J. B. Tilton/Page 6

ENTERPRISE

"The Price Of Loyalty"

By J. B. Tilton

Email: K

Disclaimer: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all related characters and events are the sole property of Paramount Pictures, Inc., except for those specifically created by me for this story. This is fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

A visit to the Enterprise by a Star Fleet admiral causes problems for Archer and the rest of the crew when the admiral relieves Malcolm of duty and announces he is to be court martialed for treason and aiding the enemy.

ONE

The Enterprise dropped from warp and came to a full stop in space. It had taken the ship four days at warp four point five to reach this destination. Waiting in space just several hundred yards away was another Star Fleet vessel. Archer came out of his ready room as the other ship hailed them.

"On screen," ordered Archer.

The visage of a man wearing a Star Fleet uniform and the rank of admiral appeared.

"Captain Archer," said the admiral, "I'm Admiral De Haan. Prepare to receive my shuttle. Have your senior staff assembled immediately upon my arrival."

"Yes, sir," said Archer. "I'll take care of it immediately. Sir, can you tell me what this is about? I just suddenly received orders to drop everything and proceed to these coordinates. But no explanation was given."

"When I arrive, Captain," said De Haan.

The view screen went blank.

"Now that's damned odd," said Trip. "Usually they give some indication of what's going on."

"I'm sure we'll find out when he gets here," said Archer. "Probably just some inspection. We haven't had any formal inspections since we launched. They probably just want to see how things are holding up.

'Okay, everyone, you heard the orders. Arrange for someone to relieve you and report to the conference room in ten minutes. Trip, I want you to meet the admiral's shuttle personally. Whatever's going on, let's give him our best impression."

"On my way, sir," said Trip.

Fifteen minutes later Trip escorted Admiral De Haan and a commander to the conference room. Archer glanced at Trip for any sign the admiral has said anything. Trip just shook his head "no".

"Admiral, De Haan, welcome aboard the Enterprise," said Archer.

"Thank you, Captain," said De Haan. "Please, everyone sit down. We'll dispense with the normal pleasantries for now. I'm very familiar with your entire crew. This is Commander Walter Jacobs of the Judge Advocates Office."

"Yes, sir," said Archer. "Welcome aboard, Commander."

"Thank you, Captain," said Jacobs. "I feel honored to be aboard the Enterprise. She's quite a ship."

"Admiral, what is this about?" asked Archer. "As I said, we've been given no explanation. Just to come here as quickly as possible."

"For those of you who aren't familiar with me," said De Haan, "I am the Assistant Head of Security for Star Fleet Command. My visit here is not social. Nor is this an inspection, as I'm sure you may have theorized. This is an official investigation and the entire crew is ordered to cooperate fully."

"Investigation, sir?" questioned Archer. "Why would Star Fleet security be investigating the Enterprise?"

"Not the Enterprise, Captain," said De Haan. "This is an investigation into an incident that happened some years ago and involves a member of your crew."

"I see, sir," said Archer. "Which member of the crew is it, sir?"

"The incident happened about five years ago on the Earth ship, Polaris," said De Haan.

"The Polaris?" questioned Malcolm suddenly.

"I see you remember it, Lieutenant," said De Haan. "Then you must also be aware of the incident to which I'm referring."

"Yes, sir, I believe I am," said Malcolm.

"Just a moment, Admiral," said Archer. "You said this is an investigation. Since a member of the Judge Advocate Generals' staff is here, am I correct in assuming this is a criminal investigation?"

"Yes, Captain, you would be correct," said De Haan. "Commander, would you care to inform Captain Archer and his crew about the specifics of this investigation?"

"Certainly, Admiral," said Jacobs. "Lieutenant Malcolm Reed is suspected of collaboration with an enemy of Earth. He is also suspected of aiding and abetting the enemy and treason. Admiral De Haan and I are here to see what formal charges are to be brought against the Lieutenant."

"With all due respect, Admiral," said Archer, "I'm ordering Lieutenant Reed not to answer any questions until he's had a chance to get council. If this is a formal investigation, he has specific rights under the United Earth Charter and Star Fleet Regulations. As his commanding officer, it's my duty to make sure that he's afforded every one of those rights."

"Quite right, Captain," said De Haan. "I'll give him until fourteen hundred hours to choose his advocate. Until then, Lieutenant Reed is relieved of all duties and confined to quarters. The Article Seventy One hearing will convene at fourteen hundred hours in the conference room.

"Lieutenant, you may choose anyone you wish as your advocate. You will be advised of your rights before any formal questioning begins. I suggest you consider your choice of advocates very carefully. The fate of your Star Fleet career and the rest of your life may well rest in how well you are defended. The hearing will convene at fourteen hundred. Everyone is dismissed."