Star Trek: Eleventh Fleet

Chapter 2: Rise from the Ashes

Star Fleet Headquarters bustled with activity this day, which wasn't abnormal for the heart of the Federation. However, today was special. The Federation President was visiting to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff about the current situation regarding fleet strength.

In a large room with a long, semi-circular table sat many decorated men and women who oversaw the various military parts of the Federation. In the middle of this group was President Jaresh-Inyo, leader of the entire Federation. The President, with a pile of official padds in front of him, spoke to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, the news only gets worse. I have heard rumors that the Romulans are in serious talks with the Dominion."

Admiral Hayes said, "They will never join the Dominion. The Romulan Star Empire would never be that foolish."

The President said, "What I have heard, which cannot leave this room, is that the Romulans are seeking a non-aggression pact with the Dominion."

Admiral Barton replied, "If this is true, then our list of potential allies grows thin. If war comes from the Dominion, we'll be vulnerable."

The President looked around the room and then asked, "What do we have to protect our people? I need to know you have plans to bolster our weakened fleets and strengthen our defenses."

Admiral Hayes picked up a padd and looked at it as he said, "We have the full support of the Klingon Empire. Captain Sisko convinced Chancellor Gowron to sign the accords once again. They'll be at our side."

The President said, "I'm pleased they are now with us again, but they too have suffered under their recent war with the Cardassians, and they took a hard hit when the Dominion invaded the DMZ. Two weakened fleets won't be enough against the strength of the Dominion. We have yet to even develop shields the Dominion cannot simply cut through."

Admiral Hayes looked over a padd, "We have our technical research division working day and night to figure out how to redesign our shields so the Dominion weapons can't pass through them."

The President sighed, "They infiltrate our highest offices, they ally with our enemies, and they can ignore our shields as if they weren't there. Tell me we have good news? What of ship production? Will we even have enough ships?"

Vice Admiral Krellic held up three padds with her three hands. "We have the shipyards at Delvon working at one hundred percent capacity. We're focusing on smaller, easier to build ships." She slid another padd over to the president, "In fact, reports are coming in that all our shipyards are working non-stop on building. Production is at its peak."

The President held up the padd and looked at it, his face never betraying his emotions. "Will it be enough? Reports tell me that the Dominion can produce ships at an alarming rate. We cannot match them."

Admiral Barton picked up a padd and changed its readout. "We have another avenue for ship production." He held it out, and they passed it down the table to the President.

President Inyo frowned as he read the title. "Project Phoenix? What is this?"

Admiral Hayes tapped his comm badge but said nothing.

The doors of the room opened and two people walked in. Captain Picard led Kal into the room. "What is the meaning of this?" The President asked.

Admiral Campbell stood up and angrily said, "Captain Picard, what are you doing here? This is a closed meeting, and that man is not welcome on these grounds. Get him out!"

Kal approached Admiral Hanson as he explained, "I am here because I have this, which bears your signature, and it speaks of a project that...as Captain Picard found out...would be a topic of this important meeting."