Disclaimer: The characters of the Star Trek universe belong to Paramount (as also created by Gene Rodenberry) but the words are mine.
AU/Ent: Starfleet orders the Enterprise to investigate the threat the Xindi pose and stop them. On the way, the Sorcerers Squad joins. But they are eliminated with a genetically engineered pathogen however not before they tell Archer how to defeat the enemy.
Sorcerers Squad
Chapter 1
The New Recruits
Enterprise pride of Starfleet was ready to depart for the Delphic Expanse from where the attack of the alien race Xindi originated. Jonathan Archer, captain of the Enterprise was at his quarters reviewing the last given orders when he was called on the communicator.
"Captain,"
"Archer here,"
"There is a call for you from Admiral Forest, sir."
"Put him through here,"
"Patching it up now,"
Jonathan activated his view screen. The flowing data was replaced by the image of the admiral in his office.
"Jonathan,"
"Admiral,"
"I wanted to wish you good luck in your mission. Earth's hopes and future is in your hands."
"Thank you, Admiral," Jonathan said. "We will find them."
"Oh and Jonathan there is one more thing."
"Admiral?"
"Enterprise is to alter course for the planet Verris, near the border with the expanse."
"Why?" Jonathan looked at the admiral perplexed.
"There you will pick up the last four new recruits for your mission."
"I don't understand, Admiral. I thought all the new additions to my crew have already come aboard."
"Well these four you are going to pick up at Verris."
"Admiral why wasn't there a mention in my current orders?"
"It wasn't because it is off the books and while it is so Starfleet is ordering you to pick them up. They are part of an experimental Starfleet science division and they, Jonathan, will help you in your mission."
"A bunch of scientists, Admiral, I already have enough scientists aboard. I don't have the time to entertain rookies."
"Starfleet orders remain, Captain!" Admiral Forest responded in sudden coldness.
"Admiral, who exactly am I picking up?"
"It is on a need to know basis and right you don't need to know. Everything you do have to know will be sent as soon as you leave. Do you understand, Captain?"
"Yes, Admiral,"
"Verris coordinates have been entered into your navigational system. Good luck, Captain Archer! Starfleet out!"
The admiral disappeared. Jonathan remained silent for quite some time. This was one of these times Starfleet looked very much like a secret military fraction intertwined with political games' influences. Need to know – what the hell was going on?
He straightened up and headed for the bridge. Entering, he sat on his command chair looked at each and everyone on the bridge. These people here he trusted with his life. The new additions, the MACOs, military commandos, were a necessary evil. He needed them. But these newest recruits he knew about other than being part of some experimental science division – ah, sometimes he wondered if Starfleet knew what it was doing.
"Ensign Mayweather," Jonathan spoke. Travis turned at him expecting the order for departure. "Clear all moorings, thrusters ahead,"
"Ay, captain,"
The USS Enterprise NX01 clearing all moorings started to move slowly out of the spacing dock ring. All lights had come to life enlightening the most prominent parts of the star ship – the nacelles aft and forward, the saucer's top and ventral side, the starboard and portside docking ports.
"Engage to warp four," Jonathan ordered sitting back in his chair.
"Ay, warp four, sir," Travis said pushing the appropriate sequence on the console before him. The stars become lines and the Enterprise jumped to warp speed.
Jonathan remained on the bridge for next hour or so before he decided to go for a walk around the different compartments of the ship to check on his crew. He still hadn't ordered the ship to go for Verris. He reached the secondary cargo bay that had been transformed into a tactical command centre. It was where they were going to gather intelligence for the Xindi.
There were times as of late he still couldn't believe what had happened. A Xindi probe had appeared above the skies of the Earth and has unleashed a beam of terror upon the surface below cutting a hole in the ground several miles and more than a thousand kilometres long. Seven million people had lost their lives instantaneously.
Many believed it was only a test. What kind of race attacks unprovoked? What kind of test is that? But Starfleet analysts were certain a bigger attack is coming and it was the job of the Enterprise to prevent it. But first they had to find the Xindi.
"Captain," Commander T'Pol greeted. She and Lieutenant Reed were already in the tactical centre. "We have received a piece of information."
"About?"
"A possible Xindi contact,"
"Explain,"
"It is all here." T'Pol passed his a pad. The information said that some miner owner has a Xindi prisoner. A trade captain of some questionable trait had relayed the information to Starfleet.
