Forks In the Road

Chapter 13: Mutual Attraction

It was an interesting collection of ships that was heading to Earth: Human, Vulcan, Andorian and Tellarite. The various representatives had ended up gathering on the Tellarite cruiser Porcina; it was the only ship that had enough room for the entire group that Admiral Black had wanted assembled. Jon wasn’t surprised he had been able to gather them; he was more concerned about keeping the assemblage from falling back into old prejudices. Soval and Black had briefed him further; the situation with the Romulans was dire.

Jon did have some reason for optimism. Thy’lek Shran had invited him over to his ship for a lengthy discussion. He wasn't sure how many bottles of Andorian ale they had consumed between them, but he had come back with a new confidence that the Andorians wanted this coalition to work – and a thumping headache. Erica had even let him sleep in. Black had needled him about looking as green as a Vulcan when he had caught up with him for coffee. The admiral had then let out a big sigh of relief when Jon explained that while there would be posturing from the Andorians, they were scared to death of Romulan expansion. Ambassador Gral was harder to predict because he hardly knew the belligerent Tellarite, but he had a feeling that one way or another that was about to change.

######

Gral hoped he had spent enough time with the other coalition members to understand them. He knew his people’s manner of speech was off-putting to his allies and had been trying to learn to modify his language. He hoped his efforts would prove successful. He was confident that what he had to say would help.

Gral watched Black gavel the meeting to order. Black thanked them all, singling out the captain of the Porcina for his hospitality. He then surprised Gral by turning the chairing of the meeting over to Commodore Archer; giving up his seat and moving to one of the auxiliary tables. Mercifully it appeared that Archer was surprised and had not prepared a speech. As the commodore was settling into his chair, Gral got Archer’s attention and asked permission to proceed. He had prepared at length for this moment. His government was counting on him.

“We have been called together to address the Romulan threat. I doubt most of you have any idea of what we face.” He turned to the Vulcans. “Vulcans are scientists. Your expansion has been non-aggressive and limited, at least until you ran afoul of the Andorians.”

He switched his gaze to the Andorians. “Andorians are an aggressive warrior species. It was a struggle for them to escape the ice of their world. They have pushed far into the quadrant with a thin skin taking offense at the slightest perceived insult. However, they possess honor. It far exceeds their negatives.”

He turned his face to the Humans. You humans are newcomers to our stellar community. We do not know you and you seem naïve about many things. You, however, have succeeded where the rest of us have failed. You are the reason we are gathered. The people of Tellar thank you.”

“We Tellarites are traders and merchants; our cargo ships crisscross the quadrant. It is our hope that this coalition will not underestimate the menace the Romulans represent.” He paused and motioned to an aide. A holographic representation appeared over the conference table.

“This is our coalition’s portion of the quadrant. I assume none of you are colorblind. Vulcan and its colonies are in green, Andor is blue, Earth is red. Tellar is represented in brown. The Klingon Empire will be shown in orange and the Romulan Star Empire in yellow. You are looking at the current possessions of the members of the coalition. Now we will add the expansion of the Klingons and Romulans over the last two hundred years. All dates are in Tellar years.

Orange and yellow began to appear and expand. Soon they collided. The apparent border grew as the colors moved in other directions; always expanding. The map stopped moving at a date of 16721. The assembly sat back in their chairs and stared at the current configuration. Gral began again. “We are confident that this map is correct. Let us know if corrections or updates need to be made. Captain Kindung has been instructed to transmit it to your ships. We desire to keep this current compilation classified at least for the time being.”

“We chose to show the Klingon Empire for many reasons. The border between the Romulans and Klingons is a place of open war. It also hasn’t moved perceptibly. We believe a substantial portion of their respective strength is tied up there. As I said earlier, Tellarites are traders. We trade inside the Klingon Empire with their permission. They are honorable in their own way.”

This is not true of the Romulans. They have no honor. They do not allow trade inside their territory. We have lost numerous trading partners, the Amotins, Donctors and the followers of Permin. The few refugees speak of horrible conquest, unprovoked attack and use of nuclear weapons on population centers. These expatriates were off their home planet at the moment of attack. We know of no escapees from the planets themselves.”

He motioned to an aide who shrunk the hologram and raised the image well above the conference table, remaining in view but no longer between the delegates, still providing its ominous warning.

“It is our intention to support this coalition to the extent we are able. Thank you.” Silence followed.

Jon finally regained his presence of mind, and looked around the table for anyone seeking to be recognized. He paused on General Winzern of Andor. “General?”

