Jon walked back out onto the Bridge, he looked over at Hoshi.
Jon: "Ensign, we'll be receiving a packet from Starfleet, once it comes in send it down to the Command Center right away."
Hoshi: "Aye Captain"
Jon turned and headed for the turbo lift "T'Pol you're with me, Malcolm you have the Bridge."
T'Pol gracefully stood and followed Jonathan into the turbo lift. As the doors closed she waited for him to say something pertaining to his communication with Admiral Forrest, but it appeared he wouldn't be forthcoming with any information.
T'Pol: "Captain..."
Jon: "Not here"
As soon as the lift stopped, Jon quickly stepped out and proceeded at a brisk pace toward the Command Center, T'Pol had little choice but to follow along, almost running to keep up with him. Quickly the two entered the Command Center, Jon went over to the COMM and hit the button.
Jon: "Archer to Bridge."
"Hoshi here sir"
Jon: "Has that packet come in yet?"
Hoshi: "Yes Captain, I am routing it through now."
Jon looked over at T'Pol "This is from Starfleet Security, it contains what both our governments have discovered so far. I want you to go over it and report your findings to me. This super cedes anything else you're doing right now Sub-Commander."
T'Pol: "Understood Captain."
Jon left T'Pol to her work and headed for Sickbay. Once he arrived, the dark look on his face dampened any greeting Phlox was about to give him.
Jon: "Sorry Doctor, no time for pleasantries right now, I need you to look over a report from Starfleet Medical. Review it and report back to me as soon as you can."
Phlox: "Certainly Captain."
Jon watched for a moment as Phlox took the Padd and headed over to a work station, Then Jon turned and headed for the bridge. Jon stepped off the turbo lift and went right to the ready room. He stayed there going over the reports from Earth. About 4 hours later, the chime went off, announcing someone was at the door. He called out for the person to enter.
T'Pol came into the room and stood before the desk with her hands folded behind her.
T'Pol: "Captain I have finished analysing the data and have found some, inconsistencies."
Jon: "Like what T'Pol?"
T'Pol: "The Vulcan in question who performed the assassination, was apparently unknown to the other Vulcans living in the compound."
Jon: "Perhaps he just arrived and no one had time to get to know him?"
T'Pol: "That is another inconsistency, it would appear that there were no orders for any new staff at the consulate. Also there was no record of anyone matching his description on any of the transports between Vulcan and Earth."
Jon sat back in his chair. "So who do you think he is?"
T'Pol: "I am unable to come to a sufficient conclusion as to the person's identity. There is not enough data provided for me to say who he was or why he committed the act."
Just then, the chime went off again. Jon bid the person to enter and in walked Phlox.
Phlox: "Ah Captain, Sub-Commander. I have reviewed the medical records you provided me, and I must say thank you for such a perplexing mystery."
Jon looked confused: "What do you mean Doc?"
Phlox: "Well, I examined the autopsy report on your President, it was fairly straightforward, he was killed with a single shot from a Phase weapon set on kill. However in reviewing the report on his killer, I came across a number of little details that didn't seem to match up."
T'Pol: "How so Doctor?"
Phlox: "Well in all respects the man appears to be Vulcan, the features, the pointed ears and eyebrows, the placement of organs, the copper based physiology."
Jon sighed: "What do you mean appears to be?"
Phlox: "Well, in studying the DNA sequencing that came along with the files, I noted a strange base pair drift. It would seem as if he were not actually a Vulcan, but a very close relative of the species."
Jon looked over at T'Pol: "A cousin of your species that no one told us about?"
T'Pol: "I am, perplexed Captain. I know of no other race that exhibit's the same physical characteristics as the Vulcans."
Jon: "Doctor, why wasn't this discovered by Earth authorities?"
Phlox: "I am unsure, Perhaps they have already decided the assassin was a Vulcan and they didn't do as detailed a report. They would have had to go beyond the normal range of scans to find the genetic drifting."
Jon: "Ok, but what made you do such a deep scan of the DNA?"
Phlox: "I was simply being thorough Captain
T'Pol: "Curious, why would the Vulcans not have detected this themselves? No offence intended Doctor, but our medical sensors are much more sophisticated than what is available on Enterprise."
Phlox: "None taken Sub-Commander."
Jon: "Admiral Forrest mentioned that the Vulcans didn't seem to be to open in reporting what hey had found. Perhaps this is one of the things they found."
Jon sat and thought for a moment, then looked up "Thanks for your work doc, you're dismissed, I now have to report this to Starfleet. T'Pol, remain a moment please."
Phlox nodded and turned and left, once the door was shut Jon gestured for T'Pol to take a seat. T'Pol nodded once and took the seat opposite from Jon, she calmly folded her hands in her lap and waited for Jon to speak. Jon seemed lost in thought and after a few minutes T'Pol gently nudged him through their bond. Jon looked up then smiled.
Jon: "Sorry, What are your thoughts on this?"
T'Pol: "I find I am, confused as to the actions of my government. In such a case as this, it would only be the logical course of action to provide as much aid as we could to your government. Withholding such seemingly crucial evidence from Starfleet and Earth's government, is quite simply, illogical. I can see no reason for it."
Jon: "When I report this to Forrest, I am going to include Phlox's report. Forrest will immediately go to Soval and try to find out what's going on. Any ideas as to what Soval might say?"
T'Pol: "With so little information available, an my not knowing the motives for my governments actions, it would be unwise for me to comment on what the Ambassador may or may not say."
Jon sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He stood and went over and looked out the window at the stars rushing past at high warp. T'Pol also rose and stood beside her mate, she placed her hand on his arm, a sign that she would be there for him.
Jon: "You know, here I was thinking we'd have a nice leisurely cruise back to Earth, the crew could relax, you and I could really begin to plan our wedding when we got back. And now this crops up. I don't know about you T'Pol, but it seems to me that there's someone out there who has definite plans for us and this ship."
T'Pol: "Jonathan, rarely do our lives go the way we would have them. Being Earths first and so far only warp 5 Starship, other matters would surely have arisen that needed to be dealt with. Our Earth wedding can wait until an appropriate time comes available. Your planet has need of you and this ship again. I would be remiss in my duties as first officer if I did not point that out."
