Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek in any of its forms This is an Enterprise Fan fiction and no infringement is intended on the copyright. It was merely written to amuse the author and others she hopes.

By :Fire Star

2007/9/11

A/N: Telepathy will be in Italics or Thoughts. This is an A.U. and does not follow canon.

A Father's Joy

Part 36 New Associates New Rules

The ship moved with grace as it left the system. The flight was so smooth one almost could not feel its movement. Malcolm Reed followed his guide to the weapons lockers. He was for once not queasy with the rapid acceleration of the ship. He could easily grow to like this ship. Not that he would ever tell Trip or the Commodore but the smoothness of the ride was a relief.

"This is our firing range sir. It is self contained. I am told that you are very proficient with your own weapons so learning ours should not cause you any undo difficulty. The main differences we have is that we have several more settings. It is possible to adjust the phasor to a narrow continual beam to act as a torch or to use it as a long range weapon. It can be used to heat rocks for warmth or to kill. There are three levels of stun which can be adjusted. We have it set for dealing with either Klingons or Amdorrians so the setting should take out most races."

"I never considered using a phasor as a torch. What can it cut through?"

"Commander it can cut through a standard bulk head. We have often used then in search and rescue missions. Our phasors are far more then just weapons." crewman Janar said

"A useful tool then. I look forward to learning to use this device properly. " Malcolm said

"Come we can check your skills with the weapons end. I have set these to low power. The back walls are protected so do not be concerned if you miss a target. We have redundant safety protocols set in."

"A wise thing. I would also like to learn about those if possible. Anything that would work to improve the safety of my crew would be useful to learn if it not classified that is."

Janar considered the request. "I do not see a problem sir but I would have to gain permission."

"Of course crewmen. I would expect nothing less. All societies have secrets and even allies may sometimes need to keep them."

Janar decided he liked this human. His answers were logical as was his desire to improve his skills. He would make a useful addition to the security staff.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Erica Herndez wanted to ring her lover's neck she could not believe he was pushing Warp 4.5 already. She called down to engineering. "Commander how are the Engines holding up?"

"Fine ma'am but I like to slow down some. I really have not had a chance to look them over good. Any chance we could drop to warp 2 or 3?" Kelby aksed.

"Maybe, I get back with you. We don't want the T'Mar to leave us in her dust."

"No we don't Captain but we can not blow our engines either. We still have some adjustments to make and I don't want to do it at this speed."

"Alright Commander I deal with it. " She turned to her com officer who nodded and hailed the T'Mar.

"T'Mar here." Hoshi said

"T'Mar this is Columbia we are going to bank to the left and check out that small system. We will be dropping to warp 2 to do our scans."

Trip straightened up and grinned he knew it was a ploy but he let them go for now. "Alright Erica but tell Kelby to check his engines out fast. Meet us at the Bacardio base in three days. That should give you time to do a scan and check the systems over."

"Make it four Captain. I want to do a full scan. There are two class Mishrah planets. While they are not optimal for humans or Vulcans they are for the Illyians."

"For days then. We will see you then. I am expecting to be joined by Commander Shran by then so don't be surprised. Just don't think you can keep going sight seeing on your own."

"Aye sir." Erica said laughing. "Helm take us in slow to Warp 2 then impulse in the system. We check it out and join you sir."

Trip watched Columbia pull off and he leaned back smiling. Maybe Kelby did learn something after all. He would have to remember that Kelby had to keep Columbia running and he have to trust the man with his beloved life. So he let him have his check up time. It was hard to remember that he was responsible for all those ships but still had to trust them and their Captains to do their jobs.

TBC….