"Wake up, Malcolm," Agent Harris goaded the asleep Malcolm Reed.
Reed opened his eyes and sat up in his bed. He looked at the viewscreen on his desk, which had Harris' image on it. A scowl crossed Malcolm's face then his expression went cold.
"Bollocks," growled Malcolm.
"Stop grousing," smiled Harris. "I'm not encrypted this time but live and heavily secured."
Malcolm stood up wearing a pair of boxers and nothing else. He walked over to his desk and sat down.
"We have much to discuss, Malcolm," said Harris.
"I'm listening," replied Malcolm.
"The Romulans are building up their fleet on Ding. We know this because the Vulcan priests at P'Jem are not all priests. Some are intelligence officer of the V'Shar, who we are allied with recently," said Harris.
"By we do you mean Earth and Starfleet?" asked Malcolm.
"No. We as in Section 31. Keep that in mind that we are allied with the V'Shar. The Vulcans want us to succeed and for good reasons, which I'll explain to you someday," said Harris. "On to other matters, the Romulans now have 110 Birds of Prey and thirty Warbirds stationed at Ding. A fairly nice invasion force. Also, some of the Birds of Prey are experimental. According to our Vulcan friends they have stealth technology."
"Bloody hell," sighed Malcolm.
"Even worse, Malcolm, some of them are equipped with old fashion nukes. We know the destructive power of nukes, Malcolm. Earth could be turned in a cinder if we are not careful," said Harris.
"What do you want me to do about this?" asked Malcolm.
"I need you and many of our agents to know this information just in case you are in situation where knowing this can effect the outcome of battle," said Harris.
"Are you saying I should expose myself as a Section 31 agent under circumstances?" asked Malcolm.
"Yes. You should. I'd rather you exposed than a colony or Earth nuked," said Harris. "Also, knowing a ship has stealth capabilities may help you deal with it."
"What about their drone ships?" asked Malcolm.
"They are working on trying to improve them, but Captain Tucker's little trick of jamming all signals has slowed them down," said Harris.
"Anything else?" Malcolm asked.
"No," smiled Harris, "just keep up the good work."
The viewscreen went blank. Malcolm staring at it. He didn't mind having the extra intelligence, especially if it kept the Columbia from destruction and helped Earth. But he had come to hate Agent Harris.
STSTST
The Challenger was tasked to patrol ECS trade routes, even though refitted Marshall Class ships were now acting as escorts on convoys of three ECS ships or more. It was important to keep trade routes open, to keep goods flowing, especially as the UE quickly built up Starfleet's fleet. Captain Curtis sat in the command chair reviewing his daily reports, as well as reports from Starfleet Command, on a PADD, when the distress signal was picked up.
"Sir, we have a Starfleet distress signal," said his Comm Officer.
"Send coordinates to NAV," he ordered then added, "NAV plot a course then Helm takes us there at best speed."
His XO Lt. Commander Maria Russo called out: "Shields up, weapons ready."
Curtis punched the comm on his chair.
"Engineering," his Chief Engineer responded.
"Looks like we are going into battle. Do your best to keep the shields and weapons going."
"Yes, sir," said the Chief Engineer.
"Sir, we'll be arriving at the coordinates in four minutes," said his XO.
"Battlestations, XO," said Curtis.
The battlestations alarm went off. Curtis grimaced as he hated the blaring sound.
"Can you cut that sound on the Bridge," ordered Curtis. "It gives me a headache."
"Yes, sir," said his XO.
The blaring sound stopped. Curtis leaned forward in chair. The would be coming up on the coordinates any moment. He stared at the viewscreen.
"Scan the area," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," said the Science Officer.
"We are coming up on coordinates, sir," said Russo.
"Sir, I'm picking up the debris of at least six ships," said his Science Officer.
"Anything else?" asked Curtis.
"Nothing, sir," he replied.
Suddenly five Romulan Birds of Prey appeared out of thin air surrounding the Challenger. Their mission was to capture an NX ship since they appeared to be superior to both Birds of Prey and Warbirds. The crew was to be killed.
"Sir, we are being hailed by the Romulans," said the Comm Officer. "Audio only."
"Put it on the speaker," said Curtis.
"Human starship Challenger drop your shields and surrender. You are outnumbered. We will board you. If you don't drop your shields and surrender, we will take you by force. I give you five minutes to respond," said the Romulan commander.
