The NX Beta test team met again, in the same conference room which saw Commander Jonathan Archer and Lt. Charles Tucker banished to the Al-Biruni a year ago. After security rounded up the ground crew and retrieved the pilots, they had been taken to the brig. Placed in different cells, any communication between them was shut down by the guard detail. No one knew what happened to Commodore Forest. It seemed he was being held in a separate location.
Fleet Admiral Neoga Yamamoto received Lt. Tucker's communiqué at exactly 2100 hours. A little over ten minutes later, he contacted the Complex's security team while watching the real time information on a PAD. He orders had been simple. Watch and wait for his signal, at which time the dissidents were to be held for questioning. He needed to establish the validity of Lt. Tucker's calculations before deciding how to proceed.
Six hours after the experiment commenced, it concluded with startlingly positive results. Feeling vindicated, Yamamoto let the seven members of the team cool their heels while he considered the ramifications of this event and what to do with the major players. Around lunch time, he ordered his private transport prepared. Yamamoto had a plan, he would use this incident, starting with soon to be Admiral Forest. Sauntering into the Maxwell's office, Neoga's personal aid handed him a cup of tea as he took the seat behind Forest desk.
"How old do you think I am?" Yamamoto asked lightly, before taking a sip from his much-loved cup.
"Would you like me to be truthful, Sir," Forest asked in a slightly confused tone, "or should I given in gracefully and lie?"
Laughing easily, Yamamoto placed said cup very carefully at his left elbow and scrutinised the man standing before him. Indicating the security detail could leave, he lent back into the comfortable chair. "I am intrigued. Perhaps we could start with the truth."
"From your record," Forest answered carefully, "I know you were born in the post atomic horror; therefore, you would be close to retirement."
Letting out another chuckle, Neoga turned suddenly serious. "Retirement. Old men like me do not retire, Admiral. We gracefully fade away, with our chosen successor firmly in place."
"I, like many others, have always suspected you're more youthful brother-in-law would receive this post," Max responded cautiously. Now was not the time to further offend the Fleet Admiral, when it seemed he'd gotten off lightly. Commodore Maxwell Forest knew he could be charged with treason over the NX beta. Not only would his career be forfeit, but, if Starfleet chose to prosecute him to the full extent, he could be handed a death by firing squad. However, it seemed that was not to be his fate. Yet, a promotion could only spell trouble. Max had an idea of the portfolio he would be undertaking and began, metaphorically speaking, shaking in his boots.
"Ah, yes, Daniel," Yamamoto once again picked up his cup and sipped, as if an indication of the conversation to come. "He does not have the heart for the hard decisions. Admiral Leonard's strength lie, elsewhere. I hope you will come to understand his usefulness to Starfleet in time. Indeed, I believe Captain Layton fulfils much the same role."
"A surprisingly astute man," Forest agreed.
Allowing an eyebrow to rise, Yamamoto offered, "walk with me. The fun is about to commence."
Nodding, Max Forest noticed the choregraphed dance. The personal assistant came into his office as if summoned and collected the much loved and half-drunk cup. A security escort formed around the Fleet Admiral as they exited the room. Making their way to the meeting room, the rest of the traitorous NX Beta test team joined them. No one spoke, but several astounded expressions told their own story.
On entering the conference room, the Fleet Admiral gave Forest an old-fashioned salute and half smile but hung back so he could make a grand entrance at his leisure. Admiral Black's enraged face and the platoon of security officers stated the Vulcan's had already been informed of their successful flight and didn't like the fact. However, before Gregory Black could open his mouth to start berating the officers, Fleet Admiral Yamamoto, now joined by Vice Admiral Manny Coto and Rear Admiral Daniel Leonard marched into the room, their faces like thunder clouds.
"Gentlemen," Neoga's displeasure echoed in his tone. Taking a seat at the head of the table, he glared when the other admirals attempted to do the same, forcing them to remain standing at his pleasure. "You have created a very serious situation which has made my life difficult to say the least, not to mention kept me up all night and forced this meeting before I face a disciplinary hearing at the Vulcan's pleasure. On the one hand you are to be congratulated for showing initiative and demonstrating that Henry Archer's engine works beyond doubt. On the other, I would hate to tally the number of rules and regulations that have been broken tonight. That being said, there must be commendations and consequences for your actions."
