As the Enterprise prepared to leave Starbase 3, T'Pol received an encrypted message from Soval. It had been months since she last heard from him, but she expected not to hear often from him. She had been trained by the Directorate to take initiative. Making sure that no one had tapped in her computer, she then de-crypted the message and played it.
"T'Pol, there is much to tell you. Syrran and the Syrrannites have come out of the desert. It has been confirmed that Syrran carried Surak's katra and that they possessed the original Kir'Shara. Half the fleet has resigned in order to study the Kir'Shara, while our government has changed. The old government has been infiltrated by Rihannsu. The head of our new government is a Syrrannite and descendant of Surak, T'Pau. High Councilor T'Pau is younger than you but very capable. Your mother T'Les is one of her aides. I and Skon are attempting to make a treaty with United Earth that will gives us an ally against the Rhinnasu, who are on the move again. The original Kir'Shara has brought an even stronger pacifist mindset to many of our people, so we need Humanity to assists us. Also, Koss has contacted me because I am in contact with you. He wishes to discuss marriage. I have attached a copy of the original Kir'Shara for you to read. It is enlightening. Once the Enterprise is done when a mission they being assigned the ship is returning to Earth. You will return to liaison duties while we work out a treaty. Live long and prosper, T'Pol," stated Soval.
The viewscreen went blank. She never knew her mother was a Syrrannite. T'Pol downloaded the Kir'Shara to her PADD then her mind went to Koss. Marriage. If she was to be honest, she no longer felt her tel, her bond, with Koss. For years it was a murmur in the back of her mind, but she no longer felt it. Yes, it was the Telan T'Kanlar, the bond done as children, but it was as if it was gone. A tel needed to be cultivated and care for, but she had ignored her tel with Koss. And now he wanted marriage. T'Pol felt a greater bond with Charles than Koss. Charles. But that was impossible since he was Human and had a PSI rating of zero. There couldn't be a tel with Charles. Or could there? Neuropressure was used by telik, bonded, to cultivate and strengthen their bond. But he was Human. She had much to contemplate.
STSTST
AG sat in his Ready Room. He had returned from Starbase 3 after having a third secured comm with Admiral Forrest over three days. This last time Fleet Admiral Nomura also was part of the discussion. He called for Trip to his Ready Room. The door to his Ready Room buzzed.
"Entered," AG said.
Trip came into the Ready Room. AG motioned him to sit, so Trip sat down in the chair in front of AG's desk.
"Well, things are getting interesting," he smiled. "The Columbia is ready to launch in a few days, and they have begun construction on the Challenger and Discovery. The Excalibur and Atlantis are in the design phase."
"They're pushing building the NX faster than I thought they would," said Trip.
"They begun construction of Starfleet shipyards on mars. It'll be the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards and Jupiter is being used now to refit Daedalus class with shields and warp engines to warp 5," said AG. "It seems the destruction of the Moreland has UE Gov afraid of a powerful new potential enemy, so they are refitting the fleet and getting as many NX turned out. The Marshall Class are also being refitted, but to be used as the new border cutters and escort ships for ECS ships in dangerous areas. The Daedalus Class will be the bulk of the fleet, but the NX have suddenly become an important spearhead in our armory."
"They know something they aren't telling us. It has to be more than the Moreland," said Trip.
"Maybe," grinned AG. "Oh, I've been empowered to offer you the command of the Excalibur. You'll be it's captain, Trip."
"The Excalibur," smiled Trip.
"Yup. You are getting one of the NX ships," AG smiled.
"There so many who deserve it more than me," said Trip.
AG grinned. Trip had many talents but arrogance when it came to ability to command was one of them.
"We have been ordered to push the Enterprise at warp 6 to Andorian territory. It seems that they have lost one of their ships in the Alpha Quadrant. An Andorian warship will be waiting for us and we will search together. I've been given the coordinates. We are to offer all the assistance we can in finding the missing ship," he said.
"After that?" asked Trip.
"The Enterprise is to return to Earth, so we can be refitted with ablative armor for the hull. We are already getting a refit to make us harder to kill," said AG with a smirk.
"They're improved the hull's ability to take damage. About time," smiled Trip.
"Once back for the refit I can pick up a new XO, drop off T'Pol, and they'll be some crew rotation. It appears T'Pol is needed back on Earth. You will report to Starfleet Command and be officially given your new assignment. What do you have to say about that?" asked AG.
