The Columbia came out of warp at full impulse with shields up and weapons ready. The battlestations alarm was blaring as the Enterprise bore down on the ECS Fellowship being attacked by an unidentified ship. The ship was green and their wing-like nacelles gave off an intense green glow. It had a saucer section only, the bottom of which was decorated with some kind of bird of prey. From the damage done so far to the Fellowship, it packed a wallop, as there was decent size hull breach in the cargo area.
"Fire torpedoes non stop until their shields are down then hit them with cannons and don't stop hitting them," ordered Archer.
"Aye, aye, sir," came the answer of Lieutenant Primus.
"Helm, evasive maneuver beta," he called out.
"Aye, aye, sir," came the response from Ensign Styles.
The torpedoes pounded the Romulan ship. Their shields diminished with each torpedo that hit them. The Romulan Bird of Prey pulled away from the Fellowship and tried to shake the Enterprise, but they couldn't. Commander V'Kar was told not to be destroyed or captured. That was his most important order. Right now he didn't like his chances against this ship which caught him unaware. They had the advantage and they weren't giving it up.
"Emergency warp out of here," he ordered.
"Are you sure, sir?" asked the Centurion.
"Positive. They have the advantage for now and I have been ordered not to be captured or destroyed. We are supposed to be ghosts for now," barked V'Kar.
"Yes, sir," said the Centurion. "Emergency warp."
The Romulan ship warped away. Archer wanted to chance it and follow, but the Fellowship was in distress. It needed their help and he was obligated to give it.
"Erica, get two shuttles with DC teams and get over to the Fellowship. You lead them," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," she said and headed off the Bridge.
"Comm, contact the Fellowship and tell them we are sending over help," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Ensign Edwin Morse.
"Ask them if they have casualties to be transported to the Columbia Sickbay," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Morse.
Archer turned in his chair and faced his Science Officer Lt. Commander Carla Nowak.
"Tell me you scanned that ship and collected information on it," he said.
"Yes, sir. 130 meters, six decks, six disruptor cannons, shields, which were down just long enough for me to collect this information," she said.
"Excellent," smiled Archer. "First, we got a glimpse of their drone ship and now one of these ships. If they other classes will find them and get a sense of them. We won't be blind to these bastards forever."
STSTST
Trip heard out his brother over a breakfast that his mother cooked for them. Pancakes and sausages were one of Trips favorites. Elaine thought it would put him in a good mood and she wanted her sons to get along. He read the articles and admitted that the writer was fair, but he told his brother that he wouldn't endorse the idea unless Starfleet could chose the writers embedded. This lead to Billy calling Starfleet fascist, and suddenly Trip regretted to agreeing to the one hour conversation.
After breakfast, Trip nursed a cup of coffee while Billy, who realized he lost his audience by calling him a fascist, tried to regain his footing. Once the hour was up, Trip agreed to think about it. He then told his brother the name of a Commander, who was in Starfleet PR and who would love the idea and champion it. Billy felt at least like he won a small victory.
"I heard that you are getting your own ship," Billy said.
"Yup," was Trip's single word answer.
"Come on, I got angry. I went too far. You don't have to stay angry," said Billy.
"Billy, you always go too far when it comes to Starfleet. I used to deal with it by tuning you out, but I've lost too many crew members to Orion pirates, Nausicaans raiders, and now this new unknown enemy. I just don't have it in me anymore to tune you out and keep my mouth shut. I'd rather just avoid you, so ma and dad don't have to deal with our arguing," he told him.
Their father entered the kitchen before Billy could respond. He poured himself a cup of coffee then he sat down at the kitchen table with them.
"Shop talk done?" he asked.
"As far as I'm concerned it is," said Trip.
"My time is done," said Billy.
"Good," said Charles. "How is Troy doing?"
"In Paris reporting on the DiploCorp negotiating with certain alien races like the Vulcan and Andorians. He still on my case about adopting a baby," Billy answered.
"I'd think he'd make a good parent," said Charles.
