He Who Fights With Monsters
By Thalia Drogna
*********************************************
Archer knew that he'd lost the battle to get Trip back when Hoshi picked up the broadcast of Trip's inauguration ceremony. When Trip promised to serve the Tien he knew anything that was left of Trip's free will had been well and truly destroyed, the Trip he knew didn't serve anyone. After the final chant, he said a silent goodbye to his Chief Engineer and told Hess to make ready to leave. He still worried that Trip would break his word and not send Lieutenant Reed back, he wouldn't be happy until the Lieutenant was safely back on board. He had to believe that Trip's personality was basically intact it was only his sense of loyalty that had been skewed by his conjoining with the Rel Sevanne. Trip was a good man and he wouldn't take a life if he could help it, the question was whether the Patriarch of the Tien saw things the same way.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by T'Pol. "Captain, I have something on sensors," she said.
"What is it?" asked Archer. His mind immediately jumped to the Xindi as being the most likely candidates for T'Pol's sensor contact.
"It appears to be another large ship," said T'Pol.
"Another Rel Sevanne, another ship the size of the Rel Sevanne?" asked Archer trying to take in the information that T'Pol had just given him.
"It's structure and composition are different to that of the Rel Sevanne," said T'Pol. "But in size it is very similar."
"What is their ETA?" he asked.
"They will be at our position in just over two hours," said T'Pol.
"What's the betting that our friends on the Rel Sevanne know something about this," said Archer.
"Sir, I'm receiving a hail from the Rel Sevanne," said Hoshi.
"Put it through," said Archer.
"Captain, I don't have time to explain but you need to get Enterprise out of here as quickly as possible," said Trip. He sounded agitated.
"Not without Malcolm," said Archer.
"One of my guys will ferry him back to you," said Trip. "Then you have to get Enterprise the hell out of here."
"I suppose this wouldn't have anything to do with the approaching ship that we just picked up on our sensors would it?" asked Archer, already knowing the answer.
"It has everything to do with it, and trust me, you don't want to be around when they turn up," said Trip.
"I'm sick of being kept in the dark, Commander, I want to know what's going on and I want to know now," said Archer.
"I guess I owe you that much," said Trip. "The ship which is approaching is the Vor Devrees. They are pretty much the sworn enemies of the Tien. There used to be a fleet of five Tien ships just like the Rel Sevanne, we're the only one left. The Vor Devrees destroyed the other four and they've been hunting the Rel Sevanne ever since, for the past four generations. They're coming to destroy the Rel Sevanne and kill every single Tien on board."
"Why do they want to destroy the Rel Sevanne?" asked Archer.
"It's complicated," said Trip.
"Uncomplicate it for me," said Archer, a note of annoyance creeping into his voice.
"Look, Vor Devrees translates roughly from Tien as "the darkness" and Rel Sevanne means "light of the ages", this battle is as old as the Tien people. It's good versus evil."
"Nothing is that simple, Trip," said Archer.
"You said you wanted it uncomplicated, that's it," said Trip.
"I guess I asked for that. Who are they? Are they Tien?" asked Archer.
"No, well not exactly," said Trip.
"What the hell does that mean?" asked Archer.
"I told you, it's complicated, and I don't have time to explain it to you," said Trip. "Just make sure you leave before the Vor Devrees arrives. I don't want you getting caught between them and us."
"I didn't think Enterprise mattered to you anymore," said Archer in a cold hard tone.
"Of course Enterprise matters to me," said Trip angrily.
"But the Tien matter more," said Archer, equally angry.
"You really don't understand, do you? I am the Tien. I'm their Patriarch, their protector. I'd give my life for them," said Trip, emphatically. "Why don't you concentrate on your own ship instead of worrying about mine? Rel Sevanne out."
"Get him back, Hoshi," said Archer, crossly. "I'm sick of being cut off. I'll be damned if he's having the last word on this."
"I'm sorry, sir, but the Rel Sevanne isn't answering," said Hoshi.
"Keep trying. Ensign Hooper," said Archer addressing the tall blonde woman who was manning Reed's tactical station. "What kind of armaments does the Vor Devrees have?"
"It's difficult to say, sir," replied Hooper, "the Lieutenant's modifications to the scanners have made a difference but we still aren't getting the complete picture. It looks like similar weaponry to the Rel Sevanne, only more of it. They are very heavily shielded."