"Wow," Trip replied.
AG laughed: "Trip Tucker at a loss for words. Wow."
Trip was getting a command of his own. He was young for that and he knew that.
"Why me?" he asked.
"I asked Forrest and Nomura about that," grinned AG, as he leaned back and put his hands behind his head. "Why Trip? I need him. He's the best Executive Officer in the fleet I argued. Well, Forrest said they are going to need commanding officers with experience on the NX as captains. Erica Hernandez is slated for the Atlantis because she will have at least a year under her belt on the Columbia. Plus, Fleet Admiral Nomura said he likes the idea of an engineer commanding a ship. He started in Engineering."
"I guess I'll have some leave coming to me," said Trip.
"Yup," smiled AG. "So won't I. They told me the refit of ablative armor will take a minimum of six weeks. That's why they are going to rotate some of my crew. I guess you and I will have to spend an evening at the 602 celebrating."
"Guess so," smirked Trip. Trip's interest in Ruby had faded these past months. His mind was on T'Pol more than anyone else when it came to thoughts of romance.
"Why don't you check if we are ready to break moorings," said AG. "If we ready call me to the Bridge and if we aren't ready then get us ready. I want to get a move on."
"Yes, sir," grinned Trip.
He stood up and started towards to the door.
"Pretty soon you'll be bossing your own XO around," chuckled AG.
"Where will I find a XO as good me," smirked Trip then he exited the Ready Room.
"Question is where will I get a XO as good as him again," said AG to himself.
STSTST
Archer sat in the command chair. Tomorrow they'd leave space dock with little fanfare, just a few news feeds covering it. The NX02 was just that – second. But damned if he wasn't going to make it the best ship in the fleet. Admiral Forrest told him that he wanted the Columbia to take up the Moreland's mission. They were going to find a new planet to colonize and a good spot not too far away for Starbase 4 to be built. It was a good shakedown cruise.
He leaned deeper into his chair. It needed adjusting. He'd talk to Obasi tomorrow about having someone adjust. Archer got up and walked over to the Ops Station, where Erica would stand. Constant up to date information on the ship's operation would be funneled through this station. He liked the idea of information being so easily at hand. On an Intrepid Class border Cutter you had to guess what the state of the ship was in, though Trip could tell just by the way it banked or deck vibrated.
Archer missed Trip. It was good teaching his sister, though. She was smart, truly bright, and sweetheart. When she graduated from the academy, he'd keep an eye on her ranking and specialty. She'd make a great member of a crew. Of course, if she was anything like her brother, she'd graduate early from the academy.
Next, Archer walked over to the Helm and sat down in the pilot's chair. His reputation was made as test pilot, just like AG. The two of them pushed and pushed Warp 3 experimental ship to its limits proving that the engine his father designed was as good as his father thought it was. Too bad, his father only got to see his engine reach warp 2. Now it was hitting warp 6 thanks to Chief Macfadden and Trip on the Enterprise. He owned Trip drink one of these days for his father and his engine.
Getting up, Archer walked towards the Bridge's exit. He needed to get some sleep for tomorrow. It was going to be a busy, long exciting day. He wanted to be at his best for it.
STSTST
The Enterprise arrived at the coordinates the Andorians gave Starfleet Command. In front of them was an Andorian battlecruiser the Kumari. Smaller than the Enterprise, AG looked over his shoulder at Malcolm, who was busy at his station.
"Mr. Reed, tell me what you know about this class of Andorian battlecruiser," AG said.
"Yes, sir," replied Malcolm. "It is the Kumari and it is also the Kumari Class. Crew size is 85. It has deflector shields, and a tractor beam. Also, it has five particle cannons, which are stronger than our plasma cannons, and is capable of warp 7. Our advantage with them is the new Mach 1 photonic torpedoes."
"How many of them do we have left?" AG asked.
"Fifty, sir," replied Malcolm.
"I want them loaded inside of the older spatial torpedoes," ordered AG.
"Very good, sir," said Malcolm.
"Sir, we are being hailed by the Kumari," announced Hoshi.
"Put it on the big screen," nodded AG, who sat back in his chair.
The blue skinned Andorian typical white hair and antennae appeared on screen. The rank insignia on his black uniform was that of a commander in the Imperial Guard. Standing beside his chair was his Tactical Officer and First Officer Talas. She seemed protective of him.
