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Face of the Enemy - Part 2
Face of the Enemy
by SpaceCowboy
‘Greetings and salutations.’
- Christian Slater (Heathers)
Part Two
CAPTAIN ARCHER RAISED THE hot mug to his mouth and blew gently across the surface. The coffee rippled mildly and sprayed burning droplets on his lips. He wiped them off with the back of his hand and slumped down into the chair. He picked up a stack of reports and glanced over them, waiting for his coffee to cool.
His body felt strained and heavy as he leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. The reports would have to wait since thoughts of shore leave clouded his mind. Although he would not be able to fully enjoy the leave as much as the crew- his responsibilities detaining him, he looked forward to the few hours he would be able to enjoy.
As for the crew, he would make sure they had plenty of free time on Vhoorminia. It would be his top priority. After witnessing the tension between Malcolm and Phlox on the bridge, Archer was sure everyone was wound a little tight. If he remembered correctly, even Commander Tucker was showing signs of irritability, and he was usually the one to brighten everyone's spirits. Archer figured if anyone needed some shore leave, it would be him. That, or have the engineer rip his ship apart in frustration.
That reminded him, what repairs did Enterprise need done exactly? He opened his eyes and scanned his desk, his weary gaze stopping at the PADDs scattered around his now, cool cup of coffee. He sighed and resigned to his inevitable nature.
Returning to the bridge, Archer took his seat. "Mr. Mayweather, I want you to go to warp four. I’d like to arrive at the Morix system ahead of schedule," he announced. "I have to admit, I'm a little anxious to meet these Vhoorminians."
"Aye, Captain," replied the pilot. Then he smiled over his shoulder. "Will you be partaking in shore leave, sir?"
The captain lowered his head, raised his eyebrows. "I'm not sure anyone will be granted shore leave, yet. Let’s meet them first."
An hour or so later, T’Pol announced their arrival in the Morix system. Archer noticed four planets ranging in size on the view screen- two of which were M-class. The larger one, comparable to Earth, was the most populated. Even more populated than he had anticipated. And since his sensors were corresponding with what Phlox had told them, he assumed this was Vhoorminia.
When Enterprise entered it’s orbit, Archer ordered a full stop. A moment later, T’Pol looked up from her screen. "Captain, we seem to have triggered a sensor net. Some sort of interlaced tachyon beams. It would appear the Vhoorminians are aware of our arrival, but no attempts at hails have been made."
Archer stood and turned to T’Pol. "Does everything seem reasonable down there? I’m not about to take sides in anybody’s war, am I?"
"Everything appears peaceful, Captain," replied the Vulcan, studying her readouts. "But the doctor was also correct about their varied technology. They have an advanced communication system, but I believe they’re still a propulsive powered society, definitely not warp. And although their communications are sophisticated, their scanning technology is not." T’Pol paused and glanced at her readouts. "But this is just an initial scan. Would you prefer to wait until engineering has completed their initial survey?”
"I’ll wait long enough for Phlox to get here,” replied Archer. “His race has already made contact with these people, and a friendly face might start this off in a good direction." Archer tapped the com on his arm rest and summoned Phlox. Minutes later he arrived and joined Archer in the centre of the bridge.
After filling the doctor in on their position, Archer turned to Hoshi. "Open that hailing frequency, Ensign."
Archer straightened himself and raised his head as he spoke. "My name is Captain Jonathon Archer of the star ship Enterprise. We are responding to a distress beacon we picked up a few light years from here. I realize we may be a little late, but maybe we can still be of some service to you. Please respond." He crossed his arms and waited for a response.
Hoshi’s excited voice broke the silence. "They're hailing us, Captain, and they're requesting visual."
Archer nodded. A second later the forward view screen filled with the face of a smiling Vhoorminian. He looked almost human; two eyes, evenly placed in the middle of his round face, a small nose and a mouth with very pink lips. His complexion was bronzed, as if he had a permanent tan, and his ears were very small.