"Set a course immediately,"
Lieutenant Reed as always voiced his concern regarding the legitimacy of the given information and Jonathan had to remind him the reason of the tactical centre's existence. They had no time to play it safe anymore.
They arrived at the given planet and met the demands of the miner owner. Sadly as, it always happens the poor bastard tried to detain them. A rescue team led by Lieutenant Reed and Major Hayes came to the captain's and commander Tucker's aid. The Xindi was not exactly the same as the one found in the Xindi probe but it did not matter. He had given them the new coordinates in his last breath.
Upon arrival at the coordinates however the crew discovered the planet of the Xindi had been gone for more than three hundred years. Captain Archer was not pleased at all. The Enterprise continued on course for the expanse.
"Captain, Admiral Forest from Starfleet,"
"Put him on in my ready room," Jonathan was not in the mood lately. "Admiral,"
"Captain Archer is there a particular reason you have decided to ignore Starfleet orders?"
"Admiral?"
"The Enterprise has been ordered to Verris to pick up your new recruits. Why haven't you done this?"
Jonathan let some of his frustration out. The late development of his mission has occupied all of his time and truthfully he had forgotten completely about the new recruits. He tried explaining it to the good admiral but then had to accept the scolding.
"Captain Archer," Admiral Forest was no longer in a good, cheerful mood. His expression was cold. "You have your orders, Captain, if you are unable to follow them I will replace you with someone that is! Do you understand, Captain?"
"Yes, Admiral," Jonathan said.
"I'm waiting,"
Jonathan sighed. Apparently the admiral was going to wait hearing him giving the order. "Admiral, Verris is way off our current course,"
"Captain!"
Jonathan sighed. He pressed the communicator. "Travis,"
"Yes, Captain?"
"There are coordinates in the navigational system for planet Verris."
"Yes, sir, they are here," Travis replied.
"Set a course immediately,"
"Ay, captain,"
Admiral Forest nodded approvingly. "Once you have them onboard, you will make contact with me, Captain! Is this understood?"
"Yes, Admiral,"
"Good, Starfleet out!"
The admiral's image disappeared. Jonathan sighed deeply frustrated this time. He had never seen the admiral this pissed. And suddenly realized he had been one inch away from demotion. Apparently even the beginning of the mission had affected him more than he had thought. He had to focus more otherwise in his outburst he might lose his command.
Enterprise arrived in orbit of Verris the next day. The planet was Minchara class and looked no different than Earth though it was slightly smaller in size.
"Captain,"
"Establish high orbit," Jonathan commanded.
"Yes, captain," Travis manoeuvred the ship in high orbit.
"Prepare shuttle pod one for departure," Jonathan said. "T'Pol, Trip, you come with me!"
T'Pol left her station and joined the captain in the turbo lift. They reached the hangar bay where Trip was already waiting. They all got in. The hangar bay doors opened and the shuttle departed for the surface of the planet. Jonathan following the provided meeting coordinates set the shuttle for the southern continent.
Landing, Jonathan left the shuttle followed by his chief engineer and Commander T'Pol.
"Captain, if you don't mind me saying, what are we doing here?" Trip asked.
"We are waiting for the newest additions to our crew." Jonathan replied looking around the small hill he had been ordered to land on.
"I thought we got everyone on Earth?"
"Well, apparently Starfleet thinks otherwise,"
"How many are we expecting?"
"Four!"
"And why are they here?"
"This is on a need to know basis, Trip, and according to Starfleet we don't need to know."
"Ha! Right," Trip said. "Sub Commander, any thoughts?"
"Regarding?"
"Our presence here,"
"No,"
"Vulcans," Trip said shaking head.
"T'Pol, are you picking up any life signs in the area?" Jonathan asked.
"No, captain," T'Pol replied after examining the area with her scanner.
"So how long are we supposed to wait for these guys?" Trip inquired.
"As long as it takes," Jonathan replied though he wondered the same. He had a mission that was time sensitive and he could not afford to wait for long. But sadly the next few hours no one came. Jonathan was getting impatient. "Malcolm,"
"Yes, Captain?" Malcolm replied by the communicator onboard the Enterprise.
"Are you picking up any settlements nearby?"
"Yes, Captain, ten clicks from your present position."
"Relay the coordinates," Jonathan said and got inside the shuttle. The other two followed him in. "We are going closer."
