.Chapter Fourteen
Soval sat with T'Les beside him as Fleet Admiral Wentworth, Admiral Duval, and Rear Admiral Seko across from them at the conference table in Wentworth's office. The Vulcan's supplied verification that the disruptor fire from the drone came from a Romulan weapon. They also put forth the subject of the marriage of Captain Charles Anthony Tucker III and SubCommander T'Pol. It was T'Pau's wish that a treaty be signed between EU and Vulcan. Since what was now called the Kir'Shara Revolution, it had been discovered that Vulcan had been manipulated by the Romulan Star Empire. Slowly, they were weeding out the deep cover Romulan Agents, but, unfortunately, it had devastated Vulcan Fleet. Of its 280 vessels, only 120 were now still duty ready. The rest were standing down, while the V'Shar checked the crew for Romulans infiltration.
The disruptor technology belonging to the Romulans didn't surprise Starfleet since their intel told them that they were an aggressive race looking to conquer, but one of their captains being married to a female Vulcan shocked the hell out of them, except Fleet Admiral Wentworth.
"Provisional First Minister T'Pau believes an alliance between us would be beneficial for both Earth and Vulcan," said Soval. "The subject of Captain Tucker and T'Pol is important to this alliance. Vulcan law allows married couples to serve together. There are biological and social reasons for this, which I cannot explain to outworlders. If we are to forge a closer alliance respect for our traditions and laws must be respected."
"Captain Tucker is not a Vulcan citizen," said Duval.
"By mating with my daughter, he has become a Vulcan citizen," said T'Les. "He now a citizens of Earth and Vulcan."
"Then we can't have a Vulcan citizen as captain of a Starfleet starship," said Rear Admiral Seko. "He must be relieved of duty."
"You would relief him because he has dual citizenship?" asked Soval.
"Yes," she said.
"What if he stands by his Starfleet oath and SubCommander T'Pol was to be seconded Starfleet and serve under Captain Tucker as a Starfleet officer," suggested Soval.
"My first instinct is to relieve Captain Tucker of duty and replace him with a captain who can keep his…," Duval paused knowing saying something rude in front of the Vulcans would be counterproductive. "I believe Tucker's career is no longer an issue."
"Are you saying that because Captain Tucker mated with my daughter his career is over?" asked T'Les.
"He broke regulations."
"You are a racist," said T'Les. "We Vulcans cannot speak with outworlders about our mating rituals. They are private and far too personal to share with those who would judge them without understanding. I will say this about Captain Tucker when he was represented with my daughter's situation and found out her life was in danger driven by that very Human characteristic compassion saving her life," said T'Les.
"Captain Tucker, I believe, deserves better than what you are presenting here for him," said Soval. He interrupted T'Les in order to change the subject before she gave away too much information about Vulcan mating.
"Admiral Duval, Rear Admiral Seko, please leave. I finish this negotiation by myself," said Wentworth.
"Sir," said Duval.
"Go, Admiral, before you find yourself in charge of a Starbase instead of Starfleet Operations," said Wentworth.
"Yes, sir," he said.
Seko and Duval stood and left the room. Soval and T'Les waited as Wentworth composed himself.
"T'Pol had entered Pon Farr, correct?" he asked.
"How do you about Pon Farr?" asked Soval with a raised eyebrow.
"There is no need to worry, Soval. I have no intention of sharing information on Pon Farr. You can trust me on this," said Wentworth.
"Admiral, where did you get information on Pon Farr?" asked Soval.
For a moment, he thought of telling Soval about the uber-secret Section 31. Other races had their intelligence agency, some were brutal and some were sly, but none of them seemed to live up to Section 31. Humanity appeared to have a gift for intelligence gathering. Of course, Wentworth was sure of the methods Section 31 used, and he didn't want to know. The rumors were enough for him.
"I can't tell you where I got the information, but I can assure you that the information wasn't shared with many people," said Wentworth.
"I find this highly disturbing and intrusive," said Soval.
"My intention is not anger you, but to make this situation easier, Soval. I believe I have a solution for our current impasse," said Wentworth.
"I am listening, Admiral."
STSTST
In his service dress uniform, Trip stood at attention in front of Duval's desk, while the Admiral sat behind his desk looking livid. Wentworth and the Vulcans had come to an agreement and Duval didn't like it.
