The war had begun in full. Three Daedalus Class ships, the Wanderer, the Indefatigable, and the Monroe along with three Marshall Class ships, the Starfall, the Starburst, and the Wrath, faced down a Romulan Warbird and five Birds of Prey. The Starfleet ships were protecting a large convoy of eight ECS freighters. Once they were attacked, the commander of the Wanderer Commander Morris called for the freighters to jump to warp along with one Marshall Class ship, the Starburst, skipping the new colony they were meant to deliver much needed food and building supplies to.
The battle raged for four minutes before the Starfall's shields failed and its armor began to weaken from the pounding of disruptor cannon fire then the ship took on four hull breaches, four gaping holes in their armor. The Starfall tried to make it towards the new colony, but one hit of the starboard nacelle caused a chain reaction that led to the ship exploding killing the whole crew. The Wanderer was able to seriously damage a Bird of Prey, which warped away as they were under orders not to be captured but to either retreat or self destruct, then the ship turned its attention on the Warbird. The Monroe was able to take out a Bird of Prey, but it was then destroyed by two of the remaining Birds of Prey, while the Indefatigable and the final Bird of Prey went one on one resulting in the a highly damaged Bird of Prey going to warp away before it took on too much more damage and couldn't warp away.
The Indefatigable and the Wanderer remained against the Warbird and two Birds of Prey. The new Daedalus Class ships were almost the equal of the NX in armor, shields, and carried the Mach II torpedoes, though they still used plasma cannons. Even though the plasma cannons were improved they were not the new phase cannons, so meant that they were almost the equal to the NX. By the end of the battle the Wanderer was damaged to the point that it could only limp at a quarter impulse towards the colony, while the Indefatigable was a dead hulk in space with most of its escape pods launched as the ship was beyond repair. One of the Birds of prey was destroyed and the other one along with the Warbird were damaged to the point that they warped away before they couldn't.
Commander Morris of the Wanderer sat in his chair with a bloodied forehead and a broken leg from being thrown out of his command chair during the battle. The Bridge smelled of electrical fires and burned flesh. They had survived, but barely.
"Comm, keep blaring our distress signal. Also, send emergency message to Starfleet Command. Tell them the UES Indefatigable launched most of his escape pods and that we are barely limping along and might have to launch our escape pods soon. Given them our current coordinates," said Morris.
"Aye, aye, sir," said the Comm Officer.
"XO, will we make it to the colony?" he asked.
"Just spoke to Chief Junker. The Impulse engine is failing and with it so is environmental. We'll be out of power and air once that happens. She says that she doubts we'll make it to the colony," she told him.
"No reason to wait and do this in a panic. Send out the abandon ship alarm," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," said his Comm Officer.
The abandon ship alarm rang out. Morris knew his crew would act accordingly. He tried to stand but the pain shot through his body. His XO came over and helped him up.
"Lean on me, sir," said she said.
"Thanks, Lena," he groaned as he stood up leaning on his XO.
"Let's get to the pod. This ship has seen better days," stated Lt. Commander Lena Birnhoff.
"I hate to leave this ship. She was a damned good one, didn't get a chance to have a history," sighed Morris.
"You'll get another command, sir," said Birnhoff.
"I've lost my ship. Not the best way to get another command, XO," said Morris, as Birnhoff helped him then she placed her had on a biometric plate.
"It depends on how you lose your ship. You lost it with honor and style," She said.
The hatch door opened to the escape pod. She helped dragged Morris into the escaped pod. The battle was over.
STSTST
Once they got to Earth, Archer was relieved of duty of the Columbia and given command of the Enterprise, which was almost done with its refit. The new Captain of Columbia Captain Hector Ramos had a reputation as a good commander. His XO from his last command became his XO on his new command.
Captain Archer convinced Malcolm to be his XO on the Enterprise. Agent Harris made sure that he agreed. Archer was a captain on the rise so being at his side was a good spot for Malcolm. It would get him close to the important action. As for Archer, he was called into a meeting with Admiral Maxwell and Admiral Roddenberry.