"And me?" asked Billy with a smirk.
Charles looked at Trip and asked: "You ever meet a Vulcan or Andorian?"
"I've met them both. Vulcans suppress their emotions and live by logic and Andorians are even more emotional than Humans," smiled Trip.
"Fascinating," grinned Charles.
"God, I'd love to interview one of them," said Billy.
"Can't help you there," Trip said then he stood up and brought his cup and plate to the sink and started to rise it off.
Billy looked at his chronometer. He stood up now.
"Well, I've rented a vehicle. I need to return it before I head off to Paris to see Troy," he said.
He bent down and kissed his father on the cheek.
"Where's ma?" he asked.
"On the porch waiting for you," smiled Charles. "She wants to talk to you before you go."
"Later, Bro," he said then exited leaving Trip with his father.
"Okay, what did he call you this time?" asked Charles.
"A fascist," sighed Trip.
"The boy really knows how to butter up someone whose help he needs," chuckled Charles. "Forgive him, Trip, he is who he is. Maybe if he was on-board a ship during hard times and good times, he'd come to understand what you know."
"Maybe. I doubt it, though. A lot of his opinions are hard wired," said Trip.
"So, what do you want to do this afternoon?" Charles asked.
"I was thinking of watching an old movie or two then going for another swim. There are no pools on a starship. I miss swimming," smiled Trip.
"How about I pick a movie then you pick one?" offered Charles.
"Sounds good to me, dad," agreed Trip.
"Daniel and the family is coming for supper. I'm going to grill some steaks and bake some potatoes on the grill. How does that sound?" asked Charles.
"Delicious," smiled Trip.
STSTST
Dressed in civilian clothes, Trip went into Panama City to meet his brother at a restaurant. His brother Daniel picked a seafood restaurant on the docks called The Captain's Nest. It was a place he brought potential customers to put them in a good mood. When Trip arrived he stopped at the greeter's podium.
"I'm here for Daniel Tucker. He said he made reservations," he said to him.
"Follow me, sir," said the greeter.
He followed out onto a porch area where people enjoyed the view of the water and a sea breeze. Daniel was waiting for him. Trip sat down and the greeter left two menus with them.
"Food here is great and there's lots of it," said Daniel.
"Thanks for the day out, Danny. I have to admit that I'm starting to get antsy with all the time off," said Trip.
Trip knew what he was going to get the seafood platter, which consisted of fried scallops, clams, shrimp, and fries. Daniel looked at the menu then put it down.
"I promised Denise I'd eat healthy. It looks like the broiled scrod for me," sighed Daniel.
"Seafood platter," grinned Trip.
"I didn't promise Denise I wouldn't drink beer," said Daniel which made Trip laugh.
They spent lunch talk about family, the family business, and Florida State Football. Jon made him watch water polo games that he had sent to him. Trip preferred college football. As the waitress served them coffee and key lime pie for dessert, a business man who recently bought a custom designed boat from Tucker Boats and Design noticed Daniel.
"Hey Danny," he stopped at the table. "The boat is amazing. I'm thinking about having you design and build a luxury yacht for me next."
"I'd be glad to workup a design for you, Ted," said Daniel.
"Great, great," he said then looked at Trip, who was enjoying his key lime pie. "And who is this?"
"Oh, sorry, I've been rude. Ted, this is my brother Captain Charles Tucker III of Starfleet," Daniel proudly introduced his brother.
"Captain, huh. You command a ship?" asked Ted.
"My ship is currently being built," smiled Trip.
"I know some people at Starfleet. They tell me it's getting more dangerous out there in space. We should be careful," Ted stated.
"Really, they said that," Trip smirked. "Well, space can be dangerous. It can also be amazing as we expand Earth territory, colonize planets that add to commerce, and make friends with alien races."
"Yeah, well, Rear Admiral Benjamin Taylor tells me that things are getting more and more dangerous and that we should rethink expansion right now," said Ted.
