Ensign Tom Harris sat at the OPS station reading the controls. He felt good about the position he had. He was only 22 and had left the Academy five months ago. Now he was a bridge officer and one of the few officers that was assigned to OPS. He was looking forward to this assignment as much as his first day at Star Fleet Academy.
The Commodore was sitting in his chair and Harris was pleased to be serving under his command. The Commodore had a quite an impressive record during the Dominion War.
Tom would have loved to have seen action during that time, but he was only 14 by the end of the War. Tom knew of his father's service and his brothers' service. His father and oldest brother died at Wolf 359, and his second oldest brother had a quite an outstanding record before and during the war. However, his brother's present assignment was kept under security tabs.
He looked at his panel and saw the ETA for the stopping at Deep Space Nine. "Commodore, our ETA is 4 hours and 23 minutes for arrival at Deep Space Nine."
"Outstanding Ensign."
He looked down at the comm panel on his station and saw the red light was blinking. "Sir, we are being hailed. It's from Admiral Ross, sir."
"I'll take it in my ready room, ensign. You have the bridge, Captain."
"Aye aye, sir."
Pike walked quickly from the command chair to his ready room. He sat behind his desk and activated the viewer. Admiral Ross' face appeared on the small screen. He didn't look very happy.
Pike said, "We've barely been out of spacedock for a few hours, Admiral. You can't have bad news for us already!"
"I'm afraid I do, Jeff," said Ross. "As you know, the Federation's relations with the Romulan Empire has been becoming precarious. Ever since the Romulan military faction won their Civil War, they've been working overtime rebuilding their space fleets and ground forces."
"Of course, Admiral. I keep up with current events," said Pike. What hasn't he told me yet?
"What you may not be aware of," continued Ross, "is that they have completed construction of their Fifth Fleet. I trust you are aware of the significance of that?"
A chill went down Pike's spine. "Yes, Admiral. I am aware."
"All right, Jeff. Just thought you'd like to hear it from official channels," said Ross. "Good luck." The view screen went dark.
Pike sat back in his chair and thought. He had a sudden uneasy feeling in his stomach. The Romulans are starting trouble again. And their Fifth Fleet is the force that usually patrols their borders along the Federation!