"Heavily shielded?" asked Archer.
"Yes, their hull plating is three times thicker than that of the Rel Sevanne," said Hooper.
Archer saw T'Pol raise an eyebrow at the information and he briefly wondered what about the hull plating had sparked that reaction.
"Would our torpedoes have any effect against them?" asked Archer.
"No, sir," said Hooper. "We wouldn't even make a dent in their hull."
"Perhaps we should take Trip's advice and make a graceful retreat," said Archer, thinking out loud.
"It is obvious that the Vor Devrees is a battle cruiser," said T'Pol. "However I am detecting upwards of a three thousand life signs on board. It is unlikely that many people would be required to crew the ship."
"I don't understand, why would you have families on a battle cruiser?" asked Archer.
"Perhaps because, like the Tien, there is nowhere else for them to go," suggested T'Pol.
****
"This is the Vor Devrees. Come in Rel Sevanne."
"This is the Rel Sevanne, go ahead Vor Devrees."
"I am Corvas, conjoined Matriarch of the Vor Devrees. If you wish to plead for mercy we will now hear your pleas," said the Vor Devrees.
"This is Trip En Ath Tucker, conjoined Patriarch of the Rel Sevanne. You can kiss my ass 'cause you sure as hell won't be getting the satisfaction of any pleas for mercy from us," said the Rel Sevanne.
"I see that Ten En Ath Jeriad has been replaced. Not unexpected, he was the weakest of your Patriarchs so far. You are not Tien. You seem to have courage. It makes me wonder what you're doing taking the role of Patriarch for a people as weak as the Tien," said the Vor Devrees.
"I may not be Tien but I'm their Patriarch, and I intend on protecting my people," said the Rel Sevanne. "You guys never could understand innovation."
"Give up now, Trip En Ath Tucker. The odds are against you. We have you out gunned and out manoeuvred, your engines won't save you now."
"History says otherwise," replied the Rel Sevanne.
"The Tien are a dying people, you even had to get your Patriarch from another race. You are contaminated, and we will purify you. The end of the Tien is near," said the Vor Devrees.
"You talk a good fight, makes me wonder if you're all talk," replied the Rel Sevanne.
"Oh you're much more fun than Ten En Ath Jeriad," said the Vor Devrees. "It's a shame that we will have to exterminate you along with the Tien race."
"Well it's been a slice of heaven chatting with you, but if you're finished with the threats then I'd best get back to running my ship."
"Oh by all means. Enjoy your last two hours of life, Vor Devrees out."
"Well, that's the formalities over with," said Trip. "Time to get down to business. And time for you to go home, Malcolm."
"Your new friends are nice," said Reed. After the alert had sounded, he had persuaded the Tien who had come to take him to the shuttle to take him to the computer room instead. He had arrived to hear Trip's conversation with the Vor Devrees. Trip had brought up a picture of the approaching ship on the screen in front of them. The Vor Devrees was black and triangular. It's surface was bubbled by small lumps and tiny lights shone along its length. It blocked out the stars behind it which made it difficult to tell what was the ship and what was space.
"Yeah, they're a barrel of laughs," said Trip, without any humour in his voice.
"Who are they? Why are they going to attack the Rel Sevanne?" asked Reed.
"They're the Kriel," said Trip. "And they don't like the Tien very much, that's all you need to know. Anyway it's not your problem, Shri Dat will take you back to Enterprise and then you guys need to get the hell out of here."
"It is my problem," said Reed. "That ship out there is just as much a danger to Enterprise as it is to the Rel Sevanne."
"If you're not here then you won't be in any danger," said Trip.
"What happens if they decide to come after us?" asked Reed.
"That's why you have to get as far away from here as possible," said Trip. "The best thing you can do is leave now."
"At least let me have a look at their weapons specs," said Reed. "I know that you have them."
"Okay, but you're not going to like what you see," said Trip and he displayed the weapons and hull specifications on the screen for Reed. "Maybe this'll make you realise why you have to get Enterprise out of the way."
He didn't get an answer though, Reed was engrossed in reading the screen and with each new piece of information he read the look on his face became more worried. "The damn thing's a bloody monster."
****
"Lieutenant Reed to Enterprise."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant," said Archer. "I thought you were on your way back here."
"I decided to delay my return slightly," said Reed.
"He's being stubborn, Captain," chipped in Trip. "I told him to go back to Enterprise."
