AN: (Updated 08-30-13 - minor changes and spelling/grammar corrections)
Will not be particular fast paced, still in the "background, meet the cast" phase of the story but I think it progressed okay...however, you won't find any sweeping thematic battles here... that said please enjoy the next segment...
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, T'Les' home
T'Pol gazed solemnly at the flickering flame in front of her as she worked to settle and organize her thoughts. She had been meditating for over four hours. She sighed heavily as she leaned over and blew out the candle in dismay. She rose from her perch on the pillows and went to join her mother in the kitchen.
"Daughter, you do not look rested," commented T'Les as T'Pol came into sight.
"My meditation session was less than optimal. Has Minister Soval made contact?" asked T'Pol as she pulled out a cup and filled it with spiced tea she located in the cold storage unit. Her mother's food synthesizer was broken again and the technician was not due to arrive till tomorrow.
T'Les washed and scrubbed a variety of native fruits and vegetables for the afternoon meal as she answered, "Not yet. He is due to communicate with the High Council in four standard hours. I did, however, stop by the Vulcan Medical Institute and spoke with healer T'Pan on the subject of human male anatomy and interspecies relations."
T'Pol took a deep breath before she stated, "That was unnecessary Mother."
"On the contrary, T'Pol, she provided me with a few source guides for you to look over before the human arrives," replied T'Les as she pulled open a nearby drawer and pulled out three books.
As she handed them to T'Pol, her daughter asked, "Have you reviewed the material?"
"I have," responded T'Les as she returned to her duties. "It will interest you to know that human anatomy and our own males are very similar in outward appearances. That should make interspecies relations more acceptable. However...," she paused.
T'Pol looked up from the books and demanded, "Continue."
T'Les nodded decisively, "The human male's lok comes in a wide variety of colors. They range from albino white to a deep dark brown... almost black in some cases versus Vulcan's more pleasant mint hue. I admit I found it most disturbing to view."
T'Pol ducted her head so as not to show the slight green tinge that overtook her cheeks at her mother's frank discourse. She opened the top manual before quickly closing it once her eyes caught on the male and female human in a rather unseemly position.
T'Les continued, "That one is a book imported from Earth... it is called the Kama Sutra and depicts human's in various intimate acts. I was quite surprised that such a thing existed. I could never image any Vulcan exhibiting such a complete lack of decorum in allowing themselves to be photographed while engaging in such private matters. Even for medical documentation. However, for our purposes, I was lucky to find the manual. Healer T'Pan assured me it was quite accurate. Of course, I did not ask her what her level of certainty in the matter was. It would have been unseemly."
T'Pol nodded, "Yes, Mother. Your due diligence in this matter is... appreciated." She placed the offending manual on the bottom of the stack.
"Appreciation is an unnecessary emotion, Daughter," rebuked T'Les as she began filling plates with the fragrant fruits and vegetables she had picked that morning from the garden. She nodded towards the next book. "That one details a human medical practice called massage therapy. I found it quite similar to our own neuro-pressure."
T'Les brought the plates to the table. T'Pol followed behind with two glasses and a pitcher of the spiced tea. The ladies sat down to eat.
T'Pol picked up her fork and pushed the food around as she asked, "Neuro-pressure should assist in forging a bond?"
"Of course. Didn't you and Koss engage in neuro-pressure during your first year together?" asked T'Les.
T'Pol shook her head as she sat her fork down and announced, "I am not hungry. I believe I will meditate some more." She rose from the table.
T'Les ordered, "Sit. We do not waste food in this house. You can meditate after you have eaten."
T'Pol sank back down, "Yes, Mother." She picked up the utensil and speared a pod off her plate.
"The third volume is a basic health manual on the care of a human. As the human will be your adun, you have an obligation to meet his needs as you would have a Vulcan," continued T'Les.
T'Pol's fingers whitened as they tightened around the fork she was holding, it was her only visible sign of distress. "I am aware of my obligations. I was bound before."
"Apparently your education is lacking, otherwise you would know that neuro-pressure enhances a marriage bond. I blame myself for the oversight. I should have instructed you better before allowing the marriage with Koss. I mistakenly assumed since you shared the childhood bond that your nascent bond would immediately carry to a full mating bondwithout further intervention."
"We chose to wait till pon farr to initiate physical intercourse, so a full mating bond was never fully realized between us," explained T'Pol.
Her mother looked at her in disbelief, "Nu'ri-niraks."
"It was my adun's choice," replied T'Pol with cool dignity.
"I see. Soval is not due to check in for at least another three point six hours. He wanted to meet with the Admiralty this morning before communicating with the Council. T'Pau has agreed that you should be present so that you may direct any questions you have to him. When you have finished eating, you may meditate for an additional two point five hours, then we will head to the Council Chambers," said T'Les as she consumed her food.
T'Pol nodded as they finished their meal in silence as was traditional among Vulcan households.
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Admiral Black's Office
Captain Roy Dunsel of the USS Yorktown entered Starfleet Headquarters promptly at 0845am. He had an appointment with Admiral Black at 0900am and didn't want to be late. He'd already lost the opportunity to command the new NX class ship, NX-03 Challenger, and was curious to see what the Admiralty had requested this meeting for.
A short while later, Admiral Black looked across his desk to meet the eyes of Captain Dunsel as he declared, "We are reassigning you command of the Challenger."