"Captain," T'Pol objected. "Leaving the rendezvous point is not wise. They may arrive at any time."
"Be as it may besides we haven't detected anyone approaching. We are moving in closer."
Jonathan fired up the engines and the shuttle gained altitude. They moved on to the provided by Malcolm coordinates. Jonathan made contact with Malcolm again.
"Malcolm, what kind of civilization is there?"
"According to the Vulcan database, sir, Verris is highly developed technological society but I'm afraid we don't have much on it."
"That's all I wanted to hear," Jonathan said and then added explanatory. "They won't be spooked by a shuttle infecting their culture."
Jonathan landed the shuttle though on the outskirts of the village. It was visible they were very developed but still some undefined feeling was stopping him from going in there. He put down the shuttle on a ridge overlooking the village. From there they were able to run scans.
"T'Pol?"
T'Pol did not answer at once. She was still conducting scans. "Scans indicate no antimatter present in the village."
"What? I thought it said highly developed technological society?"
"True but I do not pick up any signs of warp technology society,"
"No antimatter reactors?" Jonathan asked. T'Pol shook head. "Then what?"
"I'm picking up energy sources but..."
"But – what?"
"I cannot identify them."
"That's not what you hear every day from a Vulcan," Trip remarked.
"Indeed," Jonathan agreed intrigued. And just then out of the blue they spotted several things at once. Sudden explosions occurred not very far away from their position. Flames of deep blue colour illuminated the sky and engulfed several buildings. "What the hell is that?"
"Unknown," T'Pol replied earning perplexed and looks full of surprise from Jonathan and Trip.
"Care to repeat?" Trip asked.
"Unknown,"
"What do you mean unknown?" Trip exclaimed. "It is positively visible! Something just blew up!"
"It appears so but..."
"T'Pol?" Jonathan looked at her.
"But according to our sensors nothing has happened."
"WHAT?"
"Our sensors are not registering any explosions."
"But that's impossible. I can clearly see it." Trip said.
And he was right for the explosions continued. They were of different colour though – black this time. And it made them wonder what kind of fire is a black one? What kind of atmosphere could produce a black fire? It was interesting because the atmosphere of the planet was no different than that of Earth.
The explosions grew closer. Jonathan, Trip and T'Pol left the shuttle pod and armed themselves. They moved to right where T'Pol had registered a downhill road. In the view of the mounting explosions, soon they noticed the steady pace of four figures. They were definitely approaching their position.
"Get ready!" Jonathan ordered and took position behind a rock on the side of the road with phaser in his hand ready to fire.
There was so much spoke that it covered most of the visibility ahead but the four silhouettes of the four figures was still visible. Their shadows grew closer and just as Jonathan was thinking about saying something his jaw fell to the floor. It was not every day one witnesses such a sight.
The four had gotten very close. They had almost identical height. But what they were wearing now that was something, a sight unseen. Their clothes were identical – trousers, shirts with long sleeves, leathered boots and belts, and long raincoats with high collars. On the belts Jonathan noticed a long tight holster strapped on the right and on the left but what kind of weapon fitted in there was beyond him other than a long pencil. The colours however differed from left to right – silver, scarlet red, gold and black! This perfect combination contrasted much on the surrounding environment. There were two males and two females. The latter being the silver and the gold and the former the scarlet red and the black. They were walking in such synchrony Jonathan had not seen even in the military.
Suddenly the one in black stopped dead in his tracks raising a hand in the air. His eyes examined the immediate surroundings. A smile appeared on his face that much was visible though the rest of their faces not so much. A single wave of his hand and the four split up.
"Damn what synchrony," Trip exclaimed silently.
Jonathan was preparing for an attack but as it turned out he and his officers were not the target. Jonathan noticed movement down the road. It was made of twenty figures and as it appeared they were heavily armed.
The four suddenly jumped in their midst. What happened next was difficult to discern. There were a lot of flashes and screams of pain. Jonathan was barely holding his urge to intervene. Suddenly the flashes and the screams subdued. The four were the only ones standing. Jonathan clearly saw them holster something long into the long holsters.
"Captain Archer, the rendezvous coordinates were if I remember correctly ten clicks east of here!" The one in black suddenly said in a high voice.
Jonathan looked at T'Pol and Trip.
"If I did not know better I would have had the impression you are afraid to show yourself but it is a conduct a captain of Starfleet."
