—Chapter 11—
Fifty-two hours after receiving the Kumari's distress signal, the damaged Andorian ship was joined by three sister ships, all manned by Imperial Guards, Andoria's premier fighting force on the ice, in space, or anywhere else that the Andorian Emperor saw fit to send his Guards, in order to represent Andorian interests. These three Andorian ships surrounded the Kumari and the S'Lenn in a triangular pattern now, but having been informed by Shran that the Vulcans were not to responsible for the attack on the Kumari, the prows of the Andorian ships were pointed outwards, their weapons facing away from the Vulcans as a courtesy, and a precaution against another ambush by these... Romulans.
Admiral Tsoi, the ranking Andorian officer, asked for a meeting of all parties, and out of respect for the Vulcan aid he requested that meeting be held on the S'Lenn.
"The Emperor wishes to express his gratitude to Vulcan, for aid rendered to the Kumari," said Admiral Tsoi.
Soval, as an Ambassador and a life-long diplomat, was the logical choice to acknowledge and accept the Andorian Emperor's gratitude, and he did so with now.
"We were glad to be of assistance, Admiral," said Soval, "and we hope that this will be the start of a more benign association between our two species."
Tsoi nodded, then said, "The introduction of this species, the Romulans, to this sector of space seems like an ill omen, Ambassador. How ill an omen, depends on whether this will happen again, or if this event was a one off, an anomaly."
"I believe it has already happened many times before," said Captain Vorsas of the S'Lenn. "Vulcan ships have been disappearing lately. We weren't certain as to the cause, as all we've found so far was debris. The Kumari's sensor readings cleared up that mystery as far as I am concerned."
"Why did they spare the Kumari, I wonder?" said Reed.
"I believe that I have the answer to that, Lieutenant," said T'Pol, and every eye turned to her.
"I've pored over the sensor telemetry we received from the Kumari. If you do the same, you will notice that at the precise time that the Kumari was attacked, the Vulcan merchant ship which reported the attack appeared within sensor range of the Kumari, and I propose, on the sensors of the Romulans."
"So they thought another Andorian ship was coming to the Kumari's aid?" said Admiral Tsoi.
"Unlikely," said T'Pol. "They probably recognized the warp signature as Vulcan and perhaps they assumed that the Vulcans would finish off the Andorians, or perhaps the Romulans simply did not wish to be recognized, or show up on Vulcan sensor data, so they warped out of the area."
"That's interesting," said Tsoi. "So the Vulcan ship actually saved the Kumari. Given our history with Vulcan, I must say that I find that to be a bitter tonic, but even so, I add my gratitude to that of my Emperor."
"That the Romulans suddenly showed up in this sector, and are destroying both Vulcan and Andorian ships tells me they have a plan," said Reed.
"Naturally," said Tsoi. "I suspect that they are trying to instigate a war between Andoria and Vulcan, and Captain Vorsas' information that Vulcans are being attacked as well, makes that theory even more plausible. Naturally, once we beaten ourselves bloody, the Romulans swoop in and conquer this sector with nary a struggle."
"You understand that such a thing has far reaching implications, Admiral," said Soval. "Perhaps Vulcan and Andoria should discuss the matter, officially."
"I agree," said Tsoi, then looked at Trip. "My Emperor has never met a Human, and wishes to speak with you, Commander Tucker, and thank you for the aid you gave the Kumari. Come to Andoria."
"I'd like that," said Trip, "but perhaps you would care to take a Human diplomat as well. I know Earth wishes to open diplomatic relations with Andoria."
"You will do for now," said Tsoi. "But perhaps Soval will be good enough to come to Andoria along with Earth's Ambassador to Vulcan, for some preliminary discussions on this Romulan matter."
The Andorians had long been a tough nut to crack, diplomatically as well as militarily, so Soval jumped at the chance to open relations with them, especially if his suspicions of the Romulan goals in this sector were accurate.
"I would be honored to do so, Admiral," said Soval.
"Six days from now, one Vulcan ship may enter Andorian space from this particular vector," said Tsoi, handing Soval a data pad with the vector mentioned. "That ship will be met and escorted by three Andorian cruisers. Their orders will be to protect you with their lives, should the Romulans come again."
"Then we will meet again on Andoria," said Soval.
"Commander Tucker," said Tsoi, "if there is nothing else…"
— It is fortunate for you that Vulcans have no feelings, husband, sent T'Pol, for I can read your purpose. You intend to leave me behind once more, and if I had a heart, it would be breaking.
Trip was caught, and he knew it. He knew very well that Vulcans had feelings, his mate more than any, and he knew that if he left T'Pol behind once more, even to protect her from harm, it would mean trouble. Although T'Pol could never truly leave him now that they were Bound, that did not mean that their relationship and their Bond could not suffer.
— You are mistaken, my dear T'Pol, sent Trip. The thought of leaving you behind never crossed my mind.
T'Pol knew that he was lying, and Trip knew that she knew, but none of that mattered, and her end of the Bond danced with gratitude.
"My shipmate, Lieutenant Reed will join us, as will my mate, T'Pol."
Tsoi was surprised by that last bit of information, but nodded and said, "Our shuttle awaits."