"You must have born with a rabbit's foot in your hand," growled Duval. "If it was up to me, I'd be asking for your resignation but I'm not. No, you get to stay in Starfleet and serve at the discretion of the Commander and Chief. Do you understand me?"
Wentworth wanted him to stay in Starfleet. This surprised Trip. He was glad he was standing instead of sitting. If he was seated it would be this was to last a long time. Standing meant this meeting would take a shorter time.
"Yes, sir," Trip said.
"Fleet Admiral Wentworth has come to an agreement with the Vulcans. I guess you are a married man, Captain, and according to Vulcan tradition and law, your wife will be serving with you as your chief science officer aboard the Valley Forge," barked Duval.
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
"You are also going to become the Starfleet poster boy for telling Terra Prime to bugger off," said Duval then he smiled. "Those bastards are going to hate you and you are going to drive them crazy. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
He was tired of saying yes sir but he knew better to open his mouth at the moment.
"A presser is being scheduled for tomorrow. Your wife, or mate, won't be there due to Vulcan privacy issues, but you will be. And you will charm those journalists with your good old Southern charm, do you understand, Tucker?" asked Duval.
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
"I really want to take that ship away from you, but Wentworth wants you as its captain. You know have a Vulcan on your crew. As we build a coalition he wants you to add coalition races to your ship. You see, Tucker, you are going to lead the way in integrating a ship. I think Wentworth likes you, I don't understand why, but he does," said Duval.
"Sir, may I speak?"
"No, you may not. I don't want to hear your side of the story, your opinion, or your voice," said Duval. "Now get the hell out of my office."
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
He put toe to heal, turned, and then marched out of the admiral's office. Once out of the office he saw one of Duval's adjutants waiting for him, he stared the Lieutenant Commander down.
"The Admiral wanted you have a debriefing session with Rear Admiral Seko about the drone," he said.
"I forwarded my report and spoke to Rear Admiral Stein about the drone. I shared our sensor scans with him and my opinion of the technology. Tell Seko to talk to Stein because I've had enough shit eating for one afternoon," growled Trip.
He stormed out of the office. It was time to find T'Pol.
STSTST
Rear Admiral Seko finished the debriefing with Captain Archer, who had made plans to meet with Trip by the fountain. She was expecting to see Tucker next. Archer exited the debriefing room, took the escalator down to the first floor then exited the building. It was a beautiful day, sunny with a chill in the air. He started walking towards the fountain where he was supposed to meet with Trip by the fountain.
As he neared the fountain, he saw a Vulcan female standing by the fountain. By Human standards she was beautiful. He wasn't sure if Vulcan had standards of physical beauty. She was dressed in a red catsuit uniform, which showed her perfect body. Since his recent friendship with T'Les he had become more open to Vulcans. Then again it didn't hurt to have had Surak and Syrann katras in his head for what seemed a short eternity.
Archer's attention was drawn away from the Vulcan female and towards Trip. He had his head down and looked as if he had just taken a dressing down from an admiral. Archer was about to call him, when he saw the female Vulcan walk towards Trip. When they got close enough she offered him two fingers from her right hand and he accepted with two fingers from his. The memory of Surak in his mind called it a finger embrace, an ozh'esta. Archer was in shock.
Trip finally noticed Archer and motioned him over. Archer slowly walked over to the couple. Yes, couple because only couples used the finger embrace.
"Trip," Archer said.
"Hey, Jon, um, this is T'Pol, my adun'a," he smiled.
"Adun'a?" asked Archer.
"I am his mate," she said.
Archer grinned. He knew Trip always had a gift with women, but a Vulcan female was now his mate. There was story here to be told and he wanted to hear it.
"Um, congratulations," he said then offered Trip his hand.
They shook hands. To judge by Trip's smile, he was a happy man.
"I said I wanted to buy you a drink, but that seems inadequate now. How about a special dinner for you and T'Pol at my house in Half Moon Bay for tomorrow? I know Erica would love to be there. How about it?" asked Archer.
Trip could feel T'Pol's uneasiness through their bond. He offered her the index and middle fingers from his right hand. She responded in kind and immediately felt calmer.
