We Have a Problem
"Phlox to Tucker and T'Pol. The long range
scanners have picked up a vessel on an intercept course. Please report
to the bridge."
A vessel? Commander Tucker marveled at the
very thought. Where or even when had it come from? His heart pounded as
he threw on his uniform. If they were hostile, how could the Enterprise
be defended by only three crewmen? Trip wasn't sure that it could be done.
As Trip left his quarters at a jog, he heard
the sound of soft, fast footfalls behind him. Glancing over his shoulder,
he saw a mildly disheveled T'Pol following him.
"Looks like we've got ourselves some trouble
this morning." he told her as they boarded the lift to the bridge.
"Yes, it does." she said impassively.
Phlox looked up anxiously from the helm as
they entered and slowly came to his feet, relinquishing the bridge to Sub-commander
T'Pol.
"How far away are they, doc?" questioned Tucker
as T'Pol immediately seated herself at the helm station and began to examine
the sensor readings.
"Several light years, but they are moving
at a high warp. If I read the instruments correctly, they are traveling
at warp nine." Phlox told him.
Tucker's eyes widened in astonishment as he
asked, "Warp nine?"
"He is correct, commander, and they are closing
fast."
"Well, it's patently obvious that we can't
out run them."
"I am dropping out of warp. Commander Tucker,
man the tactical station." T'Pol ordered.
"You don't think we can shoot our way out
of this, do you?" asked Trip as he took the station.
"No, but it may be our only recourse."
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