Agent Harris arrived on the Risa as just another tourist. The Pleasure Planet had a reputation that drew many races because of its people and weather and recently had become a source of leave for Starfleet ships under these intense times. He checked into his room in a nice, but not too expensive, hotel then he changed in baggy shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and flip flops and went out for a drink at a local cafe.

When he arrived at the cafe it was crowded inside, so he took an outside table. The views of landscape and people were both appealing and the weather was warm but with a cooling breeze. A waiter took his order of a Saurian Ice Tea, a beverage whose alcohol content was high. When it arrived he sipped it and waited.

"Do you mind if I sit down?" the voice asked.

Harris looked up to see a Vulcan dressed similar to him, except he had a large Panama hat on blocking the sun. The Vulcan was six foot three inches with a lean built. This was who Harris was waiting to meet.

"You must find Vulcan hot," he said using the per-arranged code.

"It's getting hotter every day," the Vulcan replied giving him the per-agganged response.

"Please, sit down," said Harris.

The Vulcan took a small black box that could fit into his palm, turned it on, placed it on the table, and sat down. He looked at Harris with a cold expression.

"Jamming device. No one will hear or record us now. We can talk," he stated. "I am Satak."

"I'm Harris," replied Harris.

The waiter back over and looked at Satak.

"May I get you something, sir?" he asked.

"I would like Earl Gray tea. No milk, no sugar," he answered.

"I'll get it right away," said the waiter.

Once he left Harris smiled. He had come to study Vulcans lately and had never heard of one that enjoyed Earl Gray tea. It had strong flavors, which said something about him.

"You've been to Earth," he said.

"I have stayed on Earth for months living at the Vulcan Compound, but visiting many parts of your world," replied Satak. "I found it enlightening."

"Good or bad?" asked Harris.

"Without judgment," answered Satak. "I am V'Shar and you are Section 31. We are both part of our worlds intelligence apparatus, but an extreme part. We are the ones who go deep into danger in order to gather intelligence."

"We are also the ones who trust our allies by making sure we know everything about them," added Harris.

"It is time that we talk and come to an understanding," stated Satak.

The waiter came with the Earl Gray. He placed it down and left them alone. Harris sipped his drink and decided he'd switch to coffee next.

"I agree. There is distrust between our people. Some of it is earned and some of it is just based on lack of knowledge," said Harris.

"These reasons we need to clarify because Vulcan will need Earth and Earth will need Vulcan. We can become great allies and that should be the path we take," said Satak.

"Do you say that with the new High Council's understanding?" asked Harris.

"No. I say that as a matter of logic and it is the opinion of the V'Shar," replied Satak.

Harris grinned. Section 31 was known for overstepping boundaries, also. This might be a very good ally.

"What do you want from Section 31?" asked Harris.

"Same thing you want from the V'Shar, intelligence and a chance to shape the outcome of coming events," stated Satak.

"Okay, I can agree with that," said Harris. "You know things about the Romulans that you are keeping from the UE. If we are to trust each other then that information must be shared with Section 31."

"Will Section 31 share it will the UE government or Starfleet?" asked Satak.

"Not necessarily. If we feel you are keeping secrets for a good reason, we can understand that. Section 31 keeps many secrets," smiled Harris.

Satak nodded.

"In return for such information the V'Shar expects a relationship of shared intelligence and working as allies, V'Shar and Section 31. Is that satisfactory?" asked Satak.

"I'd agree to that situation," said Harris.

Satak sipped his tea. It was strong for a Vulcan's taste and was heavily caffeinated, but he found the flavor satisfying. Satak had even been known to drink coffee.

"I am going to tell you of the Rihannsu. It will explain much about Vulcan and Romulus," said Satak.

"I have as much time as you need to take," stated Harris.

STSTST

With Ambassador Skon on-board and shown to his quarters, as well as T'Pol, Trip launched the Excalibur with little fanfare. What he did have that he was against was an embedded journalist on his ship. The UE pushed Starfleet to accept the program as a way of helping citizens understand the dangers coming. In the case of the Excalibur the journalist came from his brother's newsfeed and happened to be his brother-in-law Troy Hollis. At the moment he had his XO giving Troy a tour of the ship.

Trip sat in his command chair with his right leg crossed over his left. His mind was slightly per-occupied by his dream of T'Pol several days ago in that white room. It seemed so real, like he actually kissed her and she caressed his hair putting him to sleep.

"Ensign Ling, plot a course for Vulcan," he ordered.

"Aye, aye, sir," responded Ensign Jennifer Ling.