"So you humans have up shown after all. I thought you never would come. We have been waiting for you for hours," said Shran. "I am Commander Shran of the Imperial Guard."
"I'm Captain AG Robinson of the Starfleet. We are here to offer assistance in finding your missing ship," said AG.
"We should meet, talk, eat, and drink in order to see if we get along," said Shran. "Why don't we sit here for a few hours, I'll take a shuttle over with Lieutenant Talas, and you can offer us food."
"You eat meat?" asked AG.
"Everyday," smiled Shran. "You drink?"
"I have some Saurian Bandy on-board," grinned AG.
"I'll bring Andorian Ale. I think you like it," replied Shran.
The screen went blank. With Shran gone, T'Pol stepped into view. Trip had noticed that she was hiding when Shran was on the viewscreen.
"I should not attend dinner, Captain," she said.
"Why, T'Pol?" asked AG.
"Andorians hate Vulcans. We have had many run ins. The most recent of which is over P'Jem," she told him.
"Okay, I don't want to get involved in Vulcan relations with other races, so I don't expect you at dinner. If we want to eat in the Mess you can, or I can have chef send you his latest creations to satisfy your palate to your room," said AG.
T'Pol nodded her appreciation. Trip looked over at her. He made a mental note to ask her about Andorian and Vulcan relations.
"I better have the chef cook up something special for tonight. I'm thinking a good steak," smiled AG.
"Sounds good to me, sir," said Trip.
STSTST
"I like this thing you call steak. It's delicious," said Shran.
Trip was amazed by the Andorian commander. He had a gregarious personality, more than a little competitive, but Trip would bet that if he was a friend that he be a loyal one.
"I also like this Saurian Brandy. You said that they are a trading people," smiled Shran.
"They'll trade with you, just as long as you got credits or something to trade in return," AG told him.
"Saurian Brandy goes well with food," added Talas.
"This Andorian Ale kind of sneaks up on you and slaps you in the face," grinned AG.
"Do you believe in swapping, Pinkskin?" asked Shran.
"Well that depends on what we are swapping? My crew is off limits," chuckled AG.
Shran laughed at this then he leaned forward and said: "How about a case of Saurian Brandy for a case of Andorian Ale?"
"I think that can be arranged, Commander," said AG.
"Excellent," smiled Shran.
"What's for dessert tonight, cap'n?" asked Trip.
"We weren't sure if you had a sweet tooth or not, so my chef decided chocolate mousse would be a good dessert. He said if you don't like chocolate mousse then you don't like dessert," AG told them.
"Chocolate mousse. Hmmm, sounds like an animal. Is it an animal?" asked Shran.
"Far from it," smiled AG. "And it goes very well with Saurian Brandy."
"Then I shall like this chocolate mousse," said Shran.
Trip took a sip of his Andorian Ale. He could getting drunk easily on this stuff.
"I heard that Andorians don't like Vulcans," Trip tossed out the conversation maker.
"Vulcans. Arrogant race of emotionless asses," said Talas.
"The Vulcans treat us like children. They think themselves superior to everyone else," stated Shran.
"Don't like them, huh?" smiled AG.
"I'd rather eat with Klingons than Vulcans," sniffed Shran.
"Are you dealing with Vulcans?" asked Talas.
"We have diplomatic relations with them. Of course, UE is open to diplomatic relations with any race willing to talk," said AG good naturally.
"Vulcans love diplomacy. We Andorians rather cut a deal and see if we can get along. But Vulcans are willing to talk and talk and talk until you want them to shut up, Pinkskin," smiled Shran.
"Good to know," smiled AG who then held up his glass of Andorian Ale and then downed it.
Shran picked up his glass of Saurian Bandy and downed it. Both men smiled at each other.
STSTST
Passing back into the Alpha Quadrant from the Beta Quadrant, the two ships began their scanning for the missing Andorian ship. T'Pol came onto the Bridge when Lt. Richter asked for her assistance re calibrating the sensors to find the Andorian ship. For the next three hours, she worked with Richter, while everyone on the Bridge kept their heads down working.
After four hours Richter announced that he had picked up a Tellarite ship.
"Sir, I've picked up a Tellarite ship," he stated. "But it has unusual readings."
T'Pol was standing near Richter station. AG looked at her.
"T'Pol, could you double check the sensor readings?" he asked.
