Trip and the Caitian's first officer Commander C'Raal walked side by side behind AG and H'Riss, as they headed for dinner in the Caitian's ship. After dinner they were going to separate their ships and go there own way. It had been an educating few days. The H'Riss said her people would be greatly interested in further contact with United Earth. They entered the Captain's Dining Room.
It was smaller than Enterprise's, but far more decorated. There was a rug on the deck and art on the walls. They sat down. H'Riss sat at the head of table with AG sitting at the other end. Trip sat across from C'Raal.
"We are having a fish that is found on our world," stated H'Riss. "I think you'll find it similar to the salmon you served us the other night."
"Sounds delicious," said AG, who preferred red meat to fish. He was learning diplomacy.
"DO you like fish and seafood?" C'Raal, who was a male Caitian. C'Raal was over six feet four and muscular. AG remarked to Trip after meeting C'Raal – that's one kitty I wouldn't want to fight.
"I grew up on the ocean, so I grew up on fish and seafood. I love it," said Trip.
"Do you swim in the water?" asked H'Riss.
"Yes, ma'am. I started swimming on my own when I was four years old. I love it," said Trip.
He noticed that both H'Riss and C'Raal shuddered at this. They didn't like swimming.
"Water is troublesome," said C'Raal.
"Earth is made up of 71% water," said AG.
"Frightening," said H'Riss.
"Not really. We also have mountains, forests, deserts, frozen tundra, and plains," said Trip. "Earth just about covers every terrain."
"I'd like to see that," said C'Raal.
"Hopefully, our governments will come to some sort of agreement or relationship," said AG.
"I know my people will be open to it," smiled H'Riss.
Two hours later AG and Trip stood on the Bridge saying their goodbyes to the Caitian on the viewscreen then their two starships parted. AG looked at the Beta shift Nav Officer. He couldn't remember his name, though.
"Ensign, plot a course into uncharted by UE," he said then looked over his shoulder and smiled at T'Pol, " but in the general direction of the Andorian Empire."
"Aye, aye, sir," said Ensign Michael April.
"Helm, once plotted give us warp 5.1. Let's cruise for awhile and see what see," grinned AG.
"Aye, aye, sir," replied Ensign Edward Paris.
"Well, I'm supposed to meet Angus in the Mess to go over a few things that he wants to discuss," sighed Trip. "I could use some exercise after that meal, but I have a feeling this is going to be a long night."
"I'm going to the gym myself," said AG. "Tactical Officer, you have the conn."
"Yes, sir," replied Lieutenant Sandra Montoya.
Trip, AG, and T'Pol exited the Bridge. Then AG headed towards his quarters, while Trip and T'Pol headed to the turbolift. Once they reached it, Trip grabbed the stick and twisted it and announced: "Mess."
He looked at T'Pol and asked: "What deck would you like, SubCommander?"
"I wish to get a cup of tea," she said.
Trip smiled. The turbolift sped along finally stopping when it reached the right deck and section. They got off and started walking down the corridor towards the Mess.
"Did you enjoy the Caitian?" asked T'Pol.
"Yeah. They were good hosts. I'd like to see UE open up a relationship with them. They seem open to one," said Trip.
"You find the female of the race attractive?" she asked though it sounded like a statement.
Trip furrowed his brow and looked at T'Pol. He thought it was an odd question, but he was only starting to understand the Vulcan. Well, at least, trying to understand the Vulcan.
"Yes, though, the fur kind of puts me off," said Trip. "I guess I'm not as sophisticated as Captain Robinson, who enjoyed Captain H'Riss company immensely."
"Why does fur put you off?" asked T'Pol, as they reached the Mess doors, which opened.
They entered and then Trip stopped walking. He looked at T'Pol.
"When I was a boy I had a tabby cat I called Daisy. H'Riss' fur reminded me of Daisy. Just made me feel a little strange," he admitted.
"I see," she said with a slight upturn to her full lips.
Trip wasn't sure if T'Pol was amused or glad at what he just said. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lt. Commander Macfadden. He waved to him. The Chief Engineer had a stack of PADDs in front of him. It was going to be a very long night, as they went over fixes and ideas about Engineering and the ship.
