough Cloaks on hand to do that. I think an estimate of Four to Six Months might be more reasonable.”

“Then if that's the case we have our work cut out for us, I think we all best be getting back to our duties, Dismissed.” As Ross said it the group began to leave the Room.

Stardate 56433.8 -

“Admirals Log, the day we’ve all been waiting for has finally come, with almost Twelve Thousand new ships and an entire Fleet Equipped with Cloaking Devices, in a Combined Attack by the Federation and Klingon Fleets, we were able to push the Romulans back and retook Four Sectors. The Romulans didn’t even know what was happening until it was too late. While there was some doubt as to if we should use a cloaking devise at all, now after this great victory even those who strongly opposed its use have fallen silent with awe. The tide has turned, and I think we can win this thing.”

Stardate 56671.6 -

“Personal Log, it has been almost Four Months since we made our first Stealth Attack against the Romulans using our new Cloaking Technology. I had hoped we would be done with this war by now, but it continues, and many more have died and most likely even more will too before this War is over. Despite the fact we are still at War, Morale is high, for we are slowly but surely pushing the Romulans back towards there space. Victory is inevitable but not within sight... yet.”

Stardate 56775.1 -

“Admirals Personal Log, the Romulans are as good as Beaten, every engagement we have had recently has been a number of Romulan Vessels covering a group of less armed ships so they can withdraw. While they have yet to admit defeat, I can’t imagine them being able to maintain a powerful enough force to even continue this much longer. Victory is at hand and I hope this war will be over soon.”

Stardate 56851.8 -

Admiral Ross sat in his Quarters aboard the Gettysburg, trying to read a Book.

“Admiral, this is the Bridge, there’s an incoming transmission from Fleet Admiral Bennett, its being broadcast on all Federation Channels.”

“Then is must be important, I’m on my way to the Bridge, hold it until I’m there.” As Ross finished he put his book down and began to get up.

“Aye Sir.”

Ross moved across the Room and left his Quarters to head for the Bridge.

Bill walked onto the Bridge and took the Captains seat. He nodded to the Communications Officer and the Stars on the Viewscreen were replaced by a person.

“Citizens of the Federation, as of 1800 Hours today, the Romulan Star Empire has surrendered. While an official cease fire will not be declared until a Treaty is written up and signed, the Empire has agreed to order all ships remaining in Federation space back to there territory and that they will not fire on any Starfleet or Klingon Vessel unless first attacked. We have agreed to sign the Treaty Four Days from now, on Deep Space Nine, the following people are requested and required to be present to sign this treaty and to serve as witnesses. From the Federation, Rear-Admiral Richard Brendel, Vice-Admiral Thomas Hawkins, and Admiral William Ross. From the Klingon Empire Chancellor Martok and Ambassador Worf. This is truly a great day for Starfleet and the Entire Federation.”

As the Viewscreen went Dark the Crew began to express there happiness at the Wars end, some just sat and smiled, while others hugged there shipmates. Admiral Ross simply sat in his Chair, smiling and looking forward to signing the treaty that would official end this long conflict.

Stardate 56860.6 -

As Admiral Ross walked onto DS9, he couldn’t help but notice how happy everyone seemed.

“Admiral Ross, welcome back to Deep Space Nine, its been too long.”

“Its good to see you Colonel, how have you been?”

“I’m doing all right... Any idea why they chose DS9 for the Treaty signing?” Colonel Kira asked.

“From what I’ve heard it was the most Neutral location Starfleet would agree to, although I can’t imagine the Romulans feel this place is Neutral.”

“Well let me escort you to the Ward Room, the other delegates are gathering there.”

Ross and Kira moved through the Promenade, heading towards the Ward Room.

Kira and Ross entered the Room, the Colonel moved over to an out of the way corner, while Bill sat at the table. Once everyone was gathered, one of the Admirals began to speak.

“These the Sendarian Accords, call for an immediate cease fire, the restoration of the Neutral Zone, requirement that all disputed Sectors be given back to those who controlled them before the war, and the immediate removal of the Federation Cloaking Device from all Starfleet Vessels. This Treaty has been agreed upon by the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, and the Romulan Star Empire. All that is left is for it to be signed.”

Once The Delegates and Officials from the various worlds gathered there had all signed the treaty, Admiral Ross began to speak.

“Almost Five Years ago, another costly War was brought to an End in this very room. Many of those here today, myself included were here that fateful day, when the Dominion War was ended and peace was restored to the Quadrant. I don’t think any of us could have imagined then, that only a few short years later we would be at War again... It is my hope, and I’m sure the hope of everyone here, that the peace forged with these Accords lasts longer then that we gained the last time. There were no winners in this war, only losers, nothing was gained, but so many good people were lost, in this case for nothing. All we can do now is rebuild and work even harder to preserve this peace.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the delegates began to leave, some staying to talk with others whom they knew.

Stardate 56869.4 -

Admiral Ross was sitting in the bridge of the Gettysburg, which was stopping at Earth to drop of the rest of its crew, so it could then be repaired and refitted at the Orbiting Shipyards.

“Admiral Ross, there's a private transmission coming in for you from Admiral Hobson at Starfleet Intelligence.”

“All right.... I’ll take it in my Ready Room.”

Ross got up and headed for his Ready Room, once inside he sat at his desk and activated the Comm System.

“Bill, its Bob at Starfleet Intel.”

“What can I do for Bob?”

“Well... Bill I heard you were present for the Signing of the Sendarian Accords.”

“Yes, I was also one of the people to sign it.”

“Ah yes... Well did you notice anything odd about the Romulans there?”

“No, not at all, they seem to have a Vulcan like control of emotions, why?”

“According to what the Romulans told us when the Accords were written up, there Proconsul, Aledra Krentek, was supposed to be present at the signing. Since she was the Tal’Shiar operative given control of the Empire.”

“But how is that possible? There weren’t any female Romulans present at the signing.”

“That's the questions Bill, but we believe we know the answer to it.”

“Bob, I’m trusting your going to tell me, right?”

“If you remember, before the War started we heard reports that the Dominion still maintained some kind of foot hold in the Quadrant. We believe Aledra Krentek, was that foot hold.”

“What!?”

“From what we have been able to gather she was a Shape shifter, who the Founders had put into place before we went to War with them and the Cardassian Union. When the war started she wasn’t able to get off of Romulus and was effectively trapped there.

“May I ask how you arrived at this conclusion?”

“Two years before the War with the Dominion began, Krentek was reported missing, she reappeared 6 months later, we never found out what the explanation for her disappearance was, but at the time it seemed of little consequence.”

“Are you saying a Changeling Started this War, why?”

“We’re not sure, but it may have been in hope that it would weaken the Major Alpha Quadrant powers enough that the Dominion would return and she could escape.”

“So your saying this is similar to when a Shape shifter impersonated then General Martok and in turn caused the Klingons to declare War on us?”

“Exactly, this theory is backed up by the fact Krentek has once again disappeared, from the information we have, it is believed she was found out and put to death.”

“But that would mean the Romulans as a whole never wanted War, but were manipulated into it, why wouldn’t they just say so, it might cause some not to look down on them so at this time.”

“The Romulans are a very proud people, for them to admit they were used, would be to admit a mistake, and I have never seen the Romulans as a People Admit something like that.”

“So they’d rather live a lie then admit they were wrong...”

“It would seem so, take care Bill, maybe we can have lunch when you reach earth, Hobson Out.”

As the implications of this began to sink in, Ross just sat there in a state of shock....