"Of course," she said.
Richter stood up and she sat down. He ran a scan then ran another one.
"Captain, it appears to be mimicking the readings of a Tellarite ship but there are strange power readings coming from," she stated then turned the chair and looked at AG. "Plus, I don't pick up any life readings.
"Hail them, Hoshi," ordered AG.
"No response, sir," she said.
"Hail the Kumari," he ordered.
"I have Shran on the audio," she said.
"Yes, Captain," said Shran.
"You pick up the Tellarite ship?" AG asked.
"We have," he said.
"You getting strange readings?" asked AG.
"I am. I was about to raise my shields and get my weapons ready," said Shran.
"I agree. You want to check it out?" asked AG.
"Let's check it out, Pinkskin," said Shran.
"Shields and make weapons hot," ordered Trip.
"Nav, plot course to Tellarite ship. Pilot, take us to it," ordered AG.
"Aye, aye, sir," Petrov and Mayweather said at the same time.
Trip looked over at AG.
"I don't like this," AG said.
"Mimicking a Tellarite ship, no life signs, strange power readings – it sounds like some kind of drone," said Trip.
"How are they controlling it?" asked AG.
"No a clue," said Trip.
T'Pol up and allowed Richter to take back his seat. She walked over to AG's command chair
"The readings were very high. If it does have weapons, I'd say they are extremely potent," she stated.
"Makes sense," said Trip. "No life on-board. No crew. Everything is for engines, weapons, and shields. No need for life support or any other unnecessary thing to eat up power."
"Sir, the Tellarite ship is on the viewscreen," Hoshi said.
Trip, AG, and T'Pol looked at the viewscreen. Suddenly, the Tellarite ship morphed into a strange looking drone-like ship with many antennae arrays on the outside. It opened fired on the Kumari and then the Enterprise. Trip had to grab onto his station not to fall. It was a helluva jolt.
"Malcolm, return fire," ordered Trip. "Cannons and torpedoes."
The drone pounded the Kumari and the Enterprise and they pounded it back. It seemed to be self repairing with extra strong weapons and shields. With each pounded of the disruptor fire the Enterprise shields weakened.
"Engineering," AG punched the button,
"Yes, sir," responded Macfadden.
"Divert power..."
Before he could finish it, disruptor fire shook the Bridge. The DC and Engineering Station exploded from feedback, as did part of the Command Chair. Rostov was thrown to the deck, while AG screamed from pain.
"Mayweather, take evasive action. Keep us moving and don't make it predictable," ordered Trip.
He rushed to AG's side. AG left leg had a compound fracture. His thigh bone was sticking through the uniform. He looked at T'Pol, who was squatting beside him.
"Check Rostov for me," he said.
She nodded and got up and went over to Rostov. Next, Trip looked at Hoshi. His mind raced. If it was a drone then they worked via remote control. Some signal from somewhere close by or far away was running that ship. That was it.
"Two things: call to Sickbay and tell them we have a medical emergency and two, start jamming whatever signals you are picking up that are headed towards the drone. Also, tell the Kumari to do the same thing," he ordered.
"That's three things," she said with a smile.
Trip winked at her then he got up and turned and looked at Malcolm.
"Malcolm, once the drone starts acting strangely hit it with torpedo after torpedo until it is destroyed," he told him.
"Aye, aye, sir," smiled Malcolm.
The drone started to make erratic movements. Malcolm fired Mach 1 torpedo one after another until the drone started to exploded. The Kumari added its cannon fire until there was nothing left but debris. Two medics came onto the Bridge. One rushed to Rostov and the other rushed to AG. For now Trip was acting captain.
"Hoshi, get a DC team to the Bridge for the DC and Engineering Station and the Command Chair. Also, tell Chief Macfadden to send out DC teams from Engineering. Tell me to get me a status report on the condition of the ship ASAP," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," she said.
"Yes, the Kumari is hailing us," Hoshi said.
"Put it on audio only. They don't need to see our damage," said Trip.
"Captain Robinson, that was an inspired idea," said Shran.
"Captain Robinson was injured. It's Commander Tucker," said Trip.
"That was your idea to jam the signal?" asked Shran.
"It was," answered Trip.
"You'll make a good warrior, Commander. I'm taking the Kumari back to the Beta Quadrant and Andorian territory. The Imperial Guard needs to see the footage we have of our new enemy," Shran told him. "Before we go do you need help?"
