Pike walked out his ready room after his short talk with Admiral Ross. He addressed Captain Neil, "Captain, please call the senior staff to the conference room."
As Neil complied, Pike made his way to the conference room. It was also on deck one, behind the main bridge. Large bay windows along the aft wall looked out into space. A long slightly curved table ran the length of the room, and a holographic projector depended from the ceiling above the center of the table. The projector was an improvement over the small view screens that older Galaxy Class ships had on either end of the room. Pike thought it was a good idea. The projector could depict images above the center of the table, and no matter where you were in the room, it looked like you were looking at the image head-on.
Pike placed his hand on the back of the seat at the head of the table and stared out the windows at the streaking stars. Were the Romulans planning anything? Only time would tell.
As the senior staff began filing in and finding their seats, Pike took his. He mentally checked off their names and positions as they entered. It was just practice for him - he was still getting to know these people.
First in was Sevan Lantree, chief engineer; followed closely by the helmsman Churok and OPS officer Tom Harris. Science officers Lunis Tunis and Shatora were next, then Lee Carter from the shuttle bays. Doctors Kira Markos and Linn Haakon took their seats, and Counselor Frank Flemindale sat next to them. Last to file in was Captain Kara Neil; she took her place in the chair at Pike's right.
A young, blonde ensign came through the door behind Pike and handed him a PADD. "Thank you, Piper," said Pike.
"You're welcome, sir," she answered, and quickly left the room again.
When everyone was settled, Pike touched a control in front of him and the room dimmed. The holographic projector came to life and suddenly there was a three dimensional star map rotating above the center of the conference table. Everyone recognized the Alpha Quadrant.
Pike began without preamble. "A few minutes ago, I received a communication from Admiral Ross. It was to inform me that the Romulan Empire has completed reconstruction of their Fifth Fleet."
Pike paused to let the significance of that statement sink in. A few of the officers looked at each other with concerned expressions.
After a moment, Pike continued. "As most of you probably know, the Fifth Fleet is traditionally used by the Romulan High Command in operations near the Federation-Romulan border." At this, the star map shifted slightly and centered on the area of space under discussion. Colored zones appeared indicating Federation space, the Romulan Empire and the Neutral Zone.
"Given current relations with the Romulan Empire, Starfleet Command fears they might be gearing up for hostilities."
Ensign Harris spoke up. "Are we being sent to the Neutral Zone, sir?" He seemed eager.
Pike said, "No Ensign. Our mission remains unchanged for the time being - to chart beyond Federation borders in the Alpha Quadrant. I'm just telling you all this so that you hear it through official channels instead of the rumor mill." He touched the panel before him again. The star map dissolved and the room lights came back on full strength.
Pike looked at his crew. "I know you are all fine officers and will be able to handle anything fate cares to throw against us. The Knight will be docking with DS9 in a few hours. It'll take us a few days to load our last supplies and crew members, so there will be plenty of time for a little shore leave before we head out into the unknown."
The crew smiled. Pike managed a small smile of his own and said, "Make the most of it!"