Jon: "I know we're needed, I know things can wait, It's just that after all we've been through in the Expanse, that you'd think the universe could have given us a break first before tossing us to the lions once more."
T'Pol: "Tossing us to the lions? I do not understand this phrase Jonathan."
Jon: "Sorry, it's from ancient Earth, if you have time you should look up how ancient Roman's amused themselves in a place called the Coliseum."
T'Pol: "Fascinating."
Jon turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Think you can look after the Bridge for a while? I need to pass along this information to Starfleet."
T'Pol: "Of Course. I will be only a thought away if needed."
Jon smiled and released his hold on T'Pol and watched her as she left his office. He really did appreciate the way her uniform fit her.
Jon: *Okay, down boy, no time to have my libido rear up. I have to focus on my talk with the Admiral. There's time enough later for, other things*
Jon smiled to himself and sat back down at his desk, using the comm system he placed the call to Starfleet himself.
After a brief wait, Jon was once again speaking with Admiral Forrest, suffice it to say, he hadn't taken the news of the possibility for the assassin being not a Vulcan, but another race genetically linked to them very well.
Forrest: "Why wouldn't they tell us this?"
Jon shrugged: "Maybe they didn't want to cause needless worry and blame."
Forrest: "Well there's been some blame levelled at the Vulcans already, the media has been crying for some type of statement from them yet they remain silent."
Jon sat quietly for a moment, then spoke: "Admiral, I have an idea, What if Starfleet were to release a statement saying the attacker was someone who had been altered to look like a Vulcan, would that take off some of the heat until we get back? Maybe that would give you and Soval time to find out who really did this and why"
Forrest: "That doesn't sound to bad, well give it a shot. Keep us posted on your ETA, oh Jon, I want you to send us back everything you've discovered, as well as the stuff we sent you. It won't help matters if this discovery your doctor made were to get out. Also it would be best if you told the same to your crew. Keep us updated on your ETA, Forrest out."
Jon stood and went out onto the Bridge, he felt it was time to make a statement to the command crew.
Jon: "I'm guessing all of you are wondering what's been going on, with the emergency communications, and other things going on. There's been an incident back home. The President of Earth was assassinated."
The bridge crew were shocked at the news.
Reed: "Do they know who did it sir?"
Jon: "Yes, the assassin was killed by the Presidents security team shortly after the attack. We've been ordered back at top speed to try to help in the investigation."
Reed: "Investigation? I'm afraid I don't follow you sir, if the assassin was killed why would they need us back so quickly, shouldn't the authorities on Earth handle it?"
Jon began to pace, he walked over to his chair, then to Reeds station. Then he turned to face the crew once again.
Archer: "Things are a little more complicated than they seem Lt. You see, it would appear that the attacker, was a Vulcan."
As soon as he said that, Jon noticed everyone immediately glance over to T'Pol, and then back to their stations.
Jon: "I said it appeared he was Vulcan, the assassin turned out to be someone surgically altered to look that way."
Hoshi: "But why would someone do that?"
T'Pol: "Logically, the motive would be to foster animosity and mistrust between our two governments. Do not forget Ensign, there is still much distrust of my people by yours."
Jon: "That's one of the reason's we're going back so fast, it's hoped that with our return, that attention will be diverted off the murder, over to the completion of our mission, allowing the authorities more time to find out who actually did this."
Jon walked over to T'Pol's station "Sub-Commander, we've been ordered to send back everything we have on this, please make sure it's done, I want no trace of this left in Enterprise's database."
T'Pol: "Understood Captain." She then turned and began punching in commands on her station.
Jon walked back over to his chair and sat down.
Jon: "Travis, what's our ETA to Earth?"
Travis checked his board and then replied. "Barring anything out of the ordinary, or engine troubles, we should get back home in 5 weeks."
Jon: "Hoshi, send a message to Starfleet, tell them when to expect us, and I want a constant report sent to them."
Hoshi: "Aye Captain."
Jon hit the button on the arm of his chair and opened a COMM line to Engineering.
Jon: "Archer to Engineering."
Trip: "Engineering here Cap, what's up?"
Jon: "Trip, can we sustain warp 5 for the entire voyage back to Earth?"
Trip: "Hmmm, with all the repairs we've done in the past while, I would be doubtful we could keep this speed up for more n a few days. However, with the parts we got from the Andorians and the Xindi, so long as we reduce to warp 4.5 for a day or so, say once a week, to reduce the strain on the engines, I don't think it would too much trouble, we'll just have to keep a closer eye on things down here."
Jon: "Understood, keep me or the Sub-Commander informed of any changes. Bridge out."
Jon then turned his attention to the tactical station: "Malcolm, I want you and your replacements to keep constant short, mid and long range scans going. I don't want anything to impede our trip home, like last time."
Everyone on the Bridge knew that Archer was referring to the last time they had been called home for an emergency, when the ship had been surrounded by Suliban cell ships, and Archer had been taken from them to meet with someone important.
Meanwhile, in another part of the quadrant, a large cruiser type ship silently orbit's a lifeless moon. The ship is a warship, with a crew compliment of a few hundred. The ship has a familiar design. It belongs to a race encountered by Enterprise last year, The Romulans.
Commander Maiek, the ships Captain, headed to his Bridge, once there he looked around and saw that everyone was at their posts. The ship was operating in silent mode, main power was kept to minimum, so lighting in most area's was dim.
Maiek: "Report"
Sub-Commander Talierra, the ships first officer stepped up to her Commander and quickly saluted him, her right hand closed in a fist and struck against the left side of her chest. Maiek simply nodded.
Talierra: "Commander, the plan has succeeded, The Terran President has been killed by our operative, and there is now distrust brewing between the Terrans and the Vulcans."
Talierra uttered the last word as if it had left a foul taste in her mouth. Maiek smiled.
Maiek: "Very good, I will inform the Praetor of the success. I will also advise him we proceed to the next phase of our plans. Return to your station."
