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Star Trek Enterprise
Here We Stand
Chapter 23:
Over The Hills And Far Away.
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(A Brief note, I do not own Star Trek or its associated products. Also please forgive any grammar and spelling errors I am Dyslexic and even with a spell checker it is difficult for me to see them.)
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With the unintentional and somewhat unconventional live-fire "testing" finished Captain Archer took the ship back to its berth as instructed by Fleet Command.
"Docking Complete Captain." Said Travis as he turned his chair to face his CO.
"Excellent work Ensign as always." He smiled, "Now, I believe that we're going to be busy for the next few days so once the inquisition is over" he smiled wryly, "I'd like to invite you all for a drink."
The bridge crew smiled; it had been fun getting back onto a ship again. The posting on Earth had been boring, though he had enjoyed spending time with Erika and the kids. Still, he needed to be in space again—it was an itch he couldn't scratch. But he was torn. A family was what he had always wanted, but not yet. He had told himself that when he was older, perhaps when he was an Admiral or retired, he would have all the time in the world for them.
As soon as that thought crossed his mind, he realized how foolish it was and quickly admonished himself. His father had been the same way—distant when he was away working on the Warp 5 engine. During those times, it felt as if he was an orphan. Then, when his father returned, he'd bring a gift, like a model, as an apology and promise to make time for him. They would build it together, and play for a while, and before he knew it, his father was gone again. He vowed not to make that same mistake. As much as he loved his father, he was not blind to his faults, and he was determined to be better.
Archer pulled himself from his musings and turned his chair to face his Tactical Officer, Malcolm Reed. The Englishman was very pleased with the ship's performance. Even though it wasn't the Enterprise, the upgrades would allow for the same tactical flexibility.
"Malcolm if you would set for condition X."
"Aye, sir," he said. "Engaging handshake with station computers and shutting all systems down to condition X." The Englishman nodded with a small smirk. "Station acknowledges handshake and confirms receipt," he reported while working at his console. "The station reports that the condition is normal; the engines are powered down and offline. We are at condition X, Captain."
Archer tapped the PA button on his chair arm.
"This is the Captain. Excellent job, everyone. I'm very proud of how you all handled this unexpected situation. We're going to be met by Starfleet engineers and intelligence for after-action reports, so all hands, report to your section leaders and prepare to disembark." He tapped the PA button again to disengage it. "Let's not keep them waiting."
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They were indeed met by Starfleet's engineers and analysts, who swarmed over the Roanoke like bees drawn to sugar. Having proven its mettle in the heat of unexpected combat, the ship became the focal point of intense scrutiny. Over the following weeks, it felt as though they had taken the Roanoke apart and put her back together at least five times.
Every system was meticulously examined and re-examined, from the upgraded impulse engines to the newly installed weapons array. Engineers delved deep into the ship's logs, analysing performance data from the battle.
The Roanoke's ability to execute complex manoeuvres under fire, the durability of her shields against the enemy's advanced weaponry, and the precision of her targeting systems were all subjected to rigorous testing and evaluation.
Inside the ship's corridors bustled with engineers and specialists, each focused on a specific aspect of the ship's systems, they talked animatedly and enthusiastically and debated everything.
The tactical team ran countless simulations to test the response times and effectiveness of the weaponry, ensuring that the ship would be even deadlier in future engagements.
The bridge, the ship's nerve centre, was not spared this relentless attention. Starfleet's top strategists and system designers reviewed the combat logs, replaying key moments of the battle to understand the decisions Archer and his crew made.
They wanted to know how the ship had handled the stress of combat and how the crew had adapted to the rapid shifts in tactics. Archer himself was pulled into countless briefings and debriefings, where he provided insights into the ship's performance and offered his recommendations for further improvements.
While the Roanoke had performed admirably, there were areas where Starfleet's engineering corpse saw room for improvement. They were determined to bolster the shields further and were already testing ways of doing so and had pulled together a full division of engineers just to look into it.
