On the bridge of the beginning of the Alpha shift there was nothing to report. Also the same in Engineering so Trip came up to the Engineering station on the Bridge. With today seeming to be another uneventful day, they all just sat there. Malcolm began to run diagnostics on the targeting scanners. Hoshi began to browse the Vulcan database for a language she could study and learn. Travis was vaguely busy with keeping the ship on course.
"Captain my scans indicate a ship quickly approaching our position. It's Xindi." Jon and T'Pol shared a quick glance. "Tactical Alert. Lieutenant bring the weapons and Hull Plating on line." "Yes sir." As the entire ship was preparing for battle, Hugh was still in his quarters. He was told about the Tactical Alert system on board. He was never told what to do in case it was called. So without knowing what to do, Hugh just continued to work on a report for the Captain.
"Sir the ship appears to be Reptilian. They are charging weapons and locking onto us." Malcolm was busy do the exact same. As they all waited to see what was going to happen, they never foresaw what was to come next. "Sir there is two that transported onto the ship!" "Where are they?" "B Deck... Hugh's quarters!" "Archer to Hugh!" They all waited and listened for Hugh to respond. "Captain I could really use some help right now." "Malcolm send security now!" "Hugh? Hugh!" "Captain they transported off the ship with Hugh and just left at high warp."
"T'Pol are you sure they took Hugh?" "Yes Captain. My scans show that he dematerialized with the Xindi." "Travis plot a course to follow the Xindi ship. Warp four." "Aye sir." They then began to work in silence. They lost someone to the worst of the Xindi. If this did anything for morale it destroyed it. "Sir the Xindi left at warp seven. To pursue them at warp four will give them ample opportunity to gain distance." "Thank you T'Pol." They all just sat there. A silent prayer from each of them for Hugh's safety.

"What is the condition of the human?" "He is unconscious and in a holding cell. He will not be causing us much trouble for the trip back home." "Make sure of that, and that he is fed and watered. He cannot die before reaching home." Both left to resume previous tasks, but with the same thought running through their head. 'He will live to suffer!' "Sir why didn't we destroy the Enterprise? It was vulnerable. We could have captured the rest of the ship." "Don't ask questions that you don't need answers to. Just make sure we get back to Vrisan." "Yes sir." They knew for a fact that Enterprise would be following at a slower pace.
Hugh slowly came to and tried to sit up. "What..." Hugh began to look around and began to register his surroundings. "What happened to me?" The question went unanswered by the cold walls of his cell. All that he had was a table and chair. Also what appeared to be a toilet like device. Sitting on his bunk he next noticed the food. He walked over and began to eat. 'It's not the best, but I don't have much of a choice if I'm want to survive this.'
As Hugh ate, he began to open his mind to the crew of the ship. He very slowly began to search for someone who knew what was happening. All of their emotions were centered on hatred. He eventually came a cross one who seemed to be lost in love. He didn't have the anger or hatred in his mind. 'I wonder who told these people that Earth was going to destroy it.' Hugh was lost in thought as the cell door opened and two guards came in. "Come with us now." "Where are you taking me?" "No questions. Shut your mouth and do as your told and you might live to see tomorrow." The guards laughed as they took him into the greater unknown.
Hugh knew better then to provoke people that would love to have a reason to kill you. So following their directions he appeared before a door. "Sir we have the prisoner." "Show him in." The voice over the comm. sounded almost bored. They opened the door and he saw a man. 'Is that a man?' Sitting at a desk with a free chair at the other side. "Sit. We have much to discuss." He then looked up at the guards. "Leave. Stand guard outside my door. I'll let you know when I'm done." Once the guards were gone Hugh felt very alone. "Please sit, we have so much to discuss." Hugh slowly sat in the chair. "Why did you kidnap me?"
"Well that was part of the ultimate plan. You see Captain Archer is going to pursue us at a lower speed, but pursue all the same. So we will lead him to our home world. There the diplomats will take over." "Why do you want him to find you home world? The Xindi tried to stop him from getting here all this time what changed?" "We originally thought that by telling our people that we were going to destroy Earth, that they would support us. We were wrong."
Hugh sat in silence as the man continued. "The people did originally support us, then they wanted to see the proof. The government told them what they were told, but hardly anyone believed them. 'The evidence is flawed' the people cried. So now the government is rethinking the weapon, and the people are waiting. If the weapon is launched without public support, the government could easily be overthrown. So this makes you Earth's ambassador to us. I warn you. They will try to discredit you. Anyways I will not return you to your cell, but you will have a guard follow you around the ship."
Hugh felt a little better by this. "So was I part of the ultimate plan?" "Well not exactly you. It was supposed to be a member of the crew and you were alone in that part of the ship." Hugh smiled. "Lucky me. So what do you think of the attack on Earth?" "I'm an old soldier. My opinion is worthless to the diplomats." "It matters to me." "Well... I think the government needs serious proof." Hugh smiled again. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. So what is their proof that the destruction will be caused by Earth?" "A faceless message from the future. Nothing more." "Why did you government accept this so easily?" "We don't know, that's why the people are upset. No one wants to destroy Earth over a faceless message.' Hugh sat there trying to organize his thoughts.
"Well I'm sorry to say, but I'm no trained ambassador. Your help would be greatly appreciated." The man nodded. "How long is it until we reach your home world?" "Vrisan? Day or two. I warn you some people on this ship are mindless followers. They would kill you. So stay away from the crew. You will be considered as my guest. Just how fast can your Enterprise travel?" Hugh thought for a moment. The fastest is warp five I think, but they can't stay there for long so warp three or four." "Good that will give you plenty of time to present your case to—""What are you doing with him!?" Another Xindi stormed in and was furious.
"You have no right to force your way in here! Return to the bridge and get us to Vrisan!" "Why do you treat him so nicely?! It's his kind that will destroy us! Well the tables have turned! We can now kill you! Sir will all due respect he should be killed now! He will only delay us." "You're dismissed!" "I warn you—""No I warn you! As long as I am in command you will do as I say. Now return to the Bridge and report to me once we reach Vrisan." The intruder did a small bow and left. "I see now what you mean by mindless soldiers. Why is it that you don't feel the same?" "I have seen much change. I am to retire at the end of this mission. I don't want unnecessary war.
Hugh was silent, and remembered something very weird as it pooped into his head. "Never personalize the enemy, or they stop being the enemy." "What is that?" "An old saying, telling that as a soldier you should never feel for the opposite side. In a way that is exactly what we are doing. What is your name by the way?" The man hesitated before answering. "I am General Birzal. You may call me Aislok. Everyone know me by that name." "I'm Hugh Sullivan it's nice to meet you. I'm not really in any danger for the crew am I?" "No you shouldn't be. You are here as a guest of the government so you should go untouched." "Good... mind if I go to bed? I am beat!" Hugh was then walked back to his room/cell and went right to bed with only one worry. 'What the HELL am I going to say to these people?!'

A/N: What is going on! I'm bringing in a new turn in the plot! God help me with only 3 more chapters!