"Once plotted, Mr. Paris, take us to Vulcan at warp 5.5 cruising speed," ordered Trip.

"Yes, sir," replied Ensign Ian Paris.

"Hoshi, send Admiral Forrest my best. Tell him that the UES Excalibur is launched and headed to Vulcan," smiled Trip.

"Yes, sir," replied Lieutenant Saito.

Trip reviewed the rest of his Bridge crew in his head. His Science Officer, Lieutenant Janice Rhuel, sat at the Science Station, at Engineering and Damage Control Station sat Petty Office 1st Class Michael Rostov, and Tactical Station had Lieutenant Simon Wallace. As always Environmental Station was empty. Most of them were handpicked by him. It was a very good Bridge crew.

Before the Bridge doors even open, Trip had a feeling that T'Pol was about to enter. The doors opened and T'Pol in her gray Vulcan uniform walked onto the Bridge and over to his command chair. Trip rubbed his forehead. He was starting to wonder if he needed brain scan.

"T'Pol," he said, trying to put it out of his head that he was slightly disturbed by the fact he knew she was there before she was there.

"Captain Tucker. I have come to start my training of Lieutenant Rhuel on the Vulcan sensors," she stated.

"How are you going to start?" he asked her.

"I shall start by going over the equipment in great depth with your Science Officer," she said.

"SubCommander," he stood up, "I'll introduce you."

Trip and T'Pol walked over to the Science Station. Lieutenant Rhuel stood up. Trip motioned her to sit down.

"Lieutenant Janice Rhuel, this is SubCommander T'Pol. She will be training you on the Vulcan sensors," introduced Trip.

"Ma'am," Rhuel said to T'Pol.

T'Pol nodded her head then the Bridge door opened again and Commander Flynn and Troy came onto the Bridge.

"You two get to work," he said then strolled over to Flynn and Troy.

"Commander, you have the conn," said Trip.

"Yes, sir," said Flynn.

"Troy, come with me to my Ready Room," Trip said.

Troy followed Trip into his Ready Room. Once inside, Trip adjust the flap on his jacket so that it was down then said: "Take a seat."

"Thanks," said Troy, who sat down on the sofa.

Trip sat down behind his desk. He turned on his computer then looked over a Troy.

"Since we haven't had a chance to talk I thought we could take some time," said Trip.

"How mad are you that I'm here?" asked Troy.

"Better question is how hard did Billy work to get you on the Excalibur?" asked Trip.

"Pulled every favor he had," smiled Troy. "Trust me, I didn't want to do this, but he insisted. He said if I was going to be an embedded journalist than he wanted me with you. He'd feel I was safe that way."

"I don't know if that is a compliment or not," sighed Trip.

"It's a compliment," chuckled Troy.

"Let's start with you have an open invitation to the Captain's Mess, though I expect you'll want to spend time in Mess Hall observing and talking to the crew, also," said Trip.

"You have a good chef?" asked Troy.

"Antonio, or Chief Petty Officer Tony Monetti, is a great chef and runs a top kitchen," said Trip.

"I guess I'll find out tonight," said Troy.

"Along with Dr. Phlox, SubCommander T'Pol, Ambassador Skon, Commander Flynn, Marine Major Brett Hebert, and Lieutenant Commander Hess, my Chief Engineer," said Trip. "Thank God, I have more room on this ship."

"Do you know what we are having?" Troy asked.

"As a matter fact I don't," grinned Trip. "Been too busy with the ship to find out."

"Too bad, Trip," said Troy. "Listen, Trip, I intend on being completely fair. Unlike Billy, I don't have any preconceived notions about Starfleet. I will observe and report."

"I've read your stuff, Troy. You're one of the few real journalists out there that I respect you," said Trip.

"Thank you, Captain," said Troy. "Hey, is there a place to workout on this ship?"

"Cargo Bay 2 has a partitioned section where there is a gym," said Trip.

"Excellent. I need to keep fit or your brother gets a roaming eye," smiled Troy.

"That's not true," said Trip. "Once a Tucker male falls in love, he's in love for life."

"That's sweet, Trip," said Troy, who then stood up. "I need to get to my quarters and get my recorder so I can start doing my job."

"Get to work," smiled Trip.

Troy exited the Ready Room. Trip brought up reports and paperwork on his computer. He knew that a crewman was assigned to him to assist him with reports and paperwork, but he had hoped to be able to handle it by himself. Now he had his doubts. He touched the comm button on his desk.

"Hoshi, tell the quartermaster I need a crewman to assist me with reports and paperwork," sighed Trip.

"Yes, Captain," Hoshi said with a hint of amusement in her voice.

