Herald of Light: This chapter actually is chapters 9 and 10 in my personal files.But since together they are about as long as some of the other chapters in this story, I made the decision to combine them and just rework things.
Also, I have a question for everyone. What is everyone's opinion on language and ratings? I mean, Where do I draw the line and up the rating? If anyone has some advice, I would really appriciate it, because I am finding it hard to tone down Admiral Forest's rant next chapter.
"THE DEFENSE CODE TO DEACTIVATE THE VERTERON ARRAY, WHAT IS IT?" Captain Archer stared into the void as his hypnotized mind tried to find the answer. "I've never been told that."
"Remember…." She lowered her face to within inches of his in order to strengthen her power. Something was keeping the code from her. Was the Vulcan still alive? The poison her operative should've injected her with by now should have neutralized her.
That's too many variables. She thought to herself.
"Is T'Pol still alive?" She whispered these words into his ear, being so close to him as to have the peak of her power on him. She could smell the blood running through him, and it made her thirst for his blood. But she had already feasted on the young ensign that manned the science station. She had to preserve as much of humanity so her species could live.
It had been forever since she had made a fresh kill. She'd savored the woman's blood as it flowed down her throat. It hadn't cured her thirst, she cold have drained all 80 humans aboard Enterprise, but she would have a buffet soon enough.
When Earth was conquered.
"How much longer?" T'Pol asked the figure standing beside her as she anxiously tapped her foot.
"Hold your horses, Sub-Commander. We need to let them think that they have control of the entire ship. We'll stay here in the Armory for another five minutes. That should be enough. Then we'll take back the ship."
"If my fiancée is in the least way harmed….." T'Pol gave Trip a look that could kill.
"Hey, I won't get between you and that vampress, wipe her butt all over the ship if you want." He stared her in the eye. "But stay the hell away from my warp drive!"
T'Pol couldn't help but laugh. The feeling was indeed new to her, but she actually was enjoying being able to show some emotions.
The one emotion that Trip knew she was experiencing but that she wouldn't confirm was fear.
Back on Earth
The situation had all but gone sour on Earth. The peace that the last fifty years had enjoyed was now gone as the nations began fighting each other. Since most weapons were banned to everyone except StarFleet and to farmers, this made Albert Einstein's quote on World War IV would be like:
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
World War III had been fought with nuclear weapons and primitive antimatter weapons. And since the treaty that united the world banned all weapons except for defense the nations were literally fulfilling Einstein's theory.
"How many will die this time?" Admiral Forest shook his head as watched his view screen's news feed. Riots had broken out between different ethnic groups in cities all over the world as accusations flew as to who abducted all the world leaders.
The world, now fractured, left Admiral Forest in charge of StarFleet, and the off world operations of the colonies and ships. Thankfully, these were completely disconnected from the government of Earth, and while the general feeling of the citizens was tense, rioting hadn't even been thought of.
"Fifty-four hours………" Forest mused to himself as he thought about Enterprise, Archer, and how all this started to happen soon after the explosion on board. "There couldn't be a relation….?" He lifted his head and was about to dismiss it, but at the last second, he remembered that Archer always made at least some form of contact every 12 hours.
He hadn't since the last time he talked to him. "Get me Columbia." He said into his intercom.
"Okay, NOW!"
Trip dashed down the corridor firing his phase pistols at anything that moved. This was the seventh corridor they had gone down, and he had stunned at least a third of the crew's compliment, along with a few others. Thankfully all the crewman would have after this would be a bad sunburn, as for the others, well, they weren't so lucky. Piles of dust littered Decks E and D.
"This is taking too long. We need to get to the bridge." T'Pol said when she came up the now cleared corridor.
"That's easier said than done. There is a turbolift up ahead, but" he slipped back the polished knife into his boot. "there are at least ten people waiting for it, none of them particularly friendly. What's worse…" He popped open the pistols and dumped the batteries. "I'm out of juice."
