Chapter Seven
With sweat damp hair, Trip stepped onto the Bridge to see Soval and Forest already there and Flynn sitting in his command chair. For a moment he felt intimidated then he reminded himself that this was his ship. He helped design and build it. It was his starship.
"Flynn, sitrep," he barked.
"We heard from the Vulcan D'Kyr-Class Starship the Klomak. According to its distress call it is under attack by five Nausicaan raiders," said Flynn.
"Did you set course to intercept?"
"Yes, sir," said Flynn, who stood up and let Tucker sit down. "We are travelling there at warp 6.5. ETA ten minutes."
"Helm, increase to warp 7.2," said Trip.
He then turned his chair towards Tactical Station. Irina Petrov waited for his command.
"Lieutenant Commander Petrov, heat cannons, load torpedoes, and ready railgun," said Trip.
"Aye, aye, sir," she replied then she got her team working.
Trip swung back and turned to the view screen. Lieutenant Wentworth looked at his console. He checked distance and destination.
"Sir, destination in forty seconds," said Wentworth.
"Tac, Shields up once we are out of warp," ordered Trip.
T'Pol entered the Bridge. She was dressed in her blue catsuit and she came to stand beside Soval, who whispered to her in Vulcan. Forest ignored them and focused on Tucker and his crew. He often wondered if he was right to give the command of Starfleet's most powerful ship to an inexperienced captain. Now he got his chance to observe that captain.
The ship came out of warp. Two of the Nausicaan ships were disabled, while the Klomak fought off the last three.
"Scan the Klomak. What shape are they in?" Trip said.
"Shields are down to ten percent. Nacelle is damaged," said Holt.
"Nate, put us between the Klomak and the Nausicaans. Tac, volley or torpedoes followed by cannon fire," he ordered.
The Valley Forge slipped between the Nausicaans and the Klomak then it fired off a full grouping of torpedoes followed by a non-stop barrage of cannon fire. The three remaining Nausicaan raiders were overwhelmed. They took off as best as they could.
"Stand down," ordered Trip then he turned towards Comm Station. "Sango, contact the Klomak and offer them our help."
He then turned and looked at Flynn.
"Sitrep?"
"No damage done. No causalities," said Flynn, "not even a scratch on the paint."
Trip grinned.
"XO, if the Klomak needs anything, you're in charge," Trip said then he stood up. "Now I never got to shower after my workout so I'm going to my quarters for a shower and change of uniform."
Trip started to walk away when he was stopped by Admiral Forest.
"Well done. The Valley Forge has a good captain with a great deal of potential," said Forest.
"Thank you, sir."
"My thanks to you for saving the Klomak," said Soval to him.
"Just doing my duty, sir," said Trip. "Now I stick, so I better get showered and changed."
"I will walk with you, Captain," said T'Pol.
They exited the Bridge together and started walking down the corridor towards the nearest turbolift. Trip noticed that T'Pol walked with her hands behind her back making sure her hands didn't brush up against anyone. He'd heard rumors that Vulcans were touch telepaths, which would explain why she wouldn't want touch anyone.
The thought of making conversation with her came to mind, but he remembered standing naked in front of her and her staring at him. He was embarrassed, so it was best to allow silence between them. They entered the turbolift. Trip pressed deck two and T'Pol deck fifteen.
The turbolift dropped quickly two decks then the doors opened. Trip turned, nodded, and then he stepped out of the turbolift. T'Pol cleared her throat and Trip turned back to look at her.
"I hope to see you again, Captain," she said with a straight face.
The doors closed and she was gone, leaving Trip bemused.
"What in the hell does she mean by that?" he said to himself.
STSTST
Captain Archer never liked waiting. Maybe that was why he hated the Vulcans so much because they made him wait for years to show how good his father's engine was. Now he was waiting in a sweater and a pair of well-worn jeans outside a restaurant in Chinatown section of San Francisco for Erica. As usual she was running ten to fifteen minutes late, which drove him crazy. When she was in first officer more, she was never late, but as date she liked to keep him waiting. He guessed it was her way of showing who had the real control.