Talierra nodded her head once and with another salute, which Maiek returned this time, she returned to her post.
Maiek smiled once more. After two of their ships had encountered the Terran ship in orbit of one of their colony worlds last year, the Romulan Praetor had ordered a close eye kept on the species known as Humans. In the eyes of the Senate, they were now becoming a bothersome race, allying themselves with the Vulcan's, then offering friendship to the Andorians.
The Praetor had decided that with all these alliances forming, that the balance of power in the region would quickly begin to shift, and that could mean trouble for his people. As they were not yet in a position to confront them directly, it had been decided to utilize subterfuge to sow distrust among the Terrans and Vulcans. And so far it was working.
Maiek thought of the glorious day when the Romulans would openly oppose the Terrans and their expansion into the galaxy. Soon, very soon they would be ready. Maiek chuckled and walked off the Bridge and to his cabin where he would make the report to his superiors.
As he walked off the darkened Bridge, he passed through a brighter lit corridor, the lights caught his features for a moment, his dark hair, the sharp planes of his face, his upturned eyebrows, and the pointed tips of his ears.
Maiek: *Very soon, the Romulan Star empire shall bring this region of space to a standstill. And everyone will look upon us as a force to be reckoned with*
Captain's Personal Log, 0930 hrs:
"We are now 3 weeks out from Earth, the last few weeks have been fairly quiet, much of the crew has been keeping Hoshi busy transmitting messages back home and are eager to once again see their families. The first week out of the Expanse was filled up with status reports on the investigation, other than what we found and sent back we've basically heard nothing more on the subject. Admiral Forrest keeps saying that we'll know more when they know more. God that's a damned annoying saying.
This morning we completed our resupply and recovery with the S.S Leighton, a supply ship that met us to pick up the bodies of the deceased crew. We had devised a novel way of storing the remains, seeing as we only have a limited amount of space in the morgue, Phlox suggested that we shut off all life support to one of the cargo bays, the sub-zero temperatures would preserve the bodies until they could be transferred off the ship. I have to admit it was a good idea.
I haven't seen much of my fiancé in the last few days, with the crew shortage she has taken it upon herself to man C shift, and did up the duty roster so I would man A shift. I think it's payback for my slip back into my brood phase when we were still in the Expanse. We try to spend some time together during B shift, but with her meditation, and the other ships duties we have, all we get is maybe an hour or three here and there. Oh well, this is what I get for signing off on the duty roster.
T'Pol informed me yesterday that during her Bridge watch tonight, she will try to contact the Vulcan High Command and try to get any further information regarding the assassin. Good luck in her efforts, she still isn't very popular with them, one because she resigned her commission to remain with us, and two, she's marrying me. Well I'm getting that feed me or I'll maul your leg look from Porthos so time to end this entry."
Sub-Commander T'Pol's Personal Log, 0245:
"My efforts in contacting the High Command in order to aid in the search for the assassin of the Earth President, has been less than, successful. My request was routed to 3 different individuals, and theirs answers back were most, perplexing. I was informed that all my requests were from now on, to be handled through Ambassador Soval's office. This is both highly irregular and illogical.
I have sent a request for assistance to the Ambassadors office and now await the reply. End log entry.
T'Pol sat on the Bridge, the lighting was muted due to late hour. Commander Tucker had explained to her once the reason behind the reduction in bridge illumination. She had found his reasoning to be quite, logical from a Human point of view. To her, it mattered little what the lighting was. She took a moment to glance at the other crew who were working this shift with her, all main stations were manned and Ensign Jones who was manning Tactical had reported nothing in their vicinity.
The ship was currently travelling at warp 4 to reduce the stress on the engines that the sustained warp 5 velocities were causing. As T'Pol signed off on another fuel report and logged in for Captain Archers final approval, the Lt. Manning communications looked at T'Pol.
Lt.: "Ma'am? We have an incoming message from you from Earth, It's from the Vulcan Consulate."
T'Pol nodded: "Transfer it to the ready room."
T'Pol rose and entered the ready room, she quickly seated herself behind that desk and hit a button on the monitor. The small screen blinked to life, on it was the emotionless face of Soval.
T'Pol raised her hand in the Vulcan greeting: "Greetings Ambassador."
Soval returned the greeting: "T'Pol, I have received your messages regarding the investigation into the assassination. I would speak with you on this. Is the channel secure."
T'Pol pressed a few buttons and nodded back to Soval.
Soval: "The High Command had informed me of your, requests for information. I have been instructed to provide you with your answer."
T'Pol: "I have more questions Ambassador."
Soval nodded, giving her permission to ask them.
T'Pol: "Why was the information concerning the genetic make up of the Assassin not forwarded to Starfleet, it would only be logical to provide them with as much information as possible would it not?"
Soval: "It had been determined that to do so would have only caused an already volatile situation to further escalate."
T'Pol: "I fail to see your reasoning Ambassador. You are claiming that our government provided false information to the Humans. You lied."
Soval: "It was not a lie, it was an omission."
T'Pol: "Logic would dictate that we offer our full support to the Humans at such a time, with holding required information would seem to be, duplicitous."
Soval: "Sub-Commander, you are unaware of the facts in this matter, it is your logic and arguments that are flawed."
T'Pol: "Indeed? Explain."
Soval: "Our medical experts provided all the information they had amassed at the time to the proper authorities. It was not discovered until much later that we had been, misled. We had already found the genetic differences in the corpse by the time the information had been passed on to Enterprise."
T'Pol: "Are there any clues as to which race the assassin belonged to?"
Soval: "There is one, but we are reluctant to, discuss it with the Humans."
T'Pol: "For what reason?"
Soval: "T'Pol, your curiosity will get you into much trouble, if I am not mistaken it has on numerous occasions before."
T'Pol: "Be that as it may Ambassador, again I ask, for what reason does our government withhold crucial information from the Humans?"
Soval closed his eyes briefly and emitted a small sigh: "Sub-Commander, what I shall tell you is to be held in the strictest confidence, you will impart this to no one."
T'Pol: "I can not guarantee that Ambassador. I will have to inform Captain Archer."