The impulse engines, which had allowed the Roanoke to outmanoeuvre the enemy, were fine-tuned for even greater responsiveness, with the aid of Travis who used every drop of his immense skill as a pilot to push the control responses even further.
The unexpected battle had provided a unique opportunity to gather real-world data, and the ship was now benefiting from the collective expertise of Starfleet's finest minds and adapting that across the fleet was their mission.
By the time the overhaul of the Roanoke was complete, the Enterprise was finished with her own time in dry-dock and she was more than just repaired—she was reborn. The ship that emerged from the space dock was a finely tuned instrument of exploration and defence, ready to face whatever challenges the galaxy might throw at her.
Which was good because they were being called back to the deep before the champagne had dried on her secondary hull.
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Admiral Forest was sat behind his desk, reviewing a briefing on the Andorian situation things were threatening to spiral into a hot war of not taken care of diplomatically. Something that the United Earth parliament had jumped at.
So, he had called in his most capable and experienced officer Captain Archer. His previous meeting with the Andorrans had gone well and overtures to the Imperial Guard's High Command had been favourable. Now the Vulcans and the Andorrans had called in about a diplomatic situation on the planet Weytahn/Mokar.
Embarrassingly enough it had taken a few days to realise that they were talking about the same world. Archer had arrived at the same time as the Vulcan Ambassador and Forest's friend Soval and his representative ambassador Commander T'Pol her recent promotion had been a surprise to her but a welcome one.
Admiral Forrest stood as the Ambassador entered and indicated for him to take a seat in front of his desk. The old Vulcan moved with the grace of a dancer Commander T'Pol no less gracefully glided with him and stood to the side, her Vulcan composure unshaken, though there was a subtle tension in her posture.
Captain Archer walked in with the swagger of an old west gunslinger as he did so he recognised T'Pol and Soval stopping in his stride he smiled. Soval he didn't like that his old hatreds were taking time to purge but T'Pol was a welcome face and a friend.
"Admiral." He greeted his superior as he stood to attention "reporting as ordered." Forest nodded and indicated for him to take a seat as well.
"Take a seat, Johnathan." He said, "I've got your new mission assignment here." He said handing a pad to the younger man. "Jonathan, this mission is going to require a delicate touch. The Andorians aren't exactly known for their patience, and the Vulcans still have their hands full dealing with..."
"Romulan spies," said the Ambassador calmly, "it's alright admiral Forest I have no pride to wound, and Captain Archer I wish to extend my thanks and that of my people" he said as the seat turned slightly so he was facing the Human officer. "you uncovered a veritable vipers nest that has caused some … issues but it also allowed us to find the Kir'Shara."
Archer looked confused for a moment.
"Forgive me, Vulcan history wasn't one of my best classes at school what is the Kir'Shara?"
"the true and written word of Surak without any changes or censorship by what we now know are Romulan infiltrators." Said the Ambassador.
"the human equivalent would be finding the personal notes of Jesus written in his own hand." Said Admiral Forrest, he watched as amazement bloomed quickly on the face of his junior officer.
"you're welcome" he stumbled slightly over his words, but the Older Vulcan didn't seem offended. "and how hoes the rooting out of the Romulans it must be very difficult given how deeply they had burrowed into your society."
"slowly." Said T'Pol, almost making Archer jump, he had forgotten she was there for a moment. "but we believe that we are succeeding." He turned to his former second officer "With the true teachings of Surak now known the once taboo of mind-melding has been undone which has helped in uncovering many of their infiltrators."
"good," he replied, turning back to face Admiral Forest he opened the file documents and began to read "The Vulcan Government is asking us to step in with the Andorians for … Weytahn and Mokar?"
"It's one planet not two the Vulcans call it Mokar and the Andorians call it Weytahn." Archer looked up from the pad "I know, we were just as confused until Ambassador Soval cleared it up."