"Take a flyer," said an attractive college age young woman.
She was with three other similar age people, another female and two young men. Archer took a flyer then he read it: Terra Prime. Earth for Human not for aliens. A new era is here. Interspecies unity is lie. No more alien lies, no more alien attacks, and no more alien interference. Join Terra Prime.
Archer shook his head then he looked up at the young woman who gave him the flyer.
"Where do I join?" he said with a smile.
She smiled at him brightly, as if he had said the magic word.
"Do you have a PCD?" she asked.
He took his personal comm device out, leaving his Starfleet comm in his pocket. She took the PCD from him and wrote down an address and number then she gave it back to him.
"Save the planet," she smiled.
She and her friends started walking away. Archer looked at the information. He forwarded it to the Starfleet Intelligence in the morning. Earth didn't need to become isolationist; it needed to reach out and expand its relationship with alien races. They needed to work together against threats not be a threat to each other.
"Hey, Jon," Erica's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
He looked up and over at his date for the night.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," he sighed. "Nothing at all. Let's get some good food and a few drinks and relax. No talk of business tonight."
"Are you really Jonathan Archer or are you some evil clone?" she asked him.
Archer laughed then he said with an evil grin, "You'll find out late back at my place."
"I look forward to that," she said.
STSTST
Besides extensive damage to its weapons and two hull breaches, the Klomak warp engine had been damaged. Since it couldn't travel above warp 4, the Valley Forge offered to act as an escort to Vulcan. Soval's presence on the Valley Forge convinced Captain Sorel to accept the offer.
Trip had made the offer out of common courtesy and was surprised when the Vulcans accepted it. He was now added more time to his trip to Betazed, well as being stuck with Admiral Forest, Commander Williams, and Soval for a few days longer than need be.
"Miss Grax, may I enquire about Betazoid culture?" asked Soval over dinner.
At the table were Admiral Forest, Commander Williams, Commander Flynn, Miss Grax, Soval, T'Pol, and Trip. He had found that his dinners in his Captain's Mess had grown too crowded for his taste, but he had no say in the matter. Trip was playing with his lasagna, as he listened to the exchange.
"Betazed is a matriarchal society, though that has become less so recently. We have a complex noble hereditary. For example I am a daughter from the Fourth House, Supporter of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and second in line to the Holy Rings of Betazed," she explained.
"You have a position of importance in your society, then?" asked Soval.
"Yes. I fulfill my importance by acting as the lead diplomat. That was why I was captured by the Orions. They hijacked my diplomatic vessel," she said.
"That's funny because Orions usually don't attack official vessels. It can turn into too much if hassle for them," said Flynn.
"Unless they have been paid to attack that vessel and take the ambassador into slavery," added T'Pol.
"I'd hate to think would do that," said Grax.
"Whoever is an enemy with your planet would be the most likely candidate," said Trip.
"Why do you say that, Captain?" Grax asked in almost a purring voice.
This caused T'Pol cocked an eyebrow in annoyance. She didn't understand why her overt flirtation with Captain Tucker annoyed her, other than it was unseemly.
"Why were you reaching out as a diplomat?" he asked in return.
"We feel intimidated lately by the Cardassian Union. They have made overtures that the governing council feels threat our freedom. Betazoid has a minimum fleet, mainly used for protection," she answered.
"There's your answer. This Cardassian Union doesn't want you making allies and strengthening your position. I guess they have ambitions against your planet," said Trip.
"I believe you are right, Captain Tucker," again she said in almost a purr.
"We would be glad to talk to you about a friendship," said Forest.
"We would be glad to discuss a relationship, also," said Soval.
"Gentlemen you are too kind for the offer. As the lead diplomat of my country, I'd be glad to open discussions with you," she said.
"Excellent, I shall consider Ambassador Grax then," smiled Forest. "Tells us more about your people, Ambassador."
"We only recently developed warp drive. My trip to Risa was at warp 3, and took us six weeks. Our maximum warp is 4," she said.
"The Orion attacked you at Risa?" asked Forest.
