Invictus
Three Months Later.
Trip was beside himself. He could hardly contain his excitement. He had convinced Captain Archer to get him a meeting with the core of Admirals. He had asked Jon to trust him, and Jon had done so. He wanted to show the Starfleet brass something that he believed would turn the war around. The Admirals had great respect for Commodore Archer and granted his request for a meeting. It had taken them four weeks to get home, leaving Enterprise, Columbia and the Calypso, the newest warp 5 vessel, out there to defend Earth if the Romulan attacked while Intrepid raced to Earth at warp seven.
"All right Commodore, what's this all about," Admiral Black asked.
"Well Admiral," Jon began, "I'll have to let Captain Tucker tell us that."
"This had better be good," Gardner said. "Intrepid needs to get back out there on the front line. I sleep better when it's out there."
"And it'll be out there very shortly, I assure you Sir," Trip replied.
"Alright, go ahead," Gardner said waiving his hand at Trip. Trip cleared his throat. He was not a speech maker, and really didn't feel he was great at presentations. That was Jon's thing, but this was his baby and he couldn't wait to introduce her.
"Good afternoon," Trip said to the five Admirals in the room, Gardner, Jeffries, Black, Ramirez and Wells. "As you know, we've really taken a beating out there on the front line. This war has taken a toll on us." No one commented, so Trip continued.
"Intrepid is a great ship," Trip said. "And I do believe she's capable of even more than we've already seen out of her. But she is just one ship, and she can't be in all places at all times."
"What are you getting at Tucker," Admiral Black interrupted. "We already know all that. You have been very vocal about your position when it comes to our fleet."
"Well he's right," Ramirez spoke up. "I have always believed that if we're going to come out on top of this thing, we need more warp seven ships."
"Jane, everybody wants more warp seven ships," Gardner replied. "It's just not possible right now. But you know we're still in negotiations with the Vulcans to help us get more ships built."
"We could compensate by confiscating more frigates and private vessels," Admiral Wells added. "We need to pull every one of them, even cargo ships! We need everything we can get. We can pull Captain Tucker back here and get him started on another round of upgrades."
'"I never wanted to let him go in the first place," Jeffries spoke up. "But you all wanted him out there commanding a star ship. He's the best damned engineer in Starfleet and instead of using him to build things, we've got him blowing things up!" For a few minutes the Admirals argued and accused one another. Trip tried to interrupt several times, but didn't want to be disrespectful and scream for everybody to shut the hell up. He finally looked at Jon with frustration on his face.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" Archer shouted standing. They all quieted down for a few moments. Wells and Ramirez started to leave, but Jon convinced them to stay. He said what Trip had to say would be worth it. Trip finally was able to continue his presentation.
"All of you are right, I've made no secret of the fact that I think we need more warp seven ships…"
"Tucker this isn't about that monster of a ship you designed a few months ago is it?" Admiral Gardner said rolling his eyes.
"Why yes Sir," Trip said. "Yes it is." Admiral Black threw his hands up and made an exasperated sound. Jeffries put his head down on the table. Gardner cursed and covered his face.
"I think we should hear him out!" Ramirez shouted.
"So do I," Wells added.
"Thanks you," Trip said not missing a beat. Then he clicked the remote to the view screen. "Sirs, I give you Intrepid, Victoria and Tuscany." Three star ships appeared on the view screen. "As you know," Trip continued, "Intrepid is four times bigger than Enterprise, Columbia and the Calypso. It's a warp seven ship and I personally have pushed her to warp 7.6. With a few upgrades, she can become a warp nine vessel."
"Trip, what the hell are you talking about?" Jeffries asked. "Warp nine? How?"
"He's getting to that," Jon said. "Listen, I've seen what Captain Tucker is trying to show you and it is quite remarkable. Go ahead Trip, I mean Captain."