"The Vulcans are stretched thin so Ambassador Soval asked for this as a personal favour, and he wouldn't make this request lightly they need someone they can trust to handle this. That's where you come in." he smiled slightly "You have some experience with the Andorians after that little SNAFU at P'Jem and the Vulcans making you ideal for this assignment."
Archer glanced to his left at Soval and T'Pol
"I understand. What's our objective?"
"Your mission is to defuse a potentially explosive situation. The Andorians believe the Vulcans have been building up for a major attack on them and are using the planet as their staging area, and they also believe that they are still spying on them also from that location. The Admiral looked to the Ambassador then to Archer again "Ironically, a result of Romulan infiltration that's not unfounded."
"they're using the P'Jem incident to push for a more militant response." Said Soval as the Admiral then continued.
"From what we can tell. The Andorians are on edge, and it wouldn't take much to push them into open conflict. You need to convince them that the Vulcans are not their enemy or at the very least cool tensions in the area."
Archer blew some air and leaned back in his chair, thinking it over. He hated geopolitics so handling interstellar politics was vastly more annoying.
"Sounds like a tall order. We'll do our best, but the Andorians are a very proud people, and they're not exactly fans of diplomacy, at least with the Vulcans anyway, they're going to be twice as cautious and cagey especially when think someone's been poking around in their territory." Archer rubbed his lower jaw as he spoke. He has spent time pouring over the Andorran files that the Vulcans had after the P'Jem incident and believed that he had the feel of the Andorians in general terms at least.
"I know it's not going to be easy. That's why T'Pol is there with you. She's not just representing Vulcan; she's also there to seek a peaceful solution. Her insight could be invaluable."
Archer glanced at T'Pol again, with a faint smile, it was good to have her back the bridge felt oddly more chaotic without her at the science station, sort of less steady in a way that neither he nor his crew had been able to articulate.
"T'Pol and I have been through a lot together. I trust her judgment, and I'm sure we can make this work." T'Pol nodded accepting the Captain's praise in the spirit he had intended it.
Forrest nodded, he knew he had made the right choice with Archer and he contained to pay dividends, he seemed to fall into and out of trouble every few weeks and always came up smelling of roses and with a new trading partner or diplomatic envoy for the United Earth Government to be very happy with the expense the fleet was costing even in these lean times.
"I have no doubt, Jonathan. But remember, time is of the essence. The longer this drags on, the more likely it is that things will spiral out of control."
"Understood, Admiral. We'll get it done."
"Good luck, Jonathan." He said standing and reaching his hand out, the Junior officer shook it and stood at attention "One last thing Johnathan before you go." The Admiral reached into his desk and pulled out a small back box and another pad, Archer read it smiled and then about-faced and swaggered away T'Pol gliding behind him.
The door shut quietly as the two left, leaving Forest and Soval alone in the Admiral's office and the two friends walking to the shuttle launch to get back to the Enterprise. There's a moment of silence as they both contemplate the mission ahead.
Archer was the first to break the silence, with a wry smile
"Well, T'Pol, looks like we're headed back into the thick of it. How do you feel about trying to talk down the Andorians?"
T'Pol raised one over her immaculately sculpted eyebrows slightly in the way only a Vulcan could
"The Andorians are known for their strong emotions and warrior culture. However, I believe that with the right approach, we can achieve a peaceful resolution. The key will be to address their concerns directly and demonstrate that the Vulcans have no hostile intentions."
Archer nodded,
"And to convince them that the Romulans are the real threat here. We're going to need to be very careful how we present this. The Andorians don't like feeling manipulated, and if they think we're trying to pull one over on them…"
"They could become even more hostile. I agree, Captain. It will require both strength and subtlety. Fortunately, we have the advantage of recent experience with the Andorians. They may not trust the Vulcans, but you and Captain Smith have earned a measure of respect from them."
Archer smiled, remembering the gunboat diplomacy of his former tactical operations officer.