Archer could not tell his physical size or strength, but he guessed it at close to that of a human or Vulcan. The only noticeable difference however, was the large forehead peppered with dark brown spots, and the ridge that protruded across the top of his head. It was no higher than half an inch, and it was where his hairline began. And what hair it was- at least on this Vhoorminian. It was long, dark and red; the colour of blood, and coiled in tight ringlets, laced with silver ribbons.
The alien was friendly, and his voice deep and clear when he spoke. "Greetings, Enterprise. My name is MiVix. I am the Chancellor of Vhoorminia, Kaine Sectate, and ruler of this planet. It is a great joy to meet new races. Have you come to visit, or is there a business situation that brings you here?"
Archer smiled back at the Vhoorminian. "Hello, Chancellor MiVix. It’s an honour to meet you. We were answering a distress beacon we found, and thought we could be of some assistance?" Archer noticed some chattering off screen, and the Chancellor turned his head to address the voices. What he said to them was inaudible, but then he turned his attention back to Archer and the Denobulan standing next to him.
"Ah yes, the distress signal. We thought that had been destroyed. It is quite old now. Our ancestors placed it during their maiden voyage, before they were able to find our new home. We are of no need of assistance to that degree anymore. Our society is prospering quite well with what the ancestors brought over with them." The Chancellor looked mournful as he said the last few words. "I regret most of our people were never able to join us here on our new world."
"I'm sorry, Chancellor. I didn't mean to dredge up old wounds," Archer replied.
The face on the screen smiled back and nodded. "It is quite alright, Captain Jonathon Archer. It is history, and we have learned to move forward. Our goal now is to complete the construction of our new cities and expand across this great and vast new planet of ours."
"Ah then," Archer announced. "I think we can be of some service. In exchange, of course, for a small price."
"And what would be that price be?" The Vhoorminian's face grew somewhat skeptical.
"All I ask is for my crew to be able to enjoy your planet, with your permission of course. We've been travelling along time and my crew would appreciate a little rest."
The Chancellor clasped his hands in front of his face, grinning from small ear to small ear. "Oh joy to us! We would be happy to accommodate you and your crew. We have plenty of magnificent sites and recreational facilities for you to enjoy. And tonight we will feast. I am personally inviting you, and your high officials, to be my honoured guests in our Great Hall. Any friend of the Denobulans is a friend of ours." The Chancellor nodded towards Phlox.
Archer noted the doctor’s chest puff out ever so slightly. He made the introduction then thanked the Chancellor for the invitation. With that, the view screen went blank and the original view of the planet came back up.
Archer turned to address his bridge crew- who were all smiling, except of course for the stoic Vulcan standing at the science station. Archer felt good about his decision thus far and glad he would be able to grant the crew a little break from their duties. He was even gladder that through the Chancellor's private invitation, he and the senior officers would be able to scout the planet before deploying the rest of the crew.
"T‘Pol,” he said. “Send a probe down to gather any information possible about laws, customs and points of interest we should be aware of, and notify Trip to make sure engineering starts their scans. I'll be in my ready room. Senior officers, we'll rendezvous in the shuttle bay in four hours." Archer directed his attention specifically towards Phlox- who was fidgeting beside him. "I would like you to join us Doctor, if that doesn't inconvenience you?"
Phlox almost jumped out of his mottled skin at the inclusion. "I would be quite pleased, Captain."
~
Trip walked into the shuttle bay to find T’Pol, Hoshi, Phlox and the captain already there. T’Pol was lecturing on the laws of Vhoorminia, so Trip walked over and leaned against the shuttlecraft. He turned to the sub-commander to catch the rest of the briefing, but his concentration was distracted by the stiffness of his dress uniform.
Trip always preferred the regular uniform, it was much less constricting. And when Malcolm and Travis walked in a few minutes later, both wearing their dress uniforms, Travis was also pulling at his collar. Malcolm, on the other hand, looked perfectly comfortable.
