ENTERPRISE

"Red Herring"

By J. B. Tilton

Email: K

Disclaimer: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all related characters and events are the sole property of Paramount Pictures, Inc., except for those specifically created by me for this story. This is fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

The Enterprise encounters an Earth Science Vessel in deep space. Events take a dramatic turn when the ships' Captain is suddenly found dead. And Captain Archer becomes the prime suspect in his murder.

ONE

"Captain Archer to the bridge."

T'Pol's voice over the intercom brought Archer out of his stupor. Things had been relatively quiet recently. As he had been going over the status reports, he found himself actually beginning to doze off.

"On my way," he responded.

He rubbed his eyes and straightened his uniform. As he entered the bridge, everyone was busily performing their duties. T'Pol looked up at him from her science station.

"Captain," she said, no emotion in her voice, "we have a ship on sensors. It's on an intercept course with the Enterprise."

"Any idea who it is?" asked Archer.

"Yes, sir," said Travis. "It's a Star Fleet ship. Its registry beacon identifies it as the Earth Science Vessel Stephen Hawking."

"Well, visitors from home," said Archer, smiling. "Travis, alter course to intercept. Hoshi, hail them."

"They're hailing us, sir," said Hoshi. "Putting it on the screen."

The now familiar star field that usually filled the screen changed. In its place stood a man apparently the same age as Archer. He wore a Star Fleet uniform with the rank of Captain.

"Captain Archer," said the man, "I'm Captain Terrence Spencer commanding the ESV Stephen Hawking. It's good to see a friendly face out here."

"Captain Spencer," said Archer, "you kind of took us by surprise. We didn't know there were any other Earth ships in this sector."

""We've been doing a planetary survey of a nearby system," said Spencer. "When we detected your ship, I decided it was only hospitable to say hello. And we haven't seen another Earth ship in about six months. I was hoping you might be up for a little visit."

"Absolutely," said Archer. "Most of our contacts are with alien races. I'm sure the crew would appreciate some human faces for a change."

He glanced nervously at T'Pol. Intellectually, he knew she wouldn't take offense at his statement. Emotionally, however, he still ascribed emotions even to his Vulcan science officer.

"Excellent Captain," said Spencer. "My Chief Engineer is anxious to get a look at your engines."

"Commander Tucker will be more than happy to give him the grand tour," said Archer.

"Very good," said Spencer. "We'll shuttle over as soon as we rendezvous. I'm looking forward to it."

"As are we, Captain," said Archer.

"Hoshi," said Archer after the communication had closed, "inform Trip to prepare to receive their shuttle. And inform the rest of the crew about our visitors. This should boost morale somewhat."

Aye, sir," said Hoshi.

"I'm going to speak to the chef," said Archer. "I think this calls for a special meal. How long before we rendezvous with the Stephen Hawking?"

"Twenty-two minutes," responded Travis.

"Fine," said Archer. "Let me know when we do. T'Pol, you have the bridge."

"Yes, sir," said T'Pol.

Archer entered the turbo lift and headed for his private dining room.