Call to Arms"
By: Charles Atwood, Chief Intelligence Officer, [PST]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.25 1100

A light signaled Ensign Forrester on the ops station she sat at. "Sir!" she said investigating it, "Its Fleet Command on a secure channel. They are requesting you, the XO and Mr. Atwood."

"We'll take it in the observation lounge." said Hunter, "get Mr. Atwood up here. You have the CONN."

"Yes Sir." acknowledged Forrester.

Hunter nodded at Wright to join him.

Wright followed the captain into the conference room.

Hunter sat in his chair and activated the comlink.

A grey haired admiral appeared, behind him serious looking man in an intel uniform.

"Hello Captain Hunter" said Admiral Stone with a nod. "Hello Sir," replied Hunter.

"..and Commander Wright, you look well, I received a report about your injury, how are you?

"I am back in top shape now Admiral," replied Wright.

"Good news." said Stone.

Atwood entered the ready room. He noticed that there was a meeting going on so he stood at attention and remained silent.

Stone leaned back and took a deep breath. "Well, I wish I had better things to visit with you, but I don't."

He paused to let things sink in. "Here at Fleet Command we'd always hoped the missions of the Zion would be of peace and hope. Unfortnuately, today, it may be a call to arms."

Hunter looked over at Wright.

The Admiral continued, "I'll let Commander McBride fill you in on the details."

McBride picked up a PADD and activated a large star chart showing major portions of both the alpha and beta quadrants. "Intel has been monitoring a large build up of Federation ships along these areas." As a result, we fortified ships in this theater of operation. McBride indicated an area near Qul Tuq between the federation ships.

"Shortly after 2400 hours, we lost contact with Pacifica. About the same time Intel reported the Federation fleet began moving towards the system also. We believe that this is a major offensive." McBride stepped back.

"Gentleman, we have mobilized Tango Fleet to intercept, but they are many days away." The Admiral leaned back. He knew his orders would put the Zion in jeopardy, but he believed he had no choice. "The Zion is the closest thing we have. We need to slow them down. I'm sure you are all aware of the significance Pacifica holds as the Alliance's major producer of Deuterium.

"So you want us to get in their way?" asked Hunter.

Stone nodded, "that is correct Captain."

"Okay. we'll do our best." said Hunter.

"One more thing," said the Admiral motioning to McBride who stepped forward. McBride nodded toward Hunter and Wright. "Lt Atwood is being reassigned effective immediately. I will be transmitting his orders via secure link shortly." He turned to Atwood. "You need to prepare to depart within the hour."

"Yes Sir," said Atwood as he snapped a crisp salute.

The Admiral turned his gaze back to the view screen, "Ian, Jonathan, godspeed. Fleet Command out."

'END TRANSMISSION' and the Maquis emblem appeared on the viewer.

Hunter stood up, "Number One, you have the bridge, please get us underway, we'll have a staff briefing in one hour." He looked at Wright and Atwood, "Dismissed."

Wright and Atwood returned to the bridge. Atwood got on the turbolift and Wright took the command chair. "Helm, lay in a course for Pacifica Warp 9," said Wright.

"Aye sir," replied the helmsman.

Wright turned to the ops station, "Ensign Forrester, notify the senior staff that there will be a briefing in the bridge observation lounge in one hour."

"Yes sir," replied Ensign Forrester.

"Yellow alert," said Wright. The ship's systems immdediatly changed to to status yellow.