NX-01 Enterprise
Jupiter Station
February 30, 2154
Admiral Forrest was onscreen, waiting, when Trip and T'Pol finally arrived. He had survived the destruction of Earth, being onboard the Columbia at the time. Many ranking officers had been conspicuously absent from Earth, as the arrival of the great weapon drew near.
The admiral wasted no time.
"I'm in a hurry, so I'll jump to the chase." He said. "T'Pol, if you're still interested in making it official, I'm prepared to offer you membership in Starfleet and a field promotion to commander."
"That would be appreciated." T'Pol said. "Of course I accept."
"Good." Forrest said. "Second thing. Tucker, I'm making you captain of the Enterprise."
"Hold on." Trip objected. "I thought the Vulcans…"
"Never mind them. We want a human in command. Nothing against T'Pol, but attitudes toward non-humans are not exactly positive these days."
"She's proven herself capable of command in the past."
"No argument there, but the decision has been made. Do I really need to ask if you accept?"
"No, sir."
"Very good." Forrest said. "Third thing, and I know it's saying some things out loud that no one wants to talk about, but Starfleet Intelligence is well aware of the relationship between you two. You haven't exactly been subtle about it."
"Sir," Said Trip. "I'm afraid you've got some bad intel. T'Pol and I have a strictly professional relationship. We're good friends, but that's it."
"Well then make sure it stays that way. Humans and non-humans engaging in romance aren't looked upon kindly by the public."
"You have nothing to worry about, sir."
"Very good."
"Sir," T'Pol said. "Commander Tucker and I routinely engage in Vulcan neuropressure. This requires time spent together after hours and is undoubtedly how rumors about us began."
"I've been made aware. So long as it remains platonic, I have no problem with it."
"Understood, sir."
"Well, that's all. Unless you two have something to add?"
"No, sir." Trip said. "We're clear here, admiral."
"Good. I'm told you'll be ready to leave spacedock in a matter of days. You'll join the system patrol when you do."
"We won't be leaving the system?" Trip asked, surprised.
"We can't afford the luxury of exploration anymore. If the reptilians win the Xindi civil war, and there's every indication that they will, they'll be back. In force. We need every ship available for system defense."
"I understand, sir."
"Good. Get back to work preparing the Enterprise for patrol."
"Will do, sir."
"Forrest out."
The screen cleared, leaving Trip and T'Pol in silence. Until T'Pol broke it.
"Yet another reason we cannot engage in a romantic relationship." She said.
"What they don't know won't hurt them."
A voice spoke behind them.
"Don't underestimate Starfleet Intelligence." It said.
Trip and T'Pol turned swiftly, finding Daniels standing near the door.
"Daniels." T'Pol said. "How did you get aboard this ship?"
"I have my ways." Daniels said. "But there's no time for that."
"Funny, coming from a time traveler." Trip said.
"Perhaps." Daniels said.
"Why are you here?" T'Pol asked.
"I've come to warn you. The Xindi are on the way. The reptilians have taken over, forcing the other species into subservience. There's a fleet en route as we speak."
"Already?" Trip said. "That can't be possible."
"They're highly motivated." Daniels said. "Dolim believes that destroying humanity will bring back the guardians and solidify his hegemony."
"What do you expect us to do about it?"' T'Pol asked.
"I expect you to leave." Daniels said. "Take as many ships as will follow you and leave the system. There's a habitable world in the Gamma Bootis system that will do nicely for a colony."
"Why are you helping us?" Trip demanded. "What do you get out of it?"
"Archer wasn't supposed to die. Nothing we try has been able to change his death. I'm here on my own, without the knowledge of my superiors. I'm just trying to save humanity's future."
"I suppose there's no coalition without humans."
"Oh, there is. Just without humanity. But there's nothing we can do about that now."
"How am I supposed to convince anyone to come with us?" Trip asked.
"Don't underestimate the gravitas that goes along with your name these days. You destroyed the spheres before they could threaten any other systems. People know your name and associate it with all the finest traditions of Starfleet. Not to mention, most ship captains aren't happy just waiting around for the Xindi to attack."
"Still, that's a tall order."
"I have every confidence you'll be up to the task." Daniels said. "Now, I have to go, before my presence here is detected."
"Wait. That's all you can give us? No hints at the future?"
"Just get out of the system before it's too late. If you manage it, you'll be saving humanity."
"I guess that's all we can ask."
"Indeed." Daniels said. "Now goodbye. And here's to your success."
Without a further word, Daniel disappeared in a flash of white light.