Soval: "Understood. We believe the assassin was a member of a reclusive race, one with we have had little to no contact with. They are aggressive and highly territorial. To our knowledge, there has been no official contact with them by any species which we know of, except one."
T'Pol: "Which species Ambassador?"
Soval: "Humans. They were encountered a little more that one solar year ago by the ship which you are serving on."
T'Pol quickly ran back though her memories of the various races they had encountered during that time.
Soval: "If I may be of assistance, your ship had been damaged when it encountered a minefield around a colony planet."
T'Pol raised her eyebrow. "The Romulan Star Empire."
Soval: "Indeed, your ship met with not one vessel but two, and survived. Our information is incomplete, but it is decidedly accurate in stating that few ships survive encounters with their vessels once they have encroached on space they claim as their own."
T'Pol: "For what reason would they have to perform such an act?"
Soval: "Unknown. We are currently endeavouring to find out what type a threat they pose to Earth and when we have more information as to why this was done and the reasoning behind it, then we shall bring it to the attention of the Humans."
T'Pol nodded: "That would be only logical. Ambassador, are there any visual records of a, Romulan?"
Soval: "None that we have been able to locate. Out hypothesis is that the assassin was altered to not only appear Vulcan, but have his genetic profile altered as well."
T'Pol: "I had not thought that possible."
Soval: "According to our medical staff, it is quite dangerous and has a high improbability of success, but it can be done."
T'Pol: "I understand, As I stated, I will have to pass this information on to my Captain."
Soval: "It would be the logical course of action." He held his hand up in the salute. "Live long and Prosper T'Pol."
T'Pol help her hand up, her fingers in a split V: "Peace and long life, Ambassador."
The transmission ended, leaving T'Pol to think about the information that had been delivered. She momentarily touched her link with Jonathan to assess his location, she then reached over and hit the button on the COMM panel.
"T'Pol to Archer."
After a moment, Jon's sleepy voice came back over the line.
Jon: "Go Ahead'
T'Pol: "I apologise for disturbing you Captain, I have received news concerning the incident on Earth."
Jon: "Is it important?"
T'Pol: "Moderately yes."
Jon sighed: "Very well, Command Center, 20 minutes, Archer out."
T'Pol sensed through the link with her mate that he was more unhappy at what her news may bring than her waking him up. She quickly accessed the Vulcan database and transferred all the information it held on the Romulans to the main console in the Command Center. It was more efficient to do it this way than to call up the information there.
Once it was finished, she stood and headed back onto the Bridge, she transferred the conn over to Lt Houle and made her way to the mess hall, the 20 minute time limit would give her enough leeway to get some coffee for the Captain. If his mood she was sensing was correct, then he would be needing it.
Roughly 20 minutes later, a freshly showered and dressed Jonathan Archer entered the Command Center. He blinked at the bright lighting, he was still bleary eyed. He smiled at T'Pol as he walked over to where she was sitting. He noticed a pot of coffee sitting on the table and his smile got bigger.
Jon: "You didn't have to get that, but thanks."
T'Pol: "There is no need for thanks, it was little trouble."
Jon smiled again, it was still going to take a long time to get used to this. He poured himself a cup of coffee and offered T'Pol one, she declined, never having acquired a taste for it, caffeine having little effect on Vulcans.
Jon: "So, what was this all important news that you had to wake your captain up out of a very pleasing dream at 3:30 in the morning?"
T'Pol: "My apologies Captain, but I had a transmission from Ambassador Soval concerning our efforts in trying to find any further information on the assassin. From what my government has been able to determine, it may have been done by a race we have already encountered."
Jon: "If the Vulcan's had already encountered them, why didn't they know who did this earlier?"
T'Pol: "Forgive me, I did not mean to imply it was Vulcan who had met this race, rather is was us, Enterprise."
Jon: "I'm not sure I'm following you here, what do you mean a race we met, we've met a lot of races in the past few years, I don't think we made any of them mad enough at us to do this, though I'm sure we came pretty close a few times."
T'Pol only raised her eyebrow. "Humour aside Captain, do you recall when Enterprise was damage when it encountered a minefield and Lt. Reed was injured when another mine pierced his leg?"
Jon thought for a few moments, then his face lit up with recognition "You don't mean, those Romulan people did this?"
T'Pol: "That is the belief our government is working on."
Jon: "I guess you weren't aware that they looked so much like Vulcans were you?"
T'Pol: "Unfortunately, there are no records of what a Romulan looks like, apparently we are one of the few vessels to survive an incursion into their territory. The Consulate medical staff has determined the assassin was altered at the genetic level to resemble a Vulcan."
Jon: "Wow, I didn't think anyone could do that."
T'Pol: "It is rare and extremely dangerous but it can be done."
T'Pol pulled up the files they had on the Romulans, both from the Vulcan database, and Enterprise's sensor logs from more than a year ago. Jon looked it over and then looked at T'Pol.
Jon: "Not a lot here is there? Highly territorial, yeah we learned that the hard way. Aggressive, hmm it looks like you were right, anyone who's crossed them in some way, never came back. Wonder why they gave us so much leeway."
T'Pol: "Perhaps they were studying us, if you recall, they did not open fire until after their second warning to leave their space, they could have easily appeared and begun to fire first."
Jon: "Just what did they shoot at us?"
T'Pol: "It was a form of high energy packet, that would disrupt what ever it contacted, it could have done serious damage to the ship if they had actually hit us."
Jon thought for a moment before speaking. "Thanks for bringing this to me T'Pol, now I'm going to have to pass it along to Starfleet."
T'Pol: Again, thanks is unnecessary, you are the Captain, it was only logical I inform you."
Jon nodded. "I'm going to try to get another few hours of sleep before I report this, would you like to meet for breakfast when your shift ends?"
T'Pol: "That would be most, agreeable."
Jon smiled: "Good see you in a few hours T'Pol"
T'Pol: "Sleep well Jonathan"
Jon nodded and left the room.
T'Pol closed down the terminal and rose, she had missed the company of her mate in the last while, but due to the crew shortages, they both had to make sacrifices. She allowed herself a brief sigh and returned to her watch on the Bridge.