The captain interrupted his musings when he announced departure. "Ensign, I have the coordinates of the landing site. It's an empty park just inside the cities limits. According to Chancellor MiVix it shouldn’t be a far walk." Archer stepped into the shuttlecraft and motioned for them to follow. "It’ll give us a chance to see a little of the city anyway. And I'm sure we could all use the walk."
The officers climbed aboard, and after pre-check the shuttle was cleared for departure.
On the planet, Trip stepped eagerly out of the shuttle and planted his feet on the firm ground. He anticipated seeing the beautiful landscape Phlox had bragged about, but instead he saw nothing but shadows and a soft illuminating glow coming from the distance. It was night, and not much could be seen. But the air was cool and fresh with the slight sent of eucalyptus. It reminded Trip of a garden in the Florida Keys his father used to take him to as a child.
The captain pointed the way and took the lead, interrupting Trip’s lapse into nostalgia. He quick stepped to take his side, and the rest of the crew fell in behind. As they neared the edge of the park, the familiar sounds of a city grew louder. And when they stepped onto the paved walkway, Trip stopped suddenly- his mouth slightly agape.
The city was aglow with phosphorescent street lights suspended by old-fashion, Earth-like lamp posts. The streets were lined with colourful buildings, reaching up to seven stories high. Some had round transparent domes for roofs, some had peaked arches, while others were still being constructed. As the commander glanced up and down the streets, he also noted the mismatch of old and new technologies.
But there was nothing old about the city. Vhoorminians were roaming the streets; wandering in and out of shops and restaurants while three-wheeled vehicles moved slowly toward their intended destinations. The city had a spherical shape to it, centred around their head government, with the roads curving gently in the distance. A common city plan for twentieth century Earth.
The inhabitants themselves were of average human height, and varied in weight and physique. They were clothed in both colourful pant and tunic outfits, similar to Starfleet dress uniforms, or draped in tight smooth cloth that flowed easily at their sandaled feet.
"It's amazing isn't it?" asked Archer.
"Just thinking that myself, sir,” replied Trip. He looked up into the night sky and quickly located Enterprise- a bright star amongst many. With a smile, he let his eyes fall back to the planet, noting the shift of blues in the skyline.
The captain nudged his shoulder and pointed down the road. "Shall we? We don't want to be late. After all, we are the guests of honour at the Great Hall."
The Enterprise crew strolled down the streets glancing about, taking in as much as they could with their tricorders, and with their own personal sensory equipment- their eyes and ears. By the time they reached the Great Hall they were all satisfied Vhoorminia, so far, would make a great place for shore leave. Trip also decided he was hungry, and couldn't wait to try the new Vhoorminian delicacies.
Chancellor MiVix greeted them on the front steps outside the Great Hall- a complex of buildings; attached by skyways on intermittent levels. Trip admired the buildings for their aesthetically pleasing mathematical symmetry, while Hoshi, of course, tried to decipher the symbols displayed on each building.
He couldn’t understand how she wasn’t able to see anything but language on a world as beautiful as Vhoorminia. Trip shook his head, but didn’t say anything to her. Hoshi was a linguist, and on a good day a little uptight when confronted about her lack of outside interests. She also looked so focused in her present task, Trip didn’t want to interrupt. He also felt the conversation would just get him nowhere. From his experiences, language was her only pride and passion. She was rarely found enjoying anything else. When she was, it was usually short lived or at the least, job related. Trip shook his head again and turned back to the Great Hall.
The main building was five stories tall with a large window that reached from the main floor to the roof. The building itself was round in shape, with three taller domed buildings positioned in a row behind it. Hoshi still hadn’t deciphered the alien codes or symbols on the buildings, but the Chancellor pointed out the taller buildings were the Houses of the Sectate. The spherical building in the foreground was the Great Hall itself, and where all major deliberations concerning Vhoorminia took place, wherein each Sectate had equal representation.
