J. B. Tilton/Page 7
SIX
"I'm telling you," said Archer back in the conference room, "I don't know how that got there."
"You expect us to believe that someone broke into your quarters to plant it?" demanded Marks.
"Back off, Commander," said Trip. "You're talking to a Star Fleet captain."
"And I'm investigating the cold-blooded murder of another Star Fleet captain," responded Marks. "A murder that your captain is the prime suspect in, might I add?"
"Except that I didn't do it," protested Archer.
"Let's review the evidence, Captain," said Marks. "First, you nearly feed a meal that contains peanuts to Captain Spencer. Something that Captain Spencer was highly allergic to. Second, Captain Spencer is found murdered not far from your quarters with peanut oil as the weapon. Third, you cannot account for your whereabouts during the time Captain Spencer was murdered. Fourth, the murder weapon was found hidden in your quarters. With your DNA on it. Tell me, Captain. If you were in my place, what would you think?"
Archer didn't respond. Marks was right. The evidence against him looked bad. If their roles were reversed, he'd think Marks was guilty. This was obviously a frame but whoever had done it had done a very good job.
"Why would he do it?" demanded Trip. "Answer me that? What reason would the Cap'n have for murdering someone he had just met?"
"I don't know," said Marks. "Maybe he changed his mind about Dr. Spencer when he saw her again after so many years. Maybe he decided he wanted her back. But that couldn't happen because she's married to Captain Spencer. Maybe Captain Archer decided to remove his competition. Gambling on the fact that he was the captain of the Enterprise to prevent suspicion from falling on him."
"That's ridiculous," said Trip.
"I broke up with her," said Archer. "And it was amicable. We both understood that our careers would conflict. What you're proposing is preposterous."
"That may be," said Marks. "But I don't have to provide a motive. According to Star Fleet regulations, I simply have to forward my findings to Star Fleet Command with my recommendations. Based on the evidence, I have no option but to recommend an Article 71 hearing to see if a general court martial is warranted for Captain Archer."
"That's insane," said Trip.
"Unfortunately, Commander Marks is correct," said T'Pol.
"You can't be serious," said Trip. "T'Pol, this is the Cap'n we're talking about."
'I agree, Commander," said T'Pol. "Nevertheless, as I stated earlier, our opinions are not evidence. While I do not believe Captain Archer is capable of this crime, the evidence cannot be ignored. As the ranking Star Fleet officer present, Commander Marks is bound to report our findings to Star Fleet Command."
"Captain Archer," said Marks, "pursuant to Star Fleet regulations, which I'm sure we are all aware of, and as the senior ranking Star Fleet officer present, I hereby relieve you of command of the Enterprise effective immediately. I also order you confined until such time as you can be transferred to a secure facility pending a full investigation of this matter."
"This is crazy," said Trip. "You can't do this."
"Trip," said Archer, "sit down. Commander Marks is right. I know I'm innocent but he's bound by regulations. They are very clear in a matter like this."
"Thank you for understanding, Captain," said Marks. "This isn't personal, you understand. I don't like having to do this, but regulations compel me."
"I understand," said Archer. "T'Pol will assume command of the Enterprise until this matter is resolved."
"That's acceptable," said Marks. "With Captain Spencer dead, that leaves me in command of the Stephen Hawking. I can't command two ships at the same time."
"Captain Archer will be confined to his quarters until this matter is resolved," said T'Pol.
"Sub-Commander, he should be in the brig," protested Marks.
"Captain Archer is a Star Fleet captain," said T'Pol. "At the moment, he is simply under suspicion and has not been convicted of any offense. As such, he is afforded a certain amount of respect. Also, regulations give me some latitude in this matter. As acting captain of the Enterprise, it is my judgment that confinement to quarters is sufficient."
"I don't agree," argued Marks.
"That is your prerogative," said T'Pol. "However, the decision is mine."
"Then we'll take him with us," said Marks. "We'll return him to Star Fleet Command."
"I don't think so," said T'Pol. "Captain Archer is in my custody. As long as I am in command of the Enterprise, and my rank supercedes yours as it does, you do not have the authority to remove him. Unless you intend to relieve me as well. In which case it will be necessary for you to show that I am unfit for command."
"I'm contacting Star Fleet Headquarters about this," said Marks.
"That is your right," said T'Pol. "But until I am receive orders to the contrary from a superior officer, my orders remain in effect."
