[Galaxy] 2161.10.11 - Solar News Network -- Breaking News!

[Ethan Armstrong]

[ San Francisco, Earth ]

"3..2..1.. Live!"

The camera zoomed and panned across the massive crowds of humans and
aliens who had been closely packed inside the gigantic arena. The
Cochrane Arena was built close to the site of Starfleet Academy and
was a multi-purpose facility that could host concerts, lectures and
sporting events. It represented a very impressive feat of design and
engineering with its circular features, walkways and large spectator
capacity. It was the perfect venue to host an event of great
significance.

The camera view passed over several different groups who were
attending the gathering. Some were recognisable as Telllarites,
Andorians, Denobulans and Vulcans whilst others were not so easy to
distinguish. Eventually it settled upon a smartly dressed,
dark-skinned man perhaps in his mid forties with greying hair who
stood on a raised balcony overlooking the filled arena, which could be
seen panning out in all its vast magnificence behind him.

“This is a Solar News Network special bought to you live from the
Cochrane Arena where the member species of the Coalition of Planets
have gathered on this fine October day to announce a new alliance.”
the man began, facing the camera. “Representatives from eighteen
different worlds have come together with the crowds to witness this
historic moment that will affect the future of us all. I’m Harry
Oakman and wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you are not going
to want to miss this. Stay tuned.” he smiled. “Pencilled in to start
in five is an opening address on Romulan movements from Starfleet’s
Admiral John Brown.”

The camera widened to show that Harry Oakman had been joined by a
Denobulan female. The screen flashed her name underneath -- Mitreena
Four.  She smiled widely at him and then at the camera.  “That’s
right, Harry,” she said, bubbling with enthusiasm.  She gestured over
her shoulder.  “As you can all see behind us, a huge crowd has massed
here at the Cochrane in order to take part in this very special
occasion.  If you look closely, you’ll see that the arena is sporting
a new look today.”  She turned back to Harry, still smiling.

Harry nodded in acknowledgement. ““Yes, Mitreena.  If you look behind
me you can see a gigantic new logo adorns the central walkway and I
have been informed this is to be the emblem that will front the new
alliance. Beautiful!” Harry pulled out a sheet of paper he was holding
in a spare hand as the camera switched over to show a better angle of
the logo. “A full analysis is to come later in the program but it is
clear to see the similarity to the United Earth Space Probe Agency
with incorporated elements such as the olive branches from United
Earth logo. Initial thoughts are this indicates a merger of the two
organisations” he said, passing away the paper as the camera turned
back to him.

“How exciting!” Mitreena said.

“I am hearing that Admiral Brown is now ready to begin his report.”
Harry adjusted his earpiece as he spoke, receiving information from
the news desk. “Stay with us as we bring you live coverage” he said
and the camera switched to Admiral Brown who was just standing up to
address the gathering.

“Greetings, people of Earth!”  A huge cheer went up at his words.  He
grinned as he looked around at the assembled people.  “Greetings to
our honored guests -- the people of Vulcan!” The cheering continued,
and barely abated at all as he continued.  “The people of Andoria! The
people of Tellar! The people of Denobula!”

As he said this, the view switched to Mitreena, who was clapping and
cheering -- but took a moment to wink at the camera.

“To the people of Rigel! Our neighbors from Alpha Centauri! And last
but certainly not least -- the people of Coridan! Welcome … welcome to
Earth.”  He smiled and nodded.  The uproar continued.

“Certainly a robust crowd here tonight, Harry,” Mitreena said. “That’s
Admiral John Brown, beginning the opening address here in Cochrane
Arena.”

"Admiral Brown was one of the many involved in planning and logistics
during the war." Harry added a bit of extra information as the view
remained on the Admiral himself.

“Thank you … thank you,” the Admiral was saying.  He held his hands
aloft in a ‘hush’ing gesture.  When the crowd quieted enough so he
could speak without shouting, he said, “We gather here tonight for a
number of reasons.”

“First of all, something that I know is on everyone’s minds -- the
Romulan War.”

A chorus of boos greeted this statement.  John held up his hands again
until they quieted.  “I’ve been authorized to announce that, since the
events of the Battle of Cheron, we have been in contact with the
Romulan government and have negotiated a cessation of all hostilities
/and/ the establishment of a buffer -- a ‘neutral zone’ -- between
Romulan and Coalition space.  The war, gentle-beings, is /over/.”

The place went wild.  Even Harry and Mitreena, shown by the news
cameras, hugged joyously and cheered.  It took almost ten full minutes
for the din to subside.  John stood there the whole time, nodding,
clapping for the crowd, and laughing as it just kept going and going.

Harry picked it up.  “There we have it folks. Further confirmation
that the Romulan aggression has ended. I am sure you will agree, it is
great news! As soon as we get further news about this ‘Neutral Zone’
and which area of space it covers we’ll bring it to you. For now stay
tuned for the next set of announcements due shortly. We can confirm
that Enterprise sitting in orbit is no coincidence. Captain Jonathan
Archer will be making a speech to kick off the rest of the
proceedings.”

Mitreena Four was wiping tears from her cheeks.  “We can also confirm
the arrival of the heroic Coalition ships that took on the Romulans,
can’t we Harry.  We have it on good authority that Ambassador Titus
Oleet’s personal transport was spotted near New Berlin.  It looks like
the Fleet has been called home and very special guests are arriving --
so I think it’s safe to say that we can expect something big! Stay
tuned to your Solar News Network!”

"This has been Harry Oakman and Mitreena Four, reporting live from the
Cochrane Arena in San Francisco, Earth. And now ... back to your
personal programming."  Harry nodded, Mitreena waved, and the screen
went blank.

...

Harry Oakman
News Anchor
&
Mitreena Four
Reporter
============
Solar News Network
"Everything Under the Sun -- You Need to Know!"