"I have enough time to think carefully on this matter, since receiving Lt. Tucker's initial report several hours ago," Yamamoto confided. "Captain Jeffery's, Commander Wu, Ensigns Hess and Wang, this incident will go on your permanent record with two citations. One for ingenuity and resourcefulness, the other for insubordination and recommendation that you not be considered for promotion within the next two years. You will continue to report to your current postings and are dismissed from duty until tomorrow. I suggest you go home, get some sleep and think very carefully on the rest of your careers."
Several astounded "Yes, Sir," echoed around the room before the engineers departed as quickly as possible. They knew they'd gotten off lightly. Neither Wu nor Jeffery's expected a promotion in the near future so the citation didn't affect them. Hess and Wang's careers had been stalled, but would be recoverable in the future.
"Commanders Archer, Duval and Robinson, you are suspended without pay or privilege for three months. Captain Gardiner will have the next NX test flight. Dismissed, gentlemen," Neoga waved them away. Once the pilots departed, Yamamoto turned to his nemesis. An almost gleeful expression on his face. "Admiral Black, removed your personal effect from your office. You will transfer to Vulcan as Starfleet's attaché as you seem to prefer Vulcan company and do not have the confidence of your staff at the Warp Five Complex. I expect a security escort while you vacate as you cannot be trusted. Vice Admiral Forest, you will take over those duties left by Ambassador Gregory Black effective immediately, including the for mentioned citations, which will also grace your personnel file. Forest, await further instructions in your new office. Admirals, you are dismissed."
Swallowing through the lump in this throat, Trip wondered what was coming. In his report, he'd confessed to being the mastermind behind this stunt, therefore taking the entirety of the blame. Although Max Forest promotion seemed like a reward, it was anything but. It put the new Vice Admiral in a very precarious position. He would need to weigh progress against politics, temper innovation with inertia and attempt productivity when the Vulcan's wanted stagnation. It also meant he was in the prefect position to aid Jon's career.
Eyeing the young man, Fleet Admiral Yamamoto indicated the chair at his side. Taking the hint and the seat even more gingerly, Lt. Tucker had never felt so exposed. The silence grew heavy, but before Trip could break, Neoga spoke.
"What am I to do with you, Dr. Tucker," Yamamoto shook his head. The use of his academic title gave Trip an idea of where this discussion was headed. His punishment would be subtler than his colleagues. "On the one hand you are brilliant, saving a project doomed to failure before it began. On the other, you antagonise our closes allies."
"Burry me at MIT," Trip suggested with a casual shrug, when he felt anything but. The politics behind this were astounding and far reaching. Lt. Tucker had put a very large spanner in the Vulcan's plans. Trip understood he'd have to pay the price for such interference. "I'm sure the Vulcan's want the calculations reworked for the next year before they let another pilot anywhere near the cockpit of the NX Delta, even though we know that engine works."
"I believe that would be a fitting punishment, Lt. Commander," teased the Admiral. "I'm not sure I should reward you with that title until you have done your penance in the eyes of the Vulcan's. Six months, I want those calculations completed to my satisfaction by then. I also want this project moving forward. Let us agree, Dr. Tucker, that your responsibilities and privileges won't be suspended, but a change in circumstance might be best for all concerned. How does temporary civilian consultant sound while you're on sabbatical. I believe it is time you completed a post doctorial fellowship. Professor Sying has been hounding me about it for two years."
Feeling vindicated, Trip decided to push his limits. "Any chance of a month's leave before starting my new assignment, Sir. We haven't set a date, but the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned."
Suddenly roaring with laughter, Neoga wiped his eyes. "I wondered what it would take. It seems Commander Robinson's accident achieved more than my brutal hints over the last two years. Permission granted, Doctor, but I want you back at MIT in two weeks, not four. Don't forget to invite Admiral Forest. He would never forgive you or Commander Archer."