Archer arrived in his dress blues. Meeting the Chief of Staff was like meeting the Fleet Admiral, it was best to make a good impression. He arrived at Roddenberry's office instead of Maxwell's. Being escorted into the office, he was impressed with the size and the view of the office. He had a perfect view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Both Admirals were seated at Roddenberry's oval conference table.
"Sit down, Captain," said Roddenberry.
Archer sat down. There were no coffee or bagels, like Maxwell liked to have at his morning meetings. Maxwell nodded his head towards Archer greeting him.
"Admiral Maxwell and I have been discussing the reorganization of Starfleet. Before we used tasks force and individual ships for missions, but now that we are at war with the Romulan Star Empire it's time to develop four fleets, consisting of fifty to hundred ships in each fleet," began Roddenberry.
"We have already chosen Rear Admiral Lorenzo Antonini, who will be in charge of the First Fleet," said Maxwell.
"Admiral Antonini is a bit of a legend with his exploration missions," said Archer.
"He's a good man, a very good man," said Roddenberry.
"The Second Fleet will be in the hands of Rear Admiral Janet Montgomery," said Maxwell.
"Admiral Montgomery has a sterling reputation for her work on protecting the borders and developing the border cutter fleet and division," said Archer.
"I have full faith in her," added Roddenberry.
"Our choice for putting together and being in charge of the Third Fleet is you, Jon," said Maxwell.
"But I'm only a captain," said Archer.
"I know," Roddenberry joined in. "It too soon to give you a push up the ranks to rear admiral, also, but I don't think it will be too much of a problem to give you a small push up to fleet captain."
"As fleet captain, we can put you in charge of the Third Fleet and if all goes well you'll get your promotion to rear admiral soon enough," said Maxwell.
"We wanted one of the NX ships to front one of the fleets," said Roddenberry. "With you in command of the Enterprise, you are the perfect choice to head the Third."
"Who'll be in charge of the Fourth?" asked Archer.
"We are still working to put that one together," said Roddenberry. "We have to kick out a lot of Daedalus Class ships to build up our fleet and then we are limited with ship commanders with a lot of battle experience."
"We are finally finished refitting the last of the already built Daedalus Class ships, so we are now depending on the new ones we are turning out to build up the fleet," said Maxwell.
"Admiral Jefferies must be hard at work," said Archer.
"I don't think he sleeps anymore," said Maxwell.
"So, it's decided that you will be promoted to Fleet Captain Jonathan Archer and be given the charge of the Third Fleet," said Roddenberry.
Archer could see that Roddenberry was a man with limited time. Archer nodded his head then he looked at Maxwell.
"It looks like I have a great deal of work ahead of me," said Archer. "Can I assume that I'm dismissed?"
"Dismissed," smiled Roddenberry.
Archer stood up then he looked at Maxwell.
"Does that mean as Fleet Captain in charge of the Third Fleet that I can't captain the Enterprise, but that I have to get someone else to command it?" asked Archer.
"No. I think for now you can do both," said Maxwell. "I'll talk to you later, Jon."
"Yes, sir," said Archer then he exited.
STSTST
Above the Tellarite mining colony orbited three Tellarite freighters. These ships were ugly clunky looking things but they carried a great deal of cargo. They awaited transports filled with cerium and platinum, which the Tellarite miners had extracted from the mining colony. This was what Tellarites did best: mine.
As the three freighters waited for their cargo, a shimmer of energy revealed five greenish Birds of Prey, which immediately opened fire on the Tellarite unprotected freighters. Their destruction was swift and complete and once done the Birds of Prey began an orbital assault on the planet below and the mining colony. Four nuclear torpedoes, banned by most races in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, were fired at the planet knowing the destruction would be devastating and long lasting. It was the Romulans way of sending a message.
With their mission complete the five Birds of Prey shimmered again and disappeared behind their cloak. Their message was clear: this was more than a war on United Earth but it was a war on the Alpha Quadrant.