Trip killed the connection and sat back in his chair. Be a captain was going to have its learning curve.

STSTST

The Columbia orbited Andor. Ambassador Simon LeGrange and his entourage took a shuttle down to the planet where they were having a private dinner with the Empire and Empress before the official state dinner tomorrow, while Commander Shran and Lieutenant Talas came on-board to have dinner as Captain Archer's guest, and to represent the Imperial Guard. Trip had told him that Shran like red meat and alcohol, so chef was preparing prime rib for dinner and Archer took two bottles of Kentucky bourbon out of his private supplies. While the ambassador attempted to make an impression on the planet, Archer thought he do the same orbiting it.

"Commander Shran, Captain Tucker told me a great deal about you," said Archer, as Reed escorted Shran and Talas into the Captain's Mess.

"And what did that Pinkskin tell you?" asked Shran.

"That you liked a good drink. May I offer you some Kentucky bourbon?" asked Archer.

"Please," smiled Shran.

Archer walked over to a cart where there were four tumbler glasses and two bottles of Kentucky bourbon. He poured a light drink for Reed and Talas and a stiff one from himself and Shran. Shran sampled the bourbon. Archer noticed that his antennae moved.

"Very nice. I like this. I'll have to have some Andorian Ale delivered to your ship, Pinkskin," grinned Shran.

"He also told me that you like red meat, so we are having prime rib tonight. I think you'll like it as much as the bourbon," said Archer.

"I doubt I'll like it as much as the bourbon," chuckled Shran.

"Shall we sit down," Archer motioned.

Reed and Talas sat across from each other, while Archer sat at the head of one end of the table and Shran sat at the other. Just then the steward came in with a trolley cart with the appetizer on it. It was small sausages wrapped in bacon. Shran sampled it and nodded his head.

"I like this," said Shran.

"I'm glad," said Archer.

Talas sampled it Her antennae began to move. Reed took one and ate it. It wasn't quite his style. Archer popped one in his mouth and smiled.

"I think I'm going to like you, Archer," said Shran.

"I think I'm going to like you, too, Shran," said Archer.

STSTST

Trip, Troy, Flynn, Phlox, Hebert, and Hess were eating the chef's four cheese and two meats lasagna, as Skon and T'Pol eat creamy polenta with mushrooms. The Vulcans drank a green mint tea with their, while Trip and the rest had red wine. The only thing they shared were the freshly baked rolls.

"I must congratulate your chef on his skill. It is a simple meal with complex and subtle flavors," said Skon.

"My chef would like that, Ambassador," Trip said.

"Ambassador may I ask you a question, Ambassador Skon?" asked Troy.

"Please, go ahead," said Skon.

"What is your impression of Earth?" asked Troy. It would have been easier to ask if he liked or enjoyed Earth, but you had to avoid emotions with Vulcans.

"I found Earth a fascinating place. It's diversity is a challenge but also a strength. We, Vulcans, could learn from the people of Earth," said Skon.

Trip found himself staring at T'Pol whenever he got a chance during the meal. There were times he felt a squeak of a foreign emotion and swore that it belonged to T'Pol because it certainly wasn't his own emotions.

T'Pol caught glimpses of Trip. Even though her mental shields were up and strong because of their tel and his closeness, she knew that moments when she had strong responses or emotions that it would leak through to him. At the moment she was finding him sexually attractive, which was strange. She wasn't nearing Pon Farr. Maybe this had something to do with Human biology not Vulcan. They were always ready to mate. From her observations of him, he was handling it well.

Commander Flynn noticed the glances between Trip and T'Pol. He understood Trip's glances, as SubCommander T'Pol was a beautiful female, but it surprised him that a Vulcan female would find a Human of interest. From what he had read Vulcans were an insular people. It was worth keeping an eye on.

"I myself have found Earth and the people so fascinating that I have been seconded to Starfleet indefinitely," said Phlox then he smiled that inhumanely large smile.

"I'll have to interview you, doctor," said Troy.

"I do enjoy a conversation," smiled Phlox.

"He really does," smirked Trip.

"So, doc, what kind of patient is Trip?" asked Troy.

Trip glared at Phlox with chuckled.

"Even though he was the XO, he was one of my more frequent patients. And he was never an easy one. Besides saying he was fine all the time, he hated spending any time in Sickbay. He had a serious knife wound that needed several days to heal, but he wanted me to release him to duty three hours into his convalescence," Phlox told Troy.

"Oh, Billy is going to love to know that," said Troy.

"Who is Billy?" asked Phlox.

"My life partner and Trip's older brother," answered Troy.