"Or a chief engineer," One of the women in silver added.
"Or Vulcan Sub Commander," The other man in scarlet red said.
"There is really no point in hiding captain," The woman in gold remarked.
Jonathan stood up and moved out from behind the rock he had been hiding. The four were waiting patiently. Trip and T'Pol followed their captain's lead.
The man in black stepped forward. "Captain Archer, Commander Tucker, Sub Commander T'Pol, I'm Colonel Nathaniel Roberts of Her Majesty's Sorcerers Squadrons. This is Major Leanne Stormlance, Lieutenant Gethric Mercutura, and Commander Kauri Blackthorn."
Jonathan's mind stopped at the mention of something odd – Her Majesty's what. His thoughts were saying – did he say Sorcerers Squadrons. What the hell was that? Had Starfleet chosen to prank him in this hour of grief and anger? What the hell was his mission a magic show? But ironically orders were orders. They were part now of his crew whether he approved or not.
"Reporting for duty, sir," Colonel Roberts saluted.
"Yes, we were expecting you." Jonathan said almost on automatic. His mind was still processing the words Sorcerers Squadrons. Colonel Roberts was the one in black, the major in silver, the lieutenant in scarlet red and the commander in gold. "And you are late. What were you doing here?"
"Apologies for the tardiness, Captain," Colonel Roberts said. "As for our presence here, I'm afraid that is classified information."
"Of course," Jonathan said though he was not certain what the hell he was agreeing on. "The shuttle is this way. We have a mission to..." Jonathan did not finish that sentence rather he turned around and led the way.
Trip and T'Pol had been very silent as well. The odd dress code was probably the cause for it. And so they all marched in silence until they boarded the shuttle.
"Archer to Enterprise,"
"Go ahead Captain," Malcolm replied.
"We have um...the package. Prepare to leave orbit and resume course as soon as we dock."
"Yes, Captain,"
The first thing Jonathan did when he reached his quarters was to call Admiral Forest and inform him the four recruits had been taken.
"Excellent news, Jonathan," Forest said.
"Admiral, if I may ask – what the hell is this?"
"Captain?" Forest looked at him questioningly.
"What the hell is this Her Majesty's Sorcerers Squad?"
"Don't think you are the only one to ask this question." Admiral Forest replied.
"Admiral we are on a sensitive mission. This is no time for Starfleet's pranks. I..."
"That's enough, Captain," Admiral Forest had become once more cold. "It is no prank. They come highly recommended."
"Really? I just watched an entire village's quarter go in flames!"
"It is part of their mission."
"Which is what?"
"That's classified. Even I don't know what it is about. Starfleet Command has requested them specifically..."
"To do what – magic shows or blow the hell out of someone?"
"Captain you are in contempt of Starfleet's orders and this time I will close my eyes but mention it again I will have you replaced."
"Admiral with all due respects, I need people I can count on. They are not even Starfleet."
"Jonathan!" Admiral Forest raised his voice and added whispering. "I'm not the only on this channel right now." He then continued with normal voice while Jonathan had to swallow his response. "I know this is awkward and believe me you're not the only feeling this way but these four have such a record it will blow your mind. They come highly recommended. And you are to make them feel as part of the crew. Is this understood Captain Archer?"
"Yes, Admiral,"
"We'll speak again later for now Starfleet out!"
The channel was closed and it left Jonathan a great deal perplexed. Highly recommended and it will blow your mind, the Admiral's words still resonated in Jonathan's mind. Who the hell were these people? Jonathan accessed the database and demanded the files pertaining to the four only to meet with impenetrable walls of class 'classified above top secret'. And again the question popped in his mind – who were these people and what were they doing on his ship.
The MACOs, he was the one who requested them but these people. He was not sure what to make of it – one side he had the ridiculous notion of sorcerers (there was no place for magic in the world of science) and on the other highly recommended (with possibly a very impressive record sealed with above top secret. Such secrecy had not existed since before the third world war.).
Jonathan discarded his thoughts on the subject for the time being. He needed to focus on his mission though the very next morning he saw the four parading around the ship in those ridiculous outfits (although they were quite stylish in a way and in perfect contrast).
"Colonel Roberts," Jonathan called as he saw them again later in the afternoon.
"Captain," Roberts said stopped. Jonathan noticed the distinct feature in Roberts that were his eyes and hair – ice blue and blonde almost silver.