"They attacked us two days from Risa. I was truly looking forward to visiting there. I heard it is a beautiful planet," she said.
"Please, tell us more about your culture," Soval spoke up.
"Because most citizen are sensitive with telepathy of some sorts, most being empaths, we dislike lying," she said. "It is too easy to detect."
"A diplomat that doesn't lie – now that sounds alien," chuckled Flynn.
He received two Vulcan eyebrows of disdain, which made Trip have to suppress a laugh.
"Another facet of our society that stems from our telepathy is that Betazoids are very sexually open. Our empathic skills make sex, especially with a highly emotional partner, sublime, if not addictive," she smiled then she looked at Trip, who started to blush.
T'Pol thought this an outrage. She watched the reaction of the captain. He ran his right hand through his dirty blonde hair then he took a sip of his red wine. Captain Tucker was uncomfortable with the attention. This spoke highly of the captain, T'Pol thought.
"That's interesting," Trip said showing his discomfort.
"I am a sensitive empath, unlike my sister and brother, who can read thoughts more than emotions. I cannot describe to you, Captain, the sublime fusion of the empath with an emotional being during sexual congress. Two worlds are brought together and made one," she said the smiled at Trip.
"Well, um, you said that your ships don't do more than warp 4. Do you know how fast the Cardassian Union starships go?" asked Trip changing the subject.
"Looking for information on our enemy," smiled Grax. "I can see that you are ever the protector."
Again T'Pol raised her left eyebrow. This ambassador needed lessons in diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.
"Cardassian ships maximum warp is 5," she said. "But they are heavy shielded and armed."
"I believe, Ambassador Grax, that we may be able to help you in some way," said Forest.
"Admiral, you are too kind," smiled Grax.
T'Pol continued to observe this Betazed ambassador. She would definitely have to keep an eye on her for the duration of the trip.
STSTST
"We know that one of the most warrior-like and aggressive cultures in the Beta Quadrant is the Klingon Empire," said Forest to Trip.
Forest was in his best Admiral, Chief of Fleet Operations form. He had spent countless hours with Ambassador Grax and had come to an understanding with her. Now he needed Trip to understand his role. Admiral Forest sat behind Trip's desk in the Ready Room, while Trip sat in a chair in front of the desk and Commander Williams sat on the sofa.
"We also have heard rumors of another even more aggressive, warrior race called the Romulan Star Empire in the Beta Quadrant. They are supposed have more ships and be more ruthless. The Enterprise came across a cloaked mine that belonged to them that almost punched a big hole in the hull. As you know our system, Sol, is on the line between the Alpha and Beta Quadrant, which we believe makes us a target for such aggressive races," explained the admiral.
"Where did you get your intel on this Romulan Star Empire?" asked Trip.
"It is above your pay grade, Captain," said Forest.
Section 31 was above all pay grades except a few. Trip stiffened at that answer, but kept his mouth shut.
"We are going to need to know about this Cardassian Union," said Forest. "I have already agreed to send an ambassador to Betazed, Captain Tucker. Once I reach the Earth Compound on Vulcan tomorrow, a small diplomatic fleet will be sent to Betazed. It will consist of the Endeavour and four Daedalus-Class starships. You will stay orbited at Betazed until relieved by that fleet. While there you will act as our diplomatic representative, Tucker. Do you understand what is expected of you?"
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
"If we can make an ally and sign a treaty placing a starbase near Betazed, it will be a boon for us," said Forest. "It will have imprecations on trade and Starfleet. Hell, I know for a fact that the Earth Cargo Service has asked the UE for upgrades to their warp engines so that they can travel farther distances faster. I know the president is thinking of financing them to upgrades for shields, cannons, and warp 5 engines if the ECS agrees to some Starfleet oversight."
"The officers and crew of the Valley Forge will do its best, sir, to make sure that a positive impression of Starfleet is given," said Trip.
"And find out everything you can about those damned Cardassian," said Forest.
"Now that we have this agreement with Ambassador Grax, do we still need the Vulcan star charts?"