"I'll try to remember to include the other grooms' side of the family, Sir," Trip found his heart lighter than it should have been. Next, he'd have to tackle Dr. Sying because there was no way Jon would agree to staying with Tanamil and her family for the next six months. "Just wondering, Admiral, does this new post come with married quarters, seeing as my significant other's privileges have been withdrawn."
"I'm sure something can be arranged, Dr. Tucker," Yamamoto stated. "I believe Starfleet has consultant accommodation close to your new posting."
"Speaking of arrangements," Trip approached the subject carefully. "Rhenium…"
"Yes," Neoga's expression became hard.
"I've been thinking, there might be a way," holding his breath, Trip could see the instantaneous hunger squashed, "to expediate the mining process. However, you'll have to speak with my father and brother..."
"Are you holding Starfleet to ransom, Mr. Tucker?" Yamamoto demanded, cutting in before Trip could finish.
"No, Sir," Trip's posture became straight and his expression serious. "I might have mentioned future limitation in antimatter production to my family, who just happen to sit on the board of Tucker Technical Industries."
"Just how long have Chuck, Charlie and James been working on this project?" the Admiral asked in a deceptively soft tone.
"I'm not at liberty to give away that information, Sir, not that my Granddaddy, Daddy or brother talk about business around me. That would be a conflict of interest. However," Trip made the Fleet Admiral wait, his gaze indicating Lt. Tucker had learnt a lot about politics and how to play them, in the last year, "I'd say the initial conversation occurred after going to Pluto."
"Get your wedding sorted and the honeymoon over within two weeks, Dr. Tucker. I don't want to see you until you have those calculations complete. As to your family," Neoga couldn't believe he'd been played, "I'll be negotiating this contract personally. You may tell your younger brother that his efforts in tutoring you have paid off."
"I'm sure the youngest CEO of Tucker Technical will be pleased with such high praise," Trip couldn't help the parting shot. A year ago, after that conversation with Mia Forest, Trip enlisted his brothers help while Jon studied for his master's degree. They'd been meeting once a month so Lt. Tucker could develop a new set of skills. After the stunt with the NX beta, followed by this revelation, Yamamoto wouldn't tolerate failure. If he wanted his commission back, and possibly that of his soon to be new husband's, Charles Tucker III knew he'd have to work his tail off for the next six months. He'd really pissed the Fleet Admiral off.
"You what?" Jon exploded.
Commander Jonathan Archer had been marched from the boardroom to this locker and allowed to clear it out under supervision. He'd then been escorted to the transport pad. Expecting Lt. Tucker to be on the same shuttle, Jon didn't let his disappointment, or worry show. Hours passed without word, causing his concern to escalate to near panic. If his punishment reflected his crime, Yamamoto would know Trip had conceived the entire mission and his penalty would be severer.
Now seated on the couch in their apartment, his fiancée finally walked through the door a few minutes ago. Dropping onto the couch beside him, Trip sighed, heavily. Jon didn't need to ask; the story came out as if Tucker suffered verbal diarrhea. To say Jonathan Archer wasn't impressed was obvious by his loud exclamation and expression.
Sighing, Trip explained again, "have been meeting with Jamie first Tuesday of the moment while you were at your master's tutorial. He's been teaching me about business while playing chess. He said it's a necessary skill for anyone, learning to anticipate the unexpected."
"I got that and the reason why. I'm going to have some choice words for Mia Forest next time we get together. I was referring to MIT," Jon's tone vibrated with fury. "Six months, Trip."
"We'll be together for at least a few months," Tucker realised Jon's problem. Finding humour in the situation, he threw an arm around his Fiancée, before teasing, "we could put the wedding off until I return to the Complex."
"NO," came the definite response. "There are somethings that are not negotiable for you Trip. Living in different parts of the continent as husbands is not going to happen."
"I can work on this from home," Trip cringed, "but I'm going to need all of the spare bedroom."
Smiling evilly, Jon shook his head. "We could have had a home office years ago, but you stated we needed a guest room."
Rolling his eyes, Trip's mind changed gears to put off that conflict a little while longer. "So, wedding."