Curtis had been briefed about the Romulans. From what they knew they never took prisoners, unless it was to interrogate and torture then kill. The captains of the NX had been told to never let the Romulans get a hold of their ships.
"Comm, record my voice," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Comm Officer.
"Starfleet, the Romulans have stealth ability. We are surrounded by five Romulan Birds of Prey. I am going to use self destruct rather than let them have this ship. They will not be taking my ship this day. I commend my crew. They are valiant. Captain Kenneth Curtis out," he said. "Comm, send that encrypted out right now. Let's hope it's picked up. After you send it out then give me the Romulan ship."
"Yes, sir," said Comm Officer.
Everyone on the Bridge sat there stunned. Curtis got up and walked over to the Ops Station. He put in his command codes then started the auto destruct. His XO did the same thing. The 30 second countdown started.
"Sir, I have the Romulan ship," said the Comm Officer.
"Romulan ship. Here's my response to your demand. Fuck you," snapped Curtis.
Ten seconds later the Challenger erupted in ball of destructive energy. The Romulan ships were unprepared for it. Three of them were enveloped in the explosion and destroyed, while two back off at maximum impulse speed just avoiding destruction.
STSTST
Trip put himself through a good workout. He knew he had to be disciplined and keep himself in good physical condition. It used to be a shift in Engineering was all the workout he needed to stay in shape, but those days were over for him. Or, at least, they were less frequent.
Once he was done pushing himself, he grabbed a towel, wiped the sweat off his face and arms, and then put the towel around his neck and headed back to his quarters. According to his calculations Beta Shift was ending and Delta Shift was starting soon. If he was lucky, he'd be able to double check reports and whatever requests then get a decent night sleep. Getting on the turbolift, he requests his deck and section. Trip closed his eyes for a few moments. The turbolift doors opened. He stepped off and headed down the corridor to his quarters.
He was about to turn the corner when he had a feeling that T'Pol would be waiting for him outside of his quarters. Shaking his head, he turned the corner and T'Pol was there. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Charles, we need to talk," she said.
"Yeah I think we do need to talk," he said.
He walked up to his quarters, entered his code, and the doors opened. Both of them stepped him.
"T'Pol, I got to be honest with you, it's been like I have you in my head sometimes lately. I'm it's not painful but it is strange. There are times I think I know what emotion you are suppressing or where you are. Is there an explanation for that?" he asked.
Since she had her mental shields up constantly she hadn't realized just how strong their young tel was.
"I may have an explanation for that much more," she said.
Trip's comm buzzed. He walked over to the wall comm and responded.
"Captain, here," he snapped since he really wanted to have this conversation with T'Pol.
"Sir, we are picking up a distress call from the ECS Walkabout," said his Comm Officer.
"Comm, get the XO on the Bridge and tell him he has the conn until I get there. Also, recall the Alpha Shift. I want them there now," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," said Comm Officer.
Trip turned and looked at T'Pol. He honestly thought he felt disappointment coming from T'Pol.
"We have to talk," he said.
"I am well aware of that," she said.
"I'd like you in the Bridge, T'Pol. I'm not sure Rhuel has mastered the Vulcan sensors," he said.
"Of course," she said.
"Let me get dressed," he said.
"I'll wait for you," said T'Pol.
By the time Trip and T'Pol strode onto the Bridge, Flynn had the shields up, weapons ready, and they were five minutes away from the Walkabout. He was as good as Forrest promised. Flynn got up from the command chair and Trip sat down. Just then Troy entered the Bridge. Trip pointed at the empty Environmental Station for him to sit down. He did. Since he was an officially embedded journalist he couldn't kick him off the Bridge.
"T'Pol, the Vulcan sensors have longer arrange and pickup more details, right?" he asked.
"Yes, Captain," she answered.
"Lieutenant Rhuel, let T'Pol sit at your station and run the scans. Watch her closely," he stated.
"Yes, sir," said Rhuel.
T'Pol sat down and began running a scan on the Walkabout. She also scanned the area around it.
"Captain, the Walkabout – there are no signs of life. It is a dead hulk stationary in space. The only thing coming from it is the distress call," she told him. "Also, I am picking up four large energy distortions anomalies."