He was taller than Shran with a scar running down his cheek from his left ear to his chin. His antennae were nearly motionless. “Commodore, Andor accepts the truth of what Ambassador Gral has shown. My own maps are not as complete and we thank Tellar. Andor is as described by Ambassador Gral. We have struggled to reach the stars and will not surrender to Romulan aggression. We are also realistic. We cannot stop the Romulans alone. There are not so many of us.”

“My government and the Imperial Guard fully support this effort. We have fought the Vulcans for a hundred years, but never in that time did we believe the Vulcans intended to exterminate us. Be certain the Romulans will if they are able. Our concern is that by joining together we may alter their calculus; they may decide to attack before we are ready or they may delay for decades. Regardless, they will come. Prudence requires us to prepare.” He turned to Soval. “I propose peace between us Ambassador, that we may prepare for war.”

Soval glanced to Jon and stood. “Vulcan has experienced an enormous upheaval and is facing a new reality. Our fleet strength is in decline. We are uncertain we will be able to defend ourselves, let alone this coalition. General, the Vulcan High Council has asked me to apologize for our past behavior. Our logic was in error on many things. We will be withdrawing from Weytahn immediately. We ask only that you help us do it in an orderly fashion.” The general nodded to Soval who turned to Jon.

“The High Council is in full support of this coalition. We have informed Earth that we intend to entrust them with our security. We will be freely providing our technology to them. Our situation, while untimely, cannot be helped. Our people are rediscovering themselves and many of our military personnel have resigned. Many will undoubtedly return as the threat becomes apparent, although that does not help our current vulnerability.” He sat back down.

Jon saw Black motion to him. “Admiral.”

"Now that we've agreed we have a common purpose, we need to discuss how to achieve it. Ambassadors Gral and Soval, General Winzern, would you join me aboard ‘Columbia’?” They all nodded. “I request an adjournment," said Black.

Jon looked around the table and saw no objections. "Very well," he said. "Let's adjourn until tomorrow. I'll contact you all to arrange the next meeting."

#######################

Black managed to get Soval to ride over with him while the others went with Jon on an Andorian shuttle. “Soval, what’s changed?”

“Apparently T’Pau has lifted her objections to sharing technology with the coalition. V’Lar contacted me earlier. I trust you find this development agreeable.”

“Hell yes, what changed?”

“Apparently she had a long talk with her eldest mother.”

“Her what? I thought she was an orphan.”

“Talk to Captain T’Pol, she can explain, or perhaps her husband might be the better choice.”

As they reconvened in Columbia’s observation lounge, Black began the discussion. “Gentleman, we had hoped for cooperation; I believe we are well past that. I wish to thank you all.”

Ambassador Gral looked around the table. “You humans have managed to get us to cooperate, that in itself is amazing, my government is quite impressed. We have been quite happy to bicker amongst ourselves for a long time. It would appear you have shown us a different path. While unfortunate that the Romulan threat is the impetus, it is our hope that in time this coalition will grow as other worlds see its possibilities.”

General Winzern spoke up. “What is our next step? I believe we all entered these talks doubtfully. We are well past Andor’s expectations.”

Black took the floor. “Earth, or perhaps now the coalition, needs a warship. Everyone here knows that our NX Class is no match for the Klingons and it can be assumed it isn't a match for the Romulans either. It is why I asked Commodore Archer to have you bring warriors. We launched Enterprise as a science vessel. We hope to improve on her in the future, but now we need ships designed for battle hoping we won’t have to use them. Earth will build them and Vulcan will help to finance the project, but we need your help.”

Gral raised his glass. “You shall have it!” They all stood and joined him.

General Winzern began. “Why a ship, Admiral?”

Black looked serious. “You remember the Romulan marauders, the remote controlled ships? Thankfully they destroyed each other as nothing in our respective inventories was a match for them. Starfleet's mission has always been exploration and trade, and that is reflected in our ship designs. In the face of the current danger, we need to revisit that premise. We need a dedicated warship. But can you imagine Andor agreeing to support a fleet of Vulcan warships? Or Vulcan agreeing to support a militarized Starfleet? The only way any of our governments will accept this is if each coalition member contributes technologies and the coalition builds the ships. And perhaps together, we can build a better ship than any of us could produce alone. But it has to start with the right ship design. I recommend giving the assembled warriors a chance to be heard. I wish to throw out all preconceptions of fleet operations. I desire to talk to the officers we have assembled. Let them tell us what we need. I imagine the Imperial Guard has some rather interesting ship concepts that didn’t fit into your fleet philosophy.” Black raised an eyebrow.