"Yes Sir. Intrepid is warp nine capable, I know because, the Victoria and Tuscany are already at warp nine." No one said anything. They just stared. "O…kay," Trip said and forged ahead.
"Both ships not only have warp nine capability, they both house up to 300 crewmen each, Intrepid is slightly bigger of course able to house up to 375. They have nine phase cannons each and capable of firing three times the torpedoes that the warp five vessels can fire. They have a hull plating three times thicker than the warp five ships, and each is equipped with defensive shields and cloaking devices on top of that. They each have three transporter rooms and three cargo bays. In addition to that, each ship is capable of housing a warp five vessel. On top of that," Trip laughed, almost giddy, "each ship stores three warp three shuttle crafts, with a hefty array of torpedoes!"
"Tucker, have you gone mad?" Admiral Gardner finally said. "You have obviously manipulated the area around Intrepid to make it look like those ships are actually out there."
"Admiral," Jon said turning to face him, "they are."
"What?!" the Admirals all started to speak at once. "How? Where did they come from? Who do they belong to?"
"The ships belong to me." Trip said. "I had them financed and for the last several months I've secretly had them built. But, I'm putting them on loan to Starfleet, for as long as they're needed."
"My God Trip what have you done?" Jefferies asked. "Unless you're secretly, suddenly became very wealthy, how have you done this?"
"I can't disclose that," Trip said. "All I can say is that I've done nothing illegal, or anything that will reflect negatively on Starfleet. I don't owe anybody anything. I have a message recorded by the Engineer responsible for building these vessels. He'll explain everything." The Admirals were either stunned, or shaking their heads in disbelief.
"But before we view the data disk, I've got one more thing to show you," Trip said. Intrepid is a force within itself, but upon approval of the upgrades, it will become the leader of this small, but powerful fleet. Victoria and Tuscany are magnificent and ready to go right now, both forces to be reckoned with." Then Trip reached over and hit the comm. Moments later, T'Pol, Malcolm and Lt. Carter appeared on the view screen.
"Good afternoon," T'Pol said. Malcolm and Carter followed suit.
"Admirals," T'Pol began, "I am currently standing on the bridge of Intrepid. Lieutenant Carter is on the bridge of Victoria, and Commander Reed is on the bridge of Tuscany. Please stand by for an unprecedented demonstration."
Victoria and Tuscany which was situated on either side of Intrepid, suddenly moved closer to Intrepid. The Admirals watched and after a few minutes began to stand to their feet as the ships latched onto Intrepid. The result was a three leafed clover shaped vessel that looked like nothing anyone in the room had ever seen. It was a massive and powerful looking phenomenon.
Everyone was speechless. Trip just stood there grinning. "This may sound corny to you all, but I find it exhilarating. I'm sure you all know that Intrepid means "bold and fearless. Victoria means victory, and Tuscany represents a powerful, ancient city. Together, these ships make the greatest war ship ever built. Admirals, I give you the Invictus.
"Tucker, if this is some kind of joke…" Wells began.
"I assure you sir. It's not."
"Well, I have to see this for myself," Black said.
"By the way Captain," Gardner finally said. "Just who will be the commander of this monstrosity Tucker?"
"Admirals, if you think I built Invictus for myself you're wrong. There is only one man capable of commanding something so powerful and magnificent. That is Commodore Jonathan Archer." Everyone turned and looked at Jon.
"It would be my honor," Jon said with a smile. "With your approval of course."
With that they left on a shuttle pod to visit Invictus. They were speechless that the ship actually existed. They were blown away when they saw it in person. They were intrigued when they met the Voltarian Engineer via video who explained that the ship was a gift to Captain Tucker as a repayment of an old debt. They would not speak of the debt however, that was their only condition, that no one ever would; nor speak of his species again. They explained that they were isolationist and wanted to remain so. He also explained their history with the Romulans.
With a ship like Invictus on the front line, Starfleet could finally make a mark in this war. What made it even better, they hadn't had to expend a dime for it, nor did they have to sell their soul to anyone for it. All in all, it was a good day for Starfleet.