STSTST
Trip stood on the Bridge of the Excalibur with his hands behind his back waiting patiently for Hoshi to bring up the administrator from Vulcan Command. On the main viewscreen a Vulcan female, attractive but with features not as soft as T'Pol's, appeared.
"This is the UES Excalibur and I am Captain Charles Tucker III. I ask permission to orbit Vulcan and shuttle down Ambassador Skon, SubCommander T'Pol, and myself," stated Trip.
"Permission is granted, Excalibur," she said then the viewscreen became a view of Vulcan.
With higher gravity and thinner atmosphere, Vulcan climate was harsh for Humans. Most of its surface consisted of large deserts and mountain ranges with a scattered small seas and the heat from two suns made it too hot for most Humans. According to Skon the tourists attractions were active volcanoes, ancient ruins, and lava fields, which made Trip miss the ocean. Their religious sites, though, such as the Temple of Amonak, Temple of T'Panit, and the T'Karath Sanctuary, were considered off limits to off worlders unless invited or you requested a visit and were granted one. Trip wondered what he'd do on Vulcan when he was stuck down there.
Trip looked over at Hoshi and smiled: "Let Ambassador Skon and SubCommander T'Pol know that we will be headed down to Vulcan in fifteen minutes."
"Yes, sir," she said.
Trip then turned and looked at Commander Flynn.
"XO, you have the conn," he said.
"Sir, I could quote the regulations number and all the rest, but let me remind you as commander of this ship, you should have security when leaving the ship," stated Flynn.
"Okay, one. One security person," sighed Trip. "You pick."
"Thank you, sir," smiled Flynn.
Today Trip was supposed only to meet T'Pau, Kuvak, Solkar, V'Lar, T'Pang, Tolar, and Tuvik, the High Council. Once he was introduced to the council by Ambassador Skon, he would be asked a few questions then given an itinerary by the High Council. Trip would be allowed to return to his ship, make arrangements and return to the planet to stay with visits to his ship. Skon told him that he'd arrange permission for shore leave for those on the Excalibur. T'Pol would meet Trip upon his return to the planet in order take him to her home and meet her mother. Trip wasn't sure which made him more nervous meeting the High Council or T'Pol's mother.
Trip took a slow walk to Shuttlebay One, where the Shuttle Prague waited for him, Skon, and T'Pol. When he arrived at Shuttlebay One a red jacketed security personnel was waiting for him. Trip took one look at him and knew he was well trained. Since the Enterprise when Hayes insisted on it, Trip had been training hand to hand combat with the marines learning Semper Fu. Gunnery Sergeant Cahill had become his tutor on the Excalibur. Yet, one look at Arkady and Trip realized he'd never be able to last long in the ring with him.
"Captain, I am Security Specialist Nicholas Arkady," he said standing at attention.
He smiled. Arkady wasn't wearing a sidearm, which he appreciated since Vulcan wouldn't allow one on the planet.
"At ease, Mr. Arkady," said Trip.
Arkady stood ease. Skon and T'Pol entered the Shuttlebay. As always he was amazed at how light Vulcans packed. Trip nodded to greet them.
"I am told that the work of Surak is dominating Vulcan society. The new tradition is to wear the IDIC symbol on your robes, as well as espouse pacifism under most circumstances, except self defense and invasion," Skon told Trip.
"Do you have any idea what High Councilor T'Pau expects from me?" asked Trip.
"She expects to form her opinion of Humanity through you," stated Skon.
"Okay, no pressure on me," sighed Trip.
Skon looked Trip's security. Trip knew what he was thinking.
"It's regulations that when a command officer leaves the ship that he has security with him," said Trip.
"I shall explain this when we reach Vulcan," said Skon. "Let us go."
T'Pol touched Trip's fingers with two of her fingers in what she described to him as ozh'esta, the finger kiss. He could feel a hint of nervousness through their touch coming from and he had no doubt that she felt his extreme nervousness from meeting the High Council to meeting her mother. They got on the shuttle. It was time to visit Vulcan.