"Yes," said Forest with a smile. "She has no idea where Betazed is on a star map. She's a diplomat, Tucker, not an explorer."
"Yes, sir."
Forest stood up then he looked at Williams.
"It's time to pack. Now I have to spend time on Vulcan trying to convince them to treat us like an equal," said Forest.
"If that's the case, Admiral," said Trip, "why don't you let us beam you down tomorrow? The Valley Forge has enough power to avoid transporter problems. We invented it, so let's show them how well it works."
Forest looked apprehensive. He was there for a transporter accident that transporter up an ensign and turned him inside out. The image haunted his dreams to this day.
"Trust me, sir. The transporter of the Valley Forge works perfectly," said Trip.
"Okay, we'll beam down," said Forest.
Trip smiled then he looked at Commander Williams.
"We can always send Commander Williams down first to test it, anyways," he said.
Forest looked at him then at the expression of horror on Williams' face and laughed. Charles Tucker was growing into his position as captain and commander.
STSTST
It was good to have his Ready Room back. Now he was able to get work done and get away from Ambassador Grax. Since she seemed to also show an interest in Major Burke, he assigned him to keep an eye on her during the voyage to Betazed. They were halfway to Betazed and he had the Science Department working overtime in astro-cartography. It was time that Starfleet's star charts rivaled Vulcan's star charts.
His door was buzzed.
"Entered," he called.
T'Pol entered his Ready Room. Because they were in uncharted space, Trip had been spending a great deal of time on the Bridge and in his Ready Room. He was absent most days from his Captain's Mess, although he allowed the guests of his ship to eat in his Mess along with Flynn and Hess. When he did have free time he was spending it in Engineering working on warp 7.5 for his engine. Now she SubCommander T'Pol standing in front of him, he realized there was another reason he had been avoiding her and that he was highly attracted to her and he didn't want to embarrass himself.
"SubCommander, how may I help you?" he asked.
"I was hoping that you'd give me permission to work with Ensign Tucker in assisting her with the re-calibration of your sensors," T'Pol said.
"Did my sister ask you for your help?" Trip asked.
"Yes, she did," said T'Pol. "I find her company acceptable and agreed to assist her if I received your permission."
He put down the PADD he was working on and sat back. It was time to test SubCommander T'Pol.
"Should I trust a member of Vulcan Intelligence with my sensors?" he asked her.
A flutter of an eyebrow was the only sign that she was surprised by his question. Trip had to admit that he enjoyed T'Pol's company more than Ambassador Grax.
"I am V'Shar, but that doesn't mean I am working against you and your starship," she said. "Your sensors are inferior to Vulcan sensors and some recalibration would improve it."
"Should I trust, T'Pol?" he asked bluntly.
T'Pol cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. Again, Captain Tucker had surprised her. He sat staring at her waiting for an answer. His blue eyes were trained on her brown eyes. For a moment T'Pol found all she wanted to do was stare into his blue eyes.
"Captain Tucker, you may trust me," she said.
Once again she was struck by the fact that his scent didn't offend her. She found herself wanted to sniff him, which was disconcerting.
"Okay, then I trust you and you can assist my sister with the recalibration," he said then he stood up and offered her his right hand to shake. "It is a Human custom to shake hands on an agreement."
Reluctantly, T'Pol shook his hand. The moment their hands touched it felt as if synapse sparked. She felt his attraction and from the expression on his face she knew that he could feel the something from her. Trip slowly let go of T'Pol's hand. He felt as if his brain was humming and for some reason he had the impression that T'Pol was attracted to him.
For a few moments they just stood their staring at each other. Finally, Trip spoke.
"That was different," he said.
"I am sorry, Captain. Vulcans are touch telepaths. I usually don't have such a strong reaction to a sentient being's touch unless I open myself to it," said T'Pol.
"Well, that was different," he smiled.
"Yes, it was," she said. "I shall go find your sister now."
"Okay, you do that," he said then found himself watching the curve of backside as she exited his Ready Room. "Tucker, stop playing with fire because you have been burned enough."