=Somewhere in the French Alps=
=Presidental Bunker=
President Spock stood quietly looking over the holographic map of Earth. It should locations where these, what could only be described as terrorists, had attacked.
"Mr. President?"
Spock turned to face his chief of staff.
"We received a brief communique from Councillor So in West Virginia. He said that only two members of the council remain unaccounted for. They were apparently off-world on separate functions."
Spock nodded, "I want to return to Paris as soon as possible."
"But there are still reports from ..."
"I'm not concerned with reports. The citizens of the Federation need to see their president serving them from his office and not hiding in some bunker deep inside a mountain."
The chief of staff shook his head, "But the danger ..."
"Is perhaps a bit overstated. At least as far as the presidency is concerned. From these reports, Paris has been untouched. With additional security, it will remain so."
"But some of our security is the problem. Starfleet officers have turned against the government and starfleet."
"Then I must address them and the situation, but I can not do so from here. I will speak to the Federation from my office sometime in the next 24 hours. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Mr. President. But I think it is a mistake placing yourself in such a vulnerable position."
"Perhaps."
An aide rushed in and whispered something into the chief of staff's ear.
"Sir," the chief of staff said. "The Secretary of Defense is on the comm link."
"Very well," Spock said. "I shall speak to him here."
The chief of staff nodded as the image of the map was replaced with that of Harold Malone.
"Mr. Secretary," Spock said. "It is good to see that you are well."
"Likewise Mister President." Malone said, with sincerity. "With all that's going on, its gratifying to see a friendly face."
Spock nodded, "Indeed. We have lost a number of high-ranking personnal today. Knowing that you are not among them is most ... gratifying."
"I was nearly one of them." Malone frowned. "General O'Neill of Starfleet Security turned on us, and nearly executed me."
"General O'Neill?" Spock's eyebrow rose. "That is unfortunate. I have received similar reports of trusted starfleet officers perpetrating such acts of betrayal. This now has to be considered an attempted coup of our government and military."
"I've received confirmation that we've lost twenty six starships, and that the government of Alpha Centarui has been overrun and the rebels hold the Government quarter." Malone said.
"Do you have any suggestions Mr. Secretary?" Spock asked.
"I don't, Mister President." Malone said, sadly. "Contingencies exist for such cases, but not in such numbers. I don't think anyone truly believed Starfleet would attempt a coup against the Federation… again."
Spock remembered the incident years ago when then-Captain Picard and the Enterprise-D prevented a neural parasitic race from taking control of the Federation. At the time, Spock was deeply involved in his reunification efforts on Romulus.
"Mr. President, I doubt these officers are under the control of the 'blue gills'," the chief of staff said, referring to the nickname given to the parasites. "They would have attempted to infiltrate key members of starfleet, not kill them. This has to be something else."
"Agreed," Spock said. "Though I am not ruling out the possibility."
Spock focused on the image of Malone.
"Mr. Secretary, did General O'Neill say anything before attempting to execute you?"
"Just monologue." Malone replied. "Nothing that actually would help us."
"Most unfortunate," Spock said, showing a slight sign of disappointment. "We need to find out which starship captains and starbase commanders we can trust. In addition, I want you to appoint an acting chief of starfleet security. Someone you can rely on. This person will need to regain control of this planet. Then we can focus our efforts on Alpha Centarui."
"Well, I've heard that General Sharpe has secured control of San Fransisco." Malone said. "He might be useful."
"There is something else," Spock said. "Earlier today, the security council voted to approve use of the TechEx. We may need to use these weapons to keep the Romulans from taking advantage of our internal strife."
Malone exhaled deeply. "Might mean stepping up the strike program."
Spock closed his eyes for a moment before opening them to speak again.
"I am going to address the Federation later today in order to assure the citizens, and anyone else listening, that the government chosen by them is still in charge," Spock said. "In addition, I am going to address the Romulans. I am going to give them a deadline to approve the terms of surrender we issued to them three weeks ago. If they do not accept these terms, then we will have no other course of action."
Harold nodded. "I think it would be best to reassure the people of the Federation that there still is a government." He said. "It might also draw out whoever is behind all this."
"I will contact you after my address," Spock said. "Until then, live long and prosper."
"Peace and long life, Mister President." Malone replied.
President Spock (npc by Rick)
President of the United Federation of Planets
Fleet Admiral Harold Malone (Ret.)
Secretary of Defence
Played by Frankie