Roy hid his surprise as he asked, "What about Captain Tucker?" He and Trip were long standing friends and while a little animosity had crept up when Trip received the coveted job, they had managed to talk things out over beers at the 602.
"Tucker's needed for another mission and will be unavailable for several weeks. Starfleet can't afford to have one of our top ship's sitting on the sidelines while waiting on Tucker to be ready to resume command," replied Black.
Roy held back a sigh as he thought 'temporary assignment then, damn'. Out loud he said, "I see. When can I expect to turn command back over to Tucker?"
Black stood up and walked around the desk as he answered, "You aren't. Tucker will be reassigned another ship after he has completed his assignment. You will retain command of the Challenger and your XO, Commander Ketai Shosetsu, will be bumped up to Captain and take over the Yorktown. I'm sure I don't have to remind you that the Challenger is a good, solid ship. Improved navigational deflectors, pulsed phased cannons, dorsal and ventral torpedo launchers... not to mention self destruct capability. I heard Tucker's work with Enterprise enabled the design yards to increase the efficiency of the polarized hull plating by a good twelve percent. Hernandez has been pleased with the changes."
"You don't have to sell me on the ship Admiral, I've been admiring her since before her launch. Although, I hope I never have to use the new self destruct feature," responded Roy enthusiastically.
Black replied, "Current plans are to refit all existing Starfleet vessels with similar technology as they come in for overhauls. The Enterprise has so many modifications, I'm not even sure the refit will work on them."
"Trip was always a top notch engineer. His modifications still have personnel scratching their heads at how he managed with baling wire and string most of the time. He didn't even have a decent space station available to make some of those upgrades. Did most of them on the fly. Mind if I ask just what his mission entails, Sir?" replied Roy.
"No, you may not. Top Secret at the highest level with a need to know classification," responded Black firmly.
Roy nodded, "Yes, Sir. I don't need to know. When do I take over?"
"Tucker's on his way back to Earth. ETA is three days from now. I want you to travel with Challenger to Vulcan. Drop Tucker and some additional guests off. You'll be taking command after Tucker is off ship. He'll retain full command till we get to Vulcan," answered the Admiral.
"We, Sir?" questioned the Captain.
"That's right, Captain, I will be traveling to Vulcan as well. Admiral Gardner will be taking over my duties here while I'm away."
Holding back his curiosity, Roy replied as he stood and held out his hand, "Yes, Sir. If there is nothing more, I'd like to get back to the Yorktown and inform my senior officers of the change in command."
Black shook his hand even as he shook his head, "Negative Captain. You cannot inform your senior staff till after I've had a chance to brief Tucker. You aren't to mention this conversation to anyone."
Roy asked, "Not even Shosetsu?"
"That's correct. After I've met with Tucker, I'll beam up to the Yorktown. We'll have a ceremony for your XO, then beam over to the Challenger afterward," replied the Admiral.
NX-03 Challenger, en route to Earth, Senior Staff Conference Room
"I know you are all wondering why I've changed course back to Earth. The truth is... I have no idea," announced Tucker to his senior staff. He looked around the room at each of their faces trying to gage their response to his statement.
As a whole, the group looked tense as they exchanged concerned glances.
Lieutenant Salvatore Rubin questioned, "Was there an attack, Sir?" He'd had good friends that were caught in the Xindi's attack and it was still fresh on his mind even after all this time.
Trip replied, "Not that I'm aware of. And I don't think the Admiral would have kept something like that quiet. When the Xindi attacked, Enterprise knew about it right away. Sure, we didn't get any details till we got home but we at least knew that they had bombed Earth."
"Will, how long till we arrive?" asked Commander Edward Winchester, the Challenger's First Officer.
Chief Helmsman, Ensign Wilbur Kaye replied, "At our current speed, we should be orbiting Starfleet Headquarters within the next three days."
Trip looked over to the Chief Engineer and asked, "Mike, any problems maintaining Warp 5 all the way home?"
Chief Engineer Michael Rostov shook his head, "No, Sir. The engines are purring."
"Excellent. If I haven't said it recently, I will now... engineering has been doing a great job on staying on top of any hiccups we've experienced since leaving space dock. I want you to commend your crew for their dedication and hard work," replied the Captain.
Mike beamed, "Thank you, Sir. I learned from the best."
Trip rolled his eyes, "Laying it on a bit thick there Mike. You've already got the job."
The group laughed which helped to dispel some of the lingering tension over their mysterious orders.
"Hendricks, I want you to keep an ear out. You hear any chatter, I want to know about it," ordered the Captain.
Ensign Roger Hendricks, Communications Officer, nodded, "Yes, Captain."
Trip acknowledged, "Thank you Ensign." He then turned to the Chief Medical Officer and asked, "Do you think we need to prepare for incoming?"
Dr. Eliza Dehner responded, "Couldn't hurt to run a few drills on our way to Earth. That way we'll be ready just in case." She turned to the Military Assault Command Leader and Acting Chief of Security, "Major, I'd like to use a squadron of your commandos in the exercises."
"Sure Doc. I'll have Corporal Peruzzi work up a rotating schedule of MACOs to be available to you at all times over the next three days," answered Major Julia McKenzie. She never liked the name Julia so introduced herself as Fiona when meeting new people.