Trip sat and thought about it for a moment. Dead ship. Four large energy distortions anomalies. There was something wrong here. He and Jefferies had discussed stealth technologies when they were working on the Excalibur and what it would take to make a ship appear to not be there. It would take a great deal of energy to bend the light in order to make a ship invisible to electromagnetic spectrum and sensors. Or at least Human sensors. The Vulcan sensors were picking up large energy distortion anomalies, though.
"T'Pol, send the coordinates of the energy distortions to tactical," he ordered.
"Yes, Captain," she said with a raised eyebrow of curiosity.
"Mr. Wallace, target each distortion with Mach II torpedoes set to maximum yield and fire on my word," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," said Wallace.
"Paris, be ready for evasive maneuvers," said Trip.
"Yes, sir," said Paris.
Flynn walked over to the command chair.
"Sir, are you working on a theory of some sort?" asked Flynn with a grin.
"Yup," smiled Trip. "I'd hold onto the Ops Station if I was you."
Flynn took his place at the Ops Station.
"Mr. Wallace, fire," he ordered.
On the viewscreen they watched the torpedoes hit unseen targets making them appear like greenish ghosts.
"Wallace, fire again," ordered Trip.
Suddenly, four Romulan Birds of Prey appeared after their shields being hit again.
"Mr. Wallace, hit them with phase cannons," Trip ordered.
Suddenly, the Romulan ships returned fire shaking the Excalibur, as the phase cannons weakened their already weakened shields.
"T'Pol, send the coordinates of the ship with the weakest shields to Tactical," said Trip.
"Wallace, hit the ship with three Mach II torpedoes," ordered Trip.
"Yes, sir," said Wallace.
"Shield on Romulan Bird of Prey is down. Second and third torpedo has destroyed the Romulan Bird Prey completely," announced T'Pol.
"Mr. Wallace, start alternating between phase cannons and torpedoes," ordered Trip.
"Yes, sir," said Wallace.
"Mr. Paris, port side shields are weakening. Adjust maneuvers to protect them," ordered Flynn.
"Yes, sir," said Paris.
"Shields are down on second Romulan Bird of Prey. Torpedo has ruptured its hull," announced T'Pol. "Damage was done to Engineering section. It's warp engine is going to explode."
"Paris, warp 1 now. Take us away from exploding Bird of Prey," ordered Trip.
"Yes, sir," said Paris.
As the Excalibur warped away, The two remaining Birds of Prey warped away. Once the Bird of Prey exploded, it took what remained of the Walkabout with it. Trip watched the viewscreen and shook his head.
"That was a damned ambush," he said. "Status reports, XO."
"Yes, sir," said Flynn. Flynn started to review reports that were coming in from different departments. "Sickbay reporting light causalities. Mainly broken bones and concussions. Engineering is reporting overloads and burnouts of coils. Hess reports that repairs will be finished in four hours."
"Hoshi, prepare an encrypted message to Starfleet Command. Let them know that we were ambushed and that the Romulans are able to cloak some of their ships. Tell them we'll send a more extensive report later," said Trip.
He stood up and looked over at Troy, who looked as if he had seen his first bit of action. Except on holos he'd never seen a ship explode. He motioned Troy to follow him.
"XO, you have the conn," said Trip. "I'll be in my Ready Room."
He started towards the doors with Troy following him then he stopped and looked at T'Pol.
"T'Pol, thank you for your help. I know we need to finish our conversation," Trip said.
"It was not a problem assisting you," she replied.
"I think you should inform Ambassador Skon what happened," said Trip.
"I believe you are right," she said then got up from the Science Station.
As she headed towards the turbolift, Troy and Trip walked into his Ready Room. Trip walked over to cabinet in his office and opened, while Troy sat down on the sofa. He pulled out to tumbler glasses and a bottle of scotch. Pouring them each a drink, he walked them over to Troy and handed him a drink. Troy took a long sip. Trip sat down at the other end of the sofa.
"I've never seen a ship explode before," Troy mumbled. "All those lives lost."
"Not a pretty sight," said Trip.
"You were cool and calm throughout. How?" asked Troy.
"First, it's my job as the captain of the ship. If I panic the ships panics. And, second, this wasn't the first battle I've been in, said Trip.
"How did you know that they were invisible ships?" asked Troy.
"Cloaked. It's called cloaked. The Walkabout was being used for an ambush. The crew was already dead. Romulans don't take prisoners. They were luring us there. When T'Pol mentioned the energy anomalies, my mind started to work like an engineer. I guessed that they might be cloak," explained Trip.