"I have to give a press conference tomorrow, so I'll be in the mood for some good company after that. What time do you want us?" he asked.
"18:30," he said.
"Do you mind if I invite Lizzy, or should I say Ensign Elizabeth Tucker?" he asked.
"Lizzy joined Starfleet?" said Archer in shock.
"Right after the Xindi attack. She wanted to prevent what happened to my mother and father to some other family," he said. "She's a science officer on the Valley Forge."
"A satisfactory science officer," T'Pol spoke up.
"It seems I have a party to prepare for," said Archer. "T'Pol, as a Vulcan I know you are vegetarian."
"Yes, Captain," she said.
"Okay, I'll you tomorrow. You remember the old place, don't you, Trip?" Archer said.
"Spent more than a few late nights there," he smiled.
STSTST
Trip was introduced by the Press Liaison to the auditorium full of over two hundred journalists. He gave a short speech stating that he was married to a Vulcan. T'Pol, who stood in an observation room with Rear Admiral Seko, Vice Admiral Thomas Al Fuad, the Chief of Public Relations, Soval, and T'Les, could the nervousness and annoyance he felt through the bond. He finished his speech and an onslaught of questions followed. For a moment he was overwhelmed, but he then regained his equilibrium and pushed on.
"He's a natural," said Al Fuad.
"Charles is furious and in the verge of losing control," said T'Pol.
"Really?" said Seko, "he looks calm."
"He is using breathing exercises I have taught him," she said.
"Amazing," said Al Fuad.
"I am sorry," said T'Les in Vulcan. "You're Pon Farr came early."
"I am satisfied with my mate, mother. He suits me in many ways and we have a strong bond that is growing stronger," replied T'Pol.
"Isn't he too emotional?"
"Didn't you always say that I was too emotional? He needs to learn greater control, but he offers me something I believe no Vulcan would have," said T'Pol.
"What is that?" asked T'Les.
"Love," was her short unexpected answer.
"Love is not our way," said T'Les.
"You had it with father," said T'Pol.
STSTST
"So you are a married man," said AG with a beer in his right hand. "I show the press conference. The old Trip would have had a meltdown and told them all off for some of their ice queen questions. You just lectured them on open mindedness. What happened to the old Trip?"
"They forced me to captain a ship instead of play with engines and build ships," smiled Trip.
"Well," AG started to say then slapped him on the upper arm with his free hand, "I like all the Trips. Congratulations on your marriage."
"Thanks, AG," said Trip.
Through the glass sliding doors, there was T'Pol with Hoshi and his sister. They're talking. T'Pol was stoic, calm, and suppressing emotions underneath that she'll need to deal with later. He has learned a great deal about Vulcans in a short time and he wants to learn more.
Archer came up and placed a hand on Trip's shoulder then said, "They aren't making it easy for you, are they?"
"Not really, Jon. I'm not sure where we can even live at the moment. Right now we are staying on Starfleet grounds in those temporary apartments. I'm surprise there aren't any Terra Prime protestors here tonight," said Trip.
"Listen there are burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Erica is making them. She also has some grilled vegetables and rice for your adun'a," smiled Archer. "Eat and enjoin."
"Thanks for the party," said Trip.
"We never got to serve with each other like I promised, but we are still friends, Trip," said Archer.
Archer's communicator beeped. He looked annoyed for a moment at the thought of being disturbed, but then Trip's communicator beeped, and Erica's and AG's.
"I think we have a situation on our hands," said Archer.
He answered his communicator.
STSTST
Three ECS Cargo ships morphed into Romulan drones and fired on Jupiter Station. Ships in area immediately went into action against the ships. The Enterprise, Columbia, and Valley Forge were called into action. Trip beamed up to the Valley Forge. There was a skeleton crew onboard, but he wasn't waiting for anymore of his crew. He had Hess in Engineering and Wentworth at the Helm and Petrov at Tactical with her team. As they entered the Bridge, Trip motioned T'Pol to the XO Station.
"You're acting XO for now, Commander," he said.
"Yes, Captain."
He sat down and looked at Comm Station.
"Ensign DeJesus, let Starfleet Control now we are leaving orbit with skeleton crew to engage the enemy," he said.
"Aye, aye, sir," said DeJesus.