"Fiona, please send an electronic copy of the schedule to Commander Winchester once you have it available," requested the Captain.
McKenzie nodded in response as she replied, "Yes, Captain."
"Granger, I want you to keep a constant scan of our surroundings," ordered Trip.
Lieutenant Commander Estelle Granger, Science Officer agreed, "Yes, Sir." She was a competent but serious woman. She, like the Captain, had lost family in the Xindi's initial attack on Earth.
"Good. Is there any old business we need to discuss?" asked Tucker as he looked around the table into the determined faces of his crew. He was grateful for all their hard work and tried not to let a minute pass without acknowledging their dedication in some manner.
Vulcan Compound, Sausalito, California
Skov, Soval's personal aide, advised the minister that he had Vulcan on the subspace communicators.
Soval inclined his head in acknowledgement of Skov's whispered words. He looked at the room's inhabitants and announced, "I am afraid I am needed elsewhere. Please continue discussions." He stood and followed Skov out of the room.
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, High Council Chambers
Soval held up his left hand in greeting, " Live long and prosper, Councilwoman T'Pau."
T'Pau returned the traditional Vulcan greeting, " Peace and long life. You honor us with your dedicated service Minister Soval. What news do you bring the Council?
Pleasantries dispensed with, Soval reported, "The Admiralty has agreed to our request that T'Pol be assigned the duties of First Officer on the coalition ship pending its completion."
"Excellent," responded T'Pau as she waved T'Pol over.
T'Pol stepped in front of the video feed and formally said, "Greetings honored one."
Soval acknowledge her respect with a nod, "I expect you would like to know who you have been betrothed too?"
T'Pol replied, "Yes." She kept her hands firmly clasped together in front of her to avoid any hint of nervousness from showing.
"It is someone you have met when he served aboard the Enterprise," started Soval. T'Pol paled as she silently pleaded to herself 'please not Archer, he barely tolerated my presence for a handful of days'. Ignorant of her inner musings, the minister continued, "His name is Charles Tucker the Third. He is currently the Captain of the NX-03 Challenger."
T'Pol swallowed hard, "As I recall, Mr. Tucker was a very emotional and illogical human."
Soval agreed, "Yes, he is the most illogical and emotional human I have ever met. However, I believe you will find that he has matured since you've last seen him and he has demonstrated a sense of justice and fair play when dealing with other cultures... including Vulcan. Perhaps time spent with you will temper some of his more reckless impulses."
T'Pau interjected, "Was Captain Tucker not the human that adverted the war between Vulcan and Andoria?"
Soval nodded, "Yes, Minister T'Pau. I myself was witness to his intervention. V'Las' treachery was barely thwarted before war could break out between our planets. Captain Tucker placed his ship directly between the Vulcan and Andorian fleets in hopes of forcing both sides to reconsider their positions."
T'Pol responded dryly, "A reckless maneuver."
T'Les disagreed, "A calculated risk... that succeeded." She arched her eyebrow at T'Pol in silent condemnation.
Ignoring her mother, T'Pol asked, "Minister, I find it difficult to believe that Captain Tucker would have agreed to this arrangement."
Soval replied, "You are right... he hasn't." He held up his hand for silence when it looked like T'Pau would interrupt. "Forgive any trespass T'Pau." She nodded her consent. "Captain Tucker is currently on the Challenger patrolling the alpha quadrant. The Admiralty has recalled him to Earth but did not want to explain the circumstances over subspace. He will not arrive for three more days. However, Admiral Black, has assured me of his co-operation."
"I see," responded T'Pol at the same time T'Pau said, "Good."
T'Les asked, "Will you still be returning to Vulcan immediately?"
Soval replied, "No. I will be making final preparations here to turn over all my former duties to Ambassador Tos, then will return to Vulcan aboard the Challenger with the Captain and Admiral Black."
T'Pol asked, "When do you expect to arrive?"
Soval answered, "We should be arriving in thirteen point two days assuming the Admiralty meets with the Captain as soon as he returns and that the Challenger's crew do not take any liberty leave. That should give you and T'Les plenty of time to make arrangements."
"It does," agreed T'Les.
"I will contact you again when we are en route to Vulcan," he held of up his hand in the ta'alas he stated, "Farewell."
Planet Risa, Alpha Quadrant
"Don't you think that's a bit conspicuous?" asked Captain Jonathan Archer as he looked at his long-time friend and occasional lover, Captain Erika Hernandez. She had booked the two of them into a single one bedroom bungalow.
Erika rolled her eyes, "We are one of the worst kept secrets in Starfleet. No one cares that we're going to be sharing a bedroom. Besides this is Risa."
Jon smiled as they both chorused, "What happens on Risa, stays on Risa." Erika laughed. It was good to see him smiling again. The Xindi campaign and loss of Trip had hit him really hard in the past year.
"Alright, I admit there is some truth to that but what about our crews?" questioned Jon as he carried their bags to the bedroom.
She shrugged, "I don't know about your crew but mine is so happy to be on shore leave after the upheaval from the Orions that they wouldn't care if we made out in the middle of a staff meeting right in front of them."
Jon winced, "That bad?"
"The women were in a terminal states of anger because of jack-hammers going on in the heads and the men were so whipped you would never know that some of them are MACOs," replied Erika as she came into his personal space and hugged him to her. "Besides, I've missed you."