"What would you humans do without us Vulcans?" T'Pol pulled a battery from her pocket and handed it to him.
"I'd do better if you had another one." Trip's head was pushed away and he heard a zipper.
"If you must…." Another batter was placed in his hand.
"Um…thanks. I think we will need to talk to the captain later about what you hide under that uniform. It's downright scary."
"How little you know…" T'Pol said and moved into position. "Let's go!"
……………………………..
Back on the Bridge
"Madam, it seems that some of the crew are out of your control."
"WHAT!" The vampress flung the poor vampire warrior across the bridge, slamming him through the turbolift's door. "Where are they?"
"I don't know for sure, but we have lost contact with the lower decks."
"Fine. It seems I can't use this one anymore." She waved her hand to Archer, who lay on the deck. "Rig the charges we brought, blow up this ship!"
"But…" he motioned to the now unconscious crew, yearning for sustenance.
"There will be time for that later, now RIG THOSE CHARGES BEFORE I GET ANGRY!"
….Lunar City…That same time
"Admiral Forest, what brings you here?" The governor of the Lunar Colony rose out of his seat to shake his superior's hand.
"The bad news on Earth brings me here. Look I have a favor to ask, can I borrow a subspace radio for a few minutes?"
"Of course, you're the one that gave us the things."
"Good…." Forest looked down at his uniform. The next thing he was going to ask about was the hardest thing he had ever done in his career, and could change human history if it became permanent.
….Back on board Enterprise…
"Captain, wake up." T'Pol slapped Jon across the face.
"OW!" Archer shot up. "What the hell was that for?"
"Well, kissing you didn't work, so I had to use another stimulant." T'Pol grinned.
"….You just smiled."
"Something wrong with that?"
"No, just…just it's so pretty."
"I hate to interrupt you two, but we have a problem." The now revived Lt. Reed looked up from his console. "There are five explosive devices throughout the ship. One on each deck. In fact…the first one is on the back of your chair Captain."
T'Pol swung the center seat around. "I'm not familiar with this, any chance we could use the transporter?"
"I suppose so. I'll go down and have a look."
"After we get that done, take us out of here, with all possible haste Mr. Mayweather."
"Yes, sir. Where to?"
"Home. We have to warn home of the dark clouds coming."
"Why couldn't we just use the subspace radio to do that?
"At this distance, it would be two days before a message would get to them. Besides—"
"Long-range communications are beyond hope of repair. Same thing on board the other two ships."
"Okay let's go people!" Archer clapped his hands together to emphasize the fact. "T'Pol, go have Phlox examine you. I'd hate to have you fall apart on us because of something that we can catch now." T'Pol nodded and moved to the turbolift. She understood what he meant. She was surprised herself at smiling. The hormones must be really going through a loop."
……..
"Attention all of Earth and her colonies.
Due to the recent events on Earth concerning the declarations of hostilities due to the disappearances of world leaders, and the falling apart of peaceful relations, I am calling all Starfleet personnel and their families to the Moon or the closest colony.
Until such time that peace is restored on Earth, Starfleet will not recognize orders from any Earth government. Also, unless peace is restored soon, I will order Starfleet ships to stop and search any and all incoming vessels, and those vessels which are carrying weapons or materials to make weapons will be detained and not allowed to transport their cargo. If this still does not work, further measure including a full blockade will be on the table…."
As Admiral Forest continued his speech, he knew that what he was doing was comparible to mutiny or a coup de'tat, but he needed to do it in order to provide security to at least a majority of mankind. That was his sworn duty.
And he would uphold his duty. No matter what the cost.
Herald: Sorry I haven't updated lately. I have been very busy with classes, and haven't had much time to write. I haven't forgotten about this story, but I hope to get it done soon. I will post another chapter soon to even things out a little. Though I would like someone to go over it and make sure it's okay for this rating. Just to be safe, thanks :)