Star Trek Coda

Chapter 15: It is possible to make no mistakes and still lose

2383 became the year the galaxy burned, in every corner and all at once. New Romulus was the first to fall as the Federation task force arrived. Equipped with newly developed cloaking technology and ablative armour from Voyager's return, the attack was quick but brutal. The Federation fleet appeared out of nowhere and delivered a decisive blow. President Scott had been clever in her strategy; it was a war she did not want to lose.

At the same time, the other arm of the Federation moved against Qo'Nos and key Klingon outposts. The warrior people fought bravely and ensured a warm welcome in Sto'vo'kor. But the Federation was unstoppable. As the Klingons fought tooth and nail, their brave warriors were obliterated wherever they were attacked.

But as with Napoleon and Hitler, one can only push so far before the galaxy pushes back.

EARTH, 2383, SECTOR 001

The war room bustled as President Scott stood in the centre having PADDs full of reports handed to her. In front of her was a massive 3D hologram of Federation space giving a real time update of the war. Her objectives had been met and the targets destroyed.

"Madam President, we're receiving intelligence that 84 member worlds have seceded in protest. The footage of the destruction of Qo'Nos and Romulus has spread."

She didn't bat an eyelid. She was on the path now. There was no going back, "understood General. Reallocate all of our assets from those areas and redeploy them to the war effort."

Another officer came up, "the Romulans and Klingons have officially aligned, along with a number of other worlds. They have denied they already had a joint attack planned."

"Continue with our attacks. We knew this was coming," responded the President.

Stanson came in close and whispered, "you know I support you Jane. But we can still go back from this. The casualties are already much higher than we expected."

She turned and looked him dead in the eye, "no General. And this is the only time I will say it. Is that understood?"

He stepped back, in an act of defiance, showing the new boundary, and saluted, "yes, Madam President." It was a normal act to everyone else, but she knew its meaning. By dismissing him she had just lost a friend and a confidante.

"Sir, we're receiving new intelligence, a massive allied fleet is on its way."

"Be specific," ordered the President, "where?"

He stuttered, "here. It's coming here. Three hours out. Over eight hundred ships detected but likely more that are cloaked."

For a moment the President panicked, but she regained her composure. She believed. She had to believe - the plan would work.

"General, recall all available assets!"

"We only have two task forces on standby that will arrive on time," he replied, "we'll be vastly outnumbered. Intelligence said they were days away." She glared at him, silently ordering him to stop.

'No! No! No!' she screamed it over and over in her head. This wasn't the plan. It was to strengthen the Federation, not weaken it. Earth could not fall. It just wasn't possible?!

"Activate the defence network. Put all local starbases on alert. Lock down every city and activate shields. I want all local law enforcement ready to assist with planetary defence. Make sure everyone who can wield a phaser has one. We're going to win this."

"Madam President, we might need to consider other options? As the head of Starfleet, I just can't see a way of us winning."

"General. I am the Commander in Chief and the decision is made. What other choice is there?"