Jon returned the hug as he replied, "Me too."
"Well, well, well look who we have here," crooned Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, Tactical Officer of the NX-01 Enterprise as he came up behind a long haired brunette in casual clothes.
Amanda spun around and squealed, "Mal!" She grabbed him in an exuberant hug. "It's great to see you."
He pulled back enough to ask, "Wanna get a drink? We can talk about old times or make up stories about Trip if you like."
Amanda nodded, "I'd love to. You can tell me all about the time you and Trip took shore leave at Risa, I've heard it is a fascinating tale." She linked her arm in his and dragged him towards the hotel's bar room.
"I wouldn't call it fascinating... more like embarrassing. How is the ol' boy? I haven't spoken to him in weeks," asked Malcolm. He knew that Trip and the MACO were quietly dating.
"He's good. The Challenger was recalled to Earth," replied Amanda.
Malcolm stopped and asked with concern, "Recalled? Why?"
Amanda shrugged, "He didn't say." She shook his arm, "Stop being a worrywart and buy a lady a drink."
Pushing his anxiety aside, Malcolm smiled as he quipped, "Find me a lady and I will."
Amanda groaned, "I don't know what Trip sees in you."
Malcolm replied with a charmed look, "Me either."
Gannett Brooks headed towards the local bar. Her contact said that she would find the Columbia's Chief Engineer well into his cups if she hurried. She had just about reached the door when she heard her name being called. 'Damn'.
Ensign Travis Mayweather, Chief Helmsman for the NX-01 Enterprise watched in disbelief as the woman hurried past him. "Gannett?"
She turned around, "Travis...Travis Mayweather as I live and breathe. What are you doing here?" She pasted on a smile as she hurried over to where he was standing.
"Me? What about you? Aren't you supposed to be covering a story about the Orpheus Mining Colony?" questioned Travis. She had sent him a subspace letter just a month prior complaining about the upcoming assignment.
"I was but my editor contacted me a couple of days ago about the Orions that were being transported on the Columbia and wanted me to interview a couple of her crewman for a human interest piece. After all, not too much is known about the Orion Syndicate and how it operates. Some thinks it is the Orion's official government branch and others think it is nothing more than an organized crime unit... into slavery, gambling, drugs, smuggling and the like," answered Gannett. "It would be really great if I could talk to some of the women that were brought here."
"The Orions have been involved as merchants as far back as I remember. The Horizon had an occasional dealing with them but they were closed mouthed even then," replied Travis. "Far as I know, the women aren't talked about much except for their exceptional beauty."
"Have you seen one yet?" she asked as they headed into the bar. Gannett eyes casually swept the room, making note of the occupants and the location of all exits before pointing to a nearby booth. She and her companion slid in and she signaled for service.
"Nah. But I heard that Captain Hernandez arranged for them to work at the hotel as dancers," he answered with a grin. "Man... it is just so good to see you."
"What'll it be?" asked the bored looking waitress. She was Risan.
"I'll have a mug of Ktarian beer," answered Travis as he looked over at Gannett.
She smiled and said, "Make mine a Vulcan bar-kas theris-masu." She looked over to Travis who was looking at her strangely, "I recently did a piece on Vulcan. The spiced tea is fantastic. Plus technically I'm on duty so no alcohol."
"I just didn't know you spoke Vulcan," he replied carefully. 'Why didn't he know she'd been to Vulcan recently? If I hadn't run into her outside, would she have told me about coming to Risa?'
"I picked up a word here and there for the story. So tell me everything you know about the Orion women. I heard they were sex slaves given to Hernandez for winning some kind of bet," she responded as she hooked up her recorder.
Anna Hess, Chief Engineer of the NX-01 Enterprise, spotted her quarry almost immediately upon entering the smoked filled bar. As she headed towards him, she noted Ensign Mayweather talking to an unfamiliar brunette in a booth to the right and Reed chatting amicably with the MACO that was sweet on her former boss off to the left. Rumor was Trip was still seeing her even after he took over captaincy of the Challenger. Anna never liked her and thought he could do better. The only thing they had in common was they were both born in Florida.
Anna slid into the barstool next to Kelby and quietly asked, "Heard you've gotten into a bit of a mess on the Columbia but do you really think you'll find answers in the bottom of that bottle?"
Kelby snorted in disgust, "Please, you're probably here to get confirmation before collecting on a bet. What is it this time, how long till Kelby fucks up royally?"
"Nah," she dismissed, "That would be a suckers bet. No one in engineering would ever go for it."
He slammed his glass on the bar. "Dammit, it wasn't my fault." Reed looked up from across the room and eyed the irate engineer with curiosity.
Malcolm asked, "What do you suppose is going on over there?"
Amanda looked over her shoulder and shrugged, "Who cares. Kelby's a jerk. Let Hess deal with him."
Malcolm agreed, "I suppose you're right." He'd just keep a close eye on the pair... no need to borrow trouble tonight.
Back at the bar, the bartender walked up to the couple and asked, "May I help you?" He directed his look to Anna.
"An Altairian Brandy in a clean glass," she answered before turning back to Derek. "No one is blaming you. If they did, you'd be in the brig right now. It's your own self pity and guilt that's biting you in the ass."
Kelby shook his head in misery, "I just wanted this to work out. Prove to Tucker I could do this."
