Chapter 2

As they entered the orbit of the planet, Trip checked the view monitor. "Looks like they're having a celebration at the landing site." He chuckled. "Wow! Talk about repeating history. Hey T'Pol, didn't the Vulcans make first contact at the landing site of the Phoenix?"

"That is correct, Commander. Humans were gathered at the site to congratulate Mr Cochrane and celebrate his accomplishment. I would surmise that it is only natural for all species, including Vulcans, to wish to celebrate great achievements."

Jon turned to Malcolm as the shuttle began its descent. "Ok Lieutenant, switch on the lights. Time to make our announcement that the "aliens" have arrived to join the party."

"Aye sir." Malcolm responded as he turned on the shuttle's exterior lights, illuminating the group of people below.

Once the shuttle landed, Jon exited the shuttle, followed by T'Pol and Trip, with Malcolm staying near the shuttle door.

Jon stood a second looking at the bewildered people. While they were similar in appearance to humans, their skin was a shiny copper-gold tone and the pupils of their large eyes were vertical oblong slits, much like a cat's eyes. The most striking detail was that their fingers were very thin and about 3 inches longer than human fingers.

Jon smiled. "Hello. Uh… we come in peace."

T'Pol rolled her eyes, recognizing the cheesy line from the many old Earth movies about aliens she had watched over the years. She held up her hand in the Vulcan Ta'al. "Greetings. We have traveled a great distance to witness your historic moment in history. Now that your kind has achieved this technological breakthrough, you have proven that your culture has advanced to the point that you can become aware of the presence beyond your solar system."

One of the Dracarian's cautiously stepped forward, attempting and failing at mimicking the Ta'al. Jon chuckled and held out his hand.

The Dracarian man smiled and clasped Jon's forearm in the form of a "shake." He began speaking, but all the crew heard was gibberish.

Trip slowly held up the universal translator, pointing to it as he spoke. "We come from a planet called Earth, except her…" he pointed at T'Pol. "...she comes from a planet called Vulcan."

The man looked around the group, clearly confused. Trip pointed to the UT and gestured with his hand. "We need you to talk so our device can translate your language."

The man blinked at the device a few times, shrugged and turned to the others, talking to them. After a few moments words in English came through. "Don't… strange… come from."

The people looked at the UT, somewhat startled by it as they tried to figure out what had just happened. Trip rolled his hand around in a small circle. "That's it. I need you to talk some more. The more you talk, the easier the translator will decipher your language. Please, talk more."

The Dracarian's jumped back when the translator interpreted. "Decia."

The man leaned towards the UT. "Decia?"

"More." Spoke the electronic voice.

Trip grinned. "That's right. Decia, more. Talk more. Talk decia."

Suddenly the group became excited, swarming around Trip, speaking at once. Trip waved his arms in the air. "Whoa, whoa! One at a time! Ok, settle down." Trip pointed to the man. "Just you. Only you talk decia."

The man pushed at some of the others to back them away, speaking sternly to them. The others settled down and allowed the man to take charge of the situation as he began speaking non-stop.

Malcolm nudged at Jon. "Remind me why we didn't bring Hoshi along?"

Jon sighed. "Trip said he could handle using the translator, and I think he's doing ok with it. Besides, somebody had to stay behind to keep my chair warm."

After some time the UT did its job and they were now ready to have a full conversation. Jon smiled as he started once again. "I'm Captain Jonathan Archer, this is Commander Charles Tucker III, and Lieutenant Malcolm Reed. We're from a planet called Earth. This is Commander T'Pol, she's from a planet called Vulcan. We watched you from a distance as your vessel broke the warp barrier. Now that you have been able to accomplish this, you will undoubtedly want to explore the galaxy beyond your solar system. We have come here to give you a glimpse of what you'll find once you get out there."

The man nodded. "My name is Geetha. Welcome to our planet. Many here have believed that there is life on other planets and have dreamed of a moment like this. We are honored that you have chosen us to reveal yourselves to."

Jon smiled. "Well… it was actually because of your ship." He looked up at the small craft. "And it's a beautiful vessel. Does she have a name?"

Geetha nodded. "I named my vessel Vekta." He looked at shuttle pod one. "And what is the name of your vessel?"

Jon chuckled. "This is just a transport shuttle. Our ship is in orbit above your planet. Her name is Enterprise. Are you the leader of your people?"

Geetha shook his head. "No, I am just a scientist." He gestured to the rest of the group. "We have all worked together for many years to build a vessel that could go faster than the speed of light, in the hopes that we can someday explore beyond our system and prove that there is life on other worlds, but… you have come to us!"

The crowd chuckled at the statement as one of the females stepped towards Trip. "The device you used to translate our languages. What is it? How does it work?"