General Winzern's antennae twisted about. “You are correct. I believe this coalition needs something that we can build quickly and in large numbers as well. There is, however, a greater concern. Logistics, not ships, win wars. We need supplies of many minerals, especially zirconium and dilithium. Also, antimatter production must be increased substantially."

Heads around the table nodded and voices grunted agreement.

##############

T’Pol, Trip and Malcolm had taken a shuttle to the Ti’Mur and had been loaned a conference room. The table was stacked with PADDs containing everything they had been able to get their hands on about Jupiter Station. Malcolm had managed to secure quite a bit of information about the station and not all of it from normal sources. Trip was pleased, but T’Pol was suspicious.

“Commander Reed, much of this information seems to be from atypical Starfleet reports. Are you at liberty to explain?”

Malcolm smiled. “Yes, Captain. May I assume this room is secure?”

“Can ya check that, Malcolm? This is a Vulcan ship, after all.”

“Yes I can, Commander.” Malcolm quickly scanned the room and surprisingly found nothing. He then flipped a switch on a small innocuous device.

“I have been given permission by Admiral Yamashita to explain a few things. Captain, did the commodore clarify why I was in the brig during the mission to rescue Phlox?”

“He did not.”

“Good, he wasn’t supposed to reveal anything. Quite frankly he didn’t know all that much anyway.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Know first that I have been formally released from my duties within Starfleet Intelligence and work only for you, unless you prefer either not to have me or you wish me to maintain my contacts. I must warn you that it is possible for orders to conflict if I keep my contacts.”

“I am inclined to have you maintain contact with Starfleet Intelligence.”

“I agree, Captain. There have been some changes in the wake of Terra Prime. Admiral Yamashita anticipated this answer and has assured me that he will only give me instructions if no other agents are available. Admiral Black will be notified in advance if possible. I am also authorized to reveal any instructions received to you. I have been given discretion as to when to inform you; I will only delay due to active actions. It is hoped that I will be a backchannel conduit for information, nothing more.”

“If I find the situation unworkable commander, what then?”

“You may take any of the previous three options at any time, with the caveat that I be allowed to complete any ongoing tasks.”

“Acceptable.”

“While we appear to have some time, I suggest we continue. Commander Tucker, have you decided on your second engineer?”

“Yes, Captain. I want Commander Kelby. He is available and I owe him. I also think he did a fine job after he got the Orion’s pheromones out of his system.”

Are you sure, T’hai’la?

Yes honey, he’s really good and I won’t have to break him in.

“I am looking to run two full shifts of people. We’ll work five days and nine hours each day. Half day planning on day six and Sundays off. No commuting. I figure thirty crewmen per shift for construction and another twenty-four total for the station’s physical plant. I have details on specialties.” He handed her a PADD.

“Commander, you have all the non-engineers, what do you require?”

“Five security each shift. That works out to twenty-two total. Quartermasters, cooks and stewards total sixteen. Medical staff four, we can transfer any critical cases off the station. Command staff three communications, two supernumerary officers. Total is forty six. I do recommend thinking about having a Biloxi converted to a sick bay.”

“We will also have to make allowances for the crews of the ships we will launch.”

“With Commander Tucker's people, we will need quarters for one hundred and thirty two.” Trip smiled, doing the math and guessing whom he got to bunk with. “Commander Tucker, what do we have for quarters?”

“I can’t tell with what info I have.” Malcolm handed him a PADD. Trip took it and spent a moment studying it. “Looks like we have quarters for forty or so and some executive suites. We’re going to need those Biloxies. They hold about twenty-five each. We should be able to hook them up with umbilical cords, so no additional crew is required. I recommend we get six or seven of ‘em. There’s plenty of docking ports. There also appears to be a surplus of conference rooms and hardly any place to eat. Do we have a chef? Before I create a mess hall, I’d rather get input on what he’d want. Oh, and are we gonna have non-human staff? If so it’ll change some things.”

“Admiral Black has not stipulated, but based on today’s meeting I think we shall. Speculation in that regard is pointless until we are on the Station.  Shall we move the discussion to actual personnel?”

##############

The whole group had been reassembled on the Porcina the next day. Archer called the meeting to order. “I have been given the order of rank of each of you. I will be asking a question in reverse rank order. It is a longstanding human military tradition. Its purpose is to obtain frank information. It turns out that Sub-Altern Kindush of the Tellarite marines is first. Sub-Altern, what do you consider the most dangerous weapon against a ship?” An enormous Tellarite stood up. “Mines, sir.” He quickly sat back down.