"Nay, we'll be fine. We'll be headed back to Earth. You're right there is someone out there playing games with us," said Trip.
"I have a feeling I'm meet you again, Commander Tucker," said Shran then the connection broke.
He turned and saw T'Pol staring at him with what he thought was concern, though most wouldn't have noticed the expression. He offered her a grin to show he was alright.
"Malcolm, you have the conn. Best speed to Earth," said Trip. "I'm going to check on the captain."
"Aye, aye, sir," said Malcolm.
STSTST
Fifteen dead and twelve more injured. Four of the injured were seriously injured. Phlox was unable to save AG's leg. There were two major breaks and muscle and nerve damage from the energy that went through his leg. He'd a get prosthetic leg when they got back to Starfleet Medical. It wouldn't stop him from being a captain. He'd just need a refit like the Enterprise needed. The Enterprise ended up with two hull breaches from that last volley from the drone. Fifteen dead.
Trip sat in the Read Room waiting for a comm from Admiral Forrest. Their best speed right now was warp 4.9. They were six days from Earth. Macfadden was working non-stop to ship as repaired as he could manage.
"Sir, comm from Admiral Forrest," came an unfamiliar voice.
"Put it on the viewscreen in the Ready Room, Comm," he ordered.
Trip turned to the chair to face the viewscreen.
"I read your After Action Report, as well as Lieutenant Reed, Dr. Phlox's, and Chief Macfadden's," stated Forrest. "You did a remarkable job, Trip. Well done."
"We lost fifteen crew members," Trip sighed.
"Nomura has put you up for the Grankite Order of Tactics, as well as the Starfleet Cross for Distinguished Action," stated Forrest.
"I don't deserved medals, sir. I was just doing my duty," said Trip.
"You and several of your crew are getting medals. Don't argue, Trip," said Forrest.
"Yes, sir," sighed Trip.
"Since you are the acting captain of the Enterprise, we might as well make the promotion official. Your promotion to Captain Charles Tucker III has been okayed by Nomura himself. When you get the chance go to the Quartermaster and get proper rank insignia. There will be an official ceremony when you get back to Earth," Forrest told him.
Trip knew it was useless to argue with him.
"Yes, sir," said Trip. "May I ask a question?"
"Of course you can," said Forrest.
"AG. Is he going to lose the Enterprise?" asked Trip.
"He lost a leg that's enough. The Enterprise is his. Both of them just need a few new parts," smiled Forrest.
"Thank God," grinned Trip.
"Starfleet Operations and Intelligence are analyzing that drone. Between the Moreland, the Andorian ship, and several ECS ships have turned up missing, it looks like we have a new enemy out there somewhere," said Forrest. "You be careful coming home."
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
The comm ended. Feeling exhausted both emotionally and physically Trip leaned back in his chair. Someone buzzed the Ready Room door.
"Enter," he said.
T'Pol entered. She was dressed in her gray uniform. She walked right up to the desk.
"I came to check on you, Charles. You haven't slept for twenty-three hours, nineteen minutes, and..." T'Pol was interrupted.
"I don't need the seconds, T'Pol," smiled Trip.
"You need sleep, Charles," she stated.
"Yeah, I do. I think I'll turn the light down in here and get some sleep on the sofa," Trip said feeling his body achy from exhaustion.
"I'll let you sleep," she said.
On instincts, Trip got up and walked over to T'Pol as she was about to leave. Maybe it was the guilt at being promoted or the fifteen dead, but he placed a hand on her arm and turned her around. Once facing him, he kissed it. It was a passionate kiss, but not too aggressive.
At first, T'Pol was taken aback by the kiss then she moved closer to him and deepened it. As she did this, her right hand reached up and touched his PSI areas. Without thinking she initiated a tel. The kiss ended and they both steppe back.
"I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me, T'Pol," he said.
She couldn't speak. Instead she nodded and then turned and left the Ready Room. Once she was in the corridor alone, she reached up and touched her lips with the fingers of her right hand. Being a touch telepath many Vulcans, in that kiss she felt all of Trip's emotions from his guilt to his passion, no love, for T'Pol. A shiver went through her. She needed to meditate now.
In the Ready Room, Trip stood there wondering if he had just ruined everything with T'Pol. He walked over to the sofa and lay down. Within minutes he was asleep.