Trip held it out so that she could look at it. "We call it a universal translator, our ship's communication officer invented it. We use it to be able to communicate with people of many worlds. It works by listening to your language, studying the words that are repeated frequently, learning the pattern, which in turn learns your language, then translates it into ours. Simultaneously, it translates our language into yours, that is how you're able to understand us."

T'Pol nodded. "When my people made contact with the humans, we didn't have a universal translator. It took several long months to begin full communication. Fortunately for my kind, the Earth standard language is easier to learn than it is for them to learn Vulcan."

The woman smiled and nodded as she handed the UT back to Trip. "It is a very useful device. Perhaps you could share its design with me so that when we begin exploring other worlds, we will be prepared?"

Trip chuckled. "Uh, well it took humans close to a hundred years from the time we broke the warp barrier before we began exploring the galaxy. In fact, our crew is the first to go this far from our system." Trip cocked his head to the side. "Are you an engineer?"

She smiled at him. "Yes, I am. Why do you ask Commander Charles?"

Trip gave a wide grin. "I'm an engineer too, and call me Trip. I'd like to get a better look at your design, if you don't mind… uh… I'm sorry, what's your name?"

"Yarra. I would be honored to show you the engine design."

As Trip and Yarra walked towards the vessel, Jon shook his head. "Oh boy. Well, looks like Trip just made a new friend, and he'll be gabbing for hours about engines."

Geetha chuckled. "Your kind has the same problem with engineers then? Can't ever pry them away long enough. Well, since our engineers will be lost for a while, will you please join us in our celebration? Then in the morning, I will take you to our central capital so you can meet our Vice Chancellor."

Jon looked to T'Pol and Malcolm, then nodded. "We would love to join in your celebration."

The group was enjoying the celebration, sampling the local foods, speaking about other worlds, without revealing too much information. Jon now had a new understanding of what it was like for Vulcans to want to answer all the questions a growing civilization has, but not able. Some things a society must learn for themselves in order to grow and advance.

Jon was surprised to discover that Dracaria had recently come out of a large world war, so similar to Earth's own history when first contact had been made.

"I have to say, I'm always surprised at how most worlds seem to have a similar history." Jon chuckled.

Geetha nodded. "I suppose no matter what planet one comes from, we all share the strange need for territory and power. I guess raising above that need, and working with one another, is what ultimately defines us as being advanced and enlightened."

Jon smiled. "I suppose you're right."

He looked down at the cup of liquid that Geetha handed to him. "What's this?"

"We call it urling. It's made from fruits and grain."

Jon gave it a sniff, pulling back from the strong alcohol sent. "Uh… it's alcohol?"

Geetha nodded. "Yes. I know the smell is quite strong, but the taste is surprisingly sweet and light."

Jon shook his head as he handed the cup back to Geetha. "I'm sorry, I can't drink that. I don't mean to offend you… I just can't have it."

Geetha frowned. "Is it some rule among your people that the leader is not allowed to consume libations? I notice that your engineer seems to enjoy it."

Jon shook his head. "Actually… I have a condition that I can't have alcohol." He sighed. Over the past 3 years, Jon had gotten tired of explaining having a "condition" to people. He closed his eyes, repeating his mantra in his mind. You're better. You're stronger. Alcohol is the enemy that you can defeat.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Trip walking towards him as Geetha continued speaking. "There is no offense. I can find something for you that doesn't contain alcohol?"

Jon nodded. "I would appreciate that, thank you."

As Geetha left to find something for Jon to drink, Trip gave him a concerned look. "Are you ok?"

Jon smiled. "I'm fine."

Trip shook his head. "We can go back to the ship until morning if you need to. I found out that this planet's nights are an average of 16 hours, and these people plan on celebrating until the sun comes up."

"That won't be necessary. I really am fine." Jon smiled again. "Three years sober, and I don't plan to break that streak tonight."

Trip nodded. "Ok. If it gets to be too much for you…"

Jon held up a hand. "I'll holler for you. Now you go enjoy yourself and remember not to divulge too much information about advanced technology. These people have to figure it out for themselves."

Trip chuckled. "Careful, Cap'n. You're starting to sound like a Vulcan."

§§§

The following morning, Geetha had taken the group to the central capital. Jon was a little surprised at how long they had to wait, considering that aliens were being brought to speak with their leader.

He figured that there would be some sort of excitement and they would be rushed directly in, but this was not the case. Instead, there was paperwork and clearance protocol to deal with first then, oddly enough, wait for the Vice Chancellor to decide if she would "grant" them an audience.

Once Jon was granted the audience, he was once again surprised at the simplistic office setting, assuming that someone as important as the Vice Chancellor would have a much grander office. The office was a small room with a simple desk, a monitor screen sitting to the side, an unadorned chair for the Vice Chancellor, 2 chairs on the opposite side of the desk to accommodate anyone who might come to speak with her, a few small paintings hung on the walls and several books neatly lined on shelves.