“Lt. Grashi, same question.”

“I agree, mine field sir.”

Archer continued around the room with everyone settling on the same answer, until he finally got to Lt Commander Reed. “Lt. Commander Reed?”

“Guided torpedoes, sir.”

Archer finished his circuit with Admiral Black. “Commodore, I agree with the consensus. I believe Thy’lek Shran’s analysis shared by Sub Commander Pardik that mines as defensive weapons and torpedoes as offensive weapons is the best answer.” Black stood and Archer gave way. “Ladies and Gentlemen. The reason for this discussion is simple. It is our intention to build a coalition warship to defeat the Romulans. There are many more discussions to be had, but it seems the first answer is given. We need a ship that can deliver torpedoes, better torpedoes than we currently possess, and we need to develop mines to help guard our facilities. We are resolved to design a vessel that can be constructed quickly. It will have the finest technologies we can borrow from each other. Thank you for your help. Commander Senik, I believe you have the group assignments.”

######

Trip found himself assigned to a group of engineers evenly split amongst the various coalition partners. Through the bond he discovered that T’Pol was quite pleased to have been spared any assignment and was on her way back to the Ti’Mur. He was actually excited by the prospect of a new ship. He already knew he would get to build it. The group had moved to a conference room on the Dumandi and no one seemed to be ready to make the first move. Hell with it. “I know Starfleet has some prototypes being designed, but I bet they're being canceled as we speak. We don’t have the experience y’all do. I figure y’all got just what we’re looking for already. I mean we’re after a hull that we can tweak, right?”

Lt. Grashi spoke up. “Andoria has numerous designs that we have abandoned. Our fleet philosophy dictated cruisers and battleships, but this coalition seems to point to a much smaller ship.”

“Agreed Lt.” added Commander Pardik. “Our fleet philosophy mirrored yours. Our ships were never only ships of war. It was always hoped that they would be converted to ships of exploration. I do not believe there is any intent to re-task these ships.”

“Our ships have followed a similar path. Small ships to us are used as tugs,” echoed Altern Findergard. “It sounds as if the rejected Andorian designs might be our best place to begin.” Findergard looked to the Andorians at the table and remembered his coaching from Gral. “No offense intended.” All of the members of the committee were well aware of the efforts by the Tellarites to abstain from their usual litany of complaints. It was obvious that the Andorians were doing their best to keep straight faces.

Lt. Grashi had been told by General Winzern to withhold nothing from their allies. There had been a few blows exchanged during the Andorian's only meeting and two officers were restricted to quarters. He had supported the General and had been given this plum assignment as a reward. His people were volatile and long remembered insults, but they weren’t crazy. He hadn’t thought about this ship type, but vaguely recalled a ship that might work. He was pleased that he had taken the time to get every concept ship on his PADD. He began flipping through the possibilities. “I believe I have a first candidate.” He uploaded the drawings onto the holographic projector. “Approximately 90 meters in length, wrong weapons type, underpowered, but it is a start.”

Trip looked at the projection. The nacelles were close to the hull in the Andorian fashion. He looked to Grashi. “Lt., can you show the engineering spaces only?” A few keystrokes and a new image appeared. The Andorians sized their engineering spaces for their engines and for ease of maintenance. A Vulcan engine of the same size would be far more powerful. His brain started spinning. “Commander Pardik, doesn’t Vulcan have an engine we could squeeze in there?”

“Yes, Commander Tucker.” Pardik had already been flipping through his own PADD, and now he handed it to Grashi. “Here is the primary power unit from a Maymora class cruiser. Can you add this to the display?”

“No,” Grashi laughed, “but crewman Kinash can.” He handed the PADD to a youngish Andorian.

The group watched as the Andorian engine was removed and the Vulcan engine inserted. It didn’t quite fit. Altern Findergard was concentrating on the diagrams. “Crewman Kinash,” growled the Tellarite. “Expand the area around the engine, I need a better view of the fore and aft bulkheads. What is forward of engineering?”

Trip looked surreptitiously at Pardik who nodded slightly. “Findergard, you think you can cram that in there?”

“'Cram', Commander?”

“Excuse me, fit that in there.”

“I believe so. The interior bulkheads are typical Andorian composite construction, as I thought. They're strong, but take up a lot of space. Tellarite bulkhead designs are stronger and more compact.”

“Altern, there is a corridor forward of engineering. Beyond that is cargo space.”

Findergard looked pleased. “Commander Pardik, tell us about this engine.”Trip smiled to himself, knowing that there would be plenty of power left over for Malcolm’s toys.