"Nat, get us to those drone ships," said Trip.
"Aye, sir."
"Irina, shields up, weapons hot. Hold torpedoes in reserve. We don't have our Torpedo Rooms fully manned. Cannons and railgun," said Trip.
"Aye, aye, sir," said Petrov.
"Captain, the Patton, Tiananmen, Dauntless, and Kremlin are occupying one drone. The Enterprise and Atlantis are veering towards the same drone," said T'Pol.
"Nat, there's a drone with our name on it."
"Yes, sir."
The Valley Forge engaged one of the drones. Volley after volley of cannon fired drove the drone of its course towards Earth. The drone returned those volleys with disruptor fire, which pounded the shields.
"Captain, shields are down to 54 percent," said T'Pol.
"Petrov, prepare to fire railgun. Once you fire it I want you to follow it with a volley of torpedoes," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Petrov.
The Valley Forge shuddered when the railgun was fired. It hit its mark damaging the drone. The torpedoes finished off the drone turning it into a large debris field.
"T'Pol, who needs our assistance?" he asked.
"The Enterprise and Columbia are in more dire need," she said. "The Columbia's port nacelle is leaking plasma."
"Nat, take us in," he ordered.
The Valley Forge moved into to help the Enterprise and limping Columbia with the drone. Archer sat on the edge of his command chair.
"Hoshi, tell the Valley Forge to hot them on the starboard side and we'll take the port," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," she said.
The Valley Forge let loose with a volley of torpedoes on the starboard side. The drone took serious damaged, while the Enterprise hit on the port.
"Captain, according to the readings I'm seeing the drone has overloaded its warp reactor. It is going to explode," said T'Pol.
"DeJesus, give me Enterprise on audio only," he ordered.
"Yes, sir."
"Archer, here."
"Jon, you reading what I'm reading that the drone is about to pop?"
"Yeah, Trip. We are moving away at max impulse, but AG can't move that fast," said Archer.
"My shields are over fifty percent and I'm in a bigger ship. We'll shield the Columbia," said Trip.
"Good luck, Trip," he said with disappointment in his voice.
"Nat, shield the Columbia," Trip ordered. He hit the comm button for Engineering. "Hess, prepare for a rough ride. The drone is about to pop."
"Yes, sir," she said.
Next, Trip fingered the comm button for shipwide. He addressed the crew, "This is the Captain. Buckle up and prepare for a rough ride."
"XO, give me an aft view so I can see the drone," he said.
"Yes, Captain."
Trip stared at the screen. Any moment the drone was going to explode from a warp core overload. He hoped the shields held up. Hell, he hoped the ship survived.
STSTST
Trip woke up in the Infirmary with Dr. Day standing over him and T'Pol standing behind him. His head ached and he felt soreness on his left side.
"I'm in the Infirmary again," he said.
"Concussion and two broken ribs. You'll be back to full strength in a few days. I just have to mend your ribs," Day said.
"Is Flynn on board?" he asked.
"Yes, Captain," said T'Pol.
She sounded annoyed and he knew she was blocking their bond.
"How's the Columbia?"
"We shielded them from the blast," said T'Pol.
"We take much damage?" he asked.
"Lieutenant Commander Hess along with damage control teams are handling it," said T'Pol. "She told me to tell you that the ship is in good hands."
She lifted an eyebrow with the last sentence.
"Hey, Doc, can you leave us for a moment?" he asked.
"Sure," smiled Day. "I have other minor injuries to treat."
Day left them. T'Pol stood there staring at him. Trip ran his right hand over his face in frustration then he asked.
"What did I do wrong?"
"Your concussion has given me a headache," she said.
"Is that all?" he asked.
She didn't say a word. Trip knew she was hiding something.
"T'Pol, tell me everything. I am your adun."
She looked down for a moment then spoke, "You are far more fragile than a Vulcan male. I was worried for a moment that you were hurt more seriously than you were."
"You're upset because I got hurt," he smiled. "Darlin', I'm not leaving you that easily. Anyway, I'm tougher than you think."
He offered her the index and middle fingers from his right hand. She reciprocated the gesture completing the finger embrace.
"I love you, darlin'," he said.
"Please try to avoid injury in the future," she said.