Jon smiled and stuck out his hand, which the Vice Chancellor grasped at his forearm in the same manner that Geetha had done. "I am honored that you have agreed to meet with us, Vice Chancellor."

She tipped her head. "The honor is mine. Please, call me Fraia. To meet people of another world, it is… I suppose, very extraordinary. We have speculated for a long time that there were others beyond our stars, but to finally have proof of this! Quite exciting to say the least." She gestured to the chairs for Jon to sit.

Jon and T'Pol sat in the chairs as Trip and Malcolm stood behind them as Jon spoke. "I would assume people on Earth might have had a similar reaction when the Vulcans introduced themselves for the first time. My grandfather had a fascination with space travel and went to the place we call Montana, to watch the first successful warp vessel launch. He was also among the group when a Vulcan scouting party landed, and our people had a real, confirmed look at an alien for the first time. As a child, he told me the story many times about how exciting, and how scary that moment was for him."

Fraia nodded. "It is quite exciting, but there are also fears. I'm sure you will understand if you find most of us… concerned about your intentions."

T'Pol eloquently tipped her head. "Our people have made these types of first contact on numerous occasions, and your concerns are valid. We could sit here all day telling you that our intentions are peaceful and that we do not wish to interfere with the progress of your society in any way, however, the only way to actually prove that is with our actions."

Fraia gave a small smile. "I suppose you are correct. One can only be judged by their actions, not by what they claim to be."

Jon smiled. "I agree. I must admit, it took me a long time to be able to trust Vulcans, and there are still many humans who don't, but after working so closely with them, I have gained respect and admiration for them. I hope that, in time, humans will be able to gain the same trust and respect with Dracaria."

Fraia nodded. "I hope so as well. Tell me Captain Jonathan, what do humans expect from Dracaria?"

Jon shook his head. "We don't really expect anything from you or your people. All we want is to get to know you better, hopefully at some point, Earth and Dracaria can be considered as friends, allies."

T'Pol nodded. "Of course, as Vulcan did for Earth, we will offer our assistance and advice to help you navigate the complexity of the technology you have begun to study. However, we cannot give you the answers, as you must make these discoveries on your own. We will simply be your guides, tutors if you will, on your journey of great achievements."

Fraia smiled as she stood, opening the door to one side of the bookcase. "Well, this sounds like a good beginning to, hopefully, a lasting friendship."

She turned with a tray in her hands that held glasses and a decanter filled with a bright green liquid. "Please, let us toast to our meeting and the possibility of a lasting partnership between our people."

As she held the tray towards Jon to take a glass, he raised a brow. "I'm sorry. I don't mean any offence, but I can't drink alcohol. My officers are at liberty to share in your toast, however."

Fraia looked uncertain. "I can assure you that it's not too strong, and one toast won't leave you inebriated." Her brows shot up as an unexpected thought came to her. "Ah!" She took a drink of the green liquid, setting the glass on her desk as she smiled. "You see. It isn't harmful either."

Jon let out an exasperated sigh. He had grown tired over the past 3 years telling people he had a "medical condition" that prevented him from consuming alcohol. "It's not that. I… um… I have a problem with alcohol. Once I start drinking, I guess I just don't know when to stop, so it's just best for me to not have it at all."

Fraia got a sorrowful look in her eyes as the corners of her mouth twitched. "I appreciate your honesty, Captain Jonathan. Divulging such a personal detail about who you are, and your problem… shows that you are one who can be trusted. I certainly understand your struggle since my son has the same issue. I've tried many times to get him the help he needs, but he refuses. It saddens me that he chooses to live that way when there are so many treatments available to him."

Jon nodded. "As someone overcoming an addiction, I can tell you that the first step is the most difficult, and often intimidating. It took a long time for me to admit that I had a problem and get help for it. Perhaps, if you like, I could speak with your son, tell him my story. Maybe hearing from another person how much pain we cause to our friends and family, and that there is hope."

The Vice Chancellor sadly shook her head. "Unfortunately I don't know where he is. It's been like this between us since his father was killed in the war. Jacen will disappear for months, sometimes a year or more before I see him again, and then it's only because he needs money or has gotten in trouble."

Jon slowly nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm sure he cares about you very much, he just doesn't realize how deeply he's hurting those that love him the most." He glanced up at Trip, then looked down to fidget at the ring on his finger, quietly whispering. "I'm sorry."

Trip felt the deep pain hanging in the room as he cleared his throat to change the subject. "Well uh… I personally would love to see the place where the engine was built. Maybe check out some of the warp research?"

Fraia nodded. "I can ask Geetha and Yarra to show you the facility. If it's one thing I've learned about scientists, they love to talk about their research."