"Well, Angus is waiting for me. Have a good night, T'Pol," he smiled.
"You, too, Charles," she said then went over to the drink dispenser.
Charles walked over to Macfadden, who also had a cravat of coffee and two mugs along with creamer and sugar substitute waiting for him. He sat down.
"I think we need a better grade of warp coil, Commander," Angus started out. "I can see us having to change them out too often otherwise."
"Okay. What do you suggest, Angus?" asked Trip. He used his name trying t subtlety remind him that he could call him Trip.
"I think they should be made of tritanium. They last far longer, need less changing," Angus replied.
Trip nodded then poured himself a mug of coffee and added creamer and sweetener. He took a sip, as Angus started to describe the problems with the magnetic constriction coils. Half his mind paid attention to his chief Engineer, while the other half pondered T'Pol. She fascinated him more and more with each passing day.
STSTST
Archer sat across from Admiral Jefferies, who had several PADDS in front of him. He smiled at Archer, which meant it was going to be a long meeting. Although, he was thrilled to get the call for a meeting because it meant talking about the Columbia, Archer could only stay enthused for so long talking to Jefferies.
"We received an encrypted comm from Enterprise. Trip and Macfadden have been busy looking for ways to make things work better. I got a list of suggestions and solutions here in these PADDs. I think it's time you find a Chief Engineer for the Columbia, Jon, because you are going to need one," suggested Jefferies.
"Really?" smiled Archer.
"Yes. I think you going to leave space dock being capable of warp 5.5. We have a new intermix formula that definitely is capable of getting us to warp 6 or better smoothly. Also, we are making strides with the idea of ablative armor for the hull. Even if it delays the launch date, I want ablative armor as part of the Columbia's hull," stated Jefferies.
"How much of a delay?" asked Archer.
"A couple of more months, Jon, at the most a couple of months. It will be worth it, though," said Jefferies. "Enterprise will get refitted for the ablative armor when they return to Earth."
"Ablative armor," nodded Archer. "If it keeps my crew safer then I'm for it."
"I knew you would be," said Jefferies. "Now lets get to work on what Trip and Macfadden have sent us."
Archer leaned forward resting his elbows on the table. He just hoed he didn't yawn or nod off while Jefferies talked about engineering solutions.
STSTST
Soval waited for Skon, who was flying in from Sausalito. The Humans has invented a functioning transporter, which surprised Vulcan, but so far they felt safe only using it on inanimate materials. Several accidents had made them cautious beaming, as they called, sentient beings. He offered the assistants of Vulcan scientists to fix their problems with organic matter, but so far his offer was refused.
Through the glass window behind Soval there was a view of Arc de Triomphe. A few times he found himself standing looking out the window and using the arc to meditate. He found it aesthetically pleasing. His adjunct buzzed him. He pressed the comm button on his desk.
"Ambassador Skon is here," said T'Mar.
"Send him in, T'Mar," he said.
Skon entered moments later. Soval nodded at an empty chair in front of his desk. It was a wooden chair with little cushion. Soval did not believe in the luxuries most alien ambassadors enjoyed. Skon sat down.
"I de-crypted the message from T'Pol that you forward to me," stated Soval. "We may have a problem."
"Explain," said Skon.
"The Enterprise came across a destroyed Tiburon explorer vessel well within the Alpha Quadrant. It had been destroyed by Romulan disruptor fire," stated Soval.
"Is she sure?" Skon asked.
"She ran the sensor scan herself. T'Pol was the lead science officer on the Sh'Ran," said Soval.
"So the Rihannsu," stated Skon.
"Yes, Rihannsu," said Soval.
"What did she tell the Humans?" asked Skon.
"She told them that this powerful a disruptor fire could only come from the Klingons and the Romulans. She said Captain Robinson thought it was the Klingons. She did not dissuade him of this assumption," said Soval.
"That works in our favor for now. You need to contact Minister Minister Kuvak," said Skon.
"I was contemplating a visit to Vulcan. This will leave you the lead ambassador on Earth while I am gone. You will have to stay here in Paris," said Soval.
"That is not a problem. I'll have my Charges de Affaires Tuvik take my position in San Francisco," said Skon.