"I'm hoping that these attires are not your uniforms!"
Roberts smiled. "I'm sorry to disappoint then Captain for they are."
"This is not Starfleet issue hell even the MACOs are in something more...presentable."
"I'm sorry you view it this way, Captain, but this something is our uniform." Roberts remarked and Jonathan could sense the offense taken in his voice. "However if it displeases you, we shall abide by your view of uniforms."
"Well..."
"Let me ask you something, Captain,"
"Yes?"
"I imagine the first time you saw the MACOs' uniforms your thoughts did not say: 'oh, wow, how ridiculous they look'?"
"Well I..."
"I thought so! No offense, Captain Archer, but one could have thought that prejudices were set aside long ago?"
"I...um..."
"Well it seems only when it suits you!" Roberts cut him off. "You heard the captain Squadron, we have to remove these ridiculous outfits and blend in!" Roberts did say those words quite caustically.
"Colonel Roberts!" Jonathan snapped. There were many people in the mess hall observing this conversation. Jonathan had become colder. "Starfleet had strict regulations on uniforms aboard a Starfleet vessel and..."
"Oh spare me your sanctimonious and prejudice view, Captain," Roberts' voice had become colder as well. "And yes it does for every different type of teams whether they are marines, infantry, air fleet or Starfleet, or special ops. If you are not happy with it call the Quartermasters and argue with them."
"Colonel," Kauri jumped in. "We are all on the same side. There is no need to create escalation."
"Mind your own place, Ms. Blackthorn," Roberts remarked coldly. "I will not have this sad excuse insult who we are."
"I beg your pardon?" Jonathan exclaimed.
"Oh crap, he even has hearing deficiencies it's a bloody wonder he made it captain. Maybe that Denobulan should take a look." Roberts' eyes were going off their orbits. "You wouldn't be even here if it wasn't for Daddy, Captain Archer."
The situation was becoming highly volatile. Kauri and Gethric thought it best to get between their leader and Captain Archer before the two jump on each other's throats.
"How dare you?" Jonathan had gotten angry. He will not have such insubordination aboard his ship. "Lieutenant Reed,"
"Yes, Captain," Malcolm was also observing the highly escalating situation from a distance. But now his Captain was calling him.
"Escort Colonel Roberts into the brig!"
"Captain?" Malcolm was a bit taken aback.
"Well go ahead lieutenant," Roberts said. "We mustn't keep God waiting."
"And put him in restraints," Jonathan shouted.
But Malcolm was not bringing himself to obey this command as he had witnessed the development of this conversation and couldn't help but agree with Colonel Roberts.
"Lieutenant Reed, I gave you an order!"
"Do not be so shy, lieutenant," Roberts observed. "Your captain gave you an order and you have to follow it. Don't worry, this is not the first time I have upset a Starfleet officer with the truth and it won't be the last." Roberts moved to Malcolm with hands stretched forward. Malcolm did not wait to be told twice and put the restraints. Two more security officers came to the mess hall and escorted Roberts out of it and straight into the brig.
Jonathan returned to his quarters. He could hardly hold his heavy breathing of the anger choking his chest. Never before had he been challenged in front of his crew in such a manner. Truth – how dared he? He was not going to tolerate such behaviour on his ship.
"WHAT?" He exploded angrily when the bell on his door rang. Trip and T'Pol entered shyly.
"Captain," T'Pol began slowly. "We are approaching the expanse."
"Good," Jonathan snapped. "I'll be on bridge shortly." T'Pol left without a word but Trip remained. "What is it, Commander?"
Trip was not sure how to present, approach the issue.
"Yes, Trip?"
"Um...ah...Captain, um...the crew is...well they are not very...um...happy about your recent reaction."
"WHAT?"
"Many of them feel that your decision regarding Colonel Roberts is..."
"What inappropriate?"
"Yes,"
"Trip, he has been less than a day aboard my ship and what I have mutiny on my head now?" Jonathan snapped. "I will not have insubordination aboard this vessel. We have a mission to..."
"Exactly," Trip interrupted boldly. "We are on the same side. And as much as I hate to say it, Roberts did raise a valid point."
"Get out, Trip! NOW! Before I confine you as well..."
Trip did not say a word just shook head and left. Jonathan fumed for the best part of the day before he calmed down. He ventured onto the bridge and prepared for the entering in the dangerous space as the Expanse.
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