Chapter Seventeen

With Soong secure in the brig, Captain Archer received an encoded transmission from Admiral Forrest informing them of their new mission coordinates where they were to deliver Soong. "We should reach our destination in about three days. It's time I put my plan into action," pondered Archer, as Enterprise slowly pulled out of space dock before warping out of the system. "Captain Archer to Lieutenant Reed …"

"Reed, Sir."

"Can you come to my ready room, Lieutenant? I'd like a breakdown of the security procedures you have in place for Soong's stay."

"On my way, Sir."

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"I'm sure you'll find everything in order, Sir," said Malcolm, as Archer scanned down the PADD. "I don't think we'll have any problems concerning Dr. Soong."

"Damn," thought Archer, as he perused the breakdown. "he's put himself in charge of guarding Soong personally in the Brig." "I see you've selected yourself for guard duty," said Archer, handing the PADD back to Malcolm.

"As head of Security, my place is personally in charge of making sure Soong stays securely locked up, especially when you take into consideration his previous escape history."

"I understand that Lieutenant, but our present coordinates will take us near the Borderland. I'd feel more comfortable with my Armory Officer on the Bridge in charge of weapons in case we meet some hostile opposition. I'm sure your staff are fully capable of guarding Soong instead," said Archer, in a voice that implied that it was more of an order rather than a request.

"As you wish, Sir," replied Malcolm, a little offended that Captain Archer would question the procedures he had put into place. "Anything else?" he asked a little brusquely. "Why do I even bother?" he thought, annoyed that Archer was forever trying to do his job for him.

"No. That will be all, Lieutenant," answered Archer. He could tell that Reed was annoyed but there wasn't much he could do about that. If his plan was to work, he had to get Reed out of the picture, as he would too easily suspect that something was wrong.

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"Archer to Trip …"

"Tucker …"

"Trip can I see you in my quarters for a moment?"

"Gimme five minutes to finish up and I'll be right there, Sir."

Five minutes later, Trip was pressing the comm. switch outside Captain Archer's quarters.

"Enter."

"You wanted to see me, Capt'n?" asked Trip as he walked into the room.

"How are you feeling? Have you seen Phlox yet?"

"You dragged me away from ma work in Engineering just to ask me that?" asked Trip with a smirk. He knew that it wasn't the reason but he just felt like teasing him a bit.

Archer just threw him a 'don't be a smart ass look'. "How long ago did we perform the last drill?"

"T'Pol's probably more up on that than me, but I think it was about two months ago," replied Trip.

"That long! I think it's about time we sprang another one, Commander."

"Now?" asked Trip in surprise. "We're venturing near a dangerous area of space, carrying a high risk security prisoner to a secret destination and you want to test the crew by springing a surprise efficiency drill on them?"

"Sounds perfect," replied Archer with a smile. "We'll be able to test both the new crewmembers and ship with its new upgrades at the same time, and see how they both perform under pressure."

"How?" asked Trip.

"You're going to help me simulate a surprise attack on Enterprise by outside hostile forces from the Borderland, who are trying to secure our prisoner," explained Archer. "I want you to fake the sensors to show a mock attack then replicate a fake reactor breach. We'll be able to assess the crew's readiness for action and guarding a high risk prisoner, while under a life threatening situation."

"Makes sense," said Trip. "Speaking of logic, shouldn't T'Pol be here with us discussing this?"

"Usually," replied Archer, "but since she has just taken up the position of Commander, officially, she is classed as a new officer on board and therefore must be tested alongside the other newbies on her efficiency during a crisis."

Trip rolled his eyes at this typical 'pen pusher/administrator' type of reasoning. "She's gonna be pissed if she finds out. I'm warning ya know, I'm denying any part of this," he said, holding up his hands as he walked towards the door. "How long have I got to set it all up?"

"Will three hours do you?"

"Sure thing. I'll let you know when I'm ready."

"That should give me plenty of time to put Part two of my plan into action," thought Archer, as Trip left.

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