STSTST
Skon and Trip stood in front of the High Council, which was seated behind a long black marble table. To get to the the former Vulcan High Command Building and now Vulcan Administrative Building, he had to take a short walk from transport to door. Trip couldn't believe how hot Vulcan was. He nearly melted. Now in the Council Chamber, he was amazed how it was cool yet there was no air conditioning. He assumed it was because of the building material they used which appeared to be marble, rock, and synth materials. Each member stared at Trip, which didn't help his nervousness. Seated in the middle of the table was T'Pau. She was unmistakable because of her youth. She looked like she was in her twenties, if she was Human. He had no idea how old she was because Vulcans had longer lives than Humans. To her right was Solkar and to her left V'Lar.
"High Council, I am here to introduce Captain Charles Tucker III, the commander of the Excalibur. Captain Tucker has been authorized to be a liaison while Excalibur orbits Vulcan," stated Skon.
"Is it true that you are an engineer and helped designed the Excalibur and worked on its upgrades?" asked Kuvak. The questions began.
"Yes, Councilor, that's true. I was also one of the leading engineers on Starfleet's Warp Three Project," stated Trip.
"If you are such a talented engineer then why become a commander of a ship?" asked V'Lar.
"I served as both Chief Engineer and XO of a Border Cutter starship patrolling against Orion Pirates and Nausicaan Brigands," said Trip. "Starfleet chose me as the XO of the first NX starship, the Enterprise. As a Starfleet Officer, I serve where I am told to serve."
"Did you agree with their decision to make you the Executive Officer of the Enterprise?" asked Solkar.
"I understood their decision. By having me as the XO, it was like having two Chief Engineers on-board. Chief Macfadden and I were able to troubleshoot most problems and suggest upgrades for refits and for the NX being built," he explained.
"Do you prefer commanding a warship rather than be an engineer?" asked T'Pang.
"Warship? Are you implying that the Excalibur was built to attack and make war?" asked Trip.
He could feel his temper creeping up his spine. Considering Vulcan had ships that could fire weapons and had defensive shields, he thought it presumptuous to call Excalibur a warship. It was a starship with a good kick.
"Yes," said T'Pang.
"Then I guess the Ni'Var is a warship, as is the Suurok, Sh'Raan, and the Ti'Mur since they have similar capabilities as the Excalibur," stated Trip.
T'Pang raised her left eyebrow in irritation. T'Pau observed and listened without a single facial change. Trip felt like he was a bug under a microscope. He did not like this.
"How would you describe the Excalibur?" asked Tuvik.
"It is a starship used to protect and defend. The Excalibur has never attacked another starship, but it has come to the defense of ships under attack and protected other ships," replied Trip.
"You encountered Romulan starships, Captain Tucker, is that not right?" asked Solkar.
"I have," answered Trip.
"What have you learned from this?" asked Solkar.
"That some of their Birds of Prey have cloaking ability making them a formidable enemy. Also, they would rather destroy their ships and themselves than be taken in battle and they don't take prisoners. They captured a ECS cargo ship, killed the crew, and used the ship as an ambush to lure the Excalibur to be captured by four Birds of Prey. They did not succeed," said Trip.
"Why do you think they want to capture your starship?" asked V'Lar.
"I believe that they want to study the NX Class starship because they have had difficulty with them when facing them," said Trip.
"Why is the NX Class of interest to the Romulans?" asked T'Pang.
"Maybe they are interested in our shields, though I doubt it. Their shields appear to be almost as good as ours, though not as good. It could be that they are interested in the speed of the NX, which is greater than their ships. The Excalibur has reached WARP 6.2 and I know we are capable of better with fine tuning and adjustments. Maybe they want to study our Mach II torpedoes which give them a problem, or the NX phase cannons, which are far stronger than plasma cannons, or maybe they are interested in our ablative armor which protects our hulls better than a polarized hull," stated Trip.