"Trip isn't going to blame you for anything. You know he's fair-minded. From what I heard, those Orions put out a pretty powerful aphrodisiac. Besides shouldn't you be more worried about Hernandez then Trip," replied Anna as she took a sip of her drink.
"I only got the Columbia job because he recommended me," responded Derek.
"Wow... I didn't know that. Shouldn't surprise me though, he always looked out for us and Mike when he was on the Enterprise. Even after he took over fulltime as First Officer, he was encouraging our work," said Anna.
Derek answered, "Yeah, he always liked you and Rostov best... I always came in third place."
Anna shook her head, "No you didn't. He respected you just as much as me and Mike. He left you in charge several times while we were all on board the Enterprise and he sure as hell wouldn't have recommended you for Colombia if he thought less of you."
Kelby sighed as he flipped his glass over, "Thanks Anna. I needed that."
Anna asked, "Where are you staying tonight?"
Kelby replied, "I've got to get back to the Columbia. Engineering is a mess."
"You sure you're gonna be alright?" she questioned.
"Yeah, I've got to get it together before they cashier me right out of Starfleet. I'll stop at medical for a shot before getting back to work," he answered. "Besides, I hear a new batch of engineering hopefuls are graduating from Starfleet Academy in the next several months. I don't want to be one of the ones bumped to make room for the latest rising stars."
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, T'Les' home
T'Les declared, "I wish to discuss Koss." She didn't want her daughter to become agitated but something obviously didn't go right with their bonding.
T'Pol replied, "I do not."
"Daughter, you never indicated anything was amiss when you were together but now I am left to wonder," her mother continued as if T'Pol had not objected.
"Perhaps we should be making plans for the ceremony," replied T'Pol as she moved towards the meeting room and sat on a nearby couch.
"If Koss had survived the Embassy's bombing, would you have passed beyond casual touching by now?" T'Les persisted.
T'Pol sighed, "Probably not. His pon farr was not expected to occur for several more cycles."
T'Les sat beside her and took her hand, "Why?" She tried to get a feel from her daughter through the touch.
T'Pol carefully blanked out her feelings as she replied, "I was not what he wanted in an aduna. He...he was a sa-ka-ashausu."
T'Les eyes widened briefly in a show of shock before she asked in a controlled tone of voice, "Why did he not call off the ceremony? Why didn't you?"
"Koss' family was influential and threatened to cause you difficulties with being a Syrannite acolyte. He needed me for his pon farr and I needed to keep our family's name in good standing. The marriagesatisfied both purposes," replied T'Pol. "As it was, I had intended to be unavailable for his pon farr. I found his touch disturbing."
"T'Pol! While I certainly do not agree with Koss' actions, I do not see any honor in your own decision to deny him during pon farr."
"As he is dead, it is no longer relevant," she replied with a calm she wasn't feeling.
"Perhaps you are right and we should not discuss Koss further. Your krei, T'Pring, has requested to be allowed to participate in preparations and would be honored to make the marriage cake," said T'Les as she firmly changed the subject.
"I wouldn't worry too much about the marriage cake. It is highly doubtful that a bonding ceremony will even take place," replied T'Pol.
T'Les stood and glared, "Daughter, you will not disgrace this family by refusing a direct order from Vulcan's High Council."
T'Pol stood with a raised eyebrow, "I won't have to. It is highly unlikely that Starfleet will obtain Captain Tucker's agreement. He did not strike me as someone that could be ordered about if he didn't agree with those orders."
With her hands on her hips, T'Les declared obstinately, "We will proceed as if Starfleet has already obtained his approval. Soval did not see any issues."
T'Pol shrugged unconcerned, "As you wish Mother."
Her daughter could try anyone's patience, T'Les ordered, "You will meet tomorrow with a seamstress who will fit you for your wedding robes. While you are being fit, I will be traveling to the Vulcan Medical Institute to discuss the possibility of melding between a Vulcan female and a Human male."
T'Pol objected, "Mother! I have no intentions of melding with Mr. Tucker."
T'Les replied, "It is a part of a healthy marriage. Your father, Savon, and I melded often in our years together. And let's face it, my daughter, odds of a third marriageis highly improbable should you not get this one right."
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Admiral Black's Office
"Captain Tucker, thank you for getting here as quickly as you could," started Admiral Black as he shook hands and gestured for Tucker to take a seat across from his own.
Trip nodded, "Of course, Sir. You made it sound like an urgent matter. You'll be pleased to know that the Challenger handled beautifully under the sustained Warp 5."
"No problems. Good. Good. But that isn't why your here," replied Black. "Are you seeing anyone?"
Trip frantically thought, 'What? Do they know about Amanda?' He cleared his throat as he carefully replied, "No, Sir. I've been busy with the new ship. Haven't had time to see anyone recently." 'What is this about? Can't be frat-rules, we are on separate duty stations. Is it cause I recommended her promotion to sergeant based on her actions during the Xindi Conflict. Better play it cool till I know more.'
'Excellent' thought the Admiral. He drummed his fingers as he wondered how to broach the subject. The silence stretched.
Trip squirmed before blurting, "Sir, I don't think you brought me all the way back to Earth to discuss my love life. What's going on?"
Black replied, "No I didn't or not exactly. The thing is... I have a new assignment for you and it may be construed as a bit... controversial."