Three Weeks Later.
The Enterprise crew was integrated into Invictus and Commodore Archer took over as the ship's commander. Being the fleet commander in the field, it was a perfect situation. When the ship separated, Archer commanded Intrepid, T'Pol commanded Victoria and Trip commanded Tuscany, with crew assigned accordingly.
It was Invictus' third time out. The first two battles had been nothing less than spectacular and Commodore Archer had been dynamic at command. He seemed like the old Captain Archer.
This time however, they were facing a small fleet of enemy vessels, nine to be exact. Archer had ordered a separation of Invictus and T'Pol had hurried to Victoria. Trip had taken command of Tuscany and Jon had taken Intrepid into the battle. Columbia and Calypso had joined them as well.
Intrepid had taken on three of the enemy vessels, and had destroyed two of them. Tuscany had engaged in a vicious battle with three other war birds, and had dispatched one of them. It was now bearing down on the remaining two showing no mercy. Two of the enemy vessels had attempted to escape and Victoria was pursuing. Columbia and Calypso was busy with another one, but Columbia was badly damaged. Captain Hernandez had ordered most of the crew into escape pods. Only she and two officers who refused to leave her alone remained on the bridge.
The Romulan ship was about to target Columbia's engines and send it into oblivion, when Jon swung Intrepid around and came about to its aid. But instead of firing upon the enemy vessel, Archer rammed the ship causing it to explode. As a result, Intrepid was badly damaged on one side. It was barely able to get away from the debris fallout without being consumed. But its extra thick hull plating allowed it some protection. Moments later, it came to a dead stop. There were casualties and fatalities. Commodore Archer himself had been badly injured.
Later. Sick Bay, Tuscany.
Trip, T'Pol and Erica lingered outside in the corridor while Phlox and Vramarec worked on Commodore Archer. Trip could not believe what he had done. In the thick of the battle, Jon had taken Intrepid and rammed the Romulan war bird that was about to take Columbia out. It was just by a miracle that the ship had not blown apart. But, Intrepid was a very strong vessel.
Now, Jon was fighting for his life. Trip was beside himself with worry, but he was also mad as hell. Jon had not been himself lately, talking about being tired and old, how commanding star ships were for the young. He was about to be promoted to Admiral, but wasn't happy about it. Then, just this morning he had called Trip into the ready room and told Trip that if something happened to him, that he should take over as Captain of Invictus, no matter what, and go win the war. Trip had blown him off and told him that he was the one and only commander of the flag ship of the fleet. But Archer had made him promise. Now this.
Did Jon have a death wish? Did he know this was going to happen? Did he do this on purpose, a grand stand, the last go around, going out big, in a blaze of glory? Trip couldn't let himself think it, let alone believe it. Perhaps Jon had thought that Columbia wouldn't be able to handle it if the enemy ship had gotten off another round of weapons fire. Trip decided to go with that. Finally, Phlox appeared.
"Captain Tucker," he began, "Commander T'Pol, Captain Hernandez. Dr. Vramarec is closing our patient as we speak."
"How is he?" Trip asked in a husky voice, unable to hide the raw emotion he felt. "Is he… he gonna make it?" Erica just stood like a statute, T'Pol stood near her.
"I believe so," Phlox said. Erica staggered and let out a loud gasp. T'Pol had to reach out to steady her. Trip took that moment to breathe. He didn't even know he had forgotten to.
"However," Phlox said looking at them all. "He has slipped into a coma. I do not know if he will wake up any time soon…if ever."
"No," Trip said. "Oh no, Phlox don't…don't tell me that!"
"I am sorry Captain. Now, I must get back to the Commodore. We will need to transport him to Starfleet medical as soon possible. He may be there for a long time."
Erica ran away crying. Trip banged his fist against the bulkhead and stalked off in the other direction. T'Pol stood there, not knowing what to do.