"Good. The TiMuir will arrive in two days. It takes eleven days at warp 7 to Vulcan. I do not know how long I will be there. When it comes to the Romulans, we must be exhaustive and careful," said Soval.
"You return when you return," said Skon.
Soval nodded his agreement.
STSTST
The next race they encountered in the Alpha Quadrant was the Saurians. T'Pol provided the star chart of the area, as well as intelligence on the race. Sauria comprised of three planets, Psi Serpentis, Lyaksti'kton, and N'Ragolar. A reptilian species they came in three colors: brown, purple, and green. They had two genders, male and female. They were a robust, strong race having developed on a harsh world before leaving their original planet for the three planets they inhabited now. Able to survive on land and water and under severe atmospheres, they were strong and fast. The were also competitive and ambitious.
The Away team consisted of AG, Trip, Phlox, Ensign Saito, Captain Hayes, and a fireteam. T'Pol offered to come with the Away Team, but AG said he wanted it to be a United Earth first contact. The Saurians welcomed the Humans and invited them to a celebration so that they races could get to know each other better. Saurian brandy was served, an alcoholic beverage that AG thought would be very popular throughout the UE and colonies, which excited the Saurian representative of their governing council. They thought of themselves as free traders. Saurian music played. Trip found was interesting and thought there was a order to it that hinted at mathematical progression. The food was mainly uncooked and meat. Phlox had to warn them of gastric problems if they ate too much of it. He recommend the green leafy side dished and vegetables, which were also on the whole uncooked.
After the meal the Saurian High Security Commander, Major Aennak proposed a wrestling competition between Trip, as the XO of the Enterprise, and him. It seemed that Saurians enjoyed competitive wrestling as part of celebration. Captain Hayes volunteered to take Trip's place but Trip told him that he do it. Many bruises, contusions, and three broken ribs later, Trip woke up in the Enterprise Sickbay. Phlox was there caring for his creatures and him.
"Hey, doc, where's the cap'n?" Trip asked in a hoarse voice.
"Captain Robinson is still on Psi Serpentis," he smiled.
He walked over and checked Phlox with a medical tricorder.
"Damn, I was doing well then the bastard hit me with his tail. I think that's when I broke my ribs," sighed Trip.
"I assure that was when you broke your ribs. You lost consciousness when one of your broken ribs punctured one of your lungs," Phlox told him.
"That explains why his tail hurt so much," grinned Trip.
"According to one of the councilors you lasted longer than they expected wrestling against Major Aennak. They were impressed by your ability to take punishment. As consolation for your distress, the Saurians gave us three crates of Saurian Brandy, and the captain is now supplying them with Starbase 3's coordinates so that they can start trading with us," explained Phlox.
"Oh," said Trip who tried to sit up but ended up groaning in pain instead.
"Stay lying down. Your ribs will take three more days of therapy to heal," Phlox told him. "You are mine until then."
The Sickbay doors opened and T'Pol in her red uniform entered. Trip enjoyed seeing her in that uniform. She walked over to Trip on the bio-bed. She looked at him and raised her left eyebrow.
"Saurians are physically superior to Humans," she stated.
"No shit," groaned Trip.
"You could have been killed," said T'Pol.
Trip noted a hint of concern. He smiled, even though it hurt his jaw.
"Then we would have gotten six crates of Saurian Brandy," Trip joked.
"It is not a subject for humor," stated T'Pol.
Phlox looked at the two of them, shook his head in amusement then he went into the next room leaving them alone.
"I heard we are going to be trading with the Saurians. At least something good happened," said Trip.
"I heard as much," said T'Pol. "Captain Robinson is due back on ship then he are leaving orbit."
"More races to meet," Trip said. "I think the next time a member of an alien race offers to wrestle I'll say no, though. I barely passed hand to hand combat classes because I didn't take them that serious. Never thought I'd them."
"Then no would be the correct answer if asked again," said T'Pol.
The Sickbay doors opened and AG entered. T'Pol looked at him and nodded.
"I should be going. I am glad you are doing better," T'Pol said then left.
"I think she likes you," smiled AG.
"We're becoming friends," said Trip.