"I see," replied Trip as he thought 'No I don't. What the hell is going on?'
More silence.
Black finally sighed as he began, "As you are aware, the Vulcan's have agreed to impart certain technological advancements as part of the Coalition of Planets. An unprecedented action that EarthGov is fully behind."
Trip encouraged, "Yes, Sir."
"Well, what you don't know about is we've hit a slight snag. Something in the Vulcan's legal charter forbids them from giving technology to a non-Vulcan citizen," replied Black.
Trip let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, 'must be some kind of sensitive diplomatic mission. Wonder why they didn't get Jon for this?'
"The Vulcan's have agreed that they can release the technology if the first Captain of the upcoming Coalition ship is married to a natural Vulcan citizen," Black continued.
Trip's eyes widened as he began to see where the Admiral was going, "The Vulcan High Council and Starfleet have mutually agreed that you should be that first Captain. In fact, you will be working with the Coalition members to finish the designs as well as build the ship."
Trip's face reddened as he interjected, "Sir, you can't be serious! You want me to marry a Vulcan. I don't even know any Vulcan women."
Black sternly replied, "I cannot order you to take on this assignment. No one can. But the Coalition hinges on the pact with all the other planets. If you choose not to go through with the ceremony, your career with Starfleet will be over. The President was very clear that they want this at any cost."
'Blackmail!' Trip growled in defeat, "When am I supposedly getting married and can I guess that you've already got the bride ready to go?" His career was everything to him. He couldn't afford to be ostracized by Starfleet or his peers. Amanda was going to kill him.
Black let out a breath, 'good Tucker was going to play ball', "Your bride to be is waiting for you on Vulcan. The Challenger will be breaking orbit as soon as your passengers have arrived on board."
"Who?" asked Tucker.
Not sure which who Tucker was questioning the Admiral answered for both, "Soval, his aide, myself and Dunsel will be accompanying you to Vulcan. You bride to be is Sub-Commander T'Pol. I believe you've met her on Enterprise's maiden voyage."
Trip groaned, "T'Pol." He shook his head in dismay. If he remembered correctly, Sub-Commander T'Pol was not impressed with humans. Although she was at least moderately pretty... for a Vulcan.
"Don't look so upset Captain. I understand Vulcan's only require physical stimulation once every seven years. Hopefully by then, you'll be divorced. Or whatever it is Vulcan's do to end marriages."
Trip's gulped, "I thought they married for life, Sir."
"Oh. Well... we'll discuss it with Soval," replied the Admiral with a shake of his head.
"Sir, why is Captain Dunsel coming?" asked Trip.
"After we reach Vulcan, he'll be taking over as Captain of the Challenger," answered Black.
Feeling dejected, Trip tried one more time, "What about the mission to Krios Prime?"
"Dunsel will be representing Earth's part of the Coalition along with a full PR team that he'll be picking up at Jupiter Station. The First Monarch will just have to deal with it or not join the Coalition," replied Black.
"I thought Starfleet was hot to get a base on the edge of Klingon Space," responded the Captain. He did not want to discuss the First Monarch with Starfleet Command.
"It will set our plans back if we lose Krios Prime but we need the Vulcan's more right now. Our relations with the Vulcan's have been strained since they bailed on the Xindi Conflict."
Trip admitted, "It was just as well. They would have probably been more of a hindrance with their vulnerability to trellium-D. We wouldn't have been able to coat our hulls to protect the Enterprise against the spacial anomalies. It would have been the Seleya all over again."
Black acknowledged, "I saw the footage that Archer submitted with his report. Not a pretty picture at all."
Both men were lost in thought for a moment before Trip spoke up, "Will I be able to handpick my crew for the new ship or is that up to the Coalition also?"
"Captain if you mate, marry, bond or whatever the Vulcan's call it with T'Pol, then you have my word you can pick anyone you want for your crew regardless of their current duty station but you do have to adhere to the pact which stipulates that one third of the overall crew must be non-human," promised Black.
"Yes, Sir," he replied with resignation.
"I would like you to try to pick three or four non-humans for senior officer positions but I'll leave the final decisions up to you. However, it would make Earth look good. One final thing, T'Pol will be the First Officer. The Vulcan's insisted but the rest you can determine. The Coalition members are to submit at least ten names with full dossiers for your consideration."
"Great," he grunted. "How many planets have confirmed membership?"
"Ten with firm promises so far. If Dunsel succeeds with Krios Prime they would be the eleventh planet. Right now it is ourselves, Vulcan, the Andorian Empire, Rigel, Denobula, Xantha, Coridan, Xindi, Ktaris and Tellar. I am concerned that the Coridan's may be rethinking their position due to trades with the Orion Syndicate. Earth is willing to overlook their trades since we really need all the dilithium they can bring to the table but the Tellarites are not so accommodating. You'll have your hands full working with all of them simultaneously."
Suraya Bay, Risan Resort
"We didn't get to spend nearly enough time together when you were on Earth after the Xindi Conflict," whispered Erika in his ear.
"We had our duties to perform," Jon reminded her.
She blew in his ear and felt his shiver with a sense of satisfaction, "Duties aren't everything."
Jon grinned as he blew back, "Must be why you booked us only one room."