Trip grinned then he chuckled to himself.
"Rear Admiral Benjamin Taylor is the Director of PR and Media relations," said Trip.
"What does that mean?" asked Ted.
"That Read Admiral Taylor doesn't know what it's like in space, unless he taking a shuttle to Mars or Jupiter Station for a visit. There's a reason he does PR and Media Relations," smirked Trip.
"If I gave him your name I bet he'd get your ass in trouble," boasted Ted. "That man has influence."
"Sir, I don't know him, but I do know the Chief Of Fleet Operations Admiral Forrest and the Director of Corp of Engineers Admiral Jefferies. I'm not worried about Rear Admiral Taylor getting me in trouble," said Trip then he sipped his coffee.
Trip stood up showing that he was a few inches taller than Ted. He looked at Daniel and said: "I'm going to the Men's Room."
Trip strode away leaving Daniel with his customer.
"Your brother is a bit arrogant," said Ted.
"My brother just won the Grankite Order of Tactics and Starfleet's Star for Distinguished Service. My brother is a hero, Ted," said Daniel. "Why don't you have someone else design a yacht for you. My schedule is full."
"Okay, have it your way," said Ted.
He walked away. Daniel poured himself a fresh glass of beer from the pitcher they ordered. The business would have been great, but Trip was his brother and he deserved to be treated with respect. Trip returned from the Men's Room. Daniel could see that he was pissed and for the first time saw the military man in his brother. He'd hate to be some ensign or lieutenant being scowled at by Captain Tucker when they made a mistake.
"Sorry about that, Daniel. I'm just not in the mood for people like that. I know I should have handled it better," Trip said in a cold voice.
"I told him to stick his business up his ass, but in nicer terms," Daniel smiled.
"Really?" Trip said in surprise.
"Really, Trip," chuckled Daniel. "We have plenty of business. I can afford to tell an asshole to go somewhere else. You're more important to me than some customer."
Trip's face softened. He looked at his brother and a soft smile curled his lips.
"I really do appreciate that, bro. I know it can be hard to be my brother sometimes," said Trip.
"Trip, it's easy being your brother," Daniel said then poured some beer in his glass. "Drink. Enjoy. And forget about all the assholes."
"I like your style, Daniel," smiled Trip.
STSTST
In his Ready Room Archer sat on the floor playing with his Beagle Porthos. Porthos held a rope in his mouth as Archer pulled on it trying to get it away from Porthos. The dog was enjoying himself and so was his owner. Someone buzzed his door.
"Enter," he called out.
Erica entered and stared at Archer on the floor playing with his dog. She shook her head then she walked over to the couch and sat down.
"Considering we are hunting for some unknown enemy, shouldn't you leave him at home where he'd be safe?" she asked.
"This is home, Erica," he smiled then he let go of the rope.
Porthos let go of his end of the rope then he waddled over to Archer so he could get his belly rubbed. With a smile on his face Archer looked up at Erica.
"Okay, XO, why are you here?" he asked.
"Jon, I think we should check out ECS routes. I think this enemy likes taking out cargo ships. It likes making easy kills. The Fellowship is headed to Starbase 2 and the Athena is guarding it. I think we really should stake out cargo routes and see if we can catch this bastard attacking again," she said.
"We are supposed to go hunting, so let's hunt," smiled Archer.
STSTST
Once again Trip was given a temporary billet at the Presidio. It was a small efficient apartment consisting of bedroom, bathroom, and a small living room/dining area and kitchenette. He unpacked what little he had. Looking at his closet he realized he wardrobe over the years had shrunk to uniforms and a very little civilian clothes. One of these days he was going to have to put down roots so he had something other than temporary quarters and visiting his family to come home to. Grabbing a pair jeans and a gray Henley jersey, he pocketed his debcard, Starfleet ID, and then placed his comm on the back of his left hand.