"What's the problem, Malcolm?" asked Archer, ignoring the interruption.
"The Vor Devrees," said Reed.
"Yes, Ensign Hooper has been taking scans of their armaments but we're having trouble penetrating its hull."
"The Patriarch was kind enough to give me the specifications of the Vor Devrees' weapons," said Reed. "It's armed to the teeth. I'm transmitting the specifications to you now."
"You're just wasting time, Malcolm, you have to leave now," said Trip.
"I heard you the first time, Trip. Maybe we should take the Patriarch's advice, Malcolm, and leave," said Archer.
"I don't know if that's a good idea," said Reed. "The Vor Devrees must know that we're here and they don't seem very friendly. Our chances would be much better if we work with the Rel Sevanne."
"You don't understand what you're up against here," said Trip. "The Rel Sevanne's chances against the Vor Devrees are slim at best, why do you think we've been running for so long."
"Well maybe you'd have better odds if Enterprise stays," said Archer.
"Enterprise wouldn't stand a chance against the Vor Devrees' guns. I think you could outrun them, though," said Trip.
"The Rel Sevanne wasn't able to outrun them and you're faster than Enterprise," said Reed.
"They only caught up with us because of the engine trouble," said Trip. "The Vor Devrees wasn't built for speed, it was built to kill the Rel Sevanne and her sister ships."
"I heard what Corvas said, they're determined to slaughter every single Tien on board the Rel Sevanne," said Reed. "It sounds like you could use all the help you can get."
"The last time the Tien engaged the Vor Devrees it destroyed the Rel Ishtari, we barely escaped. I know these people, they're ruthless and I don't want Enterprise getting caught in the middle of a generations old war," said Trip. "It's not your fight."
"It is now," said Archer. "We're staying. Lieutenant Reed will be your liaison with Enterprise."
"But Captain..." began Trip.
"I don't want to hear it, Trip. I don't care if you are Patriarch of the Rel Sevanne, I'm still Captain of Enterprise and I decide where we go and what we do. We're staying and that's final. Archer out," he said and indicated to Hoshi to cut the connection. A small smug part of him noticed that he'd finally managed to get the last word in.
****
By Thalia Drogna
*********************************************
Archer knew that he'd lost the battle to get Trip back when Hoshi picked up the broadcast of Trip's inauguration ceremony. When Trip promised to serve the Tien he knew anything that was left of Trip's free will had been well and truly destroyed, the Trip he knew didn't serve anyone. After the final chant, he said a silent goodbye to his Chief Engineer and told Hess to make ready to leave. He still worried that Trip would break his word and not send Lieutenant Reed back, he wouldn't be happy until the Lieutenant was safely back on board. He had to believe that Trip's personality was basically intact it was only his sense of loyalty that had been skewed by his conjoining with the Rel Sevanne. Trip was a good man and he wouldn't take a life if he could help it, the question was whether the Patriarch of the Tien saw things the same way.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by T'Pol. "Captain, I have something on sensors," she said.
"What is it?" asked Archer. His mind immediately jumped to the Xindi as being the most likely candidates for T'Pol's sensor contact.
"It appears to be another large ship," said T'Pol.
"Another Rel Sevanne, another ship the size of the Rel Sevanne?" asked Archer trying to take in the information that T'Pol had just given him.
"It's structure and composition are different to that of the Rel Sevanne," said T'Pol. "But in size it is very similar."
"What is their ETA?" he asked.
"They will be at our position in just over two hours," said T'Pol.
"What's the betting that our friends on the Rel Sevanne know something about this," said Archer.
"Sir, I'm receiving a hail from the Rel Sevanne," said Hoshi.
"Put it through," said Archer.
"Captain, I don't have time to explain but you need to get Enterprise out of here as quickly as possible," said Trip. He sounded agitated.
"Not without Malcolm," said Archer.
"One of my guys will ferry him back to you," said Trip. "Then you have to get Enterprise the hell out of here."
"I suppose this wouldn't have anything to do with the approaching ship that we just picked up on our sensors would it?" asked Archer, already knowing the answer.
"It has everything to do with it, and trust me, you don't want to be around when they turn up," said Trip.
"I'm sick of being kept in the dark, Commander, I want to know what's going on and I want to know now," said Archer.