"Let's hope that counts for something. This is going to be a delicate operation, and I don't think Captain Smiths' style of armed diplomacy would go over well." T'Pol didn't react and he didn't expect her to but he smiled for the both of them, "but I'm confident we can handle it."
T'Pol calmly glanced slightly at the Captain.
"Let us hope it does not come to that, Captain. However, it is prudent to be prepared for all eventualities." He stopped mid-step, had T'Pol just made a joke?
"was that a joke?" he asked his grin growing dramatically over his face. She stopped a step or two ahead of the Captain and turned back to face him twisting slightly at the hip.
"I do not believe so Captain." Shaken slightly she allowed him to catch up and they were walking again. The weight of the mission hangs between them, but there's also a shared confidence a belief that they can navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
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The main shuttle launch wasn't very far from the Admiral's office, and it didn't take long before they had secured one of them. they were headed up to the San Francisco dry dock where the Enterprise sat waiting for them.
T'Pol had had her effects brought back onboard via a security courier and reoccupied her former quarters, once she was settled Archer had called a meeting of the senior officers.
The crew had been waiting for the Captain to return so when the meeting was called, they had snapped too very quickly.
"What do you think this is about." Asked Travis he never liked it when they went to the back of the bridge to the meeting room, it always meant trouble.
"he didn't say." Said Hoshi softly "he only called for the meeting and didn't say anything else other than he was bringing a new crewman with him."
"I wonder who he got to fill T'Pol's seat" wondered Travis
"whoever they are I'm assuming they're just as capable." Said Reed "They've had their effects dropped off into T'Pol's quarters via a security courier so they must have some pretty high-level clearances." Before they could wonder anymore the door opened and in walked the Captain and "Sub-Commander T'Pol?" the usually unflappable Englishman asked.
"Commander now." She replied, "I have recently been promoted."
"Congratulations." Hoshi said brightly
"Thank you." She responded
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Archer spent the next half an hour going over the full mission briefing, not just the quick summary that Forest had given him but the in-depth file. Commander Shran would be acting as the Andorian negotiator the Enterprise was the only non-Andorran ship allowed in the system and they would be conducting the negotiations on the surface.
While this wouldn't be an issue initially the planet terraforming had only been partially completed as the Andorians were a species that thrived in cold worlds when they had found the planet they had begun terraforming to their own tastes and when the Vulcans had forced the original colonists of the planet they began their own terraforming program until they were forced off and the two powers had been going round like that for almost a full century so needless to say the atmosphere was just as volatile as the situation.
They were only allowing two guards each and they were only to be armed with sidearms and whatever ceremonial weapons their position demanded, something Reed took notice of very quickly.
"and with that, I have one last duty to perform." Said the Captain as he pulled out a small black box and a pad "Lieutenant Reed stand to orders." The English man stood at attention so sharply that he could have shaved with it. "by order of Admiral Forest Star Fleet Command CIC for actions taken you are being promoted to Lieutenant Commander, congratulations Malcolm." He handed the man the box and when he opened it there was a silver rank pip.
"thank you, sir."
"Command felt that with Horatio getting promoted the Operations officer would be the head of all security and you were recommended by myself and Horatio." The Englishman was teary-eyed and choked up "Drag is being put in as the armoury officer."
"thank you, sir." He said again Hoshi was just as teary-eyed and when he turned to her, she gave him a little silent applause with the tips of her fingers that made him blush.
"Alright then. Let's get to it. Travis will have us en route to Weytahn slash Mokar in no time. We'll review the latest intel and come up with a strategy that'll keep everyone from shooting."
"I will begin preparing a more in-depth briefing on the Andorians' recent activities and known points of contention with Vulcan as well as cultural information. It will be useful to have all relevant information at hand." She said as she made her way to the door, "I would appreciate any ade you can offer Ensign Sato." The young Japanese officer practically jumped from her seat to follow T'Pol out.
Archer nodded, watching the duo go)
"Thanks, T'Pol. Let's hope we can keep the peace this time."