She pulled back and replied, "It's a start. I've missed the man you were... what happened to the inquisitive explorer that wanted to see everything and put his mark on the Universe?"
Jon pulled back and turned away before he bitterly replied, "What happened? Too much. First the Vulcan's stepped on his dreams too many times, then the Xindi blew apart his world and my best friend...my best friend left me."
Erika swung him around, "I'll buy the first two but Trip didn't leave you. He was promoted. Was he supposed to turn Starfleet Command down just so he could continue in your shadow? He worked hard to get where he is and you should support his accomplishments."
Jon groaned, "I know he did. And I'm damn proud of him. I just wish he was still on the Enterprise."
"Least the Vulcan's didn't blame you when Starfleet informed them that you destroyed the Seleya. They understood you made the right choice," continued Erika as she laid her head against his chest.
Jon sighed, "I know. It's just that I really prefer the Andorian's company to that of the Vulcan's. With Trip gone, I've got no one else on board to talk to. I've got to be 'The Captain' with everyone else. It gets to me after awhile."
"Good thing I'm here to make it all better," she replied as she snaked her arms around him and pulled his head down for a kiss.
Jon agreed with a smile, "Good thing."
NX-03 Challenger, in stationary orbit above Starfleet Command, Bridge
Trip stepped through the doors and eyed his crew. He turned to Commander Winchester who moved to stand from the command chair, "As you were Commander, I'll be in my ready room and I don't want to be disturbed for any reason. We'll have a staff meeting in one hour. No shore leave. We will be breaking orbit in less than two hours with guests."
"Yes, Sir. Can I ask who the guests are?" responded Winchester as he resumed his seat.
"A couple of Vulcans, Admiral Black, his aide and your new Captain," replied Trip as he exited the room.
The bridge crew exchanged looks of shock and dismay. New Captain! What was going on?
One hour later in the senior staff conference room, Trip entered to find his crew already waiting for him. He apologized, "Before we begin, I just wanted to apologize for my earlier unprofessional behavior."
Edward raised his hand, "Sir. Did you mean it? Do we have a new captain?"
Trip sat down as he replied, "I'm afraid so."
Mike asked, "But why? You just got appointed to this ship and excuse me for saying so but you haven't even had a chance to screw it up yet."
Trip smiled at his friend's blunt comment, "I can't go into any details yet but I've been given a new assignment. I can say it has to do with the Vulcans. My last duty as your captain will be to ferry Minister Soval and his aide to Vulcan. Once there, Captain Dunsel will assume command. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior on this cruise."
He looked around the downcast faces of his crew. "Ed, I want you to get guest quarters ready for the Vulcans, Dunsel and the Admiral's aide. I'll be turning my own quarters over to Admiral Black who will also be traveling with us on this trip. Have Chef add Plomeek Soup with Vulcan Spiced Tea to the menu tonight."
"Yes, Sir. I'll see to the preparations myself," replied Winchester. "Where will you be staying?"
"I'll take the couch in my office. I've already packed my things. Hendricks let me know when our guests request permission to beam up. I want to be in the transporter room to greet them. Until then, I'll be in my ready room finishing up my final report," ordered Trip. "Mike, I want you to man the transporter."
Rostov agreed, "Yes, Sir."
"Any questions?" asked Trip. Everyone shook their heads negatively.
After completing his report on the Challenger's shakedown cruise, Trip plopped down on the couch with a PADD in his hand. He thought about the way the day had been going. It certainly didn't end the way he would have expected. He hadn't thought of T'Pol since they ran into the Enterprise 2 in the Delphic Expanse. It was captained by a Vulcan-Human hybrid named Lorian. Phlox had identified his DNA as belonging to himself and Sub-Commander T'Pol. He'd only been able to determine T'Pol's DNA from an old sample he'd taken when they had been exposed to some kind of protocystian spore on Rigel.
He thought about the conversation he'd had with the elder T'Pol on board the other Enterprise...
Elder T'Pol looked up from her meditation pillows in surprise, "Hello Trip. I suppose you're looking for answers."
Trip stepped into the room and looked around, "Yes, Ma'am. I barely knew you when we set out on the Enterprise. I've tried to wrap my brain around us being together... having a kid... I just can't seem to do it. Our T'Pol, or this reality's version, didn't stay with the ship after the mission to Qo'noS."
Elder T'Pol replied, "I've never been able to wrap my mind around time travel or alternate realities even though clearly both are possible. We began seeing each other in the Expanse. When Enterprise was thrown back in time it was simply a natural progression of our relationship from lovers to husband and wife then finally to parents."
Trip responded, "There's so much I want to ask you. I don't know where to start."
Elder T'Pol said, "Just know, you were a good husband and father. I wish we had more time to get reacquainted." She handed him a PADD. "You must give this to your Science Officer. Hopefully they'll know what this means. Trip, I need you to promise me something."
"Sure," he replied.
She pulled out a second PADD. "If you ever have the occasion to run into me in your reality, I want you to give this to her. It is protected by a password that only she'll know. That way she'll believe it came from me."
Trip gazed down at the PADD in his hand. Guess he'd be delivering that message after all.
Vulcan Compound, Sausalito, California
"I do not foresee any difficulties with taking over your current appointments," said Ambassador Tos.
"That is acceptable," replied Minister Soval as he handed over the last dossier to his colleague.
"When do you leave?" asked the Ambassador.