Jon: "Ensign, we'll be receiving a packet from Starfleet, once it comes in send it down to the Command Center right away."
Hoshi: "Aye Captain"
Jon turned and headed for the turbo lift "T'Pol you're with me, Malcolm you have the Bridge."
T'Pol gracefully stood and followed Jonathan into the turbo lift. As the doors closed she waited for him to say something pertaining to his communication with Admiral Forrest, but it appeared he wouldn't be forthcoming with any information.
T'Pol: "Captain..."
Jon: "Not here"
As soon as the lift stopped, Jon quickly stepped out and proceeded at a brisk pace toward the Command Center, T'Pol had little choice but to follow along, almost running to keep up with him. Quickly the two entered the Command Center, Jon went over to the COMM and hit the button.
Jon: "Archer to Bridge."
"Hoshi here sir"
Jon: "Has that packet come in yet?"
Hoshi: "Yes Captain, I am routing it through now."
Jon looked over at T'Pol "This is from Starfleet Security, it contains what both our governments have discovered so far. I want you to go over it and report your findings to me. This super cedes anything else you're doing right now Sub-Commander."
T'Pol: "Understood Captain."
Jon left T'Pol to her work and headed for Sickbay. Once he arrived, the dark look on his face dampened any greeting Phlox was about to give him.
Jon: "Sorry Doctor, no time for pleasantries right now, I need you to look over a report from Starfleet Medical. Review it and report back to me as soon as you can."
Phlox: "Certainly Captain."
Jon watched for a moment as Phlox took the Padd and headed over to a work station, Then Jon turned and headed for the bridge. Jon stepped off the turbo lift and went right to the ready room. He stayed there going over the reports from Earth. About 4 hours later, the chime went off, announcing someone was at the door. He called out for the person to enter.
T'Pol came into the room and stood before the desk with her hands folded behind her.
T'Pol: "Captain I have finished analysing the data and have found some, inconsistencies."
Jon: "Like what T'Pol?"
T'Pol: "The Vulcan in question who performed the assassination, was apparently unknown to the other Vulcans living in the compound."
Jon: "Perhaps he just arrived and no one had time to get to know him?"
T'Pol: "That is another inconsistency, it would appear that there were no orders for any new staff at the consulate. Also there was no record of anyone matching his description on any of the transports between Vulcan and Earth."
Jon sat back in his chair. "So who do you think he is?"
T'Pol: "I am unable to come to a sufficient conclusion as to the person's identity. There is not enough data provided for me to say who he was or why he committed the act."
Just then, the chime went off again. Jon bid the person to enter and in walked Phlox.
Phlox: "Ah Captain, Sub-Commander. I have reviewed the medical records you provided me, and I must say thank you for such a perplexing mystery."
Jon looked confused: "What do you mean Doc?"
Phlox: "Well, I examined the autopsy report on your President, it was fairly straightforward, he was killed with a single shot from a Phase weapon set on kill. However in reviewing the report on his killer, I came across a number of little details that didn't seem to match up."
T'Pol: "How so Doctor?"
Phlox: "Well in all respects the man appears to be Vulcan, the features, the pointed ears and eyebrows, the placement of organs, the copper based physiology."
Jon sighed: "What do you mean appears to be?"
Phlox: "Well, in studying the DNA sequencing that came along with the files, I noted a strange base pair drift. It would seem as if he were not actually a Vulcan, but a very close relative of the species."
Jon looked over at T'Pol: "A cousin of your species that no one told us about?"
T'Pol: "I am, perplexed Captain. I know of no other race that exhibit's the same physical characteristics as the Vulcans."
Jon: "Doctor, why wasn't this discovered by Earth authorities?"
Phlox: "I am unsure, Perhaps they have already decided the assassin was a Vulcan and they didn't do as detailed a report. They would have had to go beyond the normal range of scans to find the genetic drifting."
Jon: "Ok, but what made you do such a deep scan of the DNA?"
Phlox: "I was simply being thorough Captain
T'Pol: "Curious, why would the Vulcans not have detected this themselves? No offence intended Doctor, but our medical sensors are much more sophisticated than what is available on Enterprise."
Phlox: "None taken Sub-Commander."
Jon: "Admiral Forrest mentioned that the Vulcans didn't seem to be to open in reporting what hey had found. Perhaps this is one of the things they found."
Jon sat and thought for a moment, then looked up "Thanks for your work doc, you're dismissed, I now have to report this to Starfleet. T'Pol, remain a moment please."
Phlox nodded and turned and left, once the door was shut Jon gestured for T'Pol to take a seat. T'Pol nodded once and took the seat opposite from Jon, she calmly folded her hands in her lap and waited for Jon to speak. Jon seemed lost in thought and after a few minutes T'Pol gently nudged him through their bond. Jon looked up then smiled.
Jon: "Sorry, What are your thoughts on this?"
T'Pol: "I find I am, confused as to the actions of my government. In such a case as this, it would only be the logical course of action to provide as much aid as we could to your government. Withholding such seemingly crucial evidence from Starfleet and Earth's government, is quite simply, illogical. I can see no reason for it."
Jon: "When I report this to Forrest, I am going to include Phlox's report. Forrest will immediately go to Soval and try to find out what's going on. Any ideas as to what Soval might say?"
T'Pol: "With so little information available, an my not knowing the motives for my governments actions, it would be unwise for me to comment on what the Ambassador may or may not say."
Jon sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He stood and went over and looked out the window at the stars rushing past at high warp. T'Pol also rose and stood beside her mate, she placed her hand on his arm, a sign that she would be there for him.
Jon: "You know, here I was thinking we'd have a nice leisurely cruise back to Earth, the crew could relax, you and I could really begin to plan our wedding when we got back. And now this crops up. I don't know about you T'Pol, but it seems to me that there's someone out there who has definite plans for us and this ship."
T'Pol: "Jonathan, rarely do our lives go the way we would have them. Being Earths first and so far only warp 5 Starship, other matters would surely have arisen that needed to be dealt with. Our Earth wedding can wait until an appropriate time comes available. Your planet has need of you and this ship again. I would be remiss in my duties as first officer if I did not point that out."