"Thank God," sighed Troy. He took another long swig of his drink. "I didn't think I'd feel this way but better them than us."
Trip smiled sadly then he leaned back and took a sip of his drink.
"Troy, I think I can say we are officially at war now. If you stay on this ship then you are going to see worse than today, Troy," said Trip.
"I kind of came to that realization today, Trip," said Troy. "I was thinking of going down to Sickbay to check on the injured."
"Well, funny enough, I'll be heading down there, too. It's part of my captain's duties," smiled Trip.
Both men downed their drinks then stood up. Trip gave Troy a hug. He reciprocated it.
"Let's go Phlox has one of the best bedside manners. All I have do is ask how my people are and he does the rest for me," grinned Trip.
STSTST
Archer wore his dress uniform, as did Malcolm and those on the Columbia who were invited to the Emperor's official soiree. The ambassador and his entourage appeared to be having a good time, even though they were seated at a table far away from Emperor and Empress. Archer on the other hand was seated at Emperor's table. It appeared that Shran bragged about Kentucky bourbon and also that Captain Archer had an extensive history fighting Nausicaans and Orion's. He also fought off the Romulans, which made him a warrior. The Emperor admired warriors.
"So, Captain, do you think Andorians and Humans would make good allies?" asked the Emperor.
"Excellent allies, your Highness," answered Archer.
"The Romulans have a reputation as great warriors, conquerors, and to be feared. Do you fear them?" asked the Empress.
"No. I don't fear them, your Highness. Although I am far from an expert on the Romulans, I don't view them as a conqueror but as the enemy. The enemy are to be respected not feared," stated Archer.
"Why is that? Why respect instead of fear?" asked the Emperor, who sipped a glass of Kentucky bourbon.
"Your Highness, if you fear your enemy then you give them an advantage. I refuse to give the Romulans more advantages than they already have. By respecting them it means I want to learn as much about them as possible, so I can defeat them," said Archer.
The Emperor laughed, which meant all the Andorians laughed.
"I like you, Captain Archer," said the Emperor.
"Thank you, your Highness," said Archer.
"Maybe Humans and Andorians can be allies. Instead of the DiploCorp, I shall request to deal with Starfleet. I think you are more in tune with Andorians than diplomats," smiled the Emperor.
Archer cringed inside. He was going to pay for stepping on the toes of the DiploCorp, but it will be worth if they become allies.
STSTST
Trip sat at his desk in his quarters. Dressed casually in sweat pants and a blue Starfleet tee shirt, he had just received encrypted comm from Starfleet Command and read it. His orders had change slightly. It appeared that Vulcan was interested in sending Ambassador Skon back as soon as his personal dealings were done. The Excalibur was supposed to orbit Vulcan, act as a UE liaison until Skon was ready to return to Earth then transport him back. They were now three days out from Vulcan. Three days.
Act as a liaison, thought Trip, act as a diplomat. Now Jon would be good at diplomatic work. AG would have tried hard but his natural inclination was to be blunt. He'd have been better with Klingons rather than Vulcans. There was a buzz at his door. He got up and opened it. T'Pol was standing there in her Vulcan robes.
"T'Pol, this is a surprise," he said.
"May I come in?" she asked.
"Of course," smiled Trip.
T'Pol entered his quarters. She walked to the middle of the room and turned to face him.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked.
"Vulcans prize their privacy above most qualities. It is why so many races find us aloof," T'Pol told him.
Trip felt a flutter of nervousness, intense nervousness, and it wasn't him.
"Whatever you want to talk about with him will be between you and me," said Trip.
The nervousness he felt inside of him that wasn't his abetted.
"We have much to talk about, Charles. To start with Vulcans mate for life and once they have found their mate or their mate had been arranged, they are bonded to that mate. We call it a tel. The one you are bonded to is your telsu, and the marriage is called a telik," she told him.
"Okay, I understand," said Trip. "Somehow I have a feeling that you have much more to tell me."
"As a child I was bonded to Koss. We met once as children and that was all. If things were to go as planned, Koss and I would strengthen and mature our tel through neuropressure," she said.
"You and I did neuropressure," Trip said with concern.
"My bond with Koss no longer exits," stated T'Pol.
"Oh," sighed Trip. Trip walked over to his bed and sat down. He had a feeling that he was about to hear something that he'd never thought he'd hear.
"Charles, I believe we are bonded," T'Pol said.