"Admiral Black has asked me to accompany him to the Yorktown for final arrangements then we will be transporting from that vessel directly to the Challenger," answered Soval as he placed his hands within the sleeves of his robes.
"How much do you plan on telling Tucker?" asked Tos.
"I will spend the first couple of days of the voyage assessing Mr. Tucker. If what I know of him seems to be true, I will give him an abridged briefing. If not, then he will receive the same information as Starfleet. My dealings with him in the past indicated that he knew when discretion was tolerable," answered Soval.
"Have our scientist predicted how the upcoming changes will affect Vulcan as a whole," questioned the Ambassador.
"Uncertainty still exists within our strained relationship with Earth. We need to solidify their trust in us. The High Council is pushing the legal requirements for two reasons. Primarily the fear a coming war on two fronts... the Andorians and the Rihannsu. By pushing the Coalition, we turn the Andorians into our allies," responded Soval. "My bigger concern is that the Terrans do not know they face an upcoming battle with the Rihannsu. We must be prepared."
"I thought a drone ship was spotted and defeated by the Enterprise," commented Tos.
"It was. Captain Tucker and Lieutenant Reed, the Enterprise's tactical officer were able to board the drone ship and inspect its components before its destruction," replied Soval as the two men stepped out into the private corridor heading towards the meditation room.
"Why was Tucker on the Enterprise still? I had understood that he made captaincy right after the Enterprise's return from the Expanse."
"He had just been promoted a few weeks earlier and was training his replacement. The Challenger was still in its earlier phases of development. It is a shame, we have not been able to get a more permanent observer on the Starfleet vessels," said Soval. "Archer has been categorically opposed to the idea and we could not press the issue without agreeing to allow a Terran observer on our own more advanced ships."
"Then, how have we been keeping up with their activities?" questioned Tos as he lit meditation candles in the center of the alter.
"Section 31 has two operatives aboard the Enterprise. One is a sleeper. Fortunately for Vulcan, Harris believes we should be kept in the loop. I suspect Starfleet Intelligence knows a war is coming with Romulus," answered Soval as he adjusted his robes around his seated position.
"It was most fortunate that Starfleet agreed with our recommendations. I don't believe we would have been able to get the Vulcan people to support inclusion of a human into our society otherwise. Tucker's help with adverting the war with Andoria and the disbandment of the High Command has left him in a favorable light," said Tos as he moved to leave. "I will not disturb you further."
Just as Tos was about to exit, he turned back, "Minister, you said there were two reasons. What is the other one?"
Soval sighed, he had hoped to avoid this discussion, "With the sudden loss of the High Command, the Vulcan Medical Institute has issued a report to the Council that shows an alarming rate of diminishing returns in the birth rate of Vulcans. We are simply not reproducing in a manner that will keep our numbers up and they hope that mating with the Terran's may show an increase in those numbers."
Tos paled, "We are on the verge of extinction?"
"If we do not remedy the situation, yes. We have lost too many of our child bearing couples to wars and plak'tow. A war with Andoria or Rihannsu would be the death of our society," answered Soval. "I am sure I don't need to remind you that this information must never get out."
"Of course. Is it even possible to conceive with a human?" asked Tos quietly. He would need to meditate for hours on this disturbing news.
"There is a single report from the Enterprise that indicates they encountered a Vulcan-Human hybrid from an alternate reality and timeline. While the Vulcan Science Directorate has categorically denied the possibility of time travel and the existence of additional realities, I am not so sure. I have discretely requested a more detailed report from Section 31 through the Ministry of Security," answered Soval.
"Do they suspect?" questioned Tos.
"I do not believe so... they merely believe that we want to have all information pertaining to Vulcan within our possession," responded Soval. He hesitated before adding, "There is more."
"More?"
"When the Ministry invaded V'Las home, they discovered papers that indicated that not only was he aware of the situation but that he had been in contact with Admiral Valdore of the Romulan Star Empire. There was a plan in place to round up and imprison un-mated and widowed Vulcan females of childbearing ages in order to mate them with the Rihannsu," continued Soval.
"That is insidious. No Vulcan female would mate with those barbarians," declared Tos.
Soval's eyebrows lifted, "Agreed. I do not believe either V'Las or Valdore were concerned whether they received co-operation."
If Tos could have paled any further he would have, "I understand. It is most logical in keeping this information from our people and our allies. Better to let Starfleet and Tucker think the joining is for legal reasons."
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Admiral Gardner's Office
"Thank you Commander. I want those orders put into effect today. Send a copy to all Starfleet vessels within subspace communications range," ordered Admiral Gardner.
Williams reminded, "Sir, the Enterprise and Columbia are on Risa taking shore leave. Should we hold off sending the new frat-rules to them?"
Sam snorted, "No. Send em. Guess they can get started early."
TBC
VULCAN TERMINOLOGY USED (these definitions will not be repeated in future parts even if the word is used again... only new additions will be located at the bottom of the current chapter), all words appropriated from the Vulcan Language Dictionary (VLD):
Adun - Husband
Aduna - Wife
bar-kas theris-masu - spiced herbal tea
fullara - memory repression
krei - female cousin
lok - penis
nu'ri-niraks - young fools
plak'tow - blood fever
pon farr - time of mating
sa-ka-ashausu - homosexual male