"That's lovely that you're embedded on this ship then with Captain Tucker," said Phlox.

"Billy managed it. He wanted me on his brother's ship," laughed Troy. "Are there journalists on Vulcan?"

"No. We are a very private people by nature. The government releases any information on important events or situations to all citizens," said Skon.

"I thought Vulcans were curious," said Troy.

"One can be curious without being prurient or invasive," said T'Pol.

Trip laughed at this then he looked at Troy and said: "I've been telling Billy that for years."

"Very funny, Trip," smiled Troy.

Trip took a last bite of his lasagna then said: "Whose up for coffee and dessert?"

"It depends on what dessert is," said Troy.

"Tiramisu," smiled Trip then he looked at T'Pol. "I know Vulcans don't have dessert but you liked the pecan pie I had you sample. I think you'll like this."

"Then I shall try it," she said.

Skon raised his right eyebrow, though there was a hint of amusement on his face.

STSTST

Trip was sound asleep when he felt the ship slip out of warp. Most of the crew wouldn't even notice the change in vibrations, but to Trip it was like getting kicked in the head. His eyes opened and he sat up in his bed. Getting out of bed he walked over to his wall comm and punched the button for Engineering.

"Engineering," answered a upset male voice.

"This is the captain. What's wrong?" barked Trip.

"Plasma coils burned out. Three of them so far," he answered. "Chief Hess is on the way."

"I'll be right down. Tell Hess not to do anything until I'm there," sighed Trip.

It took him ten minutes to get dressed and reach Engineering. Hess was already there and looking pissed at being held up from doing her work.

"Sir, I'm the Chief Engineer and...," she started in on him.

Trip raised his hand and said: "Hess, I thought those coils might burn out. Experts said that the plasma coils we installed would work fine. Admiral Jefferies and I thought they needed to be made from tungsten and verterium cortenide, more expensive than the ones we have. You'll find two crates of the better plasma coils in Cargo Bay one."

"Oliver, Horn, and Swift get your asses to Cargo Bay One and get those crates. Bring the right equipment to transport them," ordered Hess then she smiled at Trip. "Don't want to lose your reputation as a miracle worker, huh?"

"Get me a pair of engineering coveralls and we can get started pulling plasma coils so we can replace them with the better ones," said Trip.

"Follow me, sir," grinned Hess.

STSTST

Trip worked through the night and halfway through the Alpha Shift until all plasma coils were replaced and fine tuned to perfection. Hess boasted that the Excalibur could get to a maximum warp of 6.3 now.

"Hess, sit in your office and do reports for the rest of the shift. It was one my tricks when I spent too many hours doing repairs," suggested Trip.

"I think I'll try that," she smiled.

Trip changed from the engineering coveralls back into his uniform and headed off. He had told Flynn he had the conn, so instead of heading for the Bridge he headed for his Ready Room. His stomach was empty and growling since he missed both breakfast. He considered going to the Captain's Mess and grab some lunch, but his captain duties called.

The crewman assigned to him was Crewman Wanda Sustad. He told her that the Environmental Station now belonged to her. Entering his Ready Room he sat down at his desk and turned on his computer. Laying on his desk was a PADD. He turned it on and read the note from Crewman Sustad.

Sir, all reports are updated, including status reports. You just need to double check them and sign off.

Crewman Sustad

Trip smiled. He needed to thank the Quartermaster for picking the right crewman for him. His door buzzed.

"Enter," he called out.

T'Pol entered carrying a tray with food on it and a mug of coffee. She walked over and placed it down on his desk.

"I knew you'd be hungry since you worked all night in Engineering. I asked your chef to prepare you some lunch. I believe he made you what he called a hearty beef stew, fresh rolls, and coffee," T'Pol stated.

Trip smiled then looked at her. He wanted to stand up and give her a hug, but he knew better than that.

"T'Pol, I can't thank you enough," said Trip.

"Please eat," she said.

She knew that she needed to talk to him about their accidental tel before they reached Vulcan. There were too many strong touch telepaths on the planet. Some Vulcan was bound to pick up their tel when they were together. He needed to know.

"Charles," she started.

"This is delicious. My body really need the fuel to keep going," he said as he shoveled beef stew into his mouth. "I didn't realize how tired I am. I can barely think straight."

"I see, Charles," said T'Pol. He needed to be thinking straight when they talked. "Well, enjoy your meal. I am having Lieutenant Rhuel run simulations on the sensors. I should check on her progress."

"Okay," smiled Trip. "Thanks again for the food."

"A captain should take care of himself," she said then exited.

Trip wished she had stayed.