The Chancellor guided his grateful visitors through the doors into a large round, spacious room. Balconies overlooked the hall on each level, and Trip could see Vhoorminians watching them as they passed through toward the dinning room.
It was a large ballroom, lavishishly decorated with landscape murals, and a glowing crystal hanging from the centre of the ceiling. It dangled over an enormous round dining table, covered end to end in plates and trays of mysterious foods. Trip could smell the rich and sweet aromas emanating from the table and his mouth began to water.
Chancellor MiVix spread his arms out in gesture, grinning at his visitors. "Please, have a seat. Anywhere would be fine, we are all equal here. Except, Captain," he paused and pulled a chair out from the table. "I would be honoured if you would sit next to me and share your company?"
"Thank-you, Chancellor. I’d be happy to," replied Archer.
~
Captain Archer slid into the offered seat and glanced around to see if his crew was doing the same. They seemed apprehensive at first, being accustomed to stricter protocols, but eventually they scattered themselves around the table. Hoshi and Travis wandered around to the other side, while T’Pol pulled out the closest chair to her. Malcolm, Phlox and Trip seated themselves side by side across the table. Archer could see that Malcolm was uncomfortable and had chosen his seats accordingly next to someone familiar. He had expected as much from the security officer, but Archer had thought Trip and Phlox would have spread out.
The meal went smoothly, with the crew enjoying the food equally as much as the company. T’Pol had even managed to engage herself in conversation with one of the heads of the Military Cabinet, Minx Sectate. Archer found this quite intriguing, considering the Vulcan's distinct animosity towards dinner companionship. T’Pol usually preferred to eat alone while reading.
Archer was also surprised to see that Trip had devoted most of his attention to a young man two chairs away from him. Normally this would not seem so out of place, but considering there was an attractive female with long, flowing red hair beside him, Archer was curious. Trip Tucker the III had a weakness for beautiful women, and usually never let one slip past him unnoticed. But right now, the chief engineer was talking animatedly with the young man and wasn't taking any notice of the girl.
A sudden nudge at his elbow caught his attention and he turned to see his host leaning toward him. The Chancellor pointed discreetly across the table at the budding friendship. "I see your officer has found a friend in our honourable, Sacha. He is from the Kaine Sectate, and is one of our Internal Cabinet Leaders. But it is a shame you know," his voice trailed off, and Archer felt they were about to enter sensitive territory.
He recognized the look of sadness on Chancellor MiVix's face. It was the same look he had given when he spoke of the ancestors. "Is there something wrong?" Archer prodded, hoping that he was not overstepping his bounds.
"I'm afraid he's dying," the Chancellor admitted, averting his gaze. "But please, I ask that you do not share this with your chief engineer. I'd hate to see him saddened after he has gone to the trouble of befriending our Sacha. He will tell him in good time if the need should arise."
Archer nodded. They had been introduced during arrival, but Archer hadn't remembered Sacha’s name till the Chancellor had mentioned it again. He felt bad about that now. "I'm sorry to hear that, you have my word," he promised, and then looked across at Sacha. "He seems so healthy," he remarked. "But then again, I'm not familiar with your race. Is there anything you can do for him?"
"I'm afraid not. He’s in the last stages of a rare disease that has inflicted our race for hundreds of cycles. We have found no cure, but our medical scientists are currently researching new prospects every day. It is hopeful, but I‘m afraid, most likely not in Sacha’s life span."
Archer considered the unpleasant news, and unfortunately could relate. Earth had always been plagued by one disease or another, dating back farther than he cared to remember.
"But he is lucky in one regard," continued MiVix. "He will be able to partake in the Cleansing Ceremony."
"Cleansing Ceremony?"
"Yes. We believe in a suicidal ritual that allows the sick and elderly to cleanse the negative entities from their souls so they can travel to the final resting place in a pure, natural and innocent state. It is quite a beautiful and touching ceremony."
"I'm sure it is, Chancellor. I’m familiar with such rituals. Many cultures on Earth practice suicide as well. Although most are against it, the practice is quite wide spread."