"I thought Aennak killed you for a minute there. I do not want to have to do that paperwork, Trip," chuckled AG.
"I'm glad you didn't have to do that paperwork, too," smiled Trip.
"Captain Hayes told me that once you are better he is giving you personal lessons in hand to hand combat. He said that the only thing that saved you is that you are a tough son of bitch," smiled AG. "You are as tough as nails."
"I guess it's from being in a lot of engineering accidents or the years. I've broken a lot bones and had a lot of plasma burns," said Trip.
"You have the next five days off. Don't argue. Heal," said AG. "Now I have to go tell Starfleet about the Saurians. Considering how far out we are there is a two minute delay between me speaking and them answering. I hate that. I feel like a fool waiting for them to respond. We really have to improve that."
"More and better communication buoys, sir," smiled Trip.
"I'll let them know that," grinned AG, who then left Trip to lay there alone.
As he lay there he thought of T'Pol. He called her a friend. She was a friend. Actually, he was starting to think of her as a really good friend. She just had to stop wearing that red uniform, though, because it was giving him other thoughts.
STSTST
As one of the senior officers Malcolm didn't share a quarters with anyone. The list of those who didn't share their quarters was short: AG, Trip, Angus Macfadden, Dr. Phlox, Malcolm Reed, Captain Hayes, Lieutenant Richter, Chief Petty Officer Wrenn, and T'Pol. After his shift, Malcolm ate, did an hour of practicing weapons to keep up his marksmanship since as tactical officer he was also in charge of security personnel, spent an hour practicing hand to hand with COB, and then he did a three mile on the treadmill. Once back to his quarters he showered then put on his night clothes and exited the bathroom. His computer had a blinking light telling him he had a message.
Sitting down at the computer station, he turned on the viewscreen and without pulling up the message Harris appeared. Malcolm sighed. Section 31 had their ways.
"Excellent job sending me the information on the Tiburon, Malcolm. We are investigating it now. When we have some information worth sharing, I'll send you another encrypted message. Remember this message will erase itself from your system after viewing leaving no trace. Keep up the good work, Malcolm. I think the Tiburon incident is a sign of something greater happening," Harris said then he disappeared.
"Bloody bastard," sighed Malcolm. He got up from the chair and looked to change into something else to wear. Suddenly, he felt like a sandwich and a cup of tea. Plus, he didn't like being Harris' puppet.
STSTST
Trip finished up four miles on the treadmill. He was due back on duty tomorrow. His ribs were healed and bruises almost completely faded. As he got off the treadmill Captain Hayes was standing there.
"You didn't think I'd forget about our lessons," he smirked.
Trip sighed.
"Come, Ben, everyday?" he exhaled.
"You're getting better already, Commander," said Hayes.
"I told you if you're gonna kick the shit out of me then call me Trip," Trip reminded him.
"Okay, Trip. Let's continue your lessons. The ring," he pointed at the ring.
Both the men walked over and climbed up and into the ring. Once in the ring, Hayes got into an offensive position.
"Come on, Trip, get ready for an attack," said Hayes.
Trip got into a defensive position. According to Hayes, he was teaching him what marines called Semper Fu, a combination of several different martial arts. This was the marines own special brand of martial arts.
As Trip and Hayes went through Trip's lessons, T'Pol entered the gym. She stopped and watched Captain Hayes tutor Commander Tucker in hand to hand combat. She was an expert Suus Mahna and Tal-Shaya, as well as the Vulcan nerve pinch. Observing Hayes technique she found some of it crude, but some of it was very effective. Charles would do well learning from him, especially if the Rihannsu had decided to make their presence felt in the Alpha Quadrant.
Hayes hipped tossed Trip, who landed hard on his back. Before Trip could move, Hayes brought his knee down right beside his throat.
"If you were a threat, I'd have crushed your windpipe," said Hayes. "When you find yourself in fight, do anything to win because to lose means to die. Remember that."
Hayes stood up then offered Trip his hand. He helped him to his feet. T'Pol walked over to the treadmill and then she started her jog.
"Tomorrow around the same time," said Hayes.
"Do I have a choice?" grinned Trip.
"No. Someday being able to fight hand to hand might save your life."