"I guess I owe you that much," said Trip. "The ship which is approaching is the Vor Devrees. They are pretty much the sworn enemies of the Tien. There used to be a fleet of five Tien ships just like the Rel Sevanne, we're the only one left. The Vor Devrees destroyed the other four and they've been hunting the Rel Sevanne ever since, for the past four generations. They're coming to destroy the Rel Sevanne and kill every single Tien on board."
"Why do they want to destroy the Rel Sevanne?" asked Archer.
"It's complicated," said Trip.
"Uncomplicate it for me," said Archer, a note of annoyance creeping into his voice.
"Look, Vor Devrees translates roughly from Tien as "the darkness" and Rel Sevanne means "light of the ages", this battle is as old as the Tien people. It's good versus evil."
"Nothing is that simple, Trip," said Archer.
"You said you wanted it uncomplicated, that's it," said Trip.
"I guess I asked for that. Who are they? Are they Tien?" asked Archer.
"No, well not exactly," said Trip.
"What the hell does that mean?" asked Archer.
"I told you, it's complicated, and I don't have time to explain it to you," said Trip. "Just make sure you leave before the Vor Devrees arrives. I don't want you getting caught between them and us."
"I didn't think Enterprise mattered to you anymore," said Archer in a cold hard tone.
"Of course Enterprise matters to me," said Trip angrily.
"But the Tien matter more," said Archer, equally angry.
"You really don't understand, do you? I am the Tien. I'm their Patriarch, their protector. I'd give my life for them," said Trip, emphatically. "Why don't you concentrate on your own ship instead of worrying about mine? Rel Sevanne out."
"Get him back, Hoshi," said Archer, crossly. "I'm sick of being cut off. I'll be damned if he's having the last word on this."
"I'm sorry, sir, but the Rel Sevanne isn't answering," said Hoshi.
"Keep trying. Ensign Hooper," said Archer addressing the tall blonde woman who was manning Reed's tactical station. "What kind of armaments does the Vor Devrees have?"
"It's difficult to say, sir," replied Hooper, "the Lieutenant's modifications to the scanners have made a difference but we still aren't getting the complete picture. It looks like similar weaponry to the Rel Sevanne, only more of it. They are very heavily shielded."
"Heavily shielded?" asked Archer.
"Yes, their hull plating is three times thicker than that of the Rel Sevanne," said Hooper.
Archer saw T'Pol raise an eyebrow at the information and he briefly wondered what about the hull plating had sparked that reaction.
"Would our torpedoes have any effect against them?" asked Archer.
"No, sir," said Hooper. "We wouldn't even make a dent in their hull."
"Perhaps we should take Trip's advice and make a graceful retreat," said Archer, thinking out loud.
"It is obvious that the Vor Devrees is a battle cruiser," said T'Pol. "However I am detecting upwards of a three thousand life signs on board. It is unlikely that many people would be required to crew the ship."
"I don't understand, why would you have families on a battle cruiser?" asked Archer.
"Perhaps because, like the Tien, there is nowhere else for them to go," suggested T'Pol.
****
"This is the Vor Devrees. Come in Rel Sevanne."
"This is the Rel Sevanne, go ahead Vor Devrees."
"I am Corvas, conjoined Matriarch of the Vor Devrees. If you wish to plead for mercy we will now hear your pleas," said the Vor Devrees.
"This is Trip En Ath Tucker, conjoined Patriarch of the Rel Sevanne. You can kiss my ass 'cause you sure as hell won't be getting the satisfaction of any pleas for mercy from us," said the Rel Sevanne.
"I see that Ten En Ath Jeriad has been replaced. Not unexpected, he was the weakest of your Patriarchs so far. You are not Tien. You seem to have courage. It makes me wonder what you're doing taking the role of Patriarch for a people as weak as the Tien," said the Vor Devrees.
"I may not be Tien but I'm their Patriarch, and I intend on protecting my people," said the Rel Sevanne. "You guys never could understand innovation."
"Give up now, Trip En Ath Tucker. The odds are against you. We have you out gunned and out manoeuvred, your engines won't save you now."
"History says otherwise," replied the Rel Sevanne.
"The Tien are a dying people, you even had to get your Patriarch from another race. You are contaminated, and we will purify you. The end of the Tien is near," said the Vor Devrees.
"You talk a good fight, makes me wonder if you're all talk," replied the Rel Sevanne.