"I've got the next three months free," Jon stated sardonically.
"I com'd Lee on the way home," Trip watched his lover's response. "I expected to leave a message, but he was up with Mireya, walking the floor because she wouldn't settle. Anyway," he gave Jon a quelling look, "I asked him to stand up with me. Their due back in a few days. I think we can arrange a small ceremony for then."
"Hawaii?" Archer questioned.
"Florida," Trip sighed, shaking his head as if he didn't quite know what he wanted to say. "These meetings with Jamie, I've realised how special my family is, Jon. I want them at my wedding, but only the immediate Tuckers."
"I want water," Archer stated in a determined tone.
"What is it with you and water?" Trip smirked.
"The first time I knew we had a chance was talking about diving," Jon answered simply. "I think I associate you with water."
"You know, Uncle Bob's always threatened to leave me the marina," Trip suggested.
"Perfect," Jon agreed, his joyful expression followed by a long, lingering kiss.
"No, Old Man," Trip pulled away before this could get physical. "We have two weeks to arrange a wedding, get in a honeymoon and move to Massachusetts."
"You'd better com your sister first," Jon touched a still tender cheek. "That face is going to spoil the pictures. Surely she can do something with the bruising. I hear there's a new device called a dermal regenerator."
Giving his partner a disparaging look, Trip hoisted himself off the couch. They'd agreed to a partial home office located in the guest bedroom. It was not as spacious as Jon wanted, but it gave them privacy to make com calls. "I'll call you when I get to my parents. I wouldn't want you to miss their reaction."
"Thanks," Jon called sarcastically, "I wouldn't want to miss it either!" Muttering under his breath, Archer flicked to the communications channel on the vid in the living room. Finding Max Forest's private com, the new Admiral answered immediately. "Trip finally said yes," was all he needed to say.
"About time," Forest smiled. "Send me the date and location."
"Max, what are you doing in Admiral Black's office?" Jon asked, looking at the view though the floor to ceiling windows.
"Long story," Forest sighed, "I'll talk to you later."
Signing off rather abruptly, Vice Admiral Forest looked across his new desk. Seated on the other side was Fleet Admiral Yamamoto with a wide grin on his lips.
"I told young Dr. Tucker not to forget you," Neoga stated. "Now, back to business. Tucker Technical Industries, you have head of them?"
Max paled. Of course, anyone in Starfleet above the rank of Captain knew of the global conglomerate. They'd been instrumental in terraforming much of the land devastated by WWIII and introducing new methods of power generation. "Are you saying Trip Tucker is part of that family?"
"Charles Tucker III, son of Charles Tucker Jr, who is the son of the original Charles Tucker, are all engineers," Neoga said. "The company was founded by the original Charles Tucker and his father, Cyrus, also an engineer, although their specialties differ. They came to the notice of the UESPA seventy years ago and have been a major partner, albeit under different names. I am sure Terraconstructs, Hydroventures, Concepts Architecture all sound familiar. Although the last one belongs to Alice Tucker, Lt Tucker's mother. Those Tucker men tend to marry young, and to women more than a match for them. Betty Tucker, rest her soul, transformed the fledgling company with her unique brand of politics and finance." At the intrigued expression on Forest's face, Yamamoto smiled and said, "Charles Tucker, the originals, wife. I guess that's were young James gets his acumen."
"My research on Trip," Max stated, only to be interrupted.
"Starfleet very deliberately approached Mr. Charles Tucker III in '38," Neoga frowned. "We wanted his skill set and leverage into his family's company. It was obvious his bent was Warp Field Engineering, something we needed on our side. Can you imagine that young man in charge of a Boomer engine room? It wouldn't be long before their vessels were travelling faster than anything we have."
"I gather recruiting Lt. Tucker hasn't worked out quite as you imagined," Forest could help but see the irony. "Trip's intelligent and resourceful, that's what makes him such a good match for Jon. They are similar in many ways, but have enough differences to keep the relationship interesting."