"I will remember that, but now let us talk of happier subjects. This is a time of joy." Chancellor MiVix straightened and proudly gestured around the table. "How do you like our Great Hall, Captain? We have tried to reflect our equal and just society through our spherical architecture. To us, the sphere represents great equality, with no top or bottom, or start or ending point. No one takes precedent over another in our society. Not even myself."
Archer smiled. "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table," he mused aloud.
"Who is this, King Arthur?" inquired the Chancellor.
"He was a great King in Earth legend who believed in equality. He sat with his Knights at a round table such as yours. They were all equal when they sat at this table; no one took precedence over another."
Chancellor MiVix smiled at this. "I would like to have met this great King of yours. He seems an admirable comrade."
Archer laughed at the inevitability.
The rest of the evening went smoothly, everyone eating and talking and enjoying themselves to the fullest. After dinner, they engaged in formalities which lasted about an hour, and then Archer and his crew left for the evening. He granted his senior officers a chance to look around, but firmly reminded them to be in the conference room by 0800h for the briefing. He wanted to discuss their impressions and recommendations before scheduling shore leave for the rest of the crew.
~
Kintz staggered out into the cool night air reeking of alcohol. He had spent the last four hours drowning his frustrations in a drinking establishment down the road from the Great Hall. After five drinks, he had become an abusive, uncooperative patron. After eight, he had become downright violent. The bar keep had cut him off and kicked him to the street. And now, he was clumsily making his way toward his lodging.
Kintz grumbled and burped as he dragged his tired, intoxicated body towards his awaiting bed. Repulsed Vhoorminians turned up their noses as he passed by, an acrid smell wafting from his squalid clothes. Kintz just huffed and spewed obscenities as they recoiled at his presence. He even tried to pick a fight with one Vhoorminian who wouldn't get out of his way. And when the obstacle refused to fight back, Kintz threw a misguided punch and sauntered onward. Never realizing the passive Vhoorminian was really just a lamp post.
His race was not usually welcome on Vhoorminia. The Sectates had voted on a restriction law that only allowed parties of no more than five to occupy the planet. So this particular alien was alone on Vhoorminia, exiled from his ship for being nothing more than a useless drunk and nuisance. He had taken refuge on Vhoorminia, for lack of anywhere else better to go. And his shuttle wasn't exactly in any better condition than he was.
Now Kintz was trying to reclaim his position, but unfortunately his irrefutable lifestyle hindered all attempts. If only he could prove his loyalty, if only he could get his shuttle repaired and get off this forsaken democratic world. That was all he wanted in life.
The alien slumped down on a bench, his figure shadowed by a broken street lamp. The lack of light kept him invisible from the guests exiting the Great Hall across the street, but it did not, however, obscure the alien's vision of them. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his grimy, reddish hands and stared across the street in disbelief. Were his eyes fooling him? Had the alcohol permeated his mind so much that it was playing tricks on him?
"No," he exclaimed under his breath. "Never has the dawn of battle been so victorious." The alien cautiously rose and hid behind the lamp post. "Duras will sing my praise when he hears about this," he breathed. "I'll regain my commission in the Empire for sure! Perhaps they will even make me captain... And grant me my own bird-of-prey... And crew!" He stood there, drowning himself in dilutions of grandeur, watching the Enterprise officers split up and disappear.
When Kintz had taken his reveries of power, riches and women to the point of exhaustion, he collapsed against the lamp post for support. His head was spinning from the effects of the alcohol, and his body was feeling heavier and heavier. He needed sleep, but he thought it better to contact Duras right away. But evidently his body decided otherwise. He crashed to the ground in a quiet thud and began snoring.
(More to Come)
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Two folks have made comments
On 19 November 2003 at 03:30 PM The Watch Stander said:
Glad to see your story here as well! On 19 November 2003 at 08:15 PM Lixie said:
Great so far! I can't wait to hear more... Keep it up!
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