"Oh you're much more fun than Ten En Ath Jeriad," said the Vor Devrees. "It's a shame that we will have to exterminate you along with the Tien race."
"Well it's been a slice of heaven chatting with you, but if you're finished with the threats then I'd best get back to running my ship."
"Oh by all means. Enjoy your last two hours of life, Vor Devrees out."
"Well, that's the formalities over with," said Trip. "Time to get down to business. And time for you to go home, Malcolm."
"Your new friends are nice," said Reed. After the alert had sounded, he had persuaded the Tien who had come to take him to the shuttle to take him to the computer room instead. He had arrived to hear Trip's conversation with the Vor Devrees. Trip had brought up a picture of the approaching ship on the screen in front of them. The Vor Devrees was black and triangular. It's surface was bubbled by small lumps and tiny lights shone along its length. It blocked out the stars behind it which made it difficult to tell what was the ship and what was space.
"Yeah, they're a barrel of laughs," said Trip, without any humour in his voice.
"Who are they? Why are they going to attack the Rel Sevanne?" asked Reed.
"They're the Kriel," said Trip. "And they don't like the Tien very much, that's all you need to know. Anyway it's not your problem, Shri Dat will take you back to Enterprise and then you guys need to get the hell out of here."
"It is my problem," said Reed. "That ship out there is just as much a danger to Enterprise as it is to the Rel Sevanne."
"If you're not here then you won't be in any danger," said Trip.
"What happens if they decide to come after us?" asked Reed.
"That's why you have to get as far away from here as possible," said Trip. "The best thing you can do is leave now."
"At least let me have a look at their weapons specs," said Reed. "I know that you have them."
"Okay, but you're not going to like what you see," said Trip and he displayed the weapons and hull specifications on the screen for Reed. "Maybe this'll make you realise why you have to get Enterprise out of the way."
He didn't get an answer though, Reed was engrossed in reading the screen and with each new piece of information he read the look on his face became more worried. "The damn thing's a bloody monster."
****
"Lieutenant Reed to Enterprise."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant," said Archer. "I thought you were on your way back here."
"I decided to delay my return slightly," said Reed.
"He's being stubborn, Captain," chipped in Trip. "I told him to go back to Enterprise."
"What's the problem, Malcolm?" asked Archer, ignoring the interruption.
"The Vor Devrees," said Reed.
"Yes, Ensign Hooper has been taking scans of their armaments but we're having trouble penetrating its hull."
"The Patriarch was kind enough to give me the specifications of the Vor Devrees' weapons," said Reed. "It's armed to the teeth. I'm transmitting the specifications to you now."
"You're just wasting time, Malcolm, you have to leave now," said Trip.
"I heard you the first time, Trip. Maybe we should take the Patriarch's advice, Malcolm, and leave," said Archer.
"I don't know if that's a good idea," said Reed. "The Vor Devrees must know that we're here and they don't seem very friendly. Our chances would be much better if we work with the Rel Sevanne."
"You don't understand what you're up against here," said Trip. "The Rel Sevanne's chances against the Vor Devrees are slim at best, why do you think we've been running for so long."
"Well maybe you'd have better odds if Enterprise stays," said Archer.
"Enterprise wouldn't stand a chance against the Vor Devrees' guns. I think you could outrun them, though," said Trip.
"The Rel Sevanne wasn't able to outrun them and you're faster than Enterprise," said Reed.
"They only caught up with us because of the engine trouble," said Trip. "The Vor Devrees wasn't built for speed, it was built to kill the Rel Sevanne and her sister ships."
"I heard what Corvas said, they're determined to slaughter every single Tien on board the Rel Sevanne," said Reed. "It sounds like you could use all the help you can get."
"The last time the Tien engaged the Vor Devrees it destroyed the Rel Ishtari, we barely escaped. I know these people, they're ruthless and I don't want Enterprise getting caught in the middle of a generations old war," said Trip. "It's not your fight."
"It is now," said Archer. "We're staying. Lieutenant Reed will be your liaison with Enterprise."
"But Captain..." began Trip.
"I don't want to hear it, Trip. I don't care if you are Patriarch of the Rel Sevanne, I'm still Captain of Enterprise and I decide where we go and what we do. We're staying and that's final. Archer out," he said and indicated to Hoshi to cut the connection. A small smug part of him noticed that he'd finally managed to get the last word in.
****