Jon: "I know we're needed, I know things can wait, It's just that after all we've been through in the Expanse, that you'd think the universe could have given us a break first before tossing us to the lions once more."
T'Pol: "Tossing us to the lions? I do not understand this phrase Jonathan."
Jon: "Sorry, it's from ancient Earth, if you have time you should look up how ancient Roman's amused themselves in a place called the Coliseum."
T'Pol: "Fascinating."
Jon turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Think you can look after the Bridge for a while? I need to pass along this information to Starfleet."
T'Pol: "Of Course. I will be only a thought away if needed."
Jon smiled and released his hold on T'Pol and watched her as she left his office. He really did appreciate the way her uniform fit her.
Jon: *Okay, down boy, no time to have my libido rear up. I have to focus on my talk with the Admiral. There's time enough later for, other things*
Jon smiled to himself and sat back down at his desk, using the comm system he placed the call to Starfleet himself.
After a brief wait, Jon was once again speaking with Admiral Forrest, suffice it to say, he hadn't taken the news of the possibility for the assassin being not a Vulcan, but another race genetically linked to them very well.
Forrest: "Why wouldn't they tell us this?"
Jon shrugged: "Maybe they didn't want to cause needless worry and blame."
Forrest: "Well there's been some blame levelled at the Vulcans already, the media has been crying for some type of statement from them yet they remain silent."
Jon sat quietly for a moment, then spoke: "Admiral, I have an idea, What if Starfleet were to release a statement saying the attacker was someone who had been altered to look like a Vulcan, would that take off some of the heat until we get back? Maybe that would give you and Soval time to find out who really did this and why"
Forrest: "That doesn't sound to bad, well give it a shot. Keep us posted on your ETA, oh Jon, I want you to send us back everything you've discovered, as well as the stuff we sent you. It won't help matters if this discovery your doctor made were to get out. Also it would be best if you told the same to your crew. Keep us updated on your ETA, Forrest out."
Jon stood and went out onto the Bridge, he felt it was time to make a statement to the command crew.
Jon: "I'm guessing all of you are wondering what's been going on, with the emergency communications, and other things going on. There's been an incident back home. The President of Earth was assassinated."
The bridge crew were shocked at the news.
Reed: "Do they know who did it sir?"
Jon: "Yes, the assassin was killed by the Presidents security team shortly after the attack. We've been ordered back at top speed to try to help in the investigation."
Reed: "Investigation? I'm afraid I don't follow you sir, if the assassin was killed why would they need us back so quickly, shouldn't the authorities on Earth handle it?"
Jon began to pace, he walked over to his chair, then to Reeds station. Then he turned to face the crew once again.
Archer: "Things are a little more complicated than they seem Lt. You see, it would appear that the attacker, was a Vulcan."
As soon as he said that, Jon noticed everyone immediately glance over to T'Pol, and then back to their stations.
Jon: "I said it appeared he was Vulcan, the assassin turned out to be someone surgically altered to look that way."
Hoshi: "But why would someone do that?"
T'Pol: "Logically, the motive would be to foster animosity and mistrust between our two governments. Do not forget Ensign, there is still much distrust of my people by yours."
Jon: "That's one of the reason's we're going back so fast, it's hoped that with our return, that attention will be diverted off the murder, over to the completion of our mission, allowing the authorities more time to find out who actually did this."
Jon walked over to T'Pol's station "Sub-Commander, we've been ordered to send back everything we have on this, please make sure it's done, I want no trace of this left in Enterprise's database."
T'Pol: "Understood Captain." She then turned and began punching in commands on her station.
Jon walked back over to his chair and sat down.
Jon: "Travis, what's our ETA to Earth?"
Travis checked his board and then replied. "Barring anything out of the ordinary, or engine troubles, we should get back home in 5 weeks."
Jon: "Hoshi, send a message to Starfleet, tell them when to expect us, and I want a constant report sent to them."
Hoshi: "Aye Captain."
Jon hit the button on the arm of his chair and opened a COMM line to Engineering.
Jon: "Archer to Engineering."
Trip: "Engineering here Cap, what's up?"
Jon: "Trip, can we sustain warp 5 for the entire voyage back to Earth?"
Trip: "Hmmm, with all the repairs we've done in the past while, I would be doubtful we could keep this speed up for more n a few days. However, with the parts we got from the Andorians and the Xindi, so long as we reduce to warp 4.5 for a day or so, say once a week, to reduce the strain on the engines, I don't think it would too much trouble, we'll just have to keep a closer eye on things down here."
Jon: "Understood, keep me or the Sub-Commander informed of any changes. Bridge out."
Jon then turned his attention to the tactical station: "Malcolm, I want you and your replacements to keep constant short, mid and long range scans going. I don't want anything to impede our trip home, like last time."
Everyone on the Bridge knew that Archer was referring to the last time they had been called home for an emergency, when the ship had been surrounded by Suliban cell ships, and Archer had been taken from them to meet with someone important.
Meanwhile, in another part of the quadrant, a large cruiser type ship silently orbit's a lifeless moon. The ship is a warship, with a crew compliment of a few hundred. The ship has a familiar design. It belongs to a race encountered by Enterprise last year, The Romulans.
Commander Maiek, the ships Captain, headed to his Bridge, once there he looked around and saw that everyone was at their posts. The ship was operating in silent mode, main power was kept to minimum, so lighting in most area's was dim.
Maiek: "Report"
Sub-Commander Talierra, the ships first officer stepped up to her Commander and quickly saluted him, her right hand closed in a fist and struck against the left side of her chest. Maiek simply nodded.
Talierra: "Commander, the plan has succeeded, The Terran President has been killed by our operative, and there is now distrust brewing between the Terrans and the Vulcans."
Talierra uttered the last word as if it had left a foul taste in her mouth. Maiek smiled.
Maiek: "Very good, I will inform the Praetor of the success. I will also advise him we proceed to the next phase of our plans. Return to your station."
Talierra nodded her head once and with another salute, which Maiek returned this time, she returned to her post.