Making a sound that resembled a harrumph, Neoga agreed. "About a year ago, something sent Lt. Tucker to his brother, who, by the way, has become the youngest CEO of Tucker Technical at twenty, for lessons on how to play politics. His teaching proved more than adequate. It was the same time Lt. Tucker learnt about the Rhenium situation."
"Rhenium, Sir," Forest asked, more than a little confused. He knew what the rare metal was used for, but not the undercurrent in the conversation.
"We have a lot to discuss, Admiral," Yamamoto stated acidly. "Let me start with my expectations, then I will have my staff brief you on the Rhenium situation, amongst others. Firstly, I have sent Dr. Tucker to MIT to work intermix calculations to my satisfaction. He and Commander Archer will be out of the way for the next six months. Find a short-term assignment to keep them together. I have long term plans for their careers. Second, I want this engine ready for manufacture by the end of '44 and installed by '46 in our fleet. Third, Lt. Commander Tucker is to head up a new department. He knows of the promotion effective on his return to the Complex but not why. I want a warp 5 engine ready by the end of the decade. Fourth, weekly meeting in my office at the Preciado, we have much to discuss if you are to follow in my footsteps. I am seventy-nine years of age, Admiral, and have every intention of dropping in harness, much to my much younger wife's displeasure. There is a lot Starfleet needs to achieve to get humanity ready to reach for the stars. I am not sure I shall live to see Captain Archer and Chief Engineer Tucker take our Warp 5 Starship out. If I am not around, I would like her called Enterprise."
Nodding his head, Max Forest had a lot to think about. "Understood, Sir," he offered without thinking.
"I'm not sure you do, Admiral," Neoga stated in a hard tone, "but you will. I am offering you no favours. This position is not a promotion and will place you in the unenviable position where politics must come before any other consideration. You're backing of the NX Beta demonstrated your ideals lay where humanity requires, that you will act against our Vulcan overlords and that you have the backing of your staff at the Complex. I require someone with this repertoire to ensure my lasting legacy to Human Kind."
Once Fleet Admiral Neoga Yamamoto departed, Max Forest didn't have time to contact his wife and inform her of the reason for his overnight stay at the Complex or new position. One aid after another entered his new office, briefing him on several situations he heard rumours about but didn't have the clearance to be involved in. It seemed his status, along with his title had changed drastically.
"Sir," his new personal aid, supplied by Yamamoto until he could engage his own, held out a PAD several hours later, "your private transport has arrived. These are your appointments for tomorrow along with any files you need to go over tonight. Mrs. Forest is waiting to be collected from your house. Her staff are currently assisting with the move into the Admiral Quarter. Will there by anything else for the day, Sir."
"No, dismissed," Max said as he took the PAD. Sighing, he slumped into his chair and called up his wife's com. "Mia?"
"Admiral," she smiled. "I hope you are on that transport, we have dinner at the Yamamoto residence tonight, which is only three houses up the road. I have your new dress uniform ready."
"Yes, Dear," Max sighed. Then an idea struck. "You didn't happen to fill Trip's head with your antiquated ideas on a wife's responsibilities, oh, say a year ago."
"We might have discussed it," Mia stated, with that look in her eye stating not to interfere. "From what I've heard, all rumour of course, so I expect the truth while you dress, he's taken up the challenge and is playing the game very well indeed. You know I love to tell you I told you so. He will make Jon a very good little wife, in fact, I believe it should have been the other way around. But that what comes of not socialising in the Tucker's circle."
"Mia," Max shook his head, knowing what would come next.
"Don't worry dearest," she smirked. "I've received the invitation to the wedding from Alice via com this afternoon. We had a nice little chat. I feel the beginnings of a great friendship. Now, get out of that chair and onto your private transport. I expect you home in ten minutes."
"Yes, Dear," Max stated sardonically, shaking his head as the screen went blank. There are times, Mia Forest, I wonder who's the boss in our household. I thank my father for introducing us every day. I would not have been in this position without you at my side, even if there are times I could happily strangle you for your machinations. I hope you're right and Trip is as much of an asset to Jon as he'll need to be. Captain is only a step along the path for the man I consider like a son.