Later.
Trip knew Erica was upset, hell, he was upset. Jon was in a coma and it didn't look good. But he knew what Jon had told him, and he was not going to let him down. He stood outside Erica's guest quarters and depressed the comm. He heard a low voice invite him in.
"How you holding up?" Trip asked the woman that was getting up from her bunk, into a sitting position.
"I uh…I'm not Trip," she cried. "I'm a wreck."
"We can't give up," Trip said sitting on the bunk beside her. "He's gonna pull through and he's gonna wake up. Watch and see what I tell you."
"God I hope you're right," she said wiping her face.
"You really care about him don't you?"
"I love him," Erica said looking at Trip.
"Erica, I'm sorry. I didn't know how serious it was."
"He'd uh… he'd asked me to marry him, a couple of months ago."
"Wow Erica, I'm sorry, I really didn't know."
"That's cause I turned him down. He wanted me to resign my commission, to go back to Earth with him after he accepted his promotion to Admiral. I told him I wasn't ready, I wanted to stay in space, on Columbia. I- I told him I was married to Starfleet. We uh, broke up."
"I wish I knew what to say," Trip replied. There was a moment of silence. Trip felt terrible about what he was going to do, but he had to know.
"You know Erica, Jon came to me this morning. He said something real strange to me. He made me promise that if anything ever happened to him, that I would take over command of Invictus, and help win the war. I intend to do just that."
"He said that to you?" she asked shocked. "What does that mean Trip?"
"I don't know Erica. He'd been down lately, talked about getting old and feeling used up."
"You don't think…"
"No I don't!" Trip said a little more forcefully than he intended. Then he collected himself and forged ahead.
"Erica, I need to know something." She just looked at him. "Do you intend to fight me for command of Invictus?"
"What?" she asked, bewildered. "Fight you for Invictus?'
"It's my ship. I designed her and I had her built. She's just on loan to Starfleet. It was going to stay that way too, as long as Jon was at the helm. Well he's not now, and he told me to take my rightful place as Captain of the ship and to do everything I could to help with winning the war. I don't intend to break my promise to him, I don't intend to lose this war." Erica laughed a little.
"I don't want Invictus Trip," she said.
"Look Erica, I know you've been at this longer than I have, and you're a hell of a Captain in your own right. With AG gone, you're next in line. I don't want this to turn ugly between us, but…"
"Trip!" she interrupted him. "I said I don't want your ship! You're right, she's your ship and you should be her Captain. I just want to go home."
"Go home?" Trip replied, puzzled. "What are you talkin' about? You belong out here. You turned down a marriage proposal to be out here."
"Biggest mistake I ever made in my life," she said tearing up again. Trip frowned and looked at her sideways.
"Erica don't do this to yourself. Jon wouldn't want you to give up your career now, not like this. So maybe you shouldn't make a decision right now. Everything is too fresh, with Jon and all…"
"I'm pregnant," she blurted out. Trip stared at her for a moment then thought he might want to pick his jaw up off the floor. "D-did Jon know?"
"No. I hadn't found the right moment to tell him. Now, I may never get the chance." Trip felt like a jerk. Here the woman was regretting her decision not to marry the man she loved, she was grieving his situation very hard, and she was pregnant.
"I, uh… I don't know what to say Erica, and "I'm sorry" stopped being adequate five minutes into this conversation. How can I help?"
"You can't," she replied. "All I want now is to go home. I don't intend to resign though. I'm going to request the patrol post, even if I have to give up Columbia. I figured if I'm stationed patrolling Earth's atmosphere, I can be close to Jon. S-so, when the baby comes, and uh, if he's back with us by then, maybe, maybe we can finally be a family." She then burst into tears burying her face in her hands. Trip moved over close to her and gathered her in his arms. He let her cry into his shoulder until there was no more will in her to continue. He left her sleeping on her bunk.