"Fascinating," said Solkar.
"Captain Tucker, you will be provided with a PADD with an itinerary including meetings and social functions over the week. You may be here longer than a week or two. It appears arrangements have been made for you to stay SubCommander T'Pol and Legate T'Les' home," stated T'Pau. "I shall meet with you tomorrow."
"Yes, High Councilor," said Trip.
He and Skon exited the Council Chamber.
"Welcome to Vulcan, Captain," said Skon.
"I don't think everybody in that room likes me," said Trip.
"You are observant," replied Skon.
They entered a turbolift and headed down to the lobby. Trip tried to practice developing his mental shields as T'Pol had been teaching him. The turbolift stopped and they got out.
"Captain Tucker, I shall leave you here. Your security man is waiting by the door. I believe I shall tomorrow," said Skon.
"Thank you, Skon," said Trip.
Skon strolled away. Trip looked over at Mr. Arkady. Once outside he'd contact Excalibur have them send a shuttle down for them then he'd get things in order and return to Shikahr where T'Pol would take him home to meet her mother. Yeah, he really needed to practice his mental shields.
STSTST
The shuttle dropped him off at the shuttle port where Trip got out carrying a garment bag and wearing his dress blue uniform, which was lighter than his usual uniform. T'Pol raised an eyebrow when she saw him walking towards her.
"Charles, you are wearing your dress blue uniform," she stated.
"It's not against regs. I'm acting as a liaison when I'm on Vulcan and the material its made from is lighter than my daily duty uniform," he told her. "Vulcan heat and I don't really get along, darlin'."
"Darling. Really? I recommend that you not call me darling in public," said T'Pol.
"No one is around us," he replied.
"Vulcans have excellent hearing," she said. "I have borrowed my mother's transport. Follow me."
T'Pol's family home was on the outskirts of the city. As T'Pol landed the transport, they got out and Trip retrieved his garment bag.
"It is Vulcan tradition that a guest in one's home prepares breakfast. I shall supply you with a recipe and the items to make breakfasts," she told Trip.
"Oh, good, I have to make a good impression and cook," said Trip.
They walked up to the door and T'Pol opened. They entered. Standing there in a simple Vulcan robe was T'Les. Her hair was darker than T'Pol's and he noticed that she was attractive. But she was also all Vulcan, which meant an expressionless countenance.
"Mother, this is Captain Charles Tucker III," said T'Pol.
"Welcome, Captain Tucker," said T'Les. "T'Pol has told me a great deal about you."
"Thank you for letting me stay here, ma'am," said Trip.
"Please, call me T'Les," she corrected him.
"Yes, T'Les. You can call me Charles," said Trip.
T'Les looked at Trip then at T'Pol and raised her right eyebrow. T'Pol noticed this and knew her mother, who was highly sensitive and as a Syrrannite well practiced in touch telepathy, sensed something between her and Charles.
"Show Charles to the guest room," said T'Les.
T'Pol nodded her head then showed Trip to a guest room on the first floor. When they entered T'Pol walked over to him, pulled him close and kissed him. He returned the kiss then stepped back.
"Shouldn't we be careful?" he asked.
"I believe my mother already knows about us. She is highly sensitive," said T'Pol.
"Well, I guess I should find a hotel," said Trip.
"Charles, you are my telsu, my adun. You will stay here with me," said T'Pol.
"Okay, but your mother is T'Pau's legate so I have the feeling that T'Pau is going to find out about us," said Trip.
"I shall speak to my mother," said T'Pol. "There is a sonic shower in the bathroom..."
"No water?" asked Trip.
"We cannot afford to waste what little water we have on showers," said T'Pol. "Shower, change into light clothes, and I shall speak to my mother."
"Sure, I'll do that," he said.
T'Pol left him alone in the room. Trip sat down on the bed. He sighed heavily then said to himself: "Looks like I got mother-in-law troubles already."