Descent And Retribution?

A series of drabbles about 'The Delphic Expanse Arc' – I'm working on stories about the Delphic Expanse – but first I wanted to express some 'thoughts' in the vein of a more 'canon' Malcolm Reed – could be seen as 'notes in a journal'.

None, R, Not particularly AU

AAAAA

A least a million people dead – I know it must be more – first reports are never accurate . . . Commander Tucker asked a very human question, "Why?" As I was told many years ago, there are times that you will never know why, and that question will haunt you till the end of your days. All I can do is try to keep my people safe as we head back to Earth. And hope that there are answers . . .

It is obvious that I am woefully inadequate at my profession – the Suliban have invaded the Enterprise and 'stolen' the captain away. I remember as a child hearing tales of people taken away – never to be seen again. Finally he is returned; I only wish that there was a similar return of my confidence.

Travis Mayweather has gifted the bridge officers with an observation – "Our Sun . . ." he says, the wonder of the moment evident in his voice. I would have basked in that feeling, but reality chose to interrupt in the form of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey, containing an acquaintance of Captain Archer . . . Duras – intent on revenge . . . Again our armaments are less than adequate, and I am reminded of how weak we truly are. Saved by the timely intervention of other Earth ships; I owe their tactical officers my thanks . . .

We orbit our home world above the site of the attack. The scar – and it will remain as such until the eventual 'death' of our star, for then the sun will engulf our planet – slashes across the land a thin, deadly vandalism of the 'blue pearl' of Earth – I notice that Commander Tucker will not look at the ruined land where his sister may have perished. But I am a voyeur of death, and I cannot but wonder at the power of this weapon.

The captain has allowed Trip and I to fly in a shuttle pod to Commander Tucker's home town, where his sister lived; we stand and look at the utter desolation – there are no words to describe the sight. All I can do is express my poor regrets, and offer a bit of hope that she was not present when this happened . . . He bitterly rejects my attempt.

I have heard this day that General Casey has assigned military assault troops (under the command of a Major Hayes, yet still under my all-over authority) to accompany the Enterprise as we track down this weapon that is being built by 'the Xindi'. I do not doubt that they will be needed . . .

It is but a few days before the 're-launch' of the Enterprise; we will have increased armaments, better defensive capabilities, including variable-yield, photonic torpedoes. Commander Tucker has come to my armory to see for himself, the added weaponry – both personally and professionally it is under his purview as chief engineer – I reassure him that 'we are ready to avenge this attack'. But as we exit the armory, I make the tactical error of asking if there would be a funeral for his sister. (As my friend, I am concerned for his well-being.) He replies that it is pointless, without remains – and I respond that I meant a memorial, and that there had been one earlier, which we missed. He became quite angry at my comment, telling me that I was too obsessed about death and that his sister was no more important than anyone else who died. And he leaves quite angry, demanding that I ready my weapons so that we can 'kill these bastards' when we find them. I must try to maintain my professional detachment else deadly mistakes can be made . . .

The actual launch of Enterprise from Jupiter Station is uneventful – but then it is apparent that the Klingon Duras has not given up his attempt to capture Captain Archer. I admit that I welcomed the chance to 'test' both the increased offensive and defensive capabilities of the upgraded systems; we dissuaded him, and damaged his ship – heading for the planet Vulcan to return sub-Commander T'Pol before we enter the Delphic Expanse. I for one will miss her. Her contribution to our mission was invaluable, and I appreciated both her fine, logical mind, with her unique outlook on reality – and her breathtaking beauty. Lovely and unattainable . . .

There are always surprises on this ship – T'Pol will not be leaving us, and has decided to go with us to the Delphic Expanse. I have heard that the region is deadly to Vulcans, so I hope that this decision is not a horrible mistake on her part. But I am glad – with her help I think our chances have improved to find the beings who have attacked Earth – It will be another six weeks before we enter the Expanse.

This entry is not in response to any particular event – but I had to note some observations pertaining to our mission. We are at the mid-point of our voyage to the Delphic Expanse. It is evident that both Captain Archer and Commander Tucker are keen to enter the region and find those responsible for the attack on our planet. I hope that their 'ardor' for results is justified, and doesn't lead to problems. Hopefully with the assistance of sub-Commander T'Pol, I can urge them to try for a dispassionate demeanor – Ensign Sato tells of a Klingon proverb – 'Revenge is a dish best served cold.' I do agree with that assessment . . .

Considering the previous observation, I will now tell of something that does bother me . . . Major Hayes. I cannot help but think that he is 'not happy' taking orders from a 'lieutenant', and a Starfleet one at that . . . why did they sent a major and a 'ground-pounder' to boot? He seems determined to show his troops superiority in all things military . . . in a way my worst nightmare . . . I wanted the captain to be 'more military' and now I have 'the Major'.

Seven weeks into our voyage and we arrived at the boundary and entered the region between 'normal space' and the Delphic Expanse. We deployed a communications buoy to facilitate contact with Earth; a test signal was sent – and at that moment three vessels appeared on our sensors – perhaps Duras feels that 'third time's a charm' – I am determined that 'third time' will be his downfall . . .

With the aid of Ensign Mayweather at the helm, and the result of a suggestion by Captain Archer, I was able to destroy the vessel commanded by Duras – in a spectacular manner, the 'bird of prey' destroyed as a result of my new torpedoes – Mayweather had performed an 'L-4' – essentially a 'loop de loop' and placed our ship covertly behind the remaining Klingon vessel – their shields all focused forward where they expected us to be. A satisfying result indeed.

We have officially entered the Delphic Expanse. May our cause be just, and our mission fruitful.