Maiek smiled once more. After two of their ships had encountered the Terran ship in orbit of one of their colony worlds last year, the Romulan Praetor had ordered a close eye kept on the species known as Humans. In the eyes of the Senate, they were now becoming a bothersome race, allying themselves with the Vulcan's, then offering friendship to the Andorians.
The Praetor had decided that with all these alliances forming, that the balance of power in the region would quickly begin to shift, and that could mean trouble for his people. As they were not yet in a position to confront them directly, it had been decided to utilize subterfuge to sow distrust among the Terrans and Vulcans. And so far it was working.
Maiek thought of the glorious day when the Romulans would openly oppose the Terrans and their expansion into the galaxy. Soon, very soon they would be ready. Maiek chuckled and walked off the Bridge and to his cabin where he would make the report to his superiors.
As he walked off the darkened Bridge, he passed through a brighter lit corridor, the lights caught his features for a moment, his dark hair, the sharp planes of his face, his upturned eyebrows, and the pointed tips of his ears.
Maiek: *Very soon, the Romulan Star empire shall bring this region of space to a standstill. And everyone will look upon us as a force to be reckoned with*
Captain's Personal Log, 0930 hrs:
"We are now 3 weeks out from Earth, the last few weeks have been fairly quiet, much of the crew has been keeping Hoshi busy transmitting messages back home and are eager to once again see their families. The first week out of the Expanse was filled up with status reports on the investigation, other than what we found and sent back we've basically heard nothing more on the subject. Admiral Forrest keeps saying that we'll know more when they know more. God that's a damned annoying saying.
This morning we completed our resupply and recovery with the S.S Leighton, a supply ship that met us to pick up the bodies of the deceased crew. We had devised a novel way of storing the remains, seeing as we only have a limited amount of space in the morgue, Phlox suggested that we shut off all life support to one of the cargo bays, the sub-zero temperatures would preserve the bodies until they could be transferred off the ship. I have to admit it was a good idea.
I haven't seen much of my fiancé in the last few days, with the crew shortage she has taken it upon herself to man C shift, and did up the duty roster so I would man A shift. I think it's payback for my slip back into my brood phase when we were still in the Expanse. We try to spend some time together during B shift, but with her meditation, and the other ships duties we have, all we get is maybe an hour or three here and there. Oh well, this is what I get for signing off on the duty roster.
T'Pol informed me yesterday that during her Bridge watch tonight, she will try to contact the Vulcan High Command and try to get any further information regarding the assassin. Good luck in her efforts, she still isn't very popular with them, one because she resigned her commission to remain with us, and two, she's marrying me. Well I'm getting that feed me or I'll maul your leg look from Porthos so time to end this entry."
Sub-Commander T'Pol's Personal Log, 0245:
"My efforts in contacting the High Command in order to aid in the search for the assassin of the Earth President, has been less than, successful. My request was routed to 3 different individuals, and theirs answers back were most, perplexing. I was informed that all my requests were from now on, to be handled through Ambassador Soval's office. This is both highly irregular and illogical.
I have sent a request for assistance to the Ambassadors office and now await the reply. End log entry.
T'Pol sat on the Bridge, the lighting was muted due to late hour. Commander Tucker had explained to her once the reason behind the reduction in bridge illumination. She had found his reasoning to be quite, logical from a Human point of view. To her, it mattered little what the lighting was. She took a moment to glance at the other crew who were working this shift with her, all main stations were manned and Ensign Jones who was manning Tactical had reported nothing in their vicinity.
The ship was currently travelling at warp 4 to reduce the stress on the engines that the sustained warp 5 velocities were causing. As T'Pol signed off on another fuel report and logged in for Captain Archers final approval, the Lt. Manning communications looked at T'Pol.
Lt.: "Ma'am? We have an incoming message from you from Earth, It's from the Vulcan Consulate."
T'Pol nodded: "Transfer it to the ready room."
T'Pol rose and entered the ready room, she quickly seated herself behind that desk and hit a button on the monitor. The small screen blinked to life, on it was the emotionless face of Soval.
T'Pol raised her hand in the Vulcan greeting: "Greetings Ambassador."
Soval returned the greeting: "T'Pol, I have received your messages regarding the investigation into the assassination. I would speak with you on this. Is the channel secure."
T'Pol pressed a few buttons and nodded back to Soval.
Soval: "The High Command had informed me of your, requests for information. I have been instructed to provide you with your answer."
T'Pol: "I have more questions Ambassador."
Soval nodded, giving her permission to ask them.
T'Pol: "Why was the information concerning the genetic make up of the Assassin not forwarded to Starfleet, it would only be logical to provide them with as much information as possible would it not?"
Soval: "It had been determined that to do so would have only caused an already volatile situation to further escalate."
T'Pol: "I fail to see your reasoning Ambassador. You are claiming that our government provided false information to the Humans. You lied."
Soval: "It was not a lie, it was an omission."
T'Pol: "Logic would dictate that we offer our full support to the Humans at such a time, with holding required information would seem to be, duplicitous."
Soval: "Sub-Commander, you are unaware of the facts in this matter, it is your logic and arguments that are flawed."
T'Pol: "Indeed? Explain."
Soval: "Our medical experts provided all the information they had amassed at the time to the proper authorities. It was not discovered until much later that we had been, misled. We had already found the genetic differences in the corpse by the time the information had been passed on to Enterprise."
T'Pol: "Are there any clues as to which race the assassin belonged to?"
Soval: "There is one, but we are reluctant to, discuss it with the Humans."
T'Pol: "For what reason?"
Soval: "T'Pol, your curiosity will get you into much trouble, if I am not mistaken it has on numerous occasions before."
T'Pol: "Be that as it may Ambassador, again I ask, for what reason does our government withhold crucial information from the Humans?"
Soval closed his eyes briefly and emitted a small sigh: "Sub-Commander, what I shall tell you is to be held in the strictest confidence, you will impart this to no one."
T'Pol: "I can not guarantee that Ambassador. I will have to inform Captain Archer."
