January 24th 2381 A.D.

2225 hours

Galaxy-Class Exploration Cruiser,
U.S.S. Excalibur NCC-26517-A

After verifying his identity as the current CO of the Excalibur, Calhoun selected the 'display message' icon on his terminal, and settled back into his chair for what he expected to be a long, and boring, communique from Command. Boy, was he ever wrong about that.

The ever-stern visage of Admiral Nechayev filled the touchscreen terminal. In the moments before the Director of Starfleet Intelligence began speaking, Calhoun noticed with a small amount of concern, that the Admiral seemed much more on-edge than usual. Whatever was going on in the greater galaxy, it must be extremely serious, to worry the tough-as-nails Admiral.

"As of this moment, the United Federation of Planets is at Condition Red. All Starfleet vessels are to immediately go to Red Alert, and maintain full combat readiness until further notice."

The Admiral's words, delivered with an air of urgency, prompted Mac to pause the message, and tap his commbadge.

"Mac to Burgy"

"Burgyone here Captain, whaddya need?" The Hermat inquired.

"New orders from Command, take us to Red Alert, bring Shields to full, and engines to 110% output, load the torpedo bays, and warm up the phaser arrays, and begin long range sensor sweeps. I'll have further instructions in a few minutes" he replied.

"Roger that Mac, what's goin on?" His XO replied worriedly.

"Not sure as of yet Burgy, but whatever it is, it's got Admiral Nechayev all worked up, I'll tell you more when I can" with those parting comments, Calhoun tapped his commbadge again to close the channel, then touched his terminal to continue relaying the message.

"At 1600 hours, Galactic Standard Time, January 24th, the Starship Enterprise engaged and destroyed a Tactical Cube from the Borg Collective. Before hostilities began, the Enterprise was hailed by the Cube, transmitting an automated declaration of intent. The message stated that due to the numerous setback's caused by the Federation and her allies, the Collective no longer desires the assimilation of the Human race. But rather it's complete annihilation." At this the Admiral paused to take a breath before continuing, perhaps to steel herself for her next words.
"The Borg have declared a war of extinction on the Federation and the governments of the Khitomer Accords, as well as all unaligned powers in the Alpha and Beta quadrants. They no longer intend to assimilate any races that resist, merely annihilate them."
Admiral Nechayev paused once again, schooling her features into a steely mask. "All ships will receive further orders detailing their specific assignments in separate communications, Starfleet out."

As the grim visage of the Starfleet Admiral reverted back to the stars and laurels of the Federation insignia, Mac slumped back into his chair with a distinct air of shock and resignation surrounding his person. Allowing a surprised whistle to escape his lips, he rested his elbows on his desk, and rubbed the bridge of his nose between the thumb and forefinger on his right hand.

"And to think, this morning, all I had to worry about was how badly I'd be injured during training today..."