Since the Presidio wasn't too far from Fisherman's Wharf, he caught a taxi on Lombard Street and had the driver take him to Fisherman's Wharf. After paying his fare, he walked along the wharf area looking for a restaurant to eat at. There was a nice cool breeze coming off the water. Trip had to report tomorrow Starfleet Operations, where he was going to get his official assignment overseeing the design and building of the Excalibur as its captain.
"Commander Tucker," he heard a female voice call him.
Trip looked around and saw among the many residents and tourists Hoshi Saito. She was dressed in a dress and looking more than a little surprised to see him.
"It's Captain Tucker now," smiled Trip.
"I forgot," she grinned. "I'm looking for someplace to eat. What about you?"
"I am, too," replied Trip.
"I may be a lowly Lieutenant, but I wouldn't mind sharing a meal with you," she said.
"Lieutenant. Congratulations, Hoshi," he said. "You been given a new assignment yet?"
"Nope," she answered.
Trip remembered how AG stole her from Jon. Now it was his turn to steal her from AG.
"How did you like being in space?" he asked her.
"I have to admit that it the best place for Xeno-linguist to expand their understanding of alien languages," she said.
"Dinner is on me, Lieutenant," smiled Trip. "Let's talk about your future."
Trip took Hoshi by the arm and she laughed.
"Captain, I think you are trying to seduce me to become part of your crew," Hoshi said.
"Not seduce, but bribe," smiled Trip.
"Is there a difference, sir?" she asked.
"Considered I'm a captain and you're a lieutenant, there is a big difference. Don't want to break any fraternization regs," smiled Trip.
"Too, bad," smirked Hoshi then she laughed.
Trip definitely wanted her on his ship. He liked her personality and her work on the Enterprise was exemplary.
"Don't make fun of your captain, Hoshi," said Trip. "Save it for whoever I get as XO."
STSTST
AG sat leaning back in his chair looking at his new refurbished Ready Room thinking about what it needed to make it more personal when someone buzzed his door. He sat up and made himself look more professional.
"Enter," he barked.
Malcolm entered the Ready Room. He stood at attention in front of AG's desk.
"At ease, Lt. Commander," grinned AG. "If you are going to be my XO then you have to loosen up. On the Bridge we are professional, but here, my Mess, off duty, I like it casual. What should I call you?"
"Malcolm is fine," said Malcolm.
"Well, Malcolm, you can call me AG," he told him.
"Okay, sir. I mean, AG," Malcolm corrected himself.
""Malcolm, sit down," said AG.
Malcolm sat in the chair in front of the desk. AG got used to Trip who always chose the more comfortable sofa. But that was Trip.
"We have to weeks to fill out the crew and get ready. What do you think, Malcolm?" asked AG.
"We'll be ready," said Malcolm.
"I want you and Wrenn to fill out the crew. Tell me if you have trouble getting someone. I have a trick or to in me," said AG.
"Oh, sir, we lost Lieutenant Saito, Comm Officer and head of department," said Malcolm. "She's been reassigned to Captain Tucker's ship even though it still hasn't been built. She told me that she'll be teaching at the academy until the Excalibur is ready."
AG laughed then said: "I may have taught Trip a little too well. He stole one of my crew. That son of bitch owes me a drink now."
"Or two. He also stole Ensign Paris as our Beta shift pilot," said Malcolm.
"And a good one," smiled AG. "Definitely going to make Trip pay the bill the next time at the 602. You ever go to the 602, Malcolm?"
"Ah, Ruby," smiled Malcolm. "I know her well."
"You and Trip," chuckled AG.
"She's a very nice bird," said Malcolm.
"Let me guess you have a girl in every port," said AG.
"Not for lack of trying," grinned Malcolm.
AG laughed again.
"Okay, Malcolm, let's get to work. Get together with Wrenn. I'll see you tonight in my Mess. Chef has already checked in and is back on-board. We might as well start making the Enterprise our home," said AG.
"Sounds good, sir," said Malcolm.
AG glared at him.
"I mean sounds good, AG," said Malcolm.
"Casual, Malcolm. Keep it casual," said AG.