Soval: "Understood. We believe the assassin was a member of a reclusive race, one with we have had little to no contact with. They are aggressive and highly territorial. To our knowledge, there has been no official contact with them by any species which we know of, except one."
T'Pol: "Which species Ambassador?"
Soval: "Humans. They were encountered a little more that one solar year ago by the ship which you are serving on."
T'Pol quickly ran back though her memories of the various races they had encountered during that time.
Soval: "If I may be of assistance, your ship had been damaged when it encountered a minefield around a colony planet."
T'Pol raised her eyebrow. "The Romulan Star Empire."
Soval: "Indeed, your ship met with not one vessel but two, and survived. Our information is incomplete, but it is decidedly accurate in stating that few ships survive encounters with their vessels once they have encroached on space they claim as their own."
T'Pol: "For what reason would they have to perform such an act?"
Soval: "Unknown. We are currently endeavouring to find out what type a threat they pose to Earth and when we have more information as to why this was done and the reasoning behind it, then we shall bring it to the attention of the Humans."
T'Pol nodded: "That would be only logical. Ambassador, are there any visual records of a, Romulan?"
Soval: "None that we have been able to locate. Out hypothesis is that the assassin was altered to not only appear Vulcan, but have his genetic profile altered as well."
T'Pol: "I had not thought that possible."
Soval: "According to our medical staff, it is quite dangerous and has a high improbability of success, but it can be done."
T'Pol: "I understand, As I stated, I will have to pass this information on to my Captain."
Soval: "It would be the logical course of action." He held his hand up in the salute. "Live long and Prosper T'Pol."
T'Pol help her hand up, her fingers in a split V: "Peace and long life, Ambassador."
The transmission ended, leaving T'Pol to think about the information that had been delivered. She momentarily touched her link with Jonathan to assess his location, she then reached over and hit the button on the COMM panel.
"T'Pol to Archer."
After a moment, Jon's sleepy voice came back over the line.
Jon: "Go Ahead'
T'Pol: "I apologise for disturbing you Captain, I have received news concerning the incident on Earth."
Jon: "Is it important?"
T'Pol: "Moderately yes."
Jon sighed: "Very well, Command Center, 20 minutes, Archer out."
T'Pol sensed through the link with her mate that he was more unhappy at what her news may bring than her waking him up. She quickly accessed the Vulcan database and transferred all the information it held on the Romulans to the main console in the Command Center. It was more efficient to do it this way than to call up the information there.
Once it was finished, she stood and headed back onto the Bridge, she transferred the conn over to Lt Houle and made her way to the mess hall, the 20 minute time limit would give her enough leeway to get some coffee for the Captain. If his mood she was sensing was correct, then he would be needing it.
Roughly 20 minutes later, a freshly showered and dressed Jonathan Archer entered the Command Center. He blinked at the bright lighting, he was still bleary eyed. He smiled at T'Pol as he walked over to where she was sitting. He noticed a pot of coffee sitting on the table and his smile got bigger.
Jon: "You didn't have to get that, but thanks."
T'Pol: "There is no need for thanks, it was little trouble."
Jon smiled again, it was still going to take a long time to get used to this. He poured himself a cup of coffee and offered T'Pol one, she declined, never having acquired a taste for it, caffeine having little effect on Vulcans.
Jon: "So, what was this all important news that you had to wake your captain up out of a very pleasing dream at 3:30 in the morning?"
T'Pol: "My apologies Captain, but I had a transmission from Ambassador Soval concerning our efforts in trying to find any further information on the assassin. From what my government has been able to determine, it may have been done by a race we have already encountered."
Jon: "If the Vulcan's had already encountered them, why didn't they know who did this earlier?"
T'Pol: "Forgive me, I did not mean to imply it was Vulcan who had met this race, rather is was us, Enterprise."
Jon: "I'm not sure I'm following you here, what do you mean a race we met, we've met a lot of races in the past few years, I don't think we made any of them mad enough at us to do this, though I'm sure we came pretty close a few times."
T'Pol only raised her eyebrow. "Humour aside Captain, do you recall when Enterprise was damage when it encountered a minefield and Lt. Reed was injured when another mine pierced his leg?"
Jon thought for a few moments, then his face lit up with recognition "You don't mean, those Romulan people did this?"
T'Pol: "That is the belief our government is working on."
Jon: "I guess you weren't aware that they looked so much like Vulcans were you?"
T'Pol: "Unfortunately, there are no records of what a Romulan looks like, apparently we are one of the few vessels to survive an incursion into their territory. The Consulate medical staff has determined the assassin was altered at the genetic level to resemble a Vulcan."
Jon: "Wow, I didn't think anyone could do that."
T'Pol: "It is rare and extremely dangerous but it can be done."
T'Pol pulled up the files they had on the Romulans, both from the Vulcan database, and Enterprise's sensor logs from more than a year ago. Jon looked it over and then looked at T'Pol.
Jon: "Not a lot here is there? Highly territorial, yeah we learned that the hard way. Aggressive, hmm it looks like you were right, anyone who's crossed them in some way, never came back. Wonder why they gave us so much leeway."
T'Pol: "Perhaps they were studying us, if you recall, they did not open fire until after their second warning to leave their space, they could have easily appeared and begun to fire first."
Jon: "Just what did they shoot at us?"
T'Pol: "It was a form of high energy packet, that would disrupt what ever it contacted, it could have done serious damage to the ship if they had actually hit us."
Jon thought for a moment before speaking. "Thanks for bringing this to me T'Pol, now I'm going to have to pass it along to Starfleet."
T'Pol: Again, thanks is unnecessary, you are the Captain, it was only logical I inform you."
Jon nodded. "I'm going to try to get another few hours of sleep before I report this, would you like to meet for breakfast when your shift ends?"
T'Pol: "That would be most, agreeable."
Jon smiled: "Good see you in a few hours T'Pol"
T'Pol: "Sleep well Jonathan"
Jon nodded and left the room.
T'Pol closed down the terminal and rose, she had missed the company of her mate in the last while, but due to the crew shortages, they both had to make sacrifices. She allowed herself a brief sigh and returned to her watch on the Bridge.